Chapter 78 Preparations
“You're the what?” Olivia spat. She recovered first as she glared at Seth.
“Come on guys,” Seth grinned, showing his ever boyish smile. “How do you think I have all the information I have right now?”
His little explanation did nothing to change the bewildered expression on their faces.
“You've known all along?” Lucien finally spoke.
“Yup,” he nodded.
“And you think Damien doesn't know?” Lucien couldn't believe his ears.
“Oh, that.” Seth winced. “I think he just found out.”
“The three friends sighed in annoyance, glaring at Seth.”
Seth shrugged. “Come on, guys. It's for the highest bidder.”
“And all of a sudden, you've turned into a mercenary, winning wars and fighting battles for the richest people in the game?” Konstatin's voice held a different emotion.
Seth looked away, his expression faltering.
Lucien sighed. “That's not the bone of contention here, guys.” He began, drawing their attention back to him and the board.
“What is?”
The gruff voice belonged to Konstatin.
“The point is that Damien has just lost one of his most important allies in the war,” Lucien said impatiently.
“Not among his most important allies, but carry on.” Seth corrected, a wry smile on his face.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “That's not the point, Seth.”
“I know what the point is, Liv, and I don't want you schooling me. We're here for the war remember?” Seth fired.
Olivia recoiled in her seat. “Right,” she winced. “The war.” She turned to Lucien. “What have we got?”
Lucien felt a bit of pity in his heart as he looked at the bickering amongst his friends. They used to be so close. Close before they had responsibilities that separated them from each other.
And now, all they had left was the long old familiarity.
He forced himself to concentrate as he fixed his gaze on the map before him.
“Now that we have this new revelation on the ground, it changes everything. And I mean everything.”
He stopped, allowing his words to linger in the air, as he studied each of their faces before returning his gaze back to the map.
Damien knows we are on him, per the new revelation on the ground.” He glanced at Seth.
“Which means, he'll also accelerate his plans.”
They nodded, signifying that they understood.
“These are all plans.” Konstatin gruffed. “What's the action?”
Seth and Olivia rolled their eyes simultaneously at his impatience. “Perhaps, if you waited a little bit, the words would have been heard.”
Konstatin hissed slightly, focusing his expression on Lucien.
“The provincial lords.” Lucien continued, making them sit up. “There are twenty of these lords. My sources tell me Damien has thirteen of them on his sides.”
The air in the room was heavy.
“Seven of them are left. We have 5 on our sides, and two are neutral.”
“Waiting for the right time before joining. Intelligent.” Olivia commended.
“Actually,” The words rolled out of Seth's tongue. “Ten are on the other side, and not thirteen as you say.”
Lucien cocked his head to the side.
“5 are on your side and the other five are neutral.”
“Your source?” Olivia poked.
“Highest bidder.” He slighted.
“Seth,” Lucien growled. “This is serious.”
“And who says I'm not? The other five neutral provincial Lords are not really looking to join any sides. At least not now.”
Lucien nodded. “That's a relief.” He smirked. He reached for the drawer beneath him and brought out a roll of papers, handing it to Sam by his side. “That's the action.”’
Sam swiftly shared each plan with the people in the room.
Olivia drew air, as her eyes roamed the paper. “This is real.” She whispered. “And you intend to achieve all this, how?”
Lucien smirked. “Easy. Go back to court, continue by duties as though nothing has happened. Continue the border exercises, and send in the men.”
“Very beautiful words on Marble.” Konstatin snickered. “And you think Damien's not going to find out?”
“He will, and that's the point of it all.” Lucien continued, ignoring the impatient expression on their faces.
“Seeing me act, will push him to act. He'll send his own forces to repel my own forces.”
“Just like the opposition,” Olivia muttered.
Lucien's smile was that of triumph. “Exactly!” His hand circled a small place. “This is a corridor that exists in the Tower. Safe passage for people loyal to me.”
They all sighed as the weight of his words sank on them.
“And Isabella?” Konstatin beat Olivia to it.
“In safe hands,” Lucien grunted. “When it all boils over, Damien will move them to another part of the tower.”
“The East Tower.” Seth interrupted and shrugged when they all glared at him. “We all know that's the cover for Royal prison.”
Lucien nodded. “He's right guys. His plans are bigger than the throne. He won't touch them. At least not now.”
He stood up straight, glancing at his wristwatch. “From my time as King, if I remember correctly, it's time for council meetings. See you all later.”
Sam followed squarely at his back as he exited the room.
Lucien exhaled as he began his walk back to the Tower. It had been a while since he set foot in there and he was about to surprise them.
“Are you sure of this, Your Majesty?” Sam muttered, following Lucien's steps as they both walked.
Lucien smiled. “It has to happen now, Sam. The longer we wait, the more it gets bigger.”
Sam shook his head. “That's not what I'm talking about.” His expression was tight.
“Oh,” Lucien grinned despite himself. “Seth!”
Sam opened his mouth to speak but they'd gotten to the front of the tower.
Lucien patted his shoulders. “You have nothing to worry about, Sam.” And before the older man could respond, he stepped into the hall.
The chatterings in the hall ceased as he stepped in, the Lords suddenly aware of Lucien's daunting presence.
“Wow,” Lucien glanced at his wrist dramatically. “No one informed me that court time had been moved.” He whispered loud enough for all to hear him.
“Keep your seats.” He motioned as he walked to the centre of the table, where his seat lay empty, waiting for him to claim it.
“I can see Lord Hale presiding over the meeting.” He muttered loudly, raising glances from the other members of the council except a select few.
“Welcome, Your Majesty.” Damien’s voice was tight.
“Thank you, Lord Hale.” Lucien waved a little bit cheerily. “It feels good knowing that you can leave the council in good hands.”
His words earned a loud murmur amongst the members of the council.
Damien oh his own, let out a loud grunt, reclining in his seat, as his hands reached out for some papers.
“A lot has happened, a lot I have heard, and a lot I intend to witness here, in today's court.”
The murmurings which had lessened, rose again.
Damien stood up confidently. This was exactly what he'd been waiting for from Lucien. The first jab.
“The court and members of the court have it in good faith that you, the King,” he pointed at Lucien are sending out troops in the Northern entry, under the cover of border exercises.”
Lucien chuckled. He'd been expecting the attacks, but he hadn't realised that Damien would be bold enough to strike while he hadn't settled.
“I did.” He nodded, a smirk plastered fully on his face. “I also have it on good record, that you've been lobbying out members of the council and provincial lords for support to throw me out as king.”
He glanced straight into Damien’s eyes, holding his gaze.
Damien held his stare, determined not to look away. He finally broke the stare, realising that the attention was on both of them, him especially.
“Does Lord Hale know the consequences there are of trying to commit treason?”
“It's not treason if there is a reasonable doubt to your legitimacy as king.” Damien fired.
“Oh really?” Lucien mocked, crossing his arms as he leaned into his seat.
His calmness was a stark contrast with Damien’s fired-up appearance.
“Perhaps, Lord Hale could enlighten me and this court, what it is that signifies that I shouldn't be king.” He mocked.
“Your mate, Isabella Thorne, the Moonlit blood, your alliance with the rogues and several others.”
Lucien's chuckle earned a stare from Damien and his men.
“Is that all, Lord Hale?” Lucien goaded.
Damien rolled his eyes. “You can water it down as much as you like, Your Majesty, but the odds are against you. You've been outnumbered.”
His voice had a bit of glee to it.
Lucien nodded calmly. “I'm well aware of that. I'm also aware that you can't unseat me without fighting me.”
His stance was that of a lazy man. His expression was lazy as if he couldn't bring himself to stare at Damien longer than necessary.
“And I'm also aware that you've been making preparations for war.” He stood up, his height filling the room.
“Perhaps it's time for us to see what you've got, Damien Hale.”
He said as he walked down the steps, walking towards the exit, aware of the numerous eyes that followed him out.