The coronation was scheduled for noon at the palace’s outdoor plaza. When we arrived, most of the kingdom’s nobles were already in attendance, along with a crowd of visibly nervous businessmen and foreign dignitaries. The presence of the latter suggested they were in league with Rosa’s elder brother, as it would normally have taken too long for them to arrive without advance notice.

  It pleased me to know that they had wasted their time, as his plan was going to fail today.

  Frost stood beside me, obviously nervous.

  “What is it, Frost?”

  “I really wish they let me bring my sword…”

  I sighed. “You know that’s not allowed. Nobody gets to bear arms in front of royals other than the honor guard and temple knights.”

  She nodded. “Still… it’s too dangerous.”

  “What kind of fight could break out with a crowd like this around? It’d be suicide for him to try something, after all, he doesn’t have numbers on his side.”

  No matter his status, it was undeniable that with the arrival of Aifé and the temple knights, Sonem was dramatically outmatched. He could protest their numbers as much as he wanted, but given the number of temple elders present, they had all the excuse they needed to bring protection.

  At present, while we stood off to the left of the podium and waited, Rosa and Aifé were waiting quietly next to the steps to the right, speaking quietly with one of the eastern dukes, presumably about the stunt with the nobility council. If the east had previously been undecided on the matter of the succession battle, Sonem’s stunt had no doubt convinced them he was unfit to rule and a threat to their authority. Rosa would have no trouble winning them over.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Trumpets blared to herald the arrival of the presumed king-to-be. “Announcing the crown prince, Sonem Vorare!”

  The gathered nobles and businessmen all kneeled in recognition of his presence, with a few notable exceptions. Solana knew she had no need to, for example. And Frost seemed eager for a fight, so she remained on her feet as well. I could tell from the expression on the prince’s face that he was offended. I was tempted to give him the middle finger, but he probably wouldn’t know what it meant anyway.

  As he strode onto the stage and approached the podium, Rosa climbed the steps from the other side.

  Sonem smiled and spoke loudly to the crowd. “Thank you all for your attendance on such short notice! It brightens my mood to see that even my sister has seen fit to celebrate with me – she’d been sorely missed around the palace, what with her long-time absence.”

  Most present already knew that her absence was the result of his repeated attempts to murder the other potential heirs, but drawing attention to this was considered an unnecessary risk in most conversations.

  Rosa responded with a confident and powerful voice that seemed at odds with her tiny frame. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, Elder Brother. I regret to inform you that today’s events must be cancelled.”

  The already nervous crowd began to mutter to themselves.

  Sonem laughed. “Oh? Pray tell, for what reason, Hana?”

  “Your claim is, in myriad ways, illegitimate. I appreciate your eagerness to follow in Father’s footsteps, but you won’t be doing so today.”

  He smiled. “I see. Well, I’m looking forward to hearing your justification. For the sake of the crowd, I’ll remind those present that I have a letter naming me Father’s heir, along with the confirmation vote of the nobility council, and the support of the central temple besides.”

  I nodded. “That’s interesting. I also have a letter naming me Father’s heir – legitimate, unlike the forgery in your possession – and the support of all the satellite temples. I find it interesting that your confirmation vote occurred with only thirty-five percent of the council present, and I’m certain the rest of the council members gathered here today are also curious about how that came to pass. I suppose matters in the kingdom must have been quite urgent, as you didn’t wait for our dearly departed Father’s body to cool before holding a vote?”

  The crowd’s murmurs stopped, as it became obvious to all present that this was not going to be a pleasant afternoon.