We can't keep doing this
1353 Words
CHAPTER 12
Lyra POV
Malrik agreed to help with dealing with the council of elders. He knows them well, getting his support was a great idea.
I had sixty days left until Kaelen arrived. I had to destroy the council before then, in order to get that done. Marlik and I had to survive the council's plan and keep both of us alive long enough.
In order to do that, I had to learn.
Malrik took his time to tutor me relentlessly through the week. I made sure I paid attention to every one of his descriptions about each council member and their agenda. That way, I could deal with one of them perfectly.
"Hudson of Fangworth," Marlik said and I nodded, recalling how he had reacted the last time during the meeting. "He is traditional and follows it strictly, power-hungry and against a lot." He explained.
"Okay," I answered, noting that. "Any other Elder I need to know about?"
"There are still a lot." Malrik said. "Elder Oran is also one of the Elders you have to check on."
"What about him?" I questioned.
"Elder Oran among other Elders is ambitious, pragmatic, and can be easily swayed." He explained. "Elder Cael of Ironmaw an old guard, tired of Hudson's dominance." He said.
There was rivalry between the council. That seemed like a perfect way to pull them apart.
"Good," I muttered.
"What are you thinking?" He demanded but I only shook my head.
"Nothing," I answered. "Tell me more about them."
"There's someone you also need to know," Malrik explained. "Elder Thessa of Willowmere, she is the only female elder but she's frequently dismissed from the meeting."
"Why?" I asked, curiously.
"I stated the reason already." He said and I raised my brow. "She is the only female and the most distant because of that." He added.
Wow!
The council was fractured more than I expected. The rivalries and the need to dominate shows how selfish they would be. That is a perfect way to get at them.
I only had to widen the fracture and make them turn against themselves. That way, they would be the one to destroy themselves. Perfect.
I smiled and Marlik raised his brow suspiciously.
"Any plan?" He asked but I shook my head.
"No," I answered. "I'm only surprised the council of elders in such a great kingdom could turn out this way," I added.
"You won't get anything with this idea." He frowned and I scoffed. I stood from my seat and walked to the wardrobe to pick a robe for the meeting. "You should watch what you say in the meeting, you shouldn't act rashly." He warned, while I knotted the robe properly.
I paused, before facing him. "Yes," I answered, assuring him before stepping out of the room.
I couldn't share my plan with Malrik yet, at least not the full extent of what I planned to do.
I stepped into the meeting room, dressed according to the moral perfection required by the culture. I followed each of Malrik's instructions, avoiding any suspicion.
I could sense the elders eye me warily but I ignored, walking to the throne and I sat.
"Your Majesty," Elder Hudson stood, immediately I sat. "We must discuss—"
I raised my hand. "I've made a decision regarding Lunacity's trade petition."
The room went silent at the mention of that. They exchanged glances, not expecting such discussion but I had to begin from there. According to Malrik, the lunacity had been requesting expanded trade rights for years but Malrik always denied them because it would destabilize Ravenwood.
If he suddenly spoke about it at such a meeting it would be surprising. I didn't care about the surprise look on their faces, my decision only mattered.
"I'm granting their petition," I announced.
Gasps rippled and Elder Oran's eyes lighted up. The approval was of immense profit to his territory, while others mumbled among themselves he only stood grinning eye to eye.
"You cannot be serious!" Hudson's face turned purple. I expected that. "Lunacity is a threat to Ravenwood. This will upset the balance—"
"The balance has already been upset by my failure in the trials." I replied in Marlik's cold voice. "Perhaps it's time we embrace change," I added as calmly as I could.
"Your Majesty, this is unprecedented." Elder Thessa leans forward. She stared at me and my gaze met hers.
"Because I'm done playing it safe," I replied, she made to speak but I interrupted. "This kingdom has stagnated. It's time to take risks," I added and she kept mute, turning back to the Elders who only stood startled.
They all stood not uttering any word, unable to figure out what to do. I smirked, knowing they had nothing else to say.
"This will be the end of the meeting today," I announced. "You're all dismissed." I added, stepping out of the throne room.
I returned to the suite after the meeting. Adrenaline buzzing as I met Marlik pacing around the room. He stopped abruptly when he sensed my presence.
I glanced at him before walking into the room but he spoke and I stopped.
"What did you just do?" He demanded.
I turned to face him again. "I started making changes,"I said, plainly. "Pulling off the tunic," I added but he rushed to me and grabbed my arm roughly.
"What changes?" He bellowed.
I shook my head, pulling my arm from him. He needs to learn to stay calm.
"Lunacity got their trade rights," I replied.
"You WHAT?" He asked with widened eyes, anger vivid in his voice.
"I granted their petition. Oran's faction will support me now," I explained. "Hudson's will oppose then the council will split,"
Malrik stepped closer, trembling with rage. "Do you realize what you're doing right now?" He demanded. "You're playing with fire."
"Good," I growled. "Let it burn."
Malrik moved close to me sharply, pushing me forcefully by the chest. I gasped at his sudden move and he glared at me.
"This is MY kingdom!" He yelled.
I took his wrists, pinning them above his head. "I'm trying to survive," I yelled.
"Release me!" Malrik thrashes.
"Not until you calm down," I replied, staring at him. Our faces were inches apart and stared down at my lips, his eyes dropped to my mouth and he spoke.
"I hate you." He glared.
"The feeling's mutual," I rasped but neither of us pulled away. I could feel Marlik's pulse pound visibly, I smiled noticing his expression. "If you're going to kiss me, just do it," I teased. Before he responded I leaned close, crushing our mouths together.
Malrik didn't struggle. He moaned back into the kiss, wrapping his legs in my body around my waist. I could feel the word spin, my breast itches and I could sense we had switched again.
Suddenly, I felt Malrik press me against the wall. I didn't care about how small I was in his arms. I didn't want him to stop, his hand slid between my legs. His fingers pushed inside.
Gosh, he was good at that and his touch made my body vibrate with need.
"You're dripping," Marlik growled.
I gasped as he pumped his fingers, with thumb locating my c**t. I rolled my eyes in pleasure.
"Malrik, please—"
"Please what?" He demanded.
"Don't stop—" I blurted and he pulled his hand away, immediately.
Our body swapped immediately we disengaged.Malrik stumbles back, in disappointment.
"f**k!" He cursed, still staring at me.
I sighed, leaning against the wall. Legs shaking.
"We can't keep doing this," I muttered, knowing I couldn't stop it.
"Agreed," Malrik said and ran a hand through my hair. His gaze was fixed on mine but even his touch made me crave more for him. Though I asked him to stop, still I knew I couldn't.
It was a lie. I couldn't stop wanting him.
Marlik threw a glance at me and retreated to the opposite sides of the room. Neither of us spoke to each other but I couldn't stop stealing a glance at him.
- Writer
