Ch. 28.8 — When everyone else had left the room, Matthew turned on Eli. “I told you not to tell anyone.”
Fear pounded through Eli. “It’s not like it was going to stay a secret for long. One of the servants was bound to talk eventually.”
“We look like fools.” Matthew paced back and forth, looking remarkably like his father. Then he turned back to Eli, his eyes blazing. “And you. I don’t trust you at all. You’re a snitch.”
Eli had known it would be hard, but he wasn’t prepared for the hatred in his brother’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Matthew.”
“I suggest you leave the country. Today. You can meet Zelda’s carriage and return home with her. Have the wedding there.”
“But… Princess Zelda is traveling here. I’ve been trying to get everything ready for her.”
Matthew grabbed Eli by the collar and yanked him off his feet. “Let me make myself clear. I don’t ever want to see your face again.”
“No,” Eli whispered, feeling faint.
“When Father dies, it will be your fault. Think about what this will do to Mother – again your fault.”
Guilt beat upon Eli, flooding him with grief. “Please don’t do this.”
Matthew’s face was red. “And don’t even think about telling anyone in Saltonia that Princess Janine is still alive. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”
“But Father said —.”
His eyes narrowed to slits as he tightened his hold on Eli’s neck. “Who reigns Nelsonia when the king is dead?”
“You do.”
“Which makes me practically king now. Understand?”
Eli swallowed hard. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Matthew released him and called out for more guards. “See that Prince Eli is given his fastest horse and provisions – immediately. He will meet the Princess Zelda’s carriage and return to Saltonia with her.”
Eli bowed his head and followed the guards out of the room.
Carol Nicolas 