Forest Kingdom Trilogy 2 - Blood and Honor

because she believed the Kingdom would be safe in his hands. But it wouldn't be him on the throne; that fell to Viktor.
    And Prince Viktor was rather different from the man who was currently playing him. Admittedly, it was hard to tell how different. The man had been deathly ill for some time, and invalids were notorious for their bad temper. And yet ...
    There is a streak of instability in your family.
    Jordan began to wonder if he'd done the right thing in letting Sir Gawaine know he had the will. Gawaine was a good man, no doubt about that, but at bottom the knight was still bound by his oath of loyalty to Viktor. And Jordan was becoming increasingly unsure as to whether Viktor was worthy of such loyalty.
    Back in Jordan's suite, the conspirators watched in silence as Jordan handed the ruby to Prince Viktor.
    It glowed with a sombre crimson light, until Viktor closed his fist around it. He stood before the open fireplace and grinned broadly. Heather clung tightly to his arm, almost bursting with pride and happiness.
    Roderik's mood had mellowed, and Argent had actually been seen to smile briefly, once or twice. Sir Gawaine stood guard by the door, and though he watched the proceedings closely, his face gave away nothing at all. He'd stopped off on the way back to check that his wife was safe, and Roderik hadn't wanted to spare the time. Gawaine had had to insist, and neither of them had been polite about it.
    Viktor finally settled into his chair again, and Heather perched on the arm, as before. The others pulled up chairs around him, and Viktor spoke the Word of Power that would unlock the ruby's secrets.
    The air before them shimmered and grew vague, and King Malcolm was suddenly standing in the room.
    Jordan studied the image closely. Unlike the others, Jordan was getting his first look at King Malcolm of Redhart. The King was tall and well muscled, and carried his regal robes well. His dark hair was shot with silver, but still thick and wavy. His eyes were a silvery grey, like Gabrielle's, and he had the same harsh-boned face as Lewis and Dominic. His gaze was sharp and commanding, and his mouth was a firm, flat line. He looked like someone who expected others to listen when he spoke. His voice was calm and assured.
    'If you're hearing this, then I am dead. I have no way of knowing how or when my death will occur, but I
    feel safe in assuming that the Court is currently in a state approaching panic. You will have discovered by now that my crown and seal are missing. I have ordered them hidden.
    'I assume you are here, William, as Regent. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you, old friend, but I think you understand why it was necessary. According to custom I should begin my will by declaring which of my sons is to inherit my position, my wealth and my throne. I choose not to do so. It is my sad opinion that none of my sons is worthy to take my place as King ofRedhart.'
    The dead King stood silently for a while, frowning unhappily. The conspirators looked at each other and at Viktor, but nobody said anything.
    'Lewis has become degenerate. For a time I thought he might follow in my footsteps and continue the conquests I began, but more and more it seems to me that he considers nothing important save the satisfying of his various hungers. Dominic has always been unstable. I had hoped his marriage to the Lady Elizabeth might settle him, but if anything it seems her ambition has only fuelled his madness. Of late, I fear Dominic has become dangerously insane. Were he not my youngest son, my last born, I would have had him killed years ago.
    'After I lost faith in Lewis, I placed all my hopes in Viktor. He showed real promise, his only faults those of youth and inexperience. But unfortunately he too encountered the Lady Elizabeth, and she taught him among other things the pleasures of ambition and intrigue. Perhaps his time in Kahalimar will calm his hot blood, but I doubt it. He has already tried to kill
    Dominic, and no man who would murder his own brother over a lover's quarrel can be trusted with the throne of Redhart.
    it is time for new Blood. I have therefore given instructions that in the event of my death, a trusted servant is to take my crown and seal and hide them where they will not easily be found. You, William, as Regent, will be forced to proclaim the Rite of Transference, and a new royal line will begin. This will inevitably mean a time of chaos, but that will pass, and Redhart will be the