Caelum's POV
A king bows to no one, but I wasn't a king in this moment—just a man.
When I dropped to my knees, I did it for my mate. I knelt for Lyra, not because Elder Tiberius commanded it.
The crowd erupted in laughter around me. Their terror of the king melted away. They saw my humiliation and reveled in it.
"Never witnessed a king on his knees before. My own king wouldn't have knelt even with his dying breath." A Arkonis warrior roared with amusement. "This is your mad king? What a pathetic excuse for a monarch!"
Elder Tiberius's smirk widened at the scene before him. "Your reign has lasted long enough. Time to step down. You've bathed this kingdom in blood throughout your rule. This ends now. This is your finale." Elder Tiberius squeezed Cassian's shoulder. "You've chosen wisely."
Quintus moved closer to Elder Tiberius. "Honor your word."
"Absolutely." Elder Tiberius nodded with fake wisdom. "Your kingdom will be returned to you."
