Page 79 of The Last Strike

“That’s where we come in,” Reed said, dropping from the ceiling vent.

Khalil hadn’t realized he’d been exposed because he’d never looked up. He’d never considered there were pistols pointed at him the entire time. His guards had never considered it either.

Asher grinned. James had told him all along that strategy would win this war.

And now Asher had a full recording and he planned to release every detail to the media.

Princess Theodora was heir to the Adani throne and this morning she’d signed over sovereign control to Asher and Luang in the event of Khalil’s death.

“Long live the King,” Luang said with a beaming grin.

“Long live the King,” Asher said, touching his shoulder.

This was for you, Father.

For Santina.

For the Adani people.

The future looked bright, and Asher felt the weight fall off his shoulders.

Better times were coming.

Abi

“Your Majesty?”

Abi’s head snapped up. “Reed, what is with the formal title?” she asked, grinning.

A dimple formed on his chin as he laughed. “I was just watching the news and it inspired me to try it out.”

“How is the coverage?” Abi asked. Asher had officially named her queen consort today. They’d decided to wait a few days out of respect for those mourning King Khalil, but Asher was not willing to wait any longer.

“Santina is rallying. People are out on the streets celebrating. People needed hope, and you and Asher gave it to them,” he said, smiling.

“Good. I’m glad they’re happy,” Abi said. But she knew in the future, hopefully far from now, their support might waver. It had wavered for King Martin at various times, but he always united Santina and brought them together. Abi knew Asher would do the same when he needed to.

“Anyway, I’m here to let you know the car is ready, and I’m ready whenever you are,” he said.

“I’m ready,” Abi said as she took one last fleeting look in the mirror. Her pale blue dress was draped over her body in a stylish, fashionable manner, but the long sleeves and mid-calf length made it appropriate to wear to such an event. It was part Grecian, part ... Abi didn’t know. But she loved it.

This was her first official royal engagement and she knew the cameras would photograph their every move. She squeezed her hands into balls, glad they weren’t sweating.

She exhaled, nodded in the mirror, and followed Reed to the car.

Her phone chimed and she saw a message from Asher:

This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to see you.

Abi smiled, running a finger through her long, loose curls. She loved the way Asher approached royal duties in general. Since the end of the war, Valencia and Santina had taken sovereign control of Adani, and Asher was a different man: lighter, happier, more confident. The worry that had lingered in his eyes was gone. When he looked at her now, he looked vibrant. Alive. Energized. Despite standing beside him—living with him—Abi hadn’t fully understood the toll the war was taking on him.

But now he approached his duties differently, maybe because of the war. He wore the title and responsibilities with pride and was completely committed, but he was also determined to enjoy this life and not take the small things too seriously. He had learned to embrace his kingship.

A convoy escorted Abi to the new development, but it was a standard royal convoy coordinated by Reed. He had remained in Santina for the foreseeable future, while James, Deacon, and the majority of the security staff had returned home. Reed and Jesse ran security together, with Reed being Abi’s bodyguard and Jesse at Asher’s side. They had settled into a new routine and even a new house.

Abi texted a reply:We’re in the car. I’ll see you soon.

They had been living at a private residence in Adani for the past week while Asher and Luang attended to business. The two had been visiting villages for the past three days, determining what the people needed most.

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