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Chapter 5

Alik

Gods’ blood, my mother has the worst timing.

“Good day, Olivia. Devon. It’s always such a pleasure to see you both.” The queen inclines her head at the two females before turning her attention to Janik. Olivia stands guard in front of him. Touching him. “So you’re the infamous rebel I have heard so much about.”

“At your service, Your Highness.”

“Mother,” I bite back my annoyance at her interruption.

“Yes?” She blinks innocently.

“Did you need something?”

“I heard we had guests and thought it only polite that I greet them properly.”

“Yes, Alik, we’re guests.” Janik grins broadly.

I take a menacing step forward, intent on putting him in his place, but my mother holds up her hand. I freeze.

“Don’t antagonize him,” she scolds the rebel and righteous satisfaction settles inside me.

Janik dips his head in a courteous acknowledgement, while Olivia snorts, but follows it with a fake cough. My mother actually grins at the female.

“Now then, what have I missed?” she asks.

I glare at the rebel leader, rage brewing in my belly and fire sifting through my veins. I focus on remaining in control. “Janik here came to notify me that he plans on launching attacks on several trade lines tomorrow, but he hasn’t shared which ones. The only way to put a stop to them is to answer his demands, which include abdicating my place on the throne and crowning him prince.”

Olivia jerks and stares at the male in confusion. “Janik?”

When he only looks at her in silence, she removes her hand from his chest and her eyes are filled with hurt. Perhaps even disappointment.

“What’s stopping us from having Horek throw you in the pit?” my mother asks.

“Nothing I suppose. Except if I don’t return by nightfall, my associates will launch the attacks early.”

“I see. Does that mean you plan on killing me?”

Janik actually draws back in horror. “Of course not.”

“Someone has been remiss in your education then.”

“How so?” He tilts his head.

“Because if you had been taught properly, you would know that while Alik might be the assumed ruler of Bohna, it is only because I let him. Only once I’m deceased do any of my descendants take over the role. Sadly, that means Alik does not have a throne to give you.”

In obvious shock, Janik takes a staggered step back. “Does everyone know this?”

“It’s not a secret, if that’s what you’re asking. But I’m sure some of the younger generation might be unaware of the fact.”

Raised voices from outside the door grow louder just as Horek’s comm sounds a blaring alarm. Guards pour into the room. The phinnek places herself in front of the rebel leader and the hackles on her neck rise as she crouches into an attack position.

“What’s happening?” Olivia cries out.

Horek turns his hate-filled eyes to Janik. “Three of our busiest trade lines were just attacked. Multiple deaths and even more injured.”

Fever heats the blood in my veins. I breathe through the pain and rage that threatens to take over.