Threads of Fate

Chapter 74 ~ A Necessary Regency

    Azael gave Tissaia several hours to be by herself, despite how it grated against his instincts. Every part of him was itching to find a way to relieve her sorrow, but he knew only time could do that, and if she wanted him for anything, she would tell him.

    Instead, he kept himself occupied well past midnight with a variety of preparations for the newcomers. As Kahari said, the counselors had already selected rooms for them all, but he tasked himself with ensuring that his father's was well prepared for any explosive outburst the male might have.

    He had any items of value removed from the chamber and anything breakable was cast with a temporary shield to protect it. Azael didn't wish to remove more than was necessary. From what Gaelen told him, Mavron had been living like a prisoner since they left Arcan. He didn't want to upset the male further after what he was going to spring upon him.

    Some semblance of normality after what his father had been living with might do him well, Azael surmised. When that task was complete, he cloistered himself in the manor's extensive library and set to work writing out all the points of his proposition for the counselors, just in case memory failed him tomorrow.

    He was only grateful that he wouldn't have to plead his case entirely on his own. Tissaia would be there to support him. Gaelen was going to give a full report on everything he had witnessed in the mountains and since then. Vael and Kahari were going to offer insight into the struggles of the Forest Dwellers and the rising issue of the Blood Fae.

    And in addition to that, Azael was going to mention the state he'd seen his less fortunate subjects living in. Everyone from the Human woman who had let them stay in her barn, to the people of the village that had suffered from the fire. He'd always known there was more that the Royal Family could be doing for their people, and now that he'd seen it with his own eyes, he wasn't going to let his father or the counselors tell him otherwise.

    Asterria needed a change if it was going to survive the future. He would make that change. When his preparations were complete and there was little else for him to do, Azael finally returned to the inn and went to bed with Tissaia wrapped firmly in his arms.

•༻☽☾༺•

    Dawn came altogether too early and Azael was roused by a loud rapping at their door. He let out a disgruntled huff and slid out of bed to answer it. He was greeted by a young messenger boy. "Your Highness. I was asked to inform you that the King is expected to arrive within the hour."

    Azael blinked in surprise and the last of his weariness melted away, being replaced by instant anxiety. He only bowed his head to the boy and closed the door. Tissaia was sitting up when he looked back at her. "Are you all right?" She asked, lifting a brow.

    "I might throw up, but otherwise, yes." He raked his fingers through his hair with a heavy breath, then began gathering up the clothes he'd chosen for today.

    "It's going to be fine," Tissaia soothed. He didn't reply while he stepped into his pants and tugged a shirt over his head. When he lowered his arms, Tissaia had risen. Her slender hand rested against his arm before she touched her lips to his jaw. "They'll listen to us and see the sense in your words."

    "And if they don't?" He sighed.

    "We'll make them."

    He heard the unyielding firmness in her voice and didn't bother to raise any of his other doubts. Instead he cupped her cheek in his hand and drew her mouth to his. "You don't have to come, if you don't wish to," he murmured. "I know politics are probably the last thing on your mind right now."