Book 2: Alliances Be Damned

Kane

Queen Olga leads us to the adjoining throne room. At a long table sits the majority of our allies, old and new. Half of them have been ruling before I was even born, and the other half came into power with me around the same time. There are a few new faces, no doubt hoping to raise their cache through associating with more experienced monarchs.

I nod to several of the people at the table as I take my seat at one end. Queen Olga sits at the head of the table comfortable being in charge of this meeting. There is not much time for small talk. We launch immediately into discussing the war with Scarlett Thunder, the expense and potential casualties.

“I don’t see why I have to help fund another war you’re embroiled yourself in, Kane,” King Matthias remarks. “That pointless battle of wills with the wolves didn’t do you any good. It was a waste of time and resources.”

King Matthias was a peer of my father’s. He still tends to see me as the young