Robert looked down at the bowl of wine he had yet to finish. “I still don’t trust a word he says.” he said, looking over at Alektor and Turak who sat across from him. “I don’t want to leave Demessa here, or Athica, while Daniel is in this Palace.”

“I agree with Reku.” Turak said, lifting his own bowl of wine to drink. “He was surely holding back today during his fight with Katrina. Which, by the way,” Turak pointed at Robert. “Reku, you ‘really’ need to work on your swordsmanship. Both Katrina and Daniel could destroy you within seconds.”

“The incisor was never my strongest subject.” Robert shrugged. “I think we should send him somewhere else. Maybe to Sabree’ or I don’t know… Anywhere but here.”

“Come now!” Turak said, drinking from his bowl of wine. “You’re just jealous he’s getting close to Katrina. Don’t worry about it. She’s only trying to get a reaction out of you. Right Alektor?” Turak turned to Alektor, but the man was staring off to his right, his hand on his chin, seemingly in deep thought.

“He concerns me.” Alektor finally said. “There is something off about him. His power, his behavior. I think you may be correct, Reku. The problem is, I don’t want to send him far enough away from me that he is able to cause trouble somewhere else. At the same time… that might be our only option now. With Yomin on the march, we must figure him out.”

“He’s hard to read, I’ll give him that.” Turak said.

“Well, we’ve got to think of something.” Robert shook his head. He knew it was over between him and Katrina, but the thought of them, sleeping in the same room these past several days, and what Dio’Mar had said earlier, had been causing him a great deal of discomfort.

There was a light knock on the door, and Ambrosia entered quietly. “I hope you all didn’t get started without me.” she said, pouring herself a bowl of wine. “We really should allow the servants in; it would make food and refreshments so much easier.”

“It would also make our private conversations, a lot less private.” Turak said.

“Well,” she mumbled, sitting down near Alektor. “Reku, we received word this evening from Pontos. Lord Rymo of House Lorex reports that all is well; the council he has appointed to assist him in governing in yours and Queen Athica’s absence is working well.” She smiled. “So, there is no need to worry.”

Robert felt a surge of relief. He had sent them a message earlier in the day to gauge how they were doing. He trusted Rymo, but not those around him. The last thing they needed was more political upheaval in Visgo.”

“Reku,” Alektor turned toward him. “I would like for you to try and include Athica in more of your stately affairs as well. She is your queen and needs to be more involved.”

“I know, I know.” Robert said. “She has declined my invitations each time I ask her. She seems content just to be hold up in her room all day.”

Alektor’s eyes narrowed. “Please do your best to fix that… problem, Reku. I don’t want her drifting too far off.”

“Speaking of problems,” Turak said, glancing at Ambrosia. “Alektor, we have been petitioned again by several eligible ladies who are requesting an audience. I think the reason is obvious.”

Alektor let out a deep sigh. “Yes. Troublesome indeed.”

“Your Grace,” Ambrosia started. “This would not be an issue if you would just hear our own petition out. The Sabree’ are eager to join houses with you. I am your willing wife, if you would have me.”

Alektor looked at her, his eyes cold and calculating. “I am well aware of your standing. And your availability, Ambrosia. Politics, as you know, must be handled with care. You are third in line of your throne, after your two brothers. Your father knows the value of your place, and he understands that you would best be served as a member of a higher or equal house.”

Damn, Robert thought. Harsh.

Ambrosia shrunk at the words. But nodded her acceptance.

“That does not mean that I do not see your value.” Alektor said, leaning closer to her. “You are an integral part of my council, and a trusted friend.” He pointed to Robert and Turak. “They are also in this circle. Out of everyone in my Kingdom, the three of you are all I trust. Do you trust me to take care of you? Do you trust that I will honor my words and give you what I have promised?”

She looked at him, her eyes wet with tears, but she had a smile on her face. “Of course, your Grace.”

“Good.” He said, leaning back. “You all don’t think I feel the pressure of this, but I do. I sent Reku off and he is reproducing at an alarming rate.”

Robert groaned, and Turak let out a loud laugh.

“The man can look at a woman and give her a child. Be careful Ambrosia.” Turak joked. “Some special Spirit-Sent technique, to be sure.”

“Seriously though.” Robert added, “You need to think about it soon. Being without an heir is dangerous. If something happened to you, what would happen?”

“That is a conversation for another time. I have preparations in place, but nothing I would like to discuss at this moment.” Alektor stood to pour a bowl of wine for himself.

“Fair enough.” Robert said, “The longer you wait, the harder it’s gonna be though.”

“I appreciate your concern, Reku. Though, I am in no danger at the moment.” Alektor turned his gaze to Turak. “And what of you? Shouldn’t you be considering options of your own?”

Turak raised his hands. “I will wait as long as I possibly can, before you finally find someone for me, and force me to marry. Until that day comes, I’ll enjoy myself.

“That day may be coming sooner than you believe.” Alektor warned. “But I understand your hesitation.”

“Can we get back to the topic please?” Robert asked, interrupting the two Dae. “What are we going to do about Daniel?”

~

Daniel’s eyes opened to find the sun shining brilliantly through the balcony. The warm rays playing softly on his cheek. He took in a deep breath, and smelled a very pleasant fragrance. What’s that? He thought, attempting to stretch, when he felt a weight on him. He looked down and saw Katrina’s hair, the source of the fragrance, resting peacefully on his chest. A moment later, the memory of the prior night’s activities ran through his mind. Damn, he thought. It wasn’t a dream. His movements must have woken her, because she started to stir. She hugged him tightly, then her eyes shot open, and she looked up at him, her face a mask of surprise.

“Uh.” He said, “Good morning.”

“Morning.” She said, slowly.

There were several seconds of awkward silence as she lifted off him and sat up. “Well. That happened.” She looked slightly troubled. “Dan… I… I’m sorry, I really don’t know what came over me.” She was silent for a few moments. Her eyes darting around the room as she no doubt pondered the night’s events. Her eyes met his briefly, and she again looked away. “I felt like… I felt like I wasn’t myself.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow at her. “That bad, huh?”

“No!” She shook her head. “No, it wasn’t. It was actually, incredible. It’s just I’ve never… You know.” She took a deep breath.

“Never really thought we would go that far.” Daniel finished her thought.

“I’m kinda glad it did though.” She chuckled. “You’re probably one of the only people I trust in Pelemont. That, and your pretty easy on the eyes, I guess.”

Daniel shook his head. “So, what now?”

“I… don’t know.” She shrugged. “Everything last night was a blur, but…”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“But?” Daniel drew out the word.

“But I guess we just sort of play it by ear?” She winced.

“Yeah.” Daniel stood, starting to gather his discarded clothes. “I feel the same way.”

Katrina sighed, looking toward the bathroom. “I guess, I’ll just go take a shower and get ready for the day.” She stood, bare skinned, and walked toward the open door to the bathroom. Daniel caught himself staring at her while she walked, He corrected his gaze and shook it off.

Just as the thought left his mind, her head poked out. “This doesn’t have to be weird, Dan. Are you going to join me?”

With only a minimal amount of hesitation, Daniel ignored his better judgment, and did in fact, join her.

After a very pleasant and lengthy shower. He left the bathroom, and Daniel heard a knock at the door. Sudden panic entered his mind, and the door slid open, and Lord Turak entered, looking at Daniel.

“Spirit-Sent, your presence has been reqe—” He was cut off mid-sentence, when Daniel felt Katrina’s arms slide around his waist.

Daniel coughed, and she poked her head around his body to look directly at Turak. “Oh… Hey Turak.”

“I’ll… Give you two a minute… Or five… Or however long you need.” Turak said, ducking out and closing the door behind him.

Crap, Daniel thought.

“Well, it won’t be long before Robert hears about this.” Katrina said with a sigh. “Hopefully it ruins his day.”

Daniel and Katrina both got dressed, and made their way outside, after several minutes. Turak was talking to one of the guards, and he glanced at Daniel, before finishing his conversation up, and walked toward them. “All freshened up, I see.” he said, crossing his arms.

“What’s going on?” Daniel asked, ignoring the statement.

“High King Alektor wishes to speak with you.” He glanced between him and Katrina. “Both of you.”

Alektor was waiting for them in his study; where Daniel and Oros used to have many of their own conversations, back when Lokkon still ruled Vul De Rah. A bitter and hot feeling flooded Daniel as he entered the once warm and comforting room. That hot feeling boiled over when he met the brown eyes of Robert, sitting next to Alektor with Demessa and Ambrosia also sitting among the comfortable chairs.

“Hell no.” Daniel spat. “I told you guys I didn’t want to see this son of a bitch.”

“I’m afraid he must be here for this conversation, Daniel.” Alektor said, standing to greet them. “Please, sit. It will only be for a short time. I need you all here for this.”

Daniel narrowed his eyes, but felt Katrina tug his arm slightly and whisper. “Come on, Dan. Just for this.”

With a resigned sigh, Daniel walked toward the chairs. Katrina followed and they took their seats on one of the short couches, next to each other.

“Thank you for coming at such an early hour.” Alektor said, moving and placing his hands on the back of his chair. “I have been speaking with my council this past night. And many ideas and plans have been pushed back and forth.” He pointed to Robert, “King Reku, wishes for Katrina to join him in Pontos, down in Visgo.”

“Over my dead body.” Katrina said.

Ignoring her comment, Alektor continued. “Princess Ambrosia, suggested that Daniel, join her back in Sabree, to live in the court of her father, King Ghomar of house Akkio.”

Daniel blinked in surprise. “She, what?” He said, completely blindsided.

“These things and many more were suggested to me.” Alektor continued. “I have, however, come to different conclusions. But I need your advice on how to proceed.” He paused for a moment, and clasped his hands behind his back.

“I received word, from our spies in Torre’ that Lady Avria and Lady Nasha had a secret meeting with High King Phobos in Belous city. They were granted the title of Sterion, agents of the High King himself, and have apparently disappeared from the sight of our spies. Though I do not know what transpired during this meeting. I can only guess to its nature, because that very day, High King Phobos announced that all hostilities to the Spirit-Sent shall be halted until further notice.”

Daniel felt a surge of pride for Avria; she had kept her word. God, that woman is amazing, he thought.

“This has changed many things. And I would like your opinions on the matter.” Alektor looked at Daniel, then at Katrina. “What should I do?”

Daniel hesitated. Alektor was a cunning and adept ruler. What was his angle? How does this benefit him? “First, I guess I should ask you,” Daniel started, “what your thoughts are on the war?”

“I wish to be independent of the Torre’ and for my people, the Doulos, to be freed from Lokkadonian servitude.” he said, without an ounce of hesitation.

“Ok.” Daniel took a deep breath. “I suppose my suggestion would be to let us go back to the Lokkadonian side, to sue for peace. Maybe we can come to an agreement with Phobos, and end this war.”

“Peace is not possible at the moment.” Turak interceded. “King Yomin has assembled a rather large host of warriors from every clan. Including a massive number of warriors from our neighbors, the Kingdom of Visoth. Again, we find ourselves vastly outnumbered. Exous has also launched a full offensive against our allies, the Volsung. King Tophen has recalled all his warriors to defend against the assault. This leaves us even more vulnerable against the main host.”

“So.” Alektor continued. “We must figure out our next move.”

“And you want our help?” Katrina asked, “Why the hell would we do that?”

“Because if you don’t” Robert said, anger in his voice. “Thousands will die.”

Daniel breathed calmly. As much as he disliked the treacherous bastard, Robert was right. Thousands of lives hung in the balance. Only, what could they do to stop the coming battle? What could they do to stem the tide of war that was marching their way? I need contact with Avria. He thought. Maybe she knows what we can do.

“How long before they reach us?” Daniel asked.

“Three days, at best.” Turak said, “That is why we need to know what your intentions are.”

“Stop asking.” Daniel shot back. “My intentions are to survive. And to keep Katrina alive any way I can. Being caught in another battle isn’t something I want, for either of us.”

“Daniel’s right.” Katrina said. “Look, at this point, there is only one option. Meet with High King Phobos and plead our case for peace.”

“Even if you wanted to.” Robert spat, “There’s no way you could make it to Vul De Mar in three days. Not a chance in hell. We need to send one, or both of you to the Army that’s marching here.” He looked at Katrina. “You would be the best candidate.”

“Why the fuck is that?” Daniel asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Because it’s being led by, fucking, Boros of House Ignos, who is the right hand of Yomin. That’s the fuck why, Daniel.” Robert stood abruptly. “He sees her, and he might actually listen to her, instead of marching here to kill us.”

“There’s no way he’ll pass up an opportunity to try and win Vul De Rah back.” Daniel said. “No matter what Kat says.”

“It’s worth a try.”

“I’m sick of hearing your fucking voice, Robert.” She’s not going anywhere alone. “Do you understand that?”

Alektor held his hand up. “Enough. Reku is right. That is the only way we can guarantee they will at least listen. Daniel also has a point though, Reku. If he wishes to accompany her, then so be it. It is either that, or we fight. Both outcomes come with great risk. The choice is yours.”

Katrina took a moment, then looked at Daniel. “I’ll do it.”

Daniel felt a pit of anger rising in his stomach. They had a mission; one that was so clear mere days ago. Now it seemed everything was spiraling out of control. This though, didn’t seem like the worst option. It brought them out of the clutches of the Rexunii. Away from Alektor, and back into the vicinity of their Lokkadonian friends. Boros was a friend to them. And it was that fact that gave Daniel pause. Why would Alektor release them, willingly?

“I’m going with her.” Daniel said.

“No.” Robert quickly responded.

“You think you can stop me?” Daniel turned a cold gaze toward Robert.

“Yeah.” Robert said, his fists clenching. “I’m pretty sure I can.”

“Reku.” Alektor chimed in, “There is no need to keep Daniel here, As I said. If he wishes to go, then we must oblige.”

“What!?” Robert yelled. “What if he joins them? What if we see his crimson flames burning our warriors as we defend this city? They are coming to take it back, Alektor. We can’t just sit back and let that happen!”

“Enough!” Alektor shouted, his usually calm demeanor breaking momentarily. “Your High King has spoken!” Turning to Daniel and Katrina, Alektor continued. “You are free to leave. Anything you need from us before you depart, we will provide. I will see that all you are guided as well, our scouts know the way to their main host.”

Daniel was stunned at the sudden support from Alektor, but this was too good an opportunity to pass up. “I need my weapon back. We need Cro’kan, and supplies.”

“Done.” Alektor said

“I also want Matea, my squire, and Rin to come with me.” Daniel continued.

There was a flash of sadness that crossed Alektor’s face. But was gone in an instant. “Of course.”

~

“What the hell!?” Robert raged, throwing his bowl of wine at the wall. “Katrina might see reason. We know she will do her best to bring peace; but Daniel!? That son of a bitch wants to kill us. Dio’Mar told me his power is incredible, undetectable to even the spirits!”

Alektor heard his comments, heard the anger in Robert’s voice, but this needed to be done. “Reku.” he said, sitting on his chair and massaging his brow. “This must happen.”

“Why!?” Robert shouted.

“Just shut up, Reku!” Turak finally spoke. “Listen to your High King! Your rivalry with Daniel is clouding your judgment.”

Robert fumed, but eventually sat and looked at Alektor expectantly.

“Do you remember the village you saw?” Alektor asked, “The warriors of Lokkadonia terrorizing its inhabitants? How that changed you?”

Robert hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah… I’ll never forget it.”

“That also, needed to happen.” Alektor looked into Robert’s eyes. “The army that is approaching was not sent by the High King. King Yomin, and Hego Boros have gone against his orders, constructed a masterful plan of attack, splitting our forces in the process.”

“What does that matter?” Robert asked,

“Our spies have also confirmed that they have no intention of honoring High King Phobos’ command to withhold violence towards humans.”

Robert’s eyes blinked, and Alektor saw as the sudden realization took hold. “No… Alektor we can’t allow this to happen. Katrina will be--”

“Maybe.” Alektor said, “But we must allow this to happen. They are capable warriors and will most likely not be killed. The High Espi-Dae wants them purified anyway, so capture is the most likely outcome.”

“But why!?” Robert shouted.

“Because they must see!” Alektor’s temper started to rise, an intense heat building in his chest. “They must see the depravity of the Lokkadonians! They must experience the horror of their wrath. Only then will they truly join our cause.”

Robert let out an angry sigh, venting his frustration. “I need to get out of here, Alektor. I need to go out on my own for a few days.”

“On the eve of battle?” Turak asked, irritation in his voice. “Reku, we will need your power if we are to survive.”

“Dio’Mar says I should leave.” He said, bluntly. “There are things I need to do. And sitting here, worrying about things that are clearly out of my control isn’t helping.”

“If you leave now, Reku.” Alektor said, “Then everything will truly be out of your control. Wait another several days. Until the battle is over. Then you have my leave to do as you wish.”