Page 73 of Fire Forged

“One you will know before that, Adviser,” Matir said.“I have submitted my report.”

“Excellent.”Adviser Kanzo glanced at Nerx.“And the purpose of the comm?”

“Prince Citus has found his Dar Eth.”Nerx grinned.“She is Viqrian.”

Kanzo blinked, then cleared his throat.“I…do not know what to say.One moment.”The vid flicked to black.

Minutes ticked past.They waited, arms clasped behind their backs.

When the comm resumed, King Xeus occupied half of the vid, Kanzo the other.“Repeat your news, Supreme Commander Nerx.”

He did.

King Xeus roared his delight.

A radiant Queen Macera joined him, peering at them.“Did I hear right?”she asked.“Another species of Dar Eths?”When King Xeus nodded, she laughed then danced on the spot like Lily would do.She froze and frowned.“But…Citus’s alone on an alien battleship?I dunno how I feel about that.”

“My brother knows what he is doing, especially when an Eth must follow his Dar Eth.”King Xeus faced them.“What manner of female is she?”

“Do we have an image of Regent Haiz?”Nerx asked Edon.

A static sec vid appeared in the corner of the display.

Silence reigned.

“Whoa, pretty with that buzzcut,” Queen Macera said.

King Xeus’s gaze flicked to Nerx’s braid.“I used to believe short hair meant dishonorable, but I have met many who do not lack honor.I will henceforth strip Foot of Honor from our laws.”

“I shall send out a royal missive and inform Ava, my king.”Adviser Kanzo arched a brow at Nerx.“Regent?”

“Commander of a battleship,” Nerx said.“They do have an empress.”

“Nice,” Queen Macera cheered.

“Prince Citus’s O.D.I.is active, my king,” Edon said.

“My thanks, Pilot.I shall reach out to him.This is wonderful news.”

“Our operatives will need to interview each female on theBronvol.The few we have will not be sufficient for such a task.The Viqrians who instigated the rebellion will be sent to Fuyra.The innocent to Etteria.”Nerx pursed his lips before saying, “As negotiated by Prince Citus.”

“Then I must agree.Send the females you deem unfit to Fuyra.”King Xeus hesitated.“I shall comm your father.”

“Please, my king, I will attend to that task.Please accept my resignation as Supreme Commander.Of course, we shall meet en route to port Aldur and Lady Dahlia to you.”

“Resignation accepted.Etteria will feel the loss of your service.”King Xeus thumped his chest in a gesture of respect.

“I would like to serve on Fuyra, beside my father.”Nerx smothered a grimace.“If that pleases you.”

“Very well, Ambassador Nerx.Sub-Commander Matir will replace you as supreme commander.Kanzo, document as such.”King Xeus ended the comm.

Nerx slumped.“Why is speaking to either of them so draining?”he asked when he’d endured this before in silence.

“Protocol?Not wanting to offend?”Matir gripped Nerx’s forearm.“Congratulations, Ambassador.”

Nerx snorted.“A title without meaning, especially when Father does not know the word ‘diplomacy.’”

“That will change with you at the helm.”Matir grinned.

---