Page 82 of Storms of His Wrath

“Because you smell like each other,” she said matter-of-factly. “And Mima says when people smell like each other, it means they love each other very much. Like how Papa smells like Mima even when he’s been away.”

Akoro stared at her. This tiny person had seen through all the complex political and emotional tangles to the fundamental truth—he and Naya belonged together. It was written in their scents, visible to anyone with the innocence to see clearly.

“It’s complicated,” he said finally.

Nnimi frowned, clearly dissatisfied with this adult explanation. “Why?”

“Well...” Akoro found himself struggling to explain concepts like duty and empire and competing loyalties to someone who viewed the world through the lens of simple affection. “Princess Naya has important work to do in her homeland.”

“Can’t she do important work here too?”

The question hung in the air with devastating simplicity. From a child’s perspective, it was perfectly logical—if someone had important work to do, they could do it anywhere. The artificial boundaries that adults created seemed meaningless when viewed through eyes unclouded by political complexity.

“Maybe,” Akoro said carefully.

“I hope she stays,” Nnimi announced confidently, in her little world just stating an obvious truth. “She makes you happy. And she makes the best growling sounds when we play sea monster.”

Despite everything, Akoro found himself smiling. “She does make good sea monster sounds.”

“The best,” Nnimi agreed solemnly.

When Oppo finally left with his daughter for the evening meal, Akoro was left alone with the child’s artwork and her innocent questions echoing in his mind. Are you going to marry Princess Naya? Can’t she do important work here too?

From the mouths of children came the wisdom that adults spent their lifetimes trying to rediscover. Love was simple. Family was simple. The complications were all artificial constructs that existed only because people allowed them to.

As the sun set beyond his windows, painting his chambers in shades of fire and gold, Akoro studied the stick figure drawing his niece had created. Five people, together and happy. No impossible choices, no competing duties—just love, rendered in a child’s honest strokes.

Maybe it really could be that simple.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of the council chamber as Naya entered, her borrowed palace silks rustling softly against the marble floor. She’d expected a routine briefing about the integration progress, but the sight that greeted her made her steps falter.

The entire council stood as she approached—Prillu with her diplomatic composure, Tshel’s weathered face creased with emotion, Ranin’s usually stern expression softened with something approaching awe. Even Nrommo, who’d viewed her with suspicion since her first day as Akoro’s prisoner, rose from his seat with obvious respect.

“Princess Naya,” Prillu said, her voice carrying a formality that hadn’t been there in weeks. “We’ve asked King Sy to allow us this moment to speak with you directly.”

Naya blinked, surprised. Akoro hadn’t mentioned it.

Tshel stepped forward, her red robe swaying. “You did it, Naya. You found the Solution.”

Naya smiled, warmed by the tears in her eyes.

“You risked your life. You channeled forces that could have destroyed you to save people you never met.”

Naya’s throat tightened unexpectedly. “I did what was necessary?—”

“No,” Prillu said firmly. “You did far more than necessary. You went beyond any reasonable expectation of duty or alliance.” She paused, her usual composed facade cracking slightly. “My sons now have no more to fear for the rest of their lives. I… You don’t know how much relief that gives me.”

“My granddaughter lives in the outer district,” Ranin said. “She would have died if that storm had reached populated areas.”

“My nephews,” Nrommo added, his battle-hardened voice surprisingly gentle. “Three boys who’ll grow up safe because of your courage.” He inclined his head in a gesture that, coming from him, felt more significant than any formal bow. “I misjudged you, princess. I saw a foreign captive where I should have seen a good heart, a protector.”

Oppo approached, a smile on his face as he took her hands in his. He began speaking and Tshel translated.

“My mate and daughter are alive because of what you did,” Oppo said quietly, his voice thick with emotion that made his words tremble. “You didn’t just save the region, princess—you saved my world. Oshrun, Nnimi, every Omega in that canyon who would have died if the storm had hit.” He paused, swallowing hard. “You gave me back my family when I thought I’d lost them forever. You made it possible for my daughter to grow up safe, for my mate to lead her people into the light instead of hiding in shadows.” His dark eyes, so much like his brother’s, blazed with fierce gratitude. “There is no debt I wouldn’t pay, no service I wouldn’t render, to honor what you’ve given us.”

Heat blazed across Naya’s face and her throat ached with an unspent sob. The full council continued to thank her with expressions and gifts of gratitude. These were people who’ddevoted their lives to serving their kingdom, who understood better than most what true sacrifice looked like.

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