Damien’s POV
“Your Highness, the noble heads have arrived and await you in the
throne room.” I heard Agatha’s voice behind the door.
“Let them wait.” I responded and continued buttoning my shirt.
“They arrived rather too early, I fear,” Freda said, seated in the corner of the room as she watched me dress. I’d had a maid assigned to help
me dress, but I’d dismissed her. I didn’t suppose Freda would like
that.
“No, it’s perfect timing as I’m done here. I just need this meeting to
be over.”
I finished with the buttons of my shirt and slowly approached Freda where she sat. I stretched out my hands, which she took, rising to her feet. She held my hands softly, and the need to kiss her overwhelmed me. I pulled her into my arms, wrapping them around her as I placed a kiss on both her cheeks, teasing her before finally taking her mouth.
The kiss was meant to be brief, but I couldn’t help it as our tongues
danced. Only when I heard her moan did I pull away.
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“We shall continue this later, but for now I have to leave.” I turned to
walk away. I couldn’t bring myself to keep staring at her.
The silence on my walk to the throne room was comforting. It gave
me time to think. I still wasn’t used to addressing the nobles, but I
tried my best never to feel intimidated around them or let them see
- it.
“Your Highness.” The guard by the door bowed before pushing the
huge door open.
Without wasting time, I walked into the room. All six of them stood
from their seats. My lips curved into a smile as I swiftly made my way
to the throne. Only when I sat did they also sit.
I looked around the room, taking my time to study their faces. I saw
disapproval. I saw anger. But most of all, I saw curiosity. They
wondered why I’d called this meeting.
“Does this meeting have anything to do with the new date set for the
coronation ceremony?” Lady Daphne asked, straight to the point as
always.
“Yes and no.” I replied, sounding uninterested.
My reply didn’t sit well with some of them. Lord Balen fisted his
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palms, and I smiled. He was always irrationally behaved when it came
to meetings with me.
My eyes went toward Duke Magnus. As usual, he sat quietly,
observing the interactions. His look of satisfaction was enough to
assure me I had a supporter in our midst.
“Out with the reason you’ve gathered us at such short notice,” Baron
Rhys said, forgetting I was now king. My hands itched to strike, but I
remained calm.
“Perhaps the baby king wishes to hold a banquet for us nobles.” Count
Andrew snickered like a drunk vampire. The last time, he’d called me
young Damien. Now he was calling me a baby king. “You should
consider that, Dam–Your Majesty.” His tongue caught when my eyes
warned him as he tried to call me by name.
The nobles were the way to people’s hearts. If I couldn’t have them
under my control, obeying my authority, the people wouldn’t respect
- me.
“Banquets, feasts, and all other celebrations will be at the
coronation,” I announced. “As you all are aware, the date isn’t this
week anymore, but preparation will begin after this meeting. Time is
short.”
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“What about the king? Will he be present? Is he aware of your
shenanigans to marry a hybrid?” Lord Balen blurted.
The pain of not marrying his daughter Verestina still had him on
edge. I was certain my father and brother had also made promises to
Verestina since they’d been sleeping with her. Now they all hated me
because I’d killed Steve and locked Draken.
“Marquess Theo…” I called.
He sprang to his feet, and I could see his hand trembling. I had no
idea if it was his existing fear of my father or if he truly feared me.
“You will handle the preparation for our guests.”
He nodded.
“What guests, my king?” Lady Daphne asked.
“My mate’s visitors. Her family will be staying here for a week before
the coronation. Ensure they’re treated with the utmost care during
their time here.”
“Duke Magnus, please ensure security. I don’t want any war between
us and the werewolves.”
“It’s my pleasure to serve you, King Damien.”
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Chapter 77
“Lady Daphne, you’ll deal with the coronation rites, hand in hand
with Lady Elara and the others.”
“I’ll do just that.”
“Isn’t the burial of Steve supposed to come before your so–called
coronation?” Count Andrew snapped.
“I believe all this disrespect talking without authorization will stop
the moment the Crown of Valthrum is on my head. Some of you might
step down from your positions.”
The fear that registered on some of their faces made my pride swell.
They didn’t know what they were in for. I would make sure to clear
the existence of my father’s dubious supremacy when I stepped onto
the throne.
“As for Steve… after the coronation, we’ll see to that.” I informed
them. “I believe this is enough information for now. Whatever
changes need to be made will be communicated to you by Lady
Daphne.”
I rose from the seat, and they did too, although Rhys, Balen, and
Andrew were hesitant.
As I walked out of their presence, a loud murmur or rather, an
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argument erupted among them. I turned deaf ears to it as I went back
to meet my mate, the queen–to–be.
Soon, all these disagreements would be over once my reign began.
Comments
A Ambre Bertelsen
2 Comments >
this story officially doesn’t make any sense anymore. feels like chapters are missing.
7 days ago
₤1
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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.
