The Last Throne of Golah

Chapter 7

Erik was in a towering rage.

Moonlight drifted down from the council room's high windows and onto the rose quartz floor. Damon and Valerio were standing in front of the king with their heads bowed. Erik's earth magic rippled off him as if it were an earthquake, shaking the sapphire chandelier and rattling the long table where the council members usually convened. The bookcases were vibrating so hard that a dozen books fell to the floor with a crash.

If he doesn't get his power under control, he'll break something, Damon thought. His stomach squirmed as if he'd swallowed a small snake. A rattling torch bracket threatened to set a small tapestry alight.

The king paced, wearing a dark green suit that was embroidered with maple leaves. His gold and emerald crown glinted in the candlelight.

Valerio wore his usual black uniform, his hair was elegantly styled, and his face was schooled into a neutral look. He seemed collected as if it were any other day, except sweat dotted his upper lip.

Damon wore a pale blue tunic and brown pants. He nursed a headache because he'd been in his room trying to sort out the aftermath of Osiah Elwyn's execution. A distant cousin of Elwyn's, named Claude, claimed that he should inherit the erudium mines because he was Elwyn's heir. Claude had further complicated matters when he informed the faeries, who worked the erudium mines, that under Auron's rule they'd have to work longer hours with less pay. As a result, the faeries went on strike. Claude also threatened to take the matter to the High Court, but unfortunately for him it was a fruitless endeavor because the king's word was the law that wiped out all other laws. Damon was debating whether he should arrest Claude or have him paid off, when a messenger had interrupted him and said that the king wanted him in the council room.

"So, that grimoire has been missing for months and you've nothing to show for it. Pray tell, what have you been doing this entire time if not what I've asked?" Erik sneered.

Damon ignored the gibe. "I honestly believe that Aeperos Court has taken it."

"That's impossible." Erik stopped pacing.

Valerio gave the king a furtive glance. "I apologize, Your Majesty. We will keep searching."

Erik's nostrils flared and the chandelier shook so hard that it was in danger of falling from the ceiling. The king looked away and the shaking ceased as he controlled his power.

Frustration stirred in Damon's chest. "Father, if you honestly believe that Aeperos Court doesn't have it then the only alternative is that the grimoire had a spell on it that made it self-destruct. I did a bit of research and found that the Mother Coven used to place self-destructive curses on their grimoires in case the owner died or if the grimoires were stolen."

"If you'd done your research properly." The king's voice was like acid. "Then you'd know that the Maiden Coven never destroyed their grimoires ... All this incompetence on top of Elwyn's betrayal makes me think I should've had the contract extended to our court."

Damon's stomach sank. Incompetent. It was a word that he hated more than anything. Especially when it came from his father. He looked down at the floor, slightly confused as to what contract the king was talking about. But he knew better than to say anything. Keeping quiet was what was best when Erik was in a temper. Plus, he didn't want to give the king more cause for disappointment.

"At least then, Elwyn wouldn't have betrayed us." Erik turned to Valerio. "Get me Andras, perhaps he may have answers about the grimoire that you can't seem to locate."

Valerio's mouth tightened, but nevertheless he remained silent as he bowed and then walked out of the room.

Damon kept his eyes on his boots, posture stiff.