Chapter 40
A/N: Happy Holidays!
Grace
Kaizen’s phone was either off or changed…. But for the sake of my plans, I had to be strong….
A week of peace had passed… and now it was time to speak with the other Kings… They knew about the small rebellion because of gossip… but also because uncle decided to punish all the rebels by making them all Omegas. The rest of their immortal lives would be in servitude… He now had a pet from all that too…to probably Queen Harmony’s horror….
Technically with nearly the unlimited power to do so…. He might have turned one or two into lizards.
Then there was the gossip about my brother… Many said he’d gong crazy with power, but I knew Tyson... he wanted justice for all the lives lost…. I just wanted peace between us again.
“Please stop.” Said Aureus…. He’d heard me.
We were in his office, and Terra was in hers. It made me glad that she did come to terms with us, but also we tried really hard today to make sure she’s comfortable. We still kept our growls at a minimum, and if she had a question, whenever she was ready, I would answer….
“Is this thing set up right?” He asked me.
“Yeah, they’re just late.” I said double checking. The line was secure, and in about 20 seconds, one by one, they popped up.
First was Tyson. He looked… older… It brought worry in my heart for him.
The Vampire Queen Anuli took over for King Victor, her bound mate. He was out, but vampires never say why they do anything. The Crown Beast Prince, Witch Princess, Goblin Prince Wix’lek, Unicorn Prince and Elf Prince held spots for their parents. They slept…. While Saiyatok was the only defeated king. Uncle Jerold, the Minotaur King, didn’t sleep because of his human mate Noah, but he also looked Really tired in his Secret Police uniform…
Last was Xaxas…. My uncle held Harmony in his lap, being his true height in their condo in Byson. Behind him was an ornate cage that held a bright red monitor lizard…. It sparkled like rubies.
“Let’s see here.” Said my uncle, pulling out a large folder. “I, High King would like to welcome the new kings and queens. This is our first meeting with everyone. It’s been rough with all the change overs, except the Holy Seat, I spoke with Arviel, you’ll get the additional 15 years of life for your illegal kid’s sake.” He mumbled.
That also was quite the scandal. It was kept under wraps in the human world, but the Holy Seat got a nun pregnant…
“Thank you sir.” Bowed the Holy Seat.
He was a pepper gray haired man, though his eyes were kind. He looked like someone you could trust, and it made me happy that they figured something out. Corruption was rife before I was born, but since then, they’ve only elected good people…. Granted he did commit a crime or something, but it wasn’t one that hurt anybody…?
“Thank your god. That’s what I wanted to have as the First agenda.” He looked like he was glaring at us. “I allow you creatures to be sovereign, but if you need me… as much as I Hate to say it…. call me. But be warned, If you all call me, it will be My decision, and you may not like it.”
There was an iciness to his tone, one that made me sit up straight.
“The other thing I wanted to discuss, who the Fuck let all those humans see you in Texes?” He said disgruntled.
“That would be me.” The Vampire Queen raised her hand gingerly.
He sighed. “You Still haven’t figured out cloaking?”
“….no master.” She looked at the floor, and Xaxas got growled at.
“Stop picking on Anuli.” Hissed Harmony. “I’m still learning too. Meet me tomorrow and we can work on it together.”
Harmony said this sweetly, and kindly like grandma Eclipse does… or my Aunt Mini, her mother.
The highest kings were married to the Charred family, the former highest lineage. Father got mom, the third princess, Xaxas got Harmony, I believe the Seventh Princess, and Asanguis got a human with blood so rare, that Nixxia is the Only one with her blood type.
I might have to ask her princess number. I forgot my own…. Shameful.
“Grace.” Said uncle. “What did I Just say?”
“You said-” Aureus was cut off.
“I asked Grace.” He said with pursed lips.
“…. That the realm jumpers if we see them, they’re kill on sight, and um…. You won’t tolerate mishandling of holy relics?’ I half made it up, but he nodded. Thank you, grandfather, for the intuition…
“Yes. Realm Jumpers are mortals who figured out how to visit other realms to STEAL artifacts. It came to my attention that the Volcano Blade of Apolis and the Earrings of Freeya’s Favor got into the hands of Fucking Idiots. I have the sword and I gave it back to Arviel. Apolis is still on house arrest. Freeya said her son can keep the earrings.” He said shaking his head. “Also look out for artifacts. In the old times, gods made blessed shit like rain falling from the sky. The junk might be old and faded, but there’s still Good weapons and potions buried in old temples and abandoned holy sites.”
I got flicked on the forehead. I hate magic…
“That was for Lying.” He chastised.
I mumbled a sorry
“Are there any other dockets?” Xaxas asked.
No one wanted to go first….
“Um, your highness I have one.” I said silently.
“Speak Queen Grace.” Motioned Harmony.
“I wish to discuss the treatment of my brother…. Kaizen.”
“He is mine to punish.” Said Tyson.
“On what grounds?” Asked Harmony… “I know he broke the law, but I thought this was settled…”
Oh no….
Xaxas stiffened… He didn’t tell her the details…
“Speak the grounds. By my order, none will interfere with King Tyson’s decision.” Said Xaxas firmly.
“…. He killed a total of 25 Separate Wolves Queen Harmony…. 20 of his own pack are without mates, the rest were greenhorns, only 18 to 19. Those wolves deserve justice.” He mumbled. His eyes were red as he said it… and his mate tried consoling him… I didn’t know who she was, but her hair glittered.
“You would behead him!” I yelled.
“Grace…” Said Aureus.
“NO I Don’t Want That either! Everyone under their Fucking Breath calls me a Traitor! No one Wants to see that I Can’t FUCKING PICK FAVORITES! If he were a Rogue, Anyone else, no one would bat an eye!” He exploded out of his seat, breathing fire as he spoke.
“Did you Consider that Maybe he didn’t Have Control! Look at your eyes in the mirror!” I shouted back, snarling as I did so.
“Then that’s even WORSE! He killed That many people without Any control, and then just LEFT. No Consequences, no calls, not surrendering himself. I would have imprisoned him or took his prince title or SOMETHING! I Can’t Do That Now. And I WON’T release him to anyone because he’ll just be pardoned by someone.” He pointed a clawed finger at me. “Especially You.”
“Fuck you.” I snarled.
“Fuck you first.” He closed his eyes. He took a deep breath. I could see the fur on his hands…. “I know it hurts… I don’t feel either of you anymore… but it is Fair to the lives of those commoners. It isn’t right I peel the pelt off a murderer in my court who only killed 4 people…. but let a killer of Twenty Five of his OWN PACK lives without Any Closure for the victims. Five of those Warriors weren’t even fully sworn in yet… I was here…. I should have followed him.”
I guess the others expected me to confide in my uncle or Harmony… but I would NOT…. I would not divide the family more… plus if he was going to do something, Xaxas has the ability to stop the planet from spinning for the selfish reason of ‘getting a tan’… He’d have done something.
“If he comes on Dragon Lands… we will not release him.” Said Aureus. “Some of my brothers felled entire dens of their own blood in the name of war… now they live free… They who showed true repentance were allowed to live…even Raza… The General of those who sided with the master, Even Now lives… He’s a pet… but he still breathes.”
“If he steps foot on your lands and you do not surrender him. I will come myself.” Tyson growled. I knew that face…. He was never a crier, but his soul’s tears rolled off his face. There was no water… but yet… if one had the sight to see them… they pooled on the table before turning into white…. Holy energy.
“You do this because you wish to honor your grandfather’s chair…. I … I know that feeling… You wish to live under the Light of the Lord…. Not the Night Father…. I almost understand that too… but we are monsters… and sometimes we do monstrous things. Before you be brash, listen to Kaizen. No more people have been reported dead have they?” My mate asked compassionately.
“…. No… but some justice must be made. I feel I need to excuse myself.” Tyson asked Xaxas.
“Go ahead.” Said my uncle. “You go too Grace.” He said waving his hand, and our connection was cut.
I silently held my mate’s hand in the quiet….
“You did what you could…. You are Queen here… with My people… but with yours… you’re only a princess, and your eldest brother… a King…” my mate mumbled this, pulling me into his lap and kissing my forehead gently. “If he finds you… I will harbor him.” He said it softly, though his conviction laced his words…
I just hope he finds somewhere safe… anywhere.