Page 53 of The Last Strike

Abi forced a smile and nodded. For the first time, she finally understood how Asher had felt when she’d agreed to the setup with Lamberi, because now he was going to do the same thing with Khalil.

Asher

Asher felt nothing as he watched the footage of Grace being marched into the middle of the square as thousands of Adani citizens cheered and heckled her. He almost felt bad for her. Almost. Grace deserved everything Asher knew was coming in the next few minutes of the video—everything that had already transpired.

“She should’ve known that was coming,” his mother said from beside him.

“She was delusional,” Asher said, crossing his arms over his chest. “She thought her loyalty to Khalil would be rewarded. But Khalil never repays loyalty with loyalty. He has betrayed every kingdom in the region at one time or another, hence they have taken the risk to stand with Santina.”

“Have you spoken with Luang recently?” Emilia asked.

Asher shook his head. “Not for a few days, but I’m due to talk to him in a few minutes.”

“Luang has always stood up for what is right. He shared the same values as your father in that manner—that’s why they were friends,” she said, then added, “I know your father always felt like he could trust so few people. But I know he trusted Luang.”

Asher nodded. “I respect and appreciate his advice. He has managed Valencia’s challenges well, and they have prospered. I want to do the same for Santina.”

She smiled as she took his hand. “You will. Keep your eyes on the end goal, Asher. Don’t get lost in the fight for revenge,” she said, her words a vague mirror of William Bennett’s a few nights ago.

A knock at the door sounded and Reed entered. “Your car is ready,” he said, looking at Emilia.

“Thank you, Reed,” she said before turning to Asher. “I’m going to visit Alistair. He’ll be discharged in a few days.”

Asher smiled. “Please tell him I look forward to seeing him then.”

Thomas Security had deemed it too risky for Asher to visit the hospital, so he hadn’t been able to see his brother, but he had spoken to him almost daily.

“Of course,” Emilia said, squeezing his shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Asher. Your father would be so proud.”

“Thank you,” he said, his voice but a whisper.

She gave his shoulder one last squeeze then nodded to Reed, allowing him to walk her out.

Asher’s eyes dropped to his wrist. It was time to call Luang.

Asher dialed the number and it continued to ring—he was about to hang up when Luang finally answered.

“Hello, Asher,” he said, puffing.

Asher looked at the clock again, thinking he must’ve called at the incorrect time. “Hello, Luang. Are you free to talk? You sound ... busy,” Asher said, trying to be polite.

“Your timing is perfect. In fact, I owe you one for cutting my workout a few minutes short. I have a new trainer. I think he’s the devil incarnate.”

Asher grinned, holding back a chuckle. “No pain, no gain,” he said, immediately thinking how it applied to his own situation.

“There is lots of pain, but I’m yet to see the gains,” Luang said, sounding momentarily amused. The humor swiftly dropped from his voice. “Much like war. How are you holding up?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

He sighed. “It’s harder than I thought,” Asher admitted. “Looking at the death tolls. It’s ...” He struggled to find the words.

“If you’d told me you were fine, I’d be worried, Asher. As leaders of our kingdoms, we need to keep our compassion, and that makes events like war incredibly difficult to deal with. Finding a way to numb ourselves and stop caring might be a relief in the short term, but then we’d end up like Khalil. He wasn’t always like this, believe it or not. When he was our ally—Valencia’s and Santina’s ally—he was a better man. But he found a way to block his emotions and eventually lost himself in the process.”

“Did you watch the executions?” Asher asked.

“I did,” Luang said. “Nothing surprises me with Khalil anymore. What we must do is focus on our own game. I’ve been thinking about your plan, Asher. It is very risky.”

Asher nodded. “I know, but it has to be that way. If I don’t go myself, Khalil might get suspicious.”

“Let me go instead,” Luang said. “I have lived many more years than you, Asher, and I have lived a good life. I have an heir of age who can take over the throne should things go horribly wrong. If something were to happen to you, what would happen to Santina?”

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