Page 112 of To Save a Kingdom

Her father studied the room, his eyes narrowing at the threat. “Between her refusal to choose an appropriate husband to carry on her line, as is the duty of every royal, and allowing our enemy to capture her castle without putting up a fight, she has demonstrated a dangerous inability to fulfill her duties to the realm.”

Aliya’s stomach plunged to the ground. No, he couldn’t do this. Not now, when she had freed Brooks’ hostages and managed to convince the sun elves to leave. Though, judging from the smug expression on Roland’s face, apparently her father had offered the elf something he wanted even more than the secrecy of his lineage.

The baron’s eyes sparkled. “The council has decreed they have no confidence in the queen. She is legally incompetent to hold the throne, and I have been selected to assume the title of Regent, which I will retain until such time as a new monarch can be ratified.”

Roland turned, the twitch of his lips hinting at the sneer he was trying to rein in. “Shall we tell them what you proposed, human?”

Sending a smirk in Elessan’s direction, Aliya’s father sidled over to the sun elf king. “You indicated your interest in claiming my daughter’s hand. Is that still the case?”

One corner of Roland’s mouth pulled up. “Of course.”

Aliya’s gut twisted at the betrayal as she glanced at her left palm—scar free since Roland had released her from her earlier marriage contract. She, who’d had no say in her future for so long, deserved to have input in whom she would marry. It was her life, after all. “No. I refuse!”

Baron Larimar held up his decree. “It’s done. His Majesty, King Enorathil will need a regent to manage this territory for him when he returns home, with you as his new wife. I already hold the title. All I asked was that I be allowed to keep it, to rule in his stead.”

Aliya clenched her hands so tight her knuckles popped. The treacherous, backstabbing, yellow-bellied polecat! “You would trade my freedom and steal my crown?”

At this point, she shouldn’t be surprised. Taking a deep breath and holding it for a count of four before exhaling, she met Elessan’s gaze. Surely, they could come up with a way to outmaneuver the elven king and her father. Zadé would be up for the challenge.

Roland held out his hand in human fashion. Eyes gleaming, Aliya’s father shook it with a little too much enthusiasm.

“Guards!” Regent Larimar said. “Escort my daughter to her rooms, where she will remain subject to house arrest. Throw the mountain elf and the general into the dungeon.”

“What? No!” Aliya stood so quickly her chair fell behind her.

Elessan was by her side, his sword between her and the soldiers. “Stay back!”

Aliya fisted her hands in her skirts as her eyes flicked to Roland, her father and the others. This couldn’t be happening, not now, when they were starting to get things under control.

The sentries stepped forward as she did a quick count. Twelve against three. Snatching her dagger off the table, she brandished it at the closest elf. He raised his eyebrow and glanced from her tiny blade to his full-sized longsword.

Right. Bringing a knife to a swordfight would accomplish nothing but her death.

Elessan nudged her back.

Aliya peeked over her shoulder. There was a servant’s exit in the far wall, but she wasn’t sure where it led. Exploring and learning the layout of the castle hadn’t been her highest priority this last week.

“Go, Princess!” Zadé was balanced on the balls of her feet, her clenched fists held up in a classic boxing pose. “We’ll cover yeh!”

“No!” She couldn’t leave them here to be captured.

“I’ll be right behind you!” Elessan tossed a quick glance at her. “I promise.”

Something in his eyes had her believing him. With one final glimpse at the room, Aliya spun on her heels and fled for the door.

Aliya had no idea where she was going as she sprinted down the narrow tunnel. When she reached a stairway, she bounded down. If they were running, they’d need food, and what better location to secure rations than the kitchens? She could use a cloak and a pair of trousers, too, but her rooms would be the first place her father would search for her, no doubt. Traveling in full-blown court regalia would be tedious, but it couldn’t be avoided. At least, for now.

Footsteps echoed down the hall behind her.

Ducking around a corner, Aliya pressed herself against the wall, her dagger held tight to her chest.

She lunged as her pursuer sprinted past.

A warm hand caught her wrist inches before she would’ve plunged the blade through his sternum.

“El!” Her knees went weak. She’d almost stabbed him!

Interlacing his fingers with hers, he tugged her forward. “What are you waiting for? Come on!” He raised an eyebrow at her. “And what did I tell you about aiming for the strongest part of people’s armor?”