Denzel’s POV
“We will do as you have requested,” Jalisa said hastily, dropping to plead with her father.
I watched her closely. She wanted the crown desperately. And she wanted Venessa gone even more. In that moment, it struck me with unsettling clarity that this might have been the plan all along.
“That decision is not yours to make, Jalisa,” I said coldly.
She broke immediately, tears spilling as though they were meant to soften me. They didn’t.
“Unlike the bears,” I continued, turning my attention to the king, “I have done nothing wrong to you.” My voice remained steady. Controlled. “My only crime is refusing to go to war. If that is something you wish to punish me for, then so be it but you will not be getting any of your demands.”
I held his gaze. “I am not guilty of any crime.
