Rhuul's Flame (13 page)

“You’re not a killer, remember?” He cupped her face and ran his thumb against her cheek before he returned his sword to his hand. “But I am.”

Lea pulled her flames back and watched as Rhuul lunged toward his grandfather. He made it halfway before his swords disappeared, reappearing in his father’s hands.

“Finally! Kill them, Veen!” Iethro adjusted his robes and stood tall and defiant. He remained in that position for several moments before his head fell forward and then down onto the stone floor, followed by his limp body.

Avalea sucked in a quick breath, uncertain of the scene playing out before her. She turned her gaze to Veen, the man who stood by in silence both in Rhuul’s memory and even now. “Why?” The fact that Iethro was dead was of no consequence, but Veen’s actions sparked even more anger and one burning question. “Why did you forsake your son?”

Veen dismissed the swords, sending them back to Rhuul’s hands. “I stand ready for your judgment, my son.”

“Answer her, Father.”

Veen stood unmoving, his eyes on Rhuul.

The longer he stood in silence, the more she needed to know. “His mother, did you love her?” She hadn’t known Rhuul long, but she knew him well enough to know his pride wouldn’t allow him to say what was on his mind.
I will be your voice in this,
kan’na.

“I did love Heren. She was my wife.” Veen’s expression was tortured, the black horns on his brow drawn together.

“Then why did you let all this happen? How could you stand by and do nothing while everything you’re supposed to love was destroyed?” The rope that bound them together had disappeared, so she made her way to Rhuul’s side. When she lowered herself to the ground, she reached out and he banished his sword to take her hand, as if he too missed the connection.

“I had to make a choice. When I found out Heren was pregnant, I gave up my role as prince, forsook all claims to the throne, and left Karn. My greatest wish was to find a realm where we could stay as a family without judgment, no hateful names. We moved around a lot, never staying anywhere too long. But it wasn’t enough. An Eidon traveling with a Celestan is easy to spot. By the time we were found, Rhuul had been born. I fought those sent to retrieve us, but my father is far from unwise. He didn’t send a few guards after me. He sent an army.”

Veen walked over to his father’s body and stared at its remains. “I killed as many as I could. The fighting went on for so long, I couldn’t take another swing. They wore me down until I had nothing left. They brought us here, killed Heren right in front of me as I held you in my arms.” He didn’t look at Rhuul. He stood with clenched fists, his hands shaking. “My father ordered the guards to kill you. I couldn’t let that happen. I convinced him to let you live until you were old enough to fend for yourself. In exchange, I would treat you as an outsider, and I would take up my formal role as prince and heir to his rule.”

“You are a coward! You should have fought him directly.” The flames on Rhuul’s head climbed higher, whipping as if caught in a windstorm.

“I did what I had to, to keep you safe.”

“Safe? You stood by and let him torture me for years!”

“Do you think it was easy for me? You are my only child, the only connection I have to the woman I loved with all my heart. I never wanted those things for you.”

Avalea felt her stomach sink at the thought of what else had happened to Rhuul as he grew up. Veen’s words sounded honest, but she couldn’t accept what he had to say. “You could have done something.”

“I did. I tended to his wounds, taught him to fight, and I gave him the means to protect himself.” Veen turned to face them, his expression full of remorse.

“You lie! You never did any of those things!” Rhuul’s wings rose high, as if he was about to take off.

“Didn’t I? If no Eidon treated you with any regard, who bandaged you? Who fed you? Clothed you? Who taught you to read, write, and speak? The languages?” He shook his head. “Where does the gold come from that you conjure? Where do you think you got those swords? They were mine. I came to your room many nights, speaking the incantations to train you, to teach you how to conjure. I gave you everything I thought you’d need to keep you alive. I knew you’d hate me, but I accepted that. I don’t expect you to comprehend my reasoning.”

“You gave him everything but your love.” Avalea held Rhuul’s hand a bit tighter, understanding him more and more.
This is why nothing matters. This is why he has no qualms about taking a life. He’s only known hate.

“I couldn’t show him love in the way you expect, but my son still breathes. I succeeded in that.” Veen walked toward them, his arms at his sides. “I expect you to kill me. Your life was difficult with me, but I need you to know it wasn’t what I wanted. Heren would hate me for what I’ve done, and she’d be right. I tried to make the best choices with the options available to me.” He took a deep breath and released it slowly through his lips. “Take my life and take your place on the throne.”

*

“My place?” Rhuul wasn’t sure if he wanted to shake the Eidon before him or run him through with his weapons. “I have no place. The two of you taught me that.”

“You are my son, my heir. With me gone, you ascend to the throne. Don’t you see? I knew you’d return here. I’ve planned for this day all your life. This is your home. You decide its fate.”

“This has
never
been my home!” The revelations had been too much. Everything he understood was a part of some game, some sick plan meant to prepare him for something he didn’t want. “Every Eidon in this realm would rather see me dead than breathing the same air as they do. Why would I want to stay here?”

“Your power will be absolute. The people must do what you say. I couldn’t give you a life, but I can give you my legacy. Take it, Rhuul. Open Karn to alliances. Stop the hatred between us and the Celestan.”

“Are you out of your mind?” All the muscles in his body tensed. His heart pumped hard, threatening to burst under the pressure of his disdain. “I will not stay here. I will not claim this realm. There’s nothing for me here.” He turned to Lea. She didn’t speak; she nodded, the simple gesture showing her full support.

“Why? You wouldn’t have to roam the way I did. You’d have everything you need.” Veen’s eyes widened, his voice an octave higher.

“I will find my own way on my terms. If you want Karn to change, then you will be the one to implement it. I have no desire to lead a race of ignorance.” Lea wrapped him in an embrace and kissed him lightly. Her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling. “Don’t give me that look. Damned Omala life lovers. If I’m not going to be here, I can’t leave the throne empty. It’s simple logic.” He squeezed her waist and took a deep breath. “Can you take us back?”

“I, uh … I don’t actually remember how I got us here.” She looked down, avoiding his eyes.

“You don’t remember? What the hell, Lea?”

“I wasn’t exactly myself, Rhuul.” She narrowed her eyes at him, exchanging her smile for a scowl.

It was so easy to get a rise out of her, and she’d never know how gorgeous she looked when she was frustrated. “There was fire involved. Lots of fire. You can start with that, right?”

She looked like she wanted to burn him alive. A moment later, she released a chuckle. “Do you have to be such a jerk?”

Veen stepped closer, and held his hands out to him. “If you won’t stay, at least let me give you something before you go.” A picture appeared in his palm, a snapshot of him, a Celestan female, and a winged baby.

“Rhuul…” Lea seemed overcome with emotion, and held her hand over her mouth.

“We did love you, my son. Never forget that.” He waited, holding the small frame in silence.

“Keep it. I don’t know these people.” He’d never seen his mother before, but somehow the image of the smiling Celestan female seemed familiar. His mind wandered for a few moments, lost in what-if?
Would she have shunned me? Would she have done the same as my father? Am I anything like her? This is meaningless!
He was curious about her; he wouldn’t deny that, but he wouldn’t dwell on it. “I think I’ll make my own memories.” He wrapped an arm around Lea’s waist and held her close to his side.

“You’re just as proud as any Eidon, and just as willful as any Celestan.” Veen smiled and the photo disappeared. “Lea. Is that your name?”

“You will call her Avalea.” Rhuul felt a surge of new anger hearing someone use
his
name for her.

“Very well. Avalea, can you lower the flames? I need to make an announcement.” When the fire surrounding them disappeared, he held his hand up to the encroaching guards. “Hold!” They stopped, but the anger on their purple faces was clear. “Iethro is dead. As his heir, I will take his place as ruler of Karn. From this day forward, Rhuul Iscarion, my son, will be welcome in this realm. You will treat him as he is due, prince of Karn and heir to the throne. Failure to do so will be punishable by death.”

The guards dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. “As you command.”

“You will always be welcome here, Rhuul. I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to get to know you.”

“Perhaps, but for now, I’d prefer to keep my distance. I suggest you do the same.” Rhuul eyed his father with suspicion, wondering if his words were true or part of another plot.

“Allow me to walk you to the way gate.” Veen moved to his side, but remained a short distance away from him.

“Wait!” Lea closed her eyes and held out her hand. In the span of a few moments, the crystal from Iethro’s crown appeared in her palm.

“Why do you want that?” Rhuul raised both eyebrows and stared at the stone.

“This is what we came for. The elders knew it all along. It’s the Ylari crystal.”

“The crystal was here the whole time? Why in all the realms of hell did we have to go on that damned journey?”

“Rhuul, I’ll … I’ll explain it later.” Lea gripped the crystal tight and held it close to her chest.

“Fine, let’s get out of here.” He walked next to his father, but paused next to Braka. “Do you have something to say to me?”

“No.” The guard captain spoke through clenched teeth, his breaths heavy.

“No? Only no?” Rhuul spread his lips into a smile, extending the moment.

“No … Your Highness.”

“Good. Dispose of that body. I want you to do it personally. Bring my aunt Shiel to help you.” He didn’t wait for Braka’s acknowledgment. He continued on, following Veen through the familiar halls of the palace.

“Where did you meet her?” Veen looked over at Lea with a large grin.

“She came to me in a dream. It gets pretty complicated from there. Why?” Flutters of anxiety moved through his chest as he spoke with his father. He wasn’t accustomed to this side of him. He only knew him as the detached bystander.

“She’s passionate. She reminds me of Heren.” There was a brief moment of sadness in his expression before he relaxed. “Never take her for granted.”

“She’d never let me.”

“Rhuul, stop being—”

“Your
kan’na
?” He gave her hand a little tug and laughed when she rolled her eyes. “You should have let me leave. You’re stuck with me now.” He whispered the words. The shake of her head was all he needed to see. She heard him loud and clear.

When they arrived at the way gate, Veen stepped to the side. “Remember what I told you, my son. You are free to return as you wish. If there is ever anything you need from me, name it. As ruler of Karn, I pledge my allegiance to you. As your father, I promise to support you however I can. Your enemies will be mine, and our armies will fight for you.”

“Well,
Father
. We shall see what the future holds. For now, know that you are the son of the Eidon I hated most. I doubt his treachery is absent from your blood.” He stepped closer, his wings wide. “We shall see what your legacy really is. Do not make an enemy of me.” With those words, he moved away from Veen and walked up to the way gate. Lea activated the controls, and they stepped inside.
What will you do now, son of Iethro?

Chapter 9

As soon as they passed through the way gate and into Akash, Avalea breathed a sigh of relief. When she looked at Rhuul, his lips were pressed together. The flames of his Mohawks undulated, his footfalls heavy. “I didn’t expect Veen to be like that. He didn’t use the best methods, but I think he was honest about his feelings for you. Maybe the two of you could talk after some time has passed.”

He turned to her, glaring, his fire violent. “Stay out of it, Lea. I don’t need him, and I don’t need you intervening on his behalf.”

“I wasn’t trying to intervene. Just give it some time, that’s all. I just wanted you to be open to considering the possibility.”

He stepped in front of her, his wings high. “Stay. Out. Of. It. What I want you to
consider
is that this is none of your business. I don’t owe him anything after what I’ve been through.”

“Look…” She closed her eyes and pushed down the urge to snare him in vines. “I know things between you and your father aren’t the best. I can only imagine what you must be feeling. But know this. I am not one of those guards in Karn. You will not speak to me like a slave. You want to be angry, fine, but don’t take it out on me.” She pulled her hand from his and headed off, stomping through the dusty soil while she mumbled under her breath, “Damned uppity Eidon.”

“Lea…” She could hear him hurry to catch up to her, but she didn’t look back. “Do you really expect me to just start talking to him like nothing happened?”

“No. I don’t expect you to do anything. I just asked you to consider it. You don’t want anything to do with him, fine. But like it or not, he is your father. There’s no escaping that.” When he walked beside her, she kept her focus forward. “He’s not my favorite Eidon either, but when I listened to his explanation, heard the sadness in his voice… Did you see his eyes when he offered you the picture? Have you ever known any Eidon to show that much emotion?”

“It doesn’t matter.” His voice was empty. When he reached for her hand, she allowed him to take it. “I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. I don’t—”