I’m right in the freaking middle of one.
NINETEEN
Bestian
The orbbefore me is blinking brightly, signaling an incoming communication. I ignore it for as long as I can, then finally wave a hand to allow the caller to speak to me.
It’s Frex, one of my senior council members. I promoted him because although he’s loquacious, he’s more efficient than the rest of my father’s council put together.
I still do not wish to talk to him.
“What?” I snarl.
“Your Majesty.” Frex squints out of the orb at me, even though his orb should show nothing of my visage. I do not allow my councilors to see me. “I have news. King Aurus sends his congratulations on your new queen. Your new Omega queen.”
I grunt.
“He sent a gift.”
“Let me guess. It was big. And gold.”
“And, for some reason, shaped like atyrlee.”
“What?”
“Atyrleeis a four-legged beast of burden. Often used to ride upon, especially in the Forest Kingdom, where Alphas ride them to hunt. Thetyrlee’smilk is also a good source of—”
“I know what atyrleeis,” I snap. Ulf give me patience. “Why did Aurus send me a golden statue of one?”
“We have not been able to decipher the reason. The note attached by King Aurus mentioned it was his queen’s idea. We do know that it is hollow.”
Damn Aurus and his mind-games.
The councilor continues, “The Golden Queen also sent along her own gift—a glow orb in a peculiar shape. Her note said it was alava lamp, and she hoped your queen would appreciate the gift. I presume the giving oflava lampsis an important human custom. Both gifts should arrive at your residence tomorrow.”
“Very well.” Rose will be pleased to have something from her people. Which reminds me, I must set up a meeting between her and the other human Omegas. Maybe this gift exchange will be a good introduction.
Frex clears his throat. “When do you wish to announce the coronation?”
“Never. There won’t be one. There is no need.”
“But the queen—”
“I never had a coronation. And I am still king, correct?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. But the people are curious. It would be—”
“My mind is made up,” I interrupt him. “Now, is there anything else?”
“Surely you plan to at least come to Medea City. So when can we expect to see you here?”
“Never.” None of my subjects will see my face again. They knew me as a prince. As a king, I have always ruled from afar, and I will continue to do so. The sooner they understand this, the better.
“Very well.” Frex sounds sorrowful. “There is one final matter.”
“What is it?” I snap.
“The Red Death. Many have recovered, but we’re getting reports that some are relapsing. We fear the curse might be spreading again.”
