Page 177 of The Crown’s Obsession

I smiled. "Orsin has many daughters, you fool." I reached in and pulled out the crest my mother had left me. "Tell me again that I am not Iyala." I stepped closer. "I have risked my life to come here."

The other guard grunted. "You do not smell Yorali."

"Yes. I lack Yorali magic. I am weak, that is true." I cast my eyes down. "Which is why I am here. Your crown prince has ravaged me. I am here for justice."

The two of them exchanged glances.

"The crown prince does not prefer wom⁠—"

"How dare you?" I shrieked, pulling down my shirt to reveal the mark on my neck. "What is this then?" I stepped forward. "Dare you say King Orsin's daughter is a whore? A liar?"

One of the guards shifted in place, clearly uncertain.

I lowered my voice. "There is already a war with Veynar. A war with my father will ruin everyone." I glanced down pointedly at my belly. "I am wearing the clothing of a pauper, risking my dignity and safety to be here. I dare King Fyris not to see me." I lifted my chin.

They looked at each other.

"Hold on," one of them said.

A few minutes later he returned. "The king will see you."

I bowed my head. Then said carefully, "I will only see him alone. My humiliation is not for the ears of others."

"That is not⁠—"

"Do not tell me the King of Thrykis fears a young woman with no power."

One of them leaned over and whispered to a young man in blue, the color I had already noted was meant for palace attendants. A few minutes later he returned.

"The king will see you alone." He nodded at Eravic. "But he stays."

I snorted. "He is my father's deathmage and cannot leave me without alerting my father. Do you not feel his power?"

Eravic made a small noise. I could not tell if it was laughter or horror.

"Fine. Go in with the mage. But be quick about it. Our king has many to entertain."

I forced a tear down my face. "Thank you."