Blood Royals Bonus Book: Adryan & The Throne Book 2

Chapter 22: Your Duty To The Crown

Adryan's POV
The morning after... my eyes are heavy with sleep. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a morning person. That was enforced on me by the army. I'm wired that way now but it doesn't mean I'm anyone's cup of tea in the morning.

"Speak and make it fast." I told the Courtier in a serious tone.

"Is he gone?" He asked me. "Am I speaking to the new king?"

"What?"

Last night...
"Andy."

"Your Majesty." I bowed to him. "I was just on my way out. Lovely ceremony. Thank you for inviting me to share in your family's joy. Do you need anything?"

"A word."

King Relian is not the most expressive person. He tends to be serious and difficult to read even in his finest moments. His predecessor, King Treytan was an open book. He wore his emotions on his sleeve.

I entered his private chambers only to see the Queen Mother seated. Bowing to her, I noticed tension between them.

It's the early hours of the morning. Most of the guests are beginning to take their leave.

"Is there a problem Your Majesties?"

The King offered me a small fleeting smile. "It's not a problem. It's a change."

"Change? I don't follow."

"I'm leaving."

"Cray Thera?" I asked.

"The kingdom." He answered.

"Tell him already!" The Queen snapped. "He is abdicating the throne!"

Dear heavens!

I struggled to hide my shock. This is one problem I cannot control. Abdication?

"May I ask why?"

"Personal reasons."

"But who... who will succeed you?"

"Prince Adryan."

I might as well die. I might as well drop dead right now. "I don't mean to question Your Majesty's judgement but are you sure? Your brother is... barely palatable."

"The decision has been made. You two along with Prince Adryan are the only ones who knows and I want to keep it that way. You will continue to serve as the Courtier even after I leave. I expect you to serve Prince Adryan like you have me and my father before him. I expect you to uphold my wishes to install Prince Adryan as the new King of Chea Niva."

"When... when does this order take place?"

"In a short while. This is my decree. It is signed and ready to go into effect. Guard it with your life. The Queen Mother will hold you liable should my wishes not be seen through."

I bowed my head after receiving the decree.

"Your wishes will be seen through Your Majesty."

Presently...
He is gone.

I have looked everywhere but I cannot find King Relian anywhere. I stood outside his chambers as I usually do, waiting for him but he never came out. I searched the inside and the bed was made. I asked his personal attendant and he informed me that the King did not sleep in his chambers.

It's my wish that he crawled into a woman's bed. I cannot serve Prince Adryan

Knowing there is no other option, I am making my way to the other side of the palace where Prince Adryan resides. The cries of his son echo in a distance.