"There is no way you could be such a monster…" Her voice cracked. "And now you tell me it is true."
"I knew of my mother's plans, yes," Henry said. His voice had gone rough, but he was no longer trying to make it gentle. The truth was too ugly for softness now. "I overheard her. I knew something was being arranged. I knew enough to be afraid. What was I supposed to say?" he shouted. "My mother locked me away until her plans were complete."
He dragged one hand through his hair, pacing away. "She locked me in my own chamber...She had her men outside the doors. She told everyone I was unwell. By the time I was free, it was done. Do you understand? It was done."
Livia's eyes shone with tears. "But then you covered it up. You looked the other way...For the throne."
The accusation hit a place already bruised raw.
