Darkbeam Part 5: A Dragonian Series Novel: The Rubicon's Story (The Beam Series Book 6)

By Adrienne Woods

The last novel in The Rubicon’s story.

Blake and Elena need to kill the Saadedine but without the secret ingredient, one of them will die.

Blake will give up his life for Elena as a dragon loves differently and will never make it without their rider.

When his nightmare comes true, Blake knows just what his orbs are for and prepares himself to travel to the afterlife in order to kick a certain prince’s ass, but it’s not as easy to enter the afterlife as Blake originally thought and there is a catch.

If Elena is in the afterlife, someone needs to give up theirs to send her back, and the Rubicon prepares himself to do anything in his power not to fail his princess.

Will Elena and Blake have their forever after, or are the stakes stacked too high against them this time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fire Quill Publishing
• Release date: Jan 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781947649743

Adrienne Woods

Adrienne Woods resides with her family on the East side of Joburg, Gauteng. If she isn't writing, she is reading and love to spend time with her two beautiful little girls. You can find out more about Adrienne Woods at www.authoradriennewoods.com   

Book preview

Part One

One

I’d listened to my father breaking down with the news of his rider still being alive.

First came the ramblings. Dad kept telling Emanual and me how he always knew that the king was still alive. Then he bombarded us with questions about whether we’d seen any proof of life on our missions in Etan. I had to relive every single minute of my time in Etan. He wanted to know how I’d discovered it and who had told me that the king was still alive. Dad wanted to know everything.

I haven’t seen him, I sighed as my father asked me for the umpteenth time.

My dad looked at Emanual, who still recovered from the news that I’d sprung on him before Kevin’s show started.

I haven’t seen him, Robert. Believe me, if I have,—Emanual took a huge breath, and his gaze found mine—I wouldn’t have told anyone either. To be honest, I do not know what I would’ve done.

My father nodded, with tears glistening in his eyes. I wished Elena could get here. Emanual looked at my father with concern and worry.

Dad leaned with his palms against the table, his body bending forward. For eighteen years, he’s trapped in that hell hole—for eighteen years. No hope, nothing.

Dad, he had hope. He knew Elena would find her way to Paegeia when the right time comes.

But she didn’t, Blake. My dad slammed his fist on his desk and hissed, Because of that wretched Green-Vapor Bitch.

My father had never kept it a secret that he didn’t like the queen’s dragon, and neither did she. The two couldn’t sit around the same table, from what I’d remembered.

I don’t think that she wanted to leave Elena, Dad. I had to sound like I was speculating.

You hadn’t even shed your baby scales yet. Believe me, Tanya was exactly what everyone always said about Green Vapors—a liar and a backstabber. She is the main reason Albert didn’t tell me about Elena. His hand waved wildly, slapping the air. She is like the lot of them.

I hated it when he spoke about breeds that way. Easy, I am part Green-Vapor, too. Not all of them are like that.

My father didn’t reply, but his shoulders shook from his silent sobs as he plopped into his chair.

My gaze met Emanual’s as he leaned against the wall, arms folded.

I’d never seen my father like this. The regret that he must have felt at the moment. I got up from my chair and went to his side.

I sat against the edge of his desk and touched his shoulder.

Robert, it will not help to think about the past, Emanual spoke, We need to focus on the future and get everyone out of Etan. You know Helmut will help, and you know it’s a matter of time before Caleb will start contributing to this mission. It’s Albert we are talking about here.

My father sniffed and nodded. And it’s Goran, Emanual. He killed Kate. The Monster tied her to the bed and burned her because she rejected his feelings. He did that to someone he loved. What do you think Goran will do to the man he despises with everything that he owns?

You don’t know that’s the reason Kate got killed. None of us do.

Silence lingered for a moment.

I looked over my shoulder at Emanual, begging him for a few minutes alone with my dad, and he nodded. The door opened and closed behind him.

Dad, Emanual’s right. You need to pull yourself together. I need my father, the Sir Robert, on this one—The Night-Villain that’s as big as a ship. The dragon who fears nothing if you want this mission to succeed.

My father’s chin wobbled.

I hated it when he cried.

I knew he was alive, Blake. Don’t ask me how,—he tapped his chest—I always knew. It never felt final.

I know, I whispered.

Dad couldn’t remember the time when he gave up.

I would not make him remember either.

I let him cry. He needed the release to become the dragon that I required.

The door opened, and Elena’s soft oriental scent fluttered into the office. Warmth spread through my body when she was in my presence.

Our gazes met and locked for a few brief moments before I looked back at my father.

I’m so sorry about this, Elena said with compassion, lacing every word.

Dad sniffed, then looked up at her for a moment, closed his eyes, and shook his head. He inhaled deeply and exhaled loudly before he spoke. A part of me always knew that he was alive. The worst part of it now is that I can’t get the last time I saw him out of my head. He pushed himself from the chair and paced.

Dad, I begged—not again.

No, son. I should’ve been there, but he forced me away from him. He used the binding spell against me! he yelled. He stopped as he remembered something else, and his lips twitched upward, ending in a grin.

It was one of those smiles you gave when you realized how stupid you were.

I taught him that spell, and he used it to order me away, because of you, because of what we all promised. To keep you safe, no matter how hard it was going to be. He looked at me.

What? I frowned. I didn’t know that at all.

I thought about that night a million times. He knew you would get claimed one day, and all we had to do was to keep you safe until that time. His face hardened. He walked over to his bookshelf and threw the contents to the floor. Books scattered everywhere.

I jumped up, and at once, I was at his side, trying to calm him down before he aimed for the creepers again. He slapped my comforting hand away and swiped the content on top of his desk across the floor.

I closed my eyes. When was this going to end?

What pissed me off the most was that he’d told nobody about her. He pointed at Elena. "I’ve lived fifteen years thinking he thought I was behind his betrayal. That was why he forced me away from him that night—for fifteen years—

He didn’t. Elena interrupted.

—I know, my dad roared, You told me that, but it doesn’t change the fact that I left him when he needed me the most.

Dad, he used the binding spell. You told us that a few seconds ago. My voice rose as I got pissed off with him lashing out at my rider.

I could’ve fought harder. When I saw the Creepers jumping out of the ground, I knew it was something out of this world. I could’ve controlled the spell, use it against my rider. I gave him my oath that I would keep him safe—

And he broke it when he bound you, Dad. I interrupted him. He is alive. You will see him again. I promise. When the right time comes—

—One month, Blake!

My mind went to King Albert’s men. Dad, we told them two months from now.

One month. I know King Albert’s men. I fought wars with these men for a long time. These are men that know the signs of war. They will be ready no matter what you told them—four weeks. Whether you are ready. In four weeks, she will take me in. He pointed at Elena again.

I pushed his pointed finger away from her. Okay, calm down. In four weeks, we will take you in. We will take everyone in. I promise.

My dad nodded and then dropped back into his chair.

He didn’t want us to free Etan, Elena said with tears glistening in her eyes. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you.

Not you too, please. I left my dad and went over to Elena and wrapped my arms around her. It’s not your fault, okay. My dad doesn’t blame you. He’s hard on himself.

Her arms wrapped around my waist, and it felt good to be near her like this.

The door opened, and my sister rushed in with Dean.

Oh, Daddy, Sammy said, and went to my father. She stood in front of him, comforting him as he cried. Hey, he is alive. He’s not dead. You will see him again.

I begged Dean with my eyes to stay with my sister. I needed a break. He surveyed Elena, who was still teary.

Go, he mouthed, and I smiled. My father was in great hands. My sister would get through to him. It wouldn’t surprise me if my mother would waltz in here any minute and yell at him to buff up and get a grip.

Four weeks, how the hell were we going to push up this mission in four weeks.

* * *

I took Elena to the cafeteria. I prepared us two coffees as she took a seat at the closest table.

She looked distraught when I put her cup in front of her.

Thank you, she whispered.

I smiled as I pulled out the opposite chair and sat down.

So, how was it at Just Kev’s show, Elena?

She shook her head, staring at the cup of coffee in front of her. Becky will never speak to me again. She covered her face with her hands, elbows on the table.

Seconds ticked by as I took a sip of my coffee.

Elena sniffed as she uncovered her face. So I understand your father’s little breakdown, better than you know.

To make it clear, it wasn’t little breakdown. You missed it all.

She scoffed.

The corner of my lips twitched upward.

It’s not funny, Blake. I’m serious. I saw it in Becky’s eyes. She is so mad at me.

Okay, where are they?

George took her home. She wanted to be with her mom and Rosa—poor Rosa. She doesn’t even know that her son is dead.

I’m sure a lot of them know dragons didn’t make it, Elena. From what my cousin told my aunt, news trend to spread fast with my aunt.

Elena squinted. Your aunt, Constance?

Yeah, she likes to gossip a lot.

Now you are talking crap.

I chuckle, taking a sip of my coffee. Becky will speak to you again. Believe me, she will.

She stopped twirling her cup in circles and looked at me. What is that supposed to mean?

I sighed. I didn’t want to think about that time, but I hated seeing Elena like this.

When you were in Etan, and I couldn’t find you, she and George searched like crazy with me. Believe me, she will be first in line to sign up to be part of your private council. She refused to give up. The times that there was no hope was the only time that she questioned whether you weren’t six feet under the ground. I put the cup to my lips and took a sip of the rich aroma. But I could already feel your heartbeat, so she didn’t question it that long. But she was as frustrated as me when she couldn’t find you.

She nodded, with a huff escaping her lips.

She might never say it, Elena. But Becky cares about you a lot. My sister does, too.

Her lips finally curved, but the worry pulled at her eyes. I should’ve told them, Blake. They are my best friends.

Believe me, you did the right thing. Sammy sucks at keeping secrets.

Elena barked a chuckle.

I reached out and touched her hand. Our fingers laced. Stop worrying, please. Give Becky time. She will forgive you.

She nodded with a soft smile.

Footsteps entered the building. My mother’s sweet vanilla scent caressed my nostrils, and my shoulders relaxed instantly.

A few seconds later, she rushed into the cafeteria wearing a robe.

Oh, sweetheart, my mother said and opened her arm to Elena.

Elena jumped from her chair and hugged my mother. I’m so sorry.

Mom planted a kiss on top of Elena’s head as she stroked Elena’s back.

I got here as fast as I could. I can imagine how difficult the news was for your father, she spoke in her solid British accent, looking at me.

I nodded.

What happened? Mom wanted to know.

He flew straight to the creepers. I got to him in time, but it was like he didn’t give a crap.

She shook her head. That doesn’t surprise me at all. I swear, if Albert was a woman, he would’ve been your mother instead of me.

Elena chuckled and looked up at my mother.

My mom smiled down at her. He’ll be okay. I bet he is not even mad at you.

He is mad at someone.

He is not upset with you, Elena. I reminded her again. My dad deals with knowing that your father is alive for eighteen years, Elena. To make it worse, your dad is trapped, and that mine can’t get to him. He feels he failed him in every way.

He didn’t know, Blake. It’s not your dad’s fault if mine didn’t tell him about me.

Mom pushed her hair behind Elena’s ear. It’s not how dragons look at it. You need to learn that we always read the fine line in every person’s actions, sweetheart. Robert thinks your father didn’t trust him at all with you.

Elena looked as if she wanted to cry again. It’s not like—

I know. You told Robert, and that brought peace to his heart, more than you know, but it still happened. She planted another kiss on Elena’s head. I need to get in there.

They broke the hug.

Mom smiled at both of us before walking out of the cafeteria to the direction of Dad’s office.

The door to the office opened, and my sister’s comforting words reached my enhanced hearing.

Elena retook her seat and rubbed her face with the palm of her hands.

The females in my family sort things out really fast. Stop worrying about my dad. He will be okay.

She nodded as her fingers brushed through her hair before putting them back on the table, picking up her coffee to take a sip. She still looked worried.

I didn’t push.

We sipped our coffee in silence.

Blake, is this mission going to be doable in four weeks?

I’ll make it happen, Elena. We have no choice. My father is adamant, and if Caleb comes around and sends troops—

What if he doesn’t?

I let out my breath, and didn’t want Elena to worry about moving this mission up. I worry enough for both of us.

I’ll make it work. I should’ve seen it coming, to be honest. My father would do something as drastic as this, but with that said, we are getting the Sir Robert. I know you only saw one side of him. There is a reason he is in the Museum of Etan, and it not because he was your father’s dragon.

She smiled. I have all the faith in him, Blake. Believe me, I do.

Then, four weeks are going to be enough. You have my word.

She nodded with a smile, and we sipped our coffee in silence.

Two

Family and friends comforted my father during his time of need. Helmut and Maggie were among them.

I slipped away to pack a bag. I changed my pants to the crappiest jean I owned and a shirt I would no longer use. Elena still struggled with my naked human figure, and I couldn’t undress in front of her. I needed to go shopping for new clothes soon as I kept destroying the ones I had for her convenience.

I closed my bag and went to fetch Elena.

Where are we going? she asked me as I dragged her to the edge of the woods.

I need some quality time, woman. Away from the Night Villain and the Silver Annex’s eyes.

Her lips curved into a grin.

I handed her my bag, and she put it over her shoulders. Then I took her hand and turned my back toward her, placing her hand on my shoulder.

You ready? I glanced over my shoulder to look at her.

She nodded.

I jumped into the air and morphed into my dragon figure.

Laughter escaped her lips immediately.

I knew that somehow we would be dragon and rider and make the flying part easier.

Everything came with practice.

I twirled with her through the clouds, and dove toward the ground, and climbed into the air again.

She loved every part of this little game as laughter caressed my ears.

I flew straight and headed for the nearest mountain.

When I landed, Elena slid off my wing. She made it look like so much fun. She dropped my bag close to my paw, and my talon hooked the strap.

I leopard crawled to the nearest three and transformed back into my human form.

I took out my extra pair of jeans and shirt from the bag and put them on. Elena sat by the small pond. Wild geese were swimming on the surface.

I went to sit down beside her.

She didn’t look at me, and she didn’t speak either. I would give anything to know what she was thinking.

I saw the edge of the mark the Keeper gave her after exiting the Sacred Cavern, protruding slightly from her bracelet. Did the pond in the Sacred Cavern look like this, too?

Her head snapped at me, and if looks could kill, hers would.

Blake?

What, come on, Elena? I’m your dragon.

A scoff escaped her lips. It’s not how it works. She shook her head, teasing me with squinting eyes.

I gaped at her.

No, she finally said. There is no place that would ever resemble the Sacred Cavern’s pond.

It does not scare you that the Keeper is going to come and drag you back?

She chuckled. Why? Because I told you about the pond. I’m allowed to tell people certain parts. The pond is one of them.

I huffed. How did you do it?

That, I can’t tell you.

"I can’t enter anyway, so—

—No, she chuckled and pushed me slightly away. Stop asking me, please. It’s for both our interests, trust me.

Interesting, I said.

"Blake, I swear—

—Will you relax? I grabbed her and pulled her closer to me. I won’t tell anyone. I do know how to keep a secret. I got that from my father. He will take secrets to the grave.

That is great to know.

My fingers feathered softly against her cheek and pulled her jaw in my direction. I kissed her on top of her head.

It’s beautiful here, but then all the mountain tops have some sort of beauty, right? she asked.

My lips still lingered on her forehead. It’s because humans don’t have a way to get up here without dragons.

She chuckled and looked up at me. What are you trying to say?

My gaze found hers. Humans intend to plunder all the beauty of this world.

She huffed and then nodded. You are right. But not all humans are like that. Just like not all Chromatic dragons are evil.

I scoffed.

So, how are we going to do this in four weeks?

I told you don’t worry about that.

Blake, I will worry about it whether you tell me not to. It’s not in me to not worry. Besides, I am playing a role in this one, so I need to know the plan. It’s got nothing to do with trust. It’s how I’m built.

I looked at her. She was breathtaking, and I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. Her green eyes constantly searching for what—I would probably never know.

Okay fine. Meetings upon meeting will take place in the next two weeks. My father will come up with a solid plan. It won’t surprise me if he asks you to place some of his men behind the creepers. He’s great with drawing layouts. My dad will need a detailed layout of what Etan looks like now for this one to work. He will find a way for Goran to show proof that your father is still alive. I can guarantee that.

You think he will succeed with that in the next four weeks?

When it comes to your dad? Yup.

She laughed.

What is so funny?

What your mother said. How would my dad be your mom if he were a female? I tried to imagine what their bond was like for your father to act the way he did when he discovered the news.

They were tight, Elena. Like blood brothers. I thought about Lucian again. I’d failed him in every way there was to fail a blood brother.

But he is not my father’s Dent.

Nope, that one is pretty rare.

If it’s so rare, why are there two Dents at Dragonia then?

I smiled. That is the right question to ask. Dents exist because of what we have to face, Elena. I sighed.

Rescuing Etan?

They seem to pop up when immense danger lies in the future.

How many Dents were born during the Great War?

I laughed. I don’t know. Because they didn’t discover that knowledge then. I doubt the term even existed. Your mother was one of the first Dents. There could’ve been more.

No, she wasn’t. My Papi and the Ancients were part of the first Dents.

You know you are a part dragon?

Her gaze snapped at me. What?

Your Papi’s dragon was female, Elena. Meaning they had kids.

Are you serious?

Yup. He told me that day at training. I asked him if you had dragon blood in you, and his answer baffled me.

What did he say?

More than I know. I do not know what the Ancient meant. He does that a lot. Say things that sound as if there are more to it than the naked eye sees.

Elena chuckled. That is his ability.

Silence lingered for a while as we looked at the geese.

You think my dad knew about Papi? Elena asked. He’s so secretive about his family.

I don’t know.

She took a deep breath.

To think, in a month from now, you will see your dad.

Elena froze on the spot, and tears welled up in her eyes. She chuckled as she wiped them away. I never count the days down, she sighed. In a month, I’m going to meet the Greatest King that ever lived.

No, Elena. In a month, you are going to meet your father.

* * *

The knowledge I threw on Elena about meeting her father shook her more than I thought it would. We stayed for another few minutes, using some of that time to make out, before heading back to the Dragon League.

I hated how she asked me in a knowing tone that if I had to stay at the Dragon League again.

I sensed the disappointment in her once more. That disappointment I came to hate with a passion. Mostly because I was the reason for her to feel that way. It was great to discover that she felt the same way about me. She wanted to be close to me, as I wanted to be near her.

When we landed, Helmut bombarded Elena with questions, and Elena apologized for keeping the secret.

How long are you going to stay? she asked when it was time for her to go back to Dragonia.

I need to make sure he is okay, and I need to know what the plan is. How we are going to pull this off. I rubbed her arms as she stood in front of me. I hated leaving her.

She wrapped her arms around my waist.

My lips brushed the top of her head, inhaling her coconut and strawberry-scented shampoo.

My sister and Dean waited for Elena.

Go, she is waiting for you.

A curve tugged at the corner of Elena’s lips. She flung her arms around my neck, standing on the tip of her toes, and breathed deeply.

Yeah, I know the feeling, princess.

Bye. Her voice tingled the soft skin in the nape of my neck before her arms retreated.

I hated seeing her walking away.

When she reached Sammy, my sister let down her wing, and Elena ran up as Sammy hoisted her wing slowly in the air.

Dean lent Elena a hand as she reached him, and she sat behind him.

Fly safe, I yelled at Samantha in Latin.

Yes, Dad. She mocked me and then ran and took flight.

I watched until I couldn’t see them anymore.

Staying behind again, Blake, Emanual’s voice startled me.

He laughed at the epic fright-jump that he pulled out of me.

It was difficult to sneak up on me, and Emanual was a dragon that owned stealth mode.

You saw my dad, Emanual. Besides, I need to know how the hell we are going to pull this one off in four weeks.

I’m sure your father is going to come up with a mind-blowing plan. One that will make that peanut inside your head, go boom. He gestured the explosion with his hands. I’m surprised that the Moon-Bolt isn’t here.

Becky’s father was one of the men alive. She had to be with her mother. Which reminds me, I need to phone him. I took out my Cammy and dialed George’s number.

His hologram appeared. Hey. He sounded shocked and sad at the same time. He mimicked Becky’s emotions again.

Is Becky okay?

Yeah, Rosa and Lucille are not taking this well, Blake. He pulled his hands through his hair. I think I’m going to stay here for a while, making sure that the ladies are fine.

You do that. Tell Becky, Elena is sorry. It affected her more than you know.

His lips curved, and he nodded. His hologram disappeared, and I deposited my Cammy in my jeans’ back pocket.

Dad didn’t waste any time, and Emanual and I walked into the first meeting.

The room was packed as my father started the meeting.

We need to see proof of life. Is there a way of getting that, Emanual? He looked at both of us as he said that.

Emanual looked at the table, thinking. I just stared at him.

Dude. I nudged him.

I’m thinking, Blake.

Soft chuckles erupted. We have to get the farmers to strike. I think it’s the only way, but it could also lead to the council discovering that it’s not the farmers anymore.

My father sighed. I need proof of life. When was the last time the farmers saw him alive?

They said about a year ago, I answered.

Helmut was exceptionally quiet. I knew his mind was working overtime.

His Cammy buzzed. The king jumped out of his thoughts and took out the Cammy from his pocket.

My father and Emanual continued to speculate how the farmers could pull off a strike without alerting Goran and the council in Etan that it wasn’t the farmers they were dealing with anymore.

I watched Helmut with a hawk-eye as he looked at his message.

He got up.

Helmut!

The king looked at Dad. I have to go, Bob. Caleb wants a meeting.

We need him and his fleet to pull this mission off.

Yeah, it will not be easy, that I can promise you.

My father’s hand smacked the table hard. It was his fucking best friend. What else does he want?

He thinks Elena is making this one up to get everyone to fight.

What? Both my dad and I said.

He wants a meeting with her today. I have to go so that Caleb doesn’t pull this one apart.

I sighed as I tried to stretch out the kinks in my neck.

Dad pointed a finger at Helmut. He needs to get over whatever he concocted up in that mind of his and get on board.

Helmut looked at my dad. You forgot about the explosion, Bob. That is what is going on in Caleb’s mind. It’s all I can think about. How the hell did he survive that?

It’s Albert we are talking about. I believed her with all of my heart. If the farmers said that they saw him a year ago, then he survived that explosion.

We don’t even know in what condition he is, King Helmut pleaded with my father.

It’s the reason I need proof of life, my father roared.

I never heard him speak to the royal like that in a long time.

Helmut nodded. I’ll see what I can do to get Caleb on board. All I’m saying it will not be easy. Let’s go, Emanual.

Emanual got up and left with the king.

All these men knew about the explosion that Helmut spoke about. He told me that during our lunch. It didn’t graze my father’s confidence that the king was alive.

The meeting broke a few minutes after Helmut and Emanual left, and Byron called my name from the lounge.

Dad and I rushed to the room, and a display happened on the screen. Reporters bombarded Elena as she reached the Academy.

Princess, you said that your father is still alive. Is that a tactic to get Areeth to fight?

No comment, she sniped.

My sister and Dean followed close by. Trudy waited for them. Where the hell was Chong in all of this?

They still yelled more questions, and I hated the paparazzi. They were vermin I wanted to crush with my paw.

The fact that you are not there with her, Blake, is hurting this mission more, Dad said. We need the people of Paegeia to stand together on this one. The two of you are the only ones that can do that.

Dad, I need to know the plan. You said four weeks. I need to know how the hell are we going to do everything in four weeks? So the faster I know the details, the faster I can put it into action.

He nodded.

You need to hold a press conference, make Caleb believe the way you do. Explosion or no explosion, we need him to fight.

Okay, I’ll call someone I know. Dad’s palms went up to his face and rubbed hard.

He was tired, anxious, and just wanted the mission to be over. He had plenty of responsibility on that broad shoulders of his.

Just call Kevin. He is the best to get a reaction out of the people.

My father grunted. You know how I feel about him.

I chuckled. Yeah, I know, but the idiot is your best bet.

Three

The rest of the day, we watched the media pushing themselves into every person’s life affected by the news.

Even Becky and Lucille had to deal with them.

Rebecca Johnson, how does it feel knowing that your father is alive?

Show some respect! she yelled after she slid off George’s wing.

They asked her more questions, and she lost it. She grabbed the one reporter’s collar. You don’t know when to stop, you scum. Get off my property or else!

George walked buck naked behind Becky and pushed her into the door that Rosa kept open for them.

The reports were reruns from today. I saw an interview on another station about how they bombarded Charles at the lodge.

He worked in David’s garden, whistling his melody.

Can you confirm what the princess declared at Kevin today?

Confirm? Charles stopped pulling out weeds and got up. Surprise washed over me that Charles agreed to do this interview.

He took off his gardening gloves and smiled at her.

It’s sad that you won’t believe your princess, but that you would take the word of an old man. The princess lived on the other side, too. She Ascended and saw her father. You shouldn’t be questioning your princess. It’s not in her blood to lie to the people to get what she wanted.

He turned around.

Yes, but please, we need to know, is the King still alive? The reporter kept asking.

Charles frowned and huffed. He shook his head. Yes, your king is still alive. I was present every single time that Goran paraded him like a pony. Saw every time how he held up his chin when that monster tried to break him, he scoffed, and his lips twitched as he looked at the ground. Never once did the gleam left his eye. It would take more than a monster to kill your king. He went into the lodge using the back door that David held open for him.

The reporter chuckled. The king is still alive. There you have it. The head farmer that lived for eighteen years in Etan revealed the truth. King Albert is still alive. I’m Casey McDonald reporting live for Channel Six news. Our king is still alive.

I shook my head and got up. Charles was right. They would believe an old man before accepting Elena’s word, and she was King Albert’s daughter.

I liked Charles even