Free Conspiracy by Kate Gordon Page A

house,” she said, repeating an oft-used mantra Gregor and Haslane had been taught while growing up. “And then we must make the best of it,” she continued, completing the maxim. “It is time for you to assume your rightful role and ascend the throne.”
    “I have not completed my tasks, Mother. Father was—”
    “Your father is dying, son. His dream is unfulfilled, and you—you alone—will determine the future of our Realm.”
    “Now is not the time, Mother,” Gregor said firmly. “I will continue to honor Father’s command. May I speak with him? Will he receive me?”
    “He waits,” she said, nodding toward the far room. “He will see you … alone.”
    Haslane and Camille remained off to the side as Gregor turned and walked toward the connecting passageway, opening, entering, and then closing the large double doors. In a wheeled chair out on the balcony, his father sat in the sun, a woolen blanket wrapped around his legs.
    “Greetings,  my king,” Gregor said as he stepped past the chair and came around to face his father. Then, “Father,” he said, a soft and loving tone to his voice.
    The fragile man extended his hand which Gregor took in both of his, kneeling in front of the chair. “It is good to see you, son. I have missed your presence, your counsel, and your love.”
    “I have sent my love, Father,” Gregor replied, “at every opportunity.”
    King Orleon smiled at his oldest son and heir. “I know. Your love has come on wings of eagles. It has done more good than all the healers. Tell me of the other Realms. Is there a chance for peace? Is there hope for the future unification of our race?” The older man motioned for Gregor to take a seat in a chair next to him.
    Gregor rose to his feet and pulled the other chair closer, sitting adjacent to his father. “There is war brewing, Father. The two Realms have exchanged open conflict, with death on either side. Even the Maith have found it necessary to defend against the Olc horde. I believe we must intervene.”
    “Is there no other way?’ the older man asked.
    “Even as we speak, I have taken the royal families of each Realm to a secure place in the human world. They hide in fear of the approaching vandals in their Realms. Conspiracy is widespread in both kingdoms. I have come to ask your permission to restore order, to return with warriors and defeat the enemy before they grow even bolder.”
    Orleon paused before answering, his brow knit in concentration as his son patiently waited for a response. His father had always been a firm decision maker and pronounced his rulings with confidence. This time, the old king’s response did not come as Gregor had imagined.
    “The decision is yours to make, my son. I awaited only your return. It is time to pass the crown. You have been well prepared for this responsibility.”
    “You are my king, Father, and I obey your commands,” Gregor continued, his voice strained as he fought to control his emotion. “I have unfinished work to the north. Both royal families are under my protection. Before I can assume …” Gregor stopped the words, refusing to acknowledge what now seemed inevitable.
    “You will do what needs to be done, Gregor,” the old man insisted. “Now, bring your brother and his bride-to-be and your mother. We will be happy for a time. I have waited to be surrounded by my family, and I will not go before I see Haslane wed. And,” he said, reaching again for his son’s hand, “I am at peace in your presence.”
    “Yes, Father,” Gregor said, standing and prolonging the emotional exchange between father and son.

Chapter Seven
    Reagan
    In the short time I’d known Viv, she never looked anything but stunning, and tonight was no exception. I was on detail with Tony, so I hadn’t been able to check in with Viv and talk to her before her “date”. Supposedly, it was a business meeting, but we all knew that was a farce. This was the first time Tony had taken a woman out to