Chapter Text
For the first nine years of his life, Dex knew exactly what his destiny would be.
He would leave home to go on heroic quests, rescue his true love from some great evil, marry her, become king and happily rule Rimeshire until his heir was married.
The future queen grew up at Everglen. Her family was one of the most noble and rich. The marriage would benefit everyone.
He had only met her once, when they were both six.
His father had declared that it was high time for his son to meet his bride (apparently forgetting that his son was only six.) All he could remember of her were her teal eyes.
He also remembered that her brother had accidentally called him Deck.
Dex didn’t see her again for another three years.
Until her brother was exposed as a traitor.
“Alvar Soren Vacker,” Councilor Bronte read, using that tone of voice that could make an epic story sound dull. “You are hereby banished from the kingdom of Rimeshire.”
The entire audience yawned in unison. Councilor Oralie’s eyes glazed over, but Councilor Alina kicked her in the shins.
Only the Vackers and King Kesler seemed to be paying attention.
“Brand him a traitor,” Bronte ordered. He sounded more like he was reading a census then ordering a man to be burned.
Dex closed his eyes for the next time, but the sickening scent of burnt flesh invaded his nose.
When he opened his eyes again, a black eye stared at him from the back of each of Alvar’s hands.
He glanced over and saw his future bride with tears pouring down her cheeks.
She caught him watching her and turned bright red. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and stared at him defiantly.
“You are no longer welcome in Rimeshire or any of its territories.”
It took all of them a moment to realize that the banishment was over. They all applauded as Dex’s dad touched the center of both of the eyes and Alvar vanished, instantly transported to the border of Rimeshire.
Councilor Emery stepped up to the podium.
“Thank you Councilor Bronte for the, uh inspiring speech.”
Queen Juline rolled her eyes and the triplets snickered until the king glared at them. The triplets, not Juline. He would never glare at his soulmate.
“For the sins of one, the family must suffer,” Councilor Emery read. “Since they -seriously, who wrote this? It sounds like it belongs in a romance novel.”
The rest of the councilors looked at Oralie, who smiled sheepishly.
Emery quickly read the rest of it, muttering quietly to himself.
“My goodness Oralie, were you writing a legend or a speech?”
He took out a quill and started revising the paper right there in front of most of the kingdom.
Dex’s dad cleared his throat, and Emery looked up, evidently forgetting that he was supposed to be talking.
“In summary,” he said. “The council has decided that you must pay a fine of four million lusters.”
The crowd gasped. Four million? That was enough to make even the richest family, well, less wealthy. The royal family had about nine million lusters, and the next richest (the Vackers) had about half of that, so…
Alden looked determined, but Fitz looked angry. Considering that was his inheritance, Dex didn’t blame him.
“In addition, Biana is no longer betrothed to the heir. The royal family does not associate with traitors.”
If it was possible for a crowd to gasp MORE, this one did.
“Finally, Alden Vacker, we understand that you have been a widower since your wife Della died of the last plague.”
Alden nodded.
“Therefore, we have one final ruling,” Lord Prentice added. “You must marry. Immediately.”
Alden looked startled. On second thought, everyone looked startled. Except the council.
“My lord,” Alden asked. “May I ask why?”
Councilor Bronge smirked. “Because it is obvious that you are incapable of raising your children properly.”