[IHTTMBW] Chapter 56

For the Queen, the influence of either Euphil or Myrthi would bring no benefit. It would only diminish her standing, especially as the Queen of Alkaden—her own sister—had recently been growing more vocal in her complaints about Myrthi’s influence. With that in mind, the Queen laid out her version of events, detailing everything she had heard.

“A troubling rumour is spreading through the palace. It concerns Princess Myrthi and Prince Euphil sharing a bed,” she said, giving a pointed emphasis.

The King’s face immediately grew taut as he listened. Numerous thoughts seemed to flicker across his features, but he arrived at only one conclusion. His expression turned a dark shade of red as he bellowed in fury, calling for his attendants.

“Bring them here at once! Summon those two immediately!”

It was my first time meeting the King formally. The handmaidens had been astonished when I was summoned to face him, which assured me that things were far from ordinary. On the way, I had taken deep breaths to calm myself, gripping tightly to Orzette’s sleeve for support as I glanced at Euphil, who had been summoned along with me.

What’s he planning to do to me now?

I thought grimly. This part wasn’t in any story. A meeting with the King was unheard of, and the thought alone made my throat dry. It’s fine, I told myself.

Euphil caught my eye and mouthed silently, I’ll protect you. The words were the same ones he had once spoken before. I stared at him for a moment, then nodded, resigned to my fate. I was already as good as cast aside; what could be worse than a death sentence?

Then the King began to speak.

“Two grown children... but born of different mothers.”

Grown? Grown children? His words puzzled me. I was only ten years old, and “grown” was far from accurate. But people who held contempt for me didn’t bother with details. The King was looking directly at Euphil and me, leaving no room for doubt—he had included me in this notion of “grown.”

We were standing in the grand hall before the King’s throne. Euphil was positioned to his left, I to his right, with a few ministers flanking us. It seemed they’d been briefed on the matter, for their faces showed unease.

The Queen sat smugly in her seat, her usual look of resentment hidden beneath a mask of confidence as she stared at me. There’s something more to this, I thought, and it involves the Queen. With her lack of children, her only pastime was politicking through her relatives, so if she was involved, this was likely a matter of power and alliances.

The King continued.

“It can be excused when they’re very young,” he said. His jowls shook as he spoke, and I furrowed my brow in confusion, a gesture that surprised Orzette beside me. She gingerly touched my forehead to smooth the wrinkle. It was a brave gesture in front of the King, and he responded with a scowl, his words biting.

“But Euphil is fifteen, and Myrthi is ten, and they can hardly be called young children anymore.”

Excuse me? You’re the only one here who’d call a ten-year-old “grown.” I wasn’t alone in my surprise; a few ministers cast bewildered glances at the King. Undeterred, he continued.

“Yet they’ve been sharing the same bed. What disgrace could be worse? And this, despite the fact that she’s already betrothed!”

At last, I understood what he was implying and why the Queen had urged him on. I bowed my head slightly, unable to stop a twisted smile from creeping onto my face.

Sharing a bed... What an absurd thing to accuse us of.

It was not only absurd but also offensive, making me wonder just how deeply the King despised us. The accusation was as untrue as it was appalling, particularly to say such things to one’s own children—especially a ten-year-old girl who wouldn’t even understand the implications.

The anger that rose within me wasn’t solely for my own sake; I felt it for the version of Myrthi that had endured such mistreatment in the original story, as well as for Euphil.

I glanced over to my left, where Euphil stood perfectly still, head bowed, though from a distance, I could see his hands clenched into tight fists.

The King wore a venomous smile. His drunken, bloodshot eyes were filled with anger—or perhaps something else. Narrowing my eyes, I observed his expression more closely.

Yes, it was there—cowardly satisfaction. After surveying us with contempt, he made his decree.

“As such, I forbid any further contact between the two of you within the palace. Furthermore, I command that Euphil Raize leave for the academy at once.”

“No!” I cried out. Breaking free of Orzette’s hold, I ran to Euphil and threw my arms around him.

“All Euphil did was read books with me! How is that wrong?”

“Watch your tone, Princess!” the Queen snapped, her face strict as she admonished my informal speech. Meanwhile, the King’s face revealed his satisfaction at my outburst.

“Yes, yes. That’s the expression I wanted to see. That’s more like it.”

“...All I have to do is go to the academy, then?” Euphil lifted his head slowly, finally meeting the King’s gaze.