by Delia Roan
Kovos held out his arms and posed. “Well, what do you think?”
Yaldir’s brow furrowed. “You seem… different today.”
“I am now,” Kovos said with much glee, “taller than you.”
“If you grin any wider, the top of your head will fall off.” Yaldir’s voice sounded dry, but Kovos could see the twinkle in his eye. “You seem happy.”
“I am. I have horns. Do you see my scales? I have not tried out my Virtue of the Avowed, but maybe after the Council meeting.”
Yaldir cleared his throat. Kovos enjoyed the sensation of having to look down at his friend. He beamed. He couldn’t help it.
“I feel whole, Yaldir,” he said. “For the first time in my life, I feel complete. My body is how it should be.” He caught a whiff of Jenna off his skin. Even after bathing, her intoxicating scent lingered. He savored the sensation. “My heart is how it should be.”
“I am pleased for you, Kovos.” Yaldir’s voice held a tinge of envy, but his words were honest. Kovos clapped him on the back, and Yaldir winced. “Save some of that vitality for the Council, my lord.”
Right. Them. The illogical mute buttocks. He was required to face them, and figure out the source of the Sykorian attack yesterday.
Only yesterday.
Had his life been in chaos the night prior?
Now, nothing could touch him. He was invincible.
“I look forward to meeting with the Council,” Kovos said. “Let’s go.”
As he pushed open the heavy doors of the Council chambers, a flood of angry voices poured out. The room grew silent as the various Council members took in the sight of their newly transformed chairman.
Kovos took his seat beside Arthon. “Where is Lithyon?” he asked.
Arthon blinked at his brother. “Away. Had business. Zulda’s stepping in.” He jerked his chin at the elderly honor guard, who dozed in Lithyon’s seat. “What happened to you?”
“What do you think, dear brother?”
Before Arthon could reply, from across the room, Lord Ziyk spoke. “It appears congratulations are in order, Lord Kovos. Am I correct in assuming your Avowed is in fact the human, Jenna Harlock of Earth?”
Kovos’s jaw tightened. “Yes, it is she.” He shot a look around the room, meeting the eyes of each Council member. “Is there an issue with that?”
Lord Bilkar slammed his fist into the table. “Of course there is an issue with bonding with a human. She’s human! Are you even sure she’s the source of your mating urge?” The elderly Councilman leaned back in his chair, and crossed his arms over his vast belly. He bristled, letting his horns and ridges show, then sneered. “A human and one of our oldest Ennoi clans? Preposterous!”
Kovos growled and rose to his feet, but Ziyk raised his hand to Bilkar. “Please, Lord Bilkar. We should all be so fortunate to find our Avowed. It is an honor. You yourself know we cannot control the nature of our Avowal. It chooses us, not us, it. If so, would you have chosen to fall for Lady Breenta?”
Lord Bilkar’s brow dropped and his voice grew frosty. “What do you mean by that, young man?”
Ziyk inclined his head. “I meant no offense. Surely you must admit that, at the time, with the Clan Wars at their peak, you would have picked a partner with military might. Lady Breenta has many fine qualities, but she didn’t have an army to her name, especially since she was common born.
“Yet, you two, together, secured the lands of the Strobo Ennoi. Your Bond knew which partner would suit you best, and it worked out in the end for everyone’s benefit.” Ziyk smiled, but Kovos could see his brain racing behind it. Ziyk was taking a risk, talking back to an established Council member.
A risk he shouldn’t have to take alone.
Kovos tried to think of a way to bail Ziyk out. He blurted out the first words which popped into his mind. “Lady Breenta bakes a fine pastry.”
For a second, Lord Bilkar looked stunned. Then he burst into a booming laugh. “She does! Hence my belly!” He stomped his foot on the floor. “Let’s hope your human can do the same for you, my boy. Here’s to Lord Kovos and his Avowed!”
The Council room erupted into noise, some more enthusiastic than others.
As the noise died down, Lady Tamlhen stood. “Have we all been so blinded by Lord Kovos’s transformation that we have forgotten the events of the previous night? Of the dead who currently lie beneath our feet, waiting for their final rites, while we cheer for our host?”
The Council chamber grew silent. Lady Tamlhen had been one of the staunchest defenders of the use of Sykorian mercenaries. It had taken a lot of negotiation to get her to relent to a universal ban on Sykorians in Ennoi space. She fixed her gaze upon each member of the Council.
“Last night, we lost a dozen Ennoi, from various clans. To Sykorians. Consider that. To Sykorians. A race once our strongest allies. Now they attack us in the most cowardly of ways. All because we destroyed a long-held alliance with them.”
Her beady eyes landed on Kovos. “Where were you last night? When our people fought? When our people died? Where were you when we needed you most? Where were you when the consequences of your actions rose up to strike us down?”
She leaned toward Kovos. “We all witnessed how you chose to run when the battle began.”
“Now-” Ziyk began.
Kovos held up his hand, but his eyes never left Lady Tamlhen’s face. “Let her speak.”
This is my burden to bear.
Lady Tamlhen extended her arms. “Look around you. We are gathered here under terms of goodwill. We are gathered together to find peace for our people.” She jabbed a finger toward Kovos. “You told us that dissolving our ties to the Sykorians would bring peace. It has not, has it?”
Murmurs of agreement rose up around the room.
“At least in the past, when we died at Sykorian hands, we did so on the battlefield,” Lord Markeu stated.
“Yes,” hissed Lady Tamlhen. “We were not struck down in our quiet moments.” She extended her hand. “I vote we consider reopening negotiations with the Sykorians.” Over the outcry that arose, she continued. “I vote we extend peace to the Sykorians.”
Kovos surged to his feet. “You forget that the Sykorians killed us on the orders of members of this very Council! We were responsible for those battlefield deaths.”
Triumph rose up in Lady Tamlhen’s eyes. “And you are responsible for the deaths from last night!”
Guilt shot through Kovos’s chest. People died last night. His people. As annoying as Lady Tamlhen was, she spoke the truth. Kovos had the blood of innocents on his hands.
“Peace!” Kovos said. “We can go around and around with this argument, but the topic of Sykorian mercenaries has been talked into the ground. There is nothing left to say that hasn’t already been said.”
“I-” Lady Tamlhen began speaking, but at the look Kovos shot her, she snapped her mouth shut and sat.
Kovos leaned against the desk. “While your words may be barbed, you have a point, Lady Tamlhen. The safety of the Ennoi last night fell upon my shoulders. Perhaps you feel I shirked that duty, but I can assure you that my exit last night was strategic and calculated. The Sykorians were after my Avowed. They specifically attacked Council members and Jenna.”
“For what purpose?” Lord Bilkar asked. He stroked his chin. “How would it benefit the Sykorians?”
“I do not know,” Kovos replied.
Yaldir cleared his throat. “My lord, if I may?”
“Go ahead.”
Yaldir stepped forward. “We managed to capture some of the Sykorians last night.”
“Have they said anything?”
“Nothing yet, Lord Kovos. Right now, they are not being… cooperative. We are hoping time will loosen their tongues.”
“Keep trying, Yaldir.”
With a nod, the honor guard stepped back.
“What are your plans for the meantime?” Lord Ziyk asked.
> “We should be focusing on the fear the Ennoi public must be experiencing right now,” Kovos responded. “This was an attack, at the heart of one of the most secure bases in Ennoi territory. With the festival, security is working overtime. This attack should not have been possible.”
“And yet it was,” Ziyk added. He narrowed his eyes. “Which means it happened with the help of someone within the Ennoi.”
Kovos frowned as the Council room grew quiet, considering Ziyk’s words.
The implications were dire. If security had been breached from the outside, there would have been an outcry on the perimeter, or within the city. But as the Sykorians had crept into the heart of the citadel unnoticed and unchallenged, it meant they had inside help.
His mouth thinned. “We have a traitor in our midst.”
“A traitor?” Arthon sat up straighter. “In Ados?”
Ziyk nodded. “It is possible.”
“Someone hired the Sykorians to attack. Someone smuggled them into the concert.” Rage boiled within Kovos’s body. His scales flared. Heat grew in his chest.
“Our focus should be on finding this traitor,” Kovos said, “and ensuring they cannot harm innocent Ennoi.”
A rumble rose around the room.
“How did they get here?” Arthon asked. His childlike faith in the strength of Ados’s walls had cracked. Kovos had always sheltered his brothers from the sordid details of the wars, but now he wondered if he’d done Arthon a disservice.
“If Lithyon were here, we could ask her.”
A servant clad in Haron colors nudged Zulda. She awoke with a start. “Lady Lithyon? She couldn’t be here. Prior engagement.” The old woman yawned. “Sends her apologies.”
Her head bobbed, her chin sank back onto her chest, and her soft snores began anew.
The servant blushed, and held up a document. “Err, Lady Lithyon prepared a statement. If I may, Lord Kovos?”
“I should have known she’d plan ahead,” Kovos said. “Go on.”
The servant read: “I have already begun investigating last night’s horrific attacks. The Relays are one likely entry point into Cadam space, though in all honesty, I believe a hold a tight rein over my people. I have sent inquiries to the Haron Relays closest to Sykorian space. They are looking over shipping rosters, and matching up cargo vessels, to see if any discrepancies occur.”
Kovos pinched the bridge of his nose as he listened. Lithyon, the Ever Prepared. His first instinct had been to protect his mate. He should have been focusing on his people. How many deaths could have been prevented if he’d thought with his brain, rather than his libido? Yet, even with some other pressing event to attend, Lithyon had found time to take steps that would reassure the Council.
Lithyon’s statement continued: “I should have more information within a few hours, and will make a full statement to Lord Kovos and the Council on my findings. This attack should not go unavenged, and I feel strongly that we should strike back against the Sykorians for their affront to the Ennoi during such a sacred time.”
Dread sank into Kovos’s heart. Lady Temhlen would not appreciate the final sentence of Lithyon’s sentiment.
As the servant bowed and stepped back, the Council’s attention reverted to their chairman.
“We really should discuss our relationship with the Sykorians,” Lady Tamlhen said, with a smirk. “It might be a token gesture to placate them. It would be a heart-breaking event if this trouble led to direct warfare between the Ennoi and the Sykorians.”
Kovos took a deep breath. It would be a long afternoon.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
JENNA
It was going to be a long day. Jenna paced within the confines of her room. Every once in a while, she would throw open the door, only to be met by the placid gaze of the two guards waiting outside.
One or the other would always nod to her respectfully, then say in a monotone, “My lady should remain in her room. Times are unsettled. Apologies for the inconvenience.”
Jenna fidgeted with the jewel around her neck, taking comfort in its weight and the gleam deep within. When Kovos had first given her the necklace, she’d seen it as a trinket. It felt like a promise now. He was with her, even when he wasn’t.
There was a tap at the door, and before Jenna could speak, the door opened.
To her surprise, Lithyon strode in, with Cyndrae on her heels.
“Jenna!” Lithyon extended her hand and drew Jenna into her embrace. After the hug, she studied Jenna’s face. “You are unharmed after last night?”
Jenna smiled. “Thank you for worrying, Lithyon, but I’m okay. Nothing happened.”
“Don’t be coy, Jenna.” Lithyon’s fingers brushed the jewel on Jenna’s chest. “I wouldn’t say nothing happened. After all, Kovos threw aside protocol to rescue you.”
Her face grew red, remembering. “Well, yes, apart from that…”
Lithyon laughed. “Now, now. It’s an honor to be chosen by such a man as Kovos. He is an attentive and considerate lover.”
The way she said it made Jenna’s throat tightened. What did she mean? Had she and Kovos… Jenna flushed. No, they couldn’t have. Kovos would have mentioned… something. Wouldn’t he?
Though they are very close…
“What are you doing here?” Jenna said, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. “Isn’t the Council in session?”
Lithyon waved her hand. “After last night, I need a break.” She placed her hands on Jenna’s shoulders. “I thought you could use one as well. So I intend to keep the promise I made to you.”
“Promise… Oh!” Jenna’s face lit up. “You’re going to take me to see Cadam!”
“Yes! Specifically Braddrak, Kovos’s ancestral home.” Lithyon smiled indulgently, like a parent treating a child to ice-cream. “Cyndrae, go prepare a picnic basket. Oh, and make sure there’s a crasma berry compote.” She wrinkled her nose at Jenna. “Kovos’s favorite, but too sweet for me.”
“At once, my lady.” Cyndrae bowed deeply, then scurried away. By the time Jenna had dressed and braided her hair, Cyndrae returned, lugging a large basket.
“I’m not sure I can go,” Jenna said. “The guards have been ordered to keep me in the rooms.” She bit her lip. “It’s for my own safety, they say.”
Lithyon snorted. “Leave them to me. You just have to know how to handle them.”
She threw open the door, startling both of Kovos’s men, but also the two guards clad in Lithyon’s colors.
“You, there.” Lithyon waved to the closest Cadam guard. “What is your name?”
The guard stepped back. “Stronn, my lady.”
“Stronn, go inform Lord Kovos that the Lady Jenna will be accompanying me for the day.”
The guard hesitated. He shot a look at his companion, who shrugged. Stronn licked his lips. “I’m… I’m sorry, my lady, but my orders are for Lady Jenna to remain in her rooms, until-”
Lithyon’s face mottled. Her mouth twisted with rage, and her nostrils flared. She stepped closer to Stronn, and jabbed him in the chest.
“You would question me?” Her voice was low and the sound made Jenna shudder. “You, a mere guard?” Her eyes narrowed to slits. “Do as I say, or you will suffer for your insolence.”
The guard paled, even under his bright Avowed colors. “Yes, Lady Lithyon!” He turned and bolted.
Lithyon hooked her arm through Jenna’s and strode away, dragging Jenna along. Cyndrae and the two Haron guards followed.
“There,” Lithyon said, a smug smile on her face. “You just have to know how to handle people. Ennoi respect a show of power.”
The vehicle that would convey them to Braddrak reminded Jenna of a metallic bumblebee, perched on narrow legs. One of Lithyon’s guards helped her into the passenger seat, before climbing to the front of the vehicle and taking the controls.
Due to its insect-like appearance, Jenna expected the ship to buzz, but it rose into
the air with a roar, sending clouds of dust billowing away. Jenna pressed her face to the window as the city of Ados fell away, and soon the buildings were replaced by towering trees and craggy rocks.
“It’s all so beautiful,” Jenna said.
“Mmm, very pretty,” replied Lithyon. Her attention was fixed on the lumis held in her hand, and not at the scenery outside. A hologram of a puzzle game floated in front of the compact device’s screen. Lithyon sucked on her teeth, and swiped at the hologram, moving the complex pieces in ways Jenna couldn’t follow.
To Jenna, the view was more than merely pretty. The landscape was a riot of colors. Blue, orange and yellow flowers bloomed along canyons. She even spotted a few large land animals moving slowly through the trees. Every once in a while, they would fly over a break in the landscape, which Cyndrae explained were the lumi mines. In the far distance, Jenna saw mountains, frosted with sparkling white snow.
The guard landed the vehicle in a field beside towering trees. Jenna gawked as she stepped outside. The air was humid and warm, but the shade from the trees chilled her arms.
“We shall picnic at the top of the hill,” Lithyon announced.
“That’s not really a hill,” Jenna said, eying the slope. “It’s more a mountain.”
A slow smile crossed Lithyon’s face. “Why don’t we make it interesting? I’ll race you to the top. Loser serves lunch.”
“Well…” Jenna hesitated.
“Don’t be a coward,” Lithyon said. “Accept the challenge.”
“Fine,” Jenna said, licking her lips.
Cyndrae did the countdown, and both women raced for the slope. For the first while, Jenna held her own. An actress had to look her best, and she’d taken great pride in her figure. She’d run five miles four times a week, and lifted weights at the gym three times a week. She wasn’t a weakling, even though she was petite. She kept pace with Lithyon, gritting her teeth against the ache in her muscles from the activity last night.
About halfway up, Lithyon laughed, and surged ahead. “See you at the top!” she called. With a few long-legged strides, she was gone.
