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He looked at me and said softly. “Be ready.”
Chapter Five
CHRISTINE
My legs quivered under me as I walked up the stone steps to the throne, my muscles tight with tension. The throne room was covered in silver, the walls shining in it. And the throne, made of white stone, glowed brightly.
When I reached the top step, I steadied my spine and looked at all the eyes that watched me. At first glance, it looked like an assembly of nobles and courtiers, but as I took a closer look, I saw that most were too young to be in the court. Many wore suits like the DuPont guards. The criminal empire had their people littered all over the room in case anyone dared to challenge me.
The court fell silent as I took my seat on the throne. The soft silk of my dress rubbed against my legs, reminding me of how vulnerable I was in this moment. Other than that small sound, you could have heard a pin drop on the stone floor in front of me as my chest rose and fell with each breath.
I pushed my hair behind my ears, keeping my eyes on the middle distance. I didn’t want to meet any of their eyes.
Underneath the hush of whispers, I heard something else: the thin, high squeal of steel against steel. My eyes flew to the far corner of the room, where one of the lords spoke over everyone else. “She shouldn’t sit on the throne,” he said, his voice carrying over the hushed conversations. He pulled out a sword and aimed it at me. “We haven’t bowed yet. She hasn’t been sworn in as queen.”
Lord Nathan strolled through the door, his beady eyes locked on the brave lord. “Then I suggest you hurry up and bow, Iris,” he bellowed, his voice as loud as a gunshot.
He wore his full ceremonial uniform—black robes and a cape that shimmered with silver thread. His sword was strapped to his side, and he had a dagger tucked into his belt. He looked every inch the terrifying tyrant that he was.
Lord Nathan raised his hand and everyone immediately went silent.
He turned to face me. “Queen Christine.”
I twisted my fingers together in my lap. “Yes.”
He looked me up and down, and it was as if I could see his brain working. He had a plan. I could see it in his eyes. “You prepared a speech, yes?”
In the corner of the room, I noted Theodore DuPont settling against the wall, watching how Lord Nathan handled me. And beside him…
A small gasp escaped my lips. “Atticus?” I whispered in shock.
Atticus had bruises and cuts all over his face, and his shoulders were tense. He locked eyes with me and jerked his head, giving me a slight, almost imperceptible nod. I could see the anguish and pain in his eyes.
My heart swelled, and I wanted more than anything to go to him. But I couldn’t, not yet. This had to be done first.
Lord Nathan marched up the platform toward me as he glowered, his mouth a thin line. Once at my side, he hunched forward like a hawk ready to pounce. His eyes widened as they encountered my own before they contracted into dark slits. His fingers dug into my thigh as I shifted and tried to break his hold. The grip only tightened, and I became paralyzed by his fearsome presence. He lowered his head, his voice slicing like a blade, “Pay attention.”
Taking a deep breath, I swallowed deeply. “I’m sorry, what was the question again?”
“Your speech,” he growled in my ear.
“The speech?” I shrilled a little too loudly. “Oh. Yes. I prepared a speech.” I rummaged around in the papers on a small table beside us and pulled it into my lap. Theodore DuPont had it delivered only an hour ago. I planned to just read it and get this over with. “I’m going to read you the speech I prepared,” I said breathily, my hands shaking. I cleared my throat. “The House of Rose has been an important figurehead in the kingdom for decades. My father dutifully served King Frederick until his death, and I was raised in his care…” My voice cracked. King Frederick didn’t care for me. He didn’t like me at all. I cleared my throat. “The House of Rose was next in line for the throne, and after the truth about Augustus—”
A man with fierce green eyes spoke up, cutting me off. He had a thick, bushy beard and looked like he belonged on a pirate ship. “Is she reading a speech you wrote, Lord Nathan?” he asked. I looked up at the man and frowned. I’d seen him before but couldn’t remember his name. “I’m assuming you want us all to believe this takeover was her idea,” he continued, “but not all of us were hiding the night DuPont’s men attacked. We know the truth. No amount of makeup will hide the cuts and bruises on her skin.”
I looked around and let out a sigh.
“Finish your speech, Christine,” Lord Nathan instructed, ignoring him.
I cleared my throat and read on. “As queen, I—” Someone grumbled something unintelligible that I couldn’t understand. I lost my place.
“Finish your speech, Christine,” Lord Nathan repeated, his voice low and dangerous. I wanted to kick him, shove him away. “Christine,” he warned.
I sucked in a deep breath. “As queen, I pledge to make the kingdom of Aldrich the strongest it’s ever been. Along with my chosen betrothed—”
The court erupted into whispers. They were quiet, but I could hear their anger.
Lord Nathan rolled his eyes and turned back to the court. “You,” he said, pointing to one of the lords. “What is your name? I try to know everyone in court, but you must not be important enough to remember.”
