Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
If I had any doubts before this conversation, they were all gone. I’ve always had the fear of saying and doing the wrong things in gatherings like the summit. I preferred to listen and observe before making my decisions, so I had been fine with Braeden mingling with the other Sector Leaders and members of their envoy.
At the time I figured he was making connections on behalf of our sector and report anything he found useful back to me. But apparently he was simply making connections for himself.
Considering what had happened at the summit with the former Sector 6 Leader he had many opportunities to ingratiate himself with the other leaders.
Though I oversaw 10, if three or more of the other Sector Leaders believed that one of the sectors was being run to the detriment to the other 13, them, then an emergency hearing was called among the other Sector Leaders to have that Sector Leader removed.
Besides, a challenge that was the only other way to get a Sector Leader removed although since the superious had taken over as the rulers on this planet, it had only been used once and that had been shortly after the sectors were created. It was such an obscure law that I’m sure many of them have forgotten it.
I had been thorough in studying all these laws once my reign began, and apparently my cousin had as well. He knew he couldn’t beat me in a challenge so it was apparent to me now that his plan was to sow chaos throughout the sector.
It now made sense why there had been so many emergencies around Sector 10 lately. And each time I was away, there was a staff switch. I noticed when I was going through the files, the assignments lined up with times when I had been away from the fortress.
Why didn’t I see it coming? I’d put all my trust in him only to be faced with the ultimate betrayal.
“You seem lost in thought. Are you going to be okay?”
My face burns with embarrassment. He must think I’m so incompetent. “I will. But I need your advice.”
“I could have given you advice when you were here to collect Jamie, however we’re beyond that point. What you need is help. It sounds like your cousin will probably make his move at any time now. If you give your permission, I and an envoy can be there by sun up your time. Together we can root out the traitors and you will be able to take down your cousin.”
Intellectually I knew it would need to come to this. I will have to kill my cousin. But it won’t be easy. He’s set his claws into this corrupt system so deeply, I didn’t know who to trust.
“Yes,” I grant him the permission he needs.
“I’ll start immobilizing. We will be entering your territory in stealth mode so don’t notify the air traffic controllers in case your cousin has gotten to them already. And gather up as many of your people who are still loyal to you. You’ll need their support.”
I’m so appreciative of his readiness to assist me that it humbles and shames me for how I’d treated him. “I’d like to apologize for my behavior at our last meeting.”
“There’s no need for apologies. We are allies, and I trust that if I ever need your help I can expect your aide.”
“Of course. Sector Leader, Magnus…you have my thanks.”
He nods. “I’m signing off now. A lot must be done before my arrival.”
Once the call has ended, I pause to determine at what point did Braeden decide to turn on me. I’ve fought many battles in my lifetime. Most of my life has been struggle and strife, but the one person I never thought I’d have to go to war with…was Braeden.
Chapter
Twenty
JAMIE
Itoss and turn, unable to sleep. I don’t know why there’s a heaviness in my chest but it makes it difficult to breath. This feeling started since Willa had taken me on a tour of the fortress. Now that I think about it clearly, she made sure to point out every single ‘secret’ entrance and exit.
I didn’t know why at the time but like before, I think she was trying to send a subliminal message.
Ayla is still learning the ropes, but she always seems to hover over me like she’s scared for me to be out of her sight. It’s just weird. After the tour however, I notice there are two different Enforcers on guard than the ones who had been there when we left. I don’t know if they had switched shifts, but Willa didn’t seem bothered by it.
She informed me it was best to stay in my room so once again, I’m in my room. At least I know how to use my e-device now. I’ve been watching some old Earth programs that have been entertaining. But even these entertainments can’t distract me from this uneasiness I feel, especially after my encounter with Chancellor Braeden.