Read Online Fragile Reign (Mortal Enchantment Book 2) by Stacey O'Neale - Free Book Online

out his arm for her to take. “It’s been so long since you’ve been here. How about I show you around?”
    Mom hesitated.
    I wanted her to spend time with him. It had always been my dream that one day they might get back together. Mom’s eyes darted back and forth between us. She definitely had more to say to me, but I could also see she wanted to go with Dad. “It’s fine, Mom. I have a council meeting I have to attend.” It was true, but I would have been happy to it blow off.
    “Find me when you’re done,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “I mean it. Find me.”
    Having her around never felt as wonderful as it did right now. “I promise.”
    Mom slid her arm in his, letting Dad lead her out the door.
     

     
    By the time I reached the stone balcony, I was surprised to find the area empty. A few glass tiki torches lined the space. The decoration made the area look more like a party than a council meeting. In the middle section, six wicker chairs were setup in a circular design. As I plopped down into one of the seats, I watched the tiki flames twist in the mountain winds. The citronella oil inside the glass gave off a scent that reminded me of the woods behind my mother’s house. It also kept the bugs away, which I was grateful for. At this time of night, they were everywhere.
    I turned my head toward the entryway when I heard several voices coming up the cement stairs. One by one, the other five council members entered the balcony. Most bowed when we made eye contact, except for Samson. He simply sat in the last empty seat. Each member wore yellow robes with a tie in the middle. Once I realized they were waiting for me to speak, I asked, “Why have I been called to another emergency meeting?”
    Samson smiled at me before he spoke. My stomach knotted. Whatever he was so pleased about wasn’t going to be good for me. “Your Highness, it has come to our attention that King Taron was seen in public today.”
    Where was he going with this? “Yes, he was greeting some of our people. They were very excited to see him recovering so well.”
    “Really?” he said. “We heard he was distressed. Several witnesses saw him struggling to control the storms. Had it not been for your assistance, he may have lost control all together.”
    Crap! “I’m not sure who is providing you with this information, but the situation was far less dramatic. He had put on a show for everyone and got tired. Need I remind you it has only been a week since he was found and treated for his severe injuries?”
    Samson sat back in his chair, tapping his fingers against his knee. “Yes, his injuries are severe.” He stood, addressing the group. “In fact, I don’t believe he will ever recover from them.” Every member of the council gasped. “This is a time of war. Our court cannot be seen as vulnerable. We must act in the best interest of our people.” He glared right at me. “I call for a vote of no confidence.”
    The shouting began, growing louder by the second. Members loyal to Dad accused Samson of treason. Others wanted Dad brought here to defend himself against the accusations and to prove he was healing. I had the urge to take one of those tiki torches and shove it down Samson’s throat. “I would like to know your intentions. If my father were removed, the throne falls to me. I can’t imagine that’s what you want.”
    “You cannot ascend to the throne.” He said, acting as if I had insulted him. “There has never been a halfling on any elemental throne in our entire history.”
    This was getting worse by the minute. He wasn’t suggesting my father step down. Instead, he was pushing to remove our entire family from power. I rose, hands clenched at my sides. With venom in my voice, I said, “My father will not be removed from power, but when he does decide to step down, I will take his place. Anyone who objects should say so now.” I made a point to make eye contact with every one of them, daring them to