Bennett sat forward. “Is that the best course of action? If we surround the next meeting we risk further agitating the rioters. How will it look if we use force on our people?”
“Leaving General Turner to his own devices is a greater risk,” King Maximus said. “He commands the troops. Those rioters could already be loyal to him. He could plan an uprising all his own and take the crown for himself if he so wished.” He pressed his fingers to his temples. “All this time I thought he was trustworthy.”
“But the general has shown no signs of planning a rebellion,” Bennett said. “He’s counting on the rioters to do it for him. We need to find out what they’re planning and thwart them in private. Then pass the laws, as Narcissa suggests.”
King Maximus turned to him, face creased with a scowl. “Are you claiming fault in my course of action?”
Bennett sucked in his cheeks. “No, Father. I believe you have muddled your priorities.”
“Is stopping a military uprising not a priority to you?” His Majesty demanded.
I suddenly felt uncomfortable. “I believe Bennett makes a good point, Your Majesty.”
King Maximus glared at me. “Being the crown princess does not involve inserting yourself into royal decisions.”
I flinched.
Bennett frowned. “Maybe it should, Father.”
The king’s weathered face grew red. “The two of you seem well prepared to run the kingdom yourselves.”
“I didn’t mean it that way.” Bennett said. “I was only—”
“Giving me your opinion,” King Maximus finished. “So you always say. Though whether it is wholly yours is questionable.”
The look he gave me was hard to miss.
His Majesty pushed his chair back. “You have always been the voice of reason, Bennett, but tonight you do not seem to have your wits about you. Therefore, I will do what I believe is right. Iamstill king.”
“Father—”
“Tomorrow night Frederick and his men will surround the meeting and take care of those traitors accordingly,” King Maximus said, eyes flashing. “You may assist me or you may stand aside, but under no circumstances may you defy me. Is that understood?”
Bennett lowered his head, clenching the fabric of his trousers. “Yes, Father.”
I watched the exchange, my gut churning at how familiar it felt.
“Good. You are dismissed.”
