Katrina exhaled in relief as Illya cried on her shoulder. Not because further tragedy had struck her family, or for some new and sorrowful plight. But because they had just learned that Alektor had agreed to Daniel’s bold demand from the day prior.

Delmos paced back and forth near the balcony of her quarters, as though in deep contemplation. Along with the news of Illya’s and Boros’ new lease on life came the catch to this new stroke of mercy from the High King. Daniel had been ordered to assume the position of Hego in none other than Rexun itself.

Katrina pat Illya on the back affectionately, while sifting through the whirlwind of thoughts and concerns she now delt with internally. As much as things had changed here, she didn’t feel comfortable with Daniel suddenly leaving and becoming some leader of a group of Dae in a completely different clan.

This new appointment put him in the food-chain of Eleutheros politics. A place she knew for a fact he wanted nothing to do with.

“So, what do you know about… uh.” Katrina winced, trying to remember the name of the prince in Baa’Yega she was due to marry.

“Prince Reni.” Delmos said, halting in mid step to face Katrina. His voice was tight, and full of tension. “This is certainly better than the alternative. But Reni isn’t much of a… What would be the best way to put this? Man.”

Katrina raised an eyebrow, but chose to ignore the flippant comment. “Will he treat her well?”

“I don’t doubt it.” Delmos let out a sharp breath, flexing his fingers. “He’ll probably give you anything you ask for, Illya.”

“So, what? He’s a pushover?” Katrina asked.

“I think the term you’re looking for, Katrina. Is flower.” Delmos grinned. “He is a prince of Baa’Yega, who opted not to learn the ways of battle in either clan.” He lifted a finger. “A choice, mind you! And has since contributed, what, to his father’s clan? Absolutely nothing. He and his sister have attended parties and foolish events.” Delmos scoffed, looking at Illya. “But… I suppose you will be safe and… well taken care of.”

Illya rubbed the last bit of tears from her eyes and smiled. “Don’t be too hard on him, Delmos. Not everyone in Eleutheros can be a great warrior. He’s a scholar, and a student of history I’ve heard.”

“She’ll be safe, so that’s all that really matters at this point.” Katrina affirmed, giving Delmos a glare. “The rest we can figure out later on.”

“Don’t look at me like that, Kat.” Delmos reeled back in mock surprise. “I only speak the truth.”

“Sure.” Katrina stood from her seat next to Illya, glancing out the balcony to gauge the time. “Well, we need to make our way to the council meeting, Delmos.” She sighed, but looked down at Illya and smiled. “I haven’t seen Dan since yesterday. He pretty much disappeared after Avria left, but when I see him. I’ll let him know what you said.”

Illya returned the smile. “Thank you, Kat. I didn’t get a chance to thank him at all because of how quickly he ran out of the room. I hope to see him again soon.”

“Is it time, already?” Delmos groaned, “All we seem to do now is sit around tables with old nobles and listen to Alektor grumble about something I couldn’t care less about.”

“No doubt it’s because of Avria’s return.” Katrina chuckled as she waved a final time at Illya and left her quarters.

“I’m happier than anyone else that my sister is alive, Kat. Trust me.” Delmos followed behind her, then came to match her stride as they walked toward the palace council chambers. “But she has accepted our whole situation far too easily. Even father has! He kisses ‘you know who’s’ boot any chance he can get.”

“Come on, Delmos.” Katrina shook her head, “Lokkon was on the brink of destruction.”

“Yes, because of them.” He pointed to several Rexunii nobles that were speaking to each other down the hallway. “And now we serve them. After everything they’ve done to us.” He growled, anger starting to show on his face.

“Cut it out.” Katrina chastised, grasping his forearm tightly. “You know, Alektor has spies everywhere. And the last thing we need is you getting on his bad side.”

“Well, you’re not the one he’s forcing to marry someone, who very well might be, the most irritating person, I’ve ever met in all my life.”

Katrina winced slightly, “I can only imagine.”

Delmos’ foolish grin appeared again as he leaned toward Katrina. “So, you and Dan, huh?”

“What?”

“I heard you and Dan were.” His smile deepened, and he raised both his eyebrows in quick succession. “You know. together now.”

“It isn’t that simple.” Katrina shot back, her face reddening.

“I do think this is the first time I’ve seen a human blush.” Delmos barked a laugh.

Katrina looked at him sternly. Attempting to display her clear displeasure of his teasing. “I said, it isn’t that simple, Delmos. There was a lot going on when we first, you know. Got together. And since everything, we’ve barely talked about it.”

“Hmm.” Delmos’ face turned suddenly serious as he brought his hand to his chin.

“Uh oh.” Katrina jibbed, “He’s wearing his serious face now. That’s never a good sign.”

“If you and Daniel aren’t fully… engaged with each other, at the moment.” Delmos tapped his finger on his chin, a habit Katrina had noticed during their time together in the wilds of Northern Lokkon. “Then, Alektor’s demand of him becoming a Hego makes sense.”

“What do you mean?” Katrina asked, a bit of real concern starting to build with his words.

“It means, Kat. That Daniel is now a piece to be played in the grand political scheme of Eleutheros.” He glanced at her knowingly. “And the only way to use pieces as valuable as a Spirit-Sent would be to?”

“Fucking, marry him off…” Katrina’s heart sank as the words left her lips.

“Right you are.” Delmos nodded. “Alektor never does anything unless he’s thought it through.

“But, Dan wouldn’t do something like that.” Katrina’s heart started beating hard in her chest. “He wouldn’t let Alektor manipulate him.”

“He has a political hook on him now.” Delmos shrugged. “Sparing Illya and Boros was all he needed to gain an advantage. If he tries to defy an order like that, he’s putting their lives at risk again.”

“This can’t be happening.”

“It’s only a matter of time before you get into a similar situation, Kat.” Delmos warned. “He’s had his eye on you since you arrived here. Believe me on that.”

Katrina didn’t reply, her thoughts a torrent of fear and doubt. Delmos must have picked up on her inner turmoil, because he remained silent until they turned the final corner toward the council chambers. Katrina’s eyes brightened as she saw Daniel standing in the hallway in front of the door, speaking with Turak. The two seemed to be having a pleasant conversation, because Turak suddenly burst out into laughter and slapped Daniel’s shoulder.

“I’ll leave you to it.” Delmos said, pulling her attention back to him. “See you inside, Kat.” He grinned and gave her a wink.

Katrina nodded in thanks, but strode toward Daniel and Turak with purpose. Hiding any anxiety or fear she might have felt. “Hey Dan.” She said, smiling. Then nodded to Turak. “Lord Turak.”

“Hey, Kat.” Daniel returned the smile, and the two embraced. She tightened her grip on him, and leaned toward his ear, whispering. “We need to talk.” Before pulling away and extending a hand to Turak.

“Well, someone’s in a good mood.” Turak’s face twisted in feigned suspicion. “You usually greet me with a scowl and a curse.”

“Well.” Katrina batted her eyes playfully. “Avria is alive, and Illya is no longer engaged to a lunatic. So, I’m in a particularly good mood.”

“There it is.” Turak shrugged. “I was actually just discussing her with Daniel here. I know she will be in good, albeit soft hands.”

Katrina’s back straightened. “I’m sure the prince of Baa’Yega is up to the task.”

“She’s a daughter of Ignos.” Turak chuckled, mockingly. “I may hate them, but I know how powerful their bloodline is. She and her children, if they have any, will rule Baa’Yega within the next fifty years.”

Daniel coughed, bringing a quick end to their little conversation. “Mind if I have a second with Kat?” He asked Turak.

“Of course.” Turak raised his hands defensively. “I will be inside.”

Katrina waited for Turak to be well out of earshot before she started speaking. “Dan, I need to talk to you about this Hego appointment.”

Daniel’s expression sagged with the introduction of the topic, but he nodded. “I know. I didn’t have a choice, Kat. Alektor was going to kill Boros, and have—”

“Delmos and I think he’s planning on marrying you off today.” She blurted out, bringing him to silence. His face twisted in confusion, then disbelief, then anger.

“I doubt he’d try something so soon.” He crossed his arms, but his expression told her exactly what was on his mind. “But if he does, I’m not going to stand for it. He’s full of shit if he thinks I’m going to be some pawn like Robert.”

“We need to tell them we’re together.” She also blurted out, grasping his arms. “That’s the only way he won’t do it.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“What?” Daniel’s expression softened at her touch, but he looked confused.

“I thought you—”

“It doesn’t matter what I said before.” She cut him off, stepping closer. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it since our last conversation.” Her eyes fell to her feet, while she mustered the courage to speak her next words. “And I want us to be together.”

Daniel was silent for several seconds, until she turned up to look him in his eyes. She saw uncertainty in them, but also saw the wheels of his thoughts turning. She hesitated then, suddenly feeling as though she had made a huge mistake. Did I misjudge this? She thought, frantically. “I-I mean.” She stuttered, attempting to backtrack. “That is, if you want to. I’m not going to—”

“That isn’t it, Kat.” Daniel sighed, shaking his head. “It makes sense. What you’re saying. We need to stick together. Especially if Alektor tries to send me off somewhere.”

“I agree.” Katrina nodded.

“I want all of us to stay together.” Daniel’s words were full of conviction and strength. And her heart swelled with them. “So, whatever he says or wherever he tries to send me, we go together.”

Katrina smiled up at him, her face burning. “So that’s a yes, I take it?”

Daniel’s mouth curled into a smile, and he opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by a very loud and purposeful cough to their left. Katrina snapped toward the source, and found Alektor and an entire entourage of nobles and scribes behind him. Including Telmos, and Avria, who seemed to both be aware of her proximity to Daniel.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Alektor’s expression was stoic and unreadable as he gestured toward the entrance to the council chambers. “But we are running behind schedule.”

~

Daniel tensed internally, now suddenly and painfully aware of the dozens of eyes now glued to him and Katrina and how close they were. With a mental shrug, he pulled Katrina even closer, clearing the path toward the entrance. “Apologies.” He said, keeping any hint of uncertainty from his tone.

They streamed inside, and Daniel followed with Katrina after the last scribe. As he entered, he saw that the vast council room was filled with nobles from every clan in Eleutheros. All standing in a crowded circle around a large table in the center. Daniel and Katrina found their spot near the far side, near several nobles from Baa’Yega and Torre’.

The table in the center was oval shaped, with a large throne at the head, and dozens of smaller stone chairs that went around it. All of them, save the throne, were empty. Alektor lifted his hand toward a Dae in a grey cloak who slammed a stone staff on the floor several times, bringing the low murmurs and whispers of the nobles to complete silence.

“Esteemed nobles, scribes, and people of import.” Alektor began, his booming voice bringing all attention to him. “I welcome you all, to the first official high-council of my reign as High King of Eleutheros. As is tradition, I will select my council of twelve before you all today, and move on to the various tasks, issues, and points of the day.” He held his hand out, and a scribe approached, carrying what looked like a large scroll.

Taking it in his hands, Alektor pulled the parchment open, and began to read off the names, one by one. “As is customary! The King of the home clan of the council shall be the first. King Telmos, of house Regios. Please, take your seat at my right hand.”

Telmos stepped from the surrounding crowd, bowed, then sat to Alektor’s right.

“Next.” Alektor continued, naming Avria, Robert, Athica, Ambrosia, Turak. Then the rest came as a surprise. Princess Tali of the Baa’Yega, whom Daniel was happy to see. Then someone he vaguely remembered from his trip to Torre’ to meet with Hego Cato; his daughter, Krya Phenia. Then he called two he didn’t recognize at all, a prince from Volsung named Leorus of house Dregos. And another prince from Exous, named Mercelious of house Ka’ar. “Looks like just about every clan is represented here.” Daniel whispered to Katrina, who nodded enthusiastically before they both froze at Alektor’s next names. “Hego Daniel of house Peirce! And Lady Katrina, Spirit-Sent!”

Hundreds of eyes turned to stare at them in expectation. And Daniel suddenly felt a large lump in his throat. Great, he thought. Just what we need right now.

“Let’s go, Dan.” Katrina whispered, pulling him by the arm toward the table.

Daniel wasn’t surprised at the appointment. But he was disappointed. Alektor had chosen him to be a Hego of Rexun. Which was a stately position, and held great authority within a kingdom or clan. Maybe this was his way of trying to get him acclimated to political matters. Understandable, but no less irritating. Daniel cursed internally as he followed Katrina to the last two open seats at the table.

“Now then.” Alektor looked at each of the members of his new council. Taking several seconds more when he and Daniel met eyes. Daniel did his best to refrain from any further disruption, by looking as unbothered as he possibly could. “As members of this high council, you are all expected to uphold the greatest interest of our Kingdom. It’s people within, and the morals and mercy befitting followers of the great spirits.” Alektor reached over and picked up a smooth stone object that had been resting on the table near him. With a loud bang that echoed throughout the chamber, he slammed it on a designated area before him. The action reminded Daniel of a judge striking his gavel for order in a courtroom.

“First, I would like to extend a formal and fond welcome back to Princess Avria of house Regios.” Alektor turned toward her, allowing all in attendance to applaud for several long moments. “Though we thought her lost to us, the great spirits often have plans of their own. We thank you for your dedication and diligence, princess. And agreeing to join us, so soon after your endeavor.”

Avria bowed her head deeply as another thunderous applause erupted from the surrounding nobles and council members.

After another several moments, Alektor raised his hands, calling for silence. “Let us begin.” He announced, bringing his attention to Telmos. “King Telmos, if you would be so kind.”

“Yes, your highness.” Telmos said, before being handed a large scroll from an attendant who was positioned behind him. The scroll was opened with a scrape, and Telmos began reading. “Our first order of business, would be that of the labor shortage throughout Lokkon, as I am sure you are aware. The freeing of the Doulos caste has created somewhat of a vacuum in a multitude of industries. We have attempted to entice our citizens with bountiful incentives for such work, but it has proven… ineffective, thus far.”

Alektor looked across the table toward Ambrosia. “Princess, I believe you said you had a thought on this.”

Ambrosia bowed, then leaned forward to speak. “I have, your majesty. Having spoken to many of the house leaders within the Doulos caste, I believe that offering inflated wages to them to return would solve much of these issues.” She paused, seeming to further gather her thoughts. “Regardless of our efforts in liberating them from their servitude, most of these people have lives here. And are reluctant to return to Rexun and uproot themselves. The house leaders, as well as myself, believe this is our best course of action.”

Alektor glanced at Avria, who nodded. “It won’t solve the issue entirely, but it is a good start. It should at least pacify the lords and regents until our trade reform can be fully enacted.”

Alektor nodded, looking in turn at each of the other council members. “Are there any objections to this?” His words hung in the air, tempting any to break the silence that followed them. “Very well.” He said after several seconds, then banged the smooth stone on the table. “I hereby put my full support behind this plan of yours Ambrosia.”

“Excellent.” Telmos said, looking back at his scroll and moving on to the next issue. “Our next item is one that is a bit more delicate. We must select a new house to inherit the roll and responsibilities of house Regios, prior to the fall of Vul De Rah.”

The atmosphere within the chamber was immediately saturated in tension, as nobles and council members looked at one another awkwardly. Daniel took a deep breath, feeling the pit in his stomach begin to ache as the too fresh memories of the fall of Vul De Rah and the violence that had taken place rose to the forefront of his mind.

“I know this is a subject of great contention…” Telmos continued, “And part of me wanted to handle this within the royal circle of Lokkon alone. But I feel this is an important topic for this council. If we cannot handle a subject as sensitive as this, how can we hope to resolve some of the more… delicate issues that need to be addressed.” He made it a point to look at Athica, who sat cradling her growing belly.

“An astute observation, King Telmos.” Alektor agreed, looking again to Avria. “Princess, I feel you would have a great deal of insight on this issue.”

Avria nodded, and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “I do, and I believe that the answer is clear. House Regias should assume the titles associated with the glade, and all former Regios estates. Glause should be more than up to the task. He was already the commander of our training regiments, and should have little to no trouble in assuming any further responsibilities.” Alektor turned to Telmos, who simply nodded in approval, and looked back at the scroll.

This repeated for nearly two hours, as points were brought up, and the council made multiple decisions on them with little disagreement between them. Each Clan had issues that were presented, and each seemed to be unanimously voted upon. Daniel, however, sat practically silent for the whole of the meeting. Nothing pertained to him, save one moment when Alektor announced his appointment within Rexun as a Hego. This was met with several whispers and murmurs of descent from the crowd, but was soon forgotten as more pressing matters were brought up.

“Lastly.” Telmos said, his voice a bit dry from the afternoon’s efforts. “Is the point of… marriage.” His eyes flicked up toward Alektor, before he leaned back in his stone chair. “There are several joinings I would like to focus on during this council meeting, your majesty. Per the recommendation of several royal members of the clans, as well as my own concerns, mainly in your own prospects.”

Alektor shifted uncomfortably in his throne, a sight not often seen from the man, but he quickly recovered and gestured toward Telmos. “Please, King Telmos, by all means, continue.”

“We have already discussed the joining of Prince Reni and Lady Illya of house Ignos at great length. And seeing as how both parties have agreed wholeheartedly, we can move forward with that immediately.” Telmos looked back at his scroll. “As well as my son, Prince Delmos, and Princess Ambrosia. But it is quite important for our Kingdom that our High King also be mated. Leading by example and bringing stability to the clans.” Several moments of silence ensued while Alektor seemed to ponder his response.

“As the spirits would have it.” Alektor began, a plastic smile creasing his face. “I have not given it much thought, Telmos. I am open to suggestions if the council has any. But as of now, I do not have an answer for you.”

Telmos smiled broadly, his gaze turning toward Princess Tali, who turned several shades of blue as all eyes rested on her.

“I-I…” She stuttered. “M-me? I don’t think that—”

“I agree.” Alektor interrupted. “I will take it into consideration, but.”

“Your Highness.” Telmos pressed. “Princess Tali is a wonderful choice. She is young and energetic. And the Baa’Yega are a key element in our plans to bolster trade throughout Eleutheros. I feel this gesture would be greatly appreciated.”

Daniel felt a grin appear on his face as he watched Alektor squirm under the scrutiny. Good one Telmos, he thought. Finding a newfound appreciation and respect for the man.

“Again,” Alektor continued. “I will consider it. Baa’Yega’s value is incalculable in this time of reconstruction and reunification. But the princess is—”

“Is capable enough that you appointed her on this council.” Telmos’ words held weight of authority and strength. Enough so that Alektor paused to all but glare at him.

“I believe your argument is sound.” Alektor said, his calm demeanor returning with an eerie ease.

“He’s trying to press him.” Katrina whispered, leaning toward Daniel. “He wants Alektor to choose Avria.”

“What?” Daniel’s response was swift. “You think so?” The pit in his stomach lurched as the thought of Avria standing arm in arm with Alektor came to mind.

“Telmos is a pretty sly politician, don’t you think?” Katrina smirked.

“Why the fuck would Telmos want Avria to marry Alektor?” Daniel hissed.

“Because Alektor is a strong Dae, and the High King.” Katrina chuckled. “And it would put house Regios on the top of the food chain. Alektor doesn’t have a real house, Dan. He’s the sol member of house Roh… well, if you don’t include Robert.

“I will agree to it, for now.” Alektor stated, bringing Daniel and Katrina’s attention back to him. “Princess Tali, I would very much enjoy a meeting afterward, in private. To discuss our compatibility, and the potential future of such a union.”

“I—” Tali attempted to respond, her blushing face turning around to several of the more senior members of her clan.

“Your father will of course be present as well.” Alektor gestured toward King Tegan of the Baa’Yega, who was among the crowd.

“Very well.” Telmos said, a bit less confident as he began to roll up his scroll, but Alektor reached over and placed his hand on it.

“There is one more issue I would like to bring up, King Telmos.” Alektor’s eyes turned predatory as they shifted toward Avria. “Your heir is also without a mate.”

“He didn’t take the bait.” Katrina whispered.

“She and I have not yet discussed this topic at any length.” Telmos replied, attempting to push the issue aside.

“Nonsense.” Alektor leaned toward Avria. “I’m sure the princess has given this much thought. I will approve any union you request, Princess. As long as it is within reason.”

Avria seemed to stiffen as the full attention of the council and the myriad of nobles and scribes in attendance fell on her. She closed her eyes, seeming to steel herself before she spoke. “I have thought on it, your highness…” her words seemed forced, but she sat up straight and turned to fully face Alektor. “I believe that the only selection for my own mate would be…” Her eyes shifted toward Daniel as she paused. They seemed to glow a fierce yellow as they locked with his own, and a numbness came over him. He lost himself in them as her next words came. “Hego Daniel of house Pierce.”