Chapter 47
47
Zirene
Z irene stood at the head of the war room, watching as his gathered clan and family quietly took their places around the large display table.
Selena was seated on an oversized chaise lounge —designed for nursing Beacons when they needed to conduct business—perfect for her to cuddle with her cubs. A surge of warmth flooded him at seeing the soft smile on Selena’s face as she snuggled their cubs, and admired the Oetsae bracelets Kaede had crafted for them. The bracelets had made Zirene’s hackles rise initially, but the reassurance he found being able to locate his cubs at any moment brought him some relief.
As long as they wore them, it was one more line of protection—his precious gifts from the Stars and Fates.
Kaede, Masmi, Royak, Vikvez, V’dim, Z’fir, Q and B were gathered around the round war table, their expressions expectant, while Mwe, Oeta, and Tori’s clan had taken off for a late morning flight, seeking to enjoy some fresh air before the Mating Games began at midday. He hadn’t inquired about what Ryzen and Zyxel were doing—not that he cared much—the males were a distraction, and weren’t needed at this important meeting.
Regardless of how strongly his Nova was drawn to them—or how they’d proven themselves— they were not members of the clan. Yet. He would be a dimstar if he didn’t pay attention to those who orbited her, yearning for a glimpse of her radiant allure.
He now understood what his Nova had meant when she expressed frustration with males peacocking around her, seeing it firstpaw. While he wouldn’t stop her from choosing more royal consorts, he didn’t need them to continue to stress her out and interfere with what needed to happen.
Sighing, he stilled his tail and attempted to calm the restlessness of his shadow, needing to acclimate himself to being accompanied by other Aldawi with commanding auras in such a confined place.
He had spent too much time on Destima, surrounded by his clan and others, that he had forgotten what it was like to be around his own people.
This realization both disappointed and irritated him.
How was he supposed to lead his empire when his shadow threatened to lash out? The damage he’d caused to both himself—and his Nova—was greater than he feared.
He stood up straight and cleared his throat, surveying the room. As silence fell, he locked eyes with each member, receiving a respectful nod in return.
“I want to address something openly today, in front of everyone,” he announced. “Yesterday, I failed in ways that a Sovereign should not, particularly to those I love and care about. I acted like a dimstar, and allowed my own imagination to take root where it shouldn’t have and it clouded my mind. As a result, I questioned my own Beacon’s honor and my brother’s integrity, accusing them of things I should never have thought.” He met Selena’s eyes, feeling a stab of shame as her expression softened. “You deserved better, and so did you, Royak.”
Masmi glanced between Selena and Royak, a knowing look flashing in her eyes. “You were indeed foolish, brother. Your Beacon should be allowed to speak privately with whomever she chooses, especially family—without question. How else is she supposed to lead by your side?”
“I know.” He raised his paw, acknowledging her words. “That’s why I’m standing here, admitting my error to everyone, not wanting my actions brushed aside. I’ve seen firsthand how fragile trust can be. Rumors and doubts are the last thing any of us need with the eyes of the empire on us.” He shifted his attention to Royak. “It’s too important to me, to us, that our unity never falters. I don’t want my misjudgment to undermine everything we’ve worked for and cause a fracture in the foundation we’ve built.”
“I’ve already forgiven you, brother, and know why it happened, and therefore, I understand your reasons for making it known.” Royak’s eyes softened as he stood and turned to face Selena, bowing his head slightly and baring his neck in a show of respect to her. “Last night, the Beacon asked me to lead the United Aldawi Military. Her first request as the new Commander is to ensure that the asteroid refugees are safely rescued and brought home. We’ll disembark as soon as the Harvest Festival ends.”
“Congratulations, Royak.” Masmi’s eyes shone with pride and she clasped her paws together, her silver bangles tinkling. “It’s about time you were given the role you deserve. The two of you have always worked well together, and it would’ve been unfortunate if you couldn’t come to terms with what happened.”
Royak inclined his head. “If the Stars had led us differently, Zirene would have received this honor and been my first ally. But the Fates had other intentions; we’re both right where we should be.”
“The Fates’ Will,” Zirene muttered, placing a paw over his heart.
“May the Stars guide us,” the room echoed.
Royak nodded, looking directly at Zirene before turning to address the room. ‘What my brother hasn’t mentioned is that Selena discovered something I’d kept hidden almost my whole life.” With a slight smirk, he reached for Vikvez’s hand, lifting him gently to his feet beside him. “Vikvez is my Nova, and I am his Shadow,” he announced, his tone filled with quiet pride. “We’ve kept our bond concealed for years, out of fear… but we’re tired of hiding. There’s no need for it now.”
A stunned silence filled the room before Masmi gasped, her paw covering her mouth as she looked between Royak and Vikvez, her shock giving way to a wide grin. “Both of my brothers... Shadows,” she murmured, shaking her head with a small laugh. “It explains so much. You’re both powerful. It explains why the two of you have always shared a similar level. I’ve always wondered how… but could never get a chance to ask with our late sire’s eyes and ears everywhere.”
“It’s not like you had a chance once you were banished. Even though I gave you Liskta to rule, I never really visited. Not with the Yarrkins War going on. It was only upon discovering Kaede and his sisters…” Zirene’s gaze flickered between his clanbrother, who sat back in his chair with arms crossed and a stern expression, and the Fab Five leader, who smiled warmly at him. They both nodded in agreement as their eyes briefly met. “That I needed a place to harbor those who could help me find my Nova, knowing our late sire wouldn’t dare come here.”
Zirene felt Selena’s eyes on him, and he met her gaze, a bittersweet feeling coiling in his chest as he marveled at how she had seen something they had all missed. “I don’t know how you saw it, right in front of us the whole time, and we couldn’t…”
“So, is there any potential… conflict between the two of you now?” Masmi’s eyebrows furrowed as she shifted her gaze between her brothers. The concern in her voice was clear. “The empire is currently in a delicate condition due to the recent sudden change in leadership. The last thing I want to see is the two of you at each other’s throats.”
Royak gave a faint smile and shook his head. “No,” Royak assured, his voice steady and his gaze unflinching. “There was never a desire to rule on my part—not now, not ever. Even when our late sire was alive, I wanted no part of the throne. But as the eldest, I had little choice. I played my part because I had to, not because I wanted to.” He glanced at Zirene with sincerity, inclining his head deeply, exposing his neck once again in a show of ultimate trust and submission. “I swear to you, once again, brother. I’ll never challenge your position. My place is at your side, to serve this empire, defending our borders, our people, and to ensure that your family—our family—is safe.” His gaze softened as he looked at Selena and her cubs. “And protect our future.”
Zirene clasped Royak’s shoulder firmly, a silent gesture of forgiveness and trust.. Royak flicked his gaze to his paw and then locked them onto his.
A shared understanding passing between them was like a silent pact—solidarity. His shadow remained calm, unthreatened, from Royak’s presence, nor from Masmi’s. The usual hum of tension was absent—like before—as if it accepted once more that they were family, bound not by competition but…
Was this the result from being around his clan for so long? Or having Selena in his life?
Glancing around the room, he saw the tension lifting as well, his clan and family visibly reassured.
“Let this clear the air for all of us,” Zirene said, his voice resolute. “I don’t want the events of yesterday to fester into seeds of doubt. If whispers begin to spread now, they’ll find fertile ground in the uncertainty of these early years of new leadership. That’s why I brought this out in the open—our unity is our strength, and nothing can be allowed to weaken it.”
Kaede sprang to his feet, his head snapping up as his narrowed eyes tracked something approaching from above. “We have company.”
Masmi hissed and stood, pivoting to face Kaede. “Who dares to arrive now?” she demanded, her voice low. “There were no vessels scheduled to arrive. Not for the next few days. Only on the day of the closing ceremony are the airways open again. The Mating Games are meant to be private, with two days of contests, a night of celebration, and the closing Mating Ceremony. This timing is intentional.”
Selena tightened her arms around her cubs, concern flashing across her face. Zirene’s own instincts surged. His shadow bristled, coiling within him, its senses sharpened. “Kaede, do you have a visual? Is it a diplomatic envoy?”
Kaede nodded and waved his hand. The war table lit up; the villa’s radar systems flashed. A 3D image materialized, showing a single small vessel approaching the planet’s atmosphere, its sleek and dark hull with familiar markings as it swiftly descended toward the royal docks.
“It appears our brother has finally decided to make an appearance.”