Chapter 7 - THE KING'S LAST COMMAND

Elara entered the palace through a forgotten drainage tunnel Celestine had used as a child.

The irony was not lost on either woman.

The false princess knew the palace better than the true one.

They reached Aldric's chamber.

Lady Beatrice was waiting.

“He's alive.”

Elara nearly collapsed with relief.

“Barely.”

Aldric had been stabbed.

The attacker wore Elara's stolen cloak.

Witnesses had already begun spreading the story.

The lost princess had tried to kill the King.

Exactly as Severin planned.

Elara entered Aldric's room.

His face was pale.

His breathing shallow.

He opened his eyes.

“Aurelia.”

Elara sat beside him.

“I'm here.”

It was the first time she had allowed him to call her that.

Aldric understood what it meant.

He reached beneath his blanket.

Then placed the royal signet in her hand.

Elara stared at it.

“No.”

“Listen.”

“I don't want your throne.”

“This isn't about the throne.”

His fingers closed around hers.

“Severin wants the kingdom divided.”

“Garrick controls the northern army.”

“If I die before the council recognizes you, they can challenge the succession.”

Elara looked at Celestine.

Aldric followed her gaze.

“Come here.”

Celestine hesitated.

Then approached.

Aldric looked at the girl he had raised.

“You lied to me.”

Celestine lowered her head.

“Yes.”

“You hurt my daughter.”

“Yes.”

“Did you know who she was?”

“No.”

Aldric studied her.

Then nodded.

“I believe you.”

Celestine began crying.

Those three words destroyed the wall she had built for years.

“I didn't know.”

“I swear.”

“I know.”

Aldric reached for her hand too.

“You are not my daughter by blood.”

Celestine's face crumpled.

“But I raised you.”

“And whatever Severin intended you to become, you still decide what you become now.”

Celestine could not speak.

Then Aldric looked at both women.

“Protect each other.”

Elara almost laughed at the absurdity.

But Aldric was serious.

Outside, shouting erupted.

Rowan entered.

“Severin has called an emergency council.”

“On what authority?”

“Darius claims the King is unconscious.”

Aldric tried to rise.

He couldn't.

Rowan continued.

“They're voting to arrest Elara for attempted regicide.”

Elara stood.

Celestine looked at her.

“What are you doing?”

Elara closed her fingers around the royal signet.

“I'm tired of running.”

She walked toward the door.

Celestine followed.

“Where are we going?”

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