AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Zoya let out a cry and rushed to her brother. The crowd parted for her. She spun to Torsten and Boris. “You will release my stepbrother from his chains this instant.”
“He attacked his own men. What he did—” Torsten began.
“Was in defense of me,” she finished. “I understand why you must hold Odette. Though that fight is far from over. But youwillrelease Rothbart.”
Torsten stood, his hands clenched at his sides. Odette held her breath. Despite what was to be decided, this was the first genuine test of Zoya’s power.
“You cannot just come along and usurp everything,” Torsten snapped.
“Actually, she can,” Boris said. “She is the true ruler.”
People’s voices called throughout the court. “The King’s Mark… It is sacred… he cannot defy her.”
Torsten, hearing the people’s cries, bowed his head, his fists unclenching. “Release him.”
They took the chains off of Rothbart’s wrists and Zoya threw herself, sobbing, into her stepbrother’s arms. He pulled her close, and a warmth spread through Odette’s chest. No matter what happened to her, she wouldn’t regret what she did here.
The guards closed ranks around Odette and they began to pull her from the room. As her adrenaline finally wore out, she staggered a little.
“Wait!” Rothbart shouted. “Wait one moment before you take her!”
The guards paused, and Odette glanced back in surprise as they parted.
Rothbart, more worn than her, stumbled forward, with his sister trying to support him. When he came close, he released his sister and shuffled forward.
His dark eyes with that flash of gray locked onto hers and her heart burned. A new kind of warmth burned behind those eyes she’d never seen before.
Rothbart turned to the crowd. “This woman came here tonight to expose the person behind the attacks on my family and to protect the remaining heir of the Salian line.
“She revealed that the conspiracy went to the highest level. That Queen Emiranda was the one who hired the assassins who killed my father and my mother in cold blood and sought to take my stepsister’s life.”
The crowd was now murmuring again, shock on their faces.
“Lies! LIES!” Torsten shouted, coming at Rothbart.
Boris got in between them. “My prince, let us meet at a more appropriate place and time and discuss these accusations. We will get to the bottom of this.”
The prince, looking a little crazed, threw up his hands and backed off.
“Tonight Odette saved my sister from certain death,” Rothbart continued, “for Queen Emiranda had poisoned her with Lenthenae. Only the death of the one who bestowed it could restore my sister to life.” He turned to Odette. “Not only has she rescued her, she has saved me.” He turned his gaze back on Odette, and she saw it again, a newness in Rothbart’s eyes. It wasn’t heat or hate, but powerful and enduring. It sent a yearning through Odette. She wanted to be close to him, she wanted him to wrap his arms around her.
And she’d feel something she’d never felt with anyone before.
She’d feel like she was home.
“Tonight I declare before this assembly,” he spread his arms. “I declare before theworld, that I, Rothbart, make a vow of undying love to the one woman who has captured me body and soul.” He turned to her and stepped closer. Odette leaned into him, wanting his warmth. His arm came around her and he jerked her against him, his mouth closing over hers. His kiss was harsh and passionate and Odette rose to the occasion, knowing this was the last. When he pulled away, a sob caught in her throat.
The guards moved to take her from his grasp.
Rothbart growled and his hold tightened possessively.
“It’s time to let go,” Odette said.
“Never.”
The guards gripped Odette’s arms and shoved Rothbart away. He staggered and nearly fell, and Zoya helped steady him.
He never took his gaze off of Odette as they dragged her away. “I make a vow of undying love to Odette.”
