Descendants of the Kings (Book 2)

Ch 51.2: Mules withstanding

He looked to Will, who took a small breath, his long, elegant hands folded gently above the table. On his little finger, a heavy gold signet ring glistened.

"My father was a good man. He cared for his people the way he cared for his family--with a deep sense of responsibility. When the Queen and her entourage approached him with the desire to wage a war, he could not in good conscience agree. To arm his villagers and sign them up for death and hunger? To leave behind a slew of widows and orphaned children?" Will shook his head in disgust.

"Father did not accept, and he was very vocal about it. He confided in me just a fortnight before the party," Will said, his eyes unfocusing briefly, lost in reverie. "I warned him that I feared the Queen would retaliate, but he always chose to believe the best of people. He never suspected that someone would so heinously murder others in such a cowardly way. He never once saw it coming."

"He did not see it for what it was. Being too trusting was his downfall, but it will not be mine." Will lifted his chin, jaw stiff with cool, silent fury. "The Queen believes she has cowed me into submission, but I will not let sleeping dogs lie. I refuse to bow to her. For my father and my people, for the ones she has killed, I will do what it takes to take her down, so that she may never know a day of peace."

Despite the warming charm, Juliet's skin pebbled, chilled to the bone. A wave of soberness had befallen them, Will's words striking a nerve.

"In Faerie, we believe in fairness. Eye for an eye," Gidden said somberly, dipping his head in respect. "It is not revenge, but rather, an act of balance. I hope that righting these wrongs upon your family will give you a sense of peace."

Will nodded stiffly. "Thank you. It is not about revenge, but as you said, seeking balance and justice."

"You believe the others will join this cause against the Queen?" Ella asked quietly.

"I know so," Grayson answered fervently. "I have been speaking to many nobles, and just like William, they are no longer happy to stand by. Even those who do not agree with my stances," he added. "They understand this is not about sides, this is about survival."

"People are starting to understand that we cannot allow her power to grow, as she will become a tyrant. No one will be safe. Not even her so-called allies. Look at our uncle," Grayson said with a humourless smile. "Not even her own brother was safe. And so, not even he was loyal to her. She cannot buy loyalty and she does not understand it either, so that will be her demise."

Ella listened silently, her mouth tilting up slightly. "You are doing well for yourself. You surprise me."

"Don't be condescending," Grayson snipped.

"I am not. I speak the truth," she answered plainly. "You are alive because she did not ever consider you a threat. She did not expect you to succeed. And yet, here you are, proving her wrong. Good."

Her words were simple and a little dry, certainly not very affectionate, but there was an unmistakable wash of pride in her eyes that told Juliet that this was as close to praise as possible.

"Thanks ever so for your vote of confidence," Grayson huffed dryly. Despite this, his shoulders straightened and he stood taller, as if he were pleased by the praise.

He truly did admire his sister, Juliet realised. He looked to her for approval, perhaps more than he let on. It was a confusing relationship, starkly different to Juliet's relationship with her brother, but she couldn't help but feel a little endeared.

"I am a bit confused," Gidden said with a small frown. "In Faerie, we have a chamber of Lords to weigh in on matters. The more terrain they hold, the more their vote counts. But ultimately, the King or Queen has the final say. Does your Queen not hold that same power?"