A Mans Decree Novels & Stories

“Don’t dress it up. This is not an offer — it is a fucking clear-cut power decision. And when you say ‘there is no coercion,’ you know damn well there is, because you are the king and I am a servant who just got back on my feet, shielded by your rules — but that protection is not meant to be shoved into your pocket whenever you feel like it.” “Enough,” he snapped. His voice hardened, though he did not raise it much; still, every word cut with precision. “Do not explain the order of my own household to me. I signed the decree that says ‘NO WOMEN ARE TO BE LOCKED UP,’ and I sent that idiot guard to the pillar of shame for raising a foot at you, and I kept you alive when they left you on the st

“Peace has returned to our lands. Our borders are secure. Our enemies either kneel… or lie buried beneath the soil they sought to claim.” A low murmur of approval rippled through the chamber. “But peace,” I said, letting my voice deepen, “is not sustained by strength alone. It is sustained by unity.” My gaze shifted deliberately across the room. “This kingdom in the past,” I went on, “has survived division between brothers. Between blood and between the crown itself and council. That division ends now.” A small silence stretched. I felt Elara’s presence behind me, grounding me steadily. “And so,” I said clearly, “as your king, I make my first decree.”

“Your personal quarrels are irrelevant and won’t hold water. The decree... the forbidden decree... requires the Luna to declare her mate, and her mate will be the father of the unborn child.” My heart lurched just hearing them argue over me. Roderick inhaled sharply, taking it all in, while Norway stiffened where he stood. “What decree are you talking about?” I forced out. Maron lifted an ancient scroll tied in black. “The Decree of Sole Claim. A Luna may carry only one Alpha’s heir. If there is confusion, she must choose publicly, and it will be permanent. The unchosen Alpha…” He met my eyes. “…will be exiled or executed.”

“In your complacency, you’ve provoked the one person you should have never provoked- the one person with the ability to take away everything that gives you power.” “How stupid!” I spit. “How incomparably stupid”. The faces of the Elders drain of color as it becomes clear to them. Dominicus’s voice which had not stopped reciting continues, his final words ringing out in the charged atmosphere. Per vim huius decr (By the power of this decree,) Te excipio, in aeternum liberum. (I accept you, forever free.) And then, the moment arrives. “You’re right, I am not their Alpha…” I say softly.

" Then it was my turn. After hours spent thinking about my first decree, I had the perfect one. I let the tension in the room build up as I took the stage. Looking right at Nate, I said, "There will be mandatory quality inspections for all manufacturing companies in the territory. Companies who don't pass the inspection will have their licenses revoked and will also pay compensation to the victims of their fraud." I paused again for effect. "That is my decree." People clapped. And cheered. Everyone except Nate. Nate first went white, then purple with rage. He looked like he was going to explode any minute now. That was exactly why I had made this decree. I knew it was going to affect him mor

"The men are confused, Your Grace. You command the Guard. Sterling obeys the King. No one knows whose orders come first." "The King's," Malakor answered simply. The room fell silent. Jon hesitated. "Then what was the point of the decree?" Malakor finally turned from the window. "The decree gives me command. The seal makes that command lawful. The two are not the same." Raymond frowned. "Sterling embarrassed you before the Guard." "No." Malakor replied. "He did his duty.He protected the Crown. I expected nothing less." Jon lowered his head. "Then allow us to pressure him."

The room fell into a quiet, expectant hush as Lucius walked up to the main table, bowing deeply to both Cassian and Zaria. "Your Majesty. Lady Zaria," Lucius announced, his deep voice carrying clearly through the silent hall. "The High Council Elders have just concluded an emergency session. They have formally submitted this decree." Cassian leaned forward, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he set his wine goblet down. "On what matter, Lucius?" Lucius unrolled the parchment slightly, his eyes sweeping over the formal calligraphy before looking back up at the couple with a respectful, knowing smile.

Vane raised the heavy leather ledger in his hands. "I have brought the Emergency Decrees," Vane stated smoothly, his voice echoing loudly in the sterile corridor. "They require immediate authorization to place Central under Council martial law, seize border outposts, and lock down all palace movements. Since Dominic is currently bleeding out on a table, the law dictates his Luna must append her seal to validate Council authority in his absence. Sign them, girl. Now." He stepped forward aggressively, thrusting the thick parchment toward my chest, using his imposing height and political rank to physically bully me into submission.

He looked far too pleased with himself, his withered face twisted into that condescending smirk I was growing to despise. "Your Majesty," Malakai began, not bothering to wait for permission to speak. "After the disgraceful display at last night's banquet, the Council has drafted a formal royal decree for your immediate signature." I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest as I watched him step closer. I hated how easily these old men assumed I was soft just because I hadn't executed half the council yet. I hated that they mistook my patience for weakness. "Read it to me, Malakai," I said, my tone flat. "And make it quick."

It was also the first open test of whether the decree could compel a house that chose to ignore it. Kaelan read the reply once and issued the next orders without raising his voice. A formal citation under the decree. A deadline of three days for Elin’s safe presentation. Evidence of the agents’ presence to be attached. Failure to comply would move the matter from petition to enforcement. Whether the southern lord believed the enforcement would actually arrive would determine what happened on the fourth day.