“I get why you seriously believed yourself bewitched.” Whyle snorted with laughter as Wrexel flustered with embarrassment, for the results had, of course, been negative.
“I know what I felt,” he said defensively.
“Yeah, it’s called lust. I think I will go have a little chat with her.”
He left Wrexel’s side, feeling his cousin’s eyes boring into his back.
* * *
Whyle walked up to Amber. “Whyle.” He held out his hand for an Earth greeting.
“The architect of Earth’s destruction,” she replied sarcastically.
Whyle was taken aback but not enough to walk away. “If somebody throws a gift away, is it wrong for another to take it and use it?”
She sighed begrudgingly.
“Let’s start this again.” He extended his hand. “I’m sorry for the devastation of Earth, which I brought about sooner, but I cannot apologize for taking what we will cherish; I will do anything to save that which I love.”
Amber shook his hand; she was counting on that very idea.
Whyle, according to the chronicles, was highly intelligent and well-respected for his gains in technology. He wasn’t a warmonger or a fighter, and thus far, he didn’t look at her with hunger the way that some Thromians on board did. This, coupled with Inndra’s advice that he would fight Wrexel if he cared for her, made her smile back at him.
“Are you and Wrexel close?” she asked, pondering over her plan.
“Not currently,” he replied loftily.
“I believe you are Rix’s brother; I met her a couple of times.”
Whyle grimaced, seeing her expression. “I guess she made the same impression on you that she makes on most people. I know she can be... difficult, but she’s my sister and means a lot to me.”
Amber realized what Inndra said about Whyle was true, especially when it registered so honestly across his face.
“We met under bad circumstances,” Amber said receptively.
He smiled with gratitude and the conversation that followed came easily.
They began to drift slowly past the planets within the Diogel system and Whyle took on the role of introducing her in his own unique way.
“Vergana,” he noted helpfully when the first planet filtered past the large front screen. “Stoic bunch of assholes, no different from their time on Earth prior to being evacuated by the Yimmyrd. Religion and daft rules. They have a semi-decent military and the only access to the metal that all our weapons are made from that can penetrate any shield.”
Amber smiled, remembering as much from the Chronicles but liking the way he summed it up.
“Hynafol, planet of iniquity, small worthless army, a haven of depravity and essentially a vacation destination. They have the only decent seas, beaches, and tropical islands.”
He sighed. “You go there if you want to get fucked and fucked up. Best in hallucinogenic drugs and the only planet where all forms of debauchery are legal.”
The next planet was covered with a thick haze.
“Serenay, a haven for those afflicted with sorcery. The covering isn’t magical, it’s Source powered by the Yimmyrd, who keep them under it for protection. Travel is restricted for bearers of the dubious gift. They have no army but are still part of the federation, although appeals for freedom of travel and magic are not even considered, which the Yimmyrd say is for their own good.”
“Is it?” she asked.
“Yes and no. If they were free they would be exploited and abused, but keeping them on lockdown is only fair to those who want it. The others are being punished for something they never asked for.”
Amber remembered the chronicle on the Great Cloud, whose origin and source remained unknown. A mysterious force came across all the planets like a great vapor and exacted magic on some members of every race. Diogel reared out of control and the Yimmyrd launched the prohibition, sending all those afflicted with magical abilities to Serenay for safekeeping.
“Gweithi.” Whyle noted what she already knew about Leyahanna’s planet, but mentioned that besides working in trade on other planets they were the ones who made their skeths and other jewelry. “They are the finest craftsmen and honorable people,” he said with admiration.
Amber saw another planet just beyond it covered with the same Yimmyrd haze.
“Huggraker.” He grimaced. “Second to Throm in military power, they are currently under embargo. They temporarily have the same ‘no entry or exit rule’ that Serenay lives under permanently.”
Amber had seen this chronicle, too. They were somewhat mysterious beings. They wore helmets carved in the likeness of scary animals that hid their faces. They were the youngest members to join the Diogel solar system after their own planet was lost to war in the 104. The Thromians had been their enemies before they were granted haven, so accepting them into the fold had been hard.
“They blamed a coup attempt for a Watch Tower failure which resulted in Throm being attacked by one of the 104. The Yimmyrd punished them with a no-movement embargo but it will be lifted in less than two years.”
“Do you not believe them?” Amber asked.
“No, they’re devious liars, ambitious and loathsome. Throm would love to see them expelled from the Federation.”
“Finally there is Illohi, home of the Yimmyrd, true owners of all these planets and the holy sons of bitches who rule.”
Amber saw it was also covered with a haze, but on the side, a line of ships waited to enter what appeared to be a small hole in the mist that enclosed the planet.
“Those ships are lining up to access one island called Thee Isle. It’s the governing island for the federation,” Whyle explained. “They needed one place for the Federated meetings to take place and opened up admission to it, but the rest of their planet is protected from any entry.”
* * *
Amber remembered the Yimmyrd she had met and how awe-inspiring he had been, but she was disappointed that he didn’t fight for Earth.
“Do they really commune with God?”
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “Their ability to use Source Power which supersedes all technology and even magic is evidence of that. They are healers and keepers of peace, but they are also undefeatable; you can’t take a Yimmyrd down.”
“I would love to know more about them,” Amber said wistfully, for the Chronicles were limited. “Everybody would, but they’re extremely secretive.”
“Next stop, Throm,” he added. “We will not pass by Rheese, your colonial home.”
Amber watched as they drifted onward, taking in the floating space stations, and the traffic of ships, all shapes and sizes drifting in the inner circle between the planets and the Diogel sun.
Whyle stood up. “I hope that despite the start of all of this, you would consider me a friend on Throm?”
“I’d like that.”
She stood as well, for it seemed the polite thing to do. He took her hand to bid her an Earth farewell. “Any advice for me on Throm?” she asked.
Whyle pursed his lips. “Stay away from the Monarch; he will kill you just to upset Wrexel. If you ever really need help, ask me or Shihlo; you will lose your pants and your dignity if you ask Staede.”
He looked across at his cousin and Amber followed his gaze. Wrexel looked aggrieved by the amount of time they had spent together.
“Can I ask you a favor?” Whyle gave her a calculating smile. “I owe Wrexel a debt of revenge and there is very little that would upset him… except you… he covets you like nothing I have seen before. I could use you to exact my vengeance.”
Amber frowned. “What do I have to do?”
“Don’t fight me off and pretend you enjoy it when I kiss you. Then we can both watch Wrexel turn purple with rage.”
Amber laughed, and he took it as a yes. He gave Wrexel a wicked sideways glance to ensure that he watched them and then he pulled Amber to him and kissed her.
She stood still, allowing Whyle to wrap his arms abo
ut her and put his mouth on hers. He swung her around so their faces were out of Wrexel’s line of view and chuckled against her lips at the pretend kiss. The noises on the landing bridge ceased and a deathly silence ensued with the staff on deck looking from one cousin to another.
Landing was imminent.
A fight on the bridge would be a catastrophe.
A few seconds later, Whyle stepped back, gave her a gallant bow, and then, turning a vicious stare on Wrexel, said loudly for him to hear, “Debt paid.”
“Get... off... my... bridge,” Wrexel hissed as Whyle’s laugh echoed off the walls in the still-silent room. Wrexel looked at his crew, who all dropped their eyes and returned to work immediately. When they finally docked, Wrexel came to Amber and offered his hand. She took it and ignored the inner admonishing that she should have declined. She was frightened to be on Throm and needed support, even from his evil hand.
“There is no need to be afraid; I will not leave your side,” he said before leading her off the ship.
Amber walked beside him to a much smaller transporter, feeling dwarfed by all the Thromians around her.
The sides were transparent, giving the crowds below a view of their heir as they slowly moved over the largest courtyard Amber had even seen. It was filled with a sea of Thromians wearing his royal blue. The roar of their joy could be heard upon the moving craft.
He watched them with interest for a while but then directed her attention to the castle below. “That’s your new home; it’s the Four Wings Palace.”
20
Sibling Rivalry
As they neared, Amber saw that the Four Wings Palace was a huge, dominating building of four angel-shaped wings that stretched out in opposite directions. A large center dome of glass lit up in intervals with the four colors of their parties. Wrexel’s wing was clearly distinguishable by the supporters who crowded outside and around it but also by the flags that hung from the large stained-glass windows and walls. The structure was impressive and opulent, with gilded statues, in gold and silver, of unknown creatures spiking the walls and covering the courtyards. It was beautiful and ornate, but surprisingly “gothic” for the freakishly neat and military nation.
She was lost in the grandeur and mystery of the old building for a short while. There was a medieval look to the turrets, while thick stone steps and massive oak doors stood out on balconies and on the ground below. There was no fluidity to the building unless viewed from above, which showed the angel-wing design, but as they lowered, it seemed to be a mass of old and new forged together into a futuristic design that she struggled to articulate in words.
“What is that?” She pointed at the distance just behind the castle to a thick tower that dwarfed Four Wings. It looked like a soon-to-be launched rocket at first because the center column was supported by three equally thick tripod legs. It glinted all colors of the rainbow, as if the exterior was made of reflective glass.
“That is Whyle’s stronghold and the Thromian Watch Tower that scans outer space in protection. I believe you met him earlier?” he added.
She looked up at Wrexel in alarm, expecting anger, but he was smiling. “Wicked behavior shouldn’t go unchallenged. I have decided you owe me a favor. I fully intend to wipe the memory of Whyle’s lips from yours as soon as we're alone.” He ran his thumb over her mouth. For a moment, she thought he would kiss her and she leaned into his touch but he merely sighed in longing and then dropped his hand.
He continued with a knowing smile. “Four Wings is very mysterious and interesting… there are tombs, catacombs, and great halls with sculptures, paintings, and holograms of our history. There is even a dungeon. I think you will find it stimulating; I know you like architecture.”
Her eyes flared with surprise. “How…”
“I gave Leyahanna the team that collected your things. I had to check it for weaponry. I could be wrong but there are times when I believe you don’t like me and would enjoy causing me physical harm.” His eyes twinkled and Amber’s lips tugged into a smile in return, so she looked away.
She didn’t want to have a report with Wrexel.
* * *
Amber eyed the castle with derision. He was right; she did love historical buildings and had a keen appreciation for architecture… but she couldn’t find even the smallest measure of excitement for the magnificent building before her. She wondered how long it would be her home. She stared out of the window at his personal wing. At least ten stories high and the length of two football fields, it was surrounded by thick, solid gates. It also housed several staggered balconies. One at the very top seemed to encompass all four of the Wings.
Landing ports jutted out the side, but that day they aimed to land on the ground in front of the entrance to Wrexel’s wing. She saw a group of Thromians had gathered below, waiting at the bottom of the long stone stairs.
When the transporter hissed and landed, everybody filtered out except her and Wrexel.
She turned to him in nervous apprehension and this time when he took her hand she did not snatch it away.
“We will meet the Monarch today and he is not friendly.” He ran a thumb over her palm. “But he can’t harm you. Don’t be afraid. You will never come to harm under my watch.” His eyes glowed for a moment and she believed him wholeheartedly. She loathed Wrexel for what he had done to her, but had never feared for her physical safety. Inndra, Leyahanna, and even Whyle had assured her Wrexel would never take her body against her will but she knew it for herself. No matter how much he wanted her, he would never take what she wasn’t prepared to give. The problem lay with her. The more he touched her, the more she lost her resolve.
She looked out at the gathered officials who stood in wait and gravitated toward his strength but then his eyes clouded over as he stared at the two Royals who waited right in front.
“I also need to remind you that we have an agreement; if you renege, I will withdraw my support for Rheese. You will accept the consequences of this arrangement in whatever legal form I ratify it upon Throm. Remember this and do not oppose my choices.”
* * *
Amber moved away from him, angry with the reminder and confused by his words. Although she wasn’t sure what he meant, she was still shocked at his ability to move from charming to demonic within a heartbeat. He reached for her hand again but she yanked it away, so he placed a hand at the small of her back and led her out into the courtyard toward the neat row of officials who stood waiting to greet him. The roar of the crowd behind them was deafening, but it slowly ebbed as the large gates closed. Amber mulled over his cruel words as his two brothers came down the steps from the entrance to his wing.
Both eyed her with curiosity.
They had equal bearing to Wrexel and, like him, were pronounced versions of the crossbred race. He greeted them both with arms clasped at the forearms. They hugged to the left and the right and then he put a hand on her back and moved her forward.
Shihlo made her stare, no matter how hard she tried not to. When she watched the Chronicle on Wrexel’s youngest sibling, she thought the footage altered, but he was faultlessly beautiful. A biblical angel of war, with light hair and crystal blue eyes. He had perfectly aligned features and was heart-stoppingly handsome. Everything harsh and brooding about Wrexel was depicted in opposition in Shihlo’s angelic face.
“Shihlo.” He reached out with both arms. Amber hesitated at first but then moved forward to greet him as Leyahanna had taught her in proper Thromian style.
“Welcome.” His eyes held warmth and kindness for both her and for Inndra, who greeted him and exchanged a few words that made Shihlo lose his smile for a few seconds.
He recovered and focused his gaze on her. “I was surprised when I heard that my brother was bringing a human to live with him. But then it was followed up with additional rumors I did not care for.” His gaze left her face and moved to Wrexel; his smile dimmed and a flash of black anger flared in his blue eyes.
Wrexel did not respond and Amber
considered her options. She still reeled from his warning and wondered when the best time would be to tell Shihlo the truth, but she had just met him and her confidence ran low. He continued to eye them both curiously but the moment of strained silence was lost when Staede stepped before her. “I heard reports, too, none of which indicated how beautiful she was.”
He was the opposite of both his brothers. Sly, green eyes surveyed her with inappropriate interest. Wrexel was dark and sensual, Shihlo godlike and angelic perfection, but Staede had a charm all of his own. He was strikingly handsome too, but decidedly wicked in demeanor.
“Staede,” he said, but did not make a move to greet her like Shihlo. “The middle, better looking brother,” he added with a smile that she couldn’t help but return.
Her smile seemed to impress him and he let air out of his teeth in a sound of appreciation. His eyes roamed over her with unconcealed longing. “Well done, brother; I can’t say I blame you for asking her to return to your home.” He extended his hand.
She lifted her own to shake his, but he placed it under his lips. He rained four very slow kisses upon her knuckles as he held her gaze. “When boredom sets in, I hope you will not be offended if I offer you my company?” He raised one eyebrow that somehow added to his devilish charm.
* * *
Amber decided he was amusing and his flirtation had to be harmless, but Wrexel did not look pleased. He placed a warning hand on his brother’s chest. “No Staede, not this time.”
“Pity.” He shrugged. “But I’m known for my patience.”
He lifted Amber’s fingers back to his lips but Wrexel pulled them away.
Staede moaned in protest. “Brother please, do not deny me the chastest of embraces.”
He reached for her again. “Welcome, beautiful one. I hope you tire of my brother very quickly so that I can entertain you as you deserve.”
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