Chapter 40
Damien’s POV
“You dare question my decisions?” I growled. “Freda is my mate, and nothing- nothing will change that. Not even your Balen.”
“And let me make this perfectly clear.” I swept my gaze across the room, staring at each lord in the eye one by one. “Freda is my queen, as much a part of this throne as I am. Whoever disrespects her, disrespects me. And disrespecting me is a surefire way to find yourself staring down the wrong end of a very sharp sword.”
Balen opened his mouth to retort but I cut him off, I wasn’t done with him. Not yet.
“Speaking of disrespect, Lord Balen. Perhaps we should discuss your precious daughter, Veresstina, shouldn’t we?” I said, sarcasm oozing from my tone.
Balen’s eyes widened, and I chuckled seeing his reaction.
“You see, gentlemen and lady.” I continued. “Verrestina, the woman you all assumed would grace this throne was no more virtuous than a desperate prostitute. She played a dangerous game, cheating on me with my brother. Her intentions were clear: whoever was chosen as the heir to Valthrun’s throne, she would automatically be queen. Rumors even suggest she was…entertaining my father as well.”
“Lies. How dare you slander my daughter’s name. Show us proof, we want proof.” Balen’s face scrunched in fury.
“The words of your king are enough proof.‘ I declared grandly. “And let me assure you, Lord Balen. Freda is a hundred times the woman your daughter could ever hope to be. And if I hadn’t shown restraint, your precious Veresstina would have been dead.”
I held his gaze for a brief moment, forcing him to shut his mouth and back down.
“Now, all of you are aware of the situation.” I continued. “We can either move forward together, or we can settle this the old fashioned way. The choice is yours. But remember this, if any of you choose to defy me, forget honor, forget unity. I will crush you with the full might of the crown.”
Suffocating silence stretched across the room. My outburst had left them cowered and speechless which meant, my dominance had been established. Although this was merely a temporary victory, I was content with them knowing who was boss.
“Your majesty” Lady Daphne broke the silence with a cough. “we understand the…. nature of your claim. However, the people of Valthrun need clarity. How will they be informed of this change of leadership.”
I frowned, contemplating her words. This was indeed a serious issue, the people needed to be informed.
“Your concerns are valid Lady Daphne.” I nodded,
“We shall hold a grand coronation ceremony. A month from now, the entire kingdom will witness the crowning of their new king and queen.” I declared in a grand manner.
“Queen?” Count Andrew blurted out.
“Yes, Queen. My mate will be crowned alongside me. Or do you have a problem with it?” I dared the foolish count.
The lords exchanged glances but no one dared to voice out an objection.
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10:38 Sun, Oct 19
Chapter 40
“A wise decision, Your majesty.” Lady Daphne simply bowed in acknowledgment.
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“In the meantime, the kingdom will continue to function as before. I will assume my role as king immediately.” I nodded curtly, “And also. After the coronation. We will be preparing for war with the kingdom of Kyrax. You are all dismissed.”
To my surprise and utter relief. There were no outbursts, no demands for explanations. Just a collective intake breath and the shuffling of their feet as they filed out of the meeting room.
Only Duke Magnus remained. Among all the lord’s, he was the one I had the highest respect for and I valued his input a lot. He stared at me with a worried gaze until I had to inquire the reason.
“Duke Magnus. Do you have something to say?” I asked
“You are putting the life of your mate in great danger, my liege.” Duke Magnus said, going straight to the point.
“I know. But, I can’t keep her hidden. I’ve thought about it and I’m willing to take the risks.” I responded. “I will protect her, at all cost.”
“Alright your majesty,” Magnus nodded. “But why are you waging war against Kyrax?”
I scrunch my eyebrows. The memory of Elara casting the binding spell on me replayed in my mind. I couldn’t possibly tell him I’m going to war with an entire kingdom because I needed a tutor for my mate, that would ruin everything I’ve tried to build.
“It’s a private matter, Duke.” I whispered.
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