Kal’s father watched him for a moment, then his expression gentled. “Kalvoxrencol, I love you, but this stems from a greater root. You have spent cycles causing trouble we have had to clean up. I need to know this is not the start of another mess. Your Seth Harris deserves more. If you cannot give it to him, then I will order Talvax to take him back.”
“I can care for him. Idocare for him. I promise I am up to this.”
“Son,” he said, his voice turning even softer, “you don’t have to be something other than who you are. You don’t have to prove anything.”
Kal’s hands curled into fists. “I am as competent as my brothers.”
“It’s like speaking to a rock,” his father said. “No. A rock would have more sense.” He took a deep breath. “Get your mate here, whole and alive, and I will reevaluate your ability to care for him. I am not sure you are mature enough for this.”
“You are not taking Seth from me. The Crystal bound us together. He’s my mate. I want no one else,” Kal snarled. “I won’t survive without him.”
“And,” his father replied in an equally rough tone, “I have to think of what’s best for him as well. You have shown no responsibility to be ready for a mate or family. I won’t allow you to proceed if you’re going to injure him.”
“Then why allow me to do this in the first place?”
“Because your mother and Hallonnixmin made a case for your recent change in behavior. I remain cautious.”
Kal sagged.
I recognized the body language—defeat, shame, sorrow. Anger swelled from my gut and my vision narrowed. All thought left my head, and I bolted forward, stepping in front of Kal. “Back off.”
“Seth,” Kal said as he tried to push me behind him.
I shoved him away. “Do not speak to him like that. Kal did nothing wrong.”
Kal’s father lifted his eyebrows. “I believe an introduction is in order.”
Arms came about me, holding me tight. “Father, this is my mate, Seth Harris. My Seth, this is Emperor Kontolmakqilnen of the Drakcol Empire.”
My mouth opened to say something most definitely unwise. It started with an f and ended with off, but Kal covered my lips.
“Please, my Mate. This will not help.”
“Seth Harris,” the emperor said. I couldn’t decipher his tone or expression. “While this is not an ideal first meeting, your protectiveness of my son does meet with my approval. But I will not be interrupted when I am disciplining my child, and I willextend the same courtesy to you and Kalvoxrencol when you two decide to reproduce.”
“Excuse me?” I hadn’t really contemplated having children with Kal, or anyone for that matter.
Kal’s father ignored me. “I expect actual change.”
“I know,” Kal said.
His expression softened. “You do not need to be your brothers, Kalvoxrencol. You only need to be yourself. I love you, Son, and I was not disappointed when you tested the way you did.”
“As you have said, many times.”
“Still you don’t believe me.”
Kal didn’t reply.
Eventually, the emperor said, “I will speak to you and your Seth Harris another day.” He looked directly at me. “Please take care of my son.”
My jaw clenched. I was angry about how he’d spoken to Kal, but I said, “Yeah.”
He vanished.
Kal’s arms remained tight around me, his breath harsh. I leaned back. “I didn’t mean to overhear or interfere. I just…” I trailed off. “I didn’t like him hurting you.” Kal burrowed his face into my shoulder. I rubbed his head, his damp silvery-blue hair sliding through my fingers. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.”
