Page 119 of Prince of the Palisades

Papa shakes his head. “Then, you sent your son to America. Told him to regain Jadon’s trust. Ruin his plans.”

Barnard’s mouth twitches. He’s still quiet. But something flashes across his eyes—fear, I think.

“Because if Jadon failed,” Papa says tightly, “you’d be right. Réverie’s people wouldn’t respect my son. They’d blame their queen, who’s from America. Who—how did Léon put it?” He looks over to Samuel. “Isn’t one of us.”

Samuel nods, nostrils flaring.

Flustered, Barnard stands. He struggles to button his jacket. “My son’s delusional. I’d never—”

“You did,” I belt. “Don’t you dare lie to him.”

“Jadon.” Papa’s stern voice echoes. A warning. He folds his hands behind his back, turning to Barnard. “Are you denying it?”

Barnard’s face pales. “Your Majesty,” he stammers, “please.”

“There will be a royal investigation,” Papa tells him, ignoring his trembling jaw. “Your administration. Members of the Council. All will be called in. We’ll dissect every conversation. Rest assured, I’ll uncover every last detail.”

Barnard’s upper lip curls. The first tell. He loosens his tie, paces. His shoulders are slumped, heavy from guilt. He stops in front of the dais.

“The crown is a symbol. A reminder of who we are. What we’ve fought to protect since the days of King Réné.” He pointsaccusingly at Mom. “Queen Ava and your son don’t represent those values. Our people will never respect them.”

“How dare you,” Annika spits.

I stare at Mom. She doesn’t flinch.

“This country was built on the broken backs of those within,” Barnard says, undeterred. “We were almost destroyed by those who don’t belong. They’re undeserving of a position of power here. To bring their corrupt values—”

“Ça suffit!” Papa roars.

Barnard shivers, lips pressed into a thin line.

Frowning, Papa climbs the dais, toward Mom.

“I’m sorry, Ava,” he says. “Since the moment you came here, you’ve fought hard to be someone people love and respect. Our people. Our children. You’re the queen weallneed.”

Mom exhales shakily. There’s a shimmer of light across Papa’s eyes. I guess even kings can cry.

“This is my fault.” His gaze moves around the room. “I let this happen. But no more. For once, I won’t be neutral.”

He stares at me like he hopes I know this isn’t just King Simon speaking.

It’s my papa.

He walks over to Barnard. “You’re relieved of your duties until the investigation is complete, Stéphane.”

Barnard wavers like he’s overwhelmed.

Chin high, tone dignified, Papa says, “No Royal Council of State. No UN relations. You will not step foot on government or royal premises. No morecorruptingour people with the old ways. You’re done.”

“Wait, I—” Barnard looks past Papa’s shoulder to me. And Isee it. The blazing ring of fear in his eyes. “You can’t—”

“I can. And, as king, I will,” Papa decrees.

In my periphery, I spot Samuel shift around like he’s about to give Papa a standing ovation, but thinks better of it. He settles for a swift nod. Annika shifts over to Mom, kissing her temple. Mom’s gaze falls on me. When her lips lift the tiniest bit, like she’s proud of me, my chest puffs out.

Papa signals to the back of the room.

In seconds, two guards appear on either side of Barnard. They escort him away.

---