My Blood Awakened, His Reign Ended novel · Chapter 5 of 24

Chapter 5: The Third Bowl

"On the Altar, as the law has it," the eldest Elder said. "The Court should see its heir give freely."

"Then let them see," I said.

I walked down to the Great Hall with six guards behind me and a wolf at my shoulder, and the Court parted in front of us.

Ronan had not asked if he could come.

I had not told him he couldn't.

Two hundred faces turned as I climbed the three black steps.

Lenora sat on the dais in a cushioned chair with Lucian standing behind her, and for once she was not looking at him.

She was looking at the floor.

The eldest Elder set the silver bowl on the stone.

"Princess Isobel, offer your wrist."

"No."

The hall drew a breath.

"I have given ninety-five bowls," I said. "In three years. I gave them on the Altar, in the dungeon and on the floor of my own room, and every time the Prince stood where you are standing and looked at the bowl. Tonight I'm saying no."

Somebody near the back said, "Ninety-five?"

It was Lenora.

She had gone whiter than her pillows, and her fingers were pressed to her mouth.

"Lucian, you told me it was a few," she whispered. "You said a few."

Lucian did not answer her.

He came down from the dais, and his face was a locked door.

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