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.

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

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 achieve

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

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

unfinished because she was interrupted, and I

me was that my mother was sending letters to my enemies,

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

was taken aback by my words, but it was a difficult decision that

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

conceded, and Qusack

about Gwen,” I revealed,

best for Gabriel to process his shock and anger away from Fredrick

the other 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

between the two of you, I

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

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

I

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

part,” he replied,

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

wasn’t ready to discuss. His question wiped the smile off my face,

can’t comprehend why he chooses to stay with a man who isn’t his relative,” I replied, and Qusack stood up from

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 to talk to me. I suspected it was because I had somehow dragged Lena into my feud with Fredrick.

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 nodded

a tray of breakfast. She told me that Aliana had sent her. When