A Savage Debt (The Beholden Duet #1) - Zoey Ellis Page 0,7

gaze remained on her father, unable to believe that he hadn’t outright refused.

“Tonight will be the first night. At dawn after the third night, your debt will be paid.” As Maddoc turned, his dark eyes slid to Ana. At his intense gaze, goosebumps erupted over her skin and a nervous quiver skittered down her spine, but then within a moment, his back was to her as he made his way down the hall.

Although the guards continued to surround him, escorting him out, it was clear who was in control of the situation now.

Everyone remained in their seats after the outlaw exited, which was unusual for the court.

Ana wouldn’t have been able to move, even if she wanted to. It was difficult to draw breath, and a persistent throbbing filled her ears. She rubbed her knuckles into her legs, her eyes on her father as she tried to calm herself. Father had to have some kind of plan.

“Explain why you didn’t arrest him?” The same nobleman rose again, breaking the stunned silence that had fallen over the court. “You promised us he would be captured today.”

“Did you not hear what just happened?” another man on the opposite side of the hall shot back. “He’s owed the Royal Promise.”

“So he says,” the nobleman argued back. “Since when do we believe the word of a criminal and outlaw? He could have simply observed that incident. There is nothing to prove he was the one who helped the king.”

“We will know shortly,” the king said, his voice low. The troubled expression on his face fanned the concern in Ana’s gut. “And it will be announced once confirmed. In the meantime, I want the hall cleared. Only the royal court must stay.”

A low babble of noise increased as people rose from their seats. The royal court consisted of the extended household of the royal family as well as nobility connected to them and their advisers.

The commoners and the lesser nobles, who had attended the hearing, filtered out quickly, but those of the royal houses remained. Ana stayed in her seat, avoiding looking at anyone while the apprehension in her chest smoldered.

“You need to discuss this with the houses, not just your court, Your Majesty,” Duke Milo of House Sterling said, as the hall cleared. “This is not just a ruling family matter. It affects all of us.”

“Agreed,” called Duke Aldous of House Redcrest.

Ana tried hard to not look over to where House Redcrest sat. The Alpha she was betrothed to, Duke Ryden, was no doubt in attendance, and although they usually tried to catch each other’s eyes after court hearings, she couldn’t bear to look at him right now.

The king held up his hand as the other houses called out their agreement. “I will discuss with my advisers first and then call for the royal assembly.”

“No,” Duke Aldous said, bluntly. “This is something we should all decide.”

The king’s expression soured further. “My daughter is not up for open discussion, Aldous.”

“That isn’t the only topic to be discussed, Your Majesty,” Duke Milo interjected. “For example, how did you fail to mention that there was an unidentified man who aided you when you were attacked?”

“No. It is more important we discuss what will happen if Maddoc is indeed owed the promise.” Duke Everard of House Goldfrost said. “And what the implications of that will be.”

“The implications will be disastrous!” one of the dukes from House Redcrest called out. “If he is allowed what he wants, it will undermine the years of effort and careful planning that has gone into maintaining the royal line.”

“Are you suggesting that he will impregnate her?” the king asked, his tone tense. “Because there are ways to prevent that.”

“If he lays with her at all, it is an insult to royal line,” Duke Aldous pointed out. “He’s not just a criminal and a commoner, he is also a bastard. His tainted blood and seed should not go anywhere near the princess.”

Ana forced herself not to wince at the man’s words, but she was inclined to agree.

“Besides which,” he continued, “she is an Omega. Our most precious dynamic. She must be protected from this obvious attempt to damage our ability to progress the royal line.”

Yes, of course, that was also a concern. One of the expectations that weighed heavily on Ana was for her to uphold the reputation and traits of Omegas. Since Omegas were only ever born to royals, there weren’t many who existed—most of the population consisted of Alphas and Betas. Even