Free The Kinshield Legacy by K.C. May

fortitude to raise it from this wretched state. Asti-nayas has directed me to cast off my own personal aspirations and rise to meet this challenge for the good of the people.” He thought his improvisation ingenious and gave them a slight smile.
    “Whoever solves the runes and claims the King’s Blood-stone has the right to rule and no one else,” Aminda said.
    “I intend to claim the Blood-stone. Where’s it written that one must solve the runes in order to rule?”
    “What do you want from the Sisterhood?” Lilalian asked.
    “Merely your support and assistance. First, I need to know who’s solving the runes so I can forge a relationship with him. He, with his understanding of the Runes of Carthis, and I, with my god-given directive, will journey together to the cave and take back our country from the monsters and the chaos. Then, once I have the King’s Blood-stone, I’ll need your soldiers to defend my right to rule.”
    “What if he refuses to give you the gem?” Aminda asked.
    “The directive from Asti-nayas was clear; I am to rule Thendylath. I know what I must do.”
    “Kill him when he solves the last rune?” she snapped.
    “I see you are not one for polite innuendo. Very well, then. Might is right,” Brodas said. “If he’s strong enough to kill me first, then perhaps he’s truly deserving of the throne and Thendylath’s future would be in capable hands. However, unless he has an army stronger than yours...” He shrugged with palms up.
    “What makes you think we’ll agree to this-- this outrageous alliance?”
    Brodas put his index fingertips together at his lips and smiled behind them in his confidence. “Because we are alike, you and I. Self-preservation is our primary instinct. First we’ll fight to save ourselves and those closest to us. Then we’ll fight for what we believe in. I believe in my right to rule this country, and you believe the guild you have worked so hard to build is worth preserving.”
    “What will the Sisterhood get in return?” Lilalian asked.
    Aminda shot her a look of such disbelief it was comical. Brodas held back a chuckle, but Warrick snorted a short laugh.
    “When I am king, the Viragon Sisterhood will be the royal guard.” He paused to let them consider the significance of his words. “You’ll be my most trusted protectors, and be given reign to expand your ranks and build an army as you see fit with the financial backing of the crown.”
    Despite her crossed arms and rigid countenance, Aminda’s eyebrow jerked in response. “And if we don’t agree?”
    Brodas shrugged. “I will remember that you turned your back on me when I needed you. My favor will fall to another. An all-male guard, most likely. Opportunities for women will suffer for it, and I will see to it that the Viragon Sisterhood fades to obscurity.”
    The two women sat silently. Aminda glared hard at Brodas, while Lilalian watched her guild mistress, her brows raised as though urging her toward acquiescence.
    “I will be king,” Brodas assured them. “You can join with me now and reap the rewards, or try to oppose me and fail.” When Aminda said nothing, Brodas added, “You need not give me your answer immediately. Take a few days to consider, if you wish.”
    “There’s no need for further consideration,” Aminda said, finally. “I’ll not have our guild—”
    “Aminda,” Lilalian said quietly, placing a hand on the guild mistress’s arm, “may I speak with you privately for a moment?”
    “Warrick, would you see the ladies to the music room? When you return, I will have the servant serve brandy as a toast.” Brodas stood when they rose.
    Brodas waited patiently for them to return. He was unconcerned; if they left this evening after declining the alliance, they would be back the following day with a change of heart. The amulets guaranteed it.
    Warrick returned to the dining room and sat back down. “What do you think they’ll say?”
    “Doesn’t matter,” Brodas