Page 144 of An Archer's Redemption

Sweat beaded across Seth’s forehead as Liam struggled to stand still.

“We are well aware of who and what you are.” Jess moved one step down, then another, until she stood eye level with Seth. “We also know what you are not.”

Confusion mingled with frayed nerves as Seth’s gaze rose to meet his Queen’s.

“We believe your works in Oliver to be sincere, offered freely from a desire to help uplift our people. Our Constables, Councilors, and . . . others . . . reported as much.”

“I . . . I do what I can, Majesty.”

“And the Crown thanks you for that.” Jess’s tone softened. “The folly of my mother’s war has left too many in our Kingdom wanting. We need men of conscience and good will to minister to them. We need those around us, leaders, for whom the greater good outweighs their own desires. We need good men, Seth.”

Using his name staggered the former Priest as he gaped at the Queen.

“I am at Your Majesty’s service,” came out breathless.

Jess smiled, and her voice rose once more, taking on the regal tone I knew radiated from an iron backbone.

“Seth, no longer of the Order, for the service you have provided to our people, and for those words and deeds yet spoken and performed, the Crown names you Minister of Benevolence. From this day forth, your works shall be those of the Crown.”

Seth’s mouth opened, but no words flowed.

He blinked.

He stared.

After a pregnant moment, Jess took another step forward so she stood close enough to whisper. “Most people express gratitude or offer acceptance of a royal appointment. Some bow again or kiss our hand. You should choose one of those.”

I spat a laugh, earning sharply narrowed eyes from Jess.

Seth dropped to one knee.

His voice was filled with awe as he spoke. “Your Majesty, I . . . I have no words. You honor me beyond any imagining.”

Jess waited.

Seth remained kneeling, head cowed.

The silence stretched.

She glanced at me, then back to Seth.

I leaned over and whispered, “You still haven’t given her an answer.”

Seth’s head snapped up. “It would be the honor of my life to serve Her Majesty.”

On some unspoken cue, a page appeared with Jess’s royal sword on a velvet pillow. She raised it high, then set it on one of Seth’s shoulders, then the other, then back again.

“We create you Lord Caritas, Minister of Benevolence. Rise, Sir Caritas, Minister of Benevolence. Greet your Queen.”

As Seth stood on unsteady legs, Jess began to applaud. The assembled nobles and Councilors followed suit, each trying to outdo the others in offering their support for the realm’s newest Minister.

Liam beamed.

I’d almost forgotten him as he stood behind Seth, so engrossed was I with the game Jess played, teasing and taunting the poor man before offering him a royal appointment.

Relief and bewilderment brightened Liam’s eyes, and my heart swelled as I watched Seth turn and meet his gaze for the first time since Jess’s decree. What flowed between them was pure joy and unbounded love I’d seen too rarely over the past year.

It reminded me of how Declan and Ayden looked at each other.

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