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“Sadly, that only goes so far.”
“Let’s turn the tables,” I declared as I slammed my fist onto the table, showcasing my determination. “Let’s make sure Lord Nathan doesn’t remain the most influential person in Redview, and you can take the steering wheel of this town.”
Yasmin’s face contorted with elation and excitement as her eyes burned with the fire of a thousand suns. “How?” she inquired.
I breathed out a sigh and straightened my back. “It was Lord Nathan’s brother who committed the heinous massacre in Redview three years ago. I heard it from King Frederick himself. Lord Nathan is using this to bolster his military power. The only reason he got an alliance with Theodore DuPont is because of your rebellion. You gave him an army and Theodore saw an opportunity.”
Yasmin leaned back in her chair, a faraway look in her eyes. “I need proof.”
My voice oozed with conviction as I took another small step toward her. “You know it’s true,” I said, my gaze fixed.
A heavy silence filled the room as she squared her shoulders in defiance. “I need proof,” she repeated firmly, her eyes locked on mine in a battle of wills.
August swooped in from the shadows with a rough voice, “I have proof. I found it in the archives.” Then he added with a sly smirk, “I can have it sent to you by tomorrow morning. My trusted advisor, Adonis, has scans of the reports.” His words hung in the air like a challenge as we both stared at him skeptically.
I narrowed my gaze at Yasmin, my face stern and determined. “I need you to make sure everyone knows what he did. His family shouldn’t be allowed to profit off of murdering innocent men, women, and children,” I demanded. “King Frederick gave his family assets as payment for destroying your town. Land, precious stones, oil. All of it is going to him instead of Redview. And now you all work for him. It’s wrong.”
Yasmin’s face reddened with rage. “No one will listen to me,” she spat out, her voice filled with venom and spite. With a wild look in her eyes, she set her jaw and held my gaze, signaling a fierce challenge I had no choice but to accept.
“Then make them listen, Yasmin. Don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you know is right. This is your town and you have the power to change it. Lord Nathan will bleed these soldiers dry. All we need is a spark of distrust.”
Yasmin scrutinized me, her eyes boring into my own. For what felt like an eternity, we were entrapped in this moment of tension. I could feel her searching for any weakness or doubt in me. Finally, she broke the silence with a single question.
“Why are you doing this?” she asked.
My eyes narrowed and I stood firmly before her.
“I’m not the same fragile girl who ran away three years ago,” I stated with conviction, my voice growing in volume as I gathered confidence. I knelt down before her, meeting her gaze fiercely. “This place is my home, too, and I’m not going to let these selfish men ruin it for their own agenda. I never wanted to be a queen, but sometimes destiny hands you something unbearable and you just have to make the most of it.” My words felt heavier with the truth swirling in my stomach. I was going to be a mother. I had to make this world better for my child. Our child—whoever the father may be.
Yasmin seemed to ponder my words for a moment. She nodded her head slowly and I watched as her walls of defiance began to soften. Her face softened too and her expression shifted to one of understanding.
“You’re right,” she said finally. “Sometimes destiny hands you something so unbearable that you must take action.” Yasmin sat up, rolling her shoulders back. “You have the courage to stand before me, ask for my help in stopping the brother of the man who destroyed this town three years ago. You have the courage to ask a grieving woman to take the lead in her own township and fight for her people. So far, it seems you’re better than half the men in that castle.”
I bit my lip and gave her a nod. “Thank you.”
“I can’t guarantee the men will fight for you,” she said.
“I just need them not to fight for Lord Nathan. I’m capable of taking care of everything else.”
“And what happens after you take the throne? How will you help Redview?” she asked.
“I will do everything in my power to pay you back for your help and friendship,” I replied. “But more importantly, I’ll give power to those who have their people’s best interest at heart. How would you like to be a Lady of the Court, Yasmin?”
Yasmin’s eyes widened. “Me?” she asked.
“Yes. You’re the best one for the job. You just need to get Lord Nathan out of power for good.”
She sighed. “Alright. I’ll do it.”
I smiled. “Welcome to the revolution, Yasmin,” I said.
She grinned, and with her eyes locked on mine, she slowly bowed.
Chapter Eighteen
CHRISTINE
“Get off your feet, love. You should rest,” August said while tucking me into bed.
