"Tony is not nearly as smart as Kaia, but Navuh's approach was always different than ours. Breeding for brute force to start with, and lately breeding for smarts, but it was always about building his army. It was never about gaining a technological advantage over us. I thought it was because he didn't have the means that we had, but maybe it was a strategic decision." Hegrimaced. "As much as I hate to admit it, he might have been right going the biological route rather than the technological one. His enhancement project seemed to have failed, but if it had succeeded, he might have been able to deal us a devastating blow. I need to find out what progress he has achieved on that front and what plans he has put in motion for the future of the program."
"Are you going to see him today?" Annani asked.
"Yes. I'll come with you to visit Areana first, and then I'll excuse myself and go see him."
"Do not let him know that you are curious about his offer. Be as dismissive of it as you can."
Kian chuckled. "This is not my first interrogation, Mother. I know what I'm doing."
"I know you do, but I need to make sure. I know Navuh. Maybe not well, but better than you do. He is prideful, and the biggest chip on his shoulder is that he is not a god. He is a very powerful immortal, even more so than many of the gods were, but he can never claim godly status, and it irks him to no end."
"I'll try to remember that and maybe use it to goad him."
"Do not underestimate him, my son. Navuh is very clever. He will see right through your attempts to provoke him."
As the keep came into view, its glass façade reflecting the morning sun, Anandur pulled into the underground parking structure. And a few minutes later, they were in the elevator, ascending to the penthouse level.
Areana welcomed them, her cool, pale beauty like moonlight to his mother's fiery sun.
"Areana." Annani swept forward and embraced her, holding her close. "You look so beautiful in this gown. The gray color suits you."
His aunt smiled, looking radiant even though her skin was not luminous like he knew it could be if she allowed it. "Your seamstress is a treasure, and she must never sleep. Three more gowns were delivered yesterday afternoon."
Annani glanced down at Areana's feet and frowned. "You need matching shoes for your new gowns."
Kian stood with the brothers, watching the exchange with a smile on his face. Having Areana back made his mother happy, and when she was happy, so was he.
After several more gushing compliments had been exchanged, Areana finally turned to Kian. "I'm so glad you came with your mother." She pulled him into her arms.
"Aunt Areana." Kian returned the embrace, somewhat awkwardly. She might be his aunt, but he barely knew her, and he wasn't comfortable with physical affection from anyone other than his immediate family.
She released him and stepped back, smoothing her hands over her gown. "The penthouse is beautiful. I especially enjoy the view."
"Have you tried the lap pool on the terrace?" he asked.
She glanced at the glass wall that separated the living room from the sprawling terrace. "Not yet. I spend most of my time by Navuh's side."
"Is there anything you need?" he asked. "Anything we can provide to make you more comfortable?"
Areana's smile was tinged with sadness. "You've already done more than I could have hoped for. I don't have words to express my gratitude."
"You're family," Kian said. "It's what we do."
The words seemed to affect her, and she blinked rapidly as if fighting back tears and forcing composure.
"Forgive me," she said after a moment. "I'm usually not so easily overwhelmed. It's just difficult to adjust to so many changes all at once."
"You are entitled to your feelings." Annani threaded her arm through Areana's. "Let us sit down."
Areana nodded, then seemed to remember her duties as hostess and turned to Brundar and Anandur who had remained standing by the door. "Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. Can I offer you tea? I'm afraid I don't know how to make much else."
"Tea would be lovely," Annani said, settling onto one of the plush sofas.
"Tea would be great," Kian said, taking a seat across from his mother and motioning for the brothers to sit down.
Areana fluttered around the kitchen, and Kian wondered if he should offer her his help. Life in the harem had been luxurious, and servants had handled everything. Areana had likely never needed to prepare her own food or drink.
She might regard the offer as an insult, though.
