We came around the corner just as Etan reached the guards. Oh, he did look handsome.

“Drop your weapons,” Etan commanded.

One bold guard called back to him. “No, sir! This is treason!”

Etan shook his head. “My good man, I almost wish it was. Sadly, it is King Quinten who has committed high treason. He has killed Her Majesty’s family and my own, executing crime after crime against his subjects both high and low. I have letters in his own hand and with his seal to back up my claim, and, as a blood heir to this crown, I have come to see justice done. You may lay your weapons down now and join us, or you will die in vain attempting to stop me.”

He was so precise with his words, so certain.

I waited for one of the guards to charge, for a fight to break out. But, instead, one dropped his spear and quietly walked over to join Etan. After that, three more did. Then, slowly, they all abandoned their posts. The men behind Etan cheered and welcomed the guards into their ranks, and with that, it seemed the last of those who could defend King Quinten were gone.

I let out a shaky breath, both thankful and impressed.

Turning atop his horse, Etan called out to those behind him. “My faithful Isoltens. I will go in alone and bring King Quinten down to face his charges in front of you, his people, to whom his life ought to be owed. I hope that he will come peacefully, that we might handle these matters in the open, as you have a right to know the truth about all of them. If he refuses, then I urge you, for Isolte, you must fight!”

A deafening roar went up. It sounded like the entirety of the country was out there behind him. Etan climbed off his horse, and I watched his eyes light up when they met mine.

In the midst of his ascent, he wasted a beautiful moment on me. He stood there, gazing at me, his eyes asking for me to support him, too. And I did. With all my heart, I did.

“Son!” Uncle Reid called, breaking the spell.

“Father. They backed me,” he said in shock, taking him by the shoulders. “They came. So many. It feels like too many. I can’t believe they came.”

Uncle Reid placed his forehead against Etan’s. “I can. Are you ready?”

“I think so . . . I worry he won’t step down peacefully. I don’t want any unnecessary violence today.”

“Don’t worry, my son. Neither will he. Not now.”

Etan nodded. “I want you by my side. And I want Hollis there, too. I want him to know just who has led to his undoing.”

“Of course,” Uncle Reid said.

Etan turned to me.

“I am with you,” I vowed. “Always.”

He smiled and turned to the main stairway. He marched up decisively, knowing exactly where he was going. I’d been wrong about the last of the guards dropping away. As we wound up the spiral staircase, we came upon a few more, but at the sight of Etan, some dropped their weapons while others just ran. Clearly, the crowd had been spotted.