“You’ve forsaken us.” Alluin did not shout to the goddess, only spoke so weakly. “You cursed me with two omega sons. A son that no one would believe was mine and a whore of a daughter.”
I blessed you with a strong omega son with a mind for bureaucracy and a love of children so fierce he would make kings. I then blessed you with a daughter with a golden tongue who had more heart than could be contained by just one mate. Then again, I blessed you with the strongest omega son that your line has ever seen with a mind so keen, he could solve the world’s problems if given the right tools. That was never enough. And so, I gave you a powerful alpha son, blessed of heart and mind. I made him kind and loving. I made him gentle. I blessed him with all I could, and my sister, too, sought to give you, her gift. Had you kept him, salusis would have been yours, too. Lumic would be a prince consort, and the Liaberian line would flourish.
Alluin’s mouth fell open, face a mask of confusion and anger. It quickly turned to disgust. “All to spite me.”
Here are the promises I have made. I blessed your line to have vitalis if you promised to never war. I blessed Liaberos with the means to feed, clothe, and prosper all in its bounds. I promised that as long as Liaberos stood, there would be plenty.The sun flared brightly; the windows flaring at the goddess’s anger.But Liaberos will end with you, Alluin. From two kingdoms united was Liaberos made. Liara and Behros. From Liara spreads life and Behros, the earth. These two shall wed. They shall fruit, and their firstborn will be a great king. And from Virion’s line shall spring the children of Liara, who will bless the fonts and continue to spread life. With their union, the time until Ahran will seat the Liara throne will be all the time Liaberos has left. You have doomed your people, Alluin. Give them their grand wedding, for it is at their mercy that you will seat the throne until then.
Alluin whipped his gaze away from Seidrik and stared at the bright windows, forgetting to show any sort of humility or humbleness to the goddess. His breath sawed out in ragged pants of frustration before he hissed through his teeth. “As. You. Wish.”
“You understand why I hid— Why I didn’t. Don’t you?” Seidrik’s small words earned a grunt of frustration before Alluin marched out. As he did so, the goddess spoke after him.
Let us not forget the contracts have been signed pending my approval.
Alluin screamed at the top of his lungs as he flung the doors open, marched to the carriage and rode off, leaving the two there alone.
I thought it prudent not to tell him until after the marriage, but such is the way of the world. You have broken my order, and his ire will be your punishment.
Stamel sighed, his heart heavy in his chest. “And your edict about the salusis?”
Seidrik wilted as Stamel asked, but waited for the goddess to speak. In a small voice, he said, “I understand that you do not trust me.”
Those words broke Stamel’s heart. He had been given his trust back. He should have believed him, but he had to know.
He didn’t partake, but he had every intention on doing so until my sister spoke to him. Instead, she took an offering for the font.
Stamel drew Seidrik into his chest to hold him tightly. “I apologize for doubting you.”
“I understand. I’ve been a flat snake in tall grass.” He huffed.
Because you sought the font and intended to partake, I think my sister intervened on your behalf. Your offering to her was that of the nightflower in your veins, drawn into your tears.
“That explains so much.” Stamel traced his hand over Seidrik’s fine wings, reveling in the papery texture of them and the way the sun’s light reflected off them. They truly were a princelings wings, fit for the goddess’s high esteem. “But I will trust you.”
I think both of you have a lot of healing to do. Stamel needs to learn to trust once more. And, Seidrik, you should stop trying to throw anyone under the carriage wheel to hide your fears. You have apologies to make, so when Virion comes, apologize. It will not make things right, but it will be a start.
“Yes, Mother Goddess.” Seidrik bowed to the windows. “I owe you so many years of prayers. I will endeavor to pray every day and try not to be ashamed of what I am.”
Then you will accept the burden of royalty and that of an omega. Your duty is to your people. Your body will birth a future worthy of the kingdom’s name. No longer will you be Liaberian one day, but Berian, a fine delegate of those cast aside and disgusted by all that Liaberos has done. Alluin’s legacy will be that of the midden.
Seidrik expressed no joy at this, only nodded. “I dedicate myself to you, my mate, and my child to come.”
I will do for you what I did for Lyrica when she begged for blessings for her children. Your son will be alpha. His purpose is the purpose of all great kings—to advance a prosperous kingdom.
“As you command it, so shall it be so.” Seidrik bowed his head, and Stamel bore his horns and wings before offering the same bow to her holy glow.
“Thank you, Mother Goddess, for all you have done.” Stamel closed his eyes as her warmth rested on his skin.
And I shall take more from you, Stamel. Your firstborn Kimbel. He shall lead the new conservatory, and be a true scholar to my name. And Tyran, when he manifests, will be instrumental in a new world. Foster his studies, for the words that live in him will grow and he will write stories for a new generation.
“As it is your will.” Stamel couldn’t argue. The goddess would do as she promised. She always had and always would.
Chapter Seventeen
Seidrik
The music of fanfare barked in Seidrik’s ears. The Drashili procession had arrived, supposedly. From the gentle fog of white smoke culminating in the trade district, he deduced that the Thalmway had arrived, cooling its thalm engines with water.
Seidrik stared from his office window, watching the procession arrive. Stamel and Alluin had gone ahead, leaving Seidrik tocatch up on work.
