House of Daggers

s hung on the walls, illustrating Valtara's past successes in gleaming thread. My heart pounded, although I made an effort to show no visibl

ister stood next to a crimson cushion, on it a bejeweled crown. Wren hovered around one marble pillar, eyes wide and laser-focused, searching every undulating corner for threa

d smiles, an undercurrent of tension hung over the crowd. Lace fans fluttered in a whisper, and others refused to meet

es trained on me. Out of the corner of my eye, Wren's silhouette never wavered, a lighthouse on the stormy seas of chaos. Beneath a glittering c

tep. "Honored guests, we are here to witness the crowning of Lois Fraz

he lineages that had ruled these lands. The significance of this moment sent my heart racing. If it weren't for the bone-chilling realizati

room slammed against the walls, tearing the hush. Wren rushed to my side, a hand grazing my elbow, protectively unsure. My blood pulled at the invasion

t followed felt like charged unspoken electricity. My heart sank when I saw my old, dear friend interrupting the coronati

ould push on or stand aside. Wren took a stiff posture, ready for a fight. Nobles traded alarmed looks, cran

d of clarity. "I have evidence that this coronation is built on illegitimate foundations." He slowly op

sentangle fact from fabrication. My pulse soared. I was pinned by every gaze, powerless to stop Steve's accusatio

sound calm. "What lies do you bring to this sacre

ed long ago. Valtara deserves truth, not some woman who usurped a throne she had no business touching." His treachery marked me more than any k

nd the scandalous claims. The Prime Minister dropped the crown, color draining from his face. Guards shared

her protest. He swept his hand toward me with a gesture that turned in my gut.

pounded in my chest as I opened my mouth to dispute him, but the din of uncomfortable chatter drowned out my w

stions at Steve or me. My head was spinning trying to come up with a justified response, but every word got lost in the rush 

allegiance. Beyond them, Steve was advancing on the High Minister, who held the crown as if i

ey were a scepter of power. "These documents confirm that I sho

ough my heart raced, I wouldn't give in so easily. A whirlpool of treacherous shock spread through me. N

away, one of the soldiers took hold of my arm and stopped me. The other looked down, ashame

robbery. The rubies and sapphires glittered coldly, sneering at the pride I'd once had in my impending rise. My heart i

t, simply hung their heads. The din of disjointed cries echoed against frescoed ceilings, an unhol

ny lingering glow snuffed out by his ambition. The words fuzzed out in powerless fury. I could see the room curlicuing around me, the visions of rightful inheritance crashing to dust. Placing the crown upon his h