Page 172 of The Crown’s Temptation

I pulled down my cloak. "I am here to see King Fyris."

They looked at each other and started laughing.

"Terrible plan, princess," Eravic muttered behind me.

I waited for the laughter to stop. "I should start again." I straightened. "I am Iyala of Yorali. King Orsin's youngest daughter."

One of them spat on the ground. "Orsin does not have an Iyala. And if he did she would not be dressed like you."

I smiled. "Orsin has many daughters, you fool." I reached in and pulled out the crest my mother had left me. "Tell me again that I am not Iyala." I stepped closer. "I have risked my life to come here."

The other guard grunted. "You do not smell Yorali."

"Yes. I lack Yorali magic. I am weak, that is true." I cast my eyes down. "Which is why I am here. Your crown prince has ravaged me. I am here for justice."

The two of them exchanged glances.

"The crown prince does not prefer wom⁠—"

"How dare you?" I shrieked, pulling down my shirt to reveal the mark on my neck. "What is this then?" I stepped forward. "Dare you say King Orsin's daughter is a whore? A liar?"

One of the guards shifted in place, clearly uncertain.

I lowered my voice. "There is already a war with Veynar. A war with my father will ruin everyone." I glanced down pointedly at my belly. "I am wearing the clothing of a pauper, risking my dignity and safety to be here. I dare King Fyris not to see me." I lifted my chin.

They looked at each other.

"Hold on," one of them said.

A few minutes later he returned. "The king will see you."

I bowed my head. Then said carefully, "I will only see him alone. My humiliation is not for the ears of others."

"That is not⁠—"

"Do not tell me the King of Thrykis fears a young woman with no power."

One of them leaned over and whispered to a young man in blue, the color I had already noted was meant for palace attendants. A few minutes later he returned.

"The king will see you alone." He nodded at Eravic. "But he stays."

I snorted. "He is my father's deathmage and cannot leave me without alerting my father. Do you not feel his power?"

Eravic made a small noise. I could not tell if it was laughter or horror.

"Fine. Go in with the mage. But be quick about it. Our king has many to entertain."

I forced a tear down my face. "Thank you."

The Thren nodded, clearly annoyed.

Then he ushered us into the throne room.

CHAPTER 37

Right on Time

"This is not what we planned, princess."