Page 99 of Bride By Coronation

Zara's gaze darts between Fiona and me. Then it flickers with amusement. She taunts, "Did you have fun?"

"Eh. Don't, Zara," Sean warns.

She scoffs. "What? I had fun on my initiation night. Well, minus a few things..." Her face darkens.

I inform her, "Fiona's coronation wasn't like your initiation. Nothing like that happened."

"Nothing like what?" Fiona asks.

Relief crosses Zara's face. She shakes her head with a smile, stating, "Nothing."

Fiona's eyes turn to slits. "No. Tell me what you're referring to."

Zara swallows hard. She glances at Sean.

He stands taller, clenching his jaw.

I announce, "Zara killed several people."

"Kirill!" Zara explodes.

The blood drains from Fiona's cheeks and she gapes.

Zara blinks hard and looks away.

Fiona lowers her voice. "Zara? Is this true?"

She meets Fiona's gaze. "Yes."

Fiona's mouth drops open again.

"Thanks, Kirill," Zara grumbles.

I cross my arms, stating, "My queen has the right to know everything. She will not be kept in the dark any longer. If she asks a question, you will tell her the truth, no matter how hard it is for you. Do I make myself clear?"

Zara takes a deep breath and then nods.

"Sean?" I question.

He glares daggers at me, but says, "Yeah. I got it."

"Good." I turn toward my bride. "Is there anything else you want to know right now?"

Her greens widen. She glances between all of us, then says, "Yes."

"Go on," I urge.

She swallows hard, then directs her question to Sean. "How will I explain to Mom that I'm married to a Petrov?"

He grinds his molars.

"Well? You've known about this little fact longer than I have. Explain the solution to me," she orders.

He shakes his head. "I'm not sure."

She huffs. "You have no answer for me?"

He closes his eyes and then tilts his head back, staring at the ceiling.

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