Phoenix lifted her chin and gave her a smile to continue.
"Is it bad to speak ill of the dead?"
"The truth shouldn't be spared, even for the dead."
"Things need to change around here, and I intend to do just that. I have ideas for the education system, for our nation's health and welfare, for the way our courts are policed, the way the poor are treated and the class system, oh! Government grants that can get our industries back up and running, so jobs can become available, and, and..." the princess shook her head as soft laughter escaped her lips. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go on."
"It's OK, it's OK, I'm glad your nation can fully become what it was always intended to be."
"Thank you," she said from under her lashes. "Thank you for everything." She took one final step and lifted her head towards Phoenix, kissing him flush on the lips. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her in close.
She broke away from him and looked up at him. "When will I see you again?"
"When far too many months have passed but not enough years. Plus, it would be fun to be king." He laughed as she punched him on the arm and went in for another kiss.
Epilogue
Florin rested his hands on the ornate round black desk and looked up at the high glass ceiling that showed a sky filled with stars. They looked close enough to touch.
"The situation seems to be calming down across the worlds that the Council manage," Lord Aurum said, his short fat green fingers doing their best to interlock in front of him, but not managing to because of the amount of rings placed on each finger.
"Argh! Didn't I tell you it was all for nothing? Worrying like a bunch of old women," Lady Richor said, the jagged scar pulling taut along her face.
"That's as may be," Lord Aurum said, "but it pays to pay attention to our enemies. We still haven't discussed--"
"Argh! More discussions, meetings, and talking! That's all we do--talk and talk," Lady Richor said.
"If we do not discuss matters, how do you expect anything to be resolved?" Lord Aurum said, to the eye roll of Lady Richor. "Anyway, we still haven't discussed who was behind all of this. I highly doubt a group of escapees from some prison would have had the foresight to pull this off. No, something bigger is at play here. Something more sinister."
"No doubt," Florin said, bringing his attention back to the room, "it is the same person behind all these planetary attacks. It would appear a family is looking to grow and expand...maybe even challenge the Council."
Eyes went from one face to another and all were quiet.
"Whoever's actions these acts are, I am sure they will be justly punished," Lord Portendorfer said.
"If they haven't already," Florin said, looking at Lord Portendorfer over his laced fingers.
Lord Portendorfer gave Florin a smile that was all teeth as he turned his attention elsewhere.
"If that is the case, I am sure Lord Sou's people will find out all they can. Then we shall deal with them, then and there, but I would still like to discuss the falling credit rate, as well as the..."
Florin zoned out as he looked across the table at Lord Portendorfer. As arguments raged back and forth, he searched his face for any emotion but failed to find any. It was like looking into the face of a Bloodless Being.
Lord Portendorfer gave Florin a small wink before he entered into the discussions.
Before Florin knew it, the meeting was coming to a close without anything's being actually discussed or resolved. He got to his feet with a shake of his head as the holograms of the different lords vanished one after the other.
As he walked towards the door to leave, footsteps echoed behind him. He slowed his pace to match the person approaching him.
The door slid open, and he stepped out into a corridor that was open to the elements. It showed the beautifully lit city skyline, each light sparkling like a jewel.
"Still fighting the good fight for the people?"
"Who else will fight for them? They have no one, but everyone forgets they gave us what we have."
Florin looked to his side as laugher escaped Lord Portendorfer's lips. He shook his head as they continued to walk.
"Not even your father believed that shit. The people make us what we are? Ha! We make us what we are," Lord Portendorfer said through gritted teeth. "We get what we have through hard work, struggle, blood, sweat, tears and an insane belief that everything will be all right, after we take risk after risk to succeed. The masses will never understand that! They will always blame their parents, their siblings, their neighbour, you, for not having what they want.
"For all your father's faults, he knew that better than anyone else. The masses... There will always be haves and have-nots. It's the way the universe is built."
Florin shook his head as he folded his hands behind him. "I am glad not all of us share the same ideology as you."
"You will, one day," Lord Portendorfer said, walking away. "Changes are coming, Lord Fren! Changes are coming! I hope you're prepared."
62
Author Note
First of all, if you loved this book or the series as a whole please leave a review by clicking here.
Second you rock for getting this far in the book, I hope the journey was one worth taking. I love writing and building worlds that help take my readers away, from their problems even if its only for a few hours.
Writing this series as a whole has been a pleasure, and one that I will be sad to see finish when the last book is written.
As I said in book three, I have six books planned in this series but the publish dates for them will be a bit longer than expected. I'm knee deep in book five at the moment, and should have that out to your good selves by early next year.
If you want to be kept up to date of all news, win prizes and the like, click this sentence and it shall take you to my newsletter.
I'll like to thank my proof-readers Tandy and Martin, for going over the final copy and picking up any corrections that needed to be made. A big thank you as always to my editor Andrea, who's tireless work makes my books presentable, and lastly to my cover designers Streetlight Graphics for making a bad ass cover.
With that said, I'll leave you dear reader and I'll catch you further along the path we call life. I hope it brings you all you've wish for.
Until next time,
Hugs and Kisses
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Also by Dominique Mondesir
Origins (Fallen Angels Book 1)
Betrayal (Fallen Angels Book 2)
Takeover (Fallen Angels Book 3)
Reflections (Fallen Angles Book 4)
Repercussions Page 21