Page 103 of Destiny Redeemed
Murmurs rippled through the court. The fine was substantial but far less than what many expected. In my past life, Father had lost his head for less.
Father bowed deeply. “I accept the judgment and am grateful for His Majesty’s mercy.” He paused. “However, I respectfully request permission to resign my position as Head of the Ministry of Revenue.”
The King leaned forward, surprise evident on his weathered face. “Are you certain, Elyas? One mistake, however serious, need not end a lifetime of service.”
“Your Majesty is most generous,” Father replied. “But I’ve been considering this for some time. I’m not as young as I once was, and perhaps it’s time for fresh eyes and new ideas to guide the Ministry.”
King Arnald studied Father for a long moment before nodding. “Very well. Your resignation is accepted, though not without regret.”
After the formalities concluded, Father joined us at the side of the chamber, looking lighter than I’d seen him in years.
“Well, that’s that,” he said, adjusting his cuffs with an air of finality.
“What will you do now?” Sebastian asked.
Father grinned. “I was thinking of trying my hand at farming.”
Laurel, standing discreetly behind me, muttered, “What is it with this family and farming?”
I shot her an amused glance. “Actually, Father, my textile business has grown considerably. I could use someone with your head for numbers to help manage the accounts.”
“That’s my girl.” Father draped an arm around my shoulders. “Always thinking ahead. Though I still might plant a few rows of turnips.”
Mother sighed dramatically. “Elyas, please. You’ve never gardened a day in your life.”
“It’s never too late to learn,” he replied cheerfully.
His smile faded as he looked at me. “You know, Lya, I’ve realized something—we D’Arcanes are terrible at being villains. Too soft-hearted underneath it all.”Yeah, right.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I replied honestly.
The court herald’s voice rang out. “Earl Magnus Bellrose, step forward for judgment.”
As Magnus shuffled to the center, chains rattling at his ankles, I glanced at Rosalind. Her face was a mask of composure, but I recognized the slight tremor in her clasped hands. She fought so much to clear her father’s name, only to discover he was guilty all along.
Without thinking, I crossed the room to stand beside her. Rosalind stiffened when I approached but didn’t move away.
“You don’t have to pretend with me,” I whispered. “I can only imagine what it must feel like—when the person you love most disappoints you.”
A single tear slipped down her cheek. “I gave up everything to prove his innocence.”
“And gained something better—the truth.” I took her hand gently. “It hurts now, but it will set you free.”
As Vincent read out Magnus’s crimes, Rosalind’s fingers tightened around mine. We stood together—former enemies who had found friendship in the most unlikely of circumstances, our bond strengthened by the shared weight of painful truths.In this moment of reckoning, I silently promised to stand by her side, no matter what came next.
As we left the court chamber, my mind was still processing the day’s events. Father was safe, Magnus had faced justice, and somehow, against all odds, I had managed to rewrite the worst parts of my fate. I felt oddly light, as if the weight I’d carried since my return to the past had finally lifted from my shoulders.
“I need to speak with Lady Rosalind,” I told my family as we prepared to depart. “I’ll meet you at the carriage.”
Mother nodded, linking her arm with Father’s as they walked ahead. Sebastian gave me a knowing look but said nothing as he followed them. Laurel hesitated until I gestured for her to go with them.
I had just turned down another corridor when a warm hand closed around my wrist, pulling me into an alcove behind a tapestry. I barely had time to gasp before I found myself pressed against Anderic’s chest, his scent of sandalwood and leather enveloping me.
“Sneaking off so soon?” He murmured, his breath hot against my ear.
“I was going to find Rosalind,” I replied, trying to sound indignant despite the way my pulse quickened. “And this is hardly princely behavior, dragging ladies into dark corners.”
His laugh was low and dangerous. “I’ve never claimed to be a perfect prince.” His fingers traced the line of my jaw. “Besides, you’re leaving already. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
