“I grew up in Antalis, family units aren’t uncommon. If you do, I can accept having another friend. Come, I’ll apply the ointment to your back and then you can apply it to my thigh. I’m tired of this day.”
Shock, it’s the only thing that explains her response. She’s too calm, too collected, but her eyes swirl with emotions I can’t understand. I walk to her and let the cool sensation of the paste calm my aching back before my fingers softly apply it to her thigh. She throws off the fur robe and slides between the sheets and I crawl in behind her.
She curls on her side away from me and I gently graze her bare arm with my fingers. She doesn’t move closer and I don’t force her. As I start to drift off, I feel her body shake and the unmistakable sound of soft sobs.
“Ryehro?”I lie there, unsure of what to do. I know why she cries, because she’s forced to be here, with me. Not only is she forced to be in this kingdom, but now she’s seen the true man that I am, there is no reason for her to not hate me. “I’m sorry for today ... I’m sorry you were forced to wed a monster.”
She turns over at my words and looks straight at me, her blue eyes lined with crystal tears. “Ereon, you aren’t the monster, your father is. I’m upset that no one was able to save you. I’m sorry that you came to Midaeliea and Antalis when you were younger and no one tried to help you. I’m sorry that I don’t remember things. I’m sorry that my father is locked inside his palace without anyone.I’m sorry that I’m angry. I’m sorry that my friend died. And I’m so tired of being and feeling sorry. I want to change things, but I don’t know how. I’m trying to keep it all together, but I’m lost …”
I rub my thumb across her cheek, expecting wetness to touch my fingertips, but instead I brush away a small, thin shard of ice. I look at her. A fierceness shines through her eyes even though she’s upset, and I remember the pass and what we saw there. As I swipe her cheek again, all I find are salty tears that shine in the moonlight.
“As long as I am with you, I’ll never let you be lost alone. I’m right here, always. We will find a way to change things. ”
“Thank you,” she says before she buries her head in my chest and I listen as sleep takes her.
twenty-two
King Atlas
Istare through the flames that link me to those burning in my son’s room. I watch the sleeping figures of Ereon and his bride, wondering what she’s done to him. Ereon has changed. He’s become weak, as evident by his fight over the girl at theplal ryow. I expected him to come back from Antalis stronger and more determined, especially since I held his whore over his head while he was gone.
He needs to remember who he is — the person I raised him to be — but I can’t deal with that right now. There are more pressingmatters to attend to. For too long Shaston’s been hidden behind these mountains, and I’ve been deprived of what’s mine.
“Ataiun,” I call, andSacheAtaiun appears from the shadows. He could have been a fine son, if my wife had been stronger this is what she could have bred. “How are things in the north?”
He walks forward, his hand behind his back. “Worse. Many of the reports have requested aid and backup.”
This is only information that the two of us have heard. Every day it seems worse; thekukhegrow restless. I thrum my fingers against the armrest pondering my choices.
“Tell my son and the Ambassador to come to me in the morning. I’ll offer soldiers to travel to the other kingdoms.”
“Yes, my King, but it would be dangerous to let them go now,” Ataiun says.
“I know.” I look back to the flames. Carnaxa’s blue hair drapes over the side of the bed and Ereon’s arm wraps around her in a protective embrace. My mouth twists in disgust because he could have been great. He could have been everything I needed him to be.
Let them go, she’s played her part. She’s useless to us now.
His voice invades me, an ever-present reminder of my true goal. Carnaxa did fulfill her part, and magic was awakened. A wave of my hand has tiny embers circling around my fingertips. I can feel it inside of me, the magic. Everything is coming to fruition as it should, as was planned — the deluc in Antalis and thekhindin Midaeliea. All pieces on a board I’ve playedfor years.
“And what of the Antalians?” Ataiun asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I roll my eyes. I haven’t killed them like I originally planned because I’m hoping they’ll give up their loyalty and want to fight for the ones who will be the victors. Ereon will want to take them all if he leaves to the north, which is fine. Those who came with the Princess seem to stir up more trouble than I have time to deal with. The pink haired one has too much spirit, and unfortunately, I can’t beat her down like I did Anara. Her husband will want to follow her. But the Ambassador, what is his name? Thylas. He is the one I really need to go away. He’ll want to know where his men are eventually. He watches and listens, and he asks far too many questions, but I like him. He’s stubborn and strong willed, and those are personality traits I may be able to work with, especially after I watched him through the flames.He’s Shastonian. Now to find his bloodlines.
I realize Ataiun is still waiting for a response. “They all have permission to leave.” Closing my fist the embers flicker out. Ataiun bows once more before leaving the room.
Soon,Ra Syam, we’ll be ready for you.
twenty-three
Thylas
“We’ve only just arrived and we are now expected to go on yet another journey?” Siphonie whispers to Rhenor.
I squeeze the bridge of my nose. She wasn’t supposed to be here. I told her that. It was just supposed to be Ereon and me, but Rhenor refused to stay behind, as did she. The King snorts and I know he heard her.
“Did you enjoy watching your husband flogged,BêlitSiphonie? Perhaps I should issue more lashes.” The King stares at her and shestares right back.
“She is correct.” I try to draw Atlas’ attention back to me. “We have only just arrived. Prince Ereon and Princess Carnaxa have just been wed. Surely we can wait a few moon cycles or you can send others?”
