The Carnelian Tyranny: Savino’s Revenge by Cheryl Koevoet Page B

Court is duly noted and will be considered. Are there any outstanding issues still pen ding?”
    She paused for a moment, but no one s poke.
    “Then this session is hereby closed and we are adjourned until further notice. Thank you all for co ming.”
    As the men stood to leave, she remained in her seat. When the last man had gone, Darian shut the door and walked back over, leaning thoughtfully against the table. “What are you thin king?”
    “I’m thinking that a move out to Beauriél doesn’t sound like such a great idea after all.”
    “Why the sudden change of h eart?”
    “I saw the evil in Savino’s eyes when I refused to marry him and it terrified me.” She stared at the torn pieces of parchment on the table. “If he’s planning to kill either of us or both, something tells me he’s going to suc ceed.”
    He bent down next to her. “You forget how many men are protecting you, my love.”
    “It’s not my safety I’m worried about.” She quickly got up from her chair, embracing him tightly. “I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.”
    “Shhh, nothing is going to happen to me,” he whispered. “But I do think you should stay at the citadel and allow me to go to Beau riél.”
    “No, Darian. You’ve managed to run this country without me. If something were to happen to you, we’d all be lost.”
    “But your safety is more important than—”
    “As the Princess Regent, I command you to stay at the castle. I’ll go to Beauriél.” She hated pulling rank on him, but it was the only way he would li sten.
    He sighed. “As your subordinate, I cannot refuse your wishes, but I can do this my way,” he said. “I shall triple the guards out there starting t oday.”
    “If Savino’s plan is to break us apart, he seems to be succee ding.”
    “It will only be temporary, dea rest.”
    “I have this awful feeling that something bad is going to ha ppen.”
    “Come now, you must have faith,” he said softly. “I shall make arrangements for your move into Beauriél tomo rrow.”
    “So soon? What about my coronation preparations, language lessons, self-defense and all that other s tuff?”
    “We shall continue your instruction at Beauriél. You are, after all, the Princess Regent. We shall come to you.”
    “I think I was better off as plain old Ma risa.”
    He smiled. “Come, we need to inform the fa mily.”

    Once their families were seated around the long dinner table, Darian and Marisa recounted their meeting of the Crimson Court, informing them of Lord Drago’s suggestion for her to move out to Beau riél.
    Alessio finished the last bite from his plate and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I’m coming with you,” he said.
    Everyone tu rned.
    “Coming where, Uncl e Al?”
    “Castle Beauriél,” he said matter-of-factly. “A year ago, I promised your dad that I would protect you, come what may. And I’m not backing down now.”
    “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” she said, shaking her head.
    “I’m coming too,” Mark annou nced.
    “No, you’re not!” Marisa shot back. “I don’t want you and Uncle Al out there risking your lives on my acc ount.”
    “Your Highness, it would be safer for you to have them out there with you,” Darian said. Then he turned to Mark. “Prepare your things to move out to Beauriél as soon as poss ible.”
    “Da rian!”
    Glaring at him angrily, she got up from the table and ran out of the hall, storming down the corridor. Surprised by her sudden outburst, Darian stood up and hurried after her. He quickly caught up with her, grabbing her arm and wheeling her around to face him.
    “Why are you so angry? We are only trying to protect you!”
    “That’s not it!” She shouted, pointing at him accusingly. “You never let me make any of my own decis ions!”
    “Is that what this is about?” He crossed his arms defensively. “Because you know as well as I that it would be better to have Alessio and Marcus out