Claws of Eternity ✔️

Chapter 38: Jack of all sides

JACK

London was crawling with people, panic spread all over the city, even thought the Border around it was still up. Jack bumped into people as he ran through the dirty streets towards the Rives Thames. He didn't know what he would do at the Westminster Palace, but he knew Lord Bryce was following him. He had to hide in another royal's courtyard.

Edward IV of York was the current King of England and a man of vampire heritage. He did not choose to be made yet, but he could, if he wanted to. In case of all the members of Bryce family dying, House of York was allowed to step in as one of the Royal Houses in the Monarchy. Jack was going to use that.

He hurried towards the Palace of Westminster. Much like the Windsor Castle, the Palace was tremendously big, even imposing. There was something in the way the British built their palaces, almost like they expected to be an everlasting monarchy. But Jack had to time to pay attention to all the decorated windows and frightening gargoyles that stared at him, he had to save his life.

He scribbled a letter before he came, so King Edward was already expecting him, he had no trouble entering the Palace. With the Border falling, people entered a certain frenzy, they didn't think things through enough and Jack thought he might be able to use that. He was very well aware that the situation would escalate soon. There was no safe place yet known, the missing Border might leave the entire Monarchy bare, unprotected.

Guards followed Jack as he walked towards the great hall, trying to remember the way he came in because the Palace was huge. He also knew he might have to take the fast exit, just in case something went wrong.

Enormous wooden doors opened in front of Jack and he entered a vast hall, with nothing but long tables on both sides and a red, dusty carpet in the middle, leading to the throne. Edward IV, a small man with his brown hair reaching his chin and a lost expression on his face, sat at the throne. Compared to Bryce, he looked meek. Around him, a dozen of men

"Your Grace." Jack bowed in front of the King.

"Stand." Edward gestured with his hand. "I have no time for anything you have to say, so make it quick."

"I need shelter. Lord Augustin Bryce is at my heels. The Border around Windsor Castle fell, he is coming to London." Jack began hastily.

"And why would I take you in? Why would I offer my help when I know exactly who you are? I know you used to serve Lerra De Noves, I know you betrayed Bryce to follow her and then you ran back to Bryce when she wronged you in whatever way. And now, you're betraying Bryce again! Tell me, Jack O'Neal, what kind of a man you are?" Edward leaned in and the look in his eyes was downright mad.

But he had a point. Jack believed he was loyal all his life, but he never was. He was always way too selfish to be truly loyal, too proud.

"I'm not offering my loyalty." He said, trying to come off as a little less scared than he was. Edward's mad gaze turned into amusement.

"And what are you offering? Your company does not qualify as an answer." Edward smiled slyly.

"I'm offering an idea. I told you Bryce was on his way, him and his entire family." Jack swallowed hard as he remembered Liz. The woman that helped him, offered her company, found him at least mildly interesting. "His entire family is on their way here. They will come to your home. And I told you this, I gave you this information." Jack kept on talking.

"Are you telling me I should kill them all? Are you telling me I should take my place in the Monarchy once the entire Bryce family is gone?" Edward asked, his smile spreading widely.

Jack's heart picked up the pace, finally, he felt like he had something to offer.

"Yes." Jack nodded.