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“Open it! You have to.”

“No, I don’t.”

“You do! It’s my gift to you!”

“It’s bleeding, Rokai.”

“Yes, it is,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.

Quin shook his head in disbelief, but stood and began to very carefully untwist the bag, then fold down the sides.

As soon as Quin recognized the head that stared up at him, a slow smile curved his lips. “You found him.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t?” Rokai asked.

“No. I wondered how long it would take, though.”

“Turns out he was in a hookah bar, inviting others to join his imaginary revolution so that he could become Sovereign and reward them all for their loyalty.”

Quin looked angrily up from Mir’ Ahn’s eyes, staring sightlessly up at him. “How many were interested?”

“None. They were all so out of their minds with the drugs, that they weren’t even aware that he’d spoken to the same male three times in the short time we were there. Each time it was as though they’d just met. It would have been comical had it not been so sad. Still, though, for the harm he’d attempted to bestowon our family, and the implications he’d left his own sister to face, I felt this was applicable and deserved.”

“Well deserved!” Quin agreed.

“Happy Ascension Day, brother. I am beyond proud of you. I have no doubt you’ll lead us to levels we’ve not even imagined, and I’ll be at your side when you do.”

“Thank you, Rokai. Say, how do you feel about being an official Sire of Cruestace?”

Rokai grinned. “You actually asked me if I wanted to be Sire. And you didn’t even pinch the bridge of your nose once!”

Quin smiled and walked around the desk to hug his brother. “I love you, Rokai. And I like you, too. I am proud to call you brother.”

Rokai pressed his lips together and blinked his eyes rapidly as he tried to fend off the sudden surge of tears that threatened to overtake him. It wasn’t easy, but he managed to get his emotions under control. “I like you, too, Quin. I always wanted to be you when I grew up. But I have never wanted to be Sire. I’d have to behave.”

“You’ll never grow up, Rokai,” Quin quipped.

“No truer words ever spoken. I don’t have any time to stay here with you right now. I have to catch a quick shower. I’m not sure you’ve noticed, but I’ve got dried blood all over me.”

“Better get cleaned up before Mother sees you.”

“Too late. She about had a fit,” he said, laughing. He remained where he was for only a second or two longer, looking at his younger brother. Finally he smiled. “I love you, Quin. This is what you were born for. It’s about time you accepted it. I’ll see you out there.”

Quin smiled and nodded, now trying to control his own emotions.

~~~

Rokai stepped through the doors of his own royal residence on the second floor.

“Dear, God, what did you do?” Rosalita asked.

“Rosie!” Rokai shouted and ran toward her, his arms out.

“No! No, no, no, no, no! Don’t touch me! I’m all dressed for the ceremony!”

Rokai stopped and grinned at her. “What are you doing here?”

“A few of us came for the ceremony. Ada Jane, and her boys, and Ginger. Oh, and Li’Orani packed all her things to bring with her. She and Vor are going to live here and Vor and Zahn are going to share leadership of Vivian’s guard so they still have time for their mates. I decided to come, too, when Vivian told me they hoped you made it back in time for the ceremony.”

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