He looks resolute as he says, “The marriage contract between Icelantica and Naseria has already been signed—with the addendum that if the alliance between Prince Leland and Queen Genevieve is dissolved, another must take their place. As such, I make a public request for Queen Kalise of Icelantica’s hand in marriage.”
Gen squeezes my hand hard, and I look at Kalise. Her expression is unreadable as she meets Gabriel’s gaze.
“I accept your offer of marriage,” she replies in a clear, confident tone.
Not surprising—not after Leland hadn’t been willing to propose outright to another Ashcroft sister. The room erupts into murmurs and side conversations. Gabe looks at Kalise with such bitterness that I doubt theirs will ever be anything but a political union.
Then the door cracks open, and Queen Penelope rushes in, her hair disheveled and her clothing askew as she darts toward Gen.
53
Genevieve
My mother’s rage is terrifying—her hands outstretched as if to claw at me, her hair disheveled in a way I’ve never seen. But before she can lay a hand on me, Kieran steps between us, using his own body as a shield.
“How dare you! Move at once!” she shouts, and my father is right behind her, tugging her back. There’s pain in his gentle eyes, betrayal too. This must be tearing him apart, seeing his beloved wife turn on her own child.
I never wanted to see my mother leave the crown like this, never imagined she would be forced into shameful exile for her own greed.
“I’m sorry, Genny. I’m so sorry for all of this,” my father says as he holds her back. She’s cursing and fuming as guards step between us. Kieran pulls me into his chest, holding me protectively. I choke back the tears threatening to burst as I watch my own mother fall apart before my eyes.
My father releases her into the guards’ hold, letting them take her out into the hallway.
I let go of Kieran and fall into my father’s arms. Kieran instructs the council to give us privacy, and they obey his firm, commanding voice without objection.
“I don’t know what’s become of your mother, but she is quite unwell,” my father admits. “She seems to have lost the restraint she was holding on to earlier this morning.”
My throat tightens, and I allow the tears I’ve been holding to spill free.
My mother has caused a schism in our family, and her own pride is the reason for it. My siblings close in around us, forming a tight circle of support. And in that moment, I know the only one truly separated from us is my mother. “You don’t have to go, Father. You’re not guilty. Stay with us. Stay with your family.”
He looks at me with such sad eyes it makes fresh tears burn behind mine. “No, Genny. She has my heart, and I cannot leave her in the state she’s in. She needs me now, more than ever.”
Although it hurts that he’s choosing her, I understand. His love for my mother is one of the few good things she still has.
“Mari, darling girl, what is to be done with you?” my father asks, cupping her cheeks.
She steps back, and I see the doubt in her eyes—fear of harming someone she loves with her curse. I wish I could keep her close, help her navigate this, but I know this path is hers to walk. And though all this is my mother’s doing, Mari never confided in any of us. Never told us what she and Mother were secretly attempting.
“I’m going into exile too. I’ll join you, Father, and help you with Mother,” she replies. There’s sadness in her voice, but for once, Mariis being the dutiful daughter I’ve always been forced to be, that Astoria has always chosen to be.
“Good. Being with family is the right choice,” he murmurs, glancing toward the door. “We shouldn’t linger.”
Our family folds into one last close embrace before we say goodbye to Mari and Father. After they leave, I look at Gabe and Queen Kalise. They’re staring at each other with such intensity I half expect one to ignite and the other to freeze solid.
“Are you both sure this is what you want?” I ask tentatively.
Queen Kalise gives me a frosty look before turning back to Gabe. “A marriage in name only, Prince Gabriel. You will reside in Whitehurst, and there will be no dalliances with women in front of me. I will not be made a fool in my own kingdom.”
“A fool? You?” Gabe scoffs. “You’ve only ever been made to look heartless. No one will think anything of the new king taking a mistress or two with you as my wife.”
I purse my lips. “So you are both agreeing to this marriage?”
They nod tersely, their gazes locked in some strange, volatile understanding. “Very well,” I say. “Queen Kalise, we should discuss the alliance—if there’s anything you’d like changed or amended from the original arrangement with Prince Leland.”
I think of the request they once made of me—to be his wife in the full sense. That will not be an option for these two, not if the rumors about Kalise’s power are true.
“Yes, of course,” she replies, eyes still fixed on Gabe.
