Chapter 51
Well, not hiding exactly. I cared less who wanted to know about the uncontrollable arge I’d had to take the throne after I’d found my
mate
I never did. Not until I discovered my brother and father were planning to eliminate me once they’d extracted all the powers from the werewolves, the powers meant to make Steve stronger than me. As if anything could make Steve stronger than me. He was a wimp and a pest on the battlefield.
I was done with my meal. The maid rushed to clear the table without my signal, adjusting the cloth on my lap.
I watched Uncle Kieran carefully, studying his reaction to my revelation about his brother and nephew’s schemes.
“Hmm. Not surprised. Guess he’ll have to watch from his grave, and your father from his prison, when they crown you king.” His reaction amused me, “I’ve come from far away, and I do hope I get to see beautiful women at this ceremony.”
I chuckled. Damn our promiscuous nature but our kingdom never lacked beautiful women.
“As always, Uncle. Beautiful women to select from. It is a celebration, after all. The choice is yours, Kieran.” I tested the waters by calling
his name without courtesy.
The thought of women seemed to cloud his head because he didn’t react. I smiled.
Just when I thought the conversation was over and I could return to my chambers, he brought up Andros.
“What about your father’s right–hand man, Andros? I don’t see how he’d follow your rule without causing problems.”
“Well, Andros was a problem. I hate problems, so I took care of them.” I pictured the tears in his eyes when I sliced his head off.
“Meaning you had him killed.”
“Having him killed would be merciful. I had to make an example out of him. They needed to see what happens to anybody who defies me or speaks out of turn. They needed to realize and accept that I was their new king, whether they liked it or not.”
People refusing to accept the new reign upset me. How much longer would this resistance continue?
“So now you’re without a right–hand man.”
It dawned on me. I hadn’t given that much thought. I was going to need a right–hand man someone trustworthy with my affairs. The court was still against me. Could this be any harder?
“Unfortunately, yes. If I’m to search for a right–hand man, I cannot use anyone from my father’s cabinet. I need to dismantle his cabinet and select people of my choosing. I don’t trust men who watched me duel and threaten their king’s life to work without hatred under me.”
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Chapter 57
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I have no affairs that I oversee. In strong and surely trustworthy, f’re your only family member who supports you, which means I have
Visit interests at heart.”
What are you proposing. Uncle?‘ I asked, trying to sound like I didn’t know where he was heading
He wasn’t wrong. It would be easier to pick Uncle Kieran as my right–hand man. He was strong and had never had an eye for the throne.
That should make him trustworthy enough for the title.
I remained silent, waiting for him to state his proposal clearly.
‘You’re no fool, Damien. You know what I speak of. Make me your right–hand man at least until you find someone more worthy.”
He smirked. I returned the smile.
“Hmm. I rubbed my temple. “My right–hand man. You do know all my respect for you goes out the window once this is decided.” I had to let him know what he was getting into. The respect I had for him as my father’s brother would vanish. He would be under my command and authority, never making decisions without my approval.
“When have you ever respected me?” he said grimly.
“There is no one fitter to be my right–hand man than you, Kieran.”
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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.
