Taelon didn’t flinch. “Yes.”
Gregor, the king of Heprin chuckled and asked, “And this is supposed to help her case?”
Taelon lifted his chin and squared his shoulders. “It is my understanding that Tessana is not on trial for her involvement with criminals or rebels. To my knowledge Conandra has been called to verify that she is who she says she is. Am I wrong?” When nobody said anything, Taelon went on, “I am testifying that this truly is the Lost Princess. Eight years ago, I helped her escape the Castle Extentia after we found her family murdered. And only months ago, I was reunited with her in the Tellekane Forest. She knows things that only Tessana could know—about her escape, about our history, about me. Tessana risked her life on more than one occasion to bring the Crown of Nine here, to its recognized place of power. Once here, she brought it to her uncle. And when talk of war broke out, Tessana called for Conandra. She could have allowed war. She could have simply demanded that those loyal to the Crown of Nine overthrow the current regime. But she didn’t. She walked willingly into a trial where she has been disrespected, lied about, and mistreated. And yet her testimony does not waver.” Taelon paused, allowing the council and crowd to absorb his argument. When he spoke again, his voice had dropped to a rich baritone that resonated with authority and conviction. “Your majesties, let the truth be heard. Recognize this woman for who she really is.” His arm swept towards me. “The true heir to the Elysian throne. Tessana Allisand.”
The council stared at Taelon as if he’d grown a second head. The throne room fell utterly silent. I smiled. I couldn’t help it. Even I had never been more convinced that I was truly Tessana Allisand.
And I had never once doubted my identity.
In a more subdued voice than I had ever heard from him, Tyrn said, “Thank you, Taelon Treskinat. We will take your testimony into consideration.”
“Good,” Taelon clipped out somberly. “And while you’re doing that, also consider this.” He stepped back and gestured to Gunter.
Taelon had already proved his point, even if he had smudged facts and exaggerated my courage. I didn’t know what else there was to say.
My mouth fell open when Gunter dropped to one knee, facing me and not Tyrn. Eret soon lowered to his knee on the other side of Taelon, pressing his hand to his heart and offering me the highest form of respect.
“We are not here to testify, Princess,” Gunter announced over the fresh outcry of voices. “But to offer allegiance to the Allisand bloodline. To the Seat of Power. To you, Tessana Allisand, for as long as you may reign.” I shook my head, unable to comprehend the scene in front of me. “I offer you my services and my devotion, Your Majesty, along with all of my tribe. The Cavolia are committed to the Seat of Power once more as long as Tessana Allisand and her descendants sit upon the throne.”
I felt my eyes grow big until I was sure they bulged. Gunter hardly knew me. And I was certain he had not been fond of what little he did know.
And yet for him to offer allegiance on behalf of the entire Cavolia? It couldn’t be.
They were kingless. Loyalty-less. They did not fight for any one kingdom. They protected the Cavolia above all else.
“What are you doing?” Tyrn demanded. He stood and marched down the stairs. His guards rushed to stand by his side. “What is going on?”
“Likewise, the Rebel Army also pledges loyalty to the Crown of Nine as long as Tessana Allisand and her descendants control the realm,” Eret offered next. “We swear to fight with the realm to destroy the Ring of Shadows and bring about peace once more. Consider us at your whim, my Queen.”
Hope swelled and for the first time since Conandra started, I felt the possibility of victory.
Taelon had risked so much today. He’d wagered the entire Rebel Army and the Cavolia on my name—that the council would believe him.
And me.
The court erupted with noise. The two men stayed on their knees with their heads bowed, facing me, until Tyrn shouted, “That is the last of the witnesses. We will hear from no one else! Conandra is dismissed until we have our final verdict.”
A meaty hand clamped around my bicep. Crenshaw’s foul scent filled the air and he began to drag me toward the door. I tried to pull away, but his grip was too tight.
The crowd pressed around me, fighting to get a closer look. Faces pushed into mine and hands tugged on my clothes and body while Crenshaw moved us relentlessly through the throng. People called out, using my full name and shouting question after question.
I searched for Taelon, but there were too many people in the way now. I couldn’t find him.
“Wait,” I gasped. I tried to retrieve my arm and disentangle from Crenshaw. “I’m not ready!”
“There’s no more waiting,” Crenshaw growled. “Come, Princess Imposter, your crown awaits.”
I fought harder, struggling to break free, but Crenshaw grabbed my other arm and punished me for fighting by holding me so tightly I knew I would bruise. His sour mouth dipped against my ear. “Tsk tsk, Your Highness. Don’t make a scene now. Not when your future depends on it so.”
“Where are you taking me?” I hissed.
He straightened and shoved me forward. “To your room. I have orders to carry out.”
Fear slithered in my belly and I battled the panic clawing at my chest. I couldn’t ignore the instinct telling me to run. As soon as we were in the hall and away from this crush of people, I would get away.
I would hide until they had a verdict. Or find Taelon and explain my fears,
