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“We are honored that you’re willing to meet with us,” the male closest to me said. He was balding and his face was creased with lines. I wondered if he had served for my grandfather.
“Should we begin with introductions?” Spencer asked.
“Please,” I said.
“I’ll begin,” Spencer offered. “Spencer Lupton, father of the queen.”
“Guess that’s me next,” Malcom said. “Malcom… shit, do I take your last name now?” He looked at Spencer.
“If you’d like,” Spencer offered.
“I’ll think on it,” he said. “I’m Malcom.”
“He’s my brother,” I added, before he could quantify with how much blood we shared. That didn’t matter to me.
“I’m Alec. The queen’s true mate,” Alec added.
“Your turn,” I said to the council.
They went down the row, the older male with the lined face was Horace. Next to him was a pale male with red hair, the color close to my own. His name was Dean. The last two were brothers, both with gray hair, Franklin and Jack.
“Your highness, I speak for the entire council when I say, thank you,” Dean said with a smile. “We’ve been waiting so long for something to change. When your father failed, we feared we’d have to wait for your uncle to have children. But he never did.”
“I thought I wouldn’t live to see another ruler,” Franklin said.
“Are you all bound here by the blood magic as well?” I asked.
They nodded.
I’d assumed they were like my uncle. Men who sought power and enjoyed pushing others around. I glanced over at Spencer. “You knew this?”
He nodded. “Remember those friends on the inside?”
“I’m starting to think it would have been easier to point out those who wanted my uncle to stay in power,” I said.
“They were few and they’ve already been sent away,” Jack said. “We took the liberty of cleaning house for you last night. I hope we didn’t overstep.”
“I figured you needed the rest,” Spencer said.
“You will be safe here. All the remaining staff and guards are loyal,” Dean added.
“What about the blood magic keeping them here?” I asked.
“It was set up so they can leave, but they can’t return,” Jack said.
“I want all the staff to have a choice to leave if they wish,” I said.
“No problem,” Dean said.
“Before we discuss all those things, there are a few items regarding the transition from the old king to your rule,” Horace said. “Do you mind if we proceed with that?”
“Sure. What do we need to do?” I asked.
“We’d need to officially announce your rule, and the departure of your predecessor,” Horace explained.
“I would think the word is out,” I said. “Wouldn’t the alphas know by now?”
“Oh, no. A change in rule has a strict protocol for announcements. The guests are forbidden to speak your name until we’ve informed all the alphas,” Franklin said.
