Right in front of his father’s throne in the throne room, Nikolai manifested himself. He frowned at Alexander who fixed him with a glum look on his face. He stood on a stairway going up to the throne, his arms folded across his chest, oblivious to the group of elders behind him.
“General Baryshnikov is second in command to Yakim, thus killing him wasn’t required, Nikolai.” In an effort to divert attention from Nikolai’s irritation, Alexander said gently. His lips slightly lifted as he took in his son’s appearance. It had been some time since he had seen the dark marks on his arms and the tattoo of a snake around his neck. Like his mother had
taught him, Nikolai was accustomed to carefully concealing them. It seemed as though he was always insecure about them, but his appearance at the moment contradicted that.
“He doesn’t understand the conflict, father, and I want you to appoint someone else as general. However, I didn’t anticipate you telling Yakim to look for me.” Without disguising his annoyance, Nikolai huffed.
Alexander gave a small nod.
Yakim had just entered, followed by two soldiers who were displaying grim faces.
“Whom do you want to appoint?” Alexander enquired in a keen tone.
“Boris Novikov.” Nikolai gave an unflinching response and buried his hands in his pockets.
“The son of the chief warrior cannot be the general!” An elder objected vehemently.
Nikolai spun around and gave the elder a stern look. “Do not question my choice, you old geezer, or would you prefer him as the chief warrior? My
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dear uncle deserves a rest anyhow, and his son is strong enough to take over without suspicion of unexpected weakness.”
The remarks of Nikolai caused Yakim’s eyes to widen a little in astonishment. He hadn’t thought Nikolai would ever have such thoughts towards Boris. “Should I inquire as to why?” He had to inquire. There has to be a secret motive. There had to be.
“Isn’t it time you retired?” Nikolai tilted his head in question “Your gray hairs are already present.”
With Nikolai’s comments, Anton grinned. He was relieved that Nikolai was not so much in love with the dragon as to neglect his responsibilities. However, Nikolai had not made any mention of wanting to take charge, launch a war with Fireria, or be married to a pure–blooded lycan.
Yakim made a slow nod. “It would be an honor for my son to be the general; after all, the position is meant to be his. He will take over my responsibilities, but I want to keep the title of chief warrior until you are named Alpha.”
Nikolai grinned slyly and lowered his head before returning his attention to his father. “Could I leave right away? Rhaziel and I are going hunting.”
At his son, Alexander’s gaze narrowed. “That demon has no business being here,”
“So?” Nikolai brow lifted, acting fool. “Has he hurt somebody you care about?”
Nikolai had been transported out of Nexus, accompanied by warriors, but was actually cared for the entire journey by the demon, who insisted that he travel to Celestia by any means necessary.
Alexander opposed this because he believed Rhaziel to be a strong, high–ranking demon, but to his astonishment, his wife, Luna, persuaded
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him to let the demon do as he pleased.
Alexander exhaled, “Very well,” and Nikolai immediately turned away. Nikolai entered the gap that the elders had created for him while appearing entirely unconcerned. His fluid movements and extended strides gave off an impression of his strength. He had drastically changed and Alexander was really upset by this.
He recalled a young child who clung to his knees while sobbing uncontrollably, wiping away sweat, his wide olive green eyes filled with the terror of something only he knew about.. something that made him insane.
That young child had grown to dislike him to the point that he could kill him if he so desired. His son had become absolutely terrifying because his mind had become so dark.
“Do you know what day it is tomorrow?” When Nikolai reached out of the throne room, Alexander abruptly questioned, his voice soft and a little uncertain.
Nikolai halted, turned his head, and peered over his shoulder. “Mother’s birthday day? I know, and I’ll make sure to show up to the celebration to honor the family’s customs. By the way, try to focus on the here and now rather than how your actions today will affect your tomorrow.”
Alexander slowly nodded. “Good.”
Darkness flared in Nikolai’s eyes. “Indeed.” He then promptly disappeared from view.
Along with him, the tense mood in the royal room dissipated, and all the elders turned to stare at their Alpha, who appeared to be recuperating from the anxiety.
“Without a doubt, despite his troubled personality, I think he would make
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a great Alpha; he will undoubtedly give us the victory in the war we intend to wage against Celestia.” The elders all started muttering in agreement and disagreement after Yakim spoke.
“He’ll be nothing but a tyrant ruler.” Igor complained.
“The council will investigate the situation. His every move is reported to me.” Alexander stated in a firm voice and with a straight expression.
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