From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 265

Inside the Imperial Palace

Inside the bronze crane–shaped cences, precious ambergris burned, its fagrant smoke curling gracefully upward from the

Arthur sat regally upon the dragon throne, his commanding game find on fertis, whoket in the center of the grand hall.

His face was beaded with fine sweat, his expression a tight mask of suppressed agony

When the hourglass ran out, Arthur finally spoke in a measured tone, “As a shadow, you should know your place. How dare you mette in the affairs of the Osborne family? Do you have a death wish

Ferris, pale with pain, replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, please quel your angre. I did this also for Your Majesty’s sake.

Arthur let out a cold chuckle, his eyes sharp and calculating “Oh! For my sake, you say? Then tell me how exactly is this for me!

“Thave investigated and found that the Osborne family and the Duke of Suffield are both under the banner of Prince Fermin, if these two outer join forces, they may pose a threat to Your Majesty,” Ferris replied respectfully.

Arthur narrowed his eyes and thundered, “How audacious! You dared to investigate a prince–what punishment do you deserve!

Ferris replied respectfully, “I know only loyalty to Your Majesty. Even if Your Majesty were to take my life, I would die without resentment.” Ferris stole a furtive glance at Arthur. The emperor appeared languid; though his gaze was stern, there was no trace of murderous intent. Sure enough, he had struck a chord with Arthur

All emperors guard their power jealously. How could Arthur possibly allow Prince Fermin’s influence to grow unchecked?

His gamble paid off

Forris said, “Your Majesty, the Marquis of Somers is a formidable warrior, and the Osome troops obey only his command. This bodes ill for the throne As your loyal servant, I naturally wish to share Your Majesty’s burdens” With these words, Ferris prostrated hinnell, pressing his forehead to the marble floor before Arthur

As Arthur observed Fenis’s submissive posture, the hostility in his eyes gradually faded.

Arthur was an emperor after all–only with absolute power firmly in his graspe could he truly fo

feel secure.

As the Queen’s own son, Fermin has spent all these years maneuvering for one purpose only–to claim the position of Crown Prince

The ambitions of the Queen and Fermin were not lost to Arthur.

If not for the shortage of capable military commanders at court, Arthur would have reined in the Osborne family long ago.

Arthur fixed a menacing gaze on Ferris in the hall, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his eyes.

Farts–now

a sharp blade indeed, Arthur thought

that’s a

“Rise,” Arthur commanded, then shot a meaningful glance at Thanatus.

Understanding the emperor’s silent cue, Thanatus descended the marble steps and approached Ferris, respectfully presenting before him.

Ferns’s hand trembled as he reached out, glasped the vial, and swallowed the medicine in one swit gulp

As the antidote took effect, easing his pain, the tension in his expression gradually melted away

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vial of medicine

17:06 Wed, 16 JUI

Chapter 265

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Ferns replied.

warning. Arthur snorted coldly and sail, “Corvader this pour surfing

Ferris feigned a look of profound trepidation, though inwardly he

“You may leave,” Arthur said, waving his hand dismissively.

As Ferris withdrew from the hall, Arthur’s gaze lingered on his

Arthur thought to himsell, Trince fermin in far from my ideal d

steer the ship of state

None of the remaining princes showed any promise as heirs.

Thon, wth has

inti deep thought.

apparent. He has brondless ambition, yet lacks the enmmanding presence ta

Evander was too uncompromising and lacked political flexibility; a mum like him was only suited to be a cane fie prinies

Indeed, that was precisely how Evander had been living.

All these years, and he still hadn’t shown the slightest bit of progress,

He had neither excelled nor erred, it was as if he had voluntarily given up all ambition for the race for the throme,

Fabian had just turned fourteen

He was far too green simply no match for his imperial brothers

Besides, Fabian’s mother was of humble origin, with no influential family to support him, He was as helpless as a lamb–what capability could he possibly have?

one of my imperial sons could ever measure up to Xander,

Noticing Arthur’s troubled expression, Thanatus thoughtfully handed him a cup of coffee. “Your Majesty, is it the Osborne family that’s weighing on your

Arthur accepted the coffee with a weary sigh. “Fermin must be reined in. He’s grown increasingly unruly lately–even tried to recruit the Minister ol Finance. Fortunately, that old stickler Alfred didn’t join his action. With Fermin making so many moves these days, I have no choice but to stay vigilant.”

Although eunuchs were forbidden from meddling in state affairs, Arthur trusted Thanatus implicitly and would occasionally seek his counsel.

“Your Majesty, you’ve given Ferris power in the shadows. If you were to grant him open authority, he would surely be even more holds the antidote to his poison–why worry about betrayal? I suggest using him to counterbalance the Osborne family, and even

Bal Arthur pondered carefully. The Xander Manor now wielded overwhelming power, and it was indeed a major concern weighing on his mind.

Arthur chuckled, clearly intrigued. “Your old for. Since you can say mulathing like that, primand dearly be

prépose to elevate him?”

Thanatos flashed an absequious smile and said, “mur Mynty, Funccteria for

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