The King Begins To Grovel

The palace changed within a week since Knox decided it had to.

The first change came during the morning council.

Several nobles stood around the long table discussing border taxes when Knox suddenly interrupted them. “Lady Helena.”

The woman froze. “Yes, Your Majesty?”

Knox stared at her. “You insulted the Queen during the winter banquet.”

The room went silent.

Helena's face paled. “I—I didn't mean—”

“You called her defective.”

She swallowed. “I was unaware—”

“You were aware.” Knox's voice was cold. “You watched her being humiliated and laughed.”

Helena lowered her head. “I apologize.”

Knox's expression hardened. “Apologize to the Queen.”

Ross, who had been sitting at the other end of the table, looked up.

Helena turned toward her. “Your Majesty, please forgive me.”

Ross stared at her even when she felt so good within her. At least, she could see a tip of an iceberg that Knox was proving himself.

Knox looked at the guards. “Remove her from the council.”

Two guards immediately stepped forward.

Helena's eyes widened. “My King!”

“You will surrender your council position and spend the next year serving the kingdom's northern villages.”

The room went still.

Knox looked around the table. “And if anyone else believes the Queen's position gives you permission to disrespect her, you are welcome to follow her.”

Nobody moved.

Ross stared at Knox. What a man he was becoming. A man she always wanted.

---

By the following day, three servants had been dismissed. One had refused to obey Ross's instructions. Another had deliberately served her spoiled food. The third had once laughed when Ross was mocked by the other servants.

Knox didn't shout. He didn't need to. His authority was enough. “Anyone who works in this palace will respect the Queen,” he told them.

The servants bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Ross watched from the staircase. She still didn't know what to make of him. This wasn't the man she had married. That man had watched people hurt her. This man was removing the very people who had once hurt her. But Ross refused to let herself become hopeful since she had learned what hope could cost.

---

That evening of the same day, Ross returned to her chambers. A few minutes later, someone knocked. She froze. “Who is it?”

“Knox.”

Ross stared at the door. “You can come in.”

The door opened slightly but Knox remained outside. “Are you sure?”

Ross blinked. “What?”

“May I enter?”

She simply stared at him wondering why he was taking permission. She finally nodded. “Yes.”

Knox stepped inside.

Ross looked at him suspiciously. “You asked permission.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because it's your room.”

She stared at him. “You never cared before.”

“I know.” His expression tightened. “I'm trying to learn.”

Ross didn't know what to say. She just watched him walk no farther than necessary. “I wanted to tell you something.”

“What?”

“The royal council has agreed that your position as Queen will remain independent from mine.”

Ross frowned. “What does that mean?”

“You can make decisions concerning the ancient bloodline without my approval.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “You're giving me authority?”

“No.” Knox looked directly at her. “I'm acknowledging the authority you already have.”

Something inside Ross shifted. It was a small distinction. But an important one. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Knox nodded. Then he turned toward the door.

Ross frowned. “Where are you going?”

“You said I could enter.”

“Yes.”

“You didn't say I could stay.”

For the first time, a tiny smile touched Ross's lips. When he saw it, he almost smiled back but hid it as he left.

Nash found Knox in the hallway. The Beta leaned against the wall, grinning. “You asked permission to enter her room.”

Knox glared at him. “Don't start.”

“I haven't started.”

“You're smiling.”

“I smile naturally.”

“You look pleased with yourself.”

“I am.” Knox continued walking. Nash followed. “You know, Your Majesty, watching you learn basic manners is strangely inspiring.”

Knox stopped. “Keep talking.”

Nash smiled. “Welcome to the consequences department.”

Knox's eyes narrowed. “What did you say?”

“The consequences department.” Nash patted his shoulder. “Population: you.”

Knox grabbed his collar. “Nash.”

“Yes?”

“I could have you thrown into the dungeons.”

Nash made a face completely unbothered by his words. “You could.”

“I could banish you.”

“You could.”

“I could kill you.”

Nash grinned. “There he is.” Knox released him. Nash straightened his clothes. “I was worried you had become nice.”

Knox walked away. “You're impossible.”

Nash followed. “You love me.”

“I tolerate you.”

“Same thing.”

—--

That night, Ross stood on her balcony. She looked across the palace. Since she had returned from the battlefield, she didn't feel completely alone. She still wanted her freedom. She still wanted the divorce. But she couldn't deny that Knox was changing. Not only with grand promises. Not only with expensive gifts. But also with actions.

He was removing the people who had mistreated her. He was protecting her position without trying to control her. He was asking permission before entering her room. And most importantly, he wasn't demanding forgiveness. He was simply trying to become someone worthy of it.

Ross rested her hands against the balcony railing. Perhaps Knox was finally understanding what she had wanted all along. She hadn't needed a king. She had needed a husband who saw her.

Behind her, there was another knock.

Ross turned. “Who is it?”

“It's me.”

Knox. She hesitated. Then she smiled faintly. “Come in.”

The door opened. This time, Knox stepped inside without fear. But he still kept his distance. Ross noticed and it felt safe.