Many things happened after the incident in the training room, many of which could have caused a massive upturn in the current situation, had word reached outside the Lorhen manor. But it never did.
Ulrick may have been only the first husband, and many were vying for his Guardian position, but through a show of force and threats that would make the most courageous n wet themselves, he kept everything under wraps.
Of course, it wasn't to say that the other Lorhen husbands didn't keep a tally of all the things that happened. But it was just too hard for them to strike at his public image from the shadows.
They had to wait patiently until the old man made a mistake that angered the Matriarch, and then they could pounce on the opportunity and point out all his other mishaps. But how long that would take was anyone's guess.
With how long mages could live, Ulrick could end up being a Guardian to the Lorhen Matriarch until she retired, for all they knew.
And during all the closed-door plotting and shady deals, they had brought Astaroth and Rodney to a section of the manor that belonged to the guardian.
Even though Rodney was back upright, he was still incredibly weak due to all the blood he had lost. It was a miracle he even had enough to make his body move.
Ulrick had them carried to a room adjacent to his own, where he let Astaroth and Rodney rest so they could get back on their feet properly. He still had to deal with the Lorhen husbands, to make sure they kept their mouths shut.
One word was all it took for this situation to reach the Matriarch, and who knew how she would react? She had always looked fondly at her first daughter since she was to beco the next in line.
But with what had just happened, Ulrick would have to convince Selena that the girl wasn't ready, or worthy, for that matter.
It pained him to admit it, but they might have been too lenient with their kids' education. How would they beco the next Guardian or Matriarch, if they couldn't even act like just people and only acted like spoiled kids?
He had always hoped that ti would iron that trait out of them, but he realized they were wrong.
How would he keep his position, if all three of his kids held no value in the eyes of the Matriarch?
'This situation has beco so complicated… Couldn't that dumbass of a diplomat keep his hands to himself that one ti?' Ulrick mused as he walked toward the chambers of his wife.
When he arrived, the door was closed, so he had to knock and announce himself.
"Matriarch. It is I, Ulrick. May I co in?"
He could hear so moaning from the other side of the door, and knew she was busy entertaining one of the younger husbands she had recently taken.
"Yes. You may co in."
Ulrick pushed in the door, coming into the room that slled of sweat and intercourse, and stopped before the bed. The young man barely glanced at him, pulling a cocky smile, before he kept pleasuring the Matriarch right in front of the guardian.
"What is it, Ulrick? You rarely co to my chambers anymore, unless I call you."
"You have so busy, my lady. I would love to entertain you more. But ti is a luxury I don't have much of."
Selena smiled at him. Even though she was happy to get attention from the younger husbands, Ulrick had always been her first, and the bond they shared went beyond physical pleasure.
Even when they only held themselves together and talked about the future, she could enjoy his company. But that wasn't to say he had lost any of his vigour.
If sothing, the experience Ulrick had over these young bucks overshadowed their more vigorous bodies. He knew what pleased her more than any other of her husbands.
"Maybe you can join in, teach this youngling a few tricks?" she teased, smiling sensually at Ulrick.
"I would love it, my lady. But I unfortunately have sothing to talk to you about, which requires him to leave. Do you want to co back?"
Selena saw his serious face, and her pleasure faded away almost imdiately.
"No. You never disturb for nothing. Karim, please leave. I will call you back when we are done."
The young man, astounded that the Matriarch brushed him off so easily, shot a deathly stare at Ulrick, as he picked up his clothes and left through a side door. Ulrick only smirked at him.
'These young fools. They always think they can eventually toss aside through their prowesses in bed. Do they think that is enough? Idiots.'
But he had no ti to gloat about this young man's misfortune. The situation was dire.
Selena sat in bed, her breasts still exposed to the older man, who smiled as he took in her splendour, but cleared his throat to bring himself back to business.
"I have bad news," he said, looking the woman straight in the eyes.
"What happened?"
Ulrick explained what had happened in the last hour, leaving no detail out, not even the insults flung on both sides or death glares he had caught. Selena needed to have the entire portrait, so she didn't throw the bla over their guests.
"Therefore, in light of the situation, with great regret, I would like you to reconsider the upbringing of Mariah into the next Matriarch. She is too rash and undisciplined for this honourable task.
"As for Elias, although his arrogance was mostly whipped out of him by Rodney, I believe keeping him as a replacent for would only cause internal strife. How would people react if a future Guardian had lost to a normal man, devoid of magic? It would only cause people to cry out nepotism. I wish not for you to have to deal with such problems."
He ended his report with those requests, and bowed his head, waiting for his wife to talk.
"Ulrick. Thank you for your honesty. I appreciate it. I also value your opinion, as the wisdom you possess has helped many tis before. But I cannot change who will beco the next Matriarch now."
Ulrick raised his head, his face turning into a frown.
"Why, if I may ask, my lady?"
She looked at him with a sour face.
"Because I am dying."
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