The time finally came to migrate to my newly constructed castle. I built it with the same basalt rock that lasted in Umbra's Spire for all these years. The architecture was more minimal and less ostentatious. I designed the entirety of it as a waystation for the conduit. All but the living quarters were accessible to the public as needed.

Across the thoroughfare, Elden's Great House stood in judgment of our decisions regarding his race. I hoped to make grandfather proud with my efforts that could never satisfy my mother. I reflected often on the opinion of the few family members I cared to consider.

So when Xelan refused to move with us, I stormed into his laboratory in the Spire. "Why? Why are you punishing me?"

He shook his head and clenched his jaw. "I only ask for space. Privacy. A home of my own." He continued working on some equations at his counter.

I rounded a nacre stasis chamber and scoffed, "In Umbra's Spire?! I can place you a planet away from me in my castle."

Colita tended several Vittle plants basking under artificial lights. She inclined her head, offering help.

I shook mine as Xelan argued without looking up, "Nox, I am perfectly safe here. Why would I need to move? When the time comes, I will join you on Earth." He paled a little.

I looked to the ceiling. No. I looked to Elden. "Fine." If we didn't live under the same roof, we'd never interact. The only time I saw him now was in passing from his room to the lab. How could I tell him I'd miss him?

I placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed before I left the room. I know he looked up, but I couldn't bear to see if it was in irritation of the gesture or comforted by it.

Colita discretely followed me out. "Give him time."

"I have need of your company. In two hours, meet me in my new chambers."

I couldn't miss the excited purr in her voice, "Yes, your majesty."

Before I retired for the evening, I tried one last avenue to reach Xelan. Along with Korac's promotion, I gifted him a handsome bonus. When I found him in his chambers in my castle, he consulted with furnishers to customize his rooms. Tailors bearing fabric samples and measuring tape exited as I entered.

I know Korac compensated for his upbringing, and I indulged it. Encouraged it.

What we do for family...

"Your majesty." He nodded to me.

I never asked him to bow. Raised almost as brothers, the gesture never appealed to me. I also never asked for his thanks. He gave it in every smile and spoken word.

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I went to his window and stared at his view of the future conduit site. I didn't want to give away that I knew of their secret relationship. It would validate Xelan's claim for privacy. But I knew Korac could help. "Can you convince my brother to give up his headlong claim to the Spire and move closer to the conduit?"

He surprised me with a chuff. "He will not hear of it from me, either. While I hate to disappoint you, sire, I cannot sway him."

Worth a try. "Are you finding your chambers to your liking, General?"

He smiled then. No. Korac grinned. "Very much. You designed the castle brilliantly from a strategic standpoint and quite comfortable in accommodations."

I grinned back. "Good. In a week, we receive our first guest. The leader I told you about from Yu."

He made no reaction to the topic of a man I confessed to assassinate. "I will prepare the castle garrison for diplomatic arrival and security detail. Are there any other preparations you require?"

"Not at this time." I headed for the door while musing, "Colita awaits me. Can a King be late?"

"Your majesty?" Korac called from behind.

I turned from the door. "Yes?"

"May I offer you some council?"

"Always." And I meant it. When my General considered his advice enough to offer it, I almost always took it to heart.

"That woman is a liability, and she steps outside her place. I hazard to say a comparison to Amolot is not far reaching."

No. It wasn't. Colita tortured servants in a lower position than herself. Holding her transformation over them. Maybe it was a symptom of my upbringing, but I never found cruelty attractive.

Your brutal strength, Rayne? Yes. Your love of the kill? Absolutely. But you don't even know how to be cruel. And I admire that about you.

The blond female waited in my chambers as requested. Korac's advice set me off the mood for feeding. Not to mention I abhorred her attempts to paw at me during our sessions together. I often blamed myself, wondering if I led her on.

"Your majesty." Colita stretched languidly across my bed. Every asset carefully positioned for display.

I wanted to feed, not play with my food.

"Colita, would you like me to find you a collar?"

I expected revulsion. Instead, she grinned wickedly. "I believe Korac owns a few. We can borrow one from him. Better yet, why not invite him to join us?"

At the end of my patience, I snatched her by the throat and held her off the floor. "What about this arrangement confuses you? I feed. You leave. End of discussion. You do not make yourself comfortable. Never harass my staff or my soldiers. I gave you a gift. Not a right. Push me, and I will ask Xelan to reverse it. Push me too hard, and I will kill you altogether."

I dropped her in a pile at my feet.

She drew ragged breaths before turning watery eyes up at me. I showed her I meant every word. After a few seconds, she kissed my boots. "Please forgive me, King Nox. I am eternally grateful for your charity, and I will not shame your kindness any further."

Well, wasn't that the perfect thing for her to say?

"On your feet." I helped her off the floor and reminded her of her purpose, "I need to feed."

Without a word, Colita bared her neck to me. I gripped her hair until I knew it hurt. Even with her tolerance for pain. When I sank my teeth in, I dragged and pulled. I needed to maintain the balance for the "leash." Cinnamon drifted up to me despite my best efforts to hurt her. I blamed my blood for her vigor. But since she wasn't actively trying to seduce me, I ignored the scent.

By the time I finished, Colita fainted. I laid her out on the floor, angry that she abused my kindness. In her sleep, she was quite beautiful. But something ugly animated her when conscious. I covered her with a blanket before leaving the room.

Do you have a friend who wants you that you can't want back? Someone you keep around more for their usefulness and less so for their companionship? I'm curious how you view the people around you, Rayne. It saddens me to think that I will never know.