Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
I suppose I shouldn’t take away all their credit. They are the most powerful beings of Vakeeli right now, but with powers like theirs comes massive responsibility. Their actions can’t stem from cruel or unjust intentions, courtesy of the Regals. My mother informed me of this when I was a child, back when she had me studying Vakeeli hierarchy. Which is probably why Vassilis hasn’t blasted us to smithereens quite yet, but I’m sure he’s looking for a solid enough reason to.
Due to his honor of protecting those in Vakeeli, he can’t be as ruthless as he desires or he’ll be stripped of his powers, and the thought of it makes me want to laugh in his face.
Calista rounds a corner, entering a large room with an intricately designed ceiling. Sharp icicles run up the black columns, threaded with twinkling lights and silver flowers. A table that can seat at least twenty people is in the middle, an iron chandelier with dagger-like jewels glinting above. A decanter of wine, a tray of fruit, and a roasted lump of meat (boar, most likely) is on the table. Calista points a hand in the direction of the fireplace and a large flame appears, instantly warming the room.
“Please, sit,” she insists, already taking the throne-like chair at one end of the table. Her brothers sit on either side of her, and Killian and I take several seats down.
With a snap of her fingers, three servants dressed in silver with scarves covering their hair appear.
“Wine,” Calista commands, and they hurry to the table, pouring wine into each crystal. One of them, a girl who can’t be any older than fifteen, sets a glass in front of me then bows. She takes off, rounding a corner with the others.
“We have an idea of what caused your attack on Rami,” Calista starts, diving right into it.
“My attack?” I shake my head. She’s fucking with me, I know it. “He started it. I just finished it.”
“You defied the rules,” Vassilis snarls. Love of Vakeeli, I would really love to punch him in the fucking face, just once to make him stop all that unnecessary snarling and growling.
“As I’m sure you’re aware, Rami attacked me while I was seeing a Mythic, took two people from my clan, made them fight in his bloody caves, and then assaulted someone I was meant to protect.”
“You mean your mate,” Calista says, smiling and I expected one of them to bring Willow up, but hearing her say it with that vicious smirk doesn’t calm my nerves. I clench a fist on the table, and Killian adjusts in his chair. I eye him, and there’s a warning in his eyes–one we pass to each other often when dealing with others. Remain calm. Don’t let them get a reaction out of you.
“I’ve just discovered she’s my mate, yes,” I state.
“And you killed another Monarch because he was about to assault her?” Arie asks.
“He would have raped her.”
Arie looks at Calista, and then Vassilis. “Can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same–not that I know what it’s like having a mate. But if I did, I’d do what I have to do to honor and protect her. I personally think Rami crossed the line there.”
This is why I like Arie most. Though naive at times, he thinks sensibly and with understanding.
“Despite what Rami has done, he was still Ripple Hills’ appointed Monarch,” Calista goes on. “And now that territory is up in metaphorical flames because he is dead.”
“You knew the law of killing a Monarch. It’s a cause for death,” Vassilis adds with snark. “You’ve been trouble since becoming a monarch yourself. Tell us why we shouldn’t kill you right here, right now.”
“Because you need me.”
Vassilis scoffs, glancing at Calista, who watches me carefully, eyes narrowed, her head in a slight tilt.
“You are very wise, Monarch Harlow. I can appreciate that. As you stated before, Rami was becoming a nuisance. You are not the first territory he’s tried inciting wars with.” She sighs, then sips her wine, as if bored. “But we cannot let what happened go unpunished. Many of the Rippies saw you and your clan in his club, and they’re angry. They’re ready to start their own war—create an act of vengeance for their fallen monarch.”
“I understand.” I sit forward, pushing my wine glass away from me and folding my hands on the table. Calista’s eyes flicker to my glass before lifting back up again to mine. “So, what will the punishment be?”
She leans back in her chair, bringing her glass to her crimson lips again. “There is a boy of Rami’s. He’s next in line to become Monarch there and now that Rami is dead, he’ll be sworn in within a year.” She swirls her wine. “We don’t want another Rami taking over Ripple Hills. We’d prefer to keep the peace, and though you can be a pain in the ass yourself, well…you’re a better alternative than Rami or any Rippie and the boy will need proper guidance.”