Wolves of War

Asset to the Crown

“The final issue concerns Princess Talia Poor remaining a consort to 3rd Prince Asai Zeeve.” The king stated

“Why is this an issue, father?” Asai asked.

“We have reports of in-fighting among the women in your den”. The King said "There is a rumor floating around about your Official Consort trying to cause harm to Talia."

Asai looked at each other astonished. We have gone to great lengths to keep mine and Sanna's paths from crossing. There are only a hand full of times where Sanna did threaten my existence, but that was during the first few weeks I was living in the home. She did try to choke me that one time, but no one knows about that, not even Asai.

“Isn’t it normal for women to fight for the attention of their prince? My consorts bicker all the time”, Arsenio said.

The King sighed “Are you fulfilling your duties as an asset to this crown?”

“I don’t understand the question?” Asai asked.

“It has been brought to my attention that you refused to lay with your Official Consort recently. This change happened when Princess Talia Noor entered your den,” the King stated.

When Asai didn’t deny the claims, the king continued “I understand the attraction that you have to Princess Talia. If I were younger, I would have taken her for myself.”

The council chuckled.

“But you have been mating with Talia for the past several months, long enough for her to be with child, but she is not.” The King said.

“My apologies, father, but what do my personal matters have to do with the crown?” Asai asked.

“The council is concerned that you are intentionally preventing siring children. I am not going to force you, but if you are adamant about not having children, then Talia needs to be removed from your den and placed with Prince Arebell. Do you understand?” A council man spoke up.

Asai c****d his head to the side in anger at the audacity of the statement.

“I’m old Asai. I know I don’t look it, but my time on the throne will come to an end and Arsenio will take the seat. Who will be his crown prince?” The King asked.

Asai naturally pointed to 2nd Prince Amell. Everyone except the Queen chuckled.

“I think it’s time we told him, father,” Prince Amell spoke up. "He may be smart about War and Politics but he is not very observant."

The King nodded, his eyes tearing up from amusement.

“I was born Emalli Zeeve. A female, but I present as male”, Amell said.

Asai looked up at his brother confused. “So…”

I smacked Asai on the shoulder trying to get Asai to use his brain. This is a sudden plot twist, so I understand why he is confused.

“I don’t understand, why can’t you be the crown prince when Arsenio takes the throne?” Asai asked.

The council men laughed and so did Prince Amell. Amell just came out as a female presenting as a male. As an acting Prince of Akkadia he has a den full of women. 2nd Prince Amell Zeeve, like his brother Crown Prince Arsenio Zeeve, cannot have children. When Prince Aresenio Zeeve succeeds the throne, the crown prince should be the next son down who can have children, which is 3rd Prince Asai Zeeve.

“If he doesn’t want the honor, my son can fulfill the role. With Talia by his side,” The Queen said with a smirk.

What about Princes 4, 5, and 6? Are they just not a part of the line of succession? Why skip princes 4, 5 and 6 and go straight to 7? And why are they fighting over me? Why can’t Amell part with a woman or two from his den?

I pulled at Asai’s sleeve until his ear was close to my lips. “Your big brother Amell is a female with a den full of females, he cannot produce an heir. Your dad is trying to say once Aresenio Succeeds him, you or your child will be named Aresenio's successor.”

The light turned on in Asai’s brain.

“So what is the issue?” Asai asked.

“We need heirs, Prince Asai,” another council member spoke up.

“Your father explained it, did he not? An empire’s greatest asset is the King and his heirs. Your two older brothers cannot have children. Your sister is pledged to the temple. The last two remaining sons of succession are you and Arebell.” The Queen stated

Sons of succession. I see Prince Ramune and Princes 5 and 6 aren’t part of the line of succession.

“I cannot believe we are discussing this right now!” Asai yelled.

I put a hand on his shoulder which helped cool his anger just a smidge. Asai took a deep breath. He took my hand from his shoulder and held it in his lap.

“War may be brewing with Ursa and possibly the Reptiles of the Desert and the council's main concern is me producing an heir.” Asai scoffed.

“I am a Wolf of War. I am more concerned with protecting the empire from the threat of annihilation from outside forces. While I am active at court as a prince of this nation, my main duty is to keep the armies of the empire well trained and to protect the borders of our nation. I am not preventing conception. Any child my consort's birth will be a blessing to me and this nation, but maybe we should be more concerned with keeping our nation out of the hands of the enemy.” Asai stated.

“Just as you say, you are a Wolf of War. Your life expectancy may run out on the battle field. Will it be the Ursa? Will it be the reptiles? All the reason why Talia should be with my son”. The Queen said,

Amongst the murmurs of the council men I raised my hand. The King chuckled and acknowledged me.

“Speak, Princess Talia”, The King said.

“I am the ruling noble of Blackstone. I have a clan of bat shifters at my back. Do you think they would support 7th prince Arebell over Asai? I am keeper of the flame and hand of the forge. The people of Sitaar live in the Dukedom. Would they support 7th Prince Arebell over Asai? I am a gift from Serberus and Asai has been recognized as the recipient. Would taking me away from Asai anger the deity? ” I asked.

My question was not a threat, it was a fact asked as a question. I am more than just an asset to the crown. I have titles and people who depend on me. Doing something like taking me away from Prince Asai without just reason may cause an uprising. No one wants to go toe to toe with an angry bat shifter. More importantly, no one wants to face the wrath of an all-powerful deity.

The meeting came to an end.