MARKED BY MOON
"I know she was pushed out, forced into hiding, denied her rightful place because tradition couldn't accept a woman claiming what was hers by blood and birth."
His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly.
"So here's my counter," I continue, refusing to let his silence unsettle me. "You want the throne? Come take it. Not through conspiracy, not through poison and assassination and hidden archives. Face me directly, if you actually believe your claim is superior to mine."
Kian steps up beside me, placing his hand firmly against the small of my back, unified strength radiating from the simple gesture. Ephraim's eyes flick between us, calculating this new variable.