Maximus's gaze fell upon her like a physical blow. "Explain," he said. "Why did your father stink of dark magic?"

Standing two steps behind her, Jamie felt a faint, crushing force pressing down on his shoulders. It reminded him a lot of the power they'd faced at the Gate in that cursed dungeon. Yet, it wasn't as overwhelming.

Despite the oppressive aura, Serana remained poised. She kept her eyes forward, only allowing a slight tremor in her hands. "I'm not certain," she admitted, "but I have a guess. We just returned from an expedition, and I think I understand what might have happened."

"Then indulge me," Maximus commanded, voice booming through the hall. His fingers curled around the hilt of his sword, a silent omen of what might follow if he was displeased by her answer.

Serana drew in a deep breath before explaining. "At some point in the last two years, my brother, Theren, and my father began searching for a weapon." She paused, letting the implication settle.

'Two years?' Jamie questioned in his head. 'How could Serana know the exact timeframe?' When he glanced at Maximus, the man's hawklike gaze flicked toward him.

"Your friend," Maximus said, "appears confused."

Realizing his expression was all too transparent, Jamie cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Serana. But how do you know it was during those last two years?"

She tossed a glance in his direction, as though plucking at old memories. "Theren left Frosthell on a supposed 'mission for the lord' right around then," she explained. "He came back occasionally, didn't stay long, and each time, he seemed more agitated. Looking back, it's clear something had changed."

Maximus loosened his grip on his sword enough for the tension to wane, but the threat lingered. "This weapon," he rumbled, "what was it?"

Serana frowned. Her lips pressed into a grim line. "I can't say for certain. Theren claimed it was something tied to the power of a god, but… he was already half-mad by the time we faced him. We couldn't discern the full truth."

'Good thing he's questioning her. I'd know it's connected to a dead god.' Jamie was more careful to hide his feelings.

Maximus drummed his fingers against the pommel of his sword; every tap sounded like a countdown. His gaze pierced Serana with an intensity that made even the guards shift uncomfortably at the edges of the room.

"So," he said, his voice cutting through the air like a drawn blade, "Why did this so-called weapon demand the sacrifice of my daughter?"

"S-sacrifice?" Jamie muttered under his breath, struggling to piece together the implications of Maximus's accusation.

"We don't know," Serana admitted, sharing an uneasy glance with Jamie and Maria. "Theren mentioned only that one final sacrifice remained. It didn't sound specific to Yessika, at least from what we heard."

Maximus's lip curled in disdain. "That's not what your father's letters suggest." In one fluid motion, he hurled a bundle of parchment onto the floor. It landed in a flurry of pages and broken wax seals. "A year ago, your brother wrote requesting Yessika by name, for some scheme he and your father had concocted."

"I-I… I don't know what to say," Serana whispered, voice faltering as she stared at the scattered letters. Her cheeks burned with shame or anger, most likely both.

Maximus rose from his seat. "I know what I'll say," he announced, his tone carrying the weight of a pronouncement. "As Protector of the North and Duke of Frostwatch, I condemned Varric Frosthell to death for his treachery. And now I'm questioning whether his entire bloodline deserves the same fate."

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

As soon as Maximus finished explaining, the entire hall fell silent—a terrifying silence.

Jamie knew the path his cousin was walking. "Any wrong answer and she'll have her head chopped off like her father's." A single misstep could mean the downfall not only of her, but of the entire Frosthell lineage.

Resolving to stand beside her, Jamie stepped forward so that he was shoulder-to-shoulder with Serana. He raised his chin, addressing Maximus without the deference of calling him "Father."

"Lord Maximus," he said, "Serana may have Frosthell blood, but she risked her life on the expedition that saved your daughter. She could have abandoned us when she lost her last surviving brother, yet she chose to remain on the righteous side. She never hesitated."

Maximus arched a brow at Jamie's words, a faint tension visible along his jawline. "James," he began, "you may have honed your eloquence as… whatever you are now. But do not forget that my decisions could mean life or death for the entire people of the North."

Jamie held his ground, meeting that stern gaze. "I haven't forgotten. However, as a follower of Aetheron, you are also bound by the sun god's justice. And I can't believe that law would condemn a daughter for the sins of her father."

Those present were surprised by Jamie's response. Maria and Jessica, who stood behind Serana, blinked twice. Meanwhile, Darius and Lyra, each on one side of Maximus, scoffed at seeing their older brother's defiance once again.

Yet Maximus merely pressed a hand atop the pommel of his sword, tightening his grip as though to solidify his own resolve.

"Perhaps," Maximus allowed, drawing the word out slowly, "but Varric was more than just a father. He led the entire Frosthell lineage. His transgression, therefore, taints the whole family."

Jamie inhaled, steadying himself. "Then punish the Frosthell name. Not the girl."

A wry flicker crossed Maximus's features. The closest sign of approval Jamie would ever see from him. "A sharp tongue," the duke remarked. "You may well have saved her life with it. However, your interference only mitigates the sentence, not absolves it."

Maximus turned to Serana, pronouncing her punishment with measured calm. "Serana Frosthell, you will be the last of your line. You shall wed one of my heirs. Your children will form a new house, charged with stewardship of this city and stronghold."

Serana stood still for a heartbeat, her face draining of color as the weight of his words sank in. Eyes dropped to the polished stone floor as she tried to gather herself. Then, with a palpable effort at composure, she stepped forward and bowed. "Thank you, my lord," she murmured, backing away with the formal grace of someone who knew to seize any clemency offered.

Watching her, Jamie exhaled in muted relief. 'It wasn't the fairytale ending Serana might have hoped for, but it saved her life. In time, she might recover her influence from within the new house.' Jamie pondered.

As she withdrew, Jamie couldn't help but marvel at how fast and deftly she navigated these treacherous waters. Even though her heart must have been pounding, she had responded exactly as the moment demanded.

They bowed in unison, ready to step away from the throne room's tension. Yet as they were about to take their leave, Maximus's voice cut through the heavy silence, halting them in their tracks.

"Our business isn't finished," he announced. "James."

Jamie stopped, turning to face the Duke. Maria stood at his side, her posture sharpened by curiosity and a trace of dread.

"Varric made me march all the way from Frosthaven, claiming you intend to marry," Maximus recounted, gaze resting firmly on Jamie.

A flicker of emotion crossed Jamie's face, but he managed a courteous half-bow. "We made an announcement, yes. But now that you've done us the favor of disposing of Lord Varric," he gestured to include Maria, "Lady Maria von Hafenstadt no longer needs to wed a bard for her freedom. So, I suppose our 'engagement' ends here." He straightened, sparing Maria a sidelong glance. Briefly, he thought he caught a glimmer of disappointment in her expression, though he had little chance to dwell on it with Maximus's eyes upon him.

A rumbling laugh echoed through the hall, charged with authority. "No, James. You will marry."

Brows furrowing, Jamie arched his head in puzzlement. "Care to explain, Lord Maximus?"

The duke's lips quirked into a half-smile. "You once extorted money from me. Do you recall?"

Quietly affronted, Jamie held his tongue. In his mind, he thought, 'I didn't extort you; it was a fair negotiation.' But he dared not voice it now.

"You used those funds to fashion a new life in the south," Maximus went on. "And all this time, I've heard tales of your so-called 'achievements.' One in particular caught my interest. You created a weapon that can be wielded by those lacking high levels, yes? The North stands on the brink of collapse. My heirs and I must defend an entire territory. I wonder if your creation might prove indispensable."

Jamie's eyes narrowed. "I could simply sell it to you. I don't see why I need a wedding for that."

"Because," Maximus said, tapping his fingers atop the hilt of his sword, "I intend to reinstate you into this family. I wish for stronger ties with the South, and a marriage is the surest bond of all. Soon, both North and South will be tested mercilessly. Will you let your new life fall?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.