Farron shakes his head. “I can’t put my finger on it. But some of them appear … vacant.”
“Ezryn has been a beloved member of the noble house since his birth. They’re probably in shock that he is to face trial,” Kel answers.
Down below, Kairyn raises a hand. “Citizens of Florendel, I stand before you steward of Spring, son of Prince Thalionor and the late former High Princess Isidora, and brother to the current High Prince of Spring. It is with great sadness I share with you that the High Prince will face trial this morning for the gravest of sins, the ultimate betrayal of his people.”
A gasp sounds, and my back teeth grind together. Hatred churns inside of me, staring at Kairyn. Kel says this isn’t about him. That he’s just doing what he has to, what the creed demands.
I call bullshit.
I’ve always known, ever since that little asshole used to tag around with us, that there was something wicked inside of him. Whether he was tormenting village kids or muttering remarks beneath his helm, I recognized it as more than sibling rivalry between him and Ez. He’s always hated his older brother. Resented him.
“I bet Kai fucking planned this somehow,” I growl. “Knew those guards would witness Ez’s face.”
Kel shakes his head. “Kairyn saved his life against the Nightingale’s monster. Saved all our lives.”
I pace behind them, hands itching for my swords. “I just can’t fucking believe we’re going to stand here, waiting and watching, as Ezryn’s life is in that madman’s hands! Ezryn’s going to let this happen to himself—”
Kel slams a hand on my palm and holds me in an icy glare. “This is Ezryn’s choice. You will respect it.”
I sneer and throw his hand off me.
Farron steps forward, eyes shifting between the two of us. “Ezryn had the choice to publicly unhelm Kai years ago, when Ez defeated him in the Rite. Surely, Kairyn will show the same mercy.”
“Or he’ll kill him,” I say.
A keening sound utters from up the rampart, and Rosalina doubles over, clutching her heart. It’s the first sound I’ve heard her make all morning. Seven realms, I’m an idiot. Kel shoots me a nasty glare, then walks over to her and places a hand on her back.
If I’m handling this badly, how must she feel?
She’s his mate.
She’s Ezryn’s fucking mate. Just like she’s mates with Kel and Farron.
The thought sends me spiraling, and I whip away, digging my hands into the stone wall to keep from punching it.
Tears spring to my eyes. Rosalina is mates with every one of the High Princes.
Except for me.
What did I do? It couldn’t be because I haven’t loved her enough, because, fuck, I’ve loved her so much I’ve felt like it would break me. Why would the universe curse me like this? Curse me worse than spending each night as a beast?
Then a thought strikes me like a blade.
Maybe it was because I was never meant to be the High Prince of Summer. Keldarion, Ez, Farron … They were all the eldest or the only. Fated in the stars for their Blessings.
I received mine through blood and death.
Maybe she was meant for Damocles. Maybe she would have loved him, and he would have loved her. He should be the one still living now.
And I should be the one buried in the ground.
Footsteps sound on the stair, and Eldy walks up, a forlorn look on his face. Whatever Rosalina did to him yesterday has worn off, and he has resumed his fae form. More of her strange magic. We need to explore it, but right now, Ezryn takes priority.
“Any news?” Kel asks.
“I have finished preparing him,” Eldy responds solemnly. “The trial is about to begin.”
88
Ezryn
All my life, I have strived to bring honor to my people. To my realm. To my family. To myself.
Now, as I step out into the sunlight, all the eyes of the capital stare at me with shame.
Guards escort me and my hands are bound, but it is unnecessary. I would not shame myself further by trying to escape punishment. My face was witnessed by the soldiers I slayed, by the other High Princes, by my brother’s guard. There could be no greater dishonor.
I wear the starlight silver armor that was specially crafted for me when I took the mantle of High Prince. The helm I bear is forged from the most precious metals. If this is to be my end, then I shall lay down my life with what pride remains.
The crowd parts as I walk from the keep toward the dais where my brother stands. A sensation flickers near my heart, a pulling and a pleading all at once. I look up at the ramparts.