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.

go horse riding later,” he suggested, and I nodded. He clearly intended to have some fun in Forest

after Piotr left to inform me 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

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

has done nothing to you. Your issue is with me for not fulfilling my obligations to the family and taking over Forest. There is no need to take it out on my son. I promise you he will not

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

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

completely locked away in her room, restrained with silver bracelets. I want her closely monitored and guarded by werewolves and half-breeds,” I

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

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

fine,” I conceded, and

considering telling Gabriel about

I feared that Fredrick 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 understood. Then, I decided to tease him a

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

I wouldn’t mind,” I reassured him, and he shook his

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 she was

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

out this way, I would have kept

bloodline and render his

knew that part,” he replied,

she’ll 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

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

handle him. He’ s a mystery to me. I can’t comprehend why he chooses to stay

I suppose you’ll find out when he sees you. He’s been insisting on speaking with you ever since your Uncle left,” he said, and I was surprised that Miles wanted

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 had that information, but I appreciated Qusack’s effort to dig deeper. “I would like him to meet with Gabriel after I see him, So hold off on my mother,” I said, and he

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