Page 15 of The Omega Slave

“Do you know I am expected to shift into an animal to prove my right to the crown?” Tsaria shook his head. “I should have at my age of provenance, sixteen summers, but my father was too busy warring to notice I never did, plus he was convinced he would live forever. But three days ago, I would have been expected to shift, or the crown would be passed to my uncle and then one of his sons. I have never shifted into any animal until I saw you in the palace and we touched, triggering my first shift.”

Tsaria gasped. “It happened? Really happened? I thought it a dream, Highness.”

“Kamir.”

Tsaria flushed. “Kamir,” he repeated, still wondering when he was going to wake up. “But surely that’s a good thing? A miracle?”

“Not as far as my uncle is concerned.”

Tsaria frowned. “That’s why I was held? He kept asking, but I pretended I’d taken poppy and didn’t remember.”

Kamir sighed. “Again, I would give much to have found you sooner. Tam told me of your injuries and assuming I can retake the throne, I will make sure prisoners are never held in such conditions again.”

Tsaria met his gaze. But he was a prince. Why did it have to wait? Why was it like that in the first place?

“I know it doesn’t help, and you have no reason to believe me, but I promise it will happen.” Tsaria dropped his gaze and thought about Jael’s ma. All the promises in the world couldn’t bring her back.

“You were held by my uncle because he is frightened. Basically, he doesn’t know if the power is from me or if you control my ability.” Kamir glanced at the sleeping child. “Is he your brother?”

“No, high—Kamir.” Tsaria stumbled over his name, as it still felt wrong. “He was held in the next cell with his mother, before she was killed. He was distraught, so the guards put him in with me. The intention was to loosen my tongue.”

Kamir swallowed. “Killed?”

“I assume after the guards raped her,” Tsaria said baldly. He couldn’t believe this man didn’t know what went on in his name. Kamir flinched but Tsaria hardened his heart.

“If I can, I will find out if she lives.” Tsaria shrugged. He knew she was dead.

“Your silence saved both our lives. If my uncle knew for certain what had happened, we both would have been murdered.” Kamir heaved a sigh. “I’m surprised he didn’t do that anyway.”

“But surely your guards would have protected you.” That made no sense.

“I don’t know who I should not trust and who is loyal, save a few. I’m not in a position to challenge my uncle, as he has the army and possibly the imperial guard behind him until I shift for the assembly.” Kamir shook his head in apparent frustration. “There are no living witnesses to what happened, save us. Which is why he didn’t enforce the rule about shifting. He’s panicking.”

Tsaria tilted his head, trying to understand. “Then why are you here?”

“Because the king of Cadmeera and his consort are great friends of mine. I hate the fact that I have abandoned mypeople, and in all honesty, if there was a better king I wouldn’t complain.” He swallowed. “I only ever wanted to be a scholar. I am halfway through documenting the history of Rajpur. I’m not a sovereign. I don’t have the charisma needed for people to flock to my banner. The only reason I intend to regroup and take my throne is because the alternative is too awful.” He met Tsaria’s eyes. “I believe you met my uncle. His sons are worse.”

He watched as Tsaria licked his lips and debated what to say. What could he say? He didn’t understand why he wanted to spare Kamir the details. Surely it was, in the end, his responsibility.

“I know you have no reason to trust me,” Kamir whispered. “I’m simply asking for a chance.”

“And if I said no?” Tsaria shot out.

Kamir gazed at him. “We aren‘t far from Cadmeera. You would be welcomed there as a citizen.” He nodded at Jael. “Both of you.”

“Would we?” Tsaria asked. He had no reason to believe Kamir. It could all be an act. Tsaria took a sudden breath. Kamir thought he was responsible for the dragon. Was that why Tsaria was alive? Because the emir suspected he controlled his shift? But then, what would happen to him when it was disproved? When he wasn’t useful anymore.

“I can give you promises now, but I know they wouldn’t be trusted because you have no reason to believe anything I say.”

For a moment, terror pulled at Tsaria with sharp claws. Had he said that out loud? He had to be careful. He had no reason to trust the emir. None at all.

“I’m sure you have many questions but let me explain what I know first. It will take us some time to travel and—” Kamir paused as the wagon lurched, then in the distance he could hear the sound of galloping hooves, and his breath caught.

“Highness,” Mansala shouted from outside. “Horses following us, hold on.”

Kamir shook his head. “There is no way this wagon can outrun the soldiers.” The wagon lurched again and Tsaria slipped on the cushions. Kamir was just managing to hang on, thankful Jael seemed to be protected cocooned in the blankets. Then another lurch and a crack and the wagon dipped, and Tsaria was in Kamir’s arms.

Kamir had a second to appreciate he was still human and that neither of them was seriously hurt, even if he did feel like his shoulder was on fire from where he landed, before the wagon lurched again and Tsaria fell. Kamir clutched at him uselessly but not in time to stop his head cracking against one of the posts.

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