Dark Moon Fourth Arc (Thorns of The Black Throne) - 543. The Plan II

Fourth Arc (Thorns of The Black Throne) - 543. The Plan II

Darius had married Seraphine, placed her beside his throne, and allowed her influence to spread through the palace for years. The queen controlled the castle's magical defenses, enjoyed considerable authority over the household, and had carefully cultivated an image of elegance and competence.

Accusing her without overwhelming evidence would be dangerous.

And even with evidence… Would his father believe him? Or would Darius consider the accusation another attempt to undermine his authority?

Roric knew his father.

Darius hated being deceived, but he hated being publicly proven foolish even more.

If Roric exposed Seraphine, he would also expose the king who had trusted her. And if Darius chose his pride over his children?

Roric's expression darkened.

There was another solution. A simpler one. Remove Seraphine. Not imprisonment. Kill her. The thought came so naturally that Roric almost recoiled from himself.

But he examined it anyway.

A dead Seraphine could not poison him again. She could not manipulate Jane, control the castle shield, or whisper into his father's ear.

One death could end years of suffering.

How disturbingly convenient. Except it would not end there.

Darius might never forgive him. His father might imprison him, strip him of his position, or even order his execution. And if Darius defended Seraphine despite everything she had done…

Roric slowly lowered his gaze… Then he might have to remove his father too.

The thought was so terrible that he immediately tried to bury it.

But it had already appeared.

A prince contemplating the death of his queen and the overthrow of his king. His own father. He had regained his mind less than an hour ago, and apparently his first independent political decision was considering regicide.

What an excellent recovery.

Across the table, Angel smiled.

Not broadly.

Just a small, unmistakable curve of his lips. He recognized that expression. He had seen it in mirrors years ago, back when he was still a new king surrounded by people who considered betrayal a perfectly respectable noble activity.

The hesitation.

The guilt.

The horrible realization that survival might require doing something the world would never forgive.

Roric was standing at a crossroads. And Angel knew exactly where both roads led. "Seems like you'll have a lot to think about."

Roric looked up sharply.

Angel's smile remained. "That woman is dangerous. And your father seems rather attached to keeping her around, regardless of how miserable their marriage appears."

Jane frowned. "Father doesn't even seem to like her."

"Affection isn't the only reason a king keeps someone beside him," Angel replied. "Pride, convenience, political arrangements, fear of humiliation. Take your pick." He tilted his head. "Your father has something invested in that woman. Whether it's trust, authority, or simply his refusal to admit he made a terrible decision, I wouldn't underestimate it."

Roric remained silent.

"So be careful with your decision," Angel continued. "I can help you, but you might not like my style."

It was an invitation. Or perhaps the warning.

Roric studied him. He knew Angel's reputation. Everyone did.

The King of Euphorion had not acquired his territories through persuasive speeches and pleasant dinner invitations. Kingdoms had fallen before him. Armies that once threatened his borders had become cautionary stories told by frightened generals.

Angel did not seem particularly troubled by the concept of removing a ruler.

In fact, judging from that faint smile, he might consider it an enjoyable administrative exercise.

Roric exhaled. "Is that why you helped us?"

Angel raised an eyebrow. "To overthrow your father?"

"To interfere with Pontus."

"Ah."

Angel glanced at the empty antidote vial. "No."

Roric waited. "I helped you because I wanted to know something about your stepmother."

Jane's expression sharpened. "Her magic?"

"Among other things."

Angel's gaze shifted briefly toward the window. He remembered Seraphine's melody. The strange resonance beneath his skin. The way the dark crystal inside him had responded to something ancient and disturbingly familiar. He had come to Pontus looking for answers.

Instead, he had discovered a royal family being quietly dismantled by a woman who apparently considered human minds suitable material for personal experimentation.

"And it seems she ended up interested in me," Angel added.

Roric blinked. "Interested?"

Angel's expression became mildly disgusted. "I'm not a fan."