The Shadow Kingdom

Chapter 21i

His Shang Majesty turns the idea over in his head while the rest of us sit in agonizing wait. "What makes you think Verina Keller will even speak to you? Your father has a price on your head." Augustus asks.

"She is a businesswoman." I reply. "Living under Ashcroft rule is a constant drain on her wealth, and so is having to pay exorbitant prices for Adrian's blood. I can alleviate both of these problems for her." Augustus and Adrian exchange uncomfortable glances. Adrian doesn't like the idea of me getting directly involved in the conflict. Perhaps it's just testosterone poisoning. He would rather I stay behind four walls and play the dutiful housewife. Shut up and look pretty.

"This is a win-win situation for you, Shang Majesty." I continue. "If Verina agrees to the deal, you will have caused House Ashcroft one more major setback. It may even be enough to galvanize their opponents within Europe itself. And if she turns me over to William, so be it. You won't have to deal with me anymore. Your peace with House Ashcroft will be re-established." That last sentence causes a heartbreaking bitterness to shudder through Adrian. His hand squeezes mine to the point of pain, but I pull away. Right now, I am all business.

"Everybody get out. Except you." Augustus points at me. Adrian, Diana, and Tiberius obey their lord father, but Adrian hesitates. He rests a hand on my shoulder for a short moment, and I kiss it reassuringly. Our gazes meet briefly, and I smile at him. Once we are alone, Augustus circles around his desk and faces me. "Do you know why you are even here? I am the king. I can do whatever I please within the borders of my kingdom and certainly in my own house."

I grit my jaw, refusing to show weakness. I want to see where he goes with this. "You are here because I love my son. And my son is very obviously in love with you." As if I didn't already know that. "In another life, my wife and I would have married Adrian off a long time ago, and we'd have great-grandchildren by now. But Adrian's prodigal gifts radically changed the world. These days, the dynasties have the luxury of waiting for the right moment to marry their children.

"Adrian and I have a complex relationship. He hates what we are or rather what we do. He doesn't understand the hard reality in which we live." Augustus's expression becomes almost... repentant. "You think that I am evil, and the truth is you are right. I am ruthless, cruel, selfish, and I will kill anyone who gets in my way. This will never change. But there was no greater moment in my life than the day when Adrian came into this world. It allowed my family a relief from our shameful history. There was hope that we could become more than just magical thieves and murderers.

"Adrian is the best of us. He is strong, noble, kind, and he has the power to bring the world to heel. It has been over fifteen years since he has set foot in Shanghai. It was not until your life was in danger that he deigned to return. You brought him home to me, and for that, I am eternally grateful. You have permission to act as my voice when negotiating with House Keller." I bow graciously, pleased that His Shang Majesty is not entirely unreasonable. "I never asked how exactly you feel about my son." I freeze at the door. "Do you love Adrian?"

I stand at the threshold, staring down the monster that may become my father-in-law. Describing love to Augustus is like describing the colour blue to a blind man. "You forced me to blow up a ship filled with kidnapped young women who were destined for slavery. You could have let Adrian save Selena's mother, but you deliberately let her die because William refused to meet your bargain. You send your daughter across the world to murder and steal from your rivals. If there were any justice left in this world, you and William would be burning in the darkest corner of hell.

"Bringing Adrian into this world is the one good thing you have ever done in your life. He is the polar opposite of you. For every piece of hate that I hold for you, I hold ten pieces of love for him. I love Adrian more than you love yourself. That should answer your question."