Page 55 of Pregnant at the Palace Altar

“I’m sure they did, but who says Marias didn’t want to as well?”

Diamandis looked down at Katerina blindly. “But he didn’t work with them. He workedagainstthem. He helped me get rid of those who sought to grab power, who blamed staff for their own defections.”

“Which gave him the highest place on your council and cleared out any rivals he might have among your advisers. It won him not just your trust, but your devotion. Youowedhim. He kept your secret and convinced you it was a secret no one would understand, when I think it is something that anyone would understand. Who benefits from it being a secret, Diamandis?”

“The kingdom,” he said, because that had always been the answer he’d been fed. The answer he’d felt. He wasn’t worthy because...

Katerina rose and crossed over to him. Her eyes were wet but her words were strong. “Think, Diamandis. Think beyond the scared, frightened boy you were, to the reality of the situation. No one would have blamed you for killing any man in self-defense, let alone the one who killed your parents. Regardless of who he was to you.”

“I don’t...” But he’d been having doubts about Marias, hadn’t he? Could it be that the man he’d trusted was as bad as those early political graspers?

But he had killed a man. He had been too weak with grief to see through the machinations of his father’s men.

Men, when you were a boy.

Are you still a boy? Are you too weak now?

He looked at Katerina, who had never led him wrong in all her years in his service, and now was his queen. Who’d never put her own needs or wants above his. He trusted her more than anyone. She understood his responsibility to the kingdom, and his father’s memory. She had always been correct about things, even when he hadn’t wanted her to be.

Because she was a marvel. A wonder. Beautiful and strong.His.

But if he loved her, then history would repeat itself. He would make concessions for her, more than he’d already made. And someone would sneak into the cracks, as his uncle had.

For a moment, he could see the pools of blood in his brothers’ room, but instead of the boys, it was Katerina’s lifeless body he saw. The image was fictional, but if he gave in to this, it could become real.

“Perhaps you are not wrong,” he said—or tried to, but his throat was closed so tight it was hard to push out the words. “Perhaps my oldest confidant is in fact a traitor to me and the crown.”

He could not trust a feeling, could he? Not when it came to anyone.

“Thank you for this clarifying discussion,” he said stiffly.

Confusion chased over her face and she reached out for him. “Diamandis...”

He sidestepped her arms and began to back away toward the door. “I think you are quite right about many things.”

She continued to follow him as he backed away. “I’m glad, but—”

“Marias will be dealt with swiftly as my concerns about his loyalties have been growing lately. What you’ve shed light on makes it clear we cannot move forward with him in my employ.”

“I think that’s the right course of action, but—”

“It will be a messy political business and I will be very busy. I think it’s best if you return to Anavolí, with the medical team of course. Perhaps Zandra would like to join you.”

Confusion was being replaced with frustration, and a little flash of anger. “I have been by your side while you’ve dealt with many a political mess, Diamandis. I will hardly run away now just because I am your wife or because I am pregnant.”

“Politics is no longer your duty, nor is standing by my side. Your duty is to birth our children. Best if it’s done away from the political storm, I think.”

“Birth...? You want me to spendmonthsat Anavolí without you? Have our children over there while you remain here?”

“It would be best. If I do not see you before you leave, I bid you farewell.” He gave her a stiff bow.

“Diamandis, you cannot honestly—”

But her words abruptly halted because he had walked away. And never looked back.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

KATERINAHADFELTmany things in this palace, but confusion to this degree was new. She hadnoidea what had just happened. What Diamandis was thinking. What was behind this decision.

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