Chapter 7 #2
“The third, Lord Astaroth, is war,” I stated simply, observing the way his eyes narrowed, how his fingers drummed against the table. I may not have been able to sense what he was feeling, but his skepticism was written all over his face.
“War is a big deal, Ambrose,” he said, his voice full of question and doubt.
“So is taking over as king,” Ivara chimed in.
She held herself with such pretentious, self-importance that I couldn’t help baring my teeth at the little bitch.
“Acting king,” I corrected. “I will gladly step down once Queen Cassia deigns to return. And war is a necessary evil at this point, Daelan. We cannot allow this problem to grow. We found evidence confirming that the Seelie Court is now aiding the rebellion, bolstering its numbers and its attacks. We must stamp it out now before the flames of resistance become too strong and take over our realm. Who knows where the Seelie Court will stop if they have full control of the realm? They may attack the humans in Mide, maybe even attack the lower realm.”
“I agree with Lord Ambrose,” Lord Bramwell said, giving a slight nod in my direction.
Lord Vito, Elnir, Oziel, and Loic all murmured their agreements, leaving only Daelan, Lord Troya, and Ivara.
“Then it’s confirmed,” I said, giving the lords a grateful smile and a slight bow from my chair.
“I will step in as acting king and start the preparations for war against the rebellion and the Seelie Court. I will also send word throughout the city that we will hold the public execution by week’s end.
Now that we have reached our decision, I would like to discuss who will become the new war general.
Does anyone have any ideas of who could take over? ”
“I’ll do it,” Daelan said, picking at an invisible string on his vest. He looked up, eyeing the other lords, daring anyone to reject. “Does anyone have any issues with that?”
“I’ll second Lord Astaroth’s bid on the war general’s position,” Ivara said flatly.
“As will I.” Lord Troya chimed, dipping his head to Daelan.
“Fine,” I growled, irritation skirting down my spine. As much as I despised the infernal lord, his father was an avid supporter of mine before his untimely death. “Lord Astaroth, you’ll be the new war general; however, you’ll need to stay here at the palace. I’ll have a room prepared for you.”
“That’s okay, I’ll take my old room,” Daelan waved in dismissal, leaning back into his chair. He looked back at Sybil, giving her a sly grin. “Is there anything else that you would like to discuss, Ambrose?”
I glared at Daelan, my blood turning to ice in my veins. “No, that will be all,” I said, gesturing toward the door, dismissing the meeting.
The lords stood, though only Daelan, Ivara, and Lord Troya left. The other five stayed behind, waiting until the doors closed before looking back in my direction.
Lord Bramwell was the first to break the silence. “I believe that just using the guard’s words alone will not be enough to sway the populace to our side.”
“I agree,” Lord Vito said, his eyes straying to Sybil.
“I have also thought of that,” I nodded. “Arianna, Sybil, and I will visit Thanlyl tomorrow, where we will find more rebels and rebel sympathizers. We will interrogate them and add them to the list along with the guards.”
Lord Bramwell laughed, those rotten teeth flashing, though his eyes flicked behind me to study Sybil.
“I’m assuming your grand paladin is a part of your court?
” His lecherous gaze slid along her body.
I could feel his lewd sentiments leaking off him.
“There may be quite a few who will have a problem with that fact, Ambrose. I wouldn’t mind taking her off your hands. She can join my court.”
“Oh, I’m counting on it,” I smiled darkly, ignoring his suggestion. Sybil belonged to me and would stay by my side. “But I’m sure those with any issues will find themselves…silent on the matter.”
“And our land?” Lord Oziel pressed, his hunger for more oozing from him.
“Will double once the Seelie Court is ours, and the rebellion has been squashed. But only then, Lord Oziel.”
“Of course,” he chuckled. “My soldiers are yours to use, King Ambrose.”
“I appreciate your support,” I returned. “All of your support. I’ve prepared rooms for you all to stay in until our public assembly. The servants will show you the way.”
As if on cue, Hale and Evander led a handful of servants into the room, summoning the lords to follow, leaving the three of us alone. I stood, turning to Sybil and Arianna, and leaned against the table.
“That went well, my king,” Arianna purred. She took a step toward me, but I raised my hand, stopping her.
My eyes were on Sybil, though hers stayed focused on the doors.
She’s going to betray you. She’s not yours. You will fall. You’ll fail. The would-be king will tumble, tumble, tumble—down, down, down he goes. She’s not yours. She’s not yours. She’s not yours. She’s not yours. Not yours. Not yours. Not yours. Not yours. Not yours.
I growled, cutting off that infuriating voice, transferring myself in front of Sybil.
She gasped at my sudden nearness, yet I felt nothing from her.
Nothing except that fucking void. Surprise flashed in her eyes, her face paled, but no emotion, no sensation, none of the fear from our time in the dungeon reflected back at me.
Snarling, I grabbed her throat, pushing her back into the marble wall behind her, cutting off her air.
She struggled against me, but I leaned down to her face.
“You will allow no one else to touch you. Is that understood? You belong to me and me alone.” Pushing her harder against the wall, I asked again, “Is. That. Under. Stood?”
“Yes,” Sybil choked, her voice small and meek. Her gaze flicked above my shoulder, her eyes widening slightly, but quickly returned to mine.
I lingered, holding her stare a moment longer before throwing her to the floor, her pained grunt echoing through the room. “Prepare to leave tomorrow. We will depart by mid-morning and be gone for two days.”
I turned, walking out of the council room with Arianna close on my heels.