The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70 Game of Power

Chapter 70 Game of Power

King Ryken’s POV:

Royal Court, the study.

“Very well! This is great news!”

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I was delighted with the good news and slapped the battle report so hard it cracked loudly in my hand.

It was an urgent message, filled with details from the battle at Wailing Keep.

“A surprise strike at Supply Depot. The enemy Grand Marshal was captured alive. 3,000 against 20,000. They held the line and wiped out more than half the enemy.” I jumped up from my throne, unable to hide my excitement. “Benjamin’s daughter truly lives up to the name of the Silverpeak Pack.”

My eyes lingered on the name written on the report. My feelings were tangled and difficult to sort out.

Just half a month ago, I had scolded and cursed her and called her shameless. I accused her of putting personal matters above duty.

Now, every one of those words makes my face burn with embarrassment. And yet, it felt strangely satisfying.

“Morton!” I called out.

“I am here, Your Majesty,” Morton said as he stepped out of the shadows. His face was lit with joy as well.

“Prepare a royal decree,” I said, waving my hand. “Cindy has performed a tremendous service and turned the tide of the war in Southreach. I will award her the Silverfang Medal, one of the highest honors a battle hero can receive.” I paused, then added firmly, “And tell her this: when Southreach is fully reclaimed, I will personally place the legendary Goldfang Medal on her chest.”

Morton didn’t write right away. He hesitated. “My king,” he said carefully, “should this victory be announced to the public right now?”

I froze, then slowly calmed down. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“The opinion in the Royal Court is not friendly,” Morton replied with a knowing look. “Over at the Duskfang Pack, and among many nobles, people are eager to make fun of Cindy. They are spreading rumors that she went to the front lines out of jealousy and spite.

“If we announce her achievements now,” he continued, “they may claim that you are exaggerating the report to cover past mistakes. Some may even say Prince Adam forged the victory to protect her.”

I let out a cold laugh and finished the thought for him.)

That was politics. That was the filth of power games.

To those nobles who sat idle and did nothing, the truth didn’t matter. Only profit and pride did.

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18:09 Sat, Jan 10

Chapter 70 Game of Power

I sat back down in my throne, my fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.

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“You’re right,” I said, a sharp, clever light flashing in my eyes. “If we announce it now, it will only drag her into a storm of public debate. It might even push Evelyn’s side into doing something reckless.”

“How about this?” Morton lowered his voice. “We keep it quiet for now. We announce the great victory at Southreach, but we don’t name who earned the main credit.”

“Perfect,” I nodded. “This will be a test. I want to see how the creatures in the Royal Court dance when faced with a vague victory report.

“Let’s see who is truly happy for the triumph of the kingdom,” I continued, “and who secretly enjoys the chaos. Who celebrates, and who throws stones when no one is looking.”

A cold smile crept onto my lips.

“When James and Evelyn finally reach Southreach, when everything is settled,” I said, “I’ll drop this massive achievement right in front of them all. Their faces then will be worth watching.”

Morton smiled as well. “There’s also the matter of the war prisoners. A captive at the Grand Marshal level could bring in a hefty ransom from the hyenas.”

“Go handle it,” I waved my hand. “Tell the hyenas to prepare the ransom and send a private message to Adam. Tell him this: he must keep Cindy safe. That girl will be a pillar of the kingdom. I won’t allow anything to happen to her.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Morton said, bowing before he left.

I looked out at the full moon hanging in the night sky and thought quietly to myself.

Benjamin, you raised a fine daughter. This time, I owe her a debt.

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