Chapter 496: A Devil’s … A Dragon’s Bargain.
… Ah, so not only random dragons but also my sister, huh? Getting invitations to join a succession issue certainly is ‘normal.’
“Wendriosa, you—” Kahalameet tried to step in, but my eldest sister snapped back immediately.
“My turn first, brother. The youngest is a fledgling in Father’s eyes now, which is why we need to treat her as such. That treatment also includes involving her in our empire’s internal issues. Do not baby her,” she said with a glare, her smile laced with venom. “If you wish to turn her in your direction or another, then you will have an opportunity after I am done speaking. Do you think I would force her? I am simply proposing.”
Brother and sister glared at each other while the rest of our siblings turned their eyes away in awkwardness, ignoring the confrontation. Nobody wanted to deal with the two of them as the atmosphere began to worsen. It only ended when Kahalameet nodded and turned around, prompting Phso, Ryranakus, and Taim to follow him out of the citadel. Only Nong stayed behind, standing next to me like a guard.
“Always good to see your valiant side, Nongramos. My little brother is turning out well, no?” Wendriosa grinned.
“… I try my best,” Nong let out, uncomfortably. Almost as if he didn’t believe those words himself.
He’s keeping his promise to Tasianna and the others, I see.
Feeling unnerved, I decided to say, “I already showed you my position in this matter.” At least, I hoped that was the intention when we lined up in two rows before Eltharion. The front row are for throne contenders while the ones in the back, so Ryranakus and I, want to stay out of it or remain neutral.
“I understand, yes, which is why I am only offering this proposal. If you wish to remain with your current position, then I am happy to ignore it all, but as a candidate for the throne, I cannot overlook your potential to rally two dragon flights none of the rest of us siblings could ever do.” She then approached me, placing a hand on my shoulder while lowering her back so our eyes were the same height. “‘Family does not lie to each other,’ is something our father taught us four eldest, and we made it our duty to do the same for our four youngest. I will not lie, this I swear. I will not trick you, this I swear. However, you have a responsibility to yourself to not remain ignorant, so you must ask the right questions yourself if you wish to understand. Have I made myself clear?”