I nodded. Symon was the most important factor that helped us reach Montana in time. He had also helped many people by smuggling food and other essential items in the pack. It was illegal but it was the right thing to do. The people clearly remembered that.
“Very well. I proclaim Symon to be the Lord of Societal Welfare,” I announced and he bowed down before standing straight again. I motioned towards his new throne and he took his seat.
“Those interested for the position of the Hand of the King, step forward.”
“Damn, that sounds to much cooler than Beta.” Dimitri grinned and stepped forward.
“And it will sound much more cooler after my name.” Natalia stepped forward too, much to my surprise. I didn’t know she was interested, I hadn’t even considered her. I had thought she would try for the Field Marshal or the Army General maybe. When she didn’t, I simply thought she didn’t want that kind of responsibility or something.
Dimitri’s head snapped to her and his eyes narrowed upon the sight of competition. He had expected to win the title without having to contend. This changes things and it’s going to be a good challenge.
All this while, Max was standing on the sidelines, looking at us with slightly narrowed eyes before he feigned disinterest. I had initiated him into Soare-Luna months ago but, Max wasn’t officially a part of the workings of the Kingdom. He was just working under me, doing what I told him or what he thought was right. He didn’t have a post but he was doing all the work of a Beta. And he knew it. But I guess the past was catching up. Maybe that was the reason he didn’t want to stand up for a post. But Soare- Luna is not the Rogue Pack anymore. It has equal place for both Werewolves and Vampires. And I’m not the old Nikolai anymore, I knew my mistakes and wouldn’t ever repeat them again.
I didn’t say anything yet. I wanted to see if he would say something first.
“… I would like to be the Hand of the King too.” Natalia sneered at Dimitri and then looked at me. “I’ve been training my whole life and I have been training harder now more than ever to apply for the position.” She looked determined and then turned to look at Dimitri. She gave him a once over. “I can take him.”
Dimitri looked amused.
I’m not sure about that but I’m sure that she will give him a tough fight. Especially if Max is training her.
“Being the Hand of the King isn’t just about being the strongest.” I said. “It’s about being the bravest and the smartest too. Which, without doubt, both of you are. In all the things that matter, you both are equals. So I will make the decision by asking you both one question.”
“Whom would you choose between me and your mate?” Your King is where your duty lies and your mate is where your heart lies.
Both of them started thinking, not knowing what to say.
They can’t say they will choose their mate instead of their King, least of all in front of me. And neither can they say they choose their King instead of their mate because their wolf won’t let them, nor will they truly want to.
When my eyes fell on Max. The slight tilt of lips told me knew the answer. I raised my brows at him, challenging him to answer. Say something, brother.
“The answer is simple. There is no choice. A true King will not make you choose between him and your soulmate, just like a good mate won’t make you betray your King.” Max answered correctly.
I looked at both Dimitri and Natalia who lowered their eyes. They should have known this.
I looked at Max. “I would have offered you the position of my Hand but I have a better position for you, if you are up for it.”
“What is it?” He asked.
“My Advisor.” I smiled at my older brother. I think he is the best person for this job.
His eyes gleamed and I knew I got him. I wanted him on board. Because if he wasn’t, there would be no reason for him to be in the council meetings. He would not be allowed to attend them. And Max has insights about things that most supernaturals don’t. It’s one of the major reasons why I respected his opinions. Max is wise.
But I will shoot myself in the ass before telling that to him. The asshole will never drop it.
He dipped his head, silently agreeing to it. “For the first advice as your Advisor, I suggest you select both of them as the Hand. The King and Queen are equals so both of them should have their own Beta. It will also help you administer the Pack better. One will be the hand of the King and the other will be the hand of the Queen.”
I took a moment to consider. He was right.
“I proclaim you, Dimitri, to be the Hand of the Queen.” He was tied to Avalyn with blood. He will always be more loyal to her than to me, and I know there were times when torn up on whose orders to follow. This will be good in the long run. “I proclaim you, Natalia, to be the Hand of the King.” They bowed deeply with huge grins.
“And by the way, you totally would have lost if we were to fight.” Dimitri poked at her.
“Oh yeah?” Natalia grinned at the challenge.
“Not now.” I said, stopping their banter. I actually wanted to see who would win. Dimitri had muscles but Nat was fast as hell. I guess I’ll make them spar later. That should be fun. “Dimitri will start handing you over everything, starting tomorrow morning. You will remain under probation and Dimitri will help you with anything you need. Once I deem it fit, I’ll lift the probation period-it should take about three months at the most. But it would be better if you pick things up quickly because Dimitri will start his new duties from tomorrow itself.” I told her and she nodded, her eyes determined.
“Dimitri, I want you to help Ava with the business with Kingdom Prajini. She wanted to set up Redressal Courts in all the towns and an well structured Initiation system for those who wants to join our pack, especially now that Vladimir isn’t here. She also wanted to do something about the slaves. That will be the main things you will be working on as far as I know but you need to talk to her.”
He gave me a sharp nod. “As you command, Alpha King.”