Rule (Roam Series, Book Five) by Kimberly Stedronsky Page B

His advisors strongly cautioned him; succession was never an issue until Leo’s legitimacy was acknowledged, and Troy created the threat for himself.”
    “Leo… Logan?” I interrupted.
    “Yes.” He focused on me. “Mina was known for her immense intelligence, short temper, and unsurpassed skills with the sword. She resisted Troy’s affection from the very beginning. Whispers began about her indiscretion, and soon Leo’s name accompanied Mina’s as the gossip progressed.”
    “Leo was plotting for the throne, and he’d planned to convince Mina to help him betray the king. They were found in each other’s arms by Troy, and were both brought before the court for punishment.”
    “ Death ,” I breathed, reaching for Will’s hand. He took my fingers in his, lifting them to his lips in a comforting kiss.
    “Leo accused your mother of witchcraft. Troy, betrayed but very young and in love with your mother, allowed Leo to be free and ordered Mina to be whipped. Her punishment was sixteen lashes… one for every year of her life.”
    “That’s so horrible,” I ran my thumb over Will’s palm, my anger rising.
    “Troy meant to keep her infidelity out of the public eye. He ordered her punishment to be carried out by his first knight… my son.”
    “My dad?”
    “West could not bring himself to strike her, though his life depended on his obedience. He took Mina to me, asking me to cast a spell that would give her injury… without pain. I gave her the sixteen lashes on her back, though she felt not one of them.”
    “Wow,” I mouthed, utterly enthralled by his story.
    “She fell in love with him, and he with her. Their love was palpable; no amount of time, or separation, or self-control could stop what had been set in motion. They conceived a child in the very beginning, and found happiness in their clandestine union.”
    “In the end, it was Leo who betrayed them.” I could tell that my grandfather was becoming emotional. “Still vying for the throne, he turned them in to Troy as a way to win his brother’s favor once more.”
    “When Mina told him that the child in her womb was not his, Troy became enraged. He sentenced them all to death. Mina was to be first, so that Leo and West would watch her die. Leo next, and West last.”
    “I created a spell to give Mina and West immortality; the spell required an alter sacrifice. Two opposing counterparts were given immortality as well… a penance for casting eternal life. My spell was too late for Mina and Leo- only their souls were cast immortal.”
    “Trying to save my son from an immortal existence of heartache, I opened a portal into another world. Contrary to history, I did not ‘split’ this world or create your universe; I merely opened the door that would allow your father to escape.”
    “My dad must have been so heartbroken. He loves my mom like crazy.” I thought of my father’s face, his controlled patience with me. I could have been better behaved. He’s given me everything I’ve ever wanted.
    God, I miss them.
    “There, there, lass,” Grandfather tilted his head sympathetically. “They are together now.”
    “So my dad escaped, and my mom was born again… reincarnated… into my world?”
    “Yes.” He took another long drink, his shaking hands struggling with the glass. Will moved quickly to his feet, gathering the glass from Grandfather and placing it on the table. I watched him grasp the old man’s shoulder gently before returning to my side.
    “Shall we take a respite, before we continue?” Will lifted his eyes to him, but Grandfather shook his head.
    “I have waited for hundreds of years.” He sat back, his eyes returning to me. “Troy remembered what had happened. Leo and Mina, as new children, did not. Troy discovered my magic, and ordered my execution.”
    “But… you’re immortal,” I argued.
    His thin lips curved into a distant smile as he gazed at me. “I have you to thank for that, my dear.”
    “Me?” I