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I look at Arthur who looks like he’s contemplating his vote more than he should have to at this stage. “Yay,” he finally says. “And I’m not sure I believe Morgana should have a vote.”
“Agreed,” Remus says. Then he looks at the woman in question and adds, “It’s nothing personal, Morgana. But you did go along with the sorority girl-club shit, and I don’t agree to bringing that to our council. Since this situation affects you personally, I agree you shouldn’t be allowed a vote.”
Fuck. How did I not see this coming?
Morgana’s cheeks are as red as blood and I catch sight of her trembling hands before she hides them under the table.
“That’s fair,” I say, looking between Arthur and Remus. “I’ll give Alexander the chance to vote. If he doesn’t want to or doesn’t respond, the Drákon family won’t have a vote for the first time since this council was created.”
I hope my words tell them just how serious this is.
“Should I even be here? Or would you prefer it if I left?” Morgana hisses, clearly letting her emotions get the better of her.
Turning my head, I pierce her with my gaze. “This is a council meeting, Morgana. If you cannot control yourself and accept defeat every once in a while, you need to rethink your place. Things won’t always go your way, but that doesn’t mean I’ll accept any outbursts or slights.” Then I look from her to Remus, and finally at Arthur. “That goes for everyone. Please let me know if you understand.”
Both men are quick to voice their agreement.
“Of course,” Arthur smoothly says.
“Crystal clear,” Remus says.
I nod. “If there’s nothing else, I think this is a good time to conclude today’s meeting. There were more things I wanted to discuss today, and someone I wanted to introduce. However, with the way things are going, that will just have to wait. Please spend the next week considering if this is the right place for you.” Not wanting Morgana to think I’m singling her out, I add, “All of you.”
“Thank you, Ruler,” Arthur says. “But I don’t need to think about this. I’m not going anywhere.”
Remus clears his throat. “I’m not going anywhere, either. I also want to make a suggestion.” He looks at me, so I nod to let him know I’m listening. “I suggest another meeting with the Heirs. As far as everyone is concerned, that’s what your wife is. It will do our individual Heirs good to get to know her before she takes the seat as the Female Ruler this summer.”
I couldn’t agree more. “I’ll arrange it,” I say curtly. “Maybe other people will also find it therapeutic to clear the air.” I don’t look at Morgana as I speak the words, and with the way she nervously shifts in her seat, I don’t have to. She knows what I mean.
“Right,” she agrees. “I can’t say I know the protocol, but I did have something I wanted to mention. Alexander has been in touch, he wishes to abdicate as Leader and officially hand it over to me.”
I hide my clenched fists in the pockets of my slacks. Of course, I expected this to happen sooner or later, and I’m not entirely displeased it’s happening sooner. No, what has me wanting to punch something, is that Alexander didn’t discuss this with me first.
“I see,” I say, my voice void of emotion. “Is that why he’s requested to join us?”
While I was talking with Liam earlier, I got an email from Alexander, asking if he could stop by. I agreed, and he should be here soon… the knock on my door causes me to smirk at the Great’s impeccable timing.
Everyone looks towards Alexander as he makes his way inside. Fuck me, Morgana and Nereid’s dad looks seriously unwell. His cheeks are hollow, and his eyes look like they’re sunken into his skull. In other words, the Great is but a shadow of his former self. And yes, I’ve noticed the decline in his health before, but I never thought it was as noticeable as it is now.
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” Alexander says, inclining his head to everyone at the table.
Given the nature of his visit here, I don’t offer him a seat. It’s petty, but I don’t care. Even though it was in the cards, he should have discussed Morgana’s permanent spot as the Drákon Leader with me first. I can admit that some of my ire might be caused by the fact I feel he should have discussed this with Nereid as well. And if he already has… well, then she’s keeping secrets again.
Then again, aren’t we fucking all?
“State your business,” I say gruffly, not in the mood to skate around the reason he’s here.
Regret swims in his dark eyes, and he winces at my tone. “I take it Morgana has told you—”
I interrupt him. “Yes.. Yourdaughterhas filled me in on what you didn’t deem worthy to tell your Ruler yourself.” I can’t keep the bitterness out of my voice. “I suppose all that’s left is for one of you to tell me Morgana’s decision so we can move on.”
“He didn’t even tell you himself?” Arthur asks, pointing his index finger at Alexander. “Fucking coward.”
Although I’m inclined to agree with the Hatt Leader, I still correct him. “Let’s not forget where we are,” I say as I run a hand through my hair. “I’m waiting to hear the decision.” Underneath the table, my leg is bouncing up and down, but I don’t allow any emotion to show on my face.
“I said yes,” Morgana says. “On one condition.”
Remus sighs audibly and pinches the bridge of his nose. “I think I know your condition, and it’s not my decision.”
