The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1)(23)
“You can’t do that.” Malachi stepped forward angrily.
“She’s a female,” snapped Jameson in disgust.
Luca flicked his fingers and Malachi fell immediately to his knees. Luca wasn’t certain which one of them was more surprised. It had been a dismissive gesture, and not one that he thought wielded any power. That he could actually force someone to do that was...
You have many new powers, Sire.
Luca glanced at Kit and the temper that was threatening to boil over again dissipated quickly. He wasn’t sure he should have that sort of power, and it made him feel uncomfortable. Kit came and stood by his side and retook his hand. Luca relaxed instantly and fixed a stare on the belligerent Alphas. “If any of you have difficulty agreeing to or simply obeying my wishes, then I will expect that Alpha to resign the position immediately, and I will appoint someone more suitable.” They all sat down quickly. Three looked shocked but Jameson and Malachi still glowered, even if Malachi was still on his knees.
“Are there any other legitimate questions or concerns?” Luca asked. None of the Alphas said a word. Luca heaved a sigh. “Now, you should all be aware of my other plans,” he said firmly. “At the end of the month I intend to set out for Neira.” He gazed at all the shocked, silent faces, and knew they all understood.
In a little under three weeks he was marching to claim his crown.
Chapter Seven
Kit nibbled on the cheese and fruit that graced the table and listened to the conversation quietly. He wanted to get Luca inside as he knew Luca’s headache was getting unmanageable, but his Alpha King was proving stubborn. He had tried to will Luca’s pain away but it hadn’t worked. Not that he understood how their gifts worked exactly. He wasn’t completely sure he wasn’t just channeling Luca’s own gift. He had never been able to heal himself certainly. He also felt very strange himself. His skin was on fire and his insides seemed to smolder and prickle with a strange heat.
Iris had been stunned at Luca’s announcement, but was currently showing a maturity beyond her seventeen years, and Kit liked Tomas very much. The man was thoughtful, offered sound advice where needed, and a lot of the other Alphas listened to him as they spoke about marching to Neira.
Neira. There had been lots of gossip in the various kitchens he had been enslaved to. Ridiculous stories of palaces built with Tallium. His only recurring dream had been the image of Luca wearing a crown but he had never seen them side by side and he tried not to think about that.
“Sire?” Gabriel prompted. “I have some information on Alpha Kings I would like to share with you if you have the time.”
Luca grimaced and Kit knew Luca needed an excuse. “Sire?” Kit interrupted as he saw Luca’s head droop in his hands. Luca turned in concern and raked his big gray eyes over Kit’s face.
“You need to rest,” Luca pronounced and Kit simply nodded, grateful that he had been provided with a reason to get Luca inside that didn’t involve Luca looking weak in front of the Alphas. Luca stood up. “Gentleman. I would be pleased to continue our discussions tomorrow.” The Alphas and heirs all took their leave.
Luca turned to Sam. “I need accommodation and uniforms for our new guards. We will talk later, also.” Sam looked speculatively at Asher and Asher returned a defiant look. Kit nearly laughed, and he saw the brief flash of amusement on Sam’s face. Kit let himself be steered into the pack house and headed upstairs, veering off to the left towards the room they had slept in earlier. “I need to look around and meet the servants,” Luca murmured reluctantly.
You need to lie down and let me take care of you. Kit didn’t voice the words in case anyone was listening, and he wasn’t sure how respectful they were.
Luca merely nodded and put his hand to the back of his neck.
How often do you get these headaches?
Too often this week. Luca admitted and closed the door behind him as they walked into their suite. I have lost my temper so much in the last few days. I just don’t know what’s wrong with me.
“I think it’s to do with your new strength,” Kit said slowly. He had an idea Gabriel was going to say something similar. “I also think I am meant to help you with it.”
I heard you. I would have happily killed Gareth and I’m not a murderer, but it was as if you soothed me.
Then please, Sire, lay down. Kit watched Luca sink to the bed and clumsily pull at his shirt. Let me sooth you some more.
Luca half-smiled. “I fear you may be disappointed. I think there is only sleep happening in my near future.”
Kit didn’t bother acknowledging the ridiculous words. He simply took over undoing the buttons on Luca’s shirt. “Lie down, Luca.” His hand gentled as he stroked his face.
Luca stretched out on the bed, his eyes fluttering shut. “It will last for at least the rest of the day,” he said with resignation.
Not if I have anything to do with it, promised Kit. “I think you should get fully undressed. I want to give you a massage.”
Luca cracked an eyelid open but said nothing as Kit undid his boots and slid them off and pulled his pants off as well. “Turn over please,” he asked quietly and went to the bathroom. He’d already spied some cream he wanted to use when he was in there earlier. The sun wasn’t shining in the window so he didn’t bother pulling the curtains. Kit came back to the bed and for a second marveled at the beautiful, tanned skin encasing the strong body of his King. He climbed on the bed and got some cream out of the jar, rubbing it in his fingers to warm.