Chapter 203: Territory
Then, Lucas turned his back to them.
"Now get the hell out of my territory," he said without turning around.
The councilmen stood, their chairs scraping awkwardly against the floor, unsure if they’d just witnessed the birth of rebellion.
As they left, Thorn muttered under his breath, "He’s going to be the death of us all."
Eryx adjusted his robes stiffly. "Only if we’re foolish enough to keep underestimating him."
Lucas, now alone, exhaled. His reflection in the glass was that of a man who had weathered a thousand storms and was ready for a thousand more. But deep in his heart, a quieter voice whispered one truth:
He wasn’t afraid of losing power.
He was afraid of losing her.
He would fight to protect the only person who had ever truly made him want peace. And if it meant giving up his title, and retiring somewhere peaceful, then so be it.