“We finished building our lodgings. How much longer until you begin constructing the Odessa Dome?” Jaman asked, and stared Cobaaron down as if warning not to make him wait.
“We must build the second city and a new wall. Be patient, Jaman. You shouldn’t be eager for your death. You’re not going to win this tournament. I’ve seen this in my dreams.”
“We shall see,” Jaman snarled. “We wish to start building the stadium with your permission.”
“Do as you wish. My warriors will inspect your work to ensure a strong foundation.”
“Don’t insult me. I make nothing weak.” Jaman flushed purple with rage.
“Hmm. That is a matter of perception.” Cobaaron led Ky to the tables. He pretended the encounter never happened, and scanned the room while commenting that they arrive too early because Noxis wasn’t there yet.
Kitchen staff immediately poured malt and water. One man apologized because the first course hadn’t been set on the table, and then hurried away to fetch a fresh loaf of warm bread.
As they picked at the roll, people trickled in, until the hall was busy and loud. Ky glanced around the room, feeling at home. She liked the noise, and that a great number of people gathered for dinner like a large family. Once Ambrosia, Tyrus, and Octavos came down to eat, it felt like friends eating at a restaurant as the men drank malt and became silly as they told of humorous adventures.
As usual, Octavos was telling jokes. With the pride of being a new father, he was in an exceptionally good mood, chatted lively, and even thanked Ky profusely for all she did while helping Athaya bring their child into the world.
“And what exactly did she do?” Noxis asked, coming up to the table. He didn’t look at Ky. In fact, he ignored her.
“Lay off, Noxis. Your constant carping is getting old. Don’t ruin my good mood. I’m a new father. Sit down and shut it.” Octavos sighed in exasperation. “Where is your partner? She is to show you how a woman can change a man.”
“She is with Vergara and her annoying sidekicks. It’s a wonder any of them are partnered. Spending more than a few minutes with them is torture. Anyway, they’ll sing again tonight, though Vergara is the lead vocalist.” Noxis rolled his eyes, and then added in disdain, “Not surprisingly, she thinks she’s better than she is.”
Ky giggled. Ambrosia snickered, which sounded like a maniacal laugh. “Just think Noxis, you almost bonded with Vergara.” Ambrosia sniggered. Noxis wasn’t listening. He glanced at Ky, and immediately spotted Cobaaron’s hand holding hers on top of the table. Cobaaron apparently noticed Noxis’s attention, and brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
“Noxis, take a seat.” Cobaaron gestured to a few seats down.
“I don’t think I will. I’m not hungry.” Noxis refused to notice Ky, and looked around the room as if he was people watching. His annoyance was still on his face when he glanced back at Cobaaron with lips pressed flat. “I came to ask if you would spar again tomorrow—alone. I want what is between us resolved.”
“It did nothing so far. You’re still defying me, Noxis, by hiding things, and I shouldn’t have to ask you to respect my decisions and me. I didn’t take lightly my choice of union partner. I love Ky.” Cobaaron gulped his malt. On second thought, he decided differently. “Very well, we’ll spar tomorrow morning, and hopefully then you will be willing to say Ky isn’t a witch and lay that to rest. My men have realized she’s doing nothing beyond a normal Star’s power. This rift between us was something I never wanted, and is disappointing. You’re my family, my only brother.”
“Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying. You used to confide in me. Now you tell me nothing. I’m loyal to you to the death; my duty in life is following you as my chief, and now my king. You know I mean this!” Noxis stressed with heartfelt honesty. He once again spied Cobaaron and Ky’s embracing hands. He shook his head, as if disgusted, and then added, “You’re my brother. I don’t want anything coming between us—especially her.”
“I’m glad you said that, Noxis.” Cobaaron stood and welcomed his brother by moving a chair next to him. “I’m glad to hear you don’t like keeping secrets. We should be open with each other about everything. I want to know what distresses you, and I’ll do the same. For instance, Jaman has asked to start building the Odessa Dome. I dreamed he alters it to help him win. I’d like you to observe and report all the secret changes.”
“Do you want me to let him make these changes?” Noxis asked confused, when he noticed Cobaaron didn’t ask him to intervene.
“I liked what I saw in my dream. Let him think you’re simply checking to make sure it’s strong. I’ve already led him to believe I worried he would slack off.”
“I’ll do that.” Noxis’s lips twitched into a soft smile. He stared at Cobaaron, clearly hoping that their brotherly friendship was returning to normal.
Cobaaron thanked him. In a moment, it seemed the two changed, and were close again. Ky felt uplifted and happy to see the two reconciling. Maybe the love potion was a good idea. She loved knowing they were friends again, and trusted the potion proved to fix many things permanently. “If there is anything that troubles you, I give you my word I’ll never be angry with you over words. You’re free to tell me anything, good or bad. Your confessions will only make us stronger.”
“I will do that.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ky was alone in her room, while Cobaaron sparred with his brother, Tyrus, and Octavos. Tavain, her new guard, stood outside the door. For the most part, he left her alone. Since he rarely spoke, she wondered if he was ordered to talk only when necessary.
She felt safe and enjoyed having time to lounge. Other than petting Taja while they were out on the balcony and drinking tea, she did nothing but people-watch the townsfolk. The bright sky and warm breeze made it seem spring-like. While so relaxed, she didn’t even feel like changing clothes before Ambrosia and Athaya came for her to take Layla on a walk around the castle’s extensive garden.
Ky made small circles around Taja’s long ear, knowing she loved it. Once again the little flurry snored loudly. Ky decided on a quick nap before her friends arrived.
Ky was about to crawl under the covers when someone knocked. She answered, surprised to see Onya. She never made an effort to befriend Ky. Ky greeted her warmly and invited her in.
“Thank you,” Onya said, but she didn’t sound pleased. Ky had an idea what was wrong, and felt guilty. Her stress level escalated when Onya nervously entered.
“Would you like to join me for tea?” Ky offered, pointing to the balcony.
“I came here for a reason. It’s not tea.” Onya was hurt and stark white. She struggled to continue, clearly trying to confront her with bravery. Obviously Onya worried about the consequences once she spoke her mind. “I came to talk to you about Noxis.”
“Oh?” Ky tried to act casual. She was a great actress and she simply needed to play the part of an innocent person. But she was petrified. She knew there were terrible repercussions if anyone learned about the potion. “What about Noxis?” Ky swallowed.
“I’m not a stupid woman. I’ve seen his shift in personality going from wanting nothing to do with you, to unexpectedly always around Cobaaron…and you. I’d think nothing of it if he didn’t stop sleeping with me. The fact he refuses to lay with me made me start to wonder what else changed. I promised him loyalty. That isn’t it. Tell me honestly if you’re sleeping with my partner.” Onya stared at Ky as tears welled. Onya refused to cry, because she lifted her head and cleared her throat.
“I’m a Star, Onya. If I cheated, I’d die of grief.” It was true, and because of it, her words rang with sincerity. “I don’t love Noxis. I love Cobaaron. I don’t want your husband, and I never will. He is my brother; beyond that he means nothing.”
Onya smiled, and then quickly grimaced on the verge of tears. “You could have told me you couldn’t love him because he doesn’t have blue eyes, and I wanted to believe nothing was going on so badly I’d ha
ve gladly fallen for it. But it is true that Stars can’t cheat. Silly of me to not realize that, but I was blinded by jealousy. I’m embarrassed for coming over here and accusing you. It’s just that…I’ve promised not to be with anyone else, thinking he would sleep with me again, but shortly after he stopped again. I don’t understand why he’s not sleeping with me, other than my past, which he still hasn’t forgiven. But...you don’t want to know this,” Onya cringed, embarrassed. Then she flushed, looking as if she was about to weep from humiliation. “I thought because Cobaaron took a sudden interest in keeping him close it was because he knew you two were having an affair. I thought he figured it out, and so I came...this is a mess. I could be killed for accusing you. I should have thought twice...excuse me.”
Onya began to leave, but Ky stopped her, “It’s okay, Onya. I’ll never let harm come to you for approaching me with this. You’re free to tell me anything. We’re sisters through our unions. You are family.” Her words made her feel worse. “I don’t know why he’s not sleeping with you. Maybe he’s upset about something that has nothing to do with you. I don’t know.”
“Maybe,” Onya shrugged. “I think he regrets bonding with me. He never wanted me in the first place. This was all Octavos’s idea. Noxis is...a good man once you peel back the layers of his tough warrior side—the part that thinks he has to fight everything and everyone to have respect. I’ve come to love him; I truly love him. If I hadn’t slept with other men, I think he’d have fallen for me, but he resents my old lovers. Unfortunately, there are many. I’m scared men like him, men of rank, can’t love. It’s what he told me, and maybe that’s what’s going on. Do you think so?”
“No. He loves you. Bonds compel people to truly love. The fact he has a hard time with accepting your former lovers is proof. Some things take time to fix. Proving your unwavering loyalty will help him let go of his doubts, and then only his love will remain. I’m sure of it. Give him time; you’ll see.” Ky could see her burden of feeling rejected and unloved by her husband. It made Ky feel sick because she was the cause. “All men can love. They’re no different from women. Some simply fight it, and like you said, he fights everything for respect. Men who take partners are still considered weak, but they aren’t! Give him time to adjust and learn that he’s a better man because of you. Your union was strong after fighting it so long without completing it. It’s for your benefit. Let him deal with his emotions, and I promise you this will be over soon.”
Ky didn’t think she could continue with the conversation as her guilt mounted. She was relieved when the room door opened, and Cobaaron came in. She rushed to meet him with a kiss.
“Our sparring is going well,” Cobaaron said to Ky. He looked at Onya in surprise, took a step away from Ky, and warmly greeted his sister-in-law. “Onya, it’s nice to see you other than nights when you sing. Were you waiting to speak to me about something?”
“No,” Onya said and flushed, “I was leaving.”
“Don’t leave on my account,” Cobaaron insisted, but Onya moved toward the door. Before Cobaaron could again ask her to stay, Onya bowed and dashed out. “Well, that was strange,” Cobaaron muttered when they stared at the door.
“No, she asked me if I’m cheating on you with Noxis. I assured her Stars die if they cheat. Then she said she was worried Noxis doesn’t love her because they were goaded into their marriage. He’s not sleeping with her. She feels something is wrong and I feel really guilty.” Ky sighed, as her lip quivered. She needed a hug and was about to say so, but Cobaaron responded.
“Well, love, this is why it’s evil.” Cobaaron hugged her and added, “And this is why you don’t play with dark magic.”
She was quiet, and forced herself not to gripe because he was making her burden worse. He was reprimanding when she needed consoling, but she was torturing him as well. But what did she expect? She wasn’t going to find sympathy.
He must have been reading her mind because he said, “I have another man lusting after my wife. This isn’t easy for anyone. I’m thankful I can peer into your thoughts. I know where your feelings are for him, and that he hasn’t approached you in private. That gives me comfort. Let’s change the subject. I don’t like talking about this. You don’t like hearing about it.” His words cut deeper. She felt grief, terrible grief. He continued on, “Sparring is going well. I admit my brother is more open than expected. He’s all but admitted he has feelings for you, and today Hyun informed me they ran out of the mild batch a while ago, and has been giving him the stronger batch. They say it’s very potent. Naturally, I feel a lot better about this considering he’s very open with everything he’s grappling, though he doesn’t come right out and say it’s you. If I didn’t know what was going on, I probably wouldn’t understand his parables, but at least he’s struggling between not touching you and protecting me from you—both show his loyalty to me. He means well.”
“I’m glad you are closer. You don’t have any family besides him and your sister, and you rarely see your sister. You clearly needed this, since you’re thrilled to have him back as a confidant.”
“Yes, I’ve told Octavos to not be so hard on him. I’m starting to feel sorry for him when before I was simply angry. I never wanted you to hate him, but I certainly spent the last few months feeling like I did. Octavos was stern, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t forgive Noxis for what he’s about to do. I feel remorse, so Noxis and I are now in the same boat. What if he never strikes you and this was a warning so we would help him accept you? I would’ve been angry with him for nothing, if this comes to naught. I’ve been bullying him, when he has never been anything but dedicated to me.”
“Let’s hope it is nothing. Maybe once he’s off the love potion he’ll only be fond, or simply not care. That would be a good ending.” Ky however, didn’t think so. After Wyt, Noelya, and the spirit woman all warned of Noxis striking her, she was convinced it would soon happen. “I’m through talking about what he will or will not do. I’m starting to really show I’m pregnant, and in my dreams I was about this far along. It’s hard to tell, I may not get any bigger. I’ll worry if we keep talking, and I don’t want to fret. Stress isn’t good for a pregnant mama.”
“Then let’s not.” Cobaaron rubbed her protruding belly. “I thought you were going for a walk with Ambrosia and Athaya?”
“I am. I should get ready, but I wanted a rest first.”
“I have business to take care of, but I could nap with you later,” Cobaaron suggested as he rubbed her belly. She knew his naps never meant sleeping, but agreed.
Ky bathed and dressed before feeding Taja. The fat little thing needed exercise, but stored snacks in her cheeks. Vale overfed Taja, knowing flurries were happiest when surrounded by food. Ky didn’t mind hidden stashes of food around the room if it made Taja happy. Besides, Taja had no other flurry to keep her company and Ky did her best to make up for it.
Ambrosia arrived a few minutes before Athaya and Layla. Athaya carried her newborn in a woven basket sling with layers of blankets inside. The carrier made it easy for Athaya to walk, but she waddled because of the bulk. Within minutes the three were meandering through the grassy courtyard, with Tavain at their heels. Beyond the grass, the garden was dead with brown shrubs. Because the warriors were busy building, they hadn’t touched the garden’s wall. The stones that once stood upright now lay flat like a sidewalk.
The three women walked carefully, stepping over stones as they chatted. Ky loved how Athaya was quickly befriending Ambrosia. But they had their roots in common, and stories they shared from the City of Sterlings. The three had much in common, there was always something to talk about, and Ky never felt friendless as she did when she first fell into her new world. They talked animatedly about the blue sky, and couldn’t stop staring. Athaya was amazed how the bright heavens could lift the depression.
As they made their way toward the city center, Ky’s mind drifted to her conversation with Onya. While lost in thought, she missed most of Ambrosia and
Athaya’s lively conversation. Dwelling on something wasn’t like Ky, but if the problem persistently bothered her, it needed to be resolved. She simply didn’t know what could be done.
Eventually, they went to see the stadium’s progress. Now that the outer city was completed, newcomers built their own homes and the second wall was erect. As most warriors dug the enormous Odessa Dome, only a few legions were spared to sweep the surrounding forests, gather crystal for lanterns in the new addition, and help build needed housing as small armies and civilians flowed in.
“It’s amazing how much progress the warriors are making,” Athaya said. “But then, not really with how many there are.”
“And how strong they are,” Ambrosia added.
They gazed over a valley of stone. The valley was solid white granite, and bore evidence of boulders carved out to build the city long ago. There were miles of untouched rock. The stadium was carved out, brick by brick, as warriors took large slabs to the outer city. They watched the men chisel at the arena, which was dug at the bottom of the hill. She expected it to tower fifty feet into the sky, but that wasn’t the case. The newly constructed arena was a deep pit, with rows of seats around the oblong stadium. Warriors ground the glowing Star-crystal with huge mortars and pestles, covering the floor with bright sand.
“Just imagine a magical dome,” Ambrosia said. “My father has an instrument that will cover it in strong glass, and since instruments last longer than a spell, it could stay up forever if this city doesn’t see a lot of wars.”
“I imagine it will be done tomorrow or the next day,” Tavain observed, as he scanned the stadium.
“You think so?” Ambrosia asked.
“Let’s go down the hill and look,” Athaya suggested. “Octavos came down here because Noxis is secretly revealing a map to Cobaaron and the participants, showing where Jaman hid trap doors and tunnels.”
“Be quiet woman. Don’t spread rumors until after the tournament!” Tavain scolded from a few feet away.
The Coming Dawn Trilogy Page 84