Page 7 of Royal Resistance

“The succession clause states that if I abdicate—”

“Take it out.”

Papa looks surprised at the vehemence in my tone. “You know I can’t do that, Selene.”

“You’re the king. You can do anything you want.”

But he can’t, and we both know it. Not anymore, not after my father agreed to the Charter. It’s the only reason Avelaine still has a monarchy.

“They can’t do this.” My voice is louder than I planned, with a note of frustration that I can’t hide.

“They can,” my father says sadly. “And they have. I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

I stare unseeingly at the smear of sauce on my plate, doing the deep breathing to calm down.

But I don’t want to calm down. I can’t.

This is my life. The path I’ve followed from childhood has… vanished. One caveat, one stupid line in an equally stupid charter has flipped my life upside down and taken everything I’ve ever wanted.

It’s taken who I am.

Rationally, I know I shouldn’t be so upset. I was never queen, so it shouldn’t bother me that I’m giving up the chance. Being released from this duty will give me freedom. I’ll be able to live a life that I choose.

But it’s not possible to be rational right now.

“Who?” My voice is hoars like I’ve been screaming all these thoughts. I drain my wineglass, trying to get the moisture back into my throat, to stop the lump from taking over and causing the ugly tears to spill.

Who will take over from my father? That’s what I want to know.

“Julian.” From the slump of his shoulders and the tone of his voice, he’s as disappointed as I am.

My father cannot possibly be as disappointed as I am, because he did this. This is his choice.

I’ve never begrudged him his happiness with Lorraine. My mother died when I was twelve, an important year for a girl. First crush, first cycle, the official acknowledgment from the country that I will succeed my father. After we lost her, Papa took on the role of both mother and father, as we dealt with our grief. It wasn’t until I returned from university, with my double major in politics and psychology, that he agreed to my suggestion that he should look for another partner because he deserved his own happiness.

I wouldn’t have suggested anything if I had known this was how it would turn out.

That’s not true. I love Papa, and he deserves to be happy with Lorraine.

But Julian... I’ve known him my entire life. He’s kind. Gentle. A good man. He’s not strong enough to stand against anyone.

And then the thought slips in before I can stop it. If I married him—

I’d still be queen.

But—no. Not like this.

I won’t marry Julian simply to reclaim a crown that should have been mine. This isn’t the Middle Ages. I’m not some political bargaining chip to be traded between branches of the family tree.

Besides, I’m already engaged. Darren. What will he think of all this?

Because deep down, I know, Darren loves the idea of being king more than he loves me.

I draw a shaky breath, then another, forcing air into lungs that suddenly feel too tight. It’s like a blanket covers my anger, leaving only my disappointment and regret.

I know it’s common for a queen to feel disappointment and regret, but she should never rule with anger.

But I will no longer be queen.