The Dark King (Book 1)

Chapter 20

Raidyn

Last night after the feast Byrd and I resided to our chambers to get some sleep. I think we both slept like the dead because the next morning we woke up in the afternoon because of little knocks at the door. I groan, sit up, and slide my legs off of the bed to answer it.

I'm surprised to see Astrid standing there at the door. "I have news for you, King Rastifen."

"Please, call me Raidyn." I smile at her and open the door, gesturing for her to step in.

Byrd is slowly rising from the sound of Astrid's voice.

"What is it?" I turn to Astrid and shut my chamber doors.

"I had a vision last night, my uncle is coming and so is the King of the East. Today. Actually," She pauses and looks outside, "they'll both be here within the next couple of hours."

Shit. I run my hands through my hair. "I take it we'll all have to have a big conference to decide the fate of Craylle." I groan.

"Are they coming here to fight?" Byrd rubs her eyes.

"No. Just as King Rast- Raidyn said, they're here to discuss Craylle's fate, among other things." Astrid speak up with her voice light. The young queen was the only one in the room dressed for the day.

"Why is the King of the East involved?" Byrd asks.

"Bren mentioned to me yesterday that those children were taken from the East." I speak up and look to Astrid for verification.

She nods in response and continues. "They were. Plus, with a kingdom up for grabs it is only right that each of the three kingdoms have their say and representation. Not to mention that Prince Bren is already here against his father's wishes."

Both my head and Byrd's snap to Astrid. How could he not have told me about this? I knew he was visiting because his sister's wedding and his father did not approve, but I was unaware he was still staying in spite of his father, if it even is that. "Are you sure the king isn't just mad because Bren attended Elianna and Harking's wedding?" I inquire.

"Bren and King Waolle have been arguing for sometime it seems. In my vision, the two had it out over Bren's disobedience. The king was threatening to revoke Bren's heir to the throne because of his disobedience and reckless behavior." Astrid elaborates more.

Fuck, Bren. Now the King of the East won't be too happy with me. Our ties are now far too strained. "This has shattered my eastern ties with the king then I suppose?" I move my body to the window and look out at my kingdom placing my hands on my hips.

I watch as Astrid shakes her head from the glare in the window, "Yes, the king is not too happy with the Southern Kingdom so it seems."

I turn to Byrd who gives me a worried look. "It will be fine." I reassure her even though I'm not sure at all what will happen myself. "Thank you, Queen Astrid. I will meet you, along with Prince Bren, Lord Harking, and Lady Elianna at my boardroom as we all await the arrival of the kings." I dismiss her and she takes the cue.

I walk over to my wardrobe to get dressed for the day sluggishly. My body has still not fully recovered from yesterday's battle. "You should get dressed for the day too and join us. You are royalty now." I say to Byrd as I put on my black socks and slacks for the day.

She climbs out of bed wincing. "We aren't married yet, king."

"We are as good as married." I say plainly. The truth of it was I needed her there.

Weakly she walks over to her wardrobe picking out clothes. "And who do you think has the right to take Craylle for themselves?"

"I am not sure anyone does, but Astrid is still queen. She has the ultimate decision to make, whether or not to claim her birthright or claim Craylle."