Page 48 of You Will Obey
Hexon nodded. “Because we want to honor the victor. Think you that our King would be sitting here had I challenged him that day? Had I not accepted his defeat of Evander? What do you think happens when dragon armies lose their kings?”
The table was silent, because I didn’t know either. And the thought of Hexon challenging me that day, no way I would have survived. Especially since he had already seen my fighting style when I took on Evander.
“What happens?” I asked.
“The oldest Prince takes over the army until a new King comes. If there is no Prince, then the oldest council member. We didn’t have to honor tradition, but we do, because of our integrity. Dragon Kings agreed to these terms eons ago and have kept it. And a new King is only challenged when his victory is considered to be a disgrace,” Hexon said, then his crystal blue eyes bored deeply into mine and I felt the weight of his gaze. “So, I ask you, Kendrick, what kind of King do you want to be?”
I took a deep breath because I’d never been spoken to like that as King. And with Hexon being so wise and old, I didn’t feel like I could cast off his words and more importantly, I wanted his respect and the respect of my army. If I were to lose that, I'd lose them. This was the lesson he was teaching me. Also, fuck, it was the first time he’d ever spoken to me so boldly, even using my first name. I was his pupil, him–my teacher.
“We go to his aid,” I said finally. It was the only choice I could make considering the circumstances. I didn’t want to lose Théoden or his sons, as they were quite formidable. I didn’t want to lose any Knights. I wouldn’t be able to make another because the power had already been spent on Théoden. No telling how much time would have to pass before he could be replaced. But above all, I wanted my army to see that I did have integrity.
“Are you sure?” Elliot asked. “Whatever you decide, I'm down. I love a good fight.”
I nodded. “We honor our alliance, however, not without stipulations. If we have an alliance, then let us broaden its boundaries. There are places I want to go to in vampire territory. Orion and the Outskirts shouldn’t be the only locations that are neutral between us. As long as we don’t cause trouble in their lands, I want my dragons and wolves to have access to New Haven and his other territories. If it’s good enough for us to enter vampire territory when they need our help, it should be good enough for us to enter when we just want to have a good time.”
“I think that’s a fair negotiation, my Liege,” Hexon said with a nod.
“I agree. There are some restaurants and theaters there I’d like to visit, my King,” Valier said.
“What if he wants to enter our territories?” Kian asked.
“It’s good to want things,” I said. “Bottomline is, he needs us, I don’t need him. I want something in return for the sacrifice he’s asking for.”
Hexon nodded and seeing that he agreed with me filled me with pride, like I was making all the right moves. “So, I’ll contact Ara and let him know the fortunate news.”
Kian sucked his teeth, but he nodded. “I guess I’ll be fucking some bitches up soon.”
Belinda laughed. “My claws are sharp and ready to shred. But you’re right, Alpha. If we’re good enough to protect his land, we should be good enough to shop, eat, and fuck in it.”
I nodded and called Ara, now that I had the vote of my council. He answered right away. “I’ll get to the point. We’re going to honor our alliance and I’ll organize my army to help. But this will not be the only time my army will be allowed in your territory.”
“Meaning?” Ara asked, his tone was cool, almost on the edge of hostility.
I smirked, because there was nothing he could do about it if he wanted my help. Now, he could know what it felt like for me when Théoden held my heart in his hands. “Meaning, my army would like access to your territory for leisure,” I said.
“And does this door open both ways?” Ara asked.
“I’m afraid not. Make no mistake, Ara, I’m not Telias or Evander. I don’t need your help. You’re asking for me to send my dragons and wolves to fight for you. To die to protect your vampires and territory. If my people bleed and sacrifice for it, they should be able to enjoy it when their lives aren’t on the line,” I said. “This door opens only one way. These terms are not negotiable.”
He was silent for a few seconds and I was sure he was fuming on his end. “This is not fair. I made no such demands on Telias when he asked for my assistance.”
“Ahhh, but you did want something in exchange for helping him, I’m sure. What was it?”
He didn’t answer.
“A favor, perhaps? Something you’d ask of him that he couldn’t refuse?”
“A small one considering what I gave in return,” Ara said.
“Was it to bring Théoden into his powers?” I asked, taking a guess considering how dragons viewed supes like Théoden and me.
Hexon nodded, but kept quiet. I chuckled and waited for Ara to respond.
“Very well, but I must insist that your dragons get permission from a General or Lord in order to enter their district,” Ara said.
“You act as if you have something to bargain with here,” I stated.
“It’s only respectful to ask for permission. Have you no decorum?” Ara asked.