Forging the First Alliance

I told one of the guards to go and bring our young guests to the meeting hall. He arrived a few moments later with the two siblings in tow.

"I have some good news, and some bad news." I began.

Freya spoke first, "And what would that be? Are you going to say my father died or something?" She rolled her eyes with a haughty expression.

"Well...I actually meant to break it to you more gently, but since you seem to think this is all a big joke..." I opened the lid on the chest with the King's and Duke's heads in it.

"Those are fake! This is some sick twisted prank!" Jared exclaimed.

I allowed the crown to ring my finger as I twirled it in the air. "Oh, it's no prank. I wouldn't mourn them too much though, if I were you..." I nodded to Tay'La, who set the recording gem down on the table.

I touched the gem, and it played back everything that happened, everything that their father had said and done, right up to me ripping his head from his shoulders. I grinned darkly as I watched them go pale,