99 Blindsided

Sigmund was furious when he stormed back to his quarters. How? How could he have been completely blindsided by his brother like this?

All this time he had operated under the assumption that Franz was trying to become the crown prince by making himself seem like the better candidate. He never would have guessed he was trying to get more representatives on his side in the court.

This had to be Katie's idea; that blasted woman! Franz wasn't smart enough to come up with something like this on his own.

He knew he had promised to keep her alive for Charles' sake but she was too dangerous. As long as she was capable of thinking and speaking, she was a threat. There were so many better women out there—Charles would forgive him eventually.

Even if he didn't, he was a single aide whose loyalty would remain to the crown. Which Sigmund would wear at all costs.

"ROSENIAAAA!" he roared as he threw open the door to her private drawing room.