them all manner of wicked names. Even the monarchs rose from their seats, equally afraid and furious.
“Silence!” Tyrn bellowed. He did not wait for obedience before he said, “You’d better have a good reason for bringing these mercenaries into my palace, Soravalian prince, or I shall charge you all with crimes of sedition.”
When it was quiet enough to be heard, Taelon explained, “Members of the council, you asked Tessana Allisand how she managed to survive from Heprin to Elysia. What you have failed to ask is why a person traveling alone across three peaceful kingdoms is not expected to live.”
The sovereigns voiced their disagreement, but Taelon held up a hand and continued. “You’re right. That is a discussion for another time. The truth is, Tessana would have been in peril whether our highways were safe or not, simply because of her bloodline and because of the crown she carried with her. By providence of the Light, I happened to be in the Blood Woods at the same time she wandered through.
"Without the Seat of Power’s knowledge, I have been working with the Cavolia for over a year now. Soravale believes that the Cavolia will be an invaluable asset and ally should the Ring of Shadows continue to grow. And the Cavolia have been working with the rebels in an attempt to clear the Tellekane Forest of the Ring’s presence. It was a meeting between the Cavolia and rebels that Tessana stumbled upon. I recognized her immediately. As it was already stated, she was my betrothed as a child and I helped her escape the castle on the day her family was murdered. Knowing that she wasn’t dead, I have spent the better part of eight years looking for her. Additionally, she was wearing a pendant I gave her as a child. I convinced the Rebel Army and the Cavolia to protect her until we reached Soravale. Which they did.”
Tyrn’s gaze narrowed. “If I am to believe you at your word, then you’re telling the council, you, by proxy of Soravale, have been working with two sworn enemies of the crown in order to go against the realm’s orders not to engage the Ring of Shadows?”
Taelon didn’t flinch. “Yes.”
Gregor, the king of Heprin chuckled and asked, “And this is supposed to help her case?”
Taelon lifted his chin and squared his shoulders. “It is my understanding that Tessana is not on trial for her involvement with criminals or rebels. To my knowledge Conandra has been called to verify that she is who she says she is. Am I wrong?” When nobody said anything, Taelon went on, “I am testifying that this truly is the Lost Princess. Eight years ago, I helped her escape the Castle Extentia after we found her family murdered. And only months ago, I was reunited with her in the Tellekane Forest. She knows things that only Tessana could know—about her escape, about our history, about me. Tessana risked her life on more than one occasion to bring the Crown of Nine here, to its recognized place of power. Once here, she brought it to her uncle. And when talk of war broke out, Tessana called for Conandra. She could have allowed war. She could have simply demanded that those loyal to the Crown of Nine overthrow the current regime. But she didn’t. She walked willingly into a trial where she has been disrespected, lied about, and mistreated. And yet her testimony does not waver.” Taelon paused, allowing the council and crowd to absorb his argument. When he spoke again, his voice had dropped to a rich baritone that resonated with authority and conviction. “Your majesties, let the truth be heard. Recognize this woman for who she really is.” His arm swept towards me. “The true heir to the Elysian throne. Tessana Allisand.”
The council stared at Taelon as if he’d grown a second head. The throne room fell utterly silent. I smiled. I couldn’t help it. Even I had never been more convinced that I was truly Tessana Allisand.
And I had never once doubted my identity.
In a more subdued voice than I had ever heard from him, Tyrn said, “Thank you, Taelon Treskinat. We will take your testimony into consideration.”
“Good,” Taelon clipped out somberly. “And while you’re doing that, also consider this.” He stepped back and gestured to Gunter.
Taelon had already proved his point, even if he had smudged facts and exaggerated my courage. I didn’t know what else there was to say.
My mouth fell open when Gunter dropped