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.

down with Aliana would put me in violation of the unity law, and seeing what happened

only do as I liked and not answer anyone if I became King. Once I get back to Forest, I would have to

to be careful. It

knowing no one dared to harm

mother opened the door and walked in with bloodshot eyes. She had been crying, but I didn’t care. Her Lies and secrets had cost me

want?” I asked

an affair with Leon…” she said, and I cut

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

listen to what she had to say. One thing was sure,

was shady and selfish. I felt I

settled down with Mathias, Leon tried to get back with me, but I refused. I would have been faithful, but Mathias left me no choice. He was hung up on Olive

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

so he could have peace. He and Fredrick were always fighting

and stop pursuing his agenda,

Fredrick sent me away because he felt I was stupid not to take over Forest. All this anger is because he felt Forest was for the taking. I 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

is the case, why oppose me taking the crown?” I

of Law, Niko. You have shown that you won’t respect it when you become King. It will be easy for you to disregard it. You have been lenient on them. You even kept one as a mistress. Your actions would scare anyone,” She said, and

is on you. I can f*uc*k whoever I please. I can pardon whoever I like. I do not need you or your brother to tell

truth.

was in our grasp. I had done my

This is on you.

to the werewolves and my choice of

you do not like my lifestyle, I am happy to leave you with

last time you will angle

not sell slaves or start sleeping with money and power-hungry Lycan women to please your brother. So far, I haven’t met any good ones. They

can’t deal. I would instead remain single with a mistress than settle down with a lycan,”