Robert sipped from a bowl of wine and leaned back in a large leather chair. The smell of the alien fruit calmed him as he once again found himself observing the King of Rexun, who was also his adopted brother, Alektor. Dealing with the local nobility of Vul De Rah.

“Your Highness.” A stout Dae noble said, bowing his head. “The people of this city are struggling to find their way. Many do not have the reserves to tend to their families. With all of our labor force gone, and many of our people fearing persecution, productivity has declined to a complete stop. It will not be long until the streets are filled with the bodies of your new starved subjects.”

Alektor squinted his eyes at the noble, observing the party that was with him. All wore the latest Eleutheros fashion, originated from the wealthy and ruling clan Torre’.

“These people are not our subjects.” A wrathful voice called from Alektor’s left. Robert looked to find Princess Ambrosia of the Sabree clan, sitting with an aggressive posture. The Sabree had joined the Rexunii in this war against the Lokkadonians, with the promise of great prosperity after the fall of the Torre’. Ambrosia’s father had agreed to their alliance and terms, but only if Alektor entertained the idea of marrying his daughter.

“They are lucky they are not being made into Doulos. You all are.” She continued. “Let them starve, your majesty.” her eyes flashed to Alektor who sighed.

“Reku.” He said, in his commanding voice.

Dammit, Robert thought.

“What is your council?” The King continued.

Robert cursed under his breath. Alektor’s eyes were calculating, as usual. He already had made up his mind on what to do. This was probably another test, or an opportunity to show that he respected the opinion of the ‘Spirit-Sent’.

“I suggest we help them. Task some of our nobles to work with theirs in building a new society.” Robert said, then drank a large gulp from his wine bowl.

“And let them go unscathed?” Ambrosia asked. “Prince Reku, you cannot suggest that we turn a blind eye to the horrific treatment of your people. The Doulos have suffered under the totalitarian regime of the Lokkadonians for hundreds of years. Besides, why would we work with their nobles at all? What can the conquered teach us about how to rule a kingdom?

“Does Rexun have any real experience with their level of trade or industry? They are a well-rounded clan, with customs that could help us in many ways.” Robert shook his head. “All the Rexunii have are warriors. It takes a whole lot more to rule a kingdom that is prosperous.”

Ambrosia poised to retort but was cut off by Alektor standing.

“We will help them… if they are willing to prove they are worthy of it.” He said. “Lord Bodilla, If you wish to save these people, I suggest you convince them to swear allegiance to me. Disavow all Lokkadonian kings and nobility. Those who refuse will be treated as refugees in my Kingdom. I do not like refugees.” Alektor walked forward to approach Bodilla. “This, of course, begins with you.” His eyes narrowed and he stared daggers at him. “Will you kneel? Will you swear your allegiance to the Rexunii? To my people, I am a compassionate king, who rules with fairness and a kind heart. To my enemies, I am a blazing inferno of destruction. Those who make this vow will eat. Those who do not will be left to fend for themselves.”

Lord Bodilla swallowed hard but did not waver. “I will do what I must for our people.” He fell to one knee. “I swear fealty to the crown of Rexun, King Alektor, and all his chosen. This I swear on my life.”

Alektor looked down on him with an unreadable expression. “Rise, Lord Bodilla.”

The Lord did so and quickly bowed again. “Please my King. Do not let these people starve.”

“If they do as you have.” Alektor took a moment to return to his throne. “They won’t.”

~

Robert strolled down the hall afterward, making his way to the courtyard of the palace. A place where he had found peace before he was captured by the Rexunii. The sun was bright in the sky as he exited the two main doors, and warriors moved out of his path, bowing their heads in respect. Against all Robert’s attempts to remain impartial to his new treatment as Rexunii royalty. He found that he walked with a bit more of a regal posture. “Prince Reku!” A familiar face called. Robert’s mouth curled into a smile at the recognition of Turak.

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“Turak.” He said, clasping the man’s arm as he approached. “I thought you were back in Thule, keeping the nobles in line.”

“I was, but found their stale politics and arrogance a bit too restrictive. I was also ordered by Alektor to come to the warfront to lead the rest of the invasion.” He grinned, “I knew he couldn’t do it without me.”

“Well, either way it’s good to see you. It’s been what? A month or so?” Robert turned to walk through the courtyard, Turak following.

“A bit more. It’s a shame I wasn’t here for the battle. I heard it was one for the histories.”

Robert was silent for a moment, remembering the screams and blood of the massive battle for Vul De Rah. “Yes…” He said.

“Come on now, don’t go losing your lunch on me. War is war, what matters is how we rebuild.” Turak reassured him.

“How we treat the vanquished more like. I’ve been doing my best to make sure the Lokkadonian’s aren’t turned into slaves and forced to starve. But Ambrosia…” He shook his head in frustration. “That bitch is trying way too hard to impress Alektor. Worst part is I think he’s falling for it. You have to help me do something.”

“Are you asking me to seduce her?” Turak raised his eyebrows. “Because you don’t have to ask. Alektor knows all are fair game until he’s married.”

Robert chuckled, and looked over the courtyard wall, to the sprawling city below. The Palace’s hilltop vantage point provided a breathtaking view. “I don’t think that is what we need right now, but if you find yourself in that position. Sure, go for it.”

“What about you?” Turak asked, looking past him.

Robert raised an eyebrow and turned to see who he was looking at. Demessa stood in her full armor and cloak. Her face was still as beautiful as he remembered, only now a cracked scar from Avria’s electric blast crawled on the right side of her face. Robert’s mind focused on her, and he smiled awkwardly. He hadn’t seen her since after the battle, while she was recovering. She had been moved to one of the city hospitals below, then sent on raids after her recovery.

“I’ll let you get on with it then.” Turak said, nudging Robert. “Word of wisdom, if you wish to heed.” He whispered as he walked. “As a prince, you will be expected to save your marriage bed for a higher noblewoman. Have fun, but keep that in mind.”

Robert looked at him as he walked away. His words repeating in his head. Turak approached Demessa and stopped to speak with her briefly, then she saluted and he walked past her into the doors of the palace.

“My Prince.” Demessa said, bowing her head to him. “It is good to see you.”

“Yeah.” Robert said, looking around at the Dae present in the courtyard. “You don’t have to do all that, we’re friends.”

Demessa smirked. “Yes my Prince, I get your meaning. However, here in the public’s view, I must adhere to the customs of our people. Your royal position is worthy of-”

“Ok, good lord.” Robert chuckled. “Let’s go somewhere we can talk.”

Robert led her to the far end of the battlements, where workers were using their Dunamis to repair the damaged stone.

“Can you guys take a break?” Robert asked. The workers turned to him, stunned at his sudden approach and attention.

“Leave us! Go to your taskmasters, tell them you have been ordered by Prince Reku to return within the hour.” Demessa said, her commanding voice unchanged.

The dozen workers dropped what they were doing and hurried to leave, bowing and praising Robert as they passed him.

“There.” Demessa said, her smirk returning. “All alone now. What do you wish to talk about, Reku?”

Robert shrugged, feeling a bit uncomfortable. “The last time we spoke, you know I uh… kind of left you at a bit of a cliffhanger. What you said to me really helped me cope with what I was going through and I uh--”

He was cut off by a sensual embrace, and her warm lips pressing against his. His eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly fell in line. Her scent flowed over him, one of some alien flower; sweet, but with a sharp edge to it. He was intoxicated by it, and found himself in a passionate daze. She pulled away from the kiss and looked into his unfocused eyes.

“There.” She said. “I’ve been waiting to do that for a while now.” Her smile broadened, showing her sharp canines. “You surprised me Reku, in your affection before. I can’t say that I was expecting it.” She leaned up to whisper in his ear. “But I loved it.”

Her breath against his neck sent shivers down his spine, and he pulled her face towards his. Again he kissed her, his passion taking over. His mind raced and his body responded accordingly.

“Prince Reku!” A voice called from around the corner.

Demessa jerked away from him in an instant and stood several feet away, completely composed and normal. A young Dae noblewoman turned the corner to find them both conversing ordinarily, looking as though they were going over the repairs.

“Prince Reku.” The noblewoman bowed. “I have been sent to retrieve you. King Alektor requires your council.”

“Of course he does,” Robert said, turning to face her.

She raised an eyebrow at the sight of his messed hair, and untucked tunic.

Robert casually fixed it as he walked forward. “I will meet him in the throne room. Let him know I’m on my way.”

The Dae woman bowed and turned the corner.

“That was close,” Demessa said, holding back a laugh.

“I don’t know what the big deal is Demessa,” Robert said, frustration clear in his voice.

“The deal is the King doesn’t want you getting too close to me.” Demessa walked forward and helped Robert tuck in his tunic. “He was the one who ordered me away. I supposed he was told by someone in the infirmary what you did. He can’t have his brother, the spirit-sent, fooling around publicly with a lower noble like myself.”

“Lower? I thought your family was well connected in Thule?” Robert lifted his hand to cup her face. “Besides, he hasn’t ever told me not to do anything.”

“Reku.” She said, pulling his hand away, and clasping it in her own. “I will not disobey the king's command. Then again, he did use the word public, and didn’t forbid it.”

“So…” Robert smiled.

“So that means we might have to do things out of the public eye for a while… and keep your chambers unlocked tonight.” She grinned mischievously.