Chapter 91: A demon
"You certainly do, Your Majesty. We would never speak falsely against our king. But please, consider the greater future of this kingdom," Minister Gregory implored, still kneeling alongside the others.
Belle’s father flicked his gaze toward her, a wicked smirk curling his lips, malice gleaming in his eyes.
"So, you suggest I abandon the child in her womb and forsake them both? What wise men you are!" Hezekiah sneered, stepping down from his throne and advancing toward the ministers. At his approach, they instinctively crawled backward, fear tightening their expressions.
"Your Majesty, please, calm yourself," Minister Gregory urged, his tone careful. He knew all too well that Hezekiah’s patience was thin, and the closer he drew, the greater the danger. Though the ministers held power, it had its limits, and only fools tested Hezekiah’s restraint. After the Duke of the North, Hezekiah was the most feared man in the kingdom. Those who had dared to rebel against his father had met gruesome ends, and Hezekiah was no gentler, if anything, he was worse.
"Should we yield for now?" One of the ministers beside Gregory whispered, sweat tracing down his temples.
Gregory shot him a withering glare. "Coward. We must negotiate, or our words will lose their weight entirely," he hissed, shoving him slightly. Even if one among them was sacrificed today, he would ensure they did not leave this battle empty-handed.
"Normally, I wouldn’t entertain counsel on my marriage from a group of old, useless ministers," Hezekiah remarked, now standing directly before them. "But for the sake of the kingdom’s peace, I will hear your proposition." His voice was calm, too calm. Only a fool would believe it was genuine.
"Your Majesty, if you are truly determined to wed her and make her queen, then let us place the decision in the hands of the Twelve Elders. If you do not trust us, surely you can trust their judgment," Minister Gregory proposed.
Hezekiah remained silent for a moment before bending to Gregory’s level.
"And how am I to believe you will not sway them to your will?" He murmured into Gregory’s ear.
"They will be confined within the palace until a decision is reached." Lifting his head to meet the king’s gaze, Gregory assured him.