Chapter 56

Chapter 56
“We will take everything into keen consideration, be rest assured.” Cyrus nods, adjusting the glasses on his nose as he looks at me and nods. “King Hutting, the floor is yours.” I bow my head, not even looking at my brother as start talking. 
“My Lords, I can assure you I am more than capable of running my clan. I have done so for the past ten years, created a team that is able and willing to ensure every member of my clan is provided with a safe space for my members that Black Haven Clan did not provide for me in my time of grief. My uncle’s choice in naming me his successor gave me what I needed to work past the loss of my father, my Kin. A purpose other than just existing in the shadow of the grief my former clan would not let me move past. I built this clan with help willingly offered and sacrifices willingly made. I am not of the opinion that it was an easy feet, that it did not come without its difficulties and that I have not endured a loss that I too deem as unnecessary and selfish, not through my own actions, but actions of those with a greedy heart that this council witnessed first-hand. There will never be a way to justify the death of my brother, Roanan, but even in his death, I have not allowed the sacrifices he made, the oath he kept to protect this clan with his life, gone to waste. I have ensured that his legacy lives on in every way that matters. There is nothing that I do as King of this clan that does not take their safety into account, no decision that is made with anything other than their well-being in mind.” 
“Yet you appointed a female Beta, one that is no doubt unequipped to handle the pressures of the role. Unable to defend herself in even casual conversation” Sewell quips, a smirk on his face as my fists clench. 
“Actually, I am a little overqualified for the role, I think you’d find.” Hydra’s voice is strong as she comes to stand beside me behind the podium. “I have been involved in politics since before I could legally drive, and I must admit, though I did not see the point at thirteen, I am glad for every bit of training I received at the hand of my former clan leaders. Stepping into Beta Roanan’s role was no easy task, but with my knowledge as the abdicated role of Vice Leader from my former clan, a formal role as clan advisor and the help of both the Vice Leader and King of my current clan I can assure you I have more than proven I am capable of the role and need not defend it to every person who could not possibly understand the weight of carrying a clan on their shoulders. What Beta Roanan taught me is that there is nothing but honor in defending your clan with your life, that the sacrifice made with your life might not be understood by everyone, but is an oath every Beta, Vice Leader and King carries with them day by day. It is what governs every choice we make. Hanging above us as a duty to be cherished, not a burden or a backhanded way to be used against us in death. There is no honor in playing it safe when the lives of the people you love are being threated.” There’s a fierceness in Hydra that I’ve never seen before, her dragon rising to the surface with every word she speaks, eyes glowing bright. 
“Head Warrior Hutting, I would advise you not to speak out of turn again. Beta Valentine, could you expand on your last statement.” Lance asks, leaning forward in his seat. 
“It is just that my Lord. This council expects us to lead, test us on our ability to handle combat as well as communication. Your criteria for what it takes to be a leading member of a clan differ vastly from any other members. You demand we lay down our lives, it is written in the vow we make stepping into this role, birth right or not, it has been that way since the foundation of this world, and you demand it from no one else. Leading requires much more than being able to direct a task you’re not particularly interested in dealing with. It requires the guts to put yourself under a microscope and be okay with being judged by people who couldn’t fathom the work it takes to make choices no one else is willing or able to make. It’s fighting for your clan when no one knows you are, showing up when you’re tired, dying when it’s the only way to save the people you love. It is knowing that in your death, the example you set while alive will be honored, that you are a blueprint worth following. Stepping forward when times are tough and being the last to enjoy the spoils of victory. There can be no selfishness in true leadership, there is no honor in preserving yourself, in holding your life in such high regard that you would defend it with the blood of the innocent you vowed to protect. There is no joy in seeking power, only corruption of the soul and a guarantee to drag everyone around you into a hell of your own making.” There’s a deafening silence for a few seconds as Hydra finishes her speech, a warning not to breathe too loudly as the conviction of what she has said rests on everyone’s shoulders.
“You are wise beyond your years, Beta Valentine.” Maximus finally breaks the silence. Hydra bows her head at the white bearded man. 
“Both sides have given us much to think about.” Tash finally drawls. “We will deliberate and call you back when we have reached our decision.” They rise as one person, leaving the room the same way they came in. An attendant appears right after, leading us out of the hearing room and we follow him to the waiting room. I can’t help but think about Kiros’ warning and why he would feel the need to warn us in the first place. Whatever is happening behind closed doors I can at least be sure that the council is divided and that spells disaster for the dragon world as we know it.