Robert’s mind burned with the many ways this reunion could have happened. Katrina was understandably angry with him. He knew that going into it. What did I expect? He thought, as he walked down the hall. He noticed movement to his left and glanced over to see Demessa who met his eyes briefly and nodded. The Dae girl hadn’t said anything to him since his arrival, but her look told him all he needed to know. She was happy to see him.

Opening the door to Agron’s old study, Alektor instructed his guards to wait outside and sat down across from him in one of the large chairs and couches assembled there. Katrina entered as well, but chose a seat as far away from Robert and Alektor as she could find. Which, as Robert noted, was next to Athica.

“Now then.” Alektor began. Pouring bowls of wine for everyone. Robert saw him hesitate ever so slightly at the presence of Demessa but handed her a bowl of wine, then poured one for himself. “We have much to discuss. The four of us.” He glanced at Demessa again. “Demessa, would you mind—”

“No,” Robert said, interrupting the High King. “She needs to be here.”

Alektor raised an eyebrow at him but pressed on. “Katrina has brought up, since coming into our care. Her many issues and objections to the methods of our victory here in Vul De Rah.” He turned his focus to her, and she seemed to harden her gaze at the attention. “I don’t believe there is anything I or Robert can say to you to justify what we did. But, we must press on regardless. You are here now, and there is nowhere for you to go. Even if you somehow were to leave, you would be captured by any clan or warrior who support the Torre’.”

“It’s true, Kat.” Robert continued, “Daniel was almost captured at the border of Baa’Yega territory. They tried to capture him, with standing orders from High King Phobos to turn over all humans to the Espi-Dae.”

“I don’t believe you.” She said, fiercely. “How can you expect me to believe anything you say? Last I heard, he was with Avria. And even though they didn’t get along. She would never betray us.”

“True.” Alektor cut in. “That’s because she didn’t betray Daniel. She protected him. Our spy, who was present, said she even tried to leave with him. He of course declined and convinced her to stay with the Baa’Yega. No one knows where he is now, but he is well aware of the treachery of the Torre’ and the price on the heads of you humans.”

Katrina deflated slightly, looking down at her hands. “That doesn’t mean he or I are going to join you.

“I am not asking you to join us, Katrina.” I am asking you to remain here, safe from the Espi-Dae.” Alektor nodded toward Robert. “From what Reku has said, they even made a deal with several of the more influential politicians in Visgo, in a plot to turn him over to them.”

Robert clenched his fists and grimaced. “They tried.”

“And they failed.” Alektor continued. “In no small part to your power, Reku. We must do what we can to preserve you, and create a haven for the humans that are still scattered in Pelemont.”

“Why?” Katrina asked, looking at Alektor. “Why the hell do you care so much about us?”

“Because, unlike the Espi-Dae.” Alektor said, in between taking a drink from his bowl of wine. “I actually have met a Spirit. One who tasked me with this.”

“So did Agron!” Katrina spat. “He was told by Gro’ak to keep us safe. He went against the Torre’ for us, because he was a man of faith and mercy.”

Alektor let out a very uncharacteristic scoff. “A man of faith and mercy? What mercy did he show the vanquished? What justice did he bestow upon fellow Dae of Eleutheros? None. He kept them chained, and in servitude. Tell me, Katrina. If I had pleaded with the Hego and begged him to release my people. And supported him in his task to keep you safe, would he have?”

Katrina glared, seeming to be at a loss for words.

“He would have turned me away and told me to come and get them.” Alektor continued. “This was ‘our’ fight. And I’m sorry you had to be caught up in it, but it is done. Agron is no more; and your allies with any influence at all are not in the North. They are here, sitting before you.”

“Just look at Vul De Rah, Kat.” Robert said, “Look at how well they’re doing. Trade is booming, its people are fed and content. Would Agron have done the same in Thule?”

“That’s only because of you.” Katrina said, “You intervened and convinced him.” She pointed to Alektor. “Not to slaughter or enslave everyone.”

“Yes.” Alektor said. “I had him, to convince me of a better way. But Agron had you and Daniel.”

Silence ensued for several tense seconds as Robert could see Alektor’s words tear into Katrina.

“What did any of you do to influence him?” Alektor continued. “At least Reku had the courage to tell me that it was wrong. At least he made a stand for something.” He leaned forward forcing Katrina to meet his eyes. “Stand for something, Katrina. Stand for what you know is right.”

Katrina was silent then, only holding Alektor’s gaze for several seconds after he finished.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“Now.” Alektor said, turning to face Robert. “Reku, tell me what else you had. Your message several days ago was quite cryptic.”

“Yeah…” Robert said, his eyes flicking to Katrina, then to Demessa. “Well, it’s kind of a sensitive subject.”

“Don’t mind her.” Alektor waved his hand at Katrina, “she is a Spirit-Sent, and will be treated as one.”

Robert took a deep breath. This is such a bad idea, he thought. “Dio’Mar told me that… well.” He did his best to just spit the words out, but with Katrina right there, it was awkward. Robert rested his hand on Demessa’s and pressed on. “Demessa is pregnant.”

Katrina’s eyes became so wide it looked as though they would pop out of her head. “Are you serious!?” She shouted.

Alektor looked confused, and turned to Athica and Demessa who also looked to be lost. “I’m not sure I follow. I don’t know what that means.”

“She’s with child.” Katrina said, a mix of emotions playing across her features.

Alektor was still as he processed the words. Then he looked between the two. “You… you mean.” His eyes widened as well. “Are you sure?” His glare fell on Demessa. “Is this true?”

“I…” She stammered, looking frightened. “I’m not… I mean, I suspected, but…”

Robert stole a glance at Athica. Who’s face was sunken as she processed the news.

“Reku.” Alektor’s mask of control shook a bit as he looked at Athica. “Perhaps this is a conversation best had in private. I’m sorry for not heeding your words.”

“No. Cat’s out of the bag now.” Robert said, “And it doesn’t matter if Athica hears this. It really doesn’t have anything to do with her.”

Robert saw Alektor’s eyes bulge at his obvious disrespect for the Queen. But it didn’t matter. Athica had been a key conspirator in Visgo. As far as he was concerned, she was lucky to be alive. “Athica is also with child.” Robert waved his hand at her. “She knows I had a relationship before her, and that this was a possibility.”

Alektor’s face hardened and he looked at Athica. “Athica… I would like to apologize for my brother. He—”

“Highness…” Athica said, her voice small. “Please do not trouble yourself over me. King Reku is right. I knew about Lady Demessa beforehand, and will accept her as he sees fit. Visgo is ever at the disposal of Rexun and its High King.”

Alektor’s mouth hung open at her words. His mind clearly racing at the implications. “I…” He took a breath. “I suppose then, we must discuss the next course of action. Aside from the obvious political ramifications this will have. The mere fact that humans and Dae can procreate is world changing.” Seeming to find his stride, Alektor turned to pour another bowl of wine for himself. “They will be targets for the Torre’ and the Espi-Dae. We must keep them safe.”

“Yes.” Robert nodded. “And that’s why I think we should be here in Vul De Rah.”

“I agree.” Alektor drank deeply from his bowl. “Visgo is far too dangerous for something like this. Here we can have more control.”

“Highness,” Athica spoke up, “Vul De Rah is still a warzone. We could be attacked at any moment. There could be a servant or a traitor at every corner who could put a knife in my belly. Would it not be safer back in Thule?”

“There is no safer place in Pelemont.” Robert pointed at Alektor. “Then being next to this guy. Trust me.”

Athica nodded, but glanced at Katrina.

“Oh.” Katrina looked horrified. “No, I would never do anything like that. I’m happy for you. You don’t have anything to fear from me.”

“Do I?” Robert asked, looking directly into her eyes.

Katrina hesitated as they looked at one another. He could see the turmoil within her. She wanted to hurt him; kill him even. But with everything happening, Robert could see the voice of reason taking hold.

“No…” Katrina resigned, looking down to the carpeted floor.

“Wonderful.” Alektor placed his bowl on a table. “Now if you would all excuse me. I have some pressing matters to attend to.” He made eye contact with Robert. “Reku, would you mind joining me for a moment outside.”

Robert sighed, and followed him out of the study. This wasn’t surprising to him, but he also wasn’t fully comfortable leaving the three women alone in the study.

“What have you done?” Alektor asked him as soon as the door slid closed.

“What do you mean?”

“Athica is essentially one of your undead thralls now. What have you done to her?”

“I spared her life!” Robert seethed. “That bitch tried to have me captured by the Torre’. She’s lucky to even be here.”

“Reku, that is irrelevant. She is a Queen, and is above you in the eyes of the elite in Eleutheros. I need her in top form as a stout supporter of my position as High King.”

“She’s given it to you.” Robert crossed his arms. “And more than that, she is obedient. No more schemes or treachery to worry about, so just relax.”

Alektor narrowed his eyes, but remained silent.

“He is not in control…” Dio’Mar whispered as she appeared over Robert’s right shoulder. In that moment Alektor’s eyes glanced in her direction, but it was so fast, Robert wasn’t even sure he saw it. Does he see you? He thought to her.

“Impossible… No Dae can see me if I do not wish it… He does not like that he isn’t in control of her… or you anymore… He must learn that you are not to be controlled…”

“You have the support of Visgo.” Robert sighed. “What more could you ask for?”

“It is the manner in which she has been brought to heel.” Alektor said. “The manner in which you conduct yourself, reflects upon me as well, Reku. If you behave as a monster; that is all you will ever be in their eyes.”

“I’m a product of my surroundings.” Robert scoffed. “You married me off to her to help the cause. Convinced me to cloak your army and slaughter the people who gave me shelter and safety here to help your people. All the while, I’m still sitting here, waiting for a way to get home. Which no one has even lifted a finger to help me with yet, by the way.”

“I see your line of thinking, Reku. Though it is more complex than that, I see your point. But there are things that need doing beforehand. What about your friends? Katrina, or even Daniel who is wandering the forests of Lokkon? Do you intend to leave them here?”

“Daniel tried to kill me the last time I talked to him.” Robert spat. “He’ll probably try it again. And Kat…” Robert felt a pang of guilt surge within him. As much as he wanted to cast her aside and leave her to her own devices. There was still a soft spot for her in his hardening heart. “I wish she saw it differently… but I can’t force her to change. If she wants to hate me, then so be it.”

“We must win this war first.” Alektor put his hand on Robert’s shoulder. “Once we are free from the threat of death at the hands of the Torre’ we will focus all of our energy on getting you home. I promise you this. Until then, please treat Athica with the respect and honor she deserves as a Queen. Can you at least do that?”

Robert shrugged, letting Alektor’s hand fall. “I won’t kill her. And I’ll treat her well enough. She’s the mother of my child after all.”

“Thank you.” Alektor nodded, then turned to leave. “These are dangerous times, Reku. We must stay together and protect one another if we are to survive.” With that, he strode down the hall, his royal guards following in tow.