CHAPTER EIGHTY FOUR

Leanor waited patiently for everyone in the conference room to find a seat before starting the meeting. She observed as everyone made their way around the room and sat down.

Aric, Liberty, Emily, and the captain of her guard were seated to her left, and then some of her most outspoken and ardent admirers took their places behind them.

To her right was a row of Lothaire's sycophants, faceless minions her husband had delegated over the years to carry out the responsibilities he had neglected because he was too preoccupied with having fun to do so himself.

These creatures would have to demonstrate their allegiance to her son before they would be accepted.

She stood tall and confident as she announced, "Lord Lothaire has passed away," and said, "Lord Aric is now the rightful ruler of the Northwest Territory."

Aric whispered, "Mom," but his words were virtually obliterated by the roar that immediately followed.

While swiftly standing, he pressed his mouth on her ear so no one else could he