She rolled up her sleeve, revealing the scale mark all over her arm. There was a gasp around the room at the sight of it. King Godwin knew it was too late now. Some things couldnt be undone, couldnt be unseen, or unsaid. Looking around, he knew he had to act, or his family would die. He knew what he had to do, even though it hurt more than anything to do it.

She bears the mark of the scale! Earl Fontaine said. She has the sickness!

He stepped back from her, pointing in obvious horror.

She has to die! another noble said.

Take her and behead her!

Rodry was there with his hand on his sword, ready to fight anyone who came close. Godwin wanted to leap forward with him, but he knew that was how the destruction of his whole family would start. He would leap down and fight, and in moments, his kingdom would be torn apart. Depending on who fought and who did not, his family might even be slain there and then.

He had to find a better way. There will be no killing here, he said. He made his voice stern, because it was the only barrier stopping them from hearing the heartbreak he felt.

The law requires it, Earl Fontaine said. Those around him nodded.

Father, Nerra began.

The next part broke his heart. I cannot be your father, Nerra.

What?

Those with the scale sickness have no families, have no friends. They are outcasts.

Godwin heard the intake of breath around the hall.

King Godwin, the law calls for death, Earl Fontaine said.

The laws say that they must no longer be a part of the world, that they may be killed if found, Godwin shot back at him. Do you wish to argue with me on this, Fontaine? Here, and now? You will not call for my daughters death. Even what he had to do was enough to hurt like his heart was about to leap from his chest.

Aethe moved to him, gripping his arm.

Husband, you cant

I can, he said, raising his voice to stop her as well. I must. A king must protect his people from this scourge. Nerra, I… I wish there were another way. You must go from this place. You must leave and not come back.

Father, Rodry said, storming forward. Nerra is my sister and your daughter. Youre going to send her away just like that? She should stay here. She is no danger to anyone here.

The scale sickness is a danger to everyone, a noble called out from further back in the hall.

Aye, they say those with it herald a time of death! another called out.