“Steady,” I murmured, pulling on his robe. “There’s going to be another opportunity—remember what you’re here for.”
“I want her dead,” he growled.
“You’re not the only one,” I replied, nodding in Memenion’s direction. “But right now you’re at the mercy of the Impartial Ministers, so pull yourself together.”
Ash straightened his robe and nodded curtly in understanding as we walked up the stone steps of the Pavilion. The Impartial Ministers eyed him warily—clearly word had already gotten around.
“King Tejus, what is the meaning of this?” one of the Impartial Ministers barked at me. I smiled back, knowing full well what their response was going to be. I had put them in a near impossible situation, and it was unlikely they would reject Ash’s bid for kingship. If they wanted the trials to continue, then they needed him.
“I have abdicated from the throne, and nominate Ash in my place. The true winner of the trials.” Amidst the uproar that greeted my announcement, I continued to explain about Hazel and the stone from the entity lock.
“But it is a mistake then!” one of the ministers blustered. “We cannot hold you accountable for that.”
“I hold myself accountable, and do not believe my crown was rightfully won.”
The group fell silent as Queen Trina’s laughter pierced the air.
“This is too wonderful!” she exclaimed. “The brave, gallant Tejus giving up his crown so the kitchen boy gets his day in the sun!”
I ignored her after sending a warning glance to Ash, ensuring he did the same. The Impartial Ministers looked around the pavilion, clearly waiting for another royal to step forward and object.
“He was Queen Trina Seraq’s advisor,” one of the ministers burst out after both Memenion and Hadalix remained silent. “I’m not entirely sure that is permissible—especially as he will be entered into the Imperial trials!”
“I have no objection. Do you, Hadalix?” Memenion asked the other king.
Hadalix looked confused, and suspicious, but shook his head. “No…I don’t think I have any objections.”
“And clearly Queen Trina doesn’t.” Memenion rolled his eyes.
The Impartial Ministers started to mutter amongst themselves, and Ash glanced at me, his features tense.
I looked over at Memenion, who nodded slowly in my direction. It seemed like my plan was going to work…as long as the ministers couldn’t come up with anymore objections.
Their huddle ended, and my heart sank as I regarded their smug expressions.
They’ve found an excuse.
“Do forgive us, Ashbik,” one of them whined in a nasal voice, “but we are not entirely sure of the kingdom’s safety in the hands of someone who has had no political experience in the past.” He held up a hand to stop Ash interrupting. “However, your success in the trials can’t be ignored.”
The minister smiled at me.
“There was also another who was entered into the trials who may have been affected by this stone of yours, and that is your brother, Jenus Hellswan. We would like him to be brought out of banishment, and they will compete for the Hellswan crown—a little unprecedented, but it has been done before.”
Oh, hell no.
My brother. Of course.
I should have anticipated this.
“You want me to bring Jenus out of banishment?” I hissed. “He is a danger to the Hellswan kingdom and has never been anything less. You are making a mistake.”
“We don’t want you to, Tejus. As an abdicator of the throne, you no longer have the power to refuse us. We are commanding you to do so.”
I kept myself from reacting further, though it took all my willpower to keep my fists at my side. Ash chose to show no such restraint.
“Are you mad?” he cried.
“Ash,” I snapped. “Let the Impartial Ministers have their way if it so pleases them. What do you propose to do, put them through another trial?” I asked the minister through gritted teeth.
“Exactly that. Ashbik and Jenus will compete for the crown, and the winner shall be put through to the Imperial trials. I don’t believe you can ask for more benevolence than that, surely?”
“It is very generous of you,” I replied, my voice drenched in sarcasm.
“Then we will reconvene here at dusk. The trial will commence then—I take it that will give you enough time?” the minister asked, his veneer of faux politeness as practiced as mine.
“Of course.”
“Very well then.”
The Impartial Ministers all exited the pavilion together, and I leant back against one of the arches, feeling completely powerless. My brother returning as the entity rose to power was a deadly combination…Hellswan could not afford more enemies within its walls.