Page 74 of Fire Forged

“True.”Nerx released Matir’s forearm.“King Xeus chose well.I cannot think of a more deserving male, Supreme Commander Matir.”

“Should I comm Ambassador Tarx?”Edon asked.

Nerx grimaced.“No… Thank you.”

All their O.D.I.s buzzed.Only priority messages notified them all.Nerx tapped it.A vid played of Prince Citus and his males sacrificing their honor for him.His eyes stung in remembrance.The vid followed with a missive regarding the amendment to the Foot of Honor law, that Maloidian bracelets to permanent brands would be issued based on the severity of the crimes.And ended with Nerx and Matir’s promotions, along with Nerx’s final destination.

Maker.His father would know before Nerx could comm him.Shit, as Britta would say.He opened his mouth to ask Edon to connect him to his father when Lily skipped through the door.Colors were woven through her braids.

“Nerxie?”

“Minus susa.”He lifted her into his arms for a cuddle.Lady Olivia had been adamant children needed affection.He’d found he craved it more.“Did you have fun?”

She hummed her answer, her arms around his neck, her head on his shoulder.

“Hungry?”he asked.

“A little,” she said, then yawned.

He smothered a smile.A nap was soon, but if he mentioned it, she’d be up and about to prove she wasn’t tired.

“Ambassador Tarx.”Edon raised his hands.“He commed.”

Nerx made to put Lily down, but her little body stiffened even though her breathing had deepened.“Put him through.”

“What nonsense is this?Rebelling against centuries of tradition—” His father blinked at Lily, the sight of her, no doubt, silencing him.

“You got the missive.”Nerx met his gaze, not cowed like he used to be as a youngin.

“The cancelation of the honor law… Is that a—”

“A human child and my daughter.”Nerx raised his chin in defiance.Let his father say one disparaging word about how Lily wasn’t an Etterian, and there’d be hell to pay.“If you wish to talk to her, I suggest you load the Earth English Language Protocol.”

Father’s eagerness to do so twinged Nerx in the chest like a spasmed muscle.While he waited, his father aged—his face hardened and the lines around his eyes and mouth deep trenches.His shoulders slouched.Something like tears glistened in his eyes.

He cleared his throat.“I will have quarters built for you and your blood-bonds.”

An unexpected boon Nerx didn’t know how to interpret.“My thanks.Berrann Falls will not be denied to my daughter.I want your best engineer carving steps.We mine Fuyra rock.If anyone can master the mineral, it is us.Install a protective railing as it should have been done—” He bit the inside of his cheek to silence his resentment—the sweet taste of his blood calming him a little.

“Nerxie?”Lily pulled back to cup his face.“You angry?”

He lowered her to the floor.“Go find Britta, and bring her to meet…your grandfather.”

As Lily gaped at the display vid, she rubbed her eye—a sign of her exhaustion or so he’d learned.“Two Gramps?”Her smile was beautiful, her joy breathtaking.She squealed, bounded up to the console, and peered at his father.“Is he your daddy?”

“Yes.”Nerx smiled.“Father, this is Lily.”

“Gramps.”She clapped her hands together.

Nerx caught her shoulders and steered her to face the door.“Find Britta,minus susa.”

“Oh,” she gasped and bolted.

“The energy ofdamu,” Father said, rare humor in his voice.“You used to tear after Kyerx every waking moment.Who is Britta?”

“My Dar Eth,” Nerx gritted out.Bringing up Kyerx’s name as if he hadn’t died?Fury fired along his veins, stiffening his muscles to snapping point.

“We have much to discuss.”

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