Accusing, Denying - Flower Husbands Book 2

Chapter 4: Changing Tides

!!TW/CW: Referenced Death!!

. . .

Scott didn't tell Joel his plan. He didn't tell Sage his plan. He didn't even tell Xornoth his plan.

Joel and Sage were to attend the rescheduled 'ceremony'. Xornoth was to stay in Scott's room until the others came back. Scott would have loved to include Xornoth in his plan, but he'd only just gotten his brother back. If something went wrong - the plan was foolproof - he didn't want to risk losing them.

Every single citizen would attend the execution.

Joel and Sage left with a pair of guards.

Scott slipped out of the house. He crouched near the front door, just barely in hearing range of High Elf Elmar's obnoxious voice.

"Welcome back, Traitors!" His shrill voice said in a much too happy tone. "Let's continue where we left off yesterday, yes?"

A pause.

Scott readjusted the crown on his head. It had been far too long since he'd last worn it.

"Have you any new 'proof' of your matrimony with His Highness?"

A softer, indiscernible voice.

"The ring? Seriously? That's not enough!" Elmar laughed loudly. "Rivendellian Gold? As if! I can tell from here that it's fake." He grunted. "Glasses? How dare you! Guards, prepare the block."

Scott took that as his cue to slink down the path and initiate his plan. He tucked his wings as close to himself as he could.

Jimmy would hate that. Jimmy would run his fingers through them gently, coaxing them open with every stroke.

Scott shook that thought away.

"If you will," Elmar's voice started again. "Be rid of these-"

Scott stood, rounding the corner, and shouting as clearly as he could. "Traitors!"

A hush fell over the crowd. Every Council member was silent. The executioner's axe settled back on his shoulder.

"S-Scott?" Elmar sounded stunned.

"That's 'Your Highness' to you," Scott frowned. He strode forward quickly, climbing the few steps up the makeshift stage.

"What-?"

"You heard me."

"Scott is the name I am called by the High Council, my family, and my allies. You are none of those."

"My Lord, what are you-"

"According to Section 7, Subtext F: If a member or members of the High Council commits treason of any kind, the king may remove them from their position. They will spend the rest of their lives locked in the dungeon to think about what they've done. They do not deserve the freedom of death."

Another elf stepped forward. "King Scott, surely-"

"That goes for all of you. Every single one of you knew that Elmar was keeping me unconscious for his dastardly plan."

The citizens gasped.

Scott turned to Joel and Sage. "Get up."

They did.

Scott raised his voice again. "The only elf who deserves to keep her place on the High Council is Sage. She was set up. They kept their plan from her because they knew she wouldn't stand for it."

"Scott!" Elmar squawked angrily. "You have no authority to-"

"Actually," Scott interrupted calmly, "you have no authority. Guards!"