Cashius looked out the tall wide window of the penthouse and watched as the Sagen military unloaded their cargo. They arrived mid day when the sun was high in the sky, it was a beautiful day to arrive home. Cashius told Gerok he would go back to the Saijerian colonies the next day. He had no intentions of going back to Proctor’s old cabin. He was confident the Barbarians took Gerok out. He watched as the soldiers carefully unloaded the many coffins into the holding area. They filled a small ventilated hanger with the fallen. It annoyed the Star Lord that one of the coffins didn’t belong to Kalvanius. He wasn’t too bothered for he had many plans lined up for the upcoming Warrior’s Solstice.

As he stood by the window looking down one of the best views of the kingdom, a servant walked in from behind. “My Lord, the staff almost has everything ready for tonight’s dinner sir. We also have the princess’s dress and invitation ready for delivery.” The petite butler bowed his head as he waited instructions. He draped a white towel over his black button up uniform. Cashius slightly turned around and waved his hand up giving the butler the go ahead.

The horns of the royal guards blew loudly to kick off the celebration of the army’s return. Together they marched towards the heart of the kingdom. They walked in sequence of three shoulder to shoulder from the Military Quarters all the way through town. There they were happily greeted by many. Sagens from all over came to see their loved one return home from battle. Crowds cheered and shouted covering them with confetti, rice and streams of colorful string. They were decorated with pretty flowers, hand made gifts and lots of affection. The celebration of their return made the soldiers feel proud to be home. It made them feel honored and appreciated to have fought for their people and home.

The tan brick road connected all of the Quarters which eventually led to the main road. Stores filled the road on each side which lead to the end of the market. Their destination was the palace, where they would be greeted by the king and his family. This was Iya’s first march through the city. Before she officially became the commander, she stood by her father as he greeted Artemis when he returned home. Now it was her turn and she was proud. Iya was proud of the dents in her armor, the blood stains on her breast plates, the rips and tears in the undergarments.

Her two-piece armor looked like it went through a hundred battles versus only a few. She also attached more jewelry pieces to her brown lock braids. Souvenirs she collected along her journey. She was proud at all her army had accomplished but was also sadden by the lives that were lost. Overall, Iya didn’t regret anything…

Together the commander and her captain walked down the road ahead of the rest. Kal kept looking down at Iya as he pondered on how to approach his next statement. He took a deep breath and said, “I plan on telling your father about us. It’s something that’s important to me.” He just came out with it…

Iya stopped in tracks for a few seconds staring at Kal as he kept walking. “Have you met my father? You know the king of Sage. I don’t think that’s a good idea… It’s bad enough that Jayce knows and if Jayce knows than Surra knows. That’s too many people already.”

Kal turned his head to look behind him for a brief moment before turning back to look forward. “I have to… I am a man Iya and it would be better if I had your father’s blessings.” Kal stopped and allowed Iya to catch up to him, “I don’t want to sneak around anymore. I want everyone to know you’re mine… including the Star Lord.”

Iya’s eyes widened when Kal mentioned the ‘Star Lord’. She yanked his arm which forced Kal to look at her. “That’s what this is about?! About Cashius? You don’t know how my father is going to react Kal!” She looked behind her and recognized she was being too loud. Even over the cheering she didn’t want to risk anyone hearing their conservation.

Kal yanked his arm back before replying, “It’s about doing the right thing Iya… Better if we told him in person versus your father finding out the wrong way. You’re right we don’t know how he’s going to react but it’s a chance I’m willing to take. The law that forbids us from being together was based off of two individuals over a hundred years ago. We are not them… I want you all the way Iya, not just behind closed doors.”

She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the march. Iya didn’t agree with Kal’s decision to tell her father but she understood why. “I wish I was as brave as you… I just don’t want to lose you.” Kal smiled at his love and put his arm around her shoulders pulling her close. They smiled as they continued their walk throughout the city. The soldier’s march ended when they reached the Garden of Ospice which was the backyard to the palace. The flowers bloomed opening up to absorb the bright sunlight showing their pretty colors.

Flowers of all kinds surrounded the long stairs leading to the top. The entrance to Iya’s home was only feet away, she was excited to her family. Her father and all her siblings stood together watching as the army reached the end of the road. Iya’s eldest brother Jaron Jr. leaned on the balcony while her eldest sister Patricia stood nearby. She was eight months pregnant now and could almost barely stand. This celebration was a first for them as well. Seeing their youngest siblings coming home from a mission reminded them of the roles bestowed upon them. All four children had an important role to play that none could afford to fail at.

All the soldiers stopped to look up then bowed to their royal family. After showing their respect to the king, the soldiers were dismissed to join to their families. When Iya looked up to greet her family her heart dropped when she saw a familiar face. She squinted her eyes to focus just to make sure they weren’t deceiving her. Queen Shakiya smiled as she snuggled close to her king.

The king and his queen wore matching ceremonial formal attire. He wore a dark green long coat with gold buttons which complimented his gold crown and jewelry. The queen wore a long green dress with a crème sheer wrapped around her shoulders and neck. Her locks were braided into a high bun ponytail and her large hoop earrings almost touched her shoulders. Iya turned around and screamed for Jayce. He marched with his Third born companions, the ones he hand picked to join his tech team. They also experienced what no other Third born could ever dream of doing. Together the small team of twenty, made history to be the first to ever leave Sage to accompany the military. Even though so many were lost, the few that remained would gladly do the last mission on Toko.

Jayce heard Iya screaming his name. When he looked up to see what the commotion was, he saw Iya dashing up the stairs. The one eye prince almost completely stopped in his tracks when he saw his mother. He too began to dashed up the stairs to the palace to greet his family. The whole way up the stairs he screamed, “Mom! Mom I can’t believe it’s you!”

Iya ran fast as she could to reach the top. She ran past her other siblings and threw herself into her mother’s arms. She squeezed the queen tight and firm, almost taking her mother’s breath away. She squeezed Iya just as firm, placing her head on top of Iya’s forehead. Queen Shakiya’s smile quickly faded when she saw Jayce’s face. Iya stepped back to give Jayce some room. When she caught a glimpse of her son’s face she gasped loudly and reached out for him. Jaron Jr. and Patricia quickly circled Jayce looking at the silver metal plates that covered his burns. He walked slowly looking at everyone’s response to his new look.

King Jaron walked up to his son and placed his hand on one shoulder. “From this day forward, you will be known as The Iron Born. Your heart is pure and your body is unbreakable. We heard about the ambush on Lotus. I’m proud of you, my son.” The king looked over at this youngest daughter and extended his hand out. He nudged Iya to come join the family circle, it was rare for all six to be together. They had to take advantage of every moment.

After the warm welcomes the family started to disperse back into their roles. King Jaron and Jaron Jr. were eager to hear Jayce’s reports from his journey. Normally the commander reports back to the Council after returning home but not this time. The king and the Council wanted to get another perspective of the events that happened. Traveling with the Sagen military was a rare opportunity for anyone to endure. Jayce got the chance to witness why the Sagen army is called the most elite army in all the universe. He had front rows seats to all the battles without having to be apart of them. They also wanted a full detailed report on upgrading the communication terminals. Finally, the Council wanted to know if Jayce and his team found any possible leads to who may have sabotaged them. Jayce had plenty of ideas to who was responsible for the sabotaged, he just needed proof.

On his way to meeting with the Sagen Council Kal ran up to Jayce questioning where he was going. They had other plans he thought they would follow up on. “I thought we were going to Proctor’s house before your meeting?”

Jayce got closer to his friend and replied, “I didn’t know they were wanted to meet as soon as we arrived. You’re going to have to go without me… You’ll be fine no one ever goes to his house, not even his own children. The estate belongs to them but the house is going to waste. Besides, here’s your window of opportunity. Cashius will be in the meeting and I’ll have a chance to pick his Star Lord brain about his plans. It’s a win-win really…”

Kal cut his eyes at Jayce, “You want me to snoop around in Proctor’s old house by myself? What am I looking for anyway?”

Jayce got even closer to Kal to whisper. He noticed Cashius had come around as the group of Sagen Councilmen gathered to walk to the meeting. “You need to find anything that links Proctor to Cashius. Anything… I’ll make it work from there.”

Kal exhaled deeply, “Alright… I’ll be back before dark.” He turned and looked up at Iya, she was looking in his direction. They were hoping to sneak away later but never planned where and when to meet. People were pulling both of them in different directions which didn’t give them much time to talk. Kal winked at Iya as she walked in the opposite direction. Her mother had plans for her two daughters and nothing was going to get in her way.

The ladies ended up in the queen’s spa room. A beautiful well-lit room built for nothing but relaxation. The special room was an extension to the queen’s bedroom. It was far in the back, where she liked to spend majority of her time. There was a small heated pool, a glass ceiling that allowed the sun to shine through. Flowers and vines were hanging from the ceiling, making a natural sweet aroma. The queen and her princesses sat together in long comfortable chairs as they got pampered. They wore fluffy thick robes and laid down the chairs. A set of maids came in to provide relaxing massages.

The whole spa scene was not Iya’s thing. She didn’t care for the smelly lotions and painting of their nails and toes. She knew that’s what her mother wanted to do and spending time with her was precious. Iya tried to think back at the last time she was in the spa room, it had been a few years. She looked around and realized no one had set foot in this room since her mother had been gone. The maids had to clean the room before the queen could use it. She turned to her mother and watched as she closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. Iya wanted this day to never end…

Just then, a special invitation arrived. The butler that served Cashius earlier in the morning held a nicely decorated envelope. The petite butler adjusted his jacket before walking in. He cleared his throat then brushed his mustache with his fingers. With the special envelope his walked directly towards Iya and stopped right in front of her. Queen Shakiya and Patricia couldn’t help but turn and look at him, a little surprised. Iya slowly looked up at the butler and waited to hear what was he there.

He put his legs together and bowed to his queen and princesses before turning back to Iya, “My Princess Iya, I am here to deliver you a dinner invitation for tonight.”

Queen Shakiya and Patricia looked at one another before giggling, “Frederick dear, it is always a pleasure to see my old friend. Who sent this interesting invitation?”

Frederick bowed again in the queen’s direction, “Thank you my queen. Ever since you have blessed us with your presence, Sage has been a brighter place. Our Star Lord Cashius personally sent me to deliver this envelope. He also purchased a beautiful custom-made evening dress all the way from the planet Ren. It’s waiting in your room. I personally handed it to your maid Neta and when you’re ready she will prepare for tonight.”

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Patricia put her fingers under her nose trying not to laugh at Iya’s super surprised reaction. “Iya doesn’t understand fancy invitations and custom-made dresses bought from a far. She understands swords and battle…” Iya’s face dropped as she cut her eyes at her sister. “This is mighty generous of Cashius to be so elaborate. I guess he wants to beat all the other guys to punch before the festival tomorrow.” Patricia raised her eyebrows at Iya speaking in code. She knew about her feelings for her captain. What Patricia didn’t know was how serious Iya and Kal’s relationship had become.

“Yes, I understand cutting off heads.” Iya reached up and grabbed the letter, “Thanks Frederick. I will be returning to my room after I leave here.” Frederick bowed one more time before taking his leave. When Iya looked down at the fancy decorated letter she immediately got slightly irritated. Cashius couldn’t wait, she thought.

Queen Shakiya noticed Iya’s reaction wasn’t exactly thrilled by the invitation. She laid back as far as her chair would allow and closed her eyes. “I’m not surprised at all really… That boy Cashius has always had a thing for you my dear.” Shakiya opened up one eye to peek at Iya, knowing she was looking in her direction. “Cashius is charming and very handsome. He has bright beautiful colored eyes and a smile that will melt any woman away. All I’m saying is, any man that will throw themselves at me like that deserves some attention.”

“I hear you ma, it’s I just got back home. I don’t have the energy to entertain him right now.” Nor did she want to. She knew having some personally deliver the message it would be hard for her to refuse it.

Queen Shakiya sat up and turned towards Iya, “He is not a bad guy sweetie. Ever since he arrived on Stella, he’s been nothing but kind and charming towards everyone. Actually, I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for him convincing me to speak up.” She sat up and grabbed her iced tea. “It was right on time that he showed up. The former Star Lord Tyannitus suddenly passed away in his sleep. Cashius got to only spend a few weeks with him before having to take the reins.”

Her mother’s words sparked something different in Iya’s train of thoughts. She started to also piece together the strangeness of how convenient the story had gone for Cashius. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it but something didn’t feel right. The only reason she was starting to have these thoughts was because of Jayce. She would have never made any connections without his conspiracy theories. The crazy part for Iya was it was starting to make sense. “Ma, you said the former Star Lord passed as soon as Cashius had arrived?”

“Yes, poor Cashius only got to train with him for a short period of time. Because of Tyannitus’s death Cashius was able to cancel you all going to Toko. Stella and other sister planets all mourned the former Star Lord’s death in a beautiful ceremony. Cashius really stepped up to the plate and help us all gain peace from the tragedy.”

Of course, he freaking did Iya thought herself upset and unsettled. This situation really made Iya think differently about her childhood friend she cared so much about. When she goes to dinner with Cashius later tonight, it would be a good time to ask some questions. Later in the evening it seemed night fell over Sage quickly. Iya didn’t get to spend too much time catching up with her maid Neta before she had to meet Cashius at the penthouse suite. The worse part, she couldn’t find Kal anywhere… It wasn’t like him to disappear without saying anything. Iya knew he wasn’t in the meeting with Jayce, so where was he?

The dress Cashius bought was exquisite and very expensive. Neta handled the dress with lots of care like she was holding a baby. After getting Iya completely ready and dressed Neta stood back amazed to how beautiful Iya was. The black silky dress flowed down to her knees and the spaghetti straps delicately laid on her shoulders, leaving her chest open. It hugged Iya’s curves perfectly but also delicately. The material was too soft to cling to her body. Neta oiled Iya’s braids and twisted them into a high bun. She grabbed one of the queen’s thick gold bracelets and hoop earrings. Lastly, Neta placed a thin gold necklace around Iya’s neck completing her accessories. She slipped on a pair of short black heels and stopped to wonder. How is Kal going to handle this when he finds out? Although the dress was a pretty and lovely gift, it made Iya feel very uncomfortable…

Cashius escorted Iya into his private suite. The penthouse was for special guests that came to visit on Sage. It rarely was used because Sagens weren’t keen on not allowing people to visit. To receive an invitation from Sage to stay for awhile was truly a gift. Iya looked around amazed at all the deliciously cooked food on the long serving table. She walked around it slowly looking at the amount, it was enough food for a feast. The penthouse was on the last floor of the politician building. The Sagen Council would congregate a few floors below. The view was extraordinary it was the perfect level to see the whole Sagen kingdom. The fancy guest room was setup just like the royal quarters, open with no walls dividing the parts. It was spacious with tall ceilings and lots of big windows.

He had a small table set up near the food. It was perfect for two people. There was something that threw Iya a little off. The extra large king size bed was closer to the dining area then to the bedroom. It seemed out of place for how close the bed was to the entrance. Iya glanced at the bed a few times before realizing it had been moved from it’s original place. Her gut screamed caution more than ever for the first time being around her ‘friend’. The safest thing to do tonight was take it easy, Iya thought herself.

“Come and sit down…” Cashius pulled out the chair from the small table. “You look famished and I have all the foods you can think made for us tonight. I didn’t know what your favorite dish was so I had them make them all.” He smiled at Iya, giggling at his own comment. “You should have seen their faces when I told the kitchen staff to cook everything on the menu. Anyway, eat whatever you like. Tonight, is a special night.”

“Special, how so?” Iya grabbed a small plate of seafood before sitting down. There were four different kinds of wines wrapped around clothes, ready to be poured. She grabbed a wine glass and poured one of the most popular red wines known on Sage. Cashius knew she would go for that brand versus any other.

“It’s special because I get to spend some time with you. I’d do anything for you… you know that right?” He didn’t waste anytime making the evening more awkward then what it already was. Iya adjusted in her chair and looked around not amused. “Is it something I said? Iya, you mean the world to me… as a matter of fact every world to me.”

“Cash… tell me about what happened to the former Star Lord. My mother mentioned he passed away suddenly.” Iya looked back down at her plate trying to avoid staring back. She knew what kind of man Cashius was and a patient one was not one of his qualities. He truly believes that being over the top with fancy dinners and expensive dresses was going to win Iya. That was his biggest mistake, he didn’t see Iya at all. On top of being irritated about Cashius’s elaborate skim to get into her pants, Iya couldn’t get Kal out of her head long enough to think.

Cashius didn’t want to answer too many questions about Tyannitus’s death. He kept his story short and to the point as he finished eating. The dolled-up princess gulped down the rest of her wine before wiping her mouth with a white napkin. She placed the napkin her lap before looking up at Cashius. They had been quiet for a few minutes after he told his side of the story. The only thing either of them could hear was the sound of the folks scrapping on the plates. Finally, Cashius grabbed the half finished red wine bottle and offered more to Iya, “More wine?”

He proceeded to grab her wine glass but she stopped him before he could pour more. “No… I’m good thanks. I think I’ve had enough wine for tonight. I had a few glasses in my mother’s spa room. If I continue to drink, I’ll be… drunk.” Iya all of a sudden started feeling a weird. Her head started feeling super heavy and she had this overwhelming eager to lay down. She tried to brush it off and chuck it up to just being tired. She cleared her throat before saying, “Well it looks like I may have already had too much wine.”

Iya tried to stand up slowly but stumbled a little, almost falling back into her chair. Cashius quickly stood up to catch her but she had caught her footing. “Iya, do you need to sit down? Lay down maybe? You can stay here for the night. I’ll find somewhere else to sleep…”

That was the last thing Iya wanted. All she wanted was to get out his room and figure out why she was feeling weak. “No… no I’m ok. Obviously, I need to retire for the night. I think all the traveling and the excitement of seeing my mother got to me. I really appreciate the dinner tonight Cash. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with a friend.” Iya tried to walk around Cashius but couldn’t manage to lift her legs that well. Her whole body felt very heavy and whatever was happening was getting worse.

She stumbled one more time and this time Cashius caught her by the arms. He held on to her tight, helping her to stand upright. He didn’t say anything and slowly stopped acting super concerned, he knew exactly what was happening to her. He also knew he didn’t have much time until she was completely passed out. Her last comment of calling Cashius a friend made him cut his eyes and give her a different look. It was time to get her undivided attention. He pulled Iya in closer to him before whispering in her ear, “I know about you and your captain, Kalvanius.”

Iya turned towards Cashius slowly as he was still very close to her face. She swallowed and gave Cashius a confused look. “What? I don’t know what you mean? Me and Kal?”

Cashius swung Iya around by her arms, squeezing her tight. He pulled her towards the king size bed and threw her down on her back. Iya tried to push him away but couldn’t from being so weak. She was very confused, almost scared at how quickly the events turned. Cashius stood there at the foot of bed looking at Iya as she tried to stagger to her feet. Instead of letting her regain her strength, he climbed on top of the princess holding her arms down by the wrists. She twisted and turned, trying to get loose of Cashius’s hold. Iya screamed, “What are you doing?! Cashius get off of me! You’re fucking hurting me…”

Of course, he didn’t move from his position but instead got more snug laying in between her legs. “I wonder what your father would say? Knowing his little girl is breaking the law screwing her captain. You’re too good for that low life piece of shit. You belong with me… I plan on making you my queen Iya. No more playing games with me! There’s no way I’m going to let you waste your precious life with sneaking around with him.”

Iya stopped struggling and looked at Cashius like she wanted to kill him. No one man handles the commander, let alone Iya the Great. “You drugged me, you bastard… Fucking coward. I will never belong to you!” She gathered up a glob of spit and lounged it towards Cashius’s face. He quickly moved out the way before it hit him. He cupped her face tight and wiped spit off her chin with his finger. Still holding her face Cashius kissed Iya hard on the lips.

“Don’t do that shit again…” He leaned down and started kissing her on the cheeks down to her neck. “You will become my queen, you know why? Because if you don’t my love, I will kill him… Publicly. Everyone will witness your captain getting his head cut clean off. Besides he’s already in a world of trouble for sabotaging the terminals and committing treason.”

Cashius let Iya go, allowing her to sit up on her elbows, “What are you talking about? You’re lying Kal wouldn’t do something like that” He stood to his feet and adjusted his fancy clothing. Iya wanted nothing more than to strangle Cashius but she was still too weak. Anything to distract him from getting on top of her again.

“Oh, after I drop the hint, the Sagen Council won’t believe anything Kal says. Plus, there’ll be evidence to support my claims. If you don’t stop seeing him, I will end his life.” Cashius lied straight through his teeth. He wanted Iya to believe she had a chance to save Kal. In reality he was going to kill him no matter the outcome of his planned blackmail. “It’s time for some changes here on Sage and you’re going to help me doing it. You have no idea all the things I’ve been through to get here. How many times I’ve tried to save you?”

Iya slowly scooted off the edge of the bed while Cashius’s back was turned. Once he noticed he quickly intervened standing in front of her. She leaned back upset, “Save me from what? Why are you doing this?”

“I’m doing this because you let him poison you… You let him deflower you and touch you. You let Kalvanius do the things I should have been doing to you! Iya you are worth so much more. Watch you’ll see… we will take Sage to a whole another level. With you by my side we will rule the universe together…”

Again, Iya took a big gulp as she stared into craziness shooting out of Cashius’s eyes. He fully believed in what he saying. A very real cold chill crawled up Iya’s back as she realized everything her brother had said was true. Jayce followed his gut and he knew there was something wrong about Cashius. She didn't have enough strength to out smart him... Instead she tried very hard to focus on not falling asleep but was failing. Her body was still woozy, she could feel her body wanting to shut down.

“Cashius… please don’t do this.” Iya tried to plead but it was no use. “It was you all along, you've been working with Gerok. You helped him by messing up the terminals.” She stopped and slowly opened her eyes as wide as she could. “You killed the Star Lord…”

Cashius smirked at Iya proudly that she had figured it out. “You’re so incredible… Agree to my terms and I will leave your captain alone. You will choose me tomorrow at the Warrior’s Solstice festival. Together we will make the announcement that I’m your ‘chosen’. Everyone will know that you belong to me, permanently.” He noticed Iya was nodding off before answering so he grabbed her sitting her up. “Don’t pass out just yet… I need to hear you agree to terms.”

Iya slowly nodded up and down whispering, “Yes Cashius I’ll agree. Please don’t kill Kal…” Her head fell back as she dropped completely into Cashius’s arms. He held her snug and caressed the hair and her forehead. It did cross his mind to take advantage of the situation but shook off those thoughts. Cashius kissed Iya gently on her lips before laying her down. If she didn’t remember the conservation tomorrow, he had a good way of reminding her. He slipped off Iya’s dress and tucked her under his king size bed sheets. He admired her half naked body as he laid next to her for a few moments. The sleep aid potion Tyannitus used worked wonders with his plans.

Once Cashius noticed Iya was completely asleep, he dashed to the other side of the suite. He let in a group of Barbarians through the side entrance to the balcony. They all had servant clothing of maids and butlers. Quickly they got dressed and waited for Cashius’s instructions. “Go to phase two… tomorrow will be a Warrior’s Solstice no one has ever seen…”