《Paradox Interluder (Usurper #2)》


 One

    Time. She used to hate it.


    With every passing month, time had withered her memory. She could hardly close her eyes anymore and envision her mother. The best memory of her was looking in the mirror and seeing a near perfect image of herself and her now radiating red hair. Her last memory of her father was a mere drunken sleep. The only thing she had remembered was a sharp gasp for air, air that Jessamine Kruzika herself had removed from his very lungs. She could barely remember her brother. Time had taken away the imagination of what he could look like presently. Time had removed all hope for her family.


    Yet time had given so much hope for herself.


    It had been over two years since the Time Paradox. That''s what the Continent had decided to name the atrocity forever to be notated in the history books, the reversal of exactly twenty-four minutes. Ironic number, twenty-four. Religious figures believed twenty-four to be a symbol of religious prowess and perfect foundation. Harmony. Others believed it must have more to do with time, as there were a perfect twenty four hours within a day. So much speculation, so much fear, so much destruction.


    So much love.


    The Time Paradox had been an act of love. It was the flutter of the heart, a once in a lifetime experience so few were chosen to experience. And Jessamine of all people, felt most fortunate to have suffered its poisonous kiss. Most of the population didn''t see it as such. The blight of time had created chaos and most of all fear. It was common knowledge most people feared what they didn''t understand. And the Continent was not ready to understand. They saw the Time Paradox as a catastrophe, not realizing its mere existence had prevented an even greater calamity.


    Some truths were made certain, much against Jessamine''s will. Kaid Al-Yami had been the perpetrator of the Time Paradox. Lungor made certain in all their literature, journals, and empirical gossip that someone would have to be blamed. Emperor Bashir showed no ounce of remorse in denouncing his name, a name he once tried to sweep under the rug with a lifetime of imprisonment. Yet still, the Paradox had become almost a blessing in disguise for Lungor, as its amazement silenced the never growing Caladin scandal. Hardly anyone had cared about escaped prisoners, or the faux story of a prison riot gone wrong. It didn''t affect the normal population, but a reversal of twenty-four minutes certainly did.


    While love was a healing agent, Kaid''s actions certainly fragmented the Continent, an unintentional consequence. His reversal of time went against the laws of nature, and the earth certainly didn''t know how to comprehend it. Twenty-four minutes was enough to mess with the science of the tides, the moon too far out of place, the sun just a bit wrong. The oceans grew stronger, the weather disjointed, causing hurricanes and floods. Vitross lost half its harbor. Skale lost a tenth of agricultural production due to the floods. Arilla had been constantly bombarded with blizzards and avalanches. Lungor had earthquakes lasting minutes, collapsing mines or rocking the foundations of their fortresses. Oddly enough, the only place that seemed to flourish from such was Uhkhtar. The desert grew with greenery, water returning to rivers, a new civilization sprouting up from the ruins.


    But, after two years, the world had seemed to heal. The wounds created with Kaid''s existence were only now jagged scars that held no ounce of pain. There were no more eclipses, no more fear the stars themselves would crash into the atmosphere and bring about an apocalypse sure to happen. No. Kaid had stopped an apocalypse, nearly at the cost of his life.


    "The Council is ready, Lady Jessamine," a soft voice arose, Jessamine lifted from her thoughts as she glanced over at her assistant.


    Kassandra had a new glow about her, a confidence borne from this struggle of the past two years. It was a struggle everyone seemed to grow from, a uniting force that Vitross used in a decision to band together, to become a stronger Empire and most of all, a compassionate community. Kassandra may also just be in a more glowing mood because of the new engagement ring nestled comfortably around her finger.


    "Good. Do we have an itinerary for discussion? I was told this one might be brief," Jessamine nodded, moving to walk alongside her assistant.


    "Well, it was supposed to be brief. The front page of the Lungorian Times seems to have stirred more uneasiness amongst the governors," Kassandra sighed, knowing the second they felt a moment of peace, something would come along and add an additional step to this chaos, "you''ll see for yourself. It seems like everytime we make peace, we also gain a new enemy."


    Jessamine clenched her jaw at that, knowing that was certainly true. Their alliance with Lungor at the moment was fruitful, but she knew that it was slowly reaching its limit. It could be pushed further, but Jessamine didn''t have it in her to share everything with her new political friends. She knew now some secrets were better kept close to her chest. Especially when a life was still on the line. Still, there were plenty that were growing weary at the new firm alliance with Lungor, Uhkhtar being one of them.


    Jessamine sought to repair relationships with the country. Vrah...well, he had his own intentions, intentions she felt powerless to sway.


    Jessamine and Christine walked into the council chamber, the echo of the Empress''s heels against the tile floor awakening the remaining governors from their small discussion. Even now, her presence alone was a storm of silence. She had done her best to provide better representation for her people. Her empire was divided into better districts, handled by governors elected by that population to assist in all matters important to the Vitross Empire. She knew her empirical ancestors wanted nothing more than to strangle her for the changes she made.


    Vitross could not, and would not, flourish under tyranny.


    Most rulers when chaos ensued like to tighten the reins a bit, control the population through means of adding more fear into the fire. Jessamine would have followed in the same steps as her former family, had she not allowed time to open the path of change. In another life, in another universe, Jessamine truly believed she would have let her poison consume her. Despite everything, despite the loss of the person she felt dearly for, of feeling alone in this new chapter of life, she could finally be who she wanted to be.


    "Apologies for being late," Jessamine walked in, everyone standing and bowing politely at her entrance before she sat at the cornerstone of the arched seating, "what are we starting with this morning?"


    Kassandra already had her notepad ready to transcribe the meeting, offering Jessamine a small smile of reassurance. She knew there could be a conversation that could arrive she wouldn''t be ready for. She had heard the whispers amongst their arrival this morning, and while it was none of the governor''s business, they had the interests of the Empire in their minds.


    "The railroad is completed throughout all of our territories reaching to Uhkhtar. It will only be a matter of a month or two before Lungor finishes it on their end. Soon, trade and travel will flourish between the Empires, as long as an import and export tax can be agreed between you and Vrah," Governor Ramin explained, seeing Jessamine nod.


    Graphite didn''t only just have its uses in terms of firepower. It was also a very good firestarter and resource for engines. It opened up numerous opportunities for trade that practically were muted with her father''s reign. It also meant new security concerns, as plenty of foreigners could enter their communities, which seemed to displease a few. But Jessamine saw that a diversity of both goods and people would be beneficial to the economy, but also her overall plan.


    "Construction of the school is nearing completion as well. Of course, there is still the issue with staffing, curriculum, and most of all the number of students. The good news is the anonymous polls at least within Vitross are beginning to show favor. The Time Paradox had only instilled fear for Oblivion once more. Opening a school for those with Oblivion will hopefully educate, inspire, and teach those how to properly use the magic at their disposal."


    A scoff was heard amongst the group but Jessamine ignored it. Not everyone agreed with the plans, but this was coming from her own royal funds. Oblivion Academy. It was her idea. She had seen all the destruction and ruin created from Caladin, meant to suppress and control Oblivion, that she knew she needed something opposite to liberate it. People were afraid of things they didn''t understand, and Oblivion could no longer become a taboo topic to inspire fear.


    Those with both magical and non magical powers to attend, to be given an education in reading, writing, and most of all understanding of the world around them. The world had to come to learn how to work together, to value both Oblivionists and non-Oblivionsists as equally important to a functional community. Most of all, it would be an open learning environment where such magic wouldn''t be contained in a box or limited. Nobody would have to fear the becoming of their best selves. Nobody would be belittled, demeaned, and most of all used for their sake of powers.


    "Well, it sounds like at least economically things are stable. Vrah and I have agreed on the taxes of goods along with fees of travel. In terms of personal travel via the locomotive, it shall be a low fare to ensure anyone is welcome to see the Continent-"


    "The influx of foreigners might derail-"


    "An influx of diverse thought and culture is not something to be afraid of, Governor Harken," Jessamine interrupted him, very quickly after he had interrupted her, "if we are to repair relations with Uhkhtar, we must be the one to hold the doors open in a welcoming manner."


    "I worry your aspiration is based on ancestral guilt," Harken explained, his jaw clenching slightly, "they don''t like us. They don''t want your guilt or your railroad. They won''t want Vitross tourists infiltrating their cities. It is best to leave them to their own devices."


    "Leaving them be has only resulted in extreme religious zeal coming from the area. No doubt the Time Paradox had many Uhkhtarians retreating in fear back to their old and sacred practices. It is rumored half the population believes Oblivion needs to be eradicated, and their new leader firmly believes so," Governor Bowen responded. Bowen covered the areas closest to Uhkhtar. He believed the same as Jessamine that leaving them alone would do more harm than good. Jess had no ill intentions towards them, and she wouldn''t let that be decided by doing nothing and letting the rumors spread.


    Uhkhtar never asked for a railroad or trade. Jessamine knew that alone was causing her heels to step on some toes. Her reasonings had nothing to do with guilt, although she felt slightly inclined to help due to how her family dealt with the region in the past. Her particular feelings for a certain Uhkhtarian might give her bias, but she was reading up on their culture and practices, particularly that fever growing religious aspect. If Uhkhtar was to grow back into a prospering district, it would need help, whether the people admitted it or not.


    And right now, they were putting their faith in the wrong person.


    Jessamine held her tongue for a moment, before knowing she had to be honest, "I plan on having an opening ceremony right on Shailud''s doorstep. And at that ceremony, I will advertise our Academy and welcome those wishing their children to attend."


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Your majesty, you can''t be serious-"


    "You''re playing with fire."


    "Shailud is a radical."


    "I know what I''m doing," Jessamine stated, "Vrah agrees we need to make our presence known, in a much more welcoming, friendly manner. If we play passive with Uhkhtar''s rising ruler, he will become emboldened. Radical he may be, he is not an imbecile. He would not refuse Vitross and Lungor at his doorstep, especially what it means for him economically and financially."


    "You mean to test him," Bowen hummed.


    "I despise religion, but even I agree character is built upon a baptism by fire," Jessamine nodded, "what he does when I arrive will determine the future of his people. His people will be watching him much closer than I will and he knows that. If he wants to play in the shadows then I welcome him to play that little game."


    "It is too risky to stretch your neck out right now, in a foreign territory no less. You have no Guardian, and new threats have arisen this morning from Lungor," Ramin spoke, everyone''s eyes turning to him, "Uhkhtarian zealots are not the only one''s calling for a cleansing. There is that of the Pestilence."


    "Mere rumors and nothing more," Bowen scoffed.


    "Lungor newspapers this morning confirm Pestilence''s threat and danger. He, she...whomever they are, it is true. They have the power to remove Oblivion entirely from an individual. Lungor leaked the manifesto: the empires will never become their strongest until its rulers no longer hold power over another. Jessamine, your Oblivion is being targeted. Going out in the open, again, without a Guardian will play into this person''s hands. You will have two known enemies to keep watch for. Stay here in Vitross, and they have no way to penetrate this Empire."


    Jessamine closed her eyes at the news, feeling the arising headache in her temple. Pestilence was a problem. Rumors were merely just based on fear, propaganda of this rising power. But if Lungor confirmed it, then this new enemy had the power to somehow split apart a person''s soul with their Oblivion. And if this new problem decided to ally themselves with Shailud, a wave of anti-Oblivion language would rise. It wouldn''t take long until that wave would turn into a storm of hate and violence, borderlining a religious war. Her hands clasped gently in that anxious tick, controlling her racing heart.


    If her Oblivion was taken, what would that make her? Was all her worth dependent on the one thing she had finally learned to control?


    "Forgive me for stepping in, given I have no Oblivion myself," Kassandra cleared her throat, "but isn''t that a bit hypocritical? After all, if the reports are true, whomever Pestilence is must have Oblivion themselves in order to remove it. If they possess such magic, what right do they have to determine who and how to remove a person''s Oblivion? How could people follow a person they are being told to hate?"


    "An excellent question, Kassandra," Jessamine bit the inside of her lip, tasting the slightest hint of blood, "all the more reason I must go to Uhkhtar. This news will only create more fear towards those with Oblivion. I need to show there is nothing to be afraid of. Oblivion is a tool, if anything we should fear the wielder and not its power. I will need to speak with Vrah about this matter. If Lungor is concerned, then so must we. But we can''t let terror stop us all from living our lives, from showing compassion and perseverance. I can handle myself without a Guardian."


    "Is there any news on Kaid?" Ramin glared at Jessamine, his black eyes piercing into her own. Clearly all this talk of Guardians would bring him back into the discussion. It was a topic Jessamine certainly could never avoid.


    The feelings of Kaid were mixed. There were plenty in this room who would relish any return of his to this Empire. He was a hero to many. The very fact he had a portrait hanging in this very hall where her father''s portrait used to linger...that alone meant his time here held meaning. And there were those like Ramin who believed Kaid had been the source of their problems. Ramin believed Kaid to be dead, and for now, it was best to keep it that way.


    "None, same as it has been with every Council meeting. If he is alive and well, he has not sent any communication," Jessamine answered sincerely, "if he is dead, then may the Divines bless his grave."


    "Could he be this so-called Pestilence?" Bowen asked, as if his question was a brilliant breakthrough in this conversation.


    Fucking idiot, Jessamine thought.


    Kaid couldn''t be. Despite Caladin, despite everything that had happened, Kaid held honor above revenge. Even now, Jessamine held no regrets for assisting him in the scandal. And miraculously, Lungor wasn''t looking for repatriations for such a catastrophe. All the benefits of keeping Vrah on her side, for now. Jessamine knew if her compassion had grown in this time alone, then so must have Kaid''s. He had a much bigger heart than her, that much was certain.


    "We can''t rule him out, but the likelihood is no," Jessamine replied gently, despite wanting to completely refute the idea. He couldn''t be. She had her doubts. Often, she reminded herself that her deceit to Kaid probably still lingered in his heart. Did he hate her? Was it enough to start a war against Oblivion? It seemed much against his character, a man who was imprisoned for Oblivion, to take it from others. He, more than anyone, understood that a person could not be determined by their powers but by their actions.


    Jessamine had a lot to make up for, but her hopes for any reconciliation were dim to the person she cared for most.


    "Is that all?" Kassandra asked as she finished her notes, seeing most nod.


    "Well, there is a more personal matter to ask about," Harken offered, seeing all the other Governors glare at each other. Kassandra''s broad shoulders deflated, exhaling a sharp breath as she knew the potential weight held with this next question.


    "Empress, how is your relationship with Vrah fairing?" he asked.


    Jessamine looked surprised, but swallowed and answered honestly, "Fine. Why do you ask?"


    "It''s just..." Ramin paused, as if wondering if he should even continue, "you''re nearing the age of thirty. Vitross has no heir. Should anything happen to you, there would be no stability within the region. The Empire would fall into chaos. We all believe Vrah is a secure choice. After all, should you two have multiple children, the Empires could remain united, both Vitross and Lungor united by siblings or family."


    "I see..." Jessamine retorted bitterly, unable to hide her disappointed tone by such a personal matter.


    "We mean no offense, your ladyship. But we all must do what is best for the Empire and you are the last of the Kruzika line. You could create a concubine and nobody would care, Jessamine. What people do care about is a clear and present future. That is all. And at the age thirty-"


    "Yes yes, you act as if my organs stop working. You''ve said your peace and given me plenty to ponder about," Jessamine scoffed, clearly irritated. And at that, the Governors decided it was best to leave and not push the subject. The men took their leave, exiting the great hall with bemused looks as Bridger would portal them back to their homes.


    Jessamine rubbed her already tired head. There was so much to think, so much to worry about. Shailud was a problem, a big one and she couldn''t ignore his rising to power. He had to be handled delicately and as diplomatically as possible, even if they had no common interests. And this Pestilence...it was frightening. A political plague was spreading and the Empress was unsure how long her acts of kindness could last before a war could begin. She had to be a fine line between being a poison and a cure. Just like people would judge and test Shailud, they constantly observed her.


    And Vrah. As much as she cared for the man, she held little room in her already taken heart. The longer she withheld such affection, like any man he''d tend to his needs elsewhere.


    "I''m sorry they brought that up, they had no right Jess," Kassandra apologized, knowing she should have warned her about the topic.


    "Hm, to some extent they do. They''re right. There is no future as of now for my line," Jessamine whispered, "and there never will be."


    "I...I don''t understand-"


    "I can''t get pregnant," Jessamine''s voice cracked, her blue eyes glancing at her assistant. Kassandra didn''t know. Now, she has become one of three people to know such a secret. And if that secret got out, then the Continent would know Vitross lacked any ancestral security to her family''s line. Of course there would always be distant cousins, but none would hold any interest in taking power and Jessamine wouldn''t even entertain such a thought.


    "Oh, Jessamine...I''m sorry," Kassandra whispered back, realizing just how serious that problem was, "Did Kaid know?"


    "Yes," she nodded, feeling a painful emptiness in her heart, "he knew far before we ever grew...intimate. I thought it would push him away, I almost hoped it would. But you know Kaid, he''s ever understanding, always kind."


    There was a gentle silence between them, feeling the pressure from the news around them. It certainly felt enough to crumble their imaginary fortress, but they couldn''t give in. They had worked so hard to get here, to let Vitross finally thrive. Two new enemies couldn''t change that.


    "He''d know what to do if he was here..." Kassandra admitted, seeing her Empress nod immediately. He would. Somehow, he felt like he always had the answer or at least speculative opinion on how to handle this. As little as he knew about politics then, he always had a mindset towards compassion for people, for integrity, and most of all honor. All she could do was merely imagine: what would Kaid do if he was here?


    Would he wish for a swift end to Shailud''s rebellion? How could he do it in a way that would still have Uhkhtarian''s have faith in her? Was it even right to believe they could trust her? And what of Pestilence? Kill this fanatic meant having to get close. Go too far, wait too long, this rebellion would create a martyr. And who would want to grow close enough and risk such Oblivion?


    Kaid would. He''d risk it, stupidly as he had done before. That was a risk however she couldn''t let him make again.


    The doors opened once more, small footsteps turning eager as the Royal Seamstress almost jogged with quickness in her gait. And as usual, with a contagious smile on her face. It wasn''t until Jessamine saw the letter in her thin fingers that the Empress perked up in her seat, practically standing. Kassandra glanced back at her fiance, seeing the letter as well and smiled.


    "Is that-" Kass was about to ask, seeing Christine nod.


    "A new poem from Musa, Empress," Christine bowed, trying to withhold that smile as if it were such a secret.


    Jessamine was quite the lover of poetry, and this new Uhkhtarian inspiring hope and affection through poetry was no exception. She walked over, attempting to conceal her eagerness as she gently took the letter and pried the seal with her fingers, not caring if the rough paper cut her skin. Her eyes scanned the contents, dilating at the words before she swallowed gravely. The two friends around her glanced at each other before back at their Empress, taking a deep breath.


    "What does it say?" Kassandra whispered, "Is he alright?"


    Jessamine took a moment to pace but did eventually nod at her question. Perhaps they weren''t words she wanted to necessarily read. But it was clear, somehow, Musa was answering her prayers: Kaid would know what to do if he was here. And these words only confirmed the seriousness in this morning''s briefing. This would require more than just gold to resolve, more than just faux smiles, or seductive suggestions.


    O Empress, my Empress


    Daughter of Darkness


    Mother of Light


    A new voice arises


    One that is prepared to challenge your own


    With this voice comes a storm in the sand


    Sand that withers and frays my dreams


    For a future, unknown


    One thing is certain:


    There was once time you were cruel


    Heartless


    Deceptive


    A monster.


    I''m here to wish you to be those things,


    Once more


    Just once


    The Continent demands it of you


    I gently ask it of you


    My Empress, can I count on you?


    Christine and Kassandra gazed towards each other, knowing these words were not poems of love or longing, but of impending doom. It first spoke as a warning, a guidance into how Jessamine needed to handle this. In all the lessons she learned, one Kaid had been forcibly educated on as well was that there were times to bring out the worst of themselves. The world needed moments of hate, of anger, of torment to survive. Caladin had been right that only through Trials, through fire did a heart become pure. And pure did not always mean an everlasting good.


    Jessamine was forever condemned, damned, to use the weapons of her enemies. Her cornerstone deemed it so. The voice from her lips could only travel so far, and this sandstorm would certainly mute her pleas. Moments like these called for the voice in her mind, the same voice she could force others to hear, a voice shemustforce. And much against her will, she would have to use such a voice again. For too long, she let her poison and rot damage the relationships around her. Perhaps now, she let her kindness wither her security, allowing these walls to become vulnerable.


    This world required a balance, one only time could assist in weighing the scales to level them once more.


    "What does this change? Should we not prepare to go to Uhkhtar?" Kassandra asked, wondering if this would change their plans this morning.


    "It changes nothing of the plan, only how carefully we need to proceed in it. This was not a warning or an omen. He knows what song I must play. This was merely letting me know he will be there to hear it, in the audience," Jessamine exhaled, nodding at her own understanding as she reread the poem over and over again.


    He would be there. He was there. Somehow, somewhere, he heard the same whispers she did. The words only affirmed to her that this was an ever growing situation, one she might not be able to handle alone. All she wanted to do was invite him onto that stage with her, but the risks were too great. Jessamine these past two years had avoided the consequences, the butterfly effect of all his and her good intentions. Should Kaid walk upon that stage during her song, the fallout would surely begin.


    "Always," Jessamine finally answered, "Reply to him: always."

 Two

    Fate was a false notion, an illusion created for nothing but control. Fear was the key ingredient in the recipe of manipulation, of forging a future based on molds already predetermined. The idea of being chosen for something important was against his nature. Oblivion didn''t choose. It wasn''t based on inherent genetics or foresighted, purposeful breeding. It was luck, a draw at straws, a genetic mutation weaving humanity and magic together. Perhaps whatever Divines created this Continent got bored with their simulations and the dullness of the mundane. Oblivion was marked as a term believing these new powers were the end of the world. Perhaps it was only just the beginning.


    Kaid Al-Yami was nothing special.


    His ability to control time, to mend mistakes of unimaginable consequences, or speak with the past meant nothing. A blade, once derived from the belief of fate, was nothing more than twisted history and planned mockery from Payne, his previous and dead enemy. He hoped his corpse was still rotting even after two years, that whatever hell he was in burned more than the fire that had scarred his face. Payne didn''t haunt him in the afterlife, in the void where Kaid''s dreams would enter when he slept.


    What did haunt him, was his consequence of saving the world. The usurper blade had fulfilled its purpose before being altered entirely. Kaid knew it was always meant to kill Empress Jessamine, permanently. It almost succeeded in its task, only by a different wielder. Kaid didn''t intend to save the world. He only meant to save his world. He meant to save the sandy haired goddess from her fate, a fate both of them knew to be forcibly thrown into their hands. Both of them were destined to lose, yet somehow, won in the end.


    The only thing they lost was each other.


    He didn''t know if he could forgive her. He didn''t even know if he already had. Kaid had entered a year of a void-filled sleep. A year in his mind that felt like a mere day talking with Farah, his deceased mother, in a place that was completely devoid of time and life. It was a place that called to him, one Kaid couldn''t force upon his own. At first, he thought he had died and he had merely become a resident of such an afterlife. Only, he was a guest that had forced his way in unintentionally. His mother was a heavily opinionated woman, but a proud mother at that. All she wanted was her son''s happiness, and upon awakening from his coma, he was unsure where that happiness resided.


    Mara had hidden him inside Uhkhtar of all places, inside the city of Kanaf, a growing city and soon destined to be capital. It had been a fortress of old, now turned palace of grandeur, surrounded by a city of sand and brick. Ruins had now become a new foundation for the next generation of Uhkhtarians, but also refugees and other various Continent dwellers without much place to go. The world had apparently become chaotic during his time in what he thought was eternal slumber. When he woke up, he thought he had lost his Oblivion, that the heat of the arid and dry sun was just another version of hell. It wasn''t until he awoke from his long slumber and saw young Kaid, son of Mara, that he realized his story was far from over.


    Kaid had not lost his Oblivion at all, if anything the near death experience enhanced it in ways he hadn''t realized. Time was energy, an invisible one that no clock or watch could fully express. That energy could be encapsulated in objects, in memories, and most of all people. When Bridger had taken him to Blackrock Isle, the place of his childhood, energy resided there like trapped vapors with no escape. And that energy needed to be transcribed, experienced, and documented by someone like himself before it could be fully released. Now, he could sense that in all things, in all beings, in the very grains of sands beneath his feet.


    It was exhausting, to say the least, interpreting and sensing the fate of time woven in all things organic.


    The only thing that quelled the influx of energy was a good book, and perhaps a light session of smoking a waterpipe to let the vapors coax his troubled mind. Only thing about smoking and reading at the same time was the way it would fog up his glasses. Like all things withered with excessive time, so did the quality of his eyes from constant reading. Kaid liked to blame that on those bright Caladin prison lights, though, rather than his excessive hobby. However, he needed something to drown out the silent, annoying noise in his head. Music could help. He almost believed hearing Jessamine play the piano would be the perfect cure, or perhaps merely a re-entry to the curse of her seduction.


    A small commotion arose Kaid from his distraction, placing the pipe down, feeling the book close in his hands as his eyes scanned the vast room. One thing about Uhkhtar is that the community here was strong. Every night, there was music, dancing, food, entertainment either in the form of public fights or gambling. Small shouts were heard over the various chatter, or the clinking of glasses from the bar area. Upon looking at the shouts, a broad, muscular man was shouting at someone. And as Kaid paused time to follow the man''s gaze, it fell right upon his dear friend''s son: Kai. At least, he liked to go by Kai to not confuse himself with his ''uncle''. Kaid and Mara had to fall under the disguise as being cousins, although they felt like much closer family than that.


    Kaid noticed Kai slip something into his pockets, a nerve of frustration being struck as the mentor was watching his student continue to stumble. He placed his book aside, taking one last blow of smoke to let it coax his nerves before standing and gently brushing through the crowd.


    "Musa! Got a new poem for us yet?" a passerby asked with a smile.


    "Not yet," Kaid, or rather Musa as he was called in this city, answered. If these people knew who he really was, that he was the son of their last real, formal leader...it wouldn''t be safe. Shailud made it impossible to let Kaid be who he really was. It didn''t help his name was constantly plastered in various newspapers across the Continent.


    Shailud was a radical born from the oppression of the previous Vitross regime, and the current, bleak Lungor power that resided here. Kaid did not necessarily blame Shailud for wanting to reunite the people in this desert country. After all, unification was borne eventually out of oppression. As the world healed, so did people within those communities. Kaid was going to let the man rule without problem, despite his mothers whispered pleas in the wind to get involved. He went an entire year without getting involved. That changed when he saw Jessamine was a target on his violent list of people to overthrow.


    A change in regime he could accept, after all, the prime target was Lungor, an empire Kaid despised himself. It was run by his father, a man who valued power and fortune over that of benevolence and peace...a man who imprisoned his own son and removed his memories to make him suffer a childhood without purpose, without knowing the weight of his powers. Perhaps he should feel the way about Jessamine: a woman who had manipulated, lied...but also loved. If anything, he was angry she had somehow brought him back to life, to exist in this world that forever tried to hold him down. While he held deep resentment for Jessamine, unsure of how he truly felt for her...this was something he couldn''t let come to motion.


    "You! You stole from me!" The angered man grabbed Kai by the collar of his kaftan, yanking the nine year old back.


    "What are you talking about?" he asked, feigning innocence in those green eyes, raising his empty hands with ignorance.


    "I know you stole from me, you little shit," the man laid his hand on his arm, gripping it firmly. At that, Kaid knew he had to interject.


    "What is going on here?" Kaid, or rather Musa, asked, folding his glasses into his pockets to observe the situation.


    "This shit knows exactly what he did. He stole my money. I had a pouch of coin attached to my belt. This kid brushes by, not once, but twice, and the second time it''s gone. It looks like we have a thief on our hands. I don''t care what your benevolent beliefs are, Musa, but you know the law. Thieves get their fingers chopped."


    Kaid stopped time, briefly and as always, inconspicuously as he now held the firm pouch of gold in his fist. He hid it in his pocket for now, clenching his jaw in frustration at little Kai''s amateur thievery. This would certainly be a discussion for later.


    "Go ahead and search him then," Kaid shrugged, seeing the fear in the boys eyes widen, "but don''t grip him like that. He is not your child."


    "And he is not yours, either," the man rebutted, scoffing slightly before smiling at the fact he would prove himself right. Yet, the man checked and patted down all the nooks and crannies a thief would hide their stolen prizes. Pockets were empty, other than little Kai''s small knife used for protection and self defense only. But there was no pouch of coin to be found, which infuriated the man.


    "Where''d you hide it?!" he demanded, seeing the boy exhale with slight relief.


    "I didn''t take anything, I swear on my mother-" Kai pleaded.


    "Don''t swear on your mother boy, it''s pathetic. You''re the only child here constantly misbehaving and I''m starting to wonder if that stems from your bitch of a mother, Mara-" he spat, before Kaid immediately shoved him away out of anger. Kaid had always protected Mara, whenever he could. And his one failure in doing so resulted in this ever growing need to feel to protect her. Like most of the women in Kaid''s life, they could protect themselves. But Mara was like a sister to him, a sibling borne from the same struggle. And while they had taken two different paths for a short time, they found their way back to each other to journey this together.


    "Hey! What''s going on here?" Sabine, the designated Shurta (peacekeeper), immediately made her way over. Sabine was a nice, protective woman. She was an Uhkhtarian orphan, same as Kaid, but had a love for politics and held a desire to lead these people of hers in a good direction. The problem is, as with most men in this Continent, is they didn''t like certain women enter that realm of power. Shailud was graceful enough to offer her the position of Shurta, which she took very seriously. But like Kaid, she often took the approach of understanding first before immediately jumping into violence.


    "Mind your business, woman. We gave these people a home, a place to stay, jobs...and this is how their children act? And what worth is her cousin, hm, Musa? What value are you as some poet, some historian? You sit here, eat our food, reside in our home...yet you refuse to defend it. Shailud needs every able bodied male into his service and yet you deny him that."


    "Whatever you believe to have been stolen was probably misplaced," Kaid scowled slightly moving closer, capable of smelling the stench of alcohol on his breath, "You found nothing. Now, back off before you make a fool of yourself."


    "Me? A fool?" he laughed, not even hesitating as he grabbed Kaid''s collar, forcing him into the nearest table, slamming him down into it. Kaid saw it coming, but he needed an excuse to quell that itch, the itch of violence he tried to drown with literature and kindness. The truth was, violence would always exist, because men like this would always find a way to belittle and bully. And sometimes, that meant someone like Kaid would have to step in. Now, this man had just given Kaid an excuse.


    Jessamine''s gentle words rang through his mind as the silence of the crowd witnessed Kaid slowly recovering to stand from the broken table, his backside certainly sore. You don''t start fights, but you certainly know how to finish them. It was so true of Caladin, and also true after escaping that hellhole. Life didn''t feel so different from that simulation at times like this.


    The crowds gathered upon the revelation this was going to turn into a fight. Kaid removed the belt tie from his kaftan, standing from the ruined furniture to slowly wrap that fabric around the knuckles of his right hand. It was a clear indicator Kaid wasn''t going to back down, and that only initiated more attention. Afterall, Kaid knew this man to be some sort of tax collector soldier for Shailud. He wasn''t well liked, he had more muscles than brain cells, and certainly he towered over Kaid in size. Still, Kaid trained daily, unbeknownst to everyone. Maybe this man would learn not to underestimate a mere poet.


    "Musa, you don''t have to fight this bastard," Sabine shouted over the growing, eager shouts of the small crowd forming. Her voice was laced with genuine concern, and almost annoyance at the situation. Men and their fighting. Even someone like Musa could be coaxed into violence, and she worried that perhaps maybe the poet was in over his head.


    They paced in a circle, the crowd allowing just enough space to keep distance. Kaid didn''t want to throw the first hit, he wanted to keep the power in his arms a secret until the moment of opportunity opened. Besides, observing the man in this state of alcoholic rage only meant he could study him further. Kaid could know what to expect in a fight merely just by the twinges of his muscles, by freezing the frames of time to see just how his neck tensed, how his body slowly formed into a fighting stance. A tilt of the neck to the slightest degree to the left indicated a highly likely chance he''d hit Kaid first with a swing of his right fist. The same for how his feet were angled, which was something he learned with swordplay in Vitross.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Everything in this life could be studied, observed, and certainly learnt from. Fighting, in all its various forms, was no different.


    Given his drunken and more aggressive state, it was no surprise the belligerent soldier threw the first punch. And as Kaid predicted, it was a high right hook, one he was easily able to dodge because he saw it coming. His eyes drifted to his feet, seeing the sudden shift and he immediately had to expect a counter with his left first. Kaid immediately raised his arm, stiffing and blocking the lazier, not so powerful counter to his first miss. Kaid knew with every missed contact or blocked strike, this man would only grow more aggravated, which would become his own downfall. But maybe he could stun the man into submission.


    While his right arm had countered, Kaid moved his left over to chop the arm down, preventing a well timed block. And that left the left side of his asshole looking face rather vulnerable. Kaid clenched his right fist, feeling the burn of the fabric around his knuckles and palm before slamming it directly into the center of his face, right at the bridge of his nose. Kaid of all people knew how painful a broken nose could be, but he was pretty sure that punch alone broke more than just cartilage.


    His assailant stumbled back with a loud groan, the hit to his skull causing him to almost lose balance. Kaid could have taken advantage of his blurry vision and disoriented self, but decided against it. Perhaps he should have, because the second the man came to, out of spite he pulled a knife from the sheath at his hip.


    Sabine immediately tried to intervene upon the sight of a weapon, but the crowd held her back, as if this was merely a spectacle of entertainment. Fights happened, but even the shurta knew the second a blade was out, the intent transformed from sending a message into calculated murder. Yet, Kaid didn''t seem phased by the knife. The man was drunk. He had a better chance of falling on his own blade than even placing a precise cut on Kaid''s mocha-colored skin. It was not that Kaid was cocky, but he was confident in himself now, in his ability. He wasn''t the same man he was perhaps three years ago, still stuck in prison trying to claw his way every day to survive.


    Kaid was a killer, with no intention of killing, at least not tonight.


    Kaid dodged every single jab or strike with the knife, waiting for the best opening to counter. Finally it came with a frustrated lunge, one Kaid side stepped before immediately countering. Going low, he used the man''s broad body and gravity against him, sweeping at his already unbalanced feet to trip him. He fell flat on his back, Kaid watching the knife slip just loosely enough from his hand, only for a second. Kaid grasped it, turning the blade against him, holding it to his neck while his knee pressed firmly against his sternum.


    The crowd silenced slightly as the fight ended much more abruptly than expected. Kaid pressed the tip of the blade to his neck, expecting to prick and bleed. Yet, the blade was rather dull. Ironic, if anything. When Kaid could clearly see defeat in the man''s dark eyes, Kaid slowly rose off him, allowing him to breathe. Sabine ran over, her eyes scanning Kaid, or rather Musa, to see if he was alright. And other than the drops of sweat, there was nothing.


    "This blade is dull. You should probably take it to Mara, she can sharpen it for you," Kaid insisted, knowing that would only add more sting to the man''s wounds and ego. And that, it did.


    "Gods, Proffit, a knife?!" Sabine scowled, "I should throw you in the pit overnight for this."


    "I think he''s had enough humiliation for one night," someone from the crowd snickered, which made Kaid smile. He handed the blade over to Sabine, signaling it was her evidence to take care of now, and so was Proffit. Kaid had made his point, at least to the belligerent drunk. He still had to make his point across to little Kai, who had eagerly watched the fight.


    Kaid forced the boy outside, glancing to see if anyone was around before showing him the pouch of coins.


    "What were you thinking?! Stealing from one of the palace soldiers, and almost getting caught too!" Kaid whispered, frustration clear in his tone.


    "I was only trying to help," Kai shrugged, clearly not caring much given he wasn''t exactly caught.


    "Help? You need to stop stealing. You need to stop hanging around those friends of yours, they''re only getting you into trouble," Kaid insisted to the boy, "There might be a time I''m not around to bail you out like that."


    "You''re not my father, you can''t tell me what to do!"


    "You''re right, I''m not. But I am trying to do what is best for you. And certainly, your mother will hear about this, from your lips. Go home and tell her right now what happened, otherwise she will hear it from me tomorrow and you won''t want that," he demanded.


    "It''s your fault, you know. My life was ruined because of you," the boy felt tears rise in his soft eyes, pulling away from him to walk home. Kaid felt a sting at the words. He knew Kai was only mad about getting caught, and nearly humiliated in the process, not to mention upset that Kaid had to intervene. No doubt his mother wouldn''t be happy to hear this either.


    But the words hurt because he was right. The boy''s life had been uprooted because of him. Had Kaid followed Jessamine''s original plan, that ship could''ve taken them anywhere but here to hide. With everything he did, the Time Paradox...all of it resulted in having to hide somewhere much more secret. Kai had no books to read. There was hardly a decent school in this city. And this was all because Mara chose to hide Kaid, and stay with him even after he had recovered. All that nine year old knew was that his life was a constant struggle because of the man he was named after.


    The world hated him. Shouldn''t that make him hate the world?


    He turned around, seeing Sabine there, once more making sure he was alright. Kaid pulled out the pouch and tossed it to her, surprise in her eyes.


    "So, he did take it?" she asked.


    "No. Proffitt merely misplaced it," Kaid hummed, lying through his teeth.


    "Well, I suppose we might need to take a few coins out to replace the table he broke. And a fine for assault," she spoke, rummaging through the coin, "and maybe just enough for a refreshment. Can I buy you a drink, Musa?"


    Kaid didn''t see any harm in it.


    "Sure," he agreed, feeling a sharp soreness in his spine from being thrown into that table. He''d certainly feel it tomorrow. But maybe a drink would help numb that to help him sleep for tonight.


    They walked back in, luckily the crowd went back to their gambling or drinking which made the space warm and welcoming once more. Sabine had let Proffitt off the hook, which she had to do merely because he was one of Shailud''s men. There wasn''t much she could do, other than take some of his coin lost in the process of fighting. They sat at the bar, Sabine ordering two glasses of arak. Kaid unwrapped the cloth around his knuckles, seeing slight bruises but nothing too damaging. He was pretty sure he had broken his knuckle bones far too much to even count all the shattered pieces.


    "Did you have a son, Musa?" Sabine asked, rather cautiously.


    "What?" he asked in return, a bit surprised at the question. Did he really look that old?


    "Kai. I know he''s not your son but...you look at him like he is the ghost of a son," she clarified, "I only know that because I do the same for a lot of the children here. I lost my two brothers. It''s difficult hearing a little boy laugh and not think of them."


    He now understood what she was asking. It was true, there was something about little Kai that was so familiar with Sebastian. They both had this youthful defiance in their eyes. And Sebastian had been killed because of such stubbornness, because Kaid couldn''t save him. He couldn''t let Mara''s son fall into the same fate. Sebastian was nowhere to be found in that timeless void either, as far as Kaid knew. Perhaps Sebastian hated him. After all, Kaid was the one to kill him. That was reason alone to never speak with a voidwalker that was still alive and interfering with the dead in his sleep.


    "He wasn''t my son, but I suppose he looked up to me like a father," Kaid admitted. And ironically enough, little Kai certainly didn''t see Kaid as his father, understandably so. Kai was lucky enough to never meet his real father though. Kaid certainly wished he never knew his, and learned it a bit too late. It was just another thing Jessamine had hid from him for far too long. Things might''ve been different in terms of the good relations between Lungor and Vitross if Kaid had known so much earlier.


    "What happened, if you don''t mind me asking?"


    Kaid could hear the breaking of Sebastian''s neck in his mind, remembering how his heartbeat throbbed dramatically before finally ceasing in his arms.


    "War," he answered, taking a sip of the arak before making a disgruntled face. Ugh. Alcohol. He almost forgot why he hated the taste.


    "So, you were a soldier. Well, that explains how you embarrassed Proffitt so easily," she hummed. Kaid glanced at her, seeing dark brown hair matching a similar skin tone to his own. Sabine was Uhkhtarian through and through. She probably stemmed from generations of the desert folk here. She truly cared for the people here, much better than Shailud. She was a fighter, same as him, where both maybe didn''t look like it. However, he had seen her train with a blade before. She knew how to use it. And she was well educated, intelligent, crafty...she should be the one leading these people. Not Shailud.


    But talk like that around here could be taken as treason.


    "It is hard to avoid living in this world without having to indulge in a bit of violence," Kaid shrugged, "war is the inevitability of people''s fear. We spill blood to match the nervous tempo in our hearts, marching to our deaths. Remove that fear, remove this temptation of survival, only peace remains."


    She smiled, taking a sip of her arak before looking at him with soft eyes, "The fighter disappears back into the shell, and only the poet is left."


    "I only fight when the necessity arises," Kaid admitted.


    "Not true. I saw it in your eyes. You''re a war-torn veteran waiting for a mere opportunity. You need to be careful. If Shailud finds out this poet can fight, he will try to recruit you," she teased softly.


    "How are things going with Shailud?" he changed the subject slightly, not wanting to indulge ever fighting for this potential dictator.


    "Busy. He''s already beginning to play games for the other Empires. Lungor and Vitross agree to visit in the upcoming months, which means having to clean that palace to pristine. Apparently, the Empress of Vitross wants to make a show of it: fireworks, music...you name it. Meanwhile all the poor have to sit on the walls and listen from a distance while myself and Shailud have to pretend to be the aristocrats we aren''t," she scoffed slightly, "she''s a handful, that one. But she shows no malicious intent...yet."


    Ingenious, Kaid thought. Hell, he knew of all people, Jessamine hated any sort of show, a faux masquerade of appearances. But there was a reason she was throwing a party of all things, not only to popularize her new railroad for transportation, but to start her appearance off strong. Sure, there would be plenty who would see her as a woman who valued materialization over anything else, but Shailud would be a fool to do any brash at a party of all things. She was playing games, which is exactly what she needed to do.


    "You need to be careful at that party," Kaid warned, seeing slight surprise in her eyes.


    "What makes you say that, Musa?"


    "You know what I mean. If Shailud is planning anything rash, especially towards Lungor, lives are at risk. These people were nearly wiped off the face of this desert, drowned in their own water supply without remorse or apology. What makes you think some Emperor won''t do it again? All they need is a reason, and it doesn''t have to be a strong one," Kaid explained.


    "Or...Empress. Shailud is far more concerned about her than the Lungor''s soon to be Emperor," she shrugged, clearly avoiding talking about details.


    "What do you mean by that? Lungor steals and mines graphite without permission. They send soldiers and patrols to terrorize local merchant caravans. Lungor is a threat-"


    "Shailud said he''s making a deal with them. Apparently they''re much easier to negotiate with than Vitross," she whispered, clenching her jaw slightly. She shouldn''t be disclosing any of this with him. But after all, he was only a poet, and he too clearly cared about the people here. Musa was harmless in her eyes. And honestly when looking at him, all she wanted to do was spill out her own heart.


    "A deal for what? Can you trust that?"


    "I don''t know. Shailud hardly speaks about it but whatever they want is frustrating him to no end. They want information but I don''t think Shailud has it. I don''t trust it, you know that. I lived under the Lungor occupation all my life. Lungor at least tried to repair the damage Vitross caused, but that doesn''t mean I trust their intentions. Whomever they are looking for, it could be enough to make Uhkhtar a proper country, hell, maybe even its own Empire if we grow big enough. Lungor would let us do what we please."


    "Who?" Kaid asked for clarification. Not what, but who. They wanted information on someone, and Kaid could feel a drop of nervous sweat drip down the back of his neck. Lungor could be growing close. They could have their suspicions. And if Shailud were to take this deal, it might not be long before word started to spread.


    "I''ve said too much already," Sabine shook her head, downing the rest of her arak before standing from the stool. Kaid grabbed her wrist gently, his eyes looking into hers with a soft plea.


    "Do you have a name?" Kaid questioned softly, "Perhaps I can help. I''ve traveled all over the Continent."


    "No. But whoever it is, he seems powerful enough to challenge all the Empires. If he threatens them, to Shailud he''s also an even greater threat. And any threat as of right now to Shailud is a threat to Uhkhtar. I''ll heed your caution about the party. Maybe if your poems keep growing popular, you''ll be invited as well."


    "I think I''d be the last person that should be invited to a party," Kaid tried to end the conversation with humor, smiling faintly. But he was also being rather honest. If his truth came out, a manhunt would begin. And nowhere would be safe. He couldn''t go running back into Jessamine''s arms. She''d deny him. She had to. She would risk everything for taking him under her wing once more. But it was the only safe place, in her arms.


    And he wouldn''t be the only one hunted if that did happen. He had to think about Mara as well.


    "You''d still be a welcome sight, regardless. But, you have your hands full. Keep Kai out of trouble, Musa. Thank you, for indulging me in both a drink and a show," she returned the smile.


    "Next drink is on me," he replied, before seeing her blush and turn away, nodding. And when her back turned, his smile immediately faltered. He knew what he was doing, using a young girl''s affection for him to gain information. It made him no better than Jessamine, did it? She was kind, content, and attractive. Any man would be lucky to catch her eye. She offered stability, but Kaid was anything but stable. No woman would want a liar, even if it was done for means of survival. Kaid did not see any prospective future with her in that regard.


    Because she was not the Empress, his Empress. The Empress he equally hated and adored. An Empress he''d reverse time for, at the cost of his life. He should have stayed dead. This world sincerely would be different, better, if he had died along with Payne, just as prophesized.


    He wasn''t dead though, which meant just as time continued in life, so must he.

 Three

    Jessamine despised the steady thrum of the locomotive. It was nothing like the calming waves of the sea, with wind blowing in her hair, or the great aroma of salt filling her senses. Sailing for her was a second love, akin to playing piano although these days it almost felt difficult to play. Yet, she''d have to play in public for this grand show for Shailud. She prayed when she had to, her hands wouldn''t tremble like they usually did before practicing. Her voice always remained steady as it was much easier to mask, the instrument of her deception, hands...tools of war, not so much.


    She debated opening her book on Uhkhtarian history, the most updated she could find, but knew it would only make her grow more ill at the constant movement. Wine. Wine might help. It always seemed to help the temporary upsets in her life, but she knew it wasn''t a permanent fix. Nothing could fill the void in her heart, even if she tried to fill it with fantasies. She had to come, no, she forced herself to come to the conclusion that she''d never see Kaid again. Even knowing he could be here at this grand event, it was too great a risk to speak, even see each other.


    If she saw those soft brown eyes again, she''d probably fall to her knees like a fallen angel. Or a rising devil.


    Her thoughts were interrupted with the sound of her cabin door opening with a gust of wind before shutting, seeing Vrah step into her midst. Vrah was a friend, nothing more. At least, in her heart. Jessamine knew that the day she was born, she was to marry at the whims and wishes of her father, to repair whatever mess he created. Well, this time she created her own mess. And she had to become something she hated because it meant having to keep this alliance together.


    It was held together by fragmented stitches. Ones she knew that might not last long.


    Vrah, with wavy brown hair and light skin looked nothing like his half-brother, except maybe the broad nose and eyes. With both his stature and looks, just like Jessamine, he could probably capture the eye of any beloved he wished. He could have a harem of a hundred women all vying for his attention, and nobody would really care. Yet, Jessamine had loved an Uhkhtarian and it felt like the entire world shamed her for it like a whore. The word didn''t hurt her stone heart. She''d wear that word like a brand, a tattoo, if it would always be attached with Kaid.


    Vrah was a safe choice. He knew that. And there was nothing more demeaning than knowing he was second-choice. But he too, was playing a role. He had hoped by now that maybe Jessamine would fall in love with him, it had been two years after all. But it was clear with the hesitant kisses and absence of intimacy that wasn''t going to happen. It never would unless she changed. Changing a woman who had seen all the horrors of the world was near impossible. Vrah was as always, a hopeful, optimistic soul.


    "Should be arriving within a couple hours. Shailud will not be there to greet us initially but servants will help us to our rooms and for dinner. The letter mentioned something about a...ritual, I guess," Vrah shrugged, clearly not minding the tyrant would be absent on their first night there. If it hadn''t been explained, Jessamine would have been concerned.


    "It''s a Mahrajan. And if my studies are correct, of a niema, I believe. It involves going to the nearest temple and praying for all of blessings given. It''s a meditation of gratitude," Jessamine explained, hoping that clarified it in better terms, "and as far as I am aware, despite the outdated maps and geography knowledge, the nearest temple to Kanaf is a ten hour ride away."


    "You''ve done your research," Vrah laughed softly, moving to the corner of liquor to pour them both some liquid courage. Jessamine by now had fallen to the habit, one she presumably learned from Kaid, that if she didn''t know something she would go look for it within literature. It also could be that she didn''t trust such information from the lips of others. If she didn''t read or see it with her own eyes, hear it with her own ears, then she couldn''t believe it. She was as cautious as ever, given Payne had nearly ruined everything under her guise. Vrah couldn''t fault her for that, except when it came to their relationship.


    But maybe she had a right not to fully trust him.


    "Yes well, the writings of Uhkhtar practices are few and limited. I hope Kanaf will have a library, otherwise all learning will be from observation alone," Jessamine sighed, "what do you think...of him: of Shailud?"


    She knew he had studied psychology. Compared to her own Oblivion to read and study a person''s mind, not to mention control it, she knew it was leagues below. Even if her Oblivion gave her an advantage, she knew it wouldn''t always see the big picture. Cornerstones were fickle. She wouldn''t have enough time to fully determine Shailud''s without making it obvious.


    "I see a man trying to do what is best for his people. He needs to unify them somehow. Religion is a good enough tool to do so," Vrah explained, "which means in person he must be charismatic, even better if he is seen as handsome for Uhkhtarian standards. He needs to be a natural leader, a person that compels followers easily. His sudden rise over these months shows either thoughtful planning, or perhaps desperation for the people to unite. He wants his voice to speak for his people. However, we won''t know just how strong his rule is until we see how his people like him."


    "Mhm," Jessamine agreed with a hum, "I intend to look into that in the morning."


    "Shailud stated to not leave the palace-"


    "Precisely why it''s a good idea. I''ll be fine," she clarified.


    "Kiev will stick out like a sore black eye, only just blonde."


    "Kiev will be awaiting my return. I appreciate your concern, though."


    She wouldn''t dare offer Vrah to join her, because he wouldn''t. Nowadays, he was the one that stood out, constantly wearing the latest Arillian fashion trend or gold jewelry to be a show of wealth. To Jessamine, she knew it was a sign of his insecurity, of never feeling worthy enough to be the heir of an Empire. Again, somehow a second choice, no matter how hard he tried. He wouldn''t go on a tour of the new growing city unless he had at least three guards with him.


    He played it safe. He knew the implications if he was to be assassinated. He learned growing up it was best to let spymasters do their own work, to rely on others to obtain whatever he wanted, whether information or a cup of wine. Jessamine liked these days to do her own work and research, and also maybe get some fresh air and shed the layer of Empress to be...normal, for once. It''s how Kaid always made her feel, only because he had been the first person she was brave enough to be herself around.


    Vrah moved to hand her a small glass of wine, his eyes glancing at the book and the blue sorrow of her eyes, "Do you miss him?"


    Her eyes fluttered up immediately to his, her face hardening slightly at the question. Her jaw trembled slightly as she didn''t know whether to lash out at such a question or answer honestly with a wave of sadness. It was a ridiculous question because he knew the answer to it. Which is why she didn''t know if he asked it purposefully, or mindlessly. Vrah was an intelligent man, but sometimes Jessamine swore he asked provoking questions with utter disregard and stupidity.


    "Why do you do this?" Jessamine asked, refusing to take the wine from him. His outreached hand shriveled back, confusion in his eyes and body language. Her question, asked with authority, made him shrink slightly in front of her. Vrah was afraid of her, another reason why this relationship was doomed from the start.


    "Do what?"


    "Every time you interject him into a conversation, it turns into a spat," Jessamine pointed out.


    "I just thought that, you know...we''re traveling to Uhkhtar. He''s Uhkhtarian-"


    "You''re using him as a scapegoat, Vrah," Jessamine rose from her seat, only slightly towering over him due to her heels, "with how often you constantly seem to bring him up, it''s like you were the one that was in love with him." A gross thought, but it was only a metaphor.


    "Was, or is, in love with him?" Vrah asked, soon correcting himself, "He was the brother I always wanted, someone I wished could have been born at my side, guided me through life instead of having servants and governess''s raise me. I knew nothing about him for twenty three years of my life, and then all of a sudden his presence changed everything I thought I knew about himself."


    "You compare yourself to him," Jessamine swallowed before lying, "You compare yourself to a dead man."


    "He was perfect-"


    Jessamine scoffed at that, "Kaid had his flaws, as do the rest of us."


    "He was perfect because of your love for him. You act as if I don''t know the horror stories: how you forced Caladin guards to slit their own throats, how you made a woman lose her good sense of mentality and made her crazy, how you wanted to paint the oceans near Vitross red as blood. You were a madness we believed to be incurable. Assassin after assassin, expensive ones at that, did nothing but add fuel to your fire. And then you construct a mad plan for the Lungor throne, by finding its hidden heir. If Kaid Al-Yami can change a woman like that, then he''s perfect indeed."


    "You need to choose your next words carefully. That woman is still in the room with us," she warned, gravely and lowly.


    "His existence ruined every truth I knew, yet there is this part of me that needs him. I thought I knew who I was, the man destined to rule Lungor and do so however I wished. And that changed in a blink of time. It became a secret I''m born to carry on my shoulders, knowing eventually I will sit on a throne where Lungor authority is held by the eldest son. Not youngest, most experienced, or most groomed to take a throne like Vitross is...eldest. And nothing will ever change the fact he is my older brother."


    "Kaid was never a threat to your place on the throne. He may have been in our speculative plan but that all changed," Jessamine stated, "and he was not a threat to who you are. You''re trying to point the finger at yourself because that''s how heavy your burden is. Maybe, you should point it at the person responsible: your father. Do you believe yourself to be worthless? Weak? Is that what your father tells you?"


    "Don''t bring him into this-"


    "Him?! The man who imprisoned that brother of yours for thirty years? The man who is the one making you believe you''re unworthy, that you have to do something to prove your value? You don''t have to prove anything, to anyone, Vrah. You are your own man, your own person. Kaid didn''t change me. I changed myself. He was merely the wind to guide me through a dark and terrible storm, but I was the one at the helm. You, Vrah, need to be the one steering your own destiny and to stop letting others get in your way. You are not your brother and you don''t need to be."


    "I need to be, if you are to love me," Vrah corrected, seeing her swallow, and this time not out of anger.


    She took a deep breath and approached him, letting her hand rest on his chest, "Vrah, I do care for you. I just...I need time. And I know men lack the patience for such, I know that I torment you in ways I can''t ever understand. I''m just afraid to fall in love again. When you take that throne, we''ll be on two separate sides of the Continent. And yes, there''s portals and railroads and ships to connect us together, to close such distance. And with all the craziness going on right now, it feels like there''s nothing to stabilize us."


    Vrah took her hand, pulling it up to his lips to kiss her knuckles, his eyes showing warmth and comfort. Despite his ramblings, she seemed to know what to say. She believed in him, and he could see that in her own eyes. To have a woman who believed in a man, if that didn''t ignite a fire in the engine of fate, then what could? As much as he disagreed on her opinion of his father, he knew that would all change with his inevitable passing.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "There is, my dearest Jessamine. There is hope because you inspire it. We will work this out with Shailud, and hopefully we will get answers that will quell this instability. If it all turns to shit, I will keep you safe. But I know you: you''re cunning. Whatever shit is thrown towards us, we will just throw right back at them."


    Bloodshed couldn''t happen. It didn''t matter if it was thrown at her, despite coming in waving the mirage of a white flag. Shailud would be foolish to strike a hand pretending to help him, even if he knew it was all for pretend.


    "See? There''s that confidence I like," Jessamine smiled, placing a short, quick kiss on his lips. That alone seemed to quell his worries. Vrah was right, however. His fears there was no room in her heart for him was correct. Kaid could shatter her heart a thousand times and it still wouldn''t widen the void in her heart, a void that couldn''t be filled by anyone else.


    "To Uhkhtar then, where all this began," Vrah smiled sweetly before thinking: and where it all might end.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------


    Kaid covered the blacksmith shop as Mara was out in the market looking for some meals for dinner. It had been awhile since he had Mara''s recipe of lamb and gravy covered vegetables. That woman certainly knew how to cook, and make weapons, and do everything in between. She truly was remarkable. And anything that proved too much for her, like the repetitive hammer of smithing a hot blade, she certainly gave Kaid that responsibility.


    There was something mentally smoothing about pounding hot iron, watching hot orange sparks fly, bending something other than time for his own purpose.


    But for right now, Kaid was content with merely beginning to sharpen the knives and blades that were soon to be finished. He didn''t like the idea of having to make weapons that could be used for war, but he had to keep telling himself this could help against Lungor.. He couldn''t fathom if this was used against Vitross guards. But war couldn''t come. It wouldn''t. Jessamine would fix that, just as she was planning on doing.


    Little Kai walked inside, going straight to his little corner of cushions and grabbing a book.


    "How was school?" Kaid asked, knowing the school here was merely for the younger kids who barely knew how to read. There wasn''t anyone willing to really teach him things at his excelled reading level. Kaid had done that before, but he and the kid weren''t on good terms since the incident with the Guard.


    And Kai said nothing, ignoring him as he bothered himself with continuing his book. Kaid grunted, not loud enough for the kid to hear before seeing he left the gate open. He placed his blade down, dipping his dirty hands in some water to wash before going to close it. But dark hands did so instead, closing the gate to the shop with a loud creak.


    Shailud.


    He was maybe only a few years older than Kaid, but stress had added a fair amount of gray to his dark brown, long hair. To some, Shailud may seem like a man who walked with wisdom and kindness. He knew exactly what to say and who to say it to. Shailud symbolized tears in a place where rain hardly poured. But Shailud was a monsoon when only a droplet of tears were needed. In his effort to help here, he would destroy everything in his path. Shailud knew that. So did Kaid. Sabine probably feared it as well, but she was powerless.


    Not everyone agreed with his stance and policies, but nobody was brave enough to stand up to him.


    "Shailud, welcome. Mara isn''t here at the moment, she went to the market," Kaid stated, figuring that was who he was looking for.


    "Musa, the poet right?" Shailud asked, his voice deep, borderline demonic with a hint of scratch from the sand, "My men stated you won a good fight a few weeks ago. You''re not only sharp with a pen, but with a sword as well."


    "Correct, but I have no interest in joining your cause," Kaid, or rather Musa, answered assertively, "I already assist in helping make your blades."


    "Where do you hail from, poet?" he asked, approaching closer to glance at all the weapons still needing to be tempered or grinded to perfection.


    "You know just as much as me. Perhaps I hailed from here and my parents became refugees, trying to find a better place to raise me. I know little of such information," Kaid answered.


    "Sabine says you''ve traveled all over the Continent."


    "Yes, sir. I worked as a mercenary in a small clan originating from Skale," Kaid lied. It was common knowledge that Skale didn''t have a full army. Before their stronger alliance with Lungor, they had relied heavily on mercenaries or bandits to do dark deeds or perhaps quell any rebellions in smaller villages.


    "So, you fight for coin instead of justice," Shailud assumed.


    "I fought for coins. Now, I fight for myself, for my family."


    "I see," he hummed, "well, I''m not here to conscript you. Men like us, Musa, we both know who is capable of leading and who can only follow. You, my dear poet, can''t follow. But, you still have your uses elsewhere, like this smith shop. I''m here to check in on my latest order, but also offer another following soul, a job."


    "You don''t have any recent orders with us," Kaid glanced confused, moving over to the log book.


    "Mm, your cousin did mention to being discrete. I didn''t think she''d be so discrete to hide this from you. No matter. She said it was item five-zero-one. Should be at least in your log book."


    And sure enough, it was, with no description of what it was about either. Odd. What would Mara have to hide this for? What on earth was she making for Shailud and why wouldn''t she tell him? Kaid hid his confusion, going over to the back to find the order.


    Little Kai had heard the conversation, coming over to Shailud, a man even the child looked up to as a strong leader. Obedience was chosen, not exactly taught. Mara and Kaid couldn''t really sway the boy from trying to find a man to admire. They also couldn''t force him to listen to Kaid, of all people. But admiring Shailud was dangerous.


    "A job, sir?" the boy asked.


    "That''s right. I''m in need of a servant boy. You see, some very important people are coming to Kanaf. And I need all the help in the palace to help around, serve drinks, clean the floors."


    "The palace!" Kai gasped, "Do I-"


    "Yes, you get your own room and everything. Your mother is more than welcome to come with you. It''s only temporary, but if you do well, you will certainly rise high in my ranks. I just need a boy that stays out of trouble," Shailud explained.


    Absolutely not, Kaid thought. This was a horrible idea. Mara would hate the idea. And from the way Shailud mentioned this, it didn''t seem optional. Kaid was about to walk back out there and retort the idea, that is until he opened whatever order Mara was making for him. And he couldn''t believe it.


    She was making the usurper blade. A blade only Kaid possessed, a cultural blade that symbolized power taking control in the name of justice. Clearly, Shailud had asked this in secret because no Uhkhtarian knew where the blade was. Nobody knew Kaid had possessed it, except the one that had been in the Confederacy: Esthero. And he was supposedly far away from here hiding in Lungor.


    He means to take control by force, all built upon lies. You must intervene.


    Kaid shook the thoughts and voice of his mother out of his head, not even wanting to indulge such a thought. He couldn''t get involved, not without people getting hurt. This wasn''t exactly his battle to wage, even if it involved falsely making a blade that belonged to Kaid. Kaid held the real one in a sheath tucked between his desert pants and thick leather boots.


    Shailud was taking this basis of religious prophet, a false prophecy, and wanting to shape it into his favor.


    Kaid took a deep breath before walking out with the blade, which was clearly still unfinished. It still needed a heat treatment and all the corrections after to make sure it was the knife Kaid had hidden in his boot. He didn''t know how to feel. He felt angry he was blindsided by this, but he also knew if Mara had told him, he would have firmly disagreed. And now? Shailud was trying to recruit his ''nephew'' into a contract that would put them all in a bind. The closer Kai got to Shailud the more danger he was in, but the boy didn''t see it that way.


    "Here, it still needs a heat treatment. It''s an interesting blade. I''ve never seen one like it," Kaid laid, showing it to him.


    "Good. It looks good. It is not needed for a few weeks anyways. Thank you, Musa, and give my compliments to Mara," Shailud looked pleased, nodding as Kaid put the blade away. This was worse than Kaid thought could happen. It was making him paranoid. Sabine told him Shailud was looking for someone, and Shailud asked to make a blade that only Kaid could have, one the world didn''t know he possessed.


    How long could Kaid go without getting involved in this fight? Intervene too late, jump in too early...people could get hurt. People always got hurt. But he couldn''t dare let it be the people he cared about.


    "Kai, speak with your mother about the offer. If she agrees, we can move you into the palace as soon as you''d like," Shailud smiled at the young boy. Kai seemed to glance at Kaid, seeing the firm look on his face. If anything, it only encouraged the boy to be excited about such a prospect. Helping out in the palace? Well, it would certainly keep him out of trouble and give him something to do. His ''uncle'' should be happy, not grumpy like he has been lately.


    "Yes sir," Kai smiled in return, feeling Shailud ruffle the dark curls in his hair.


    "Good. It is important for the youth to be involved. They are the future of our people, after all. And even though you''re not Uhkhtarian, Kai, that doesn''t make you any less. You''re one of us, now. Understood?" Kai nodded, Shailud smiling before glancing at Musa, "I''ll be in touch, poet. Think about my offer, both of you."


    "Have a pleasant evening, Shailud," Kaid retorted, going back to sharpening those knives. Yeah. He had a lot to think about, and Mara had a lot to answer for.


    The evening was ruined despite the delicious lamb meal. Kaid and Mara waited for Kai to go to bed before arguing, but it wasn''t like the boy wasn''t awake peeking through the door to watch their little spat.


    "Why didn''t you tell me? Shailud is asking you to make a blade that will even turn those who think he''s a radical in his favor. You''re giving him the very tool to lie! Gods forbid he uses this blade as a mere reason to usurp Jessamine-"


    "What choice did I have?! What reason would I have to say no? If I said no, he''d grow suspicious I know something about this blade. And I''m not Uhkhtarian, I have no knowledge of such religion or history. He would know that we know something. I had to make this blade," Mara shouted back, "I''m doing what I can to keep us alive, to keep us safe. And all you''re doing is writing poems and flirting with the cute Shurta!"


    "But we''re not the only ones who know about this blade. What about Esthero, hmm? That male, bitch of a mind witch that killed Sebastian!" Kaid raised his trembling voice.


    "Esthero lost his Oblivion," Mara said, lowering her voice.


    "What? What are you talking about?" Kaid asked.


    "Look, I don''t know much. We only communicated updates. Esthero was much closer with the others, and he noticed all of them started to disappear, one by one. And whenever he caught up with them, they had their powers taken," Mara lowered her voice to a whisper, "Esthero told me he was going to investigate this...this Pestilence. You know, the one everyone''s been talking about. I hadn''t heard back from him, not until a few days ago. They took his power too. Now, I know you don''t care for him, but you know how good he was. And if they took his-"


    "This person could try to take ours too," Kaid admitted, seeing Mara nod, "and all of the letters between you two...?"


    "Discrete and minimal. None of it should ever come back to it being from me, nobody would know where the letters came from. You have my word, I was safe," Mara assured him.


    "I...I''m sorry for raising my voice, Mara," Kaid apologized, swallowing his pride.


    "You had a right to be angry. But, I couldn''t tell you. I know you''re stressed about Jessamine arriving-"


    "I''m not stressed about that."


    "Bullshit. You crave to see her again, and you also crave to want nothing to do with her," Mara retorted, crossing her arms before taking a deep breath, "look, I know the implications of what making that blade for Shailud means. But...I''ve done some research. That blade is strong, you know that. It hardly made a dent when it plunged into-well, you know what I mean. I can do a faulty heat treat. I can ensure if Shailud picks a fight with this blade, it will shatter and break like glass."


    "And if it does, everyone will know it wasn''t the true, real usurper blade..." Kaid hummed, now seeing the bigger picture, "but if that happens, he will blame you."


    "Well, people here like you enough already, Musa. If the blade fails, the people will turn on him, and hopefully that means protecting us. Otherwise, we get the hell out of here," she explained, "or..."


    Or, Kaid swallows his dignity and goes back to Jessamine.


    "That''s not an option. The entire world is hunting me."


    "All the more reason, if they find out you''re alive, to be safe under her protection."


    "It will undo everything she''s done these past two years."


    "I guarantee if you ask, she''d say yes in a heartbeat," she pointed out.


    "She doesn''t love me. Maybe she never did," Kaid lied to himself, "she''s moved on."


    "You haven''t, though. You tried a bit with Sabine and it hasn''t worked."


    "You were the one a few years ago trying to tear us apart, you know," Kaid rolled his eyes.


    "I know, a girl makes mistakes every once in a while. I am human after all," Mara smiled, "but I know how happy she made you. And I think you know how happy you made her too."


    "What about Kai? Shailud is trying to recruit him," he immediately changed the subject. He couldn''t withstand another talk of Jessamine, otherwise she surely would haunt his dreams tonight.


    "That''s something we can''t stop, I''m afraid. It will keep him away from trouble on the street. But, we will have to reiterate to him that if he is to see Jessamine or interact, he can''t admit to ever knowing her. I think he''s smart enough to follow that," Mara sighed, "but if Jessamine recognizes him, then she will protect him, right?"


    Jessamine had a soft spot for children, so the answer was definitely yes.


    "And, if I''m allowed in the palace, that might mean getting a better smithing shop. And, one step inside to whatever Shailud is planning. We have to take advantage of everything we can get," Mara pointed out.


    "This whole thing feels doomed from the start," Kaid sighed, but nodded, "But, I trust you. You''re the only one I trust, Mara."


    "Keep telling yourself that. I''m sorry too, for yelling. How about we take it out on each other in training tomorrow morning. Sounds fair?"


    "Sure, you''re in need of an ass kicking," Kaid smirked, which only made Mara happy, seeing him smile.


    "Goodnight, Kaid. I hope you have pleasant dreams," she wished him goodnight, knowing he had more nightmares than dreams of peace. But maybe tonight would be different.


    "Goodnight, Mara," he nodded, knowing he just might put that record into the player, listen to piano for a bit...and hope to have dreams of a woman with dark red hair, painted with freckles, who smelled of lilac and sea salt. Whether it was a dream or nightmare, Kaid supposed it all depended on how it all ended.

 Four

    The air in Uhkhtar was less heavier than she remembered. It could be she was completely exhausted and disoriented from the long several days of travel to get here. Portaling would''ve been much easier, but she had to send a message. The last time she had felt the cold, desert air such as this, the stakes were much higher. How ironic, peace was to be made here once again. Then again, was peace really made the last time she had been here? Jessamine only hoped this time it would be fully solidified, but upon meeting Shailud at the gates of Kanaf Palace, she knew it was just another fight in the shadows.


    Shailud was everything Vrah predicted of him. There was a strength in his features, a piercing jawline, dark and intimidating eyes...but the strongest part about him was his spine. Shailud was a man who knew what had to be done and he wasn''t afraid to use his voice. He used power and intimidation to his advantage, and he was capable of doing so because nobody else would step in to take his place. He said what people wanted to say themselves but were too afraid to utter. However, there was always a twist in his broken promises.


    His popularity grew on a loud opinion of Lungor oppression, with some poison against Vitross included. Therefore tonight, and for the remainder of their visit, Shailud was the one treading on thin ice. The possibility of pleasing both his people and the royalty in front him was narrow. Shailud didn''t seem the type to care about what his people thought when he was already in this position of power. And that made him all the more dangerous. Everyone wants a better world, everyone also just has alternative methods to achieve such. As always, with selfish motives included.


    That is how power corrupts. It starts with the ears, muting them and drilling deeper into the subconscious of the mind. From there, it would poison everything, leaving the heart the last chance for hope. Jessamine could already sense the paranoia in his mind, especially as their eyes met across the courtyard. It hadn''t reached his heart yet, meaning there was still a small chance at his redemption. If Jessamine learned one thing from Kaid: it was time to not search the mind for blackmail, but rather soft spots. She had to find what he really cared about, what he''d be afraid to lose, and what he''d do to prevent such a loss.


    "Empress, you truly are as impressive as they whisper," Shailud bowed his head out of politeness. His voice was deeper than expected. It was aggressive in tone alone, as if the love for power had reached his tongue, making him love the taste of blood.


    "Shailud," Jessamine bowed her head in return although it was more of a polite nod, "we appreciate the grand gesture of allowing us to remain here. Thank you for your hospitality."


    Vrah stepped forward, his three bodyguards behind him practically breathing down his neck. Kiev was the opposite for her protection, giving some distance as he assisted in making sure the servants handled the luggage properly. He had faith Jessamine would sense trouble before he even needed to act. Kiev knew his presence was only for show, but that didn''t mean he wouldn''t intervene if needed if his Empress needed defending. Jessamine was proud of her Commander of the Guard. At first, he wasn''t happy with the title, but he was honestly perfect for the role. He succeeded far beyond what his father accomplished in such little time.


    "Shailud," Vrah offered a warm smile, sticking his hand out. They shook hands firmly, as most men did when trying to determine strength. Vrah was definitely more thin and lanky than his half-brother, but Jess knew he was strong. Shailud would make a mistake in underestimating him, especially given his Oblivion.


    "Vrah, you''re younger than I expected," Shailud observed, "please, let me give you a tour before dinner. There''s no need to discuss policies or serious discussions for quite some time. I will have to travel tomorrow, but I will make it in time for the celebrations and discussions to come after."


    "Yes, Empress Jessamine mentioned a...mahrajan?" Vrah spoke, completely butchering the word, but his point came across all the same.


    "Correct," the leader nodded, glancing at the woman cautiously as they walked, "I didn''t know you were familiar with our customs."


    "I like to do my research," she replied, feeling a slight chill whisper against her bare backside not covered by her dress, "it is quite a beautiful palace here. Small, but the sandstone is exquisite."


    "Kanaf has no reason for anything large. This place can run all on its own with just a handful of servants, but for this weekend it''s needed extra attention. Each of you will be assigned a servant boy to tend to any needs especially given my absence."


    The tour was dull. Jessamine let her eyes gaze over the architecture, fawning over it when in reality she was studying the paths of the hallways, the blindspots and corners that could make her escapade tomorrow morning easier. The palace itself would be easy to leave from. The large wall that surrounded it and the courtyard would be another issue. If she''d have to control the minds of guards to get past, so be it. But, the Empress preferred to be discreet whenever possible.


    It had been awhile since she had snuck around in a place she didn''t feel like she belonged. At the start of the Time Paradox, given everything that had happened, Jessamine hardly could stand going outside. She couldn''t go into the city disguised, nor to the ocean shore to watch the waves crash. It made her feel sick to think about it. But, one day, she forced herself to, and not under disguise. Walking those streets at first, exposing who she was, who she wanted to be, it made her feel naked. Overtime, the stares turned into smiles. Vitross began to appreciate her presence, conversing with the citizens, almost showing herself as an equal instead of hiding behind a cloth.


    It''s what Kaid would have wanted for her. She was once so afraid of herself, she feared worse what her people would think of her based on gossip. How greatly did she prove herself wrong.


    They walked into the small dinner hall, the smell of spiced chicken, lamb, and rice filling the air. It made Jessamine''s mouth water, knowing she hadn''t eaten much the last coming days. She didn''t worry about poison. With Cadize''s help, she slowly grew a tolerance to it given it was how Lungor had tried to assassinate her in times prior. A poison would make her sick, but nothing more. Shailud didn''t seem the cowardly type to try poison either, even if he had two enemies in the same room together.


    "Ah, Sabine," Shailud said as a woman entered the room, "this is Sabine, the local Shurta. I hope you don''t mind her presence. She is helping establish peace in Kanaf and hopefully the rest of the region as well. She is discreet, so there is no worry she may spill any talk here with the locals. Sabine, this is Empress Jessamine and the Grand Duke Vrah, heir to the Lungor Empire."


    "A pleasure." Vrah warmly smiled at Sabine. Too warmly.


    Sabine was young, her curly brown hair tied up given her profession. She couldn''t let it get in the way of instilling peace in the city. She was strong, proud...ambitious. But she was not dangerous. Mentally, she was easy for Jessamine to infiltrate. She was very wary, cautious of the royals being here. But what she worried about most was Shailud making a mistake to worsen all of this. She held no loyalty for him, at least not a firm one at that. She''d be easy to persuade against him. There was no persuading her, however, when it came to what was best for her people. They came first, which was why Jessamine wasn''t surprised when she felt lingering bitterness as the two women met eyes.


    She didn''t like Vitross, nor Lungor. But her youthfulness turned naivety made her prone to be open minded to this gathering.


    Jessamine wasn''t exactly as radiant as Sabine would think her to be. All the talk about her was beauty, and while she couldn''t deny that, the Empress was more subtle than expected. Perhaps it was the dresses or makeup that seemed to give off that impression. Her eyes...Sabine didn''t like her eyes. She wasn''t exactly accustomed to blue eyes, but there was something piercing about hers. It was almost enough to give her a headache, or it was probably just her exhaustion.


    "I hope your trip was comfortable. That locomotive you have, it certainly isn''t quiet," Sabine noted, her voice polite but her words held a bit of disdain, "you know, the locomotive nobody here asked for."


    She was starting off strong, wasn''t she?


    "Shailud approved of it," Jessamine hummed, "we wouldn''t build something at great cost if we weren''t welcome."


    "It''ll be good for everyone. Sabine, you must visit Lungor some time, it is only an overnight trip. You''d be a welcomed guest at my capital," Vrah tried to assure her, glaring gently at Jessamine to keep her own tone in check. Not like he could keep that Empress in line anyways.


    "I''ve been there, thank you for the offer," Sabine answered, taking her seat. Jessamine took hers, bitterly, as she had to pull her own chair in. She thought by now after two years she''d get used to not having Kaid around to always assist in such mindless matters. She supposed she never fully appreciated his etiquette and acts of quiet love until it was taken from her.


    "Now now, let''s play nice," Shailud laughed softly, "this is a night to get to know each other. Let''s just ask questions around the room, a little icebreaker if you will."


    "I don''t see why not," Vrah gleamed, already relaxing in his seat as he ate. Vrah didn''t trust easily, but he trusted far easier than Jessamine. Knowing that though, was probably why he could already relax at this dining hall. "Favorite subject of study?"


    "War tactics," Shailud answered, "Particularly the Battle of the Seven." A military historian. How...original. He certainly gave off the type to enjoy the history of misery, where war crimes and death tolls were statistics for sadistic, mental pleasure.


    "An epic!" Vrah laughed, "Tell me, was General Goudge the fool?"


    "Not at all. Captain Rhodes should have taken the weather into consideration given his position. It was a strategic failure on all ends, except that of the victor. What of you, Emperor-consort?"


    "Psychology. I love the way people think, how they explain their reasoning. As a boy, whenever my father asked me a question, I could never answer ''I don''t know.'' It was always an unacceptable answer for my actions. That answer truly is not an answer at all but a scapegoat. Even children know the reasonings for their actions, they just try to hide from the truth. Of course, an action in itself does not define a person. What about you, Jess?"


    She hated it when he called her that.


    "Seduction."


    Sabine scoffed, louder than probably intended.


    "Do explain further Empress, ignore my Shurta''s impoliteness," Shailud smiled, looking at her.


    "Is it not a woman''s role to find out what pleases a man? I always thought it interesting that when a woman seduces a man, they blame the woman. Nobody ever thought to question the weak will and ego of the man to begin with. In a duel, a man can cheat, throw some dirt in the eye, use some cheap tactic to gain advantage over an opponent. Men would think him wise, tactful, and full of improvisation to survive before backstabbing his enemy. Seduction is not for the purpose of making a man stumble, but to expose his weakness, find his flaws," Jessamine hummed, taking a moment to eat, "don''t both parties get what they want in the end, so why a punishment?"


    Sabine''s slightly furrowed forehead seemed to relax, knowing what Jessamine said to be true. In anyone''s eyes, a seductress was the cause of trouble, the evil amongst the righteous. But, if a blade pierces armor made of iron, everyone would be so impressed with the sword. Nobody would question why the armor allowed such penetration and was weak to begin with.


    "What makes a man weak?" Shailud asked.


    "What he''s willing to give up for what he wants."


    "Well, you''ve studied it, Empress. Can you tell what I want most?" Shailud beckoned, Vrah squirming in his seat. An open invitation. Shailud was ignorant, or he was testing her. Whether he knew she could invade the minds of others, Jessamine couldn''t say for certain. But Shailud was merely answering Jessamine''s hypothesis without even realizing it. In his eagerness to see if she could be right, he was giving her exactly what she wanted: access.


    She pried, but not too much. Nowadays, she could spend countless hours parading on the brains of idled men without so much breaking a sweat. Her powers had grown, astronomically so. Yet her own hesitance had grown as well, not wanting to be seen as a monster in the sight of others. She couldn''t be the woman she once was, who did so without thought, who was careless at the cost of others. Every choice had a consequence, even the ones she assumed to be mindless or innocent.


    "Someone. You want a person. Maybe...you already have them within your reach. It''s someone who will answer all your questions...give you everything else that you desire," Jessamine answered, seeing a nervous smile appear on his lips, "but it might come with an expensive price tag."


    "Well, next question, what''s everyone''s favorite color?" Vrah immediately changed the subject.


    "Sabine didn''t get to go," Jessamine noted.


    "I didn''t go to school or study. I like poetry though." she mumbled quietly, picking at her food, "Green. I like green." She felt like she was at a table conversation she wasn''t welcomed to. She''d much rather sit at the far end of the table with the bodyguards. It could also be that she realized Empress Jessamine was more work than originally thought.


    "Blue, like the empress'' dress," Vrah smiled.


    "Red."


    "Brown," Jessamine answered, realizing it surprised people. She supposed it was never seen as a beautiful color. To her, it just was. The color of his eyes, how it reminded her of the softness of his skin, like her morning tea or his favorite coffee.


    "I have a good one. Where were you when the Time Paradox happened?" Shailud asked with a soft laugh. Jessamine''s small and fake smile immediately fell from her lips. She could feel Vrah''s eyes cautiously watching her, almost apologetically.


    It wasn''t a horrible question. In order to really understand the horrors and come to terms with what the Time Paradox did, it sort of became a joke. People got to know each other in a teasing way, asking where they were when it all happened and what changed. After all, it affected everyone to some extent. When the world stopped turning, people wanted to tease what they were doing at the time. To some, it was merely a walk amongst the streets, watering their garden and having to do it again, or having passionate sex getting to experience its pleasure not once but twice.


    To Jessamine, she was dead. Her body had suffered twelve stab wounds to her spleen. Whether that killed her or the blood loss soon after, she didn''t know. That''s where she had been. She was in a place she felt she deserved to be, a nightmare she never wanted to come true but it was always written in her destiny. She paid the price for her sins. The Time Paradox existed because of her. She knew Kaid could have picked any moment to return to, gain a resurgence of time to find any advantage against Payne. Yet, he chose to find a moment to bring her back, take fate away from her murderer and throw it back into her hands.


    Why did Shailud ask that? Nobody knew, not even Vrah, that Jessamine had died that day. Only those who had witnessed and shed a tear over that moment knew. It was something she''d keep close to her chest, only because she was willingly dealing with its consequences. And she would keep the blame off Kaid''s shoulders, no matter how heavy the burden.


    "I was playing in the street with my younger brothers. Football. I was winning when it happened. The ball got torn up from a bit of rough housing and seconds later, we were pulled back to our original places and the ball was perfectly normal," Sabine answered, her voice softer than it had been previously, "I let them win after that."


    "I was praying. I remember exactly what I was praying for: change. At first, I saw the Paradox as an omen for death, the beginning of the end. Now, I realize my prayers have been answered with it. It was a sign of change, the one we all desperately needed," Shailud''s tone held a bit of manic to it, borderline religious fanaticism, "I think it forced everyone in this world to wake up. And any man that can do that, is a dangerous one indeed."


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Shailud admired Kaid, in a sickly sort of way. Power. That''s all it was to him. Jessamine knew the truth: if any man possessed the Oblivion nature Kaid had, the world would have been ruined thrice over. Kaid was the only man deserving of his strength, and for that reason, he''d always be seen as a threat. He''d always be hunted as an object of envy. What right did he have to change the world and not pay anything for it? Why should he pay for it when he saved everyone?


    Jessamine was about to respond before seeing a servant boy approach with wine. And upon immediate glance, she knew who it was: little Kaid, Mara''s boy she had once saved on the battlefield. He had grown maybe at least half a foot, black hair cropped short, freckles forming on his face. His nose looked so much like his father''s: Payne. Yet everything else was a direct resemblance of his mother. When little Kai looked up, making eye contact with the Empress, his fingers slipped with the decanter of wine, splashing the red all over Jessamine''s ocean blue dress.


    "I...I''m so sorry," Kai immediately apologized, seeing Shailud rise from his chair, almost out of anger and disbelief.


    Jessamine could feel Sabine''s eyes on her, as if judging her character in the moment. What would an Empress do when her expensive dress was ruined with a splash of wine? Was she the spoiled brat everyone claimed her to be? Would she dare lay a hand on Kai? The boy was certainly a trouble maker but he was just a kid, and so far he was doing fine as a servant under Shailud. Sabine had a soft spot for him, too.


    "Oh, it''s quite alright," Jessamine smiled, grabbing her napkin to dry any excess wine from her dress. When she glanced down at the spot, she noticed the red stain perfectly placed at her right hip, the same place this boy''s father had stabbed her. Over and over again. Her hand trembled, remembering the metallic smell of her own blood, feeling a wave of nausea creep up her throat.


    Shailud moved close, bending his hand back as if to smack the backside of the boy''s head for his insolence. Luckily, Jessamine shook off her overwhelming emotion and stepped in front, her eyes directly meeting Shailud''s. Any man willing to hit a child for a mere accident was not fit to be a parent, let alone rule for the goodness of his people.


    "It''s alright, Shailud. It was a mere accident," Jessamine affirmed, again, "What''s your name darling?"


    Kai hesitated, confused for a moment. He knew Jessamine, and he was very sure she must have remembered him. Yet, she asked for his name.


    "Kai," he answered, using his nickname.


    "Kai, a pleasure. I''m Empress Jessamine," she smiled.


    "That dress cost nearly-" Vrah was about to speak before Jessamine raised her hand at him.


    "I have plenty of dresses, Vrah. I will not ask for compensation. Shailud, is Kai already assigned to someone for this trip?"


    "He was assigned to Vrah."


    "Is it too much to ask him to be my assistant?" Jessamine beckoned, seeing Shailud shake his head, "Kai, why don''t you help me and my bodyguard to our rooms?"


    "Leaving so soon?" Vrah asked.


    "All this travel has made me tired, and the last thing I want is to sit in a wine-soaked dress," Jessamine stood, revealing the large stain. Vrah stood from his chair, as if wanting to help escort her back but she shook her head. Someone should stay with Shailud for most of the evening, and given the conversation she wasn''t exactly in the mood. "Dinner was delightful, however. Sabine, it was nice to meet you."


    "The same, Empress," Sabine responded, politely this time.


    As Kai prepped to put the wine down and move towards the luggage, Shailud walked over to her to extend his hand. And when he did, the raise of his tucked in uniformed shirt revealed the glimmer of an emerald handle for a blade, one so familiar to Jess. Why did so much of this evening remind her of that death? Why the fuck did Shailud have that blade? Her mouth went dry, tears almost welling in her eyes as if it confirmed her worst fear. Was Kaid dead? Did Shailud kill him? Kaid would never give up that blade willingly, even if it symbolized everything from his nightmares.


    "Everything alright, Empress?" Shailud asked, seeing her grow slightly pale.


    "Yes," she answered with a whisper, faking a smile before shaking his hand, "I hope your travel is well tomorrow."


    "Uhkhtar needs all the prayers I can give. Thank you again. I shall return in two days. Do enjoy the palace, or a walk into the city with some escorts. We wish to be as welcoming as possible."


    "Of course, thank you Shailud," Jessamine bowed politely before taking her leave. She could sense Kiev got a glance at the blade as well, because his steps quickened as he assisted with the remaining luggage. They followed the boy to their rooms but said nothing. Whispers could echo in this hallway, and Jessamine just wasn''t quite sure how much she could trust the boy. All she wanted to do was pull him aside, demand and ask to know if the love of her life still breathed.


    All of it felt like a game. Having Kai as his servant, asking about the Time Paradox, and parading that blade, despite it being tucked in almost secretly. Her keen observation was only feeding her paranoia. It could all just be a coincidence, but the ache in her gut was telling her otherwise. Musa, Kaid...he wrote for her to come here. Was it a warning that he was a danger? Did she arrive too late?


    Kiev checked her room, which right now she didn''t care about the luxuries or what it looked like. All she wanted to do was vomit, purge the worry in her gut, cry until it stained those bedsheets. She was in pain. Gods, she was in so much pain. A blade into her side felt nothing compared to the mere thought, the idea of Kaid''s heart no longer beating in this cruel world.


    "I''m sorry about the dress, Empress," Kai quietly whispered.


    "It was an accident. And accidents happen. You won''t be needed until tomorrow Kai, go home and be with your mother. You''re free for the evening," Jessamine forced a smile, letting the boy know it wasn''t as a punishment, but just that he deserved to be at home with his mother. He was still too young to be acting as some servant to a tyrant. He should be at home reading or listening to music, playing football in the streets or just...being a child.


    Kai smiled at that and left, probably on his way to talk with Mara about what happened. Good. Maybe, just maybe, she''d get some answers. But tonight, she''d be left alone with her thoughts.


    "Jessamine, was that...Kaid''s blade?" Kiev asked cautiously, noticing her hands still trembled slightly.


    "Yes."


    "What does it mean? Is he dead? Did Shailud kill him?" he asked, nervousness in his voice, "And isn''t that Mara''s kid?"


    "I don''t know. I don''t know what any of it means. I didn''t want to pry into his mind to see. If I did that, I''d be no better than Shailud, clawing my way to get what I want."


    "And Vrah, does he know?"


    "No. As far as I know, he knows nothing of the blade, nothing much about what happened that day except that Payne was defeated and Kaid practically died. Vrah doesn''t believe it, as expected," Jessamine let out a shaky breath, "I''ll need your help in the morning sneaking into the city, once I breach the wall, if anyone comes looking for me just say I''m feeling a bit unwell."


    "You don''t want me to come with you?" he asked.


    "I''ll be fine."


    "Was it just me, or was Vrah acting a bit strange this evening?" Kiev pointed out as he approached the door, looking back at her.


    "He''s been acting odd this entire week. He''s nervous, more than expected," Jessamine sighed, moving her hand to rub her sore temple, "just stay vigilant, Kiev. I''ll need you as sharp as your blade."


    "Of course, Lady Jessamine. Have a good night," he nodded, although he feared she wouldn''t. Did she ever have a good night as of late? She often looked so tired in the mornings, where no cup of tea could rejuvenate her.


    By the time Jessamine finally reached the bed, after a cold shower and stripping of her invisible Empress ''skin'', she crawled into bed with a knot in her throat. The tears came and she couldn''t stop them. Sobs tore at her chest, wishing nothing more than to fall asleep and wake up in a fantasy. The amount of times she would turn in the morning, wishing just to feel a warm spot of where he could be, but she felt nothing but ice cold sheets. Ice cold for her heart. She knew the price of her choices made long before his entrance into her life had come.


    She just didn''t think it would hurt this badly.


    ¡ª------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Mara begrudgingly pushed through the busy market that hot morning. It was far too busier than usual, and it was probably because people were beginning to prepare for the little celebration at the palace for the weekend. Whispers were already spreading of gossip of both Lungor and Vitross. Guards were already speaking of Vrah''s youthfulness, the soon to be emperor definitely younger than expected. Some believed that would work to their advantage, that the young man was naive and lacked experience.


    And then there was talk of Jessamine that seemed to boil her blood. They were things she had heard before, men talking about their disgusting desires for the entire world to hear, not caring if they had wives at home or children to tend for. Like always, she''d brush it off. In the beginning, she couldn''t care because she felt nothing for that Empress.


    Now? Well, she couldn''t help but admit that maybe she was wrong about her. Kaid had loved her, something she thought to be impossible. Mara knew all the things Jessamine was doing currently, things Kaid didn''t even know about, to take a weight off his shoulders. She gave him a fresh start, and right now, Mara felt like he was making all the wrong choices. And with everything her son told her of last night, how Jessamine stepped in to protect him...she couldn''t help but almost feel sorry for the Empress. Almost.


    "Please, these rugs are beautiful, but I know they''re worth half of what you''re demanding of me," a soft voice pleaded, frustratingly so.


    "If you don''t have four hundred, then you don''t have four hundred. You think I run a charity here?"


    "I have the money, I just know that you''re swindling me, Mister Youssef."


    Mara pushed through, finding a frustrated Jessamine. Of course her darker red hair was covered with a headscarf, leaving just a freckled face and pale skin to show for herself. Some might think her as a foreign tourist rather than an Empress, given the plain sand-clothes covered look and lack of any supervision. She really liked to push her luck going out into public didn''t she?


    "Youssef, we both know these rugs are more of a labor cost rather than fabric. Yasmine, let us go to the southern market, someone will sell you a rug for less than two-hundred," Mara suggested, seeing the surprise on Jessamine''s face at the intervention.


    "Mara, you know this woman?" he asked, frowning.


    "Of course, old friends," Mara smiled.


    "One-fifty, take it or leave it," Youssef glanced at Jessamine, who eagerly pulled the coin from her small bag, handing it over.


    "Is it alright if it gets picked up later?" Jessamine asked.


    "Of course, of course," he shrugged, "don''t think you''re strong enough to carry it around."


    "Youssef, you should learn to talk nicely to customers," Mara rolled her eyes, knowing it was just sort of customary especially when someone not Uhkhtarian perused the markets.


    "Thank you, Mara," Jessamine answered, "You look well."


    "Come, I know a good tea shop," she nudged the Empress. They walked silently through the streets. Jessamine felt relief at Mara''s presence, beginning to hear the thousand of questions in her mind she was pleading to ask. But, she had to be patience. Mara''s own allegiance was narrow and thin. Jessamine knew she didn''t hold any ill will she did maybe three years ago. But her loyalty was to Kaid, not to anyone else. The tea shop certainly was more than just a shop, but a welcoming cafe with comfortable pillows and the aroma of steaming hot herbs filling the room. They took their place towards the back, Mara ordering a kettle of Shay Al-Bahr for the both of them. The room was full of conversations, a perfect place to have one of their own in secret.


    "Yasmine, huh?" Jess asked with a soft smile, already enjoying the scent of their tea being poured.


    "I''m not the best at improvising," Mara laughed softly, "how are you?"


    "As good as I can be," Jessamine answered, which Mara took as ''not doing too well''. She was surviving. If there was anything Jessamine Kruzika was good at, it was surviving. Living, on the other hand, she was still learning to do.


    "Go on, ask. I can see you have questions," Mara encouraged warmly.


    "How is he?" Jessamine asked, almost immediately.


    "As good as he could be. He''s recovered to full strength, if not grown stronger. He trains when he''s not busy with other things. Kai and I were practically only able to feed him broth when in that coma. He was certainly malnourished when we traveled here. But, everyone has been more than welcoming. Kanaf was a decent choice in hiding him from the world. That is...until now," Mara sighed.


    Jessamine let out a sigh of relief, knowing he wasn''t dead, "Good. Good as in he seems to be doing well. Is he happy here?"


    "He''d say he is, but he''s become quite the liar lately. White lies, of course, and mostly lies to himself," Mara scoffed bitterly, knowing he was becoming a bit of a sore spot. Jessamine sipped her tea, taking in the warmth along with the good news that warmed a bit of her soul. Even if Kaid hated her, even if he never wished to see her, he was alive. And that was enough to keep going. Music was heard when the conversation quieted momentarily, a bit of piano, one both the women were quite familiar with.


    "I didn''t know my album reached all the way out here," Jessamine found humor in that. She had created a fundraiser based on the selling of music, all for her Oblivion Academy. Her name wasn''t attached to the piano, but according to Arilla records, it was a staple in many rich households who owned record players. Odd, to hear it played in something so beautifully quaint as a tea shop.


    "Oh," Mara paused, "so that''s why Kaid plays it almost every single day. I''ve been this close to breaking the record myself. I didn''t realize it was of your creation..."


    "I, well, Kaid probably doesn''t know that," Jessamine excused, although she figured that to be a lie. Kaid had listened to her play for hours on end, and he didn''t tune any of it out. He would''ve known the tunes she used to play for him, recognize the faint humming rising above the keys. He knew it was her, and like Mara said, played it every day. Did that mean perhaps that he didn''t hate her?


    "He knows. I''ve heard you''re going to play at the party. I can try and sneak him in-"


    "No. No. I..." Jessamine paused, realizing her rejection might come off too strong, "I don''t think it''s a good idea to see each other. And, it''s not that I don''t want to. It''s too risky. You have no idea what I''ve had to do to pretend he''s dead, or that we don''t communicate. I''ve only been able to hold them back for so long, but there''s only so much I can do. I don''t want them using me to get to him, I can''t let that happen. And honestly, I don''t think he''d want to see me. I was surprised he wrote to me, six months ago, just six months after he woke up."


    "You knew?" Mara asked, feeling a pang of guilt, "You knew he woke up a year ago?" When Kaid finally decided to write, Mara thought everyone would assume it would be a sure sign that he was alive and well. But clearly, the six months of going back and forth, of wondering if he should change himself and his identity entirely or remain his true self...not deny his purpose...they were caught.


    "Cadize was able to somehow monitor vitals even far away. We would''ve known if he died, and we would''ve known when he woke up. He told me the second Kaid''s heart rate came to life," Jessamine nodded.


    "I...I''m sorry Jessamine. Believe me, I wished to write to you myself, somehow communicate it but he forbade me. I thought it was unfair. We all knew what you were dealing with when we hid him out here, you''re still handling it. I don''t think that''s fair."


    "No. I don''t want you or him to feel guilty about it. I wished for him to move on. I thought he would establish something for himself, something he created. Not Caladin, Lungor, or some twisted fate. Just something he could make for himself. When he sent that first poem, it inspired both hope and dread," Jessamine explained. Dread....dread that neither of them could move on. And how could she? Kaid was a once in a lifetime kind of love. Jessamine could know no other.


    "What did you mean...when you said you could only hold them back for so long?" Mara wondered.


    Jessamine uncomfortably cupped her tea, glancing down at it, "Vrah and I...are, well, it''s complicated."


    "You''ve been sleeping with him."


    "To an extent, yes," she answered, ashamed, "there''s no feelings attached. Not on my end. Lately, if I kept him happy, he''d stop pestering about holding Kaid accountable, finding out where he was. But now, it''s like he knows he''s alive and he''s doing everything he can to find him."


    "Shailud knows, at least, knows that Lungor is looking for him. They''ve tasked him with finding him, in exchange, Lungor makes an alliance," Mara whispered, keeping her voice low, "this comes from Sabine, not me."


    "Shit," Jess hissed, "You and he need to leave then, it''s not safe for you here. I...fuck."


    "I don''t think they assume Kaid, or rather, Musa, yet. To everyone he''s just a depressed, friendly poet. And he cut his hair and shaved, I don''t think many would recognize him besides Vrah. Besides, I don''t think we can leave. It''s gotten far too complicated."


    "Mara, is Kai happy here, your son?"


    "No. Thank you, for last night, by the way. He told me what happened," Mara whispered, rather thankfully. She never thought there would be a day where Mara felt thankful for her, but today was one of those days.


    "I can offer you a job, in fact I think you''d be perfect for it," Jessamine offered.


    "What? Are you insane?"


    "No. I''m in need of teachers for my Oblivion Academy. You''d have your own place in Vitross, good pay, and you''d be teaching children and students about Oblivion, about techniques and manners to control it. The opposite of what Caladin did for you and Kaid...I want to create growth through positivity, not trials."


    "And you think I''m qualified?"


    "I think you''re more than qualified."


    "What about Kaid?"


    "I don''t know, Mara. But he''d know you''d be safe in Vitross. Vrah doesn''t know anything about you, Kiev would ensure you transition well. I know you two write to each other from time to time," Jessamine took a long pause, "I know Kaid would want you safe, and he''d want you and your son to be happy. I can''t force Kaid to make a decision."


    "Would you take him back?" Mara questioned, although she already knew the answer. Taking him back would only worsen things for Jessamine, but also in some ways make it better.


    "Without question," Jessamine nodded, swallowing bitterly, "Mara...how did Shailud get Kaid''s blade?"


    Mara was surprised by that question, but figured Jess must have seen a glimpse of it, "Well, that''s another problem I may have created for ourselves. It''s a reason maybe I feel like I can''t leave, not yet. It''s unfinished business, for both Kaid and myself. Shailud grows more radical by the day. In doing so, he splits the population."


    "Yes. I noticed those with a leaning towards religion worship him. The other half despise him," Jessamine hummed, noticing that amongst her time walking the streets this morning.


    "So, he''s had to come up with a plan to convert the non-believers so that he could transition Uhkhtar into a position of strength and power: the blade. I made it for him, a replica. It''s not perfect, but nobody knows that. Nobody knows the real one is tucked into Kaid''s boots twenty-four-seven. He means to use that blade to push the religious belief he is destined to take this role," Mara sighed, "and I wish I said no. I thought if I did, he''d know something. We''re not from here, so I thought he''d grow suspicious."


    "No. No, you made the right choice for yourself," Jessamine assured her, "It just worried me last night, I thought Shailud had taken it from Kaid, or even worse killed him."


    "Not at all, I know that must''ve frightened you," Mara apologized, "Gods, this entire thing is a mess. I honestly believe the only way to remove Shailud is to contest with that blade, meaning Kaid has to step forward. But that''s too risky. We need to stay in hiding, but in doing so, we''re letting a new oppressor rise. I can''t just sit here and wait for it to happen."


    "Let me handle Shailud. I can find something, I just need time. What I need from you, Mara, is to ensure Kaid will not be at that celebration."


    "Why? Do you fear something bad is going to happen?"


    It was just a feeling, a stupid gut feeling that perhaps something would occur. There was no evidence to believe so. All the little prophecies of last night, all the symbolism of her death felt like an omen. Mere coincidence, nothing more. But Jessamine had to make sure Kaid wouldn''t be there.


    "No," Jess lied, "Not entirely. But if they believe Kaid Al-Yami to be in this vicinity, then they believe he''ll come to the party. They''ll be looking for him. So, I need you to tell him to stay home. I don''t care if you have to chain him to a wall or tie his legs together. Make him think that I hate him. I don''t care. Do whatever it takes. Can you do that for me?"


    "Yes," Mara agreed, "I promise, Jessamine. He will not be at that party..."

 Five

    "She used you...and she will use you again if you let her," Farah sighed. The space was a vacuum of violet and shadow. The place of dreams and horrors. Its void was forever echoing yet also permanently silenced, at least to the rest of the world, except to Kaid. There was hardly ever a night now where Kaid knew peace, or where dreams were just a mirror into the future. His near death allowed him to walk amongst ghosts, but in doing so he''d be forever haunted by them.


    "Mother, I know what I''m doing," Kaid assured her, knowing she was just worried. She didn''t know Jessamine. All she knew was the end, when this window was opened to each other. If she just got to know her, the real her, maybe she''d see. Maybe she''d see why this was all worth it. And maybe there was a part of her that was right, that she could see right through all his dedication. Jessamine was all he knew. Would he still feel the same if she hadn''t been the one to rescue him from Caladin, even if it was all built on a lie?


    "I know what it''s like, Kaid, to fall prey to such: to believe a person in her position could love you more than she loves power. What sacrifices will she truly make for you? This world is hunting you down, and maybe she can offer protection, but what will be the price for that?"


    "You act as if I didn''t use her too. I used her to get out of Caladin. I used her to better the lives of her people. I used her to get answers. Mother, I wrapped my fingers around her neck. I could feel the blinks, the faint pulse seconds away from slaughter. She was not the one who awakened the monster inside me. All she did was be there for me when it finally went raged before falling back to sleep."


    "Kaid, I can''t stop you. But you know Mara told you to stay away. It''s one thing to have to witness my child suffer, it''s another to watch consequences unfold because of his own actions," Farah hummed. She tried to be supportive. She knew her son was suffering in silence, as he had done for nearly thirty years in Caladin. Her bias might blind her, but she knew all she could do for her son was support him.


    The air shifted slightly, at least for Kaid. There was no wind in this place. But he could feel the hairs on his arm rise with awareness. It could be in his sleep he developed a chill, but he knew better than that now. It was time for his haunting, for unknown, restless souls to reach out to him.


    "She''s back," Farah scowled slightly.


    "I know. I''ll speak with her," Kaid blinked, and his mother was gone, as if she disintegrated to dust. The void remained empty, for a moment. It wasn''t until the violet, purplish hues faded, and there was nothing but black. Consumed in shadow, the figure rose from the floor. Her face was scarred, as if someone deliberately carved her face like a totem of wood. Kaid didn''t recognize her. He thought after her many visits, maybe he would. But this woman was a stranger to him, and she saw him the same.


    Yet, she kept coming. There must be some way to help her. There had to be a reason she was reaching to him.


    "He''s coming," she whispered, the same warning she''d whisper over and over again.


    "Who?" Kaid asked, for what felt like the millionth time.


    "He''s coming. You have to stop him. You have to stop him before it''s too late. You have to remind him of who he is."


    "Who. Is. He?" Kaid rose from his seat, which was nothing more than a granite stone to rest upon. Luckily, everything here felt light as feathers. Walking was like gliding across clouds. He had no idea if in his actual sleep if he moved like he did in this state. He certainly hoped not, because sleepwalking seemed rather embarrassing to Kaid.


    "Tell him I''m sorry. That it is all my fault, not yours," she added, the first time Kaid had heard that.


    "Not...mine?" he questioned, although he knew he wouldn''t get a direct answer. He never did with the mysterious figure. But it was odd she mentioned blame being associated for him. Kaid didn''t know this woman, so he had a feeling he wouldn''t know whatever person she spoke about in warning. Whatever it was, it felt important if she felt the need to constantly make contact with him. That, or, perhaps she was a restless spirit, her mind fractured and broken with no solution in sight.


    At that, she burst into tears, falling to her knees like in a prayer. She wailed like a widow would upon the news her husband was slaughtered in battle. Or a daughter learning the fate of her parents, forever orphaned. Kaid took a deep breath before walking closer, feeling nothing but his heart race in his throat. Kaid wasn''t frightened by much, but all of this was still so new to him, he didn''t know what to think.


    Kaid laid his hand upon her shoulder to comfort, but instead flashes of time rushed through him with visions. He could hear her screams turn into a wail of steam, coming from that locomotive sitting on the Uhkhtarian tracks in the desert. He could feel a power surge in him, hear the echo of gunshots, but most all, feel the vibrations of Jessamine''s screams of torture. When he tried to focus on the visions, they just flashed even quicker. And then, darkness. And in that darkness, he felt a blade slicing and sawing at his left hand before dismembering it.


    Kaid pulled his left hand off her, glancing down to see it was perfectly normal, besides the stressed vein appearing. When his hand moved away from his view, the woman was gone, leaving nothing but a sense of dread. He would lose his hand, of that he was certain. The consequences otherwise seemed...dire. Some things felt clear, and others didn''t. Whatever was to come, it had to be soon, given there was a perfectly good train sitting in Kanaf presently, and an Empress only separated by palace walls.


    When put into this situation, would he make the right choice? What was the right choice: following the vision, or disobeying it?


    "He is coming...."


    Kaid''s eyes opened widely, gazing up at the red mud ceiling of his lodging. He immediately moved to sit up from his bed, glancing at his left hand. It was still there, just wrinkled and covered in calluses from recent training. That gold watch radiated from the morning sunlight peeking through his door slit. Kaid let out a deep breath, adjusting the watch''s tightness before glancing at the words engraved in the backing:


    So long as time exists, so will my love for you. Always.


    And time may have wavered from his own doing. But, it still existed. That had to make this promise count for something. Even with all the chaos it created, Kaid knew deep down he would not have chosen differently. He would have, in spite of it all, rescued her over and over again. He would even do so now.


    When he got ready for the morning he stepped out into the small kitchen area, finding a cup of coffee already brewed for him. Mara finally exited her room, wearing an embroidered black and lavender abaya dress, her dark hair braided loosely.


    "You look like you had another nightmare. I could hear you mumbling through the walls," she observed carefully, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes.


    "A small one," Kaid shrugged. He didn''t go into detail about the visions, or the void into the passage of time. He didn''t think Mara would understand. If anything, he thought they''d find him crazy.


    Honestly, he felt crazy sometimes. He felt insane. He thought he had died, and when he came back to life, he felt spite for everyone that had saved him. It''s why he had grown resentment in letting Jessamine know he was alive. He thought he should have stayed dead, maybe he still felt that way. Kaid didn''t know the difference between his own doubts and belief.


    "Any visions?" she asked, knowing he at least had a slight insight into the future, or the past. Most of his nightmares included the trauma of Caladin, or of Payne...really just about anything in his life.


    "No. Just...to be honest, I hardly remember any of it. Here, let me fix your hair," Kaid motioned her to turn around, seeing her roll her eyes.


    "It''s fine, even if it is a bit loose," she stated, but turned around anyways, feeling him get behind to pull the tie out and start over, "when did you learn to braid again?"


    "Caladin. A little girl taught me once as a kid, let me practice on her to pass the time. It''s been so long, I''ve forgotten her name," Kaid smiled softly at the memory, his hands tangling in her hair before beginning to plait it tightly.


    "Some days I forget you were there for thirty years," Mara spoke, her voice a bit quiet, "I was only there for nearly a year and found it unbearable. I couldn''t have imagined any longer than that."


    "Yes, well, you also went through a pretty traumatic year..." Kaid mumbled.


    "It''s not your fault, you know," Mara reminded him.


    "I know."


    "Yet, you still blame yourself for not being there to stop it."


    "And I always will," Kaid retorted, "And there''s nothing you can do to stop me feeling that way. I didn''t cause what happened, but I should''ve been there to end it."


    "You can''t save everyone-"


    "I did. Once. And I''d do it again in a heartbeat. If I hadn''t played around in my Trial, I could''ve been there to stop it. And if I hadn''t invaded Caladin the way I had, maybe I could have stopped Jessamine''s death as well. I should have found out the truth in another way, a way that didn''t also put her at risk. I let my emotions get the better of me."


    "We''re both alive, aren''t we? Isn''t that all that matters?" Mara questioned, patiently and tenderly, "Kaid, you can''t stop suffering. If that were so, I would end yours right now. I''d give you whatever you dreamed of, I''d let you come to this party to see her-"


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Something is going to happen, Mara. And if something happens when I''m not there, I''ll never forgive myself," Kaid insisted, finishing her braid with the tie, backing away to let him know that he finished.


    Mara turned, offering a thankful look in her eyes, "What if something happens because you do show up?"


    "I''ll be discreet."


    "Kaid Al-Yami, you are anything but discreet," Mara laughed softly, "all will be okay. I swear it. And once it is over, I''ll let you know everything about what happened. About what dress she wore, what made her laugh and smile...and if Shailud falls prey to her party. You know, I take back what I said about her. I was wrong."


    "You were right, that she lied to me."


    "Sometimes we lie to the people we love," Mara mused, taking a step back, "How do I look?"


    "Mm...beautiful. And no, I''m not lying," Kaid smiled softly, seeing her blush in return.


    "You...you''re a good friend Kaid. I hope you know that. You really are like a brother to me," Mara admitted tenderly. Mara was never a sentimental woman. It''s what made her so perfect in being the leader of the Confederation. But, she had to admit that Kaid really had touched her heart. She never met a man so full of heart and passion. It was clear to see his influence everywhere he walked. And it was no surprise all the other bachelorettes in this city, Sabine especially, took a liking to him. Sadly, they didn''t know much about his true self.


    "You nursed me back to health. That''s such a sisterly thing to do," he pointed out, seeing her roll her eyes, again.


    "Don''t make me vomit while being all lovey-dovey," she insisted, "Thank you, for braiding my hair." Mara turned to see Kai''s door open, seeing him wear a very nice emerald kaftan. He looked like a very charming lad, like Sebastian looked in his dress uniform.


    "Green? Interesting choice," Mara smiled, taking her son''s hand.


    "It matches the Empress'' dress. She''s wearing green too!" he said, rather excitedly.


    "Sounds like you have a crush," Kaid teased, but did see his nephew''s cheeks grow red with a fiery blush. He really did have a crush on her. Then again, who didn''t? Kaid was almost jealous that he wouldn''t get to see what she looked like. No matter what, she''d look more beautiful than what Kaid could conjure in his imaginations. He wondered what could have changed in two years without seeing her. She probably didn''t transform as much as Kaid did, cutting his hair short and shaving his beard. He looked ten years younger in the mirror. He had a feeling Jessamine was a woman who would age even better, like a fine Arillian red wine.


    "Can we go, mom? I have a lot to prepare for," he urged, although the party didn''t start for another six hours or so.


    "Alright alright," Mara nodded, looking back at Kaid, "If I see you at that party, I''m killing you myself. Got it?"


    "Yeah, understood, your highness," Kaid bowed teasingly, "I''ll just spend most of the time in the shop."


    "Writing poetry, I hope?"


    "No. No poetry tonight," he admitted, waving to them as they left their homely residence carved into rock, "have fun!" He sipped his coffee, feeling his left wrist tremble slightly as he watched them leave his sight. No. There could be no poetry tonight, not while his muse was only going to be half a mile away...and there was nothing he could do. Resisting temptation had never been his strength, especially when it came to Jessamine. Tonight, he''d have to be strong enough.


    Mara held her son''s hand firmly, Kaid''s worry lingering in the back of her mind. What if he was right? If something were to happen, Kaid would be a welcome sight to fix any problem they faced. Shailud was looking for him though. If they believed him to truly be here, Mara was worried any sort of problem would be created deliberately to lure him out. If something were to happen to Jessamine, she knew he''d take the bait.


    But, what would she do if Jessamine was under attack or duress? Would she help her, or get her son out of that situation? Jessamine had Kiev, but was that enough? Would Kaid forgive her if something happened and he wasn''t around to contest it? She was fretting for nothing. Jessamine had this under control, she had to believe that.


    "Mom, I heard something weird last night..." Kai spoke, making Mara glance down with concern, "Shailud and the...Lungor prince were talking."


    Slight relief filled her at his words, glad he didn''t overhear anything inappropriate, especially since he was escorting the Empress around, "What were they talking about?"


    "Something about a surprise. Is it the Empress'' birthday? Should we get her a gift?" he asked, almost excitedly.


    "No..." Mara shook her head. No. It wasn''t her birthday. Hers fell around the end of the third season in the autumn. It couldn''t be related to anything regarding her birthday. "Did they say what the surprise was for?"


    "No. Whatever it was, Shailud agreed it was a good..." he paused, trying to remember the word, "distraction."


    "Distraction," Mara repeated, seeing her son nod.


    It didn''t bode well. The words didn''t sit well in her stomach and all that optimism she shared with Kaid was flushed out, as if she had been gutted like a fish. Jessamine had come here in hopes to catch Shailud planted on his heels. It felt like maybe he had been on his toes this entire time. And if Mara heard her son correctly, the Emperor''s son Vrah could be in on it too.


    It didn''t sound violent. The men couldn''t be that stupid to try something like that with her, even if she lacked certain protections here. It was one thing to form a weak alliance with her. It was another to try and break that entirely and think they could still come up on top. If they tried to surprise her, distract her, certainly she''d see it coming. She had to.


    Kaid knew Mara was right. If something happened, Jessamine could handle it. He just didn''t want anyone getting hurt, especially because of him. Kaid felt no guilt for the Time Paradox. Maybe he should. If everyone wanted to hunt him down and hold him accountable, surely he must''ve done some damage, unintentional collateral damage, that is. Even so, Kaid had a feeling anyone else in his position would have chosen the same. They would have done anything to save their world, or the person closest to it.


    He had faith that everything would be okay.


    However, when he got to the blacksmith shop, he noticed the lock on the gate was not fully secure. Mara was only just here practically last night, going over inventory. And nobody would dare steal from them and get away with it, this shop was practically centered in the main market. Kaid walked in, noticing everything looked just as he remembered it. His books were still all strewn out in his office corner. No tools were laying around in a mess. Yet, he had the feeling something had to have been different. None of the weapons still waiting to be polished were taken. Scraps of iron and steel still were on the floor in heaps.


    When he approached the dampened forge, he smelled it, an aroma from memory: rotten eggs and smoke. Graphite. When he stepped away, the stink fainted, and it didn''t come back. His mind went to the memory of him and Vrah leaning against the broken fortress wall in Uhkhtar, before it was blown up to attack their wards. It wasn''t used heavily in smithing but they did have a large barrel of it when some weapons needed a bit of spark for heat treatment. Kaid moved to the large wooden barrels in the back, removing the lid and found the entire barrel practically empty. The graphite was gone.


    Kaid pulled the ledger away from Mara''s desk, opening it to see her recent count. Graphite: half a barrel left. Now, there was none left. Someone took it overnight, perhaps thinking nobody would be here to notice. And whatever their intentions were, it couldn''t have been good. Any use of graphite for explosive purposes was strictly forbidden, which meant this person wouldn''t care. Maybe they wouldn''t be alive to be punished, or maybe it would be their punishers that would perish in this act.


    "Forgive me in advance, Mara," Kaid sighed, moving to run back home. Kaid didn''t have much to dress for a party, but he had just enough to conceal most of his features to blend in. All he needed was enough to cover his face...and his blades.


    ¡ª---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Jessamine felt the band that firmly held her blades loosen slightly around her thigh, adjusting them to rise further up. She could hear the rustling of people approaching the beautifully decorated courtyard, already music was playing for people to enjoy. Servants ran all over with extravagant drinks. Dinner was supposedly going to be a nice lamb roast. None of it seemed to phase her.


    What bothered Jessamine was the fact she didn''t feel nervous. She was to perform in front of hundreds, something she''d never done before. Yet, it didn''t seem to shake her. There was some steel in her resolve today, something she hadn''t felt in quite some time. How could she make an entire population fall in love with someone they were told to hate?


    "You know who you are, Jessamine," she whispered to herself, "You know who you want to be."


    All because of him.


    Why, oh why, did it seem everything fell around him? He was not just the cornerstone for her, but perhaps of life itself. This world would be nothing but plague and pestilence if it weren''t for him. Thousands upon millions would have starved to death, poisoned without deliberation. Rich or poor, in death it was equal. But Jessamine had already seen the rich claw their way out from the Time Paradox out of fear.


    Payne had believed only the most wicked would have survived his plan. Ironic how it seemed most of those people would have been those with enough wealth to change the Continent. That was probably his intention all along. It wouldn''t be the strong that survived, but the greedy, the selfish. Jessamine had to be anything but that.


    "Don''t you look spectacular," Shailud mused, sneaking up on her quietly from the hallway.


    Jessamine moved so her exposed leg was covered, glancing at him. He wore a kaftan, much similar to Kaid''s style, only much more elegant. Gold seemed trimmed in embroidery along the black edges. But it was all for show, especially with that emerald blade tucked across his belt for everyone to see unsheathed. He meant to make a message: in his prayers, he was chosen. That blade was the most sure sign for the people to follow him.


    Destiny and the prophecy of a ''chosen one'' were futile. Jessamine knew by now that a man and woman could control the wheel that steered the world around them. It took effort, a lot of it. But it was possible to change the waves of fate, or rather, circumnavigate around them. Shailud was going to fully embrace it, foolishly.


    "Thank you. You look like you''ve just been waiting for an excuse to dress so elegantly," Jessamine laughed as a tease, although she definitely meant it. Shailud wasn''t handsome, at least to her. He reeked of deceit. To any intelligent woman, such a stench would mean to stay clear. Unfortunately for her, she didn''t have a choice. All she could do was convince herself he''d be worth all this effort and turmoil.


    How much easier it would be to kill him, right here and now, slice a delicate cut across his neck. The mess it would create afterwards, however, would be much more complicated. Sometimes the easy choice in the beginning wasn''t so easy in the end.


    "Jessamine," Vrah walked over, his eyes dilating at the sight of her, "Divines, don''t you look ravishing."


    "That makes two of us," Jessamine forced a blush, glancing at him in his royal blue dress uniform.


    "I never thought emerald green would look so good, clashing against dark auburn hair, but I''ve been proven wrong," he laughed.


    "Wouldn''t be the first time," she teasingly jabbed, moving over to take his hand.


    "Well, it''s clear who is going to take the most attention at the party this evening," Vrah hummed, not minding it at all. Clearly, he could tell that was Jessamine''s goal. Fine. He had other tricks up his sleeve.


    "You men act as if you hate it," Jess faked a gasp, "Yet your sex is the one that demands backless dresses, high heels, and makeups to make a woman shine. Yet, she shines too brightly, and it becomes a problem. Universes are created from dying stars, as you might know."


    "Dabbling in poetry, I see," Shailud smiled, "hopefully that comes out in your song tonight, Empress."


    "Oh Jess, admit it, you like wearing a dress and feeling pretty every once in a while," Vrah squeezed her hand, "admit it, you''re just like the other girls."


    She hated that comment. Men liked to group women in a box, as if it were some organization project for them to create an orderly list of what they liked and disliked. Men ranked women like cattle. All of them were destined for slaughter, but the best ones were treated differently before meeting the blade. Vrah was no different, and he wasn''t fooling Jessamine. She blamed his youthfulness, and possibly never really being in love before. Love felt impossible for an Emperor-consort such as himself. He''d take a wife who he could tolerate, and if his needs weren''t met, a concubine could certainly meet them. Jessamine was neither.


    "Oh darling, I''m not like other girls," Jessamine squeezed his hand tightly, "I''m worse."

 Six

    It was a party of pretenders, like most parties were. Uhkhtar was differently spectacular, in the way they hadn''t had an event like this in the region for quite some time. It didn''t have the regular stench of elitism that Jessamine was accustomed to sensing. But, the masks were apparent. As a child, she dreamed of the days of having a perfectly crafted dress, dancing with strangers, getting to know people in ways that alcohol loosened their tongues. She just thought that everyone was the best versions of themselves at a party like this.


    Jessamine bore her true face, while everyone wore masks like it was an invisible masquerade. On a night like this, she would have liked to pick up the mask again. However, she wore that mask for far too long, and not just at parties either. She didn''t think she could put up that appearance for too long, not because she had pretended, but because she fully believed she was beyond saving. She was cruel because she knew nothing else. Caladin had been the one good thing about that mask, was that it forced an opportunity for her to take it off completely.


    There was something different in the air tonight. The jewelry around her neck and wrists felt heavier. The cool breeze she always seemed to welcome held a harsher chill to it. The laughter amongst common chatter echoed like mockery instead of mere conversation. There was so much chatter, and so many thoughts lingering above them Jessamine almost had a hard time filtering them out.


    Tonight, she felt vulnerable.


    She still didn''t feel nervous, and that worried her more than any anxious nerves would. She remembered her birthday celebrations, how her fingers couldn''t stop trembling or the constant swelling of her throat begging for tears to form. And she remembered gazing up at Kaid, who''s brown eyes dilated at the sight of her, and all she felt was peace. At that moment she knew she could tell him everything. He would not belittle her, parade her, demean her. No. He would''ve listened.


    If only she had told him everything.


    Maybe she wouldn''t be here right now, forcing smiles at Vrah or giving false pleasantries to people she knew couldn''t give a shit about her.


    Those thoughts waned as she noticed Sabine''s eyes constantly inspecting the crowd. She was dressed beautifully, like all of the local women here with colorful fabrics and jewelry. However, she wasn''t indulging in the drinks, food, or conversations. She was scanning the crowds for something, shoulders hunched and tight. She was rigid. Yet as Jessamine slowly entered her mind, she didn''t feel impending doom or a sense of knowing something would happen. She was worried that if something happened, she should have prevented it.


    "Sabine, your dress looks absolutely lovely. Are the fabrics local?" Jessamine asked as she approached her.


    The dark haired and skinned woman glanced up in surprise, not expecting the Empress to leave her place around Vrah to talk with some strangers. Then again, she was Shurta and held a higher position. But, Sabine still wasn''t expecting this Empress to indulge in small talk. Even less, complimenting her.


    "It is, yes. You look lovely yourself, Empress," Sabine nodded, her voice soft and cordial unlike the first night they spoke. Sabine supposed the Empress was rubbing off on her, but certainly not as quickly as her friends and locals whose eyes lingered too long on her.


    Sabine almost had to swallow the disgust as she constantly saw the men around her glare and ogle the woman next to her. There was hopefulness in the eyes, as if they were begging for just a mere conversation with the Empress, who to them seemed like an untouchable goddess. They undressed her with their filthy minds, letting their imaginations run wild into a fantasy that was just that: a mere fantasy. These men had better luck at contracting a plague rather than even a night with her.


    For one, the handsome Emperor consort Vrah probably wouldn''t allow it. Two, Jessamine traversed this party with experience, as if knowing who was worth her time and who would be a waste of it. Sabine almost felt bad for Jessamine, wondering the toll of both her position and beauty weighed heavily on her shoulders. Was she a victim if she used it to her advantage, or just an expert at improvisation?


    "If you don''t mind, I''d be more than interested in that tailor''s supply. My friend Christine would love to handle some Uhkhtarian fabric. But, if you prefer to keep it a secret I won''t fault you for that," Jessamine smiled.


    "I don''t mind. It will give him more business and profit," Sabine shrugged, her eyes gazing away from the Empress.


    "Forgive me, Sabine. I can''t help but notice it seems you''re worried about something. You do not have to focus on keeping the peace tonight," Jessamine assured her, "unless...you know something I don''t?"


    Sabine didn''t think she was making it that obvious, but clearly not enough for the Empress, "Kanaf has its fair share of mischievous people, rich and poor. I''m looking for any potential trouble makers, nothing more."


    She was lying. Sabine was a good liar too. She didn''t let her voice waver or her eyes advert elsewhere until after she finished talking. It was clear why Shailud kept her around, despite his subtle belief women didn''t make decent rulers or leaders. Despite their differences, Sabine knew her role and played it well.


    "Well, do try to have some fun tonight. Let''s pray all the troublemakers stay home tonight," Jessamine bowed her head slightly, ready to go prepare for her musical escapade. She didn''t want to talk too much before doing so, less her throat got the slightest hoarse from the constant chatter and cold weather.


    "How do you know Mara?" Sabine asked, suddenly. It surprised Jessamine who didn''t exactly see the question coming. Clearly, Jessamine''s escape into Kanaf outside the palace had been noticed. That was a problem.


    Jessamine knew that if she lied, no doubt that lie would be different than Mara''s. That is, if Sabine even bothered to ask Mara her side of the story. She was around here somewhere, mostly just keeping an eye on little Kai to make sure he was doing alright. Jessamine supposed the only answer she could give was the truth. There was not a lot of time to come up with a convincing lie.


    "I don''t know if you''d believe me," Jessamine hummed.


    "She''s not from Vitross, that much is clear."


    "She is not. She led a group called the Confederacy that tried removing me from the throne," Jessamine replied, quickly grabbing a glass of wine from a passing servant to sip. So much for not drinking until after her little song.


    Sabine glanced at the Empress, knowing for certain Jessamine was right when she said it was hardly believable. But Sabine had heard of the Confederacy, so it was entirely possible at the same time. Mara appeared to be a well-traveled woman, a jack of all trades so to speak. Wherever that woman went, she adapted well. She knew how to fight, knew how to charm but also intimidate people. She also held a natural ability to lead but preferred not to. It sounded like truth, if Mara held any grievances towards the Empress.


    Then again, Mara thought, who didn''t hold slight apathy towards her?


    "You must not see her as that great of a threat, then, if you went to have tea with her," Sabine observed, seeing Jessamine nod.


    "Perhaps in another lifetime we were destined to be enemies," Jessamine admitted truthfully. Without the peaceful mediator that had been Kaid, in all honesty Jessamine believed one of them probably would have killed the other. Mara still couldn''t be underestimated however. She would always be a subtle threat, if Jessamine ever gave her a reason to be disloyal. The Confederacy had given her freedom. If Jessamine could give her that too, her loyalty would be swayed all for her son. "Thank you though, Sabine, for keeping me safe. It''s very good to have an observant Shurta. This city is lucky to have you."


    "You''re much safer in Kanaf than the company you currently keep," Sabine warned subtly. But she watched the intrigue in Jessamine''s blue eyes, taking that warning into deep consideration. Whether she meant Shailud or Vrah, maybe both, Jessamine wasn''t sure. Both men were acting nervous tonight, unlike her. It felt like Sabine might know something she didn''t, but Jessamine wasn''t in the mood to pursue her mindful thoughts tonight.


    Perhaps she should have been in the mood. Survival cares not for feelings or moods.


    "I''ll keep that in mind," Jessamine replied before leaving. Her eyes glanced at Mara, who finally seemed to be enjoying some food before offering a small nod. It was best to stray from each other tonight, to not give anyone else the appearance they knew each other.


    Mara was glad Jessamine and Sabine seemed to get along cordially. Sabine was friendly enough but definitely wary of foreigners, which Mara couldn''t blame her for. Sabine was certainly alert tonight, though, which fed into Mara''s anxious thoughts. Jessamine returned to Vrah''s side, having her hand wrapped around his arm. Mara never would have assumed Vrah was even half related to Kaid if her friend hadn''t mentioned it. Jessamine often spoke truth with her eyes. And what her eyes spoke of when wrapping her hand around Vrah was anything but real tenderness and affection. Vrah was either aloof, or well convinced one day that the Empress would love him. Probably both.


    Vrah was certainly a conversationalist, quite the opposite of Kaid who preferred to listen with utmost tenderness.


    Tenderness, however, quickly left Mara''s vocabulary as she felt her wrist get grabbed from behind.


    "Speak of the fucking devil," she whispered as her gaze turned upon who grabbed her, fury filling her like a fire, "what the fuck are you doing here?"


    Kaid Al-Yami, the man who promised not to be here, certainly was. Part of Mara had a feeling that could happen. After all, Kaid didn''t always think with his brain and much rather followed his heart. It was the most admirable, yet annoying trait about him. Luckily, he took the advice of being subtle, wearing a beautiful safa hat he probably just plucked from the market and a scarf to match with it. The rest of his attire was just a black kaftan to blend in with the crowd.


    "I''m sorry," were his first words, "it''s not safe here, and we need to relay that around."


    "What do you mean, what happened?"


    "All the graphite from our inventory was stolen. It must''ve happened sometime last night, knowing you would have accounted for it then. To me, that means you''re being watched, you''ve been watched. If anything happens to Jessamine and they can trace that graphite back to you-"


    "Someone knows of my past with her. It would look like I intended to finish what I started," Mara whispered, understanding, "which means, someone has a reason to use me as a scapegoat."


    "Shailud is trying to cover his tracks with blood," Kaid accused, knowing he didn''t have much evidence. But Mara made a blade for him in secret, one that seemed to mean a lot to people here. Already whispers echoed through this party that he must be their destined ruler since he possessed that blade. After all, a priest must have given it to him during his Mahrajan according to the beliefs. If Shailud wanted to remove any witnesses to the illegitimacy of that blade and his true rise to power, removing Mara was the start.


    "He won''t kill her, he''s not that foolish. She''d see it coming," Mara shook her head, remembering what her son mentioned earlier this morning, "It has to be a distraction, something subtle enough Jessamine wouldn''t think much of it. She might feel something is off tonight, but we both know she can transcribe danger like a canary in a coal mine."


    "That doesn''t mean people won''t get hurt," Kaid insisted, "I must tell Sabine. You need to go tell Jessamine."


    "She''s about to get on stage any minute-"


    "Figure something out," Kaid hissed softly. He was clearly upset. His eyes possessed a great torment as he let go of her wrist to start forcing his way through the gathering crowd. Kaid didn''t want to be here, he wanted to keep his promise. His eyes hadn''t even bothered to glance her way, knowing the second he did, he''d become entranced. Yet, he could still hear her soft laugh above the crowd, or those soft, quiet hums she gave when she didn''t know how to feel about an opinion. Hundreds of voices echoed in this courtyard and all he could hear was hers.


    Kaid was here because he cared, because he heard this silent, invisible call to protect nobody else could witness. Mara knew she couldn''t sway him. No matter the consequences of being here tonight, she knew that as long as people were safe he wouldn''t care. One day, he''d get himself hurt, or worse killed for this, similarly to the Time Paradox. But it couldn''t be tonight.


    Kaid kept his head low, knowing the safa he wore didn''t cover that much of his face, just enough for the hair and decorations covering parts of his scarred eye. Jessamine couldn''t know he was here. It would undo everything she was trying to accomplish tonight. If he interfered with that, he was afraid he''d meet her with a nice, warm slap on his cheek. Or worse, a blade to his gut like his nightmare had envisioned for his future. She should hate him. He led her to this agony. His decision to save her had unintentional consequences, ones she felt she had to pay for.


    "Sabine!" Kaid called out, seeing the lovely Shurta turn to glance at him with soft, surprised eyes.


    "Musa, I thought you couldn''t make it?" she asked, knowing he had given her that excuse. He had told her that he wouldn''t feel welcomed, or at the very least, stand out amongst the elites. Musa was humble, but at the moment, didn''t appear so modest and respectful. Yet seeing him only made her heart soften slightly, wondering what he was here for.


    "We need to talk," he whispered as he approached her with urgency.


    Her eye movement became rapid, a part of her begging for a fantasy that she had only criticized moments ago. Surely this would be an odd place for a love confession, right?


    "I''m listening," she nodded, careful to not let her pounding heart get the better of her, nor to let her gaze linger on his tempting lips.


    "We need to evacuate this courtyard. Now."


    Sabine''s thoughts jerked and twisted, not having expected those words, nor his commanding tone, "What on earth are you talking about?"


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    "I told you something bad would happen at this party, and it will happen if we don''t do something," Kaid assured her.


    "Musa, my team searched everything and we found nothing. You''re looking for a grain of sand in a dune," she scoffed, not believing what she was hearing, "Can it wait? The Empress is about to sing."


    What did he know that she didn''t? What would a poet know above the Shurta of the community? It felt like he mocked her, didn''t believe in her. The truth of it was, Kaid never trusted the man Sabine did. Sabine cared for her people. Shailud did not, and Kaid wanted to make that evident for tonight.


    "What does that matter? We should do it before then," Kaid questioned, knowing they may not have time to wait.


    "And spoil her fun?"


    Kaid was about to speak before a soft vibration of a piano key was heard across the stage. The crowd slowly echoed into silence, as if everyone took that note as the beginning of a beautiful symphony. It was then, Kaid couldn''t avoid it any longer. He gazed up to his Empress, who radiated below the dangling lights, fingers dancing across the piano.


    She looked beautiful, as resplendent as the last day he saw her: his head in her lap on the verge of death itself. She was also just as bewitching, if not more, than the first day he beheld her.


    Age had done her well, despite it only being two years. Her jaw was more sharpened, more mature, freckles more apparent as if she no longer tried to hide them with more makeup. She embraced the more natural red to her hair, keeping it dark rather than the sandy color he was used to. Red had always been a side to her darker nature, yet now she embraced it. He loved it. He loved the way it clashed with her emerald dress, the way it clung to her bodice as all her perfect dresses did. She could make any dress look like a mere accessory, an extension of herself. Jessamine was a piece of art that the deities themselves spent thousands of years creating and growing jealous over.


    Confidence radiated from her, not the false costume of confidence he had been used to seeing. She shined like the brightest star in the sky, the one that pointed the way, the one who''s explosion could destroy and create a universe all at once. No longer relying on Payne, she had to trust herself and her own motivations. Jessamine truly was beginning to look like the woman she wanted to be all along, and he loved it.


    He loved her.


    Forcing himself to look away couldn''t deny him of that truth. He had tried for two years to run away from it, to not believe it. He thought such distance would ebb away just as quickly as the love had grown for her. How wrong he was. Denial was futile. To deny his affection for her was the same as denying life itself existed. Life was beautiful, and the fabric of it all was woven into everything that was Jessamine Alexis Kruzika.


    You''re getting distracted...his mother''s words hummed in his ears.


    "My gods, you know her," Sabine whispered, gazing at the poet who had his eyes glued to that stage. At first complete envy and disgust filled her, knowing Kaid could be just like any man and be tempted with such a beautiful woman. But the more she studied his gaze, it was clear Musa knew this woman. His gorgeous brown pupils had dilated, his eyes and forehead softening, and she swore she could hear his heart stop. When he gazed at her, it was like he was able to make time cease to exist.


    What would a poet know of an Empress? How did it relate to this Empress also knowing Mara, who accompanied him?


    "Apologies for disturbing this wonderful event. I thank Shailud for being a grateful host. Without him, I wouldn''t be able to stand up here before you today. Kanaf is a beautiful city full of beautiful people, and I look forward to partnering with this growing region," Jessamine smiled sweetly, "I know my arrival has brought contention. I bring nothing but good intentions. Allow me, then, to be your entertainment for the evening. I have composed a song that I hope you enjoy, in honor of this lovely celebration."


    The softness of piano keys were heard, gliding across the night as if being lifted by the wind. He missed her playing. What had once become a torment to her, a reminder of her place in society deemed by her horrible father, had become a safe space for her to speak the emotions when she had nobody who would listen. And then, she met a man who not only listened to her vents, complaints, and overall issues...but also her piano playing as well.


    There you are


    A person I wish I could remember


    The one, the painful one who made me want to surrender


    In a time of paradox, you are my interlude


    Tangled bodies, breathless sighs, in a bed with you I am imbued.


    The chorus repeated with her tune. Kaid had never heard her sing to this extent, other than a mindless humming or perhaps faint singing in the shower when he hadn''t made his presence known. Yet, she sang tonight. The lyrics were about all that went missing, all the people taken with the paradox. Kaid created an interlude with time itself. Jessamine, was the paradox. She had contradicted herself, and here she was to do it again in front of strangers.


    "Kaid...?" Sabine asked gently.


    "Hm?" Kaid answered with a mumbled hum, before realizing what he had just given away. She didn''t call him Musa. Before he could retract his statement, he saw Sabine had already caught onto it. Sabine had been told to keep an eye out for him, the creator of the Time Paradox: the reason her brothers had died. She had no reason to believe it was the humble poet besides her.


    Not until now.


    He was here all along, walking in the light when his heart was cast from shadows. He was the man they were looking for, a man deemed so dangerous that nearly every important figure in this Continent was looking for him. Minus, the Vitross Empress. Now it all made sense. Except, given everything she knew, everything she heard about this evil, Oblivionated ''demon''...she couldn''t equate it to the man beside her.


    "Sabine-"


    "You lied to me. And now, I realized you used me," Sabine took a step back, glancing at him. Kaid felt a pang of guilt, knowing he had. He used it to keep himself safe. He used a woman''s affection to gain information, information to be one step further ahead. How much different did that make him from Jessamine? Was she now the interlude, and Kaid the paradox?


    Before Kaid could explain, the song ended and soft clapping was heard in the crowd, more applause than perhaps Jessamine expected. Her cheeks were flush with slight embarrassment, but mostly just joy. Kaid could see the dimples forming, a subtle touch of her face he loved so much.


    Jessamine took a deep, painful breath. How much she wished he would be in this crowd tonight. If not, she hoped then perhaps he was sitting outside the palace walls to hear the echoes. Her eyes had scanned the crowd but found nothing to resemble the man she knew. Even if she found a man of similar height and build, she would have told herself it was merely her imagination playing tricks on her. The last two years were filled with moments of her mind deceiving her, thinking she saw him amongst crowds to only instill herself with faith and assurance. Kaid had never really heard her sing, other than bedtime musings of more erotic lyrics. How she wished that he had been the first one to truly hear this song tonight, knowing she wrote it for him and not this rabble.


    Jessamine felt a large hand around her hip, pulling her close as her side clashed gently with Vrah''s. It felt possessively proud. Vrah held her like a glorified handbag, one that would hold everything from his money to concealed weapons. Yet, once it met its use, it would become discarded. And more than likely, replaced.


    Kaid clenched his jaw, feeling a jealous gnaw in his gut. He would equate his half brother to appearing more handsome, and his path to the Lungor throne all that more tempting for a woman. It was evident, however, Jessamine didn''t melt at his touch. How often she melted against his own, skin soft as silk, muscles relaxing at just the faintest of brushes or kisses. Vrah only fed her agony, which meant he believed Vrah held a leash over her neck. How and why Jessamine allowed this to happen, Kaid wasn''t sure. How could she even entrust herself to him? Maybe she truly did care for the man, and it was Kaid''s jealousy that blinded him.


    "I also have an announcement to make," Jessamine forced another smile, feeling Vrah pinch at her side subtly to get her to stop, "You see, I am opening an Academy in Vitross. It will be of low-cost, so anyone can attend, and there is no requirement to be a citizen of Vitross to attend."


    She paused, hesitating.


    "It''s an Academy for Oblivion," she finally breathed out, hearing the aghast, partially outraged gasps of the crowd. Oblivion was not loved here, Kaid knew that to be certain. It had been born here, ironically enough. But it had been used against their people time and time again to the brink of potential extinction. There were even rumors Shailud would partner with Lungor in sending Oblivion users to Caladin, to quell the fears of the people.


    Jessamine knew this though, yet she came regardless to walk amongst enemies and pronounce a very dangerous idea. Kaid couldn''t help but feel his heart rise for her, wishing he could step on that stage in place of his brother and support her. It was a brave, bold move. It spoke of her compassion, of her willingness to trust people which was her biggest flaw. Her embrace to change was truly the reason behind her radiance.


    "More than just Oblivion will be taught. There will be plenty of mathematics, politics, literature, all available to students who wish to attend," Jessamine forced her voice to rise above that of the crowds, "but yes, we will train those with Oblivion. I firmly believe both non-Oblivionists and those with powers can live side by side, and better yet, become each other''s strength. These powers are a tool, and if we can teach the children of our future to use it and not hide it, then we can change our past with the promise of a better tomorrow."


    Vrah immediately angled himself in front of her, not to shield her from the angry and upset glares, but to smile and laugh.


    "Well, the Academy for Vitross is still in a trial stage. I''m sure anyone that wishes for more information can reach out to her personnel later," Vrah quelled the whispers, taking a deep breath, "and now, I have an announcement of my own."


    Jessamine stood there, clear surprise on her face mixed with embarrassment. Did he seriously just interrupt her?! She thought she would have been given a bit more time to explain herself, to persuade these people that she opened this as an act of love, not fear. Just what kind of surprise did he have up his sleeve?


    The crowd gasped with more shock, this time of a more positive nature as Vrah got down on one knee. Kaid''s heart stopped. Mara bit her tongue. This was the distraction. This had to be what her son was talking about. A proposal was something that would clearly get these people talking, a union between two Empires out of love. If Jessamine wanted her Academy, then this was the so-called price of winning these people over.


    Kaid''s heart filled with rage. Vrah did not know Jessamine, not truly. He had barely scraped the surface of her depth of character. Anyone that truly knew her would know she hated any sort of spotlight or attention. A kiss or stolen glance meant much more to her in private. A proposal for her needed to be intimate, full of solitude, where a man would do nothing but worship her as he begged for her hand in marriage. To do so like this, after interjecting her own announcement...Vrah was a fucking idiot or perhaps cared little for her feelings. That''s what Kaid believed anyway. It was what he would give to her, if he hadn''t fucked this all up.


    Jessamine''s own heart had stopped, truly not seeing this coming as Vrah pulled out a beautiful diamond ring from his pocket. This was why he was so nervous. How did she not see this? Was she truly blind to Vrahs'' intentions? She had no idea what to say. A proposal could have the security of protecting Kaid, but the sacrifice to do so was something Jessamine feared. What would Kaid think if she gave up both her body and soul, unwillingly, for a marriage such as this?


    Vrah''s eyes were wide as his smile, full of glee. It was clear despite his nerves, he wasn''t expecting no for an answer. How could he? They had been together for over a year, shared minimal moments of affection alone, but he truly believed they had a connection. They just had to work for it, and this would be a great step. It would also solidify their alliance not to just each other but to Uhkhtar, who would more than likely become overjoyed by such a proposal.


    "Jessamine Kruzika, Empress of Vitross, will you take the honor of being my wife?" he asked, his words only feeling like a dagger stabbing her heart.


    She couldn''t say no. All this work to keep him by her side was to prevent Kaid being hunted down like an animal. And even if his hunt was subtle, it still kept him safe. Her eyes drifted at Shailud, who stood proudly at the side, sipping wine as if this was mere childsplay. Her mind briefly entered his, catching the first thought on his tongue.


    She better say yes. It''s her only protection.


    While it was in Shailud''s head, she heard those words in her father''s voice which made her hands tremble. It was just another realization she was forcing herself to live in a man''s world, in a place where they felt they had ultimate control. Take the honor of being his wife, Vrah''s wife...just that phrase alone made her feel sick to her stomach. There held no honor there, only sacrifice, and those were two things that could hardly coexist without someone getting hurt.


    The Lungorian diamond was beautiful, but far too colossal for her taste. Its many angles and cuts refracted the reflection of her emerald dress as she gazed down at the jewel. It was like looking into her own teardrop, knowing eventually it would weigh heavy with gravity and spill to the floor. And if that happened, she would no longer be able to see herself full of unlimited angles and possibilities. She couldn''t pretend anymore.


    The world almost seemed to await her answer as if it''s potential relied heavily on it. She had arrived here to play a game, not knowing the rules were never going to be in her favor. So, fuck the game.


    Let''s see how this world and people play when rules aren''t at their disposal.


    "No," Jessamine answered firmly, "No. I can''t."


    Vrah''s smile widened, only for a moment because he had thought she would follow the script in his mind. He thought she''d say yes, only to be told no twice instead. That smile faded with a nervous chuckle, his neck and cheeks growing red with embarrassment and possibly soon enough: fury. Jessamine stared him in the eyes, letting it be known to him that she was serious and this was a decision she knew the consequences of.


    He scrambled to his feet, tugging at her hand, "Jess, please. Reconsider." His voice was a whispered, desperate plea. Jessamine thought the no would damage his ego and ignite that fury further. Instead, it deflated him, it made him desperate.


    It made him pathetic.


    Whatever invisible deal he made, predicting she''d say yes, was now in shambles. There were a multitude of reasons why she couldn''t say yes. There would be no honor in being his wife. Whatever he had as Lungor''s future ruler, she already possessed as Empress of Vitross. She knew this could ruin her plans with this trip, of keeping Kaid safe, of diminishing Shailud''s power. But she couldn''t go through with this.


    "I can''t," she whispered, still seeing the crowd with all their eyes on them. It was embarrassing and she knew she was the cause of such shame to the both of them. A moment of shame, however, weighed less than a lifetime of sickness having to be at his bedside.


    His hand lowered to her wrist, this time gripping it tightly. She could feel the pressure on the joints, as if any application of torque or twisting would break it. Her eyes steeled on his, a warning to not even think about it.


    "Let me go, Vrah," she urged.


    Kaid started making his way towards the stage, not before a strong hand had stopped him by grabbing his belt.


    "This is what they want: for you to make a scene," a softly familiar and masculine voice whispered, Kaid glancing to his left to see Kiev. Just how Mara and Jessamine were supposed to be enemies, maybe in another life, so were Kaid and Kiev. Yet, duty and honor rose above their selfishness. Kiev knew it was clear that they wanted Kaid to go up there and make his presence known.


    When Kaid checked back to where he stood prior, Sabine was gone. He didn''t notice when she had left his side or where she drifted away to. Kaid felt his hairs raise, his eyes catching shadows of movement on the walls, darkened with black attire. They were waiting, watching patiently from up high.


    "Kiev, you have to get to her, now," Kaid insisted.


    "Yes, Lord Protector," Kiev nodded, already on the move. His response irked Kaid, remembering how much he had hated that title. Yet, hearing it tonight was just hearing the truth which sometimes had a habit of stinging more than lies. Jessamine always believed she couldn''t outrun the past and she managed to prove that wrong. She merely altered her path. Kaid couldn''t deny his...but tonight was a chance to alter it once again.


    "Jessamine, I can protect you," Vrah urged, "don''t do this."


    "If you truly loved me, that wouldn''t be some obligation to hold over my head," she scowled, "let me go."


    He didn''t.


    "LET GO!" she demanded again, this time in his mind. His hand left hers, stepping back out of shock. He had always wondered what it was like to be commanded by her, why so many people feared mind witches. He had always been slightly afraid of her and now that fear had materialized upon hearing that deep voice echo in his brain. He felt his muscles contort against his will, his hands trembling like hers had just moments prior.


    And the party of Kanaf witnessed the entire thing.


    Kiev rushed up to the stage, one hand firmly resting on the handle of his blade as he urged her to pull away, "Empress, we need to get out of here before-"


    Yet it was already too late. The sound of graphite being set aflame was enough to create an explosion in the southern courtyard wall. The smooth limestone burst into hundreds of chipped rock, flying into the crowd with smoke to follow along with it. Amidst all the chaos, Kaid stopping time to pull people aside secretly away from the collateral damage, he eyes scanned for any of his friends. All he could hear was the sound of screams of panic.


    When the shroud of smoke began to dissipate, all Kaid could see was Shailud standing there with a smirk on his lips, proud of his chaos.


    Kill him, and you can take his place. Uhkhtar can be yours. Take what is rightfully yours.


    Voices echoed in his mind through the void he didn''t recognize. They weren''t that of his mother''s hoarse yet gentle voice. They were whispers of his fate, one he had tried to avoid all this time. And this was the cost of avoiding his accountability. Kaid vowed to himself as he moved to take action. He would kill Shailud. It would not be tonight. It might not be tomorrow. But, Shailud would die. He had to die. After two years of running from his truth, he fully began to embrace it again.


    Jessamine was the judge. The Continent, their own jury. And by the Oblivion powers coursing through Kaid''s veins, he was this world''s executioner.

 7

    Jessamine awoke with the sensation of movement beneath her, as if on a moving platform with the way her body gently jerked to one side. Her eyes tried to pry open but they were heavy with a weight of confusion. Her head pounded, her hand trying to move to feel if it was bruised.


    However, her hands were tied. And the sound of the train horn was enough to wake her completely.


    When her eyes opened, she was in a relatively empty storage train car. Her train, to be more specific. It was easy to recognize the wooden floors she had picked out herself in the design. She sat in an uncomfortable wooden chair, ankles bound with tight rope at the front legs of the chair and her wrists tied tightly around the backing.


    She felt drained, her fingers trying to find a loose knot in the ropes to try and slowly pry it apart. It wasn¡¯t until she felt additional metal tearing at her wrists, she realized she was wearing enchanted cuffs.


    It explained the state of overwhelming grogginess, and the lack of thoughts floating in the air for her mind to grasp. Her heart rate accelerated quickly, not knowing who could enter the room, if there wasn¡¯t anybody already standing behind her. She couldn¡¯t sense anything. She was blind in the Oblivion world, at least in the physical one she could still see. However, she was muted as a piece of her emerald dress had been ripped and manufactured into a gag.


    It didn¡¯t matter. Jessamine had the feeling even if she didn¡¯t have a gag, any screams for help would slip into the void.


    The train was already moving quickly, too quickly. The wheels turned at a rapid, borderline uncontrollable pace. It jostled the train-car at any slight turn. Jessamine could see the reflection of moonlight through the doorslit to her left, indicating she must be in the last car. If she could get out of these bindings, jumping out from the back was safer than anywhere else on the train. Not at a speed like this, though.


    A firm hand gripped her shoulder before the door to her right slid open, wind howling and filling the car with the frigid desert breeze. Several men entered the room, all covered in black garbs and head coverings. Their body language didn¡¯t appear harmful, from Jessamine¡¯s initial interpretation. They exhumed confidence but not murderous violence. Whatever they wanted, she¡¯d find out soon enough.


    A groan left her lips as she felt that strong hand leaving her shoulder to tug at her hair, hating the sensation. Her breathing accelerated, clearly visible to the group as they moved closer to study her. All she saw were dark eyes, but there was one male on the right with piercing blue eyes, lingering in the back. She focused on the central figure, who tilted his head with almost a bit of a mock.


    ¡°So, this is the infamous mind-witch? I thought she¡¯d be more terrifying,¡± the voice hummed, unfamiliar to her. His grainy voice held an even grittier accent. Southern Skale, perhaps? Jessamine knew she couldn¡¯t interpret any of their minds, which meant having to analyze what she could see, not hear.


    Her eyes narrowed, the man¡¯s words certainly not meant to be a compliment. When her eyes focused solely on him, she could see his pupils shrink, eyes blinking rapidly just for a moment. So much for not being terrifying. The man cowered slightly, staring into the hurricane within her eyes.


    If they really didn¡¯t see her as a threat, they would have just stuck with the enchanted cuffs. Instead, she was practically glued to this chair, the rope digging into her soft porcelain skin. They might learn soon enough it only appeared porcelain, but Jessamine Kruzika was anything but fragile.


    Jessamine felt the hand leave her hair to yank the gag away from her lips. She licked them to add some moisture, feeling them already dry and cracked. Limestone dust still remained, her mind going back to fragments from the moment graphite exploded. She remembered the sight of blood, a massive block of stone wedging Kiev¡¯s leg to the floor while also cutting into it. She remembered hearing Vrah¡¯s desperate voice through the cloud of debris:


    ¡°Stop! Where is Jessamine?! I¡¯m not leaving without her!¡± echoed in her mind. He must have been portaled away. He could even be here in this room, invisible, but she didn¡¯t need her Oblivion to doubt that. Something told her Vrah wouldn¡¯t be coming to save her. Was all of this because she said no?


    ¡°What is it you want? You want money, gold? You already have a train, go ahead and take it,¡± Jessamine questioned with assertiveness. She was entirely certain that whatever they wanted, she could provide.


    ¡°What makes you think we have any interest in riches you¡¯ve stained with blood?¡± he asked, his shoulders dropping as his hand moved to stroke a stray red strand of hair from her eyes, ¡°No, we know such wealth has no meaning to you. Hence why you¡¯d be willing to give it so freely.¡±


    A man behind him began unfolding a small leather bound tool kit of some sort. Except instead of tools, all she could see was reflection of light from blades. But instead of blades, he handed the leader a small mallet. Small as it appeared, it weighed heavily against his fingers, tempted to drape with gravity towards the floor.


    ¡°You¡¯re Northern Raiders, are you not? You wear their attire,¡± she observed, knowing they donned black robes and scarves more commonly than others, ¡°don¡¯t tell me you traveled all this way South for me.¡±


    Northern Raiders they could be, but it wouldn¡¯t make sense given their leader held a thick accent from an entirely different region.


    ¡°You think yourself to be untouchable, Empress?¡± he beckoned.


    ¡°No, but whatever you seek from me might be,¡± she replied, swallowing hard. She needed water. Her throat was already dry, her voice cracking and the lingering aftertaste of wine didn¡¯t help.


    Her nails dug into a small opening in a knot by her right wrist, slowly loosening it. It wasn¡¯t enough to even move that wrist away, but it was a start. The man behind her seemed much more comfortable watching her breasts rise and fall with each nervous breath, given the angle he stood behind her. Men, they get so distracted easily.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s try this once peacefully before I start swinging,¡± he knelt down to be eye level with her, ¡°Kaid Al-Yami. Where is he?¡±


    ¡°Kaid?¡± she laughed softly, although internally her heart raced faster, ¡°Why the fuck do you think I would know?¡±


    ¡°He was your Guardian, was he not?¡±


    ¡°He was, which no offense, is common knowledge. And I was right, what you want is untouchable. Even if I wanted to find him myself, which I surely don¡¯t¡­you¡¯ll never find him.¡±


    The man behind her moved his sturdy grip back to her shoulder, and it was then she realized he was a truthsayer. He was determining if she was lying. Kaid had once mentioned in his studies that most could determine truths from lies with mere heart rate blimps or mistakes. The experts don''t need anything of the sort. Just as quickly as Jessamine could sort out lies, so could this man behind her. Which meant she had to lie, and tell the truth at the same time.


    ¡°Why do you want him?¡± Jessamine asked this time, wondering if she had any say in this interrogation. Clearly, he didn¡¯t seem to mind her beckoning.


    ¡°The same as everyone else does. It¡¯s time the citizens of this world to be held accountable, truly accountable. What better way than to start with him? You¡¯ve seen first hand what he can do. He can rip the very nature of this reality apart and I intend to stop that,¡± he answered, ¡°now, do you understand?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± she hummed, ¡°but again, my answer remains the same. I know nothing of where he is.¡±


    ¡°Harboring him won¡¯t help you Empress. Tell us where he is and when the wreckoning begins, I can ensure you won¡¯t be collateral damage,¡± his voice grew deeper, his patience waning.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where he is,¡± she repeated, before feeling the harsh slap against her face. His backhand and knuckles slammed right into the bone beneath her left eye, only worsening the throbbing in her skull. She noticed prior to the hit, the man towards the back with blue eyes looked away.


    She tasted blood in her mouth, only from accidentally biting on the inside of her cheek in anticipation of the hit. She spat it out gently to the side, despite her temptations to spit it right in his face.


    ¡°Is this where you truly want your story to end, Jessamine?¡± he warned, grabbing her face with two indexes on the side of her cheeks, forcing her to look at him.


    ¡°Even if I did know where he was and told you, you can¡¯t stop him. You can¡¯t defeat him,¡± she seethed, determined in that fact.


    At that, her interrogator turned torturer, slamming the mallet harshly down on her right ankle. Jessamine screamed in pain, but didn¡¯t let the shock of pain affect her answer. She had been through torture training before, with Payne of all people. Withstanding torture was impossible over a long period of time. Diminishing the pain with these enchanted cuffs on was impossible as well. What was possible, and the closest thing to her objective, was to lie. And lie well.


    These men seemed to be running on limited time, believing only she would know the answer to their questions. And that meant, they couldn¡¯t kill her, not without finding the truth first.


    Jessamine didn¡¯t know how many times she screamed, each one a bit quieter than the last, turning into sharp inhales and gasps to try and numb the pain. Her ankle was surely broken, or at the very least fractured. No matter. Let them break every bone in her body. If they would do this to her, Empress of Vitross, then who knows what they could do if they got their hands on Kaid. She wasn¡¯t going to let that happen.


    ¡°Just break the other ankle too, get it over with,¡± Jessamine scowled, still exhaling soft whines of pain as she struggled in that chair.


    ¡°What is your greatest sin, Jessamine? What is it you are so badly trying to repent for here in Uhkhtar?¡±


    She remained silent, not even entertaining the question. And she didn¡¯t need to. It was clear from his open ended question that he already had an answer. It was assumed for her, but it was clear this man firmly believed in her sin.


    ¡°In this moment, you destroy, betray, deny yourself. You deny every single struggle that got you to this point. And for what? Nothing. NOTHING! You clawed your way here, you dragged yourself like a rotting corpse in a death pit to climb your way out. You defiled, lied, killed¡­all to be here. And the simplest thing you have to do is tell the truth. Your greatest sin will be this lie!¡± he shouted, ¡°So, do not lie again.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever thought maybe I want him dead too?¡± Jessamine shook her head, ¡°You want to know what happened at the Time Paradox? Tear my dress on the right, just by the hip. You will see my truth.¡±


    There was hesitation, before his fingers gently moved to the seam sewn on the left side of her dress. He didn¡¯t pry it forcefully, just gently enough to make an opening, letting his fingers pry it apart. And from there, he could see the blotched wound by her hip. It was completely healed, but definitely the result of a blade being plunged into her skin. This particular wound was not caused by Kaid, but by Confederate forces. These men didn¡¯t need to know that though.


    Payne, disguised as Kaid, had stabbed her later on though. Jessamine had believed it in the moment that it was her beloved, betraying her with that blade. If she could make these men believe that betrayal too, she might just get out of this. Torturers more often than not didn¡¯t have the intention to kill. The Empress'' blood on their hands was too severe of a risk to take.


    ¡°He stabbed me, my own fucking Guardian! He intended to kill me and I barely escaped with my life! Yes, he stopped Payne, an equally dangerous threat. But after what he had done in Caladin, he was afraid I¡¯d turn him over to Lungor. So, he stabbed me, escaping while the rest of my soldiers and palace tended to me. It¡¯s because of me he escaped,¡± Jessamine explained, ¡°and every time you ask me that question, it¡¯s a reminder of how he betrayed me. I wish I could backstab him¡­give him the pain he gave me that day, but I know nothing of his whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± the leader shook his head. But a disgruntled hum from the truthsayer behind Jessamine contradicted that statement. It worked. He believed it to be true, which meant maybe there would be convincing the rest of them. ¡°Have you ever sent or received any letters from Kaid Al-Yami?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jessamine answered firmly, grateful that he had taken on an alias of Musa. Such thinking just might prevent her other ankle from being shattered.


    ¡°Why did you rescue him from Caladin?¡±


    ¡°I thought I could trust him.¡±


    ¡°Hm, you don¡¯t seem to trust easily,¡± he murmured, as if based on experience, ¡°what made him so special?¡±


    ¡°You want a more personal answer? I wanted to fuck him,¡± Jessamine shrugged as best as she could, knowing that wasn¡¯t a lie. It wasn¡¯t the true answer as to why she had lied to him and pulled him out of Caladin. She had done so because he had the leverage she needed: himself. But, she wouldn¡¯t deny the fact she was also utterly infatuated with him within the weeks of knowing him in Caladin. He had shown a strength and resilience she never knew could exist, and it was time to be resilient now in his favor.


    ¡°She¡¯s telling the truth,¡± the voice rumbled behind her, deep but soft spoken. His fingers didn¡¯t feel calloused. They were soft, too soft for a man to be a raider. He wasn¡¯t an experienced fighter, or if he was, his weapon of choice wasn¡¯t a firm blade. Perhaps these men were mere aristocrats playing dress up, wanting answers. Jessamine couldn¡¯t diminish, however, the danger of the man in front of her, still holding the mallet.


    ¡°No, no¡­she can¡¯t be. It doesn¡¯t make sense,¡± he disagreed. Fuck. If she had to convince anyone, it should be that man. Odd that he didn¡¯t seem to trust his truthsayer. She could feel him become deflated, gripping her shoulder a bit tighter out of frustration that his leader didn¡¯t believe him. Her middle finger tangled gently into the rope on her left wrist, slowly pulling it to loosen.


    Nobody seemed to notice, except the man with blue eyes who kept his gaze on her at most times. He could see the twitches and movements of her arms, although subtle, it was enough to slowly undo her bindings. Maybe he didn¡¯t care. Or maybe he didn¡¯t think she could do much with her feet still bound. Either way, Jessamine was going to find her way out of here.


    ¡°Heal her leg, and then I¡¯ll break it again if she wants to keep lying,¡± he barked at the man to his left, who eagerly let his fingers trail over her bruised and broken ankle. Jessamine felt warmth return to her foot, the pain ebbing away just as quickly as it was given. Everyone in this room seemed to possess a strong Oblivion, using it for their advantage tonight. How hypocritical to despise Kaid, when it didn¡¯t seem they used their powers here for good tonight.


    Hypocritical.


    If they possess such magic, what right do they have to determine who and how to remove a person¡¯s Oblivion? How could people follow a person they are being told to hate?


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Her assistant¡¯s words echoed in her mind, realizing just who she might be in the presence of. If so, she was in much more danger than she thought.


    ¡°Pestilence?¡± she asked, seeing all the men slightly perk up at her inquiry. Their reactions alone sent a great feeling of a pit in her stomach. Pestilence was here, along with his gang. These weren¡¯t raiders. These were mercenaries hunting down Oblivion users, and most of all, looking for Kaid. They weren¡¯t killers, not of the physical kind. But these men killed souls.


    Would Jessamine give up the little pieces left of her own to them?


    Before the lead man could reply, the door opened again with a gust of wind. A woman entered, sounding out of breath and held her hand up in a slight apology. Whatever the reason for her interruption, the others didn¡¯t seem happy about it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t mean to barge. But, sir, Shailud is here-¡±


    ¡°What!? No¡­no that doesn¡¯t make sense. This hasn¡¯t been enough time,¡± he shook his head, glancing at Jessamine before following the woman briefly, ¡°explain to me outside. Now.¡±


    Whatever it was, he didn¡¯t want it discussed in front of Jessamine. Shailud was involved with this, somehow. She couldn¡¯t remember his exact position during the explosion, but it was beginning to make sense just how relaxed he was moments prior. He had made up his mind on something, crossed a point of no return, and for some reason was here.


    The hand that was still at her leg moved further up to her calf, gently letting the pads of his fingers massage her skin. Her eyes darted to him, seeing a mischievous glare in his eyes. Great. Not only were these men hypocrites, but predators as well. She knew them to be cowards already, hiding behind coverings and disguises. Men were practiced animals in pretending.


    A hand slapped him on the back of his head, before grabbing him off her gently. The instinct was almost protective, an action without second thought. Jessamine felt those awfully hot fingers being pried away. She wiggled her ankle slightly, no longer feeling an unwanted touch, nor pain either. Clearly their plan was to break her, but rebuild her once they got answers. Killing her was certainly not an option. She wondered what they¡¯d do, however, if she finally got in possession of a blade.


    ¡°Enough, we¡¯re not here to do that,¡± the blue-eyed one stepped between them.


    ¡°Oh come on, look at her. Where else would you get the chance to touch a woman like that outside your imagination?¡± the short one snickered, ¡°She¡¯s a high born, a royal whore. Someone like her is just used goods with luxury branding.¡±


    ¡°You should watch your tongue-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind his tongue, I doubt he¡¯s highly practiced with it,¡± Jessamine interrupted, seeing the shorter one lunge at her before still being held back.


    Before much else could be said, that door slid open once more as the leader eagerly slipped back in. He noticed a bit of a scuffle but didn¡¯t care. He was in a hurry, much unlike when he had first stepped in here, believing he had all the time in the world. Impatience and stress seemed to rise from him, on the verge of borderline pacing around the small boxcar. Whatever it was, he wasn¡¯t happy about it in the slightest.


    He raised his shoulders and head, taking a deep breath for assurance before his mind was made up, ¡°I¡¯ll ask you Empress, one more time. Lie again, and I remove your Oblivion¡­¡±


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    The explosion of graphite was well calculated. It wasn¡¯t meant to severely harm, just enough to send dust floating in the air and people screaming. It caused panic. What did frighten everyone, was the presence of black dressed raiders descending from the walls and eagerly approaching the stage. Palace guards didn¡¯t run to meet them with blades, instead they ran the other direction, looking to find family or comfort.


    Kaid was helping an elderly couple rise to their feet, coughing himself as the debris filled his lungs. He watched as the men dressed in black lifted a limp Jessamine up, a great distance between them in the courtyard. Fuck. Fuck this was all going wrong. Shailud was nowhere to be found. Vrah¡¯s security personnel immediately portaled him away, mere yards away from Jessamine.


    The Vrah he had once known wouldn¡¯t have left Jessamine to herself in danger when a portal was so close. But maybe this man was no longer the half brother he so barely knew. Or, this was his true nature all along. No matter. Someone had to go after her.


    ¡°Can you walk? Can you follow the group through this opening here?¡± Kaid asked gently, although his patience was waning thin.


    ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know,¡± the elderly woman replied. Kaid didn¡¯t have time for this, but his heart just couldn¡¯t let him leave this woman behind to fend for herself.


    ¡°Go, I can help them,¡± Sabine ran over, her hair and body covered in dust. She looked shell shocked. Her hands trembled with fear. Unlike the men under her command, she was the only one here remaining to help instead of run.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kaid nodded, eagerly running towards the stage. Immediately his senses perked, gazing to see a figure pointing an object at him. Of course, a fucking firearm. Kaid had liked the simplicity of weapons, but he knew it wouldn¡¯t take long before Uhkhtarians had gotten their hands on Lungor¡¯s invention. The shot was fired, the bullet spiraling into the air and at nothing. By the time the trigger was pulled, Kaid was already behind the man after a pause of time, his green blade digging into the man¡¯s backside.


    These men had come here for a fight, but only with a few targets in mind. Kaid yanked the blade out, not bothering to watch the man fall before picking up the firearm himself. He unfortunately grabbed it from the barrel, the heat nearly burning his left palm. There was hardly time to think, use common sense or rationale. It was kill, or be killed. It was save her, or kill his own soul if he couldn¡¯t succeed.


    As he approached the stage, which was nothing more than practically rubble, the sound of a flame erupting was heard. Kaid watched as a remaining raider became smothered by fire. His screams as he burned to death echoed in the courtyard. It was clear he was standing above Kiev, who was pinned by rock and unable to move. Mara made sure the man was dead before moving up to assist.


    Mara and Kaid ran to him, seeing the large gash across his hamstring. Kaid lifted the rock with a groan, taking the pressure off before Mara helped to pull him out. His blood trailed wildly, Mara immediately applying her finger against the gash to cauterize.


    ¡°Stop! Stop. There¡¯s no time. Go get the Empress,¡± Kiev shouted with pain, but Mara continued.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to need all the help we can get,¡± Mara insisted.


    ¡°And I will be no help. The cut is deep in my muscle, I can barely move my thigh,¡± he explained, glancing at Kaid, ¡°Go, now! There¡¯s horses by the east perimeter.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never ridden a horse before,¡± Kaid said, not fond of the idea. He didn¡¯t really like the idea of an animal between his legs, one certainly with a mind of his own. But, he supposed he had no choice. With Jessamine there was never a choice, and that was the one thing that his heart loved about her. Just as he never had to think about taking a breath, so was his love for her automatic, engineered into his very being.


    ¡°Go. Cadize and Bridger will arrive by morning upon hearing the news. I will be fine, and I¡¯ll take of little Kai while you¡¯re gone-¡±


    ¡°Mara, you should stay with your son,¡± Kaid interrupted, knowing that should be her priority. Clearly, she knew he was safe because she didn¡¯t seem worried about him. Hopefully he had been in decent company like Sabine to keep him safe in the meantime, especially since Shailud was missing.


    ¡°Out of the question,¡± she stood, helping Kiev rise to his feet with a limp, ¡°let¡¯s go.¡±


    Luckily the dust had allowed for easy footprints to track. Kaid had no idea where they might take her, but that was answered quickly with a blaring sound from the train. It was a last call siren, alerting imminent departure. They had to get on that train. Only one horse remained close by, Kaid struggling to rise in its saddle before lifting Mara up to sit behind him. The saddle was uncomfortable, the horse unstable, fear clearly pounding in its anxious heart. It didn¡¯t help that the riders were just as nervous.


    ¡°What the fuck do I do, he¡¯s not moving?!¡± Kaid asked, trying to lurch forward to get the animal to move.


    ¡°Kick his stomach with your heel,¡± she explained, sensing his abhorrent confusion, ¡°gently, I might add.¡±


    Kaid followed those instructions unenthusiastically, gripping the bridle firmly before the horse seemed to understand it was time to move. The train was already beginning to move, but luckily the palace remained on the outskirts of the city, meaning there was only open sand ahead to catch up. Kaid increased the horse¡¯s stride overtime with more gentle kicks, ignoring the pain between his legs from an uncomfortable saddle and a jostling horse. The only thought on his mind was planning how to get out of this.


    It didn¡¯t matter who those men were. Kaid would ensure every single one of them would die tonight.


    ¡°Looks like we might be able to cut in front. Pull up by the engine, I¡¯ll see what I can do to slow this train,¡± Mara shouted, having to overcome the loud sound of the locomotive and harsh wind against them. Kaid followed her instructions, guiding the horse towards the train which it certainly did not like.


    Kaid could feel Mara slowly loosen her grip on him, adjusting herself to eagerly hop off and onto the train side. A ladder protruded thankfully on the side, Kaid targeting that to make it easier for Mara to dismount. Once close enough, Mara gripped the iron bars tightly with one hand, the other gently patting Kaid¡¯s backside.


    ¡°Find her, Kaid. And, save some for me. Don¡¯t do anything stupid,¡± she teased, ¡°Be safe.¡±


    ¡°You too,¡± he nodded, watching carefully as she transitioned over. Her black hair ran wild with the wind, partially covering her face before she climbed up further. Kaid didn¡¯t know if she¡¯d know how to stop this train, or slow it down. It couldn¡¯t be that hard, right?


    The horse whinnied with fear, pulling away from the train and eagerly wanting to get as far away as possible. Kaid tried to jerk it back, but the stubborn animal already had enough excitement for one day.


    ¡°Stop. Fucking stop and go back,¡± Kaid seethed, kicking at it out of frustration. He regretted it, knowing it was merely a scared animal and nothing more. And it was having to transport a completely inexperienced rider. Kaid wanted to never ride anything in his life like this ever again.


    Be gentle with it, his mother reprimanded, only adding to his guilt.


    Kaid took a deep breath to relax his stress, leaning over to gently let his hand find the steed¡¯s fluttering heart. Kaid felt his short curls dance in the wind, same as the mane nearly blocking Kaid¡¯s vision. Yet, peace was felt, despite the fear. Fear would always exist. Experience only muted the tension, never overcoming it. Life was a daunting task. Just like the many Trials he had passed in Caladin, so was this another test.


    Kaid pulled himself into the Void, this time, on purpose. The world froze around him, swallowed by black and velvet. There was no time to think or wonder how he pulled himself here, fully awake, from his own will. All he could do was calm this horse just enough before it would be free.


    ¡°It¡¯s just you and me. No train. No wind. Just open sand to run. So run. Run, and you¡¯ll be free,¡± Kaid whispered, full of wishful thinking the horse heard. Yet it must have, given Kaid felt his heart race slow to a calm pace. It was as if the animal heard a comforting lullaby, mere seconds away from lulling into sleep. It was comforted, and that¡¯s all Kaid needed momentarily.


    Soon enough, the wind was back in his face blasting sand to scratch at it. The horse followed Kaid¡¯s gentle pull to the left, back towards the train. Due to the loss of speed and misdirection, Kaid was now at the center of the train cars. No matter. As long as he got on this monstrous machine, he¡¯d ravage through every car to find her. There was no ladder or railing for him to find, no spot that seemed safe enough to fully make the jump.


    Life wasn¡¯t about thinking about safety, not in a moment like this. Jessamine probably didn¡¯t think twice after being stabbed to enter a portal and find Kaid through an entire camp of enemies. He shouldn¡¯t think twice either. Kaid slowly rose from the saddle, lifting himself up before slowly raising one foot. He felt his core shake with the tension of keeping himself up. It was now or never. Once his foot made contact with the saddle, he jumped, hands finding contact with the rooftop of the train and gripped it with all his might. Once his grip was secure, it felt so much easier to pull himself up.


    He took the moment to catch his breath, watching the horse gallop comfortably away now. Sometimes, this world calls for people to use one another. There are those who abuse such a call for dominance, for deceit. If only more people saw moments like these, timelines intertwined even with strangers, as a brief moment of companionship. A moment to help each other, despite utter hatred or disgust, could alter any timeline.


    ¡°I¡¯m never fucking doing that again,¡± Kaid exhaled, slowly crawling to the end of the car and sliding between the traincar connectors. Once his breathing finally returned to normal, he glanced through the windows. The car behind him was dark, no sign of life. The other, however, gleamed with bright lights. Laughter could be heard echoing through the heavy door. Laughter.


    At least these men might die with humor still lingering fresh in their lungs.


    Kaid opened the door, not realizing how heavy it was, sending rushing wind into the train car. The wind knocked multiple bottles of alcohol which had been pouring from the bar almost non stop. The raiders and kidnappers seemed to be in high spirits, enjoying the exorbitant amount of booze free for the taking.


    That and the laughter all stopped upon seeing Kaid, not wearing similar black robes. What stood before them was an Uhkhtarian man, small cuts bleeding from his cheek from the harsh wind. His hair was disheveled, black curls frayed and uneven. His decorated kaftan was torn near the seems, half covered still in limestone dust. The usurper blade was unsheathed, Kaid ready to unleash all his energy into this room that was once so energetic.


    ¡°Shailud, you¡¯re here early, aren¡¯t you?¡± one of the men asked, glancing at the blade.


    Kaid froze in his steps, realizing all of them didn¡¯t appear very frightened by him. It could just be because they were already getting drunk, but they all looked at that blade with familiarity. Shailud was indeed a part of this, but a distant one at that. Did none of them know what Shailud looked like? This might work to his advantage.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the Empress?¡± Kaid asked, his voice deep and commanding.


    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s in the last train car, just like you requested. You weren¡¯t supposed to see us until tomorrow, though,¡± one of the men answered, confused, but not enough to critically think of this circumstance.


    ¡°There¡¯s been a change of plans,¡± Kaid lied, seeing the men all look at each other, ¡°tell your man in charge-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not in charge. You¡¯re following our orders, remember?¡± they laughed, ¡°Settle down, enjoy a drink with us.¡±


    One man left the room, heading towards the other car presumably to tell the others.


    Shailud wasn¡¯t the mastermind. Kaid had thought he must be the one spearheading this act of war. No. Clearly someone else held something over Shailud, commanded him. It was just plans within plans, deceit intertwined with power. Shailud lacked real power, so who would have greater than him? Emperor Bashir? No, he wouldn¡¯t risk something like this without much consequence. Unless¡­unless he was able to maim Jessamine in a way that ruined her forever.


    A scream echoed loudly, reverberating off the walls. Kaid didn¡¯t know if it was just the sound of the train whistle echoing from the inside at an odd pitch. But then he heard it again. And again. And again. A scream he had never heard, from a voice he knew all so well. They were torturing her. The wind carried those painful shouts into the remaining cars in a muted echo. The other men didn¡¯t seem phased, going back to their drinks.


    The scream had stopped but still echoed in Kaid¡¯s head. His bottom lip twitched. His right hand clutched the handle of his blade tightly. His chest heaved with a rising anger. His fingers draped down slightly to the blade, letting it glide against its edge. He felt it cut his thumb, affirming to him it was sharp. How sharp it would be after this, he didn¡¯t know.


    Kaid approached the bar, letting his left hand grab the stem of a vodka bottle before slamming it into the face of the closest person to him. No words needed to be exchanged, not the kind civil men spoke with. No. These weren¡¯t civil men, Kaid included. The only language that could be understood in this room was violence, and Kaid mastered it. They could hardly land a hand on him, clumsy in their own movements from alcohol, their visions blurred or minds not fully comprehending.


    When Kaid blinked, the bar had no clear alcohol spilling from the counter any longer, blood had replaced it. Soft, muted cries were at Kaid¡¯s feet, the men releasing their last breath of agony before dying. Kaid saw blood splattered against his kaftan and arms, speckled spots of crimson that he could even taste on his lips. His right hand ached from holding that blade of his, stabbing it over and over repeatedly. He sheathed that blade, knowing it needed to retire for the evening. His folded blade would have to finish the rest of the job or his newly possessed firearm.


    He moved towards the other door, seeing one last struggling survivor bleeding out in the corner.


    Removing the firearm he had picked up earlier, he loaded the next bullet into the chamber, pointing it right under the man¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Your leader, who is he?¡± Kaid asked, ¡°Answer, and I¡¯ll let you live.¡±


    ¡°W-what? You should know who,¡± he whined, before realizing given the violent events that had just happened, the man in front of him was a liar, ¡°P-Pestilence. But he won¡¯t harm her, he won¡¯t. We¡¯ve been told she will cooperate.¡±


    ¡°Did it sound like she was cooperating?!¡± Kaid jammed the firearm further, pressing it into his muscles, borderline crushing his windpipe.


    ¡°Taking her Oblivion away is only a last resort. She¡¯s in the last car. That¡¯s all I know, I swear!¡± he pleaded. He was begging for his pathetic life to continue. From his voice and appearance he was young. Two years ago, maybe Kaid would have given this man a second chance. Kaid was no longer that man, however.


    ¡°Good boy,¡± Kaid smirked slightly, seeing the young man slump with relief. Kaid had to get to her. Jessamine was more than just her Oblivion, but to lose such a thing was like losing a hand. Maybe in days past, she would have wished for anything to take such a power away. But she had to give it away willingly, not forcefully. This Pestilence wouldn''t care for her feelings, for her wants and desires. He would set this world aflame with holy oil and Kaid would definitely be the match to ignite it all.


    As soon as the boy¡¯s eyes closed, Kaid moved the firearm away before pointing at his forehead. He pulled the trigger without second thought.

 Eight

    Mara took a deep breath to collect herself and her thoughts as she slowly crawled her way across the roof of each train car. From a distance on that horse, it didn¡¯t seem like the train had been going that fast. The smell of burning graphite, smoke stinging her sensitive eyes, and sensation of speeding even faster when on top of the train wasn¡¯t helping her motivations. Nor her slight fear of heights.


    She knew her son would be alright. She knew that. Helping Kaid wasn¡¯t much of a question. A slight guilt resided in her that needed to be mended. Perhaps this was her restitution, helping her friend save an Empress that she had tried to kill a couple years ago. Mara felt she could have done better, perhaps convincing Kaid to reach out to Jessamine sooner or anything else to prevent this.


    Kaid constantly affirmed that he didn¡¯t wish to see her. He firmly believed Jessamine wanted nothing to do with him.


    What a lie. What a hurtful fabrication caused only by his own insecurities. That lie was quickly unearthed by Kaid¡¯s swift call into action tonight. Mara knew once that explosion went off and Jessamine was dragged away by unknown men, Kaid would do whatever it took to get her back.


    And, if Mara really did want that teaching job, it was probably best to keep her employer alive.


    ¡°Well when this is all over, I¡¯m treating us to a nice bottle of whiskey and a case of cigars,¡± the engineer spoke, doing nothing more than leaning against the edge, watching the fire burn. He had filled it to the brim with solid graphite, clearly not caring how white-hot those flames appeared.


    ¡°Yeah¡­all this prepping and work seems to have paid off. Tomorrow, you and I will be very rich men,¡± the other spoke, a snicker in his tone, ¡°speaking of which¡­I found this in her private car. A nice little bag of gold and some panties along with it.¡±


    ¡°You vile dog!¡± he snickered with delight, pressing the cloth to his nose immediately while the other hand stashed the pouch in his pocket.


    Gross. Mara did her best to not let her feminine frustration take over at this moment. She wanted to try and do this quietly, take out one before messing around with the engine. Time wasn¡¯t on her side, nor was her ignorance of anything relating to train engines. Fire, though¡­fire she had plenty of experience on.


    ¡°Keep it in your pants for now, Cedric. I¡¯ll check in around the next hour, maybe with some more goodies,¡± the other laughed, soon heading back inside, shutting the door behind him.


    Cedric, the engineer, glanced back at the roaring engine with a newfound high. He added another small chunk of graphite to the flame, his other hand still with the Empress¡¯ underwear wrapped around it, brushing against his nostrils. Mara slowly slid to the edge before landing on her feet. With the roaring wind and constant clattering sounds of metal, the man didn¡¯t seem to notice. He was far too distracted with his own thoughts.


    She withdrew the small dagger that had been tucked under her dress. Most women had nothing but lace and beauty under their dresses at an event like tonight. Mara and Jessamine were quite the opposite of that, knowing an evening of romance for most could be a violent one for themselves.


    She slit his throat with ease, given his distraction. Any attempt of his to clot the strike with the cloth of Jessamine¡¯s undergarment was futile. It seemed such a metaphor to Mara, who knew such a fate laid for any man who held such thoughts for Jessamine. Whether by her hand, her friends, or her lover¡­Mara wanted to tell this man to be grateful he died by her hand.


    Mara would have liked to see what Kaid would have done instead, but he was far too busy with other things. The sound of a firearm echoed with the wind, carrying it all the way towards the front. Surely that was Kaid starting a fight. Mara didn¡¯t even begin to worry how it would end. She had trained with him over this past year, and despite her years of experience even prior to Caladan, Kaid was an excellent fighter. Vitross had taught him well, but most of all, he taught himself how to embrace his true potential.


    Glancing at all the engine instruments and levers, it only confused her further. It wasn¡¯t until she glanced down at the red lever beside her thigh that any chance of manually braking was futile. The lever was jammed stuck, purposefully. Their intention was to burn as much graphite as possible until running out, letting the engine carry them further into the desert.


    It was time to douse the flame herself. Being around Kaid had taught her one thing: Oblivion could adapt. He had learned that more than likely from Jessamine, but it was a valuable lesson regardless of the teacher. Fire was energy, an energy she could create. Creators also controlled. She had to believe she could go beyond just creating a fire, but also command fire that already existed.


    Her hands reached at the flame, palms open and inviting. She felt like a god welcoming blessings from her worshippers. A symbiotic relationship of warmth, what a person felt with their own Oblivions. Caladan, despite her brief time there, taught her discipline. With discipline came freedom, albeit a freedom most Oblivion users failed to see. Most used it to their advantage, seeing their powers as a deadly and chaotic tool. This was more than that. The Divines had blessed people with this stretch of magic for a reason. It was time to believe it to be something more than the oblivion of society.


    Mara pulled the heat away from the graphite, feeling the ball of flame grow increasingly larger as she slowly pried it away from the engine. It grew and grew, until the smallest of sparks and speckles of heat on the graphite meshed into the heat within her palms. Creators could also destroy. She condensed the ball further, feeling the tension in her arms, wrestling with the fire as if it desired to stay alive and burn for eternity. Collapsing her shaking hands completely, the flames disappeared, the energy being forced to no longer exist.


    Thus, the engine ran on nothing but plumes of smoke and frigid wind.


    ¡ª--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    The second Pestilence laid his thumb on Jessamine¡¯s forehead, she felt her body shake and tremble. Where did this power to steal Oblivion come from? How long had he used this power before finally coming to the light? Those questions were futile as Jessamine knew the time for asking questions had long been over.


    The only question that remained was in her own mind: what was worth her Oblivion?


    Her Oblivion was an extension of her own mind, an accessory to the most vital organ in her body that kept her alive. If this extension ceased to exist, would she remain? Without question, it would change everything. The whispers and voices in her head would disappear. She could fully enjoy music in the background of a party, hear the distant crashing of Vitross waves, or fully enrapture herself in moments of pure silence. Yet, the doubt remained if she could continue to serve her people the way she has without this power.


    Her value was in contention. She felt like an unknown coin, being spectated upon by several bankers all trying to assess her true cost and worth in this life. To some, she was a waste of space, a worthless antique to be discarded. But there would be others who still saw her value, even if they were few and far in between.


    She longed for Kaid in that moment, feeling her heart ache and swell as the tears streamed down her face. Her mind repeated the words she had first heard in his thoughts, hearing the tone of his gentle voice before his lips even moved.


    My god, what a gorgeous woman.


    The following ramblings had been that of confusion, wondering what she was doing in his jail cell, who she was, and why now after so many years alone. But that first sentence was engrained in her, burned forever in her mind like she was a cattle branded with his signature. She relished the idea of belonging to him.


    It wasn¡¯t just what he thought, but how he thought it. He had said those words with a curious gentleness, the same his eyes showed when he first viewed the world outside Caladin, helping her gather a kindle for the fire. For the first time in her life, that moment made her feel seen, and by the most unknown stranger she had ever met.


    ¡°Jessamine¡­where is Kaid Al-Yami? Is he here in Uhkhtar?¡± Pestilence demanded, pressing his thumb firmly into her head, as if prying to find the source of her power.


    She said nothing, her eyes steeling at him despite the blurriness of her tears. She wouldn¡¯t tell. All the pain and suffering she felt now in her heart was caused by this Oblivion. The betrayal she had given Kaid, resulting in the Time Paradox, resulting in this very moment¡­she had spearheaded it all. Unintentional or not, Pestilence was right about one thing: someone had to pay. And it couldn¡¯t be Kaid. The man had spent thirty years in a prison, enduring a life sentence for the crime of merely existing. Anyone with a sense of heart, an ounce of empathy, should realize Kaid deserved a second chance.


    Kaid had given her a second chance, alternating a timeline away from a dark fate she always believed she was headed towards. Her mind was made up. No matter what she lost tonight, no matter the abuse either physical, sexual, or mental, she would have to endure. She knew she would endure. Even if they killed her, Jessamine believed that Kaid would make these men pay. Every single one of them.


    Belief was a powerful thing. Love was even stronger. Together¡­now that was a real tragedy.


    An echo of a firearm being discharged silenced the already quiet train car. It had silenced the thoughts in all the minds there tonight. Jessamine could see the sound had eradicated Pestilence''s resolve, slowly leaning back to gaze at the door. It could have been a misfire, one of his men or women getting too drunk and probably engaging in horseplay.


    But then another went off. And then another. Three controlled shots. A yelp was soon heard faintly below the wind, and it was clear this horseplay was a stampede, led by the bringer of death.


    ¡°Go see what that is about,¡± Pestilence sneered at the other men. Only the blue eyed one remained, which Pestilence didn¡¯t care to order him around. He stayed for a reason. The others, especially the soothsayer, were reluctant to leave but did so regardless. Due to three of them leaving, they opened the entrance to the other train car and Jessamine watched fear overcome them. They were rigid. Whatever their eyes laid upon was beyond their wildest imaginations, a nightmare nobody wished to ever come true.


    Jessamine only heard the screams grow louder, steel clashing against steel before being plunged into flesh. The right side of her lip curved into a smile. She didn¡¯t know if it was Kiev, or just some random Uhkhtarian wanting to play hero. Fuck, it could even be Shailud. Whomever the violent stranger turned out to be, they were a disruption to Pestilence¡¯s plans.


    Pestilence grew angry upon seeing her smirk, eyes narrowing at her, ¡°You won¡¯t be smirking after this.¡±


    Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be alive after this,¡± she retorted, still feeling the residue of hot tears stream down her face, but her jaw was clenched with resolve. Take away her Oblivion. It wouldn¡¯t remove himself from whatever fate held for him tonight. Pestilence moved the gag back over her lips, tightening it so it dug into her mouth. It wouldn¡¯t hide the image of her smirk in his head, spreading further doubts in the strength of his men, and most of all, his plan.


    Suddenly, the wheels of the train ahead lurched, as if hitting something large on the tracks themselves. What it had hit was sand¡­not metal. The train upon a sharp turn had lost traction with the train tracks, engine sputtering only fumes with no fuel to carry it further. The engine exploded, the sound loud enough to carry over the wind this time. Each train car one by one followed the one ahead, only piling further into sand and away from its true grounding.


    Pestilence had firmly pressed all his fingers against her face, as if hurrying his process at removing her Oblivion. Jessamine merely shut her eyes tightly, trying to mentally force it away to no use. She felt powerless, eyes closing shut like a child viewing a monster for the first time with no way to fight back. The last thing she remembered was slamming with momentum into the train car wall before everything went black.


    Her tired eyes eventually opened, her head pounding from having the side of it collide with the side of the train car. She was laying sideways, realizing the car had flipped on its side. Her hands writhed at the rope, feeling it loosen but still attached to the chair. Pestilence was face down and immobile, meaning this had to be her chance. Before she could even wonder where the other enemy went, she felt tension from the rope at her angles, only to feel them slacken with freedom.


    The blue-eyed stranger had cut the rope at her ankles before moving to her wrists, angling the small blade to cut them entirely. Jessamine immediately kicked at his shin, pushing herself away.


    ¡°Easy¡­I¡¯m not going to hurt you. We need to get out of here,¡± he spoke, raising his hands with that blade shining with the minimal light.


    ¡°And you think I should trust you, a complete stranger?¡± Jessamine asked, wondering if it was better to see if her fate was best held in whomever was fighting their way to get here. Although the sounds of blades and screams had diminished ever since the crash, which fed some anxious thoughts.


    ¡°Like you haven¡¯t before¡­¡± he hummed. Jessamine thought there was probably a small smile on his lips if it wasn¡¯t covered by the wrapped fabric around his head and mouth.


    Whatever initial feelings she had about him, it didn¡¯t feel so foreign¡­or unrecognizable. There was something about those eyes.


    ¡°Shailud didn¡¯t come alone. You already don¡¯t trust him,¡± he spoke, affirming it probably was Shailud. Odd, if he caused this mess and came here to also fix it. But¡­what a way to earn respect, not just with his people but the Continent. Save the Empress, it looked good on any man¡¯s reputation. The world just didn¡¯t have to know he was the one to set the entire thing up.


    He took a step back before turning around, heading towards the back door before opening it with three strong pulls. Sand was beginning to blow against it, meaning they didn¡¯t have long before it would slowly embed this train with its coarse nature. The man climbed out first, not bothering to extend his hand out to her. Jessamine debated about staying or at the very least trying to find the keys to her enchanted cuffs.


    The sound of another distant explosion quelled that thought, and Jessamine climbed out with sore and aching muscles into the sand. Her bare feet dug deep into the cold and coarse ground, knowing at this moment it was probably better than the heels she wore at the party.


    Movement was survival. She knew that remaining stagnant especially with remaining forces lingering about would bring trouble. The only thing she wished as she began to follow the stranger up the dunes in the darkness of night was that she wished she had grabbed that mallet or anything weapon of use.


    ¡ª-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Kaid stood firmly surrounded by a pile of bodies, catching his breath. All that fighting had narrowed down into one hallway, several fighters in front of him but also some catching up from behind. They thought they had him pinned. Kaid had fought the men in front of him in the present, and the one¡¯s behind in the future. He would stop and stutter time, thrusting his sword forward before stalling to slice it at the closest body behind him.


    Memories flooded of Caladin, white walls painted red due to his own actions. Each kill only rejuvenated him, feeding into his bloodlust. He thought he had been fighting for his own liberation, and perhaps for those of the other poor imprisoned souls there. Caladin would always remain, even if demolished and forever wiped from maps or collections of writing. It always existed in his heart, this innate substance of violence and struggle, of loneliness and desperation.


    Violence justified to be for good was still violence. Violence to protect was still terrorism to his enemies. When those who hunted him down learned it was him who massacred this train, they¡¯d only push further to find him. Kaid¡¯s taste for blood was like black mold. Sometimes it grew so much to be this visible stain on the walls. Often, it was made clean by the only pure thing in his life. But no matter what, it was always there, always lingering as a deadly, near invisible parasite.


    One of the side windows broke as a heel slammed into it, Mara eventually peering in.


    ¡°Fuck Kaid¡­I said leave some for me,¡± Mara scowled, reaching her hand out to him. Kaid cleaned his blade on the edge of the nearest body he could find, wiping it as best he could before letting it collapse with a twirl.


    ¡°Yeah, and you said you would slow down the train,¡± he observed, taking her hand and climbing out with a gentle yank. Clearly, she had slowed the train down to practically a complete halt.


    ¡°I removed too much heat from the engine¡­I think,¡± Mara sighed, ¡°Is she in the last train-car?¡±


    Kaid nodded, both of them eagerly traversing down the sand. It was a bit further away, having lost most momentum slamming into a dune away from the rest of the mess. The engine car was still bursting with flames. Sparks would carry with the wind and possibly set fire to the rest, destroying plenty of the evidence.


    ¡°These weren¡¯t locals,¡± Mara observed.


    ¡°Their skin colors and accents varied. It¡¯s a diverse group, similar to the Confederacy¡­¡± Kaid agreed, ¡°definitely a team designed for something.¡±


    Kaid led the way towards the back of the car, only to find the door already opened. When Kaid glanced back at Mara, her eyes were trailing at two different footsteps, one barefoot and the other covered.


    ¡°We¡¯re too late, but at least she¡¯s not dead,¡± Kaid sighed, ¡°those are her footprints.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t know you were so familiar with her feet¡­¡± Mara observed, only before cracking a small smile as Kaid gave a ghastly glare.


    ¡°I took her shoe shopping once¡­¡± Kaid excused. He actually liked shopping with her. While Christine could make beautiful designs, it was nice to see her enjoy something so mundane. Besides, he got to know her sizes if he ever wanted to buy her something. He still remembered them to this day, figuring it hadn¡¯t changed much.


    A groan of pain was heard and Kaid peered back through the door, seeing a man struggle to his feet. Humor filled Kaid¡¯s eyes, and he extended his hand through the door, but kept his face hidden.


    ¡°Here, take my hand,¡± Kaid offered, seeing Mara with her blade drawn and ready. The stranger took Kaid¡¯s hand, thinking it to be that of his men, before Kaid yanked him out completely. It was time to get some answers. The man brushed sand off his clothes, as if akin to dirt despite being surrounded in it.


    When Pestilence glared up, all he saw was a man wearing tattered black kaftan drenched in blood, the moonlight shining behind him.


    ¡°Start talking, or you die,¡± Mara demanded, stepping from behind Kaid to show her blade.


    ¡°Look, I was just following orders-¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard that before,¡± Kaid rolled his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. It was all play pretend. All of it. We were to take the Empress, interrogate her, threaten to remove her Oblivion and she¡¯d give us answers.¡±


    Remove her Oblivion¡­ that could only mean one person to Kaid¡¯s knowledge.


    ¡°Pestilence¡­¡± Kaid scowled, ¡°Is he alive?¡±


    The man hesitated, ¡°I am Pestilence.¡±


    ¡°Did you take her Oblivion?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, she didn¡¯t answer my question,¡± he composed himself, wondering if the truth would save him. In this situation, it wouldn¡¯t.


    ¡°What were you looking for?¡± Mara asked.


    ¡°Kaid Al-Yami,¡± Pestilence answered. Kaid glanced at Mara, who only held an amused glare in her dark eyes. Kaid only held malice in his eyes. They took her Oblivion. They took the darkness inside her, something that was a part of her. Despite it being her storm, her demon, it was something he loved about her because it made her who she was. It was the reason she lied to him. But it was just something he couldn¡¯t imagine her without.


    He couldn¡¯t begin to imagine how she was coping with this.


    ¡°This Kaid Al-Yami, why not just kill him?¡± Kaid asked, being the actor this time.


    ¡°He¡¯s more valuable alive than dead, at least to Lungor,¡± he sighed, ¡°it was just my job to get information, not to actually find him. My team aren¡¯t fighters. Again, we¡¯re actors.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like your performance is up. How about an encore?¡± Kaid stood over him, ¡°You got more than you wished for tonight. I¡¯m the man you¡¯re looking for. Any last words before I send you into the oblivion called death?¡±


    Pestilence¡¯s eyes widened upon the revelation, immediately getting on his knees in a desperate plea. Odd. Stories of Pestilence were surrounded by great fear and superstition, not cowardice. This is the man Esthero lost his powers to? Something seemed off, but Kaid wasn¡¯t going to stick around too much longer.


    ¡°Please, please good sir. I know you to be good. Give me a chance, I can explain everything. Kaid, I can give you whatever you wish. Please,¡± he pleaded, saying please over and over again, burying his face in the sand.


    Kaid slowly squatted down, his hand grabbing the man¡¯s shawl covering his head and removing it. He didn¡¯t need to see Pestilence¡¯s eyes. Kaid cared not for his appearance, his story, or anything relating to him. He hurt the woman he loved, there was no reasoning that could change that.


    His hand moved to grip the back of his short black hair, hearing Pestilence yelp with a childish cry. Suddenly, Kaid slammed his skull into the sand, pulling it back up before repeating the process. Pestilence struggled under his grip, feet losing traction in the sand, weight pinned by Kaid¡¯s arm strength alone. Kaid buried his head in the closest dune, watching the sand pour over him, suffocating him. Pestilence slammed his fists and hands into the ground, reaching for Kaid to grasp but found nothing.


    He choked to death, his mouth filled with sand, the desert taking the weak tonight.


    Mara stood in the silence, knowing deep down the man in front of her wasn¡¯t the same one she had met in Caladin. She thought she had come to that full truth, but small moments like these made her fully aware that Kaid was still growing, still adapting to this cruel world. She couldn¡¯t blame him for what he had just done. Had anyone hurt the person she cared about, they would have received far worse than this.


    ¡°You think he was telling the truth?¡± Mara asked, ¡°You think he took her Oblivion?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kaid started rummaging through the dead man¡¯s clothes, finding exactly what he wanted: a key. More than likely, they used enchanted cuffs. Otherwise, all attempts to question Jessamine would¡¯ve been pointless.


    ¡°She¡¯s following behind this man, not in front. You think it¡¯s someone she knows or trusts?¡± Mara questioned, again. Kaid was almost getting tired of her questions, but if anyone knew Jess¡¯s reasonings, it would be him. Yet, even he didn¡¯t know.


    Whomever this man was, he was helping her, for whatever goddamn reason.


    ¡ª------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Jessamine limped in the sand, feeling her ankle drag across with soreness. Luckily it wasn¡¯t broken, otherwise she would have struggled greatly in crossing these dunes. But finally they reached solid rock, following a small mountain ridge. The man in front with blue eyes still took the lead, almost as if knowing where he was going. When they stopped at a small cave entrance, he glanced back at her


    But, he said nothing, only walking inside and checking if everything was clear. Jessamine could see nothing through the blackness of night, feet stumbling over loose chunks of rock. She debated picking one up for her protection. However if this man wanted to hurt her, he would have done so already. Besides, she was already beginning to piece this together. Those moments of familiarity were almost impossible.


    If Jessamine knew anything about this life, nothing was impossible.


    He pulled out a small pack from the corner, removing all items inside. Small blankets and a tent were included, minor bits of dried food, and two large flasks of water. This man came prepared. A fire was started on mere bundles of dry sticks for warmth, both of them eventually sitting across from it. Jessamine curled against the cave wall, her eyes watching him with a tight throat.


    His gait. His voice. His eyes. There was no denying it now.


    ¡°Is that all you have to say for yourself?¡± Jessamine asked, ¡°I know it¡¯s you¡­ Alec.¡±


    Alexander Kristopher Kruzika, heir to the Vitross throne, brother of Empress Jessamine Kruzika¡­the man presumed dead. The man who ran away from his throne, disappeared into the Continent like a coward. The man who left Jessamine to suffer under the hands of politicians, Payne, and most of all, the weight of a throne she never wanted. The man she wished would just come back, take what was his and rule as he pleased.


    But it wasn¡¯t a man¡¯s place to take away a woman¡¯s burdens. After all, they were mostly responsible for them. And now he had come back, at a place and time where Jessamine didn¡¯t want to give anything up. It was her throne now, and it would stay that way.


    He removed his head covering, revealing dirty-blonde hair, strong jawline (a Kruzika trait for sure), and a sly smile. He really hadn¡¯t changed much, outside of the normal maturity of life, the addition of wrinkles or tired eyes. The man in front of her was the same brother she remembered, only aged. Although, she figured she certainly had aged too since he last saw her.


    ¡°Little sis¡­how much you¡¯ve grown¡­¡±

 Nine

    The fire cracked into the dry wood loudly, trying to fill the void of silence between the two siblings. It was a small flame, just bright enough where she could see her brother¡¯s shadowed eyes. The fire still provided that aroma of smoke, similar to a campfire which sent Jessamine¡¯s thoughts briefly to escaping Caladin and enjoying a fireside chat with Kaid. Then, she was sitting side by side with him.


    With her brother, a man she grew up with, she kept her distance.


    Most people used Uhkhtar as a means to escape the Continent¡¯s rulers, find refuge, or hide from their consequences. Not Alec. No. His skin still looked too fair for the Uhkhtar sun to sting. The tribal garb shrouding himself was worn incorrectly. And, if Alec was anything like their father (his mentor)...then he too would have a distaste for Uhkhtarians or any foreigners of darker complexion.


    Unfortunately, there was no use in wondering. Jessamine would never know unless she asked. She just didn¡¯t know how much he¡¯d be willing to answer.


    ¡°Did you think I was dead?¡± Alec asked, the first to break the silence.


    ¡°There was a brief period I did, between moments of belief you were alive. When I slowly lost trust in Payne, the man who tried to convince everyone you were dead, I began to doubt it,¡± she answered softly, ¡°besides, you¡¯re a Kruzika. We¡¯re pretty decent at surviving¡­¡±


    Alec seemed to stiffen slightly at the mention of Payne. From what Jessamine could recall, they weren¡¯t really close. Alec seemed more intimidated by him than their father, and rightfully so. Payne always held a cautious, observing eye over Alec, as if he judged his every move.


    ¡°Glad that fucker is dead. He was always up to no good,¡± Alec sighed. His words stung probably more than intended.


    Jessamine scoffed, ¡°Yet you left me with him, left me to fend for myself.¡±


    ¡°And look how you¡¯ve handled it, quite spectacularly,¡± Alec complimented, a backhanded one at that.


    ¡°Why did you leave?¡±


    ¡°You know the answer to that, I left a note.¡±


    ¡°And I didn¡¯t believe it for a second. You are many things Alec. You were many things, to me. A coward¡­you weren¡¯t one,¡± Jessamine glared at him.


    Alec knew that she¡¯d be bitter about the past. He didn¡¯t realize she¡¯d be this bitter about it.


    ¡°If surviving is cowardly, then you and I are the same, aren¡¯t we?¡± he questioned gently.


    ¡°Surviving? Who or what did you believe was so dangerous as to leave everything and everyone you knew?¡± Jessamine asked, although the answer appeared in her mind the second after asking.


    You.


    Alec didn¡¯t say anything for a moment, taking a deep breath, ¡°I lapsed in judgment. With our father dead, it immediately made me heir to the throne. I became vulnerable and Payne took that vulnerability to the extreme. He convinced me I was next on your list, that if I wanted to sleep peacefully at night without fear-¡±


    ¡°Alec, I never would have hurt you,¡± Jessamine shook her head.


    ¡°You murdered our father, in his sleep-¡±


    ¡°And he murdered our mother!¡±


    ¡°That was the biggest flaw I saw in you¡­how much you relied on her. Ironic now, how much you look like her too. You even darkened your hair,¡± he shook his head, ¡°you¡¯re blinded by your love for her. You couldn¡¯t see what I saw, what father saw. Did you know she was a spy?¡±


    ¡°A coward and a liar¡­you really have changed,¡± Jessamine clenched her jaw.


    ¡°The Monnier¡¯s were losing money. Nobody was interested in their bullshit antiquities or historical artifacts anymore. The Monnier family was nothing but pirates, soon realizing their ocean domain shriveled up dry. How do you think Lungor always seemed one step ahead of father? How could they predict his movement even in the shadows? They paid the Monnier¡¯s a wealthy amount to send their most beautiful maiden to seduce a young Emperor¡­what better person than a woman who can control emotions through song.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± she shook her head. It made sense. There was a miniscule amount of belief in his sentences. There was always speculation Alexandria, their mother, could manipulate through song. Jessamine knew it to be true. All the nights the storms would scare her, or a vicious nightmare would overtake her as a child. And all it would take, was a soft song from her mother to lure her into a peaceful and calm sleep.


    The Monnier family wasn¡¯t innocent. She knew that. Nobody could live in this Continent and be pure.


    ¡°Father found out when he assigned Payne to monitor her communications with family. He was losing trust in her and Payne found all the evidence he needed.¡±


    ¡°He bashed her head into that fucking piano. I saw it with my own eyes, I saw it in his memories-¡±


    ¡°Yet you didn¡¯t see the bigger picture. She was providing Lungor information. That alone is treason. She was going to take you and flee to the Southern Isles where they¡¯d protect her. He was angry, rightfully so. That white hot anger you felt when you took the air from his lungs, it¡¯s the very same he must¡¯ve felt,¡± Alec explained, remaining remarkably calm.


    Alec was never very emotional. He was very up front and brutally honest, blunt¡­what some people might call an asshole. However as an Emperor, those were traits that were well liked because it instilled confidence and showed ¡®commendable¡¯ leadership. He had the gall to say what needed to be said and most of the time didn¡¯t care the tone in which he used.


    ¡°It was an accident¡­okay? I wished him dead, but I didn¡¯t mean to kill him. We all know he was different when he killed mother. He hardly spoke to any of us, he was a shell of what he used to be,¡± Jessamine whispered, averting her eyes towards the fire, ¡°a lot of people regret their first kill. A lot of people find that first kill to change their very nature. Few can say the first person they¡¯ve ever killed was their own father.¡±


    ¡°Do you regret it?¡± Alec asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Jessamine answered sincerely, ¡°No. I do not. I¡¯ve killed far more powerful men than my father, the same man that convinced you to leave. Do you regret leaving?¡±


    He hesitated, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°So why now? Why reveal yourself to me now and why are you even here? If all you¡¯re going to do is shove my mistakes in my face-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not my intention, Jess,¡± Alec shook his head, ¡°what happened tonight was a mistake. Shailud wasn¡¯t supposed to attack the convoy. I was acting undercover. Shailud and Pestilence were working together. Pestilence would gain information about your Guardian, in exchange, Shailud ¡®attacks¡¯ the convoy to rescue you. In rescuing you, he appears a hero and strengthens his notoriety on the Continent.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Jessamine hummed, figuring this was all pre-planned from the beginning. She felt so fucking foolish, thinking she could come here and help. They didn¡¯t want her help, not the kind she was offering. They were using her as leverage for their own political gain. ¡°You must be working for Lungor, then.¡±


    ¡°Yes. After the Time Paradox¡­they found me. Their plan was to use me as ransom, in case you got out of control. If you started going against them, they would have used me as leverage. I convinced them I was useful, so they sent me to infiltrate Pestilence¡¯s group and earn his trust. From there, I could monitor his movement and who he was targeting. When I found out his plan with Shailud, Vrah wanted me there to keep you safe.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I feel so safe with my fucked up ankle, torn dress, and stolen Oblivion,¡± she rolled her eyes, her voice laced with heavy sarcasm.


    ¡°If I had acted any sooner, my cover would be blown. Vrah needed me to ensure this happened. Once he got evidence of their treachery to steal his fiance¡­he¡¯d have real reason to get rid of Shailud. He wanted Shailud to get caught, to dethrone him. Isn¡¯t that what you wanted, someone else to lead these desperate, poor people into a better future?¡±


    So, that¡¯s why he proposed, or at least a small reason. Why didn¡¯t Vrah just tell her? Why didn¡¯t he trust her? It was the same reason she couldn¡¯t trust him. Jessamine didn¡¯t tell him everything, and for good reason. Their relationship was doomed from the start. A relationship had no room for deceit, for dishonesty or betrayal. That¡¯s probably why Jessamine was so bad at them.


    Jessamine remained silent, thinking about her Oblivion for the moment. If it was truly gone, she¡¯d have to cope somehow. She couldn¡¯t let anyone else know it had been taken. If her enemies knew, if her associates knew¡­they¡¯d take full advantage. Lying was something she was once good at. She just might have to master it once more.


    ¡°If Pestilence is killed, your Oblivion will be returned to you,¡± Alec assured her, noticing she wasn¡¯t saying anything.


    ¡°Why would Shailud kill him?¡± she asked, ¡°If they had a deal, why would he attack the train with full force? I heard the screams, I saw blood. That wasn¡¯t pretend.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Shailud doesn¡¯t like being told what to do. Maybe he¡¯s harboring that criminal too¡­this Kaid Al-Yami,¡± Alec muttered, perplexed by it as well. Everything about Kaid was frustratingly perplexing. Nobody knew this man¡¯s name three years ago. He was a nobody. And now, everyone knew what he had done, who he was¡­how much hurt he caused. Jessamine had let this man sit by her side, let him infiltrate and cause irreparable damage, nearly ruining her own reputation.


    Why? What did she see in him? Or was he just another one of Payne¡¯s schemes, only this one turned out wrong.


    Jessamine felt a tug in her heartstrings upon hearing his name once more, followed by a slight bitterness at the title criminal attached to it.


    ¡°He¡¯s not a criminal¡­¡± she retorted, gently.


    ¡°His failed liberation at Caladin proves otherwise.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t there. You don¡¯t know what it was like,¡± she whispered, before realizing that could be taken as she was there to help with said liberation (which she was), ¡°I was there for a few weeks with him, stuck in that prison. Everything you know about humanity, about survival, about¡­the nature of our reality, it gets proven wrong in a hell like that. It makes you change, for either better or for the worst.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve changed?¡± Alec asked. He had read the newspapers. While it had been mostly Lungor propaganda, he had heard all the deadly whispers about her. Any delegate found to be spying on her was killed. She tortured her own citizens.


    Alec already knew what she was capable of. First, Persephone, which turned into a righteous fuck-up. And then, she killed their father. He remembered the days she was so desperate to enter minds, to be one step ahead of everyone. She¡¯d know what he wanted to have for dinner before he could even tell a servant.


    Now? She fell into this trap, and he could see she felt ashamed, unprepared, and most of all, regretful. He felt bad for her. There was a part of her that he could see with his own eyes she was trying to do better. It reminded him of his mistake with Mattias. Alec knew he shouldn¡¯t have left him alone with her. Instead, he wanted to party, enjoy his evening with his friends.


    Such small fragments in time¡­if just one thing had changed, maybe none of this would have happened.


    ¡°So, what now?¡± Jessamine asked, ignoring his earlier question.


    ¡°I suppose we will make our way back to Kanaf, even better if we let Shailud find us. We should still try and stick to the original plan if possible,¡± Alec hummed.


    The plan I had no say in, Jessamine sighed at her own thoughts.


    She was tired. However, a part of her didn¡¯t want to sleep. She still had so many questions, but she was sick of his answers. None of this was exactly his fault. If Lungor had found him, then surely they blackmailed him. He was here, which meant deep down, despite everything, he still cared.


    And so did she. She always had. She cared for her family, even though she was one of the reasons why it was destroyed. But maybe, just maybe, there was a chance to at least make peace with her brother.


    ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll keep watch,¡± he whispered, seeing the exhaustion in her eyes.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    She didn¡¯t say anything in fear in her tiredness and bitterness she¡¯d say something she would regret. So, she leaned against the cave wall at a smooth enough portion to brace her back against. Despite being an Empress, she didn¡¯t mind moments like these where there was lack of comfort. Such moments made her feel human, made her feel just as normal as any of her subjects. Besides, she was so exhausted she was sure it didn¡¯t matter what she slept on at this point.


    The last thoughts on her mind before drifting away was about her mother. Maybe what Alec said was true. Either way, would that diminish the love Jessamine had shared with her? Would it change the height of the pedestal Jessamine put her mother on?


    No. She had to believe the answer was no.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------


    Kaid took the moment to catch his breath, climbing up the steep side of the cliffside. The view was probably stunning during a sunset from here. However the only orange glow that resided right now was from the distant fire from the continuing burn from that train. It wasn¡¯t until he noticed more faint orange glows moving, that clearly someone was out looking for them.


    ¡°We¡¯re being followed,¡± Mara pointed out, seeing him nod, ¡°which means we should keep moving once we find the Empress.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. She¡¯s most likely exhausted but it will be better to move at night rather than under this scorching sun. The wind is still strong. If we move quick enough, it might cover our tracks in certain areas,¡± Kaid concurred.


    ¡°And what then?¡±


    ¡°You know me, I don¡¯t really plan for these things,¡± Kaid sighed, knowing that was one of his faults. Same as he had with Caladin, he had an objective in mind. How he got there, there was no question what he¡¯d do to succeed. One thing he always failed to plan for was what he¡¯d do after he succeeded. For a man who could see blinks of time before anyone else, foresight wasn¡¯t exactly a long strong suit. He could only see what was in the moment.


    ¡°I suppose we have to sneak her back into Kanaf. Sabine could help, depending on who¡¯s side she¡¯s on,¡± Mara suggested, ¡°Jessamine should get portaled back as soon as possible to Vitross, for safety''s sake. If our cover isn¡¯t blown-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s blown. Sabine knows.¡±


    ¡°How¡­?¡± Mara asked, wondering how that was even possible.


    ¡°I-I messed up. Shailud must¡¯ve told her more specifics about who they were looking for and I got caught up staring at Jessamine at the party. She accused me of knowing her and I just¡­she said my name, not Musa, and I replied. I didn¡¯t even realize until it was too late.¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell, Kaid. Really?¡± Mara clenched her jaw, ¡°I spent a good year and a half hiding us here, building a solid reputation and it gets soiled by you eye-fucking Jessamine.¡±


    Kaid remained silent, knowing it was his fault. He hadn¡¯t seen her in two years. It didn¡¯t matter what she was wearing, where they were at, he would have looked at her like that regardless. And it wasn¡¯t eye-fucking, whatever that meant. He just missed the sight of her. She was the morning sun. She was the promise of another day. Some days it would be covered by clouds, shrouded in darkness, but she still held her radiance.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Mara apologized, ¡°That was harsh.¡±


    ¡°No, you were right. My decisions don¡¯t just affect me. They affect you and Kai. I should have been more careful,¡± he disagreed. He had a lot to think about. What would happen after they found Jessamine? Surely they¡¯d have to go separate ways. All of them. Kaid could no longer keep putting Mara in danger. His very existence put the woman he loved in danger.


    Things would have been so different if he just died.


    Things would have been so much better if he had, for everyone.


    They remained silent after their final climb, following the footprints in the sand before it became solid rock. Luckily, a very faint glow of a fire in a cave was just the sign they needed. Kaid was about to step with more fervor, before being pulled away and hiding behind a rock.


    The other man accompanied by Jessamine had left the cave, glancing up at the night sky for a moment before at the peak of the mountain. He studied the rocks, trying to find the best way to the top. For what? Recon? Signal to the others his position? He started his climb up, leaving Jessamine alone. This was their best shot.


    ¡°I can move there using time, he won¡¯t hear or see me. You stay here and keep an eye on him,¡± Kaid whispered, looking at Mara.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this plan. What happens if he starts making his way down?¡± Mara questioned.


    ¡°No time to think. Just do,¡± Kaid smiled softly, knowing that was kind of his motto. Of course it was different for him. He had all the time in the world to slow and bend to think, to plan carefully in moments of urgent danger. If something happened, he¡¯d defend himself.


    But if Jessamine seemed to have a slither of trust, following this man into the desert, then Kaid should trust that as well. Mara said nothing further, which Kaid took as his cue to continue with the plan. It was a mere blink and he was already in the cave. Long gone were the days where blinking so quickly like that in time would give him a headache. He did it so often that it was mere muscle memory, like it even stimulated his brain.


    Kaid quietly tiptoed in the cave, seeing Jessamine curled up in the corner asleep. He didn¡¯t want to startle her, in case any noise would echo loud enough for the stranger to hear. That elegant dress she wore was torn, one large hole at her hip, the other¡¯s all over the place in small cuts. Her hair was disheveled. Her wrists were still bound by those cuffs, which Kaid figured he could offer as a peace exchange with the key.


    What if she was mad? What if she really did hate him? Mara told him that wasn¡¯t the case, but what if this was another trick? She could betray him again. She had nothing to lose now. Nothing. She could hurt him, just as badly as she had before. His heart still felt muted throbs from the pain she had caused him, nearly tearing it in two.


    What if she still loved him?


    Kaid bent down slowly, inches away from her to observe her gently. Her heart rate was slow and steady, although it wouldn¡¯t be for long.


    Jessamine awoke harshly to a hand clasped against her lips, wanting to mute any sound. One hand gripped that wrist, the other reaching around the floor around her to find a loose rock to utilize as a weapon, if necessary. But before she could bash the rock curled into her palm into the side of her head, she felt it.


    It: it being the feeling of a watch on his wrist. She felt it beneath his attire, right at the cuff.


    Anyone could have a watch these days, anyone rich enough to afford them. Yet, it was too great a coincidence. His body covered the dim fire, only making him a black shadow to blend in with his surroundings. Yet, she could not see any reflection of a blade in his hands.


    Jessamine calmed her racing heart, although it wanted to accelerate even faster with adrenaline for a different reason. She dropped the rock in her hand, relaxing her muscles. It was him. It had to be him. All signs pointed to him. When Kaid felt her relax, seeing a glimmer of hope in her eyes, he figured it was best to answer her.


    ¡°Are you alright, my Empress?¡± he asked quietly, dropping his hand from her lips cautiously, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    It was him. That voice. That same soft, compassionate voice that held a deepness to its complexity. She didn¡¯t even know how to respond. What could she say to make up for all these two years? She hadn¡¯t even had the chance to make a formal apology to him, to try and make up for everything she fucked up on. Jessamine didn¡¯t want to ruin a moment like this with such pity.


    She immediately moved her wrists together to wrap her arms over his head, embracing him tightly. It was all she felt she could do, was to hold him and never let go. Kaid stiffened slightly, not exactly expecting that reaction, but he immediately melted into it just as quickly as she had. His hand rested firmly on her back, feeling the ridges of her spine even through her dress.


    He wanted nothing more than to hold her, and keep holding her. But there wasn¡¯t much time.


    ¡°That was you. That was you on the train,¡± Jessamine whispered, finally realizing that. It hadn¡¯t been Shailud, which contradicted the logic in their plan. This¡­ this was much more logical. A man doing whatever it took to rescue his Empress, dislodging a train from its tracks and setting the entire thing ablaze. That was Kaid¡¯s style. He¡¯d destroy the whole world for her.


    He already had.


    ¡°Jess, are you alright?¡± he asked again, pulling back slightly to look at her further. It was hard with the fire, so close to burning out to really see if she was okay. He needed more than just assurance from her lips to know for sure.


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± she repeated with a nod, moving her hands from behind him to let one cup his cheek. Mara was right when she said he had shaved. She felt nothing but a smooth jaw, an odd sensation to compare to him. It was so different compared to his rugged beard, but different wasn¡¯t always a bad thing. Her fingers drifted up into his hair, curls cut much shorter, yet felt thicker, healthier, and more prevalent. She didn¡¯t need to see all of him to know he was hardy, blooming¡­healthy, compared to the last time she saw him.


    Many things had changed. Appearances. Locations. Their stature in the Continent, reputations still wavering with every decision.


    One thing hadn¡¯t changed.


    Jessamine pressed her forehead to his momentarily, as if wanting their souls to connect and respond to one another. Yet she pulled back slightly soon after, not knowing if his feelings had changed. Just because she felt as strongly as before, if not stronger, didn¡¯t mean she could assume he felt the same. Yet, Kaid leaned back forward, feeling the tip of his broad nose brush hers. All felt right. Life these past two years felt so disjointed, so chaotic, plunged into darkness. Nothing felt more right than being in each other¡¯s arms once more.


    It was then, escaping her grogginess and overall joy Kaid was here, that she remembered the most devastating truth, ¡°Kaid, he took my Oblivion.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t hide that truth from him. It was something she wouldn¡¯t want anyone else knowing. Despite not seeing him for two years, she trusted him with that information. She had to trust him. He was the only one not able to be affected by her Oblivion anyways. If anyone could assure her life would go on, it would be him.


    The way she said that, Kaid felt his heart stop. She believed it. She spoke a truth she didn¡¯t want to admit. Her voice held a fearful tremble in it, despite the firm hand still cupping his cheek. She had accepted it, but Kaid had not.


    ¡°No. We don¡¯t know for sure,¡± he shook his head, moving his hand away from her to find the key in his pockets, ¡°Here, move closer to the fire. I have the key.¡±


    This key would determine if she was still a mind witch or not. It would not determine anything else: her worth, her beauty, her darkness, or her power. Kaid could not let that be so.


    Kaid inserted the key into her left wrist lock, feeling it jam. The sound of a roaring flame was heard, sending light into the tunnel behind him. Mara. Before Kaid could even glance up to the entrance, he felt a force slam into his side directly into the cave ground.


    Fists hit for his head missed, Kaid able to slow enough time to block the blows or feel sharp passing wind at each missed strike. The man had him pinned, caught him by surprise. There was fury behind each one, an unbridled rage carried by the weight of adrenaline and fear. If this man missed and hit the rocky ground beneath Kaid, he doubted he¡¯d even feel it. The man was a wild animal in human form, feeling a fervent need to prove himself in this world of survival.


    ¡°Stop! Don¡¯t hurt him!¡± Jessamine shouted, getting the first cuff unlocked. It was difficult to unlock the second. With how dim the cave was, she couldn¡¯t exactly tell who was who on that cave floor. All she could hear was the sound of flesh pounding flesh, groans from either physical exertion or a blow being exchanged back. Kaid was fighting back, rightfully so, hearing her own brother release shocked sounds at being hit back.


    Kaid felt the hairs on his arms raise, his adrenaline spiking when he heard a blade unsheath. He felt the weight from his usurper emerald blade disappear from his hip, knowing his assailant now had it in his position. From there, time froze.


    Jessamine was still struggling with her cuffs. There wasn¡¯t much she could do without them off. She was far away from doing any real damage and with minimal lighting, she was hesitant to strike fearing she¡¯d hurt the wrong person. Mara was running in from the entrance, still too far away. And she wouldn¡¯t dare throw a flame not knowing who would be on the receiving end.


    Kaid pulled himself forward in small increments through time, wanting a glimpse of his future. From there, only two choices remained, only two he could see. Kaid could immediately gain leverage, overpower the man and roll away from his strike with precision. His assailant would miss his angled strike meant to cut Kaid¡¯s throat. Instead, he¡¯d fall on the blade himself as his strike would have overreached without contact, killing him before ever grazing Kaid. That result seemed much more favorable.


    ¡°Alec, stop! Get off him! He¡¯s a friend,¡± Jessamine begged as Kaid blinked back in time.


    Alec. Alexander Kruzika.


    The words alone made Kaid stop time once more, realizing the weight of his situation. His assailant was the brother of Jessamine, which began to explain why and how she seemed to trust him. Alec had saved her presumably after the wrecked train, and now, he was trying to fulfill a protective promise he had failed in the past. The same kind of failure Kaid had experienced with Mara, one he¡¯d give anything to repay if given the chance.


    Kaid couldn¡¯t kill him. That wasn¡¯t an option. He had killed so many mindlessly in the past to save Jessamine, that doing this wouldn¡¯t save her. He knew how much Jessamine would care for her brother. Nothing could be more devastating than reuniting with him, only to be killed by falling on a blade to bleed out in this cave. Jessamine held enough torment in her life these past twelve hours, adding the last of her family to be slaughtered¡­Kaid couldn¡¯t bear the weight of that responsibility.


    That only left the second option.


    Kaid felt a sense of dread, awaiting a punishment he wasn¡¯t sure if he deserved. But it was one he had seen coming, in flashes or glimpses he didn¡¯t understand then. He understood now. Blood had to be spilt. He saw no other option. It was this or murder, even though he could justify it being self defense.


    All actions have consequences. It was the unintended ones that seemed to haunt the man that could control time. He believed this route to be the best course, the only way they could all see this through, the way to truly survive.


    Silly of him to think they all deserved a happy ending.


    Jessamine finally got that last cuff off, shaking it off her sore wrist. It was then that she felt it, she felt the panicked thoughts bouncing off the cavern walls in a nightmare. She could feel Mara¡¯s adrenaline heighten, controlled by her fear that Kaid was hurt. She could even feel the slightest of fear from her brother, realizing the man beneath him was stronger than he first thought.


    Her Oblivion. It wasn¡¯t gone. Whether Kaid had killed Pestilence or he truly didn¡¯t take hers, it didn¡¯t matter.


    Before she had enough energy to plunge into her brother¡¯s mind to force him off, given she couldn¡¯t even access Kaid, she heard the worst sound of her life: agony. Agony from the man she loved. Kaid let out a deep scream that bounced off the cavern walls, the vibrations strong enough to tear at Jessamine¡¯s heart with fear. She had never heard him shout like that before, his scream followed by other smaller ones, sucking in his breath to try and remain quiet.


    ¡°GET OFF HIM!¡±


    Alec immediately felt himself pull back against his will, dropping the blood drenched blade to the floor. The sweat from his adrenaline froze with fear, realizing just how easily his sister had controlled him, accessed his mind. The Jessamine he knew and remembered needed time to do something like that. This Jessamine¡­this Empress, powerful mind-witch¡­she could do it in mere seconds. The cuffs had hardly slowed her down.


    Mara lit the cave with two flames, one meant to illuminate, the other aimed for Alec who instigated this entire fight. Her heart pounded in distress. Kaid had fought alongside her with Payne, and not once did he scream at all the strikes held against him. Pain for him always felt muted, something he had grown used to in Caladin. This¡­this was something he had accepted. This was something he couldn¡¯t turn back from.


    Jessamine stumbled her way towards Kaid, only to feel warm blood as she braced her hands on the floor beside him. Fire reflected off the crimson with a strange golden glow. It was a sight she never wanted to see, his own blood pooling beside him. Her hands trembled, wanting to find the source of his pain and relieve it in any way she could. She never wanted to hear him in pain, not like this. Anger surged in her heart, but it wasn¡¯t as strong as her worry. Help him, and then let that anger explode. He was her only priority right now.


    Whatever ailment came to him, surely they could fix this.


    It wasn¡¯t until her eyes adjusted to the light of the flames that she saw the source of his torment, the consequence of her brother¡¯s action¡­the beginning of this new chapter in life:


    That odd golden glow was Kaid¡¯s watch, still firmly attached to his left hand which had been cut clean off just below the wrist.

 Ten

    Alec clasped the cap on his canteen tightly, wanting to ensure all the water he just collected wouldn¡¯t seep out in their journey. What was supposed to be this emergency journey for two, was now for four. He had to conserve as much water as he could, despite this heat. He hated this fucking heat. He hated the sand constantly in his boots or in his mouth, tasting like gritty nothing.


    What he hated most, though, was Kaid Al-Yami.


    He should have killed him. In fact, he would have if his sister hadn¡¯t intervened. Even if it went against his mission, the man deserved to die. Hundreds of men with lesser crimes were beheaded or hung, yet this man walked free. There was still minor satisfaction when Alec was able to see the blood seep from his amputated hand. He only wished it had been his right wrist, his dominant hand that he had cut off.


    Alec was a tracker, although his prey was now more human than animalistic. To him, they were one in the same. Trackers used to assist hunters in a good hunt, now, he had become the hunter himself. Alec didn¡¯t need to follow a trail of blood, a pile of bodies, or even minor footsteps in the sands to track this man. His scent was strong, diabolical¡­like sewage laying out in the hot sun.


    When the Time Paradox happened, his stench was everywhere. Although, Alec was unable to pinpoint its origin at the time. His reversal of time touched every corner of the Continent, meaning the smell of his usage of Oblivion to track was expansive. The stench was so overwhelming, Alec believed it had been months until he could finally breathe fresh air. Some days, he almost thought Kaid was tracking him when he could smell the malodour in the wind.


    It was most likely just in his head, though.


    When he was scouting last night, he didn¡¯t imagine it. It was so close. Whatever he had used his Oblivion for, to sneak into the cave or possibly hurt his sister¡­there was no denying he was there. Rage had overtaken him. He didn¡¯t even care if his fiery accomplice set him afire. He would have let the fire burn his flesh if it meant making a scratch on Kaid Al-Yami.


    What he had not expected was Jessamine¡¯s irrational behavior. He watched as she panicked over him. She laid in the pool of blood with him, as if it were an afternoon dip in the beach that Alec remembered they used to do as kids. While Alec had relished in Kaid¡¯s screams of pain, as the raven-haired woman cauterized his wound with fire¡­he saw guilt and fear in his sister¡¯s eyes. He saw pain.


    If he were to hurt Kaid Al-Yami, somehow, it meant hurting his sister.


    How it got to be this way, how the two strangers had intertwined like two trees with connected roots¡­he wasn¡¯t sure. Vrah did not give him many specifics, but had mentioned they must have hated each other. They had betrayed one another, and Alec knew of Kaid¡¯s betrayal in ruining the alliance with Lungor. Caladin had ruined that. Jessamine even confirmed that on the train that she hated him.


    So why did she act like that last night? Act like this?


    Jessamine sat under a shaded palm away from the sun, her body angled towards the small camping tent where Kaid rested in case she saw movement. She cradled her own knees, her feet firmly planted in the sand, and her head buried in a state of pity. Alec almost thought she had fallen asleep in that position but he noticed she rocked herself, as if trying to soothe whatever emotion overcame her.


    ¡°Here, drink,¡± Alec spoke softly to her as he walked over, ¡°you should stay hydrated.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she refuted, but did glance up at him. Her eyes looked red, not as if she had cried, but as if she exerted so much more energy to prevent herself from crying.


    ¡°Jessamine, I¡­¡± he paused. He wouldn¡¯t apologize. No, they couldn¡¯t force one out of him, ¡°I thought he was there to hurt you.¡±


    ¡°I told you to stop. He stopped fighting you, you know that right? He wouldn¡¯t have hurt you,¡± Jessamine shook her head, not believing that.


    ¡°Tell that to my black eye,¡± Alec grunted, his left eye still half lidded from when Kaid had slammed his knuckle into it.


    ¡°You should rest,¡± Jessamine demanded. Despite Alec having not had a wink of sleep in the past twenty-four hours, he didn¡¯t feel exhausted. He knew that was his sister¡¯s way of telling him to fuck off, though.


    The tent opened slightly and Jessamine looked up with hopeful eyes, but only saw Mara. The desert sun was still hot, high in the late afternoon and the wink of a few hours of sleep didn¡¯t do any justice. As much as Mara liked Uhkhtar, Kanaf especially, she hated this heat. Coming from a colder region, sometimes this region felt like hell.


    If hell was a fiery pit like everyone thought. Kaid had mentioned something about hell being a black, shadowy void. She didn¡¯t know if she believed that either.


    Kaid. Throughout her sleep she had heard his painful whimpers or mumbles in his own rest. Guilt hit her with each one. She should have killed that man, engulfed him in flames. Now, he stood practically untouched in front of Jessamine. How the hell she didn¡¯t kill him either, Mara didn¡¯t know.


    She remembered his painful screams. What she remembered most, which made all of this worse, was the smell of his burnt flesh from having to stop the bleeding. It didn¡¯t stop his screams in the slightest.


    ¡°If we leave as the sun begins to lower, we should arrive in Chebi within a few hours,¡± Mara pointed out, her hand resting firmly on the handle of her blade as she approached them.


    ¡°We should be making our way back to Kanaf,¡± Alec insisted, ¡°Instead, you drag us through the desert away from there.¡±


    ¡°Like I said before, we are getting to Kanaf, just another way around through the caravan routes. We will blend in much easier there. And we couldn¡¯t stay in that cave last night, we were being followed. We probably still are.¡±


    Mara and Jessamine had to practically drag Kaid through the sand. He was still somewhat conscious as he stumbled in his own steps, but he hadn¡¯t said a word. The tiredness and blood loss had drained him completely, and dragging a well built, grown man through sand was a dreadful experience. But, Kaid was her friend. Her best friend. And she¡¯d do anything for him, like he was her own brother from her own tribe.


    ¡°She¡¯s right. It¡¯s the best idea. If Shailud is following our tracks, that means we will make it back to Kanaf before him,¡± Jessamine agreed with Mara. What they¡¯d all do when they got there, she wasn¡¯t sure. She didn¡¯t know what she¡¯d do when she saw Shailud, one of the men responsible for this chaos. All to act like a hero. Anyone who acted like a hero wasn¡¯t deserving of the title. Only the men and women who plunged themselves into danger, into the unthinkable without second thought¡­those were heroes.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any money,¡± Alec grunted, trying to find any excuse to go against this plan.


    Mara grabbed the coin purse from her belt, tossing it into the sand near Jessamine¡¯s feet, ¡°This should be enough for beds, new clothes, and transportation. While it is gold, and everyone here uses paper currency, it should still work. Those raiders last night took it from your treasury, figured we would put it to better use than them.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mara,¡± Jessamine spoke sincerely, her voice cracked and dry.


    ¡°You know, we wouldn¡¯t be in this mess if you hadn¡¯t attacked the train,¡± Alec crossed his arms.


    ¡°Excuse me!?¡± Mara scowled.


    ¡°Alec. Don¡¯t. They were there when the entire city wall blew up. They witnessed an attack on their friends. Kaid and Mara were just trying to protect me,¡± Jessamine warned him.


    ¡°Yeah, and you cut his fucking hand off,¡± Mara added, tempted to unsheath her dagger slightly.


    ¡°I thought he was trying to hurt my sister! You can¡¯t fault me for that!¡± Alec shouted, raising his voice.


    ¡°Oh, so now you want to be my brother!? Your plan failed, accept that. You thought you could just sit there and play in the shadows, allow me to get hurt and only rescue me when it benefitted you. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve been to you, not some sister, just a fucking person to talk to when you got too lonely enough!¡± Jessamine rose to her feet, face to face with her brother, ¡°And now, you come back and think I¡¯ll just welcome you back with open arms!?¡±


    ¡°And all you had to do was tell Pestilence where the fuck your Lord Protector was!¡± Alec seethed, ¡°It¡¯s your fault we¡¯re in this mess.¡±


    Jessamine felt her breath surge with fury, about to say something she¡¯d regret just as Alec had, but a voice was loud enough to interrupt their frustrated shouts.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Kaid exclaimed, his voice causing all three heads to turn towards him. He looked like a mess. His hair was disheveled, dark circles around his eyes, blood stained everywhere across his clothes and his skin. His arm was wrapped securely against his shoulder, secured by his own kaftan cloth to stop any excess bleeding or further use of his arm. He looked desecrated, fucked up by the unforeseen hells that this life liked to penetrate humanity with.


    Kaid thought when he awoke, he¡¯d feel this¡­loss. After all, he lost something important to him, an extension of himself he took for granted. A hand was an overlooked tool used in everyday life, and he just lost one. His mother didn¡¯t speak to him in the Void while he slept. Nobody did. He thought someone would be there to throw it all in his face. No. He didn¡¯t need someone to tell him that.


    Kaid lost his hand as a punishment, and he was beginning to feel he deserved it for all his unintended consequences. The only thing that bothered him the most, was that he didn¡¯t know where his watch was.


    ¡°Alec was just trying to protect you, Jessamine. We cannot fault him for that. We¡¯ve all done worse for the people we care about,¡± Kaid lowered his tone, walking over. Jessamine¡¯s worried eyes tracked his every movement. Despite his rugged and ravaged appearance, he walked with his head high and with confidence. Somehow, this didn¡¯t seem to phase him.


    That was what she missed most about him, what she felt like she had been missing. She knew there was always something about him, something she couldn¡¯t quite put into words, but it was just how at ease she could feel upon his presence. All anxious worries, insecurities, fear for the future that beheld her¡­that all faded when they could stand, breathing side by side, as if they needed each other¡¯s oxygen to really live.


    Alec said nothing, looking a bit surprised Kaid didn¡¯t seem upset at all about the hand. Alec was expecting some sort of vengeance, anger at such a dishonorable fight. He lost his hand with his own blade, a peculiar blade at that. Regardless, Alec would not apologize. He was right. He was only trying to protect his sister. Instead, he walked to his pack and pulled out a small bundle of cloth, tossing it towards them. Mara caught it, glaring at him. Mara didn¡¯t like the way Alec looked at her friend.


    He looked at Kaid as if he knew him, as if they passed the hallways in Caladin together and somehow Kaid had wronged him. She didn¡¯t like that look at all.


    Alec retreated into the tent, knowing there was nothing he could do but sleep. He had to wait. He couldn¡¯t make the same mistake as before and strike so quickly, not anymore with his sister¡¯s watchful eyes. He¡¯d have to plan, he¡¯d have to blend in like the spy he became to be. An opportunity would come to him, it may not be soon, but he¡¯d find an opening to take what he wanted.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Jessamine asked, her voice soft as her eyes looked at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± he nodded. Mara felt like that was a lie. He was in pain, but like always¡­Kaid wasn¡¯t one to really show it. Caladin had taught him to hide his pain, and even in front of Jessamine he¡¯d continue to do so.


    ¡°Jessamine, why don¡¯t you redress his wounds? I get a bit¡­nauseous at these kinds of things,¡± Mara lied, handing her the bandages. She wanted to give the two of them time alone, and this might be the best excuse at doing so. Jessamine appreciated the notion.


    She left them in slight silence, wandering off towards the small river to clean her own dirt or dried blood, leaving the two to gaze at each other.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Jessamine paused, not really knowing what to say, ¡°she did mention you cut your hair. And shaved. You look almost ten years younger.¡±


    Kaid softly chuckled at that, not expecting it, ¡°It is different, I know. You don¡¯t like it, do you?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Jessamine shook her head, ¡°You look fine. More than fine. The beard covers up that strong jaw of yours. I¡¯m just¡­not used to it, that¡¯s all.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    As long as he didn¡¯t shave or trim what was beneath his clothes, then she¡¯d be fine. A faint blush rushed to her cheeks, but Kaid couldn¡¯t tell if the sun had just kissed her cheeks with a soft burn or if she had caused it herself.


    ¡°It grows back fairly quickly, I have to shave it practically every day,¡± Kaid didn¡¯t believe her. Yet, she still looked at him with those soft, blue, almost doe-like eyes, as if her pupils still dilated at the sight of him.


    They sat in the shade, Jessamine helping remove the makeshift sling before unwrapping the bloodied cloth. Kaid winced maybe once or twice, but she could tell from the way he grit his teeth or the tightness in his neck, that he was truly in pain. He didn¡¯t have to be brave around her. There was nothing cowardly about showing pain, but she felt maybe he didn¡¯t trust her fully to be vulnerable again.


    When she took the wrappings off, she accidentally let out a small noise at the sight. It looked awful. The burns, while necessary, perhaps made the cut worse than it actually was. Bone was still slightly visible amidst the flesh. She couldn¡¯t believe this happened. She shouldn¡¯t have let this happen.


    ¡°Jessamine, I¡¯m sorry for-¡± Kaid spoke but was immediately interrupted.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize for anything,¡± she assured him, but noticed a determined look in his eyes.


    ¡°Can you let me finish?¡± he asked very gently. He wasn¡¯t frustrated at her interruption in the slightest, figuring she¡¯d say something along those lines. She was always one to excuse his actions, only because she understood where he was coming from. This, though, there were no proper excuses for what he had done. Jessamine silently nodded, beginning to wrap his wrist and forearm with the clean cloth. She figured the talking would distract him from the tight wrappings.


    ¡°What I did¡­all of it, I apologize for. I never meant to hurt you. I broke my vow, as both your Guardian and¡­.¡± he paused, unable to say the word lover, ¡°I was afraid Mara was right. I always knew you were hiding something but I trusted you. It wasn¡¯t until she told me of that doubt that I let it consume me. I let my hate for Caladin consume me. Had any man done what I did to you, he deserves nothing but a painful death. I should have confided in you. Now, I¡¯ve destroyed everything we tried to build.¡±


    ¡°You did no such thing,¡± she whispered, shaking her head.


    ¡°Jess, I wrapped my hand around your throat. I watched the light of life leave your eyes. For that alone, there should be no forgiveness,¡± he disagreed.


    Jessamine gently laid his injured hand on her bent knee, grabbing his right hand with both of her own. She let the hand wrap around her throat, her eyes glancing directly into his.


    ¡°Could you imagine doing it again?¡± she questioned, wanting to see the truth in her eyes. It was one thing to feel betrayed, to feel white hot anger. Kaid only did what he did to prove a point, not kill her. That she firmly believed in. He wanted her to use her Oblivion against him, to prove all those doubts in his head right. The horror in his eyes at ever thinking of doing such a thing to her again made him immediately shake his head. And that alone was all the answer she needed.


    ¡°Never,¡± he answered, seeing her nod and lower his hand. Despite the rough past day, her fingers still felt so soft brushing over his knuckles.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I needed to hear, then,¡± Jessamine assured before taking a deep breath, ¡°now, it¡¯s my turn to apologize.¡±


    ¡°Jess-¡±


    ¡°Will you let me finish?¡± she asked this time, with a bit of that humorous sass she held. Kaid couldn¡¯t help but smile, knowing he shouldn¡¯t interrupt her either before nodding.


    ¡°What you did, in comparison to me, is nothing. You might disagree, as one action was more inherently violent than the other. But you¡¯re wrong. I knew from the very beginning who you were. I knew you were Kaid Al-Yami, I knew you could control time before even using it to protect me. I went in to get you out of Caladin. I wanted something to put Emperor Bashir¡¯s balls in a vice, make him act in a way he¡¯d regret. I figured the son nobody knew about was a good start. Well, it was all Payne¡¯s idea. I first thought the plan wasn¡¯t going to work, as you read by that¡­letter. I wanted war knowing I¡¯d win. Yet when I met you, war became an impossible idea


    ¡°The plan was for you to admire me, at best even fall in love with me. What the plan didn¡¯t account for was me falling in love with you first. Before you even thought about kissing me that night of my birthday, I spent those two months alone wanting you. That said, I betrayed you. I was scared, scared that once you knew you¡¯d become my enemy, that I¡¯d break your heart and you¡¯d break mine shortly thereafter. I was so selfish. And that made me feel like¡­I never really changed, that deep down I¡¯d always be so fucking selfish. I felt the same woman I was before I met you. I finally had what I wanted and I didn¡¯t want to let it slip through my fingers. But you did, you did slip through my fingers and because of my actions, you almost left this world too. I¡¯m sorry Kaid. I would take it back, for anything, but I can¡¯t. So if there is anything I can do to make up for it, please, tell me.¡±


    He almost died because of her. That kind of weight on her shoulders at first might have hindered her, but she had to truly believe she could change. She had to change, all because of him, or rather the truth he revealed to her. It was the least she could do in his favor. It was all she could do to try to make things right. And that was not to make herself feel better. This apology was not for herself. He didn¡¯t have to forgive her, he didn¡¯t have to forgive anyone that wronged him.


    Kaid took a deep breath, releasing a hum of content. When Jessamine looked into his eyes, the soft brown gleamed in the sunlight, issuing a golden honey glow of forgiveness and understanding.  Those same eyes when she told him about her history, how she killed her father and how Alec left. Those same eyes when she eventually revealed his history and legacy. Those same eyes when she held him in her lap. Forgiveness. What is this kind of forgiveness if not unconditional love?


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you,¡± he finally replied. A soft, surprised laugh left her lips. That¡¯s it? She was expecting anger, or even just questions upon questions about her betrayal. Of course the truth had revealed itself with Payne but¡­she thought he¡¯d want to know more about her decisions, her awful decisions at that.


    She remembered the moment she spent nearly two months apart, avoiding him in Vitross, afraid of her own love for him. And then they sat on that sea wall together and she had said the very same thing: she missed him, greatly. Two months had turned into two years, and it almost didn¡¯t feel any different. There was still chaos of the unknown. There was still a sliver of doubt that maybe their feelings couldn¡¯t return with such fervor. Their responsibilities in this life would always get in the way of what their hearts demanded.


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too. It¡¯s good to see you,¡± she agreed, still holding his hand in her lap, ¡°I wish it had been under better circumstances.¡±


    He had an amused look on his face, odd with all the circumstances and misery surrounding him before grabbing her hand to shake gently, ¡°Hi. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. I¡¯m Kaid Al-Yami.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she laughed, feeling her heart lift in just the lightness he gave her.


    ¡°Starting over, isn¡¯t that what people do? I say, we start over, make a new chapter, forget about the old one. Make a second draft¡­so to speak,¡± he explained.


    ¡°Alright. Kaid Al-Yami, that¡¯s a strong name,¡± she amused him, squeezing his hand back, ¡°I¡¯m Jess. Jessamine Kruzika.¡±


    ¡°Empress Jessamine Alexis Kruzika,¡± he corrected her with a slow bow of his head, seeing her roll her eyes.


    ¡°Lord Protector Kaid Al-Yami,¡± she corrected him in return, seeing a bit of shock on his face.


    ¡°I¡­I thought after everything I did that¡­¡± he trailed off.


    ¡°Hm, there¡¯s only three ways a Guardian is no longer a Guardian. One: he resigns and steps down himself. Two: he betrays his Empire and is tried with treason. Three: he is deceased. As far as I know, none of those three things have happened,¡± she clarified, moving back to finish wrapping his injured hand, ¡°you should know that. I believe that was in that Guardian Rulebook you were so heavily obsessed with reading.¡±


    Kaid watched as she wrapped his wound, feeling the blanket of comfort with each new layer of clean cloth. It was beyond painful, but slowing time in between allowed him to recover from each sting. It wasn¡¯t just his arm that was beginning to heal, but his heart. He had lived in fear these past two years for so long, thinking she had hated him, that he ruined everything for her. Maybe that was still the case, that his actions heavily burdened her rule, heavier than the ceremonial crown she¡¯d wear.


    ¡°Not the same book that prohibited relationships between a Guardian and his Ruler¡­it can¡¯t be that same book,¡± he teased, humor in his eyes, a twinge of a smile on his lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know of any other,¡± she bemused, her attention now solely focused on wrapping his arm. If she focused on anything else, like the amusement in his voice, that lightness in his eyes, or the rough look of his lips¡­she¡¯d have to consume him. While they had agreed to start over, there was still a lingering doubt they could go back to the way things were. The truth was, perhaps they couldn¡¯t.


    She finished the tight wraps, seeing a few rapid blinks in his eye as she tucked the tail into the rest to secure it. He was in pain and he couldn¡¯t hide it from her. Jessamine knew him hiding it had nothing to do with masculine bravado or this need to feel strong around her. There had been plenty of times he hadn¡¯t been resilient like this, weeping in her arms¡­that was true strength. When she finally let go of his arm, he noticed on the inside of her wrist was a deep dark bruise, but not the ones from rope burn.


    The fingers of his right hand glided across it, as if the rough padding of his thumb could soothe it.


    ¡°Pestilence was rather rough with his torture,¡± Jessamine noted, seeing the worry in his eyes. She was sore practically everywhere, especially on the cheekbone where she had been harshly slapped, and her ankle. Although that surprisingly felt a bit better today.


    ¡°No, this was Vrah,¡± Kaid saw right through her lie.


    ¡°You¡­you were there?¡± she asked, wondering if he had been there for the entire thing. Did he misinterpret everything? Or maybe just Mara told him what happened.


    ¡°Yes. What a rather shitty proposal,¡± he scoffed slightly. Jessamine found slight amusement in that comment.


    ¡°Well, I said no. And I will pay that consequence when I see him again,¡± she sighed, not wanting to think about that, ¡°he didn¡¯t like the fact I would sing. Nor that I would immediately propose the Oblivion Academy. He was fervently against both of those things.¡±


    ¡°I thought it was a wonderful idea. You have a beautiful singing voice, it is an instrument of its own grandeur.  It was a good thing, singing last night. I think it eased the crowd, made them fall in love with you, kind of akin to your mother,¡± Kaid smiled softly, not realizing how that memory stirred doubt in Jessamine¡¯s mind. Alec¡¯s words still lingered in the back of her head, wondering if her mother truly had spied against Vitross. But, that was a worry for another time.


    ¡°If I wanted anyone in that crowd to hear it, it was Musa the Poet,¡± she mused, ¡°you have no idea how much¡­joy just a simple poem would give me. A symbol you were alive, alive and well. I cared not for the content inside, you could have cursed at me and I would have been grateful just to receive a handwritten note from you.¡±


    She missed those little notes he used to hide, either throughout her office or in her bedroom. The worst was when after the Time Paradox she would continue to find a few lingering and hiding somewhere, a place she hadn¡¯t bothered to search until after he had left. It was bittersweet at the time, but she kept them all as a reminder. Each one always held a compliment for her, words she¡¯d never tell herself. But from him, they were much more splendorous.


    ¡°Do you love him?¡± Kaid asked the question immediately, throwing Jessamine off guard. Love who? Vrah?


    Jessamine could tell by the look in his eyes, regardless if her answer was yes or no, he would not be angry. He wanted what was best for her, whatever she wanted for herself. Now, if she answered yes then it would certainly shatter his heart but he could not get angry at her. He had been gone for two years and had not shared his feelings for her, mostly because he didn¡¯t know how he felt. Not until now.


    ¡°No. No, not at all. He¡¯s a friend, but I¡¯m not so sure if I can call him that anymore,¡± Jessamine answered, taking a deep breath, ¡°Kaid, I just want you to know, I did things with him-¡±


    ¡°Did he force himself on you?¡± Kaid asked, his tone tense. He wanted to know that, for the moment he ever saw his half-brother again, he¡¯d certainly not walk out of that room alive.


    ¡°No. Nothing as serious as that,¡± she answered truthfully, knowing she couldn¡¯t let that happen again, ¡°it was only once, by hand and nothing more. The rest were all unenthusiastic kisses and¡­I¡¯m sorry. I am. I felt so much shame, like I was still betraying you.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t. You aren¡¯t. I¡¯m not upset about that,¡± he explained, seeing worry in her eyes, ¡°what I¡¯m upset about is you did all of that, and more, for me. You should never sell your body, your soul¡­anything of yours for me. Not just with him, but in protecting me you¡¯ve cut off allies or other political advantages¡±


    She knew what he meant, but she knew that was also very hypocritical of him.


    ¡°Yet, you let time ravage your body to bring me back. Are they not one in the same? Why can you do a deed like that for me and I can¡¯t?¡± she inquired softly, squeezing his hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s different, you¡¯ve suffered so much already-¡±


    ¡°And you haven¡¯t?¡± Jessamine questioned, ¡°I had to sit there and watch as you were about to die in my arms and I knew there was nothing I could do to help. That was, and is, to this date the most painful thing I¡¯ve experienced. More painful than dying by a dozen stabs, more than anything else in my past. Do not sit here and tell me what I can and cannot do because I love you, that my love must come with conditions or boundaries. With you there are none.¡±


    Kaid felt a quick, hot tear escape one eye. He didn¡¯t know if it had remained there throughout the painful cleaning of his wound, or if it happened to pool from that confession alone. But, he immediately winked it away, having to avert his eyes to her hands covering his own.


    ¡°Jessamine, if you must know¡­I was never angry at you. The reason I hid my awakening from that coma from you was that I thought I had died. I thought, I still think that your life, Mara¡¯s life, the life of Vitross and this entire Continent would be better without me in it-¡±


    He was interrupted by Jessamine¡¯s soft lips, one hand leaving his to tangle in the lower curls of his hair by the neck. She kept him close, hoping her lips could speak things her words could not. He deserved to be loved. He deserved to be alive. And he could not think for a second that her life would be better without him at her side. She had no idea where they went from here. She didn¡¯t think she could separate herself from him again, whether it be two days, two weeks, or two years. She could and would not accept a moment without him unless necessary.


    Kaid kissed her back with the same gentleness, savoring a long, stimulating kiss. Her lips were gentle as ever, her touch as needy as he remembered, always craving to caress his hair, neck, or any other sensitive part of him.


    ¡°This world is infinitely better with you in it. If time is nothing more than miniscule fabrics woven together, connecting every soul with existence, you are the thread that holds the tapestry together. Without you it all falls apart. Without you, nobody can see the depth of humanity. You pulled me out of my depths, let me help you pull yourself out of yours,¡± she whispered, pressing her forehead to his, ¡°will you let me?¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± he whispered breathlessly, following his words with another long kiss against her lips. He could feel her smile against them, sensing the dip of her dimples with his own movements.


    She finally forced herself back, letting her hand glide down his smooth jaw before she teased, ¡°Please grow back the beard.¡±


    A hearty laugh escaped his lips, having a feeling she¡¯d say something like that.


    ¡°Whatever my Empress wants, she gets,¡± he agreed, ¡°but if, and only if, she gets some rest.¡±


    ¡°You have a deal, my Lord,¡± she agreed back, savoring one last glance at him before kissing his forehead as she rose from her seat. She even looked back at him one more time before entering the tent, wondering if the same infectious smile on her lips was on his.


    It was clearly evident their love for one another was a contagion, one not even death could stop in its plague.

 Eleven

    Chebi glowed with the city alit with orange torches and fires, lighting the way for people of the caravans to rest, eat, and trade. The sight of it alone was a welcome one for weary travelers, especially for the likes of their party. Mara trudged from behind, constantly monitoring if anyone was following them, while also keeping eyes ahead. Jessamine led the pack, as usual. Her brother followed closely behind, occasionally engaged in small talk with her but he never once looked back, unlike his sister who kept her eyes on Kaid.


    Kaid walked through the middle, clearly struggling from Mara¡¯s perspective. This was no stroll along the soft black Vitross sands. The dunes made it hard to gain good traction and he only had one proper arm to keep him steady when he slipped. The gait which he walked was borderlining exhaustion, so Mara quickened her pace to catch up to him.


    ¡°Are you doing okay?¡± she asked softly, seeing him perk up slightly at the question.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay. We are almost there,¡± he nodded, motivating himself to keep pushing.


    ¡°Did you and Jessamine¡­talk?¡± she had paused, wondering how to best word her inquiry.


    ¡°We did. Wasn¡¯t that the point about lying about being squeamish? You were never the type to fuss over blood or gore,¡± Kaid answered with slight amusement.


    ¡°Gore and blood are different when it comes from someone you care about,¡± Mara retorted, ¡°So, did you guys make up?¡±


    ¡°We apologized, yes.¡±


    ¡°We? What did you have to apologize about?¡± she scoffed slightly. Why would he apologize for something he hadn¡¯t done? Then again, he seemed to lose all rationality when around her, that much was certain. Kaid could seem weak around her, weak minded that is. It wouldn¡¯t surprise Kaid to be the kind of man to apologize for something, when he did nothing wrong, to avoid contention. Yet, he was also a man to take accountability whenever he could. What would that mean if the world charged him for the Time Paradox?


    ¡°I nearly killed her in Caladin. I let my anger get the better of me,¡± Kaid answered, not hesitating. The guilt he felt at such an admittance merely radiated from his chopped off hand. That was where all his guilt and shame resided.


    Mara paused, thinking he was joking, ¡°You never told me that.¡±


    ¡°I figured it wasn¡¯t important,¡± he hummed.


    ¡°She was there in Caladin with you? I thought you went alone.¡±


    After seeing what he had done to Mattias (rightfully so), and especially now after the train¡­did Mara have anything to worry about if she ever angered him?


    ¡°Yes, at first I thought she arrived to stop me from obtaining the answers I needed. If anything, those answers revealed Payne¡¯s plot against not just me, but her as well. I didn¡¯t realize it at the time but she came merely to help me. She came because she promised to help me destroy that place,¡± he muttered, ¡°and I betrayed her just as she betrayed me.¡±


    Clearly, if what he said was true, which Mara believed¡­then Jessamine certainly did have a reason to be wary of him. Yet, she didn¡¯t seem to act like such when they talked earlier before this long hike. Kaid even offered Jessamine his boots since she wore no shoes, which she politely declined given they were far too big for her. While the trust had been broken, it was clear both of them were trying to mend it. Time, time and patience might be the glue they needed.


    Their betrayals at the time stung one another like a nail puncturing their hearts. Now, it was nothing more than a beesting with forgiveness as the answer.


    ¡°How are you not angry about your hand?¡± Mara finally asked. Kaid didn¡¯t look at Alec with any malice. He bore that same inquisitive expression, eyes finding ways to study the Empress¡¯ brother. Kaid questioned how and why Alec was here, especially why now. But there was no anger.


    ¡°Who says I am not?¡±


    ¡°You clearly are not angry at him. You should be.¡±


    ¡°I am angry, but not at him. I would have done the same if the roles were reversed,¡± he disagreed. He glanced over at Mara, seeing her shiver slightly with the now cold desert air. She had a look of worry in her eyes, and not just for the friend next to her.


    ¡°I am sure Kai is fine. If Sabine is not watching over him, then certainly Kiev is. He wouldn¡¯t let anything happen to your son,¡± Kaid assured her.


    ¡°I know. I just hate how he has to see all of this, this war and hate,¡± Mara whispered, ¡°you know he doesn¡¯t hate you, right?¡±


    ¡°That remains to be seen,¡± Kaid teased softly, not too bothered by it.


    ¡°He looks up to you, in an oddly jealous kind of way. He wishes he had your discipline, your handsome looks, this confidence you exhume without even trying¡­all of it. He doesn¡¯t know who he wants to be,¡± Mara explained.


    ¡°It took me over thirty years to find that out. He will find his own path, one hopefully much better than mine,¡± Kaid smiled at her, ¡°Are you thinking of taking Jessamine¡¯s offer?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Are you thinking of coming with us?¡± She glanced at him, knowing his answer varied. If he answered yes, then surely he and Jessamine had made up, not just forgiven each other. But behind those dark shadowed brown eyes, she saw hesitation. Kaid didn¡¯t know how he¡¯d cope without Mara or Jessamine at his side, very different women, but very outspoken, beautiful, and intelligent ones at that. He¡¯d miss their laughs or snarky remarks.


    He just didn¡¯t feel like he¡¯d deserve either of them.


    When they arrived at Chebi, the party¡¯s rough looking appearance was already catching a few eyes of the citizens going about their nightly strolls. Jessamine slowed before tugging at Kaid¡¯s arm, seeing her brother glare at the sight.


    ¡°Ready for some improvising?¡± she asked, seeing a slight smile on his lips. When was he not?


    The two were both quick on their feet when called to action, and maybe both witty in conversation. Any improvisation between them particularly in conversations felt planned out in advance, so natural and smooth. They complimented each other well, something quite important in any relationship.


    Jessamine pulled him along gently, Kaid faking a limp with his other leg. The citizens all had worry in their eyes at the disheveled strangers, one of them eagerly pointing towards the mountainside for the local inn. Once there, it was clear the rooms built into the mountain rocks were nearly full.


    A lively city and a nearly full inn were all great signs that trade was good, optimistically good. Another functioning railroad and it would only flourish. Good thing she had two built for such emergencies.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry it is late, but do you happen to have a few rooms? My husband and I were attacked by raiders on our way here. We lost practically everything but we have money,¡± Jessamine asked the innkeeper, who was just about ready to store his books and lock keys to close for the night. When he glanced over, he saw a woman with a torn dress, tangled cherry hair, next to a man with blood covering almost every inch of him.


    ¡°Yes, yes of course. I only have three rooms. There is a bathing pool also in the last room on the right. Please, make yourself at home,¡± he nodded, worry still in his shocked eyes.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kaid forced a small smile, seeing Jessamine move slightly to pull gold from her pockets.


    ¡°Are you alright, my friend? They cut your hand off?¡± the shopkeeper gazed at Kaid, clearly Uhkhtarian. He almost seemed excited at the prospect of Kaid marrying someone not from Uhkhtar, and a rather beautiful woman at that.


    ¡°Yes. They assaulted my wife. When I fought to protect her they cut off my hand. My friends here were just enough to scare them off. We were lucky to make it out alive,¡± Kaid lied. Jessamine immediately felt a wave of butterflies hit her stomach at the way Kaid said wife and glanced at her. It was all just pretend.


    ¡°These raiders have gotten so brazen, it¡¯s no wonder why most view us and our people as barbaric,¡± the shopkeeper sighed, knowing it made his people and country look bad.


    Alec made a soft, amused hum at the statement, almost as if he agreed with it. Jessamine was about to glare back before feeling Kaid¡¯s hand rest firmly against her opposite hip, not wanting any spat to ruin their act. She felt the warm callouses scratch her skin, his hand placed perfectly between ripped fabric to have skin on skin. Immediately, she could sense a glimmer of frustration from her brother, who was witnessing Kaid take his ¡®role¡¯ of pretend husband too far.


    ¡°This should be enough,¡± the man nodded at the coins, handing them three keys, ¡°I recommend tomorrow you stay and write to the Shurta if possible. She really needs to start investigating these acts. If Shailud doesn¡¯t do something¡­¡±


    The man trailed off slightly, not wanting to discuss his disgruntled politics here. It was an opinion that the others would agree with, unbeknownst to him.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessamine thanked him one more time, handing one key to Mara and to Alec, narrowing her eyes slightly at her brother, ¡°our experience will certainly never sway us away from how generous and friendly your people are.¡±


    ¡°I could have pretended to be your husband,¡± Alec noted, seeing Jessamine disagree.


    ¡°Returning to ancient royal Vitross customs of marrying in the family, I see,¡± Kaid jested. Mara and Jessamine laughed, which didn¡¯t appease Alec who remained silent. Alec clearly was not interested in any humor at the moment. His room was first down the caves. He was going to ask Jessamine to at least stay with him, given she¡¯d have to share a bed but hesitated. She was too obsessed with helping Kaid¡­a man responsible for this entire mess. Instead, he went to his room without saying goodnight.


    Jessamine helped Kaid into the room, which was nothing but cavern walls with a small bed made of pillows, a table to the side with some chairs. It was homely, perfect for a nice resting point.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you rest a bit? I¡¯m going to go help Mara shop for some new clothes and some medicine for you,¡± Jessamine guided him over to the bed, immediately bending down to his boots to untie the laces. Kaid was about to retort he could untie his own damn laces¡­but knew she was only trying to help.


    ¡°You sure? What if it gets dangerous?¡± Kaid asked.


    ¡°Do you think the both of us can¡¯t handle our own?¡± Jessamine asked with a tease in her eyes, ¡°I¡¯ll help you clean up when I get back.¡±


    She turned to leave, but not before feeling a tug of her hand back to him. She didn¡¯t think twice about his actions, leaning down against him, lips pressing eagerly to his own.


    ¡°Be safe,¡± he whispered as he pulled away, knowing any longer and he¡¯d want to spend this evening with her as his distraction, the medicine to cure all his ailments.


    She offered a warm smile, walking back outside and closing the door to lock. She immediately forced herself to wipe that smile as Mara came back after dropping off her small supply pack. The two women were still wary of each other. Jessamine knew Mara held no romantic feelings towards Kaid. However, Jessamine knew if she had ever wronged him, again, Mara would be the first one to lash out.


    They shopped around, finding cheap fabrics and clothes to merely get them out of the desert for the day. If they left Chebi with reliable transportation, they should arrive in Kanaf by the late afternoon, so it didn¡¯t matter what clothes they had. As long as they blended in and didn¡¯t stick out like they did now, that¡¯s what mattered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mara¡­I don¡¯t think I know much about you,¡± Jessamine spoke apologetically, ¡°Kaid only shared about Caladin and such, but not much about your past prior.¡±


    Mara was surprised at Jessamine wanting to get to know her, but figured she should learn about Jessamine¡¯s character too from her own lips (and not from a very biased Kaid), ¡°I¡¯m from Nissau, a tribal community in the jungles of Skale. You probably haven¡¯t heard of it like most people unless you live around the region. It was one of the reasons why in Caladin that Kaid and I got along¡­he had read about the history in a book there of all places. Half of it was wrong but it helped us bond. He was quick to make corrections.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯ve never heard of it,¡± Jessamine was fascinated. Just like Kaid, she liked learning new cultures or ways of thinking around this Continent. It was so vast, and while she ruled a good portion of it, she still wanted to know more about the societies surrounding her. It was clear that Mara still held some of that tribal instinct in her way of leadership. Mara had attempted to make the Confederacy almost tribal-like and unified, but unfortunately everyone in that tribe had their own interests in mind.


    ¡°It was strict. Too strict, some would say. The one thing about their laws is a lack of forgiveness,¡± Mara sighed, handing Jessamine a pair of boots that seemed her size, ¡°no Oblivion. That was a strict rule. They thought it to be a vile curse, and anyone who used it would be banished. I was hunting with my sisters when a jaguar wanted our prey we just captured. I shot a flame at it to keep it from gnawing at my younger sister¡¯s leg or worse maul her to death.¡±


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    Which meant she was banished. That much was clear to Jessamine.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Jessamine empathized.


    ¡°If you think you have sibling issues, at least yours didn¡¯t turn you in,¡± Mara scoffed. She had saved them all, and in turn was immediately betrayed because of fear. She had concealed her ability to control fire all her life, which is why she thought Caladin would have been a piece of cake. She was quickly proven wrong. ¡°After I left, I joined a group of mercenaries who didn¡¯t care about my powers, in fact they welcomed it. We protected Skale farming lands from rival Lungor farms just nearby. I may have caught those Lungorian crops on fire by ¡®mistake¡¯, and the rest is history.¡±


    As much as it pained Mara, she didn¡¯t let it consume her. If anything, Jessamine was grateful to hear her history. Her family, her tribe, were wrong. Just like Lungor and Caladin, even parts of Vitross. Oblivion wasn¡¯t wrong. It wasn¡¯t a sign of end times or annihilation. The Time Paradox may have fed that very thesis but Jessamine would prove it wrong. People like her, Mara, Kaid¡­the rest who tried to use it for good, it would be proven wrong. Mara had a real reason to teach at the Oblivion Academy, knowing all too well the cost of fear.


    ¡°Jessamine, I think-no, I want to take up your offer. If it is still on the table,¡± Mara spoke, almost as if reading Jessamine¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Of course it is. We would love to have you as a teacher. Kai will definitely love Vitross,¡± Jessamine replied with a warm smile, ¡°And¡­thank you. I never got the chance to thank you. I know you helped in the fight with Payne, and you helped ease Kaid back into good health.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d do the same for any of us,¡± Mara stated, seeing the Empress nod, ¡°I never apologized for¡­you know, wanting to assassinate you, making your life hell.¡±


    ¡°It kept me on my toes,¡± Jessamine smirked, ¡°No hard feelings.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not wrong about many things. But, I was wrong about you,¡± Mara admitted. Jessamine wanted to refute that, but she knew in truth Mara was, ironically, right about being wrong. Jessamine was different from whatever picture had been painted by Payne¡¯s schemes. While it probably held some truth to it, Jessamine knew it was no longer her real truth. Was she a murderer, seductress, conspiring despot to rule the Continent in its entirety? Yes. Was that her now?


    No.


    ¡ª---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s here.


    Kaid woke up in a panicked exhale, rising from the bed to find Jessamine overlooking him with a worried gaze. He could tell immediately by his sore throat and sweat dripping down from his curls it was another nightmare. That same woman was back. He never saw her again after the vision of getting his hand cut off, and now she was back with different words this time. Who was she talking about? Shailud? Pestilence? Alec?


    Or perhaps Kaid¡¯s final act, crazed personality that he felt could doom this world?


    ¡°Who¡¯s here?¡± Jessamine asked gently regarding his words, ¡°Did you have a vision?¡±


    ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know,¡± Kaid whispered, ¡°Sorry, I¡­Mara says I mumble in my sleep.¡±


    ¡°You do, but never that clearly before and so rapidly¡­at least, before the Time Paradox,¡± Jessamine sat beside him, her hand brushing his forehead which burned against her skin, ¡°You¡¯re running a fever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± he assured her.


    ¡°Your wound could be infected,¡± Jessamine sighed, letting her hand caress his cheek, ¡°let¡¯s get you cleaned up. I made sure a bath was ready for you.¡±


    ¡°Jess you should rest, I don¡¯t need help,¡± he gently refused, hoping that wouldn¡¯t upset her.


    ¡°You will need help getting dressed,¡± she refuted. As much as he¡¯d hate to admit, that left hand no longer being there changed things. There would be plenty of mundane activities or things he could no longer do, not without difficulty. Getting dressed, cutting into food, even sailing would prove difficult.


    Kaid could see there was no persuading her.


    Jessamine helped him to the small bathing area, which was only a large wooden tub filled with lukewarm water before she locked the doors for some privacy. She immediately walked over to Kaid, undoing the wrap of his injury before lifting his kaftan very carefully over his head. She didn¡¯t want it to get stuck on his wound and cause further pain. Relief filled her inner thoughts, seeing his beautiful mocha chest with a fine layer of his thick curly hairs. But there was no time to spend gawking at him, not with the cold windchill.


    Kaid moved his hand down to adjust his belt, struggling slightly with it as Jessamine waited patiently to see if he needed help. He didn¡¯t. But he struggled with the only button that fastened his pants, which Jessamine moved to undo with ease, sliding it down to his ankles. She let him finish the rest, turning away as he grew nude before he slowly entered the tub to cover up her lust for him. Once he seemed well soaked, other than his hand, she grabbed a sponge and stool to sit behind him and help wipe the grime away.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯m crazy, do you?¡± Kaid asked after long moments of silence, enjoying the odd sensation of her gently brushing blood off his skin.


    ¡°I suppose we¡¯re all a little crazy,¡± Jessamine teased, before seeing he wasn¡¯t, ¡°No. Why do you think you¡¯re crazy?¡±


    ¡°What I did in Caladin¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s crazy is someone imprisoning an innocent child and letting them suffer for thirty years. That is crazy. That is insanity. Not you,¡± Jessamine refuted.


    ¡°I feel crazy,¡± he admitted, ¡°not¡­not that delirious anger I felt before and during Caladin. But, something different. Something happened after the Paradox. When I had died, I went to this place, like a black and violet void. A place that looked like the sky just before sunrise. I spoke with my mother. I can still speak to her in my sleep. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s real or in my head.¡±


    Jessamine listened, trying not to worry but she had faith that he wasn¡¯t crazy. She remembered the days when she felt herself teetering towards this edge, towards this craze of constant Oblivion. She relied on it too much that it became an addiction. Kaid didn¡¯t know what this was, and was clearly afraid to use it. Although, it sounded like he didn¡¯t have much of a choice.


    ¡°Is that what your nightmare was about tonight? Were you speaking to her?¡± Jessamine asked softly, scrubbing the back of his shoulders while her other hand tangled in his wet, thick curls.


    ¡°No, a stranger. I can speak to strangers too. It¡¯s like they wait for me, plague me,¡± he whispered, realizing how crazy it sounded.


    ¡°It¡¯s not crazy,¡± Jessamine whispered, ¡°has it ever happened outside your sleep, this purple void? Can you go there by choice?¡±


    Kaid almost refuted and answered no, but then he remembered riding that horse to the train. He didn¡¯t even realize he had done that until he thought about it now. His sole focus had been on getting to that train and helping Jessamine that he didn¡¯t think much about what he had done. It was pure instinct, like most Oblivion was.


    ¡°Last night was the first time I was wide awake,¡± he hummed, feeling almost a bit of relief at that.


    Jessamine placed the sponge aside, tilting his head back to lean against the edge before she ran shampoo through his curls, massaging his skull. Kaid didn¡¯t know how the hell a woman running her nails through his hair and skull could feel so¡­oddly enjoyable. But he supposed it had all to do with the woman doing it and not the sensation itself.


    She hesitated for a moment, but figured it was best to tell him, ¡°Cadize told me you never died. Your heart never stopped beating. It got close, as if there were wide gaps in between beats of your heart, but it never truly stopped. You didn¡¯t die. This void, I don¡¯t think it is your hell or your heaven. It might not be your afterlife. To me, it sounds like you awoke something in your Oblivion, you unlocked something new.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like¡­looking into a mirror, but instead of myself I see someone else watching me. With my mother, it¡¯s like someone overlooking me, guiding me invisibly.¡±


    ¡°And this stranger?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Someone warning me...I suppose¡±


    ¡°Does it tire you, when it happens when you sleep?¡± she inquired, wondering if it exhausted him the very same those nightmares would.


    ¡°No, luckily not. It¡¯s like I¡¯ve entered an altered state,¡± Kaid explained before laughing, ¡°now, that sounds crazy.¡±


    ¡°No. It just sounds like you¡¯re a very special man with a new ability to learn and figure out,¡± Jessamine amused him, ¡°embrace it. Don¡¯t obsess over it, but do not ignore it. You must accept it is a part of you, but it is not all of you.¡±


    Jessamine¡¯s thoughts ranged from what he discussed with his mother. How much had they talked about? She was happy for him, to get this relationship even if it felt like a facade with someone he barely knew. What did Farah think of her son¡¯s lover? She felt a twinge of worry and self-doubt, knowing that her own mother would be ecstatic at finding love with a man like Kaid. It made her feel pathetic, pale in comparison to him.


    Kaid opened his eyes after she washed his hair, seeing that concerned look on her face. Her worry was not unnoticeable, and he felt horrible for rambling about himself without asking how she was doing. She must be exhausted, and now she has to worry over him or assist him all the time. That made him extremely burdensome to an Empress with plenty of things to do, and plenty of things on her mind.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked, turning his body slightly to face her entirely.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she lied, averting his gaze as she began trying to focus on recleaning his wound. He pulled his arm away slightly, keeping it above the water and seeing her reaction.


    ¡°I thought we wouldn¡¯t hide things from each other,¡± he whispered, not shaming her, but just trying to encourage her, ¡°we¡¯re both in this mess together. I want to know where your head is at, if you¡¯ll let me.¡±


    Jessamine sighed, taking a deep breath before nodding in agreement, ¡°Alec is back and cut off your hand, how the fuck do you think I¡¯m feeling?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t do it on purpose-¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. If Mara had burned me, would you say the same thing?¡± Jessamine asked, seeing Kaid sit in silence, ¡°I don¡¯t know why he¡¯s here now. I don¡¯t know what he wants. I¡­it¡¯s so hard to know who he is anymore. Parts of him are still reminiscent of the Alec I knew growing up, but there¡¯s this part of him so foreign to me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like sailing on a ship you used to as a kid, now you sail with it again and it¡¯s been upgraded. The rigging is the same, the equipment is different. Yet, at the end of the day it¡¯s still the same ship,¡± Kaid explained for her.


    ¡°Something like that, yeah,¡± Jessamine nodded, hating herself she had lied about being okay. He always would seem to see right through her. He always knew what to say, even if it rambled with figurative speech or metaphors. It always brought her this comfort, knowing that even if he could never fully understand her circumstances, he¡¯d wish to know enough to help whenever he could.


    ¡°I¡¯m assuming he¡¯s working with Lungor?¡± Kaid asked.


    ¡°Nailed it on the head, yes. Apparently working undercover with Vrah on dealing with Pestilence. That appears to add up, given Vrah was rather concerned about Pestilence, more than he was with Shailud. Alec said they had a plan to use him as leverage if I ever broke our fragile alliance. I¡¯m sure whenever they figured out his Oblivion, they certainly recruited him instead.¡±


    ¡°Which is¡­?¡± Kaid asked, wondering if she¡¯d tell him. He supposed knowing another person¡¯s Oblivion was none of his business. But if they were going to work together, even if momentarily, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to know.


    ¡°He can track Oblivion, like a bloodhound almost. Alec didn¡¯t think it was a very powerful Oblivion, so he focused more on his fighting skills and ability to rule over everything else. I¡¯m sure, though, it has its unforeseen uses,¡± Jessamine explained, finishing unwrapping the cloth before grabbing the small container of healing cream. While it might not help with the infection, hopefully it could numb some of his pain.


    ¡°So¡­that¡¯s how he knew I was in that cave, how he got past Mara so quickly. He could smell me,¡± Kaid hummed, knowing he¡¯d have to bring that up to Mara if it would lessen her guilt at not being quick enough.


    ¡°You know, it¡¯s a bit rude to use that to stare at me, especially when I looked so disheveled,¡± she teased before frowning, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, darling, this might hurt.¡±


    She applied the cream very gently, brushing a thin layer over the open wound. It did look better than earlier today, but she knew it wouldn¡¯t be completely healed until Cadize could get his hands on it. Kaid let out a firm grunt, causing Jessamine to pause and let her other hand move his neck, caressing it softly.


    It seems we stood and talked


    Like this before


    We looked at each other


    In the same way then


    But I can''t remember


    Where¡­or when


    Her voice held a soft hoarseness from the dry air and exhaustion of the day, but still held this beautiful melody that soothed any pain Kaid was feeling. Her voice was always calm. Even on her first night Caladin, while there had been a small sense of fear of the unknown in her voice, she always had a way to steady herself. Kaid knew that despite everything, he felt safe with her. Even with her lies, her betrayal, her willfulness to hide the truth from him, those actions were done out of safety.


    ¡°You should sing more often¡­¡± he encouraged softly, his eyes softening as he looked at her.


    ¡°I suppose I didn¡¯t have much courage until recently. I¡¯ve always wanted to be heard, I just never knew how. All those times playing piano for you gave me a bit of bravery,¡± she explained, looking up to see that loving look in his eyes.


    He looked at her like she was perfect, which was far from the truth. Surely, it was just biased infatuation making him think so. Yet, Jessamine couldn¡¯t ignore the way it made her feel. It must be the same way she looked at him. He was perfect. He was utterly handsome, charming, wise¡­always knew how to make her smile, laugh, or moan. He was strong, yet gentle. Protective, but also encouraged her independence. He was clumsy but never careless.


    ¡°Stop looking at me like that,¡± Jessamine laughed, grabbing a towel to wipe her hands of that cream. When she glanced back, he was still looking at her with the same expression, only with a bit of a smile.


    ¡°Or what?¡± he asked.


    She hadn¡¯t been looked at like that in over two years. She had not been touched with fervent need or desire like that in the same long period of time. Any man may attempt to try to make her feel the same way, but it was impossible. There was no moving on from Kaid Al-Yami. He would always exist in a secluded part of her heart and soul.


    The same was for him, with his big, ever forgiving heart. She was perfect. Her voice, her eyes¡­the way she carried herself. If all the drudgery in her life had stopped her, she never would hold her head up high like she did now. Her perseverance was her greatest strength. Kaid craved her touch. He craved touching her, wanting to make her feel like the most divine entity to be worshiped endlessly. It was her imperfections that only made her feel so perfect. Perfect for him.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t stop, I¡¯m afraid I might have to jump into that bath¡­¡± she whispered, her lips curving into a devious smirk.


    ¡°This is a public bath, you know,¡± Kaid pointed out, but didn¡¯t change his gaze.


    ¡°At this hour? You¡¯re right, it¡¯s late. We should be getting some rest,¡± she rose from her stool, feigning interest in getting another towel for him across the room. But she immediately glanced back and knew it was too late. Far too late. Her blue eyes glanced at the door, her ears listening in the silence for any sound of other movements. Nothing but the wind was awake at this hour.


    Her hands moved to the nearly torn zipper of her dress, brushing her tied up hair away before getting it just loose enough to push down. She did so turned away from him, feeling his burning gaze, especially on all the parts of her she knew he loved. Jessamine knew how much he loved gazing at her backside, watching the muscles of her shoulders tense or the dip of her spine.


    Her heart raced with a burning sensation, her lower regions throbbing with overstimulating, unbearable need. Her own touch had never sated her. Jessamine doubted his own had fulfilled him either. When she turned back at him, she noticed his hand under the water, angled into his lap. Whether he was hiding his excitement or encouraging it, she wanted nothing more than to replace his hand with her own.


    Kaid merely blinked and she was already entering the water, standing in it as her hand tipped his chin up to stare into his eyes. Those loving eyes he held were now mixed with need, overflowing desire for her. His eyes pleaded for her, begging her for her worship.


    All rational thoughts left him. They were both in pain and discomfort. They both should rest for a long day tomorrow. Neither knew what the day tomorrow held for each other. To think a mere two days ago, he was questioning if he loved her, if she loved him. All it had taken was one glance to disapprove such a terrible notion.


    She was maddening, so much to disprove what she had stated earlier: he was crazy. And well¡­so was she.

 Twelve

    Hauntings were only known to be caused by the dead. The lingering of a soul''s strength and emotions held enough power to instill fear. But hauntings were not always caused by death, but merely absence. Death was only an absolute of an absence. Jessamine had haunted his heart and soul for two years, unknowingly tormenting him.


    And now, that spirit stood before him, the water of his bath rising from her entrance alone. Her hands steadied on his shoulders, gliding carefully over the divots of his collarbone before caressing the muscles of his chest.  She loved the soft threading of her fingers through the hairs of his chest. All the while, his honey brown eyes watched her, his lust adding a spice like cinnamon in his gaze. No words had to be said, they didn¡¯t need to be.


    Moments like these were meant for expressive art made from their bodies.


    Jessamine slowly lowered, wanting nothing more than to sit on his strong, bent thighs and kiss him. But a sturdy, strong, vein covered hand held her hip to keep her upright.


    ¡°No,¡± he shook his head, ¡°no, let me worship you. Please.¡±


    Jessamine shivered at his beg. It wasn¡¯t the cold breeze blowing through the cracks of the door that perked the nipples of her breasts or let goosebumps invade her skin. It was his soft demand, his plea. The look in his eyes as if he would die if he did not get what he wanted.


    She nodded slowly, swallowing her dry throat as she felt that hand loosen its grip before wandering. Across the scar on her hip, a scar she could have easily let heal into invisibility but no, she needed it to remain there as a reminder of her moment of strength. How she could feel so strong and proud with his touch, while weak in the knees at the sight of him, that was the enigma of Kaid Al-Yami.


    A soft noise of delight left her lips as his hand overtook her left breast, the perfect pressure and tension of groping. He leaned close, letting his lips gently kiss the softness of her stomach. He felt her fingers dig into the curls of his hair, caressing yet beginning to form a grip she knew she¡¯d need. Anytime Kaid began to kiss her stomach like this, she knew exactly the direction he was going.


    Downward. Yet, it would only uplift her.


    Jessamine shifted her feet to widen her stance, feeling his harsh lips and gentle bites lower as she moved forward. Her eyes watched his injured hand jerk, wanting nothing more than to touch her further, but not without pain. It was a mere instinct for him, one he¡¯d have to control tonight.


    ¡°Kaid, are you sure? I don¡¯t want to hurt you,¡± she whispered, humming at the sensation of his fingers gently squeezing between her nipple. She knew the question was futile. Both their minds had been made and nothing would have stopped them from a little indulgence, one they had lacked for quite some time.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t tasted you for two years. Do not make me wait a day longer,¡± he demanded, his voice dry and taught as well. Divines, she loved it when he sounded like that. Begging, pathetic, yet demanding all at once. It was enough to make her want to clench her thighs and feed into the tingle between her legs. But, she¡¯d get more than she wanted to at the moment.


    The second she inched a step further, she felt his tongue against her already soaked folds. The sensation alone of such a familiar warmth was enough to elicit a moan of approval. Her hips automatically rolled against him, hearing him hum with delight.


    ¡°Fuck, I missed the way you moan against my cunt,¡± Jessamine gasped, eyes closing, ignoring the crude words that had left her lips. Her words only spurred Kaid with delight, letting his hand drift to her backside along the muscles near her spine, pinning her against his arm and his lips.


    He loved moaning against her, letting those vibrations reverberate her further. He couldn¡¯t help it, at both feeling her desperation and tasting it. She was having trouble staying quiet, her soft moans or whines carrying with the midnight wind. And he knew very well he¡¯d be troubled with the same plague if the roles were reversed. They both invoked these ungodly noises of pleasure from one another, a language only the two of them could fully understand.


    To others, he supposed they would only hear noises of a splendid, good time. To them, it was much more than that.


    Kaid pulled back briefly, only to catch his breath, still feeling her fingers pull at his hair, ¡°You taste so heavenly, Jessamine.¡±


    His tongue eagerly returned to thrust inside her entrance, his lips applying pressure to her sensitive and throbbing clit before she could even reply. The second she¡¯d get used to his beautifully patterned motions, he¡¯d erratically change, constantly keeping her on her toes which honestly wanted to curl against the bottom of the tub. Her moans turned into whines, desperation in her tone.


    ¡°Yes, yes darling, just like that,¡± she encouraged softly, grinding her hips with fervent need. It only made him moan in delight, his tongue moving to circle and flick at her clit to stimulate her further. Her right leg trembled, afraid she might buckle under his touch but remained composed.


    It wasn¡¯t until the scuffle of feet in the sand outside made both of them pause slightly in fright. Her hazy eyes opened at the shadow crossing beneath the gap in the door, someone walking by perhaps for an evening stroll. Jessamine composed her breathing, grateful for a moment to re-collect herself. But it was only for a moment.


    Despite the sleepless individual still within earshot of the bathing house, Kaid¡¯s lips immediately returned to his work. His actions were deliberately fast, eager, and most of all full of teasing.


    ¡°You fucker-¡± Jessamine gasped before immediately covering her own lips with her hand. She had to avoid the onslaught of noises arriving at the edge of her lips as she could feel the beginnings of her orgasm. Her fingers pulled hard at his hair, both to let him know she didn¡¯t appreciate the surprise, yet didn¡¯t want him to stop either.


    But eventually those steps and shadows faded, the room nothing more but silence other than the gentle, wet sounds of Kaid¡¯s mouth working against her and her muffled moans.


    ¡°Kaid, please,¡± she pleaded softly, each breath and exhale of hers only letting out a soft noise of her pleasure, ¡°make me cum.¡± Her hand fell from her lips, letting both her hands now grip the curls of his hair, begging for more.


    She loved challenging him, although she knew very well he didn¡¯t need any assistance with this. She swore she could merely release her pleasure by his kisses alone, or the beg of his voice. His tongue, lips, fingers, cock¡­all of it was merely an extra resource. Her fingers alone these past two years had hardly reached the depths of pleasure she was feeling now.


    His actions quicked, every motion of his lips and tongue solely focused on her clit as the catalyst for her pleasure. Each flick worsened the surge forming in her core, feeling her heartbeat race against his tongue. She felt the waves form, the ocean pulling back from the shore for one last crash.


    ¡°Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck,¡± she moaned, an ungodly, quieted squeal leaving her lips as her orgasm overtook her. Kaid eased her into it, lessening the pressure of his touch, lapping softly and delicate at her mess. The fingers that just pulled at his hair relaxed, running through the wet curls once more as she began to relax. When she finally opened her eyes and glanced down, she could see that proud look in his eyes.


    Not to mention that smirk curving on his lips as he slowly pulled away.


    ¡°You and your fucking talented tongue,¡± Jessamine laughed, still breathing heavily.


    ¡°I had a pretty good teacher, one who¡¯s very direct in what she wants,¡± he replied, his own breathing racing like her own.


    ¡°We almost got caught,¡± she gently berated him.


    ¡°I think it added to the thrill. Admit it, you liked it,¡± his voice reeked of confidence, and not a faulty one at that.


    ¡°Revenge is a bitch, you know that?¡± she asked, slowly sinking down before letting her lips gently kiss his own. She tasted herself, along with that erotic cockiness from his smirk that still remained.


    ¡°You know I like it when you make me suffer,¡± he mumbled to her before the tables turned. A sharp gasp left his lips as she let her hand sink below the water, eagerly finding his erect shaft. Her hand remained at the tip, teasingly letting her palm rub around it. She could immediately sense his strain, his mouth agape but only a painful plea of a noise leaving his throat.


    ¡°Shall I make you suffer now¡­or make you wait?¡± she whispered deviously against him, lips kissing him between every word.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You should be,¡± she laughed before slowly tilting his cock against her entrance, ¡°lucky for you, I crave your thick cock to fill me more than I crave your suffering.¡±


    She sunk on him slowly, purposefully making it agonizing. She watched the expression on his face, felt his cock throb as she tightened around him, wonderfully so. Her hips rocked against his thighs, both her hands holding the side of his head, messing with his curls as her forehead pressed against his. Their breaths and moans tangled together when they weren¡¯t kissing, using each other¡¯s breath to keep themselves alive.


    She missed those deep, guttural moans of his. His sharp grunts, borderline animalistic as he jerked his hips into her own. She loved those desperate thrusts, his cock filling her before nearly slipping out entirely before slamming gently against that spot.


    It was only a mere minute in that she could feel him unravel, despite his desperation to continue.


    ¡°Jess, I-¡± he warned, feeling her soft lips interrupt him. He was slightly ashamed, wishing for a longer time to make love to her. She found nothing embarrassing about it in the slightest. She took pride in the fact it wouldn¡¯t take long for him to feel such pleasure. Those two years apart did worsen his need for her.


    ¡°Fill me, make me yours,¡± she whispered, ¡°show me how much you missed me.¡±


    Those were the only words he needed to hear before his own orgasm reached its heat. She moaned against his lips at the warmth enveloping her, her cunt throbbing as she wrapped around his cock, milking him for more. And then came Kaid¡¯s favorite part. It wasn¡¯t the overwhelming pleasure that was the best for him, although that was a close second. He loved the moment after, the moments where their hearts raced together and calmed down in sync. He loved feeling her breath against his neck or lips, seeing her hair disheveled and that loving look in her eyes.


    Kaid let his lips kiss gently at the side of her lips, trailing down to her neck. He knew he could not mark her, leave a stain of his love as a brand. But, it was probably within his best interests to not. Not tonight.


    ¡°You really do know how to sing,¡± Kaid teased, hearing her soft laugh. And that sound alone could easily make any day truly right.


    ¡°Yes, but that is a song I prefer you, and only you to hear,¡± she teased back, kissing his cheek.


    They remained in comfortable silence for a moment. This bath had removed all past sins of their, a baptism of their hearts, leaving only blood and remnants of their intimacy to be drained. It was about starting anew. Jessamine knew this relationship would never be what it was before, it didn¡¯t have to be. It could be better. No, it would be better. She would not lie or betray him again, she didn¡¯t think she could. Her heart felt most whole when honest with him.


    ¡°Kaid¡­you don¡¯t mind, right, if we keep this between us? It¡¯s not that I¡­it¡¯s not about shame or wanting to hide you. It¡¯s hard to explain. I know I have a lot to make up for, things to change, and I want that done in private.¡±


    ¡°You have enough stress on your shoulders. I understand,¡± he agreed, not bothered by the suggestion as he knew it was probably for the best to keep this a secret from everyone, ¡°as long as you let me relieve that stress, I won¡¯t have a problem. But if you keep moaning that loud, I¡¯m afraid someone might eventually hear.¡±


    ¡°Oh shut up,¡± she rolled her eyes, kissing him deeply to contrast her annoyance, ¡°I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡± he whispered against her lips, feeling a warmth and happiness in his heart that washed over the pain, in both his soul and his arm. The longer he stayed with her, kissed her and touched her like this, the clearer his head was at. Kaid knew what he wanted, who he wanted¡­but he didn¡¯t want his actions to become her consequence. Unfortunately, they already had.


    It was up to him to do it together, or face it alone. Kaid didn¡¯t want to be alone, again. Not now. Not ever. Jessamine Alexis Kruzika had stolen his heart long ago, and he knew she wouldn¡¯t give it back. She¡¯d hold it in her palms, even if it was scattered into a million pieces. Kaid wouldn¡¯t want it held any other way.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Jessamine awoke to the sound of someone rapidly rapping their knuckles against the door. It took her a moment to familiarize herself with red cave walls with no windows, no sea breeze that normally awoke her. When she finally came to, the knocking didn¡¯t stop. It took a moment to climb out from Kaid¡¯s strong grip around her stomach, getting up to open the door.


    Mara stood there, fully dressed with a bit of worry in her eyes, ¡°We need to get moving. Some of Shailud¡¯s men are already here asking questions. They won¡¯t stop bothering the inn-keeper. Alec said he would meet us at the stables.¡±


    ¡°Shit, okay,¡± Jessamine sighed, knowing there wouldn¡¯t be a slow morning until they were back in Vitross. Not until they were safe¡­as if they¡¯d ever be safe.


    ¡°Want me to stick around? We have strength in numbers?¡± Mara asked.


    ¡°No. We should remain split up for now. We will meet you there,¡± Jessamine answered, figuring they¡¯d all four stand out if they went there together. Even with a fresh pair of clothes, it was best they slipped out unnoticed. Mara agreed, nodding before immediately taking off on foot.


    Jessamine shut the door, locking it for now before seeing Kaid¡¯s disheveled hair rise above the blankets they shared.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked tiredly.


    ¡°We need to get dressed and hurry. Some of his men have been spotted in town,¡± she urged him, grabbing his clothes to help with first until she noticed a haze in his eyes. It was more than just exhaustion and tiredness in his expression. Her palm touched his forehead again, still feeling that blazing hot warmth.


    ¡°Your fever has worsened,¡± Jessamine whispered, ¡°I knew we shouldn¡¯t have indulged in each other last night.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that had anything to do with it,¡± Kaid disagreed, knowing she¡¯d blame herself. He did feel like shit, but didn¡¯t want to disclose that to her. She already looked worried and there was no use in worsening that. She got him dressed quickly, careful to not brush against his wounds before she got dressed herself.


    Kaid made sure to make the bed in the meantime, neatly tucking the blankets in and making the room look presentable. He was calm during the storm, or perhaps just needed to occupy his thoughts amidst the stress. Either way, it warmed Jessamine¡¯s worried heart.


    The sun irritated Kaid¡¯s eyes as Jessamine took his hand and led him across the steps of the narrow cave halls. Chebi was already awake and thriving, many people either heading to the fields for work or the market to sell and buy goods. But in that crowd were soldiers that stood out among the citizens. Grown tall and broad men in light armor roamed the streets, eyes constantly watching for whatever descriptions they were given.


    An Uhkhtarian male with a scar under his eye probably wasn¡¯t the one they were looking for. Vitross woman with pale skin, freckles, and maroon hair¡­that would be much more apparent in a place like this. Luckily, Jessamine had purchased a tan head covering to match her attire, doing her best to conceal her identity and not draw too much attention. It was better than nothing.


    They raced gently to the edge of the inn, Jessamine hearing a conversation before she stopped Kaid, hiding behind the edges of the inn¡¯s front office.


    ¡°I am not giving you full reign to just search every room in my inn. You have no right, no authority,¡± the innkeep shouted.


    ¡°Shailud says we do,¡±  the soldiers grunted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t follow the rules of a tyrant,¡± he explained, ¡°now leave.¡±


    ¡°You dare to defy your ruler? What power do you possess to make us leave? A citizen reported you harbored these traitors in your inn last night. A man slaughtered soldiers on an entire train and kidnapped the Empress of Vitross, and they¡¯re staying at your inn.¡±


    ¡°Empress?¡± the man asked and Jessamine felt a twinge of worry. No doubt his thoughts lingered on the four strangers that arrived late last night. It wouldn¡¯t take him long to piece it together that it was her, and her rescuers. There was no other way to escape this inn without tumbling down a rocky hillside, and Jessamine needed to trust him, not infiltrate his mind. ¡°I would know if an Empress arrived at my doorstep. Now, if they are traitors then I suggest you keep moving to find them, because they aren¡¯t here.¡±


    Jessamine let out a relieved breath, gazing at Kaid who had a small proud smile. The soldiers were disgruntled, but knew the innkeep was right. They shouldn¡¯t waste any further time here, especially since he seemed so honest. Kaid and Jessamine waited until they were long out of sight, rushing down to the main door but not before Jessamine placed the entire bag of leftover gold coins on his table.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessamine whispered, seeing the man looked surprised at the generosity of money.


    ¡°I know an Empress when I see one, same as I know good people,¡± he smiled, gazing at her, ¡°take good care of your ¡®husband.¡¯¡±


    ¡°She certainly does,¡± Kaid blushed, feeling Jessamine tug at his hand before they blended in with the morning crowd. Kindness had its dues. People remembered kindness, even small acts, in a particularly cruel world. Kaid remembered the early days of Caladin when kindness extended so far. But the brutality of it all diminished any good he could have stained on that place.


    Kaid couldn¡¯t let such cruelty reach places like this. He wouldn¡¯t let that happen.


    ¡°Where to now?¡± Kaid asked, seeing Jessamine lead the way which he didn¡¯t mind. He loved the sensation of being pulled along by her gentle hands.


    ¡°Stables. We got some horses-¡±


    ¡°Ugh,¡± Kaid groaned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they only had three available anyways. Guess that means you¡¯re stuck riding with me,¡± Jessamine teased, ¡°Mara said you had a difficult first ride.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t remind me,¡± he smiled softly, but was more comfortable in the idea of riding as long as she took charge. There were still plenty of actions he felt much more at ease with when she was leading. This was certainly one of them. ¡°When did you learn how to ride? I rarely saw any horses in Vitross.¡±


    ¡°Like most skills I learned, it was to attract suitors. Skale and even parts of Lungor were obsessed with equestrian hobbies. It was a show of wealth. Alec and I both learned from a young age, although I preferred sailing,¡± she hummed. If war really was blooming on the horizon, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have some of her men learned too. While Vitross would dominate on sea, on land a cavalry could do horrible damage. That was a thought she had to put aside for now.


    Commotion stirred when they got to the stables though, soldiers surrounding the place before hearing shouts. Shit. Twelve guards had circled the small area with swords drawn. Mara was pinned against the nearest wall, and Alec pinned down in the dirt by two of them. Kaid felt a sharp poke at his backside from a blade, not bothering to turn around.


    ¡°Well, look what we have here,¡± one of them hummed, a familiar voice at that. Proffitt. The same soldier Kaid had humiliated a few months prior after some drinking and ¡®false¡¯ accusation of stealing. Proffitt turned with that smirk, before recognizing Kaid, or rather Musa. ¡°What the fuck are you doing here, Musa?¡±


    ¡°I could ask the same of you,¡± Kaid replied, his hand letting go of Jessamine¡¯s to let it linger near his knife.


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t try anything funny, poet. I know what you and Mara conspired to do, blow up the palace wall and blame Shailud for it. I can¡¯t wait to see you hang for it,¡± Proffitt smirked, ¡°but I might have some fun with your cousin first.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try it,¡± Kaid seethed, feeling anger surge inside him. They were clearly outnumbered. Twelve to four, with two of them already pinned down and weapons discarded to the side. Even with Oblivion, Kaid felt it was a longshot. Maybe it was best for them to be taken to Shailud anyways. Kaid knew when it was okay to surrender, to fight another day. But with his fever worsening, someone had to make a call.


    Outnumbered, and with two already indisposed for fighting, the odds felt greatly against them.


    However, unlike the blazing hot sun shining down on all of them, a shadowed darkness still lingered. Afterall, a shadow only existed when light did as well. A smile remained on Proffitt¡¯s lips, cocky and confident. Surely this would get Shailud¡¯s attention. But then fear was immediately plastered on his face and that was all Kaid needed to see to know surrender wasn¡¯t an option.


    All twelve men immediately collapsed with thuds into the sand at the same time, frozen, catatonic. Dead. Or at least, appeared dead.


    Kaid glanced at Jessamine, seeing the sweat drip down her forehead, her breathing racing. Holy shit. She couldn¡¯t just control one person now, but many. Like a domino effect, linking souls and minds together in a chain before unleashing the same command on them all.


    ¡°What the fuck did you just do!?¡± Alec asked, rising to his feet with slight fury in his voice. No. Not fury. Fear. He had just watched his sister take down twelve men with ease, or rather¡­relative ease. Kaid could tell it was no easy feat, seeing the strain of exhaustion in her eyes. Her stamina would return eventually. Mara moved to grab her sword and adjusted her ruffled up clothing, a slightly proud look on her face.


    ¡°I bought us some time,¡± Jessamine said, wasting none as she headed towards the horses, ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. They¡¯re not dead. We won¡¯t have much time before they wake up.¡±


    Kaid glanced down to see Proffitt¡¯s body rise and fall with a tired, steady breath. Whether she put them to sleep or rendered them unconscious, it didn¡¯t matter. She had bought them time, in a delightful manner no less.


    ¡°We could have let them take us back to Kanaf. Now what will these people think of you?¡± Alec questioned.


    ¡°I can¡¯t control what others think of me. We need to get to Kanaf unseen. I know Shailud, he isn¡¯t one to sit in his palace either. He¡¯s out here in the desert with us. We can beat him back to Kanaf, heal Kaid, and then take him by surprise,¡± Jessamine explained.


    ¡°You mean to usurp him?¡± Alec asked, ¡°What about Vrah¡¯s deal with him?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t involved in that,¡± she shrugged, ¡°I know nothing of the terms and therefore will act like I know nothing of it. The people here want change. If I can help with that, then I will. Plans turn to shit all the time, Vrah should have planned for that and adapted. Instead, he¡¯s probably pacing in his palace walls until he hears good news.¡±


    And good news, he would not get it. Jessamine knew she had to act swiftly to remove Shailud. The second Vrah would arrive would complicate things. If she could remove Shailud and put someone in charge deserving of such a title, it would not only benefit her but the people here as well.


    Kaid heard Alec mutter something as he stared at the lifeless men at his feet, unsure if Jessamine¡¯s ears perceived it either. Kaid would have said something, but now wasn¡¯t the time to berate one another. Jessamine pulled their horse along, helping Kaid get up first as he shifted to the back of the uncomfortable saddle. Kaid used his one good arm to levy her up with ease, immediately feeling her rear press up against him, her back pressed to his chest.


    ¡°That was remarkable,¡± Kaid whispered in her ear, seeing a blush form on her cheek.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one whose powers have enhanced,¡± she whispered, doing her best to fight a proud smile, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, his good arm wrapping around her waist as Jessamine wasted no time in getting the horse to a steady gallop. When he glanced up at Mara, who seemed to be following at the side, she offered her friend an amused look. Well, she must¡¯ve seen that kiss, or the blush. Perhaps both. Either way, she wouldn¡¯t spill their secret. She had been the one to push Kaid all along to make amends.


    The ride to Kanaf was steady and smooth, but the heat and lack of medicine was making Kaid waver and wane. Jessamine could feel moments of him slipping in and out of consciousness before the horse between their legs would almost jerk him awake. She whispered to him soft encouragements to stay awake, that they were almost there but even she didn¡¯t know where they were going. It was only trusting Mara to lead the way, with Alec watching their backs. But finally after a steep slope up the canyon, the city was in view.


    One step closer to being healed. One step closer to being home, his true home.


    The streets were quiet and afraid, most people staying home since the attack. They were afraid of what they didn¡¯t know. There were whispers that perhaps it would be suggested an Uhkhtarian attacked the Empress. If so, would she not retaliate against the entire country? No.


    She knew who was solely responsible, the one who would bear the weight of punishment.


    Awaiting at the gates were their friends. Mara was the first to get off her horse quickly, seeing little Kai run at her with a wide smile on his face.


    ¡°Mom! I knew you¡¯d be okay,¡± he held her tightly.


    Kiev, who¡¯s leg was now healed due to the powers of the Vitross healer, was quick to rush to Jessamine and a very exhausted Kaid.


    ¡°Empress, are you alright?¡± he asked, helping her down first before seeing the state of Kaid¡¯s hand, or non-existence of it. His blue eyes widened, wondering who the hell could have done such a thing to the Guardian of Vitross.


    Someone else seemed to notice it too, someone who¡¯s heartstrings tore with hurt, anger, but mostly worry. Sabine ran over to Kaid, helping him down before noticing his fever and ill state.


    ¡°Musa, I mean, Kaid, are you alright!?¡± Sabine asked, cupping his face gently.


    Jessamine immediately felt a sting of jealousy but swallowed it. It didn¡¯t take any probing of the young girl¡¯s thoughts to know how she felt about Kaid. That might change Jessamine¡¯s plans, and for the worse. As much as Jessamine felt the urge to take control and help Kaid to Cadize for healing, she remained still.


    ¡°We should take him to Cadize, he can help,¡± Jessamine offered gently, having to keep an eye on her own tone. Kaid was slipping in and out of his feverish state, needing help just to walk inside and out of this heat.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Sabine asked, ¡°Who did this to him?¡±


    ¡°Pestilence,¡± Mara lied, ¡°he¡¯s dead too. It¡¯s a long story. Give us all some rest and time, and we can explain everything.¡±


    Kiev helped make sure everyone was okay, before seeing a familiar blonde streak of hair and a man just as tall as himself, ¡°Alec?¡±


    Alec had been his best friend growing up, practically like brothers. They shared everything together, all their secrets, their motivations, their desires in life. Kiev, just as much as Jessamine if not more, was hurt by Alec¡¯s immediate disappearance. And now he was back. Kiev felt a pit in his stomach.


    His Empress attacked. Kaid¡¯s hand severed. Pestilence dead. And now the return of the ¡®heir¡¯ of Vitross. This did not bode well. Not at all.


    ¡°Kiev, hah, what a handsome devil you turned out to be,¡± Alec smirked, eager to return to their friendship. Kiev was immediately skeptical, glancing at Jessamine who held his most loyalty to. The Commander of the Guard didn¡¯t know what to think about the situation. All he could think was that they were fucked. Timelines of consequences were beginning to crash down. How would his Empress react?


    Cadize was quick to find, and quick to rise to his feet at the situation laid before him.


    ¡°Hello my old friend, let''s get you patched up,¡± Cadize smiled, hearing Kaid mumble a slight thanks before taking him away to private chambers. Sabine had followed eagerly, Jessamine lingering behind. Despite her own injuries, it was best that Kaid got healed first. She could rest later. Right now, she had to plan.


    Mara placed Kai down, who immediately gave Jessamine a hug too. It distracted her from the jealousy, one Mara was quick to see.


    ¡°Kaid didn¡¯t do anything with her¡­if that¡¯s what you¡¯re wondering,¡± Mara was quick to try and quell her worry.


    ¡°Even if he did, it¡¯s none of my concern,¡± Jess shrugged, even if the thought hurt her, ¡°I trust him. I don¡¯t trust her, same as she doesn¡¯t trust me. But if we are going to stop Shailud, we might have to.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a plan?¡± Mara asked.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Jessamine hummed, letting her hands play with little Kai¡¯s hair.


    The door opened in front of them, Sabine walking out. She looked half furious, half angry, having been presumably kicked out of the room for the moment. Cadize typically liked working alone, without people breathing over him. Her eyes met the Empress¡¯, unsure of exactly what words should leave her lips.


    ¡°This is your fault, you know that?¡± Sabine spat, ¡°If you had just minded your own business-¡±


    ¡°If I had minded my business, this place would have become a radial religious state run by both Shailud and Pestilence working side by side. And that state would have encroached on Vitross eventually. Shailud would make his own people suffer if it meant I suffered,¡± Jessamine defended herself.


    ¡°Sabine, you don¡¯t know everything. Jessamine did her best with the situation at hand,¡± Mara was quick to defend her as well.


    ¡°Your entire plan was to come here and remove Shailud, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Sabine asked, ignoring Mara¡¯s plea. In truth, Sabine was not wrong. If Jessamine had found the opportunity to dethrone him, she was going to take it. Somehow despite all the chaos, the opportunity was now at her feet.


    ¡°I have many plans, many prospective ideas, not all of them come into fruition. I have to plan for plenty of alternatives,¡± Jessamine swallowed, knowing it wasn¡¯t an easy task.


    ¡°And in every one of them, it¡¯s Kaid that suffers, right?¡± Sabine spat.


    ¡°Sabine, that¡¯s enough,¡± Mara shook her head, ¡°We should be working together.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right. You can either work with me, or work for Shailud. Your choice,¡± Jessamine had to withhold her fury and passion of tears, knowing deep down maybe Sabine was right, ¡°Now, let us rest and I can see Kaid when-¡±


    ¡°Oh, you won¡¯t be seeing him until I question him about what¡¯s really going on. It¡¯s clear you manipulated him in the past, I need to make sure you¡¯re not doing it to him now,¡± Mara scowled.


    Jessamine felt her lip twinge, one fist clenching, ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯m sure when he wakes up, I will be the first thing he asks for.¡± Kaid was hers, and only hers. Jessamine wasn¡¯t one to share, and she knew Kaid wasn¡¯t either. Sabine could fool herself all she wanted. She could choose to believe the lies set in front of her, or move beyond her emotions and see truth.


    This petty fighting would get them nowhere, only in further dislike for each other. If Jessamine had to prove what she was willing to sacrifice, what she had already sacrificed for both Kaid and Uhkhtar, she would. Sabine would have to pick a side and Jessamine knew there was no convincing her, not without true manipulation.


    Kaid was the one that had to change things here. He was the only one that could sway not just her mind but the minds of everyone here. Jessamine knew right then and there, her plan to usurp couldn¡¯t involve her. One man, though, had experience in such matters. All he needed was rest, and an emerald green blade in his hand.

 Thirteen

    Kaid¡¯s eyes flashed open with a racing heartbeat, sweat dripping from his curls. His eyes flashed from normal to violet hues, back and forth, before blinking and realizing where he was. He wasn¡¯t quite familiar with the interior decor of Shailud¡¯s palace, but this was certainly it.


    A conversation ran through his head, one he was trying to remember in the void. Red hair. Elegant stance. Jessamine¡¯s mother. She had sought him out in the void, but what had she asked of him? He couldn¡¯t remember, and didn¡¯t know why. Not until realizing a hand on his shoulder had awoken him. He relaxed at the touch, before hearing a voice he didn¡¯t expect.


    ¡°You alright? You were having a vicious nightmare,¡± Sabine asked.


    Kaid didn¡¯t expect Sabine to be here of all things. He remembered Cadize healing him up. He didn¡¯t remember Jessamine by his side. His confused eyes met Sabine¡¯s before glancing down at his healed, relatively healed, left arm. There was no growing back a hand. Cadize wasn¡¯t that powerful.


    Reality finally set in. He thought he had come to terms of losing his hand, in reality, he had been in the denial stage of his grief. There were things he could do not do anymore, things he had taken for granted or so used to. While it was not his dominant hand, this weakened him, wounded him. However, there wasn¡¯t time to properly grieve and wallow in pity.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Kaid breathed out, slowly rising to sit up, ¡°where¡¯s Jessamine, is she alright?¡±


    Kaid noticed Sabine pull her hand back at that question, the softness in her face fading. He hadn¡¯t known he had somehow proven Jessamine right, that the first thing he¡¯d ask for was her. Kaid just didn¡¯t know what was going on, he half expected her to be by his side, or at the very least strategizing their next move. Kaid also realized Sabine had interrupted his ¡®nightmare¡¯, which was beginning to explain his slight brain fog.


    He couldn¡¯t blame Sabine for that, though. She always acted out of good intentions.


    ¡°She''s been waiting outside the room, has been all day,¡± Sabine answered, ¡°I told her I needed to speak with you alone, make sure you are alright.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Kaid assured her, still confused but took a deep breath, ¡°Sabine, I have to apologize.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been lied to before,¡± she shrugged, acting like it didn¡¯t wound her.


    ¡°Not just the lie. The lie was meant to protect you, to protect everyone here. I meant using you. I didn¡¯t want to use you, but I needed to make sure my presence here remained unseen. You saw what depths they¡¯ll go to try and find me, to lure me out. People got hurt because of me,¡± Kaid insisted.


    ¡°Yeah, well, I can¡¯t blame you. You learned from the best,¡± Sabine clenched her jaw, insinuating he had learned well from Jessamine, ¡°I want to know what happened.¡±


    ¡°Pestilence stole Jessamine, cut off my hand-¡± Kaid started, before seeing Sabine raise her hand to silence him.


    ¡°The Paradox. The Time Paradox you started. I want to know why you did it,¡± she corrected him. Kaid knew only a few knew the real details of what had happened. All knew Kaid had been the initiator of such a cataclysmic event, one he didn¡¯t see coming. Very few knew the truth, and it was perhaps for the best. Even if the truth revealed itself to the world, Kaid doubted many would believe it.


    ¡°Payne, Jessamine¡¯s advisor and Royal Investigator, was using Jessamine¡¯s generous offer of turbines as a means to poison the population, whether the water supply, or combust to kill hundreds. He meant to do so and place blame on Jessamine, who knew nothing of this plan. So, I had to stop him,¡± Kaid explained, but saw it didn¡¯t satisfy her.


    ¡°So, she knew her own advisor was trouble and didn¡¯t do anything?¡± Sabine scoffed.


    ¡°You still stand beside Shailud, despite knowing his true intentions at ruling,¡± Kaid retorted back, slowly rising from the bed, ¡°And for that, I do not judge you for. But you cannot judge Jessamine for it either.¡±


    That statement rubbed salt to her already sore and open wounds, but it was a well necessary comment to make. He was right. Sabine stayed near Shailud in hopes she could make a difference, as if to become a counter weight to his devious schemes and better her people. Shailud, after all, wasn¡¯t always like this. People change, sometimes for the worst.


    ¡°Payne killed Jessamine disguised as me. He was a face changer, and had been using Jessamine¡¯s feelings for me this entire time as an opportunity. Jessamine was straying away from his plans, and when he knew Jessamine was aware of the turbine plan, he assassinated her. I was too late to stop it. Mara, Kiev, and myself fought Payne but it was no use. He had trained his entire life for that movement and I had to go a more unconventional route. I had to reverse time, knowing Payne would not regain his strength or energy,¡± Kaid explained, taking a deep breath, ¡°I didn¡¯t know what would happen.


    ¡°I knew what reversing time would do to my body. I didn¡¯t know what it would do to the rest of the Continent, I swear it, Sabine. Your brothers, I am sorry for what happened to them. There was no thought of consequence to the world in my decision. I had lost my world. I watched my friends die. I sat in a pool of my Empress¡¯s blood as she laid cold in my hands. At that moment, I vowed to do anything to get them back, even at the cost of my own life.


    ¡°I know people will judge me for it. I do not blame them. I cannot say that if I had known the consequences of my actions, I wouldn¡¯t have done it. None of us know the true weight of our decisions. I know anyone else in my position might very well do the same. All I knew is that I would get them back, that they could have a chance to live again, to make better decisions,¡± Kaid paused, coming to his truth, ¡°I am the problem Sabine. Not Jessamine. Not Lungor or Pestilence. All these things, these horrible things are because of me. You have every right to hate me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you,¡± she whispered immediately, her own words surprising her. She paced for a moment, taking in the weight of Kaid¡¯s words as she gazed down at her hands. ¡°That river floods every year during monsoon season. My brothers died from normality, from an accident. I pushed the blame onto the Paradox because I needed to justify it somehow, not that I was a horrible sister-¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t a horrible sister. They loved you, you must know that,¡± Kaid insisted gently, almost as if sensing their presence in this very room, ¡°You have a very good heart, Sabine. One deserving of someone who can treat you like the desert rose that you are, one who can numb your pain and not add to it. I am sorry for using you. I cared for you, I care for you, but it cannot be in the way that you wish.¡±


    ¡°It was very apparent you were in love with someone else,¡± Sabine bitterly nodded, taking a deep breath before disregarding her feelings, ¡°So, you say Shailud was working with Pestilence? That is an act of treason.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Pestilence and his team were awaiting for him to arrive the morning after taking Jessamine. Perhaps there is some proof, correspondence in his office. Shailud wanted to ¡®rescue¡¯ Jessamine, a deal he made with Vrah, in order to appear like a hero and fully transition into power here. He made a faulty blade,¡± Kaid explained, pointing over to the real usurper blade, ¡°this is the real one, it¡¯s a blade-¡±


    ¡°I know what that blade means,¡± Sabine interrupted, gazing at him almost warily. She suspected him with concern, slight distrust. Kaid had explained his reasons for using her; they were hurtful answers but he was right to do so to protect his identity.


    She took a moment to collect her emotions, having to swallow them for now, ¡°I will go see if there¡¯s any evidence. Shailud will most likely be here soon with all those soldiers looking for you. You have my protection, Kaid.¡±


    Jessamine, however, did not. But it seemed like she didn¡¯t need it.


    ¡°Thank you Sabine, truly,¡± Kaid insisted, seeing her only nod.


    Sabine walked towards the door, unlocking it before stepping out. A weary Jessamine rose from the uncomfortable seating, doing her best not to infiltrate Sabine¡¯s mind for a sense of emotions. She just wanted to know if Kaid was alright and recovering well. Mara and little Kai awoke from their little doze, seeing the tension between them.


    ¡°He¡¯s all yours,¡± Sabine spoke bitterly, ¡°meet me in the office when you¡¯re ready to finish this scheme.¡±


    Jessamine ignored her words, immediately going into the room, but little Kai beat her first.


    ¡°Uncle Kaid! I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re alright,¡± Kai ran to him, but stopped upon looking at his arm, ¡°What happened to your hand? It looks so¡­ugly.¡±


    ¡°Kai!¡± Mara scowled, ¡°We don¡¯t talk about people like that.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re right, it is a little ugly,¡± Kaid laughed playfully, finding humor in how brutal a child¡¯s honesty could be. The second Kai gave space, Jessamine invaded it, wrapping her arms around him with comfort.


    And also, apology, one she did not need to give. The guilt weighed heavily on her mind, knowing the reason for his amputation was from her own brother. Her hand immediately went to his left arm, fingers threading through the rough black hairs, getting a sense of what would be his new normal. The delicate softness in her fingertips against his sensitively healed wound assured him that she did not think anything less of him upon such loss.


    ¡°It¡¯s not ugly. Are you okay? How do you feel?¡± Jessamine asked, pulling back to let her other hand cup his face, already feeling the growth of facial hair against his jaw.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Did you rest? You look like you didn¡¯t get any,¡± Kaid asked, worried.


    ¡°In all honesty, no. I didn¡¯t trust Sabine to be alone with you,¡± she admitted, ¡°will she work with us?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and¡­no. Well, she will work with me,¡± Kaid hesitated slightly.


    ¡°Okay, well it¡¯s better than nothing. We take down Shailud, let Sabine take over, and you come back with me and¡­¡± Jessamine trailed off upon seeing his reaction. There was hesitancy  in his eyes, pain, and love intermixed together. Mara seemed to notice it too.


    ¡°Kai, why don¡¯t you wait outside?¡± Mara suggested, seeing his disappointment, but he knew this was an adult conversation only.


    ¡°You¡¯re not coming back, are you?¡± Jessamine asked, taking a step back, letting her hands fall from him. She had that small worried thought linger in the back of her mind, but she disregarded it as an insecurity. Now, she realized it was a very real possibility.


    ¡°Jessamine, you almost lost your Oblivion-¡±


    ¡°And you lost your fucking hand!¡±


    ¡°My point exactly. They did all of this for me. They are hunting me down. The best thing I can do is pull these enemies away from you, from the people I care about. You think if we take down Shailud that Lungor will not stop? You think they will not make me pay for my actions?!¡± Kaid asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re letting your own guilt misguide you,¡± Jessamine scoffed, incredibly hurt by this, ¡°Yes, people got hurt, people died of natural events, but you weren¡¯t the one controlling that, and it¡¯s a mere fraction compared to those that you did save. Lungor is using you as an excuse to seize power over its own people, same as Shailud. You cannot let them win by thinking you¡¯re responsible for this.¡±


    ¡°But I am!¡± Kaid shouted slightly.


    ¡°So, that¡¯s it then!?¡± Jessamine returned with equal passion, ¡°Is all of last night just a moment of pleasure for you? You tell me you love me, you fuck me, acting like we had never parted. Two years, two fucking dreadful, lonely, sorrowful years. And here I am, thinking that one night reversed all of that. Is that what you want? You want us to part ways once more, reunite for one night every couple of years!? Do you expect me to want that!? Do you expect me to wait around for you in suffering!?¡±


    ¡°N-no, Jess,¡± Kaid shook his head, ¡°You just don¡¯t understand-¡±


    ¡°So help me understand! Talk to me, teach me, make me understand why you think running will be of any benefit for you. You¡¯re not in fucking Caladin anymore, Kaid. You have the right to make your own decisions, ones that have blessings and consequences. You have the right to make whatever decision you want, to do what makes you happy. You¡¯re so used to suffering that I¡¯m afraid you will continue to make yourself in pain thinking it makes everyone else happy. You¡¯re so used to the pain you believe you can¡¯t feel it anymore!¡±


    Mara stood awkwardly amongst the yelling, thinking she too should have left the room as well.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Jessamine, I can¡¯t stand to see you get hurt,¡± Kaid clenched his jaw, and his fist.


    ¡°There is an option you can be there to protect me, then. Or are you no longer my Guardian?¡± Jessamine wiped a quick, hot tear away, fury and sorrow in her voice.


    A knock on the door made all three glance over, seeing Kiev who walked into the heated conversation with worry.


    ¡°Empress, Shailud¡¯s been spotted at the mountain pass. It¡¯s only a matter of time before he¡¯s here. We should plan with Sabine our next move as soon as possible,¡± he apologized for his interruption.


    ¡°Thank you, Kiev. Let¡¯s go speak with her,¡± she nodded, eager to leave the room.


    ¡°Jess-¡± Kaid wanted to apologize, but it was no use. Jessamine was quick to leave with Kiev, leaving just Mara there to glance at Kaid. Mara could understand both sides, both perspectives, but Jessamine had been right.


    There was a long silence between them. Kaid glanced down at his crippled, non-existent hand in dismay. He lost his hand, what more would he lose for her? He¡¯d wish to lose every limb on his body if it meant keeping her safe. Why did he hate himself for wanting her? Did he fear that he still didn¡¯t trust her?


    What the hell had her mother wished of him in his dreams? Surely, it couldn¡¯t have been this.


    ¡°She¡¯s right about Caladin, you know? That was a place you sacrificed your comfort, your livelihood, all to make someone else happy. Whether it was other prisoners, me, or anything, your father. You rotted away while he lived a life of luxury, one you deserved. You don¡¯t have to do that here,¡± Mara insisted, ¡°By the Divines, I know you love her. So go make it right.¡±


    ¡°Lungor could go to war-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you see that¡¯s what they¡¯ve wanted from the very beginning? Lungor and Vitross have seemed to be at odds for centuries. They mean to make you pay for consequences of some Time Paradox. They crave war as long as they aren¡¯t seen as the instigators. How about it¡¯s time you make them pay? Pay for what they did to your mother, what they did to these people, what they will do if you don¡¯t stop them?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want revenge,¡± Kaid shook his head.


    ¡°But they do. They will take everything from you and even if you run away, they will target her. Especially with her rejecting Vrah, do you think they will not stop hurting her? They want you to keep running, and they will keep luring you out with every attempt against her. They¡¯re not expecting her to fully forgive you, in which she already has,¡± Mara explained, ¡°Do you want her?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Kaid insisted, ¡°I want her more than fucking anything, but I-¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to add a ¡®but¡¯ if you love her more than anything,¡± Mara whispered.


    Kaid nodded slowly at that. They were right, he had to make a decision. He was so used to others making the calls for him. Caladin, Jessamine as his Empress, Payne ordering him around. The first time he truly made a decision for himself, it turned into the Time Paradox. He couldn¡¯t let his fear of messing up prevent him from what he wanted.


    Small shouts were heard down the halls, servants running to announce Shailud was here. They were out of time, at least Kaid felt like it was. Whatever plan was to be created, it had to be improvised. Kaid moved to his gear, knowing he had to arm himself if this turned into a large-scale fight. Yet, he noticed something was missing.


    ¡°Shit, she took my blade,¡± Kaid cursed, glancing at Mara.


    ¡°Sabine?¡± Mara asked, knowing that would be a major concern.


    ¡°Jessamine. She intends to fight him herself¡­¡±


    ¡ª-----------------------


    ¡°Are you sure this is a good idea?¡± Sabine asked, mostly out of concern as they began to walk towards the courtyard, ¡°If you have that blade, people will ask questions about how you came to possess it. If you kill him, overthrow him, people will blame all of this on you.¡±


    ¡°I came here and caused these problems, I should be the one to fix it,¡± Jessamine assured her, holding the emerald blade in her hand before beginning to conceal it, ¡°They might think me a tyrant, but if it catches Shailud off guard, then so be it. We need to make sure he doesn¡¯t win.¡±


    ¡°Look, I know you know that I¡­disagree with you, but we can¡¯t give these people a reason to hate you. I spoke out of turn, and out of emotion when I stated all of this was your fault,¡± Sabine noted, ¡°I¡¯d fight him myself but¡­I¡¯m not that good of a fighter.¡±


    Sabine knew it should have been her. If she wanted to make change, she should have learned to properly fight and challenge Shailud. But she knew him, grew up with him. He had been fighting since he could walk, something Sabine couldn¡¯t compete with.


    ¡°You have proof of his set up with Pestilence, do you not?¡± Jessamine asked, glancing at the letter in her hands.


    ¡°Yes but¡­I know Shailud. He will find a way to persuade them with his charismatic nature. He can very well insist it is a fake,¡± she sighed. She had let this fester for too long. She should have tried to stop Shailud the second she knew his true motives. While there were some here that didn¡¯t believe in Shailud, she knew people were afraid.


    Shailud would feed into their fears, make them believe he was the only one who could take them away. That was something they had to stop. Shailud would expect them to wait in the palace, recovering from these wounds. He wouldn¡¯t expect Jessamine to meet him face to face, in front of all of Kanaf.


    In fact, he was eagerly enjoying the crowd surrounding him, all of them asking what had happened. They had all seen the Empress arrive, and knew Shailud must have helped, right? He was basking in the glory of their questions, the beginning of the sunset glowing across his skin like fire. The crowd and all talking were silenced upon seeing Jessamine and Sabine there, waiting at the edge of the courtyard with intrigue.


    Jessamine hid the blade under her belt, covering it with a flap of her desert fabrics. Sabine, however, held that letter firmly in her grasp. Shailud¡¯s charismatic face faltered at the sight.


    ¡°Empress, are you alright? I went to go rescue you,¡± he asked, nervously smiling as he began to walk over, ¡°It seems like you don¡¯t need much help in that. I apologize about the train, I saw the wreckage. I¡¯m just certainly glad you¡¯re alright.¡±


    ¡°You set me up,¡± Jessamine crossed her arms, not wanting to hear any of his pleasantries. He seemed more surprised at her bluntness, all eyes looking at him to figure out what she had been talking about.


    ¡°I¡­Empress, believe me when I say this attack was not my doing,¡± Shailud stammered, ¡°If I wanted to remove you-¡±


    ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t do this to remove me. Vrah wouldn¡¯t have let you take it that far,¡± Jessamine sneered, walking away from Sabine and Kiev to step closer, ¡°No, you have to come up with some elaborate plot that makes you look like a hero. We both know that¡¯s not who you are. Look here, Uhkhtar! Look upon your brave, selfless, sacrificing hero Shailud come to rescue you from the shackles he¡¯s placed on you himself!¡±


    ¡°How dare you-¡±


    ¡°How dare I? How dare you take advantage of my generosity and paint it as malignant. How dare you pose as some righteous religious figure, when the only thing you care about spirituality is your means of control,¡± Jessamine laughed. She could see the fear in all their eyes. In the early days, such a sight would give her pleasure. Like a shroud of glory, to push fear into the hearts of everyone, a cape over her black armor. She relished in their fear. Now, she had to swallow that down to not let it consume her.


    Kaid and slowly nudged their ways through the distracted crowd. Jessamine was doing well in gathering their attention, allowing Kaid to slip through practically unnoticed.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let her take the fall for this,¡± Mara insisted with a whisper.


    ¡°I know,¡± Kaid agreed. He couldn¡¯t. He realized how ironic it was, that he couldn¡¯t let her take the fall and blame for something that was Shailud¡¯s actions. Not just Shailud, but Vrah as well. Damn it all. Why did Jessamine have to be right? Why would she be willing to sacrifice her reputation, one that took two years to build, all for it to come down now?


    ¡°Do you have a plan?¡± Mara asked. Kaid nodded slowly, not before slowing time. He slowly moved through the crowd, judging all their emotions of concern, confusion, and most of all, anger towards Jessamine. He couldn¡¯t let them be angry at her. If they only knew the truth, one he had to reveal, he could let them make their own decisions. That¡¯s what freedom was. True freedom was carrying the weight and burden of every decision, all for the hopes that one good one will uplift all the heaviness. It was time Kaid unburden his own. It was time to be who he was, who he wanted to be.


    He slowly let his fingers brush against Jessamine¡¯s midsection in his stoppage of time, going underneath the wrappings to that usurper emerald blade. Whether she¡¯d notice it was missing or not, he wasn¡¯t sure. But, he placed a soft kiss on her frozen cheek, one he knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to feel either. Maybe, just maybe, once time went back to normal, she¡¯d feel remnants of warm lips against her skin. Like the ghost of her mother who wanted only to hold her hand, tell her how brave she¡¯s been.


    When he returned to Mara, blade in hand, she glanced over upon realizing he had slowed time to get it.


    ¡°Now¡¯s your opportunity, his back is turned,¡± Mara hummed. That¡¯s what she would have done anyways, attacked with his guard down. Kaid wasn¡¯t like that though. Kaid believed in honor, even in something as brutal as this. Honor one day might be his downfall, but not today.


    ¡°You dare challenge me, Empress, in front of my own people?¡± Shailud laughed, seeing a few around him chuckle as well.


    ¡°If you want to get to Shailud, you have to go through us first,¡± one man shouted, stepping in between them. As if Shailud would do the same for this random citizen. Unlikely.


    ¡°Okay, like that¡¯ll be a problem,¡± Jessamine scoffed, forcing a slight smirk on her lips, ¡°Shailud, I challenge you to a royal diaha.¡±


    ¡°The Empress wants a diaha,¡± Shailud laughed, shaking his head, ¡°You think you know of our fancy rituals, that you can come here and claim whatever you¡¯d like. I sure hope it won¡¯t be at the cost of your life. Will you face me, mind witch, or choose a more worthy champion?¡±


    ¡°I will be her champion!¡± Kaid shouted over the crowd, seeing those around him slowly part a way for him. He could hear the surprised whispers, some louder than others.


    It¡¯s Musa. What happened to his hand? Will he finally take Shailud¡¯s side? Is he fighting for this Empress? How can he fight with only one hand?!


    ¡°Musa¡­¡± Shailud glanced over at him, before noticing his injury. Right. His reports stated that a man with no left hand had assisted the Empress in escaping. Now, he realized who that man was.


    Jessamine¡¯s face fell flat with dismay and surprise, her hands going to her belt before finding that blade had disappeared. He was fighting for her. He was fighting to ensure peace was seen from both parties. This was him picking a side, him picking a choice. This was him picking goodness, picking righteousness¡­picking her.


    ¡°My name is not Musa,¡± Kaid shook his head before standing proudly, ¡°I have lied to you, but not as much as this man lies to you tonight. My name is Kaid Al-Yami, son of Uhkhtarian Priestess Farah Al-Yami. I am Lord Protector of Vitross and Guardian of Empress Jessamine Kruzika, creator of the Time Paradox, and ultimately usurper of tyrants such as yourself, Shailud.¡±


    Jessamine felt her heart soar at his words. Pride and love overcame any thoughts of worry that he would lose this fight. No. He would not lose, regardless of what the others might think.


    Shailud laughed for a moment, not believing the poet underneath his nose the entire time was the most wanted man Lungor was searching for. Yet, Kaid had said it with so much authority and authenticity, it had to be true. How could he have not seen it? He had misjudged this simple poet, a passionate writer, and dismissed him as his greatest, most dangerous of enemies.


    Kaid could see the gaze on which the attitudes of his people changed. There was mostly shock for one, betrayal, and even anger. The man responsible for flooding rivers, ruined harvests, and religious cacophony had been amongst them all along.


    ¡°Is that what you¡¯re here for, to usurp me, Kaid?¡± Shailud smirked, ¡°We gave you a home, gave you shelter. This is how you betray us? What proof do you have that you are the son of our former Priestess?¡±


    Kaid unsheathed the emerald blade for all to see, the crowd murmuring and gasping at the surprise. They all glared at Shailud¡¯s blade, the one that had been ¡®blessed¡¯ to him during the Mahjaran, a phony, sham of a ritual declaring him ruler. Two blades. Only one of them could be real, and what better way to test the truth in how blades should be tested: battle.


    ¡°My Empress came here, out of the goodness in her heart, to restore relations, to bring peace and prosperity. Your false sham of a plot has brought this place dishonor, one I intend to mend myself,¡± Kaid insisted, before turning to Jessamine, ¡°Empress, this man challenges you to a duel. Do you accept me as your champion?¡±


    Jessamine stood proud, the faintest of smirks on her lips, ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°In a diaha, the challenger chooses the means of the fight. Choose your weapon, armor, and rules, Shailud,¡± Kaid turned his eyes to him.


    Worry and fear were slowly showing amidst his dilating black eyes. An Empress, he might be able to challenge, or so he thought. Jessamine knew how to fight, much better than Kaid in all honesty. But, Kaid had to fight this to ensure a smooth transition of power, to make sure Jessamine was not seen as overreaching. Then, Shailud glanced down at Kaid¡¯s left arm, smirking.


    Foolish boy, Shailud thought, making Jessamine only smirk even more.


    ¡°A true diaha has one blade, no armor, and an arena of only ten feet. That is what I call for,¡± Shailud decided, ¡°This emerald blade shall do. Give me a moment to remove my armor, and you will get what you wish.¡±


    Kaid moved to the side, taking deep and calming breaths. Shailud with the help of another was removing his armor, his only protection. Jessamine quickly moved to Kaid, her hands immediately securing everything from his belt to his shoelaces, making sure nothing out of place would bother him or distract him in this fight.


    ¡°You stole my blade,¡± Jessamine pretended to scowl, wanting nothing more than to place a hand on his chest.


    ¡°You stole it first,¡± Kaid whispered, ¡°Jess, about what I said earlier-¡±


    ¡°We can talk later¡­after you win this,¡± Jessamine interrupted him, knowing that he had already apologized with these actions alone tonight.


    He nodded, noticing her gaze soften as she took another glance at him. Her fingers brushed against his knuckles holding the blade, remaining as inconspicuous as she could.


    ¡°Kiss me on the lips next time if you really mean to apologize,¡± she added with a small smile, soon stepping away. Okay. So Kaid had been wrong that she was able to feel that kiss. Good to know, for future reference. But, he was glad she seemed to get his message. And she seemed to have belief in him, regardless of the exhausting day or injury. As if any of those things were capable of stopping him.


    Jessamine moved to stand beside Mara and Sabine, seeing Alec slowly approach her with confusion in his tired eyes.


    ¡°What the hell did I miss?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Shailud wants to play hero, so I let him,¡± Jessamine shrugged, seeing Kaid and Shailud prepare for a fight.


    Alec caught a strong scent in the wind, and not that foul aroma that was Kaid¡¯s Oblivion, but something else. Foresight. He had smelled it once before when tracking down an escaped Caladin prisoner. Now, he could sense it from Shailud. The man who seemed to hate Oblivion and enforce laws in his own region possessed it as well.


    And now, he was fighting Kaid, his target. His true target. There was no way in hell Alec wanted Kaid to win, but this was his fight. Alec wanted Kaid to bleed, to be gutted like the monster he was, but only by his blade, and his alone. Not Shailud, not Lungor, not Vrah or anyone else. His own sword. He¡¯d kill him with any weapon at his disposal.


    ¡°Does Kaid know he has foresight?¡± Alec asked hushedly into his sister¡¯s ear.


    Jessamine looked at him with shock and worry, ¡°You¡¯re telling me this now!?¡±


    ¡°I thought you knew,¡± Alec shrugged, his nonchalant attitude only more abrasive to the now worried Empress, ¡°Just invade Kaid¡¯s mind and tell him, that¡¯s simple enough.¡±


    If only he knew that wasn¡¯t possible.


    Shailud could see glimpses of a near future, actions done to him before someone else even thought to do them. Kaid could control time, slow it, bend it, walk alongside it. Some might call it an even battlefield. Jessamine could only feel it to be a trap, another one she so eagerly walked into.


    Her soft blue eyes glanced at Kaid who held all the confidence a man like him should carry. Shailud wanted favor from the Divines, a righteous call to be leader. He¡¯d get it here tonight, witnessed by hundreds of Kanaf citizens under a bright moonlight. He¡¯d get his chance to walk amongst gods in a hopeful moment of triumph.The only thing Shailud didn¡¯t realize was that there were no gods, no Divines that could truly bestow blessings.


    The only god that existed in this Uhkhtar region tonight was Kaid, Kaid Al-Yami.

 Fourteen

    Kaid could feel the whispered doubts on the back of his neck like the evening wind. All his life had been sown with doubt. Doubt of never being good enough, never seeking truth, or never being able to obtain anything worthwhile in his life. Jessamine was the first to rescue him from such a fate, oddly enough because she had attached an invisible leash of her own.


    That leash was gone, replaced by a string that now was tethered equally around their hearts. It was frayed by the distance between them for these two years, but no longer. Kaid knew his purpose in this life was to mend. In order to mend the world, he¡¯d have to mend that string around his heart, he¡¯d have to mend the political disarray from a place he used to call home as a boy.


    There was plenty of skepticism. Shailud was the kind of man who trained since the day he could carry a blade as a child. It wouldn¡¯t be Kaid¡¯s first time fighting a man with such experience. Kaid¡¯s lack of a left hand was visual enough to the crowd around him that he didn¡¯t stand much of a chance. The only thing was, everyone that dared to pick a fight against Kaid fought for all the wrong reasons.


    Fights were more than just experience, muscles, or technique. Motivation could be everything. The reason the heart continued to pump blood despite all odds could not be easily defeated by a blade. Shailud was fighting to prove himself the rightful ruler. In that aspect, he¡¯s already lost the war, even if he won this battle. If Caladin taught him one thing it was that everyone had a deadly sin. Exploiting that sin was the best assurance he could use.


    Shailud was expecting a fight to the death. Kaid knew shattering that false emerald blade in his hands would do more harm than stabbing his own through the man¡¯s heart. Mara had already attested to the blade falling under a faulty heat-treatment, meaning at just the right strike, it could shatter like glass. If Kaid had to chip and fray that blade bit by bit to hit that sweet part, he¡¯d do it.


    Jessamine held Kaid¡¯s folded sword in her gentle hands, knowing there was no way of warning Kaid without being obvious. All of those who suppressed their Oblivions would eventually implode; the pressure was too much to withstand. Even better, if they were hypocritical in their feelings towards Oblivion. In some aspects, the hypocrisy was because they were once victimized. The moment they used such fear to harm others, being an Oblivionist themselves, that¡¯s when they crossed a line.


    Shailud has crossed that line, in multiple, dangerous ways.


    Shailud paced in the small space given to them, back and forth, his eyes on Kaid who remained still. Shailud acted like a predator circling his prey, waiting for the perfect angle to strike. Kaid knew in his fight with Proffit, Kiev, and even Payne, he always countered and played on the defensive. Shailud would expect the same, which was why Kaid needed to change that.


    Kaid made the first lunge, his blade reaching for Shailud¡¯s thigh in hopes to cut. Shailud wasn¡¯t caught off guard, immediately parrying it. Kaid striked again, only to be blocked. Again. Again. And again. Shailud¡¯s smirk only grew with each defensive victory for him. Yet, he did not strike. He was trying to weaken Kaid¡¯s composure, and after over ten well defended strikes, Kaid was beginning to feel it weaken. Kaid¡¯s wrist and hand ached from the grip and powerful strikes to parry him. He hadn¡¯t made a single cut into Shailud¡¯s dark skin.


    He had slowed time with each strike, each one of them perfectly crafted to make sure Shailud couldn¡¯t counter without consequence. Yet, Shailud seemed to see each strike at him like a premonition, warning him of Kaid¡¯s potential to win. He had read about this before, somewhere, somehow. The pages of words across time flashed in his brain, his memory trying to pull up whatever he could find.


    Books had their advantage, even in a world where most decisions were derived from violence. In most instances, saying the pen was sharper than the sword was incorrect. Knowledge, however, could be life saving. And the immediate thought of Shailud having foresight was beginning to set in Kaid¡¯s confused mind. Foresight. Foresight could defeat all careful planning. Kaid could spend a year pausing time, carefully strategizing how to strike at Shailud, and no matter what the man would see it coming if it caused danger. The more dangerous a strike, the more his Oblivion would warn him of such danger.


    So, Kaid knew he had to alter his strategy. Altering strategy, changing one¡¯s mind was not a sign of weakness. Adaptability was a strength. Kaid would not waste any further energy into a fight he wouldn¡¯t win, not with the way he¡¯s handled it. He still had to aim for that blade, which was already showing divots and dulling along the edge. Shailud would continue with his own strategy, that was certain. Shailud would continue to use his brutish methods until he realized it was too late.


    Now, it was too late.


    Kaid focused all his strikes on the blade, not Shailud¡¯s torso or any openings to strike at his body. Shailud easily countered each one, not without confusion. It wasn¡¯t until Shailud decided to lunge at Kaid that it changed. With a quick side step, Kaid slammed his blade down onto the bridge of Shailud¡¯s. A high pitched ding echoed, the sound of a blade clattering into the sand caused the entire audience to gasp. Shailud only held the handle within his hands. The rest of the emerald beauty rested comfortably in the dirt.


    In a diaha, with only one weapon chosen, there were no options to obtain another weapon. Kaid knew this. Hence why breaking this blade gave him the most strategic advantage, one he knew he¡¯d have if he just gave it a little time and a lot of effort. And all the sweat that dripped down his skin was worth the shock on everyone¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°You cheat!¡± Shailud yelled, his anger getting the better of him, ¡°Where is Mara? Where is that bitch who made a faulty blade-¡±


    ¡°You admit, she made the blade?¡± Kaid asked, still panting heavily and recovering his breath. It was then Shailud made his greatest error: admitting out of aghast rage the real deceit. Kaid had not chosen to fight to kill this man, instead, a fight could reveal all the secrets a man had, Oblivion being one of them.


    Shailud began to stammer, almost foam at the mouth in anger at himself. The whispers around them grew louder. Those once doubtful eyes that had gazed upon Kaid were now on Shailud, full of betrayal and shame. Mara slowly pushed through the crowd towards the edge, everyone giving her room to take the floor.


    ¡°Shailud asked me to make the blade, yes,¡± she admitted, ¡°I feared the ramifications of not doing so. Yet, Shailud was planning on burying that secret with a plan of his own. You used my graphite to blow up the wall a hundred yards from here. You planned to accuse me of killing an Empress I had once tried to kill before.¡±


    Shailud remained silent, his heart racing, real fear finally piercing his veins like frigid cold. Greed had overwhelmed him. Lungor and Pestilence had fed his gluttony, knowing that if someone would eventually take the fall it would be him. Shailud had been used, and Kaid didn¡¯t feel sorry for him at all. Shailud would use people for his own measures to climb up the ladder of power. Only thing was, the rungs at the bottom were weak, collapsing before his very eyes from the weight of his greed.


    Shailud turned his eyes to Sabine, hoping there would be one last person to remain at his side. Yet he could tell from her expression of anger that she would not attest to him. She could ally with him no longer. Sabine was always wanting what was best for her people, and it was clear Shailud would do anything to his people to keep the power he had. Ironic enough, his power at the moment was very little. Whatever Lungor promised to him must¡¯ve been a tempting offer.


    ¡°You knew about this, didn¡¯t you!? You mind-witch bitch!¡± Shailud turned his anger towards Jessamine. The Empress remained calm, in control as she always did in moments like this. Everyone who stood around her had from Vitross held this calm smirk, knowing that perhaps Jessamine had planned this all along.


    ¡°You should be grateful Kaid was the one who challenged you,¡± Jessamine answered, ¡°He¡¯s giving you something I wouldn¡¯t have.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s that!?¡±


    ¡°Mercy,¡± Kaid answered, still holding his blade but keeping his distance, ¡°You steal from these people with taxes they can¡¯t afford, only to feed your luxurious pockets. You accuse my friend of blowing up a wall at a grand party, one you did yourself resulting in plenty of injuries. You created plans to kidnap my Empress, torture her, threaten her. You did all of this because someone offered you power in exchange of information¡­information about a man who¡¯s been under your nose this entire time.¡±


    Kaid walked closer to him, picking up the broken blade on the ground before glancing at Shailud, ¡°I¡¯m giving you a chance to walk away in exile. I¡¯m giving you a chance to redeem yourself elsewhere, to learn to rebuild yourself in a way that doesn¡¯t allow you to step on anyone else.¡±


    ¡°No. Kaid, you might be used to running away from your fate. I am not,¡± Shailud laughed, ¡°I do not accept defeat, nor exile. They are both one in the same. I still deliver what I promised, unlike you. You may have exploited my weakness, but I know yours as well.¡±


    Jessamine immediately felt a cold chill on her neck, burning synapses into her brain. Her Oblivion was immediately blocked at a miniscule brush of a hand at the back of her hair. That hand immediately grasped it, Jessamine feeling her neck tilt back and a blade pressed to her throat. Alec, Kiev, and Mara all drew their blades in response, seeing Proffit as Shailud¡¯s last and only ally remaining. Kaid immediately felt fear seize him, before realizing that¡¯s what Shailud wanted.


    ¡°Oh, so the rumors are true then. The whore of Vitross lays herself with a prison rat. You may have been born here, Kaid. But that doesn¡¯t make you one of us, not when you ally yourself with this filth. You are from Caladin and always will be. Nothing you¡¯ve done or will do can change that,¡± Shailud smirked, despite not being in the best position to do so, ¡°Make a choice, Kaid. Surrender in this diaha, and I¡¯ll consider letting you live. Do so, and your Empress walks free.¡±


    Kaid watched Jessamine¡¯s stoic, calm front from the corner of his eyes. Her fingers gently moved across the folded sword in her hand, thumb just around the button holding it all together. To anyone else, it didn¡¯t appear at all like the weapon which was purposeful. She had once come to terms that she could still exist without her Oblivion. Even in this temporary situation, the feeling was quite mutual.


    Jessamine harshly elbowed Proffit behind her with her left arm, the action barely loosening his grip around her neck. In doing so, she flicked Kaid¡¯s sword forward as it unfolded, latching into place the sharp blade it always was. She did so perfectly, as if she had practiced this a thousand times despite barely holding Kaid¡¯s weapon in her lifetime. The blade and slight freedom was just enough to show she was not just an Empress.


    She would¡¯ve been able to fight Shailud too, but again, she wouldn¡¯t have given him mercy. Nor would she give it to the Blocker behind her. Proffit froze briefly at the sight of seeing her armed, and she fully used that to her advantage. She slipped below from his grasp, immediately turning when the blade was no longer at her throat to gut the man, digging that blade further and further until she saw the pointed tip protrude his backside.


    She ripped it out cleanly, the grey blade doused in red blood before glancing at Shailud.


    ¡°You were saying¡­?¡± she asked, hearing Proffitt¡¯s body fall with a slump behind her. Kaid smirked proudly. Jessamine didn¡¯t need protection. She didn¡¯t when she had Payne, which made her fully reliant on him. But she didn¡¯t need it these past two years either. That didn¡¯t mean she didn¡¯t need Kaid, and he came to terms with the same. He didn¡¯t need Jessamine to protect him, but he did need her.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve changed my mind,¡± Kaid glanced down at the emerald blade in his hands before inching closer to Shailud, ¡°You should have taken mercy when you had the chance. One thing about prison rats¡­we have pretty vicious bites.¡±


    ¡°Kaid, wait! We can make a deal. We can-¡± Shailud¡¯s voice broke as his hands tried to stop Kaid¡¯s forceful thrust. But even both his strong arms couldn¡¯t stop Kaid¡¯s singular arm, digging that blade into his gut. Kaid twisted the blade in anger, eyes glaring down at Shailud to watch the life leave his eyes. Plenty of men were given second chances. And plenty of them wasted them.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get your reckoning¡­one day,¡± Shailud whispered with his last, shaky breath before collapsing in the dirt. Kaid pulled the blade out, mimicking that of what Jessamine had just done to his partner in crime, watching his body collapse in the sand. The parched dirt grew moist with his blood.


    Alec was quick to move to Jessamine, worry in his eyes, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had worse,¡± she retorted, but was surprised at her brother¡¯s softness and obvious concern.


    The crowd remained silent, not really sure of how to respond. Everything they had grown comfortable with in the past couple years was now lopsided, gutted clean and they didn¡¯t know how to occupy the empty space.


    One man bowed to his knees at the front, his torso directed at Kaid. Then another followed. Another and another, all aimed at Kaid. Those that remained standing were Jessamine¡¯s party, Mara, and Sabine, who stood with worried eyes to the side. This is what she worried about. Kaid only needed that blade and that alone to take everything she had worked hard for. While she did not doubt he would make a good leader¡­she didn¡¯t know how to feel. Such power corrupted, even the best of men like Kaid.


    The entire situation had been meddling with those of higher powers, Kaid the highest of them all.


    Most men would feel a strength at seeing men and women bow before them. The power that lingered in the air after a bloodthirsty kill would be enough for Kaid to want to send these men into war to reclaim this empire all in the name of justice. He could use the resources here, compile an army, and he and Jessamine could remove Lungor permanently. Here, he could take his place.


    All you have to do¡­is take it.


    The voice left his head, Kaid blinking away the initial emotions in his heart before feeling disgust, shock and doubt for his own abilities taking over instead. Kaid did not wish for power. He did not want men to bow at his feet, to follow his orders. While he was a leader, he could not lead while others were beneath him. Such was not in his nature.


    ¡°Get up,¡± Kaid demanded, seeing nobody do so, ¡°I said get up! You do not bow to me. Not now, not ever.¡±


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    The bodies rose with confusion, all glancing around at who they could place their faith in next.


    ¡°I am not your leader. Nor can I be. I lied to you, I betrayed all of you by hiding here and putting you all at risk. Shailud is right. I am not from here. I may be Uhkhtarian by blood, but my home lies elsewhere,¡± Kaid let his eyes linger towards Jessamine momentarily, ¡°I suggest a better ruler to be in place, chosen by the people and not by blade. This blade is not meant to designate who rules. The heart is what matters. And there is nobody with a greater heart here today, than Sabine.¡±


    All eyes turned towards her, and it was clear to see surprise in her eyes. She thought all her work would always go unnoticed, the same as her love. She never seemed so outright with it, never told her brothers aloud that she loved them. She thought her people would never know how much work she put in for them, long hours of studying economics, punishing trouble, or planning on protecting graphite mines from greedy hands.


    Now, she was given an opportunity to do so.


    ¡°I¡­I would like to request the same as Kaid, I do not wish for bowing. I still and always will remain your Shurta, your peacekeeper. We will lead Uhkhtar together, if you¡¯ll let me,¡± Sabine responded, her voice wavering at first before ending strong. The people, still confused and dazed, nodded slowly in agreement. It was a change from what they were used to, ruled by Priests or Priestesses who commanded to do their bidding. Change, however, was never a horrid thing.


    ¡°Then, it is settled. I ask that we give Shailud a proper Uhkhtarian burial, despite his betrayals to us today. We can burn him here in this courtyard tonight,¡± Sabine ordered, ¡°In the meantime, I will need to attend to our guest who came all the way from Vitross.¡±


    Jessamine nodded towards her counterpart, giving Sabine a polite, subtle bow. She would not bend her knee for any ruler, other than Kaid in less regal, more erotic ways. But she would recognize another leader when she could. Sabine was a good choice. As traumatizing as it might have been tonight, there could be no better, more ¡®peaceful¡¯ way for her to become a leader here.


    The crowd began to disperse, getting materials for the funeral proceedings as Kaid approached Jessamine. Kiev was the first to offer a small whoop, Vitross Guard custom at such a victory.


    ¡°A year in a coma, you skinny bastard, they take your hand and you¡¯re just as strong as ever!¡± Kiev laughed, walking over to congratulate him. Kaid welcomed the camaraderie, smiling in return. Alec¡¯s subtle smile faded, at seeing his childhood friend lingering amongst filth. Same as his sister.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lose that much weight, did I?¡± Kaid teased, seeing Jessamine disagree. If anything, he did lose some body fat now transformed into more muscle. To her it didn¡¯t make much of a difference as long as he felt happy and healthy.


    ¡°You did. About two percent of-¡± Cadize interrupted, before realizing his statistics were overshadowing the moment, ¡°Well, I am glad you were well healed. I didn¡¯t know you would jump first thing into a fight¡­but I should have known better when it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Cadize, truly. You are an absolute blessing,¡± Kaid thanked him, seeing Cadize return the smile. Everything felt like normal, or a return to normalcy for Kaid. Perhaps it was true that a little time was needed for wounds to heal, or at least begin the process. While two years had been a torment, it felt well necessary. ¡°Cadize, I have to apologize. I stole from you, betrayed you when I went to Caladin and-¡±


    ¡°Nonsense my boy. I think you did what you had to. If only you had told me earlier, I would have made a larger stock for you to take on the world,¡± Cadize smiled, not bothered by it in the slightest, ¡°you followed my advice well, you¡¯ve got a great group of friends by your side.¡±


    ¡°It feels almost like yesterday, you patching me up after Caladin,¡± Kaid returned with a soft smile.


    This entire week had been filled with bloodshed after a long period of keeping his hands clean. There were plenty of hopes this marked the end of such, if anything, it was just the beginning.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kaid awaited outside Jessamine¡¯s temporary palace chambers as she cleaned herself and any remnants of blood. Kaid changed mostly due to the sweat, changing into a light kaftan and breathable pants for evening. He had no intention of attending the funeral tonight. There was a lingering worry in Kaid¡¯s mind as he knew they¡¯d go straight to Sabine¡¯s office to fix this mess. What would Jessamine ask of her? She wouldn¡¯t come all this way to dispose of a ruler and then not make any sort of demand. Uhkhtar didn¡¯t have that much value to her.


    When she exited, she had changed as well, wearing that simple black long sleeve dress he loved so dearly.


    She slowly handed Kaid¡¯s folded blade, feeling his hand overtake her own.


    ¡°Looks like you were practicing with it while I was gone,¡± Kaid observed with a slight smile.


    ¡°I may have had a replica made, just in case I was able to possess your sword once more and needed to use it,¡± Jessamine replied, returning that small smile. If anything, she had done it to have some sort of remembrance, to remember that unique blade he had fashioned just for himself. Kaid knew this was now the time to ask for her forgiveness, but she interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Kaid, is this what you want? Is this what you truly want? I was wrong to be upset with you, to blame Caladin as the reason for you not choosing me.¡±


    ¡°You had every right to be upset. You were right, I can¡¯t tell you that I love you and not choose you. I see now, both of us were wrong. I hated the fact you stayed with Vrah to keep me safe, I hated what you sacrificed for me. I realized I would have been making the same decision,¡± Kaid took a deep breath, ¡°Jess, surely you know there will be ramifications for bringing me back.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she nodded, ¡°Same as rejecting Vrah¡¯s proposal. I¡¯ve made plenty of decisions for my people, all at the weight of my mental or emotional health. Is it wrong to ask for one thing, for me? For you?¡±


    ¡°No, it is not wrong,¡± Kaid answered with a whisper, ¡°All I had ever wanted was to be free of Caladin. I got that, thanks to you. Now, I want you as you are. I want your pain, your sorrow, your darkness and your lightness. I want you as an Empress. I want you as the most beautiful, intelligent, cunning, gorgeous woman I¡¯ve ever set my eyes on. I knew it from the moment I first met you, and I felt it again when I heard you sing. You sang so beautifully, as if an orchestra stood behind you, yet it was just you and a piano. I want your complexity and simplicity, Jessamine. If you¡¯ll have me.¡±


    Jessamine couldn¡¯t help the smile, the cave in her dimples as she glanced at him. Gods, how could she ever love another man? She surely couldn¡¯t. Surely no man spoke as desperately elegant as him. No man could look at her and say such beautiful things.


    ¡°I will have you. I have the most loyal, passionate, magnetic man in front of me. I¡¯m afraid the Divines could make no equal, no copy of you. The world has tormented you and yet you shine brightly as the sun to warm me. You must know, nothing, nobody could make me as happy as you make me,¡± she returned with a whisper. Her eyes glanced around at their empty surroundings, making sure it was clear before she rose slightly on her toes. Her lips met his gently, enjoying the electricity sparking every vein in her body at his touch.


    ¡°Do not be afraid of what could be to come, the pain of what our enemies can contrive against us. Whether I have a year with you, a week, a day, or a lifetime¡­time will not stop me from loving you,¡± she whispered against his lips before smiling, ¡°plenty of people will be happy to have you back. Christine, Kassandra, the servants and citizens¡­but none as happy as myself.¡±


    ¡°So long as time exists,¡± Kaid started.


    ¡°So will my love for you,¡± they said together, laughing softly.


    Things were alright in the world once more. Kaid liked to think the Paradox didn¡¯t happen due to his reversal of time, but rather the world fighting to put these two souls back together. Yet, so many had died to be sacrificed for this. Kaid couldn¡¯t let that happen in vain. Things would change. Things had to change.


    Their love certainly didn¡¯t have to.


    Jessamine and Kaid walked into Sabine¡¯s office, seeing a tired but relieved Shurta. Piles upon piles of documents and maps were upon her desk, her new desk at that. There was plenty of work to be done, but she was grateful to be the one to begin making changes.


    ¡°You two look exhausted. Are you sure you don¡¯t want to do this tomorrow?¡± Sabine observed.


    ¡°We plan on leaving first thing in the morning. I have plenty of work to catch up on,¡± Jessamine sighed. Sabine noticed the word ¡®we¡¯, finally realizing Kaid would be leaving with her. She should¡¯ve known all along, but perhaps the distance would be good. She could focus on her work, not her slight heartache.


    ¡°Well, I suppose the first thing you want is an alliance-¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jessamine interrupted, before realizing it could come across aggressive, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t label anything as an alliance.¡±


    Even Kaid was surprised at the no, same as Sabine. What did Jessamine want if not an alliance?


    ¡°If you form an alliance with me, should war be on the rise, you''re the closest region to Lungor. You have no standing army, mere raiders scattered across the desert. While I know them to be capable fighters, I cannot put this vulnerable country at risk. You need to grow, develop, become a unified nation before ever thinking about war. If you form an alliance for me, that chance of growth is nonexistent,¡± Jessamine explained.


    ¡°So¡­what do you want from us?¡± Sabine asked cautiously.


    ¡°You keep your options open. Trade agreements are fine, allowing the railroad even better. We can establish a non-aggression pact with each other,¡± Jessamine answered, ¡°I am more than happy to contribute costs to the damaged city wall. I am also willing to pay for any medicinal costs to the injured citizens. If you¡¯d like, I can throw a turbine into the deal to smooth out your irrigation problems.¡±


    ¡°And you ask for nothing in return?¡±


    ¡°I am repaying a debt. The problems of today are the cause and effect of our ancestors long ago. My ancestors wronged yours. Consider this an attempt to rebuild,¡± Jessamine swallowed, ¡°the only thing I ask for, is to make a similar deal with Lungor.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re asking me to make a deal with Lungor?¡± Sabine crossed her arms, glancing at Kaid. Kaid wasn¡¯t quite sure what that would benefit, but it could avoid a war being fought in this region.


    ¡°If you¡¯d like. I don¡¯t know what Vrah will offer you. All I know, he will want some graphite mines. If you ask something from him, make it worth it. Make him give something you want, the same desperation he has for graphite. At the moment all I value is intelligence. Your desert landscape is the main entrance Lungor has into my Empire as the seas are already monitored. If you see movement, I¡¯d appreciate a heads up.¡±


    ¡°And the turbines¡­these aren¡¯t the same ones that could poison the water supply, hm?¡± Sabine asked cautiously.


    ¡°That problem has been fixed. The only malfunction that may occur is the turbines not working properly. If you have any doubts, I¡¯d be more than happy to share the blueprints and demonstrate my good faith. I came to Uhkhtar with good intentions, and I mean to leave with them as well. I know you will make the right decisions that could benefit us both.¡±


    Meaning her Oblivion Academy. Jessamine knew all too well that if the relationship between Uhkhtar and Vitross grew, more would be inclined to attend. The less people feared the magic around them, the more they¡¯d want to learn it. Jessamine was playing the long game, a game she was now getting very good at larking.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s worth a try,¡± Kaid chimed in politely, trying to ease any invisible tension, ¡°If Vrah comes to you with a better deal, so be it. But I know what Emperor Bashir wants. He wants Uhkhtar as his own territory, said so from the meeting I was present in here with Jessamine. I¡¯d take any of their offers with a grain of sand.¡±


    Sabine seemed to nod, knowing her hands felt tied. Jessamine had good intentions no doubt, but that was her entire plan. Her generosity would be noticed, opinions of her swayed in her favor. In doing so, should Lungor or anyone else attack her, she¡¯d be seen as the victim. People would come rushing to her aid just as she was doing so now. Whether her kindness was a facade or not, Sabine wouldn¡¯t know the truth. All she knew was that Lungor wouldn¡¯t be so upfront with such generosity.


    ¡°Okay, you have a deal. The railroad can stay, at the flat rate you promised Shailud. I will want to tax Vitross imports, however, to lessen the burden of my people here,¡± Sabine agreed.


    ¡°I see no problem in that,¡± Jessamine agreed herself, knowing that her people would pay a little extra to see their goods spread across the Continent in hopes of better wealth. The railroad itself cut transportation expenses in half anyways.


    ¡°We will think about a turbine. I will want to hear Vrah¡¯s offer first. If he catches wind you gave us a turbine, he might grow wary or suspicious,¡± Sabine noted, surprising Jessamine. Okay, so she was understanding the importance of this conversation. Good. That meant to Jessamine that Sabine truly cared, cared enough to get herself involved in these schemes.


    Schemes are what ran an Empire. Behind the tabletop discussions, council meetings or financial studies was a darkness no leader could avoid. Real problems had to be solved with double edged swords, spying against allies for intelligence, or using trade as a means to supply a greater war. Some would go as far as mending a realm¡¯s tension in the bedroom. Regardless, Sabine would have to find something to keep Lungor at bay, and also Vitross. Luckily for her, Vitross had other affairs to tend for now.


    ¡°Please, send the bill of the cost of the wall and any injuries. I will gladly repay it,¡± Jessamine smiled softly, ¡°and should you ever need anything, a Sender can give us information within hours. Should you like it, you are also more than welcome to visit Vitross at any time.¡±


    Sabine didn¡¯t think too kindly on that invitation. There was plenty of work to be done here, and she didn¡¯t know how to feel about going to Vitross. Dark clouds and black seas were such an opposite of golden sun and sand.


    ¡°Is that all?¡± Sabine asked, seeing Jessamine nod, ¡°Is it alright to ask Kaid to stay, briefly?¡±


    Jessamine showed some surprise, but found no fault in allowing Sabine to talk to him. She trusted Kaid, and she had to learn to trust Sabine if she were to eventually become an ally. Jessamine had to be patient and give her some time. Time was the true catalyst for growth, even among empires and kingdoms sworn to be against one another. Jess glanced at her Guardian, nodding in approval before leaving the room in a bit of a hurry, and without much of a word.


    Kaid shifted awkwardly, ¡°Sabine, you can trust her.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust her, but I trust you, despite your lies,¡± Sabine retorted, ¡°If she wants me to act as some spy, so be it. I ask that you do something similar.¡±


    ¡°Me? My loyalty is to her, I will not go against-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly what I¡¯m asking. The Jessamine that stands before me today is different from the one I met many nights ago. Your presence keeps her head straight. She is a different Empress when around you. I need you to guarantee to keep her head straight. While she has the brains of politics, you can be the one to steer her neck in the right direction. Can I count on you to do that?¡±


    Like he hadn¡¯t done it once before, unknowingly.


    ¡°I can,¡± Kaid answered, glancing at her, ¡°I know you¡¯ll make a good leader, Sabine.¡±


    ¡°You could have taken it all for yourself.¡±


    ¡°Power is not what I want,¡± Kaid shook his head.


    ¡°Power might be what you need to get what you do want, though. And that¡¯s Lungor, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re a threat to them, more than just the Time Paradox, more than just your powers to control time,¡± Sabine observed, ¡°Why do they want you?¡±


    Kaid knew it was better to keep that secret close to his chest.


    ¡°I destroyed their prison, set loose a bunch of them into the Continent, unknowingly gave more power to an Empress they were already afraid of. I suppose that and a reversal of time is enough to hunt a man down,¡± Kaid shrugged slightly, ¡°I suppose you can ask Vrah if given the opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Is your plan to remove the Lungor Empire entirely?¡± Sabine questioned.


    Kaid laughed softly at that, running his fingers through his tangled curls for a moment, ¡°No. No, I¡¯m not very good at destroying establishments. Caladin is proof of that.¡±


    ¡°But you are good at usurping,¡± Sabine noted, seeing a darkness in his eyes that she had never seen. Behind the poet¡¯s good nature, behind his lies to protect, there was that craving she had witnessed with his bar fight with Proffitt: he yearned for violence in the name of justice. This went far deeper than that. Despite his fervent denial to not want power, if power was what he needed to kill his father, he¡¯d take it. If power was needed to protect Jessamine, he¡¯d lather himself in it like a deadly perfume  of poison.


    Who is to say he already hadn¡¯t?


    ¡°Yes¡­yes I am,¡± he did not deny.

 Fifteen

    Alec glanced down at the golden watch in his palm, watching the morning desert sunrise glimmer across it with a beautiful shine. There were still remnants of dark and dry crimson, streaks of his blood in the nooks of the contraption. Alec had never seen a watch before, not until now. He had heard of them, once upon a time, in a moment of passing.


    Zarya had once promised him a watch once, for his birthday. Which birthday? He couldn¡¯t even remember now. He could hardly remember the look of her face, what color her eyes were. All he remembered were hair strands as beautifully golden as the sun in front of him.


    ¡°You wanted to speak with me?¡± Jessamine¡¯s voice carried down the hall towards the balcony. Alec immediately slipped the watch in his pockets, turning to see his sister. She didn¡¯t look tired at all, despite the long day yesterday.


    ¡°Yes, I went to your room early this morning but the servants said you were already out and about,¡± Alec mentioned.


    ¡°I was up early, needed a walk to keep my head straight,¡± Jessamine lied, slightly. She and Kaid had agreed to spend the night alone, given he was exhausted and she wanted to keep it a secret. Yet, neither could sleep that night. Jessamine had to sneak her way out and make her way to Kaid¡¯s humble abode to spend the night with. It wasn¡¯t until in his arms could she fall asleep.


    ¡°You never seemed to sleep well as a child,¡± Alec hummed, before straightening up slightly, ¡°I would like to return to Vitross with you.¡±


    Jess¡¯s face was undecipherable. Whether she had just gotten good at hiding her emotions from her brother, or she truly didn¡¯t know how to feel a single thing anymore¡­Alec wasn¡¯t sure. In truth, she didn¡¯t know how to react. She should have expected such but was feeling wary. Alec had worked with Lungor, still possibly worked for them even if it was blackmail. He could be an avenue for Lungor to use given things had gone sour here.


    Jessamine would let him in, how could she not?


    ¡°Of course, Vitross is your home,¡± she smiled faintly, keeping her distance.


    ¡°If you must know, I have no intentions of going for the throne-¡±


    ¡°I know. You wouldn¡¯t get very far if you tried,¡± she warned him, ¡°So, what do you wish to do? Vitross has changed greatly since you¡¯ve left.¡±


    ¡°Well, you need a Guardian,¡± he answered, ¡°and while I have gotten a bit rusty, I can assure you, sister, I will be the best fighter to protect you. Should threats arise, of course.¡±


    Jessamine almost laughed softly, but immediately stopped herself.


    ¡°Kaid is my Guardian,¡± she corrected him.


    ¡°I, well, he¡¯s staying here is he not? He¡¯s a wanted criminal. He should be hiding somewhere,¡± Alec stammered slightly, not realizing he was coming back with her. How? Why? Vrah had assured him this wouldn¡¯t happen. Alec believed his window of opportunity had been growing closer. How wrong he was.


    ¡°Consider him pardoned,¡± she hummed.


    ¡°Just like that?¡± Alec asked, seeing her nod, ¡°I thought you hated him.¡±


    ¡°Seems like I was rather convincing,¡± she replied, ¡°In all honesty, I thought he hated me. I couldn¡¯t fault him for that. Nobody could hate me more than myself, though.¡±


    Her last words held this sorrow in them, Alec seeing the torment in her blue eyes identical to his own. She had hated herself. All the torment she caused on others, the dictating, the schemes she had done with Payne was caused out of hate for herself. Hate for the things outside her control. Yet something had changed with Kaid entering her life.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t hate yourself, sis,¡± Alec assured her.


    ¡°Most days lately I find myself tolerable, that¡¯s a good start,¡± she agreed, taking a deep breath, ¡°of course you can come back with me, Alec. It is your home, always has been. We were both tormented by the invisible weight on our shoulders, weight caused by Payne¡¯s doings. No more. He is gone, and we can start anew.¡±


    Alec nodded slowly, still displeased Kaid would be joining them. Still, it opened the opportunity to grow close to his target. How could he grow close, when all he felt was utter hate for the man? Alec thought his sister held the same true hatred he had, but that had just been improvising a facade, something she was clearly good at. Could her love be just as deceiving? He could be walking himself into a trap, returning to his home.


    ¡°Jessamine, what did Kaid give you? What did he have to offer that made everything different?¡± Alec asked, mostly out of curiosity. It was clear from what Vrah told him that everything changed from the moment Jessamine pried Kaid from Caladin. Jessamine had confirmed that had all been Payne¡¯s doing, presumably because the man could control time. They were using him for his power.


    Yet, somewhere along the way in abusing his power, Jessamine¡¯s tides had turned.


    Jessamine could say it was a lot of gifts Kaid had given. His hearty laugh could be one, or that curious smile of his. It could be his warm heartbeat pressed against her backside. His kind hands are always giving to those in need. Hell, she could argue it was his thick cock, but that wasn¡¯t a driving force, merely a bonus. Love. Unconditional, forgiving, forever listening kind of love. The chance to be open and honest, to grow, to really begin to change. That was just the few of many things Kaid had to offer and continued to offer.


    ¡°Perspective,¡± she answered simply.


    A long, silent pause existed between them. Quiet enough Jessamine swore the heat from the sun released an almost high pitched squeal of burning death.


    ¡°Look, Alec, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve been told regarding Kaid. I can assure you, I trust him for a reason. I give my support to him for a reason. My faith, diligence, and trust is not given easily to just anyone. It must be earned. Just as you must earn it, he did so as well. Once you get to know him you will see why.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get to know him,¡± Alec retorted, seeing the surprise in his sister¡¯s eyes, ¡°I mean¡­look, Jessamine, in all honesty, I think he¡¯s using you. He¡¯s using you for protection, for his friends here, for Uhkhtar. I just want to make sure his actions aren¡¯t at the cost of your work, your throne.¡±


    ¡°Only you would view any form of relationship as so transactional,¡± Jessamine tensed slightly with overprotectiveness, ¡°You should be grateful, practically on your knees thanking him that he¡¯s not angry about his hand. I don¡¯t think I would have stopped him if he wanted revenge. The only reason he stopped fighting you in that cave was because he knew who you were. Think about that. Kaid gave me perspective. Maybe he can do the same for you.¡±


    ¡°I just want you to be careful, Jessamine. The worst betrayals come from the unexpected,¡± Alec clarified, ¡°I can¡¯t let you make the same mistake as father did.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take your words into consideration. I can¡¯t make the same mistakes as mother did,¡± Jessamine clenched her jaw, nearly biting her own tongue yet she would have welcomed the bloody taste, ¡°now, I must go finish packing. Your room should be about the same as you left it, minus belongings. Those were donated to those in need. Should you need anything in the time being, please ask Kasssandra. I have a lot of work to get back to.¡±


    And her brother was going to be the worst work of them all.


    Alec nodded, feeling the slight lump in his throat as he watched her walk away. He was relieved she showed no signs of reading his mind, of infiltrating all his secrets of guilt and shame. By now, he was beginning to think Jessamine latched to this feeling of safety from whomever could provide it. First their mother, then Payne when she had nobody else. And somewhere, she had jumped from Payne to Kaid.


    Alec knew all he needed to do was shatter that trust between them. Even if it wasn¡¯t as fragile as originally thought, it was still fragile. He just needed to find the right kind of pressure to make it crack.


    ¡ª


    There was a bittersweet feeling to leaving Uhkhtar. He certainly wouldn¡¯t miss the sand in awkward places or the sun tanning his skin. But he would miss the people and their joy. He would miss their eager perseverance and overwhelming friendliness to make this place feel like home for him. Kaid had always known it would be a temporary home, though.


    Goodbyes were just as bittersweet. Sabine had wished them all a personal goodbye, and by the time she got to Kaid she couldn¡¯t exactly hide her feelings of torment and sorrow. Kaid gave her a warm embrace, knowing he never truly could have given her what she wanted, lips against skin, love she so desperately craved and deserved. It simply could not come from him.


    When Kaid stepped near the portal, he could practically smell the salt of the dark sea through it. It made him smile. His eyes opened and he found himself alone, in his room no less. The room was just the same as he remembered it. When was the last time he had been in here?


    The only last memory he had was when he had realized the usurper blade had been taken, and his panic attack had sent everything spiraling before his assault on Caladin. Kaid glanced around the dustless room, knowing the servants must have kept this tidy often if it looked so clean. He bent on his knees, glancing under the bed to find that empty lockbox gone. In fact, it didn¡¯t appear to be anywhere.


    The second thing he did was immediately unlock the doors on the balcony. The black clouds were back in the sky, covering the sun in a glorious darkness that paralleled the black ocean in the distance. He could smell the ocean from here, hear the crying gulls on their way to the harbor, and taste the salt on his lips. Home. Home at last. Not once did he think he could call such a dark place home.


    Compared to the bright white walls and lights of Caladin, this oceanside was truly a blessing.


    Harsh, rapid knocking was heard at his door, making him jump out of his trance. He didn¡¯t hesitate to walk across his room, wondering who was on the other end of the door between them. Yet he could hear excited laughs and giggles, knowing immediately who it was.


    The second the door was unlocked and opened, he was met with a harsh force, knocked to the ground with a strong embrace.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Kaid!¡± Christine laughed happily, hugging him tightly.


    ¡°Divines, Christine, don¡¯t hurt the poor man!¡± Kassandra walked over, having to pry her fiance off him. Kaid and Christine both laughed in response, happy to see each other. Christine was such a bubbly personality, absolutely contagious and inspiring. Kaid and her were emotional bursts of sunshine when together, but not as troublesome as the duo of her and Kassandra.


    ¡°It is good to see you both,¡± Kaid rose to his feet, seeing Kassandra walk over to embrace him as well. She was not the most tender, but Kaid felt proud someone like her could give him a hug as well. It felt undeserved, that was for sure.


    ¡°What happened to your hand?!¡± Christine asked, almost shrieking at the sight of it. Clearly, the both of them hadn¡¯t been told the news. Jessamine had other things and delegations to make, surely.


    ¡°I¡­well, it was cut off,¡± Kaid explained, shame and awkwardness showing, ¡°it¡¯s quite ugly isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kassandra and Christine answered together.


    ¡°We just had no clue, was this recent?¡± Kassandra asked, seeing Kaid nod, ¡°Who did it?¡±


    ¡°Pestilence,¡± Kaid lied, figuring it was best to stick to that lie, especially since Alec was unfortunately returning home, ¡°But rest assured, I killed him in response. I would sacrifice an arm, leg, anything to keep Empress Jessamine safe.¡±


    ¡°She must be so happy you¡¯re back,¡± Christine gleamed, ¡°I mean, are you two¡­?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Kaid paused, swallowing down another lie, ¡°No. I don¡¯t think so. We still have a lot to talk about and make up for. There is a lot of work to be done, on both ends.¡±


    ¡°Kaid, you dummy, she¡¯s still in love with you-¡±


    Kassandra interrupted her with a slight nudge, ¡°Kaid, take all the time you need to recover. There¡¯s no need to rush into any rash decisions. Speaking of love¡­I don¡¯t know if Jessamine told you but Christine and I are engaged.¡±


    ¡°Really?!¡± Kaid smiled happily, ¡°When is the wedding?¡±


    ¡°Three months! We would have sent you an invite but¡­we didn¡¯t exactly know where you were. But you¡¯re here now. You must be part of the wedding. We are doing a hybrid Vitross and Skale wedding, truly one of a kind!¡± Christine practically bounced with excitement.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it will be beautiful, just like you two,¡± Kaid grinned, seeing the two women blush.


    ¡°I missed those cheesy comments,¡± Kassandra admitted, ¡°and your hugs. It is good to have you back, Lord Protector.¡±


    ¡°How did I get here, and where is everyone else?¡± Kaid wondered.


    ¡°Oh, Bridger has perfected the art of portalling individuals to wherever they are needed. I¡¯m sure everyone else was able to explore their rooms. Jessamine probably asked to be sent directly to her office. It¡¯s quite useful, not having to open multiple portals,¡± Kassandra answered.


    ¡°Will you join us for breakfast!? We can have it just like old times. Kass and I always left an empty seat, thinking about you, wondering if you were okay. And now you are. We can invite Mara too!¡± Christine beckoned.


    ¡°Oh, but of course,¡± Kaid obliged, seeing out of the corner of his eye Kassandra not pleased about Mara. The two would eventually warm up to each other. It would only take time, and reason to see that Mara hadn¡¯t wanted to hurt anyone that night unfortunately in Skale. She had directly ordered nobody to be shot at, and unfortunately it had been Kassandra that evening.


    They walked down the halls, Christine talking his ear off about just anything. First it was about his hair, wavier and curlier than before mostly due to Uhktharian shampoo, and his beard growing back steadily. Then she talked on and on about new ideas for clothes, to make it easier to get dressed without his left hand. It was rather thoughtful of her. Laceless shoes would be easier for him to put on, and clothes that lacked buttons for his fingers. She truly was thoughtful.


    He felt less ashamed about his hand when so many seemed willing to help, even in minor ways. He didn¡¯t want anyone to think of him as handicapped or disabled. He didn¡¯t want to admit that himself. Yet, he couldn¡¯t help but find peace in his friends wanting to help in all the ways they possibly could. It was very apparent that Kaid had left a positive mark here in Vitross, despite what he originally thought.


    That was only made more apparent when stumbling across the main hall, seeing little Kai rush over.


    ¡°Uncle Kaid! Did you see the giant portrait of you!? You look amazing,¡± Kai pulled at his hand, ¡°This place is ginormous! I could spend weeks exploring the place.¡±


    ¡°No, what are you talking about?¡± Kaid questioned, seeing Christine and Kassandra exchange smirks to each other.


    He turned the corner to Mara, who appeared glancing at the very large portrait with admirance. She studied it like it belonged in some gallery, some high honor only a few artists could really be bestowed. Yet, Kaid remembered standing in this spot, perhaps maybe three years ago and glaring at what portrait used to be here: Jessamine¡¯s father.


    The pale, blonde creature of a man had been replaced by mocha skin and royal black attire. What man once stood with a shrouding darkness and dominance about him, was a man now with a stance of pride, protectiveness, and most of all kindness. Kaid glanced at the portrait of himself, finding no flaws. The artist even got the small smile right, showing a dimple despite the beard.


    He was everything a Lord Protector should be.


    ¡°Was this you?¡± Kaid glanced over at Christine, seeing her nod and blush, ¡°It looks fantastic!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so pleased. I spent months on it, questioning every little bit of it. Jessamine really wanted to highlight your kindness, quite a difficult thing to show in a painting,¡± she smiled, ¡°I realized it was that softness in the eyes you possess. That was the best thing to showcase of you.¡±


    ¡°Christine, you are rather talented. I must admit, I believed to be staring at Kaid¡¯s imposter,¡± Mara laughed, complimenting her as well.


    ¡°I certainly do not feel deserving of it,¡± Kaid admitted. Ironic. Jessamine had felt the same feeling when Kaid had stepped into her life. All the peace, joy, comfort he gave she had not deserved. Kaid would argue otherwise, just as he wanted to argue here that a painting of himself was not right. He didn¡¯t do anything to overtake a spot amongst these walls, especially the one that of the previous Emperor.


    Yet it was clear Jessamine had been the one to ask for it. More proof that truly, she did not despise or hate him. She wanted to glorify him, highlight him and his sacrifice for Vitross. Whether he deserved it or not, he couldn¡¯t argue. It was a verbal disagreement he wouldn¡¯t win in the slightest. He could feel all the eyes on him now merely disagreeing with his statement.


    ¡°Jessamine wanted this placed here at the entrance to the great hall, so that everyone could be reminded of the reason she continues to sit on that throne. The citizens come and go to beckon Jessamine, just as you recommended at your first Council of Jurors so long ago. She wants them to know you are the reason behind that, behind it all,¡± Kassandra explained, ¡°Whether you are deserving of it or not, that¡¯s not up to you. Paintings are perceived in many different ways. So are people.¡±


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t let all this talk of bravado get to his head,¡± Mara teased, winking at her friend who only smiled in return, ¡°Now, I¡¯m starving. Kaid has been raving about these Vitross kitchens for so long, it better be worth it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it certainly is,¡± Kaid¡¯s stomach growled in delight, all of them walking with smiles to the dining area.


    They talked and talked all morning about what had happened in Uhkhtar: Pestilence, Jessamine¡¯s singing, the duel with Shailud, the cutting off of his hand. Of course, some details were left out with certain specifics. They were able to share about all the growth Uhkhtar had experienced, the benefits of working with them and how greatly Jessamine had worked this all out. Whether she planned it all from the start or improvised along the way, it didn¡¯t matter.


    As long as she got what she wanted, Kaid didn¡¯t care her methods of getting them.


    The afternoon was long, spending its entirety showing Mara and little Kai the rest of the palace and all its wonder. Kai was certainly excited to be spending his childhood here. The library was certainly his favorite place to visit, same as Kaid¡¯s. But the garden was a special favorite for him to study all the plants and vegetation growing. Both him and Mara were desperate to go into the main city, but it was best to leave that for tomorrow.


    Just the feeling of being home was a wondrous emotion to swell in his heart, just like the waves he could faintly hear crashing in the distance.


    Those sounds were soon interrupted by the palace bells. A small shockwave of panic hit Kaid¡¯s gut, knowing the last time he had heard those bells was when he had held Jessamine in his arms, her blood pooling like a blanket of crimson across his clothes and skin. Yet he immediately shook the feeling away, seeing a guard approach them on the balcony, enjoying a nice luncheon.


    ¡°Sir, Vrah portalled himself here to speak with the Empress. We¡¯ve kept him in the main hall for now, until she is willing to speak with him,¡± one guard reported to Kaid, nodding politely in his presence.


    Two years and it was like Kaid never left. He remembered the days when Guards would spit at his feet, now they practically bended their necks towards his ankles. The respect wasn¡¯t earned easily, that was certain.


    ¡°Good. I wouldn¡¯t let the Empress in until I arrive. We should assess this situation together,¡± Kaid nodded, knowing he had to pull away from his friends now and get back to work. In all honesty, Kaid was oddly looking forward to it.


    They walked back in a well paced stride, Kaid finding Jessamine waiting there by the doors. Her gaze was towards that portrait: his portrait. Did she really design it for everyone else as a reminder, or a reminder for herself? All the big decisions made behind these doors, they all had to relate somehow to her cornerstone. Now, she didn¡¯t need to glance at a painting to remember such.


    She turned at his arrival, her face somber but her eyes had practically smiled upon looking at him. To think he was back, to know he was back, and even more sense his love¡­well, this home had never felt so beautiful to her as it had now. Unfortunately, a lot of guards remained in the vicinity with Kiev, making any sort of attempt at romance this morning nonexistent.


    ¡°I thought he¡¯d at least give us a day to recoup,¡± Jessamine sighed, knowing that most of this was her fault. Most certainly Vrah was worried about her. She could sense that emotion through the walls, along with a lingering bitterness at the rejected proposal. ¡°Alec has been in there, seemingly calming him down a bit.¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s exactly why he chose to arrive now, not give you any chance to explain yourself,¡± Kaid scoffed slightly, ¡°Vrah is many things, dumb is not one of them. We will have to see what he will do in regards to damage control.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best you stay out of it, just for today,¡± Jessamine kindly looked at him, ¡°while he knows you are back, I want us to focus on the more important issues, like Shailud and Pestilence. Not to say you aren¡¯t important¡­at least to me.¡±


    ¡°Jessamine, I can try and be on my best behavior,¡± Kaid assured her.


    ¡°Can you now? Tell me, can you resist the urge to not start a fight with him?¡±


    ¡°Depends on what stupid things he says to antagonize me,¡± Kaid rolled his eyes slightly, before realizing that was Jessamine¡¯s point. Kaid might not be able to control his temper. He was definitely still angry Vrah had even tried to get with Jessamine, then attempt multiple sexual acts with her, and top it all with a shitty proposal in public she didn¡¯t deserve.


    Jessamine¡¯s lip held a soft smirk, one he so desperately wanted to kiss away from her. He was finding his promise to her to keep this relationship steady, secretive, and secluded very difficult. Especially when she looked like she was planning her next steps. Nothing looked more attractive than a woman like her with her devious thoughts.


    ¡°There is a little passageway, by the painting of the Dangerous Crossing: the one with the ship sailing in dangerous storms. Near the column to the left of it is a small, unnoticeable button on the ridges. Use that and you can listen in all you¡¯d like. The room is quite narrow, though,¡± Jessamine compromised, ¡°There are plenty of secrets still in this palace you might not be aware of.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it will be helpful to know all these little secret passageways and hidden rooms. I¡¯m sure they offer¡­ decent privacy,¡± Kaid hummed, although his tone held a bit of mischief to them, ¡°Be careful, Empress.¡±


    Be careful, especially because of the last time she was in that room alone and Kaid was on the other side of this palace. Kaid knew such would not happen today. Vrah would be utterly foolish to try anything especially with no escape. Vrah¡¯s portalist was stuck outside, awaiting his return.


    ¡°I will. Thank you, Kaid,¡± she nodded, glancing at him as he stepped away. As much as she¡¯d wish for him to be in that room, in all honesty his presence would be like a flame to a room of graphite. It was best to douse such fiery passion he had before doing so. And, Vrah felt he deserved a conversation with Kaid.


    So, she had to enter a room with a potential enemy. Two potential enemies¡­


    So be it. They should remember what happened to the last enemy to meet with her in that very same room.

 Sixteen

    The walls of Vitross held many secrets. Darkness lingered in the cobwebs of this narrow passageway Kaid slid through, feeling his back and chest brush violently against the stone walls. No doubt Jessamine had easily traversed these secrets as a young girl. The thought of her mischievous, ever curious nature made him smile despite the circumstance.


    She was right in not letting him be in the hall with her. The decision was made to not only de-escalate the situation, but also as an act of love. Jessamine did not want his first day back to be filled with the consequences of her actions. The Empress knew what she was doing, what game she was playing. Lungor had never wanted peace, not with Bashir still sitting on that throne.


    To start a war for one man was considered insanity. To fight a war for one man, now that was considered love.


    Kaid watched through the narrow slits provided to witness the beginnings of this meeting. This panel would open up into the hall room like a hidden door, but Kaid knew that could only be used as a last resort. Jessamine had bestowed on him to remain as a witness, and that was a responsibility he¡¯d uphold. Vrah paced nervously while Alec seemed to keep his eyes firmly on the portrait of his sister, Empress, and the empty throne in front of it.


    The doors opened with Jessamine walking in with pace, as if she had dropped everything and hurried here. Kiev followed from behind, relieving Kaid that she would have at least one ally with her during this conversation. The sight of the Empress eased Vrah, who immediately made his way towards her with worried steps.


    ¡°Divines, Jessamine, are you alright-¡± he was immediately interrupted by a harsh slap. Jessamine¡¯s palm had swiped at his cheek, heat rising from the furious sting. The action shocked Vrah, his mouth agape and eyes showing confusion.


    ¡°How dare you demand an audience for me just now, mock me in front of the entirety of Kanaf, and most of all scheme to make yourself look better. You¡¯re a fraud, Vrah,¡± Jessamine clenched her jaw and her fist. She was starting off strong, something Vrah hadn¡¯t expected.


    These past two years with her, the only side he saw of her was one of a calm and shy demeanor. This was the real her, the part of her he was always afraid of.


    ¡°So it is only alright when you are the one scheming? I wanted to come back, trust me. Given the entire night blew up into flames, my father demanded me to stay until things calmed down. I wanted to make sure you were okay,¡± Vrah explained, pathetically.


    ¡°What a lousy excuse, that your actions are at the beck and call of your father. I worry about who you will be when he¡¯s no longer around to hold your hand,¡± Jessamine scowled, her words making Kaid smile.


    This was the Jessamine I fell in love with, passion as dangerous as the black ocean waves that crashed into this dark coastline.


    ¡°Two days. I wasn¡¯t allowed back for two days. I return to Kanaf, only to find that Shailud is dead, his assistant now rules, and you return home from what I heard well and safe¡­¡± Vrah grunted, adding, ¡°and not alone¡­¡±


    ¡°Shailud deserved what was coming to him,¡± Jessamine shrugged, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he was some valuable ally in your grand plans.¡±


    ¡°No, but you were. You are,¡± Vrah corrected himself, taking a deep breath, ¡°My father may be upset about Shailud but I am certain I can still make a deal with Sabine.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully a better deal than you made Shailud¡­and Pestilence,¡± Jessamine crossed her arms, ¡°Tell me, why did you pick two lousy men to have even lousier discretion to their plans? Both were more than willing to share some vital insight into what you asked of them. What I want to know is, did you ask Pestilence to take my Oblivion?¡±


    Vrah glanced over at Alec with slight concern, seeing her brother with the same seriousness.


    ¡°No. No, that''s outrageous. I do not deny the plans. Shailud wanted to play the hero and I was going to let him. No harm was to come to you, or your brother if the truth got out. All you had to do was talk. I told them to not hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Was this before rejecting your shitty proposal?¡± she inquired, seeing him grow red with embarrassment.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just tell them the truth? Tell me the truth?¡± He ignored her own question with one of his own.


    ¡°Tell you the truth?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t keep secrets from me. Despite everything, I still trusted you to do the right thing. I thought after everything we had been through, despite the lie, we could work something out,¡± Vrah was the one to show slight anger this time, ¡°Why are you acting like this?! This isn¡¯t you-¡±


    ¡°This is me, Vrah. The real me. This is the part of me that you feared, the person your father feared and should still fear.  I cannot and will not allow you to water me down, like some meal with an overdose of wine so that I can be more digestible for you. If you cannot handle me as I am now, as I truly am, then I¡¯m afraid you can go and choke!¡± Jessamine shouted, but soon clenched her jaw, swallowing her anger down momentarily, ¡°What you did in Kanaf, even if you demanded I would not get hurt, I did. And there is nothing you can do to change that. This is not a wound you can fix.¡±


    ¡°Did I really water you down? Or did your grief and your tears do that to you? I knew I was talking to a shell of a person. Now it¡¯s clear, he returns and so does the real Empress before me,¡± Vrah swallowed, hurt by her words because they did sting with truth. But he refused to believe it.


    ¡°You agreed two years ago that Kaid could walk free, that he could go into hiding and not be hunted down-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about my brother. Not yet,¡± Vrah scowled, ¡°That deal was made long before I knew he would send this world into chaos.¡±


    Alec made a noise of surprise at his words, ¡°Brother?¡±


    Jessamine and Vrah were so close enough they could initiate a fight. Vrah wouldn¡¯t dare touch her, not with Kiev and Alec around. Yet, the questioning by Alec made Jessamine stand back and regain control of her emotions. The words Vrah had just spoken seemed to remove any trust between the royal consort and Alec.


    How could Vrah ask him of this, and not reveal this truth beforehand?


    ¡°Half-brother,¡± Vrah corrected himself.


    Brother. Kaid was Vrah¡¯s brother? Now it was beginning to make sense. Payne¡¯s actions were much clearer now. Not only could the man from Caladin control time, but his greatest secret was one of his lineage. That was what Payne had been meaning to target, what Jessamine used to really gain an advantage.


    Jessamine noticed the surprise in her brother¡¯s eyes, ¡°Looks like I¡¯m not the only one who kept secrets. Tell me, what blackmail did you use to hold over my brother?¡±


    ¡°Ask him yourself,¡± Vrah insisted, ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one who betrayed that secret. Alec did so himself in revealing his presence to you, a promise I vowed to keep hidden. He was meant to monitor Pestilence, not you. Regardless, Pestilence is dead and he¡¯s fulfilled his end of the bargain. You, however, lied about your deal from the very beginning. Don¡¯t think this is all on me.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about, Vrah?¡± Jessamine finally asked. If he meant Kaid, then sure, she was doing whatever it took to protect him. Vrah couldn¡¯t be this upset about that, surely. He would do the same to anyone he cared about, except his actions proved otherwise recently. It was becoming certain that he didn¡¯t care for her, emotionally, at all.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have children,¡± Vrah answered.


    Kaid and Jessamine both felt their hearts stop in almost unison. Vrah knew. He knew, and somehow and somewhere that secret had been revealed to him. Kaid immediately felt a wave of anger, knowing that was none of his business. Even if Jessamine promised a marriage of union, knowing she could not bear children, that was none of his concern. Especially given the nightmare of a story behind it all.


    Little did anyone else think how much that consequence had sent this world spiraling into the chaos it was today.


    Jessamine felt tears well in her eyes but not of sadness. Betrayal. This one stung far greater than Kaid storming Caladin, or Vrah proposing to her in front of everyone in Kanaf. She blinked them away, turning her gaze to Alec.


    ¡°Jess, if you think I told him-¡± Alec began before she raised her hand for him to remain silent.


    ¡°There are only two men alive in this universe to know of such truth. One of them wouldn¡¯t even dare to whisper it to a deaf man out of respect for me. No matter how much I could have hurt him, he wouldn¡¯t dare utter a single syllable. You, however, had no hesitation to share such with utter disregard to my feelings or history of what happened,¡± Jessamine felt her voice waver, but not out of nerves, out of anger.


    ¡°Vrah said he was going to marry you. I thought he had a right to know,¡± Alec backtracked on his earlier statement.


    ¡°Nobody has the right to know everything! To know anything! Call me a hypocrite for those words, the mind witch who could read whispers and secrets as easily as taking a breath. For the past two years I have controlled my urges out of respect to the people I care about. For a period, I believed that I was making a difference, that I could make a difference this way. Now I realize that the people close to me used that to their advantage,¡± Jessamine glanced at Vrah, whose eyes remained on the floor.


    ¡°Sister, if you only-¡±


    ¡°Get out. Do not call me that. Get out of this chamber, now!¡± Jessamine shouted over him. Alec froze in his steps, wondering if she was lashing out in a moment of anger or if she was permanently dismissing him. And only after just arriving this morning.


    Kiev moved to step forward, ready to drag Alec out if he disobeyed. The two old friends looked at each other, Alec realizing who his friend held greater allegiance for. Everything about Vitross, about the air, the sea, the noise was different. And so was his sister. So was himself.


    The Time Paradox didn¡¯t just alter time. It altered everything.


    Alec left with his own dignity, leaving the Emperor-consort and Empress alone with Kiev still in the background. Kaid couldn¡¯t stand to be hiding in that hallroom anymore. Jessamine was right to not let him be in the room, to not let his anger get the better over Vrah. But he wasn¡¯t going for Vrah at the moment. He was going after the man who had been welcomed with open arms by his sister, and he betrayed her just as quickly as she forgave him for leaving.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not lie to ourselves. We never cared about each other,¡± Jessamine finally spoke, looking at Vrah, ¡°the only attraction you had towards me was physical. And the only attraction I had for you was power. A false power at that. You¡¯re still a pawn to your father. After everything Kaid did for you, saving your life in Arilla-¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? Kaid didn¡¯t save my life,¡± Vrah scoffed. Jessamine blinked in confusion at the response. Had he lied about the necromancer assassin in his bed chambers? His confusion was honest, the first honest expression he had shown all afternoon.


    When Jessamine entered his mind for the memory, she found nothing. Just bleak, black nothing.


    ¡°I cared about you Jess. I still care,¡± Vrah whispered, trying to be tender, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t propose to you, knowing your secret, if I didn¡¯t care.¡±


    Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°You proposed because you knew Kaid would be at that party, didn¡¯t you?¡± Jessamine asked, seeing the real plan, ¡°You knew he was there, whereas I did not. You wanted to break his heart, to show that I had moved on. You knew very well he was in Uhkhtar, and you used me as bait. Pestilence wasn¡¯t meant to confirm his location. He was meant to trap Kaid.¡±


    ¡°And you used me to protect him. That¡¯s a fair game,¡± Vrah dejected.


    ¡°Who do you think won this game, then?¡± Jessamine inquired, raising a brow at him.


    Clearly, she knew the answer to that. So did he.


    ¡°Can I speak to him, now?¡± Vrah asked, controlling his tone.


    ¡°Out of the question,¡± Jessamine laughed at the audacity, taking a moment to control her own anger, ¡°I should almost thank you, Vrah. Without you, I¡¯m not sure we would have reunited. I suppose I should give you credit when credit is due.¡±


    Vrah seemed irked by that, ¡°Well, I hope he learns how you had to bruise your knees to me to not bruise his own skin.¡±


    ¡°Oh he¡¯s very well aware at how inexperienced you are in the bedroom,¡± Jessamine smirked, seeing him grow red, ¡°I almost mistook you for a virgin, yet that would be considered an insult to the virginity I took away from the man you keep comparing yourself to. Shall we compare your lovemaking to his too?¡±


    ¡°You classless whore-¡±


    ¡°I thought you liked whores, given that¡¯s where most of your royal funds go,¡± Jessamine interrupted, ¡°No matter. Even if you did sleep with a few while pretending to be with me, after today feel free to frolic with whomever you please. And, don¡¯t call me classless. I¡¯m an Empress. What do you have a rule over, truly?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to regret bringing Kaid back here. The entire Continent will demand answers. They deserve to know the truth,¡± Vrah seethed.


    ¡°If they demand the truth, they shall get it. All of it. Is that how you wish your legacy to end? What will the Lungorians think when they realize Kaid is their rightful heir?¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare-¡±


    ¡°I would. But you know as good as myself that Kaid has no intentions to any throne, to any sense of power. You know that. You know what he did that day was not a showcase of strength, of fear, of dominion over this earth. What he did, he did to save. And if you want to save your legacy, you have to save his,¡± Jessamine insisted.


    ¡°That is not my call to make,¡± Vrah noted, knowing all of this would be up to his father, ¡°My father demands accountability, demands justice: for Caladin, for the deaths caused by this calamity.¡±


    ¡°Tell your father if he wanted accountability, he should have kept that Lungorian dick in his pants,¡± Jessamine shrugged, ¡°This accountability bullshit can span back generations, our ancestors fighting each other over the silliest of reasonings or the worst of betrayals.¡±


    ¡°My father may want war for this,¡± Vrah warned her.


    ¡°I know. I do not want war and even you know that. Your father feared me enough to make a deal with me in Uhkhtar. I can very well make him fear again. If Lungor wants war, it will have to strike first. Go ahead and paint Kaid as some villain, he is nothing more than a victim of your father¡¯s regime. Same as you. Continue down this route, and you¡¯ll be a villain too,¡± Jessamine whispered, taking a deep breath, ¡°Take your time, though. Discuss your options with your father. You have plenty of time until Christine and Kassandra¡¯s wedding to give me your father¡¯s answer. I only ask you to wait until after the wedding.¡±


    ¡°You are going to regret this, Jessamine,¡± Vrah insisted, again. Not as a threat, but as a pleaful warning. He too did not want war. That was very apparent.


    ¡°I¡¯ve regretted a lot of things. Loving Kaid will never be one of them. When you love someone with the same fervor, you¡¯ll truly know what I mean,¡± Jessamine retorted, ¡°and no woman will ever love a man who hides amongst his father¡¯s shadow. Keep that in mind for the next time you bed a whore.¡±


    Vrah remained silent, knowing this conversation had not gone the way he had planned at all. Any idea of groveling and demanding forgiveness had been dismissed with her furious slap. Jessamine did have a kind, tender heart. She also had a fiery, passionate, unforgiving heat that burned and scorned. Vrah knew at the moment he was grateful to have received a slap, and nothing more.


    ¡°Can you let Kaid know I wish to speak with him before the wedding?¡± Vrah asked as a favor, knowing he wasn¡¯t owed it.


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s simple enough. I can¡¯t guarantee he will hold the same sentiments as you do. If he wishes to speak, I shall write to you,¡± Jessamine agreed, ¡°Now, you¡¯re dismissed.¡±


    Of course, Kaid would need to calm down before accepting such a proposal. All in good time. Little did she know, he was in a righteous fury at the moment right now. Jessamine waited until Vrah asked for his portalist and left, without uttering a word.


    She stood in that hall in silence, glaring up at her empty throne. By the left edge near the arm rest, there still was a wedge of stone missing. It had been chipped when she had bashed Payne¡¯s head into it, over and over again.


    How she would give all of this up for peace, peace with Kaid. She¡¯d love to escape this altogether, to find a shack by the sea and live their days with books and sailing and fishing to their heart¡¯s content. Yet it was far too late for that. She had grown to love this kingdom, just not the throne she was forced to sit on.


    Rulers truly make bad lovers. Does that mean good lovers make bad rulers, too?


    ¡ª


    Kaid had walked over with pace, seeing Alec lean against the nearest wall almost in shame with his eyes closed. His body language showed defeat, maybe even a hint of guilt at the discussion. If he didn¡¯t feel guilty now, Kaid would guarantee it would grow like a mold over his cold Kruzika heart. Alec glanced up at hearing the footsteps, not expecting Kaid to be approaching him.


    Kaid didn¡¯t give him a moment to speak, rather he wanted to hear him squeal. Kaid wrapped his hand around Alec¡¯s throat, pinning him against the wall, pressing his knee into his thigh. The Uhkhtarian towered over the blonde Kruzika, and despite only having one hand, it was clear who was stronger.


    ¡°How dare you share a secret that was never yours to share,¡± Kaid spat, seeing genuine fear in Alec¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Kaid, you eavesdropping-¡±


    ¡°Oh I don¡¯t need to eavesdrop to know what scum you are. I knew that the moment I learned you were the one to force such a procedure on her. You paint yourself as some protective older brother, she and I both know that to be bullshit. You didn¡¯t stop Mattias. You dared to tell your cruel father of Jessamine¡¯s seed of shame if she didn¡¯t do a dirty deed for you. And to top it all, you fucking left her to rot.¡±


    ¡°Unhand me, Kaid. That¡¯s an order!¡± Alec commanded. Kaid loosened his grip, but did not falter. ¡°Guards, get him off me!¡±


    The guards behind Kaid flinched yet did not budge. The only authority Alec possessed was through blood. An Empire like Lungor would be more than welcoming to such authority. Not Vitross, not anymore. The authority here came from respect. Kaid knew very well these guards knew who both of these men were, they also knew who held all the right to make demands.


    ¡°Guards, remove me from Sir Alec,¡± Kaid demanded, seeing surprise in their eyes. Yet, like good soldiers, they followed orders and gently pried Kaid off him. The anger and spite in his blue eyes was more than enough satisfaction to Kaid. Alec had known Kaid had dug his claws deep into his sister. It was clear now he had anchored himself into more than just her, but everyone in this empire too.


    I¡¯m not just going to remove your Oblivion. I¡¯ll fucking kill you, Alec thought, already making that determination clear to his heart. It didn¡¯t matter how much Jessamine cared. It didn¡¯t matter if it betrayed what Lungor wanted. It didn¡¯t matter if killing him left her vulnerable or left this entire empire in danger with the threat of Lungor. The true threat to this all was standing in front of him.


    Kaid adjusted his kaftan shirt from the wrinkles of the strong guards, taking a deep breath, ¡°Vitross is not the same as when you left. It might be wise of you to get to know your surroundings. If you ever disrespect my Empress again, especially in front of me, I¡¯ll make you regret what happened in Uhkhtar.¡±


    ¡°She is your Empress, but she is my sister-¡±


    ¡°She is very well your Empress, too. Know your fucking place,¡± Kaid moved his hand to rest on his blade.


    ¡°I don¡¯t take orders from foreign, brown filth,¡± Alec spat, readying to throw a punch. It was at that moment that the sound of a portal was heard, closing that was. Jessamine had slipped through the throne room doors at Vrah¡¯s exit, soon finding her brother and Guardian in a fiery, passionate spat. And with Kaid resting his hand on his blade, it was clear that if she hadn¡¯t intervened, someone would have gotten hurt.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Jessamine shouted, soon feeling the weight of her emotions begin to crumble.


    ¡°He started it,¡± Kaid defended himself immediately, straightening up in her presence. Yet all anger in his face had faded upon seeing how upset she was. He knew her walking in on this was only going to make it worse, and he was right.


    ¡°I expect higher levels of discipline from you, Kaid,¡± Jessamine insisted, feeling a tear begin to breach her eye, ¡°and you, Alec¡­I, I don¡¯t even want to speak to you right now.¡±


    Jessamine had moved past them both, wanting nothing more than to escape this fate set before her now. Kaid moved to let his hand touch her shoulder but she immediately brushed it off.


    ¡°I wish to be left alone,¡± Jessamine scowled, knowing deep down Kaid was not the one to blame. He wasn¡¯t. She could tell from the lingering energy in this room he was only trying to defend her honor, or rather the little of it that remained. She just felt like a failure. Kaid didn¡¯t deserve failure, he didn¡¯t deserve the scrutiny, and most of all she wasn¡¯t sure if he was deserving of her in this state.


    Kaid agreed silently, cursing internally at himself for hurting her. He had let his anger get the better of him. It was not the first time his anger had hurt her. His passion was just as furious as her own sometimes, and his desire to protect her could often make him hold the tool of her own harm.


    Kaid didn¡¯t know what to do now, if he should return to Mara¡¯s company and act as if nothing happened. Or if he should sit alone, await Jessamine¡¯s inevitable return and wish to comfort her. Yet he knew she had spent these past two years forced to comfort herself. She would return to him when she was ready, and he would be waiting for whenever she needed him. She didn¡¯t have to be alone ever again if she did not wish.


    When Kaid left, Alec rubbed his sore neck. It was then he noticed the portrait hanging on the wall, making him realize the tumultuous wall ahead of him. Kaid had been gone for two years, Vrah had stated Jessamine still held disdain for Kaid, that Vitross would not welcome him back. How very wrong that initial intelligence was. All of the planning had been around that one fact, which resulted in this failure. Perhaps the greatest failure between them both was underestimating their opponent.


    Alec¡¯s personal failure, though, was one of cowardice. Cowardice to confront Mattias, his own father, and especially leaving at the first sign of trouble. Would he have the bravery now to do the right thing? Revenge clouded many thoughts. Surely Zarya wherever she was, in whatever heaven she was in, must feel the same sentiment.


    Kiev noticed Alec¡¯s sense of defeat, feeling some slight sympathy, ¡°Give her some time to calm down.¡±


    ¡°What happened to her? She used to be so shy, blush at any sort of compliment or gesture around her. She used to tiptoe around people to not offend or hurt anyone¡¯s feelings,¡± Alec sighed, vaguely remembering the memories.


    ¡°She grew up,¡± Kiev answered, ¡°she forced herself to grow up. All her life, you were the one learning how to rule, how to delegate, how to fight, how to survive. The only thing she was taught was piano forte and how to be an object for affection. That changed the day you left. She¡¯s finally learned to use her voice, her true voice, without any influence from Payne or your father.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s influenced by Kaid,¡± Alec remarked bitterly.


    Kiev took a deep breath, walking over to him, ¡°Kaid is not a bad man. If you just got to know him-¡±


    ¡°He just fucking choked me, and it looks like he took your rightful place as Guardian.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t take that. He earned it, and rightfully so. Regardless, I¡¯m happy in the position I¡¯m in. Sometimes it takes a little defeat and suffering to be offered perspective,¡± Kiev explained, ¡°And I believe Kaid had every right as Guardian to put his hands on you. How could you share such a damaging secret like that? Even I didn¡¯t know of such knowledge.¡±


    ¡°She keeps her cards close to her chest, very close. I only knew because I¡¯m partially the reason why she can¡¯t¡­reproduce,¡± Alec swallowed, ¡°Payne must have known, but he¡¯s dead. Which means there¡¯s another man alive who must know.¡±


    Kaid. Neither said the answer because they already knew it.


    Alec finally calmed down a bit, knowing that he had to do this smart. He couldn¡¯t let his emotions get the better of him, especially around Kaid. He¡¯d have to take this slow if he wanted to be smart.


    ¡°You know, I had hoped maybe you would get with her when I left. I know you always had the sweets for her,¡± Alec mentioned.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure there¡¯s an honor code somewhere that mentions not marrying your friend¡¯s sister,¡± Kiev laughed, ¡°your sister is a good woman, truly. She¡¯s changed so much, and for the better. You will see, give her some time, see the way she interacts with her people. She is no longer shy, but she is still kind.¡±


    ¡°Well, Vrah is out of the picture. Now¡¯s your chance,¡± Alec nudged him.


    Kiev couldn¡¯t believe perhaps how oblivious his old friend was. Did he clearly not see the love Jessamine holds, had held for two years, for her Guardian? Did he think she was so incapable of such affection for a man like Kaid? Kiev didn¡¯t need so much as a glance at Jessamine to see the way she had looked at Kaid this morning. He knew, despite everything, they still loved each other.


    ¡°Hah, that chance is long gone,¡± Kiev hummed, ¡°I will leave you to your afternoon. I have a lot of work to catch up on. I still think Jessamine will give her tour of the city tomorrow. Everyone will learn of your return.¡±


    ¡°I know, they¡¯ll know that I cowardly-¡±


    ¡°No. You will show them that you have come back and want to help. When they see that, they will understand,¡± Kiev gently patted his shoulder, ¡°Again, give your sister time, and make sure to apologize. She¡¯s forgiven worse things.¡±


    Oh, I know, Alec thought to himself, watching his friend leave the room for him to be alone. Jessamine was very forgiving of the Time Paradox, what came after it, and most of all the person who started it all. The proof of all of that resided in the portrait hanging on the wall, one where his father had stood there for decades.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t be there to protect you father,¡± Alec whispered, ¡°just as I wasn¡¯t there to protect Jessamine from Mattias. I¡¯m not meant to protect, I know that now. You raised me to destroy¡­and that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯ll do.¡±

 Seventeen

    Her knees and forearms dug into the dirt and mulch beneath her.


    The Empress heaved and cried, hunched over her bent knees as she watered the velvet rose bushes surrounding her. There were moments where she thought she¡¯d regain control of herself and her emotions. But the flashes of vivid images would resurge her pain again like an unforeseen ocean wave.


    The sight of her deceased mother, skull caved in at the edge of her left forehead as blood seeped out. The sight of the palace medical staff carrying away her dead father¡¯s remains, shrouded by those satin white sheets she had unknowingly killed him in. Both of those mornings, she had cried until she had exhumed all the water in her body to continue. Yet they were exhumed for different reasons: one night full of total sorrow and pain, the other, of unbridled fury.


    When Alec had left in the middle of the night a few days after, that next morning Jessamine did not cry.


    She remembered all the whispers, spoken both aloud and in their own heads, of the surrounding council that following morning. When Payne had shared the news of Alec¡¯s disappearance, Jessamine knew the only person she could mourn in that moment was herself. All of them believed she was not worthy of the throne, that she wouldn¡¯t rise to the challenge, that nobody would follow a woman who was more regent than political. Who was more of a beautiful figurehead than a woman of authority.


    She had proved them all wrong, but at what cost.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t I given enough?¡± she cried to herself, sobbing into the earth to try and bury herself atop her mother¡¯s rosebush covered grave.


    The air was cold, just as she liked it. The moment she would grow comfortable in the climate, a harsh breeze would swoop in like a channel in this large garden, chilling her to the bone. She thought she had gotten so used to the cold. Yet, that night of her twenty-seventh birthday, that cold had been warmed by a thick layer of kaftan silk.


    ¡°I am a fool, a dangerous, broken fool,¡± she whispered, her bottom lip trembling as she watched her fingers dig into the dirt beneath her, trying to bury those instruments of pain, ¡°If I had stopped Mattias, if I had disobeyed the one night I should have, you¡¯d be alive. You¡¯d be here. Father would¡­¡±


    Her cries trailed off, knowing that it wasn¡¯t true. One sin prohibited from occurring would not stop another one in the future. If she had stopped Mattias, another man would have been permitted to enter her bedchambers and make an example of her. If Alexandria truly was a spy, her betrayal would have been noticed by Payne eventually.


    Nothing would have stopped the corruption growing into her father¡¯s mind and soul. No amount of love from Emperor Kristoff¡¯s family would have beaten the sadistic whispers of Payne¡¯s influence. Her mother would have pulled Jessamine away regardless, knowing she could not watch her daughter suffer a similar fate akin to her own.


    Yet, she had. She had been alone, in a palace full of servants, staff, and spies. Loneliness was the true epidemic of this cold place. Her loneliness made her reliant on Vrah, open to the idea of eventually letting him in despite her heart belonging to someone else. The moment had come where she had to make a firm decision, one she knew she had made correctly. She would suffer at his side, she knew that to be true.


    Now, it felt the world would suffer because she decided she could not.


    All of this cold and sorrow was temporary. She knew that. She knew the rage of her dealings with Vrah earlier this morning waned into a self-doubtful fit of sadness. That sadness would eventually turn into determination. The cycle of her emotions would continue, this time without interference from infiltrating her own mind. Just as she could hardly enter minds unless the occasion called for it, she couldn¡¯t do it to herself either.


    To feel is to live. To live is to love. To love is to feel.


    ¡°Please, tell me I made the right decision. Show me that I made the right call, mother. Let me know I am not your greatest disappointment,¡± Jessamine whispered to herself.


    Part of her was sickened that she still yearned for an approval she knew she would never receive. Yet if her heart still ached for her mother¡¯s touch, it meant her presence still lingers here somewhere. If that was true, then Jessamine hoped it meant her father rolled uncomfortably in his grave, just like he had in his sleep before she killed him.


    To feel love and hate at the same time was mere indication of her worth. To hate that an entire Continent of various empires and kingdoms could come crashing down because of love, meant her decision was that of truth. Not truth to others, but truth to herself. Love did not come easy, especially for Jessamine. Yet it had arrived and challenged her, beckoned her to a new understanding. A love like this was truly rare because few people would actually fight an entire continent for it.


    I don¡¯t have to be perfect to be loved, she thought to herself, telling herself that over and over again until the tears withered away.


    Sun began to pour momentarily into the garden, warming a spot on the back of her neck as she slowly raised herself, glancing up to see it was actually the beginning of a sunset. She didn¡¯t know how long she had been out here, toiling like a clueless gardener with no tools to prune. She wiped the dirt from her arms, reaching forward to the closest bush to pluck one perfect dark violet rose. The smell of it alone gave her a warm smile. If her tears could water this plant to grow further, then all that toil was worth it.


    The sound of a servant approaching with a tray removed her from her thoughts, glancing up to see one of the younger servants surprised to see her in the dirt. Jessamine two years ago would have been so distraught at having a servant see this side of her, to not see an Empress with her head on straight, smiling and proud of her people. Sometimes, just sometimes, people needed a glimpse at the pain and toil ruling this empire could cause.


    Perhaps most women could relate to a pinnacle moment in time, where sadness altered their canvas of beauty ruined by make-up stained tears.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry Empress,¡± she immediately began to excuse herself, ¡°I wanted to give you some privacy but someone was very insistent on giving you some tea.¡±


    She placed the tray down gently on a nearby bench, pouring a hot batch of Shay Al-Bahr into a teacup for her.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessamine smiled warmly, quickly wiping away the slight stains of makeup she knew to be beneath her eyes.


    ¡°Of course, Empress,¡± she nodded, ¡°I brought some honey as well. I had to tell him that you don¡¯t like honey in your tea. But again, he was very insistent. I suppose returning to the kitchen with the honey might prove him wrong.¡±


    What on earth did she do to deserve this man? Only he, out of the hundreds, perhaps thousands of people she ever had spoken and interacted with, would remember that she liked tea in her honey only when she was sad. She believed she had only said it once, maybe in passing while they read books together. Yet he remembered it.


    I normally like my tea bitter, just a sweetness of mint to feel a spice of life. Yet, I like honey when I am sad. The bit of sweetness makes me believe I could be sweet too¡­once the sadness is all gone.


    ¡°Insistent? He was not rude to you, was he?¡± Jessamine inquired, slowly rising from her knees as the cup of tea began calling her name.


    ¡°Oh, no. Not at all. He was very polite about wanting to send you tea. He was merely adamant about the honey, almost as if he couldn¡¯t wait to prove me wrong,¡± the servant laughed softly, even blushing slightly.


    ¡°Unfortunately, for you, I do like honey in my tea on a day like this. He was not wrong,¡± Jessamine smiled in return, of course knowing Kaid would be kind with this gesture, ¡°Thank you, again. If you see Kaid, thank him for me as well.¡±


    The servant nodded, her smile turning a bit mischievous. She had never once mentioned it had been Kaid who had wanted the tea delivered to her. Now, she couldn¡¯t wait to return to the other maids and kitchen staff to share the moment. Even if she was fairly new to the palace personnel, it was not new that the Empress had a wonderful love affair with her fairly handsome Guardian. That was all two years ago, according to the gossip.


    Now, that handsome Guardian had returned, and requested tea for his Empress.


    It was the little rumors and gestures like that, that would keep a kingdom staff full of talking for days to come.


    ¡°Your ladyship,¡± she bowed, leaving the tray there for now. Jessamine eventually sat on the corner of the bench, one hand still holding the rose in her palm as the other grasped the teacup gently.


    When she sipped the tea and felt the brief thickness of honey on her tongue, her mind went to the memories of sick mornings, a chill or a cold plaguing her. And her mother would bring tea with a dash of honey to cure her ailment, along with a good story or song to keep her company.


    She couldn¡¯t stop following her heart. Not now. Not when it felt like it had just started to beat a rhythm she could fully control.


    ¡ª


    Jessamine had not shown up for dinner, as expected. Alec had not been seen either since the run in with Kaid. The guards were already spreading the rumors of how Kaid had made the heir of Vitross shiver. Some believed that nobody had ever stood up to the spoiled man before, not until Kaid got involved.


    All that talk didn¡¯t matter to Kaid, who mindlessly stabbed at his potatoes while everyone around him talked about the things they had missed. Even Mara had noticed his mind had been elsewhere, and distracted Kaid by having her son ask him plenty of questions. Kai wanted to learn how to swim, how to sail, and how to fish. The ocean would be his playground, which seemed much more appealing than golden hot sand.


    Kaid couldn¡¯t even think of sleep, sitting upright in his bed with his glasses reading. He never had the opportunity to really read the Annals of Seclusion she had gotten him for his own birthday, given the eventual chaotic collapse of Caladin. But now, he could do his best to enjoy the history of the Seclusion period, thousands of years ago.


    Yet, he¡¯d get distracted by the light from underneath the doorsill into Jessamine¡¯s room. Every once in a while, he¡¯d see a shadow as if she walked across, still awake and alive, almost pacing in her own room. Then, that light had turned off, Kaid only seeing black. She deserved to get some rest especially after all that had happened to this day. He knew she was crying in that garden all afternoon and that on top of her furious conversation with Vrah was enough to exhaust a woman.


    Kaid closed his book shut, about ready to get some rest himself before hearing their adjointed door open. Jessamine stepped inside, wearing only a black silk nightgown and shorts to match. Her lips curved into a warm and welcoming smile on seeing him still awake.


    ¡°Sorry, I half expected you to be asleep by now. It is late,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°The amount of times you have caught me asleep in this bed with a book in my hands¡­quite embarrassing,¡± Kaid laughed softly, knowing he had done that numerous times. Yet in every single event, Jessamine would carefully put the book away, strip him down (if possible) and climb into bed with him.


    ¡°Not at all. There is no shame in falling asleep with something you love, even if it is a book,¡± Jessamine smiled, walking over to him.


    ¡°I must exchange this book with you, then,¡± Kaid returned the smile, placing his book on the nightstand. He was about ro remove his glasses as well before seeing Jessamine inch closer. One of her hands stroked a stray curl on the side of his face, her eyes admiring him.


    ¡°Mm, and here I thought you couldn¡¯t get more handsome,¡± she sighed, moving her hands to gently remove his glasses, placing them gently on top of his book, ¡°I accept your offer of exchange.¡±


    Kaid opened himself up, moving towards the edge of the bed beside her, feeling her step between his hips. She wrapped her arms around his head, feeling his hot breath against her jaw as she cradled him. Just feeling his strong arms around her made her want to melt into his touch. Her lips tenderly kissed his forehead, her thoughts remembering the first time she had felt like this in his arms. On the way to the Southern Isles, confronting her decisions of the past.


    Tonight, they had to confront that of the future.


    But, Kaid knew the past was equally as important.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about earlier today, I didn¡¯t mean to be upset with you,¡± she whispered, ¡°I am not, nor was I ever angry at you. I know you were just defending me.¡±


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Same as you defended me in that room with Vrah,¡± Kaid said, ¡°I knew you were not angry, at least with me. If anything, interrupting our spat may have spared his life. I felt this close to stabbing him.¡±


    Kaid felt ashamed to admit that. Alec had cut his arm off, yes. But Kaid had felt an even deeper rage at the secret Alec had shared with Vrah, a potential enemy of all people. Hell, even if he had shared it with a complete stranger, that violation of his lover¡¯s privacy would be equally as infuriating.


    ¡°Perhaps you should have,¡± Jessamine exhaled slowly, hating she had felt that way about her brother. Her brother felt nothing more than a stranger, a dangerous one at that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Kaid shook his head, ¡°your brother does care, stupidly. I know he does. Give him time. Once he warms back up to Vitross, he will warm up to you. You will get to know him, the new him, and he can get to know the real you. It will just take time. But, that¡¯s only if he apologizes.¡±


    ¡°You and only you would say that about someone who hurt you, cut your hand off and betrayed me. Yet, if you can see a sliver of goodness in him, I must believe it. After all, you saw it in me,¡± Jessamine nodded, letting her button-like nose press to his cheek, lips placing soft kisses along his jawline.


    ¡°Your shine was far greater than your darkness, despite what you might believe,¡± Kaid smiled at her kisses, his hand rubbing her spine gently to comfort her, ¡°What else is bothering you?¡±


    Jessamine remained quiet for a moment, ¡°I¡¯m sure it sounds ridiculous, given all the trying times still looming ahead of us.¡±


    ¡°Whatever bothers you, my dear Jess, is not silly or redundant in any way. I understand if you do not wish to share, if you think I may not understand. But I am here to listen,¡± Kaid offered.


    ¡°Yes, you are a good listener,¡± Jessamine laughed softly, ¡°only you would remember I like honey in my tea on bad days such as this.¡±


    ¡°How could I forget? I could never forget a single thing about you, Jessamine. My heart is a mere encyclopedia of you. Everything I learn about you, miniscule or life changing, becomes its own index of the compendium that makes up the beauty that is you,¡± Kaid whispered, his voice soft yet deep.


    Jessamine couldn¡¯t help but pull back, gazing into those honey brown eyes, immediately reminding her of the delicious tea he had ordered for her. His eyes dilated at seeing her own, glancing up at her slightly with that softness, that pure utter kindness in his gaze. How could she have ever thought this man hated her? There was not an ounce of hatred anywhere in his heart tonight.


    Her nails gently traced his jaw, feeling the thick stubble still growing for his beard, ¡°Did you really think I could ever hate you, Kaid? One look at you and I am desecrated, same as it was in Caladin it is now. It was as if I knew you in another life, when in reality it was that I would know you for the rest of my life. I could never forget you. I want forever with you, a life here, a life in that void of yours. I do not want a second without you.¡±


    ¡°Forever? That¡¯s a long time,¡± Kaid smiled, getting lost in her eyes.


    ¡°And I demand the man who can control time to make it even longer,¡± Jessamine smiled, leaning close to kiss his lips softly. He eagerly met the kiss, stretching his neck up slightly to add some pressure to her softness.


    Yet, he felt a lingering presence, a radiance of love but it was not his own. He knew what was bothering her, even if she did not explicitly explain it. Kaid could feel it in this room, sense it as he watched her cry in the gardens. Now, it felt like a true possibility as she had mentioned living in that void with him.


    Don¡¯t try it, Kaid, his mother scolded in his head, it¡¯s too risky.


    But he had to. It wasn¡¯t just for her, but for the other soul awaiting on the other side. He knew now what Alexandria Kruzika had asked of him in that period of confused slumber.


    ¡°Jess, can I¡­try something?¡± Kaid asked softly as he pulled away.


    ¡°Oh?¡± she asked, a sly smirk appearing as she didn¡¯t think the mood would strike him this late in the night. While she was tired, and thought he was as well, she wouldn¡¯t mind ending this night in a good way.


    ¡°I¡­it¡¯s nothing like that,¡± Kaid blushed slightly, moving to stand beside her as he rose away from the bed, ¡°Do you trust me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, with my life,¡± she assured him, taking his right hand. The left, she held as well at his wrist, caressing his new scar.


    Kaid took a deep breath, knowing this could take a superfluous amount of energy and mana perhaps he didn¡¯t have. But he had to try. He pressed his forehead to her own, eyes closing as he focused on his attachment to the void. There was no doubt in bringing himself there, willingly, without issue or sacrifice. The true question was if he could pull her there as well. Jessamine had no idea what was going on, but mimicked his approach, closing her eyes as well.


    The room was so silent, she could practically hear his racing heart.


    If Jessamine could connect a portal with Bridger through their connection alone, then Kaid could do the same here. He had to believe he could, same as she had believed the impossible that day.


    His eyes opened when he felt everything stop. The wind; he could not feel nor hear it. The sound of Jessamine¡¯s breath against his was gone as well, fearing he had not been able to pull her into this timeless space with him. Yet, he glanced up to see her blue eyes radiating like indigo, reflecting off the violet, purple hues around her.


    She immediately glanced around, unable to believe it. She was in this void he had spoken about. It was boundless, timeless, a space of infinite emotion and existence. The room that had been his bedroom was all cracked walls and stone, time tearing apart all physicality of their present world. Here, there was no matter, no solidity. It was the infinity of space, except the stars here were souls, bright and bleak souls on a canvass of black sky.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± Jessamine whispered, turning back to Kaid. She noticed a shift in his expression, his posture stiffening as his gaze seemed to linger behind her. The outline of a figure shined against his now dark eyes, but still held such equal softness. When she turned to glance over her shoulder, she couldn¡¯t believe it.


    Amongst them in this beautiful void was the one thing that might be able to fill the void in the Empress¡¯ own heart.


    Alexandria Kruzika, practically in the flesh.


    Jessamine froze upon staring at her own mother, unsure if she was seeing a reflection of herself or imagining this: a ghost that had haunted her since death. Surely it must just be the exhaustion, and Kaid perhaps playing tricks on her. But she glanced back at Kaid, seeing a weary smile on his face.


    ¡°Go, she awaits you,¡± Kaid urged her with a whisper, slowly letting go of her hands. Jessamine¡¯s fingers shook, but not out of fear. The second Kaid let her go, she immediately turned and ran towards her mother, like a child running across the shoreline of a beach to jump into her mother¡¯s arms.


    Jessamine feared she¡¯d run into an apparition, to fall into thin air and shatter her dreams like dust. But she immediately felt warm, pale skin against her own. Jessamine cried into her arms, tears of joy. The first real tears of joy she had felt in quite some time.


    ¡°Shh, it¡¯s alright my love,¡± Alexandria shushed her, running her fingers in her hair, ¡°Look at you, you¡¯re as tall as me. And more beautiful than I could ever imagine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just as beautiful as the day you were stolen from me,¡± Jessamine sniffled, glancing eye level with her mother. Her mother smiled widely at her, relieved to have this moment with her even if it was only brief.


    ¡°You are so beautiful, my child. So so beautiful,¡± Alexandria smiled widely, ¡°It is so good to see you. To feel you. I have watched your every move, guided your hand whenever possible. I watched you grow from a young girl into an Empress, a destiny you decided to steer and not be determined for you.¡±


    ¡°Then you must be ashamed at-¡±


    ¡°No, Jessamine. No. In order to love who you are, you must not hate yourself, nor the dreadful experiences that shaped you. It is a parent¡¯s duty and honor to watch their child struggle, but it is a greater love when they persist. You have persisted, Jessamine. You have defied every oddity thrown at you and you continue to love. You are deserving of all the love this world can give you. I may have winced at your falls, but only because I wished to be there to bandage you together to continue to fight. Yet, you didn¡¯t need that. You didn¡¯t need me.¡±


    ¡°I saw you fight for me. In the end, you fought for me. I had to keep fighting somehow, for you, for what I wanted to be. I just¡­¡± Jessamine trailed off, feeling her mother¡¯s fingers caress her hair still, ¡°I just have to know. It will change nothing about the way I love you, mother. Did you spy? Was Payne right?¡±


    Alexandria¡¯s face grew somber, but she did not lie as she nodded, ¡°I did. I loved your father, Jessamine. I just could not love the throne that began to corrupt him. I knew of Payne¡¯s feelings for him, how his darkness of such pain would torment and twist truth. When I found out about Mattias, about everything you went through behind my back, in fear of your own livelihood, I knew things had to change. Lungor offered safety, for you and myself. I thought Kristoff would understand the need for space. But, your father was a very jealous man.¡±


    ¡°About Mattias, I should have-¡±


    ¡°No, no Jess don¡¯t go there,¡± Alexandria hushed her, ¡°you were just a young girl. I failed you by not protecting you. A lot of adults failed in protecting you that day. When I found out, my heart broke for you. I knew you felt ashamed, that you thought I¡¯d look at you differently. There is nothing you have done, nothing you could do, that changes the fact that you¡¯re my little girl. My little girl, who is Empress of Vitross.¡±


    Jessamine¡¯s dimples permanently stuck to her skin at her words.


    ¡°I love you,¡± Jessamine whispered, seeing her own mother smile, ¡°I wish you were here.¡±


    ¡°I am here,¡± Alexandria whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll always be here. You¡¯ve kept me in your heart all this time, and there I will always remain.¡±


    Jessamine held her tightly once more, closing her eyes tightly, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize I was homesick for arms I thought could never hold me again.¡±


    ¡°You asked earlier if you made the right decision,¡± her mother smiled, kissing her forehead, ¡°I think you know the answer to that. I am very proud of you, Jessamine.¡±


    Those words made her melt, smiling further into the embrace. It wasn¡¯t just this brief moment of reuniting, it was also the remembrance of the man that had made this possible. The man who stretched truth and time together to make this happen, to weave it all together even if just momentarily. Jessamine pulled away from the embrace slowly, taking one firm moment to remember her mother¡¯s gaze. There were plenty of days she¡¯d forget the sound of her voice, or the look in her dark ocean eyes.


    Now, it would be forever engrained.


    ¡°There¡¯s someone I would like you to meet,¡± Jessamine whispered nervously, glancing behind her. Yet there was nothing but black shadows, as if they were in their own private dome of silence. Kaid was nowhere to be found, but Jessamine could still feel his presence nearby.


    ¡°He wanted to give us privacy. There are plenty of souls here that search for him, and no doubt would search for you if they knew you were here,¡± Alexandria clarified, ¡°he is protecting you.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s always protecting me,¡± Jessamine mused, smiling to herself about that, ¡°I think you¡¯d like him.¡±


    ¡°I do, I do like him. He is good for you,¡± her mother agreed, ¡°he was very polite when we spoke.¡±


    ¡°You¡­you two spoke?¡± Jessamine asked, wondering why Kaid didn¡¯t say that.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think he quite remembers it. I caught him in a feverish sleep, recovering from his injury. It was the only time I found an opening to speak with him. His mother protects him well here,¡± she answered, ¡°he may have nervously bowed to me, not knowing how to respond.¡±


    Jessamine laughed at that, her cheeks sore from the joy in her own smile, ¡°That sounds like something he¡¯d do.¡±


    ¡°He is a good man. You chose well.¡±


    ¡°As if I had any choice. The entire thing was Payne¡¯s idea and I pushed it off until we had no other options. The moment I saw him, I just knew. All the violence he had faced, caused, all committed against him¡­yet he remained so gentle. I knew. I knew I could love him. I knew again in that cave, hearing his voice, thinking he must have hated me. His love is as boundless, limitless as this very void,¡± Jessamine swallowed her emotions, ¡°where else could you find a man, who¡¯d reverse time to save you, who¡¯d bridge the space between reality and death to reunite with a loved one?¡±


    ¡°A man who does those things out of love not only speaks for him, but also the woman he loves,¡± her mother squeezed her hand, before feeling a shift, ¡°Jessamine, there isn¡¯t much time. Your brother, know that he does love you but his heart-¡±


    ¡°What? Alec?¡±


    You¡¯re too late. You¡¯re too late. You¡¯re too late. You¡¯re too late. You¡¯re too late. You¡¯re too late.


    Jessamine heard the murmured voice, muffled almost by the dark shadows encompassing her and her mother. The voice felt right outside their sphere of silence, as if talking right to Kaid. When Jessamine looked back at her mother, she only saw a look of dread in her eyes.


    ¡°I love you,¡± Alexandria assured her, ¡°Never forget who you are, Jessamine, never forget what made you.¡±


    You¡¯re too late.


    When Jessamine blinked, the world was back to as it should be. She could feel the wetness under her eyes from the tears of joy. The fading embrace from her mother felt like a shroud. Whether it was a cloth that would shield her from death, or cover her in it, she wasn¡¯t sure. Fear spread to her spine deeper than any winter wind chill.


    Her eyes moved up to Kaid, still in front of her and holding her hand. There was a heavy tiredness in his eyes, on the verge of lidding and closing. His body lost its strong stance, his one hand leaving hers to brace himself on the edge of the bed. Jessamine quickly moved to steady him.


    ¡°Sit, now,¡± she whispered with worry, seeing the sweat dripping from his forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jessamine. I couldn¡¯t hold on long enough. I lost all my strength,¡± Kaid profusely apologized, genuine sorrow in his eyes he couldn¡¯t give her more time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare apologize,¡± Jessamine cupped his face with her hands, ¡°You wonderful man, don¡¯t ever apologize for what you just did. You gave me something not even the Divines themselves could deliver. Thank you. Thank you, Kaid.¡±


    Jessamine held him tightly, forever grateful to have him in her life. She was merely grateful for his existence. The only thing her Lungorian enemy had done right was assist in the creation of this beautiful man.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank-¡± Kaid was silenced by a fervent, passionate kiss from her, feeling her fingers thread gently into his curls. His fingers moved to touch her face, feeling the remnants of her tears. Kaid was surprised she had much water left to give to her emotions.


    ¡°They were happy tears,¡± she assured him, whispering against his lips. When she pulled away, she could see the exhaustion in his eyes still. ¡°Lay down. Rest. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Kaid followed her orders, eager to hear what the two had spoken about. But his eagerness did not outweigh his tiredness. Jessamine returned with a cold, damp cloth for the sweat on his forehead, his eyes closed as he began to linger into an exhaustion filled sleep. It was not long until she heard those soft, comforting snores of his. Just the sound made her smile.


    Never forget who you are, Jessamine, never forget what made you.


    Ocean waves were most dangerous at that peak of their swell, at the climax to turn their resolve into a passionate crash against rocky shores. In order to crash, she had to let go. She had let go. But letting go didn¡¯t mean forgetting, it meant complete surrender to the embrace of life around her. Jessamine knew at this moment, on this day, she had met the beginning of her peak. It was up to her where to go from here, and she knew exactly what direction to take.


    ¡°I won¡¯t forget,¡± Jessamine whispered, letting her fingers caress Kaid to a peaceful sleep, ¡°I won¡¯t let them forget either¡­¡±

 Chapter 18

    Kaid half expected the Empress to be gone by morning. Yet, pressure and light weight on his chest proved otherwise, along with the warm and steady breath near the nape of his neck. How often the past two years he¡¯d have to use pillows or various blankets to mimic a presence beside him, her presence specifically. He wouldn¡¯t have to do that much any longer or perhaps ever again.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± she hummed, almost making Kaid flinch with fright at her being awake. Then again, it was always a rare occurrence Kaid would wake up before his beloved, given sleep never came easy to her.


    ¡°How could you tell?¡± Kaid asked out of curiosity, feeling her stir on top of his chest further closer, despite the gap already being minimal. She didn¡¯t answer right away, instead let her lips meet his in a gentle, good morning kiss. Her lips then peppered across his jaw and cheeks, wanting to kiss every inch of him.


    ¡°Your heartbeat accelerated,¡± she replied, pulling back slightly to admire him, her fingers tracing the growing facial hair around his jaw. He was right, it was growing back fairly fast.


    His fingers moved up and ran through her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear, ¡°Did you sleep okay?¡±


    ¡°Wonderfully, thank you. I missed laying on this rather comfortable pillow,¡± she smirked, her blue eyes staring lovingly into his brown ones.


    Blue and brown eyes were just meant to be. Her blue eyes symbolized the ocean blue waves in all their treacherous glory. Their waves crashed against the earth, the brown sand or dirt. The ocean could not exist without the earth beneath it, and the earth would be a parched landscape without the moisture of life that was water.


    Kaid¡¯s morning, hazy thoughts were interrupted with a playful, gentle slap of her hand across his cheek. He glanced up at her with confusion, still seeing that look of love in her eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever do what you just did last night again,¡± she demanded, her voice soft and playful but she was making it clear she was also very serious about the matter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just thought I could help and-¡±


    ¡°You did. You did Kaid. Gods, you gave me something nobody else could even dare to try. But the last time you did something like that for me, it was almost at the cost of your life. You made me worried sick,¡± Jessamine explained her worry, ¡°promise me you won¡¯t do that again.¡±


    ¡°I promise,¡± he nodded. He understood her worry, the same worry his mother had possessed as well. There was a huge risk of unknown in bringing Jessamine there. He didn¡¯t know much about this void, and her arriving had brought some unwanted trouble. Trouble Jessamine didn¡¯t need to know about, yet.


    He rose up slightly, excitement in his eyes, ¡°So, what did you talk about?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but smile at his enthusiasm, a burst of warmth hitting her heart. She truly felt she didn¡¯t deserve him.


    ¡°Just¡­the burdens of the past. Burdens that are no longer so heavy, thanks to you,¡± Jessamine sighed, but didn¡¯t want to get caught up in that, ¡°She mentioned speaking with you¡­that you even bowed to her.¡±


    ¡°I did?!¡± Kaid looked distraught and embarrassed, ¡°I mean, she was the Emperor¡¯s wife I suppose that still makes her royalty.¡±


    ¡°And if you are to be my husband, will people bow to you?¡± Jessamine inquired, seeing his face blush a fury of red.


    ¡°I-I, no!¡± Kaid stammered, rather surprised at her words. Gods, only she could really twist his tongue, make him act like a real, righteous fool. But there was no shame in being her fool, in making her laugh, smile, and smirk.


    Jessamine knew more than anyone else Kaid hated any sort of attention. Even when he was the special guest at her own birthday celebration, he had diverted most of the attention to her if he could. She didn¡¯t blame him. For a man who was so unseen for thirty years in Caladin, to be in the spotlight for an entire Empire was toiling. She¡¯d relieve that burden whenever she could.


    ¡°She really likes you, by the way. As I knew she would,¡± Jessamine kissed his lips deeply, letting herself linger there. She could feel the heat radiating from his cheeks against her own, not before feeling his tongue gently pry.


    ¡°My mother likes you too,¡± he admitted in a mumble. The words surprised Jessamine who pulled back, sitting across his hips. He noticed her reaction and wondered if she had gotten into her own head about that as well.


    ¡°I¡­are you sure? She wasn¡¯t just saying that to please you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I think in the beginning she was a bit distrustful. She did not want to see me hurt again,¡± Kaid explained, ¡°but you¡¯ve grown on her. She can see how strong you are, strong enough to become the person you¡¯ve always wanted to be, with or without me. And she¡¯s seen how much you care for me. The world would have hunted me down, but you are the interlude after the Time Paradox. Despite thinking the song was over, you continued, expecting a beautiful chorus to arrive.¡±


    ¡°Arrive it has,¡± Jessamine whispered with an assured smile.


    A gentle knock at the door interrupted them, the couple glancing that way.


    ¡°Kaid? It¡¯s late in the morning, you¡¯re going to miss breakfast if you don¡¯t get ready soon. We don¡¯t want to be late to our own tour, mind you,¡± Mara¡¯s voice echoed through the solid, decorative wood.


    Jessamine let her finger delicately run over the sensitive part of his midriff, drifting under his linen shirt to tangle at the beginnings of his pelvic hair. He squirmed slightly, giving Jessamine a disapproving glare, but remembered that it was minor revenge for their mishap in the Uhkhtarian bath house.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m not that hungry. I need to clean up-¡± Kaid spoke before immediately being interrupted by the sensation of Jessamine gently rutting her hips against his. An immediate flush of warmth spread to his cock, unable to resist the feeling this time.


    ¡°Well, you didn¡¯t eat much last night. Do you need help getting ready after?¡± Mara asked.


    Kaid answered immediately, ¡°No, I¡¯m good. Thank you.¡±


    There was a soft pause, Jessamine rolling her hips again and Kaid¡¯s eyes narrowed at her. Before feeling the perfect brush against his clothed semi-erect tip. Jessamine only held a mischievous smile, before giggling quietly at his reaction.  Kaid moved his hand to grab her hand away from his shirt, as if trying to knock her off balance but she immediately shoved his hand away. Which only inhibited more giggles from her lips.


    Kaid almost assumed Mara had left until she spoke again, ¡°You haven¡¯t heard from Jessamine have you? Is she doing alright?¡±


    Jessamine could feel Mara¡¯s burning curiosity from behind the door. It was clear and obvious Mara knew the two were back together, unlike most. She was quick to pick up on that, somehow. But there was no malice held for that truth held in Mara¡¯s heart. If anything, she was glad the two were reunited, all thanks to her.


    ¡°No, she¡¯s-¡± Kaid was immediately interrupted.


    ¡°I¡¯m quite fine, thank you Mara,¡± Jessamine spoke over him, seeing the shock in his eyes. She could also feel the immediate curiosity Mara held wither away as embarrassment overtook her.


    ¡°Right, sorry! Didn¡¯t mean to interrupt,¡± Mara was quick to leave. Yeah, she¡¯d need a lot of breakfast to distract her from the gross thoughts invading her mind. She should have known better to give the two some privacy.


    ¡°I thought we were keeping this a secret,¡± Kaid rolled his eyes at Jessamine, moving to sit up but she shoved his shoulders back down.


    ¡°Mara¡¯s good at keeping secrets. Besides, she already knows,¡± Jessamine shrugged.


    ¡°I mean, she knew we kissed but she didn¡¯t need to know that we¡¯re fucking,¡± Kaid retorted.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t fucking¡­at least not at the moment,¡± she teased, seeing him roll his eyes. But that grin of his appeared, his muscles relaxing underneath her as if he just surrendered his body to her.


    ¡°If we both show up late to the tour, people will talk,¡± Kaid felt her tug gently at the edges of his shirt. Despite his words, he was quick to lift off his shoulders, raising his arms for her to dispose of such a garment. He wouldn¡¯t need a night shirt for any night much longer with her to keep him warm.


    ¡°As if they already don¡¯t. But you¡¯re right,¡± Jessamine sighed, planting her palms gently across his chest as she rocked her hips in a steady motion, ¡°I suppose we will just have to make this quick.¡±


    ¡ª


    The main city of Vitross looked so different than Alec remembered. When he was young, the city was divided by the three districts with clear distinction between upper, middle, and lower. Now, he could hardly tell which was which. The entire infrastructure of what used to be the lower districts were no longer rotten wooden homes or unstable structures. Limestone streets were everywhere, followed by gray or white painted homes even in the darkest parts of the city.


    The harbor had changed from an eastern hub to western, the new harbor wall dividing the ocean with the city still barely frayed by water erosion. It must have been Jessamine¡¯s solution to all the chaos of the Time Paradox and flooding. With the view in front of him so different, he almost believed he was in a different home entirely. A change like this conducted in only just a decade alone¡­imagine what this place could look like in a century.


    But, not every ruler would be so benevolent as Jessamine had recently.


    Kiev greeted Alec with a warm smile, adjusting the gloves for his uniform given the cold morning that it was, ¡°Don¡¯t you just miss that sea smell?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t smell so foul anymore,¡± Alec smiled in return, ¡°Is it just you for protection? Surely we will need another five or six guards with us to keep us safe.¡±


    Kiev laughed softly at that, ¡°Oh, we shall be just fine. Jessamine does not like wandering around with a protection detail. I have plenty of guards stationed in the city at specific locations. But you will find there is minimal danger. Besides, if anything does happen, the best fighters in all the Continent are present: you, me, Kaid, and the Empress herself.¡±


    Alec watched as Kaid walked down the steps, dressed in a royal velvet colored kaftan. It seemed like he never wore the Lord Protector¡¯s uniform, as Alec remembered Payne wearing it all the time. It was supposed to be tradition, a show of strength. Yet, Kaid somehow got away with wearing whatever he pleased. It made Alec clench his jaw in disapproval, knowing a lot of tradition had been disregarded since he left.


    ¡°Morning,¡± Kaid greeted them both before making his way to Mara.


    ¡°You are lucky I did not have little Kai go to wake you this morning,¡± Mara whispered, crossing her arms. Her body language gave off an appearance of annoyance. But really, she had a small smile on her face.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kaid sheepishly winced, ¡°we want to keep it a bit hushed for now. Jessamine already has enough on her plate and she doesn¡¯t want the unneeded attention.¡±


    ¡°Right. It does give off a bad appearance to break off an engagement with the Lungor heir and immediately sleep around with her Guardian¡­¡± Mara hummed. Well, when she put it that way, Kaid didn¡¯t realize how bad that might sound. Even worse if they knew of the minor relation between her two suitors. ¡°You two are entitled to your privacy¡­especially already knowing just how little you have. Your secret is safe with me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kaid smiled.


    Mara paused for a moment, Kaid observing her eyes watching behind him. Kaid slowed time to a halt to level her eyes to whatever she was looking at: Alec. And Alec was still in conversation with Kiev, yet his ocean blue eyes were watching Kaid¡¯s backside. Mara held slight malice in her passionate eyes, one Kaid knew couldn¡¯t be dampened easily.


    ¡°Easy¡­¡± Kaid warned lowly, ¡°give him some time.¡±


    ¡°You may have easily forgiven him for your hand but I haven¡¯t,¡± Mara bitterly retorted, ¡°and I heard he upset Jessamine, which should irk you.¡±


    ¡°It does,¡± Kaid gritted his teeth for a moment, ¡°but the situation is complicated. He is complicated.¡±


    ¡°Every one of your enemies are,¡± Mara sighed.


    ¡°He is not my enemy,¡± Kaid dejected the notion. Yes, it was clear they didn¡¯t like each other. But Alec was nothing like Payne. While Payne had been more subtle in his physical prowess and ability, it was clear Alec was trying. Something must have happened in the gap of time between him leaving Vitross and now returning, something to call him back here.


    ¡°Well I¡¯d demote him to a rival, but that would acquaint him with being on the same level as you¡­¡±


    Kaid ignored that comment, instead glancing over at Kai who lurched over a break in the wall to glance at the city, ¡°Are you excited? There are plenty of fun things to do in the city.¡±


    ¡°When can I go sailing?!¡± Kai asked excitedly.


    ¡°Well, it sounds like he¡¯s a Vitross citizen already,¡± Jessamine walked over, smiling at the boy, ¡°we will get those sailor legs into shape in no time. We can visit the beach later today.¡±


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Kaid was surprised to hear her soft voice, not hearing her greet Alec or Kiev who stood towards the side. Given Alec¡¯s reaction, Jessamine had completely disregarded her brother. Good. Kaid knew an apology was needed, and Jessamine made it clear she wasn¡¯t quite ready to hear one anyways.


    ¡°The tides are strong during this season, perhaps in a few weeks,¡± Kaid smiled, running his hand through Kai¡¯s hair who glanced at the Empress with a smile.


    ¡°Well, I do prefer this weather compared to Uhkhtar. I swear, I¡¯m still finding sand everywhere. No offense to your home, Kaid,¡± Mara laughed.


    ¡°This is my home,¡± Kaid retorted, feeling Jessamine¡¯s knuckles brush his own, ¡°and I am happy to share it with you both.¡±


    Home was such an odd term. Some considered it just an abode of living, a house, a structure where one could rest, eat, or enjoy lovely company. Other¡¯s took a more natural aspect, finding the sea, sand dunes, or snowy mountains as a comfort for home. Kaid, well, he never pictured home as something physical. Otherwise, Caladin would have been his home, which was anything but homely. Uhkhtar had been friendly enough, but he always knew it was a temporary sensation.


    His home was with his friends and his Empress.


    ¡°What are we waiting for?¡± Alec asked Kiev, a bit too loudly as the others heard.


    ¡°Sorry we are late!¡± Christine and Kassandra shouted at the top of the stairs, holding hands as they made their way to the rest of the group.


    Alec found another stray from tradition. Christine was an outsider, yes, but she was a seamstress and nothing more. She didn¡¯t have much influence on politics as she¡¯d thought. The fault lay with Kassandra. While it was clear from appearance she was of Vitross descent, it wasn¡¯t the aristocratic kind.


    Payne had allowed Jessamine to bring forth outsiders into her council. Why? Did Payne believe it would make no difference as he had full control over Jessamine? Or did he too believe her picks to be faulty, unwise, and most of all, an infiltration?


    Jessamine smiled at the presence of her friends, Christine giving her a warm hug knowing the uncomfortable day she had yesterday, ¡°You doing okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jessamine answered with a soft smile, knowing she felt much better this morning than the entirety of yesterday, ¡°thank you, I feel horrible for leaving you all during dinner-¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. There will be plenty of dinners to come,¡± Mara interrupted.


    Jessamine felt relieved that nobody seemed upset about the outburst and disappearance yesterday. Well, beyond her brother. She wasn¡¯t quite ready to face him, nor did she want to be seen as forcing him to apologize. Knowing what she already knew to happen this morning, she knew he¡¯d need time. Time to adjust, time to really take in her work, and also time to realize he had to start anew here.


    Things were definitely not the same since he¡¯s left, and while he might think his disappearance had left a mark wide enough for his return to be celebrated¡­he¡¯d be wrong.


    One person¡¯s re-appearance was quite celebrated, however.


    Kiev led the front as the gates opened, already a small crowd awaiting upon hearing the news the Empress would be going around the city with some familiar faces. Kaid watched their eyes light up with joy, as if the sight of their Empress was an inspiring one. Two years ago, Jessamine had to hide behind long dresses and head coverings to get a sense of her people¡¯s problems and desires. Two years, there was a frightfulness in having an Empress not willing to hear their slights. Now, she walked among them as if she was just like them, no mask at all to shroud her honest eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s Kaid! Kaid!¡± murmurs in the crowd shouted at seeing him.


    Kaid immediately grew shy at the sentiment, like a young boy destined to be prince, hiding behind someone''s shadow to avoid any attention. But despite that shy tendency, he held his head high, trying not to smile too much or that strong persona would shatter. It was clearer than the gray, dark sky that his sentiment here was still positive, that the Time Paradox did not change that.


    Jessamine was too busy to really notice the chants for Kaid, near the front with Mara and little Kai to show them around the main courtyard area. Jessamine even held little Kai¡¯s hand around, showing him his new home and all the other kids he could play with if he so wished. What Kai saw was unlimited possibilities, a rare emotion for a child to feel. Kai felt he could be whatever he wanted here, follow his ¡®uncle¡¯s¡¯ footsteps, or be someone else entirely.


    Alec watched in dismay at everything. How close people got with Jessamine, commoners touching her hands with warm wishes, or how Jessamine would eagerly move to hear people¡¯s problems. Women fawned over Kaid¡¯s presence, blushes hitting their pale skin if his eyes met them with a warm smile. It all felt like a parade of mockery, not to showcase power or strength, but to humiliate Alec.


    It didn¡¯t seem like a single soul recognized him in the crowd. They thought he was an understudy or acquaintance of Kiev, who also got a fair amount of attention but mostly with his own men.


    The rage Alec felt building was intoxicatingly bloodthirsty. He wanted to show these people who he was, become unforgettable in the most gruesome way possible. He could feel his father¡¯s voice in his ear, hearing the dismay and disgust in what this city had turned into. But then he swore he heard Zarya¡¯s voice carry in the wind, the words unrecognizable. The sensation of a chill across his neck was enough to shake the feeling of violence away.


    For now.


    ¡°Lord Protector!¡± Barnett shouted at Kaid, approaching him with a few other fellow guards, ¡°The mighty savior of time returns!¡±


    ¡°Barnett,¡± Kaid greeted him warmly. He remembered the first time Kaid had walked this city, straying away from Jessamine momentarily. Of course the situation had become a bit of a racial, miscommunicated spat between Kaid and the guards. But Kaid had forgiven Barnett, given his instigator of a friend was no longer influencing him. Influence weighed so heavily here in Vitross, but it was no longer dark.


    ¡°The Empress told us all that the Time Paradox took a toll on you. Are you alright?¡± Barnett asked.


    ¡°Yes, with some rest and time away I¡¯ve been able to recover well. When Jessamine gave me the offer to return, I must admit, I was skeptical at how I¡¯d be received,¡± Kaid admitted shamefully.


    ¡°Nonsense! You¡¯re a hero!¡± another guard laughed.


    ¡°Yeah! We heard what you did with Pestilence, how you protected Empress Jessamine, lost your hand, yet continued to fight and killed him!¡± Barnett laughed, ¡°Kiev is inviting us all for drinks tonight, apparently with Alec, would you like to join us?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m flattered, but I¡¯m afraid I have a lot of work ahead of me,¡± Kaid smiled, taking the moment to do some investigative work, ¡°did you know Alec well?¡±


    ¡°Well, we were more acquaintances than friends. Alec didn¡¯t have a lot of friends, by choice. I think it is a Kruzika trait, keeping a small number of friends close and giving distance to everyone else,¡± Barnett answered, ¡°But, his return doesn¡¯t change anything. If he can help the Empire, then that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    ¡°Agree¡­¡± Kaid nodded, ¡°well, I¡¯ll leave you to your drinks. Just don¡¯t oversleep tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t, if you promise to spar with us tomorrow,¡± Barnett teased.


    ¡°Hm, maybe I will take you up on that offer,¡± Kaid laughed softly, letting them walk away towards Kiev. When Kaid looked around for his friends, he found Mara and Kai at a market stall, observing some wooden carved toys. Kai was eager for a sword, already wishing to fight. Ironic how Kaid would do anything to ensure that boy avoided a fight at all cost, yet boys his age rushed into the ideas of adventures and battles. As long as it remained a fantasy, then the toy would remain just that and not become a tool.


    Kaid took a moment to find Jessamine, seeing her bent down near the edge of an alley. Her hands held frail ones, seeing an old, withering man on the ground, begging. His heart stopped at the sight, his eyes wetting at feeling the proud sensation come over him. This was the Jessamine she had always wanted to be, the one he had seen even if her darkness tried to shroud it all.


    Kindness was always mocked. Always. That¡¯s why people strayed far from it. Jessamine had already faced a mountainous volume of mockery all her life, especially when she became Empress. Her shield for such was to turn cruel, to use fear and power. Power and fear could never be mocked, and that¡¯s why she liked it to protect herself. Now, she didn¡¯t care about the mockery. She had seen those mock Kaid for such kindness, and now used it against them.


    When Kaid first met her, there was something seductive and alluring about the fear she caused, about the power in both her lineage and Oblivion. Nothing was as beautiful and lovely upon seeing her kindness right now. He felt like he was falling in love with her all over again.


    ¡°Do you have anyone to help you to the Eastern Courtyard? There is a shelter there, warm beds and food if you need,¡± Jessamine whispered quietly, not caring about the dirt that stained her dress as she sat on her knees.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been there. I just wanted to see you,¡± the sweet elderly man smiled.


    ¡°Well, what can I do to help?¡± Jessamine asked, observing his hands before infiltrating his mind, only slightly, ¡°Are you a knitter? Do you like to knit?¡±


    ¡°When I can, yes Empress,¡± he nodded, ¡°my hands get shaky but¡­I try when I have the right tools.¡±


    ¡°Well, see my friend over there wearing the blue saree? How about we commission you to make some knitted sweaters for the orphans this upcoming Winter? We will give you all the supplies and tools you might need, and you can work at your own pace,¡± Jessamine suggested, eager to find a solution.


    She could see the man¡¯s eyes light up with delight, nodding eagerly.


    ¡°Yes, Empress,¡± the man had slight tears in his eyes, ¡°That would bring me joy.¡±


    ¡°Then it shall be done. I will have Christine deliver some tools to the housing for you and we will pay for every sweater finished,¡± Jessamine smiled.


    ¡°Oh, thank you Empress. Thank you!¡± the man cried, still holding her gentle hands before seeing a presence behind her, ¡°Oh! Lord Kaid!¡±


    ¡°Do you need help getting to the housing?¡± Kaid asked, letting his hand linger on Jessamine¡¯s backside, wanting to instill a proud touch against her spine.


    ¡°No no, I will go later in the afternoon. I didn''t mean to take up your time,¡± the beggar insisted, ¡°I have lived for eighty years, yet this empire has not known what real leadership is until you two. You two are such a lovely couple.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Jessamine laughed as she rose to her feet, feeling that hand resting on her backside momentarily brush her ass as Kaid wasn¡¯t quick enough to pull it away, ¡°We aren¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s against the rules,¡± Kaid followed up, despite seeing the man¡¯s eyes still light with laughter.


    ¡°So is walking amongst commoners,¡± the man retorted, ¡°Thank you, Empress.¡±


    ¡°Of course, should anyone else you know need my assistance, please ask,¡± Jessamine smiled warmly, tugging at Kaid¡¯s arm to move slightly. The rest of the area was still crowded but most people were back to their normal routines. It was easier for them to blend in now, as most people were keen on giving the Empress and her personnel some privacy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re very good about this whole secret relationship thing,¡± Kaid whispered, hearing her laugh, ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, Jessamine.¡±


    Those words were almost as powerful as hearing ¡®I love you¡¯ from this man¡¯s voice. His voice was deep with truth. Jessamine had always seen a relationship as a hindrance, that a man would always view her as competition and drag her down to his level. Instead, this man beside her only uplifted her at any chance he got. And for him to be proud of her, despite the ups and downs of these past two years, it made her happy. She truly felt this was the beginning of making a good difference, one that would last longer than her own existence.


    ¡°Thank you, Kaid,¡± Jessamine felt tempted to kiss his cheek, ¡°I couldn¡¯t have done it without you, without knowing you. Kindness must be taught¡­and I was a rather stubborn pupil. Thank you for being patient with me.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± he smiled widely, bending down slightly to brush the dirt off her dress.


    ¡°Okay, now you¡¯re just making it obvious,¡± Jessamine teased.


    ¡°Empress, if I wanted to make it obvious, I have more preferable methods to ensure everyone knows that I belong to you,¡± Kaid teased back.


    ¡°And what does that entail?¡±


    ¡°My lips on yours.¡±


    ¡ª


    They continued with the tour, finally reaching the harbor. The black waves of the sea rocked the docked ships in the distance, the gulls cried at every chance they got, and the salt sprayed with the wind with every gust. There was hardly any disparity shown near the harbor. What Kaid remembered as the Lower Districts looked nothing like he had remembered. While some areas were dirtier than others given the labor, everything looked as equitable as it could be.


    The orphanage was so different from what Kaid remembered. All the children looked well nourished. There were plenty of toys, books, or things for them to do. Lilah was back in charge, despite everything that happened. Kaid thought Lilah would react indifferently, but she welcomed the sight of Kaid returning. Even some of the orphans that recognized Kaid ran to him, asking him to come and read again at some point.


    Jessamine had established a place for them where children could be children. They didn¡¯t have to worry about their next meal or if their beds would be warm enough to beat the evening chill. Even when growing up, their opportunities didn¡¯t stop. When they were old enough, they could begin to work as apprentices for trades, do whatever their dreams desired.


    ¡°Where is the Lower District?¡± Alec asked, breaking the silence in the tour for once. Kaid almost thought he was still lingering around.


    ¡°There is no Lower District,¡± Jessamine answered, ¡°This is the Harbor District. We have the Harbor District, Mercantile District, and Diplomatic District. It was Kassandra¡¯s idea to remove the idea of District names being based on class structure. Instead, they are named are the general occupations of the citizens. But, anyone can live where they choose. If a diplomat or governor wishes to live closer to the ocean, we will not stop him.¡±


    ¡°And if a laborer wants to live close to the palace¡­?¡± Alec inquired.


    ¡°I see nothing wrong with that,¡± Jessamine hummed. She gave Kaid a soft look to keep walking with the rest of the entourage, remaining at a distance with her brother. ¡°Most of the Lower District got swept away by the sea. I had to improvise, and what better way to build change than from this opportunity.¡±


    Alec shook his head slightly, sighing, ¡°My home is so unrecognizable.¡±


    Jessamine felt slight (only slight) sympathy with that sentiment, ¡°You¡¯re right. I do miss the rats running all over the place, or beggars dead on the sides of the road.¡±


    ¡°And economically? How did you-¡±


    ¡°I used the family funds,¡± Jessamine shrugged, knowing that would irk him even more.


    ¡°That was our money, money our ancestors built with their bare hands!¡±


    ¡°And it was just sitting there in a bank, piling up from interest and of no use to society. I am not here to rule this Empire for profit, even so, my decisions have become favorable in terms of economic prosperity. Vitross is growing from this investment.¡±


    ¡°You giving handouts to people is not helping them,¡± Alec disagreed, ¡°It¡¯s not how I would have ruled¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, and who¡¯s fault is that?¡± Jessamine clenched her jaw, hating how she felt that way, ¡°Father may have taught you how to control an empire, but not once did he teach you how to govern it. My handouts are a crutch to people who have been broken for centuries.  Change is inevitable, Alec. You can either choose to fight the current or ride with it.¡±


    ¡°Not when the current is strong enough to destroy a third of the harbor¡­¡± Alec muttered, his eyes resting on Kaid, ¡°does he know the death toll?¡±


    ¡°Alec¡­¡± Jessamine tilted her head with disapproval, ¡°Now¡¯s not the time.¡±


    ¡°I think he deserves to know. Not just here, but Lungor, Arilla¡­the entire Continent.¡±


    ¡°He saved millions,¡± Jessamine retorted.


    ¡°Theoretical millions. Vrah told me he didn¡¯t find any malfunction of the sort in those turbines. Payne could have been bluffing,¡± Alec¡¯s eyes still followed Kaid.


    ¡°Payne was cunning but he never bluffed. That wouldn¡¯t be the first time Vrah would lie or hide things from you,¡± Jessamine shook her head, not wanting to have this conversation to ruin the rest of her day.


    ¡°Kaid deserves the truth,¡± Alec hummed, as if he had known Jessamine had withheld truth from him in the past. In that, Alec was right. Kaid deserved the truth, but not in a way that would put the guilt on him. Did the first person to ever discover poison¡¯s deadly wrath become responsible for all the purposeful deaths soon after? What about Lungorian firearms? Was the patent maker responsible for every death by a bullet?


    ¡°You tell the truth because you like the way it hurts people. That¡¯s not sincere honesty, that¡¯s being a real asshole,¡± Jessamine exclaimed, ¡°You¡¯re not the only one with daggers of truth up your sleeve. I, too, have plenty of ammunition against you.¡±


    ¡°Then what is stopping you?¡± he challenged slightly, seeing the slight surprise on her face.


    ¡°The fact you have to ask that is what concerns me,¡± Jessamine stared at his eyes, knowing it was just a mirror of her own, that same deep ocean blue, ¡°enjoy your evening with Kiev. I hope it sobers you¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    It in fact did not sober him. Alec staggered slightly on the black sand illuminated only by the full moon above him. He only had one drink tonight as it was not his intent to get drunk, but just enjoy company. It was hard to enjoy such company with his sister¡¯s words on the back of his mind. He couldn¡¯t get what he wanted without hurting her. Yet, as children he had always gotten his way, and she paid the price regardless. Did his actions against his own sister mirror that of Kaid¡¯s of unintended consequences?


    Alec found the black boulder across a mile stretch of sand, shaped by the eroding waves to appear like a shark. Etched gently on the smooth side was a star, the Lungorian star.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Vrah asked, removing himself from his invisible shroud to appear in front of Alec.


    ¡°I had to make sure I wasn¡¯t being followed,¡± Alec hummed, ¡°and after the stunt you pulled yesterday, I figured I¡¯d make you wait.¡±


    ¡°Kaid being my half-brother changes nothing of the plan,¡± Vrah shrugged.


    ¡°It makes this situation much more difficult for me. You also failed to tell me how much my sister seems to care for this Uhkhtarian. You said she hated him,¡± Alec accused, ¡°yet, his portrait replaced that of my father¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°Are you going to continue with the plan, or not?¡± Vrah crossed his arms.


    ¡°Of course I am,¡± Alec scoffed. As if anything was going to stop him from getting what he wanted.


    ¡°So stop fucking complaining and get serious about this. You need to be very careful in how you approach this now. The opportunities to get close to Kaid alone are already limited as it is. You need to make sure there aren¡¯t any witnesses. Kaid is useless without his Oblivion and Jessamine will dispose of him the second she realizes that.¡±


    ¡°And if there are - witnesses I mean?¡±


    ¡°Kill them, if you must. Nobody, and I mean nobody can know Pestilence is still alive,¡± Vrah ordered.


    Alive, and working for Lungor¡­or so Vrah thought.

 Nineteen

    A month or so had passed and Alec Kruzika still had not found an avenue to apologize to his sister. There had been glimpses of moments, seconds in time that he felt he had enough bravery to admit his wrongs. Yet those were either ruined by some urgent delegation she needed to attend to, or Kaid¡¯s presence. Alec would not apologize with him present in the same room. The disgust would overcome any of his desire to make amends with his sister.


    His mission was equally time sensitive yet unable to be rushed. Failure meant this entire operation could collapse and the Continent would pay for it with a blood soaked war. Alec, as devious as he thought himself, did not want war. No, the more he began to grow comfortable in his home and interact with others, the more he too believed war would not solve this issue.


    Alec didn¡¯t pick sides, he picked people. Not people to show loyalty to, but people he wanted to plot against. He¡¯d ally himself with anyone who hated his own enemy, regardless of the cost of friendships. He held no ill will towards Vrah or any of the Lungorian Empire. He held no ill intent towards his sister. In fact, he was beginning to really admire her. But he hated Kaid Al-Yami.


    He fucking hated him.


    Alec had thought the dismembering of the Guardian¡¯s left hand would be a serious maim, a plight he could not solve. Yet, the Uhkhtarian never viewed it as an impasse to progress. No. The very essence of his injury challenged him. Despite his disability, he eagerly outperformed most of the Vitross Guards in training. He could do more push-ups with one arm alone than the others could with two, pull himself above gymnastic bars with no problem, and most of all, get thunderous applause every single morning after winning every duel.


    The only time he wasn¡¯t the object of attention was only when his sister would join in the mornings. At least she could still compete against him, whether outpacing him in a run or bend her way out of a wrestling match with him. Alec did take pride whenever Jessamine kicked his ass, figuratively of course. While Alec wished for the courage to duel Kaid in a training spar, he knew he lacked the discipline to not try and kill the man.


    Killing him was part of the plan, but to do so in front of an audience was definitely not part of it.


    When Alec entered the Empress¡¯ office, he was met with a view of Kaid Al-Yami quickly lifting his pants up and adjusting his belt, struggling with the applied pressure of his wrist as his other hand assisted with the notches. Jessamine stood to the side, fixing her tousled hair before glancing at her brother.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, was I interrupting something?¡± Alec asked, wondering what the hell Kaid could have been doing with his trousers practically unsecured.


    ¡°I see you have forgotten your manners about knocking on doors before entering,¡± Jessamine remarked, ¡°I was helping Kaid try out some new belts. He¡¯s not a fan of the elastic ones Christine invented for him as he tore the fabric too easily. Alas, we will continue to find accommodations for him.¡±


    ¡°And if not, then a normal belt is fine,¡± Kaid grunted, finally getting it done correctly without Jessamine¡¯s help before his eyes met Alec. He could see Alec wasn¡¯t all entirely convinced of Jessamine¡¯s quick improvisation. ¡°We have to make do with what we have.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Alec hummed, turning towards his sister, ¡°May I speak to you privately?¡±


    ¡°I would say yes, but we have a Council to attend to. Can it wait until after?¡± she asked, her voice soft and gentle.


    ¡°You could join us, if you¡¯d like,¡± Kaid offered, wanting to find some compromise. The fact that accommodation came from Kaid only made Alec want to reject it. That, and he shouldn¡¯t have to be asked. It was by his own birthright he should be allowed into those meetings, meetings where decisions were made to use family funds or empirical judgements.


    ¡°Well that sounds like a wonderful idea,¡± Jessamine smiled at the notion, genuinely looking happy. Alec couldn¡¯t deny it now, seeing just how pleased it made her.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Alec agreed, leaving his speculation and burning desire to apologize to the side. For now. When he turned back towards the hallway, Jessamine had glanced over at Kaid.


    It was a playful kind, of course, with a hint of warning: That was way too close.


    Good thing Kaid could at least slow time enough to get his pants back on, clean up the small mess¡­and adjust Jessamine¡¯s dress. Of course, Kaid only held a proud smirk on his face as Alec had turned his back, making Jessamine blush in return.


    Yeah, that was way too fucking close.


    -


    Governor Harken cleared his throat as he glanced over at Governor Ramin, ¡°What news from Uhkhtar?¡±


    ¡°Relations between the villagers of my region with Uhkhtar have improved dramatically. Trade has become easier with the railroad and any raids from various nomadic tribes have stopped. The word is that Sabine has done a great job in controlling the volatile nature of the desert people. The economy is beginning to steady itself, if not flourish. There is a high demand for international goods, so we must make sure to maintain a steady supply.¡±


    ¡°Despite her denial for any Vitross turbines, she seems eager to work with us,¡± Kassandra added, ¡°All of our delegations and letters have been positive.¡±


    Good, Kaid thought to himself, knowing Sabine never answered any of the letters he had sent her. Then again, Jessamine had advised him to give her time. She was still recovering from her heartache, and there was no distinct window of time of when that wound would heal.


    ¡°Yes, there are rumors she denies another, as well,¡± Ramin half chuckled, ¡°It seems Vrah, despite his proposal rejection in Uhkhtar to Empress Jessamine, offered another proposal in secret to Sabine.¡±


    ¡°That man is eager to be married,¡± Harken teased, the others laughing. Even Jessamine smiled at the small chaff but Kaid could tell she was slightly worried if Sabine would take that offer. Why wouldn¡¯t she? She had a lot to gain with an alliance like that, and Jessamine knew she found Vrah attractive.


    Although, Jessamine felt if Sabine learned the truth of Vrah being related to Kaid, that would turn her away from him entirely.


    Kaid remained silent, unless directed otherwise. Jessamine had already warned him of mixed feelings of his return beforehand. And while most of them remained cordial, it was obvious Harken out of them all was not pleased to see Kaid back, and Jessamine not engaged. Then again, his region being closest to Lungor would see a great benefit in an alliance secured in marriage. Governor Ramin had been troublesome at first, but upon seeing the Vitross citizens happy with Kaid¡¯s return, had changed his tune to reflect that.


    ¡°The death of Pestilence has made these meetings much easier. I suppose we have Lord Protector Kaid to thank for that,¡± Bowen jeered.


    ¡°It came at a cost. One I was more than willing to pay,¡± Kaid clenched his jaw. He hated lying. He hated the entire story that the reason his left hand was gone was because of a man he had easily suffocated with a pile of sand. Yet, it was a lie he¡¯d have to continue with. The real reason stood awkwardly in the back, leaning against the marble walls and having nothing to say. He merely observed.


    Despite what most people might think, Kaid still struggled with overcoming his disability. Accommodations were wonderful, of course, everyone was generous to help whenever possible. Jessamine always made sure his food was cut beforehand, or she¡¯d cut it herself. Christine had been more than helpful in trying to find inventive clothing to ease his struggles. Hell, some even had the idea of molding an artificial hand for him but Kaid dejected that idea. He¡¯d just have to make do with what he had. Yet there was still this phantom pain that existed. It was all mental, of course. Cadize could not find any source of physical ailment and told Kaid this would just take time.


    Time, time, time.


    Kaid knew that time could heal a lot of things in his life. It already has. Yet, being the master of it, sometimes he felt fairly impatient. The pain Alec had caused him had been swallowed down because in that moment, it was his only choice. Kaid knew they wouldn¡¯t be where they were now, relatively safe in Vitross, if he hadn¡¯t swallowed his pride, his ego, his anger, and most of all his pain. However, it sat there like a pit in his core.


    Had Kaid truly forgiven Alec, or did he merely convince himself he had?


    The ending of the Council was interrupted with the throne doors opening, everyone surprised by the disruption as Kiev walked in with a fisherman. Both were drenched by the soaking rain. Vitross had been under severe weather for this past week which was normal at this end of the season. Yet, seeing a seasoned fisherman with some fear in his eyes had everyone on edge.


    ¡°Apologies, Empress. But this is Sir Jonah, fisherman foreman of the Northern Coast,¡± Kiev escorted him over, both of the men bowing their heads with politeness.


    ¡°Council, why don¡¯t we adjourn for another sixty days?¡± Kassandra asked, wanting them removed from the vicinity. While they all seemed eagerly curious as to what this interruption was about, they knew Kassandra was ushering them out for good reason.


    ¡°Sir Jonah,¡± Jessamine smiled warmly as the room was left vacant of all politicians, ¡°to what do I owe the pleasure?¡±


    ¡°It has to do with the breeding grounds, your highness,¡± Jonah¡¯s voice held dismay in them, ¡°I¡¯m not sure how to explain it, but the whales are dying. We noticed nearly a hundred had not returned to the breeding area given the end of the season. We searched for days for them, only to find their corpses breached near Swallows Bay.¡±


    That smile no longer lingered on Jessamine¡¯s face, only dread remained.


    ¡°We returned right away to give you the news. Once this storm passes, we hope we can gather more information for you,¡± Jonah explained, ¡°I apologize-¡±


    ¡°You have nothing to apologize for,¡± Jessamine stated, her eyes momentarily glancing at the stained glass windows and the rain pelting against it, ¡°Can you show them to me, now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid the rest of my crew all went home for the late evening but I can try-¡±


    ¡°No need for that. There are plenty of able-bodied sailors in this room that can assist. Of course, if you don¡¯t mind Jonah in escorting me,¡± Jessamine immediately walked towards him, knowing action must be taken.


    ¡°Oh, it would be an honor, Empress,¡± Jonah bowed his head, ¡°I will go ready the ship once more. We should depart soon, otherwise this storm will be more troublesome on the way there.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Jonah. Your steadfastness may very well prevent a calamity,¡± Jessamine encouraged, looking at Kiev, ¡°Kiev, will you sail with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± he smiled.


    Alec, who no longer lingered in the back lurched forward, ¡°I can help.¡±


    Jessamine was surprised at his eagerness, but she knew that while it had been a long time, sailing was in her brother¡¯s blood. Alec would be of great assistance, rather than a hindrance for once.


    ¡°Thank you Alec. We shall meet at the harbor by the end of the hour. Dress warmly and appropriately, we cannot underestimate this storm,¡± Jessamine ordered, ¡°Kiev, please alert Cadize of this issue as well. He must be made aware and join us if he chooses.¡±


    ¡°Shall I see if we can get any other volunteers?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°No,¡± she answered almost immediately, ¡°this must stay between us. I¡¯m sure with the four of us and Jonah¡¯s experience, we shall be alright.¡±


    Alec and Kiev left immediately, exchanging a worrisome glance to each other before parting ways. Kaid could see Jessamine¡¯s strong posture falter for a moment, clenching her jaw.


    ¡°Are you sure you want me coming? I¡¯m not sure what help I can be with just one hand,¡± Kaid finally spoke, moving to let his hand rest gently on her backside.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll need you. And you are a good sailor, despite what you might think,¡± she chuckled briefly, finding comfort in his touch.


    ¡°Jess¡­how bad is this?¡± Kaid asked, sensing from her demeanor alone this was much more serious than she was giving off. The fact the governors were dismissed, that she¡¯d deny assistance from other volunteers¡­it seemed like she wanted to keep this close. Very close.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°Do you think the Time Paradox might have something to do with it?¡± Kaid¡¯s voice was concerned with sorrow. What if all of this had been his doing? A lot of livelihoods depended on a good whaling season, in more ways than one. An action committed two years ago in this very room could be reaping its consequences right now.


    ¡°No, darling, I don¡¯t,¡± Jessamine assured him, moving close to cup his face with her cold fingers, ¡°we won¡¯t know until we see this ourselves. Trust me when I say, Kaid: this is not of your doing.¡±


    Kaid nodded, knowing he was getting into his own head, ¡°If I didn¡¯t say it enough times this morning, Jessamine, I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡± she whispered, placing a quick kiss on his lips, ¡°now, let¡¯s go show my brother how great of a sailor you are.¡±


    Kaid laughed at that, knowing for certain there would be nothing he could ever do to impress Alexander Kruzika. But, that didn¡¯t mean he wouldn¡¯t give it a shot.


    -


    The rain felt like a bullet of needles with the rapid wind. Every inch of the sailors above deck were drenched with cold, icy water. The only one that was below deck was poor Cadize, who was growing sea sick and vomiting every few minutes. The waves were treacherous, but with both Jessamine and Jonah near the helm barking orders, the ship endured.


    Kaid¡¯s right hand burned with friction from the rope, wishing he had brought gloves. Yet the rain would have worsened any sense of grip he might have to secure riggings. There were plenty of moments in the storm that Kaid would have to be side by side with Alec, adjusting riggings, working together to keep the ropes steady. Kaid swallowed down any awkwardness, focusing on the mission instead which was to follow all of Jessamine¡¯s orders.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Alec was surprised at Kaid¡¯s knowledge of sailing, especially for a man who spent most of his life locked away in a cage. Jessamine must have taken him sailing fairly often if he seemed so familiar with the process. That, or, he applied knowledge from all those damned books he read. Whenever Alec found Kaid unoccupied with his sister, he was always reading. Whether in the library with Mara¡¯s obnoxious kid or in the gardens, Kaid always held a book in his hand.


    But finally, all their effort had come to fruition upon reaching the edge of the storm. The waves had calmed and there was only a few sprinkles of rain here and there.


    ¡°My Lord, you are a fine sailor,¡± Jonah complimented Kaid as he approached, taking Jessamine¡¯s place as she went below deck to check in on Cadize.


    ¡°Hardly, I am just good at following orders,¡± Kaid laughed softly, ¡°I appreciate the compliment, though. Empress Jessamine has taught me as best as she could.¡±


    ¡°She is the finest helmsman in the Continent. It is such an honor she is even on my ship to begin with,¡± the older man blushed at the notion, ¡°should war be on the horizon, as long as she is in charge of our navy, I have no worries about victory.¡±


    ¡°Is war on the horizon?¡± Kaid asked, finding the timing of the sentence odd.


    ¡°With your return, my Lord-¡±


    ¡°Please, call me Kaid,¡± he insisted politely, caring not for any formalities especially in a situation like this.


    ¡°Kaid, your return has brought contention, as expected. But now a graveyard of carcasses washes upon our shores. It is either a sign of the end of times, or a sign that our enemy has uncovered our coveted resource,¡± Jonah hummed, seeing the confusion on Kaid¡¯s face.


    ¡°Resource?¡± Kaid inquired. Of course Kaid knew all about using whales as a major resource. An entire whale could feed a village properly for months to come, whether fresh, raw, or salted to last an entire year if needed. Every single part of a whale had a function, even the fat used in soaps or lamps prior to the use of turbines. Kaid knew Jessamine had conducted studies to keep the whale population flourishing after long periods of over-hunting, which is why he thought the breeding grounds were so important. But it seems they also had another purpose.


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t told you?¡± Jonah seemed surprised.


    As Jessamine resurfaced from the deck, she noticed the two talking, about to reveal the truth herself. But the wind pushed towards them with a pungence of death, the Empress almost gagging at first contact. Kaid was quick to pull out a dry handkerchief from his belongings, handing it to Jessamine to relieve the malodour infesting her senses.


    ¡°Fuck, that¡¯s bad,¡± Kiev covered his own nose along with Alec.


    The only one who didn¡¯t seem bothered by the smell was Cadize, finally arriving above deck. Of course, he probably just exhumed all his breakfast already, but he didn¡¯t seem as disgusted by the stench as everyone else. Yet, even he seemed worried.


    ¡°Here, it is over behind this cliffside,¡± Jonah assured them, steering with one hand while the other did its best to pinch his nose.


    The black clouds and cliff sides of sand gave off a shadowed presence when aligned with these dark waters. Kaid had always found a comforting sensation with the climate of Vitross, but when paired with this unpleasant odor, he could tell the peace of this last month was ending. A wreckoning was beginning, and he wouldn¡¯t know how damaging until Jessamine filled him in with all he had missed.


    Jessamine was the first to throw up, lurching to the edge of the ship and letting the pressure against her stomach encourage the purge. Kaid was quick to approach her, keeping stray strands of hair away and making sure she was alright. Kiev and Alec were soon to follow with their retching. Kaid was the only fortunate one of the Vitross palace personnel to luckily not throw up.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Jessamine whispered assurances to Kaid, who kept rubbing her soaking wet backside.


    ¡°I know,¡± he smiled faintly, ¡°Do you want me to get your pair of dry clothes now or¡­?¡±


    ¡°No, I wish to go ashore, see this mess for myself,¡± she shook her head, ¡°Hopefully my nose will turn blind to this stench eventually. How are you not throwing up about this?¡±


    Kaid shrugged slightly, Jessamine smiling at the way his curls were dampened by the rain, ¡°I¡¯ve smelled a lot of horrible shit in my life.¡±


    Jessamine was about to comment until her eyes glanced towards the waves below her. The blackness of the sea was tainted, darkened even further with crimson. Small blotches of blood soon became the entirety of the area around them, enhancing the smell even further. As Jonah steered around the cliffside, they were met with corpses washed ashore akin to a battlefield. Instead of a human graveyard, however, it was that of Vitross¡¯ greatest ecological resource.


    Whales upon whales, mostly cows given their size, were breached and rotten on the shoreline. Their rough exterior showed no signs of serious injuries, such as being stabbed to death by fishing hooks or spears. Some had large cuts from the rocky shoreline, explaining the blood. Yet there was no obvious malady that appeared a reason for such a graveyard.


    ¡°Stop here, Jonah. Cadize and I will investigate the shore. How many will the dingy support?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Only three, Lady Jessamine,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Kaid, come with, since you seem rather unaffected by the smell,¡± she ordered, although she wanted him around for a different purpose entirely. Kaid nodded, moving to help with the rigging and anchoring of the ship before lowering the small dingy for transport.


    Alec stood to the side, not finding any place to help yet but just stare at the massive pile of animal corpses in front of him. He had never seen or heard of anything in his lifetime, nothing in all his readings or teachings when becoming Emperor. This must have something to do with the Paradox, would it not?


    ¡°Thank you for your help so far,¡± Jessamine whispered, approaching her brother. He had been a tremendous help in navigating that storm, and seeing the concern in his eyes meant he did care about what happened to Vitross. If just the sight of whales could cause him to react this way, then there was still hope for him.


    ¡°Odd that the sharks haven¡¯t bothered to touch them either,¡± Alec observed, his mind too focused on the calamity in front of him to even notice Jessamine¡¯s thanks. He was right. Sharks would have loved the opportunity for a free hunt such as this without any trouble. Sharks would eat just about anything in this area, but this rotten feast seemed a warning sign for them to stay far away.


    Alec finally noticed the dingy on the portside bow being lowered to the sea, Kaid climbing down the side ladder very carefully with Cadize following.


    ¡°You should have asked me,¡± Alec hummed at the observation, ¡°An Empress shouldn¡¯t have to row herself.¡±


    There was no way in hell Kaid could do so with just one functional hand.


    ¡°Well, this Empress doesn¡¯t mind. Thank you for your concern. We will return once our observations are complete. Keep this ship ready for us,¡± Jessamine retorted, knowing his observation was spoken mostly out of concern. But if he was so concerned with Kaid¡¯s ability to be at her side, he shouldn¡¯t have cut his hand off.


    Jessamine climbed down, feeling Kaid¡¯s sturdy hand holding her arm before helping her adjust to the unsteady dingy. She thanked him with a smile before taking the middle seat, grabbing the oars to pull them to shore. The waves only helped, it would be the row back that would kill the muscles in her arms.


    Once ashore, Kaid secured the dingy before Cadize immediately approached the closest corpse, studying it. The stench was only worse up close but thankfully Kaid was slowly adjusting to it. Jessamine still covered her nose when she could, staring at the whales as flies and maggots seemed to begin to eat away. It just didn¡¯t make any sense. What Alec had mentioned about the sharks was certainly intriguing.


    Cadize only had to lay one hand on the whale, using his Oblivion to get a sense of what could have happened. Not only could he heal a wound, but he could definitely identify how a corpse was killed, both human or animal. That was certainly a good enhancement to his already powerful magic.


    ¡°This whale is¡­or was, rather, diseased. And I am beginning to sense the others are as well,¡± Cadize sighed.


    ¡°Diseased, with what?¡± Jessamine¡¯s eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°I won¡¯t know until I can get a good look at its insides,¡± Cadize mumbled, looking over at Kaid, ¡°Do you mind putting your sword to use?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Kaid unfolded his blade, having Cadize pinpoint the best spot to make the incision easier to cut. As soon as he did, entrails upon entrails spilled out at Kaid¡¯s feet. That alone almost made him throw up, but he clenched his jaw and fist to hold his bearing. It wasn¡¯t until that cut reached near the tail that an unborn calf plopped into the dark sands.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± Jessamine cursed, having to look away.


    It was sickening. This was a tragedy alone, but to know that this whale along with probably many others were pregnant¡­or had been, it didn¡¯t sit well with Kaid. The umbilical cord was still attached, yet the stem was black and frayed, another sign of disease. It had gone all the way to it¡¯s unborn calf, almost as if intentional. When Kaid let his eyes move up to Jessamine, he could see her brushing a tear away with her thumb.


    ¡°Brucellosis, it seems,¡± Cadize observed, ¡°an acute form of it at that. It¡¯s a bacteria commonly found in marine mammals, but not as severe as this. In the cows, the female whales, it can cause miscarriages. If it spreads to males, and they don¡¯t die, it could cause infertility.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying, Cadize?¡± Jessamine could tell there was a speculation at the tip of his tongue.


    ¡°I won¡¯t know more until I can run more tests,¡± he sighed.


    ¡°Cadize,¡± Jessamine urged, ¡°spit it out.¡±


    ¡°Sabotage, Empress. This looks like sabotage. Someone knew this would cause issues in our breeding endeavors and wanted to put a stop to it,¡± he finally answered.


    ¡°Well, we still have the whales near the South, do we not?¡± Kaid asked, trying to find a silver lining. Cadize and Jessamine both looked at each other, knowing they had to tell the truth.


    ¡°Kaid, Cadize found a unique oil developed from these types of humpbacks amongst the calves. That¡¯s what these breeding grounds were for, half to steady the population, the other to extract oil from a very specific spleen. It stops developing nearly after a year, and we found a way to extract it while keeping the calves alive. It¡¯s only found in this breed,¡± Jessamine explained.


    ¡°And¡­what is this oil good for?¡± Kaid inquired, his mind spiraling with this new knowledge.


    Cadize sighed for a moment, ¡°Kaid, how do you put out a fire caused by oil?¡±


    ¡°Well, you contain it, deprive it of oxygen. But that¡¯s only on a small scale. On a much larger scale¡­you have to just let it burn,¡± Kaid declared, seeing Cadize nod.


    ¡°This oil we¡¯ve found is like graphite on a liquid level. It will be a catalyst with any flame nearby. We are still in the experiment stages of course, but¡­¡± Cadize couldn¡¯t finish the words.


    ¡°Even in a time of peace, I needed to make sure we still had weapons of war at our disposal,¡± Jessamine finished the sentence for him, ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry we didn¡¯t tell you.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Empress,¡± Kaid shook his head, not wanting her to think he was upset. He wasn¡¯t. Despite knowing Jessamine had turned to a more gentler nature, particularly with her people and her friends, he knew there was a tenacious darkness to her that would never fade. If she had to strike, she intended to kill. If this were to turn into war, she wouldn¡¯t go into it ill prepared.


    Jessamine was grateful at his understanding, hoping he didn¡¯t think she deliberately hid this from him, ¡°Cadize, how do we stop this¡­brucellosis?¡±


    ¡°Medicine, which will take time for me to conjure,¡± he replied, ¡°if I had to think like our enemy and use this bacteria¡­I would have put it in the food supply. To me, however, given how acute the symptoms are, it seems reckless.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°I think their plan was to have subtle miscarriages in the whale cows. That way, we wouldn¡¯t be able to exactly pinpoint the root cause to the problem. If the bacteria spread to the entire food supply, then it most likely multiplied into a dangerous level that could kill. Instead of a long, drawn out investigation, it¡¯s only taken a matter of hours. They got sloppy.¡±


    ¡°How would anyone have found out? This was just between us and the fishermen foreman,¡± Jessamine closed her eyes, knowing this was a very serious problem.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see, a man with the Oblivion to turn invisible had plenty of opportunities to roam the Vitross palace undetected. The same man who now knows the truth about what happened with Mattias. Jessamine, this isn¡¯t sloppy. This is intentional. This is a message,¡± Kaid clenched his jaw, pointing his finger at the dead whale calf at his feet, ¡°This is sickening.¡±


    His brother was sick, sick in the head. It could be very well that Vrah only got the intelligence to create this plan, not be the mastermind himself. But the more he knew about his brother, what he had seen in Uhkhtar and his reaction to Jessamine¡¯s rage¡­this was his way of mocking her after she had mocked him. Regardless of who was the mastermind for this twisted idea, Vrah knew it would hurt Jessamine in more ways than one.


    Not just the economy, not just armaments for a potential war. But psychologically. His half brother wanted to get inside the Empress¡¯ head and contort it the same way she could.


    Jessamine knew Kaid was right. It was a Lungorian trait to always want to get the last word in an argument. Vrah that last day he was here did not get that last word, Jessamine did not allow him the slightest chance. This was his revenge: dead whales and most importantly, unborn calves.


    ¡°We keep this between us, for now. We can explain the whales are sick, but we mention nothing of sabotage to anyone. Not Mara, Kassandra, or the Council. Not until we have proof,¡± Jessamine clenched her jaw, holding her composure for now, ¡°surely there is a witness out there, somewhere. And I intend to find them. We will work on a cure for these whales, and work on a sabotage of our own. Cadize, I need-¡±


    ¡°Oh, Empress, I know where you¡¯re going with this,¡± Cadize stood up, walking over to her, ¡°Please don¡¯t ask me to speak with him again. He will refuse to see me.¡±


    Kaid remembered Cadize mentioning having a lover, once upon a time. Given Cadize¡¯s reaction, it seemed like a forced reunion was in the future. For whatever reason, only Jessamine knew. But if Jessamine had conjured the idea, it had to be a good one.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need to summon him, we need to invite him. Particularly to a place he won¡¯t suspect. You know him, he won¡¯t deny a good party with a bunch of intellects around,¡± Jessamine assured him, ¡°Cadize, please, if anyone could convince him to find a flaw in Lungor¡¯s workings, it would be you.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t come to Vitross,¡± Cadize shook his head.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have to,¡± Kaid hummed, ¡°Not exactly, anyways. The Southern Isles is a perfect destination for any holiday, and the Sand Castle a perfect place for a party, is it not?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d have no reason to believe you¡¯d be there,¡± Jessamine agreed with Kaid¡¯s idea, looking at Cadize.


    He took a long moment to think before sighing, glancing at his friends, ¡°I must try. For the sake of these, whales, for the kingdoms¡­and to stop a war before it even begins.¡±


    The next hour, Cadize collected all the samples he could, Jessamine moving towards the sea in hopes the salt would help with the stench. It wouldn¡¯t. Kaid tried to distract his thoughts elsewhere, but his eyes kept drifting towards the whale embryo. Is that why Vrah seemed so adamant in the beginning with Jessamine to be intimate? Did he intend to impregnate her, not knowing the truth just yet? Or was this just pure mockery of Jessamine¡¯s permanent ailment?


    Kaid¡¯s thoughts of ever giving his half-brother a chance at explaining himself, of speaking alone to him in person, were gone with this violent wind. Gone, unlike the odor that remained.


    -


    Upon return to Vitross, despite the warm and clean clothes and the fading storm, everyone departed the ship with wobbly legs and exhaustion. A lot lingered on everyone¡¯s minds, but nothing as deep as the guilt in Alec¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Jessamine, can we speak?¡± he asked, much more gentler and polite than he had asked earlier this morning. Jessamine glanced at Kaid who nodded, moving to the side knowing this was not a conversation he needed to be privy to. Jessamine agreed with her brother, walking along the edges of the docks to provide further privacy.


    ¡°Thank you, again,¡± she whispered, crossing her arms mostly to keep her warm, despite Kaid¡¯s jacket on top of her own.


    Alec shook his head, ¡°You needed sailors and I could help. Jessamine, I¡¯m sorry. You have been more than welcoming and I have been nothing but a thorn at your side. With everything that happened with Pestilence, I never expected to be back in your life, let alone return home. It¡¯s all happened so fast and I have not handled it properly.¡±


    ¡°I knew it would just take time,¡± she nodded.


    ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for telling Vrah about everything that happened. I genuinely thought he knew, given I thought you two were romantically involved and well, that he¡¯d propose. I had no idea your relationship was so¡­contentious. If I had known, it never would have crossed my mind to tell him. It was none of my business to share such of your past.¡±


    Jessamine could both see and feel the genuine guilt in his eyes, sense the want for forgiveness in his heart.


    ¡°I forgive you, Alec,¡± Jessamine whispered. She forgave him for leaving, for fearing for his life and leaving her to this ruin. She forgave him for the secret he had shared with her newest enemy. The only thing she didn¡¯t think she could forgive him for, was cutting off her lover¡¯s hand. There was nothing, however, she could do about those feelings. That was entirely up to Kaid.


    Alec seemed relieved at her forgiveness, ¡°You are a better Kruzika than I could ever be, and an even better sibling than myself. Give me the chance to prove myself, and I won¡¯t disappoint you, sis.¡±


    ¡°There is nothing to prove,¡± she flashed a small smile, ¡°How about we go sailing, just you and me sometime?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but smile in return, ¡°I¡¯d like that. But what about¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t say Kaid, but did let his eyes wander his way. Kaid was merely standing back, out of ear shot, watching the waves gently rock all the ships in the harbor.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to be with me all the time. He will understand,¡± Jessamine assured him, ¡°Besides, the idea of us sailing together to bond was his idea.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it was¡­¡± Alec hummed, one eye looking at his sister with adoration, and the other on the man behind her with nothing but hate.

 Chapter Twenty

    Kaid had that same visitor last night. He was used to the nonsensical, repetitive woman to invade his dreams of the void. Except this time, there was sense in her words. When Kaid had brought Jessamine into that void, he didn¡¯t know how many ghosts of the past would want to invade that privacy to commune with her. Not just commune, but hurt her.


    Not everyone was friendly in this void. There was often a black shadow that lingered, one Kaid felt familiar with.


    But it wouldn¡¯t be like Payne to confront Kaid in the afterlife, because that devil would never admit to his failure resulting in his own death.


    This woman, though, Kaid could not tell if she was friend or foe. She had originally always spoken as if Kaid was just an observer, a doctor overseeing his patient and witnessing the delusion. Last night was the first time she had acknowledged him.


    I¡¯m sorry about your hand. You would have needed it for what is to come.


    When Kaid had asked for clarification she just remained silent, almost as if forbidden to tell him. He didn¡¯t know why she spoke so much about the future. Both Farah and Alexandra had consoled him that they could only see the present in this void, not the future. This woman was just a foreboding he couldn¡¯t push aside, ignore, or dismiss.


    I would not worry about her, Kaid, his mother whispered in his mind, she¡¯s clearly not right in the head.


    Even madness, mother, always has a hint of truth to it, he replied.


    He¡¯s right, Alexandra invaded as well.


    Somewhere along the way, somehow, Farah and Alexandra got to know each other in this afterlife after realizing their children were romantically attached. Kaid almost worried the two very different women would not get along. Their personalities and background seemed quite the opposite. Yet, surprisingly they complimented each other with their differences. They both were sound judgments in his head, guiding him along when he didn¡¯t know how to piece this mystery together.


    ¡°What¡¯s got your head in the clouds, my love?¡± Jessamine approached him, wearing her waterproof pants and button-up white shirt he loved so much when she was going sailing.


    ¡°Huh? Nothing,¡± Kaid smiled at her presence.


    ¡°You sure? You didn¡¯t even see me approach,¡± she asked, her hand resting on his side momentarily.


    ¡°Yeah, I was just lingering in the void, that¡¯s all,¡± he nodded, ¡°how did training go?¡±


    Jessamine sighed at that, beginning to walk by his side as they made their way to the harbor, ¡°Mara had a great time. I¡¯m sure you will hear all about it later. She¡¯s already bragging about finding something I¡¯m clearly not good at.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be perfect at everything,¡± Kaid shrugged.


    ¡°I know, but I think people expect me to be,¡± Jess hummed, ¡°I found out I¡¯m not the best at archery. But with practice I will get better.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good attitude to have. I mean, think about it, three years ago I was absolutely dreadful at swordplay,¡± Kaid smiled at the memory.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t awful,¡± Jessamine rolled her eyes.


    Kaid laughed at that, ¡°I was. The amount of times I would trip over my own feet or lose balance¡­well, long gone are those days. Some days I still miss it.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Because my biggest motivation was trying to impress you. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve done much lately to be impressive,¡± Kaid answered, still smiling.


    ¡°Kaid, you impress me every day. You could accept a life of mediocrity and I would not care. Yet, I know you do not. You still yearn to learn something every living moment. And most of all, I am very proud about how you¡¯ve handled everything with Alec,¡± she admitted, ¡°In all honesty, if you had wished for me to want nothing to do with him, I would have granted that wish. Instead, you bestowed him grace.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay-¡±


    ¡°No, Kaid, it¡¯s not,¡± Jessamine clarified for him, ¡°What happened was not okay. Same with Caladin, it wasn¡¯t okay. I never want you to feel conditioned with the idea that acceptance means dismissing the brutality conducted against you.¡±


    Kaid knew she was right. Kaid felt he truly could not forgive Alec without shifting the blame, either adding guilt to himself or finding some other excuse. In order to come to terms with his disability, he couldn¡¯t dismiss the crime against it. He truly couldn¡¯t forgive or move on without acknowledging the truth.


    How could he tell her that he still felt like maybe he deserved it? What if Caladin was a punishment for the crimes he would commit, not for something he had done as a child? It was foolish thinking, of course. He¡¯d never once claim the misery Mattias had bestowed on Jessamine was a punishment. He¡¯d never want her to take any ounce of blame for that moment.


    Shit happens, sometimes really horrible shit, and mostly to the people least deserving of it.


    ¡°I¡¯m really proud of you,¡± Jessamine whispered, wishing nothing more than to take his hand and hold it but the lingering citizens would surely take note of it as they walked the city, ¡°any person would be lucky to have you as a friend, as the championed companion that you are. I feel very lucky to get a side of you not everyone else gets to see. I am an Empress who owns, controls, presides over a thousand things and peoples. Yet the greatest thing I will ever possess is your heart.¡±


    Kaid couldn¡¯t help but smile at that, almost glancing down at his feet with a blush, ¡°Who¡¯s the romantic poet now?¡±


    ¡°Oh please, I only learned from the best,¡± she laughed, ¡°and I was thinking, you know how sailing always gets me hungry: we should stop by that Uhkhtarian restaurant again for lunch.¡±


    ¡°Darling, you remembered what happened last time¡­¡±


    ¡°It went fine,¡± she chuffed slightly.


    ¡°Jess, the staff were completely bewildered and worried about everything being absolutely perfect. They were practically shitting their pants the moment you walked in,¡± Kaid laughed softly, ¡°and then you embarrassed the waiter and the owner had to come out an apologize-¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t need an apology. You ordered lamb and they gave you pork. I was merely getting you what you had asked for,¡± she shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t see a big deal. I was polite about it and didn¡¯t make a scene.¡±


    ¡°But it was coming from an Empress,¡± he clarified, ¡°which means they probably thought it was a big deal. Of course you were nice about it. Clearly they just wanted to impress you¡­and I would have been fine with the pork.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t eat pork,¡± she rolled her eyes, ¡°Fine, fine, I guess we won¡¯t eat there. I¡¯m such an embarrassment right? All I want is to enjoy a normal lunch with my Guardian.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no normal when attached to you, and that¡¯s a compliment, Jess,¡± Kaid smirked, ¡°Alright, how about when you go sailing with Alec, I will stop by the restaurant and mention we will be stopping by for lunch. That will prepare the staff and kitchen to not be so flustered by your beautiful presence.¡±


    ¡°I accept that compromise,¡± she returned the smile, ¡°As long as you are not embarrassed to be by my side.¡±


    ¡°Never,¡± he retorted.


    The aroma of black salt hit their senses upon their approach to the harbor, a smell neither of them would ever want to truly forget. Already most of the docks were empty as fishing boats or merchant ships had left earlier in the morning. When Jessamine approached the Royal Sailboat, Alec was already there waiting.


    With his arms crossed of course, clearly begrudged by Kaid¡¯s presence.


    ¡°I thought it was just between us,¡± Alec spoke as they approached, irritation in his voice.


    ¡°It is. Kaid only came to help us set off,¡± Jessamine clarified, ¡°Good morning to you, too.¡±


    Alec hummed at that, not bothering further as he began adjusting the sail lengths and tethers towards the bow as Kaid helped with the stern. It only took a few minutes to get everything in order, only the anchor needing to be pulled up and Kaid to remove the gangway.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessamine smiled at him, ¡°I will see you in a couple of hours.¡±


    ¡°Have fun. Stay safe, Empress,¡± Kaid returned the smile, his gaze lingering on her lips. Lately, he had been stopping time when in public to provide her with a kiss she¡¯d only feel like a passing breeze. But Jessamine knew quite well when he¡¯d stop time to show his hidden affection.


    However, Kaid knew if he did that now, Alec would sense it. The last thing Kaid wanted to start off this sibling escapade with was having his scent linger. This wasn¡¯t about him, this was about them. So instead he bowed his head slightly, sensing Jessamine¡¯s minor disappointment. Yet, she seemed to understand why she didn¡¯t feel the faint brushing of his beard against her skin.


    Kaid pulled the gangway away, watching them slowly sail into the harbor. He waited until they were out of sight, slowly making his way back to the palace. Part of him was glad he wouldn¡¯t be on that ship, knowing his presence always seemed a hindrance to their fragile relationship. The other part worried what conversation or action could occur if he wasn''t there, though.


    Jessamine would handle it, like she always did.


    Alec barely spoke the first twenty minutes, letting Jessamine guide them out to open waters before letting the wind charge their course. When the wind seemed steady, Jessamine finally left the helm and walked over to him, hoping they could begin this conversation somehow.


    ¡°I can¡¯t even remember the last time we went sailing together,¡± Jessamine sighed.


    ¡°I mean, we sailed a few weeks ago to that whale graveyard,¡± Alec shrugged.


    ¡°You know what I meant. I meant us sailing together, just the two of us,¡± she rolled her eyes, always hating his pragmatism.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve ever sailed alone, just the two of us¡­¡± he realized, ¡°I suppose we didn¡¯t hang around a lot together, did we?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Jessamine replied with a hint of sadness.


    She remembered trying when she was younger, always wanting to go out on adventures with him, train with him or Kiev. Alec always remarked it was dangerous, and clearly no place for a lady such as herself. Jessamine understood Alec had his own friends and well, she didn¡¯t really have any growing up. There were not a lot of young women her age around Vitross, and very few were seen as a positive influence for Jessamine.


    ¡°You know, you never had to view everything as a competition,¡± Alec pointed out, ¡°all the things we did do together: race down the halls, swim furthest out from shore, even vie for our parent¡¯s attention. You always made it some kind of game.¡±


    Jessamine knew his perspective was quite different from her own. It would be like him to view that as useless, scoffing at his little sister always trying to make a game of things. Yet there was a reason behind it.


    ¡°Maybe I just wanted to win something, for once. I didn¡¯t mean to make it feel that way. I know you had your responsibilities and rules, same as myself. But I couldn¡¯t do the same things you could,¡± Jessamine leaned against the railing, looking at him, ¡°And I know what you¡¯re thinking. I could always ask for the prettiest dress or new piano or some fancy materialistic item and it would be granted to me without question or thought of the cost. I didn¡¯t want those things, at least all the time. I just wanted a bit of adventure.¡±


    ¡°Adventure is dangerous. Of course father didn¡¯t want you to put yourself in any form of danger,¡± Alec responded.


    ¡°Funny, so he lets his eldest child and heir put himself in plenty of danger.¡±


    ¡°Well danger builds character for a man and¡­¡± Alec trailed off, realizing his answers were just confirmations of what Jessamine had felt. The emotion on his face altered upon that realization, softening his features.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I was a bit of an annoying, spoiled brat,¡± Jessamine shrugged, ¡°I wasn¡¯t something an older brother probably wanted to hang around.¡±


    ¡°We were both brats in our own way,¡± Alec smiled softly, trying to cheer her up, ¡°but even if it felt like that way all those years ago, I think it makes me grateful for this opportunity with you now.¡±


    Jessamine smiled in response, seeing his own not falter upon his genuinity.


    ¡°So, what mischievous things did you get up to when you left Vitross?¡± Jessamine asked, a tease in her voice.


    ¡°Nothing fancy,¡± he shrugged nonchalantly, taking the moment to tighten some rigging..


    ¡°That¡¯s it? You spent more than five years away and¡­nothing happened? I don¡¯t need details, Alec, but surely you wandered strange lands and met even stranger people,¡± Jessamine crossed her arms, ¡°I want to know what you were up to.¡±


    He sighed slightly, but knew being vulnerable was the only way to stop her slight pestering, ¡°I wandered a bit. I tried to linger around Vitross villages near the border to Skale, but sometimes I got paranoid that someone would recognize me. So I went deeper into Skale, knowing my funds were limited and I needed to find steady work. I found this small gale, surrounded by citrus farms, it was called Aspen, ironically enough.¡±


    ¡°Aspen,¡± Jessamine hummed, ¡°Not familiar with it. But it sounds like a quiet, quaint place you settled down a bit.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the thing about small places like that, they aren¡¯t open to strangers,¡± Alec laughed genuinely at that, ¡°Especially strangers that don¡¯t know a single thing about farming. They had me doing a lot of grunt work, back breaking chores that hardened my soft hands.¡±


    ¡°It sounds like you stayed out of trouble¡­for once,¡± Jessamine laughed, listening intently.


    ¡°For once,¡± he nodded, ¡°I knew it wouldn¡¯t last long though. I wasn¡¯t meant to be a farm hand and I knew I would either have to move on or find something else. Luckily, someone in the wheat industry thought about opening up a bar.¡±


    ¡°Who better to know about ales and fine wines than you?¡± Jessamine smiled.


    ¡°Precisely. I had him get together with the other farmers with leftover citrus, creating a more acidic flavor to the mead. The idea worked. After all, what man after a long day in the sun wouldn¡¯t want to go to a small place and enjoy a cold pint of alcohol? The guy needed a bartender, so that¡¯s what I did. Less backbreaking than picking fruit off the floor all day.¡±


    ¡°Alexander Kruzika, magnificent bar-keep. I¡¯m shocked. It¡¯s not exactly what I expected, but I think it was good for you,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°What did you think I¡¯d become?¡±


    She hummed softly, knowing at the time he left, that thought wasn¡¯t on her mind, ¡°Honestly, you loved fighting so much you¡¯d probably join a mercenary crew. Or a merry band of bandits, causing chaos around the Continent. Instead, you grew a good head on your shoulders. You made a name for yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­yeah I suppose I chose well. There were plenty of happy memories in Aspen,¡± Alec agreed.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t wish to go back?¡± Jessamine asked, ¡°Maybe even just for a visit?¡±


    ¡°No. No, Aspen isn¡¯t what it used to be,¡± he swallowed hard, Jessamine seeing a bit of pain in his eyes. There were also plenty of bad memories there as well.


    Jessamine wished nothing more than to enter his mind, just for a glimpse of that pain to comfort him. But she wouldn¡¯t dare. She¡¯d have to find a way to comfort like any normal human would. She¡¯d have to gain his sympathy against his unknown torture. Her intuition, though, seemed to be directing her to the most magnificent yet painful emotion that could make him look like that.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Love.


    ¡°What was her name?¡± Jessamine asked gently, ¡°I know a look of dreadful love when I see it.¡±


    He sighed, knowing his sister probably didn¡¯t have to invade his mind to see the truth, ¡°Zarya.¡±


    ¡°What a beautiful name.¡±


    ¡°She was a beautiful woman. In all honesty, she deserved so much better than what Aspen could provide to her,¡± Alec looked away towards the sea with sorrow. She deserved so much more than the fate provided to her, what he could provide her. ¡°If you were to ever see her, you would have thought she wasn¡¯t my type. She was burly, biceps bigger than my own from all the farm-work¡­strong in so many ways.¡±


    ¡°Definitely does not sound your type at all,¡± Jess laughed softly, ¡°Let me guess, you two didn¡¯t get along at first. She probably thought you to be some spoiled brat.¡±


    ¡°You guessed correctly,¡± Alec blushed slightly, ¡°she didn¡¯t like me one bit.¡±


    ¡°What changed her mind?¡±


    ¡°Her kids really liked me. Remember the Fables of Fate stories we were read to when we were young? I used to retell all those stories to them to pass the time, make a dramatic show of it,¡± Alec explained.


    Kids? Alec never once even seemed open to the idea of children. In fact, Jessamine remembered growing up he almost hated the idea of being a father. Sometimes, people believed they¡¯d never make a decent father, or they didn¡¯t want that responsibility. Surely, Alexander must have loved this woman if two children could worm their way into his heart.


    ¡°Yeah, my favorite story was of Dion, the bard who could stop violence with his singing,¡± Jessamine nodded, vaguely remembering the tale.


    ¡°Yeah, Lydia really liked that one,¡± Alec nodded, realizing just how happy that memory made him, ¡°eventually, Zarya approached me to try and get me to stop talking about all these adventures in her head. I think she was worried I was giving them a false sense of reality, and maybe I was. When she told Lydia and Lucas to leave me alone, they were so upset. They¡­well, their father wasn¡¯t around.¡±


    ¡°Oh, she was married or¡­?¡±


    How could Alec tell her? Yes. Zarya was married, married to a convict. A man who had killed two men in Aspen in a horrible jealous rage. The man was a maniac, one who didn¡¯t care for people¡¯s feelings. He¡¯d destroy any and all happiness Aspen had, which was very little.


    That man should have never been let out of prison. Never. In fact, he wasn¡¯t let out, he was fucking liberated. How could he tell Jessamine that the Guardian that stood at her side, let a dangerous man like him return back to Aspen and ruin Alec¡¯s life? Remove the only good thing about it?


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Alec answered, wanting nothing more than to tell her in a furious spat. But he couldn¡¯t. She wouldn¡¯t understand. She defended that man more than she defended her own honor, her own virtue and reputation. He could not tell her. He could only show her.


    ¡°Well, marriage is just an institution,¡± Jessamine could see his turmoil, wondering why he¡¯d be so bothered by something like her being married. Of course, her own opinions of marriage had changed greatly. She thought it was just a sham ceremony followed by a signature on a piece of paper. But when that idea was attached with an actual love¡­creating a union out of the invisible tether between hearts seemed like such a beautiful idea.


    Yet, when she looked deeper she could tell he wasn¡¯t telling the full story. And that was to spare himself pain. She had already pried enough, and knew that pushing any further would only make him shut down.


    ¡°We must not let the love we all hold for each other go to waste,¡± Jessamine approached him, ¡°I will not pry further, but do not let the pain overtake the joy that you felt with her. She would be proud of the man you¡¯ve become.¡±


    No. No she wouldn¡¯t, he thought.


    -


    Cadize sat across Kaid, both of them letting the glow of the library fireplace keep them warm as they glanced over the various documents.


    ¡°So, this Lord Bryon is now Prime Patent in Arilla?¡± Kaid asked, scratching his light beard. He was wondering how Jessamine was doing, but he knew he couldn¡¯t let his worry for her overcome getting some work done.


    ¡°Yes, for the past five years he has overseen all the new patents of technology and engineering feats funded by the Arillian Bank. Which is exactly why Jessamine thinks he is a prime target to begin sabotage with. If anyone could find a flaw in Lungorian products or equipment, it would be him,¡± Cadize nodded.


    When Kaid looked his friend in the eyes, he could see great hesitation.


    ¡°Cadize, you can always tell her no,¡± Kaid insisted.


    Cadize chuckled softly at that, ¡°Maybe these days I can. A few years ago, telling that woman no was a death sentence. That was before meeting you, though. No. I can¡¯t tell her no. She¡¯s not only doing this for what¡¯s best for Vitross, but maybe she knows I need to do it too. I will admit I¡¯ve been distracted lately, seeing everyone so in love and planning for weddings and the like.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy seeing him again,¡± Kaid nodded, knowing how that felt, ¡°You will worry that everything has changed, or even worse, nothing has changed. What is your biggest fear in seeing him again?¡±


    He sighed, removing his glasses to clean them although that was only a distraction, ¡°I suppose it¡¯s that he¡¯s found someone else that made him happy. While it would be what he deserves¡­it would also remind me of what I let slip through my fingers.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­I know the feeling,¡± Kaid agreed with that fear, ¡°But, time is a funny thing. It can erode great cliff sides, whittle down rock into sand, but sometimes there are things that can outstand those gusts of fury. Perhaps you two have always been right for each other, but the timing just never aligned. Maybe this time, it will slot right into place.¡±


    ¡°I am getting older, Kaid. Not many age with grace and handsome looks such as yourself,¡± Cadize laughed, ¡°So much has changed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, change is inevitable. But if the things he once loved you for haven¡¯t, then there is still a chance. Is there not?¡±


    ¡°And what if the things he hated me for remain?¡±


    ¡°Do they?¡± Kaid questioned.


    Obsessed with his work, with helping others and putting his name in the scientific spotlight. He had achieved those things, yet it had never felt enough. Back then, he worked for an Emperor who never wanted any servants or assistants to take days off. Work was all that mattered. Now, he was under an Empress who would more than understand the need for breaks.


    But if war was to come, Cadize knew he¡¯d have to be ready to be called to arms. Not the physical kind, of course, but of the strategic, mental kind.


    ¡°Okay, say we can get him on our side. Where do we hurt them most?¡± Cadize ignored Kaid¡¯s question, only because he had answered it internally.


    ¡°We should avoid their firearms if possible, save as a last resort. If we target those, surely it will be just as obvious as their whale mishap,¡± Kaid supported his thinking mind with his hands as a platform below his chin, ¡°Lungor¡¯s economy is based on that of others. They use our turbines to assist in irrigation. Skale for produce. Uhkhtar for graphite mines. They¡¯re a more mercantile kingdom. It would be hard to hurt that economy without making those people starve.¡±


    ¡°Kaid, you must know any kind of sabotage might get people hurt,¡± Cadize reminded him.


    ¡°Yeah, I learned that from Caladin,¡± Kaid sighed, ¡°I did all of that and for what? Caladin still exists, Oblivion is still despised in plenty of regions¡­plenty of people died. I can¡¯t let something similar like that happen again. We must minimize any risk for unnecessary calamities or casualties. Otherwise, we are no better than Payne.¡±


    ¡°Jessamine knows that too, which is another reason why I think she thought of Bryon. He might know of deals, patents, and contracts Lungor works with. Same as our contracts with Arilla regarding the turbines. While Arillian contracts are usually set in stone with minimal loopholes, it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if Lungor has found one and exploited it.¡±


    ¡°Mhm, that¡¯s something Lungor is good at,¡± Kaid nodded, agreeing very well with that statement.


    There was a short pause as both men seemed to agree they couldn¡¯t do much more planning without meeting Bryon. And of course, that was if the meeting went according to plan. There was no telling exactly how Bryon would react, or how they could even begin to broach the subject without it being seen as a break in a very fragile alliance.


    ¡°Can I ask you something, Kaid?¡± Cadize asked, leaning back to relax in his chair.


    ¡°Of course, my friend,¡± Kaid nodded.


    ¡°Back in Uhkhtar, you had people bowing at your feet. You could have used that to your advantage. Both Jessamine and myself believe you would be a kind, benevolent ruler. You could have led Uhkhtar to greatness, yet you chose differently,¡± Cadize explained, before asking, ¡°Why?¡±


    Kaid took a moment to think about it, to truly think about it. He knew why he chose what he did, why he resisted such great temptation.


    ¡°I will lose control if I gain power,¡± Kaid admitted, ¡°that is my flaw, my greatest weakness. It has nothing to do with a love for power. It has to do with my blindness for humanity, for my belief that even with power, I can steer people in the right direction. That is what Payne used against, what he wanted me for. When Jessamine was no longer becoming the monster he groomed her to be, he went for me instead.¡±


    ¡°But you are self-aware of it, Kaid. You do not ignore it like most rulers do. That makes you even more deserving of it,¡± Cadize observed.


    ¡°I liked what I did in Caladin, Cadize. No. I loved it. I don¡¯t regret a single spillage of blood caused by my blade that day. Yet, that spillage of blood inspired others to go for innocents. Violence is a disease, one that had lingered too much in Caladin and couldn¡¯t be cured. When Jessamine rescued me from Caladin, I took a piece of that disease with me. I know what power I already possess. I know what I can do with it. I can erase moments of time and replace it with my own creation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you can, but at great cost to yourself,¡± he reminded the Guardian.


    ¡°When we are given power so suddenly, cost is never taken into any consideration. When a man wanders the desert with no water for days, and stumbles across a canteen of water, do you think he will be wise enough to take a few sips?¡± Kaid articulated.


    ¡°No,¡± Cadize answered, ¡°He would most likely devour every drop to quench his thirst.¡±


    ¡°Power is not the water, or the canteen. Power is what places that canteen of water there. It creates opportunity for gluttony. I cannot fault the water for tasting so delicious and satisfying me, it is not the water¡¯s fault.¡±


    ¡°So, if the idea of ruling on a throne is your opportunity of a canteen of water existing, what is your canteen?¡±


    ¡°Jessamine. Without second thought to the cost, no, that¡¯s a lie. I knew the cost of bringing her back and I did it without hesitation. You must understand Cadize, I cannot be a parched man again. I cannot be without her, I cannot see her hurt. If more power is given to me, I will not think of the cost it takes to keep her safe. If I took that opportunity in Uhkhtar, I would have lost control. Here, as her Guardian, I still have enough to keep her safe,¡± Kaid leaned back into his chair uncomfortably, taking a sip of his iced coffee, ¡°It sounds ridiculous, I know.¡±


    ¡°No. It is very admirable of you, Kaid. You see the potential of power but do not want it. My only concern is¡­¡± Cadize leaned forward slightly, ¡°Won¡¯t you get exhausted of protecting her? Your defense can only hold for so long. If you don¡¯t strike back, you will break.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what this sabotage is, Cadize, me striking back,¡± Kaid refuted slightly.


    ¡°But will it be enough?¡±


    A long pause settled between the two friends, knowing morals were questioned. Cadize did not once question Kaid¡¯s moral ambiguity. He was a man who championed for light and justice, but of course there was darkness to him. There was that in everyone. Cadize¡¯s only greatest worry was if that darkness of him was provoked, would he regret not taking that power when he had the chance?


    ¡°We can only find out¡­¡± Kaid whispered, nodding with his friend.


    -


    Jessamine and Alec laughed as the last gust of wind hurled them back towards the harbor. The black ocean water sprayed in every direction, soaking them both. But nothing felt more joyous than the adrenaline of a speedy watercraft that they could control.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take the helm, take us back to the harbor?¡± Jessamine ran her fingers through her wet hair, moving to tie it up and out of the way.


    ¡°This has been pretty fun,¡± Alec agreed, moving up the helm, ¡°Can we do this again, sometime?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Jessamine was delighted. It was nice to bond with her brother again. Even if they hadn¡¯t talked much more about his past in Aspen or even Jessamine¡¯s dealings, it was nice to begin anew. They had worked together to get back to the same point they had started from, and without much of a struggle.


    As they slowly pulled into the beginnings of the harbor at a very slow speed, a clear figure stood at the docks: Kaid.


    At that, Alec¡¯s entire mood shifted.


    ¡°Are you that oblivious to him, Jess?¡± Alec asked, removing Jessamine from her thoughts.


    ¡°To whom?¡±


    ¡°Kaid,¡± Alec grunted, ¡°Surely you must know, he is in love with you.¡±


    Jessamine straightened up slightly, sensing the frustration in his tone. How ironic of him to mention obliviousness, when it was Alec who was most oblivious at all. Did he not see how much she loved her Guardian? Of course her own emotions were much less decipherable than Kaid¡¯s, since he always had a warm smile on his face.


    ¡°I thought we agreed to not even speak of him while we went sailing?¡± she questioned, knowing that was a boundary Alec himself had established.


    Alec rolled his eyes at that, ¡°Well, it¡¯s almost over.¡±


    Jessamine crossed her arms, although lingered near the rigging in case anything needed to be adjusted, ¡°Plenty of men, young and old, have been infatuated with me. I¡¯m not sure why it surprises you now. It is not my fault I inherited our parent¡¯s good features.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I know. You¡¯re an attractive woman who was taught to use that to her advantage, I do not fault you for that. I know that is what Payne had used you for to lure him out of Caladin, and it worked well. But do you think perhaps it worked too well?¡± Alec questioned, ¡°I mean, don¡¯t you get tired of it?¡±


    ¡°Tired of what?¡±


    ¡°Giving men like him a sense of hope? Playing into the fantasies in their heads?¡± Alec explained, ¡°Vrah is another thing entirely. He is not good for you, I see that now. You could do better, Jessamine. I mean, what about Kiev?¡±


    Jessamine knew where this was going, and she didn¡¯t know how to protect her affection for Kaid without giving away her own feelings for him. She had a feeling if she ended this trip admitting she loved Kaid more than anything, they¡¯d never go sailing again.


    ¡°I believe Kiev has another woman on his mind¡­¡± Jessamine hummed, not sure how he¡¯d feel about knowing that woman was Mara of all people. Kiev never admitted it, but he liked the dangers that woman of fire could do to his powers of ice. Ever since their little duel in that Ukhtarian camp, he never got her out of his mind. And the revelation she had a son, Payne¡¯s son at that¡­never changed his mind.


    ¡°I just want you to be happy, you know? I know you always wanted a prince, or a husband that had handsome blonde hair and money and¡­someone who treated you with respect and manners,¡± Alec sighed, trying to explain himself, ¡°I want you to fulfill your own fantasy too. I know it is hard as an Empress.¡±


    She already had her fantasy, and his name was Kaid Al-Yami.


    ¡°I can¡¯t love both my people and a man at my side, such is the price for ruling,¡± Jessamine lied, although there was a bit of honesty in those words, ¡°Regardless of the right man, eventually a choice would have to be made. A side would have to be chosen, and that choice hurts both parties. I wouldn¡¯t want a man I care about to get hurt like that, so why invite one in the first place?¡±


    ¡°So why haven¡¯t you controlled Kaid¡¯s feelings for you?¡± Alec demanded.


    ¡°I thought you would have learned that from Persephone: that is one thing I can¡¯t control,¡± Jessamine clenched her jaw, ¡°I can refute my own feelings for Kaid, and I have. He is a friend, a loyal companion and nothing more. He knows that, and if he chooses to love me I cannot stop him. But he remains respectful of my decision, unlike most men I¡¯ve refuted.¡±


    ¡°Eventually, Jessamine, it will come down to a choice,¡± Alec approached, reaching the anchor.


    ¡°A choice of what?¡±


    ¡°Me, or him. You know we do not like each other. Eventually, that will implode and I don¡¯t want you getting hurt because of it. He will make you choose,¡± Alec pardoned, his voice growing soft, ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose you, Jess. You¡¯re my family now.¡±


    Of course that thought had crossed her mind. What if Kaid eventually came to terms with his grief and established the boundary of dismissing Alec? Jessamine already knew what decision she¡¯d make, how could she not? But if she continued on more outings like this with Alec, it would only make that decision harder. But, there was always a chance Kaid wouldn¡¯t ask that of her.


    Alec had not even been here long enough to even make such demands. Yet, if any of the two men would ask Jessamine to establish such a boundary, it would be the man in front of her currently, and not the man patiently waiting at the dockside.


    ¡°Alec, you won¡¯t lose me,¡± Jessamine assured him, ¡°It will not come to that, I promise you.¡±


    Alec only sighed, knowing she was just being the stubborn Kruzika she was, ¡°I just want you to be careful.¡±


    ¡°So does he,¡± Jessamine pointed out, dropping the anchor. Kaid was now practically in earshot, so she was praying her brother didn¡¯t say something stupid. Jess tossed the tethering ropes over for Kaid, letting him secure the ship tightly against the docks before gathering the gangway.


    She wished nothing more than when Kaid stood there waiting to grab him by the collar of his kaftan and kiss him, show her brother his own bias and ignorance blinded him. Yes, Kaid was not that fantasy she had pictured when she was a little girl dreaming of a fantastical romance. But the best love came from the unexpected. She thought he would have learned that from Zarya of all people.


    Some people just didn¡¯t learn from their past, and more often than not, criticized that of the future. A future made from their own choices and consequences.


    ¡°Here,¡± Kaid approached, having a bundle of cloth for her, ¡°I brought some warm clothes for you, figuring you would come back drenched. That is always a good sign of some fun sailing.¡±


    ¡°It was fun,¡± Jessamine smiled, seeing Alec watch them from the side, ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll go below deck now and change real quick.¡±


    She did so, leaving the two men alone which she wondered now if that was a horrible idea to make. But at the sound of the cabin below deck closing, and locking, all she could hope for was that they controlled themselves.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t love you, I hope you know that,¡± Alec crossed his arms to appear more intimidating, his voice having a tone of protectiveness.


    Kaid blinked, not sure if he should laugh. Surely, if he knew what kind of blessings Jessamine had given him last night: hickeys where no other person would see, her delectable moans, or the burning scratches on his backside from her sharp nails¡­that common wouldn¡¯t have been made.


    ¡°I know,¡± Kaid lied, ¡°that changes nothing of my loyalty or devoutness towards her.¡±


    ¡°Or, you''re an older man who thought you could sway the mind of a young Empress,¡± Alec shrugged, ¡°I know what abuse looks like, or attempted abuse at that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know. You were raised by such,¡± Kaid retorted.


    Alec clearly grew provoked at that comment, but didn¡¯t say anything upon hearing that door below open. Jessamine had changed rather quickly, as to not give the men any more chance to put their fists onto each other.


    ¡°Thank you for thinking ahead, Kaid,¡± Jessamine gleamed, glad they stood far apart from each other.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kaid smiled, looking back at Alec, ¡°Would you like to join us for lunch?¡±


    Jessamine almost wanted to pinch him for that. Of course she knew Kaid was just trying to be nice, and she had enjoyed some time with her brother. Yet, all she wanted to do right now was eat and chat with Kaid on a corner of cushions, smoking a waterpipe or sipping tea.


    She had the feeling given his posture and attitude, the answer was thankfully no.


    ¡°No, no thank you,¡± Alec clenched his jaw, forcing himself to relax as he looked at Jessamine, ¡°I look forward to this again.¡±


    ¡°Of course, perhaps we can do our next one after the party in the Southern Isles,¡± Jessamine nodded eagerly. He nodded in return, leaving the two of them alone.


    To Alec, Kaid was the man who liked a challenge. Payne must have challenged his ability to be her Guardian, and he accepted that, and won miraculously. Now, Jessamine claimed no love for him, so Kaid would challenge that as well. He¡¯d wait for a perfect opportunity to eventually manipulate his sister emotionally. And if she wasn¡¯t careful, she¡¯d fall for it.


    Just as Kaid would wait, so would Alec. But Alec wouldn¡¯t just wait, he¡¯d plan. And with a trip to the Southern Isles and a party all intertwined¡­his plan was coming into motion. All he would need was a moment alone with an incapacitated Guardian and Alec would finally get what he wanted.

 Chapter Twenty One

    ¡°There¡¯s that handsome lad,¡± Aunt Ingrid¡¯s voice croaked over the warm morning in the Southern Isles.


    Alec knew the last time he was here was at his mother¡¯s funeral. He didn¡¯t even remember most of that day, who gave him comfort, or how long it had lasted. There was a feeling of numbness at that time, as if he knew deep down this death was the beginning of all undoing. Now, there was a radiance of warmth from the sun.


    He had perked up at his Aunt¡¯s words, expecting a warm smile from his Aunt and a fragile embrace. Yet, when he glanced up he noticed Ingrid¡¯s attention firmly on Kaid.


    Kaid embraced her gently, his one hand keeping her steady, ¡°It is good to see you. You look positively divine as if you haven¡¯t aged a day.¡±


    ¡°Oh hush, these bones wither and decay every minute,¡± she laughed, her cane securing her steadily, ¡°Please do not trouble yourself with the luggage, that is what the servants are for.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense, I do not mind,¡± Kaid grinned, moving back to secure both his and Jessamine¡¯s luggage with his hand, wrapping one bag under his handicapped arm, ¡°Have the rooms already been assigned?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yours is to the left of mine, Jessamine¡¯s following after. Are you sure you don¡¯t want just one room?¡±


    Kaid immediately cleared his throat at that, given the audience around. He could feel Alec¡¯s burning gaze on him, and also the teasing gleams from Christine and Kassandra. Every single day, they pestered him whether they were back together or not. Christine swore she saw a secret kiss between them but Kaid insisted still they were just friends.


    ¡°No, not unless you wish me to sleep on the floor,¡± Kaid teased, moving past with the luggage.


    With him out of the way, Ingrid¡¯s eyes fell on her nephew.


    ¡°You look just like your father, Alexander,¡± Ingrid hummed. Alec could not sense any emotion in her voice, unable to decipher if her words were a compliment or a grievance.


    ¡°Kaid is right,¡± Alec swallowed down the hate in his own words, ¡°You haven¡¯t aged a day.¡±


    They embraced, not as warmly as his sister had, or Kaid for that matter. Alec knew that coming here would bring contention. Jessamine had warned him that Ingrid was the most outspoken about Alec¡¯s act in leaving Vitross, calling it a cowardly act. A cowardly act that resulted in torment for his own sister. However, it wasn¡¯t unlike Alec to not really care for his sister.


    Not until now.


    But it was not Ingrid that worried Alec the most. The moment Jessamine had explained Persephone would be arriving at the party, Alec knew he had to brace himself. After all, Persephone had been ardently in love with him, infatuated to the point she felt she couldn¡¯t live without his love. Alec had only felt truly free from her cage when Jessamine had broken her mind. Now, it was somehow repaired.


    With Persephone¡¯s father, Duke Grotto, finally having a son with his wife Arryn, Persephone was now without stature in terms of presiding over the Southern Isles. That meant a woman in her state would be looking for any act to keep her stature.


    Everyone settled after a nice serving of brunch. The Sand Castle was already decorated for a glamorous party, black and velvet colors of Vitross decorations and tablecloths clashing with the white of the sandstone. Empress Jessamine was in a good mood, optimistic perhaps. Cadize was the only one not at brunch, which worried Kaid that the man would not eat all day.


    A large party for Arillian intellects¡­but only one was of peculiar interest. Lord Bryon had responded he would be attending the party, which made it all the more strenuous. Parties alone were tiring and exhaustive, at least for Kaid who was mostly monitoring people and their intentions. It didn¡¯t help half the time, most people wanted to converse with him. He knew it would be even worse now, after the Time Paradox. He almost wished it would have an adverse effect that people would avoid him, giving him time to his own thoughts.


    The announcement of an early guest after brunch made it clear to Kaid that Persephone had arrived. She was only a good sail away, and most guests spending the evening in this small palace were told to arrive as early as possible. Jessamine stayed with Ingrid to talk in private, probably to fill her Aunt in with the details of the Time Paradox, Uhkhtar, and the speculative future.


    So, Kaid went with his friends to go greet her. Christine and Kassandra lingered in the back, not knowing Alec followed in earshot. He supposed he should get this greeting over with before it all became trouble. He had to make his feelings clear to Persephone that truly there was no interest at all. Otherwise, she¡¯d be deluded in fantasy the entire evening.


    ¡°Did you see the way Jessamine looked at Kaid this morning after training?¡± Christine whispered to her fiance.


    ¡°Of course, it was quite obvious. She really should just grab him when he¡¯s all hot and sweaty like that and kiss him,¡± Kassandra laughed, ¡°She¡¯s making me lose my mind, holding herself back. They clearly want to be happy together.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s about the whole hand situation? Maybe he doesn¡¯t feel like anyone would love him?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s possible, but I think it¡¯s very clear Jessamine still feels the same way, does she not? And so does he. Trust me, tomorrow after this party when we are all at the beachside enjoying the ocean waves and warm weather, Kaid¡¯s eyes will be all over her,¡± Kassandra nudged, ¡°Especially with that swim outfit you designed for her.¡±


    ¡°Yes I suppose it could be seen as quite scandalous,¡± Christine laughed, ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see how wide Kaid¡¯s eyes get.¡±


    Love certainly was blooming in Vitross, was it not?


    Alec was about to interject with venom that those two needed to stop gossipping and causing trouble. There was nothing going on between his sister and her Guardian. His sister promised him that and while Kaid had feelings, at least he had slight honor to not break the rules.


    Yet, his emotions were clearly halted at the sight of Persephone. The raven haired woman was being helped off her ship by a tanned, muscular framed man with bronze skin and tribal tattoos across his arms. The body language was quite clear that the moment between the two was quite affectionate.


    ¡°Kaid!¡± Persephone shouted with an excited laugh as she picked up her pace, embracing him gently, ¡°Oh it¡¯s been so long!¡±


    Alec stood aside begrudgingly. Kaid certainly always had some woman embracing him, whether it was his friend Mara, or Christine and Kassandra. Now Persephone too? Alec didn¡¯t understand why, it¡¯s not like he found Kaid to be handsome in the slightest. Perhaps it was because Alec was overly kind and affectionate with the opposite sex when he was only attracted to them.


    Not because of human decency, which Kaid prided himself in.


    ¡°How are you? I have not seen you since I was last here. But your letters suggested you were well,¡± Kaid smiled.


    ¡°I am very well. And I was so happy to receive your letters. Jessamine kept me updated, of course, but I knew things were going well the day I received your own. Is Mara here?¡± Persephone asked, wishing to maybe talk. After all, under Mara¡¯s command, Persephone¡¯s mind had been healed. While the two women didn¡¯t know each other, and the circumstance only happened because of blackmail, Persephone still felt the need to thank her.


    ¡°No. I think she¡¯s had so much adventure these past few years she felt the need to avoid any parties and enjoy quiet in Vitross. But surely when Vitross Academy opens, please come. Mara is already excited about her curriculum,¡± Kaid insisted.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t miss it for the world,¡± Persephone gleamed, ¡°and how is Jessamine?¡±


    ¡°Well, quite well. She¡¯s inside with Ingrid. I¡¯m sure she will be more than delighted to see you.¡±


    ¡°And are you two¡­? I¡¯ve asked in my letters but Jessamine adamantly avoids the subject,¡± Persephone hinted.


    ¡°No. Just friends,¡± Kaid answered, again, for what felt like the millionth time this month alone.


    ¡°Mhm, okay,¡± Persephone smirked, moving to greet Christine and Kassandra with warm hugs as well. Her gaze fell on Alec, but ignored it for now. Jessamine had warned him of his return, but the feelings for her best friend¡¯s brother had completely subsided. All due to a certain someone.


    When Kaid noticed the gentleman, he was quick to extend his hand for a handshake.


    ¡°Oh, sorry!¡± Persephone laughed, moving back towards him, ¡°Everyone, this is Ryu Malenko.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure, Ryu,¡± Kaid tightly squeezed his hand.


    ¡°Kaid, I¡¯ve heard so much about you. Good things, of course,¡± Ryu replied, ¡°It is nice to finally meet you all.¡±


    ¡°How did you two meet?¡± Christine questioned, clearly seeing they were quite the couple.


    ¡°Well, with all the¡­¡± she paused for a moment, ¡°flooding¡­the Southern Isles were spread thin a bit on diplomacy. My father handled the Northern Islands and I handled the South. I was delivering supplies to Ryu¡¯s fishing village.¡±


    ¡°By flooding, you mean the Time Paradox?¡± Alec questioned. The mood had completely shifted by those words, the warm and energetic radiance disappearing. Persephone seemed quite pestered that was Alec¡¯s first words, given he could have at least been cordial. Not a good afternoon or any normal greeting. Straight into antagonistic comments, which seemed more his style.


    Ryu offered Kaid an awkward glance, not accusing him the slightest. But Ryu was quite curious why this blonde idiot had completely ruined this introduction.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, and you must be¡­¡± Ryu stepped forward slightly, extending his hand out.


    ¡°Alexander Kruzika,¡± Alec hesitantly shook his hand.


    ¡°Oh, can¡¯t say I¡¯m quite familiar with your name,¡± Ryu exclaimed. Christine snorted softly at that, wondering if it was a jest. After all, Persephone¡¯s growth and development had revolved around Alec¡¯s demands. Yet, Ryu seemed quite confused.


    ¡°He is Empress Jessamine¡¯s brother,¡± Kaid clarified, seeing Ryu understand. Kaid also knew Alec wouldn¡¯t take too kindly to being introduced as the Empress¡¯s brother. But to be fair, that was the most positive thing regarding his reputation. Alec should embrace that, instead of rolling his eyes.


    ¡°Oh! Did you know Persephone well growing up, then?¡± Ryu asked, again rather oblivious to the story. Persephone probably didn¡¯t share all the details and that was fine. If Ryu didn¡¯t know now, he¡¯d probably find out later, given Alec looked red with absolute embarrassment.


    ¡°A bit,¡± he replied, ¡°Let me guess, you two met and she grew heavily obsessed over you?¡±


    Persephone clenched her jaw, but Ryu soon laughed.


    ¡°No, not at all! In fact I don¡¯t think she liked me at all. It was I that immediately fell in love with her. She was very kind and polite, especially given the difference in cultures. It took a lot of complimenting on her sailing before she finally gave me a chance,¡± Ryu blushed.


    ¡°I did like you, I was just a bit wary, that¡¯s all,¡± Persephone insisted. Wary for good reason, given most men in her life had always possessed dangerous intentions.


    ¡°Well you two are a lovely couple,¡± Kassandra smiled.


    ¡°Yes, and we can¡¯t wait for your wedding either. I¡¯m so happy to be your bridesmaid,¡± Persephone laughed, ¡°Come, let¡¯s head up. The sun is getting way too hot without any shade.¡±


    Kaid and Ryu stayed to help the luggage, unlike Alec who had already disappeared. He clearly wasn¡¯t happy, and honestly Kaid didn¡¯t care. Kaid didn¡¯t even know why he was attending this party. He didn¡¯t have to come, and honestly he¡¯d probably be happier pretending to sit on the Vitross throne without anyone around to berate him. Other than Mara, of course, who stayed behind as well.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the Time Paradox being brought up,¡± Ryu stated as they carried the luggage up the long steps.


    ¡°I¡¯m used to it,¡± Kaid admitted, ¡°It was my doing.¡±


    ¡°Persephone told me it was done out of love. In the beginning, I thought that excuse to be a bit inept. But¡­the more I love Persephone, the more I understand. And now that I have met you, it¡¯s clear it was not malicious in the slightest,¡± Ryu stated, ¡°If anything, I feel quite honored to meet a hero like yourself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no hero,¡± Kaid laughed softly at that, ¡°but you are right about love. So, do keep Persephone happy, will you?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I would never think of anything else. Especially knowing the friends at her side, more than willing to cause vengeance if I were to break her heart,¡± Ryu laughed, ¡°Kassandra especially, she looks like she¡¯d tear me a new one.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t worry about Kassandra,¡± Kaid smirked slightly.


    ¡°Right, I suppose I would not want that woman on my bad side¡­¡±


    ¡°Nothing would be quite as terrifying as Empress Jessamine Kruzika trying to cure a broken heart,¡± the Lord Protector hummed.


    Nothing indeed¡­


    -


    Kaid adjusted the emerald sash across his shoulder, clashing beautifully against his cream colored kaftan as he awaited Jessamine. Yet hearing soft heels against the limestone floors was enough for him to sense her presence. She looked beautiful of course, when did she not?


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you matched just for me,¡± she gasped softly, approaching to help adjust the sash as well.


    ¡°I saw that green dress in your luggage and knew I should,¡± Kaid hummed, letting his hand immediately rest on her hip, feeling a slit with her hot pale skin showing. He absolutely loved the design, exposing that amount of skin just around her upper hips. His hand moved to even expose a bit more of her skin around the hip, letting the dress rest comfortably instead of scrunched in that area.


    ¡°You know, most men would protectively cover up such a spot at the sight of exposed skin,¡± Jessamine whispered. Of course it was a bit revealing and she almost wondered if she¡¯d feel Kaid¡¯s jealous side tonight. Clearly not, if he wasn¡¯t bothered.


    Kaid was not that jealous, knowing he could not control another man¡¯s stares or fantasies. It mattered not to him when he¡¯d be secretly curled up against her at night anyway.


    ¡°Why wear a beautiful dress if you will not embrace it entirely?¡± Kaid questioned, gently caressing her hip with his hand, ¡°Besides, I think my hand fits perfectly there.¡±


    ¡°Indeed it does,¡± Jessamine blushed, taking a deep breath before grabbing his other arm to place on the opposite side, ¡°Don¡¯t forget the other hand too.¡±


    ¡°Nervous?¡± Kaid asked.


    ¡°Cadize was a mess earlier. I just hope all goes well tonight,¡± she exhaled, moving both her hands to his shoulders to caress the curls of his hair, ¡°Besides, you know me, I¡¯m not the greatest fan of parties. However, this was my idea.¡±


    ¡°Well, I promise to not leave your side all night, if you wish,¡± Kaid whispered, pulling her closer.


    ¡°Even until morning?¡± she questioned, remembering that party on her birthday. Oh how she wished that promise had been fulfilled then. But that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t uphold such a promise tonight.


    ¡°Until eternity,¡± he replied, leaning to place a soft gentle kiss on her cheek, closest to her jaw knowing that was where less makeup resided. He didn¡¯t want to make a mess of her hard work.


    ¡°You should probably stay around Cadize, just in case things go poorly,¡± Jessamine hummed in delight at his kiss, ¡°but, besides that then yes, be at my side. If this crowd did like dancing and music, which sadly they do not, then I would also request a dance. But we will have to save that for the wedding.¡±


    Indeed. He definitely looked forward to that dance, for Christine and Kassandra¡¯s wedding of course. Surely not their own. Not any time soon, given the dramatics that could possibly proceed here tonight.


    When Kaid and Jessamine walked out to make their entrance, arms interlocked, Kaid noticed a familiar face. One he didn¡¯t expect. Sabine stood to the side, wearing the same outfit she had worn at the Uhkhtarian party she had hosted with Shailud. Jessamine made an inquisitive hum at the sight, seeing Kaid¡¯s confusion.


    ¡°I invited her¡­didn¡¯t think she¡¯d actually come,¡± Jessamine whispered quietly, ¡°but this works in our favor.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Kaid inquired.


    ¡°Because Bryon works with a lot of patents for the mines. If graphite is what Lungor wants most, who knows graphite better than Sabine?¡± Jessamine explained.


    ¡°You know something I don''t, don¡¯t you?¡± Kaid asked with a slight smirk. He didn¡¯t mind. Jessamine didn¡¯t want to disclose it, maybe getting too far ahead of herself. After all, she believed Sabine wouldn¡¯t even attend.


    ¡°Mhm,¡± she hummed, ¡°but telling you might make the conversation feel forced. Let Cadize handle the introductions, but do try and keep Sabine close to Bryon, will you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Empress,¡± Kaid agreed.


    Jessamine dominated the conversations of welcoming everyone, which Kaid was thankful for. These kind of Arillian aristocrats were not Kaid¡¯s usual company, but Jessamine knew fairly well how to treat them. A lot of conversations were just braggings of the latest expensive material items like perfume or jewelry, something Kaid couldn¡¯t relate to at all. He cared not for such things.


    The best things in his life had not been materialistic by any means. They were all just wonderful people. However, if he could choose one material item to remain in his life, it would have been that watch Jessamine gifted him.


    The evening progressed with hors d¡¯oeuvres and drinks of anyone''s choice. Kaid had grabbed two espresso martinis before walking over to Sabine, who had just been briefly chatting with Kassandra probably about diplomatic measures.


    ¡°Kaid,¡± Sabine greeted him, forcing herself to not smile too much in his presence, ¡°You seemed surprised to see me here. Did Jessamine not share the details of attendees?¡±


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°She did not, but perhaps the fault lay with me in not asking,¡± Kaid laughed softly, handing her the drink, ¡°Thought you might like this.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she nodded.


    ¡°How are things?¡± Kaid asked with genuine curiosity.


    ¡°Good¡­very good actually. Had anyone told me three months ago of what would occur, I wouldn¡¯t have believed them. I never thought I had the capability to lead my people from such a prominent role. I always wanted to make a difference, I just didn¡¯t know how. Then, you came in, fucked everything up, in the best way possible of course.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like me, against my intentions,¡± he smiled faintly, ¡°I¡¯m glad all is well, that Uhkhtar is thriving and that you are confident. Nobody else could lead them to a better place than you, of that I am sure.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she acknowledged, ¡°Vrah certainly did not feel confident in my appointment as Uhkhtar¡¯s new ruler. I could not give him what he asked for, despite Jessamine¡¯s plea.¡±


    ¡°What did he want?¡±


    ¡°Graphite, of course. Especially now given the contention between your two Empires, how could he not? He is worried there will be war, one he is not prepared for logistically,¡± Sabine answered, ¡°He wanted plenty of access to our mines. I declined. If he wants our graphite, the mines will be operated by my people, and sold on their terms. Vrah understood that, despite his disappointment. He will wait for my terms, impatiently.¡±


    ¡°Good. Make him wait,¡± Kaid insisted, taking a sip of his drink. He still wasn¡¯t used to alcohol but at least this was enough to keep him satisfied tonight.


    ¡°I also wanted to tell you, personally, I did everything I could to find that watch you spoke of. We retraced your steps as best we could, even found the cave where it all happened. I couldn¡¯t find it, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Sabine¡¯s voice was soft and apologetic.


    Kaid knew that there was no hope in seeing that watch again. Somebody probably snatched it up and sold it, or wore it proudly on their own wrist to show off that golden gleam.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Thank you for trying,¡± Kaid smiled weakly.


    Sabine could tell how much that answer hurt him, despite his words and fake smile.


    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± she glanced at his left arm.


    ¡°No, just phantom pain mostly. I often forget about it, sometimes. I still try catching things with two hands rather than one. I even still dream about having two hands. It is taking time to adjust. But, everyone is willing to accommodate, which I am thankful for.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± she took a moment to pause, ¡°You would be accommodating for anyone else, it is only fair such respect is returned to you.¡±


    A gentleman seemed to approach Kaid¡¯s way, wearing a luxurious black velvet suit which seemed too hot for the climate here. The older man didn¡¯t seem to mind. Cufflinks and other various accessories to his suit were made from pure gold, his hair gelled back and slicked to perfection.


    Lord Bryon, one of the richest investors and patent leaders in Arilla, backed by Lungorian silver coin, had arrived.


    ¡°So, where is he?¡± Bryon asked upon his approach.


    ¡°Who?¡± Sabine questioned, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, who are you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t play coy with me,¡± Bryon grunted, surprising the woman with his audacity and rudeness.


    Kaid immediately cleared his throat protectively, before Cadize arrived, ¡°I¡¯m right here, Bryon¡­¡±


    Cadize was dressed nicely in only a dress shirt and slacks, never really the glamorous type, only practical. His glasses were so clear it looked like the glass wasn¡¯t even real. Everything about Cadize tonight looked up to perfection, to the best standards anyone under the Empress should appear. Kaid noticed Bryon¡¯s expression soften at seeing his old flame, and mostly probably because of how decent he looked.


    Bryon had arrived with agitation, which seemed to slowly diminish in this small moment.


    ¡°Lord Bryon, allow me to introduce my friends. This is Lord Protector Kaid Al-Yami, alongside the Shurta of Uhkhtar: Sabine. I assume by now you¡¯ve seen both names strewn across headlines or patent paperwork,¡± Cadize continued, his voice remaining professional despite Kaid able to easily sense the pain.


    Cadize knew it had been his fault, he had been too focused on his work to properly maintain and caress his relationship. But, it looked like Bryon had changed as well. Cadize was honestly surprised to see him wearing the most superfluous accessories, or the scent of his overly expensive cologne. While ambition altered relationships, so too did greed.


    ¡°Cadize, it¡¯s good to see you. You look well,¡± Bryon surprisingly said before glancing over at Kaid, ¡°Apologies for my rudeness. You see, I knew this party was all a ruse.¡±


    ¡°Yet, you came regardless,¡± Kaid pointed out, taking a sip of his martini. He felt Jessamine¡¯s soft eyes on him, seeing her in the back watching them over her own shoulder. She gave an encouraging smile before returning to her conversations.


    Sabine stood slightly awkwardly, wondering if she should leave given the tension.


    Bryon looked at Kaid, before glancing down at his non-existent hand, ¡°So, the rumors are true. You know, I know a few medical engineers working on prosthetics for amputees. Would you be interested in some early designs? Surely the Empress will not mind any cost, given the one you paid to protect her.¡±


    Kaid grew irksome at that. He had heard of prosthetics before, and knew them to be well designed. Jessamine told stories of pirates in the days of Vitross history that often wore them for their legs, just so they could continue sailing. While Kaid knew the invention was a great one at that, he knew it was also given to those who could afford it.


    It was one thing to want prosthetics, which Kaid did not. His hand, or lack thereof, served as a reminder. The way Bryon brought it up made him feel less adequate because of it.


    ¡°No, no thank you,¡± Kaid answered curtly.


    ¡°Surely with war in loom, the Guardian of the Empress should feel well equipped to-¡±


    ¡°Kaid Al-Yami doesn¡¯t need fancy gadgets to fight. He took down one of the best fighters in all Uhkhtar mere hours after losing his hand,¡± Sabine stepped in, her own voice laced with slight protectiveness, ¡°not to mention killing Pestilence in the same fight that his hand was cut.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t need fancy gadgets¡­yes,¡± Bryon hummed, not liking Sabine¡¯s use of language, ¡°I guess one doesn¡¯t need them if you can just control time. You can just keep fighting and fighting nonstop, especially with Cadize¡¯s Elixir. Just like Caladin, right? There was evidence of his elixir used.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still standing right here,¡± Cadize crossed his arms.


    ¡°I stole the Elixir. Cadize was not complicit with my actions that day,¡± Kaid insisted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Bryon¡¯s false kindness get to you, Kaid. It seems he is rather upset about the loss of profit for Caladin¡­¡± Cadize begrudged.


    Sabine paused, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, how does a prison make profit?¡±


    How indeed? That question alone made Kaid¡¯s blood boil. It was one thing to throw people there with Oblivion as a means of control, it was another to use it for cruel experiments. It was even worse when profit was made from it as well.


    ¡°Do tell,¡± Kaid grunted, staring Bryon down.


    Kaid now knew why Cadize was upset. He had done his research on Bryon¡¯s extensive work for the banks and the economic policies in place. Clearly, Bryon had certainly let greed consume him. Cadize was upset because Bryon had changed so drastically, and maybe he wouldn¡¯t have¡­if Cadize had made the right choice.


    But it didn¡¯t feel so wrong of a choice now.


    ¡°Caladin is a rather classified project. Anyone who was sent to work there needed to be trusted. Lungor paid us to supply the right kind of people: guards, scientists, portalists¡­whatever they liked. So, when you went in there and slaughtered the lot of them, our investment prospects diminished,¡± Bryon explained, ¡°But don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t take long to subsidize such losses.¡±


    Kaid felt his fingers grip tightly to the stem of the martini glass. He felt it break in his fist, luckily not spilling the drink or having the glass cut into his hand. The Guardian finished his drink quickly before discarding it on the nearby table, Sabine the only one noticing he had even broken the glass.


    ¡°I remember the days you wanted to get in the business of helping people, Bryon,¡± Cadize sighed with melancholy.


    ¡°In order to help people, you need money. In order to get money, you need to conduct business, and proper business at that. You need profit,¡± Bryon scoffed, ¡°I may have sold myself to the bank. You, however, decided to align yourself with an Empress who was going to ruin this Continent.¡±


    ¡°Key word: was,¡± Cadize clenched his jaw, ¡°It¡¯s okay to admit that you were wrong.¡±


    ¡°Your banks would have no further interest in Lungorian silver, though. You already get so much a season from their taxes and investments alone. In fact, they even pay you to reject investments from other Empires, like Skale or Vitross. It¡¯s the reason why the Kruzika and Monnier families use funds from their own family accounts.¡± Sabine spoke, clearly now realizing why she was here too, ¡°So, what does Lungor pay you with?¡±


    Bryon looked at her with curiosity, perhaps wondering what a desert woman would know about such economic matters, ¡°You¡¯re a clever girl. Graphite, pure graphite.¡±


    What would a bank want graphite for? Kaid wondered.


    Bryon noticed the speculative looks, ¡°Arilla gets cold in the winter. Graphite helps tremendously in heating our Empire to prevent our citizens from freezing to death. Coal does more damage to the lungs and environment.¡±


    ¡°But if war was to break out, you¡¯d have a stockpile of graphite to sell to the highest bidder,¡± Kaid finally realized the crux of it all, the greediness that overcame all thoughts of compassion or desire for peace. Even Arillian banks wanted war. They wouldn¡¯t have to send their people to war, that they knew of, and could make profit from all sides.


    ¡°I can see why the Empress took a liking to you, Kaid. You¡¯ve much more wise than you look,¡± Bryon hummed.


    ¡°Your graphite will run out, just like your facade,¡± Sabine scowled slightly.


    ¡°What do you mean by that, darling? There are plenty of Lungor mines.¡±


    ¡°But those aren¡¯t derived from pure, uncorrupted ore. More than likely it is only a fraction of graphite mixed with coal. Sure, the graphite will help in keeping your homes warm for the winter mixed with coal. But I wouldn¡¯t call it pure,¡± Sabine answered, ¡°Only those are found in Northern Uhkhtar.¡±


    Bryon¡¯s expression faltered. Kaid and Cadize looked at each other, finally realizing they might not need to sabotage anything. Nothing was more freeing than the truth. Arilla thought it was getting expensive, pure graphite as per their contract. If Lungor was indeed supplying them with almost a counterfeit ore, that was a breach in contract. And if that contract was broken, the Lungorian Royal Funds were put to a halt.


    ¡°And¡­how would one be able to tell the difference?¡± Kaid asked, having to withhold his smirk.


    ¡°Well, our graphite ores would be more dense, heavier. And when you burn them, there wouldn¡¯t be any blue hues in the flames. If you burned a mix of coal and graphite, that blue hue would still be there because it¡¯s not quite hot enough,¡± Sabine shrugged, ¡°I¡¯d be more than happy to demonstrate, if someone from the bank is willing to visit Uhkhtar.¡±


    Kaid laughed softly, ¡°Sabine, did you ever make a deal with Vrah about access to your mines?¡±


    ¡°We did not come to a conclusion that benefitted us both.¡±


    At that Bryon¡¯s face grew serious, much more serious. He knew they had been deceived by cheap Lungor tricks. Lungor had been greedy in deceiving them, and that was a serious breach in contract, a contract that already had enough loopholes to begin with.


    ¡°Oh cheer up, Bryon, There are plenty of drinks to go around. In fact, I think you should be thanking us for finding this little problem. I¡¯d only feel bad for you if you had chosen allegiance to Lungor, you know¡­the wrong Empire,¡± Cadize smirked.


    Cadize actually seemed to be enjoying himself, despite his worries.


    Sometimes, unlike Kaid and Jessamine, when old lovers reunite all feelings go away at seeing how much they¡¯ve changed. Cadize could tell Bryon had turned away from that young, spry finance man who wanted coin to help others, for economies to flourish. That man changed into a greedy fat bastard, one who was now having to deal with the fallout. Cadize had realized he had made the right choice, he had chosen to stick by the right people.


    ¡°Kaid,¡± Bryon cleared his throat, ¡°Do you know of any Senders in the region? I have a few letters to send¡­urgently.¡±


    ¡°I do in fact,¡± Kaid perked up, ¡°In fact, she¡¯s speaking with Empress Jessamine right now, over there in the black dress.¡±


    Oh, how like Jessamine to plant herself right next to the Sender, just another additional embarrassment to Bryon. Jessamine would make it look like she was just talking with her patrons tonight, but Kaid knew her real intentions. Bryon probably did too, at seeing Kaid¡¯s response.


    Bryon immediately dismissed himself, his fists clenched and shame of embarrassment filling him as he approached the Empress. Cadize immediately began laughing, which surprised Kaid a bit.


    ¡°Life certainly is bittersweet, isn¡¯t it?¡± Cadize asked, reaching for a new glass of wine.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Sabine hummed, ¡°I see why I was invited here.¡±


    Yet, she didn¡¯t seem upset. Instead, she actually seemed more than happy to help.


    ¡°You know, I thought he¡¯d brag all about it in my face. He¡¯s the new Patent Examiner, makes a shit-ton of money more than I could dream of. On paper, his success is far greater than my own. But at the end of the day, I¡¯m not some piss proper, greedy investor who¡¯s now made the worst investment of his life,¡± Cadize explained, ¡°I thought he¡¯d want to rub his fancy life in my face, and I thought I¡¯d feel inadequate. Turns out, I¡¯m better off. I may have loved him, once, but sometimes people change so drastically you can¡¯t love them anymore. There¡¯s a line, and he crossed it.¡±


    ¡°Mm, how pissed do you think Lungor will be if this is true?¡± Kaid asked.


    ¡°Very. We¡¯ve just reduced their income drastically. It will probably result in higher taxation, already high mind you¡­and their people will want answers. If this gets out, which it will, given the political climate. It is quite the scandal,¡± Cadize bemused, ¡°Sabine, do not be surprised if Vrah comes knocking on your door, again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± she smiled, ¡°I¡¯m glad I came to this party¡­¡±


    -


    Bryon was quick to indulge in drink to drown his shock. Dinner went along quite well, despite slight mishaps from the kitchen. The first course was a spectacular arugula salad, followed by a wonderful spiced-grain gumbo. Jessamine was very quick to point out to the head chef that the soup had shellfish, something Kaid was allergic to. And by allergic, it never sat well with him. Ingrid swore she told the staff to avoid shellfish, but Kaid immediately stated it wasn¡¯t a problem.


    The chef was quick to have the other chefs make another bowl without shrimp so he could enjoy it.


    Yet, ever since that entire meal, Kaid felt heavy. Not the heaviness of a delicious meal still residing in his gut. It was a heaviness in his body, and a rather feather-light sensation in his mind. He constantly found himself droning in and out of conversations. If anything, he swore he felt drunk, yet all he had to drink was that espresso martini.


    Maybe it was just the heavy presence of greedy, corporate and capitalistic idiots around him that made him feel this way.


    ¡°Well, it is a mix of Skale culture, especially the village I am from, with Vitross customs as well!¡± Christine delighted in talking about their wedding coming up. Kaid stood with them, almost wanting to lean against a wall or sit down, amongst a few rich women all asking about the wedding in particular.


    ¡°Yes, the dresses and attire will all be that of saree or silk fabric. Flowers will be a mix of lavender and lilacs. Music will be a mixture of the Vitross piano and Skale string instruments. The ceremony itself will be held in the great hall¡­¡± Kassandra trailed off, droning on and on about the wedding.


    Kaid was happy for them, but it was clear the women they spoke too were bored of a wedding that didn¡¯t scream as lavish or over the top. Weddings were supposed to be intimate, not exactly a show.


    ¡°Hm, well I wish you all the happiness,¡± Tricia spoke, a woman with bleached hair, gold adorned nails, and an overall nasty heart. Kaid almost wanted to cover his ears every time she spoke.


    Yet, she was the richest woman in all of the Continent.


    Maybe minus Jessamine¡­given she was an Empress. The rulers of Empires don¡¯t necessarily count when calculating wealth.


    She was still rather intolerable, however.


    ¡°Thank you, Tricia,¡± Christine gleamed.


    ¡°You two will need all the wishes. You know what they say about those¡­relationships. They don¡¯t really last as long as normal ones,¡± Tricia hummed.


    Kaid blinked, ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Oh, just that you don¡¯t have the ability to reproduce children, which most studies show as very important in a relationship. That¡¯s all,¡± Tricia explained, sipping her late evening wine.


    Bitch.


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s quite alright. Kassandra and I both think that if we are ever ready, we can just adopt!¡± Christine laughed, clearly not understanding Tricia¡¯s ignorant comment. Or, maybe she did. Christine would rather kill someone with kindness rather than make a scene, especially at a party like this.


    A servant walked by with another full tray of wine glasses, Tricia snapping at Kaid.


    ¡°Be a doll and get me another glass will you?¡± she demanded.


    Kaid almost wanted to roll his eyes but reached over with his right hand. Yet, in his slightly hazed state, he grabbed with his right and moved it over to his left. Yet, his brain hadn¡¯t collected that he didn¡¯t have a left hand anymore. His wrist collided with the glass, spilling all that red wine over Tricia¡¯s spotless pink dress who stood beside him.


    Kassandra snorted softly at that.


    ¡°Gods, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Kaid immediately apologized, sincerely too. He was quick to grab a cloth to begin dabbing, only realizing that wine was sinking deeper into the fabric.


    ¡°You fucking idiot! You know how much this dress cost!?¡± Tricia scowled.


    ¡°Hey, you can¡¯t speak to him like that,¡± Christine tensed, growing defensive now. Her words immediately drew a slight crowd of onlookers, mostly Sabine, Persephone, and Ryu to observe.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, it was my mistake. I can pay for the expense,¡± Kaid insisted, very sorrily. He had no idea what got into him and why he had made that mistake. He just felt so exhausted.


    When he began cleaning the mess on the floor, he could feel a lot of eyes from the party gathering his way, filling him with embarrassment. Fuck his stupid hand. Fuck the idea of a prothetic. Why didn¡¯t he just prevent this from happening? Why didn¡¯t he just return to Jessamine sooner, prevent this from occurring and still be in her life? That way, he¡¯d still be useful.


    Why didn¡¯t he just kill Alec when he had the chance?


    Someone should really put this disabled monkey back where he belongs: in a cage.


    Kaid immediately heard a very loud slap, followed by complete silence from the rest of the party. All chatter had stopped from the assault. When Kaid glanced up from his position, kneeling on the floor, he saw Jessamine had made her way all the way across the room. Her pale hand was red inside the palm, equally as red as the wine on Tricia¡¯s dress¡­and the red print on her face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever disrespect my Guardian like that again. Do you understand me?!¡± Jessamine shouted, her hand shaking.


    She so badly wanted to infiltrate this bitch¡¯s mind, render it useless. She wanted to twist and kill the brains of anyone who thought such things of her lover. It didn¡¯t matter how many, she¡¯d chain them all at once and kill them all if she could. She wanted it more than anything, but she couldn¡¯t. That was her weakness Lungor would exploit.


    Lungor was weak because they didn¡¯t care for their people and were greedy. Jessamine was weak because she cared, and most of all cared more than anything for a specific someone, someone Lungor would exploit to the fullest.


    Instead, she had to let her physical nature speak over her Oblivion.


    Yet the temptation to be that mind witch everyone was scared of was still lingering in the salty sea air.


    ¡°I¡­Empress, I meant no harm, surely,¡± Tricia rubbed her sore face, her own fingers trembling. She knew that Jessamine wasn¡¯t talking about the words which she spoke, which were also disrespectful. The Empress had heard the sentence within her own biased subconscious.


    ¡°If you had the audacity to say that aloud, it would have been a knife, not a hand at your cheek,¡± Jessamine scowled, moving to lunge at her.


    Kaid got up from the floor, grabbing Jessamine slightly at the hip to pull her back.


    ¡°Jess, it¡¯s alright,¡± Kaid whispered.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± she retorted, but felt Kaid pulling her back away from the group. Kaid figured the best solution would be to remove her from the heat of the moment.


    ¡°I¡­think it¡¯s best I leave for the evening,¡± Tricia laughed nervously, fiddling with her fingers before immediately leaving the room.


    Jessamine looked like she was about to lunge at the woman again but Kaid held her back, feeling her own heart race and chest heave. Kaid immediately picked her up slightly with his one arm, forcing her to the outside balcony.


    ¡°Excuse us,¡± Kaid pardoned, moving past everyone.


    Alec stood there, astounded at how Kaid put his hands on his sister.


    Once outside, Kaid placed her down, looking at her with softness, ¡°Jessamine, it¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not. That was the tenth comment someone said about your fucking hand,¡± she seethed, still unable to diminish her adrenaline.


    ¡°Jess, nobody¡¯s said anything,¡± Kaid insisted. At least, said things he¡¯s heard.


    ¡°You know what I mean,¡± she looked up at him, before seeing that haze in his eyes. Her anger and frustration immediately withered. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine, my feelings aren¡¯t hurt,¡± Kaid shrugged, used to such comments. He thought they would sting less over time but that was just lying to himself. Jessamine knew that too, hence why she acted the way he did.


    ¡°No, I¡­you don¡¯t look so well,¡± Jessamine whispered, her fingers pushing a stray curl away from his eyes.


    ¡°I just feel really tired. My brain feels foggy, I don¡¯t know,¡± Kaid sighed.


    ¡°You had a long day. You trained for practically three hours this morning, helped us travel and pack, stood in the sun for quite some time¡­¡± Jessamine whispered, moving close to cup his cheek.


    ¡°I should probably get some rest.¡±


    ¡°Want me to walk you back to the room?¡± Jess asked.


    ¡°No, the party is still lively and I don¡¯t want it ruined by you being gone,¡± Kaid shook his head, ¡°I will be alright. Thank you, love.¡±


    ¡°Well, I think I just ruined the rest of the party,¡± she hummed.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t. Besides, I was surprised it took so long with the amount of alcohol and insane amounts of selfishness in the room that a fight didn¡¯t break out sooner.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call that a fight¡­¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Kaid smiled softly, knowing if an actual fight broke out who would win, ¡°thank you, for defending me.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s without a second thought. Although I should probably learn to control myself,¡± Jessamine nodded, leaning close to kiss his lips gently, ¡°are you sure you don¡¯t want me to help?¡±


    ¡°I think given what you just did, you¡¯d put a very scandalous idea in everyone¡¯s heads why you are tending to me in my bedroom¡­¡± Kaid smirked slightly, kissing her back, ¡°I¡¯ll be alright. Tell Ingrid that I will talk about all the books I¡¯ve read with her tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± she blushed slightly, ¡°Feel better, Kaid. Get some rest. I¡¯d wish you a goodnight but I will once I¡¯m beside you in a few hours.¡±


    ¡°Stay out of trouble, Empress,¡± Kaid teased, giving her one last kiss, ¡°Goodnight, Jess.¡±


    Kaid stepped out first from the balcony, feeling eyes on him. He approached Ingrid and thanked her for her hospitality, telling her he was feeling quite unwell and that was why he was excusing himself. Ingrid of course was understanding, giving him a warm hug before he traversed down the halls.


    Alec watched Kaid leave, knowing this night of drama and violence was just starting. Soon. If Alec left now, someone might notice he was missing. But he was going to let the ailment on Kaid¡¯s body take full effect, and to let everyone else retire in the evening. Even if most people in this room loved Kaid tonight, treated them like family or one of their own, Alec knew it was all a facade. Jessamine only did what she did out of respect for his position, given he represented her.


    Once it was dark, entirely dark, Alec would make his move. Alec would provide Kaid the same emotions given to him, by the Time Paradox, by Kaid¡¯s foolish actions.


    Kaid would feel alone and powerless, of that Alec was certain.

 Chapter Twenty Two

    Kaid, you need to wake up NOW.


    The words echoed with urgency, spoken over and over in his head yet there was no physical urgency on his end. There wasn¡¯t, simply because he couldn¡¯t. His thoughts, dreams, and reality had been purposefully scattered. When he finally felt his body shake gently awake, hearing the sound of crashing waves and birds chirping, nothing felt different.


    Yet, something was different. The air in the Sand Castle felt wrong, almost as if it had been manipulated, carefully cultivated to be a heavy dark presence on such a wonderfully white and bright place.


    His heart rate slowed upon feeling thin fingers gently combing through his curls, most likely the reason why he had woken up.


    ¡°Good morning, sleepyhead,¡± Jessamine laughed, ¡°You hardly moved in your sleep.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Kaid groaned, slowly adjusting his body to face her. She sat on the side of the bed, now moving her hand down to his beard to gently trace the hairs there.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I think. Still slightly groggy. I feel like my body got rest, but my mind did not,¡± he answered, moving his good hand to rest on her thigh.


    ¡°Did you have any nightmares?¡± she asked, almost as if she could still sense a bit of his adrenaline spiked, racing heart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember,¡± Kaid sighed honestly, soon sitting up slightly before kissing her forehead, ¡°What did I miss last night?¡±


    ¡°Not much. I will say this life is rather dull without you to keep things going,¡± she leaned into his touch, ¡°It got better when most of the squabble left. I learned more about Ryu and Persephone. I know she¡¯s been dealing with a lot of stress on not knowing how to make her mark on the world. I think she will find purpose too. It was funny, though, Ingrid had an old relic from Ryu¡¯s tribe just sitting in one of the rooms. Alec¡¯s room, I think. She brought it out and Ryu joked that we were all now cursed. It was a good laugh.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like I missed out.¡±


    ¡°Mhm, but plenty to make up for today. You did well last night with Cadize. You kept good composure¡­unlike myself later in the evening,¡± she sighed, ¡°I¡¯m sure that might make headlines in Arilla, assaulting one of the richest women in the entire Continent.¡±


    Kaid still felt his head was in a fuzz, only smiling softly at her comment but even Jessamine could tell his mind wasn¡¯t exactly computing her words. This, coming from the man who had listened and interpreted every syllable she¡¯d utter, whether it was just incoherent rambling or venting, or even the most soul searching of discussions.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re alright?¡± Jessamine now was worried, ¡°I can get Cadize.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sure I¡¯m okay. Sorry,¡± Kaid insisted, ¡°Something just feels off, almost¡­wrong.¡±


    ¡°Well, what remains the same?¡±


    Kaid blinked, reaching for his Oblivion to slow time. He still possessed that. He could admire the worry in Jess¡¯s blue eyes, the gentle curve of her nose, or just the beauty of her thin lips. All of that remained. His memories were still intact. He remembered the day he first saw her in Caladin and later in Uhkhtar. He wouldn¡¯t trade anything in the world to have those precious memories removed.


    ¡°You¡¯re still beautiful so-¡±


    ¡°Oh shush,¡± Jessamine laughed, leaning close to kiss his lips gently, interrupting him.


    ¡°I will be okay. It could just be a lingering dream I can¡¯t remember,¡± Kaid excused, moving his hand to stroke the crimson red strands of hair, ¡°You will always be beautiful, that will never change.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s too early for flirting,¡± she blushed, ¡°Otherwise, it will turn into an opportunity to miss breakfast. And, I don¡¯t want to tire you more with sweat-inducing intimacy.¡±


    Kaid laughed at that, now blushing slightly, ¡°That¡¯s what lazy morning sex is for.¡±


    ¡°Lazy morning sex takes time¡­¡±


    ¡°I can control time,¡± he retorted with a wink.


    ¡°People will certainly notice our absence,¡± Jessamine nudged him, giving him one last kiss before getting up to get ready for the day.


    That was the perfect word to describe what felt different: absence. Something wasn¡¯t different, it was merely lacking. What could cause such a sensation, Kaid had no sense as to what. Kaid tried to peer into the void for answers, but it took too much mental exertion. He wasn¡¯t locked out of it, like a door with chains attached. Instead, there was a warning to stay away and come back later.


    Kaid thought the feeling would fade as he got ready for the day, but it didn¡¯t subside.


    Kaid was finally dressed when he went to shut the balcony patio door when Jessamine finally exited her room, ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t recall opening that this morning. Was it left unlocked?¡±


    Odd.


    ¡°I guess so? I¡¯m pretty sure despite my groggy state last night that I locked it,¡± Kaid insisted. It was practically engrained in his nightly protocol duties, making sure every door or window was locked securely.


    ¡°Hm, it¡¯s fine. There is no safer place than here,¡± Jess shrugged, contradicting her words by securing a small blade in the strap around her thighs.


    Yet, it wasn¡¯t just that action that contradicted the statement. A blood curdling scream echoed down the halls, despite feeling close. Close enough to reverberate from the very walls next to them. Jessamine froze, yet the screams continued. Not screams of murder, screams of pain, emotionally toiling pain.


    Kaid unsheathed his sword, being the first to enter the hallway. Just mere feet to his left was the sight of a servant still screaming out of horror. Approaching her, she immediately pointed into the room, her screams now turning into sobs.


    Aunt Ingrid¡¯s room.


    Inside laid two deceased bodies, their blood soaking the limestone with a cherry hue. Ingrid¡¯s cane laid beside her, broken almost in half by a harsh force. Ballard, her loyal butler, laid beside her, almost as if he had tried to stop the bleeding. Nothing pained Kaid more than the thought of living almost sixty years, living a rather chaotic, yet fulfilling life¡­not to die of old age. But to die from murderous intent.


    Murder. Not that of a political figurehead or that of someone with true power. This was not a clean assassination, planned or seemingly well thought out. It just looked like undiluted rage had reached its limit. This was the absence Kaid had felt, an absence of what this place resonated: the doma of the palace eviscerated.


    Kaid could hear the footsteps of Jessamine and knew immediately it was within his best interest to shield her from such horrors. He immediately turned, letting his height and broad shoulders do their best to cover the bloody nature. Kaid slowed time, watching her face fall at the sight. Even if he could try to prevent her from witnessing the brutality, he could not prevent her sense of knowing what was going on.


    He could hide many things from her, the truth was never one of them.


    ¡°Kaid, let me see!¡±Jessamine shrieked, moving to brush past him. Yet, he was far too heavy to move out of her way. Kaid could begin to feel tears stain his linen shirt, echoing with the pain in her heart. Not just hers alone, but his as well. He didn¡¯t know why Ingrid had been targeted, but she was dead.


    If he wasn¡¯t groggy, if what happened last night didn¡¯t occur¡­could he have saved them?


    Jessamine tried again with much fervor and got what she wished: a glimpse at the depravity. Her determination withered as immediately as it had swelled her into action. She crumbled in Kaid¡¯s arms, wailing with her fingernails digging into his arms. No amount of fury or pain would bring them back. Nothing would bring them back.


    The question was: why were they killed in the first place?


    -


    Kaid could not be with her to grieve. The moment the murder had taken everyone¡¯s abrupt attention, it was clear action needed to be taken. Alec, surprisingly, had been the first to approach Jessamine and embrace her tightly. A lot of emotion filled that hallway, the greatest probably confusion. That was why they needed answers. Kaid wished he could be there for Jessamine, providing some feeling of safety or warmth for her.


    She had lost too many people from her family, and perhaps this was the most shocking.


    Cadize, Kiev, Sabine, and Kaid stood in the room, the door now closed and locked given it was a murder investigation. There had been plenty of discourse from Alec as to why Sabine was given permission to assist, but as a Shurta, she had seen her fair share of murdered victims.


    ¡°It looks gruesome, but the kills were both one clean strike at the neck. Oddly enough though, the one on Ingrid looks¡­¡± Cadize paused, having spent the last hour inspecting the bodies, ¡°It¡¯s hard to explain, given it feels like speculation.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look too deep of a cut, one you might see if the assailant held her from behind and slit her throat,¡± Kaid observed as well. He had to keep telling himself this was just two bodies of no importance. When he thought of it to be Ingrid, of her warm thought and touch¡­of the first time he met her.


    Ingrid was almost this invisible glue that had solidified Jessamine and Kaid¡¯s relationship, the one who had blessed it really. She had given Jessamine the confidence to go after Kaid¡¯s heart. Ingrid had also given Kaid a window into the Monnier family, the kindness Jessamine had learned from her ancestors, one even Jessamine herself tried to hide.


    Kaid knew with Ingrid gone¡­forcibly removed from this world, that kindness would be limited.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, the assailant swiped from the front, and it was at an odd angle. It almost looks unintentional. She stumbled into the attack,¡± Cadize nodded.


    Sabine and Kiev were standing nearby, Sabine holding the broken cane before looking at Kiev.


    ¡°So, let¡¯s say she¡¯s holding her balance up with the cane. Look at the area in which this cane broke, not out of someone grabbing it and snapping it. It¡¯s fragmented, still trying to hold together at the bottom,¡± Sabine noted, ¡°Kiev, can you kick the cane from this angle?¡±


    They demonstrated the action, Kiev just at the right height and spacing to kick with force on the cane. It proved Sabine¡¯s theory well.


    ¡°But why kick the cane?¡± Kiev asked, shaking his head, ¡°None of this makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Knock her off balance¡­enough for her to fall, maybe break a bone in the process,¡± Sabine shrugged, ¡°Maybe an action just enough to get out of that room.¡±


    ¡°Except she didn¡¯t fall to the floor, she lunged forward into the person,¡± Kaid swallowed hard.


    ¡°Hence a possible, accidental, death occurring,¡± Cadize nodded, ¡°Ballard¡¯s, however, was clearly intentional. The cut was deep, erratic still, but intentional. That¡¯s why her cut stood out differently.¡±


    ¡°Well, even if the first kill was accidental, removing any witnesses is enough intention soon after,¡± Sabine crossed her arms. Sabine wanted to help. She truly did, not only to prove herself valuable, but also because she had witnessed an innocent older woman be killed. One who didn¡¯t deserve it. It made Sabine question her allies, or future ones at that. If she was forced to pick a side, would she pick the one where people were murdered one by one for supporting her? Or the side committing such murder?


    ¡°It still doesn¡¯t make sense, though,¡± Kaid stood from his kneeling position to catch his breath, ¡°They¡¯re not in their beds. They don¡¯t appear to be dragged from them. Their bodies are angled away from the door, meaning this assailant had somehow gotten far into this bedroom before being noticed.¡±


    ¡°Time of death also lingers around three in the morning. At that hour, the party had long been over and everyone was fast asleep.¡± Cadize noted, ¡°And the remaining members staying the night were well trusted.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Kaid and I went over any security issues. None of them had shown any ill intent towards Vitross, or Ingrid in particular,¡± Kiev hummed, ¡°But clearly, it¡¯s possible whoever was in this room was someone she might have trusted. I can check with the harbormaster later, to see if there were any sightings of a ship in the dark.¡±


    ¡°We will have to question the staff as well, we can¡¯t just rely on guests.¡±


    ¡°A good suggestion, Sabine,¡± Kaid agreed, taking another long glimpse at Ingrid¡¯s positioning. Her left hand was curled, not tightly but as if it had been pried gently. The action had caused the blood around that area to splatter slightly.


    Kaid felt an odd radiance of energy when focusing on that moment. He knew from that moment of betrayal from Bridger, going into the Blackrock Isles that he could sense lingering energy. Particularly strong energies at that. Emotions could get lost in time. What was this radiance here that lingered so faintly in Ingrid¡¯s palm?


    ¡°You think she was holding something?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think. I know. Whatever it was, the suspect pried it away when she died. Quickly too,¡± Kaid insisted.


    ¡°And whatever that object is, may help in identifying our suspect. We have no murder weapon, no motive¡­other than Ballard¡¯s death of course. There was no motive of extreme murderous attempt. It feels almost accidental in nature, a flurry of adrenaline and overall bad luck.¡±


    ¡°Adrenaline and bad luck will not be enough to convince an Empress¡­¡± Kiev whispered, knowing that was true.


    A death like this could inspire war. War, from a death that seemed far too coincidental yet accidental at the same time. An evening where Vitross had worked with Arilla to put Lungorian balls in an economic vice. A response like this seemed far too quick to enact.


    Sabine paced slightly, ¡°Is there any reason to believe maybe the person wants us to think it¡¯s accidental?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Cadize answered immediately, slowly adjusting Ingrid¡¯s neck slightly to look at the wound, ¡°Look at the fingers here, trying to cover Ingrid¡¯s wounds. Those aren¡¯t Ballards thick Arilllian fingers.¡±


    Very small, yet noticeable prints were lingering around the wound as if to try and stop the bleeding. Whoever caused the wound also wanted to stop it in the first place.


    ¡°An accidental murder is still murder,¡± Kaid grunted, feeling guilt consume him.


    ¡°Did you hear anything last night, or rather early this morning?¡± Kiev asked Kaid.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m afraid I was rather subdued by exhaustion. I didn¡¯t hear anything,¡± the Guardian replied sadly.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    If he wasn¡¯t fucking exhausted, he could have done something. Even stalled time just enough to catch a glimpse of the killer or anything that might be helpful. Instead he was stuck in some dark limbo.


    A knock on the door interrupted their thoughts. Persephone opened it gently, sniffling slightly as her own tears had gotten to her. She had known Ingrid as well, grown closer after the Time Paradox to perouse the various art work or artifacts to enjoy. The loss of Ingrid felt just like the loss of any relative to her.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Persephone apologized, ¡°Kaid, Jessamine is requesting you.¡±


    Kaid immediately walked over, knowing his primary duty was to his Empress. As he walked out to leave the room, Sabine had followed gently.


    ¡°Kaid¡­¡± Sabine paused, taking a deep breath, ¡°I know you feel guilty. Please, this is not your fault.¡±


    Sabine had avoided Kaid¡¯s letters or correspondence after the removal of Shailud almost as a form of punishment. She was still bitter about the Time Paradox, but she knew in that moment of severance that Kaid held so much guilt on his shoulders. Guilt he wasn¡¯t responsible for. The same was happening now. She didn¡¯t know how much longer he could continue adding the weight of guilt he truly wasn¡¯t responsible for. One day, it would crush him.


    It wasn¡¯t his fault. But something felt like it was.


    ¡°Figure this out Sabine, please,¡± Kaid insisted, sorrow laced in his voice.


    ¡°Of course¡­please give Jessamine my condolences,¡± Sabine nodded.


    It wasn¡¯t his fault. It couldn¡¯t have been.


    When Kaid had walked away, down the hall urgently with Persephone, Sabine had gotten a glance at the door handle and frame to Ingrid¡¯s door. Inside the lock were very faint scratches, one Sabine was familiar with. Lockpicks. And whoever got into this room last night looked amateur at best.


    An amateur thief, and a rather amateur killer resided among them.


    -


    Kaid entered the foyer where everyone was waiting for answers. When he opened the door, Jessamine¡¯s tears had withered away. The grief that had once consumed her was replaced with determination, spite for vengeance. Kaid immediately made his way towards her, not before being impeded.


    ¡°Well? What do we know?¡± Alec asked, rather abruptly.


    ¡°It¡¯s still an investigation,¡± Kaid insisted, as if trying to shove his inquisitive question aside.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re not going to give answers?!¡±


    ¡°Not to you,¡± Kaid grunted, not having the time for this.


    ¡°This was my fucking Aunt, Kaid! And you¡¯re going to stand there and tell me you don¡¯t know anything?!¡± Alec shouted, his own grief morphing into anger.


    ¡°Alec,¡± Jessamine soon approached, ¡°Stop, Kaid is only trying to help. He¡¯s doing his job.¡±


    ¡°Very poorly at that, and he¡¯s got his Uhkhtarian side bitch working on this investigation as well-¡±


    ¡°You watch your fucking tongue!¡± Kaid shouted back, feeling a swell of anger and emotions inside him as well. Everyone else had time to grieve, to internalize all the sorrow and pain. Kaid didn¡¯t have that choice, he immediately had to get into work to figure this all out.


    ¡°Kaid¡¯s wall is right next to hers. Surely, you would have heard something? Where is your alibi? The rest of us all have one,¡± Alec sneered, ¡°Is anyone else having doubts about Kaid¡¯s position? Sabine, a foreign adversary, arrives and assists in making a deal that threatens everyone. She spends most of her night with Kaid¡­and my Aunt is dead?! Does anyone else find this believable, that the two aren¡¯t conspiring?¡±


    Everyone in the room stared at him with confusion, and mostly just pity. They could see Alec unraveling at the loss of his Aunt, on the verge of tears for the unknown. Alec wanted someone to blame, so of course he would point the finger at the one causing all the problems in his life.


    Nobody, however, believed in his theory.


    ¡°Answer me! You didn¡¯t hear anything!?¡± Alec shouted once more.


    ¡°Enough! Alec, please, stop,¡± Jessamine insisted, her voice growing sorrowful once more, ¡°Kaid has an alibi.¡±


    Kaid swallowed hard at that, immediately shaking his head to not disclose this information. Such revelation could be seen and taken as a betrayal from Alec, nor did it feel like proper time to disclose such. Yet, it was the only alibi he had. If Jessamine wanted her brother to calm down, to give him a slight peace of mind¡­she had to tell him.


    ¡°I was with Kaid the entire night¡­I didn¡¯t hear anything either,¡± Jessamine whispered, revealing that truth.


    At that, Alec¡¯s demeanor cracked. It fell blank, blank because he felt so many emotions at once.


    ¡°S-so¡­you two really are¡­¡± Alec swallowed hard, taking a step back.


    ¡°That¡¯s not important right now¡­finding this killer is,¡± Kaid insisted.


    ¡°How dare you lie to my face,¡± Alec turned towards his sister, ¡°You told me you two weren¡¯t romantically involved. You promised me and yet you lied to me? What else have you lied to me about? You¡¯re still as manipulative as I fucking remember-¡±


    Kaid had enough. He was sick and tired of the disrespect, even if it was just blind grief talking. There was no excuse for his sick, cruel words. Kaid was sick of Alec thinking he had this privilege here, that servants should be at his beck and call or that he had a right to power here. He was owed nothing. Least of all, Jessamine¡¯s respect, which she had given to him and he had now squandered it.


    The excuse was that they were all grieving. Individuals grieved in their own ways, and men often were swayed into bouts of frustration, anger, and desire for violence. Kaid fell victim to that, too.


    Kaid slammed his fist across Alec¡¯s cheek hard, without hesitation. The action alone knocked Alec harshly into the floor, a pained grunt leaving his lips. The action had alerted everyone within the room to rise to their feet. Persephone, Christine, Kassandra¡­all the bystanders immediately ran over in fears the punch would result in greater violence.


    ¡°Kaid!¡± Jessamine shouted, stepping between them, ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    Her voice was the only one loud enough to silence everyone, enough to maybe even quell the emotional, time ticking bomb in this room that could kill everyone upon implosion. A radiance of calm had spread into the room, infecting everyone except the one person Jessamine couldn¡¯t touch: Kaid.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the energy to do this,¡± Jessamine finally felt the tears form again, her hands shaking.


    Kaid didn¡¯t need Jessamine¡¯s wave of calm now upon seeing her break apart again. He immediately removed any lingering aggression to approach her, feeling her almost collapse in his arms. Yet she had this desire to stay strong, to remain on her feet and most of all carry this investigation forward. She needed to.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Kaid pleaded, whispering in her ear, knowing he had let his anger get the better of him. Jessamine leaned further into him, knowing he too was reacting out of grievance. It didn¡¯t help Alec had immediately escalated the situation. She knew she could not fault either of the two men at her side.


    Alec slowly rose, caressing his sore jaw as he watched Jessamine¡¯s demeanor fall in Kaid¡¯s arms. He should have seen it. There were plenty of signs, rumors from those around him that all pointed to Kaid manipulating Jessamine. This seemed to be the final confirmation, words from Jessamine herself. Oh, he didn¡¯t need her words. He had known. He had known and that¡¯s what conspired this entire disaster. She had admitted it only far too late.


    Pure devastation, all of it, any of it¡­all that would still be to come¡­it was all Kaid¡¯s fault.


    Jessamine composed herself slightly, taking a deep breath, ¡°We should question the staff. Line them up, all together¡­someone must know something. I¡¯ll invade all their minds if they have to.¡±


    ¡°Jess, are you sure?¡± Kaid asked. He knew what that could mean, what appearance that might give to grieving servants. Kaid knew that Jessamine, as of late, only used her Oblivion when absolutely necessary. Now, that itch of darkness needed to be scratched, even if the justification was that of murder.


    Alec was about to retort something, before Jessamine caught on to it first.


    ¡°Alec, I need you to remove yourself. I know you¡¯re grieving, so take the time to do so. When we have answers, we will share them with you,¡± Jessamine insisted, removing herself from Kaid. She approached her brother, slowly opening her arms for another embrace. He hesitantly did so, his hand trying to provide comfort with rubs of her shoulder.


    Yet Alec¡¯s eyes remained open, glaring right at Kaid


    -


    Gathering everyone had taken quite some time. When Jessamine stood amongst the thirty or so individuals of staff who had all assisted with the party, she felt nothing but sorrow. Not one emotion seemed to stand out so quickly amongst the rest, wavering Jessamine¡¯s confidence. By now, her tears were dry and eyes still slightly red, but she was overcoming her own sadness with action.


    It was all one could do when sad. She had done the same when her mother died, when she thought Kaid was dead¡­she had to keep moving, keep doing whatever she could¡­even if that meant doing evil deeds. Jessamine was not immune to them either.


    ¡°If anyone has anything to bring up, there is no judgment here. Anything odd, out of the ordinary, can help,¡± Jessamine started off politely, before changing her tone, ¡°And if anyone thinks they could hide something from me, you are sorely misguided. If you¡¯re hiding something, I will find it.¡±


    The room remained silent, a few scared sniffles breaking the silence but nothing more. Jessamine¡¯s eyes scanned the room, finding nothing quite speaking to her yet. There were no shouts of emotions that she could normally read like a book. This felt like literature thrown at her feet she couldn¡¯t quite decipher, perhaps her own grief blinding her. She was about to invade deeper, only she saw Kaid lingering in the back, seeing sorrow and guilt on his face.


    She couldn¡¯t pry too deeply. Not when that man had once shown faith in her, faith in her goodness. It was in this place over three years ago that she had shown him a true glimpse of her darkness and he still remained strong with her. She had to keep trying, despite the voices whispering to let it consume her.


    Yet, that was not needed as a man took a step forward. His demeanor was shrunken, not out of fear but a nervous bundle of energy. He was confused, anxious, and most of all grieving as well.


    ¡°I¡­I¡¯m sorry, Empress,¡± he spoke, ¡°I¡¯m Chef Cortez. I¡­I cooked for your Aunt every night, as a sous chef. Not the main one.¡±


    Jessamine blinked slightly, wondering what a simple sous chef could offer for information.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Jessamine encouraged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what this might have to do with what happened, but it was odd regardless. I was notified two weeks ago about the party, and in doing so, I was responsible for the shopping list. When I was at the markets, a strange man approached me with a small package. He said my wife and children¡¯s names, almost like a threat. All he said was to do as I was told, or else¡­¡± Cortez paused, ¡°Inside the package was only a small container of powder, and instructions.¡±


    Jessamine tilted her head inquisitively, ¡°And this¡­man that threatened you? Do you recognize him?¡±


    ¡°No. I never met him in my life. I¡¯ve never seen him. He spoke only as a messenger¡­not the actual deliverer of the threat.¡±


    ¡°What were the instructions?¡± Kaid asked politely, moving across the room to stand next to Jessamine.


    ¡°I was in charge of the main appetizer: the soup. I was told to make the gumbo without shellfish originally by Ingrid, and that was the plan. However these instructions simply stated to continue with the original recipe, unmodified. I was promised that there would be one dish, and one dish only, that would be requested without shellfish. Whatever dish that was, I had to sprinkle the powder in it,¡± Cortez explained, ¡°That¡¯s all I know. I swear. I thought my family¡¯s life was in danger. I don¡¯t even know what this is about. I don¡¯t know who¡¯s dish it was. I even went to a friend to evaluate the powder, to try and tell me what it was. It wasn¡¯t poison, he told me that¡­he said it was¡­gods, I can¡¯t remember. A sleeping drug? It was just a drug and nothing more!¡±


    ¡°Did a dish get requested back without shellfish?¡± one of the servants asked, everyone very intrigued by this revelation of information.


    ¡°One, just as promised. But it wasn¡¯t Ingrid¡¯s, I swear!¡± Cortez defended himself.


    If not her, then who?


    Jessamine¡¯s heart stopped, remembering the moment last night when her spoon had dipped into the grained soup of spice, sausage, and shellfish. She was immediately the first to glance over at Kaid¡¯s bowl, seeing the same amount of shellfish. She was also the first to point out that Kaid¡¯s course needed to be altered, meaning that was the bowl taken back into the kitchen.


    And ever since that dinner, Kaid had been fighting a sleeping drug.


    It all came together, yet the main piece was still missing. How did a man threatened to drug soup of the Vitross Guardian result in the matron of the home murdered?


    ¡°Who¡¯s soup was it?¡± The question was asked amongst the servants as if they were asking each other who knew. Nobody did, because they hadn¡¯t been paying attention to such a miniscule thing.


    But Kaid and Jessamine did.


    Kaid was about to remove himself, feeling his breathing grow heavy. This was all his fault. Somehow it was, how could it not? It didn¡¯t make sense, but clearly something had happened amidst this turmoil. Jessamine had reached over, holding his hand tightly. She didn¡¯t want him to leave. She didn¡¯t want him to feel alone in this.


    They couldn¡¯t be alone in this. Whatever agent had conspired this plan, whatever this murderous suspect wanted¡­it wanted them alone. It had guaranteed them being alone. It wanted to split the insides of Vitross politics with disbelief, sowing seeds of mutiny amongst their own people. Stupid of this person to think this would not try and make them stronger.


    Sabine and Kiev slowly poked their heads into the chamber before stepping inside, sensing the tension. Jessamine sensed nothing more out of the ordinary.


    ¡°Cortez, that was very helpful indeed. Do you still have the package and instructions?¡± Jessamine asked gently, feeling her heart begin to race again. She could feel the overwhelming emotion approach again, but she needed to remain strong and absolute amongst her Aunt¡¯s staff. Someone needed to be strong around them.


    ¡°I do, yes,¡± he nodded.


    ¡°Please go retrieve that for us¡­the rest of you are dismissed. Please be assured, your salaries will be paid in full. I cannot promise what future lay ahead for any of you after the funeral¡­but I will do whatever it takes to bestow the kindness you gave to my Aunt before her passing,¡± Jessamine assured, her voice breaking in the end.


    Many of the servants looked as if they wished to give Jessamine a warm embrace, quite inappropriate for the standards. Yet, they were all in pain. All of them. Death happened often in this Continent, too often. Kaid thought he¡¯d be so used to it by now, but he wasn¡¯t.


    The room vacated, leaving only Jessamine, Kiev, Sabine, and a very silent Kaid.


    Kaid could feel the tears in his eyes, wiping them away gently as he had let go of Jessamine¡¯s hand. Jessamine knew if she turned to glance at him, she too would let it consume her as well.


    ¡°We overheard what Cortez said,¡± Sabine noted, ¡°I know it sounds confusing but¡­I think after we reveal, it won¡¯t anymore.¡±


    ¡°What did you find out?¡± Jessamine asked, afraid of the answer.


    Kiev took a deep breath, looking at his friends before exhaling sharply, ¡°Ingrid was not the intended target. Nor Ballard. The room was only used as an avenue. The balcony Ingrid had is only a good six feet leap towards another balcony, obviously one not up to standards on Empirical Guardian Safety standards. But, that was why Ingrid designated Jessamine¡¯s room to be the following room after.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Jessamine whispered.


    ¡°Scratches on the lock on Ingrid¡¯s door are identical to the ones outside Kaid¡¯s balcony door. Someone deliberately broke into Ingrid¡¯s room to utilize that balcony as a means to get into Kaid¡¯s room. And from what it looks like, that person succeeded in getting into that room,¡± Sabine insisted.


    That explained why the balcony door was unlocked this morning. But it didn¡¯t explain much of anything else.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Jessamine paused, covering her mouth slightly, ¡°So, someone intentionally had him drugged, broke into his room¡­for what?¡±


    Kaid, you need to wake up NOW.


    The words echoed again in Kaid¡¯s brain, words from the Void, words of warning. Someone had tried to warn him in his sleep, and maybe they had succeeded. Kaid did not feel harmed, his Oblivion was not bothered, and nothing had appeared to have been stolen from his room.


    ¡°They wanted to kill me,¡± Kaid answered, exhaling sharply. The feeling is the same, same as that night with the necromancer in Arilla. Someone tried following the script, again. And just as they had failed then, thanks to Jessamine, maybe he had her to thank again so unknowingly.


    ¡°In that, they clearly failed to do so,¡± Sabine nodded, sorrow in her voice. Her friend could have been killed. Honestly, she felt a tad grateful it had been Ingrid to surmise to a murderous death and not Kaid. She felt horrible for thinking that way.


    Jessamine rubbed her face with her hands, trying to add friction to the loosening of her emotions, tightening the skin to prevent more tears, ¡°That¡¯s it? That¡¯s all we know!?¡±


    ¡°We have no motive, and we have no reason to wonder why this killer didn¡¯t succeed in the true target. What we do know is that Ingrid and Ballard were both waiting for this killer when he, or she, returned through their bedrooms,¡± Kiev pointed out, ¡°From there, the killer got sloppy. The killer most likely threatened them with a blade, but wanted to leave the room rather than kill further. Upon most likely kicking at Ingrid¡¯s cane, wanting her to fall off balance, she was sliced accidentally by that killers blade. The killer then tried to stop the bleeding as Ballard intervened. Ballard was killed because he witnessed this accident. The killer immediately removed himself, or herself, from the blood and took off. No further blood could be found in the hallways.¡±


    Sabine sighed, knowing this wasn¡¯t an answer Jessamine wanted to hear, ¡°That¡¯s all we know.¡±


    It was more than what they knew an hour prior, however.


    The room was silent. All Kaid wanted to do was find the nearest furniture, whether a chair, table, valuable Monnier antique and shatter it into the floor. All of this, as always, was his fault. The moment he had stepped outside Caladin, he had held this invisible target over his head. He held it from loving Jessamine, he held it from his own heritage outside his fucking control.


    All he wanted was to be normal. He didn¡¯t want to be a hero, a savior, or the weight of such goodness. He just wanted to be a lover, a lover who could be equally as loved with gentle fervor.


    Gentle, good men did not exist in this Continent. They would be hurt, tortured repeatedly until that goodness bled out, striped away like lashings upon his back.


    ¡°We should investigate anyone in the area that might have been affected by the Time Paradox. Ryu, anyone from a village that might have been destroyed, someone that might have been blighted by that event,¡± Jessamine immediately established a game plan.


    ¡°I¡­you can¡¯t believe that is strong enough motivation to kill Kaid?¡± Sabine¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Did you not feel such anger towards whomever created that Time Paradox? Did your feelings only change when you realized it was Kaid?¡± Kiev asked, knowing he was right. Sabine had been bitter, angry, and full of vengeance. When she found out that event had been caused because of Kaid, because of an action intended to be good¡­all that had faded.


    ¡°Well, what about Caladin?¡± Sabine asked, ¡°Did you ever wrong anyone there?¡±


    Kaid immediately shook his head at that, remaining silent with his thoughts. No words from the void were whispered to him, no words of encouragement or sorrow. He still felt temporarily locked out of that place, of the opportunity to try and obtain some resemblance of truth.


    There was nothing. Nothing but pain.


    There was only one motivating factor that proved strong enough to remove Kaid. Not the Time Paradox, not an incident in Caladin from years ago. All of that had been wrapped around a mistake outside Kaid¡¯s control and that was him being born. The best motivating factor was removing the Lungorian heir from a position and stature he could care less about.


    All this carelessness, however, did not scream Lungor. They had always been precise in their assassination attempts against Jessamine, crafty and cunning in finding avenues to hinder Jessamine. Would such differ so greatly when their victim was now Kaid? Whatever political entity, or deranged individual¡­there must be one thought in their head. Kaid was a threat to them, a great danger where they would do whatever it takes to stop them.


    A lingering, distant thought seemed to enter Kaid¡¯s mind. It seemed so subtle then, given his thoughts were heavily on rescuing Jessamine and making sure she was alright. The thought didn¡¯t occur to him until now. The intention may not be to kill him, but weaken him. Not only weaken him physically, but weaken his resolve? Kaid was already afraid, how could he not be?


    This infiltrator might have failed to kill him, but they might have succeeded in other ways. Kaid had not been the only entity to instill fear over the Continent these past two years. Another, one perhaps even deadlier than Kaid, may not have been so easily dispatched as originally thought.


    Kaid finally spoke up, the thought coming to him and he could no longer keep it to himself anymore, ¡°What if Pestilence was still alive?¡±

 Chapter 23

    ¡°You better have a good fucking explanation for this mess. You understand what you¡¯ve just done!?¡± Vrah gripped Alec by his collar, dragging him towards him in the sands. The two stood on a far remote part of the Sand Castle Isle with nobody to witness, the scorching sand burning the skin beneath their sandals, igniting their fury for one another.


    Vrah was furious. Alec had never seen the man so red, veins forming on his smooth privileged forehead¡­or the quivering twitch of his lips. He was afraid. Maybe he had every reason to be.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m happy about this? I was forced to kill my own Aunt!¡± Alec spat, shoving the Emperor Consort off him.


    ¡°What the fuck happened?!¡±


    ¡°You lied to me. You told me from the start that my sister and Kaid hated each other. I thought everything she did for him in Uhkhtar was just to make up for what he did for the Time Paradox. Instead, that man is fucking my sister! I could have killed him in Uhkhtar if you let me,¡± Alec yelled.


    ¡°Your orders were, and still are, not to kill him. What about that don''t you understand? Killing him is of no use to us or to anyone,¡± Vrah insisted, ¡°Especially now. The longer this goes on, the harder it will be to remove him. Killing him only makes him a martyr. Do you understand how wars are fought?¡±


    ¡°On fucking battlefields, Vrah. Not in the shadows.¡±


    ¡°Wrong. Wars are fought in the mind. If you¡¯re losing the mental, spiritual, and emotional part of the war, you will lose the physical one every time. Do you understand that Lungor soldiers will have no motivation going into a war such as this? Do you realize that because wars are fought in the mind, someone like Jessamine will always win if we don¡¯t do this right?¡±


    Maybe Alec wanted his sister to win.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how that is my problem,¡± Alec shrugged, ¡°You started this mess and hired me to finish it. And you failed to give me truths that would have helped in my mission.:


    ¡°Except you keep fucking making it worse. Do you understand that your sister will now think Lungor killed Ingrid?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve made steps to ensure the blame is shifted elsewhere,¡± Alec insisted.


    ¡°Did you, now?¡± Vrah laughed at the audacity, ¡°And if this fails and we go into our second plan, you realize that you will have to face your sister with the truth? All of this could be fixed if you just took some fucking accountability and stepped forward.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t come to that.¡±


    ¡°You told me that a few weeks ago when you devised this plan,¡± Vrah tsked, ¡°Your usefulness is running out. You inspired all that fear as Pestilence, you know that? You had villages and towns full of hidden Oblivionists locking their doors at all times, neighbors distrusting neighbors. You created a Caladin outside its own white walls. Yet, when the moment came to take Kaid¡¯s Oblivion¡­moments, I should say, you¡¯ve failed every single time.


    ¡°I can understand the first failure. Kaid is an excellent fighter despite not fighting for long. He caught you off guard. You cut his hand off and had you done anything further, Mara would have killed you. So, you stuck close, gained your sister¡¯s trust, and you finally have the opportunity to do it without Mara around¡­and you fail. If you are to continue with this mission, I need to know why.¡±


    How could Alec explain it all? Of course he had been careful and calculated this. He had made it so far into Kaid¡¯s room, fingers pressed against that broad forehead of his. He had reached the inside of his nodule, right where his Oblivion was located. But before he could remove it¡­he heard Zarya¡¯s voice, clear as day. Grief had overcome him since the day she died so much that he forgot just how soft it was.


    Zarya was somehow inside Kaid¡¯s mind, which was impossible. Zarya didn¡¯t have Oblivion, Alec knew that. So how the hell was she there? It had frightened him so much he had lost concentration, nearly stumbling over his own feet. And when he saw the pale hand that was his sister¡¯s wrapped around Kaid¡¯s waist in their sleep, he knew he couldn¡¯t hurt Kaid that night. He knew that Jessamine would know one way or another, that if his intentions were strong enough in his mind to kill Kaid, she¡¯d sense it.


    And then she¡¯d know it was him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Jessamine to be in his room. Again, I didn¡¯t think they were in a relationship. When I got close enough, I could smell it, smell her¡­¡± Alec explained.


    ¡°Smell her? You mean, her Oblivion?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Her scent has always been interesting as a child: roses. Most days, they¡¯d smell rotten, on rare days it was like smelling the fresh first bloom. When I got into Kaid¡¯s mind, I could smell it. The Empress is asleep but the Mind Witch is always awake. If I had removed Kaid¡¯s Oblivion, she would have known. And if that happened, she would have invaded every inch of my mind and found out where my orders came from¡­¡± Alec sighed, ¡°So I did what I thought was right and walked away. I didn¡¯t expect Ingrid to be awake when I returned. Again, she would have told Jessamine. I did my best to incapacitate her, but she fell into my blade. I had no choice.¡±


    Vrah remained quiet, hoping that Alec would show signs of fabricating his story. But, he was telling the truth. Vrah knew now he couldn¡¯t necessarily blame Alec at that moment. He had to make a choice, and even if it became this mess, then it was better than Jessamine finding out entirely. There would be no remorse if the details of this plan were revealed to her.


    ¡°Now, I need you to be honest with me. I never questioned it before because I didn¡¯t care. I want Kaid to suffer, even more now than before. But¡­what do you mean to do with him alive and without Oblivion?¡± Alec questioned, knowing Vrah didn¡¯t have to tell him.


    But Alec was the only one to give Lungor what they wanted, and it was coming at a great cost.


    ¡°What does time take from us that is so¡­so deadly?¡± Vrah asked, ¡°An eternal punishment given to everyone, but not so equally?¡±


    Alec was getting tired of his riddles, but if this was the only way to get an answer, so be it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he shrugged, soon realizing he had just thought of it moments prior. He had forgotten the exact pitch of Zarya¡¯s voice. He was forgetting which side her blond hair parted. He was forgetting the look of her ingrained in his memories. Memory.


    ¡°Memories. You plan to take his away¡­¡± Alec whispered.


    ¡°Yes. All of them. Every. Single. One.¡±


    -


    Grief had many stages. But to be aggrieved for so long, those stages were no longer cyclical, they became tiers of motivation.


    When she had lost her mother, denial was the stage she sung upon. When she thought she had lost Kaid, she had reached the bargaining stage. Now with the loss of Ingrid, she thought she¡¯d cycle through another one. Depression perhaps? Acceptance?


    Revenge wasn¡¯t part of the cycle, but it would always be the final stage, greater and stronger than any acceptance.


    Kaid walked up to the flat rooftop of the Sand Castle with a small tray in hand, seeing Jessamine overlook the sun underneath some shade. She turned slightly upon seeing it was him, offering a false smile of reassurance.


    ¡°That Arilla lawyer for Ingrid¡¯s will should be arriving soon. I brought some breakfast,¡± Kaid placed the tray down gently, sliding it off his palm to the table.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Jessamine politely declined.


    ¡°Jess, you must eat,¡± Kaid insisted softly. She had barely eaten anything these past few days. Of course Kaid knew what that felt like. Feeling so empty inside, the stomach could feel just as void. But she would need her energy. She needed her strength for what was to come.


    She sighed, almost as if wanting to pick a fight about something so miniscule as this. She knew Kaid was right, that he was only trying to be sweet and take care of her. Kaid fixed her a small plate of toast with fig and cheese spread, a few grapes on the side as well before pouring her a cup of tea.


    ¡°Here, a small plate. If you eat this, I won¡¯t ask you to eat anything ever again,¡± Kaid promised, setting it down at her side on the balcony edge.


    Jessamine looked at it, then at him, ¡°Fig jam? That¡¯s only in Northern Vitross.¡±


    ¡°And I requested the kitchen staff to give some to Bridger upon his portalling visit back and forth. It arrived late last night. The kitchen staff here didn¡¯t like the idea of a fig spread but I insisted,¡± Kaid replied. Comfort food could be a spark of relief to pain. Even something as small as fig spread or sailing or¡­whatever Jessamine liked could be just enough to revive her.


    Her face softened at that, feeling a quiver in her emotions but she swallowed it down.


    ¡°On days like these, I feel so undeserving of you,¡± she admitted with a whisper.


    Kaid approached her closer at that, wrapping his arms from behind to embrace her gently. He knew grief was hard. He remembered how painful it was when he lost Sebastian, all the stages he threw himself into, how his anger had consumed him to take Caladin. The easier moments were when Jessamine had insisted on being at his side, there every morning and evening to talk or hold him. It was the least thing someone could do for the person they loved.


    He kissed the side of her forehead gently as he squeezed her tightly in the embrace, ¡°You were there for me on my darkest days, as I know you will be in the future when it gets dark again. While I can wish for a future with you of constant sunshine and light, I know that is not the truth of life. But I assure you, the sun shines bright and powerful on you, on us, and that will always overcome any clouds that try to stop it.¡±


    ¡°Has she spoken to you?¡± Jessamine asked, ¡°Is she there, in the Void?¡±


    She was meaning Ingrid. Kaid knew she asked for some kind of solace, just peace that Ingrid was able to find her own. The Void was so¡­unknown. Kaid didn¡¯t think he¡¯d ever understand it and even the souls that lingered there didn¡¯t know either. Kaid was never really meant to reach that place, so the laws of such nature were still obscure.


    ¡°No,¡± Kaid answered honestly, ¡°Not yet. She will be there in her own time. I think it takes time for souls to arrive there. My mother says plenty stay away to linger in their own memories, stay in the past until they are ready to view the present. Some choose to never go into the Void. I don¡¯t know why, I don¡¯t know if anyone does.¡±


    She thought for a moment in that grief, remembering how much it had overwhelmed him a few years ago, ¡°Is¡­is Sebastian in the Void?¡±


    No. Kaid had never received a hint of his presence. It was the most painful, yet most freeing aspect of the Void. Sebastian could be anywhere, and maybe he didn¡¯t wish to speak to Kaid. Maybe he knew his young presence would only torment his father-figure. Or, he was so mad at him dying by his own hands that he couldn¡¯t stand the thought of facing his killer.


    ¡°No,¡± Kaid whispered quietly, feeling Jessamine¡¯s hands rest on his arms to caress softly, ¡°Well, maybe he is. It is not my role to go searching there. It feels wrong to even be there, as if I¡¯m breaking the rules.¡±


    She nodded at that, knowing that the mysteries of life would never be completely solved, ¡°Does it feel any different since you¡¯ve been locked out?¡±


    Kaid had been locked out, unbeknownst to him at the morning of Ingrid¡¯s death, at least temporarily. His mother, and Jessamine¡¯s as well, had no explanation. Kaid wasn¡¯t in the Void in his sleep that night. All his mother could sense was that something was wrong, and she was the one to urge him to wake up. Yet they too, just like Kaid and Jessamine, walked into this blind. Nobody knew what had happened, but at least it felt like nothing had changed.


    ¡°It feels like there¡¯s someone there that knows something I don¡¯t¡­like it¡¯s all a game,¡± Kaid sighed, ¡°but it feels like a distraction and nothing more. I need to focus on the task at hand, focus on Pestilence and¡­¡±


    ¡°One day at a time,¡± Jessamine nodded, squeezing his hand before reaching for some toast. Kaid was glad she was eating, even if it was only very little. Yet that changed as she slowly finished the small plate he had made for her before looking at the tray.


    ¡°Want more?¡± Kaid asked, offering to make another plate for her.


    ¡°Yes, but I can retrieve it myself, make a plate for you as well,¡± she smiled faintly, turning just enough to kiss his lips before slipping out of his grasp.


    That was the plan all along. Sometimes all it could take was a bite to get that appetite back. Kaid had a feeling as soon as she got a taste of that jam, she¡¯d go back for seconds. That would be more eaten in a few minutes than she ate most of this week.


    ¡°So, let¡¯s run with the Pestilence theory for a moment,¡± Jessamine insisted, handing him the plate of food with more carbs than fruit, figuring he¡¯d eat the remaining toast, ¡°Pestilence is in Uhkhtar, but it¡¯s not the man you killed. The man who threatened to take it away from me, or rather, I believed he did until you killed him. Let¡¯s say he was never Pestilence. Someone else was. Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, following Shailud and Vrah¡¯s speculative plan, they were using you as bait, setting up a trap. What they probably didn¡¯t expect was for me to be on that train so quickly. And if they had planned for it, they probably assumed I wouldn¡¯t kill everyone on sight and have Mara completely derail it,¡± Kaid hummed, taking a big bite of toast.


    ¡°To be fair, it sounded like Mara didn¡¯t plan on derailing the whole thing either¡­¡± Jessamine teased softly, Kaid glad she could still have some jest.


    ¡°True. She didn¡¯t. So, maybe Pestilence wasn¡¯t even on the train. He was at the place they were delivering you to. That way, I go for that trap. If Shailud got there before me, I¡¯d be even more outnumbered. They subdue me, Shailud ¡®rescues¡¯ you and¡­they get what they want.¡±


    ¡°And we still don¡¯t know what that is¡­¡±


    ¡°My Oblivion taken,¡± Kaid assumed.


    ¡°Even without your Oblivion, you¡¯re still a splendid fighter and an even greater person,¡± Jessamine shook her head, ¡°They¡¯d be better off killing you, no offense darling.¡±


    ¡°None taken,¡± he hummed, ¡°that is probably in their ultimate end goal somewhere, place the blame of Caladin on me, same with the Time Paradox, ultimately get the world to hate me where they¡¯d have no choice but to kill me. In doing so, they¡¯d mark themselves as heroes.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a very familiar plan. Lungor seems to have this brilliant idea that they can villainize us. In doing so, history will be written in their favor. And maybe it already has. They¡¯ve done it before, tried it before with me, and ultimately will keep doing it. All because they¡¯ve succeeded in the past.¡±


    ¡°Unless we show the world they¡¯re the real villains,¡± Kaid sighed. He had been so close. He thought he was so close to ripping their mask off with Caladin but it hadn¡¯t been enough. The prisoners didn¡¯t rise with him, only turned on each other. They could have inspired change, true justice and not in just the form of blades.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Which meant if they were going to attempt this again, they¡¯d have to be careful.


    ¡°There is a chance Pestilence isn¡¯t necessarily around Lungor¡¯s leash, though,¡± Jessamine chimed.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°If I were someone with that much power, someone who could cause that much fear¡­of course I would want the most powerful people close to me. Emperor Bashir, Shailud, hell, even myself. Everyone would, and should, be vying for Pestilence¡¯s trust. If he could remove Oblivion just like that, it¡¯s enough to frighten people. And if you can scare them, you control them. Lungor may think Pestilence is an ally, but he, or she, could turn on them whenever they choose.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible, due to that, that Lungor doesn¡¯t even know his or her true nature then?¡± Kaid asked.


    ¡°No. Vrah wouldn¡¯t let anyone get that close or powerful to his father without knowing Pestilence¡¯s true name and form. Whatever they offer Pestilence, it¡¯s either held against them, or¡­¡±


    ¡°Or¡­they¡¯re giving Pestilence something they want,¡± Kaid added, seeing Jessamine nod.


    Kaid sighed at that, sitting down on the daybed to run his good hand through the curls of his hair. He could hear the whispers of doubt in his mind, ghosts lingering amongst the neurons, stimulating them with their ghoulish touches.


    This is all your fault.


    Immediately, he could feel Jessamine sit beside him, forcibly taking his hand to hold in her lap.


    ¡°Kaid, don¡¯t go there,¡± she pleaded with a whisper.


    ¡°How can I not?¡± he scoffed.


    ¡°If you blame yourself, then you must blame me,¡± she demanded, seeing the surprised look in his eyes.


    His weary, wet eyes glared up at her with that statement, ¡°Jessamine, I can¡¯t put any of this on you.¡±


    ¡°If you believe this to be your doing, that this is the sum of consequences laid at your feet, then you must point your finger at the one truly responsible. It was my plan to get you out of Caladin. Under Payne¡¯s guidance, it was me who tried to seduce you, use you, for both your power and heritage. It was me who went to Caladin and helped you kill a few more sick bastards. And most of all, it was me that fell susceptible to Payne¡¯s disguise, all for you to stop and change the world in a matter of twenty four minutes,¡± she explained.


    ¡°You had your reasons, Jess.¡±


    ¡°Do your reasons not matter, Kaid? You do not need to justify them to the world, nor in front of a jury that can plead your guilt. All you need to do is believe your own reasons, to trust yourself, and ultimately believe you made the best decision with the knowledge you had. And there is no doubt in the forty years of your chaotic life that you¡¯ve made mistakes. Fuck, I¡¯ve made so many too. But I have to believe the good ones I¡¯ve made can outweigh those mistakes. Kaid, you¡¯re a good man, the best man I¡¯ve ever met. And you don¡¯t deserve to carry guilt for actions you made out of such goodness.¡±


    He sighed heavily but nodded, knowing she was right. It was something he could accept the minute her soft voice spoke it. But to believe it in the context of him? That was different. Such belief would take time to sow. If it started from being planted in his soul from Jessamine, he knew it was in good hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered, ¡°I didn¡¯t want my guilt to overwhelm your own grief.¡±


    ¡°We are both grieving this together. She meant a lot to both of us,¡± she whispered, kissing his cheek, ¡°I have a feeling this little daybed exists solely in getting a lot of things off our chest.¡±


    Over two years ago, she sat here under the evening stars and spilled the beginnings of her truth to Kaid, the darkness of her powers, the killing nature in her blood¡­and most of all what Alec had believed her to be: a monster. Maybe he had been right. Yet if vengeance was monstrous, then what did that make revenge?


    Kaid smiled faintly at that, leaning into her, ¡°We¡¯ll find Pestilence.¡±


    ¡°We will. The hardest part will be what will we do when we find them?¡± Jessamine agreed. There was no doubt in her mind that Pestilence couldn¡¯t hide themselves for much longer. It was very possible Pestilence wasn¡¯t the one to attempt murder on Kaid¡¯s life, and succeed in the murder of her Aunt and beloved butler. But if it was, Jessamine would make them pay.


    Bridger poked his head from the outside stairs, ¡°Empress, that lawyer is here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Bridger. You¡¯ve been on the move so much this week. Why don¡¯t you take today and tomorrow off?¡± Jessamine stood up, still holding Kaid¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind at all, Lady Jessamine,¡± he smiled, ¡°But do alert me if I am needed. I am always here to help.¡±


    Bridger certainly still felt he had quite a lot to make up for with how he had assisted Payne in his attempts to usurp. But, he was glad Jessamine didn¡¯t seem to hold a grudge about that. And that was all thanks to Kaid, a man who could give perspective to all aspects of a crime. He was the one to show her what forgiveness looked like, and in return she bestowed it to others.


    Kaid and Jessamine walked towards Ingrid¡¯s office. Upon the sight of seeing Alec waiting outside the door as well, Kaid was quick to let go of his beloved¡¯s hand. Yet, Jessamine snatched it back, holding it firmly. If she was going to reveal the truth she wanted to hide (all for her brother¡¯s sake and not her own), she wouldn¡¯t hide it any more. Kaid swallowed hard as Alec looked at them, then their intertwined hands.


    ¡°Empress! Apologies we must meet on such dreadful terms, but I assure you this should not take too long. Ingrid fully planned for a moment like this, may she rest in peace,¡± the lawyer bowed, which Jessamine bowed in return, following after him.


    ¡°Kaid, I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t mind waiting outside. Family affairs only,¡± Alec pointed out.


    Jessamine was about to speak before the lawyer cleared his throat, ¡°Apologies, Mister Kruzika. Kaid Al-Yami is mentioned in her will¡­unlike you.¡±


    ¡°Dear brother, this shouldn¡¯t take long if you wish to wait outside,¡± Jessamine snarkily replied, still bitter about how he handled his grief a week ago. She tugged at Kaid¡¯s hand pulling him inside. Kaid so badly wanted to retort to Alec with a silent smirk, but he had to rise above that. He had to be better than Alec.


    That was proving harder to do with each day that passed.


    Jessamine and Kaid discussed with the lawyer the terms laid out in her will. Jessamine was to practically inherit everything: the Sand Castle, the accumulated wealth of the Monnier fortune, and the remaining relics existing within the fortress. Kaid was bestowed all of the Sand Castle library, all the books were his to claim which Ingrid had wished him to take them all back to the Vitross Library. Kaid was glad to have known another book lover such as himself, one taken away far too soon.


    Jessamine didn¡¯t know what to do about the Sand Castle. In some aspects, she felt like it held no purpose. It would be more of a graveyard than a lively place for trade and commerce it once was. But¡­what if it could become that again? What if she could inspire, and also keep such an alliance strong in this region with someone willing to take this place over? Someone who felt a bit lost in the world right now.


    Persephone.


    Now, what to do with the relics? Kaid and Jessamine discussed it with the lawyer that it was probably best to return those to their proper cultures. While the relics had been safeguarded from pirates in the days of old, such villains did not exist any longer. This place could no longer be a museum with no occupants to enjoy such history. Instead, that history had to be returned to the people who owned it. Kaid was very excited that it would open up the possibility of meeting new people from different cultures to return these. It would also put Jessamine¡¯s rule in a more favorable light, even if amongst the smaller cultures that had no weight in her rule.


    Jessamine knew from the verbiage in the will, written by Ingrid herself, these items and gifts were not meant for her to hold on her own terms, for her own pleasures. Same as the books for Kaid, as Ingrid wished them to fill the Vitross libraries. They were meant for everyone, but they would be most meaningful at all for the two of them.


    ¡°The final note in her will is¡­¡± the lawyer paused to laugh, looking up at the two, ¡°My final wish, one I know perhaps I will not see in my lifetime, is for Jessamine Alexandra Kruzika to marry Kaid Al-Yami. If not, I will haunt the both of you for the rest of your lonely lives.¡±


    Kaid and Jessamine both laughed loudly at that, wiping a few stray tears from previous words spoken. How thoughtful of Ingrid to add a bit of playful spite to the words of love. The lawyer left the room, leaving them alone for a moment to the news and their thoughts.


    ¡°Just like she will arrive in the Void¡­so will we get married¡­all in our own time,¡± Kaid whispered, squeezing her hand.


    All in good time. Time. Time that felt so everlasting yet so short. Time that was so beautifully good yet so painfully evil. There was no escaping that. But the best things in life were maybe the things we couldn¡¯t escape from.


    Now, the only thing ahead of them was a funeral procession, with a beautiful wedding to counter such grief. Even with a future so bleak, amidst those moments of shadows were chances to finally see a future so bright. That was what could counter the darkness.


    -


    Kaid and Kiev stood outside the main Sand Castle hall doors as the funeral participants and grieving parties arrived. While most of the their friends would have their hearts full of sorrow and also peace, the two men had their guards up. It wasn¡¯t uncommon for murderers to be at their victim¡¯s funerals, even more so, if their true target had still gotten away.


    Kaid didn¡¯t know what could have stopped Pestilence, or whomever this murderer was, from killing him.


    The line of grieving souls began to linger, Kaid and Kiev slowly closing the door almost entirely as they would await the last ten minutes for any late guests. The hall was quiet. So quiet the crashing waves in the distance could be heard along with the gulls crying in their grief as well. Kaid¡¯s eyes slowly glanced at Kiev, seeing the Captain of the Guard contemplating something. Whatever it was, Kaid did not wish to pry. Yet, it seems he didn¡¯t have to.


    ¡°What do we do about Alec?¡± Kiev sighed, looking down at his polished shoes.


    ¡°Is there anything we can do?¡± Kaid asked, ¡°The man can make his own decisions.¡±


    Kiev grunted at that, knowing he was right. But it didn¡¯t help their dilemma. Kiev no longer recognized his old friend. Or maybe it was Kiev that was so unrecognizable to his friend. Both could be inherently true.


    ¡°Kaid, I¡­¡± Kiev paused, looking across at him, ¡°I must know.¡±


    ¡°Must know what?¡±


    ¡°Did Alec cut off your hand?¡± Kiev asked, his voice firm and demanding, yet there was pity in his eyes as the blue irises gazed down at the stump of his left limb.


    ¡°Kiev¡­I-¡±


    ¡°Do not bullshit me, Kaid. You won¡¯t do any favors in protecting him. You¡¯re my friend. No, you¡¯re like my brother, Kaid. Maybe you do not feel the same but, ever since you defeated me in that duel, I could not hate you. I know you saw me fighting with you against Payne as me merely doing my duty, but I also believed in you. I still believe in you, especially after Uhkhtar. What I do not believe is that Alec has come here with good intentions, nor did he begin having them.¡±


    Kaid hesitated for a moment before nodding, ¡°It was an accident.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get bullshit, only a half-truth,¡± Kiev laughed softly, shaking his head, ¡°Alec does a lot of stupid things, but he¡¯s never done a lot as a mistake or an accident. I don¡¯t know how you do it. How do you wake up every day and look that man in the face and not feel¡­¡± Anger? Rage? How could anyone know there was no justice committed against the man that amputated him?


    Who was to say he did not? Kaid held his rage and aggression in because he knew the dangers of it. Yet, he knew it could take the wrong ignition to set him aflame, worse than any graphite explosion. Of course he had rage. He just didn¡¯t see what instilling that rage to Alec would change, most of all now, when everyone he loved was still grieving.


    Kaid felt a shift in the wind slightly, the hairs on his arms sticking up. A presence lingered between the two men, almost as if trying to slip past. Kaid didn¡¯t hesitate to unsheath his emerald blade, quickly slowing time to feel the physical being between them. Harshly, Kaid shoved him into the nearest pillar, the invisible Oblivion fading as Kaid held a blade to the intruder¡¯s throat.


    Held a blade to his half-brother¡¯s throat, that is.


    ¡°Whoa, easy there brother,¡± Vrah laughed softly, raising his hands in surrender, ¡°I¡¯ve just come to give my condolences for the funeral.¡±


    ¡°By sneaking in?¡± Kiev questioned, unsheathing his sword, ¡°I do not believe you were invited.¡±


    ¡°I was sneaking in because Jessamine was the one who demanded I do not speak to you, Kaid, without your permission,¡± Vrah reminded, soon glancing down at Kaid¡¯s nonexistent hand, ¡°So, it¡¯s true? I¡¯m sorry about your hand, Kaid.¡±


    ¡°Like hell you are,¡± Kaid scowled, soon looking at Kiev, ¡°go tell Jessamine, now.¡±


    Kiev nodded immediately, although had a weary sense about leaving Kaid alone momentarily. Vrah certainly was a good fighter, but it didn¡¯t seem he had any intentions at the moment to harm his half-brother. At least, not directly. Assassinations were much more his style.


    When Kiev left, Vrah relaxed, thinking Kaid would do the same and slowly release him. Yet, Kaid had turned his blade around in his hand, digging the pommel deep into Vrah¡¯s ribcage. The Emperor Consort immediately winced, glaring into Kaid¡¯s eyes with shock.


    ¡°What? You thought I¡¯d be happy to see you?¡± Kaid¡¯s voice darkened, digging the pommel further.


    ¡°The last time we saw each other, we were on good terms-¡± Vrah exhaled sharply before holding back a groan of pain. His fingers slowly trailed down to his own belt line, but he had no intention of drawing his own blade.


    ¡°That was long before you surrounded Vitross with a blockade to try and get me, also long before you tried to get with Jessamine and use her love for me to your advantage. That¡¯s all you Lungorians are good at: using people.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you are half-Lungorian too,¡± Vrah laughed, ¡°You think Jess wasn¡¯t using me, too? You think I didn¡¯t know that the only reason she bruised her knees for me was to protect you? Why¡¯d you even still want that whore?¡±


    Kaid moved the blade to his throat, watching the thinness of it millimeters away from his throbbing throat, ¡°You¡¯re the whore if all it took was sucking your small dick and faking orgasms was enough to persuade you.¡±


    Vrah drew his own blade now at that out of anger, pushing Kaid off him. Before Kaid could trade his knife for his own foldable sword, the sound of someone approaching him from behind slowed his actions. It wasn¡¯t the familiar sound of Jessamine¡¯s heels or the soft clangs of the funeral bands around her wrist.


    ¡°Oh, my boy, you¡¯re so prone to violence¡­¡± a deep voice spoke condescendingly, raising the hairs on the back of Kaid¡¯s neck.


    When Kaid craned his neck slightly, he noticed Emperor¡¯s Bashir¡¯s eyes resting on Kaid, not Vrah. That sentence was the first one Bashir had ever spoken to Kaid, from a father to son. Not since he had taken his memory. Even in the moment in Uhkhtar, making peace with Jessamine, Bashir had never acknowledged him. Now, that seemed to change.


    ¡°...it¡¯s no wonder we had to put you there where we did¡­¡± he finished his sentence.


    Caladin. As if Kaid had been violent beforehand. That was the place that had made him the monster Bashir seemed to hate.


    The door to Kaid¡¯s left opened, Jessamine exiting with her own blade tucked between her fingers and the edge of her black dress sleeve. She was ready to act if necessary, given the news of Vrah¡¯s presence. Yet her aggressive, protective demeanor faltered upon seeing Bashir here as well. She slid the knife up her sleeve more to hide it, eyes scanning her beloved for any injuries before looking at the Emperor.


    ¡°Emperor Bashir, to what do I owe this interruption?¡± Jessamine asked, her voice laced with frustration and annoyance.


    ¡°We came to offer our condolences. Ingrid Monnier was also a great friend and ally to us as well, if you may recall,¡± Bashir bowed his head slightly out of politeness.


    Then perhaps Alec was telling the truth. It was very possible Bashir had coordinated with Ingrid to send her younger sister, Alexandra at the time, to woo the young Emperor Kristoff of Vitross. Both would have aligned interests, one being access to gold and fame, the other having a direct line to the throne.


    ¡°You should have sent a letter or form of correspondence,¡± Jessamine hummed, ¡°I don¡¯t like surprises showing up at my doorstep.¡±


    ¡°We also would like to put some money towards a reward to whoever finds Ingrid¡¯s killer. Any information may help, and some might be incentivized by a nice reward for information or location of the murderer,¡± Bashir continued.


    ¡°You¡¯d just be paying yourself,¡± Kaid muttered under his breath, but not quiet enough.


    ¡°You think we had something to do with this?!¡± Vrah shouted, ¡°Is that an accusation?!¡±


    Kaid noticed Jessamine had taken the moment of Vrah¡¯s outburst of emotions to pry, her eyes darkening at the use of her Oblivion. She exited his thoughts just as quickly as she had entered, hoping her infiltration wasn¡¯t noticeable in the slightest. Given his outburst and confusion, it was rather unlikely.


    ¡°Vrah, hold your tongue. Kaid was merely making an observation,¡± Bashir demanded, ¡°They have a right to be cautious. But again, you must realize all the assassination attempts against you in the past were done by the Confederation. And that terrorist organization was manipulated by Payne, not us. We are allies, Jessamine, and we hope to continue to be. Lungor is not full of killers, as you might think.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you tell yourself so you can sleep better at night? Is that the lie you force yourself to believe when you murdered my mother in front of me and stole my memory!?¡± Kaid shouted. At that, Jessamine moved towards him, her hand resting gently on his wrist. She wasn¡¯t telling him to control himself, in fact she was more than willing to spill blood here if needed. But, she didn¡¯t think it would be necessary if Kaid spoke wisely.


    Bashir¡¯s face held confusion in his dark brown eyes, almost shock. If he had removed Kaid¡¯s memories, how could he have even known that? Perhaps one could recover their memories over time, even if forcibly removed.


    ¡°Tell him, father, tell Vrah!¡± Kaid insisted, raising his voice and Jessamine tightened her grip on his wrist, ¡°Tell him what your plan was! You stole my memory, threw me into Caladin. You waited and you waited, not killing me, wanting to grow my powers so that you could use them. You wanted Caladin to defeat me, so that when the moment came to remove me from such prison, you could groom me into being your true heir. Isn¡¯t that right? Vrah had no intention of being your future Emperor. He¡¯s weak, in your eyes. But me? You wanted me for my potential, for my rage, for my violence that you just berated me for moments ago!¡±


    Kaid¡­watch your temper, Farah¡¯s voice whispered in his head.


    ¡°What is he talking about?¡± Vrah asked as he looked at Bashir.


    ¡°Kaid, you¡¯ve always been an ignorant, unintelligent fool,¡± Bashir shook his head, ¡°There was a reason you were in Caladin for thirty years, and if I had my way, you¡¯d still be in there for the rest of your days.¡±


    ¡°Jessamine, what is he talking about?¡± Vrah now asked her, referring the ¡®he¡¯ now about his own father.


    She swallowed hard, feeling backed into a slight corner, ¡°It¡¯s true. Payne and I pulled Kaid out of Caladin knowing Bashir was making his own similar plan. He wouldn¡¯t have pulled Kaid out if he didn¡¯t have something planned for him, wouldn¡¯t you? Whether as a weapon of war¡­or as a future heir.¡±


    ¡°Kaid¡¯s a weapon and nothing more, a tool to be used and disposed of. How hypocritical of you Jessamine, to wield him also as a tool under the guise of your affection,¡± Bashir insisted, ¡°Vrah, let¡¯s leave. It seems our presence isn¡¯t welcome.¡±


    Kaid moved gently to step in front of Jessamine, but she still nudged herself in front of him to protect him.


    ¡°It never was,¡± Jessamine retorted, ¡°The same goes for the wedding. Do not show up there too, uninvited. You won¡¯t get the same ¡®politeness¡¯ I give to you now.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I want answers,¡± Vrah insisted.


    ¡°NOW, Vrah!¡± Bashir shouted, shocking his son into submission. Vrah slowly nodded, still holding his blade before standing behind his father. His eyes moved to Kaid. All Kaid could decipher was hesitation, and a hint of fear. Perhaps Vrah was more victim than perpetrator than Kaid believed him to be. Regardless, they were brothers on two different sides of the fight. Vrah would be foolish to think his side was the right one.


    The Emperor and Emperor-Consort left, not being able to grieve for a funeral they had no intention of shedding tears over.


    Jessamine swallowed hard, her hand slightly shaking as it left Kaid¡¯s wrist. Kaid noticed, sheathing his blade before taking her hand. She held his fingers tightly with her own, her eyes watching her enemies leave. The moment their shadows were no longer on her horizon, her eyes closed.


    ¡°What did you see, Jess?¡± Kaid asked, his voice now a whisper. He knew she had seen something, a glimpse of what they truly wanted in their minds.


    ¡°What they¡¯ve always wanted, yet it¡¯s never been so close as it is now,¡± she replied with her own whisper, her voice soft and delicate yet on the verge of breaking with fury. How dare they come here, show their faces after truly believing their actions did not lead to Ingrid¡¯s death. It had to have been them. Who else could it be? Even if it was Pestilence, that terrorist had orders.


    ¡°War,¡± Jessamine swallowed at her own answer, her blue eyes growing cold with ice as she warned her lover, ¡°I saw war. And after this wedding, they will get what they¡¯ve wished for.¡±

 Chapter Twenty Five

    Amelia felt the fragile touches of her son behind her. The farm maiden¡¯s eyes burned with tears, tears of sorrow and smoke. Evening skies normally full of beautiful sunsets were covered only by a blanket of black. The scent of her neighbors farms and homesteads burning away their livelihoods was a great enough warning.


    A body, or land.


    That was what Lungor requested of this small farming village to the west. Hythe had always been an agricultural homestead, bordered between Vitross and Lungor only with the river and slight mountainside to geographically lock them inside the tyrannical empire. There had been rumors of Lungorian tax collectors and soldiers roaming the countryside demanding a forced conscription. Amelia had not believed it then, she should have believed it now.


    Her son was only fifteen, and despite being a capable farmer to their little agrarian field, he was disabled in his mind, nonverbal and mute. A boy like that would not survive in a war, not without his mother or any support. Amelia could not let her son be taken away. He would die, and she doubted Lungor¡¯s enemies would hold any sympathy for a boy like himself.


    But if her farm burned down, there was no chance to rebuild. There was barely any chance at livelihood.


    The six soldiers, soldiers to Duke Larsen who presided over this Lungor precinct, all stood around the village with a wagon piling with scared, youthful boys. Boys who shouldn¡¯t have to go to war. Boys who had no choice. The men had been taken months ago, and only the youth remained. Soon, there wouldn¡¯t be any left.


    ¡°Boy! Here, now! Or your home burns!¡± the lead captain demanded to Amelia¡¯s son, who still cowered behind his mother.


    ¡°Please! He does not understand. He is no good in war,¡± Amelia stumbled over her choked tears, ¡°He can barely milk a cow, let alone carry a blade. He will be no use to Lungor. Please, I¡¯ll do anything. Anything!¡±


    The six men laughed heartily at that, as if they hadn¡¯t heard that before.


    ¡°Do you smell that, darling? Don¡¯t you like the smell of burning brick and straw? The smell of livestock burning? This land you¡¯re on doesn¡¯t belong to you. It belongs to Lungor. Emperor Bashir needs every able bodied man at his disposal. Such is the price to cultivate and live on these beautiful lands. So, pay up,¡± the man scowled, drawing his blade.


    Amelia¡¯s son, Abel, stirred at the sight of the weapon, cowering even more.


    ¡°Please¡­he¡¯s just a boy,¡± Amelia sobbed.


    The captain stowed his sword away again, this time approaching her. He reeked of whiskey and sweat, overpowering that of any smoke filling the late afternoon sky. The stench alone made Amelia wince, and the feeling of his finger brushing away the redhead¡¯s tears only pained her more.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d do anything?¡± he whispered, lust and power riddled in his dark eyes.


    Amelia knew what he insinuated, but it meant saving her son, such was a price to pay. Her wet eyes looked behind the man, seeing the other young boys shivering with fear in that wagon. They knew they were sacrificing their lives. Not for something great like glory or honor. They sacrificed the lives of their families, so that Hythe and any of the other western villages could remain free to farm in peace. Sending her son there meant never seeing him again.


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± she stammered, the fear in her voice only increasing that dark power residing in the men around her.


    He hummed in delight at her answer, ¡°You are a pretty thing, aren¡¯t you? Mm, I have a habit of desecrating beautiful things such as yourself. Give me a good time, and maybe I will consider not burning down this beautiful abode as well.¡±


    Abel, in defense of his mother, had shoved the guard away, knocking him to his feet.


    ¡°Why you little¡­! So you can fight,¡± he spat, rising to his feet before slapping the back of his hand across the young man¡¯s skull, knocking him to the ground this time.


    ¡°Abel!¡± she shouted before feeling a hand around her throat, pulling her close.


    ¡°My patience wanes thin, girl! You have three choices: your son, your home, or your body. Which is mine?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite enough!¡± A sharp, strong feminine voice rose over the crowd. The captain along with six of his men glanced over at the small commotion to see who spoke such audacious words.


    Jessamine stepped forward, her face shrouded by a leather hood and thin fabric across the lower half of her face. She possessed no blades in her hands, despite wearing light armor across the leather, clearly not dressed like any of the other villagers. She stood out amongst the crowd, yet had slipped in rather unnoticed, until now.


    ¡°And who are you, bitch?!¡± the captain laughed, his men following at the audacity.


    Jessamine curtsied slightly, coming up and allowing the hood to remove itself with gravity, revealing dark auburn hair and blue eyes.


    ¡°Empress Jessamine of Vitross, Lady of House Kruzika, Admiral of the most powerful Navy in the Continent, and the Time Paradox Interluder. At your service,¡± she answered, ¡°But, bitch works just as well, if my titles are too long for your taste.¡±


    The crowd gasped and murmured at the revelation, the villagers not expecting this commotion to be conspired by the Empress, their sworn enemy.


    ¡°You dare invade Lungor and shed blood?!¡± The captain asked, fear laced in his voice. He had not expected anyone to interrupt his work, except a few family members who thought they could take him, but they could be handled easily. An Empress on foreign soil, not so much.


    ¡°Who said anything about shedding blood? I wish to speak with your Duke, Duke Larsen. I hear, these days, the old man locks himself away in that little castle of his,¡± Jessamine laughed, taking a few steps closer, ¡°Let go of the woman. I will not shed blood, you have my word.¡±


    The guard laughed with uncertainty, still having his hand around her throat, glancing around. His own soldiers were terrified, hands lingering around their blades but they were too worried about the consequences of actually drawing them. Jessamine appeared to be alone, but just about everyone could assume she wasn¡¯t. If Jessamine was here, her Lord Protector was not far.


    LET HER GO.


    The words commanded in his ear reached his fingers, prying away from her throat as he took a step away in fear. His own body betrayed him, just as he would have betrayed her body if Jessamine had not intervened. Jessamine always missed the fear in a man¡¯s eyes when his body betrayed him, how she could use them against their will, just as they used to do to others.


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± Jess replied sweetly, ¡°Now, again about the meeting with your Duke.¡±


    ¡°He will not see you. He holds no loyalty to you-¡±


    ¡°And you think Emperor Bashir holds any loyalty to him, to you? To this village? Tell me, the Emperor who increased taxes to pay for his mistake with Arilla is now also demanding young men to be rounded up like lambs to slaughter¡­and you still think he has your best interests in mind?¡± Jessamine questioned, ¡°All I ask is for an audience.¡±


    ¡°Why? So you can invade his mind and give him commands, you mind-witch?!¡±


    ¡°Ooh, don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s your best insult,¡± Jessamine approached him, closing the distance to only a couple of feet, ¡°Tell me, if you reject this offer and bloodspill occurs, will anyone miss you? You think the Duke will mourn his best soldier or will he train another one to replace you?¡±


    ¡°If you think you can kill me-¡± The soldier spat before hearing five bodies behind him collapse into the dirt and the gasps of the crowd in front of him. He didn¡¯t need to turn around to know his men writhed and seized on the ground with ailments, rendered useless before going unconscious. Jessamine kept her eyes steeled on the man in front of her, not needing to blink to unleash her terror, not even sweating a drop above her brow.


    ¡°You men are so stubborn. You get so rigid for a man who won¡¯t protect you, it makes me wonder what sex you do grow hard for. It surely can¡¯t be women,¡± she whispered, her voice cold, ¡°An audience with your Duke, that¡¯s what I want. Can you provide? Or must we do this the hard way?¡±


    The man shook in fear, but amidst that fear, delusion took over him. What if he could kill the great Empress of Vitross? Lungor would shower him with gold and glory. He¡¯d end a war before a battle was even fought! He¡¯d be worshipped as a hero. Jessamine stood there, rather unimpressed. Perhaps her guard could be caught, he could slip a blade right underneath her breastplate. Catching a mind witch off guard was easier said than done.


    The second the captain unsheathed the dagger, a strong arm wrapped around his own. He felt it bend against his will, the joints stretching before breaking. His elbow snapped as Kaid tore his arm in the other direction, the blade falling to the ground. The captain yelled in pain, falling on his knees as if bending to the Empress in front of him.


    ¡°Lord Kaid, how wonderful of you to join us,¡± Jessamine smirked, seeing Kaid pick up the blade before standing at her side.


    ¡°Empress, was this man bothering you?¡± Kaid teased.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Jessamine replied before looking to the distance at the wagon, ¡°Young men, remove yourself from the wagon! A soldier must only fight when his home is threatened, and I am of no threat to your fields today.¡±


    Kaid glanced at Kiev who stood to the side, wearing a hood as well to conceal that Vitross blonde hair, ¡°Kiev, assist in putting out the fires.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lord,¡± he nodded, moving urgently to begin forming a storm amongst these white clouds.


    The captain still writhed, holding his broken arm as his eyes glazed over as the frightened boys left their transport to the slaughter house, his men unconscious in the dirt. He watched the eyes of the villagers, Amelia and the others, all look at Jessamine like some hero. He knew what she was doing.


    Whilst Bashir raised taxes on his own, forced the conscription of young boys to fight after the burning of his navy, who else would show ¡®mercy¡¯ than their enemy? She was a conniving bitch, a woman who used her appeal as some graceful angel, here to bestow kindness. And her plan was working.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯ll ask a third time and I won¡¯t ask again. Will you take us back to your Duke for an audience?¡± Jessamine demanded, ¡°Otherwise you are of no use to me.¡±


    ¡°You are not my Empress!¡± he spat, Kaid protectively stepping in front of the spit.


    ¡°Not yet. Once this is all over, I very much could be,¡± she remarked, soon sighing at the inconvenience, ¡°No matter. I¡¯m sure one of your soldiers when they wake will be more than happy to oblige.¡±


    ¡°May I do the honor, Empress?¡± Kaid asked of her, holding the dagger firmly in his hand. Jessamine was a tad surprised at his question, knowing exactly what he was asking. It was not like Kaid to ask to be her chief executioner. But, she also knew he had a very firm temperament about rapists and men who abused their power. This man had more than once consumed a woman with his lust and depravity, against their consent or promise.


    ¡°W-wait! You said you wouldn¡¯t shed blood,¡± he stammered.


    ¡°I said I wouldn¡¯t,¡± Jessamine hummed, nodding her head to Kaid.


    Kaid thrusted the blade into the man¡¯s torso, twisting the handle as it reached his intestines. He felt him squirm beneath him, his other non broken hand clutching at Kaid¡¯s shoulder to stop. Kaid wouldn¡¯t stop though. Anyone who spoke to his woman like that, his Empress, and threatened the lives of innocents around him didn¡¯t deserve any mercy.


    Jessamine gave out a noise of slight disgust as his blood spurted, her scowl not unnoticeable. She didn¡¯t want to spill blood, thinking she might be able to talk her way out of this. Despite everything, these men would rather hold loyalty to the man who put their own balls in a vice rather than a woman. Yet, all the villagers seemed relieved.


    ¡°You have saved us. Saved our crops¡­saved our boys,¡± Amelia wept, the tears of relief and joy this time.


    ¡°I visited Hythe as a young girl, once. My father, may he rot in his grave, was canvassing this beautiful mountainside. He wanted to build a divide on this land between Vitross and Lungor. During our travels, he had broken his arm and it was this village where we were able to rest with warm beds and food. Despite my father demanding such respect and hospitality, it was then I knew we could separate our distances. Your land and crops will only feed Lungor villages and citizens. I know that. But I know farmers, I know sailors and all the other hard working souls that keep an Empire afloat¡­you are all the true heroes Bashir should be praising, not punishing,¡± Jessamine voice aloud, the sound of Kiev¡¯s rainstorm echoing in the background, ¡°I have not forgotten your hospitality, unlike my father.¡±


    An elder of the village watched the clouds grow dark as the rain poured everywhere but around them, scowling slightly.


    ¡°Oblivion¡­¡± she muttered bitterly.


    Even the helpfulness of such magical abilities, helpful enough to stop their homes burning, would never stop the propaganda and lies fed so spread out in Lungorian citizens. Jessamine ignored the comment, knowing people either saw it as a curse or a blessing. Oblivion could be both, depending on the user. But she, Kaid, and Kiev had done their job today. They had opened this village to a new prospect, one that would benefit military operations if successful.


    Kaid approached the wagon to help some of the smaller boys out, seeing how frightened they were.


    ¡°Do not be afraid, I am a friend,¡± he smiled with assurances, showcasing he held no weapons besides the emerald blade at his hip.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re just like me¡­¡± a small voice spoke, showcasing his stump of an arm.


    ¡°Indeed, young man,¡± Kaid moved his good hand to help him out. There was something oddly pleasant about the way the boy looked at his disability, and his own. It was astonishing for the boy to meet someone with the same ailment as him, a man who looked like a great warrior and stood amongst an Empress. If a man like that could do those things, maybe he could too some day. His options were not as limited as he once thought.


    ¡°Were you born that way?¡±


    Kaid shook his head, helping him finally to his feet, ¡°No. I lost my hand in battle, fighting for my Empress over there. Were you born with it?¡±


    The boy nodded, ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t know why.¡±


    Kaid bent down slightly, adjusting the boy¡¯s rustic attire covered in dirt and grime, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter why. There will sometimes never be an answer to why. Even if there is an answer, it is perhaps not as satisfying as you¡¯d think. It exists. You exist. That alone gives you more than enough purpose and drive in this life¡­you must be a very brave boy, getting in that wagon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for my father. He got in that wagon a few years ago. I thought I might find him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and he has not sent any letters?¡± Kaid asked, seeing the boy shake his head, ¡°Well, where is your mother?¡±


    ¡°She died a few weeks ago. She was very sick. All the medicine men and doctors here got sent away too¡­for the war.¡±


    And the war hadn¡¯t even started just yet. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, that is something a young boy like you should never experience,¡± Kaid placed a firm hand on his shoulder, ¡°We will find some accommodations for you, I promise.¡±


    ¡°But¡­I¡­she is not my Emperor,¡± the boy looked puzzled. How could she help him when it was Emperor Bashir that was his ruler?


    ¡°She is not. But that doesn¡¯t mean she can¡¯t help. We can also try and get in touch with your father. We have a few contacts in Lungor,¡± Kaid assured him.


    ¡°Really!? Oh thank you, sir! You are a kind knight,¡± the boy smiled, ¡°And strong! I wish my arms looked like yours.¡±


    ¡°One day perhaps they will. I am sure farm life will strengthen them far better than swordplay and training,¡± Kaid gleamed, patting his back, ¡°Come, let¡¯s see what my Empress can do for you.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s really pretty¡­¡± the boy whispered, any fears or doubts he once had in that wagon withering away. Yeah. She was really pretty. And nothing was more beautiful than seeing her do the right thing, helping others that truly needed it.


    Some might wonder what an Empress was doing in a small village that had little to no concern for her. Of course, Hythe had its advantages, perhaps one Bashir didn¡¯t or wouldn¡¯t take advantage of. Jessamine would, but not replicating the tyranny already in place here.


    ¡°Indeed she is¡­¡± Kaid smiled proudly.


    Amelia helped the Empress into her humble, stone home, immediately entering the kitchen to pour a few glasses of water. Jessamine glanced around the home for a moment, feeling the love and comfort a simple stone building could provide. As a child, she would have hated such a life like this, always wishing for glamour, polished floors and servants at her leisure. Now? She could imagine herself in a home like this, waking up each morning with Kaid at her side. They¡¯d enjoy freshly brewed tea every morning, tending to crops or livestock, maybe even fishing. In their spare time, they¡¯d make love, read, and train for a war they¡¯d never have to fight.


    That life, despite being in front of her right now, felt so out of reach in regards to her. In regards to them.


    ¡°Thank you, again. It¡¯s been years since someone stood up to them. That was when there were still a few men around these parts,¡± Amelia returned with some water.


    ¡°I seemed to have arrived just in time. I didn¡¯t expect such conscription to be unfolding so¡­forcefully,¡± Jessamine replied honestly.


    ¡°Does your Empire not conscript?¡± Amelia asked curiously.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t believe I could ask such things from my people. I let them give where and when they can, with whatever capabilities they have. Whether that¡¯s spare taxes, sailing equipment, or a sword, that is what matters. All my soldiers and guards enlist willingly. Some of course for a warm bed and salary, but I will never force a man or woman to fight,¡± Jessamine hummed.


    What good would morale or honor be if men were forced to fight? It would only create cowardice behavior and fear. Those things would not help her win this war.


    ¡°Your Duke, he is rather useless is he not?¡± Jessamine turned the questions back to her.


    Amelia looked begrudged by the question, but not because she found it untruthful, ¡°The man takes our crops, and our coin. And what is returned? In the days of old, we would give such fair trade for protection and guidance. We have none. The man eats our food and spends our coin instead of helping us. With war on the rise, we will receive no protection. And oddly enough received it today from our enemy.¡±


    ¡°I am not your enemy. I am Bashir¡¯s enemy,¡± Jessamine politely refuted, sipping her water.


    Kaid walked in with Abel, who seemed to be taking great curiosity in the Lord Protector¡¯s armor. The metal armor was designed with the Vitross crest, the ocean waves in the background, along with two Uhkhtarian daggers below the main family symbol. Kaid liked the blending of his two cultures, that of his lineage home, and that of his new home as part of the Kruzika family. Jessamine found him rather spectacularly handsome in armor, but then again, found him handsome in just about anything he wore. Especially, nothing at all.


    Abel let his hands wander around the lukewarm steel, across the stub of his arm or even the cloth fabric tunic of his shirt underneath. Kaid knew it was just the boy¡¯s way of learning, given his mind didn¡¯t seem to operate the same as the others. He did not mind at all, letting his hands wander patiently. Abel even let his hands touch Kaid¡¯s warm skin, before messing with the curls in his hair. It made Kaid laugh softly, which made Abel smile in return.


    Amelia couldn¡¯t recall the last time she had even seen her son smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ve told him he shouldn¡¯t touch people like that-¡±


    ¡°Oh it is quite alright. He is just curious,¡± Kaid assured her.


    As always, Kaid was patient and understanding. He, of all people, had grown up in an environment harsh and cruel, not once getting a life that might have benefited him. It was conform, or die. That was something Lungor seemed to instill in its population. Such a system would never help Abel show his kindness, or express himself in ways words could not. Kaid wished to remove such a system, permanently.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Abel smile like that in so long, even if it was brief,¡± Amelia whispered, just loud enough for Jess to hear.


    ¡°Kaid has that effect on people¡­¡± Jessamine whispered in return, smiling at the interaction. Gods, he always had a way with people, especially children. Seeing him just earlier with the boy with a physical disability much like his own¡­well, it was bittersweet. Kaid would make a wonderful father. And as much as she wished to provide him such a life, she couldn¡¯t. How badly she wanted to, even though years ago she swore she¡¯d never think of such a thing. Now, it was impossible medically.


    ¡°And that is the man who made the Time Paradox?¡± Amelia inquired, her voice a tad serious with a bit of disbelief.


    Jessamine blinked, unable to decipher what her reaction might be, ¡°Yes. How damaging was it here?¡±


    ¡°Not much here. A few crop rotations were poor due to the soil conditions but nothing drastic. Nothing like what happened in Aspen,¡± Amelia shrugged.


    Kaid approached over at that, grabbing some water for his parched throat. Abel moved to some toys in the corner, despite his age. Yet if such toys would bring him joy and nourishment, then that was all he could ever need.


    ¡°What happened in Aspen?¡± Jessamine asked, pretending to not be so interested.


    ¡°Oh, are you familiar with that village as well?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Jessamine knew she had to come up with some sort of half-truth, ¡°I heard they used to have very good mead there.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you drank mead,¡± Kaid teased slightly.


    Jess nudged him gently, her elbow poking only at steel rather than his soft, yet muscular stomach she was used to, ¡°I¡¯m a woman of many tastes.¡±


    ¡°They did have a very nice honey brew. We used to trade with Aspen quite often. They produced more citrus goods or fruit, while our land was better suited for grain or various vegetables. It was a profitable business,¡± Amelia explained, ¡°But I guess something had happened with the Time Paradox there. The entire village was practically slaughtered by some serial killer.¡±


    ¡°A serial killer?¡± Kaid asked for clarification, seeing the woman nod.


    ¡°There weren¡¯t many survivors. Just like here, there weren¡¯t many fighters. There was rumored to be one man who tried to stand up to the fighter, but supposedly the Time Paradox occurred before he could be caught or killed. The killer fled. A lot of people from Aspen moved on, heading more eastward, believing the land was cursed.¡±


    One man tried to fight back: Alec.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Kaid¡¯s voice softened at the explanation, ¡°That sounds awful. I didn¡¯t mean for that to happen¡­¡±


    ¡°Those with common sense, my Lord, will be able to see that you did not contribute to such violence. You provided an opening for such villany, but that was their choice to make. The fault is not yours,¡± Amelia sympathized with him.


    Maybe before all this, she wasn¡¯t sure what she felt about the Time Paradox, nor the Interluder that was deemed to be their enemy. Interesting how a mere hour of hope and the safety of her son could easily sway her mind.


    Jessamine knew she couldn¡¯t ask further questions without making it obvious, to either Amelia or Kaid. What her brother had shared about Zarya or Aspen had stayed between them. But she knew it was only a matter of time before she would have to share with Kaid, for his own understanding and perhaps perspective on the matter. Alec and Kaid stayed far from each other these days.


    ¡°You two must be exhausted after your travels. There are a few spare beds in the old inn, if you¡¯d like. Free of charge, since it is mostly abandoned. But I can provide warm blankets not covered in dust or mites,¡± Amelia offered with a warm smile.


    ¡°That is very thoughtful, thank you Amelia, but I think-¡± Jessamine replied but was interrupted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not. We can visit the Duke in the early morning, perhaps catch him off guard,¡± Kaid offered.


    ¡°You most certainly could with some help. There are a few here that know cracks within the walls to sneak in. Although, surely you know he keeps at least fifty soldiers within his castle,¡± Amelia sighed.


    ¡°Fifty¡­rather a small number¡­¡± Kaid muttered. Fifty against three? It was nothing Kiev, Jessamine, and himself couldn¡¯t handle. But, their purpose was just to talk, not start a small skirmish or war.


    ¡°A bed in the inn would be nice. Two rooms shall suffice once Kiev returns back from relinquishing his storm,¡± Jessamine agreed, nodding her head.


    Amelia looked at Kaid, then Jessamine, putting the details together before smiling, ¡°Of course. Let me go get that sorted with you, if you don¡¯t mind watching Abel for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Kaid smiled back, turning slightly to keep an eye on him.


    ¡°You and that young boy seemed to get along really well. I didn¡¯t see his mother around,¡± Jessamine observed, ¡°The one with no hand.¡±


    ¡°He did not have any relatives. He lives with a distant ¡®cousin¡¯, although I think it¡¯s mostly out of politeness and they aren¡¯t actually related¡­¡± Kaid sighed, ¡°I wish there was more we could do for these people.¡±


    ¡°Well, what if we offer him a spot in the Academy?¡± Jess asked.


    ¡°His father is a Lungor soldier, by the sound of it,¡± Kaid explained, ¡°That would complicate things.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d be giving him a warm home and prolific education. No father should refute that,¡± Jessamine shrugged, ¡°When we learn of his father, we will send word, if he is alive.¡±


    ¡°That¡­well, that boy will be really blessed,¡± Kaid nodded, smiling softly at her, ¡°You are very kind, Jessamine. I will tell him the news tomorrow if you are sure.¡±


    ¡°I am sure,¡± she smiled in return, ¡°It¡­well¡­¡±


    She paused, a warm blush meeting her cheeks which immediately amused Kaid, and sparked his interest.


    ¡°What is it, my dear Empress?¡± he asked softly, his voice sending chills down her spine.


    ¡°If I admit this to you now, it will forever change your mind. Perhaps some things are best left as secrets.¡±


    ¡°There are no secrets between you and me. Tell me, I will not judge,¡± Kaid insisted.


    Jessamine rolled her eyes for a moment, knowing she couldn¡¯t resist when he looked at her with those soft eyes, ¡°The way you act with children¡­whether at the orphanage or now¡­gods, it fucking turns me on.¡±


    Kaid blinked at that, his expression blank before feeling a blush himself, ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I didn¡¯t want to say anything because you spent so much time with the orphans and such. I thought if I told you, that would always sit in the back of your mind or you¡¯d do it less¡­¡± Jessamine hid her gaze from him, ¡°Just the other day, seeing you hold Lilah¡¯s baby, I nearly lost it.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you removed yourself for the afternoon? I thought you had work to do,¡± Kaid grinned, clearly impressed with himself.


    ¡°I did have work to do, plenty of it,¡± Jessamine refuted, shaking her head, ¡°Kaid, you need to wipe that smirk off your face and stop looking at me like that.¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡±


    ¡°Kaid, we are in the middle of nowhere on a very important logistics mission, in a village where anyone could be considered our enemy and all I want to do is¡­¡±


    They paused as Amelia walked back into her home.


    ¡°Your lodgings should be ready. I know it is probably nothing an Empress is used to but it is the best we can offer.¡±


    ¡°Not at all, we appreciate the hospitality. Amelia, I know Hythe is a part of Lungor. But should anyone in this village need anything, please do not hesitate to send us delegations. I know the others might be skeptical, but I wish to help. If all goes well tomorrow, hopefully that will not be needed,¡± Jessamine bowed politely.


    ¡°Of course, I hope you two have a pleasant evening¡­¡±


    -


    Jessamine stifled a moan, burying her lips into the blankets as her fingers clenched around the sheets beneath them. It was rather hard to stay so quiet with Kaid pressed so deeply inside her, the angle of her back allowing him to easily thrust into her from behind with precision and power. Yet he let his thrusts remain slow and deep, wanting her to feel every inch of him.


    ¡°Oh gods,¡± she whispered the moan, her eyes half lidded. How she wished she could see the ecstasy written on his own face, litter those lips of his with kisses until they grew swollen, or watch his hard, thick cock enter and exit her. Yet, it felt so good to be fucked like this by him, to be under his control and domain.


    Most often, she was the one dominating the bedroom. It was something both of them enjoyed. But on the occasion, nothing was quite as freeing or de-stressing as him taking his frustration out on her.


    ¡°Quiet, my love,¡± Kaid¡¯s strained voice broke through the panting.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Jessamine laughed softly in reply, one thrust hitting a sensitive spot and it took everything to not let out a squeal in delight, ¡°you feel so fucking good.¡±


    He thrusted deeper at her compliment, watching the rigidness in her back falter as she arched, raising her ass higher for him to use at his mercy. And he did at that, one hand spreading a cheek as he increased the pace. He did his best to not be too harsh, otherwise the sound of skin pounding skin would be too obvious. And it was best Kiev got a good night''s rest asleep in the room across the hall.


    Jessamine could feel her mind go blank. That¡¯s what she loved about sex with Kaid, besides just the general intimacy and love making. Her mind was constantly hearing other people¡¯s thoughts against her own will, hearing drabbled ignorant thoughts, or just idle chatter. This was the only time it wouldn¡¯t hear, sense, or decipher a thing. There was silence in her mind, as her body and soul were filled with something else entirely.


    Kaid moved his hand around her stomach, forcing her up and pressed against his backside, still thrusting at the new angle. Jessamine eagerly responded by wrapping her hands behind her, clutching at his skin or any patch of black hairs she could find to encourage him further. Kaid let his lips immediately press to her cheek and neck, littering the soft pale skin with marks of his own. It wasn¡¯t until his hand snaked down to let his finger pads brush back and forth across her clit that her core erupted with hot, ecstatic energy.


    ¡°Yes, yes baby,¡± she encouraged, ¡°Please, Lord Protector. Don¡¯t stop.¡±


    ¡°Never, my Empress,¡± Kaid whispered against her neck, increasing the pace of his thrusts and the movement of his fingers, dancing and tingling across her sensitive nub while his cock slammed into that internal sensitive spot as well. It didn¡¯t take long to feel her unravel, begin to feel the shake of her thighs moving up to her stomach, her body lurching against him as her climax consumed her.


    He could feel the spurt of wetness against his fingers, her orgasm rippling and releasing a pool of moisture. As much as he loved to feel more of it, he could sense a noise begin to build in her lungs. His hand moved up to cover her lips, shielding that moan that was coming, just Kaid¡¯s name being repeated over and over again until her orgasm dwindled. Just the feeling of her muffled vibrations against his hand was enough for him to climax as well, filling her with his warmth.


    The moments after were such a blur, which is why he liked that post-orgasm relief. Whether it was mere seconds of laying together or hours, time felt like it had completely stopped. Jessamine laid in his arms, after Kaid was the first to collapse in the small bed provided. They traced each other¡¯s skin, soaking up the warmth and intimacy of each other.


    ¡°You should fuck me more often¡­¡± Jessamine whispered with a soft laugh, planting a gentle and long kiss on his lips.


    ¡°I should, if it caused such a powerful orgasm such as that,¡± Kaid smirked in return, ¡°but I do love it when you¡¯re the one fucking me, too.¡±


    ¡°If we did not have such urgent plans in the morning, I would do so,¡± she hummed, closing her eyes and enjoying the silence. The silence minus their still heavy beating hearts and exhausted lungs, forcing exasperated breaths.


    ¡°What¡¯s so important about Aspen¡­?¡± Kaid asked in his drowsy state, his fingers stroking through her hair.


    Jessamine knew she couldn¡¯t hide that from him, given he asked, ¡°That is where Alec chose to hide and make a small name for himself. He started a brewery or tavern of some sort. I didn¡¯t think it would be so close to here.¡±


    ¡°Should we visit after our dealings with the Duke?¡± Kaid offered.


    ¡°No. Visiting a ghost town won¡¯t do us any good,¡± she whispered, ¡°It sounds like Alec was the only one who knew what happened there.¡±


    ¡°And it sounds like I was the reason he couldn¡¯t stop whatever happened¡­¡± Kaid added, his voice full of regret.


    ¡°Amelia¡¯s words are still right, Kaid. Whatever happened to Zarya, it was not your fault¡­¡±


    Zarya. Zarya.


    When he said the name in his head, the darkness that was the stone inn turned into flashes of violet and black swirls of the void. There was a moment of worry, given the last time he felt forced into the Void against his own will was with Payne weeks ago. But, Payne had not returned since then, nor did Kaid think he would. The man got his point across, and Kaid and Jessamine would do whatever it took to prove him wrong.


    The blonde woman he was used to seeing paced in a crazed manner across the shadowed floor, or crying herself in a corner rocking herself, was no longer doing so. She stood patiently, as if waiting for Kaid.


    ¡°Zarya¡­?¡± Kaid asked, wondering if a name was all she needed to connect herself back with the living.


    ¡°I am she,¡± she nodded, her tone soft yet blank. It wasn¡¯t delirious or panicked as Kaid was used to. It felt¡­odd, almost menacing although the woman despite her muscles didn¡¯t seem hostile in the slightest.


    ¡°You knew Alec?¡± Kaid inquired.


    She tilted her head slightly, ¡°His name wasn¡¯t Alec when I knew him. I always knew he was running away from some ghosts. I didn¡¯t think the ghosts were that of his fate, attached to the throne of Vitross. If I had known, I would have wanted nothing to do with him.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps that is why he didn¡¯t share it with you,¡± Kaid swallowed that gross feeling of trying to be empathetic for Alec, stepping into his shoes, ¡°He wanted to start anew.¡±


    ¡°I see you with your Empress, with his sister. There are no secrets or lies between you, not anymore. I knew he was lying, and when I confronted him, he ran away. That¡¯s what happened, that¡¯s what he was used to doing. When he cannot handle a situation, he runs. He couldn¡¯t handle running away from his fate, that when confronted with my questioning, he left Aspen for a few days. When he returned¡­¡±


    ¡°Zarya, what happened?¡± Kaid asked politely as she stopped talking.


    ¡°I warned you, Kaid. I warned you and you didn¡¯t listen¡­same as I warned him!¡± Zarya¡¯s eyes welled with furious tears,


    Kaid stood there puzzled by the sudden change of emotions, ¡°Warned me?¡±


    ¡°Your hand. Your fucking hand! You know how much it took out of me to show you that? I showed you so that you wouldn¡¯t let that happen. That you would do what needed to be done. You of all people should know, when your world is taken from you, you take from this world. And you gave him every tool he could ever want to destroy it¡­¡±


    Kaid realized he had misinterpreted everything in this Void wrong. He thought the hand he lost was a sign of what was to come, that he must let it happen if he was to return to Jessamine and make things right. In that cave, fighting Alec, despite the fear Kaid felt at the idea of losing a limb, it still felt right to give him a chance. A chance to live, a chance to redeem himself, and a chance for Jessamine to not lose another loved one.


    Yet, since that moment, Jessamine had lost Ingrid. She had lost her hold over Lungor. She struggled with her relationship with Alec, despite many second chances.


    ¡°Zarya, what can I do to fix this? How can I get through to him?¡± Kaid begged, hoping for a bit more insight.


    ¡°I¡¯ve given you all I can¡­that¡¯s all I can give you. I told you he was here and that you were too late. The rest is all up to you¡­¡±


    Kaid blinked and he was back in the darkness of the inn, the musk of dirt and earthly agriculture filling his nose. Jessamine curled further against Kaid, burying her head further against his neck. Kaid wished to tell her everything, about his hand, about that decision he made that seemed to change everything. Yet, he could tell she was falling fast asleep, whispering one last I love you with her final awake breath.


    Could one simple decision such as that send this entire world spiraling in the dark? Of course it could, because Kaid had done it before. In fact, he¡¯s done it a multitude of times. Everyone in the world made choices so miniscule not realizing the weight of their actions. The butterfly flapped its wings like normal, not realizing the hurricane created in its future path.


    Alexander Kruzika tonight was solidified as an enemy to Kaid. Yet, this was an enemy Kaid would refuse to duel. He shouldn¡¯t fight him. He couldn¡¯t. But the fates were confirmed to Kaid in his sleep. Amidst the playful, quiet sighs of Jessamine having a wonderful dream, Kaid¡¯s dreams were filled with a fight to the death, blood spilt so much it was unclear who it belonged to. The plains of war were littered in bodies so unrecognizable, whether Lungor or Vitross troops.


    When Alec placed his bloodstained hands on Kaid¡¯s forehead, the dream stopped. And so would all dreams from this night hence.