Page 79 of Upon Shattered Bonds

Conversation topics shifted to less awkward matters as they waited on the remaining couple. When the Egyptian sovereign and his mate knocked only minutes later, their arrival completed the Quint Treaty. It was the first time they’d gathered with their partners present.

That is, all but Nero, who remained single.

After exchanging greetings with Caius and his mate, Feme, they adjusted course and spoke about what’d recently happened. Nina and Zeke divulged the nature of Demetrios’ plotting and how he’d lost his life.

Following a beat of silence, Zeke asked, “Have any of you learned of what’s come of their clans?”

New Dominion laws had been conceptualized and put into practice for this very reason. Challenges under Old Dominion rule would leave any clansmen of the defeated sovereigns without a clan. Essentially, the failure of Demetrios’ grouping of five sovereigns had resulted in disaffecting hundreds of Raeths who now bore the unenviable title of clanless.

“I know of several groups that’ve approached me and other sovereigns,” Nero began. “They’ve appealed for entry.”

Nodding, Nina said, “It’s a shame he chose to do it that way. How many hundreds of our breed are now clanless and seeking the safety of a group.”

“Demetrios invoked Old Dominion rule on the grounds that he wouldn’t lose.” Isaiah’s jaw tightened. “Had he foreseen the inevitable end of his own madness, I doubt he’d have reverted to the old ways.”

“It does beg the question, though,” Nero thought aloud, “if their Seer prophesied your mating, why could she not predict the conclusion of Demetrios’ challenge?”

“Or perhaps she did and kept it quiet.”

Everyone was pensive on the heels of Nina’s comment. Shrugging, she leaned into Zeke. “I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“Nor will I,” her mate agreed. “With concern for the attacks on my territory—I realized after the final confrontation with him that Demetrios’ psychic energy was similar to Luther’s. That’s why I recognized it as familiar when he launched the network attack on my clan.”

“I wonder why he attacked your territory, Zeke,” Caius said, “when his true intentions were purely centered around taking revenge on Nina.”

“But—” Nero interrupted, holding up a finger to punctuate his interjection, “—the four other sovereigns he dragged into his game didn’t know that. Demetrios must’ve had to save face, play the game he was peddling.”

“When they saw the challenges and assassination attempts weren’t working, Demetrios had to switch tactics,” Isaiah’s grumbled. “Ultimately, he knew it’d end in Nina’s death—or so he thought.”

“Regardless,” Nero beamed, “all’s well that ends well. When can we expect your mating ceremony?”

“And there defines Nero’s leadership style: laissez-faire with an emphasis on celebration.” Zeke’s responding smirk was anything but cruel. “Let’s hope your future mate is of the same mind.”

Nero’s grin grew impossibly wider. “One can only hope, my good friend.”

A stab of empathy knifed through Nina as she regarded the Polynesian sovereign, the thought of his solitude a pang in her gut. “We look forward to the day when we meet her, Nero. Has Kiyonne ever foreseen when your first encounter will happen?”

Kiyonne, a member of Nero’s clan, was the most powerful Foreseer currently living. It was rare that she shared her visions with anyone other than her sovereign.

Sadness touched Nero’s eyes for a moment before he disguised it beneath his typical joviality. “The only thing she’ll say is soon.”

While the others turned back to more mundane conversation, Nina held Nero’s gaze. Have faith, Nero. I have no doubt your mate with arrive at the right time.

Of course, Nina. A courtly bow of his head, but the light had diminished in his eyes. I eagerly anticipate the day we meet; I just have to wait for our time.

She offered him a tight smile. Through the years they’d known each other, Nero had always been the confidant she’d needed, the one she looked to when she could go to no other—and vice versa.

Nina vowed to herself she would never abandon Nero to the loneliness that’d once plagued them both. Even with Zeke in her life, she’d make sure Nero knew he could count on her and would always be welcome and valued in her life.

“We’ll have to appoint an administrator for the Peace Accords treaty,” Isaiah said when Nina returned her attention to the conversation. “We can’t have it all fall on Nina’s shoulders any longer.”

“My lieutenant, Zia, would fit the bill,” Nero offered. “She’s capable and trustworthy, and she’s been looking for more responsibility. She was the one who helped me draft the original Peace Accords agreements.”

Nina balked at the need for a backup. “Why do we need an administrator?”

“Because believe it or not, time went on while you were napping and savoring post-mating bliss, ku’uipo.” Nero expanded on the need. “Having two people would be rather a good idea especially when you’ve made it your goal to court all merjhas within your radius.”

“Hilarious, Nero. But I’ll play ball. It’s a good idea.”

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