Robert sighed again sitting beside his wife while she dealt with the nobles of Visgo. As they recounted the many tedious exploits of his former companion, Daniel.

“There is much we could learn from the incident, your highness.” A noble said, his head bowed in respect. “It looks as though the Baa’Yega chased him off. Spirits know where he is now.”

Athica pondered for several moments, then looked to Robert. “King Reku, do you have some input on this? Daniel was one of your friends after all.”

Robert shook his head, “I don’t know where he’ll go. He’s most likely going to try and make his way up North though. That's the only place left where they would have any support.”

“The King of Lokkadonia, King Yomin, has declared that all Spirit Sent are to be turned over to the Torre’. He will not go there.” The noble said, a grin appearing on his face.

“Then send out word that Visgo welcomes all Spirit Sent,” Robert declared, “We are a haven for them, should any who have been in hiding show themselves. Maybe he’ll come to his senses and travel out here. I also want all military action against Spirit-Sent to be halted.”

“As you wish, my King.” The noble bowed deeply and turned to leave the throne room.

As the large doors slid closed, a palpable silence ensued. After Athica’s rather dramatic announcement of her condition, Robert had done his best to treat her with more patience and respect. The thought still irked him; the reality and implication of her carrying his child came with more trouble than he knew what to do with. He had made the decision to lay with her on their wedding night. Albeit more because of his vague understanding of the custom. He found himself regretting that choice the more he thought about it.

“Ahem.” Athica exaggerated a cough to get his attention. Slowly, Robert looked at her, his gaze cold. “I know you have a great deal on your mind, Reku. But this news is troubling. With the other Spirit-Sent roaming freely about Lokkadonia, we should be careful in announcing anything. We are still his enemy. His seemingly effortless destruction of our war groups a strong statement to that fact.” Athica’s eyes went over him, looking for a reaction.

“I don’t care what threat he poses.” Robert shot back. “He needs to be reasoned with. That’s all. Daniel is a smart guy. He’ll see reason.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Athica asked, “What if he comes here seeking vengeance? I would hate to see that level of destruction and death brought here. Especially if he is just allowed to walk in.”

“It isn’t a discussion, Athica. Alektor made his order clear.” Robert shifted in his throne, facing her fully. “Katrina is in Vul De Rah. Daniel won’t do anything to threaten her safety.”

“Does he know that she is there?” Athica’s eyes darted around Robert’s face. Her expression earnest.

Robert thought about it for a moment. “I… don’t know.” The question gave him pause the more he thought about it. “Even if he doesn’t know about it. There are way bigger fish for him to fry first. His target will be Vul De Rah, most likely.”

Athica looked at her fidgeting hands, resting on her lap. “I suppose you’re right… Though… that further justifies your summons by the High King.” She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. “I am a target here, Reku. I’ve made many enemies since bringing you here. And now with…” She placed her hands on her growing belly. “I fear I will not survive being left alone.”

Robert stood abruptly. His frustration starting to take control. “I know, ok? I can’t be everywhere at once.”

“Reku…”

“I won’t let anything happen to you, alright?” Robert huffed.

“But how?”

“You’re coming with me. That’s how.” Robert faced her, determination on his face. “Leaving you here is too dangerous. For you and the baby. I can protect you if you’re with me.”

“But who will run our affairs?” She asked. “With Lord Pilyur absent… there are none with enough skill or influence left who are capable of ruling our entire clan in our stead. And at such a tumultuous time. Half of the nobles who swore loyalty to me wish to see me dead. The only reason they do not act on this desire, is because they fear you.”

Robert shook his head, but reached out to Dio’Mar mentally. What do you think? I’m caught between a rock and a hard place here.

The spirit shimmered into existence before him, her black cloak billowing as she crossed her tiny arms. “There are many nobles who are truly loyal to her… Though they lack the skill of the more experienced statesman loyal to Pilyur… I feel that is of little consequence…”

Why is that?

“Because the old ways are backward…” She said, floating closer to his face. “Lord Rymo, of house Lorex… The Dae who was first to bend the knee should suffice… He is loyal to you both… and will be easier to mold… The nobles who ran Visgo’s infrastructure did so out of corruption and manipulation… You must show them a better way…”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

I mean… technically this is still corruption and manipulation… Robert thought to her.

“Yes… but it is your corruption and manipulation… There is quite a large difference…”

“Reku?” Athica asked, pulling Robert from his silent conversation with the little spirit.

Robert glanced at her, painfully aware of how ridiculous he must have looked, staring into nothing. “Rymo will do it.” He said, looking at one of the royal guards around them. “Go get Lord Rymo, and bring him here.”

“Rymo?” Athica’s face was one of bewilderment. “We know very little about him. He could—”

“We know that he was the first one to kneel when instructed to do so.” Robert said, And of course, Dio is vouching for him, so that means he can be trusted… I hope.

Athica said nothing to that. Instead they both looked separate ways and waited. After what seemed a silent eternity. The doors of the throne room slid open, and Lord Rymo entered; approaching him and Athica and falling to his knee.

“You summoned me, my King and Queen.” He said, his breath short, no doubt from his hasty arrival.

“Lord Rymo of House Lorex.” Robert gestured for him to rise. “The Queen and I are needed in Vul De Rah. High King Alektor has asked that we both travel there immediately.”

“I see… your Grace…” Rymo spoke slowly, seemingly unsure of how to respond.

“That means.” Robert continued. “We need someone here to take responsibility of all Visgo’s affairs.”

Rymo’s face paled at the statement. “I… your Grace… you don’t”

“I want that someone to be you.” Robert said, then turned to Athica. “What position would that be? I don’t know.”

Athica stiffened, clearly reluctant, but sighed and answered regardless. “He would need to be given the title of Hego. Since we have none in Visgo, this would give him authority over the regional lords and nobles.”

“No Hegos?” Robert asked, “I thought every clan in Eleutheros had them.”

“Visgo, Rexun, and Exous are the only clans who don’t have any…” Athica answered unenthusiastically. “Our governing structures don’t need them. As I mentioned before, we rely on regional lords and nobles.”

“Alright.” Robert focused on Rymo again. “Do you think you can handle it?”

Rymo bowed his head to the floor. “Your Grace, I will serve you well! If you grant this title to me, I will not fail you. Visgo will be as prosp—”

“Great.” Robert cut him off. “I now pronounce you a Hego… or give you the title… or…” He looked at Athica. “You know how to do it.”

She sighed again. “I will bestow the elevation.”

~

The next day, after painting a clear picture for Rymo, and Athica mapping out what was expected of him, Robert assembled their traveling party. There was an entourage of a hundred or so warriors who escorted them. Along with his own Rexunii honor guard, Malak included, Robert felt they would be prepared and protected enough for anything. Athica traveled on a very luxurious carriage, or as Robert saw them, basically a large hollow rock that slid across the ground. He himself opted to ride a Cro’kan. It gave him the freedom to do as he needed, and spare himself awkward conversations with Athica for days on end.

After the first day of travel Robert set up a small camp away from the Royal tent. Still within sight of the guards of course, but far enough away that he could have his privacy. Setting up his bed roll and gear, a guard approached using his Dunamis to light a small campfire for him.

“Thank you,” Robert said, leaning against his travel bag.

“Of course, Sire.” The guard said, making his way back to the rest of the guards.

“You are nervous…” Dio’Mar’s small voice said in his head as the little spirt appeared before him just above the flames.

“Oh please.” Robert spoke aloud. Taking his travel cloak and wrapping it tightly around him. “I don’t have anything to be nervous about. It’s got to be done… either way. Kat is probably more nervous than I am.”

“And yet…” She hummed and floated closer to his face. “You can hide your feelings from them, Robert…” Her little hand pointed to the warriors. “But not me… I can always see you… the real you…”

“Dio, seriously. I need to get some sleep.” Robert grumbled, turning his head away from her and trying to close his eyes.”

“Robert…” she said, a bit more insistent than usual.

The change in her caused Robert to sit up again and look at her. “What?” He asked, now a bit tense.

“Demessa… is with child…”

Robert’s heart skipped a beat, and he froze. “W…W… what!?” He yelled, causing his guards to leap from their relaxation and dash toward him.

Robert quickly stood and waved them off. “It’s all right!” He yelled, “just scared myself, that’s all.” He sat back down and leaned in uncomfortably close to Dio’Mar. “Dio… I swear to everything and everyone that is holy in this universe. If you’re bullshitting me, I’m gonna—”

“I speak the truth…” She floated to sit on his shoulder. “Apparently, in spite of your… precautions… your seed has taken hold.”

Robert leaned back and put both of his hands on his head. “Oh my God…” He let out a deep breath, then jolted back up quickly. “How do you know? And why am I just hearing about this now?”

“I left a bit of my consciousness in Vul De Rah to watch her… as I was always curious if a human and Dae could create offspring. After Athica’s confirmation I was hopeful… however, she found out for certain this evening…”

“Oh my GOD.” He buried his face in his hands. “This can’t be happening!”

“This… was always a possibility... As it is the result of such… activities.” She said, floating in front of him. “Demessa will now be forced to accompany you… and you can legitimize the child as your own… the beginning of your Dynasty.

“But what about Athica?” Robert snapped. “Wont she freak out? What about our kid?”

“That… is something you must discuss with Alektor… He will have some wisdom, I’m sure of it… Though I don’t think she will have much to say… You have clearly taken control… she fears you…”

Robert thought then, for a moment, drowning out Dio’Mar’s voice. Unsure how this would work in Pelemont. Do they view bastards the same way? With a steadying breath, he steeled himself. If Demessa was pregnant, then he had to take care of her. And protect his child. Good GOD, He thought, What a mess.

“Quite the mess… indeed.”

“Get out of my head!” He spat at the annoying spirit. “I’m trying to think.”

“I know… your noble side is coming out…” She said, “I do… love it when you think like that… It makes me believe there is hope for this world… So many struggle with it… but to you it comes naturally… The need to protect your child… and their mother…”

“I’ve got to.” He said, his heart churning a bit as the words left his mouth. “I made the choice. Now I’ve got to live with it.”