Side Story Chapter 34

The king wore a wicked smile.

"In the end, the Duke of Croyso will have no choice but to hope for mercy. Even if he somehow does come up with a way to extricate himself, we would lose nothing. Watching the man flounder will be amusing indeed."

"I had no idea you disliked him so much, Your Majesty."

"Oh, I have nothing against the gold he brings in, but I cannot say the same for the constant disputes he stirs." The king flopped back onto his seat with a sigh. "It is the third time this year the duke's belligerence toward Dristan has almost led to all-out war. His wings need a little clipping. I intend to make the most of this opportunity to rein him in."

Riftan bit back a sardonic laugh at the king playing politics while a monster terrible enough to make the world tremble was on the verge of awakening. Were power games the only things these rulers ever thought about?

Feeling disgusted, Riftan said, "May I ask why you are making me privy to this?"