"I felt burdened," Tavo said, staring at the ceiling. “Perhaps my stress caused my men to betray me. We were in foreign lands. They took me to a gang who shot me. They thought they killed me, but I healed and waited until I could return home.”
I should have sympathized with him. While he was struggling for his life in a land far from ours, I was struggling for my life as a frog.
And now we werebothback.
He smiled, and in that smile, my stomach twisted. “In my journey to return home, I realized what an honor I was given,” said my brother. “I’m back.”
“Ezra Keoki is the king of Kaiora,” Ho‘ohuli said, stepping in. “We welcome you, Tavo, but your brother has already been crowned.”
Tavo tipped his chin to me. “Of course.” His tone was bitter. “I do command armies, and I have befriended many foreign powers who have their eyes on our beloved kingdom.”
Ourbeloved kingdom? Was he… threatening me?
“How did you get an army?” I asked, and Tavo sat up… finally. He was rather embarrassing us both by laying like a beached whale on the throne. I was glad I didn’t have to scold him in front of everyone. This was awkward enough as it was.
“I used my influence. Convinced and persuaded people to follow me.” He grinned at me. “We can make Kaiora the most powerful kingdom in the world, Ezra.”
Someone shifted uncomfortably and that’s when Tavo’s attention turned. He noticed our cousin, Kalei, next to Ho‘ohuli and they kissed one another’s cheeks.
“Welcome back,” she said quietly, then added, “It’s like we’re seeing a ghost, Tavo…”
“Don’t worry Kalei.” He waved his hand at her. “I'm as real as ever.” His eyes then latched onto Aulani, standing there, observing him. She didn’t flinch under his gaze, but held it.
“Who’s this pretty little lady?” He approached her and that’s when I stepped in.
“She’s mine, Tavo.”
“Ah.” He recoiled quickly, nostrils slightly flared.
I don’t trust him.Aulani’s voice said to me and I couldn’t agree more. I’d never been close to my brother, with the biggest reason being our blood. He saw me as inferior for my half-blooded heritage.
And now he’s the one gallivanting with the foreigners…
My brother turned his attention back to me. “I am willing to discuss politics, Ezra. And to discuss the matter of the throne.”
So he does want the throne back.
I swallowed hard. “We can discuss things tomorrow,” I said. “It’s late and a lot has happened today.”
“Of course, your majesty.” He was mocking me. I could see it in his eyes.
Ho‘ohuli then stepped in, telling Tavo where he could stay in the palace. My nobles and counselors looked from me to Tavo, and that’s when Ifeltit. A shift. They were deciding which leader they saw more suitable for the throne, and at least half of them probably thought it was him.
Your people believe in you.Aulani’s voice sounded, as if she could read my thoughts.
You don’t understand, Aulani. He was raised to be king his whole life. These people have looked to him as the sovereign ruler. I’ve never been enough.
Her eyebrows furrowed.You are enough, Ezra. You are the greatest king this people has ever seen.
I blocked my wary thoughts from her.
No. I was not a good enough king, especially not without her.Shewould be the answer to saving our island, and, though I had proposed to her and made it clear that I wanted to be with her, that was another reason I wanted–no, needed–her to stay.
I should tell her.But would she feel like I was using her?
Everything felt so fragile in that moment, I wished I could be in my garden again… away from everyone and everything.
Cressida stepped into the room, and when she saw Tavo, her entire expression changed. It was strange to see…
