6

Jordan’s POV

“Summon the full Royal Council immediately,” I ordered the guard at the door, my voice echoing through the chamber. “We discuss my brother’s arrest and the future of this kingdom. No one is excused. Tell them the King has returned and demands their presence now.”

The guard bowed sharply. “Right away, Your Majesty. They will not delay.”

I stood at the head of the long table, arms crossed, waiting as the nobles and council members filed in one by one. Their faces showed a mix of shock, relief, and clear unease. Scarlett entered last, walking with that quiet strength I was starting to notice more each hour. She took her seat beside mine without hesitation, her posture straight.

One of the older nobles, Lord Harlan, cleared his throat first. “Your Majesty, we are all relieved beyond words that you survived the forest. But imprisoning Prince Cassian without clear and undeniable proof… is that truly wise at this delicate time? He has many who still support him in these halls.”

“Wise?” I leaned forward, eyes narrowing on him. “He admitted enough with his own tongue when he saw me alive on the throne. The poison in my wine didn’t appear by magic. You think I should have let him sit smiling beside me while plotting my next ‘accident’?”

Lady Mirra shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “With respect, Sire, we need solid evidence before such a drastic move. The people are already restless with your sudden return and… your new Queen at your side. Moving too fast against the Prince could spark division inside the palace walls.”

I scanned their faces slowly. Their hesitation told me everything I had feared—Cassian still had loyal dogs hidden among them. I kept my expression cold and controlled. “Division? The only division I see is between those truly loyal to the crown and those who secretly cheered when they thought me dead in the woods.”

Another councilman, Lord Varen, spoke up next. “And what of the Queen herself? Many are questioning her sudden appearance and legitimacy. A pregnant woman from the woods claiming the throne beside you… it raises doubts in the court. How can we silence the rumors?”

My jaw tightened. I felt Scarlett stiffen slightly beside me, but she stayed silent for now. I turned my full gaze on Varen. “You dare question her in front of me? Scarlett is my mate. She carries my heir. That alone makes her your Queen. Anyone who insults her or spreads poison about her insults me directly. Is that clear enough for every single one of you?”

Varen paled visibly. “I… I only meant the people need time to accept a stranger so quickly, Your Majesty.”

“Time?” I cut him off sharply. “We don’t have time for doubts and rumors. Our coronation will take place in exactly one week. Spread the word across the kingdom today. Prepare the halls, the feasts, everything. And hear this warning well—all of you.” I stood slowly, letting my voice fill the entire room with authority. “Disrespecting the Queen is the same as disrespecting the King himself. I will not tolerate it. She stands beside me, and you will treat her with the respect she deserves.”

A few uneasy murmurs rippled through the council, but no one challenged me openly. I caught Lord Harlan exchanging a quick glance with another noble. Good. Let them fear the consequences.

Lord Harlan bowed his head slightly. “As you command, Your Majesty. But about Prince Cassian… what are your full plans for him and his supporters?”

I signaled quietly to my most trusted spy, Ronan, who stood in the shadows near the back wall. He nodded once, understanding my meaning. Later I would give him the full order to begin a secret investigation into every loyalist still supporting my brother.

“For now, Cassian stays in the dungeons where he belongs,” I replied firmly. “He will face a public trial when the evidence is complete and undeniable. Until then, focus all your efforts on the coronation. The kingdom needs stability and a strong royal pair. Nothing less.”

Scarlett finally spoke, her voice steady and clear. “I understand your concerns about me. I didn’t ask for this position, but I am here now. I will learn quickly, listen well, and serve this kingdom with everything I have for the sake of the child I carry.”

Lady Mirra studied her carefully. “You speak with surprising confidence for someone new to these halls, Your Majesty. Where exactly did you come from before the woods claimed you both?”

“From a life that prepared me to survive hardship,” Scarlett answered without flinching. “That survival is what matters now. I will prove myself through actions, not just words.”

I felt a strange surge of admiration watching her. The marriage was only a contract, a tool for both our revenges, but she carried herself like a true queen already. No tears, no weakness in front of them.

Lord Varen tried one last time. “One week for the coronation seems very rushed, Your Majesty. The old traditions require months of preparation and—”

“Traditions nearly got me killed,” I interrupted coldly. “We do this my way. One week. Prepare everything without fail. This meeting is dismissed.”

The council members rose quickly, bowing before filing out. Whispers followed them into the hallway, but I ignored them. Once the room emptied completely, I turned to Scarlett.

“You handled their questions better than most seasoned nobles would,” I said, my tone quieter now that we were alone. “Their words were meant to shake you and test me.”

She met my eyes directly. “I felt every word, Jordan. But showing weakness here would only hurt us both. This is our arrangement. I’ll play my part as long as you play yours.”

I watched her stand and walk toward the door with that same quiet confidence, even after everything the council had thrown at her today. For the first time, I wasn’t just seeing her as useful to my plans. I truly admired her resilience—the way she faced their judgment without breaking. It stirred something deeper I hadn’t planned on feeling.

“Scarlett,” I called before she could leave.

She paused at the door, glancing back over her shoulder. “Yes?”

“Stay strong through all of this. We’re in this together now, whether we like it or not.”

A small, genuine smile touched her lips. “I know. We have no choice if we both want to win.”

The door closed softly behind her. I stood alone for a long moment, processing the meeting and the hidden loyalties I now had to root out.

A soft knock broke the silence. Ronan slipped inside, his face tense and urgent.

“Your Majesty,” he said, closing the door firmly behind him. “I have news from my first quiet checks. There is another traitor hiding inside the palace—closer than we feared, and more dangerous.”

I turned sharply toward him. “Speak plainly, Ronan. Who is it and how deep does this rot go?”