The king’s stormy expression told me I wouldn’t be resting any time soon.
32
Bennett helped me intothe hall, his arm wrapped firmly around my shoulders though I was steady on my feet. Neither of us spoke as we followed King Maximus upstairs to his office, guards trailing behind us.
“Come inside, Narcissa,” His Majesty said, opening the door. He frowned when Bennett followed. “Not you.”
“But Father, Narcissa isn’t well,” Bennett said.
The king barked a laugh. “Do not think I’m ignorant of your plans. I’m not so senile as to let the two of you go off together on this particular night.”
Realization dawned on me. He suspected us of thwarting his orders of surrounding the rebel meeting.
I clenched the fabric of my skirts. “Your Majesty—”
King Maximus gestured wordlessly to his desk. I exhaled, easing out of Bennett’s hold. He reluctantly let me go.
The king shut the door and sat across from me, crossing his arms. His expression was steely.
I inhaled. “Your Majesty. Bennett would never defy you and neither would I. I had an episode. That is all.”
“You are a very good actress,” King Maximus said.
“I’m telling the truth! The headache...I-I do not know where it came from but believe me, Your Majesty, I had no intention of stopping your orders.”
“I once believed my son unmovable and level-headed,” King Maximus said, “but it seems I was mistaken.”
I sagged against the back of my seat, suddenly exhausted. “What do you mean, Your Majesty?”
He regarded me for a minute, as if assessing my character. I wasn’t sure what he saw.
“Do you know why I chose you as the future crown princess, Narcissa?” King Maximus finally asked.
I blinked. Where was he going with this?
“My mother made sure I was prepared for the role. Half the work was already done.” I stared at the smooth wooden floor. “I just happened to be a witch.”
