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“W here is she?” It should have come out as a demand, but Zul Kan's voice was soft with illness. His heart was giving out and Lily should be here. He had some things to say, last minute instructions for her.

He hated laying in his bed, helpless. If he had to die, at least he could ensure that his kingdom lived on.

Hegah, his chosen successor, entered the room. He was tall, of medium build, and a vicious fighter. Everything he touched ran like a well-oiled machine. He also wore a well tailored suit, proclaiming him a different sort of mobster. “She ran to Tashi Yal.”

“What?” Zul's mind was clouded, and at first he couldn't understand. And then he did. “She what ?” That little...years of work wasted. Years!

His heart pounded, and the rising pressure began to choke him. This was it. He was going to die...but he wouldn't go down without a fight.

Screw it! She wanted to spit on him? Ruin his plans? Fine. What did it matter now? He'd burn it all down.

“Kill her,” he hissed. “Put a contract...on her...”

“Let's not,” Hegah said pleasantly. “We haven't married yet. I would be so disappointed to see her dead.” Before he had his hands firmly on the business.

“Doesn't...matter. Betrayed...” Zul Kan was turning blue.

Hegah flicked lint off his sleeve. “I can make her regret that.”

Thinking was hard, but Zul was motivated. Revenge...he had put plans in place, just in case. She wouldn't get away with this.

“He's dead,” the goblin doctor announced. His presence was a mere formality. It wasn't as if he could save Zul Kan from heart failure.

Hegah looked on with mild interest. It was always fascinating to see a vibrant personality turn into dead meat.

But about the girl...technically, he needed her to get the inheritance. In reality, he had the manpower to take over and Zul Kan's blessing. He already had his people in place. Some bribes here, an assassination there, and he could control the entire organization.

Getting his hands on the girl would make things easier, and she was lovely, of course.

As for taking on Tashi Yal...that would be an interesting challenge. He might be in a chair, but he was also a battle mage and his father was a general.

He would make some inquiries.