by Elin Peer
A sea of hands went up from the press and Khan pointed to a man in the front.
“If you’re not Lord Marcus’s son, shouldn’t you step down and let the rightful heir rule?”
Khan looked pissed. “My brother, Magni, would be the rightful heir but he has made it clear years ago that he has no interest in being a ruler himself. It’s too much of a desk job for him.”
Another journalist stood up, and spoke in an accusatory tone of voice, “Is this in any way related to Magni’s accident?”
Khan took a second before he answered, “Are you implying that I sabotaged my brother’s drone because I knew he was the rightful heir and I wasn’t?”
“Well, it’s a fair question. Did you know about this before he crashed?”
“No, I didn’t know and I had nothing to do with his crash. Magni and I are a team and will continue to be a team.” With deep frown lines on his forehead, Khan pointed to another journalist.
“Then how come no one has seen Magni for months? There are rumors that he’s dead and that you’re covering it up.”
Khan looked like he wasn’t sure whether to punch the man or answer his question. With annoyance in his voice, he nodded to me. “Mila, will you confirm that your father is very much alive?”
I stood up and turned to the crowd, feeling my heart race faster when hundreds of people stared at me. “I… I assure you that my father, Magni Aurelius, is alive and growing stronger every day after the accident. He has been part of the decision to have an election and he supports Khan one hundred percent.”
“Then why isn’t he here?” someone shouted from the back.
My mother Laura, who was standing by the wall, stepped forward. “That’s none of your fucking business.”
Khan cleared his throat. “Magni will step out in public when he feels ready. As Mila said, he is involved in making decisions and he supports the direction we’re taking.”
“There’s no fucking way Magni supports democracy. You people are covering something up.” A large man in the middle of the room stood up and gave a loud outburst and others called out in support.
“That’s right.”
“We want to hear it from Magni.”
I was proud of Khan for keeping calm and answering, “On the contrary, we’re being very transparent.” Khan pointed to another journalist. “Do you have a question that doesn’t involve Magni?”
“Yes. Who came up with the idea of democracy; was it one of the Council members that you socialize with? Jonah Cervici is here. Did he plant this idea in your head?” The question sounded like another accusation and I turned in my seat to see Jonah’s reaction, but he was gone.
“No, it wasn’t Jonah’s idea. It was mine! Next question.”
I didn’t stay to hear the next question. Instead I walked out of the room to call Jonah on my wristband. “Jonah, where did you go? Things are heating up in there.”
“I went to your dad. I’m trying to convince him to give his support via a remote link, but he won’t listen to me.”
Magni came into view in the hologram above my wrist. “I told Khan this would be a disaster. People don’t want a democracy. It makes us look weak.”
Jonah argued before I could, “Which is why they need to hear it from you, Magni. Didn’t you tell me that you’re the strongest warrior in the world? If you support Khan’s vision, others will follow.”
“Jonah is right.” I looked back over my shoulder toward the room I’d just left. “It’s bad in there. Khan needs your help. Some of them think Jonah is behind the idea of democracy and that you’re dead.”
Magni growled. “I know. I’ve been watching.”
“They need to see you, Dad.”
“You’re wrong. If they see me, we’re going to look even more weak.”
“It can be a close-up of your face only.”
“I look horrible.”
I was going to protest, but again Jonah spoke first, “Yes, you do. Scary even! It’s brilliant for putting them all in their place. You’re a living legend to these men and they need to see you.”
I saw the moment my dad made up his mind. Using his right hand, he pushed his unruly hair behind his ears and sat up straighter. “Okay, but neck up only. Don’t fucking show any of my body, do you hear me?”
“Got it!” Jonah’s face came into the picture. “Mila, go back in the room and tell Khan that Magni will speak.”
“Okay.” I hurried back to the room, where Khan was now red in the face from the aggressive push-back from the journalists.
“Magni is on the line. Do you want me to project him up so he can speak to everyone?”
Khan frowned, clearly not comfortable with this unplanned development. “Okay.” Turning to the audience again, he raised both hands. “In order to shut down all the ridiculous conspiracy theories you’ve been throwing at me, Commander Magni will speak now.”
I projected the hologram of my father beside Khan. With the right side of Magni’s face scarred and his eyes flashing with anger, he looked like a furious Norse god who had descended on earth to wreak damage.
“So, you think I’m dead, do you? I’m afraid you fuckers weren’t that lucky. I’m still here.”
Spontaneous cheers broke out in the back and one of his soldiers shouted. “Told you! It would take more than a drone crash to kill the Commander.”
Magni eased up a little bit. “As you can see, crashing in a drone did nothing good for my looks, but my mind still works and believe it or not, I support this crazy idea of Khan’s, and you know why?” Magni narrowed his eyes. “Because, if you assholes can’t see how good you have it with me and Khan in charge, then you don’t deserve us.”
Khan nodded. “Thank you, Commander. Anything else you want to add?”
“Yeah. Stop making up stories about me being dead. It’s fucking annoying.”
“When will you appear in public?” a brave journalist asked.
Magni gave a grimace of annoyance. “I just fucking did.”
“But when will you step out of the manor and meet the people?”
Magni shook his head as if the journalist asking was an idiot for using the word “step” to a man who had lost both legs. “When I feel like it.”
“How are you dealing with the loss of your limbs?” The question from a third journalist made Magni so mad that he flipped a finger to the camera and turned his head. “Jonah, turn this shit off. I’m done.”
A famous reporter called Zeus was allowed a question by Khan. “Was it Jonah Cervici that Magni was talking to?” He stood with his shoulders squared and his body leaned forward as if he was on to something.
“Yes.”
“Would you say that Jonah has been instrumental in planting the idea of democracy in you and Magni, or was it Pearl perhaps?”
Khan scowled at Zeus, who was known to ask sharp questions.
“I’ve already answered that question, but let me repeat that Jonah did not plant any ideas in us and we are not influenced by him. It’s the other way around.”
It was a predictable answer but nevertheless, I sighed and closed my eyes feeling the heaviness of the constant them and us debate drain me. In this integration process, it was always a discussion of which side influenced the other more. Not that I was any better myself; as a Motlander living in the Northlands, I would like to think that I influenced the people around me to be kinder and more tolerant.
Khan took two more questions but I zoned out until it was all over and people moved around me.
“Mila, are you okay?” Jonah squatted down in front of me.
Blinking my eyes, I refocused. “Yeah, I was just reflecting on something.”
“On what?”
“On culture.”
“Come on.” He stood up and took my hand. “Let’s find a quieter place to talk.”
With a hand on the small of my back, Jonah led me through the ballroom, but we didn’t reach the exit before a deep male voice called my name.
�
��Mila, may I have a word?”
I turned my head to see one of the Huntsmen approach us. He was massive in height and had a thick neck. “Oh, I remember you. Your name is Python, isn’t it?”
His face lit up. “That’s right. We met at Raven’s and Leo’s wedding a few weeks ago.”
Jonah stiffened next to me. “Ah, yes, one of the five predicted champions.”
Python had told me at the wedding that he owned a workout studio in Kingstown where he taught fighting techniques.
“That’s right.” Python gave Jonah a hard stare. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Jonah didn’t blink. “Forgive me but I’m not a fan of senseless violence or Mila’s marrying a stranger.”
Python ignored Jonah and turned his attention on me. “If you want to, we could get to know each other before the tournament. That way, I wouldn’t be a stranger.”
His coldness toward Jonah made me sure that I’d never pick him as my husband, but I managed to give him a polite smile. “That’s very nice of you, but hardly fair to the other contestants."
“I thought you might say that.” Python reached out his hand with a letter. “But would you at least read this?”
I hesitated because knowing that I’d never pick him, I had no interest in reading his letter.
Don’t be mean, just take his letter and smile.
I took it and gave him another stiff smile. “Thank you.”
Jonah began walking and like we were tethered together by invisible rope, I hurried after him.
“Wait up.”
He walked fast and steered toward the staircase leading up to his favorite spot: the rooftop star lounge.
“Jonah, what’s wrong?” It was January and freezing so I wrapped my arms around myself. “We don’t have jackets on. It’s too cold to be up here.”
Jonah stood with his back to me, hands in his pockets, and his head leaned back. We had been up here at night, often, but never when there was frost in the air. He didn’t look like he was going anywhere, so I walked over and turned on the outdoor heater and opened a drawer to find a large blanket.
“I can’t stand the thought of you marrying one of those men. Tell me the truth. Are you attracted to any of them?”
“I don’t know them.” Only my head peeked out under the large blanket that now covered me.
Jonah walked over to join me under the heater. “But the way his muscles made his shoulders pop up like they were pregnant. It can’t possibly be attractive to you.”
“I don’t judge people on how they look.”
“No, I know, but…” Jonah’s head fell forward. “Remember what we talked about earlier when I asked you if you thought I was gay?”
“Yes.”
“To say that you don’t know isn’t an answer.”
“But I truly don’t know.”
He furrowed his brow and looked deep into my eyes for a few seconds before asking, “What about you, North Star? Do you have sexual desires?”
Jonah’s question surprised me. It was unusual for him to talk about sex.
“I’m not asexual if that’s what you mean.”
“Okay.” He kept his eyes locked with mine. “And is it men or women for you?”
I blinked, unsure why there was a hint of anger in his voice when Jonah was always so calm and kind. “I’m attracted to men.”
Jonah shifted his weight to one side and pointed with a thumb over his shoulder. “Those men? I mean, what kind of name is Python and do you really find it attractive that his upper arm is the same size as his thigh?”
It was an exaggeration but I got what he meant.
“Not all warriors are massive like that. I don’t have to pick him.”
“It doesn’t matter, Mila. If it’s not him, it’s someone like him. Someone who thinks people deserve pain and that fighting is the best way to communicate. Why would you spend your life with a man like that when…” He stopped talking and with a sigh he turned his back to me.
“When what, Jonah?”
Facing me again, he swallowed hard. “When you have a choice and you can say no.”
I focused on his shoes and tried to defend myself. “It began as a stupid bet with my father, but the thing is that it really means the world to my parents.”
“Mila, it might mean the world to them that you marry, but it doesn’t have to be in a tournament, does it?”
“My dad says that it’s the only way to make sure I’m marrying the strongest protector possible.”
Jonah threw his hands up in frustration. “Come on, Mila. You’re a Motlander. You don’t need a protector. Just come with me to the Motherlands and see for yourself.”
I kept my gaze down. “My wedding day is April 6th. That’s in a little over six weeks. I know you don’t like it, but I can’t cancel it. Too much work has gone into it by now.”
“Of course you can cancel it. All you have to do is say ‘no’.”
“I know you worry, but I won’t let my future husband dictate that we can’t be friends anymore.” Lifting my hand, I reached out and touched him. “I’m not giving you up, Jonah.”
He took my hand and squeezed it with a pleading look. “If I mean that much to you, then come home with me. This might be your last chance.”
The cold air made clouds of moisture accompany our words. “I’ll talk to my parents about it.”
“No, Mila. You don’t need to ask for permission. You’re an adult and it’s time you understand that the one in charge has always been you!”
I nodded. “You’re right.”
“Just tell them that you’re going to the Motherlands with me for a week.”
“A week?”
“Yes. Anything less is too short.”
“But don’t you have to work?”
“Council meetings are held virtually. As long as I have a connection, I can work from anywhere.”
“I see.”
“So?” His tone vibrated with excitement. “Will you come with me?”
I wanted to say yes but a myriad of thoughts kept bringing up my father, the tournament, my dogs, and other reasons why I shouldn’t.
“Mila, please.”
The more I looked into Jonah’s beautiful amber-colored eyes, the less I felt the cold around us. His genuine interest and desire to spend time with me warmed me from within and a tingling sensation spread in my stomach.
“Come with me, Miss Sunshine. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
Unable to break eye contact or refuse Jonah when he always made me feel appreciated and special, I whispered my answer: “Okay. I’ll go with you!”
CHAPTER 4
Poking a Bear
Jonah
Magni’s room was dimly lit when I entered. “Are you awake? Laura told me that I could say goodbye to you before I leave.”
“I’m awake.” With a low buzzing sound, the drapes moved and let in more daylight. Magni sat in his bed with books, plates, and entertainment equipment spread around him.
“Mila and I will be leaving in half an hour.”
“She told me.”
“You don’t sound upset about her going.”
Magni studied me when I sat down on the chair next to his bed. “With Khan’s new quest for democracy we can’t know what’s going to happen next. Some wannabe dictator might see his chance to overrule Khan. When Mila told me that she is going with you, Laura and I had already decided that we’re sending the children to the Motherlands for a while. Athena and Finn have agreed to let the little ones stay with them until things are calmer here.”
I blinked my eyes. “Are you expecting an attack?”
Magni’s tone was dry. “I’m always expecting an attack. That’s my fucking job.”
Tilting my head, I pushed him a little. “Then shouldn’t you get out of bed and prepare to take these attackers on?”
If Magni’s look could have killed me, I’d be dead in my seat. “In case you haven’t noticed – I’m a fucking cripple.”
Magni narrowed his eyes. "People have said a lot of so-called motivational shit to me since the accident, but that has to be the stupidest thing of them all."
I didn’t let his insult affect me. “What you need is a clear head, a great mindset, and the ability to delegate.”
“Spare me your lecture on great leadership.”
“Why?” I moved to the edge of my seat and pushed him a little. “What are you going to do if I don’t spare you?”
“I still have my right arm and that’s all I need to punch you.”
I tilted my head from side to side. “True, but that would require you to finally get out of your bed and since you’ve been unwilling to do that for months now, it sounds like an empty threat.”
Magni growled low.
“What?” I continued. “You think I don’t understand what it means to be physically weak among strong men? What it means to have people look at you like you’re a joke of a man?”
“No, I’m sure you understand that part, but it’s different for you because you were never strong to begin with.”
There was nothing funny about his pain, but I pretended to be amused. “It’s funny you should say that because as I see it, I’m the strongest man in the world.”
“Ha… Either you’re high or delusional?”
“I’m neither.”
Magni pursed his lips. “Look, Jonah, you might be big and strong for a Motlander, but my eleven-year-old son could take you in a fight.”
“No doubt!” I held my chin high.
Magni raised his brow. “So, you’re admitting it?”
Leaning forward, I gave him another smug smile, meant to provoke him. “Absolutely. My strength is up here.” I tapped my temple.
“You mean like Khan? He keeps telling us all he’s a genius.”
That made me laugh. “No. I’m no genius. What I am is a change maker who affects millions of lives. Just like you.”
“Don’t compare us. We’re nothing alike.”
