Fredrick POV
I paced back and forth in Allan's study, my footsteps echoing in the empty room. The weight of responsibility sat heavy on my shoulders. With Allan gone, the vultures were starting to circle for the throne.
A knock at the door interrupted me. "Come in," I called, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
Lila slipped into the room, her face tight with worry. "The council is demanding another meeting. They're not happy, Fredrick."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Those bastards! When are they ever happy?"
She moved closer, her scent filling my senses. I pushed away the flutter in my chest. Now wasn't the time.
"What should we do?" she asked softly.
"The only thing we can do," I replied, squaring my shoulders. "We face them head on."
As we walked to the counc
