Page 22 of The Omega Slave

“I am a guest, as you know, but I am struggling to eat all this wonderful food. I am fearful of offending the cook and I had hoped you might be hungry.”

Funnily enough, it turned out they were.

Like most palaces, this one was riddled with secret passages, and by the sound of it, thanks to Ash, Flynn and Candy were learning them all, but had been lured into following their noses. For a moment, Kamir wondered why he’d never been adventurous enough to discover his own secret passages, as he was sure the palace had them. But he knew. The adventures he found in books, with no company to encourage him to greater heights, were enough to sate his boyish longings, and he envied these two’s thirst for discovery. Spurred on by their eagerness, he ate some crackers and paste, which tasted wonderful. He heard all about their life as eelers and how they had barely survived in the orphanages called King’s Castles. The children informed him that orphans created by soldiers killed or captured in battle qualified for food and shelter, but lack of proper oversight meant some took advantage of both the stipend and the children it was supposed to aid.

Kamir was shamed again that even a failing system like that had never been put in place on his father’s watch. “If I return to take the crown, I will need advisors to implement a similar system.”

Candy beamed, but Flynn was old enough not to take something at face value. “You would need someone that has gone through it,” he stated. “No one that hasn’t would understand.”

Kamir inclined his head. “I promise to ask your advice if I ever get the power to change anything.”

“Do you think that you won’t?” Flynn challenged. “Aren’t you the king?”

“Yes, I am the emir,” Kamir said. “But I have to prove that to a very bad man that wants to usurp me before I have the opportunity.”

Flynn considered that answer. “Ash has taught me to fight. I can help.”

Kamir’s throat tightened. “I would be honored, but I imagine your fathers have need of you here.” Flynn shrugged.

“Not if it’s a worthy cause.”

“I am humbled,” Kamir said gravely. Not that he would ever put this boy in danger, but the fact that he had offered spoke volumes not just to his own heart, but to Attiker and Raz’s. “You do Cadmeera a great service.” Flynn inclined his head just as a boy taking on the mantle of a king would, and Kamir could only hope to match this child in bravery and sincerity. Cadmeera was safe for summers to come if this was who would rule. But then it would depend on the existing laws. He knew Cadmeera had as many stipulations for succession as Rajpur, and he knew Flynn wasn’t a shifter.

Tsaria put up a hand to silence Mansala as they entered the antechamber to the rooms Kamir was in. He could hear the emir’s voice and those of two children, and while Mansala looked uncomfortable, he stilled a moment. As Tsaria paused, he heard Kamir mention orphans, and how he would care for them. Was it a ruse? Or had been too quick to judge?

He acknowledged that if Kamir wanted him to stay because of the dragon, he could simply order it. But he hadn’t donethat, and that, he supposed, was the one thing that kept his feet moving. But he didn’t trust any of them in the palace.

“Tsaria,” Kamir exclaimed when he saw him and stood. The boy stood as well and bowed.

“I am Flynn, and this is Candace.” He noticed the titles weren’t spoken, and he inclined his head politely and introduced himself.

The little girl jumped up. “Please call me Candy.” Tsaria was charmed, but Ash, who had followed them in, sighed heavily.

“Don’t you two get fed enough?”

“It’s Wednesday,” Candy shared, as if that was all the explanation needed.

“They won’t get into trouble?” Kamir said, nervously.

Ash grinned. “Did you save me some?” Both children smiled and the little girl giggled.

“No, Ash, but it was yummy. Must have been Cookie that made it. I’m sure she’ll make you some.”

Ash tried to hide his smile, then turned to Kamir and bowed. “Your Highness. I’m sorry if they’ve talked your ears off.”

“He says that,” the boy drawled, “like ears are gonna walk off on their own.”

“Or they could get detached on purpose,” Ash threatened. Grumbling, the children left with Ash and then as Tsaria looked around, he realized only Mansala stood between him and the emir. Mansala seemed to realize it at the same time, but instead of staying like a silent sentinel, he picked up the remnants of the food and walked away. Tsaria was left standing like a fool, having no idea what to say.

“I thought you might have left the palace,” the emir said.

“Did you?” Tsaria couldn’t help the challenge.

The emir met his gaze for a moment then turned away, but in that second Tsaria would have bet his life that the sorrow that painted his face was genuine, and for a moment Tsaria wasshamed. And while this man could never have experienced the degradation he and so many others had, maybe he had grown up with a different kind of torment.

But he hadn’t known hunger.

He hadn’t known the pain and confusion as he’d been “taught” his new trade.

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