The Consort (Tellaran Series)

by Ariel MacArran

  Maybe I could have mouthed off to just one more . . .

  His and Alari’s lavish living space was located in the same building as her mother’s, known as the empress’ residence. But, although they might share a structure, Kyndan had never even been invited to step foot in this wing.

  Kyndan’s nose wrinkled as he entered the empress’ chambers. The place smelled of medicines, too many incenses, and fading hope. He dressed again before he came, still unused to the feel of animal skins, still uncomfortable in the garb of a warrior. His clothing was distinctive in that it lacked the beading over the left shoulder that proclaimed his clan.

  The empress had never welcomed him into it.

  He didn’t mind for himself so much but it bothered him for Alari’s sake. He needed to figure out a way to get these people to respect him. And the empress’ disapproval literally on his shoulder for all to see wasn’t going to make it any easier.

  Kyndan followed the servant into the empress’ bedroom. The space, larger than the first floor of the house he had grown up in, was sumptuously done in red and gold brocades. It was less like a private sanctuary and much more in keeping with a place designed for public view. There were no quirky knickknacks or souvenirs as one might find in a Tellaran’s most personal space. There were no family portraits or personal touches. This was not the private retreat of a mother or a woman—it was the bedroom of a monarch.

  An enormous bed dominated the space, its elaborate carvings and great height making it more throne than sleeping place. On it Azara lay propped on pillows, healers, priests, and priestesses at her bedside. She looked weaker than when he’d last seen her at Saria’s funeral rites. Her skin had sickly yellow tinge to it now and her cheeks were sunken as if the life were being drained right out of her.

  But Azara still retained enough strength to look at him with intense dislike burning in her dark eyes.

  He held her gaze for a moment, then bowed. “Imperial Majesty.”

  She let him stay that way for a few heartbeats and he gritted his teeth in annoyance.

  “Consort,” she said at last.

  He straightened. “How are you, Majesty?”

  “Dying,” she said shortly.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Azara’s lip curled. “I almost believe you mean that.”

  “I do mean it,” he said sharply. “Even if I were so petty as to wish you to the spirit world, Alari’s already lost a sister. She doesn’t need any more grief right now.”

  “I know something of grief, Consort,” the empress said tightly. “I lost a daughter.”

  Kyndan shifted his weight. He tried to see her as a grieving mother, not as a woman who would have inflicted a lifetime of cruel servitude on her own child, who let Jazan continue to assault Alari for her own twisted reasons.

  “I only met her once but Saria was a sweet girl. Alari loved her very much.” He met her gaze solemnly. “I am sorry for your loss, Your Majesty.”

  A sheen of tears suddenly showed in Azara’s dark eyes. “She was . . . a sweet child.” Then the empress tore her gaze away. “Leave us!”

  The attendants hurried out and Kyndan raised an eyebrow when the door shut behind them. “Well, everyone’s gone. I guess you can tell me what you really think of me now.”

  “You seem clever for a barbarian,” she returned coldly. “I do not think I need tell you.”

  He inclined his head. “Then I guess I don’t really need to tell you either.”

  The empress’ gaze narrowed. “You took my daughter from the palace without my permission.”

  “Alari is an adult and we don’t need your permission to do anything.” Kyndan raised an eyebrow. “Is that really why you brought me here? To scold me for taking my wife to the temple district so she could have some fun at the festival? Because I took her to visit my sister?”

  Azara’s eyebrows rose. “Is that where you took her?”

  “Where did you think I took her? A damned cave? Besides, you disinherited her. Why the hell should you care where she was?”

  “Just because Alari was no longer First Daughter, did not mean she was no longer my daughter. Did it not occur to you that I might have been worried for her?”

  “No, I really can’t say that it did. But the whole condemning her into slavery thing might have thrown me a bit.”

  Azara’s nostrils flared. “You do not understand what it is to rule. You do not understand the sacrifice it demands. You will never understand why I did what I did.”

  “Because it’s dangerous—for everyone—for a ruler to look weak.”

  “Yes,” she said after a moment as if she were reluctant to acknowledge any intelligence in him at all. “That is precisely why.” Azara looked at him hard. “Alari’s rule is tenuous. She needs a strong warrior at her side, one who can help her hold the throne. You cannot.”

  “You might be surprised what I’m capable of, Your Majesty.”

  “You are not the equal of a warrior.”

  Kyndan’s lip curled. “I think Jazan would disagree with you on that.”

  “Alari cannot hope to hold the throne with such as you for a consort. I only pray she sees that you are a danger to her,” the empress hissed. “Before you are removed.”

  “Be careful, Majesty, you might discover how much of a danger I am.”

  The empress’ eyes narrowed. “Is that a threat?”

  “A warning,” Kyndan corrected. “I’m not sure how much peace you’ll ever have if your Tellaran son-in-law—a former Commander in the Tellaran Fleet and the son of a Fleet Admiral—turns up dead.” He folded his arms. “Tellarans aren’t Az-kye. They consider me one of their own; some of them might even be proud I’m consort. Even the ones who hate me now won’t put up with having a Tellaran murdered. Kill me and there won’t be a Tellaran alive who still wants peace with you. But you might be better off with the Realm at your throat.” His nostrils flared. “Because if you try to hurt Alari again, you’ll have me to deal with.”

  “I would never have permitted you to be my daughter’s mate,” the empress spat. “I would never have permitted you to speak to her.”

  “You aren’t exactly my first pick for a mother-in-law either,” he retorted. “I’d rather have a Utavian serpent. The snake would have treated Alari better!”

  “Think you I have no love for my child?” she demanded. “I was harsh, overly so, but in love and regret I restored her to the succession. Against reason, against counsel of my dearest advisors I brought her to the throne and I will not have you destroy her!”

  “I would never hurt Alari,” he snarled. “And if that’s what you wanted to say then I can tell you right now, we’re finished talking.”

  He turned on his heel to walk out.

  “Attend me!” Azara called.

  He wasn’t about to stop but her servants and her advisors rushed into the room, blocking his way. Sechon the Elder was among them, her brow creased with concern.

  “My daughter’s mate!”

  Tedah’s right. That is annoying.

  He took his time turning to face her. “Yes, Imperial Majesty?”

  The empress’ dark eyes burned with hatred. “I welcome you to our clan,” she fairly spat. “I bid you do honor to our name, Prince Consort Kyndan, Son to the Shina’ aru’ Az-kye.”

  Kyndan blinked. “You—?”

  “You are of the Shina clan. You are Az-kye.” The empress bared her teeth. “Now get out!”

  Kyndan reeled out of the empress’ apartments.

  That was her welcome to the Imperial family?

  “Consort!”

  He turned at the sound of Sechon’s call. “Elder.”

  “Your Highness—”

  “Ahh!” He held up a hand. “I’m still trying to get used to ‘Consort.’ Let’s stick to that for a while.”

  “As you like,” she said with a nod. “Consort.”

  “How can I help you, Elder?”

  She pressed her hand to her chest and gave a short
laugh. “I was wondering if I could be of help to you, Consort.” She tilted her head. “You seemed quite . . . distracted when you left Her Majesty’s presence.”

  “Yeah,” Kyndan said with a glance back that way. “That whole thing sort of took me off guard. Listen, the new Tellaran ambassador will be here soon so I have to get over that way.”

  “I am to be present as well for the welcome. May I walk with you, Consort?”

  He inclined his head. “I’d like that.”

  “Surely,” she said as they crossed the square, Utar discreetly behind them, “it is a good thing that Her Majesty has granted Alari’s request?”

  “Her request?”

  “That you be welcomed properly to the clan,” Sechon said. “That you be given your title and a name.”

  “You mean the clan name?”

  “Prince Consort Kyndan, Son to the Shina’ aru’ Az-kye.”

  “Wait,” he said. “She just named me ‘Kyndan’?”

  “Of course.”

  “What if she’d named me something else? Parin or Behal or something?”

  “Well,” Sechon said, looking perplexed. “That would be your name.”

  “And you’d all call me that that instead? Rather than ‘Kyndan’?”

  “Certainly.”

  “Well, frack,” he managed. “I guess I should have stayed long enough to say ‘thanks for not naming me Behal.’”

  “But the name pleases you?” the elder asked, puzzled.

  “Absolutely,” he muttered. “And I think I can say with confidence that the Tellaran admiral especially will also approve of her choosing ‘Kyndan.’”

  “Perhaps we will all attend another naming ceremony next year?’

  “Another—?” He felt his face warm. “You mean a baby.”

  “A new princess or prince would bring great joy to the Az-kye. An heir will help solidify Alari’s rule.” She looked at him seriously. “And yours, Consort.”

  “I didn’t think you’d approve of me, Elder,” Kyndan said. “Because I’m Tellaran.”

  Sechon sighed. “With age, you will find that people are far more alike than different. In any case,” she added, her dark eyes kind, “you care very deeply for our regent.”

  “I love her,” he said quietly.

  The elder smiled. “It lifts my heart that Princess Alari has one so devoted to her.” Her expression turned grave. “She has great need of you, Consort. Great need of your strength and support. Our people, too, have need of you.”

  “Because I’m consort,” Kyndan said a little bitterly. “Because they need Alari to bear an Imperial heiress.”

  “We are none of us given the lives we expect.” Sechon searched his face. “Think you that your role is inferior to hers? You are Ren’thar to her Lashima. It is to you that the protection of the Empire falls. Do not discount your importance, Consort. Do not discount your value to the Az-kye.” She touched his arm gently. “Or to our regent.”

  “I haven’t been a very good Az-kye mate so far,” he admitted. “And I’m not a warrior. Not like your people think of them.”

  “Ah,” she said nodding. “And what, then, should such a consort do?”

  He sighed. “Get himself a new swordmaster I guess.” He offered a grateful nod. “Thank you, Elder.”

  “Of course.” She gave him a gentle smile. “I am proud to serve you, Consort. If there’s anything else I can do . . .”

  “I appreciate that.”

  He was relieved to see he’d arrived at the reception room at the eastern end of the palace before Alari and her attendants arrived.

  At the doorway he had a quiet word with the Imperial majordomo, Jelara, who then announced him to the court as Prince Consort Kyndan of the Shina’ clan. As he made his way past the bowing courtiers and the war leader he gave a quick smile to High Priestess Celara, leaning on her jeweled cane, and she smiled back.

  “Mezera,” Kyndan said quietly, stopping in front of the Leader of the War Council. She rose from her bow. “I want to see the logs from the rescue ship that found Princess Saria’s ship. I want to see everything—visuals, reports, any sensor readings the recovery ships took as soon as it comes in. I want to see it first.”

  Mezera blinked, but now that he had been acknowledged by the empress as Prince Consort and Warlord she couldn’t put him off. “Certainly, Your Highness.”

  He gave her a short nod and took up position at the door to await Alari in order to escort her inside. He had to discover if Saria’s death were sabotage after all. If it was, then surely Alari too was in even greater danger than he feared.

  Alari could plainly see the resemblance between Kyndan and his sire.

  They were of a height and the shade of their eyes was similar, though the shape was different; Kyndan’s were more rounded, his sire’s more narrow. The Tellaran admiral’s hair was bright silver, wavy like his son’s, and very striking against his dark blue and white uniform. According to Kyndan the admiral had shared his same warm brown shade in his younger days and Alari suddenly imagined Kyndan with that handsome silver someday . . .

  To welcome Kyndan’s sire Alari ordered the official greeting of the new Tellaran representative to occur in the reception room at the east end of the Imperial palace. It had always seemed to her the most inviting of the official rooms with its soaring crystal windows, whimsical carvings of flora and spring-colored palette. In addition, the height of dais where Alari now sat enthroned, Kyndan standing at her side, was a spare two steps above the polished floor and would allow the Tellaran man to be at eye level rather than force him to look up at her while they conversed.

  The sunlight from the arched windows on either side of the reception room made the red hair of the clan leader seem afire as Kinara of the Az’anti bowed beside him. Ever more restricted by the growing size of her belly, Kinara’s breath came in even shallower measures now that her pregnancy had progressed.

  “Ti’antah of the Az’anti,” Alari said warmly, her hands folded over her jaha feather fan. “I am pleased to look on you again.”

  “Thank you, Imperial Regent,” the clan leader replied. “It is an honor to be in your presence again. May I present my fa—” Kinara cleared her throat and the courtiers stirred. “The Tellaran representative, Admiral Ryndar Maere.”

  Alari met her mate’s sire’s gaze and against Imperial protocol offered a smile. “I bid you welcome here, Admiral Maere.”

  “The honor is mine.” Ryndar’s glance at her face, at the mourning makeup she wore, betrayed a flicker of distaste that made Alari’s smile falter. “The Tellaran Council, its people and I, especially, are pleased to take part in these peace talks.”

  Alari regarded him for a moment then looked at the Az’anti clan leader. “Have the clan leaders Her Majesty named been assembled?”

  Kinara blinked and Alari could feel Kyndan shift his stance beside her.

  Kinara glanced at Kyndan. “I wasn’t aware that was still . . .”

  Alari flicked her fan ever so slightly.

  “Of course, we wouldn’t want to begin the talks until that was done,” Kinara agreed rapidly. “I merely hoped today to present their representative to you.”

  “Hold on, so the talks won’t be starting now after all?” Ryndar asked with a look between his children before settling on Alari again. “I was under the impression you were eager for these peace accords.”

  “I am amiable to the Tellarans’ wish for peace, Admiral Maere,” Alari said deliberately, magnanimously ignoring how he had not used any of her titles when addressing her.

  “I see,” Ryndar said coolly. “And just when are these talks to begin?”

  Alari lifted her chin. “I expect all will be properly seen to for the talks to commence in a few months.”

  “A few months!” Ryndar exclaimed. “Are you serious?”

  “If at all,” Alari said sharply, feeling her face flush under her mourning makeup.

  “If that’s the case, young lady, what am I doing her
e?” Ryndar demanded, his silver eyebrows lowering into a scowl. “You do realize how much trouble my government—and I personally—have gone to in arranging all this for you?”

  Alari blinked and a disapproving mutter ran through the court.

  “Father—!” Kyndan began.

  “I am sure I could not say,” Alari interrupted coldly, her grip on her fan tightening. “But I will trouble you no further. You are excused from my presence!”

  “Now, hold on just a—”

  Kinara grabbed her sire’s wrist in a tight grip and he broke off.

  The Az’anti clan leader bowed quickly and her grip on her sire stayed tight until he too bowed.

  Alari stood. “I will retire now.”

  Kyndan took his place beside her as she stepped from the dais and strode past his father and sister without a second look. Alari’s maids, taken by surprise at her sudden departure, hurried after. The court bowed as Alari swept from the room, her rapid footfalls clicking sharply against the polished stone floor.

  “What the hell just happened?” Kyndan demanded when they reached the hallway. “Why did you block the peace talks?”

  “I did not block them,” Alari said tersely.

  “Then why are you still insisting on all those clan leaders?”

  “Her Imperial Majesty would see this done properly. It will be done as she ordered.”

  “I don’t think Her Majesty ever wanted these talks at all,” Kyndan said sharply. “It looks like you don’t either!”

  “I was more than accommodating to their ambassador!”

  “Accommodating? You were fracking rude!”

  “I was rude?” she cried. “When their representative dared address the Imperial Regent as ‘young lady’?”

  “You know that’s my father you just snubbed, right?” Kyndan asked hotly. “The same one I spent an hour convincing to come to dinner tonight so he could welcome you as his daughter-in-law!”

  Alari stopped so short her attendants bumped into each other in a mad scramble not to collide with the Imperial Heiress.

  “Convinced him to welcome me? As if he should not be honored to be permitted to dine with the Regent of the Az-kye Empire!”