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Maxen Prologue

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Maxen stomped up to him. “Do not speak of your mother like that. I will not accept it.”
“You’re right, I shouldn’t.” Shaking with fury, anger burning bright red on his cheeks, Rory grabbed the front of Maxen’s tunic in his fist and spoke through clenched teeth. “This is your fault. My mother was a young, innocent queen when you met. You took advantage of her. Seduced her. She did nothing wrong, you did.”
“Rory, stop it,” Audra pleaded. “I love Maxen and I always have. I loved your father, too, but there are different kinds of love…”
“No.” Rory kept his grip on Maxen’s tunic. “He confused you, Mother. You were young. You don’t know what you’re saying. But don’t worry; I lay the blame squarely at this vile man’s feet.”
Maxen remained calm and …show more content…

“You met me only a few days ago on the field.”
“That’s not true. I broke the terms of my banishment and visited Aber Hael every year or so. Your mother never knew. But I saw you. Watched you. I sent Apple to you.”
Rory’s whole body tensed as if preparing to strike. “Y-you’re nothing more than a liar! That never happened.”
He shoved Maxen and stepped back. Taking shaky breaths, an expression of panic on his face, Rory’s hand dropped to his sword hilt. “I challenge you to a duel, to reclaim my mother’s honor!”
“I will never fight you. I will defend myself if necessary, but I will not duel you.”
Rory drew his blade and pressed the tip to Maxen’s throat. A chilling ripple of dread coursed through Audra, and she moved to intervene, but Maxen held up his hand.
“King Carlton will always be your father,” said Maxen, calm as ever. “But I ask that you find it in your heart to give me a chance. Should you find that impossible, and you decide to divulge your parentage, I only ask that your mother be spared.”
The sword trembled so violently in Rory’s hand, Audra feared he might slip and slice open Maxen’s throat.
Maxen’s hand rested on Rory’s arm. “Carlton is also your father. He adored you. Loved …show more content…

He might be a man now and a proven warrior, but he was her child and reeling. The urge to comfort and protect him was impossible to dismiss.
“Please, son…” she whispered, sliding to the ground. Maxen crouched next to her and held her.
“If he has not returned in two days, I will go after him.”
Audra nodded, allowing the Maxen’s strong arms to offer comfort.
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Not long after Rory’s hasty departure, Audra sent for Vaughan and Rignuth. They sat across from her and Maxen at the dining table, looking on in worry. She hadn’t bothered to inspect herself in the mirror, but after more than an hour of nonstop sobbing and pacing, she assumed she looked like a right mess.
Through her hysterical sobs, she’d told Maxen that she would disclose their secret to Vaughan and Rignuth. She sensed they’d always known the truth, but since she needed their help more than ever, she did not want to hold back anything. There was no point.
“My lady, can I get you a tonic?” Rignuth reached across the table and took her hand. “You seem very distressed.”
“No, thank you, my old friend.”
Maxen pulled his seat close and dropped his arm around Audra’s shoulder. Both Rignuth and Vaughan

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