Page 62 of A Courage of the Chosen

“To claim what is mine. End the war. Have my revenge for the murder of my family.” The words are punctuated around pants of breath and clenched teeth.

“Do you promise to lead this kingdom with honor?” Hector asks it like he already knows.

“I do.” It’s the easiest answer yet.

“Who is the leader of the Dorche?” Lady Calder asks the final question.

I don’t blink as the words fall from my lips. “Raghnall and Tavish.”

In an instant, the harrowing grip the Black Truth held over me disappears, leaving me tired and aching. My internal sigh of relief is heavy. They didn’t ask me anything about my parents.

There’s scuffling somewhere, but I don’t search for it. I’m not sure I could move my head even if I wanted to. I can sense the atmosphere shift, though. The mix of shock and horror and resignation.

Lord Haddow takes a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes away the blood and seeds. My palm binds itself together between one moment and the next, while I slump back in my chair, releasing a long, shuddering breath. Lord Haddow rises from where he kneels before me, offering me a glass of water that I sip from slowly while pointedly glaring at my council.

“Do you believe me now?”

Chapter 18

Elsie

“We still need to discuss Ruival.” The thought comes to me as Callahan and I head down to the library after dinner.

Between trying to convince the council who I am, and planning for war, Granny’s instruction has slipped to the back of my mind.

“Aye, we do.” I briefly look at him, a little shocked that Callahan isn’t fighting me on it. “Let’s see what Finneus knows of it and come up with a plan.”

Finneus returned to the palace with Grandpa, and I’m desperate to see him. After the council meeting ended, I was so exhausted from the effects of the Black Truth, I took a nap, but woke with the relentless itch to get down to the library and feel useful again. Searching the sealed chambers for anything that might help could be just what I need.

Guards have gone over Tavish and Raghnall’s rooms multiple times, finding nothing of note beyond the pile of texts that Raghnall demanded be kept in his private chambers. I’m not sure what I thought we’d find, but so far it’s yielded nothing but disappointment.

They’re now back with Finneus where they belong, and he’s been poring over them to see what might have been missed. It’s late in the day now, but after so long away from his sanctuary, I don’t doubt Finneus will be here.

Sure enough, the library chandeliers cast light out into the hall, a beacon calling to the book lover that hasn’t been satisfied for a long time. When I round the arched entryway and find Finneus hunched over his desk with his glasses perched on the end of his nose, gray brows low over eyes that I should’ve recognized instantly, my heart lifts. He looks healthy, hair neatly combed, cheeks filled out after his time as Raghnall’s prisoner, content to be back in his home.

Finneus’s head lifts when he hears us, and a grin splits his face in two as he rises from his chair.

“Elsie, my dear.” He wraps me in a hug that’s laced with parchment and a hint of peppermint.

“Finneus.” I squeeze back, noting he doesn’t feel as thin. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you as well.” Then he drops his arms suddenly and steps away, bowing before me. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t be so informal with you, Your Majesty.”

I take his hands and pull him upright. “You’re my great-uncle, I think that means you don’t need to bow every time we see each other. In fact, I forbid it. I want you to treat me like you always have.”

Finneus purses his lips to hide his amusement. “Very well.”

He turns his attention to Callahan, offering him a hand. “It’s good to see you as well, Lord Knox. I cannot thank you and your mother enough for your hospitality whilst I recovered.”

“It’s no problem.” They shake firmly, and Callahan moves to my side. “And please, call me Callahan. Lord Knox isn’t a title I use.”

“What about General?” I tack on, and he scowls at me without really meaning it.

The news doesn’t appear to shock Finneus. He simply smiles in that knowing way of his. “Well deserved, I’d say.”

“It is indeed,” I add, looping an arm around Callahan’s waist.

We all hover there for a moment, Callahan weighing up Finneus, who observes the way we lean in together with a pleased smirk.