Page 71 of Sea and Sky
Before, Gavin always thought the throne room was beautiful, but now it felt stifling. The glass ceiling and dozens of stained-glass windows were the only parts he enjoyed for all the glittering light they let in.
“Your Majesty,” Gavin bowed, and Kyler followed with his adorable excuse for one.
His Majesty’s lips pulled into a sneer. “Is this your little merman?” He pushed from his throne and strolled towards Kyler. “He’s very pretty.”
Gavin stood in the way. “Don’t come any closer.” He didn’t know what His Majesty’s plans were, but he’d do anything to protect Kyler.
“I just want to smell him.” His Majesty licked his lips. “Taste him. Have you had fresh mer tail? It’s been ages. Their meat is so tender.”
Gavin’s stomach wrenched. Perhaps it wasn’t only the necromancers that drove merfolk away. Or perhaps His Majesty had truly gone mad.
His Majesty inched closer.
Kyler stumbled backwards and tripped on his own feet.
“I think you’re close enough.” Gavin dared press his hand to His Majesty’s shoulder to keep him from getting closer.
“This is the little merman that’s wrecked our court. He needs to suffer the consequences. Guards!” Venom dripped from his voice. His eyes bulged, looking wild and frantic.
“No!” Gavin pulled Kyler back to his feet and brought him close. He’d never seen His Majesty look so crazed. “Kyler has done nothing to deserve—”
“The two of you succeeded in dissolving the arranged marriage.” His Majesty flicked a note towards Gavin, watching it sail past the pair of them. “I can not marry you to Avondra if Ailey is already married. With your blessing. How dare you do this? And with what? Some street urchin? The boy isn’t even royal.”
“No, he’s not. But he’s perfect the way he is.”
Kyler’s cheeks burned red and it would be adorable if they weren’t in the throne room and His Majesty acting like a bratty child.
Gavin had to keep himself from growling, but bent over and snatched the letter from the ground instead. A green wax seal with a crown told him it was indeed from Avondra.
When he opened the note, Ailey’s beautiful penmanship greeted him. He grinned as he read. “Ailey married Trance. How wonderful!”
“She insulted us by—”
Gavin raised a hand, his heart pounded at his action. “The wedding was a whirlwind. There was no time if they were to stop the impending war between their countries.”
Gavin’s boldness surprised himself.
“And what of the war between Lane and Avondra?” His Majesty was so close Gavin practically breathed the same air as him. His Majesty shoved Gavin. “You will fly to Avondra and destroy them for their slight.”
“Absolutely not!” Gavin bellowed back. “Have you gone mad? There is no need. Avondra is still our ally. No need to—”
“Arrest him,” Leander’s voice rang out.
Gavin’s heart pounded.Him?Whichhim? Surely not—
“His Majesty is no longer of sound mind. He makes poor judgments and threatens the peace that we’ve had for decades.Arrest him.”
Guards poured in from places Gavin always forgot about. He clung to Kyler and pressed a kiss to his head, mostly to reassure himself. “Everything’s okay.”
“Unhand me! How ridiculous! You’ll be sorry!” His Majesty screamed as guards carried him away. “Give me that merman’s tail! You’ve never had anything so delicious!” No one came to the madman’s aid. No one wished to stay under his rule.
Out of the corner of Gavin’s eye, he noticed Ambrose stride in as the king flailed around.
The crown clanked to the floor. Leander bent to pick it up and placed it on the obsidian throne. No doubt not ready to place it upon his head. For all his desire to rule—as a good king—Leander needed time to adjust.
Gavin stepped forward, proud of his brothers for orchestrating the takeover. “All hail king Leander!” Those gathered continued the chant until the room was filled with the sound. Leander would be a good leader and Gavin couldn’t wait to see what his brother did for the people now he had the power to.
Leander raised his hands. “My people, please forgive me for not doing this sooner, but all pieces needed to slide into place.”
