When The Night Falls Book 2 of When Good Things End trilogy

CHAPTER 29

Laurent and I escorted Zina all the way back to her place. We said goodbye with sleepy eyes. I yawned, closing the door to Laurent's room with a lock. Laurent quickly hid the presents into his large closet as I noticed Tide was sleeping in the midst of the king bed.
I changed in the bathroom. The silence feeling daunting as the door creaked and I made my way out. I put my folded dress on my nightstand. making my way back once I realized I needed to wash off the makeup and reapply the moisturizer.
Laurent was back to being shirtless as he joined me in the bathroom. I washed my face as he brushed his teeth. The black eyeliner wasn't coming off like the rest of the colors did.
"I think it's waterproof," Laurent mentioned as he noticed me trying to rub off the black.
"Do I keep it on?"
"Hold still for a second," he said. Taking something's from the sink drawers and soaking a cotton pad. "I had a pirate phase once. Eyeliner was one of the dumb thing that made me feel better about myself."
He tilted my chin so I'd face him. I tried not to laugh as he talked on about the different things he's been through. Softly the black line around my eyes was wiped off my him.
We both fell into bed. The cold disappearing with the warmth of his arms. I pulled Tide closer as well, covering him with the blanket.
I hope he gets along with the others.
The morning was alright, if you ignored Asshures expression of contempt. I crossed my arms. The council had called Laurent this time, not me.
My ring was noticed by Dollia the second I greeted her and the others. She didn't seem to happy at the idea of marriage just yet but she hadn't said anything otherwise.
"Why I here?" Capala asked, her arms also crossed in annoyance. The other rulers were present.
One of the council members stood up. Trying to start the conversation. "We need your support in a difficult decision. This decision will impact our kingdom greatly and effect most everything that is a part of it." The man went on, spewing a load of words out without actually getting the point.
"We need to nominate the deceased king's successor." Dollia interrupted.
"Deceased?" Raimen asked. "You said he was fine a week ago."
She nodded solemnly. "Sadly our last king has died. Around five months ago," she added in the last part rather quickly.
"Five months ago?" I raised an eyebrow, not completely sure if that was the truth.
Asshur shrugged. "More likely around seven months ago."
It seemed I wasn't the only one surprised. Derek seemed baffled even with his slanted eyes. Riu just sat quietly like she always did. Only letting out a murmured 'oh.'
Laurent seemed bothered. I don't know if its because we were kept in the dark about this or because he think we might get involved. The glance his way made my stomach twist. We were going to somehow going to be dragged into this.
"As most of you know, it is tradition here for the bloodline of the crown to be the successor of the throne. Honestly we just need to put a face to the task to just get the people to believe everything is one," Asshur said. "Apparently my son has someone seem as more suited fo the position so we have gathered here to discuss this matter."
My was rolling around the floor but I kept up a smile.
"Cabit Hinch and Laurent Ro'mave are the people we are considering."
It wasnt like the whole conversation wasn't building up this reveal but it still made me worry.
"You just need a face right? What's the difference between the two?" Derek asked, leaning back, his crown tilting to the side lazily. He didn't seem to care about the situation anymore.
Laurent gave me a curious look. It's his choice at this point, I can't hold him back from doing whatever he wants. Besides, it's like Dollia said the reason they need someone is to play the face for the crown.
"Are those really the only two left of the bloodline?" I asked.
A silent nod was all I got in reply.
"Cabit is by far a better choice," Asshur tried to convince the others. "He's lived here his whole life and has done many great things for this kingdom, the people would love him."
Dollia snickered under her smile. "Just a face Asshur," she reminded.
"Are we to vote or are we to ask them?" The question was brought up by Riu in her silent tone. "He's been silent this whole time. Why not see whether he even want the position," she added timidly as a blush crept up her cheeks.
She's really cute.
"Cabit, Laurent, what do you have to say about this?" Asshur asked pointedly at the two boys.
This has got nothing to do with me. I pulled my hands into my lap. It's his decision, if he chooses not to we'll be fine. But if he does that means well have some tie to this kingdom and carry on in good relations. Who knows what Cabit might do with his temper. Laurent's by far a handsomer choice.
The both of the boys stood up.
"What are your thought's?" Dollia asked lovingly. The both of them were her grandkids and I could sense a bit of excitement in her tone that one of them would consider the position.
"It would be an honor," Cabit beamed.
Laurent didnt answer right away. "Give me a second to talk this over?" Dollia let him go and he bowed slightly and nodded towards the door.
I followed him outside, making our way to a more private area. "Before you ask me, you have to tell me what you want to do," I said.
He smiled at my statement. "They just need a face right? You can't tell me my cousin looks better than me?"
"Well," I drawled. "You have better morals." He probably didn't even bat an eye about the cousin marriage thing.
Excitement rushed through me as Laurent pinned me between his arms. "Are you saying I'm not handsome?" He asked playfully.
"When are you ever not?" I teased, rolling my eyes. "Come on pretty boy, we shouldn't be keeping your grandma waited," I said, quickly pecking his cheek before ducking under his arms and heading back to my seat.
In the end he agreed to letting the council use him as the king's substitute. It was a good deal since all he ever had to do was make a few appearances every few times a year. The deal also meant showed that Phoenix Drop had completely shown how much relations with this kingdom meant to us.
I yawned. Stretching as I went back after the meeting. Laurent still stuck by me even when I decided to take a nap. I could feel the weather growing colder. I wasn't much help in the hospital, and I had Doyle do all the talking with Ein whenever it was necessary.
Laurent gestured to stay quite as I finished cleaning up after dinner. He had been in his room for the past hour and now he was out with something in his hands.
"I remembered one of my friends was really good with mechanics so I had him help me put something together for Tide." He showed the little leg extension.
I marveled at the gift as he showed the ways it worked. It was like a real functioning leg, just small and fit to Tide's size. The material used was smooth to the touch with a simple solid black as its color.
"Doyle's coming back with him since I asked for him to take him out for a bit. You think he'll be okay with it?" He asked, putting down the leg on the carpeted floors and sitting down.
"Are you kidding? I didn't know this was even possible. "He's going to be able to walk, Laurent." I teared up, sitting down with him as I heard the door open.
"Hand's up and we won't hurt you."