THE SIX NOBLE HEADS
Damien's POV
“Yes, your majesty.” Agatha conceded, nodding reluctantly. I turned my head to give a final look at the girl before making my way out of the kitchen. I had more pressing matters to attend to, the meeting with the noble houses. I had already kept them waiting long enough.
Making my way down the corridor, I squared my shoulders and took in a deep breath before pushing the heavy iron doors of the meeting hall. Stepping into the chambers, I glanced straight ahead, fixing my gaze on the six heads of the noble houses that held significant power within Valthrun. They sat at a long table upon which a large map of the kingdom was spread.
“You dare keep us waiting for so long? Boy?” Lord Balen of House Volkov bellowed hatefully. I wasn't moved because I understood his displeasure. After all, he was the father of Veresstina. The slut I had just broken up with.
“Calm down, Lord Balen.” Lady Daphne of House Mordion cautioned Balen.
“Indeed. after all, we wouldn't want to behave so rudely before our ‘king' Baron Rhys of House Saldav sneered, glaring at me with mocking eyes.
“Now, now. Let's not be harsh. Let's hear what Young Damien has to say.” Count Andrew of House Veridan tried to mediate.
Duke Magnus of House Aethel sat on his chair, quietly observing me while Marquess Theo, a young upstart, barely above my age fidgeting on his seat.
These were the people I needed to bring under my rule, an uphill task I must say but one I have to see through. They needed to see I wasn't someone they could control, someone who wasn't weak, someone who seized power through strength.
Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the throne and sat down without hesitation, resting my chin on my palm.
“There will be no more talk of ‘Young Damien.’ I began, directing my comment at Count Andrew. “I am King Damien, and you will address me as such.”
Astonishment washed over the faces of the noble house heads. Even Lady Daphne’s stoicism faltered for a brief moment. Count Andrew's face quickly morphed into an expression of rage.
“King? You, a mere underling, claim that title after your deceitful actions?” He stood up and pointed a trembling finger at me.
“This is starting to get interesting.” Baron Rhys smirked.
“Deceitful? I am above such shady methods” I held Andrew's gaze and chuckled. “I challenged my father, the most powerful warrior in Valthrun to the duel of kings and I won, through my strength alone. So if you think I claimed this throne through deceit, challenge me to a duel. I dare you.”
Silence descended on the meeting room. Count Andrew opened his mouth but no words came out. After a few minutes, he sat down on his seat. Embarrassed and humbled.
"As for the rest of you," I scanned the faces of the other lords, rising from the throne to my full height. "My methods may not have been to your liking, but the result stands. I am King Damien of Valthrun. Do you choose to serve the crown, or defy it?”
My question hung in the air as the lord's exchanged doubtful glances. After a few minutes of silence, I sat back on my throne staring down at them.
“I will take it your silence signifies your agreement.” I gave them a curt nod, my gaze meeting Lady Daphne's. “Lady Daphne, perhaps you might enlighten me. Why have you called this meeting?”
“Yo..your majesty.” Lady Daphne began, obviously uncomfortable with addressing me by my honorifics but it didn't matter. She’ll get used to it.
“Rumors have reached our ears regarding a recent ... .change in leadership. We came seeking the truth.” Lady Daphne explained while holding my gaze.
“Truth you say?” I leaned back on my throne. “The truth is that my father and brother threatened something dear to me. The only way to protect it was getting them out of the picture.”
A gasp rippled through the room. Lady Daphne’s hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened in shock. “You killed them?....even your brother?”
“Indeed,” I met her gaze with a small smirk. “As for my father, the former king. He currently resides in the dungeon.”
“But why? What drove you to take such drastic measures?” Duke Magnus asked curiously.
I paused contemplating whether to expose Freda's existence just yet.
“Oh, you fools haven't heard the real story?” Lord Balen sneered. “Our ‘King’ found his precious mate, but that’s not all. She's a filthy hybrid, a mutt - half werewolf and half human.”
A gasp of shock escaped the lips of the six lords present. I snapped my neck towards Balen’s direction, wishing I could just wrangle his neck that very instant.
“A…a hybrid? As your mate? This is an abomination!” Count Andrew spluttered.
“How can we trust a king who allies himself with such weak creatures? This weakness will destroy Valthrun.” Baron Rhys bellowed,
The meeting room quickly devolved into chaos. Accusations, insults, curses flew through the air but one thing was for certain - they didn't acknowledge Freda as my mate.
“Enough!” I slammed my fist on the table, the point of impact cracking under the force of my strength. I locked my gaze on Lord Balen's and the intensity of my glare made him fidget on his seat.
