Page 24 of An Archer's Redemption

“Spirits, no!” Minister Carver said before covering his mouth with the ridiculous lace handkerchief he carried everywhere.

The tears I held at bay broke free and trailed down my cheeks. I blinked to clear my vision. My eyes drifted to my hands for what felt like forever, then I looked up.

“Gentlemen, please sit? There is much we need to discuss.”

As the final Councilors took their seats, I glanced at the Mage at the table’s opposite end. “Sir, please introduce yourself. I do not know you.”

The man bowed again. “Your Highne—forgive me—Your Majesty, I am Dane Ernest. Since the High Chancellor is in the east with our troops, Minister Bacras thought it would be helpful to have another Mage offer counsel to the Throne.”

This was the first time anyone had addressed me by the monarchical title. A surge of nervous energy tickled its way up my spine.This will take getting used to.

Then the Mage’s mention of the High Chancellor sank in.

I pursed my lips.

Was this another snake like Thorn? Were all Mages? Atikus was a Mage and a good man, but he was Melucian. Did any good men remain within the Kingdom’s borders? At least, did any good men in blue robes?

I knew the other men at the table, but should I trust this one? I didn’t trust any of my father’s Councilors, other than Uncle Ethan, but they were not unfamiliar to me. This Mage was a new variable in an ever-changing landscape.

Before I could speak, Minister Bacras leaned toward me and whispered, “Majesty, he’s a good man. Not one of Thorn’s, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“How did you—?” Of course he knew how I felt about Thorn. It was no secret. The entire Palace knew I loathed the little weasel. He barely entered a room before a scowl marred my face. The other Ministers had witnessed my reaction to Thorn’s smooth talk at hundreds of Council meetings.

I will have to be more careful about how I let others see my true feelings moving forward . . . about everyone. Did Father struggle to steel himself every moment of every day? Would the Crown always feel so . . . burdensome?

I nodded once to the Mage, and the man took a seat.

A moment of silence hung in the air as the men waited for their Queen to address them. I eyed each man before beginning the speech I rehearsed a dozen times.

“My Lords, the King is dead. Prince Justin is dead. My mother, theformerQueen, killed them both in an attempt to take the crown for herself. Even now, she leadsourtroops in an unjust war against our Melucian neighbors—all in the name of justice for my kidnapping. We have incontrovertible evidenceshewas behind my kidnapping and attempted murder as well.”

I watched shock flood into my advisors anew. To their credit, none spoke.

The massive chamber held its breath.

Each statement sounded more outlandish and devastating than the last, yet the truth was plain when spoken aloud. Their entire world had changed.

“The Children, that ancient cult based in the village of Irina’s Seat, were responsible for the Gifted kidnappings that plagued both our nationandMelucia. They kidnapped me on my mother’s orders and would have sacrificed my life on the altar of their evil schemes if not for the bravery of our soldiers and . . . others.” My voice broke. “Prince Justin . . . my brother was lost during my rescue.”

I steeled myself before my grief could take control. This was no time to show weakness.

“That is everything I knew before fleeing my mother’s men. Your turn, gentlemen.”

Still, no one spoke.

They stared at me, as if trying to absorb this news.

In that moment, an odd sensation tickled the back of my neck, and a familiar voice whispered in my head,“Jess, it’s Atikus . . .”

Chapter 9

Jess

“Your Majesty, are you all right?”

I held up a hand to silence Dask as the Councilors exchanged confused glances.

“Jess, it’s Atikus.”The Mage’s baritone thrummed in my head.“Much has happened since we parted ways. Keelan is headed back to the cave with Dittler and can fill you in on the details. He should arrive in two weeks, possibly a day or two less.

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