Page 31 of Archlord of Exile
Rylec took his wife’s hand. “We’ll find someone else.”
“No one else will do it.”
Rylec pointed. “He won’t do it.”
Eliaz propped his elbow on the table and put his chin in his hand. “On the contrary, Your Majesty, I will do anything for the right price.”
“We’ll give you Tertia.”
“Inez—”
Eliaz ignored Rylec. The male had lost his spine to his wife a decade ago. “I’m listening.”
“You will be regent of Tertia, and your firstborn will inherit your ruling seat. When they come of age, Tertia will become an independent nation.”
“And the Tertian Council?”
Empress Inez’s frown deepened. “They will retain their seats, as your counsel. Their positions can be hereditary or elected, up to you.”
“Hmm.” Eliaz couldn’t stop the smile from curving his lips. The things he could bribe Nassius, Kratos and Severin to do…
“In return, you will tether yourself to a star-maid, making them your star-wife. Your bride will be a willing volunteer andnot forced to your side in any way. She will be your queen, not your property.”
Annoying, but not an impossible task. Eliaz was rather charming. Surely, he could seduce an archlord-hating, murderous star-maid. “And if no one accepts the offer?”
“Find a way.” The empress’s voice held no room for compromise. She had certainly grown into her power well. “You only get your reward if you succeed. Effort doesn’t matter. I’ve been trying for years to get a Sollirian lord or archlord to tether themselves with a willing star-maid. I outlawed slavery not tethering.”
“If I may speak for my other lords, we aren’t exactly keen on sharing our magic.”
“Too bad.”
Eliaz rapped his knuckles against the table. He would do anything to claim Tertia as his own. Eliaz hated taking orders. This agreement he had worked out with Rylec and Inez years ago had benefited him greatly, yes. He had fulfilled his part in less than a week, after delivering them safely to the throne. In the seven years since, he had ruled Tertia with little oversight. But little oversight wasn’tnooversight.
Eliaz wanted to be free.
The decision was simple, then.
“If that’s the case…” Eliaz said, drawing out his words. The empress leaned forward in her seat. “I better be on my way to the closest Star Temple.”
Inez almost deflated. “You’ll do it?”
“I will be tethered by the end of the day. In exchange, Tertia is mine.”
Rylec and Inez glanced at each other. “Agreed.”
“Kain?” His personal guard and attendant perked up from his spot by the door. “Ready my transport. We’re going to the Lorician Star Temple.”
“We’ll send you the agreement,” Rylec said.
“I’ll review it on the way. I have much to do today.”
Inez narrowed her eyes, but she didn’t voice her concerns. They knew each other well enough by now. Eliaz would follow her rules to the letter.
Anything not spelled out was fair game.
Eliaz stood and dropped into a bow. “Your Majesties.”
They both nodded before the hologram disconnected. Eliaz walked from the chamber, his grin growing broader with each step. Within the day, he’d have himself a star-wife. Within a week, she’d be with child. After the baby was born, Tertia would be his and Eliaz would be free.
And his star-wife? He’d have no need for her anymore.
The First Archlord of Tertia never lost.