Chapter 40
Damien’s POV
“You dare question my decisions?” I growled. “Freda is my mate, and nothing- nothing will change that. Not even your Balen.”
“And let me make this perfectly clear.” I swept my gaze across the room, staring at each lord in the eye one by one. “Freda is my queen, as much a part of this throne as I am. Whoever disrespects her, disrespects me. And disrespecting me is a surefire way to find yourself staring down the wrong end of a very sharp sword.”
Balen opened his mouth to retort but I cut him off, I wasn’t done with him. Not yet.
“Speaking of disrespect, Lord Balen. Perhaps we should discuss your precious daughter, Veresstina, shouldn’t we?” I said, sarcasm oozing from my tone.
Balen’s eyes widened, and I chuckled seeing his reaction.
“You see, gentlemen and lady.” I continued. “Verrestina, the woman you all assumed would grace this throne was no more virtuous than a desperate prostitute. She played a dangerous game, cheating on me with my brother. Her intentions were clear: whoever was chosen as the heir to Valthrun’s throne, she would automatically be queen. Rumors even suggest she was…entertaining my father as well.”
“Lies. How dare you slander my daughter’s name. Show us proof, we want proof.” Balen’s face scrunched in fury.
“The words of your king are enough proof.‘ I declared grandly. “And let me assure you, Lord Balen. Freda is a hundred times the woman your daughter could ever hope to be. And if I hadn’t shown restraint, your precious Veresstina would have been dead.”
I held his gaze for a brief moment, forcing him to shut his mouth and back down.
“Now, all of you are aware of the situation.” I continued. “We can either move forward together, or we can settle this the old fashioned way. The choice is yours. But remember this, if any of you choose to defy me, forget honor, forget unity. I will crush you with the full might of the crown.”
Suffocating silence stretched across the room. My outburst had left them cowered and speechless which meant, my dominance had been established. Although this was merely a temporary victory, I was content with them knowing who was boss.
“Your majesty” Lady Daphne broke the silence with a cough. “we understand the…. nature of your claim. However, the people of Valthrun need clarity. How will they be informed of this change of leadership.”
I frowned, contemplating her words. This was indeed a serious issue, the people needed to be informed.
“Your concerns are valid Lady Daphne.” I nodded,
“We shall hold a grand coronation ceremony. A month from now, the entire kingdom will witness the crowning of their new king and queen.” I declared in a grand manner.
“Queen?” Count Andrew blurted out.
“Yes, Queen. My mate will be crowned alongside me. Or do you have a problem with it?” I dared the foolish count.
The lords exchanged glances but no one dared to voice out an objection.
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10:38 Sun, Oct 19
Chapter 40
“A wise decision, Your majesty.” Lady Daphne simply bowed in acknowledgment.
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“In the meantime, the kingdom will continue to function as before. I will assume my role as king immediately.” I nodded curtly, “And also. After the coronation. We will be preparing for war with the kingdom of Kyrax. You are all dismissed.”
To my surprise and utter relief. There were no outbursts, no demands for explanations. Just a collective intake breath and the shuffling of their feet as they filed out of the meeting room.
Only Duke Magnus remained. Among all the lord’s, he was the one I had the highest respect for and I valued his input a lot. He stared at me with a worried gaze until I had to inquire the reason.
“Duke Magnus. Do you have something to say?” I asked
“You are putting the life of your mate in great danger, my liege.” Duke Magnus said, going straight to the point.
“I know. But, I can’t keep her hidden. I’ve thought about it and I’m willing to take the risks.” I responded. “I will protect her, at all cost.”
“Alright your majesty,” Magnus nodded. “But why are you waging war against Kyrax?”
I scrunch my eyebrows. The memory of Elara casting the binding spell on me replayed in my mind. I couldn’t possibly tell him I’m going to war with an entire kingdom because I needed a tutor for my mate, that would ruin everything I’ve tried to build.
“It’s a private matter, Duke.” I whispered.
The old duke studied me for a long moment before sighing in surrender.
“Alright then, young king.” He nodded, “protect her well. And rule with honor, Valthrun needs a strong leader. I hope you will be up to the
task.”
With those final words, Duke Magnus bowed and followed the other lord’s out of the chambers.
“I did it.” I muttered as I breathed out a sigh of relief. Exhaustion gnawed at my bones and the mental strain of the day was starting to take its toll but I knew there was no time for rest. I still had one more thing to do.
“Time to arrange my court.” I whispered to myself. It was the next thing on my agenda and it would take ages before I could get the right people in those roles. My list of problems just seemed endless and I sighed in exhaustion.
I stood up from my throne and stretched my body, my bones cracking and with another sigh, I walked out of the meeting room. The selection could take place at a later date, for now. I needed to take a well deserved rest.
“My King.” a young vampire servant called from behind. I turned around, impatiently watching him as he bowed his head. “So..sorry to bother you my King. But….” His voice trailed off as he glanced nervously towards the entrance of the castle.
“Spit it out.” I thundered in annoyance,
“Your… your uncle,” the vampire blurted. “He’s here. He want to see you.”
“I understand, I accept the consequences.” I responded with unwavering determination.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
