But he hadn’t consulted me – hadn’t even warned me before spilling so much blood.
Was it truly for this reason alone?
I hesitated, unsure of what else to believe.
After the morning court session, Caelan burst into my chambers, practically dragging a veiled woman along with him.
When he tore the veil away, I was stunned – the woman bore a striking resemblance to me, seven or eight years younger.
A sickening realization settled over me.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded.
He dismissed everyone else from the room and looked at me with a manic glint in his eyes. “I want to marry you, to crown you as my empress in full view of the world.”
I stared at him, utterly speechless. “You’ve lost your mind, Caelan. Do you truly think you can deceive the entire court?”
His eyes flashed with a dangerous intensity, his expression one of a beast about to pounce. “And if they speak out? Then I’ll sever their heads!”
I pointed at him, my voice trembling with rage. “You–!”
But he grabbed my hand, this time pleading. “Mother, please, just agree!”
I wrenched my hand free, so furious that I could feel the blood pounding in my ears.