House of Cards
Dallas‘ p.o.v.
“Captain, we found the evidence. Damn, sorry. I should have said your Higliness.” Joshua says in my head and I fight the urge to chuckle.
“Good, go through it after lunch. We have only discussed the Guardians Ceremony; we still need to discuss my Ceremony and that might take a long time. So, you have some time to go throught and hand me the most crucial piece of evidence.” I answer him.
We keep looking around the Throne room during lunch, most Elders and their families seem relaxed. A few others keep glaring at us from time to time, but I act as if I don’t notice them.
Once lunch is over, Uncle Vaughn gets their attention again by asking Elder Zariah to explain the Ceremony for the royal Beta position.
“The Ceremony will be held on a Full Moon and every Pack gets an invitation to the Ceremony. Usually, the Alpha brings his Luna, his children, and the Beta family.” Elder Zariah says as she raises an eyebrow at her last two words.
Damn, if he is still the Beta to Shadow Valley Pack then I will have to face the Idiot again.
“Normally, the Royal Beta who steps down will handle the Ceremony. In this case, I believe it is best if King Vaughn leads the Ceremony. It is similar to the Ceremony for any High–ranking member in a Pack, but instead, Princess Dallas will swear to protect our wekaer Shifters.
She will vow to uphold the laws and hold anyone responsible for breaking our laws or their Pack–laws. Like a Beta in a Pack, Princess Dallas will be responsible for the finances of our Royal family.” Elder Zariah explains.
I look at Daxton, who stiffened a little at her last sentence. Why would that sentence make him feel uncomfortable?
“Elder Zariah, I have a question.” Daxton says as he gets up. “A Beta is responsible for Pack finances, such as remodeling the Pack–house or rebuilding homes after a disaster. A Beta isn’t responsible for keeping track of the Alpha’s finances. So, why would Dallas be responsible for the Royal family’s finances?”
Darius has a slight smile on his face, but I don’t understand what that is about.
“You are correct, Prince Daxton. A Beta isn’t responsible for the Alpha’s finances and I have asked myself the same question many times before. The only answer I have is that it has been this way for as long as I can remember.” Elder Zariah answers.
I link Joshua with this bit of discovery and ask him to keep an eye out for anything that might answer this question.
“How do we proceed when the evidence gets delivered?” Uncle Vauhgn asks. “I mean, we can’t let them leave before we have all the evidence.”
“No problem. Joshua already told me his game plan. Belinda and Captain Vern will hand me the smoking gun.” I answer him. I don’t see his facial expression, but I can feel his eyes on my back.
The door that leads to the King’s chamber opens at the same time as the main entrance door and the room gets flooded with Guardians and Squad members.
“Captain Vern, what is the meaning of this?” Elder Dawn asks, but he continues walking in my direction with Belinda by his
side.
“Your Highness, the items you requested.” Captain Vern says as he hands me a book and Belinda hands two files to my Mates. Both of them step to the side and I open the book I am holding in my hands.
My eyes glide over the words on the first page and I have to suppress the urge to scream “Eureka” with a little jump.
“Elder Dawn, do you have any idea what I am holding in my hands?” I ask as I slightly tilt the book so she can see the cover. It features the emblem of the Phaineian Kingdom, an ancient Celtic symbol known as a five fold symbol.
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House of Cards
+25 BONUS
The four outer circles represent the four elements: fire, earth, air and wind. The circle that interloops with them represents our Goddess, connecting the elements. I know that the Humans gave botlier meaning to the inner circle, but I can’t remember it.
“No answer. Then I will answer it for you, if no one objects.” I answer my own question. I don’t give anyone time to object, I am not a complete Idiot.
“This is the book that holds all the information about the Elders of the Phaineian Kingdom. Why the Elders were formed. How they were chosen. What their duties are. Do I need to go on?” I ask while I look at Elder Dawn.
I ignore other Elders who are looking around the room and at both floors from time to time.
“It might surprise everyone in this room that this book was printed about fifteen hundred years ago and it states that the Elders hold no power. They can carry out orders from the King with the proper paperwork or give the King advice on various subjects.
They cannot alter Laws, make laws or remove laws. Only the King has that power with his Beta and his Gamma; they rule this Kingdom and will hold every Shifter responsible for breaking the law.” I state.
I hand the open book to Uncle Vaughn for him to read the first page, the page that explains the Elders were put in place to help the Royals. No Elder is above another Elder, but as respresentatives of the King they out rank an Alpha.
“Captain Vern, I want the Elders escorted back to their wing and that includes their family. Guardians, current and future, will secure the wing and make sure they stay put.” Uncle Vaughn says before he turns toward me.
“We will go to my chamber and go through this book to find out what the Elders can and can’t do. Once we have determined that, I want an investigation into whom were responsible for grabbing power they had no right to.” He continues, knowing damn well that everyone in the Throne room heard him.
I can hear some Shifters mumble, but I keep my eyes on Uncle Vaughn. I already have the answers he is looking for, but I am not going to say that out here.
Let those power–hungry Elders sweat for a while. Their fate is already sealed and I hope that I am allowed to deliver the final blow to their house of cards.
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