Page 52 of Infiltration

Kalquor

“I have exciting news,” Oiteil told Yuder two days after the meeting that had included Ospar and Terbal. They strolled the beach, the councilman having met the former emperor as he’d emerged from Tara’s ashram.

“More councilmen on my side?” Yuder guessed, smiling. “Or was your information confirmed that Admiral Piras has left exile and been placed in charge of the squadron protecting Earth?”

“It has indeed been confirmed. Rumors of Piras’ presence there are already spreading here at home. I expect protests to be lodged at any moment where the unpopular admiral is concerned. It’ll add to the growing bad feelings toward our continued involvement with Earth.” Oiteil shook his head. “But forget the ill news. I want to tell you about the good. Dramok Mereta is on board with your return.”

“The Galactic Council’s secretary-general?” If he’d been less a Nobek, Yuder would have gawked. “Thanks to the influence he wields, it could make a tremendous difference.”

“I believe I can capitalize on his attitude, which is that you’ve been punished enough. He’s most sympathetic to your case, as well as Ospar’s. If only Rajhir would reconsider his decision to remain out of public service! We need every member of the old guard we can summon.”

Yuder’s heart leapt. Mereta’s approval wasn’t a guarantee he’d be allowed to participate in official duties, but it was a huge advantage.

Oiteil departed as they drew a quarter mile of the Royal House. Left to himself, Yuder allowed a hint of a smile to pull at his lips. His heart was light in a way meditation never managed to give him. He felt as if his feet could lift from the sands of the beach. He felt he could fly.

“My emperor.” One of his guards spoke behind him. Startled the man had used the wrong title, Yuder halted and spun.

He hadn’t misspoken. Emperor Bevau approached silently over the pink beach, catching up to them. Yuder’s heart sank to his stomach. He had no doubt Bevau had witnessed him speaking to Oiteil.

Chapter Fourteen

The Nobek ruler’s expression was pleasant enough to bring an instinctual scowl to Yuder’s lips. Once upon a time, he’d discounted Bevau as an unworthy clanmate for his son because of his half-Imdiko status.

However, he’d seen Bevau kill an enemy with all the ruthless ferocity of a born warrior. Bevau was the perfect balance of calm and brutality, the consummate Nobek emperor. Better than Yuder had been, by far.

Disquiet quickly followed in the wake of his initial reaction at the sight of his son’s clanmate. Bevau appeared pleasant, yes…but there was an intentness in his gaze Yuder had learned meant strong words, perhaps unpleasant, would be spoken.

“It’s odd for you to be away from your offices at this time of day, my emperor.” Yuder bowed.

Bevau returned the respect. In fact, he bowed deeper. “If I don’t get out once in a while, it might go badly for those I’m scheduled to meet.”

They shared a chuckle, Yuder’s strained. His concern grew when Bevau waved his guards off a prudent distance.

“I’m headed to the Government House. We can walk together, Imperial Father.”

Yuder recognized his sudden spark of anger was defensive. He controlled it, keeping his tone level as Bevau set a leisurely pace toward the cliffs. “You saw Oiteil and me.”

“I’m not the first. It’s become a concern.”

“It shouldn’t be. He’s one of many on the council who wish me to be more active in governmental concerns.”

“Tell me what’s going on. I refuse to level accusations others would until I hear your side.”

Accusations. Yuder’s disquiet at how he’d become complicit in Oiteil’s plans grew, but the fact Bevau would ask for his stake in the situation offered solace.

After Yuder’s account, Bevau showed no judgment, no anger. His handsome face showed no emotion at all. “In the past, the empire’s welfare hinged on your every decision. When my clan took the throne, we relied on your experience and knowledge to navigate Kalquor’s path. The empire was your life’s blood, and it’s been taken from you. The strain of having to stand aside must be immense.”

“When Wayne or Noelle assumes the throne, you’ll be there as an advisor. You’ll still have purpose, which has been taken from me,” Yuder said.

“If I’m alive to see it and if I’m not driven to break trust to save our world, as you were.”

“The abductions…my conscience has never been easy on their account, especially in light of how our war with Earth ended.”

“In my view, you had no choice when it came to bringing Earther women here if our empire was to survive.”

“An understanding attitude, given the mess my clan left for yours to clean up.”

Bevau shrugged. “You did your best. I’m certain of it. I think a sizeable portion of the empire would be glad to welcome you in an official capacity once more.”

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