Novel & Cerita Crooked Kingdom

I thought that with phoenix back, I could protect the pack without thinking of the decision-making aspect. Darted worriedly. What if I fail to make a good decision in the near future. I might've proven myself worthy of the position, but I could also prove myself unworthy with any slight mistake. Besides, I had never been a ruler before, I had no idea how it was being one. I was practically just following my instincts for now, but the more I sat down to think about it, the more worried I became.

Three days later, the Winston family's empire in Italvia had been dismantled. Casinos, docks, hotels, and clubs all changed hands overnight. Nolan's once-trusted circle was gone. Some were dead, while others had turned traitor. The mighty crime dynasty had been reduced to nothing more than an empty mansion. Back in Northland, with William leading the way, I found myself in his cozy study. He handed me a steaming cup of cocoa, his eyes searching mine. "So, what's the game plan, Sophia?"

He walked to the window. Looked out over the city. Lights flickered below. Alive. Unaware. A faint, humorless smile touched his lips. “So…” His voice was low. Almost thoughtful. “The king of the underground.” A pause. His eyes darkened slightly. “My son.” The words came easier this time. Not softer. But accepted. His head tilted slightly. “If he rules…” A breath. “Then I rule.” Not dominance. Not greed. Something else. Recognition. Blood. Legacy.

KING RAGNAR LOTHBROK and his crew were away for nearly six months when they returned, bearing news of their triumphant raid. The people of Kattegat sang their praises, welcoming their beloved warriors back to town with jubilant cheers. Sophie stood beside Helen and the other slaves, a little away from the boisterous crowd, observing the Lothbrok family's reunion. Rollo's absence was notable, considering he was renowned as one of the best warriors. She watched the famous priest, Athelstan, whom she had yet to meet, warmly greet Queen Aslaug and Ivar, a display of affection that made Sophie wonder if she would ever hold them in such high regard.

With the death of the previous king, the kingdom was in need of a leader who could embody the principles of love, wisdom, and justice. Roberick, a nobleman deeply respected throughout the realm, emerged as the perfect candidate. He had demonstrated unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people, a profound sense of fairness, and an undeniable love for the kingdom and its citizens. His vision for Avondale was one of equity, where the principles of love, wisdom, and justice would guide his rule. In the grand square of the kingdom's capital, Roberick stood before the people, a figure of hope and promise. Dressed in regal attire, he was crowned as the new ruler. The air was filled with antic

Hopping the answer would be yes, I flipped to the introduction, the much-needed hope fluttering in my chest as I read. “From their temple origins to their violent renaissance in the Bloody War that birthed Henosis, Crowns of Shame have a complex past mixed with hope and cruelty alike. Despite its variety of intents and shapes, one thing remains the same throughout its history: the scar-tissue that defines it.” I flipped through the book, deterred by the word “scar-tissue”. I stopped at a page with a grotesque image of a man on his knees as someone carved a line across his forehead.

"You dare to come here, you fool. Do you think you can defeat me? You think you can ruin my intentions?" "I will defeat you, Kingdom," I responded, my voice unwavering. "I have no idea what you want or what my pack has done to offend you, but you aren't going unscathed." Kingdom laughed, a harsh grating sound that reverberated through the forest. He raised his hand, and the shadows danced around him, forming grotesque shapes that clawed at the air. "You are nothing but a pawn, xander, a puppet in my game. I am the master here, and you will bend to my will."

Always behind, and just behind. “But such place won’t be in your hands forever. Such glory is meant to fade. The respect and privileges would soon be gone the moment you become incompetent or useless. And more often than not, Kings are just mere figureheads...” I knew it. He would just be glorifying whatever position the other females in our family has. “The true power and glory, lies on who has made a mere human a king.” Nepotism? “Their advisers, the one who controls the strings – the Kingmaker.”

He bowed his head to Raiden and turned to address Callered, ”I leave her in your hands, Ealdorman. “Now, Bridgette, I’ll start the first lesson, the monarchy is the head of the kingdom. It has belonged to the Zanizabar family since the first King, Bjarke declared himself ruler after the battle on lightning hill. Ealdorman Saxon will teach you our history and explain it further. The Ealdormen form the council, we are the oldest of men.” Ealdorman Callered slowly walked out of the council chambers dragging his dead leg behind him. An injury he sustained falling off of a rogue polar bear. “Oldest of men?” She asked confused, walking alongside Callered, arm, and arm with Raiden.

The Times article dropped at 9 a.m. Tuesday. "The Sinclair Scandal: How One Woman Bribed Her Way Into New York's Most Powerful Family." It had photos. It had financial records. It had the sworn statement of Elise Monroe, dated three months before she died of an overdose, notarized, sealed, and undeniable. It named Vanessa Sinclair as the sole architect of a three-year fraud that had resulted in the divorce of Damien Cross and his first wife, Aria Sinclair, whose current whereabouts were unknown.