72

Contd

Alpha King Dimitrio.

I stand behind Yeri. I am supposed to be listening but I cannot help but notice the way the fabric of her dress stretches across the slope of her back when she leans forward. She passionately discusses the policies that I had been struggling to understand, pointing at various territories on the map laid out before us. Her finger glides over the parchment with confidence, her cascades down her shoulders and she looks back at me.

“Yes.” I say, hoping that is the correct answer for whatever she asked. Well, if she asked a question.

“Yes?” Yeri says again and I blink.

“Yeah.” I say, nodding again and she begins to chuckle.

Heavens, I wasn’t listening to her. I am making a fool out of myself.

“I hope you can see that I am not a monster.” I say, and she begins to fold the scrolls on the table.

“No, I can’t see that for you still see me as an enemy.” Yeri responds and I fold my hands.

“I am a king, protecting my kingdom’s pride.” I say.

“You are king, protecting yo