Embry
Winning a war doesn’t immediately guarantee free time to relax. After the Battle of the Red Field as the historians have named it, there are
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negotiations to be had for what happens now between the two kingdoms. We have Lex back with us at Crimson Peak but there’s also the matter of him killing Prince Jacob in an impromptu duel. This leaves a problem for who will inherit the throne of Scarlett Thunder.
A royal council is quickly put together. It’s a collection of vampire royals and the nobility of Scarlett Thunder. Kane has a seat on the table and he insists I’m given a place on the council. There’s some disgruntled protests from some of the council members at having a shifter on the council but Kane
silences them.
Kane is the conquering ruler. He can do what he wants. Him even putting this council together is his desire to be diplomatic. Kane believes in fairness and I love him for it.
We sit at the war room of Crimson Peak at a long table. Kane sits at the head of my table and I’m at his right with Rainer at his left. Queen Olga is at the other end of the table, the oldest ruling vampire among us. I’ve met her since the battle and she seems very curious about me. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing.
“King Peter has no other male heirs,” Queen Olga says. “It would make sense for the throne to pass to his daughter.”
“From what I’ve heard of Princess Opaline she isn’t fit to rule,” King Cyrus. counters. “She is too emotionally unstable to be queen. She cannot be trusted to take her kingdom’s interest at heart.”
“That’s true,” I agree. “I personally know how Princess Opaline acts. She’ll start another war if you leave her in charge.”
Clark’s snooty voice points out, “Scarlett Thunder has always been.
patriarchal as well. Changing that would be imprudent.”
Queen Olga rolls her blue eyes. “And look where that got them. A woman on the throne would do them some good.”
“Not this woman,” Kane finally speaks. “Opal is unfit to rule. The throne must. not go to her.”
“Isn’t she pregnant?” King Cyrus asks. “I’ve heard it’s going to be a boy.”
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Rainer nods. “Lex has confirmed it with her physician.”
“And he is the father as well?”
“He is the father,” Kane answers.
The council members whisper amongst each other.
“The throne should go to the boy,” Clark declares. “Opaline can be the regent until he comes of age.”
“She can’t be the regent. It’s the same problem,” Rainer retorts. “Why are you even here? All your ideas are terrible.”
Clark glares at Rainer through his spectacles. “I was invited to be on this council by His Majesty. If you have a problem with me being here, take it up with him.”
Rainer looks to Kane who sighs deeply and says, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Rainer gives Clark a smug look and the other vampire scowls. I bite back a smile. I don’t like Clark and I never will so I could care less if his feelings are hurt. I don’t know why Kane invited him to be on the council and it might. have just been temporary insanity.
“Since Lex is the father, he could be the regent,” King Cyrus suggests. “Of course, he and Princess Opaline will have to marry to legitimize the child.”
Kane frowns. “You want to force my brother to marry a woman he doesn’t. care for so he can rule a kingdom he was kept a prisoner?”
“It’s not an ideal circumstance but it’s not much different with any arranged. marriage, Kane,” Queen Olga beseeches. “Your brother would be a better ruler than Princess Opaline and with your nephew as the next king of Scarlett Thunder, you’d be in a better position than anyone.”
Kane looks to me. I hesitate to say anything. Forcing Lex to marry Opal for politics feels abhorrent to me but somebody has to rule Scarlett Thunder. Lex would ensure peace between our two kingdoms.
Between Two Kings
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“It should be Lex’s choice,” I assert. “It’s his life we’re asking to give up.”
“He will be doing duty to the kingdom,” Clark drones. “Duty must come before personal desire. Always.”
I shoot a pointed look at Clark. After this meeting is over, I want him back in his suite where he can’t annoy anyone.
Kane takes my hand under the table. I squeeze his hand reassuringly. He seems to be mulling over the decision in his head. I don’t envy him having to make this
choice.
The royal council could agree and disagree on matters but Kane still has the final say.
“I will take all of this under advisement,” he declares. “And I will inform all of you when I’ve made my decision.
