Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Forged In The Flames By Karima Sa’ad Usman

Chapter 86 After the Summit (Nikolas)

Everyone except Piotr and Miles left between five and six in the morning. Piotr chose to stay, while Miles stayed at Fredrick’s insistence, much to my annoyance. Fredrick’s words disgusted me, but I didn’t show it. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he had affected me. After everyone left, I went to my office to take care of some unfinished tasks.

I was well aware that my Uncle had left Miles behind to spy on me and report back to him. He didn’t even try to hide his intentions, but it didn’t bother me. I was relaxed about it because I knew I was prepared for war.

Soon after I sat down, Piotr came to my office. He greeted me in his usual cheerful manner and sat on the couch. I laughed, not wanting to admit that I had missed him.

“You can pretend all you want, but I know you missed me,” he said, making himself comfortable on the couch.

“What’s the plan?” he asked, and I furrowed my brow, wondering what he was referring to.

“I mean, Riverhead is empty. You must be planning something,” he continued. I shook my head, unwilling to share my plans with him. Instead, I changed the subject and asked about his father.

“What happened yesterday? Your father opposed Fredrick,” I inquired. Piotr laughed in response.

“My father is tired of Fredrick’s nonsense and can see through his desperate attempts. Even some Hill alphas didn’t appreciate that he was willing to discredit you for a half-breed,” Piotr explained. I nodded, realizing that Fredrick had made a mistake by involving Miles in the situation.

“Anyway,” Piotr leaned forward, “There are two ways for you to claim the crown. Either Fredrick approves your coronation or you declare yourself King and go to war against anyone who opposes you. We both know

Fredrick will never give his approval,” he said, leaning closer.

“So, when are we going to war?” he asked with a smile, seemingly content with the idea of battle.

“You might be surprised at my calmness, but liberation has never been easy to achieve. It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to achieve, all of which you have already spent and still are. I would lie if I said I want this to drag on, but the ball is in your court. You either wait for the bastard and hope he approves your coronation, or name yourself King and wait for him to oppose,” he said and stood up.

“I’ll leave you with that thought and head back to my room for a delicious meal. Just know that you have my support no matter what,” he assured me, sensing my discomfort.

can go horse riding later,” he suggested, and I nodded. He clearly

about my mother’s behaviour and why she had been confined to her room all night until everyone had left. It turns out she was trying to contact Fredrick through a note. I wondered what she hoped to

and I recognised the handwriting immediately. It was the same as Abel Isle,

issue is with me for not fulfilling my obligations to the family and taking over Forest. There is no need to take

she was interrupted, and I

concerned me was that my mother was sending letters to my enemies, knowing the potential consequences. I looked at Qusack

in her room, restrained with silver bracelets. I want her closely monitored and guarded

but it was a difficult decision that had to

me to object, but I decided to allow it. Perhaps it would provide her with closure for the rejection and help her move on, so she would stop targeting Aliana at

fine,” I conceded, and Qusack

Gabriel about Gwen,” I revealed,

been disastrous. It’s best for Gabriel to process his shock and anger away from Fredrick and the battle. So, I plan to tell him this evening after we’re done with the day,”

alphas. Is there a reason?” I asked, and he averted his gaze. I could tell he was possessive of her, though he probably thought I hadn’t noticed. Ania was stunning, and many alphas had their eyes on her. However, they all came with companions,

if there’s something between the two of you, I wouldn’t mind,”

her when they brought her to me simply because she couldn’t play chess. She told me she still doesn’t know how to play chess, and she only plays card games now,” he explained, and I realised that Ania

interested, and it had nothing to do with them being half-breeds; I was concentrated on my conquest. I was so close to taking

would turn out this way, I would have kept her, Niko,”

father to bring disgrace upon them both. I had planned to end Gabriel’s bloodline and render his daughter useless. But look at me

that part,” he replied, and we shared a

you and is just hurt by the rejection. Just don’t give up. Be yourself and develop an

topic that I wasn’t ready to discuss. His

don’t know how to handle him. He’ s a mystery to me. I can’t comprehend why he chooses to stay with a man who isn’t his relative,” I replied, and Qusack

Miles wanted to talk to me. I suspected it was because I had somehow dragged

most of Fredrick’s army. He leads battles for your Uncle, and he’s never been defeated. Be cautious when you have a conversation with him. He’s not as mild- mannered as he appears,” Qusack cautioned, and I nodded. I already

at my office carrying a tray of breakfast. She