Chapter 70 #2
“Not angry enough!” Willa finally spoke out, her voice rising.
“I want this person caught and eliminated. They’re trying to cause doubt and division by saying our grandchild isn’t worthy.
OUR grandchild!” she roared. It was so hard for her to conceive, and Derrick was her precious baby.
Her dream of being a grandmother was finally coming true, and her people were saying the baby wasn’t a legitimate heir?
The always-composed Willa released a dark aura into the room as her anger grew.
This was not something she could ever tolerate.
She didn’t care who it was … there was only one path for them. Death.
Alaric rubbed the back of his neck and looked down.
“I know, Willa.” His voice was soft and somber, yet the fire in his eyes showed the rage he was battling.
There would be consequences if they put a vampire to death who was centuries old.
Oddly enough, age did play a factor, because the longer they existed, the more allies they had.
Some of the most prominent families had been around since before his time.
Some of them were close to demons. Demons were no longer the power wielders they were even twenty years ago, but they still didn’t want to get on their bad side.
The other problem was that some were devout followers of Rogio.
Angering their deity would not be a smart move.
It was best to see who the culprit was and go from there. They would be severely punished. But he couldn’t immediately say it would be by death. As strong as his son was, he wouldn’t want him dueling with any of the older vampires either. They were sneaky and had well developed, very unique skills.
As a leader, he had learned to put his personal feelings aside and do what was best, regardless of his personal feelings.
“No decision will be made right now. First, we find the culprit. That is my command. We do need to address our people, though. I don’t want any more of this nonsense being spread about.
Jester, call an emergency meeting. I want everyone to gather below the upper balcony, where I will address them.
It is mandatory, and they should all be there within one hour!
” Alaric turned to Jester, who nodded his head.
Derrick balled his hands into fists and turned to storm out.
“Derrick!” Alaric said in a crisp, fatherly voice. “We can’t just rule with emotions. There will be justice. I promise.”
“I won’t rule like that, father. I don’t care how long someone has done their due diligence.
A vicious rumor like this has only one outcome …
death. What if it was a slanderous insult against mom?
Would this still be the same route you would take?
” Derrick snapped, glaring at his father in defiance.
“Yes, it would be, because we need to remember that our actions can have trickling effects. Solving one problem now could create a mess in the future. You are young and hot-headed—”
“Hot-headed? That is my mate and child those rumors are about. Calling my child an illegitimate heir to the throne, and I am just supposed to remain calm? I should sit across from these people and discuss this rationally over tea?” Derrick scoffed angrily.
“I will never rule that way, father. And I will say this only once. If I feel this situation isn’t handled well, I won’t stay here with Lucie.
Jasper can have the damn crown. I don’t want it if this is how my family will be treated. ”
“Derrick!” Willa gasped, horrified.
“Derrick, I am not saying anything right now. Only that we should think about this. I am not saying yes or no. I just want to speak to whoever did it and go from there.”
Derrick shrugged. “Do what you need to do. I’ve said my piece and I mean it.” There was a deadly calmness to his voice as he turned and left the room.
“He’s just upset,” Jester said quietly.
“He’s hurting. He feels betrayed by his own people too, Alaric,” Willa said in a whimper.
“Willa, I’ll handle the situation … both of them.
Derrick is young. But sometimes the best thing you can do is approach things calmly.
I’m angry too. I’m hurting for him too. I love Lucie and the baby she’s carrying.
I love them too!” Alaric shook his head.
“I would approach it the same way, no matter who the rumor was about. It isn’t easy to be a father and a leader.
My first instinct is to rip apart anyone who hurts my son and family.
But as a leader, I need to think about my decisions.
I just need time to think,” he whispered, rubbing his hand over his face.
“Jester, please see to the announcement and have the arrangements made.”
Alaric watched Irene and Jester walk out of the room together. Willa came up to Alaric, and he pulled her into his arms. He leaned his head down into her neck and breathed in her scent.
“I hate this.” Alaric’s hands shook slightly. Being a king was not the easy job a lot of people thought it was. Often, the crown that is worn can be very heavy. This was one of those moments.