Page 79 of Ruler

I don’t get a chance to decide on how to act before the sounds of a fight nearby reach us. All three Tribunal members turn their heads while barking for their guards to investigate.

“That won’t be necessary.” My breath hitches as Kai nonchalantly walks towards us with his hood down, revealing his identity to everyone. “I believe you have something that belongs to me.” His tone is harsh and unforgiving.

As though someone has hit mute on the remote control, a hush falls across the area. As he walks by the row of people while wearing his Ruler robe, they each drop down and kneel for him. This is the first time I get to really experience his full power, which is both scary and thrilling.

Chapter 24

Cia

“WhatareyourLeadersdoing here?” Andreas challenges as though he has a right to demand answers.

“I’m sorry, that sounded remarkably like you were demanding an answer from me,” Kai says.

He strides directly over to Remus and Arthur, not sparing anyone else a glance. As he reaches them, he bends down and it looks like he runs a finger across Remus’ face.

Straightening, Kai holds his finger up. “Who’s responsible for my Leader bleeding?” he barks, anger swimming in his green eyes. When no one answers immediately, he repeats the question.

Joachim gestures for two guards to step forward, which they do. Without wasting a moment, my husband pulls a gun from inside his robe, shooting the one furthest away right in the middle of his forehead. The body hasn’t even fallen to the ground before he shoots the second guard.

“Now that we’ve taken care of that, I expect an explanation for why you’ve taken something of mine.” Kai looks between the Tribunal, and when they don’t answer, he arches a brow. “I’m not a patient man, so it’s not wise to keep me waiting.”

“Why are the Heirs wearing the robe of the Ruler?” Ana muses out loud.

“Good question,” Andreas says with a nod.

Kai gives them a sinister smile. “Because they were on a mission for me. I guess that makes them mine as well. At least for tonight.” Uncaring about his safety, he turns his back on the Tribunal and I can only imagine he’s scrutinizing the various injuries. “Well, this just got more interesting,” he says as he turns back to face the Tribunal.

“What?” Joachim asks.

“You have my third Leader as well,” Kai clarifies. “Morgana Drákon is mine, and she doesn’t look like she’s been treated with the respect of a Leader.”

Andreas laughs. “She’s not our Leader, yet.”

Kai cocks his head to the side like he’s listening to something only he can hear. “That’s none of my concern, Andreas. She’s mine.”

The way Andreas tenses as Kai reveals he knows his name is almost comical. “How so?” he challenges.

I can’t help leaning forward slightly as I, too, am interested in hearing how my husband is going to spin this one. If he openly claims Morgana and sticks to said claim, they might kill Gus instantly. By now I’ve seen just how little Marian means, so I can’t count on her to save her son’s life. Sighing, I mentally roll my eyes at that stupid thought because I never expected her to save him even if she could.

“Alexander appointed Morgana as his successor, so I took her in.” Kai easily answers the question.

“That’s not up to you to decide,” Andreas roars, not at all showing the respect he ought to.

“Peace,” Joachim interjects, placing a hand on Andreas’ shoulder. “What he meant to say is that each family is free to pick their own Leader. It’s always been that way.”

Kai smiles indulgently. “Oh, sorry. When I wasn’t invited here to witness the new Leader being picked I assumed you didn’t much care for the rules and that I was free to make my own like you have.”

Snickers break out across the clearing, and they aren’t just coming from the people I’m considering mine. No, even some of the guards and women acting as servers seem amused.

“Silence!” Andreas shouts, clearly not liking the direction things have taken.

“Then again,” Kai continues like he didn’t just hear the shouted command. “The Drákons have never liked playing nice, so I guess I should have expected this. Tell you what, if you give me that one…” He points directly at Marian. “I’ll forgive you for hurting my third council member without my consent.”

“Me?” Marian squeaks, sounding genuinely horrified.

Unable to stop myself, I let out a cold, dark laugh as I revel in her obvious and very palpable fear. I can feel the tremors running through her body like a wrecking ball, and I love it.

“Something funny?” Joachim asks, turning to face me.

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