Sophia's POV

No, no, no, no, fuck no...this cannot be happening.

"Ah...Queen Sophia I can see that you know who this is...well let me enlighten everyone...this is our grandson Brian. Ella would you like to say hi to your father?"

Looking down at Ella I could see she was doing a hell of a lot better than I was. Her face showed no fear as she stepped forward before I could stop her.

"That man is not my father, he is." She said while grabbing Knox's other hand.

"A father does not beat his daughter. A father does not lock his daughter in a closet for hours while he beats my mom. A father does threaten to kill his daughter. So no, I do not want to say hello to a person I wish to die. You have been replaced with a man I am proud to say is my true father. A man who loves me, encourages me, and looks after me. This man would never raise his hand to me or my mother. He is a real father and I am happy to call him dad."

When she placed a small kiss on Knox's hand he leaned down and kissed her on her head. You could see the pride he had for her unmistakably displayed on his face. Around us growls filled the air. In this world, mates and children were held dear and cherished. Ella clearly stated what her and her mother dealt with at the hands of Brian. Before anyone attacked I raised my hand to silence them. I could feel Rafe begging him to be released so that he could take care of this scum but too much as at stake.

Before he lost what little control he had I decided I needed to do something and quick.

"Council...unfortunately we are completely full. There is a hotel in town that your GRANDSON can stay at. Or a better idea is let us just move forward with what needs to be accomplished and you can all leave this evening to return home."

I so wanted to wipe the smirk off of that assholes face as he spoke.

"Now darling, need I remind you to watch your mouth and how you speak to not only me but my grandparents? Remember your place or I will remind you."

The threat was clearly evident in the tone of his voice. Gripping Knox's arm I pulled him back as he growled at Brian. That smug bastard he was begging for a beating, but I was not going to allow him to get under Knox's skin.

"I think it is you who needs reminding. I am to be addressed as your majesty or Queen. Your grandparents are on the Council, not you. Remember your place before I remind you who you are messing with!"

Yep that wiped off the smirk. Anger replaced it immediately. I stood taller as Gaea lent me her courage. This bastard would not get the better of me, those days were over. I'll be damned if I allow him to intimidate me now.

With a smile on my face I stared him down. As I turned to look at Knox a ball of energy hit my chest. Or should I say tried to hit my chest. The ball never hit its target as a shield around me kept me safe, absorbing the energy. The only thing he did manage to do was piss me off even more.

So my ex was a warlock. I guess it made sense with who his grandparents were but how did I never know this. Did I truly not know that man I married? Frankly I don't care right now. Gaea was fighting me but I had to keep her at bay. I did not want the Council to know about my other side.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Brian did your grandparents not teach you to throw magic at a Queen? I will say it one last time. Remember your place and just so there is no confusion your place is bowing to me. I hold the power now, not you. I will no longer cower to your bullying.

Now Council members I am wondering what hand you had in all of this? Hum...seems like a huge coincident that my abusive ex-husband is related to two of your members. And that he should so happen to join you on this journey. Dare I ask why? What did you hope to accomplish today? And as I wonder how it was possible that this man, your grandson, has a connection to my past. I have a very strong assumption that he was placed there and it was not a coincidence. Please correct me if I am wrong."

The five shocked members shared a look, most likely communicating. Man I wish I could hear them.

Maximus I told you we were showing our hand to early, now what.

Calm down James. Your grandson apparently lost whatever hold he had over her. So we move on to plan B.

How do we know that she didn't inherit her birth right? She could be just like Mae. We are going in blind now.

Alice we don't know, but her power would have been made known a long time ago. Stick with the plan and she will be dead my nightfall. Brian was not a necessity in our plans, just a bonus.

Holy shit, I can hear them. I don't know how but I can hear every word they are saying or should I say thinking. Well that is new and definitely handy new ability. I continued to listen as the discussed their next step. Yeah so not happening.

"Council if you don't mind I say we skip all the other pleasantries and just move forward with the coronation so that you can all leave my land. I prefer not to have you here a minute longer than necessary.

Frankly I don't trust you and if it wasn't essential to have you here to perform the coronation we wouldn't, but some traditions must be up held. I will have the kitchen to pack up so food so you may eat on your return home. Everyone to the common area. Let's get this over with."