Page 129 of Bride By Coronation

He adds, "Not just anyone can be sitting in our spots. Your father wanted you and not Sean here. I'm convinced of it now that I'm getting to know you."

I tilt my head. "Why do you think that?"

Kirill doesn't hesitate when he says, "Second-born, two-attempts clause."

I stare at him in question, admitting, "I don't understand."

"There are no clauses for the firstborn, only the second. That's you. Your father knew you'd sometimes have to fight with yourself to go in one direction or make a mistake and try again. That's the reality of those in power. If he wanted Sean instead of you wearing the crown, he would have created the clause for him."

"But wasn't my father the king?" I ask.

"Yes."

"So why would he think he wouldn't stay king?" I ask.

"Every royal figure eventually dies. Those who step into their shoes need to be prepared. And he constructed the tools so you'd wear the crown, not your brother. So, not only for my own selfish reasons but to honor your father, if anyone ever tries to harm you, there will be no mercy. And I won't give a fuck who they are," he warns, sending a chill down my spine, mixing with my growing ache.

20

Kirill

Fourteen Hours Later

Arina appears by my seat and whispers, "Landing is in twenty minutes."

"Thank you," I reply in a hushed tone.

She nods, gives Fiona a starstruck glance, and disappears.

My wife remains peacefully sleeping against my shoulder, her hand resting on the inside of my thigh.

An unfamiliar warm joy surfaces, mixing with sharp agitation. I assumed my own blood would come after my bride, but they shouldn't have found out about our nuptials this quickly. There's only one way the word got out in under twenty-four hours—there are more traitors in The Underworld.

But who?

The claw in my gut re-emerges, scraping as it rises into my chest. I squeeze my fist until my knuckles turn white, making a new vow. When I discover who betrayed their oath, the consequences will be unlike anything The Underworld has ever seen.

My cell vibrates several times in my cup holder.

I grab it, swipe the screen, and swallow down bile.

Brax: There are two more.

Sean: Security is too tight. We have eyes on them and are ready to take them out or bring them in once it's clear. I say bring them in, but it's your call.

Brax: Agreed. Make them pay.

Rage explodes within me.

Me: Make it clear that no one is to take them out. They will pay for their sins before I grant death upon them.

Brax: Lev and Igor need a break. I don't think I can get anything else from them if I don't back off. They're not far from the corpse stage.

Me: Then back off. I need them alive when I arrive.

Brax: Understood.

I stare out the window, taking in the city lights, and my phone vibrates in my hand.

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