Chapter 48: Conflict of Crowns

To Leon's credit, he realized the implications far more quickly than Matthias had.

"So many surprises," he hissed. "How long have you been hiding this?"

Minerva didn't grace Leon with a response. She and Leon began circling one another like animals of prey--instinctively fighting over territory. Both waited for the other to make a mistake, to look away for a single moment too long. I helped Simon to his feet and ushered him towards the door.

"You should get out of here," I whispered.

"What about you?" He glanced nervously at where the royals faced off.

"Someone should be here to stop them," I said. "Or to make sure they don't kill each other."

"Splendid idea, Eve," Leon called out. "Perhaps neither of us should survive. You can take the kingdom for yourself!"

"Don't speak to her like that." Minerva snapped.

But before she had finished speaking, Leon seized the opportunity. "Don't command me to do anything," he hissed. "And don't command yourself."