Chapter 19 Aug 18, 2025 Celeste The bells rang at midday, calling the court to assembly with unusual urgency. I heard them from my chambers. Hannah rushed in moments later, her face flushed with excitement. "His Majesty has called for immediate assembly," she said, wrapping a shawl around my shoulders. "All nobles are required to attend." "Required?" That was unusual. Court assemblies were typically formal requests, not commands. "The guards are stationed at every entrance. No one leaves until the King dismisses them." I made my way slowly to the great hall, still weak from yesterday's poisoning. The corridors buzzed with nervous energy as nobles hurried past in rustling silk and worried whispers. By the time I reached the grand doors, the hall was already packed. "Princess Céleste," Lord Beaumont nodded as I passed, his usual warmth replaced by careful politeness. "How are you feeling?" "Much better, thank you." But his eyes lingered on my face, searching for signs of whatever had caused my collapse. The whole court knew something had happened, though the details remained carefully guarded. I took my place in the front section reserved for royal family, acutely aware of the stares that followed my movement. Renard was already seated, as he watched me settle into my chair. He didn't offer assistance, didn't acknowledge me beyond a slight nod. The hall fell silent as Alexandre entered. He walked with purpose, his ceremonial robes flowing behind him like storm clouds. The gold crown caught the light from the tall windows, but it was his expression that commanded attention-cold, calculated, dangerous. "Lords and ladies of the court," he began, his voice carrying easily through the vast space. "Recent events have brought certain… vulnerabilities to my attention." Murmurs rippled through the assembly. I saw nobles exchanging glances, their faces tight with anticipation. They expected scandal. Expected blood. "Effective immediately, I am implementing new security measures within the palace. All food served to royal family members will be supervised by a designated taster. Access to private quarters will be restricted to essential personnel only." The murmurs grew louder. Duchess Evelyne sat three rows ahead of me, her silver head held high, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. "Furthermore," Alexandre continued, "I am restructuring certain court positions to ensure the safety and efficiency of our administration." Here it comes, I thought. "Lord Beaumont, you will assume oversight of all household staff. Lady Catherine, you will coordinate social functions with the new security protocols. Count Dubois-" His eyes swept the crowd until they found their target. "You are hereby relieved of your duties and granted leave to visit your estates in the south. Indefinitely." Count Dubois went pale. He was one of Evelyne's closest allies, a man who had whispered against me in council meetings and voted against every proposal I'd ever made. "Your Majesty," Dubois stammered, rising from his seat. "Surely there's been some misunderstanding-" "The decision is final." Alexandre's voice cut through his protests like a blade. "You leave tomorrow." The silence that followed was deafening. No one moved. The message was crystal clear: cross the royal family, cross me , and there would be consequences. "That concludes today's assembly," Alexandre announced. "You are dismissed." As the nobles filed out in hushed groups, I remained seated. The poisoning had been addressed without being named. Justice had been served without a trial. And everyone understood exactly what had happened. Later that evening, Hannah brought word that Duchess Evelyne had requested a private audience with the King. I wasn't surprised-the old woman was too proud to let such a public challenge go unanswered. I was reading in my chambers when Alexandre arrived near midnight, still wearing his formal coat but with his crown set aside. His face looked drawn, older than his years. "How did it go?" I asked, setting down my book. "About as expected." He settled into the chair beside my bed. "Evelyne is… displeased." "What did she say?" "That I'm destroying my house to protect a womb." His mouth twisted with bitter amusement. "She accused me of putting personal feelings above the stability of the crown." "And your response?" "That I'm protecting the future." His eyes moved to my hand, which rested protectively over my belly. "Though I'm not sure she believed me." I studied his profile in the candlelight. "Do you believe it?" He was quiet for a long moment. "I believe this child represents something worth fighting for. Whether that's the future of the kingdom or simply… hope." He looked at me then. "Does the distinction matter?" "Not to me." "This child will have enemies before it's even born," he said quietly. "Powerful ones. They'll question its legitimacy, its right to exist. They'll use every weapon they have to destroy what we're trying to protect." The weight of that truth settled over us both. Our child-for I was certain now that it was his-would inherit not just a crown, but a war. "So did we," I whispered, remembering my own arrival at court as an unwanted bride, remembering Alexandre's struggles with nobles who questioned his every decision. "And look who's still standing."