Wray (Tornians #3)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Reeve walked around the body of Gyula, his expressionless face revealing none of the rage that filled him. How was this possible? Two of his finest warriors were dead. Gyula lay at his feet, disemboweled by the Emperor. He arrived just as Gyula begged the Emperor to be ended, shaming every warrior in House Reeve… for fit and worthy males never begged.

The Emperor’s warrior s had immediately followed the Emperor after Tora's call that there were warriors down. Reeve had held his back. He saw now that it had been a mistake. Had his warriors been on hand, they might have been able to assist, if not Gyula, then Fala.

How Tora was able to behead Fala Reeve would never know. Others were more skilled with the sword than Fala but Fala never fought fair and that was why he had never been defeated. Tora wasn’t yet eighteen, there was no way he should have been able to defeat him, it made no sense.

Turning away, he saw Tora climbing up the bank. Frowning Reeve moved towards him, leaving Gyula as he lay.

“ Tora, is everything alright?” He asked, forcing just the right amount of concern into his voice.

“Of course Lord Reeve.” Tora responded and Reeve watched him tuck something into his pocket. “The Empress is safe and thos e,” he glanced over at Gyula, “unworthy of being called ‘Warrior’ are no longer.”e

“Yes.” Reeve said through gritted teeth.

“I expect the Emperor will be demanding a full report on how your security failed to protect the Empress.”

“What?” Reeve asked, stunned.

“ He will want to know how males that he deemed unfit were able to gain access to the grounds of House Reeve when the Empress was present. How was it possible that a ship was able to land undetected on just the other side of the river? I’m sure you already have worthy warriors investigating this, knowing that as soon as the Empress is secured and calmed that the Emperor will be demanding answers.”

“Yes of course.” Reeve said his mind racing. “I have my best already working on it.”

“I thought this was one of your best.” Tora said, gesturing to Gyula.

“At one time he may have been. I don’t know what could have caused him to act like this.” Reeve easily lied.

“Nor do I, Lord Reeve.” Tora said, his eyes revealing none of his thoughts. “For any male that acts as these have, or those that tolerate them, have no place in this Empire.” Tora said and delivering his barely veiled threat to move past Reeve and head for his manno.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Crossing the open grounds of House Reeve, Tora found his manno's warriors attending to the three fallen guards.

"They are being taken to the shuttle?" Tora questioned, leaning down to assist with one.

"Yes Prince Tora." The warrior said.

"They are to receive the utmost respect." Tora said.

"Of course, they were ended defending our Empress. She would have it no other way." The warrior looked at Tora as if he should have realized that.

"Good." Tora said, hiding his surprise. He had not realized Kim had made that kind of impression on his manno's warriors already. Once the males were ready for transport Tora proceeded on to his manno’s chambers.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Veron raised an eyebrow at Tora when he finally came striding into his manno's chambers. Veron had assumed he had gone to clean up, but he was just as dirty as when he left him at the river, a little drier but still dirty.

"Where have you been?" He questioned.

Tora raised his own eyebrow at the question. "I needed to see to a few things." he told Veron. "The Empress?" he asked, his eyes moving to the closed door.

"Is currently being treated."

Tora frowned; he had literally bumped into Yakar just outside the Wing. The Healer had been muttering to himself not even acknowledging Tora as he'd continued. "By who?"

"Healer Curador." Veron informed him. "The Empress does not like Yakar and refused to allow him to treat her."

"What?"

"She was quite... vocal... in expressing what she would do if he touched her."

Tora found himself smiling at that. He had been on the receiving end of Kim's words just last night and understood what Veron was so delicately saying. "You've received no word though?" He asked, his eyes moving to the closed door.

"No."

As they spoke, the resting chamber door opened and Caitir came out closing it behind her. Seeing the room filled with the Emperor's warriors, she paused.

"What is it Lady Caitir?" Veron asked, ignoring the shocked looks on Tora's and every other warriors’ face. "It is what the Empress has demanded we call her." He said making sure all heard.

"I need to go to the kitchens to have a special meal prepared for the Empress." She told him.

"Warrior Acton. Warrior Dov. You will accompany Lady Caitir to the kitchens. Make sure she has no problems obtaining what the Empress requires."

" Yes, Captain." The two immediately replied and looking at Caitir nodded before following her out the door.

"She truly gave her the title?" Tora asked after the door closed.

"Yes. Lady Caitir and her uncle, Jael, are now the official clothiers of the Empress. They will be accompanying us to Tornian."

"House Torino already has a clothier."

" And he will continue for the Emperor, but the Empress has become very fond of Lady Caitir."

Tora gave him a confused look. A female fond of another one? Was that even possible? Then he realized that with Kim anything was possible.

She'd survived the Ganglians longer than any other female.

She’d s urvived a crash landing on Pontus.

She’d s urvived repeated attacks by Fala and Gyula. Had actually fought back.

She’d survived the river.

Yes, it was entirely possible she c ould be fond of another female.

Tora looked at the closed door to the resting chamber. Normally he would never think to enter it when the Empress was there, but then the Empress was never in the Emperor’s resting chamber. There were things he needed to tell his manno and he still had something to return to the Empress. Making his decision, Tora moved to the doorway and knocked.

Wray looked impatiently at the door. Who would dare knock on the door of his resting chamber?

“Come in.” Kim’s sweet voice had his head swinging around to her. “What?” she asked giving him a questioning look.

‘You need rest you don’t need…”

“Tora!” Kim’s excited tone had his head swinging back in the other direction to see his first male enter the room.

“Empress.” Tora said, bowing to her.

Kim felt her eyes fill as they ran over Tora taking in his disheveled appearance. Wray had told her he was okay, but she could admit to herself that she was still concerned. She would never have been able to forgive herself if Fala had harmed him while she had run away.

“ I’m so sorry.” Kim’s voice broke as she spoke and the eyes of all three males flew to her. What could she be sorry for?

“Kim…” Wray started before Tora interrupted him.

“For what Empress?” Tora asked, confused.

“I left you… I ran away…” Kim couldn’t believe she’d done that. “You are Wray’s first male and I abandoned you.”

All three males looked at her in shock. What was she saying? She thought she should have stayed and defended Tora? A female? It was not her place.

“You did what you should have done.” Wray told her angrily. How could she even consider that she should have stayed?

“ You didn’t Empress.” Tora interrupted stepping into the room, closing the door. “I wouldn’t have known Fala was attacking if you hadn’t warned me.” Tora gave his manno an embarrassed look. “Then you distracted him by attacking Gyula… it gave me the advantage.”

“I ran…” Kim whispered.

“As you should have. What good would it have done for me to end Fala if Gyula ended you?”

“Kim…” Wray’s tortured tone had her looking to him. “Tora is correct. You did exactly the right thing.”

“Really?” She looked to him for reassurance that he wasn’t upset at her for leaving Tora.

“Really.” He told her pulling her close.

Kim snuggled into Wray’s embrace. She hadn’t realized that was bothering her until she had seen Tora. Hadn’t realized the depth of her shame. Tornian males lived their lives by the belief they should be worthy and fit… that they had honor. Kim could understand that. She just thought females should have just as much. For them to find her lacking…. Her eyes finally went back to Tora, taking in the state of his uniform

“What happened to you?” she asked, frowning.

“What do you mean?” Tora responded, looking down at his soiled uniform

“You’re a mess. That couldn’t have been caused by Fala.”

“No…” Tora gave her a confused look. “The river caused this.”

“The river?”

“Kim.” Wray puts a gentle hand under her chin, tipping her face towards his. “Tora saw you fall into the river. He went in after you.”

“What!” Kim turned shocked eyes back to Tora. “You went into the river? After me?”

“Of course.” Tora said, but he started to shuffle his feet in embarrassment. “You are the Empress.”

“And you are the future Emperor !” She exclaimed, pulling out of Wray’s arms. “What were you thinking?!! Risking yourself like that! Of all the stupid…”

“You are chastising me for saving you?” Tora couldn’t believe it.

“I…” Kim didn’t know what to say.

“Tora did as he should Kim.” Wray told her gently. “You a re the Empress. It is what any male would have done if he had witnessed what happened.”

“But Wray… he’s your offspring… for him to risk himself… for me.”

“I was unable to save my brother…” Tora said finding his throat tightening as he spoke. “He was an amazing brother, he was never upset at being the second male. He always looked forward to being there to support me.” Tora gave her a steady look. “I had forgotten that. He would have greatly liked you, would have seen you as a partner in his little pranks.”

“He played pranks?” Kim asked, looking to Wray.

“Yes.” Wray told her. “Even on me.” He saw Kim smile and wondered if he should be worried.

“You reminded me of this , of how he lived, what he believed, not how he died. Because of that I know he forgives me for being unable to save him because he knew I couldn’t but he wouldn’t forgive me for not saving you when I could.”

“Tora…” Kim found her eyes filling again.

“He is right my Kim.” Wray said, pulling her close. “Tora did what any fit and worthy male would do for his Empress. Accept it.”

“Alright.” Kim said softly before she turned her eyes to Curador who’d been silent through the whole exchange. “But only once Curador scans him to make sure no harm has been done.”

“I am fine!” Tora started to protest, but the look in his manno’s eye had him snapping his jaw shut. “Of course majesty.” He said stiffly.

“You know.” Kim said, unable to stop the smile that was breaking across her lips. “I think I could get used to this Empress business.”

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Reeve paid no attention to the Emperor’s warriors as they passed him with the bodies of the warriors Fala and Gyula had ended. Ended with the poison Reeve had given them. He had more important things to concern himself with, things like how he was going to explain all this not only to the Emperor but to Bertos.

Turning a corner, he collided with Yakar.

“Watch where you are going!” Reeve ordered shoving the Healer aside.

“ Watch where you’re going!” Yakar fired back. He has had enough of those who thought they were better than he was. He was a Healer .

Reeve was about to berate the male some more when he realized just who it was standing there so angry.

“What are you doing here? Why aren’t you with the Emperor! Has she gone?” Reeve asked, barely keeping the hope out of his voice. It would solve all his problems.

“No!” Yakar bit out. “That female has refused to let me treat her. Me! The most sought after Healer in all the Empire!”

“Then who is treating her?”

“ Curador! ” He spat out.

“Curador! How could she possibly have known about him? ” Reeve demanded.

“That Auyangian female told her. She said he was kind .” Yakar sneered. “Like females need kindness . They just needed to be calmed and remain in that condition.”

Reeve’s eyes turned assessing Yakar, as he continued to look at the Imperial Healer. He’d never realized their views on females were so similar. He wondered…

“Yet once you return to Tornio she will be yours to calm.”

“No.” Yakar said his anger growing. “I overheard the Emperor telling Curador that he would be the Empress’ personal Healer.”

“What! He can’t take him from Vesta without my approval!”

“As if you would refuse. He is the Emperor and this is what his Empress wants. They are also taking the two Auyangian clothiers.”

“No!” Reeve turned and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He needed those two if he was to attract another female. Lady Estee had raved about the female’s skill and word had spread. He also had not yet been able to sample her.

“That female is a menace.” Yakar stated. “She will be the demise of our way of life.”

“I agree.” Reeve said, looking at Yakar in a new light. “Come Healer Yakar. Let us go to my private chambers. We have a great deal to discuss.”

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

“He is fine Empress. A few bumps and bruises that I have treated. There is no permanent damage and once cleansed, removing the stench of the river, he will be back to normal.”

“Did you just say I stink ?!! Tora demanded totally offended.

“Yes.” Curador said smirking at him. “What? A Prince can’t stink?”

Tora looked to his manno but saw his lips twitching. Twitching ! He thought this was funny!

“I was wondering where that smell was coming from.” Wray finally said.

“It could have been coming from Kim.” Tora spit out not realizing he had called her by her name.

“ I’ve showered.” Kim told him huffily then smiled. “It’s all you Tora.”

“Then I shall remove my offending presence.” Tora said still unable to believe that someone had the gall to say he stunk . As he turned, he felt the weight of the item in his pocket and paused. Turning back, he withdrew it.

“I believe this belongs to you .” he said and extended the blade to her, jeweled hilt first.

“My knife!” Kim exclaimed, eagerly reaching forward to take it. “Thank you Tora. I thought I’d lost it in the river.”

“It was along the bank where you fell in.” He told her and felt his cheeks darkening at her sincere thanks. “How did you ever come by a blade from the Kaliszian Royal family?”

“General Rayner gave it to me on Pontus.” Kim frowned. “He’s a member of the Kaliszian Royal family?” she asked, looking at Wray.

“ Cousin to the Emperor. They are as close as brothers.” Wray told her and realized he owed Rayner a debt he could never repay. If he had not given Kim that blade, she would not have been able to free herself. Yes, he owed him a debt.

“Oh. So I insult ed Emperor Liron’s ‘brother.'”

“Yes.” Wray said simpl y.

“You insulted General Rayner and he gave you a blade !” Tora looked from Kim to his manno and knew there was a story there, but saw in his manno’s eyes that it would have to wait.

“Yes. I’ll have to apologize.” Kim said looking at Wray.

“No Kim. You were correct in what you said and the fault was mine that is why Rayner gave you the blade. Now I want you to rest until Caitir returns with your meal.”

Kim was about to pull her hair out. “I’m fine !” she said for the umpteenth time. For the last two days, Wray had refused to let her out of bed, claiming she needed to rest from her ‘ordeal.' And Curador was no help.

Apparently , Tornian females secluded themselves once they conceived and allowed no male near her until after she ‘presented’ the offspring. Wray informed her that the male would give tributes to another female, usually the one that presented his female and she would help the female through the process.

Kim couldn’t believe it. She quickly informed Wray she wouldn’t be doing any of that. She wasn’t ‘secluding’ herself away. She was staying right by his side and in his bed.

The relief on his face had surprised her. Had he actually thought she wouldn’t le t him near her? That she’d refuse to Join with him until after this baby was born? She quickly dispelled that possibility the night before, but he still was refusing to let her out of bed.

“You are with offspring Kim.” Wray ground out, since it was only the three of them in the room. “You need to rest.”

“ I’m pregnant ! Not s ick ! There is absolutely no reason for me to stay in bed.”

“But…”

“I’m not a Tornian female Wray. I’m not going to be acting like one now.” Ripping back the covers, she slid out of the bed.

“Curador!” Wray looked to the Healer for help.

“Sire, I’ve scanned her every day, there has been nothing to indicate she needs to remain in bed.”

“Goddess!” Wray said, turning away. He wanted to throttle Curador.

“Good.” Kim said. “It’s settled.” Walking over to Wray, she ran a soothing hand along his back. “Wray.” She waited for him to look down at her. “I vow to you that I am fine. The minute I think there is something wrong, I will tell you.”

“Not the minute. The second.” Wray demanded, his voice hoarse. “I cannot lose you, my Kim.”

“The second.” She agreed.

Finally nodding Wray wrapped his arms around his future.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

“It is time Kim.” Wray told her the next morning. He had finished all his meetings with Reeve, had gotten his answers, not satisfactory ones, but answers none the less on how Fala and Gyula had been able to abduct the Empress.

He now wanted to get his Kim settled in House Tornio, present her to the Assembly of Lords and have her declared Tornian. She carried his offspring and he wanted her to have every protection under the Law.

“I’m ready.” Kim said, walking up to him. She knew he was concerned for her safety and she had to admit she wasn’t very fond of Vesta, Lord Reeve or his warriors. She avoided them as much as she could and had been grateful when Wray had brought down more of his warriors from the Searcher to guard her. Entering the outer chamber, Kim found Tora waiting.

“Empress.” Tora said then crossing an arm over his chest bowed to her.

“Kim, Tora.” She told him. “My name is ‘Kim.' Please call me that.”

Tora looked to his manno who just shrugged, telling Tora it was his decision.

“In private then… Kim.”

“Why only in private?” Kim asked, frowning at him. “If we’re going to be a family why the title.”

“Males are not allowed to directly address another male’s female Kim.” Wray told her, “Not directly, and they are never allowed to be familiar enough to use her name alone.”

“But I speak to males all the time.” Kim said looking from Wray to Tora.

“Yes.” Tora spoke before his manno could . “But you are… unique.” He said, trying to stop his lips from twitching.

“Did you just politely call me strange Tora?”

“Who me?” Tora asked too innocently. “I would never do such a thing… Kim.”

Wray enjoyed the banter between his male and Kim. It felt right, their teasing each other. They had yet to tell Tora about Kim’s condition and he wondered if they should.

“It’s up to you.” Kim’s statement had Wray looking at her. She turned from Tora and placed a hand over the place, their offspring rested telling him she knew what he was thinking.

“You would be … comfortable with Tora knowing?”

“He of all people has the right to know.” Kim said softly.

“Know what?” Tora asked, looking from his manno to Kim.

“When Curador examined her he discovered that Kim is with offspring.” Wray told Tora his arm going around Kim pulling her close as he watched Tora’s reaction.

“What?” Tora’s eyes went wide then went to Kim’s hand that still rested protectively over her stomach.

“I’m with offspring.” Kim told him.

“But… I thought it wouldn’t be possible…”

“It seems we were wrong and that the Goddess has decided to bless us.”

“How long have you known?”

“As I said, Curador was the one who discovered it when he scanned Kim.”

“Yakar didn’t notice it on the Searcher?” Tora found that hard to believe.

“I wasn’t with offspring, then.” Kim told him quietly and felt her cheeks start to pinken. “Your manno and I had not yet Joined.”

“So it is…”

“It is my offspring !” Wray told him in a hard voice. He would have no one doubt that, especially not his own male.

“Will it be fit?” Tora asked the question Kim knew everyone would be wondering when they found out.

“Curador has found no problems indicating it wouldn’t be.”

“He is going to need your support Tora.” Kim told him softly and felt her eyes fill at the thought of what her child was going to have to tolerate. “Even more than Van did.”

“What do you mean?” Tora demanded. Why would her offspring need his support?

“I know, from what’s been said, that had your manno taken another Empress… a Tornian female that there would have been a conflict between you and her offspring.”

Tora said nothing, just nodded stiffly.

“Conflict because some might want to support him as Emperor instead of you, even though you are Wray’s first male.”

“He would also be his first male, just from another female.”

“Yes… but no one is going to do that with this child.” Kim said sadly. “Because I’m not Tornian therefore he won’t be. Many are going to shun him, that’s why I say he will need the support and acceptance of his older brother, the future Emperor if he is going to survive.”

“He w ill be Tornian!” Wray denied angrily. “He is my offspring!”

“Wray.” Kim turned putting a calming hand on his heaving chest. “He will be half Tornain half human. It’s going to make him different . Your people don’t seem to tolerate that very well. People being different.”

“What do you mean? Every House is different and we tolerate them all.”

“From every Tornian House, Wray. I’ve seen how even your warriors look at Caitir and Jael because they aren’t Tornian. They would look at me the same way if it weren’t for you. The Kaliszians are your allies, but there are those that see them as less, because they have to rely on you for food.”

Wray opened his mouth, then snapped it shut. She wasn’t wrong and he didn’t like it.

“ Our child is going to be viewed that same way… because of me. They will think him small and weak... because of me. You and I can do nothing about that… because only Tora can.”

“What?” Tora looked at her stunned. “Me? What can I possibly do that my manno can’t?”

“You can accept him as your true brother, just as you did Van.” Kim told him. “It will show others that he truly is fit and worthy of being a Vasteri.”

“And if he isn’t?” Tora couldn’t stop the words , and immediately regretted them at the devastated look they put on Kim’s face before she turned away, to bury it in his manno’s chest.

“He will be!” Wray growled at Tora then lowered his head to repeat it in Kim’s ear. “He will be Kim. Curador had found no problems and the Goddess would allow nothing else. Not after all you’ve been through.”

“We’ve been through Wray.” Kim raised sad but determined eyes to him. “We’ve been through and you are right.” She turned back to Tora.

“The decision , of course, will be yours.” She said coolly. “No one can force you to accept him. I know this better than anyone else.”

Tora found he didn’t like her using that cool tone when she talked to him. Before, even when he didn’t deserve it her voice had been filled with warmth and caring. His thoughtless words had caused this and he needed to correct it.

“My apologies Kim. I did not mean to concern you with the fitness of your offspring. I was just… surprised. After all the strength and courage you have shown, I can’t believe any offspring presented by you, wouldn’t be fit and worthy, especially when combined with House Vasteri. He will change our universe.”

“He will be a new beginning,” Kim found herself changing the Goddess’ words. “But will his big brother give him his support?”

Tora knew whatever he said now would affect his entire life. He of all males knew what it was to be treated differently, all because of an accident of birth. Yet Kim had been correct, the way this male will be treated would make his treatment mild. Could he turn his back on him? He felt his chest tighten at the thought. It would be like turning his back on Van. Van…

Van would see this whole thing as a great new experience. Someone new to play his little tricks on. He would have easily welcomed him into House Vasteri and would have protected him with his life if necessary, as he had with Tora. Could Tora do any less?

“He will have my support.” Tora told her. “Not because he is your offspring, but because he will be my brother. My second. All will know this. My vow.” Tora declared then again crossed his chest and bowed to her.

Wray listened as his first male spoke and felt his sense of pride growing. Tora was becoming a fine young male, showing all the traits that would one day help him lead their people.

“Thank you Tora.” Kim said, her voice once again filled with warmth, if a little watery.

“No thanks is necessary.” Tora looked to his manno. “You know this will cause great speculation when you announce it to the Assembly.”

“We are not announcing it yet.” Wray told him. “As of right now only Kim, me, you and Curador know.”

“What? Why?”

“Kim wishes some time to adjust. To become comfortable in our House and with our people before they are told.”

“It could anger some. You are withholding that compatible females have been found.”

“ Yes, but that will be handled when the time comes. Right now, all that matters is making sure Kim is safe and happy.”

“It will cause problems for you Wray?” Kim gave him a concerned look. “My not wanting to announce I’m with offspring.”

“No Kim.” Wray shot Tora a look telling him to be quiet and saw him nod his understanding. “It will not.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“Tora?” Kim turned her eyes to him seeking confirmation.

“It is at the Emperor’s discretion when he announces the Empress has conceived.” Tora told her, he just didn’t add that no Emperor had ever waited before.

“Okay then.”

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Kim took her seat on the shuttle, glad to finally be leaving Vesta. Lord Reeve had gone on and on about how sorry he was for what had happened to her here. About how he prayed that she wouldn’t hold what Fala and Gyula had done, on their own, against his House.

Kim hadn’t believed a word he said. His words never matched the look in his eyes. His eyes said he thought she was responsible for everything that had happened.

Turning, she smiled at Caitir and Jael, who were sitting several rows behind her. Both their eyes filled with excitement and a little fear. Kim could relate. They were both going to a strange new place. Seeing the empty seat beside them, she frowned. Where was Curador?

Looking back towards the hatch of the shuttle she saw Wray give Veron a sharp look before his eyes found her. Veron had pulled Wray aside, just as they were entering the shuttle, Kim had proceeded to take her seat but now she wondered if she should have.

“Tell the pilot to take off.” Wray told Veron then walked over and sat down next to Kim.

“Wray?” she asked, frowning when he reached over to connect her safety belt.

“Yes?” he asked.

“We can’t leave Curador isn’t here yet.” The eyes that met hers had her stomach clenching.

“Curador won’t be traveling to Tornian.” He told her.

“What! What do you mean? I need him Wray.”

“Kim.” Wray framed her face with his hands, holding her steady. He knew how much she liked the elderly Healer knew this was going to devastate her. “Curador is now in the hands of the Goddess.”

“What?”

“When he didn’t arrive at the proper time Veron went to get him. He found him in his resting chamber. He went to the Goddess during his rest.”

“I… what…”

“I am sorry Kim.”

“Veron is sure?” Kim asked, her eyes beginning to fill.

“ Yes, my Kim.”

“I…”

“Sire, I have just heard about Curador.” Yakar walked up to Wray, his eyes traveling over Kim. “Would you like me to calm the Empress?”

Wray felt Kim instantly stiffen as she pulled away from him. “Get away from me!” she spat at Yakar.

“No Yakar.” Wray immediately said. “The Empress doesn’t need ‘calmed’.”

“With all respect Emperor, it appears she does.”

“You dare to question me?” Wray rose so he towered over the Healer. “ Dare to tell me how to deal with my Empress !”

“Sire as her Healer it is my duty to make sure she is well cared for.”

“You will never be my Healer, Yakar!” Kim unfastened her safety belt and rose to confront the male. “ Never! Now get out of my sight!” Every male present stiffened at the Empress’ order, their eyes moving to Yakar, wondering if he would obey, wondering if the Emperor would support her.

“The Empress gave you an order Yakar.” Wray growled, his eyes hard. “Obey it or perish on my blade.” Wray gripped the hilt of the sword he had been carrying since Kim’s abduction.

“I… Yes, Majesty.” Yakar stuttered, backing away. This was not going as they had planned.

Wray waited until Yakar had exited the shuttle, knowing he would be on the next one before turning back to Kim.

“Sit Kim.” He said, helping her refasten the belt when she did.

“He doesn’t come anywhere near me Wray. I don’t trust him.”

“I know Kim. We will find another Healer.”

“Promise me Wray. Promise , he doesn’t touch me.”

“My vow Kim.” He told her, h is eyes steady. “He will not touch you.”

“Alright.” She said finally relaxing back in her seat. “Do we need to stay? To see to Curador?” She asked her thoughts returning to the gruff old Healer. “He had no family to see to him.”

Wray felt his heart contract and his pride in his Empress expand even further. For her to care about Curador like this, to care about how he was cared for in death said a great deal about the kind of Empress she would be. And every male present realized it.

“Lord Reeve’s warriors will see to it Kim.”

“Will they do enough?”

“The males he has treated will see to it Empress.” Caitir’s lyrical voice had every head turning in her direction. “Healer Curador helped many when others wouldn’t, they will give him the honor he deserves.”

“Alright.” Kim said, nodding to Caitir before looking back to Wray.

“Let’s go home.” She said and taking his hand, faced forward; knowing she could meet whatever challenges lay ahead as long as Wray was with her.