my rightful place as Queen of the Realm, I will be imprisoned?”
Hugo held my gaze. “For the rest of your life.”
I struggled to swallow.
“But it is more difficult than that,” he continued. “You undervalue what it means to be queen instead of king. The Council of Sovereigns would be handing over the entire realm to a seventeen-year-old girl. Do you see how they might struggle to agree to your bloodline? Or your right to the crown? A woman under any circumstances would have a disadvantage. But you are a child. A child who has been hiding in a temple for the last eight years. Forgive me, Tessana, but you barely appear civilized after your years stashed away on the edge of humanity, let alone capable of reigning over an entire realm. Your chance at success is slim.”
“What are my other options?”
“You stay here. You are welcome to stay in Desmondin for as long as you’d like. You will always have refuge here.” He shook his head and leaned forward, “You will always have a home here.”
My heart thudded once. Twice. “Are you suggesting I keep the crown hidden? That I don’t let my uncle know I am alive or that the kingdom he rules does not belong to him?”
Hugo did not hesitate, “Yes.”
“You can’t be—”
“I’m quite serious, Tessana. Your father was my closest ally, my most beloved friend. How can I claim to revere his legacy when I send his only remaining child to the wolves?” When I did not appear convinced, he added. “Or you could stay for a few years. Take refuge with us while you add years to your life so that when you present yourself to your uncle and the sovereign council, you will be considered old enough, royal enough.”
Fear beat in my blood, yet the rhythm of my heart steadied.
I could not ignore the purpose that had been given to me the second I saw the crown again. I could not ignore the call to fate that had led me this far. I could not ignore that I had been born into a bloodline that belonged to the Seat of Power as much as the Crown of Nine belonged to it.
I lifted my chin and met Hugo’s pleading gaze. “Can I count on your vote?”
He shook his head in disbelief. “What do you mean?”
“I am asking for your vote, My King. When the time comes in Conandra, will I be able to count on you?”
“You’re serious?”
“I am.”
His shoulders sagged and his expression was marked with concern. But I could also make out the twinkle of surprise in his eyes. “You have my vote, Tessana Allisand of Elysia. And you have my support. No matter what you decide.”
I nearly collapsed. His words were powerful relief that I had not realized I needed until they were in the air.
“Thank you,” I rasped.
His expression hardened once again and he said, “Think about my offer, child. Think about a life here. It would not be a bad one. You could have everything you ever dreamed of. I’d even be so kind as to revisit the marriage contract I signed all those years ago.”
“Father!” Taelon boomed.
Hugo kept his gaze steady on me. “You could still be queen, Tessana. Maybe not of the realm, but of Soravale. And that is not a small offer. Think it over.”
I dared not look to Taelon. “I will. Thank you, Your Highness.” I curtsied, too flustered to be embarrassed about my lack of grace. “Please, excuse me. I have much to think over.”
The men bowed and I fled the room. I felt Haemon close on my heels, but I did not turn to speak to him, even when he had to point out the way.
I didn’t stop moving until the door was safely locked behind me and the bed soft and stable beneath me.
Then the true debate began. Me against myself.
20
Oliver and I had been invited to dine with the King and Queen and their family. It was a high honor, but I was a little suspicious that this was a subtle ploy to convince me to stay in Desmondin.
Oliver had been giddy when he’d pounded on my door looking as polished as I’d ever seen him. I had already banished all help and servants and anyone that needed or wanted anything from me, except for Shiksa.
“We’re invited to dinner!” he grinned. “With the King.” He leaned in and gave me a suave look. “And the Queen.”
“Well, I assumed she’d be there as well. It’s