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

unnecessary.”
    “That much is true,” Dietrich replied honestly.
    “Enough of this,” Damien grumbled, running a hand through his ashen hair. “You gathered us here to settle the matter of succession. Get on with it.”
    “Peter was devastated when Arthur died,” Dietrich said, closing his eyes and ignoring the lord general. Damien fumed as he settled back into his chair while Salena tapped her fingers against the table anxiously. “Arthur was a gregarious boy, charismatic and intelligent. It was a national tragedy that he died so young. He would have made an Archduke we would never forget. Many had placed their hopes on him to succeed his father and bring about a new prosperity for the Commonwealth.
    “Peter blamed himself, of course. He had the boy in his lap during the parade and the assassin lined up a shot that would kill both father and son. For whatever stroke of luck or divine will of Amrah, the bullet ricocheted when it struck Arthur and did not harm Peter. He lost his only son to a bullet meant for him. Archduchess Ciara fell into a deep depression and took her own life while he tore Magdeborg apart hunting for the assassin, but no one was ever found.”
    Damien interjected, “The radical Dominion Free Suns movement claimed responsibility, even though it could have been Commonwealth separatists from Radstadt or Azuren interference or just some madman. It sparked the latest war I've been fighting against the Dominion for the last quarter century. We know our history, Dietrich.”
    The Sørensen lord continued, “Peter believed he could protect Arthur on Magdeborg, keep him safe from enemies while teaching him statecraft, but when Arthur was killed, Peter realized he needed a change of strategy for the safety of his offspring.”
    Salena shook her head. “Peter had no other offspring, unless there are some bastard children pretending to the throne.”
    “Peter had no bastard children,” Dietrich said with a knowing smile. “Which is more than I can say for most of the Commonwealth nobility.” Dietrich paused then pushed a manila folder towards each claimant and held up a finger. “However, before she died, Ciara did give birth to twins, Peter Sten's children and rightful heirs.”
    Damien opened his folder first and scrutinized the pages with furrowed brow. He turned the pages quickly, taking one in completely before turning to the next. Many had claimed Damien had an eidetic memory and he absorbed, analyzed and reacted to information with inhuman speed. Salena only glanced over the first few pages before shoving the folder away.
    “Who are these people?” Salena asked with such vehemence as if she'd taken a bite of a rotten fruit.
    “They are your niece and nephew, Kristoffer and Claire Sten. Twenty-six years old, but Chris is the older of the two by just a few minutes, which means according to the rules of primogeniture, the throne belongs to him.”
    “Is this some sort of joke, Lord Sørensen? These are lowborn children, brought up by some businessman on Goteborg, not members of the nobility, and certainly no kin of mine,” Salena scoffed. She stood up quickly, brushed her skirt and headed for the door.
    “Lady Salena. I suggest you take a seat and read further on the future Archduke of Magdeborg. You will be meeting him in a few weeks. You would not want to appear ignorant,” Dietrich warned.
    “Lord Dietrich,” Salena sighed. “I cannot stand for this sort of nonsense. Even if they are who you claim them to be, they have not spent one day in court, have never commanded troops in the field, have no formal education in statecraft nor diplomacy,” she said ticking off the points on her fingers. “I bet they have they have never spoken to a member of the nobility, let alone seen one.”
    Damien sighed before leaning back in his chair, “It's all here, Salena.”
    “There is nothing there, Damien,” she turned to face her brother. “If these people even exist, they are no progeny of