by K. E. Young
She sighed. "It was a political alliance arranged by our fathers. We knew he wouldn't ever be Emperor, but it didn't mean he was powerless or lacking in influence. It was still an excellent alliance. I was expecting Kaio when the Emperor announced the valbore in Vallen. It wasn't an easy pregnancy for me so Ren stayed to care for me rather than join the forces fighting." She smiled softly. "I was young and romantic and loved the idea of marrying a prince and he was so handsome. He still is. I fell in love and he showed every sign he loved me in return. Everything was wonderful — until Kaio's dragon manifested. That's when he changed. By the time Kaio was fifteen, Ren couldn't seem to find any good in either his son or me. He still does his duty and he's attentive in public, but in private, we barely talk. He moved into separate quarters years ago."
"Urash told me people bullied Ren because of his dragon. Do you know who did that?"
Zenra tilted her head curiously. "Why do you ask? That's old history. It's hardly of interest now."
I shook my head. "Maybe not. When I confronted him about his treatment of Kaio, I asked him how he could treat his own son that way. He said the court wasn't so sure of it. That the rumor at court is Kaio is Rhal's son, and not Ren's. When I spoke to Kaio about it, he told me he's never heard such a rumor and there isn't any doubt at all he's Ren's son. So who's been telling Ren that Kaio is Rhal's and why?"
Zenra was shocked into silence. It was a few moments before she pulled herself together and she took on a fiercely thoughtful, even calculating expression. She looked formidable with that expression. I let her ruminate on it as long as she needed.
She looked up at me sharply. "Thank you. I never knew why he changed. I hated what he became, but deep down I was always certain he was still the man I loved. Now… maybe I can get him back. You've given me much to consider. I have a little project for Daro when we get back. He's almost as good at ferreting out secrets as Kaio is."
She snorted. "It used to infuriate Ren. Kaio was always one or two steps ahead of him no matter how well he hid his tracks. Kaio even helped me figure out when traders were trying to cheat me a time or two. Having a dragon soul means people can't lie to you, but it doesn't help much when someone simply doesn't tell all of the truth. Everyone leaves something unsaid so it's impossible to tell when that something is a thing you need to know. Kaio could tell though. If he didn't allow his dragon instincts such free rein he would make an excellent Emperor."
"Urash seems to think well of him too."
Zenra gave me another calculating glance. "He's another one who worries me. I felt so sorry for him when he was a child. Everyone knew he would be Emperor far too soon so they pushed him constantly to be perfect. They never allowed him to be a boy. He had no friends, no fun. It's a wonder the lad didn't break with all the pressure. He needs a friend or two. People he can trust, people who see him as a person rather than as an Emperor. I was glad to hear you and Kaio both stepped into that role. He needs it."
I gazed into her eyes and nodded. "I like him. He's seen what lies in my past and doesn't flinch when he looks at me. Most people do. Kaio doesn't flinch either."
Zenra tipped her head to the side, a crooked smile and sparkling eyes telling me she approved. "I am so glad Kaio found you. For years I've feared Ren would maneuver Kaio into a marriage he would hate."
Kaio was right — again. I liked Zenra. "I don't think that's a concern anymore."
Zenra laughed aloud. "Indeed. Now we need to find a match for Urash. Someone he can like and love. Lord Cassetis' daughter comes to mind. I think you would approve of her. Her magic is barely strong enough to match Urash's so she's qualified, but she isn't under consideration by the court. When people think of her, magic isn't what comes to mind. Urash has done far more to train his magic than she has. She wanted to be a warrior instead so the only magical training she's accepted has been those spells the military uses. I've thought before they would do well together. They would balance each other. He needs her irreverence and fire while she needs his deliberation and restraint."
"As long as he's happy."
She nodded. "Yes. We all deserve a little happiness and there has been too little of it."
Shortly after that, Zenra escorted me back to my tent and Samra prepared me for bed. Kaio returned as Samra was bathing my feet in warm water. A ritual she swore would make it easier for me to sleep. Since I never could sleep if my feet were cold, I appreciated it and told her so.
Kaio tucked me in and curled up with his arms around me. I tilted my head up to look at him remembering the look on Zenra's face when she had said Ren was handsome. She was right of course and Kaio looks so much like him. It was no surprise she had been smitten with Ren, I felt the same about Kaio.
"I love you Kaio. Thank you… for everything."
He smiled. "It has been my honor and my pleasure Sara. I love you too." The kiss he gave me then carried the full force of his feelings.
Afterwards, I thought on everything that had happened over the last few days, my fears about being married, his promises, and everything in between. He wanted to know what I desired so he could give it to me. Until now, I didn't know what that was.
A little boy just like him, that's what I wanted.
Sara: 37th of Hunting, 3837
"Sara! I hope the day finds you well." Urash's cheerful voice rang out through the forecourt of the ruined keep as Kaio and I made our way through the crowd.
I smiled at him. "It does. I can't help thinking there isn't enough time, but I wouldn't know if there were or not. I've never had the chance to plan for a confrontation before."
"Ah well, trust in Gelal. It's his job after all."
I smiled. "What, Emperors don't plan?"
He laughed. "Emperors make policy and then delegate. That's my job. It also means I have to know what's happening and what everyone's abilities, strengths, and flaws are. Delegating a task does no good if the one I delegate it to can't accomplish it. Fortunately, Gelal is excellent at planning assaults, both physical and magical."
"So what task are you delegating to me?"
"Destroying a valbore. Which is why I'm here to greet you this morning. Since I'll be leading the mages in the sewer, I need to make sure that my group and I are conversant in the spells we'll use tomorrow. My task may be over after the first phase is complete, but I promise, I will be at your side to the end and it might be best if I knew the spells needed for phase two. Just in case.
"Meanwhile, I have work for your mate." Urash turned to Kaio with a firm nod. "Kaio, Sano is busy keeping the peace in the refugee camps and hunting down the Arboren conspirators in Therysal, Arhis is directing the scouts in the Waste, and Girru and his teams are collecting supplies. Dragos, Gelal, Ren, Sara, and I will all be busy preparing for tomorrow. I need you to take command of the military trainees and make sure we distribute those supplies properly. None of my people are familiar enough with Therysal to do the job properly and the people need someone they know and trust to be fair. If you spot anything that has been missed and needs to be done, I expect you to handle it. You are my hand in this."
Kaio bowed his acceptance of the order and kissed me farewell. Urash peered at me with a suddenly uncertain expression. "I hope you don't mind I sent him away for the day. I thought he would figure out what the plan is if he stayed here. If that happened we would have a problem."
I sighed. I hated having to withhold the truth from Kaio. It was hard shielding it from the bond. "It's for the best I think."
For the rest of the day, we ran the mages and soldiers through in groups to teach them the specific spells they would need. We weren't allowing anyone to be a part of the offensive until they mastered the new and altered spells for their group. The soldiers were the easiest lot since their work would change the least.
The mages were a chore. They all wanted to know the specific reasons for the changes and then they argued about it. Each one seemed to think they knew better than Ren and I did. Ren had had no problems with my designs
at all, proclaiming the changes ingenious and elegant. By the time they had argued over and accepted the changes Ren and I were both short-tempered and frustrated. We replaced a few of the mages because they were too rigid in their thinking to handle the alterations. Overall, I thought the whole process bore a striking similarity to herding cats.
Afterwards, Ren and I sat and discussed it. I had concerns the mages might try to cowboy the effort since so many seemed to think they knew more than I did. Admittedly, they had been at it longer than I had, but I felt my programming training made up for that. Ren agreed but assured me the mages would follow their orders. Everyone had the lesson of the last valbore to teach them to stick with their assigned duty. When someone tried to do what they thought was best, people died. We must fight a valbore as a group. He reminded me they had all agreed and mastered the new spells.
"You cannot dismiss the fact they agreed, Sara. We mages are a proud lot. The Emperor chose the best of us for this task, so they are even prouder than most. You impressed them. They know you are new to magic, but your understanding of it and the spells you have wrought have won their respect. They will follow your directions. Yes, they were uncertain because what you propose to do is completely new to them but you allayed their fears in the best way possible. You proved to them that you knew down to your bones what you were doing. The honor the Emperor has given you, of being the lead in this effort, was right. Our descendants will sing your name with praise for your success for millennia. I could never do so well."
"I couldn't have done it without your help Ren. You know that. You know more about the theory behind it than I do."
Ren beamed at her. "Not for long. You will outstrip me and it won't take long either. Kaio chose well." He looked down at his hands. "I am sorry about the note I sent to Kaio. You're right. I had no right to assume you would do as I felt you should do. It's not something I would have ever assumed a woman would put up with in Drakken. I don't know how I could imagine you would. A woman's body is her own, none but she can say who will and will not have the use of it. It is her territory circumscribed by the borders of her skin. I feel I have dishonored myself by even imagining you should have that right taken from you."
I looked at him thoughtfully. The idea was one Kaio had been gently trying to make me understand yet it hadn't gotten through until now. Ren said it more clearly than I had ever heard. "Thank you, Ren. Kaio has been trying to explain it, but you say it more clearly. I never had that right until I came here. My father died when I was nine. From that time until the Goddess took me, my life was a nightmare. Raped, beaten, starved; abused physically, verbally, emotionally, mentally. Every single one of them tried to make me… less. Every single one told me I had no rights to anything at all, least of all to the territory inside my skin. Thank you for helping me to understand. All I had known was I couldn't survive being someone's sex slave again." His expression froze in surprise. "I forgive you for the note. I'm still not sure I forgive you yet for the way you treated Kaio," I paused, "but I believe I understand why you did."
He looked confused so I hastened to continue. "I've spoken to Urash, Kaio, and Zenra. I've learned a few things I believe you need to hear." Ren looked even more confused and a little alarmed. He opened his mouth to speak. "Ren, please hear me out before you speak. If you're upset with me when I'm done I will gladly apologize for snooping into your affairs, but I truly feel you need to hear this."
I waited pensively for his wary nod of acquiescence. "From what you said the day we met, someone has told you or implied to you Kaio wasn't your son, but Rhal's. Perhaps they told you there were rumors Zenra had been unfaithful to you." His face paled and his face froze into a mask of stern impassivity. "I can tell you definitively those allegations are false. There have been no rumors of either. Furthermore, Kaio cannot be Rhal's son. He can only be yours."
Ren's eyes jerked up and fastened on mine. "You are so certain?"
"Positive." I reached out and ran my fingers through his wavy hair. "You get your hair from your mother, a mother you did not share with Rhal, yet you gifted this same hair to your son. Rhal couldn't have done that. His hair was straight as a pin, just like his mother's, your father's, and Zenra's. Kaio cannot be anyone's son but yours. Zenra was faithful."
Ren blinked rapidly for a moment before his mask cracked then crumpled in dismay. His voice cracked. "Oh Goddess, what have I done? My Zenra…"
I wondered if I had done the right thing. His pain was palpable despite his restraint. "For what it's worth, Ren, it's not too late to make it up to Zenra. She still loves you. Or rather, she still loves the man she married, if not the man you've been since Kaio was fifteen. She's owed an apology and an explanation though.
Ren's face was heartbroken. "How can she ever forgive me for what I've done?"
"Talk to her. Make her understand. She is worth the effort, don't you think? So is Kaio."
Ren peered at me uncertainly. "Kaio…"
I reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "It will be all right Ren. I'll help you." I paused, not sure how to phrase it. "I was hours from suicide when the Goddess brought me here. Now I have happiness in my grasp. So much has changed since then. I got a second chance. I cannot believe she would deny you what I received. Neither Kaio nor Zenra is hard-hearted enough to deny you a chance to make it right."
I sighed heavily. "Whatever else happens though, I don't think you should listen to whoever told you those stories anymore. I have concerns about why they told you those things. What did they hope to gain?"
Ren's mournful eyes met mine. "I do not know. I thought she was my friend. It seems I was wrong."
She? Interesting. I wondered what Zenra would make of that.
Kaio: 37th of Hunting, 3837
Ren looked down for a moment before steeling himself and meeting Kaio's eyes. "I want to apologize privately before I give the public apology. Sara had a very uncomfortable talk with me earlier today. She was right to do so. I see now how badly wrong I was. I was hurt and I took it out on you and your mother, the ones I love most. It was wrong of me. I've caused so much harm, to you, your mother, and others. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm hoping you will allow me to make it up to you.
Kaio was a little stunned, but his attention caught on something. "You were hurt? Who hurt you? How?"
Ren tried to wave it away. "I've always had to deal with unpleasantness from the court. I'm clumsy, I can't dance well, and I'm terrible at fighting and weapons. I've never been good at anything besides magic and it took so long for my dragon to make himself known. The nobles make jokes about it. They say I'm not a real Shalatu. Most won't talk to me at all. There was only one who called herself my friend. She said there were rumors Zenra had an affair with Rhal, that you were Rhal's son." He paused. "As you came into manhood you looked so much like him. I forgot that when we were younger, Rhal and I were almost twins. Please believe me when I say I'm sorry, Kaio. I believed it when they said you weren't mine."
Kaio disengaged from Sara to grasp his father's shoulders and give a little shake. "Of course I'm yours. Mother loved you. She would never have dishonored you that way. I don't look like Rhal, I look like you." Kaio gave him another little shake. "Stop listening to them. They mean you no good."
"You bonded has already advised me to do so. You chose well my son." Ren's smile was hopeful.
Kaio pulled him into a fierce hug. "Listen to her. She is wiser than both of us put together." He pulled away before resuming. "Come, it's late and Sara needs to eat and rest. You'll join us for dinner."
Ren's smile this time shone with happiness.
His happiness lasted all the way to Zenra's encampment where his uncertainty and misery burst forth again. Zenra wasn't pleased to see him but graciously asked the servant to set an extra place for him.
Dinner was quiet and a little tense, but that was predictable. After he and Sara finished, Kaio stood. "Mother, it's all right. You and father need to talk, but we have resolved the misun
derstanding that stood between us and he has said he is sorry. I haven't forgiven him yet, but I can see I will. I hope you can too." He and Sara went to their tent leaving Ren and Zenra eying each other across the table.
"Do you think they'll work it out?" Sara's voice was small as they walked away.
"I think so. It may not happen tonight, but it will happen. Father needs it to happen and he's rather stubborn when he gets an idea in his head."
"He needs a fresh start as much as I did."
Kaio smiled and kissed her forehead. "He'll get it. Mother still loves him down deep. She'll give him a chance. Come, Sara, it's time we worried about none but ourselves. Tomorrow comes too soon and I don't want to waste a moment longer on what is not my concern."
She laughed and pulled him into the dimness of the tent with a kiss.
Kaio: 38th of Hunting, 3837
The sun was warming the canvas of the tent when Kaio woke. He looked at his mate and thought about what she had to face today. He wished he could spare her that, but he knew there wasn't anyone else who could do it. She had already saved so many lives and would save so many more.
The Goddess's Tasks were always difficult. He was a descendant of Atlan and therefore her child, but he wouldn't be the first to admit her methods were ruthless and the happiness of her people was not her first priority. He knew she had given him to Sara for no other reason than to keep her strong for this Task.
Kaio hoped the Goddess spared a moment to consider the happiness of her tools this time. He didn't want to lose Sara.
Samra poked her head in cautiously. "I'm sorry, Kaio. I wish I could give you more time," she said quietly.
Kaio couldn't bring himself to smile. "I understand. It's all right." Kaio turned his eyes back to Sara as she roused. "Good morning, My One."
She smiled up at him. "Good morning. Please tell me there's a hot bath waiting for me."
He chuckled. "Of course. If you get out of bed. There might even be food. Your stomach doesn't have time to attack me. It will have to wait for another day."
