Callidus's heart skipped a beat, and a wave of nausea crashed over him.
The look in Cressida's eyes felt like a dagger to the heart, and for a brief moment, he almost empathized with what Ferox must have experienced.
He had intended to reveal the execution to Cressida at a more suitable time, in a manner that would allow him to explain and console her. However, he had continuously delayed it, and as a result, the revelation was now tainted with betrayal and mistrust.
However, he had no choice but to respond.
"I apologize, Your Majesty," Callidus said, his voice taking on a steady steely edge. "I deemed it unnecessary to burden you with such grim matters during our first meeting. We have been handling it discreetly to avoid causing any unnecessary distress."
Feeling the weight of Cressida's intense stare, Callidus fought to maintain his composure. He desperately wanted to hold her, to clarify, to apologize. But now, in this moment, under the scrutinizing gaze of his advisors and the Queen, he had to tread carefully.
"Discretion is often necessary," the Queen commented, "However, pointless secrecy festers like any wound among trusted allies. I should hope, Nephew, that eventually you shall come to see me as one such ally."
"Indeed," he replied noncommittally, burying his emotions beneath layers of icy resolve. His demeanor remained distant, showing nothing but formal indifference.
"However," the Queen continued, her lips curving into a knowing smile, "I do commend your choice of timing. There's an old Merossian saying, though poorly translated, that suggests 'nothing polishes a crown like fresh blood.'"
"And is your crown well-polished, Your Majesty?"
A rich, melodious chuckle escaped the Queen's lips. "One can always strive for a brighter luster, dear. And, as with any crown, one must occasionally admire it in the light to truly appreciate its beauty." She quirked a brow, "As such, I was pleased to hear that tomorrow's execution will be a grand public spectacle. The people of Ashlar deserve nothing less, after having waited so long."
Duke Leland spoke up. "Your Majesty, it is our hope that such an event will discourage any potential protests or unrest during the Coronation ceremony."
"Protests?" Queen Conitine raised an elegant eyebrow, "Ah, I see. So, it appears that the Ashlarian public still harbors reservations about having a Magicborne ruler? What a pity. I worked tirelessly with Gallus to convince him how foolish it was to reject power," she continued, her tone sharpening with a hint of annoyance. "It's a shame that Ashlar has not yet seen the potential of their Magicborne citizens. Legalizing their abilities was a step, but clearly, more work needs to be done."
"We're facing a complex matter, Your Majesty," the Marchioness commented. "As the condemned is Magicborne and used his abilities to end His Late Majesty's life."
"I heard it involved a snake bite?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Quail Walerian manipulated a viper to strangle and bite His Late Majesty while he was in the process of recovering from poison."
Callidus heard Cressida let out a muffled noise of outrage, that he hoped the others would interpret as shock.
(He needed to change the subject. He wasn't sure if he would be able to prevent Cressida from speaking if she attempted to reveal the truth about the king's death.)
((His magic loved her voice - it would never silence her.))
Queen Conitine nodded thoughtfully, "I can understand why such a case would be divisive and why you've chosen to keep it discreet. Convincing the public that Magicborne should not be feared is a challenging endeavor, especially when their own King and Crown Prince fell victim to one."
YOU ARE READING
Book Two: The Larkspur's Longing ~ A tale of deep obsession and devotion
Romance(Sequel to The Marigold's Larkspur) Crown Prince Callidus finds himself on the cusp of achieving his dreams. With Princess Cressida by his side, the woman he has long yearned for, their future seems promising. However, a formidable obstacle threaten...
