Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

We were ushered to the royal wing of the palace. King Fredrick said they should take my mother to her old room. I felt it was cruel what he did. Treating his sister the way he did was uncalled for. I also wondered if the joke was on me and if everyone knew her story.

Was that why King Aleksander couldn’t look at her and tried to stop Fredrick from talking about her past?

I wasn’t mad at Fredrick because he used his only weapon to completely disqualify me from inheriting a crown. I blamed my mother solely for what happened at the committee.

I was glad I came with her, or I would have thought Fredrick was telling lies.

She had ample time to tell me all that her brother said. Instead, she was busy trying to get rid of Aliana and complaining about betrayal.

I doubt my relationship with her would be the same again.

Had I not fought and conquered Forest, Gabriel wouldn’t have been able to hand over to me because Fredrick would have discredited me regardless.

The only thing that still gave me power was that I had conquered Forest. An heir or not, I owned the region. The only issue now was as long as I had no crown, Fredrick and Aleksander would be above me, and I must obey the unity law my father helped install. It was messed up.

My mother’s silence and secrets had complicated things for me now. It seemed eyes would be on me henceforth.

How would I manage with Aliana?

I kicked the bed out of frustration. I felt like growling because I had been backed into a corner. Fulfilling the requirements of the unity law will be challenging because it would mean that I would have to be mean to the werewolves.

Honestly, I couldn’t hate the weres at this point.

This was my mother’s fault. Had she been honest, I would have strategised better.

I growled and tried to release my rage. I wished Aliana was with me to help me calm down. She had that effect on me.

Aliana was supportive, but I could not bear to be away from her. I did not know how long this thing would take. One thing was sure, I did not plan to marry a lycan to get ahead.

in violation of the unity law, and seeing what happened here,

as I liked and not answer anyone if I became King. Once

It was also time for me to have spies in

heard a knock on the door of my room, and knowing no one dared to

walked in with bloodshot eyes. She had been crying, but I didn’t care.

asked

sorry I didn’t tell you I had an

you to his brother. Why? Why did you do it? How could you two do that to King Mathias. What were you thinking?” I asked, and

would be honest with me, but I was bound to listen to what she had to say. One thing was sure, I planned to talk to Gabriel about his version of the past. So far, what he

love with him. Unlike Mathias, Leon was shady and selfish. I felt I would have a better future with Mathias,” She said, and I fought the urge to laugh. Of course, she would have a

with me, but I refused. I would have been faithful, but Mathias left me no choice. He was hung up on Olive that he

then he wouldn’t bother marrying you,” I told her, knowing that if anything happened to Aliana,

were always fighting until after our union,” She

about you enough to respect your mate and stop pursuing his agenda, ” I corrected her, and she

should have secured the throne instead of making a deal with a werewolf and coming home. He felt if he sent me away, I would return to Forest and do

why oppose

that you won’t respect it when you become King. It will be easy for you to disregard it. You have been lenient on

I

tell me the truth.

had done my part, and you ruined my chances before I

This is on you.

to the werewolves and my choice

forbid you from ever bringing Aliana or the werewolves up again. If you do not like my lifestyle, I am happy to leave

time you will angle

to please your brother. So far, I haven’t met

deal. I would instead remain single with a mistress than settle down