A King's Revenge: Warlords Series Book 2

by Michelle Howard

  Their small group followed the winding halls and corridors leading to the royal dining room. Portraits of every king before him including his father lined the walls in ornate frames. An elaborate and stuffy affair he often thought.

  Tarik longed to barge through the double doors at the end of the hall but Henri was on post and the older guard stood resolute before the huge entrance. His silver threaded brows lowered in a warning frown, long used to Tarik’s annoyance with formality unless there was an ostentatious affair taking place.

  This time Tarik kept his sigh bottled. In these halls and in the presence of so many, he had to remain the upstanding ruler of the throne.

  Once Henri realized there would be no battle, his thin lips eased into a smile and his wide arms threw open the doors behind him just as his voice boomed out. “All stand and recognize the rightful King to the throne, his royal majesty, the fair and just King Tarik Adan Rajli Sabarn.”

  If he wasn’t used to the effusive announcement, Tarik would have blushed. Instead he entered the dining room and raised his hand to the visiting Raasa and Kabanian. “Please sit, my guests and soon to be allies.”

  Vaan’s Warlords all bowed in his direction and the Raasa Su-Su, Mikayla, tipped her head while holding both girls in her arms. One twin waved at Tarik but her sister buried her head shyly in her mother’s shoulders.

  The Overlord himself stood tall and proud. Firm in his belief he was the king’s equal. Tarik admired him for it. Vaan’s shirtless torso was bare of the ever present chest harness containing his deadly sword. The black leather pants skimmed his legs ending in black sturdy boots. Tarik would love to have dressed so casually though he’d never gone shirtless outside his bedroom.

  A line of house servants dressed in black and gold uniforms waited by the buffet table. When Tarik reached his seat at the head of the twenty foot table, he allowed the woman standing by his seat to pull his cape to the side and hold it while he sat.

  As soon as she finished, Kara moved back several feet. Hensel took his place on Tarik’s left behind his chair and Mati stood behind Tarik on his right.

  “Be seated,” he invited and allowed everyone time to sit before nodded at the other servants. Immediately they began plating food and serving.

  Mikayla sat closest to Tarik on his right and leaned in his direction. She no longer held either baby. “I admire your tolerance.”

  His chuckle caught him off guard and thus the rest of the evening went.

  Dinner proved as pleasant as Tarik expected and hoped. While the Overlord’s warriors did not speak much, Vaan Galip’s wife had no such restraint. She bubbled with such enthusiasm that Tarik caught several of the servants lowering their heads to hide their smiles of amusement. It had been a long time since a woman entertained with such candor.

  “And then do you know what happened?” Mikayla asked.

  She recounted a story about the guards her mate assigned to follow her every move. Apparently the Su-Su was known for finding trouble.

  Tarik bit off his grin and tipped his head to the side. “Please share with me what happened.”

  Vaan leaned back in his chair, legs spread wide in a relaxed sprawl after eating, showing his trust and faith in Tarik. A babe lay curled upon his chest with tiny fists gripping loose strands of hair from the high tail the Overlord wore. He didn’t seem to notice. Her twin cuddled with one of the other Warlords as she banged silverware on the table while she babbled.

  It was one of the most informal yet delightful dinners Tarik had partaken of in years. Maliya would have loved it and been tickled by Mikayla Galip’s conversation.

  “Well despite my protests, my mate gave the unfortunate man two weeks cleaning the animal pens.”

  A snort of laughter escaped Tarik. He turned giving Vaan a nod of approval. “Well done, Overlord.” Even among his own people no one liked cleaning the stables or the excrement of the animal livestock pens.

  “I thought so but my mate disagreed. Fortunately, she understands that ever I am right.”

  The baby gurgled, bouncing in the lap of the Warlord who held her drawing everyone’s attention. When she noticed, her bright smile flashed fangs as she let loose a giggle. Tarik smiled in return. He wondered how the Overlord and his mate distinguished between the two.

  Envy cascaded through him. The Goddess had gifted the Overlord a fine mate and beautiful children. Shaking his head, Tarik dismissed the servants. Time to move on to the business at hand. Only Hensel and Mati remained. “I want to thank you for accepting my invitation but I’m sure you know I have a bigger reason for wanting you here.”

  Vaan straightened in one easy move not disturbing the baby at all. He signaled one of his warriors to take the child and Mikayla immediately got to her feet. “I long to stay to take part in the discussion but they get cranky when in need of rest. Whatever Vaan decides, Raasa will stand by it.”

  And with those few words she declared her support and trust in the warrior she chose to spend her life with. Mikayla stopped by the Overlord’s chair and leaned down placing a gentle kiss on his brow. Another smile and she cuddled her daughter close before taking her leave. The four Warlords waited for her before exiting the room.

  “Fortune smiles on you, Vaan.” Tarik eliminated any formality between them with his use of the Overlord’s first name.

  ‘This I am aware.” Vaan leaned on the table, elbows propped and black eyes serious. “I wore no weapon to your table to show your home respect. I appreciate you offering me the same courtesy.”

  Tarik nodded, glad he’d noticed. There was one thing they needed to clear out before they could proceed to talk of alliances. “If you had not killed Warlord Thenl, I would have destroyed Kaban in my efforts to find the hapfe dung.”

  “This I am also aware.”

  Again, they were of like minds. The Overlord never broke his dark eyed gaze from him. As much as it pained Tarik to accept, his Queen’s death rested in the past and nothing either of them did would ever bring her back. He could only make sure that Desani and Kaban worked together in the future. Vaan’s joining with a Raasa female meant the land bordering their countries would also be included in the alliance.

  “Tell me of your brother. Warlord Saran sits on your seat in Kaban?”

  “Yes. My life is in Raasa now with my mate.”

  Said with such vehemence, Tarik knew Vaan would no longer be the warrior he’d once been. The Overlord was a changed man. “Then let’s talk of peace. I believe this is years overdue.”

  Vaan’s stern features relaxed. “In this I would agree.”

  Chapter 6

  The talks with the Overlord went well into the night but Tarik believed the time and effort were well worth it. Desani now had a solid treaty in place with Kaban and more than likely one would be confirmed with the Raasa after Vaan’s mate, Mikayla, spoke with the other neighboring Su-Su.

  “Are you sure you wish to do this?” The question taunted as much as the slight curl on the Overlord’s mouth.

  Vaan and his family were heading back to Raasa this morning. Refreshed from a good nights sleep, Tarik inclined his head and finished the buckles on the padded safety vest Hensel insisted he wear over his tunic. Tarik’s attempt to go shirtless and without the protective measure had been received with horror.

  Vaan of course had his chest bare, the black harness for his sword crossing his chest in an X pattern that highlighted the fact that the Overlord spent as much time maintaining his body as any of his warriors. His long hair had been pulled up into a warrior’s knot emphasizing the harsh angles of his face. Dark eyes glinted, his stare never wavering. The leather pants he wore gripped muscled thighs that rumor claimed had once crushed a grown man’s neck.

  Tarik had no intentions of having that happen. “Absolutely. It’s all in fun remember.”

  Vaan’s low chuckle did not reassure.

  His mate rolled her eyes and rocked the sleeping child in her arms. “Both of you need to remember that this sparring match i
s a ridiculous idea.”

  Four Warlords behind her grimaced. The one holding the other child who watched with bright green eyes said, “It is a sign of trust among warriors to battle in practice without fear of permanent injury.”

  Vaan unsheathed his sword with a metallic clang and spread his legs further apart. He pointed the blade in Tarik’s direction. “Hard to injure a man when he’s covered in a shield.”

  Vaan’s men all laughed and Tarik’s cheeks heated. His response to the jest would be important. This was a tenuous alliance and one that would need careful tending if it was to flourish. “Feel free to use your secret armor. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to the mighty Overlord of Kaban. I trust your mate would be saddened.”

  This time the Kaban warriors and Tarik’s guards hooted. Mikayla’s light laughter spilled out. “I would be more than saddened Tarik so do your best not to hurt him.”

  Vaan’s head jerked around to face his mate. His sword dipped to the tiled floor of Tarik’s training room. “You are playing, yes? He will not get close enough to hurt me, she-ma.”

  The two exchanged a heated glance that sent another sharp stab of envy through him.

  “Weapon,” Tarik called out.

  Hensel tossed him his personal sword and Tarik caught it by the hilt with his right hand. “Best strike out of three?”

  Vaan laughed outright. “If I was a youngling, mayhap. As one warrior to another we will clash blades until first blood.”

  Tarik’s hearts raced at the challenge. It wasn’t often he got to practice in sword play full on. More often than not he didn’t have time and when he managed the time, his men were careful to advance steadily for fear of harming their King.

  His pulse sped up at the thought of how much fun he planned to have. “Agreed.”

  Mati gasped sharply behind him. “Your Highness!”

  He raised a hand for silence. “The Overlord and I will match swords until first blood.”

  Vaan’s dark stare turned to one of admiration. Tarik hefted his blade and advanced. He might not match his opponent in bulk and muscle mass but his skill in sword battles had once been noted as gifted. Now Tarik would see how it held up against one of the best warriors in the land.

  Vaan didn’t back up at Tarik’s approach. Instead, the Overlord waited for his attack. With a wicked grin, Tarik leaped across the remaining distance and slashed out in a feint. Instead of pulling back, Vaan raised his blade to meet his attack and with a flick of his wrist twisted the two swords to the side and punched Tarik in his mid-section hard enough to rock him on his feet.

  Tarik danced back with a wince. He’d bear bruises in the morning. “I see this match is to include fists and swords?”

  A dark brow hiked. “In battle do you ask your enemies for concessions and courtesy or do you fight as if your life is on the line.”

  Tarik’s laughter caught him off guard and he saluted Vaan with his sword. “Forgive me for not realizing that my life was on the line.”

  Without waiting for a response, Tarik attacked again and ducked to the side at the last second. The flat of his blade aimed for the Overlord’s upper arm but Vaan spun on his heels and blocked the strike with his weapon.

  The move exposed the side of his torso allowing Tarik the advantage. His swift kick to Vaan’s ribs was met with a loud groan as Vaan jerked away. When he turned back to face Tarik, he grinned madly. “Now you have the idea King of Desani.”

  Thus the fight continued. Swords clashing and fist swinging. At one point, Tarik paused to swipe at the sweat on his brow, chest pounding and declared, “I’m glad we never crossed swords in true battle.”

  Rarely did Tarik have the opportunity to lead his men in the skirmishes of the past when they met against Kaban warriors.

  Vaan replied in a serious note, “It is good you never faced my right hand Argan.”

  Tarik grimaced knowing well the stories of the Warlord known as the Death Dealer. Argan was a fitting warrior to have at the Overlord’s side. Together the two had a proven history of decimating those that went against them. Where honor could hold Vaan back, Argan’s ruthless nature under the battle rage Fenal was to be feared.

  Before he could finish the thought, Vaan’s sword came too close to Tarik’s head. He dropped and rolled to the side, coming up on his knees. The glare he sent Vaan’s way went unheeded as the Overlord laughed.

  “You are a worthy opponent, Tarik but your crown has made you soft.”

  True only in the sense that after his parents’ death Tarik’s days became full with matters of state and not fighting. He was a just ruler and being King made him stronger not weaker.

  Tarik climbed to his feet, determined to get in one good strike against his new ally. “I didn’t want to show you up in front of your mate for worry that her eyes might turn in my direction.”

  Vaan’s roar startled the sleeping twin who woke with a cry. Tarik bounced back from the wild swings and barely managed to counter the subsequent strikes. Excitement strummed through his veins, his dual hearts picking up pace to deal with the rush of adrenaline.

  Tarik needed every bit of concentration as the Overlord’s eyes started to glow. He had one moment to question the wisdom of his taunt before the sweet burn of steel meeting flesh tore through his shoulder where the protective vest gave way to the cloth of his shirt.

  Tarik hissed, his own sword lunging forward where he managed to pierce the skin of Vaan’s hip. The Overlord pulled back immediately and sheathed his weapon. He clasped Tarik’s forearm in a rough grip and pounded on his bleeding shoulder.

  “Good fighting though my blood clamors for more.”

  Since he grinned as he spoke the words, Tarik assumed he wouldn’t die today. Then Vaan leaned in close to whisper in Tarik’s ear. “Well played but a dangerous game to push me when you have the lives of many depending on you.”

  Tarik conceded the truth of his words but flush with his victory in getting a hit on the powerful Overlord, he couldn’t feel remorse for his actions. “Many will use her against you. Think on it.”

  When they separated everyone came forward to offer congratulations.

  Mikayla frowned at both of them. “Now with both of you bleeding, who’s to say who the victor is?”

  Vaan grunted, accepted a cloth from one of his men to swipe at the line of blood running down his leg and his torn leathers. “You doubt your mate?”

  She kissed Vaan’s cheek as he bent over to search her eyes. “Congratulations, King Tarik.”

  Vaan growled and lifted her up in his arms. Her squealing laughter released any concerns about a winner.

  Mati shot him a heated stare as he pressed down on Tarik’s shoulder with a black linen cloth. “You should not take such risk in the future, Sire.”

  Tarik ignored the scold and accepted the congratulations from each of Vaan’s Warlords as they came over.

  Still holding Mikayla in his arms, her hands clasped around his neck, Vaan ordered, “It is time for us to take our leave.”

  Tarik smiled. High off what he considered the second victory of their stay when one included the treaty. “I wish you safe travels to Raasa.”

  “Thank you for the honor of having us in your home.”

  “The honor was mine, Vaan. The alliance will strengthen the bonds among our people and for the first time in years there will be peace between Kaban and Desani.”

  Their group gathered together and left the training room, Vaan never letting Mikayla down despite her protest.

  “I enjoy holding you,” he whispered though Tarik following close behind heard them clearly.

  Chapter 7

  “Please wait, Your Majesty.”

  Mati’s harried request slowed Tarik’s strides. He hated space travel and while the ride on the battle cruiser from the surface of Taka to the space station had only taken several hours, it lasted long enough to strip Tarik of his patience.

  Hensel and his other four guardsmen surrounded him. The bay for visitors bust
led with activity. The roar and rumble of ships taking off and landing assaulted his ears. Everywhere Tarik look announced the presence of important dignitaries.

  His men cleared a path for him through the melee. Armed guards lined the halls. Mounted screens on the walls scrolled advertisements about the meeting and the agenda. When they reached a transport lift, Tarik came to a complete stop and allowed his guards to check for hidden danger before he entered.

  Mati leaned over to speak in his ear. “Sire, are you alright?”

  Tarik shook his head. Not sure. Ever since his meeting with the Overlord and his family, Tarik had been on edge. He missed the connection that came from being with someone you loved. A connection Vaan clearly shared with his Mikayla. “I’m fine, Mati. Just don’t like space travel.” And that was the truth so he felt no guilt for uttering the words.

  Hensel waved them forward. Another guard pressed the button for the main section and the lift dropped at super speed. Gritting his teeth, Tarik endured though grateful when the transport stopped smoothly on the designated floor and the metal doors opened.

  “We are scheduled to arrive at the meeting room in less than ten minutes Sire.”

  Tarik didn’t need Mati’s warning. They barely had time to drop his things off at his suite before hurrying. Only Mati and Hensel accompanied him. The standard rule dictated no more than two could accompany each representative into the meeting rooms for the United Alliance. Fewer personnel meant less opportunity for hostility among members to escalate into an actual fight while they mingled.

  Designated officials by the alliance from each planet in the UA attended. The purpose of the gathering was to confirm everyone’s commitments to peace according to the original guidelines they’d set forth and discuss recent issues that could have political ramifications among the countries on the planets where they all resided.

  A slim UA guard dressed in a gray uniform, armed with a blaster on his hip, nodded at their approach. His shoulders were ram rod straight with a military bearing. The patch on his chest identified him as simply Kapsun.