Against the Reign Read Online Free PDF Page A

voices become louder. Vian is crying next to me; I realize he’s holding my arm and squeezing it much too tightly. I move it just enough so he’ll loosen his grip, but not let go; the feeling returns to my arm with prickling pain. Around me, my father’s court officials are in a heated discussion. I’m not sure why my mind has brought me back to reality until I realize they’re talking about me.
    “We would have to do it now! We leave ourselves vulnerable if we don’t!”
    “But is she ready? We need a regent to take her place!”
    “And appear weak when we’re already under attack? That won’t do!”
    “It must be the princess and it must be now!”
    I’m instantly alarmed.
    “What are you talking about?” I ask. My sudden addition to the conversation quiets the room quickly. Ferrant takes a deep breath.
    “We must crown you tonight.”
    “What?” I feel like someone has punched me in the stomach. Since I’m already feeling woozy, this almost pushes me over the edge. My cheeks heat up where the color had drained from my face. “No! What do you mean? Why would I be crowned?”
    “We are almost certainly facing war. And from Windem, one of the strongest kingdoms! We cannot appear to be weak right now. We need a royal on our throne as fast as possible,” Ferrant explains. The other members of the court look apprehensive.
    “Then put Vian there!” I gesture to my brother. He’s still crying and he looks on the verge of collapse. I regret even suggesting it.
    “Vian is not next in line,” someone else points out.
    “Then I abdicate!” I cry in desperation.
    “If you do that, you may as well deliver us to Windem in a gold cup!” Ferrant’s voice is rising as well. But I shake my head.
    “I’m sure they’ve heard about me. Maybe putting me on the throne is exactly what they’re looking for! I step aside! That was the plan!”
    “What plan?” someone asks.
    “My plan to wait until Vian marries so I can step aside and give him the throne!” I explain. It still sounds like a good plan, but I can see it slipping from my grasp.
    “Vian is nowhere near ready to marry. And you could only do that with a unanimous vote from the court. You will be the new queen! And we must do it tonight!” Ferrant taps the table with his fist, but I pound it hard with mine.
    “You can’t put me on the throne!” I’m standing now, facing Ferrant.
    “The people of Newrock need a leader!”
    “The people of Newrock hate me!” I shout. By the looks on the faces of those in the room, I’m pretty sure they do, too. “They hate me! And I don’t need them! If you put me on the throne, they’re bound to overthrow me anyway! Put someone else there!”
    A calmness suddenly washes over Ferrant’s face. He takes a deep breath, but continues to stare me down. “If we show weakness now, we’ll be attacked for sure. They’ll come straight to the castle to bring down the rest of your family. Your parents are already dead. They will come for you and Vian next.” His words take me by surprise. I guess I haven’t thought this through. I’m stunned into silence, so he continues, “They may kill you right away. Or they may take you prisoner to use you as an example to others. They could torture you both for information on our kingdom. That is the future you promise Vian if you refuse the throne.”
    He hits a nerve. My eyes trail back to my brother, who has stopped crying to listen to our argument. His eyes widen with alarm and he looks at me for help. I feel short of breath.
    His sweet, brown eyes have looked at me like that before. I remember the first time. He had been playing with some other noble children during a feast at our castle. A little girl had wandered over to investigate his game. The spoiled, nasty girl had pulled Vian’s toy right from his little toddler’s grip. Instantly, his eyes became large pools of brown sadness, and they didn’t look for my parents. They looked straight to me and begged for