Free Ashes of the Realm - Greyson's Revenge by Saxon Andrew, Derek Chido Page B

protect you and your subjects against all enemies. If I had any doubts about this decision, you have just removed them.”
    “I also have a young man I would like for you to consider as a partner. He’s only eighteen but I think he will surprise you at what he can offer you.”
    “I will certainly consider him, Your Majesty.”
    “Greyson, the choice is entirely yours. Do not feel pressured to accept him. It is much more important to me that you have a partner whose opinion you can trust.”
    “Thank you, Your Majesty. What’s this person’s name?”
    “Timmy Valrico. His brother is going to marry the former Princess of New Ulmerton. Timmy is considered to be the smartest person in our empire and he is gaga over ships such as you. I will have him meet you and not tell him he is being considered.”
    “That would be wise.”
    BC said, “If Greyson doesn’t want him I’ll take him right now.”
    Greyson said, “Hey, let me meet him first.”
    Anglo, Jessica, and Scotty all laughed. Scotty said, “I think you’ll find a partner, BC. Just be patient.”
    “Did you see this coming?”
    “No, I didn’t Grace. I sense something is bothering you.”
    “It’s nothing.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Yes, it’s not anything that I can do anything about. What do you think about what’s happened so far?”
    “I left a probe in that other Duke’s Province. I don’t think it’s going to be a long time before he comes to absorb this quadrant into his realm.”
    “I notice you didn’t tell them about the other quadrant.”
    “That problem will have to be faced many years from now. The other Duke will be here first.”
    “Let’s hope our friends have a chance to get ready.”
    “Canton, our plan isn’t going to work without Mallory. I may have to find another way.”
    “Whoever took her did it for a reason. I suspect she is still alive, we just have to find her.”
    “And just how do you propose we do that. I can’t send my searchers away from this planet. It would leave me wide open to an attack. If they could take her, they could take me.”
    “Can you spare one of them?”
    “Why do you ask?”
    “I could go and try to find her.”
    Daulun thought about the offer and decided he didn’t want this ambitious officer to have that much power while he was King. Canton saw him thinking about it and hoped he could get his hands on one of those ships. Then he wouldn’t need this weak King. He could go and create his own empire. A third of the fleet was loyal to him and his father. All they needed was just one of these ships.
    “No, I just don’t see me being able to protect our planet without the five remaining.”
    “Where did the sixth one go?”
    “He was reported accelerating at maximum power toward the attackers. He probably overloaded his reactors and burned up. There’s no trace of him remaining.”
    “You have to admire his loyalty?”
    “They’re built that way.”
    “Have you thought about possibly allowing the attackers to destroy the planet?”
    Daulun’s head snapped around, “That’s a dangerous remark to make, Canton!”
    “Well, think about it for a moment. You know that Crimeron is just as developed as New Ulmerton and one of your best castles is there. You could rule the Realm from there just as easily as from here.”
    “What are you saying?”
    “If you took the five remaining Searchers to find your daughter and left the fleet here to defend the planet, you know those attackers could get through the fleet as easily as you could. If they destroy New Ulmerton, there won’t be any family members left to challenge your choice for succession. All of your family issues will be solved.”
    “What happens if the ones attacking us don’t destroy the planet?”
    “Perhaps you might have to do it yourself.”
    Daulun thought the idea had merit. He had promised Canton’s father that he would make sure he was the successor. It there were no remaining relatives, he could name whomever he