Page 42 of The White Dragon Revealed

Grant’s reaction to Rose’s words was to think deeply on them. His gaze went distant and he seemed to be listening to a voice inside of him. Caden looked like he wanted to hug Rose and spin her around. The two Raven Shifters were twitching like birds on an electrical line. Chione was openly crying. Valerius felt that in these words, that had been so difficult for Rose to say, that she had done more good than anyone.

“By the Gods, Marban, how did you not squash that young woman’s spirit?” Valerius whispered.

“I like to think I nurtured it.” Marban lifted his head.

“She’s never going to stay your lackey,” Valerius said. “Not anymore.”

“No… but I will still have some of her heart,” Marban said.

Valerius didn’t doubt that was true. He feared it would cause Rose trouble down the line.

“If you feel your father is too close to this to represent you, you have both Mr. Storn and myself,” Mr. Guissler said.

Grant came out of his thoughts instantly at their words. He shot them a look of betrayal and then his shoulders slumped. He slowly turned to Caden. “I think… I think you are right, Caden and Rose, that I am too close to this. And I’ve overstepped as an attorney, because… because I am your father. That may have deafened me to what you’ve been saying.” With all of the dignity that he had remaining, Grant gritted out, “I would support you if you wished to hire Thomas and Leonard.”

Caden immediately straightened and gave the two Raven Shifters looks of disgust. “No way! They’ve treated you terribly! Not just today, but like foryears. I’m not rewarding them for that. And, Dad, you don’t have to stay at their firm. If there’s anything I want you to take advantage of with this Dragon Shifter stuff is that you should get a position that you deserve!”

Mr. Storn started to make a burbling noise. “N-n-now let’s not be hasty--”

Mr. Guissler said at the same time, “Truly, emotions are high right now, Caden, but I can assure you--”

“Quiet!” Grant shouted. His face flamed with color, but then he added softer, “Quiet. My son and I are talking. The two of you… need to go. My son has said he doesn't want you as his attorneys. There’s no further reason for you to be here.”

“G-Grant? You can’t be serious! You’re our partner!” Mr. Storn cried.

Mr. Guissler’s eyes narrowed. “Truly, Grant, you are being as emotional as your son! You should think things over carefully. You don’t want to burn any bridges.”

Grant laughed. It sounded high and shrill. “I could burn that bridge and salt the earth beneath it and you’d still keep me on as a partner or take me back.Now. So why don’t we cut the crap. Both of you best get out of here.”

“Grant, you’re understandably stressed and tired,” Mr. Guissler said with a toss of his head. “We’ll speak later when you’re rested. Come, Storn!”

With as much dignity as two puffed up birds could manage, the men strode out of the throne room. Silence fell.

Grant buried his face in his hands. Both Caden and Rose went to him.

“Dad, that was awesome!” Caden hugged his father fiercely while Rose patted his back awkwardly.

Grant groaned. “I do not know whether I will have a job tomorrow.”

“Of course, you will,” Marban said with a wheezy laugh. “What you said to them was true. But I think you should be more interested in what Caden said about your career.”

“I think I’m done using my son’s position to get me forward in my career.” Grant kissed his son’s forehead.

“Now who is being naive, Dad? You wanted me to have a whole territory, but you won’t take a position that you can actually fill and do well in? Me as king of anything right now is… iffy,” Caden said.

“Onlyiffy?” Rose’s eyebrows lifted.

Caden--in a very kingly fashion--stuck his tongue out at her. Butthough everyone was smiling, Valerius was not. Because Grant Bryce had set a kind of bomb and it would go off unless…

Valerius began, “Caden, about the territory--about giving you some of mine--we should discuss it.”

Caden looked up at him. “I would never expect you to give up territory to me, Valerius. I know that Dragons don’t give up territory willingly--”

“You’re actually considering it!” Grant looked shocked. “I never thought…”

Marban’s eyebrows rose. “So peoplecansurprise you.”

“If Caden wants territory…” Valerius cracked his neck as the stiffness began. It was nottoo hardto say this. Raziel had been strangely silent this entire time and it would have to agree to truly give up some territory to Caden, but really considering how it felt about Iolaire… well...

---