Blood Royals Bonus Book: Adryan & The Throne Book 2

Chapter 16: The Enemy's Face Part 1

King Relian's POV
For the first time since I became king, the Courtier is not outside my door. I am looking around for him. I must admit I have become fond of his presence. He's like a faithful companion who finishes my sentences. He answers questions I don't feel like answering and serves to be the sharp tongue when I want to remain silent.

This morning, I'm up early because I have two important people to talk to. Both of them are prone to anarchy. One of them is discreet but the other does not hide his propensity to destruction.

Adryan is still in bed. He's not much of a morning person. I'll talk to him much later in the day. The palace is quiet this morning. Even Prince Kieran isn't reminding us of his presence. He must be nestled between his parents.

"You cannot have heirs." My mother spoke from behind me.

I turned slowly. Our last conversation didn't go so well. She accused me of trying to kill her with my words.

"What?"

She got closer to me. She reached for my tie. She began to straighten it. "If you are leaving the throne to Adryan, you cannot father any children. The last thing we need is a random child coming out of nowhere to claim the throne."

"That won't happen. Once it's given to Adryan -"

"I read the laws. It took me all night but the law gives leeway for the heir of the firstborn to challenge the second born for the throne. You cannot father children. That is my condition. If you want to leave, then you must agree to this."

"I agree."

She held my face in her hands. "I'll miss you. I don't think I'll ever have a child like you." Her eyes teared up. "When are you telling Adryan?"

"After he marries."

"Fair enough. I sense things will progress fast from here on out. For what it's worth, you make a sensible and kind king. Heaven help us when you leave us with one who craves destruction." She laughed softly.

"Mother, Adryan will make a great king. Give him a chance and you'll see."

"It's one of those things one has to see to believe."

She let me go but her eyes are already longing like I left already.

I have sacrificed enough time. She's right. Here on out, things will progress fast.

The Royal Guard followed me through the narrow hallway that leads to the guest quarters. I had Ember remanded here until we speak. He spends his time alone.

They opened the door to the room he's in. It's nowhere near uncomfortable. He has a comfortable bed and a little living area to keep himself entertained. Seeing me, he stood up at once and bowed. "Your Majesty. What an honor."

"Leave us alone." I instructed the Royal Guard. "Stop the pretences. I see through you. I know that you have been fueling Adryan's destructive tendencies."

"To agree with you would be to say that Prince Adryan cannot make his own decisions. Is he such a mindless fool?"

"I may not have caught you red-handed but I assure you, the day will come when Adryan will see you for what you are. Heaven have mercy on you. You are free to go."

I stepped aside for him. He walked past me without making eye contact. From now on he will be closely watched. I hope he slips up.

Adryan's POV
For a long time, every morning has been the same. I wake up in a small space, probably a tent or my room at the military base in Saine Neane. I eat a crappy breakfast to fill my stomach. I spend the day surrounded by soldiers.