Robert awoke to a gentle breeze from his open balcony. His eyes blinked open, and he smiled at the sweet aromas that could be smelled from the kitchens. With a yawn, he attempted to stand to relieve himself but was halted by a slender arm around his chest. Demessa’s warm body was pressed against his, and his smile broadened. Gently he removed it, and made his way to the bathroom. By the time he returned she was already standing, attempting to get dressed.

“Woah, hold on a second.” He said, grinning as he approached. “You’re going already? You usually stay for a bit.”

Demessa shrugged on a tunic and gave him a playful smile. “I would, but today I have a meeting with Turak. It’s the moot, remember?”

Robert hung his head. “Yeah… I forgot about that. All the kings from the coalition clans are coming here to vote on the new High King… got it.”

“Which means you’ll have to go without your morning exercise.” She leaned in to kiss him. “My poor spirit-sent.”

Robert tasted her lips in utter satisfaction. The last two months had been amazing for him. Alektor had barely even asked for his presence on the hundreds of menial tasks of rule. He essentially had nothing to do except wave his hands to a few people and sleep with Damessa. He felt that he had a lot of time to make up for.

“Remember, you’re supposed to be there too. The king needs you there to support him.” She pulled away.

“Uh huh.” Robert inhaled deeply. “I’ll be there, don’t worry. Let’s just get this over with. You and I have unfinished business.”

Demessa laughed as she put the rest of her clothes on, and turned to kiss him one last time before climbing from his balcony. The situation was a bit strange, and it made him feel guilty for hiding this whole affair from Alektor, but he didn’t care. Alektor hadn’t said anything about it, and he wasn’t going to bring it up. He stood for a minute, looking out at the city below him, then went to bathe.

~

Robert sat down in a chair behind Alektor in the conference chamber, waiting for the Kings from the coalition clans to arrive. He was a bit early, and was hoping to see Demessa here, but she had yet to show up.

“Reku.” Alektor said, resting his hand on his shoulder.

“Morning.” Robert stifled a yawn. “An exciting day isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Alektor stood beside him, then turned to face him.

“What?” Robert could tell something was bothering him. “You’re wearing your political face.”

“Reku, I know what you have been doing with Demessa. I’ve known for some time.” Alektor turned his large chair around and sat in it, still facing Robert. “I said nothing because I figured you would have your fun, and then move on. However, since you have continued to spend… time together, there is something I must tell you.” Alektor’s eyes closed for a moment and he breathed in irritation. “As a prince of house Roh, you will be expected to mate with those of equal status. I know it isn’t your custom, and that your people may bond with any they choose… but this is our way. We have been put in a dilemma of sorts.”

“Oh Lord…” Robert rubbed his face with his hands. “Alektor, I’m not going to be married off like some fucking princess. I’ll sleep with who I choose to sleep with, and that's it.”

Alektor shook his head, sighing. Robert could tell he didn’t want to have this conversation, but felt he had to. “Listen, the king of Sabree wishes to join our houses, and bring his daughter’s offspring into the line of succession. I will be high king after today, and must think about a broader picture.”

“Other provinces…” Robert hung his head. “I’m not marrying, or mating, or anything with Ambrosia, that woman is a power hungry snake.”

“Reku.” Alektor leaned forward and placed his hands on his shoulders. “Please, as your friend, and your brother, I am asking you to do this. You may continue your relationship with Demessa if you wish, but she will never be recognized by any royal family. Her house is prestigious, but of low birth.”

“Aren’t you too?” Robert shrugged off his hands and crossed his arms. “You told me that your dad was a general, who was killed by the last king of Rexun. That’s why they call you the common king. Why can’t she do the same? If we joined, her house would be elevated.”

“But what would that do for our kingdom?” Alektor’s anger began to show. “My father was a commoner, yes. But those around me fear my power. All who stood against me I have destroyed. All who doubted me, are now silent in their submission. Royalty is no match for power, Reku. She is not who we are, she does not share the gifts we are bestowed. And a joining with her will not advance our kingdom.”

Robert said nothing, he just fumed silently.

“I need an answer from you, right now.” Alektor leaned back in his chair. “Before the kings arrive. It will determine my next move.”

“What if I say no?” Robert said.

“If you say no, I will respect your decision, but I will think very poorly of your judgment. Love does not conquer all, I’m afraid. What does, is cunning and power.” He leaned forward again, close to Robert. “And loyalty.”

With that, he turned his chair around to face the table again.

God damn him! Robert clenched his fists in anger. Who the hell does he think I am!? I am not a piece to be used on a chessboard. He thought

“He is correct…” Dio’mar’s voice whispered in his mind. “Your joining with Demessa will bring nothing new to the kingdom, in terms of power. Ambrosia will be queen of Sabree when her father expires… making you…”

She doesn’t want me! He said to her, in his head. She wants Alektor, and I don’t want her here, period. You’ve seen her! She’s a freakin’ ice queen.

“Alektor is indeed very smart to make this move… Her father planned on making his grandchildren… heir to the throne in Rexun… instead, Alektor will have you marry her… and you will rule Sabree instead… it is quite genius…”

I’m not a political tool. He told her.

“You would give up… your own kingdom?” Dio’mar appeared on his lap.

Robert just hung his head, his leg twitching in frustration.

“Do not be a fool Robert… This would make you… a king… a man of importance and influence… You could change your fate… the fate of all humans in Pelemont.”

We can’t even have children. Robert said, fidgeting.

“That you know of… besides… they do not know that. You certainly have been taking precautions…”

Wait… you’ve been spying on Demessa and I?

“Well… You only made me promise for the first night… it is nothing to be embarrassed about Robert… but my statement stands… you have not planted your seed in her womb… so you can’t know if you are able… to have children… with the Dae”

Robert just shook his head in disappointment.

“Besides… you got very creative with where it did go… I was impressed.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Good lord!” He said out loud. Several of the Dae servants and assistance looked in his direction, but he ignored them.

Alektor finished speaking with a servant, and turned again to face him.

“I hope you make… the right decision…” Dio’mar’s small form faded out of existence in a puff of black smoke.

“Son of a bitch…” He said through grit teeth.

“Have you made your decision?” Alektor asked.

With a sigh of resignation, he nodded. “As long as you don’t give me any crap for seeing Demessa, then yes. And… I don’t have to keep Ambrosia here in Vul De Rah.”

Alektor smiled genuinely. “She will be your mate, you can do with her what you will. And I promise not to interfere with your… uh… relationship with Demessa. However, I cannot promise how Ambrosia will react to how you treat her. You will be expected to appear as a happily married couple. For the Sabree, and Rexun.”

Robert remained silent, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. After nearly an hour he pondered in annoyance at his most current dilemma. As he did, the three other kings and Queen of the Rexunii coalition, arrived with their staff and wards. Ghomar of house Akio, the King of Sabree sat in the middle, across from Alektor who was alone. To his left was Queen Athica, of the Visgo clan, cousin of the former Queen Mundiri. And to his right was King Tophen, of house Varn, of the Volsung. Robert studied them all one by one. Ghomar was one of the oldest looking Dae he had ever seen. With long pearl hair, pale red skin and strong features, but was visibly tired. It was still so strange to see how old the Dae could actually get. Even so, they always seemed to look far younger than they were. Tophen seemed a near the same age as Agron. His eyes distrustful, and skin that looked slightly orange. Like most Dae, save Alektor, he styled the long hair of the nobility, braided behind his ears.

Roberts eyes rested on Queen Athica, who was looking directly at him. For an instant he panicked, and almost looked away. Instead, he forced himself to look at her as confidently as possible. He was among the leaders of clans. People who could find weakness and exploit it easily. He knew he had to appear strong before them; he was, after all, the only human in the room. He swallowed and marveled at her elegance, and stunning beauty. Not raw and untamed like Demessa, but calm and collected like a serpent. Her eyes focused on him, and a smile curled at the edge of her lips. Her pearl hair was styled elaborately, but not too much as to appear ridiculous. Her face was beautiful and slender, and her skin was a pale yellow. It was her eyes however, that caught his attention most. They gleamed a brilliant red and bristled with vibrant intelligence and curiosity.

“Thank you for coming, my friends.” Alektor began, bringing the attention of the room to him, and silence to the conversations. “As you all have made the effort to meet with me in the former house of Ignos. I greet you with open arms, and gratitude.”

The leaders bowed their heads in acceptance, and King Ghomar laughed loudly. “You have brought us a great victory, Alektor, one we did not think possible.”

“It was made possible, by the blood of our warriors.” Alektor said.

“And your cunning.” Athica chimed in, her voice lithe and calculative.

Alektor took a moment to nod at her, then continued. “We each sacrificed much to get here. To sit in the very chairs of those who had enslaved my people, and fulfilled the will of the tyrants to the North. But the war is far from over. Even now, the forces of Lokkadonia are gathering strength and preparing a counter attack against us. They are not alone; they are being bolstered by Torre’, the Baa’Yega, and clan Exous to the South. They have more to bring against us, and an organized front.” He gestured with his hands. We are not yet unified, and must choose today, a High King of our province. One that will not kneel to the Torre’ or their corruption, or to the Espi-Dae! Who pollute our minds with vile actions against those sent to us by the spirits themselves!”

Eyes glanced at Robert, who remained unreadable and still.

“I will submit to your decision, my friends.” Alektor continued. “We should move forward with the vote as soon as possible.”

Tophen shook his head, and chuckled. “So let's be done with it then.” He turned to the others. “I am ready to vote, who is the coordinator?”

Alektor looked to Turak, who stood behind him.

“I am.” He stepped forward. “Turak, of house Skotos. Chief of all military operations in Rexun, and right hand of the King. I will be the arbiter of this moot, and will honor the customs of our people.”

“Fair enough.” Ghomar said, pointing to Alektor. “My vote is obvious. I would like to see Alektor as High King. He has proven to be a cunning and worthy military leader, and has inspired vast loyalty in even my own people.”

Alektor bowed his head respectfully.

“There is a formal procedure, your highness-” Turak said, before being cut off by Tophen.

“I would see Visgo at the fore of this conflict.” He looked to Athica. “Forgive me, but the manner of your ascension was questionable. The Spirit-Sent used evil powers to coerce your cousin into stepping down. Do you not deserve something for this?”

Athica looked to Alektor, who remained expressionless. “I will.” She began, her eyes narrowing. “Require compensation from the Rexunii.”

“Lord Turak and my brother, exposed your cousin’s treachery.” Alektor said. “She intended to betray us from the beginning. As far as Prince Reku is concerned. He saved many of your people in using his unique abilities. As a Spirit-Sent, he bestowed great mercy upon them.”

“I do not question this.” She said.

“Then what is your choice?” Alektor leaned forward. “Will you support the effort of the Rexunii, and pledge your support to me? Or see yourself as High Queen?”

Her face relaxed, but Robert could see that her eyes were irritated. “I will cast the vote for myself then. Unless the king of Rexun can persuade me otherwise.”

Alektor looked on for several moments, contemplating. “So we are at an impasse.” He shifted in his chair. “What do you want?”

“I want the Spirit-Sent.” She said, looking to Robert. “He will serve me in Visgo.”

Alektor clenched his fists. “My brother--”

“Isn’t for sale.” Robert cut in. “I’m not someone you can just pay for, like a slave. I’m a human being, and I am done playing these games.” He looked to Alektor and shook his head.

“My Brother.” The Rexunii king continued. “As he said, is not a slave. He is a member of my house, and will be treated as such. He serves his own purposes.”

Athica sniffed. “Then it looks like we will be here for a while.”

“I may have a solution, Athica.” Alektor said. “If you wish to have the council of my brother, and submit the title of High King to me, then perhaps you would join my house?”

Athica raised an eyebrow.

“My brother is unwed, and you have yet to choose a mate.” He said.

“I will not submit my rule to any man.” She snarled. “Your people have much to learn of the Visgo. Our power-”

“Your power will not be taken.” Alektor interrupted. “But Reku is a legitimate member of house Roh, as well as a Spirit-Sent.”

“Don’t I get a say?” Robert said angrily. “Like I said, I’m not a pawn.” He stood. “And you can’t fathom what you’re dealing with.” he pointed to Athica. “What I did to your cousin, I did without breaking a sweat.”

“I’m sure.” She looked at him, drawing out her last word. “Prince Reku, I mean you no offense. I only wish to glimpse at the power you hold.”

“So why not join our houses Athica.” Alektor said.

“No.” Robert barked. “Seriously? I thought we already decided?”

“Plans change with circumstance Reku. We must adapt.” Alektor looked to Athica. “He will be your king, but second to your rule.”

“None would be second if he speaks for you.” She said. “As High King, you could dictate much.

“I could dictate much, now.” He folded his arms. This brought silence to the room. And the three leaders looked around uneasily. “My power is not something you must fear. I am here as a friend, and your peer. And we must learn to trust each other.” He looked to Tophen, “Taking back the southern reaches of your land.” Then to Ghomar. “Bringing your people from financial destitution.” Then to Athica. “Making Visgo the center of trade in Eleutheros, again, rightfully.”

She took in a deep breath. “Your words move me, Alektor. But I am surprised you do not offer yourself to me.”

“I’m afraid I am spoken for.” Alektor bowed. “But that is why I must ask again for you to consider Reku. Having you as a sister would bring me much joy.”

She wrinkled her nose at him, and looked again to Robert. “Prince Reku…” She sighed. “Would this be something you would consider? I can see that you have a mind of your own, and will not be coerced into something you do not wish to.” She sat up straight and examined him. “I would be willing.”

Robert grit his teeth. Ambrosia or Athica… God damn… this is a fuckin mess. He thought. Demessa’s going to flip the hell out when she hears about all this. He glanced around the room again, seeing the unfamiliar faces. Maybe that’s why she isn’t here… She probably already knows. Shit… her meeting with Turak.

“You know you don’t like Ambrosia…” Dio’mar chimed, hidden from sight. “This could accomplish your goal faster… this way… you wouldn’t have to wait for King Ghomar to die…”

She isn’t gonna share her power with me, you heard her, He thought to her.

“She says that… but we will make it so…”

Robert swallowed and nodded.

Alektor cracked a smile and clasped his hands together. “Excellent, we will plan a wedding here, perhaps tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Robert and Athica said simultaneously.

“I’m afraid I will need some time.” She said, reeling.

“Time is of the essence.” Alektor pressed. “I wish for you to be contented, so that this vote may become final. Why wait on something so important? You must return to your clan, and Reku should go with you. You will return with a King, and a spirit-sent with you. Visgo will rejoice at your joining, and your people will celebrate.”

“Yes!” Ghomar said, slapping the table. “Now change your vote for High King to Alektor, and finish this. You have gone a hundred years without a mate Athica. What better way to end up with one from the spirits.”

A hundred years? Robert thought, examining the woman again, she did not look anywhere near half that age.

She shook her head, clearly strained at the pace. “Very well… I suppose if true change is to come to us, it might as well come quickly.” She looked to Alektor. “I hereby support you as our High King. Now, you have until tomorrow to plan a royal wedding.”