Attempting to convince five kingdoms to breach a treaty was near impossible; doing so with little sleep was absurd. But if I wanted to make my mark and establish my rule, there was no better time to act.
Pushing a wet cloth over my face, I rehearsed what I’d planned to say to the royals. Gratefully, I’d had the forethought to request they arrive early, just in case things went badly with Grave; and they had. On our way back from Kuroden, I thought about my plans ad nauseam. It was an uphill battle, but would be worth it in the end. I needed them to see my brilliance; but more than that, I needed them to agree to my plan.
“Are you off to your meeting?” Maris mumbled lazily from my bed.
I stepped through the open doorway of the bathing room. “Almost.” I turned slowly for her to look me over. “What do you think?”
She bit into her lower lip as she stalked across the room, entirely nude from our afternoon activities. Fucking her had quickly become my new favorite hobby.
“Delicious.” Her mouth kissed my neck. “Are you sure you have to go? Can’t you stay in bed with me?” The whine on her lips was exactly what I needed. Compared to Audryn’s vitriol, Maris's words were a welcome change. I should’ve had Elowen bond her to me rather than Audryn.
I ran my hand down to her center and pushed two fingers in. “If you wait here, I’ll come find you when the meeting is over.”
Her brown eyes met mine, and she nodded.
“Go get back in bed.” I withdrew and smacked a hand across her ass cheek as she scampered off.
Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I straightened my jacket. With my head held high, I walked out of the room and into the corridor. My boots clacked along the floor as I hurried through the winding halls.
“Your Highness, Captain Vexley is requesting a meeting with you afterwards to go over the increased security protocols.” Hunt followed close behind. “He’s seated in the general common room, but I’ll bring him to you on your order.”
“Yes, fine,” I said.
Hunt’s demeanor had shifted to pure business over the last month, and it was almost pleasant to have him working for me. His dependability and loyalty were never in question; had I sent him to escort Audryn, she wouldn’t have been tainted by Grave’s dirty Macabre hands.
“Filth,” I muttered, thinking of how she’d smelled of the witch.
“Sir?” Hunt asked, but I ignored him.
Anger chased through my veins as I recalled not only the scent of her skin but the words she used to address him. The bond had faded for me during our time away, but my commitment to our unification remained intact, which was more than I could say for her. She was a traitorous bitch, and I’d be sure to make her pay with every breath that I had.
I stood in front of the doors and collected myself for a minute before giving the signal to the flanking guards. My father would be proud of what I was about to do, but he wasn’t around to see the momentous event. I lifted my chin and entered the room. Keeping my eyes forward, the occupants stood as I made my way to the head of the table.
“Thank you all for meeting with me.” I looked at the seven royals representing the five kingdoms.
“We are pleased to witness the joining of you and your bride,” Queen Esmond of Rynholm said.
“Mate,” I corrected. “She is my mate.”
The Queen smiled at her husband. “Do you hear that? How delightful.” He merely grunted.
I’d predicted he wouldn’t say much; he let his wife do the speaking. I gestured a hand to the attendant in the corner and sat. He poured wine into each of the glasses set on the table.
“While we appreciate the invitation, I think we are all curious about this meeting.” King Arden from Shalebridge twirled his wineglass between his thumb and forefinger.
“And where is King Grave?” Queen Arden added.
Shalebridge, Pontara, and Rynholm all bordered Kuroden and would be the most difficult kingdoms to convince to make a move against Grave. The Ardens, in particular, seemed especially fond of him.
I sipped from my glass as my eyes roamed over everyone. “I’ve asked you all here to discuss a matter of significance,” I said, ignoring the inquiry. “There is a danger brewing within Crofea, and we must address it together. Each of our kingdoms are at risk if we continue to ignore it. We must act now.” I'd rehearsed the lines until they rolled off my tongue with ease.
Queen Hayes of Pontara narrowed her eyes at me.
“Kuroden holds all the crude, and since we all need the resource, we must work together.” I took another sip. “It’s bestowed by the land itself, yet a witch controls it.”
“Half witch,” Queen Arden responded coolly. “Descended from a Grant.”
“A witch nonetheless.” King Ashton from Otea gestured a wave. “Continue, Son.”
