Page 75 of The Last Strike

Asher’s eyes landed on Deacon Thomas’s watch and wondered what that watch did. He almost laughed at the world he’d found himself in and the thoughts he now had.

He returned his focus to the meeting, feeling a burst of nerves as the car came to a stop.

“Target arrived. Confirm safe to proceed,” James said.

A moment passed.

“Copy,” James said then turned, nodding.

“Ready,” Asher said, glad James had snipers covering every inch of the perimeter. No one would get in or out without them knowing.

James exited the car and opened Asher’s door.

They walked into the building together and James escorted Asher to the presidential meeting room. Two men were already standing at the door: King Luang’s bodyguard and Queen Victoria’s.

James extended a hand, introducing himself. Asher nodded to each man before James escorted him into the room. Luang stood upon his arrival and walked forward with his hand outstretched.

“Asher, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Luang said with that same, friendly smile.

“Likewise, Luang,” he said before turning to Victoria. “And the same to you. Thank you for coming.”

Victoria shook his hand. “I have to say, this makes me nervous, Asher. I cannot predict Khalil’s next move,” she said, biting her lip.

“I know,” Asher said, swallowing his nerves. “But we must work together to ensure our kingdoms survive.”

“Well, let’s get on with it, then,” she said, resuming her seat. Asher sat down at the board table, stealing a glance at his watch. They had a few minutes until Khalil was due to arrive.

“Again, thank you for coming. We’re not breaking ground on the borders, but we have managed to get a few soldiers into Adani. I don’t know if Khalil yet knows,” Asher said.

Luang nodded, rubbing his jaw. “Even if he does, there is nothing he can do about it if the villagers let the soldiers pass. That was a win for you.”

“A win for us all,” Asher said. “So the question is, how do we best use them? I don’t want this war to continue an hour longer than it needs to. I’m sure you agree. Every life we can save needs to be saved. I won’t have innocents fighting for their kingdoms longer than necessary—I feel we owe our people that—but the only way I can think to ensure that is to remove the throne from Khalil and Nicholas. Adani must flounder, then we can step in and take it.” Asher paused, looking between them. “Khalil and Nicholas must be eliminated.”

Victoria inhaled a long breath. “If we go after them, we cannot miss. We will only get one chance.”

Asher noticed Luang’s eyes dropping to his wrist again. Asher looked to James Thomas, who was also looking at Luang.

Asher studied Luang a moment longer until Luang looked up, directly at Asher. “You need perfect timing to execute this, because if you miss, he will unleash a new kind of hell on Santina. I have already felt his wrath, and I’m worried he was barely warming up.”

“Now is the perfect time,” Asher insisted. “If we let the war continue and we lose our edge, he might expect it as a desperate act. If we do it now, it’ll surprise him.”

Luang pulled his lips to the side as if he didn’t agree. Asher turned to Victoria. She looked between them. “I’m sorry, Asher, but if Luang isn’t in, I’m not either. I can’t risk it. I agreed to this alliance primarily because Luang supported it. He’s won wars before and if he doesn’t think it’s a good idea ...” She sighed heavily, shaking her head.

“Okay,” Asher said, trying to regroup. “I’m happy to hear other suggestions.” He looked between them.

Luang pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m going to excuse myself. I’m not feeling so well. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Asher nodded, watching him leave. He heard Luang ask his guard to escort him to the kitchen for a glass of water. James nodded at Asher, confirming he had this under control.

“My concern is that—"

Asher was cut short by the sound of gunfire.

“Get down!” Asher hissed, grabbing Victoria’s arm as he dropped to the floor and crawled underneath the table.

The door burst open and Victoria’s bodyguard ran in.

“This way!” James said, grabbing Asher’s arm, helping him to his feet. Asher was running before he was fully upright.

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