"Three days later, Mother called the whole council together."
"All the important people in Meridia, like the high nobles, military leaders, and religious leaders. And she asked Typhon to stand next to her like he always does."
Sebastian stopped writing. Even the sarcastic butler looked like he cared now.
"The pre-celebration council was supposed to finalize the details of the party," Thalor said.
"Instead, my mother stood in front of everyone who mattered in our kingdom and said, 'Before we celebrate seven hundred years of partnership, I have a question for my consort.'"
In the quiet that followed, Rick could hear his own heart beating.
"She asked him in front of everyone if the rumors about Queen Seris were true."
"There's not even privacy or mercy for what's to come. It's just a question that looks like a public execution."
Thalor's hands shook. "And Typhon told the truth."
"He confirmed all the rumors—the affair, the children, and everything else."
