Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 16

The morning session starts at the ungodly hour of whenever the desirables can climb out of bed. While I'm forced to awake earlier than any human should be required to dress in proper attire, I can feel the universal yawn traveling through the castle as the dreary-eyed staff begins the long process of making me look presentable. 

With all the parties and political schmoozing that had been working its way through the court, on top of my coronation, it seemed enthusiasm had died down and all that remained were the hungover corpses of the wealthy and the exhausted, overworked staff who never agreed to this event in the first place. 

I had expected to awaken and find my warlord and yet, it would appear as though he never came back last night. Perhaps Ana told him what I'd said and he was avoiding me, it seemed like something he'd do if he didn't want to make an even bigger scene than he made that night at the meeting. 

I try not to pry, I try not to seem like a desperate school girl as the servants file in and out of my chambers to complete their various tasks. No one has seen him, no one has heard from him since last night. Finally, Haryek appears, clutching a cup of coffee as if it were his very lifeblood as he does his best to look regal despite his exhaustion. 

"This will be the first thing to go.." He grumbles, snagging a cup off a passing tray and handing it to me. "Morning sessions are no place for a king. Here you go, drink up, it's going to be a long morning." 

It would appear as though Haryek had decided he was much more necessary at my side than Loan. 

I can't help but inquire, "Where's Loan?" I allow anything to distract from the growing panic that my fiance had bolted. I'm alive so surely he must be? I sip the hot brew and wrinkle my nose at the strong taste but I know I'm going to need it. The caffeine is rejuvenating and the warmth is welcomed to my icy body.

Haryek flashes a coy smile, "Thoroughly wined, dined and down for the count at the mercy of my sensational presence." I watch him for a moment and he rolls his eyes. "We fucked. He's passed out." I practically spit out my drink. "Come now Nicolas, pull it together." 

I can't even focus on the scolding. 

"How did you manage that? He hates you, last I checked at least." It's common knowledge that Loan had never forgiven Haryek for cheating on him. 

Haryek shrugs, pausing my designer to snatch a vest out of her hands and trade it out with a different one. "I'm irresistible, is that so hard to believe?" He pauses. "Don't answer that. Now, what's this I hear you're going to revoke your previous laws?"

I sigh. Fillipa had made quick work of starting this process, she was not going to allow my power to slip through our fingers. A woman on a mission, it would appear. "I have to. I've signed away my rights and you saw how it went yesterday, I've got to gain back some control. This court is out of control and full of elitists." Haryek nods, approving. 

"Oh don't let me stop you, Nic. Do what must be done. I'm impressed, pulling support for the lycans to ensure you keep your seat, it's got balls. Big balls. You know that I like-"

I stop him, shaking my head as I glare at the wide-eyed maids. They quickly scurry out of the room and I give Haryek a hard look. 

"No more of that talk around the help. Understand?"

"Me-ow." Haryek purrs and smirks, half bowing. "Your Majesty. My apologies." This is what needs to happen, right? I have to command the space. I have to control my surroundings. I take a moment to dive into my morning fruit bowl and opt to take it with me, I'm the king, I can do what I want right?

It impresses and disgusts my elvish companion as we make our way down the hall. Ana quickly steps up to be at my side though she's not looking at me, her hair is in a tight coil of braids on top of her head and her chin is lifted. Reid steps into place beside her, still tugging at the tops of his tall boots as he scrambles into some form of order.