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 intended to have some fun in Forest before returning to

until everyone had left. It turns out she was trying to contact Fredrick through

note, and I recognised the handwriting immediately. It was the same

issue is with me for not fulfilling my obligations

unfinished because she was interrupted, and I didn’t care

to my enemies, knowing the potential consequences. I looked at

with silver bracelets.

that had to be made. I couldn’t handle her tantrums and

Gabriel to do it,” he said. I was aware of my mother’s infatuation with Gabriel, and it tempted me to object, but I decided to allow it. Perhaps it would provide her with closure for the rejection and help

I conceded, and

about Gwen,”

would request to see him and expose the truth about his wife to mock him. It would have 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,” I explained, and Qusack

her, though he probably thought I hadn’t noticed. Ania was stunning, and many alphas

if there’s something between the two of you, I wouldn’t mind,” I reassured him, and he shook his

she still doesn’t know how to play chess, and she only plays card games now,” he explained, and I realised that Ania had been deeply affected by what happened to her when

brought those women to me, but I wasn’t interested, and it had nothing to do with them being half-breeds; I was concentrated on my conquest. I was so close to taking Forest that I could not let myself slip. The same had affected Qusack, and now that he was ready to relax and settle, it had come back to bite him in

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

I had planned to end Gabriel’s bloodline and render his daughter useless. But look at

knew that part,” he replied, and

come around. I think she likes you and is just hurt by the rejection. Just don’t give up. Be yourself and develop an interest in card games. Chess is long and boring anyway,” I advised, and we laughed

do about your brother?” he asked, mentioning a sensitive topic that I wasn’t ready to discuss. His question wiped the smile off my face, and I let

a mystery to me. I can’t comprehend why he chooses to stay with a man who isn’t his relative,” I replied,

He’s been insisting on speaking with you ever since your Uncle left,” he said, and I was surprised that Miles wanted to talk

not as mild- mannered as he appears,” Qusack cautioned, and I nodded. I already

moments later, Lisa arrived at my office carrying a tray of breakfast. She told me that Aliana had