Adrian’s POV
Levi unrolled a parchment older than the palace itself, the royal seal still glowing crimson at the bottom and opened his mouth.
“Royal Decree of Blood Succession,” he read aloud, voice ringing like a death knell. “As long as the reigning king remains unmated and unmarked, no illegitimate royal blood shall be denied. The first son born to the king must be recognized. The king is bound by sacred law to wed and mark the mother of that son, or forfeit the throne to the next pure male in line.”
He let the parchment fall with a smirk on his lips.
It landed with a sound like a coffin lid.
Lady Margaret stepped forward, eyes glittering.
“Caroline bore you a son, your majesty. A boy. Your first heir. You have not marked a female by law…” she began but I interrupted.
“Dear aunti
