Blood Royals Bonus Book: Prince Adryan & the Throne

Chapter 21: The Problem With Chea Nivan Women

Adryan's POV
Ebrium has never been my cup of tea.

Its pretentious.

I can't stand the air of pretence in this duchy. Carperia is wealthier and the people don't pretend. They are snobs and they are not afraid to show it. Ebrians pretend to be nice but they are not what they seem. The toxic nature starts all the way up from their Duke.

I hate that man.

"I never thought I'll feel sunshine again." Keli ruined my absolute perfect silence. "Sir."

He's right. The air here is warm. For once, I am not wearing layers of clothing. My mind may be here but my heart is not completely here. Half of it is back in the Crystal Isles where I left Selina. Her warmth against my body on the cold morning I left is still fresh.

"Do you think Selina is all right?"

"What do you mean sir?"

I glanced at the man beside me. That question slipped out. It was meant to stay within my thoughts. "Will she make a mess of things in my absence?" I rephrased to sound tough like I don't care about her.

"I don't think so. I think Selina always knows what she's doing. She is the most trustworthy and sensible person in the camp. I mean no offense to the queen."

My mother can be emotional. Selina isn't.

"Good morning!" General Taof approached us along with six other men. They are his top officials. "I trust the accomodations were to your liking."

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got here. Both Keli and I were on high alert in case we were walking into a trap. Everything checked out. The whole army is behind me; at least the officials who count. Taof presented me with my own quarters. I don't think I have slept on a bed this comfortable in a long time. It's nothing compared to my bed in Cray Thera but it's much better. I wish Selina was here to enjoy it with me.

"They are fine. Thank you."

"Good. Can we talk?" I led the way inside. We settled around a small table. "Like I mentioned, we shouldn't waste time. The longer we take to do something about the political situation, the higher the chances your father will catch us unprepared."

"What are my assets?" I asked.

"Iron Army. All of it. You already have that guarantee. We don't have the Phoenix in Lokefar. We don't have the Elite in Daa Haan. We don't have the Dark Army in Saine Neane. You are understaffed."

I tapped my fingers on the table. I'm aware of how "understaffed" I am.

"May I add that you don't have the Duke's support, Your Highness... Sir... Uh... What is tbe proper term of reference?"

"It's functional. Do you see me in a crown?"

"No sir. Sir it is."

"I'm not w big fan of the Duke and he feels the same way. Do I need his support?"

"No you don't." Taof answered. "We will simply impose martial law and force him out. However, his support will make the transition of power seamless. It depends on his w you want to do it. Force or finesse."

I rubbed my chin.

Force.

"I'll try finesse but if it doesn't work out, force."

"We couldn't agree on the the next move after Ebrium. Some if us think that Lokefar is the next move. Others feel it should be Daa Haan."

"Lokefar is the break basket of the kingdom. 80% of the food we eat comes from Lokefar." Taof informed me. "Daa Haan is biggest port of trade in the kingdom."