The Serpent's Chains

Chapter 36: It All Comes Down to This

Author's Note: This chapter contains depictions of violence that may be upsetting to some readers. 

Cole

"General, it is good to have you back in the palace. Perhaps you'd be so kind as to update me on the situation at the front lines?" King Talis asked.

Wyatt flicked his eyes sideways to me. He'd only just returned a few hours ago and been summoned to the inner dining room, along with my siblings, to dine with the king.

It was a small peace offering from my father. The dining room was too small for the dragons, so Amonette wasn't present. My father could still use his heart magic without her but she could amplify it significantly.

I nodded to Wyatt and poked at the food on my plate with a fork.

"Do we really need to talk about war and battle?" Rosalie whined.

My father shot her a look and she bowed her head.

Alistair remained quiet, a permanent scowl fixed on his face. He was only there because Father either threatened him or guilted him. For a prince, Alistair didn't take advantage of the perks, or the joys of life.

"Go ahead, General," the king coaxed.

Wyatt nodded. "There have been increased mage sightings at our borders. No formal attack or threats have been made but they are looking for ways to cause chaos."

We shared another quick look. Wyatt's report was honest enough and vague enough. I could count on him to keep the peace.

"Do you think it is time for the War Dragon to rain fire from the skies again?" King Talis looked at me with a hard glare. Even behind his beard, I could see his lips were set in a firm line.

"Until my men are unable to handle the small conflicts, the War Dragon is an unnecessary show of force," Wyatt assured.

My father laughed. "Is there such a thing?"

"That depends on if you are trying to spark a war or prevent one," I cut in.

Again, I received that dark glare from my father.

"Oh, here we go," Rosalie muttered. "We're supposed to be having a nice family meal."

"This is important business," my father insisted.

"Better to be discussed in a war conference. Rosalie is right. We should be enjoying this." I winked across the table at my sister. "So, Rosalie, tell us about that prince who caught your eye."

"Wha- hey!" Her cheeks turned three shades of red and she stuffed her mouth full, taking her time chewing.

I chuckled but when I glanced at my father again, his face was practically blue and his fingers were white and trembling around his fork. For a man who could influence other's emotions, he could barely hold his own together.

"I have legitimate concerns about what's happening in Stivalia," King Talis insisted. He pounded his fist against the table.

Water sloshed over the edge of my goblet. I wiped the drops away with a napkin. "I have concerns about a loose mage of royal descent running around in Telasia. She seems to be the bigger threat at the moment since Stivalia hasn't made a direct move against us."

"But your search for her has come up empty. If we focus on taking down Stivalia, then her will, will break. It is a war tactic to go after the largest threat, not the most immediate."

Sighing, I shook my head. There was no getting out of this conversation. "No, Father, that is the tactic of a conqueror. I'm a leader, a protector of my people."