Lucy Wickshire 187 Chapter Twenty-Two 8

"You are already at a dead end."

"Then you wish that I be persecuted by the my people?"

"It may never get to that. You have committed a crime against your father, against the people, yet your are still their only heir. What choice do they have but you?" Official Ghuil asked.

"Yes. They will eventually come to my side. Isne will leave after they mine all the iron stones in the kingdom. The moment I officially take the crown, all else is history." Prince Thelmus became optimistic.

"Yet again, till his last days, you father never t.i.tled you his heir. You will be twenty come bloom, yet never got the t.i.tle of crown prince."

"Many have ruled kingdoms on less." prince Thelmus frowned.

"Crystal-mot is a t.i.tle given to a linage long removed from the royal line, so is Trent and, Fionette; not counting many other n.o.ble houses that have at some point married from the royal family or from the removed linages I just mentioned. It is at times like this that you understand, that many have not forgotten. They may be distance cousins of yours, but still have royal blood through their veins. They have a right to the throne after you."

"You go too far!" Prince Thelmus stood abruptly.

"I am only here to lay out your cards before you. Do you think I came all the way just to scold you? This man has too many troublesome sons, one more would kill me." Official Ghuil's voice all through never too far from bored, but this time, his eyes darkened a dangerous degree.

"I am not looking for a father. His fate is destined to follow my last."

"Nor I, a son. I want half of Northern Lan's trade routes. Only then will I help you." Official Ghuil finally stated his goal.

"Those have already been divided amongst the n.o.ble houses. You sure are greedy." Prince Thelmus let loose a dark smile.

"This greedy man is the only one that came when you called." Official Ghuil countered.

"Fine. I promise you this." Prince Thelmus agreed.

"These Isne soldiers, they will move according to your will?" Official Ghuil asked.

"I am betrothed to their princess. This long term relations.h.i.+p, them and I." Prince Thelmus confirmed.

"Good. Since you are already a b.l.o.o.d.y king, you might as well be that way till the end." Official Ghuil said darkly.