Chapter 28
28
V’dim
V ’dim walked through the winding halls of the palace, his steps quiet and measured. He kept his tentacles loosely wrapped around his body, not wanting to appear threatening or accidentally bump someone in passing.
The villa’s grandeur was undeniable, with its high ceilings and intricate carvings. He was impressed by the vidscreens showing past Beacons of the Empire. There was no such a thing on Circul—the reigning queens never wanted to be reminded of past rulers.
It was a reminder of how different he and his Circuli nestbrothers were compared to Zirene and the cubs.
But V’dim’s thoughts were firmly focused on the wellbeing of his nestqueen. As her royal consort, he took his duty seriously, ensuring her safety even when she wasn’t directly in his line of sight.
The mental thread connecting him to Selena pulsed softly in his mind, a constant presence guiding him back to her.
It was getting late, and he could sense her fatigue through their bond. The last thing he wanted was for her to overexert herself on their first night here, especially when she was pregnant and not used to the planet’s dry heat.
While Selena had been presented alongside Zirene, Kaede had vanished, likely setting up his perimeters. The male was never around for too long, and always had to keep himself busy—more so since he’d returned from rescuing her.
V’dim and Z’fir had spent their time mingling, speaking with the guests, gauging their reactions to a demihuman Beacon. Once they were satisfied with the atmosphere, feeling nothing was amiss, they had excused themselves to learn the layout of the palace.
Knowing their surroundings was crucial, especially in unfamiliar territory—just in case something unexpected happened.
Not that they anticipated any trouble, but they couldn’t afford to become complacent. Not after what had happened the last time the clan had left Destima. And then there was the prophecy from the Stars.
Z’fir’s bond was a comforting constant in the back of his mind. They walked side by side, sticking together, as they were the only Circuli on Liskta. There weren’t many non-Aldawi planetside either, and the Aldawi present were majority female.
No matter how they looked at it, they were outnumbered, so it was best for them to stay out of the way and support Selena from afar, until she needed them.
As royal consorts, they knew their place—allowing Selena and Zirene to shine as the Aldawi leaders. The Harvest Festival was in their honor, after all. The attention should be on them alone.
V’dim felt an odd brush against his tentacles—a soft, almost imperceptible touch. He frowned and turned, scanning the empty hallway behind him. He saw nothing, but the sensation lingered, unsettling him. His senses prickled with unease.
“What’s wrong?” Z’fir asked, his head tilted, petal wings ruffling slightly. His vines expanded, a natural response to his bondbrother’s unrest.
“I thought I felt something touch me,” V’dim replied, his voice low as he tried to shake off the feeling. “But it seems I was mistaken.”
Z’fir peered over his shoulder, studying their surroundings. “Are you sure?”
“One can’t be sure when the Aldawi move in the shadows.” V’dim stretched his tentacles and then sighed, rolling back his shoulders. “It must be my nerves. Or maybe a sudden change in the airflow from the cooling system. Never mind. Let’s focus on rescuing our tired nestqueen from all the attention she’s getting. I can feel how tired she is through our bond. Selena needs to retire to her nestbed and get some much-needed rest.”
Z’fir nodded thoughtfully. “Kaede was right all along. Our nestqueen is a catalyst for change. The dinner guests were all flocking around her, wanting her energy directed at them.”
“People don’t like change, though,” V’dim mused, his gaze distant. “Not when they’re comfortable with how things were.”
“And everything Selena touches, she changes.”
Another brush against his tentacles—more insistent this time—made V’dim stiffen.
Instinctively, Z’fir’s vines lashed out, wrapping around a figure that had been attempting to remain unseen. “Got you,” he hissed. “Whom do we have here?”
Z’fir’s vines tightened around Nocrez, who squirmed desperately, his dark blue-green eyes wide with worry.
“Clanfather V’dim, please, help me!” he pleaded, his voice cracking.
V’dim chuckled, his tentacles extending playfully. “Maybe I should help Z’fir instead,” he teased, his tone light.
Just then, Neazzos appeared, leaping onto V’dim’s back and wrapping his arms around his neck. “You can’t, Clanfather!” he insisted, his voice full of determination. “Run, Nocrez!”
Meti appeared beside them, her arms crossed, ears pinned back, and tail waving in agitation. “You two are in trouble,” she declared, her voice stern.
Z’fir finally released Nocrez, and V’dim followed suit, gently peeling Neazzos from his back and setting him down. “What are they in trouble for, Meti?” V’dim asked, raising an eyebrow.
“They left B and Q,” Meti replied, exasperated, her gaze shifting between her brothers. “They wanted to test their shadowstepping and use their new assassin bracelets to spy on people.”
V’dim peered at Z’fir and sighed. “It’s getting late, and we were going to gather their mother. It seems like we should take them back to their room too.”
Z’fir nodded. “I’ll bring them back and inform B and Q that we have them.”
Meti stepped forward, her fingers deftly tapping on her bracelet. “I can tell them,” she offered, typing a few commands. She spoke clearly into its microphone. “B, I caught my brothers spying on Clanfathers V’dim and Z’fir. They’re escorting us to our rooms to retire for the night.”
B’s voice came through the bracelet. “Thank your clanfathers and report in after breakfast in the morning.”
Meti frowned, her ears pinned back further. “Are we in trouble?” She narrowed her eyes and tightened her jaw, sending a sharp, piercing glare at her mischievous twin brothers. “Do we have to quit assassin training?”
B’s voice was firm. “You will know your fate in the morning. Rest well tonight; you’ll need it.”
As the bracelet’s light dimmed, Meti’s tail lashed behind her. She hissed, “If I get kicked out because of you two, I will never forgive you.”
V’dim placed a soothing tentacle on her shoulder. “I’m sure you won’t be kicked out, Meti. But you must listen to B. She’s your aunt and the leader of the Fab Five. Respect her if you want to be taken seriously as aspiring assassins.”
The three cubs nodded solemnly.
“We are serious,” Neazzos whispered, peering at the ground.
“We just wanted to be like Clanfather Kaede,” Nocrez muttered, his tail tucked between his legs.
“And I just wanted to make sure my brothers weren’t going to get us in trouble.” Meti frowned, still glaring at her brothers as her tail swayed aggressively. “I was hoping to convince them to return to our lessons.”
Z’fir placed a comforting hand on Nocrez’s shoulder. “Then come with me. I’ll help you come up with an apology along the way.”
The three cubs nodded and followed Z’fir obediently, their heads bowed slightly. As they walked away, Z’fir pathed to V’dim, “ I’ll make sure they’re secure in their rooms and meet you in the Beacon’s suite afterward.”
V’dim watched them go, a mixture of amusement and pride swelling within him. He had a strong feeling watching them grow into their roles would be both challenging and rewarding with time.
His species didn’t usually care for their own offspring. A nestqueen typically gave birth at a community nursery, where the nursery manager cared for the young until they were mature. Then they were sent to an academy, and many after graduating continued to the Caedrel to become a member of the Warrior Class.
The Circuli clans who did decide to raise their children typically only took in their daughters, since they were rarer and would become future nestqueens.
But in their interspecies clan, Selena wanted to raise all of her children, regardless of their species or gender. Their clan may not individually be prepared to be parents, but as a unit, a family, V’dim believed they would be all right.
After all, Selena had six mates to help her with childcare. They would manage.
“Until Selena has more children than mates,” Z’fir pathed, amused. “Then we would need more help.”
“That is, if she decides to have more,” V’dim pointed out. “Even though she mentioned that it was her responsibility to provide two daughters to take over the Destima’s Circuli mental network.”
“Our nestqueen deserves a break from pregnancy,” Z’fir replied, his tone turning serious. “It’s her choice, ultimately. And once she gives birth to our daughter, she has said she’d like to invest in contraceptives.”
“And so will Kaede,” V’dim pathed. “Thank the Stars.”
V’dim walked the halls with purpose, his tentacles flexing slightly as he followed Selena’s mental thread.
He nodded to the guards stationed at the doors, their elegant royal-purple hooded robes marked them as protectors of the royal family. They bowed their heads in respect as he passed, their eyes sharp and vigilant.
Reentering the elegant formal dining room, V’dim noticed that most of the guests had departed. His gaze quickly found Zirene, who was lounging on the oversized throne, nursing a drink while engaged in conversation with his brother, Royak. Both nodded and lifted their drinks in greeting.
V’dim scanned the crowd, following his thread until he saw Selena. He jerked his chin, signaling his intention to Zirene. The Sovereign gestured for him to continue to Selena. V’dim appreciated the silent understanding between them. Their mutual respect made caring for their nestqueen easier.
V’dim and his bondbrother were both warrior princes. They could be just as dangerous as an Aldawi, perhaps even Kaede, if they were to use the lethal venom in the tips of their appendages. But they would rather take a more supportive role. Any enemies of the clan who assumed they were delicate and submissive or incapable of defending what was theirs, however, would quickly realize their mistake.
That was a strength of their species. It was what had made their enemies in the Yarrkins Wars underestimate them.
Fortunately, Zirene had understood their strength and requested their assistance in defending Aldawi territory. And somehow, the Stars had led them to become clanbrothers.
Approaching his nestqueen, V’dim wrapped an arm around her waist from behind, drawing her closer. His presence caught the attention of Masmi and the few matriarchs still gathered around her.
“It’s time for the Beacon to retire,” he said respectfully, his voice firm yet gentle.
Masmi nodded in agreement. “Yes, it is important for a pregnant mother to get all the rest she needs.”
The matriarchs around them appeared interested at the news, their expressions shifting to curiosity as they leaned closer with their paws clasped together in excitement.
Another, older in appearance, surveyed Selena with a critical eye as she stepped closer and took in a long sniff. “But why is the Beacon not marked with the Sovereign’s scent?”
Selena’s eyes widened with concern, but V’dim quickly sent her a wave of comfort through their bond, reassuring her.
Masmi stepped forward, her expression protective as her eyes flashed with anger. “It’s because he isn’t the sire. The father is Kaede, the royal guard who rescued her,” she stated firmly.
The older matriarch sneered. “Repeating history, are we?”
Masmi and Selena both hissed angrily at the insinuation. “How dare you speak such things in the presence of the Beacon,” Masmi snapped, her voice cold and sharp. “She is the female who birthed our empire’s future.”
The other matriarchs murmured in agreement, casting disapproving glances at the older female.
“I have nothing to hide.” Selena lifted her chin, her voice steady despite the hurt in her eyes. “I’ve played the role the Stars have laid out for me. My cubs are my pride, and they will lead this empire to greatness, when their time comes. For now, Sovereign Zirene and I are your leaders, and whatever happened in the past is just that—the past. Don’t condemn us for the mistakes of the leaders who came before us. Zirene is the one who led the fleet to victory and purged the Yarrkins from our borders.”
Masmi stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “The Beacon has done her duty for the empire.”
V’dim tightened his arm around Selena, drawing her closer and shielding her from any further disrespect. “Selena has endured much and yet continues to stand strong. You should focus on supporting her, not casting aspersions on her past.”
Zirene growled, the sound low and dangerous, as he stood from his throne and approached the rude matriarch, his presence commanding and fierce. “How our clan runs is not your, or anyone else’s, business,” he spat. “Female Aldawi have always chosen their partners freely, especially during the Harvest Festival. The sire holds no claim on his cubs, outside of beyond sending their mother financial tribute.”
His voice echoed through the room, drawing the attention of everyone present. The Sovereign stood tall and menacing, his gaze sweeping over the gathered matriarchs, daring them to challenge his words.
One by one, they bowed their heads, tilting their heads in submission.
When Zirene’s dark gaze fell on him, V’dim met him without defiance but out of respect for his clanbrother.
While Zirene’s relationship with Selena was complicated, so was everyone else’s, except perhaps for Xylo. The two Aldawi leaders had the most history, since they’d spent seven years meeting in their dreamscape before they ever met in person.
Zirene’s paw dropped from Selena and clenched into a fist at his side. “My sister was punished for our mother’s actions, for her desire to be loved. I will not repeat history. I will love and care for any and all children my Beacon has, no matter who the sire is. And I hope my people can too.”
The room fell silent, the matriarchs exchanging glances. The weight of Zirene’s words hung in the air, heavy with the promise of change and acceptance. V’dim felt a swell of pride for his clanbrother for his bold declaration.
There was no use hiding the dynamics of their clan, not when they would always be in the spotlight. Being open would help everyone both understand and accept their differences.
Nothing about their clan was traditional—but that was okay. They made it work.
Masmi stepped forward, her voice clear and authoritative. “The Sovereign has spoken. Let us not dwell on old prejudices, but rather honor his words and support our Beacon with open hearts and minds.”
The matriarchs nodded, their expressions softening. One by one, they offered their necks to Selena.
The older matriarch who had spoken earlier lowered her gaze, her posture softening. “Forgive me, Beacon,” she said quietly. “I spoke out of turn. Your strength and dedication to our empire are evident. May your reign be long and prosperous.”
“Thank you, and you’re forgiven.” Selena nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “All I want to do is support my Sovereign in healing the past and creating a stronger united future for all.”
V’dim tightened his arm around his nestqueen’s waist, pulling her close. “It’s time for the Beacon to retire,” he reiterated. “We have all of the Harvest Festival ahead of us.”
“I’ll be joining you shortly,” Zirene said, his voice low and calm. “But first, there are a few unfinished tasks that require my attention.”
“Don’t worry about the cubs,” V’dim assured him. “Z’fir successfully returned them to their rooms, and B and Q will continue their…training after breakfast tomorrow.”
Zirene’s gaze softened, his eyes briefly flickering with gratitude, and then he nodded. “Thank you. I’ll check on them on my way back.”
V’dim nodded to Zirene, then Royak, who hovered behind Masmi, and finally gave a respectful nod to Masmi. His eyes scanned the group before he leaned in to kiss Selena on the forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. “Have a restful night. We’ll start the Harvest Festival right.”
With a gentle but firm grip, V’dim guided Selena away from the group and out of the dining room, focused on getting her to bed. As they walked down the hall, his head held high, he felt Selena’s fatigue and uncertainty through their bond. He sent another wave of reassurance through their connection, feeling her relax against him, his presence a comforting shield for his nestqueen.
“You are stronger than any of them know. Rest now, my love. You are the heart of our clan, and we will protect you, always.”
“I didn’t know becoming the Beacon would be so demanding,” Selena admitted, her mental voice soft with weariness.
“It’s only for the week,” V’dim reassured her. “Then we’ll take the cubs back to Destima. Your declaration at the Assembly, with Zirene by your side, should be easier than this Harvest Festival. The hard part is already done. Mwe gave you his blessing, and everything else is just formalities.”
She sighed. “I hope so…I still don’t know anything about the Mating Ceremony.”
V’dim nodded to the guards as the doors to the royal wing opened. “We’ll learn more about it as it gets closer.”
She glanced at him, her eyes searching for reassurance. “Do you think it will be worse than the Mating Games?”
V’dim’s tentacles gently brushed against her arm, offering comfort as he considered her question carefully. “The Mating Games are a test of strength and skill, a display of honor and pride. The Mating Ceremony, from what little we know, seems more symbolic, possibly even ritualistic…Who knows what traditions the Aldawi have?”
Selena leaned into his touch, welcoming the warmth and safety he offered. “I guess we’ll see soon enough.”