Chapter 55 · The Throne's Death Command

Black-red letters burned across my wrist before the tribunal doors finished closing.

KILL CARSON ROOK.

My knees gave out. Carson caught my elbow, his fingers digging into my skin.

"Don't look at it."

"It's on my wrist. Where the hell else am I supposed to look?"

Every judge saw the command appear. So did the guards. Crossbows lifted around the chamber, bolts aimed at Carson's chest.

Above us, the cracked throne seal spun through the broken ceiling. Blue fire dragged across the shield lines, making the silver rail scream.

The throne had chosen its target.

And it wanted me to murder my husband.

Carson's eyes dropped to my wrist. His jaw locked.

"Ivy, listen to me."

"No. You listen." I ripped my arm free. "You burned your badge in front of half the city. You told them I wasn't your prisoner. You told them I was your wife."

"I meant it."

"Then why is the throne ordering me to cut your heart out?"

The execution bell struck.

Carson flinched.

Barely. A twitch in his shoulder.