But then, he’d had help. Manticores could cast thoughts into other minds, a talent Cedric had used to devastating effect, convincing entire contingents of warriors to follow him. Roland had remained, his loyalty to Ashmorra rather than the king. Or in my case, the queen.
“Nyla is dead,” I reminded them all. Only a few short years after Cedric elevated Nyla to queen, he’d slain her in a fit of temper. Shifters didn’t calm and protect their fated ones the same way berserkers did.
But they did mourn. Afterward, his grief and regret had been so great, he’d weakened, heralding his defeat on the battlefield. He’d lain broken at my feet, his death certain by every law we knew.
“We thought King Cedric was dead, too,” Councilman Ansel reminded me right back, “but here we are. He resides in our dungeon, frenzied to reach his manticore queen.”
And now, a human professor wielded her favorite dagger. What were the odds? Astronomical unless an immortal worked with him. Not that I would mention such a troubling fact. I could never fully trust my advisors.
“Perhaps Cedric is the phoenix foretold in our prophecies,” Councilman Hugo suggested, and murmurs erupted. “The dragon who rises from ashes to rule us for all time.”
Aaah. Now I understood. “You don’t want me to kill him. You want me to step aside and usher in a new, fated reign for my father.”
Varying reactions met my words. Outright refusal. Chagrin. Determination. Clearly, some had talked this over and come to an agreement, which made it a bigger problem than I’d anticipated. Strength flourished in agreement.
“There are many reasons such an outcome is favorable, Queen Olyssa,” Roland said. “To start, your firebrand is dead, and my guess is, unlike your father, yours isn’t coming back.”
A firebrand was essential, ja. Outside of consuming gelu root, an herb that temporarily dulled a berserker’s rage, a fated mate was the only thing capable of soothing my temper. But Roland was right. Mine was long gone, and Leopold wouldn’t be coming back to life. If not for the Chains of O, I never would’ve attempted to bond with another Locke.
Speaking of…
The attraction to Taron should have faded. Instead, it lingered, sharp and wrong.Breathe. Just breathe.“You saidto start. What else troubles you about my reign?”
“Your sisters.” Frowning, Roland waved to Adelaide. “That one in particular.”
“I prefer my official title, thanks,” she told the room with a too-sweet smile. “The pretty one.”
The men clicked their tongues in irritation. Councilwoman Bauer sighed.
“What about her?” I demanded. If he dared utter an insult, he wouldn’t be walking from this room. He’d be crawling.
“Her temper is worse than yours,” Hugo huffed, andnods abounded. “Yet, you defer to her advice anytime it contradicts ours.”
A compliment. Unexpected. “What can I say? My sister gives good advice.” I flicked my finger with more force than necessary, a command to continue.
Roland obeyed. “Let’s pretend you and your siblings are no longer afflicted with a family love curse. You alone are bound to a pair of shackles. A vulnerability to us all, for the weakness of a leader is a weakness of the people.”
I worked my jaw. “I’m aware of this.” I’d learned the lesson well as I served under my father, and he racked up our list of enemies to include mortals across the ages and every berserker faction.
“Someone is stealing from our treasury and armory,” he added. “Your father would have ended the threat by now.”
I tasted blood.
Time had softened the councilman’s memory. Best to remind him. “Clearly, we recall King Cedric differently. I haven’t forgotten the tyrant who slaughtered his own people when they dared to utter the barest hint of a complaint. I still remember the savagery of his methods with friends and foes alike. The endless wars he ignited and the endless procession of realms he destroyed.”
Roland bowed out his chest, defensive. “I’ve lived with the consequences of Cedric’s actions.” The chords of his neck worked as he swallowed. “His betrayal hurt us all. But now we have two threats. His return in addition to Lorik. We can’t have uncertainty in the kingdom. The only way to truly unite us is to…”
“Let me guess,” I snapped, fire licking my veins. “Marry.”
“A husband will fight atyour side. Help you carry the burden of responsibility for our people and double the strength of the crown.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “And who do you propose I marry, hmm?”
“Our strongest soldier, of course.” Roland straightened in his seat, squaring his shoulders. “Wed Commander Hoffmann.”
“Your son.” I choked down a sigh. “We’ve been over this. Nein, I will not join my life to his.” Though I did admire the commander. He was strong, smart and steady. Reliable and capable. But he wasn’t mine.
“Then take my son,” Hugo piped up. “He’s not a commander, but heisan expert entrepreneur. Very wealthy. Very handsome. Desired by many.”
