Chapter 16
It is the last day of the five days that Romanio had given for me to think about my decision. I
I stood before the council, my eyes scanning the room. I had called for another council meeting, and I knew that this one would be different.
"gentlemen," I began, my voice firm. "I have called you here today to announce that I will be stepping down as King of the South."
The room erupted into chaos, with the council members murmuring while Romanio has always remained still not bothered. This is what he wanted after all, for me to step down for him.
"This is in regards to the last meeting that was held here a few days ago," I continued. "The five days elapsed today and this is me fulfilling my own side of the agreement by stepping down for Romanio so he can release Isabella to me”
My thought ran bsck to ehen this issue had first been brought to the table, I had felt enraged with his request but that if that was the only thing I needed to do to gain the freedom of my mate then so be it. I have tasted the power and authority that comes with being the king of the south, although it comes with a lot lf privileges I don’t lie thst it is not something thst is of necessity to me right now.
The council members looked at one another "Why don’t you just forget about the girl? You can get any girl you want, forfeiting your position is not the best solution now” one of the council members said.
My eyes met with that of Romanio’s and he smirked at me making me to clench my jaw and then I looked away. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. "If it were to be any other girl, this meeting wouldn’t be happening but I cannot stand the thought of my mate being held captive by Romanio, so I will have to step down."
"You can't do that," one of them protested. "You're the rightful King of the South." One other council member protested “we can look for a away around it and try to come into a better agreement with Romanio” the man turned to Romanio who had an unreadable expression on “right?” He asked Romanio.
Romanio adjusted on his seat “that is the only thing thst can be done or he kisses his mate goodbye, if she means so much to him like he is trying to portray now, giving up his title should not be that big of a deal” he spat
Silence ensued tge table as they all stared at each other, everyone knew that Romanio has been an enemy since day one so I wasn’t really surprised that he had asked for my title in place lf my mate. I had gotten angry but all that anger died on the second day when I could not really come up with ways to free Isabella from Romanio’s grip without his watchful eyes.
"It is a price I need to pay for after all," I said. "But I would do anything to keep Isabella safe. And if that means giving up my throne, then so be it."
The council members looked at each other, and then back at me.
"We will not accept this," one of them said. "Romanio is not fit to be the kin
"Itvis a pity that I have already made my decision because I am not taking any more ideas of what I should or shouldn’t do or asking for anyone’s permission," I growled. "I am telling you that I will be stepping down, effective immediately so that Romanio can release my mate to me”
The room erupted into chaos once again, with council members shouting and arguing. I stood tall, my eyes flashing with determination.
I knew that this was not going to be easy, but I was willing to do whatever it took to keep Isabella safe.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the council members began to calm down. They looked at me with a mixture of anger and sadness, but they knew that they could not change my mind.
"Very well," one of them said. "We will accept your decision. But we warn you, Alessandro, you will be making a grave mistake."
"I am willing to take that risk," I said.
And with that, the council meeting came to a close. I had officially stepped down as King of the South, and I knew that my life would never be the same again.
As I walked out of the council chambers, I met with Romanio outside “you will get your package soon” he said dismissively and I had to hold everything within me so I do not punch him in the eye. I have been trying my best to be on my best behaviour until Isabella gains her freedom.