Page 77 of Destroy a King (Five Kings 4)

Dexter

Ispent the rest of the night holding Holly and trying to make her relax and feel better about things. I couldn’t back down on my word though, and that came back to bite when all I wanted was to have sex with her all night. Somehow that moment passed because I could tell how upset she was and just needed someone to hold, which is why I’m so irritable today.

I left before she even woke up and hated myself for that, but she looked like a sleeping angel and after the shock of yesterday, I thought she could use some sleep.

Maybe a few days away from me is what she needs to come to terms with her situation.

My helicopter is waiting to deliver me to the private airfield where my jet is waiting and as the chopper lifts off, I strangely wish she was bedside me. But I must do this alone. Sam and my security team are my only companions on a trip that could change everything.

Thinking about how she will cope when I’m gone worries me a little. I never even asked how she felt about the team I assigned her to, making her feel as if I didn’t give a fuck. I do, more that I’m comfortable with and so I count this trip as a blessing in disguise for both of us because it’s been too much too soon already and I need to re-focus my mind on how I want this arrangement to work.

The private plane is waiting and I can already see my luggage being loaded, along with the rest of my team.

I know the other Kings will be making a similar trip and wonder what they’re thinking now. Like me, I’m sure they’re worried because we are not in control of this situation and just thinking of who is sets my teeth on edge.

The King.

The man in charge, although a different one to our usual colleague.

Things have already changed, and we thought was just a continuation of the old school. It appears this King has written a different business plan and I’m not sure we’re required.

As the plane takes off and I nurse a whiskey opposite Sam, I hope things are resolved by the time we make the return journey.

The final King—royalty. The only one who wears that particular crown by birth right. The man in charge and the controller of all our destinies. American royalty, removed from the spotlight to live a secret life. Away from the crowds, speculation and adoration. Secretly ruling over us under the radar, controlling the government and life as we know it. Politicians come and go and our President changes every five to ten years but royalty stays. A constant in an ever-changing life. Choosing its own soldiers to fight for our country in a much more stable way. It’s always worked well before, since the decision was made centuries ago and yet this could be the moment everything changes.

Why is he doing this and what is Ryder’s plan to save us all because if our King wants to cut us dead on the spot, he can and there would be no recriminations?

* * *

Six hourslater and the sky changes outside. The blue sky turns gray and we fly into a storm. Ironic when that’s exactly how it feels and as we plunge through the clouds, I take my first look at the island he calls home.

Andromeda

Ruler of men.

The central point of the crown with the four of us sitting on either side.

Our newest addition is Maxim Augustus, due to the fact his father died, and he inherited the title of King. I feel sad for Rex; he was a good man and will be missed by us all. But his son is an enigma, a loose cannon. What is his plan because if he is going to change everything, it won’t go down well?

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