The Moon & The Morningstar: 7 Deadly Sins

CH 84: Leadership Opportunities

PHANA'S POV

Ok. I admit I'm a little taken aback by the King's choice of topics because that's not the direction I thought this conversation would go at all. I've always tried to have as little to do with my faction as possible due to my father and grandfather. So, although I know some things about Pride Faction that I can share with him, if he's looking for in-depth information he'll need to find someone else to provide it.

Lost in thought for a second, I realize he hasn't said anything else about what he really wants, so I decide to prompt him, "My faction, your Majesty? What about them?"

"With your father and grandfather in prison for the next few millennia, Pride Faction has no leadership. They can't survive like that. They are like a rudderless ship. They will crash against the rocks and sink below the waves if someone doesn't step up too lead them soon."

That's true. However, I'm not sure why he's telling this to me. Maybe he hopes I have a suggestion for someone to take over. I have an uncle and some cousins, but I haven't seen them in years. My grandfather exiled them from the faction when I was small because they dared to oppose his ideas. Thinking back, I actually liked my uncle when I was young. He seemed like a good man.

"Phana... Phana... Prince's Consort!"

What? Shit! I totally drifted off while the Yo's dad was trying to talk to me, "My king, I'm sorry. I was lost in thought for a minute. What were you saying."

Looking a little disgruntled, the King resettles himself on his couch then starts again, "I was saying... I believe I know the perfect person to step up and take over leadership of Pride."

Oh. Good. Now I don't even have to think about it.

"Phana, that person is you. You will become the new Faction Leader for Pride."

Feeling flabbergasted by his declaration, I jump to my feet, "WHAT?! Your Majesty, I-I can't. T-t-that's not possible."

"Why?" He inquires calmly.

"Because it's wrong. People will think I turned my family in, so I could take over."

"Is that why you did it?"

"Of course not! I have no ambition to rule my faction. I did to keep Yo from getting hurt and because I knew my father and grandfather were making the wrong decisions."

"Great answer. That makes you sound like the perfect person to take over to me."

Sighing in confusion at his logic, I slump back down into my seat and just stare at him.

"Phana, Pride needs someone who will lead them in the right direction. Someone who can lead them back into becoming part of our nation and its politics."

"I hate politics." I mumble.

Chuckling at my statement and attitude, he admits, "Me too. However, that doesn't change the facts of the situation." Holding his hand up he starts ticking off points on his fingers. "You are the third in line to lead being your father's only child. You are not so consumed by your pride that you cannot make rational decisions for the good of your faction. And you are in a relationship with the Crown Prince and will at some point become a member of the royal family. These are all good reasons for you to take over."

"But I'm still in school. I don't have time to lead a faction. And honestly, I have no concept of politics."

"Of course, you need to finish school. But, you'll be graduating in just two short years which is no time at all in the life of a demon. Besides, I have someone sensible in mind who can manage the day to day affairs of the faction until you graduate. Plus, they can continue to assist you afterwards, since there will be occasions you will need to be focused on your royal duties as Yo's Consort. And as far as the politics, Yo and I will help you."