Snake, Scarab, & Sons: Purveyors of Fine T

Though the Solstice Ball was happening indoors, all the gardens and courtyards within the Imperial Palace were lit up with strings of light crystals and ornate hanging lanterns. The Grand Ballroom opened to several courtyards, but it was to the one directly east of it, down a sloping walkway following a narrow fountain that led to the Suryana Fountain, where the laughing and yelling of noble children came from.

Little boys and girls in their best suits and dresses ran up and down the gravel pathway in their embroidered shoes, laughing and chatting. A few were playing hide and seek along one of the low hedge mazes.

Imperial guards and various nannies watched from the sides to ensure that the empire's young masters and misses didn't hurt themselves, or each other.

As for the questionable games, no one said a word, especially under the order of Prince Max.

The little boy stepped outside of a hedge archway and looked from side to side, as if to see if there was anyone there who could cause a problem. Two imperial guards stood on either side of the entrance, forbidden from going any further in, to where a smaller garden with a reflection pool and some iron benches surrounding it was in use.

Appearing satisfied, Prince Max walked back into the small garden. Two older children had finished tying a tall, lean man onto one of the iron benches. The man had slightly pointed ears, and his face was flushed red with anger. Someone's white glove was stuffed into his mouth to silence him.

In front of him, walking in the space between the reflection pool and the bench was a pretty little girl with pale skin with a blue-ish tint and silver-white hair in little buns. She paced with her arms clasped behind her back and her face fixed in a thoughtful expression.

"I know you're upset," Effie said in a sympathetic voice. "You probably came here tonight to have a good time and, instead, you've been suckered into the garden by a child. No doubt, you are very frustrated."

"Mmmm! Mmm!" The man struggled against the rope, but couldn't move. The two older children were Prince Max's friend, the sons of a duke and another marquis family. Thanks to the slip that Ash armed Effie with, it was an easy matter to tie Elka's third brother.

"Of course, I know who you are. You're Hernan Arelias, Lieutenant First Class of the Arelias Army's mounted cavalry division. I know your mother," Effie replied as she stopped and puffed out her chest. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."

The muffled noise coming from the man didn't end. If anything, he sounded angrier.

Prince Max furrowed his brows. "I think you should hear him out."

"What if he screams?" the Marquis' son asked.

"Even if he does, what good will it bring him?" the Duke's son replied.

"Yes, it'll only bring attention to him. When people rush in, that is if they get past the guards, then they'll find him like this." Effie waved her hand at him. The other children looked at Hernan with judgment and the twenty-something year old man shrank back against the bench.

Prince Max gave the Marquis' son a small nod of his head. "Remove the gag."

The older boy stepped forward and pulled out the glove that had a trail of spit attached to it. He curled his lip up, disgusted, and tossed the now unusable glove to the side.

"Euphemia Atractas! Does your mother know what you're doing?" Hernan demanded. He couldn't yell at the prince, the Duke's son, or the Marquis' son, as they all technically outranked him, but Effie was a visiting merchant's daughter and, without a doubt, the mastermind of his current circumstance.

Effie wasn't the least bit intimidated. "Momma has more important things to focus on than what I'm doing. Besides, I'm not breaking any laws, right, Leland?"

The Duke's son, Leland, nodded. "We are only playing a game, not breaking any laws."

Hernan balked. "What do you mean only playing a game!? I was lured out here-"

"If you weren't so ready to fight my brother, you wouldn't have been lured out here," Effie cut him off. "That's on you."

He let out a low growl and shut his eyes. He seemed to be counting backwards from ten to calm himself. "Euphemia, release me at once and I won't tell your mother."

"I'll release you later. Just wait a bit," Effie replied. "Do you want anything to drink or eat?" She motioned towards the exit. "I can ask someone to bring it."

"I don't want to eat or drink here!" He twisted from side to side, but couldn't get loose. "And why is it so difficult to move?" His face darkened. "Did you use one of your brother's magic things?"

"Of course, how else could I stop you?" Effie cocked her head to the side and looked at him as if it were obvious. "I'm seven...and they checked for weapons before we entered."

"Why are you even tying me up? What have I done?" He frowned. "Or rather, what do you want me to do?"

"I'm glad you asked!" Effie clapped her hands together. "Your sister is attending tonight's ball-"

"I knew it! I knew it! I heard some overpowered mage beat two master mages from the Magic Tower at the arena last week, and I told the others it sounded like something Ash Atractas would do, but no one believed me!" He huffed; his once well styled hair messed up. He let out a mad cackle. "If one brother is here, then so is the other! I was right to be wary of that red-headed seducer!"

Effie frowned. She was seven, but she knew an insult to her brother when she heard it. "What do you have against my brother? Brother is very kind and responsible."

Hernan scoffed and looked to the side with a sneer. "Of course, you'd say that. He's your brother."

"I've seen this before," the Marquis' son crossed his arms over his chest and frowned thoughtfully. "Before my little aunt got married, my brothers spoke highly of the Count of Bennington's son. They even went on hunts with him and were part of the same fraternity at university, but the moment my little aunt told my father and uncles that she wanted to marry him, not a positive word about the man was said."

Prince Max cocked his head to the side. "Did they not want your little aunt to get married?"

"I guess not," the Marquis' son said with a shrug. "They kept telling her she could do better, but never gave any suggestions. My little aunt married, so their attitudes towards her husband have been better, but they were quite against it all through the engagement. Mother and grandmother were exasperated."

"Little girl," Hernan looked towards Effie. "You don't understand the feeling of protection an older brother has for his little sister. I can assure you, when you are older, your brothers will not look too kindly at suitors." He gave her a knowing look, but Effie rolled her eyes.

"My brothers are not so small minded," Effie said, lifting her chin. "Anyway, that is a long way away. You should be more concerned about getting something to eat or drink. It'll be a long night."

"I told you, I'm not...." Hernan narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean a long night? How long do you intend to keep me here?"

Effie's face went blank. She pursed her lips. "That part of the plan was unclear."

Hernan snorted once more, appearing as if he'd given too much credit to the child. "It doesn't matter. You may have stopped me, but two of my brothers and our cousins are all there."

"Effie!" A little girl with her hair in a neat braid and woven with white baby's breath came in. Her pale face flushed, and she panted a bit, but looked excited. "Your second brother has confirmed. Do you confirm?"

"Confirm?" Hernan looked from one little girl to the other. "What do you mean confirm?"

Effie ignored him and nodded. "Confirm. Target is held." The little girl nodded and prepared to run out. "Oh, wait! Veronika! Ask Second Brother how long we hold them."

The little girl nodded. "Understood!" She gave Effie a small salute and rushed out. She hadn't been stopped by the imperial guard at all.

The man tied on the bench crinkled his eyes and looked back at the little girl. "Isn't she Prime Minister Greenworth's granddaughter?"

Effie nodded with pride. "Yes, she made some money following my instructions to bet on my brother."

"How...how do you, a child from Carthage Harbor, know all these children in Soljek?" Hernan almost choked out. "Even I didn't know this many children when I was your age!"

Once more, Effie squinted at him. "That's so embarrassing for you. Why would you tell us that?"

"Lieutenant Arelias, you are vastly underestimating children's networking," Prince Max told him, sounding almost majestic in his explanation. "Our circles are surprisingly large."

"We've visited Carthage Harbor before with our parents," Leland replied, motioning to him and the Marquis' son. "And the Atractas family hosted us."

"We've also played together at the last Invitational," the Marquis' son added. He perked up. "By the way, is your brother competing again?"

"Not this year, but Momma's doing the all-around again," Effie replied. "Are you going? If so, we should meet up. Cio is going, too."

"I still owe Cio money...." The Prince frowned.

"We told you not to bet against Carthage Harbor for the Regatta," Leland said.

"Wait a second, your mother is doing the all-around again?" Hernan asked with narrowed eyes. Effie nodded and he sneered. "My aunt will be representing Soljek in the all-around this Invitational!"

He sounded like he was bragging, but Effie still gave him a look of pity. "Oh...that's too bad for her."

Hernan coughed. "What do you mean 'too bad'? My aunt is not only born to sailors and has a history in the Imperial Navy, but she also fought alongside my uncle on the border!"

Prince Max squinted. "...We haven't had any serious border battles in years...."

"Oh, and you think Madam Atractas has fought seriously in battle?" the man tied to the iron bench asked incredulously.

Four pairs of children's eyes looked at him with a mixture of pity and disappointment. Effie sighed. "Momma has beaten your father."

"That was not a serious battle!"

"And neither is the Invitational," Leland replied.

"Which side are you on?" Hernan demanded with a frown. "My aunt is the one competing on behalf of Dareisol!"

"And we will cheer for her," Leland said diplomatically. "However, we will also cheer for our friend's mother."

"Yes," Effie nodded. "They can do both."

Hernan glared at her. "Are you?"

Effie almost snorted. "No, why would I? Your aunt isn't my aunt."

The adult in the garden closed his eyes and quietly counted backwards from ten once more. "I'm not going to continue arguing with you," he said, sounding much calmer than earlier. "Just untie me and let me go."

"We will," Effie said. His shoulders relaxed. "Later." The man let out a low growl. Effie held out her hands to calm him. "Don't worry. No one will notice you're gone. Second Brother has captured the others."

Hernan froze. His eyes, filled with disbelief, rose, and looked at the little girl once more. "...Others?"

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The gravel crunched beneath their shoes, but it was much quieter than the sound under the feet of children darting across their paths to go play with their friends in the east garden. The two adults were joined at the arms with the lady's hand resting in the crook of the man's arm.

The cool evening air had a gentle breeze, making their walk a refreshing change from the Grand Ballroom, where it had already begun to get stuffy with the amount of people inside.

"Since Effie worked so hard to find out what I was wearing so we could match, I guess that means she approves of me?" Elka leaned to the side, giving Henry a playful shove with the side of her arm.

He barely so much as swayed to the side against her gentle ribbing. "I believe you need to ask Effie that," he replied with a slight chuckle. "But I can almost guarantee her answer will be positive."

Elka giggled, the tips of her pointed ears red. "I didn't know you were going to be here."

"It was rather unplanned. I went with Ash to do a guild quest first," Henry replied.

"We heard about the mage duel at the gladiatorial arena, and my brother, Hernan, swore up and down it had to be Ash involved after finding out the two Magic Tower mages were beaten so badly," Elka told him. She scrunched her face. "Now, I wish we'd come into the city to watch."

"Tickets sold out quickly. By the time you heard of it, it was probably already sold out," Henry said. "If we didn't know people who had viewing suites, we wouldn't have been able to watch, either."

She let out a small hum. "Why didn't you send a message that you were here?"

"You were at your uncle's estate, and I didn't know if my message would reach you. Also, if they found out it was from a man, I'm sure they'd bombard you with questions, so I thought I'd just surprise you."

Elka beamed and tilted her head up to look at him. "I am very surprised."

"In a good way?"

"In a very good way."

Henry laughed as his other hand rose and rested over hers, giving her small, calloused hand a gentle rub. "By the way, how long do you have until you have to return to the army?"

Elka's shoulders slumped at once. She gave him a small glare. "You're ruining the magic."

"It's magical as long as you're here."

Her face heated up and Henry fought down his own embarrassed flush from his corny words. Reading the novels Hana wrote in Ash's study wasn't for naught.

Elka seemed to take a moment to calm herself before replying in a more serious voice. "After the Solstice Festival, my brothers and I will return, along with some cousins. We're cycling with my other brothers and cousins, but my father remains to hold ground. Another uncle is guarding the largest of the mines leased to a Dareisol noble."

"Has there been any changes since your last letter?" Henry asked. He included a few details from her last letter in case she'd sent another since then.

Elka frowned. "The region between Dareisol and Ashtar is made up of principalities and small kingdoms. It's been left as a sort of buffer between the two, but the small countries closest to Ashtar are reporting an increase in Ashtari military presence. Supposedly, they are in transport, but where would such transport be going?"

Henry also frowned at the information. "That area has a major trade route that leads to the Suna Kingdom. Since it doesn't need to go over mountains and Ashtar does not allow trade to cut through it, it's the most used trade route from the Smiya Sea across the continent. If that trade route is blocked...."

Elka nodded. "Then those countries that depend on the trade route are in trouble. The Suna Kingdom will also have a major land route blocked, impacting their trade from several Federation cities, Dareisol, and the Unified Kingdoms."

Henry raised a brow. "A weakened country is easier to take over."

Elka snapped her head towards him and came to a stop. "Henry, don't joke about this. While there has been disputes over territory for ages, a land grab of such a size hasn't been done for at least a century and a half."

Henry's lip curled up. "It seems like we're due for one."

"I'm serious."

"As am I." Henry began walking, gently pulling her along with him. "Ashtar can't grow wealth with trade considering how it isolated itself, so its only other option is to try to gain territory and raid the wealth of another region."

"Can Ashtar afford to do that?" Elka asked. "Conquest is not cheap."

Henry let out a low breath as he tilted his head back. "This explains why they were in the Smiya Shallows and trying to establish trade in West Iveria."

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

"What?" Elka frowned.

"A few months ago, Ash and I crossed paths with some Ashtari ships in the Smiya Shallows. They were diving over the sunken island of the Celestial Kingdom. It sank so quickly, there are still many artifacts and relics that went down with it. It had temples, palaces, homes of wealthy Lunapsar...even if they evacuated, they couldn't take everything with them at once," Henry told her. "They claimed it was because the heir to the Lunapsar throne was their prince."

"The heir?" Elka's expression darkened. "But your aunt said that an heir-"

"Shh..." Henry placed a finger over her pink lips to stop her. He gave her a knowing look and she flushed and nodded. Elka didn't know that there was still a living Lunapsar Queen, let alone that she was Nera, but most people around them had an understanding that the Council of Elders was leading the surviving Lunapsar population. "That's why Ashtar's actions were suspicious. Now, it seems that they're just trying to salvage treasures that sank to the bottom of the sea to fund expansion."

Elka gritted her teeth. "Those should go to the people at West Wind Valley."

"I agree."

"I heard the Shallows recently calmed...." Elka shook her head. "Wouldn't the Lunapsar go immediately to check?"

"Yes, but they'd face a new Ashtari navy," Henry replied. "It may not be anything much compared to Dareisol's Imperial Navy or Suna's Royal Navy, but compared to what a displaced diaspora has?"

Granted, that would all change once the Snake, Scarab, and Sons ships transitioned. The process had already begun with a portion of the fleet that was kept on standby as 'emergency' vessels. In addition, his aunt had released the funding to ramp up dry dock production on the coast of West Wind Valley.

Most of their fleet had been created at the hands of Lunapsar. The island kingdom was no stranger to boat building, and his aunt had sent people around the world to study ship building in other countries to learn and integrate what knowledge they gathered. It was one of the reasons why their ships in particular were faster, stronger, and more versatile than other merchant vessels, lending to Snake, Scarab, and Sons' reputation as premier trade transport.

"If they are able to fund their military movement northwest, the buffer countries could fall," Elka said in a quiet, reluctant voice. She looked back at Henry with uncertainty. "What are the chances they'd try to take territory from Dareisol?"

"If I'm being honest," Henry said. "Small. Dareisol is a strong empire with a military to match. They'd be crazy to try to fight for territory with it. Ashtar would just be provoking a giant." He let out a low breath. "But that doesn't mean they won't push as far as they can."

Elka ground her teeth together. "Dareisol doesn't have any agreements in place to protect the buffer countries. There is no guarantee they'd even want our help, but we can't just let them be eaten by Ashtar."

Henry stopped as they reached the edge of the garden. He turned to face her and lifted his hand to move aside some stray honey blonde hair that had fallen out of place. "My family has heavy investments with that particular trade route in the region," he said. "We're not an empire, but we can still cause problems to hinder their progress into the area."

Elka lowered her eyes, as if unsure how to feel about that. "Is the risk worth it? This isn't a group of bandits, it's an army."

He crinkled his eyes. Calling what Ashtar had an army didn't make it the same level as Dareisol's. Ashtar simply did not have the funds or training available. At most, it had bodies and some weapons. Henry didn't even know if they'd solved their food shortage, as the northern region which faced a famine when they left over a decade earlier, hadn't been the same despite supposed recovery.

Many people did not go back. He knew this because there was a sizable refugee population in West Wind Abbey of Ashtari who fled the famine.

"Auntie says no risk, no reward," Henry said. "She has made the final decision, but don't worry. She's measured."

Elka nodded. Everyone in Carthage Harbor was familiar with the story of Nera Atractas, a widow with three children who built a trading empire across two continents, and was currently expanding into the Dragon Continent.

"I hope when I return next week, the situation will be better," Elka said.

"Next week...." Henry lowered his eyes. He moved his arms back and then reached for her hands. He held them in his for a moment. His thumbs made small circles over the back of her hands as he took a deep breath and then exhaled. "We'll also be leaving. We're going to Shae in preparation for the Invitational."

He gave her a wry smile. It was a bit unfair. In the next week, she would go to the border and face possible military aggression while he was going to a merchant city to watch competitive sporting events. He couldn't help the feeling of uselessness that filled him at that moment.

"Cheer for your aunt for me." Despite his distress at their situations, Elka still smiled and squeezed his hands. Her green eyes sparkled in the lantern light as she leaned closer. "We need her to bring the all-around platinum ring back to Carthage Harbor."

He cracked a smile and laughed. "Isn't your aunt competing against her?"

Elka snorted and rolled her eyes. "Like I said, cheer for your aunt for me."

He laughed and stroked the side of her face once more, his gaze softening. "I wish there was something more I could do for you."

She held his eyes, her smile never leaving her face. "Can you...can you tell me how much longer I have to wait?"

His heart clenched and his breath caught in his throat. After the first time he won a platinum ring at an invitational, Elka approached him to improve her sword work. At least, that was what she said. Henry had time, so he invited her to practice with him and Ash. After practice, he would walk Elka back to her mother's apothecary.

Then one day, she confessed her ulterior motive. Her ears had turned red, and she seemed to be gathering more courage at that moment than what she would do in battle. She was straight forward, and he respected that.

"Young Master Atractas, I like you, and would like to pursue a romantic relationship with you. Do you agree?"

To which he had replied "no."

Elka had paled and then turned red before thanking him for his time and trying to flee.

Henry had stopped her and explained that at that moment, he could not devote himself to such a relationship. His family was still stabilizing themselves, there were many changes they were dealing with, and he had something to deal with that he didn't want her to be involved with due to the volatile nature of the situation.

"That being said, I really like you, too, Young Miss Arelias." He then apologized for being unable to move forward and stepped back, allowing her to leave.

Elka did not.

Despite his concerns and protests, even warning that nothing may come of it, she vowed to wait for him. After all, she had time. Her focus was her career as an archer in her paternal family's army, which would take her away from Carthage Harbor for months at a time. He didn't know what to call their relationship, as they weren't engaged or even dating. Ash told him that Hana called it 'complicated.' Henry told Ash not to tell Hana about his love life.

Regardless, he had rejected anyone else who showed interest in him, and it seemed that Elka had done the same, vehemently telling her brothers that she already had someone in mind. Henry assumed part of the reason her brothers didn't like him was because he could not devote himself to Elka and go about a proper relationship. He fully acknowledged that he was holding Elka back.

She never asked further questions, as if satisfied that he rejected everyone else despite the many interested parties.

Her question now caught him by surprise. It had been three years since her confession, and she had a valid question. Henry lowered his eyes.

He couldn't see himself with anyone else, but at the same time, didn't want her to waste her life waiting for him.

"Two years, at most," a woman's voice said from up the garden walkway. Both he and Elka turned their heads towards the voice. Nera approached with slow, steady steps in her silver gown with the light of the illuminated palace behind her, creating a halo around her figure. "That is, if he is successful."

Elka's eyes crinkled up. "Successful in what?"

Nera stopped a few paces from them, her hands clasped in front of her. "In the simplest explanation, sorting out an inheritance."

Henry let out a low breath. He dropped his gaze once more and nodded. "That is the simplest way to explain it."

Elka looked back at him. Her eyes squinted. "This isn't about Snake, Scarab, and Sons, is it?"

Henry shook his head once. "No, it's...on my father's side." He lifted his head, his eyes filled with apology as he looked at her. "I'm sorry, Elka. I can't tell you more."

She also lowered her eyes, and he watched her brows furrow with thought. "Is it dangerous?" He had a distinct feeling she already knew the answer.

Henry looked at Nera, who gave him a nod. He swallowed hard and nodded. "I could die."

He heard Elka take a sharp breath. Her head shot up and wide, green eyes looked at him with contracted pupils. "What do you mean you could die? Because of an inheritance?"

"This isn't the place to talk," Nera said. She turned around and began to walk up the path. "His Majesty has summoned some people to speak to us about the arrangements we've made along the Smiya-Suna trade route, but it will take them some time to arrive. Join me in the east study. We can't tell you everything, but you should know as much as possible to make an informed decision."

"What kind of informed decision?" Elka asked. She stepped forward, as if drawn in by Nera and following without question. Henry kept her hands in his, adjusting one into the crook of his arms once more as they followed Nera.

"On whether you want to wait for him or not."

Elka frowned. "Madam, I will wait. Two years is not long."

"Two years isn't long." Nera agreed calmly. "But a lot can happen in two years."

The rest of the walk was silent with the sound of gravel crunching under their feet with each step. The suffocating pressure around Henry's chest hadn't lightened, and his eye avoided Elka's.

For three years, she had been waiting. She never pushed, didn't ask questions, and just happily treated him as a friend. In public, they still addressed each other formally despite being close. Henry was afraid that if he acted too affectionately or showed too much care, he'd only encourage her and keep her from seeking partnership with another.

At the same time, he was greedy for a companion and partner who could stand by him when the time came. Elka was stubborn, as well. She knew who she wanted, and it was not a secret.

They entered a small study with windows that looked out towards the east garden. Children were running around. The scene outside was much more energetic and joyous than the one inside. Imperial guards stood outside the doors while Nera took a seat on a black leather sofa.

Across from her, Henry and Elka sat down respectively on two overstuffed matching leather chairs.

"Elka, you know that Henry, though I treat him as such, is not a son I birthed," Nera began. Elka nodded her head and Henry found himself studying her face as his aunt talked. Him not being Nera's birth son wasn't a secret. "But, Ash is, and Henry and Ash are half-siblings, through their father. As you also know, our family fled Ashtar during a difficult time."

Elka nodded once more. "The famine, right?"

"Yes, during the famine." Henry glanced at Nera, noting her choice of words. Nera continued on. "While rare, Ashtar allows for individuals of wealth and power to marry more than one spouse at a single time. The law allows for it, but in practice, it's looked down upon. Marrying more than one spouse at a time is seen as a weakness. Either the individual is unable to remain committed or, in the case of the powerful, they seek to amass influence through marriage because they are unable to maintain their power by themselves. Henry and Ash's father is one such individual."

Henry took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "My mother was a political marriage of sorts."

"I see...." Elka looked at Nera. "And Madam...you, too?"

They couldn't see Nera's eyes behind her veil, but her lips were in a tight line. "No. I was forced into marriage because I resembled his beloved who disappeared, and likely died, earlier. She was also part Lunapsar."

Elka's breath was uneven. She looked at Henry and reached for his hand. He grasped it tightly.

"Auntie was a replacement, but the Old Bastard heard that his beloved had given birth to a son when she disappeared, so he focused all his energy into finding that son." Henry's lips turned into a cold, wry smile. "That period of time was the most peaceful."

"Unfortunately, it didn't last. And even more unfortunate, he found his alleged son," Nera said. "This is where the inheritance issue comes up. Their father owns a great deal of land and has much...influence in Ashtar. The son he found is illegitimate, and therefore, has no rights to inheritance." Nera took a deep breath and released it. "Unless he is the only son. Obviously, Henry and Ash exist, so he is not."

"So, he kicked you out to disinherit them?" Elka asked, becoming affronted on their behalf.

Both Nera and Henry smiled bitterly. "If only that was the only thing he did," Henry said in a tight voice.

"Elka, there were once four legitimate brothers," Nera told her. Henry could hear the pain in her voice as she said this. "Now, there are only two."

Elka's face paled. She swallowed hard. "What happened to....?" She looked at Henry, whose eyes had reddened. "No...."

"He was going to come for me and Ash," Henry said. "So, Auntie fled with us. The rest of our family, my mother, my other aunts, our sisters...they wouldn't be targeted, just ignored. We had to leave them behind."

"It was always our plan for us to return once Henry and Ash were older and could protect themselves," Nera told her. She smiled again, this time more genuine and warmer. "Now they can, and they, especially Henry, must go back to fight for inheritance."

"The dangerous part is the Old Bastard has a lot of power, and his bastard son has also accumulated a lot. They won't stand idly by if they know we're alive and coming to reclaim what's ours." Henry squeezed Elka's hand. "That's why it's dangerous and my life in particular will be targeted."

Elka wheezed and shook her head. "How can he do this to you? You're his son."

"I'm his stumbling block," Henry replied with another wry smile. "This is why I didn't want to commit and make any promises to you despite wanting to. I meant it when I said I couldn't see anyone with me, but you, but I don't want to make you a widow."

"I'm not helpless, Henry. If you need me to fight-"

"I don't want you to fight." His large hand reached across the space between them and cupped the side of her head. "I don't want you to be hurt because of my battle."

"Henry...." Elka's voice tightened. She leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his.

Henry shut his eyes. "I'm sorry I'm so greedy that I want to be with you despite this. I don't want to be a burden."

"You're not. I said I'd wait, and I will." Elka let out a small, helpless laugh. "I'm a half-elf, after all. I'll live a long a time."

"There is one more thing you two should discuss." Henry's eyes shot open at the sound of his aunt's voice. His face heated up as he remembered that Nera was still there, and sitting across the room from them.

"What else?" Elka still held his hand and wore a determined expression as she looked at Nera.

"If and when Henry does succeed, he will be living in Ashtar," Nera said. "Ashtar's climate is different. Its culture is different. The life Henry will lead will be far different from what he's leading now. His father's family comes from wealth and power, and there will be strict expectations from both of you. Is that something that you can adapt to?"

Henry blinked. He felt another blow as his shoulder sank. He never thought about what would happen after. Obviously, he knew he'd have to rule. That part wasn't a surprise nor was it something he was unprepared for. He was the first born and heir apparent for years until his father's missing son reappeared, so he had been trained from an early age to become a ruler.

In addition, Nera had educated him. The Elder Council had educated him. Friends of Nera educated him, all to prepare him for rule after seizing power, as everyone understood that when the time came, there would be no time to learn.

But what about his personal life?

If he married Elka, the thought of which made his stomach tingle and his heart quicken, then she would be put in a public position, and her personal freedoms that she enjoyed would be limited due to imperial protocol. That was simply the nature of the position.

He looked at Elka with uncertainty. Was she willing to give up unescorted travel? Her citizenship? Her military service? Would she tolerate being in the public eye? That didn't even consider simply adapting to Ashtari culture or learning to speak Ashtari.

Henry held his breath as he watched Elka, waiting for her response.

It was not immediate. She lowered her eyes and bit her lips, appearing to consider the possibilities seriously. Her jaw clenched and she looked at Henry.

"Will you marry other spouses?"

His head jerked back as his brows shot up. "No." His voice was firm. "That was never an option for me. Not only do I not want to be seen as someone so weak that they need to gain power and influence through marriage because they are incapable of gaining and maintaining it themselves, but it is difficult for the spouses involved. Marrying more than one spouse at a time is legal, so long as the requirements are met, but it is unnecessary, and my family has only done so for the last three generations. Previous to that, monogamy was the norm, and I plan to return to it."

He carefully studied her face and found that she was satisfied with his answer. He let out the breath he'd been holding in relief.

"I can only try to adapt. I can learn the language and manners," Elka said, saying the last sentence to Nera. "I know it will take time, but I can do it. I can support Henry."

Nera took a deep breath. "You will not be alone. Henry's mother and his aunts will guide you."

Elka nodded and paused. She tilted her head to the side and looked at Nera. "Madam...are you not going to be there?"

Nera smiled and shook her head. "Ash and Effie will continue to live in Carthage Harbor. There are still things there that we need to continue running, though we will visit and will remain in communication."

"This is something that has been discussed and decided years ago," Henry said as he noticed the disappointment and slight disapproval on Elka's face. "Ash has a company he started with Hana, and Carthage Harbor is the only home Effie's really ever known." All of Effie's plans for a trading empire were based there.

"You have faith in Henry," Nera said. "So do I."

Elka was hesitant, but nodded. "I see. Is Ash all right with you inheriting? Does he have any inheritance, too?"

"Not in this case, no," Henry replied. "And if he did, he'd refuse. He is a mage and wants nothing from the Old Bastard."

"Then, when do you plan to go back to Ashtar?" Elka asked the two of them.

"Once we stabilize some things," Nera told her. "You should know that Ashtar is also being suspiciously proactive outside their borders, but have not really opened themselves to other countries, in the sense that other countries have. If we're going to go, we will need to enter without alarming their father, which means as unassuming as possible."

"Are you going to sneak in?"

Nera shook her head. "No, we're going to force Ashtar to welcome us."

Elka's eyes widened. "How?"

"Force them to accept foreign trade," Nera replied. "And then enter as merchants. After all, Snake, Scarab, and Sons has an excellent reputation. There are plenty in Ashtar who would welcome and want to work with us." She paused and smiled. "Which is why we are willing to assist with the Smiya-Suna route."

"And it's very much welcomed, Madam Atractas," a man's voice said from the far end of the study. A tall man with combed back hair and round glasses walked out from behind a bookshelf. The trio seated rose to greet them.

"Your Majesty." Henry and Elka both bowed appropriately to the current Emperor of Dareisol. Nera gave him a slight nod of her head. Elka adjusted herself into the rigid stance of a soldier awaiting orders, despite wearing a ball gown.

"Be at ease," Emperor Augustino told them. He looked towards Nera. "Madam, Grand General Templeton will arrive soon."

Nera nodded, but Elka gasped, her stance faltering. "Why is the Grand General coming?"

The Emperor gave her a pleasant smile. "Miss Arelias. I'm afraid the answer is above your paygrade."

She flushed and nodded. She looked at Nera and bowed her head. "Then, I will take my leave, Madam. Your Majesty."

"I will see her off," Henry said, placing her hand on the crook of his arm once more. The Emperor nodded and remained standing as they walked towards the door.

"Henry," Nera called for him and looked back.

"Yes, Auntie?"

"Don't forget to release the captives of your plan." Henry nodded and left with Elka.

The Emperor looked towards Nera once the door closed behind the couple. "I didn't think you'd reveal so much to your eldest's prospective partner." He chuckled and took a seat across from Nera.

"The more serious they become, the more she has a right to know what to expect. She must be prepared for possible outcomes. I don't want her or Henry to find themselves unprepared in any future situation," Nera replied.

"You're a good mother," the Emperor acknowledged with a small nod. "But, simply marrying into a prominent Ashtari household isn't exactly the same as becoming the Ashtari Empress, is it?"

Nera raised a brow. "You're confident we'll succeed."

He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees in a much more informal position as he let out a heavy breath. "You and Henry must succeed or Dareisol, Suna, and other countries will be drawn into a war we have no wish to enter. Ashtar has built up quite an army. They wouldn't be extending their reach where they shouldn't if they didn't have some confidence."

"We'll see how long that confidence lasts," Nera said with a cold sneer. "Cut them off quickly and weaken them before they get too daring."

"You are Lunapsar, but born in Ashtar. Do you not feel any pity for the people in Ashtar's army?" the Emperor asked. "What if they are your father's men?"

"If my father backed that fool and his spawn, I would have even more reason to resent him."

The Emperor smiled a bit. "But did General Heikaravian?"
Nera was quiet. Though she claimed to have cut off ties with her father and hadn't spoken to him in person since he was forced to return to Ashtar just before her mother died, she kept close watch over him with birds. "He has not." She frowned. "However, he has no reason not to. I'm dead, after all."

"You disappeared and are presumed dead," the Emperor replied. "And he's your father. I doubt he believes you're dead." Nera looked away and the older man sighed. "If he believed you were dead, he would have no reason to hold on to the border region for so long. He's even blocked the Crown Prince's people from moving through the area, preventing them from antagonizing Suna with their careless advancement into foreign territory."

She gave him a curious look. "You keep more up to date on my father than I do."

"It's a matter of international intelligence." The Emperor paused. "And Tesar is an old friend."

She tightened her lips. "If you want me to get in contact with Ashtari powers for support for Henry in Ashtar, I will-"

"Contact the Prime Minister?" The Emperor's face lit up and he seemed to sit on the edge of his seat. For a moment, he looked like his mother, the Dowager Empress, and was hungry for gossip. "The new, younger one, not the old one."

Nera narrowed her eyes. "Why do you think I would contact him?"

The Emperor broke his imperial bearing and clicked his tongue. He leaned back against the armchair. "You don't have a single romantic bone in your body, do you? Frankly, this is his fault."

"There are others I will reach out to," Nera said. "Henry and I have already gone through possible supporters."

"Fine," the Emperor said, almost stubbornly. "But don't make it obvious. Keirsas is becoming increasingly paranoid, even starting to limit the powers of his son. He's watching all those nobles and powerful houses carefully."

"That's why we're planning to reach out to those possible allies outside of Ashtar."

The Emperor furrowed his brows. "Outside?"

"They couldn't stay isolated for long, and for some time now, they've sent people out to bring in foreign money and goods, though quietly. It's a select few people that the bastard sees as people who can't undermine him, and it so happens that those people overlap with our list of possible supporters," Nera said. "We just need to find them, and I already have a place in mind to begin."

"Where?" the Emperor asked.

"Shae," Nera replied. "At the Federation of Merchant Cities Invitational."