Destiny by Fiona McIntosh Page A

listened in the presence of Koryn and myself before signing her name.
    ‘Lord Ayers, you are the most senior noble in this room and you were close to my husband. May I ask you to kindly read this document aloud so all can hear?’
    The man strode to the dais and took the parchment proffered by his Queen.
    ‘Your highness, this is most unusual.’
    ‘These are most unusual circumstances, Lord Ayers…please,’ she said, encouraging him onto the dais so he could face the gathered.
    He unrolled the parchment and squinted slightly. ‘Well, this is the King’s handwriting, all right.’ He looked at Alyssa who smiled gently and nodded.
    Lord Ayers began to read. ‘I, King Lorys of Tallinor, do make this declaration in the presence of my new wife, Queen Alyssandra nee Qyn, Lyle Koryn and Betsy Charlick, trusted members of staff.
    ‘If this is being read to my trusted nobles, it means I have gone to the Light and I must ask you to trust my Queen in her decision to make this public and beg the forgiveness of those to whom it comes as a shock.
    ‘I have kept a terrible secret for the past sixteen years following an indiscretion during my marriage to Queen Nyria. Only two people from the palace knew of it and both Physic Merkhud and Prime Cyrus took this secret with them to their graves. Both helped me to protect it but at my death it is critical I share it with the Kingdom I love and its people whom I have served.’
    Alyssa felt the lump form in her throat. She forced it back down; she must cling to her composure just a little longer. Lord Ayers continued once the loud voices of worry had settled down again.
    He read: ‘I, King Lorys of Tallinor, sired a son to a woman from Auldgate, more recently of Wytton. Our son was born from a solitary, short encounter. I never spoke to nor heard from her again. Physic Merkhud ensured the child was educated and cared for. Upon my death the throne of Tallinor must pass to him as he alone carries the line of Old King Mort.’
    Cries broke out in the Throne Room and the voice of Lord Ayers was drowned. Alyssa felt dizzy from her nerves and the anticipation of announcing the new King of Tallinor. Gyl had arrived at her side to help.
    Amongst the noise she heard him speaking to her. ‘Mother?’
    ‘I’m well, Gyl. A little distracted.’ She looked at him intensely now. ‘Forgive me, son.’
    He did not understand; he held her gaze and tried to work out what she meant by it.
    He too was shocked by the revelation and glanced around the room as he wondered which of the young nobles was to be the next King. Lord Ayers had quietened everyone, demanding silence whilst he finish reading this dramatic proclamation from their King. The room hushed.
    ‘The fact that you are reading this in the Throne Room means I have not yet found the courage to declare myself publicly to my son, who walks amongst you—and for that I ask his eternal forgiveness and seek his understanding that I have loved him intensely from a distance, though I never did have the opportunity to tell him so.
    ‘I ask all of the nobles of Tallinor to gather and pledge their allegiance and support as they crown the new Sovereign of Tallinor, King Gyl of Wytton.’
    Shock passed through the Throne Room of the Palace of Tallinor with the same speed and bite as the lightning had through the former King.
    It was spoken. Alyssa felt relief flood through her veins as she slid out of Gyl’s grip to her knees. ‘Hail King Gyl.’ She spoke it loud and firm.
    Her words were picked up and voices began to chant them in affirmation. People dropped to their knees until there were only three left standing. Herek, as shocked as anyone in the room only followed Saxon when the Kloek pulled at the soldier’s hand, willing him to kneel before his new King.
    And now only Gyl remained on his feet, fighting back fear and nausea. Tears pricked but he fought those too and a sense of betrayal and loss enveloped him. The Great Hall was suddenly still