Rosalina.
My mate…
Her expression is one of sheer anguish, tears glittering in the morning sun. I nearly killed her. My curse had almost broken. I had finally found my mate and she wanted to accept the bond with me … But why? In what way did I deserve to love someone as pure as Rosalina? To be loved by her?
The beast roils within my chest, antsy and restless. He wanted to be rid of me.
I suppose I needed him more than he needs me.
I look down, unable to hold her gaze anymore. Not only have I shamed myself and my family, but I have brought great shame upon her as well. She is mated to a creedbreaker.
My only respite is that I know by accepting whatever punishment is bestowed, I will regain a sliver of honor. I once passed judgment on Kairyn, and now he will pass judgment on me. A cycle, like that of the seasons. It seems fitting.
I think, deep inside, I knew this day would come. I was destined to answer to him for taking our mother away.
A guard pushes on my back, urging me to ascend the stairs up to the top of the dais. My brother looms before me, his shadow long. I cannot bring myself to look up at my father. Perhaps a small mercy of his condition is that he is not lucid enough to understand the disgrace of his eldest son.
“Kneel,” Kairyn says lowly.
I do, sinking to my knees at my brother’s feet.
“Before me is the High Prince Ezryn,” Kairyn booms. “He is here to face trial for the most grievous of evils. Our High Prince has broken the sacred creed, forsaken his oath to realm and citizen, and revealed his face outside of kin.”
The crowd gasps, their horror giving way to sobs and cries of outrage. I stay still, though each breath is a struggle.
“Not only did Prince Ezryn reveal his face, he brutally murdered those who witnessed it and then desecrated one of our most sacred spaces,” Kairyn continues. “As steward of Spring, I shall bestow judgment.”
I bow my head. Many years ago, it was I in his position, publicly decrying him. I understand him and hold no hatred. Duty before blood. The realm before the heart.
“Do you deny the accusations, Prince Ezryn?” Kairyn asks.
Distantly, I note he is not using my full title. “I do not,” I respond.
The crowd gasps again. My hands seize into fists as I feel the weight of their shock. That space beside my heart aches.
Kairyn steps toward me. “Then I will do what I must—”
“Wait!” a voice croaks. The sound is dusty, as if unearthed after being buried for centuries. My father rises to his feet.
“Sire!” a guard cries and rushes forward to steady him, but my father pushes him off.
“F-forgiveness,” my father says. “L-let us have forgiveness—”
His words are cut off by Kairyn, who grabs him roughly by the shoulders and pushes him on to the chair atop the litter. “Sit, Father. You are ill. This betrayal has caused you too much distress already.” He nods to the guards. “We shall return you to your chambers so you may rest.”
“Wait…” I think my father says, but the guards lift his litter and carry him inside the keep.
Kairyn’s heavy breath reverberates beneath his helm. The crowd has started murmuring now, repeating my father’s word: Forgiveness.
Don’t they understand? There has been no royal pardon ever granted in history. I would make no special request for myself.
Even in my father’s most feeble state, the people are loyal to him. It is testament to his many long years serving beside the High Princess, for his leadership in battle and government. They must mourn who he used to be, as they mourn my mother. This dedication … They’re extending it to me.
“Forgiveness for High Prince Ezryn!” one of them calls.
“Amnesty!”
“Show mercy, m’lord!”
And then one voice cries out above all the rest, and a body flings between me and Kairyn. Arms spread wide, hair blowing in the breeze, is my mate. “High Prince Ezryn removed his helm to save my life. I am his mate. It is written in both the stars and the creed that we are to witness all of one another,” Rosalina breathes. “I was then set upon by those guards and he tried to protect me. It was an unfortunate accident, but High Prince Ezryn did not willingly forsake his creed. Your father, the rightful steward of Spring, has passed the judgment of forgiveness. Let his decision stand.” Her body trembles, but I feel her resolution as strong as steel. “Please, Kairyn.”
Kairyn looks around. He must feel it, as I do. He’s lost the people. They’re rallying behind me.