Schism of Blood and Stone (The Starfield Theory Book 1) Read Free Page A

worlds had hardened Damien and left him with plenty of scars both physical and emotional. Dietrich had had little contact with him for decades and his sudden concern for his brother was difficult to read. Damien had earned a reputation for cunning in battle and his diplomacy amongst the border houses was astute and balanced. He knew how to play power politics just as well if not better than Salena. His approach was far more furtive, but no less effective. Though neither he nor Salena likely had the resources or capability to assassinate Peter and manage to cover it up so effectively, Dietrich's suspicions remained.
    “Yes he did, but after a thorough investigation, we've found no truth to them. The matter must be laid to rest as must Peter. Funeral arrangements have been made and you both will be expected to speak.”
    The siblings sat in stony silence. Dietrich felt his eye twitch in disappointment.
    “We need to move quickly,” Salena insisted. “The longer we delay the more the Dominion's diplomats call foul to the Azuren Legates. My lord brother needs to prepare his defenses for the Dominion's imminent attack on Goteborg while I move my court to Magdeborg”
    “I will leave such preparations for Aaron. You have nothing to prepare for, but getting your mindless sycophants back to Danvers,” Damien retorted.
    “It is obvious my brother forgets that he was already skipped over for his chance to rule and for good reason,” Salena hissed.
    “Do not remind me of our father's failings!” Damien roared at her. Damien, though older than Peter, had been skipped in the line of succession creating bad blood between him and his father Haakon. Damien was insulted beyond words and apparently his fury has not abated in all this time. Salena is playing a dangerous game.
    “You would be most useful urging your husband to send his troops to me to protect the realm,” Damien hammered the table as anger raged behind his eyes like fire. “Surely your silver tongue is up to that task?”
    “You had best mind yours more carefully brother, lest you find yourself without one. I am not as forgiving as Peter when it comes to insults,” Salena crossed her arms and glared coldly across the table.
    Damien's hand went to the hilt of his blade. “You shall find that rather difficult.”
    “Enough!” Lord Sørensen stood much more quickly that a man of his age should have been able to, knocking back the chair and banging the table with his cane. The report echoed as his face contorted in anger, his eyes glared daggers. He held the cane like a weapon, seemingly barely able to restrain himself from lashing out at both of the misbehaving siblings.
    “You are a shame to your brother's memory, the both of you!” Dietrich growled. Damien and Salena both blinked and Damien's hand slipped from the blade. Salena cleared her throat loudly and shifted uncomfortably. When they were younger, the job of discipline fell to him when their father was off on political events. Forty years later, they still trembled when they invoked his anger. He found that modestly satisfying.
    He took a breath, suddenly remembering the Azuren was watching events unfold with that arrogant smirk on his face. He allowed his anger to fade, composed himself and eased back down in the chair. Alos won't be smiling for long.
    “Peter would be furious to see his own kin behaving in such a fashion. Name-calling, petty squabbling, it is beneath your status as nobles. Or should be.” Dietrich said with a calmness that hadn't quite returned. “He never thought either of you were ready to succeed him. When Arthur was born, he confided in me once that he was glad he had a child to replace him one day so that the realm would not fall into either of your hands. He told me that if anything happened to him, I would be regent until Arthur came of age.”
    “These stories mean nothing,” Salena hissed at him. “Even if what you say is true, Arthur is dead anyway, so your regency is