Page 31 of Ruler

Ahh, this is interesting. There’s only one thing that could involve the Russo Leader, and that’s if Morgana’s condition has anything to do with his people. “You want Lupa to come with you?” I ask. Morgana nods, but doesn’t say anything else. “That’s hardly a Society matter, though. As much as I loathe saying it, I need your decision, Morgana.”

I feel bad for her as she clenches her jaw, and I wish I could help. But short of ordering Lupa, which I won’t do, it’s not for me to meddle in. Remus has made it clear he will neither help, nor stand in his cousin’s way, which makes it purely a civil matter.

“Then I accept,” Morgana says. Then she turns towards Alexander. “I accept the nomination, as well as the responsibilities that come with the title.”

“Does anyone here object?” I ask as I get up and move over to my desk.

Remus is quick to deny any objections, but I only have to glance at Arthur to know he’s not as pliable.

“I object,” the Hatt Leader says. Ignoring Morgana’s sharp intake of breath, he goes on. “She wasn’t raised or trained as a Drákon. Now she’s expected to lead a family that’s all but extinct?”

“Arthur,” she hisses. “This is not your decision.”

Before he can answer, I say, “No, it’s my decision. But that doesn’t give you the right to deny my council the opportunity to speak their opinion, Morgana.”

I get out of the chair and walk over to my desk. Opening the bottom drawer, I rummage for the ceremonial knife and blow torch lighter I keep there. With Alexander abdicating, I have to do something I’ve never seen done, and only heard of. And if the rumors are true, my great granddad was the last person to banish someone from his council.

After placing the objects on my desk, I turn back to face all of them. “I accept your abdication, Alexander,” I say unkindly. “But I don’t accept Morgana as the new Drákon Leader. I will keep the position open until I’m sure it’s the right decision.”

When Arthur smiles smugly, I want to tell him it’s not because of him, but I refuse to sink to that level. Besides, since I always do my best to listen to my council, he is undeniably part of the reason.

“Show your tattoo,” I say to Alexander. I wait as he rolls the left sleeve on his shirt up, revealing the scythe tattoo. “You know what it means to leave, right?”

“Of course,” he says easily.

I beckon him closer with my finger. “Then there’s only one question left. Knife or fire?” I already know there’s only one choice a Drákon will make.

“Fire, of course.” Even as he gives me a pensive look, the Great’s mouth curls up in a half-smile.

I gesture towards the chair and ask him to take a seat. Then I turn towards Morgana and say, “You’re excused. I’ll let you know of my decision once I’m ready. Until then, you’ll revert back to a Hatt Protégé—” I’m interrupted by her angry scoff. Arching a brow, I ask, “Unless you prefer to be ousted completely and not belong to anyone or anything. Is that your decision?”

Her eyes turn hard. “Yes, if those are my only two choices, then that’s what I’ll be.”

“Morgana,” Arthur roars.

“Very well,” I say at the same time. “In that case, you’re no longer a student at Kronos University. Please see yourself out.”

Before I can refocus on Alexander, Arthur drops to his knees and takes my hand. “Please give her a second chance,” he begs. “She’ll change her mind. I know she will.”

I run a hand down my face, trying to hide my exasperated sigh. This fucking drama is as unwelcome as it’s unbecoming. I’m tired of it, and not in the mood. I glance at Remus, and when he nods, I answer Arthur’s plea. “Two days. She has two days to cool down and contact me. If she hasn’t done that before ten pm on Sunday, she’s not welcome on Monday.”

I wait for Arthur to get up before I walk over to the door and ask two of the security guards to come into my office. Then I instruct them to hold Alexander down. “You two,” I say, pointing between Arthur and Remus. “Please witness, and if needed, testify that the process was carried out.”

Then I pick the blow torch lighter back up and roll the flint. As soon as it’s lit, I have one of the guards stretch out Alexander’s arm so I can reach the entire tattoo.

Chapter 11

Cia

Morgana: We need to talk!

Morgana: I left the meeting and the Society.

Me: What happened, Morgana?

Morgana: I don’t have time. I’m at the hospital with Alexander. Make your husband tell you what happened. What he did to our father.

Me: I’m on my way!

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