Red Planet: The Slave Queen (Tamarians Book 1)
Page 28
I find Joren in his bedchamber, sitting next to Tauria who still looks weak, sleeping fitfully. “How is she today?”
Joren doesn't even look at me as he reaches up, fixing some of Tauria's hair. “She woke up enough yesterday to take care of the basics. She took a little bit of food, drank some water, used the toilet. But.... she's still sleeping a lot. Withdrawal of the drugs after the amount of time she's been on them is hard, or at least that is what Mogar told me when he visited yesterday.”
I nod, and sit down next to him. “It will take a while. But most of the Resistance was addicted to the hypnotics, and they pulled through. Sleep is what her body needs the most of right now.”
Joren nods, and turns to look at me. “Despite what Tauren may think, I never have stopped loving Tauria. Perhaps our marriage was not founded on the same passionate bedrock that yours is, but after fifty years, many of them good ones.... I do love her.”
“Then when she recovers, show her that you love her, Joren. Even if she is angry or bitter at times, show her that you love her.”
Joren nods, looking back at Tauria. “It feels strange to not see her with the Neyla crystals on her face. To be honest, I think she's more beautiful this way.”
“I agree; it's why I'm not going to wear any myself. Joren, I came to you to discuss the future.”
Joren nods, leaning back in his chair. “About halfway through this dynasty, there was a quiet palace coup, did you know that? This would have been seven generations back. Reybert, out of Karen by Logan, abdicated the throne to his younger brother, Orion. The official reason was that Reybert had caught religion, there was a minor religious revival at that time, but the reality was.... Reybert was corrupt, and Orion had the backing of the military and about half the Noble Council. Reybert passed over the crown, and then retired to a royal estate on an island off the coast, where he never left. I've been there, it's no estate, but it's not as bad as Arklan Prison. I would ask that you let me and Tauria retire there, once she has recovered from her drug withdrawal.”
I shake my head, taking a deep breath. “Actually, we wanted to have you stay here for a while. Then, when you're ready, where you live is your choice, Joren. I want you to be part of your grandchildren's lives.”
Joren, who has looked haggard and down from the first moment I saw him in the throne room next to Tauria, brightens, some of the depression falling off as he looks at me in wonder. “You... but why? I did horrible things, Tauria did horrible things. You should hate me and my family.”
“I hate you so much I married your son and am happily bearing the first of your grandchildren,” I reply. “Joren, I'm tired of hate. I'd rather talk about forgiveness, and moving forward. Tauren feels the same way, it's why we're not allowing mob justice on all the former slave owners. It won't be easy, but leadership starts right here, in this palace, in this family. And don't ever forget it, we are family now. Remember, Jensen is my family too. You're going to have so much 'human' DNA in your family tree soon enough that you won't know what to do with it all.”
Joren, for the first time in days, smiles. “I think... I think I can live with that. If you don't mind an old man's musings though... I'm hoping it's a boy.”
I stand up, and while it takes effort, I pat Joren's shoulder. “We'll see what the heaven and stars have in store for us, Joren, but just between us, I'm hoping so too. In the meantime, I have work to do. Please, the next time Tauria wakes up, tell me?”
Joren nods, patting my hand. “I will. I think... I think you'll make a fine Queen, Audra. Thank you.”
I leave Joren's chambers, looking for Pretton. Perhaps I will make a good Queen. Perhaps I can only support Tauren as he bears the weight of kingship. It will depend on the heaven. And the stars.
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Also by Jessica Snow