Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) Read Online Free PDF Page B

There are many things expected of you, and while some may be easier to do than others, none of them will be without hard work.” He bows his head to me.
    “I understand, and I am prepared to do all that I can in order to keep this kingdom alive and protected.” I let my arm fall to my side.
    “Of course. I believe the first order of business should be speaking to the council. They had much to discuss with your father that they must now tell you.”
    “Certainly. Give me a moment.”
    “Yes, Your Majesty.” He bows his head and walks away, leaving me to speak with Zanta for a moment.
    I turn to her. “Thank you, love. You mean the world to me. And I am so sorry that your wedding won’t be as grand as I’d hoped, but tomorrow, we will wed, and you will be my queen.”
    “I love you too. There’s no need to apologize. I don’t care how fancy or large it is. I just am happy knowing I will be your wife, for I love you with all my heart.”
    I pull her closer. “Tonight I have something to show you. But first, I must go meet with my council members. I will find you later, my love.” I brush a hair from her face, running my palm across her cheek before having to leave her.
    Castel is waiting for me at the door. Once I’m beside him, we walk to the council chambers. 
    I enter the room behind Castel and look to each face watching me as I take my father’s seat at the head of the table. A chill runs over me and I must breathe deeply, reminding myself that today is not one for rain. The world has been dark enough for a while. I blink a few times to make sure I’m stable before clearing my throat.
    “A new reign has begun,” I say, sitting tall in the chair despite the weight on my head. “My father ruled with strength, compassion, and kindness. I promise to do the same. I will be just and fair. I will not make rash decisions. I plan to ensure that this kingdom remains protected as it has been for thousands of years. But some things are going to change.” I try not to stare at any one person for too long, but there are a few members around this table that I long to remove from the council. And from the glares of hatred, I fear some may already know that.
    “I think you should leave things alone for a while. Let the people settle in with the idea of you as their king before you go disrupting their lives further,” Lord Waylon says, never easing his anger toward me.
    “While I agree that people should be given the chance to adjust, I say, make the changes you need now, for waiting will only make it more difficult,” Lady Estella says in a calm manner, side-glancing at Waylon with disdain.
    “How is that allowing anyone to become used to their new king? That doesn’t give them time at all, and that isn’t fair. We all need time. Or have you forgotten that we just lost our king?” Waylon slams his fist on the table, shaking it, a difficult feat considering it’s hard oak.
    Castel stands, his features calm, his fingertips pressed together. “Lord Waylon, may I remind you that some did not just lose a king, but family. And for that matter, you bow to a new king now, crowned by his father before him. This is no matter to treat so disrespectfully. Aurelio has been forced into a position he was not ready to fill. You will do well to remember that we are his council members, not brawling buddies. And if he sees it fit that things change now, so be it.” Uncle speaks forcibly, yet calmly as he makes his point clear.
    Waylon mutters under his breath, too quiet for me to make out his words. But he leans back in his seat and strokes his overly large chin.
    “Your Majesty, if I may inquire, what are the changes you wish to make so soon?” Lady Kiamora asks calmly.
    The room falls silent as everyone looks at me, waiting for a reply. Even Waylon straightens in his seat and seems to be paying closer attention.
    “For one, the kingdom will have a queen again. Though the wedding preparation were rushed for my father’s