Page 72 of The Omega's Unexpected Bounty
“Come,” said Balo. “The Royal Chamber awaits.”
“Can’t wait?” I asked bitterly.
“First Father is for practical purposes no more and cannot perform his duties. Per the Sacred Scrolls my mate – notyours– gave birth first. YoulostGraden. Now the question remains, what part will you have in thisnewkingdom? You speak of loyalty and honor. Will you give it toyourking?”
“This,” I whispered, “is not a conversation to have in front of our father.”
“He cannot hear.”
“You don’t know that.” My shoulders rose. “This is why you will not make a good king. You may not be cruel, but you lack kindness. You grasp too hard, and you’ll break the shell of our kingdom.”
“While you are too soft and would let the kingdom fall. In both situations, we crack and splinter. Likability doesn’t ensure a good king.”
We both turned to our father. “I have two sons,” said Balo as he repeated my father’s familiar words.
“I should have had one with both halves,” I finished. “Even in sickness, we disappoint him.”
“The feeling is mutual as the Earthlings would say. He’s dead to me; it matters not if he awakens. It’s time for a new kingdom, one without a treasonous family.”
“Watch your words Balo.”
“As do you, brother. You’re speaking to a king.” He sighed low. “But perhaps this isn’t a conversation for here. Let’s go tomythrone room. Bring your mate and son. They should witness the magnificence of this new age.”
***
Time both slowed and sped up while we walked through the quiet stone hallways. I knew it didn’t take long, but within a few short steps, I remembered everything that happened. My people have several beliefs, but one is the universe will provide. We are Volardi. Other races come, but none rise to our level. Circumstances happen, and most often they turn out for our benefit. I do admit I struggle with events like the Gloom’s phage, losing most of our Femeni, and my father’s betrayal. Yet, unlikely events gave me Caan.
What will a universe with King Balo give my family?
I’d say my brother opened the wooden doors but threw them open was more accurate as if impatient to sit onhisthrone. I understood the situation – unhappy as it may be. We were rivals as children as we were now. Volardi fall into stereotypes, and especially Soturi. We test, fight, and battle, but there’s always a line – ill-defined perhaps – but we don’t intentionally cross it.
Our father did.A low hum approached, and I looked over to Caan and our first child pressed against his chest.I will be a better father, this I swear.
Taleen’s chair came into view and floated next to what was now Balo’s throne. I leaned forward toward Taleen, and his eyes widened at the gesture. Previous empires and generations didn’t give Femeni their due respect. Almost too late we failed to recognize them as the treasures they were. Taleen was Balo’s mate, but also one small but an essential part of saving our race.
My brother’s repeated coughs pulled me out of my thoughts. He shifted back and forth in the seat as if inviting me to say something. When it failed, his voice drew out. “No retort Graden?”
“Why? I asked. “This is the same battle we’ve fought since we were no higher than the throne’s armrests.”
“And yet,” he said, “the battle is over.” He held his hand out wide to show that the entire kingdom was his.
My lips pushed together before I spoke. “Did you truly want to be king or is it because you didn’t want me to have it?”
His eyebrows rose in question as if it amused him. “You think too highly of yourself brother. There were other reasons to want the kingdom besides spite.” His eyes narrowed. “I admit there were situations where I antagonized you but what would you expect? We’re Soturi.”
His expression blanked as if thinking something. “May I see your son?” He could have ordered me to do so, but I motioned for Caan to hovered closer. Balo leaned in. “The poor child. He resembles you Graden. Pity one so young already has a disadvantage.”
He flashed a quick smile before a silver orb floated into view. A rotating holographic image of Nate’s head appeared. Caan stroked our child’s back as he stared at his other father. Balo’s voice lowered. “The father who gave up his son and yet fought for him – almost to the death.” He jerked his head to us. “And the ones who risked everything for yours. Meanwhile our father…” His shoulders rose. “That is the past. It’s time for a new future and to accept a new king.”
I kept my voice even and tried to keep the anger out. I don’t know if I succeeded. “I respect our house, and I will stay because I believe you would have done the same for me. However, know this, donotmistake my calmness for weakness. The ocean is still, but remember the hurricanes and storms around our planet. If you ever dishonor us, I will fight you. Unlike our father, I will not hide in the shadows.”
“Would you fight me if I dishonor our people?”
“Indeed,” I said.
He nodded that he heard. “Then all that’s left is to swear loyalty tome.” Again time slowed as I looked into my brother’s deep purple eyes. Caan is my mate, but we see the world differently. In most cases, it was the Femeni and Omegas who took the softer approach. They ‘soothed’ our wild natures. Soturi reacted and then thought. I was the opposite as was Caan.Yet perfectly matched.
“I still believe in family,” I said. “I pledge myself to a King that will act as a proper King.”
