I want to quickly get up and assure Erik and Gotrid that it’s silly to feel jealous of my cousins, but I trip over my robe and fall right onto Advin’s lap. Advin is so surprised that it takes him a while to react and we resist a telepathic connection only by both of us mustering all our willpower. I feel my partners getting angrier with each passing second.
Before I manage to collect myself, they jump to me and pull me up. I gasp for breath when their emotions intensify upon direct touch. The last time I experienced Erik this jealous was when Gotrid appeared at the New York conference and was openly flirting with me. Frankly, I don’t understand how that is comparable to socialising with my biological family.
“T-too much,” I push them away because their emotions make me nauseous. “Erik, Gotrid, calm down! There’s no reason to feel this way.”
“Isn’t there?” Gotrid clicks his tongue. “Nobody should be allowed to touch your wings in such a way except for us. It’s our privilege and ours only!”
I’m staring at them, dumbfounded. If they got jealous that another man petted my wings with ulterior motives, I would understand their jealousy. However, Advin and Nala are my cousins—my blood relatives.
“Gotrid, Erik,” I take their hands, trying to withstand their intense emotions. “What is this really about? I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Their anger slowly transforms into guilt. They finally realised that they snapped at me without a valid reason except for their own insecurity. Now they feel embarrassed about it.
“Sorry,” Erik is too ashamed to meet my eyes. “It’s just… you looked so content in the company of your cousins.”
“We got jelly,” Gotrid admits, chewing his lip.
I can’t be angry at them. They overreacted because they felt threatened by my cousins. They are afraid that I might start preferring the Divementis, but that’s just impossible. I’m probably slowly and inevitably falling in love with the Divementis, but I’ll never start preferring them. I’m just as Celestial as I am Divementis.
“Let’s sit together,” I pull my husbands down on the cushions. I spread my wings and hug them.
Nala and Advin are giving my husbands unsure looks, but they stay seated. Erik and Gotrid are my bonded partners which means that my cousins should feel drawn to them whether they like it or not. Advin is frowning, but I can tell he’s open to accepting my partners in the end.
“I’ll say it once and for all—I won’t allow any jealousy or rivalry between you four,” I state clearly.
“B-but, love, we’re your…,” Gotrid wants to protest so I clutch his hand.
“Naturally, you’re my partners so you’ll always be my absolute priority,” I assure him. “However, that doesn’t mean I won’t want to spend time with my cousins as well. Erik, Gotrid, don’t you understand? I finally found my biological family. With my grandma dead, I thought that I didn’t have any left.”
“We do understand,” Erik answers slowly. “It’s just… we have so little time for each other as it is and your attention is going to be even more divided from now on.”
“It’s only temporary,” I claim vehemently. “Hopefully, if we win the war, we will have centuries to spend together. Erik, your goal right now is to transform as quickly as possible so that we have those centuries ahead of us.”
“I know,” he sighs resignedly and looks at Nala. “I’ll be in your care then.”
I smile at him encouragingly and lean for a kiss. As expected, Advin is embarrassed seeing us kissing right in front of him, but I don’t feel anything coming from Nala. She must be used to public displays of intimacy from those Korean TV shows she likes so much. I kiss Gotrid as well because I can sense that our private morning is coming to an end.
“Your Majesty, the Divementis Emperor just arrived,” Vermiel enters the lounge to report.
“What? So early?” I check the time. It’s barely seven.
“Since you’re up already, he said that he didn’t have a reason to wait,” Vermiel shrugs.
“He felt that I was awake from his apartment?” I widen my eyes. “Advin, is the Divementis telepathy so far-reaching?”
“Only when it comes to family bonds,” Advin explains. “We’re finely tuned to the minds of our partners and family members.”
“Can you tell him to wait for a few minutes? I need to put on some decent clothes,” I ask.
“Of course,” Advin nods and goes to relay my message.
I guess that I could have just sent my father that message telepathically, but I don’t want to feel him in my mind so early in the morning. I want to keep my defences against him for as long as possible even though I know that they are crumbling already.
“Aefener, are you well-rested?” my father greets me when I’m done and doesn’t seem bothered that I had him wait in the hall.
“Thanks to you,” I have to give him merit for that.
His mind touches me lightly, but I have my defences back up, so he can’t get through. He looks saddened that I won’t let him in, but he doesn’t say anything. Did he think that I would suddenly warm up to him only because he helped me with a migraine?
We ride the elevator together, but I push Gotrid in front of me so that his wings are between me and my father. I let my father enter my mind yesterday and I don’t know how to face him now. He could see so many things while he was comforting my fatigued brain. I shouldn’t have let a moment of weakness cloud my judgment.
I find Liana and Soren already eating in the dining room and they sit right next to each other. Normally, Liana always sits either next to me or next to Luviael. Did something happen between them yesterday evening while I was blissfully out? Finally, some progress in their relationship?
“Good morning, Your Majesty,” Liana stands up and bows to me. Soren does the same.
I wave my hand so that they can sit down immediately and give them an inquisitive look. Liana doesn’t feel any different than usual, but I sense careful hope coming from Soren. Unfortunately, with my father watching me, I don’t dare to ask Soren telepathically about it.
“Li, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to take on most governmental tasks for me,” I tell her.
“Suspected as much,” Liana nods. “Don’t worry, my Emperor, I’m sure that our people will understand why you can’t waste any time except for the most important matters.”
“Soren, can I ask you to help Liana?” I ask him specifically on purpose even though it goes without saying that everyone will support her in my stead.
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Soren beams at me, no doubt looking forward to spending more time with my romantically dumb Viceroy.
“I’ll be counting on you then,” I smile. “Make sure that Liana doesn’t overwork herself.”
“Naturally,” Soren nods in all seriousness.
Liana rolls her eyes and nudges him. She’s trying to appear annoyed, but I can feel that she’s not. Moreover, she normally never nudged people because that would ruin her image as my ruthless deputy. It seems Soren is slowly taking down her defences one layer at a time and I have to commemorate him for that.
Someone puts a plate with breakfast in front of me and the portion is indeed smaller than before, just as was agreed. I get the same number of eggs and veggies, but only one piece of bread and no side dishes. The amount of food seems manageable so I dig in without protests.
“Did you have enough, hon?” Gotrid is a bit doubtful when I finish everything.
“Enough,” I assure him. I realise only now that I will have to slow down next time so that my Celestial companions, who need to eat more than me, have time. I certainly can’t stand up or that would end breakfast for everyone so I slowly sip my coffee.
Aefener, my father addresses me telepathically all of a sudden even though he’s been silent so far.
Y-yes? I try not to flinch.
You’re still afraid of me, I saw it in your mind yesterday, he says and shows me how sad he is about it.
What did you expect? I mean, really? I retort irritably. When we met for the very first time, you went for the most brutal telepathic test to prove me. Then you started invading my dreams without my consent and training me using merciless methods. I have every right not to trust you.
I had to do it to protect you, he answers apologetically. My people were prepared to abduct you if I didn’t prove to them that you inherited the Royal bloodline. As for the training, I needed you to be able to protect yourself and this was the only way to teach you fast in just a few sessions.
While I rationally do understand his arguments, my father was like a void to me since the beginning. I’m just starting to perceive his emotions and only to the extent he lets me. How can I be sure that he’s sincere? From what I know, he sees me only as a valuable resource that might help the Divementis win the war.
I know that I don’t deserve your forgiveness just yet, Aefener, he speaks up again when he doesn’t hear my answer. All I ask is that you give me a chance.
I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t prepared to give you a chance, I finally reply.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Thank you, son, I really appreciate that…
“Love, are you with us?” Erik nudges me when he notices my blank expression.
“Sorry, I was talking to my father,” I admit.
Erik chews his lip. He can tell when I’m communicating telepathically, but I usually do it with either him or Gotrid. He hates it when I do it with anyone else.
“Son, I think everyone pretty much finished eating,” my father observes. “We should start immediately before the Japanese government decides how to react.”
*****
“A pod? Why do I have to lie in a pod?” Erik protests when Nala shows him the VR device he’s going to be plugged in. “Ryuu could deep dive from his bed.”
“You’ll also need to wear this,” Nala hands him a futuristic-looking overall. “I’m sorry, but it’s necessary. You’ll be spending in VR twelve hours a day. There won’t be any time for lunch, bathroom breaks or exercise. The suit will be stimulating your muscles and absorbing liquids.”
“Twelve hours a day without any breaks,” Gotrid shudders. “Not even the most hardcore gamers do that.”
“Since we want Lord Erik to transform as soon as possible, it’s the only way,” Nala says and sends Erik into a cabin so that he can change clothes.
“Is it really safe, Nala?” I’m starting to have doubts.
“It’s safe with that suit,” she assures me. “Also, we’ll be monitoring Lord Erik’s health all the time. You have nothing to fear, Your Highness.”
Erik returns and looks surprisingly sexy. The suit isn’t very different from his helicopter overall and he has the perfect body type for it.
“I can’t imagine peeing in that, though,” he still complains.
“Like astronauts,” Gotrid smirks.
“Don’t worry, Royal Consort, you won’t know a thing,” Nala tries to comfort him. “Your mind will be fully in VR and the suit will take care of your body functions. There are sensors installed so we will know immediately should anything be amiss.”
Erik sighs, but his determination doesn’t waver. He lies down in the pod and Nala puts a VR helmet on his head. It’s a model I have never seen before, probably an advanced prototype that’s not on the market.
“Starting the combability analysis,” Nala begins the procedure. “Please, don’t be startled if you lose consciousness for a few seconds, Lord Erik.”
We’re waiting nervously for the results. It’s estimated that 20% of the population isn’t able to full-dive at all. Fortunately, it’s usually only older people, but Erik never liked VR to begin with.
“Compatibility level 67%,” Nala announces and we’re all relieved. “Not great, not terrible, but it’s a solid start. Have you tried VR before, Lord Erik?”
“A few times when I was a teenager, but I always hated the experience. Does it mean that my transformation will take longer?” Erik sounds dissatisfied with the number.
“Not necessarily,” Nala calms him down. “Once your brain gets used to VR, your compatibility level should gradually go up. I can help you get a more pleasurable experience if you let me.”
“Erik, VR isn’t so bad,” I smile at him encouragingly. “It’s like being in a dream, but with full control.”
“Says someone whose compatibility was 100%,” Gotrid coughs. “67% is barely enough for hardcore RPG gaming.”
“I don’t care, I’m doing it,” Erik says resolutely. “Oh, by the way, can I choose my avatar?”
“Sure, but we should keep your facial features the same for better immersion,” Nala nods.
“Have you decided on your wing colour and pattern?” I’m curious. “Go for anything you like, I don’t have preferences.”
“You don’t?” he doesn’t believe me. “Gotrid’s wings arouse you.”
“The bone structure of your future wings will be based on your current physique so I expect a fabulous result,” I poke him. “As for colour, I really don’t care. Everything is more interesting than my boring snow white.”
“Dummy, you have the most beautiful pair of wings,” Erik rolls his eyes. “I’ll probably take forever in the character creation, is that okay? After all, I’ll be choosing my new body.”
“Take your sweet time,” I lean over and kiss him deeply. “Just remember that regardless of what you decide to go for, it will still be you.”
“Initialising the full dive,” Nala says.
I watch as Erik’s body goes numb and his consciousness travels to the world of Draconia Online for the very first time. I remember how excited I was when Draconia launched and I started playing it on day one. Erik might not like video games, but I have no doubt he will fall in love with Draconia eventually.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness, your husband is in good hands,” Nala assures me.
She lies next to my beloved, clutches his hand and closes her eyes. She doesn’t have to put on a VR helmet because she will be experiencing the game through Erik’s mind. I keep watching them for a little longer until Advin comes to fetch us, reminding me that we have a packed schedule.
*****
“We don’t have the luxury of time I’m afraid, so we will have to use unorthodox training methods,” my father says.
He leads us into a soundproofed room with only soft pads on the ground and meditation cushions. He sits down immediately and instructs me to sit in front of him. Gotrid lands right next to me and hugs me with his left wing. He’s super nervous because he doesn’t know what’s expected of him.
“Normally, a Divementis trains their telepathy from a very early age,” my father starts explaining. “You have the advantage of possessing the royal bloodline so your telepathy is naturally super strong, but that also comes with many tolls. You never learned how to properly shield your mind so you suffered from frequent headaches. Your mind was hopelessly unguarded and your only luck was that you never encountered another telepath.”
“Yet, I withstood a telepathic attack from the Enemy,” I point out proudly.
“That you have,” he admits. “You haven’t escaped unscathed, though. You could have also endangered your partner.”
I chew my lip and look at Gotrid. The Enemy went after him the moment Gotrid touched me back there.
“You have great potential, son, you just lack formal training,” my father says optimistically. “It usually takes many years to fully train one’s telepathy to the proficient level, but we have only a few months at best. Therefore, we have to use unorthodox methods and harness the power of your unique empathy as well.”
“How do I fit in?” Gotrid twitches anxiously.
“You will act as Aefener’s anchor,” my father reveals. “The Divementis don’t bond until they come of age at forty so they can’t train with their partners. You two can.”
“Even if I’m not a telepath?” Gotrid doubts.
“You can help stabilise Aefener and be his safe harbour,” he states. “The Royal bloodline carries great power, but those who inherit it tend to get easily overwhelmed. It helps us to rest in the minds of people we love.”
“Father, whatever strict training method you plan to go for, I forbid you to mentally torture my partner in any way,” I set the record straight. “I mean it—one slip and we’re done.”
My father’s face darkens.
“I never wanted to hurt you, son,” he whispers and there’s guilt written all over his face. “It was the only way how to teach you to put up sturdy mental shields as fast as possible. Originally, I wanted you to be able to protect your mind when you meet our people for the first time, but it saved your life when facing the Enemy.”
“You wanted to protect me against the Divementis?” I frown.
“Yes,” he nods. “Your telepathy is possibly even stronger than mine, but your mind was hopelessly unguarded. I couldn’t risk you meeting our people in that state.”
I’m staring at him, still doubtful. The Divementis have been welcoming so far and nothing indicated that they would see me as an abomination. If anything, they are timid around me. Would that be different if I couldn’t protect my mind?
“Aefener, don’t you understand? The Divementis are afraid of you for a good reason,” he sighs deeply. “You’re not only the strongest telepath but also the embodiment of magic. Once you fully master your powers, you might become even more powerful than the Enemy.”
Now I’m staring at him in shock.
“You can’t be serious!” I shake my head violently.
“Moreover, you clearly prefer Celestials,” he continues. “With your Celestial Emperor’s wrath, there’s no telling what you might do in future should the Divementis displease you. The fact that you go after every Divementis you meet so aggressively isn’t helping.”
“I would never harm…,” I try to oppose, but he stops me.
“I know, son,” he assures me. “I saw your mind and I know how kind you are. Still, you’re the Celestial Emperor—the leader of the most conquest-hungry and advanced Draconian race.”
“I thought the Divementis were on par with Celestials and there was peace on Draconia before the Enemy invaded,” I tilt my head.
“We were on par with them only thanks to our telepathy,” he sets the record straight. “As for the rest of Draconian races, they were lucky that they inhabited environments unsuitable for Celestials so your people weren’t interested in conquering those. The truth is that peace was fragile and possible only thanks to careful diplomacy.”
“How close was the game to the original state of things?” Gotrid asks curiously.
“We altered the parts connected to collaboration,” my father admits. “Draconian races were tolerant towards one another, but they rarely mingled. They happily traded their racial-specific resources, but that was about it. Forget about mixed battle units, those didn’t exist before—it was unthinkable. Especially Celestials would never team up with races they considered to be lesser.”
“Lesser?” I shudder.
“They acknowledged only the Divementis and the Earthborn,” my father states. “The Dragonkin and Clawfangs were just intelligent beasts to them, not worthy of their interest.”
“Did Celestials have a bad reputation?” I’m almost afraid to ask.
“I wouldn’t say bad, more like mysterious,” he shakes his head. “They inhabited flying cities outsiders weren’t allowed to visit, they lived for hundreds of years and could do magic. It was difficult to understand them. My people were hesitant about whether we should revive them, but we knew that we wouldn’t have a chance without them. Besides, my mother promised that to the late Celestial Emperor.”
“Promised?” I narrow my eyes.
“We told Celestials about our plan a few weeks before Assiath fell,” he says. “The Emperor knew that they were fighting a losing war so he entrusted my mother with a Celestial genome imprint which was the last piece we still missed.”
“Your mother… my grandmother,” I realise. “How did she die?”
“She died stealing the dimensional travel device from the Enemy,” my father lowers his head. It seems to be a sore topic for him still. “She was able to confuse the Enemy for a few moments which gave our people a chance to seize the device and flee. I was only twenty-one at that time, still a child when it comes to the Divementis lifespan. I couldn’t do anything.”
He opens up to me and lets me feel his emotions. He lost his mother in the war and took the throne at an unprecedented young age for a Divementis. Now he rules what is left of once a glorious empire. He’s simply scared that his people will perish.
“I’ll show you everything if you let me,” he whispers. “I loved your mother deeply and I regret that I wasn’t stronger as a ruler to come up proudly in front of my subjects and announce that I bonded to her. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
His confession seems genuine so I slowly nod. I decide that I shouldn’t judge him by our first encounter, however unfortunate it might have been. The Divementis have a different idea of morality and there has never been a Divementis hybrid before.
“Let’s start then,” I say eagerly. “What kind of telepathic training have you prepared for me, father?”
“You should start building smarter defences,” he states. “Your current mental shield is very strong for someone without formal training, but it limits you.”
“Limits?” I don’t quite understand.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I assume that so far you’ve been doing everything you could think of to limit the input,” he explains. “It’s understandable, you were forced to live among non-telepaths so you had to develop coping mechanisms. These mechanisms limit the power of your telepathy, though, especially when it comes to long-distance perception.”
“So, it’s possible to keep my guard up while reaching out?” I get hopeful.
“Of course,” he nods. “Long-distance telepathy is quite taxing on one’s brain so we don’t have it on at all times, but it’s super important when it comes to coordinating battle units or sensing danger.”
“Sensing danger,” I realise that there’s something that has been bugging me for weeks. “Father, when the missile attacked the Draconian embassy in Prague, I was somehow able to sense it coming. How is that possible when there was no living being steering it?”
“Oh, that,” he recalls. “That was actually our doing. We were monitoring the air space above the skyscraper and learned about the incoming missile. The Divementis who were on the watch that day in the adjacent skyscraper warned you telepathically. We hoped that you could save yourself by jumping out of the window and maybe taking your partners with you. We would have never even dreamed of you trying to protect the whole embassy and succeeding.”
“I would never abandon my people!” I get offended.
“We know that now,” he assures me. “You amazed us, son. Your magical ability is truly on the level of the embodiment of magic. Nobody doubted your skills and motivations after that, you dispelled all our doubts and gave us new hope.”
“Still, you knew about the missile and only warned me,” I accuse him.
“We learned about it literally three minutes before the impact,” he defends himself. “I know what you’re trying to say, Aefener, but it was impossible to evacuate the entire building. Warning you was the best thing we could do in that situation. Now, grab your husband’s hand and close your eyes. I’ll teach you how to send your mind further than ever before.”