Resilience
Date: 2017-04-28T18:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Fantasy; Science Fiction; Romance
Description: THE FINAL SHOWDOWN IS NEAR…BUT WHO IS THE REAL ENEMY? Auryn Hadley’s sixth action-adventure in The Rise of the Iliri fantasy series asks how far mankind will go to protect their pride. Because it seems they’ll guard it at the expense of all else. In an epic reminiscent of a furistic Lord of the Rings , it’s the iliri—now a rising, formidable race of underdogs—who must decide whether to risk their lives for the ungracious human race. Unbeknownst to humans, their fate lies in the capable hands the iliri leader, the powerful Salryc Luxx. And she’s no longer willing to be yanked around at any pric

Rise of the Iliri

Book Six

Auryn Hadley

Spotted Horse Productions

Resilience is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2017 by Auryn Hadley

All Rights Reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher and the copyright owner constitute unlawful piracy and theft of the author's intellectual property. Thank you for your support of the author's rights.

Published by Spotted Horse Productions

First Edition: April 2017

Cover Art by Spotted Horse Productions

Edited by Kathryn Cox

There's nothing an author craves as much as a reader.  Knowing that somewhere in the world is another person who fell down the same rabbit hole and didn't make it out unscathed is all we need.

Introduction

S ince the dawn of time, the iliri have been called beasts and treated as either pets or livestock.  The only things we knew about ourselves came from whispers spoken softly, far away from human ears.  Even our own language was hoarded like some treasure.  From mother to child, everything we'd experienced was passed down quietly, giving us some hold on our history, but it wasn't enough.  Often, the stories felt more like wishes than reality.

Until she came.

Nothing about her should have been a surprise.  Always, when we needed help most, one female would rise up to lead us.  We'd recognize her by her scent, that of hope and dreams, and we'd call her Kaisae.  In the past, she'd been just like us – but now we were different.  Our people had been diluted, changed by generations of crossbreeding until we weren't sure what we were anymore.  She didn't have that problem.

One look at her reminded us all of what we were supposed to be.  The pride in her eyes proved that we hadn't always been property.  We hadn't been created to live as slaves!  Once, long ago, we were the ones in charge, and it had been women like her who'd kept us safe.

But that was before humans fell from the stars.  Everything they needed, they brought with them – or so they thought.  From the crops they planted on our soil to the animals that grazed on our hunting grounds, what had once been ours, they took as their own.  It was never enough.

They wanted metal.  It held up their homes, powered their machines, and made them stronger than us, but our world didn't have much.  No matter what name they used, iron, copper, and even gold were things we'd never seen until humans came.  They swore it existed, but it seemed there wasn't enough to go around.  They decided to use us instead.

They hunted our prey, destroyed our homes, and killed our culture to make us serve them.  When we objected, they twisted us, forcing us to stand taller, bleed more red, and even speak their words.  Soon, we replaced their machines, and the humans were finally happy with their easy lives.

In only a few generations, we became their greatest tool, kept in check by our primal needs and shackled by our own minds.  Our species learned to submit.  Humans were stronger, so we had no other choice.  We still tried to resist, always relying on the best of our women to show us what to do.  Over and over, we failed, forced to become meek and obedient until we eventually forgot there had been any other way.

The stories of our history became myths.  Mothers gave up whispering them to their babies.  Our grandchildren ignored us when we tried, and theirs called them lies.  It didn't happen fast, but after many, many lifetimes, the humans had finally won.  The iliri, a once proud species, had become the pets humans had always called us, tamed through generations of domestication.

And that's when she finally appeared.  With her eyes locked on the ground, no one would have guessed that the worthless bitch was a threat.  We'd fought for so long, biting, clawing, and killing to keep what little pride we had left, but she'd learned something new.  She'd figured out how to be overlooked.

In other times, our people never would have chosen her.  In other circumstances, she wouldn't have been good enough.  Lucky for us, she was all we had, because that one unimportant girl was about to become the hope of an entire species, and it only happened because no one told her it couldn't.

Raised by humans, she was ignorant about her own species.  All she knew was her shame for being different, but now she had a pack she could lean on.  The Black Blades had spent nearly a decade proving they were the perfect soldiers.  Since she'd joined, they'd become so much more than just a military unit.  They were a family, and they succeeded because they were no longer ashamed to be iliri.

Our masters weren't happy about it.  They tried to break the Black Blades.  When nothing else worked, they sent her away, thinking her nothing more than a beast that needed to be tamed.  To Anglia, they said, that archaic country to the north.  Using the war raging on the other side of the continent as an excuse, they claimed she was the only one who could do this.  What they didn't realize was how right they were.

Her job was to replace the King with one who would support the Conglomerate of Free Citizens.  Instead, she found an ally, and along the way, she discovered our history.  It came on four legs, covered in hair, proving we really were the beasts humans claimed.  Called the grauori, these wild creatures were our best chance at stopping the war destroying everything in its path, but she'd have to face the consequences of her actions.

Yet humans wouldn't give in.  Convinced they were the strongest species on the planet, some would rather face an un-winnable war than see the iliri treated as equals.  The Black Blades were disbanded.  The Kaisae was attacked.  The alliance nearly collapsed, but there was one last option: Anglia.

The nation that had fought beside our Kaisae gave her a crown and offered our people a home.  The world noticed.  The balance of power had just shifted to a country where three species lived together as one.  Human, iliri, and grauori soldiers fought side by side against the extermination of the iliri, but the Emperor of Terric just kept coming.

He wanted to see the iliri wiped off the face of the planet, and one small, pale girl wasn't going to be enough.  To defeat the resistance, he had to destroy the Kaisae of all Iliri, but abducting her from the front line revealed his own secrets: the Emperor of Terric was an iliri-human hybrid.  This was no longer a human war, not after he killed the Kaisae's mate.

She escaped, smuggled back to her pack by a man from her past, just to return to a summons from the country she'd turned her back on so long ago.  Devastated, heartbroken, and determined to get her revenge, the last thing on her mind was making another alliance.  Especially not one with a country that demanded her help.

That was the moment the Kaisae of all Iliri decided it was time for our people to rise up.  Humans were no longer the dominant species.  This was was her problem, and she'd make sure the Emperor paid for what he'd done.

– Excerpt from The History of Salryc Luxx, by Ilus Molis Cernyn, Professor of Iliran history at the University of Arhhawen.

Chapter 1

The sun was high in the sky, the horses' hooves clattered on the cobblestones, but a cold breeze found every gap in their armor.  None of the soldiers would acknowledge it.  Compared to what they'd suffered so recently, a chill was nothing.  It only reminded them that they weren't finished.

Twelve soldiers in black resin armor were followed by ten in white, their horses matching their uniforms.  Behind them rode dozens of men in green, all of them flanked by large, white beasts trotting easily on each side.  There were no banners, no symbols of their allegiance except the trio of green circles on each saddle pad.  Their armor was not spotless.  Their horses were not shined.  The beasts' paws were stained with mud.

This was not a parade.

All of them were armed. These were combat ready soldiers, and it showed by both the weapons across their bodies and the way they sat in the saddle. The Black Blades were notorious in Prin, but the Verdant Shields were virtually unknown, and few had seen the beasts known as grauori this far south.

The sound of their passing pulled civilians from their homes and citizens out of shops.  No one cheered; they simply watched.  In the wake of Anglia's passing, cautious whispers spread, citizens of the Conglomerate daring to hope that these soldiers might come to their aid.  Rumors had started months ago.  Some said Anglia was the salvation of the Conglomerate of Free Citizens, others said they planned to destroy the country in revenge.  Watching from the side of the road, the people didn't know what to believe, but hope hung in their eyes.

Sal saw it through the slit in her helm and wondered if they would look at her the same if they could see her face.  The same people who'd spit at her a little over a year before now demanded her help.  Demanded.  That word clawed at her mind.  They felt she owed them when it should be the other way around.  She'd bled for this country, been abused for this country, and now they had the gall to feel she owed them something.

Rais, clear the way to Parliament, she ordered, sending the thought to his entire unit.

His acknowledgment flooded back, and ten men in blue surged down the side of the column, their horses cantering ahead.  "Make way for Anglia," Captain Rais Tolan called out as the 112th Mounted sped past.

She watched them go, pleased to see the street stayed empty.  The few carts on the road pulled to the side, leaving no obstacle in their path, but Sal refused to hurry.  Her men were too tired, too heartbroken.  They'd just lost their leader, her lover, and the only way they could get revenge for his death was to help the Conglomerate.  That was why she was here.  That was the only reason she would help these people.

Bullshit. Kolt's thought tickled her mind with sympathetic amusement.  Lie to them all you want, Sal, but that's not the only reason you're here.  You're also leaking.

She glanced quickly to her right, finding his eyes waiting.  I owe them nothing, she thought.

He nodded slightly, refusing to drop his gaze.  True, but don't become jaded.  You're better than that.  You're here to help our kind.  That's what Blaec wanted, and that's why we're doing this.  Freeing our people is a better revenge than killing men who just wanted a paycheck, babe.  You're here to change the world, and if you act like them, it won't happen.  Don't you dare start hating humans just because of the species they were born into.

But they killed Blaec!

He shook his head.  The Emperor killed Blaec.  Terrans killed Blaec, babe.  These people didn't.

They would have.

He watched her for a long time before replying.  Dom?  Ilija? The Shields?

Anglians, she shot back.  They don't count.

His frustration flowed into her mind.  Blaz?  Rais?  Lorenz?  Celso?  Aleks?  The 112th is loyal to the Conglomerate, Sal, and as human as they get.

She wrenched her eyes away and stared at the road ahead.  He was right, and she knew it.  She needed to get her mind in the game before she spoke to the Representatives of Parliament and stop dwelling on the hole in her heart.  She had to stop thinking about it.  Sal nodded to herself and took a deep breath, turning the Anglian delegation off the main road.  With her head high, she directed them to the Parliament building, the military compound sitting just across the street behind tall stone walls. She wished Blaec had lived long enough to see this, the Conglomerate of Free Citizens finally admitting they needed the help of a species they considered inferior.

Without a word spoken, the foreign soldiers rode down the large avenue, a cluster of politicians scurrying to greet them, the 112th Mounted waiting at the side. Sal halted her men with a thought, the grauori laying in place, the horses standing square. None of them moved until one brave lady broke away and dared to greet them.

"Welcome to the Conglomerate of Free Citizens," she called out. "I am Representative Deina Anis. Thank you for coming."

Four soldiers dismounted – two black, two white – and made their way to her, a single grauori trotting to join them. When Dominik stepped beside Sal, both of them removed their helms.  Their guards stood silently one pace back, and the grauori bitch sat placidly between them. The man in white armor was a typical human male. It was the small woman in black that drew the eye. Her skin was the color of fresh snow, her hair nearly as pale. Her ears sat high on her head and, combined with her beastly features, it would be impossible to confuse her with a human.

"I heard you have a Terran problem," Sal said, forcing a smile wide enough to show her sharp teeth.

Deina looked between the iliri woman and the human man, unsure who she should be addressing. Dom made it easy. "I represent the humans of our country, Sal speaks for the iliri, and Arrnya is standing in for her dam, the Orassae, who is still coordinating our push through Unav with Viraenova. She will be representing the grauori. The three of us are equals."

"Sal speaks for the military," Arrnya added, her voice clear and her accent minimal, proving the beast was not simply a well-trained pet.

"Kaisae, correct?" Deina asked.

"Yes, Representative," Sal said. "I assume that Berrik is no longer a member of Parliament?"

Deina shook her head. "She was recalled. I'm glad you came.  Our situation is dire. Terric has – "

Sal cut her off. "Pushed over the Siahies, taken the Forward Camp, besieged Eastward, and is nearly to Merriton. Yes, I know, but I assume you don't want to have this talk in the road, and my soldiers would rather not wait here all day."

Anis nodded quickly, gesturing behind her for the other politicians. "I'm sorry, Kaisae, but we didn't expect you today. We'd be happy to put your soldiers up in our barracks, and we can arrange lodging for you in one of the hotels in town if that will do?"

"We stay with our units," Sal informed her. "We'll need officer's quarters for the leaders, plus an office for tactics and strategy. The Grauori will do fine in the common soldier's rooms, and would prefer to be housed in pairs."

Dom rested his hand on Sal's shoulder. "Myself and the Kaisae will need quarters sufficient for our consorts as well."

The black-clad soldier to Sal's left chuckled at his words. Unlike humans, the iliri kept multiple mates, which made lodgings in the CFC amusing to them.

"I've already sent a messenger to the compound," Deina said. "Lieutenant Jozefo will make sure that your needs are met.  When will you be ready to speak with us?"

Sal looked at Dom and thought, Say, around sundown tonight? Make the spoiled brats stay at work a bit late and give us a chance to get pretty before we show up?

Pretty? Dom thought back. I say we go in armor and make them look like fools. I kinda like the idea of a meal and a few hours off the horses, though.

"We'll return to Parliament at sundown," Sal informed the Representative. "Feel free to ask your staff what the proper accommodations are for iliri diets. I'm sure there's still a few of us in the building. Grauori eat the same things."

"Thank you, Kaisae."  Deina honestly looked relieved.  "Not all of us agreed with Halin. If nothing else, thank you for being willing to meet with us after the fiasco in Myrosica."

Dom responded before Sal could.  "It takes some getting used to, but neither iliri nor grauori have the same emotions we do. They don't hate. They don't really understand petty resentment. Neither of them would turn their backs on people in need because someone else made rude comments. Remember that when you try to disparage their species. It's the only reason they're here."

"I will." Anis glanced over her shoulder, looking for something. "I can get someone to escort you to the compound..."

"I know the way." Sal pulled off her glove and offered Deina her hand. The Representative paused for a split second, proving she had some idea of Iliran customs.

Then she clasped it and turned to Dom.  "Sundown," she said again before turning back to her fellow politicians.

Sal and Dom shoved their helms back on and swung onto their horses, their guards only a step behind. As one, the unit turned and headed out at a trot, the hooves ringing out. When the Anglians rode through the open doors of the Prin military compound, only a single man was there to greet them.  An elite soldier from Azure Silence leaned against the wall at the far end, a smile on his lips.

The Blades dismounted in unison, the Shields a heartbeat later, all of them standing at attention by their horses' shoulders. Again, Sal removed her helm, but this time she hung it on her saddle and stepped forward without a guard. Raj snapped a proper Conglomerate salute, his fingers touching the corner of his eye, and Sal asked the Anglians to return it in their own style, their fists pressed to their heart. The sound of armor moving was loud, drawing men to the balconies above, their whispers drifting down to the iliri ears.

"Nice to see you again, Raj," Sal said. "No fancy displays?"

Lieutenant Jozefo smirked at her. "Rumors say the Kaisae leads the Anglian military. I had enough experience with her to know she'd find more faults with a display like that – and be annoyed with the men in her way. I have fifty stalls empty, three paddocks, and a few wings of rooms. Nice to see you again, Kaisae, now help me out here, Sal?"

"At ease," she called to her men. They all reached for their helms, most offering their horses praise for being patient. Zep, Tilso? Will you take Scorch and Oubliette for us? The rest of you get the horses settled. Maargra, relax and rest your feet.

Raj chuckled as he watched the soldiers and leaned back against the wall. "So you learned the Viraenovan trick?"

"Oh no," Sal assured him. "Blades always used it.  We just taught it to the rest of Anglia."

Raj's jaw slid open in shock. "Humans?"

She nodded. "Takes a grauori to do it, so our units are assigned together. Why do you think we're better than you?"

"Because you're iliri."  Raj shrugged, dismissing it. "I can't offer you more than officer's quarters, Sal. How many you need?"

"One for the Kaisae and her two mates," Jase said, finally speaking up. "Dom and Rayna need another. Jarl, a third. Nya, Ilija and Arctic will need their own."

Raj nodded. "Plus a room for coordinating. So seven. I'll have the south wing assigned to Anglia and give Zep the keys. He can sort you all out as you need, if that works?"

"Yeah." Sal was impressed. "That would be perfect, actually. Thanks, Raj."

The dark man whistled and gestured to a soldier on the balcony who saluted and ran off, obviously to obey the order. Sal watched, noticing how many of the men wore the navy and gold of Azure Silence.

"So you inherited the unit?" she asked.

"Yeah. Seems General Sturmgren heard a few things and felt I could do it. Your brother suggested me before he left. If Blaec has time, I'd love to ask him a few questions."

Sal froze, her ears sagging on her head.  "He's dead," she said softly.

"Fuck," Raj breathed, taking a step to her side, but before he could clasp her shoulder, Jase grabbed his arm.

"Ya will na touch her," he warned.

With a nod, Raj pulled his arm back to his side.  "I am sorry, Sal.  Can I ask what happened?"

She licked her lips, relaxing her throat, and forced her face to stay calm.  "Black Widows caught me in Syhar.  Blaec tried to help, but there were too many of them."

"Ya do na owe him," Jase whispered.

"I know," she breathed.  "But they'll all want to know.  Better to get it out there."  She turned back to Raj.  "We were drugged, taken into the Terran camp – "

"Sal," Raj said, shaking his head.  "I shouldn't've asked."

She nodded, her ears sinking lower on her head, but kept going.  "They cut his throat, Raj.  I couldn't stop them.  They chained us like livestock and cut his damned throat!"

"Shit," Raj whispered, looking away.  "I'm so sorry.  Is there anything I can do?"

Another man walked up from the stables, answering before he should have been able to hear the conversation.  "Remember his name," Kolt said, making his way to Jase's side.  "Ahnor, the Raewar needs you."

Jase nodded.  "Do na let her out of yer sight."

"No, sir," Kolt agreed, moving to Sal's shoulder.  His eyes turned to Raj.  "And don't make her relive it."

Raj looked between them, then his eyes slid over Kolt's black uniform, lingering on the crossed swords pinned to his collar.  "Enik?"

"Syrik," Sal corrected, looking over her shoulder.  "Smile for him, Kolt."

He chuckled, exposing the sharp teeth that she'd healed back into existence.  "Yeah, the law applies to me.  Star Fall knows I helped get her out, but I didn't exactly get the chance to tell them in person that I was defecting."

"Oh fuck," Raj mumbled, pushing himself away from the wall.  "Are they compromised?  Enik, do we need to extract Star Fall?"

"No."  Sal rested her hand on Raj's shoulder, making him look at her.  "They're safe.  I swear it."

"Does Terric know they were infiltrated?"

Kolt's eyes flicked to Sal.  "Kaisae?"

She shook her head.  "No, we're not giving away all of our secrets.  Raj, the Conglomerate isn't the only country infiltrating the Terran army.  Anglia's just better at it."

"What'd ya do, take over the Widows or something?"  When Sal and Kolt shared a glance, Raj sucked in a breath.  "Fuck me," he whispered.

"You tried that once," she grumbled.  "Didn't work out so well."

"Ok."  Raj lifted his hands.  "I know you'll never forgive me for that, Sal, and I don't expect you to.  I didn't really have any other options, though.  It doesn't excuse it, but it's all I've got."

"What did he do?" Kolt growled, proving his iliri ancestry.

She glanced at him.  "It's past."

"Sal?"  His look was intense, but she only shook her head, so he turned to Raj with a low rumble in his throat.  "Did you hurt her?"  He stepped closer.

Sal grabbed his arm.  "No, Kolt.  He didn't hurt me.  He sedated me with something that worked on crossbreds but was toxic to me.  Raast fixed it."

Raj pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger.  "I had no idea it was toxic, man.  It was listed as a safe sedative, and I was ordered to give it to her."  He shot an appreciative look at Sal.  "And thank you for not killing me."

A smile finally tugged at her lips.  "You're welcome.  Now fill me in on what I need to know?  Our intel is a few weeks behind."

Raj nodded.  "Forward Camp has already been overrun and is a complete loss."  The two iliri looked at each other.  Raj saw but went on without asking.  "Eastward is under siege.  There's about thirty-five thousand Terran soldiers across the Siahies, from Unav to the coast.  All passes are blocked."  He let out a deep sigh.  "And they're slaughtering us.  I've got four down in Azure.  We have twelve units of nothing but injured in the infirmary here.  Fort Landing is worse.  The CFC is almost down to half strength.  Guerrilla tactics.  They're hitting us hard, often at night, usually in camp, and decimating our men."

She nodded, accepting that as nothing more than the truth.  "Any idea how they know where you are?"

Raj shrugged.  "We think it's just good scouting.  They outnumber us, and the harder Anglia hits them, the more soldiers they move to push our borders."  He swallowed.  "We're losing, Sal.  We're losing bad."

She stared at the ground for a long moment before looking up at Kolt.  "Remind me again," she begged.

He met her eyes and held them.  "We've fought too hard against tyranny to participate in it ourselves."

Closing her eyes, she tilted her chin up, coming to a decision.  "I think it's time we stop hiding what we are," she said as her mind reached out to her packmates.

Arctic, tell Rragri we're going to need a lot more healers.  Send me at least a hundred, hold in Issevi until this treaty is signed.  Risk, Shift?  Make sure Raast is rested and fed.  If Parliament is willing to work with us at all, we've got a lot of soldiers to heal.  The rest of you?  We're not playing human this time.  Let's show the Conglomerate what kind of beasts they made.

In the back of her mind, she felt Arctic's pride.  Yes, Kaisae, he thought.  Time to start making miracles.

It is, she agreed before looking up at Kolt.  "Care to escort me up?  I need to find a crown before I talk to these humans."

Chapter 2

It took a while for Anglia to get settled, but Sal wasn't allowed to help.  Instead, she leaned on the stone railing while her men finished moving into the barracks, watching the sky turn from blue to gold, waiting for lines of pink to sneak in.  A cold breeze caressed her cheeks, tossing her long hair across her shoulders.  Only the resin circlet kept it out of her eyes.  Below, her soldiers moved about their tasks, leaving her nothing to do but think.

"Ya ok, kitten?" Jase asked.

She nodded, her eyes locked on the soldiers.  "I'm glad it's almost winter."

"Me too."  He pulled a tendril of hair away from her neck.  "Smells diff'rent."

She smiled and ducked her head.  "I meant because winter always reminds me of you."

"Spring is Syrik.  So does that mean Zep gets the fall?"

"Summer."  She turned, pressing her back against the railing to look at her mate.  "It was late summer when Zep tried to die on us.  He makes me think of flying kites."

Jase grinned and stepped closer to her, his hands sliding to her waist.  "Ya know ya did na refute it?"

Sal shook her head, confused.  "What?"

"Syrik Kolton.  Ya still think of him."  She tried to look away but his hand caught her cheek, gently guiding it back.  He smiled, holding her gaze with his deep blue eyes.  "Why do ya na wanna admit it?"

Without turning, Sal gestured at the sky behind her, pointing at the pair of moons climbing ever higher.  "Because they're watching me, Jase.  I don't trust them, and I'm not ready to lose anything else.  Not a brother, not a sister, and certainly not you."

"Sal," he said softly, "the moons do na care."

"Not the moons."  A sigh fell out.  "Ayati, Jase.  The moons are just what I think of as the face of it.  Personified, you know?"

"No, kitten, I do na."

She rubbed at her eyes.  "How does it happen, killer?  When I go crazy, what exactly will I do?  Will I even know?"

"Those stories are always written by someone else."

All she could do was nod.  "Will I drag you with me?  If I lose my mind, will you and Zep be safe from me?"

He cocked his head to the side.  "I do na know.  I also do na care.  If ya go crazy, then I wanna be there with ya."

"Oh, Jase," she whispered, leaning closer to kiss him.  "I love you, but I don't deserve you."

He smiled against her lips.  "Yeh, ya do."  A chuckle slipped out and he leaned back, tilting his head at the door behind him.  "That is the man ya do na deserve."

As if on cue, Zep pulled open the door and stepped outside, a clean belt and daggers in his hand.  "Twelve of them today," he said with a shrug.  "I think it's enough."

Sal accepted the weapons, looking at her Dernor to make sure he knew how much she appreciated him cleaning her gear, then buckled them on.  "Am I taking the swords, or is that too much?"

"Too much," Zep said.  When she finished and stood up, he kissed her, his hand cupping her jaw.  "He's coming with us, though."  Zep didn't sound impressed.

Sal's head snapped to look at Jase, but he shrugged.  "Arctic's orders.  Zep's too big ta guard yer right."

"Kolt's not that much smaller!"

Both men looked at her, Zep with one eyebrow raised.  "Seems Dom's taking three, and our leaders should at least match."

"Rayna and who else?"

The door beside them cracked open.  "Danku and Caein," Rayna said, stepping out.  She tugged at her chest piece and adjusted a strap.  "And we need to order some real armor while we're here."

"You look good in white," Sal assured her.

Rayna nodded slowly.  "I guess.  Still hate the idea of leaving the Dogs.  Pig said to think of it as being on loan for training, and Ilija has me running as the First Officer."

Sal heard the steps just as Rayna's eyes flicked over her shoulder.  "Kaisae," Kolt said respectfully.

"Damn," Rayna mumbled, looking him over.  "Black suits you, Enik."

"Syrik," he corrected.  "Enik's my middle name.  It just sounded a lot more human.  Good to see you again, Ray."

She chuckled and banged on the door beside her.  "I'm sure.  C'mon, Dom!  You're fucking late."

"Fuck 'em," the King of Anglia grumbled as he stepped out, still buckling on his sword.  "The CFC wanted me on the throne, remember?"

Claws clicked on the stone as Arrnya approached.  "We walking? "

"Might as well," Sal told them.  "That way we don't have to mess around with the horses.  Besides, I'd hate to have them stolen from the steps of Parliament."  She looked at the soldiers around her, and they all nodded.

That was all it took to make a decision in Anglia.  Even with three equal rulers, the country ran more fluidly than any other on the continent.  In theory, it shouldn't, but being able to walk through each other's minds made misunderstandings rare.  As a group, they headed toward the ornate building across the street, meandering like nothing more than common soldiers until they were outside the compound.  Only then, without a word needing to be thought, did they form into a respectable looking party, but they appeared more prepared for war than politics.

Dom stepped to Sal's right, his guards just behind him, even with Sal's, and he rested his hand on her shoulder.  "You ok?"

"Yeah."  She smiled at him.  "Not good, but I'm ok.  I'm proud to have you on my right, sire."

"And I to have you on my left, Kaisae."

Arrnya fell in on Sal's other side, staring at the door.  "And I'm nervous."

Sal nodded, understanding.  "Just growl.  Seriously, Nya, you'll be fine.  They're just humans."

"I know, Kaisae, but I do not want to overstep my place."

"Not today," Sal assured her.  "You're my equal while we're here.  I promise to not take offense."

The bitch breathed out a deep sigh and nodded, holding her head a little higher.  By the time they made it to the steps, a group of servants rushed to open the doors.  Without pausing, the Anglians passed through, but Sal heard a whisper from the side.

"Laetus Kaisae," said a pale-skinned man under his breath.

Sal bowed her head, showing she'd heard, but she didn't dare look at him.  It still wasn't safe for her kind here, and she didn't want to be the reason he suffered, but his words were the resolve she needed.  As their boots rang out on the marble, Sal lifted her chin and stretched her legs.  The Conglomerate needed them, not the other way around, and they'd pay for Anglia's help.

"Kaisae."  A sharply dressed woman stepped into the hall before them, a smile plastered on her unfamiliar face.  "Sire."  She looked at Arrnya.  "Orassae?"

"Arrnya is Orassae pro-tem," Sal said.  "She answers to the title of Raewar."

"I understand."  The woman elegantly gestured to a door at the end of the hall.  "Parliament is pleased you have arrived.  If you would follow me?"  She turned and led the way, her shoes clicking loudly.

The leaders of Anglia followed, showing no surprise when the doors opened only a split second before the woman reached them.  She continued to walk down the long, curving ramp, the dais of Parliament visible at the end.  Sal's anger began to simmer, slowly bleeding across the link to her companions.  When they reached the door and a guard stepped forward, it flared even brighter.

"No weapons beyond this point," the soldier ordered, looking only at Dominik.

Sal didn't slow her feet.  Beside her, Dom and Nya kept step, all three of them looking only at the twelve people seated below.  As they reached the door, Jase and Rayna surged forward, each grabbing a guard and pinning him to the side.  The corner of Sal's lip lifted slightly.  When the next men tried to stop them just inside the door, Kolt and Danku repeated the process in complete silence, the grauori guards rushing to secure the rest.  Once they reached the open floor of the room, their last Anglian guards moved to block the three ramps, guarding their backs.  Sal walked to the center of the room, Dom and Nya moving to stand just off her shoulders.

"Never demand anything from us again," she said, pulling out a small blue envelope and flicking it up to the politicians seated above her.  "And do not, for a single second, think that sitting above me makes you superior."  She turned to a plump man near the middle and flashed him a feral smile.  "Did you not learn, Toth?  This shit doesn't impress me."

"And that," Dominik said, gesturing to the guards still held by Anglians, "is not the way to welcome a country that you're begging for help."

"We're not begging," Toth said, standing.

Nya whuffed in amusement, glancing quickly at Sal before she leapt onto the dais.  Landing on her belly, crouched, her face was only inches from the man who'd tried so hard to break the Blades before.  "Then you do not need us?  You think you can hold the Siahies on your own?"

"This is uncivilized," a woman muttered from the other end.

Sal chuckled, but Nya's head swiveled to the sound of her voice.  "Yes," the bitch purred.  "It is.  We are.  Now tell me why I should send my brothers and sisters to die for humans that care so little for us?"

Dom just shook his head and patted Sal's shoulder.  "I think we're done here, Kaisae."

Sal nodded slowly and turned to leave, Nya leaping to her side.  Dom fell in step beside them.  They made it three paces.

"Sal, please."  It was Representative Anis's voice.  "We're proud, and we're scared."  She stood, waiting for the Kaisae to turn before she went on.  "I had the Gold Room prepared.  It's more comfortable.  Can we please talk?"

Dominik and Nya both looked to the Kaisae, mentally assuring her that it was her decision.  Sal turned to her men, finding each of their eyes.  None of them could make this choice for her.  It was her call, and hers alone.  She could allow these humans to posture, doing their best to shame her species in the process, or she could walk away.  Pulling in a deep breath, she wished Blaec could tell her what to do one last time, and her eyes landed on a pale man standing at the end of the dais, dressed in blue and gold with a tray of refreshments laid out before him that he'd be serving to the politicians.

"Nee," he said when he realized she was looking at him, drawing the entire room's attention.  "Kaisae, e iliri sussa se dru aitae.  Sahna sussa Anglia.  Nee gerna na berrn sahn!"

"What did he say?" someone hissed.

"Get me a translator!" another snapped.

Sal's ears dropped slightly as she caught the man's eye.  He glanced to the human politicians then back to her before taking a step forward and dropping to his knees, refusing to lower his gaze.  "Nee, Kaisae."

She walked toward him slowly, then reached for his hands, feeling them tremble in hers as she pulled him to his feet.  "Why?" she asked.

"What did he say?" one of the politicians demanded.

One ear flicked back, but Sal's attention was locked on the iliri man who refused to drop his eyes even though she could smell his fear.  "Please," she translated.  "Kaisae, the iliri need your help.  We need Anglia.  Please do not leave us."  She blinked and tilted her head.  "Why?"

He smiled sadly and looked over her shoulder at Dominik.  "Because they listen to you.  A human.  A country!"  This time, his words were in Glish.  "Kaisae, they look to you for leadership.  If Anglia can prove that you can win, then maybe they," and he looked at the dais, "will learn to respect us.  If we leave, it will only happen again."  He took a deep breath, then looked into her eyes one more time.  "What good is our pride if we aren't willing to sacrifice it?"

"Have we not given enough?"

He shook his head.  "Not yet."  Then he dropped his voice.  "Not while so many of us are still slaves."

With a sad nod, she pulled off her glove.  "Sal," she said, offering him her bare hand.

The iliri accepted it, his skin warm against hers.  "Iryn Melix.  Laetus, Kaisae."

She turned to the dais and flicked her ears back, lifting her chin.  "Ilus Melix has just given you a second chance.  I will not allow you to shame my country or my species.  I do not owe any of you, is that clear?"  The Representatives looked between themselves, muttering, and Sal's patience snapped.  "Is that clear!" she screamed.

"Yes, Kaisae," Anis said, standing to address her.  "I apologize for the disrespect today.  We're not familiar with your customs but intend no offense."

"Bullshit," Sal snarled.

Anis just nodded.  "Yeah.  A whole load of it.  Can we try this again?"  She gestured to a door at the side.  "The Gold Room is this way.  I think you'll find it more to your tastes."

When Sal nodded, the Chairwoman of Parliament led the way, the Anglian leaders following.  Behind them, the other politicians pulled themselves from their chairs.  The lowly iliri servant watched them go with his chin held a little higher.

Chapter 3

That one iliri man was the reason Sal had come.  The Conglomerate politicians couldn't wrap their mind around it, but saving her people – showing them that they no longer had to suffer the animosity of humans – was the only reason she could face this.  The memories in Prin were too strong.  The people in this room had tried too hard to ruin her life, but she wasn’t the only one.  In this country, her species made her inferior.  Now, her position in Anglia gave her the power she needed to change all of that.

And the man standing beside her understood.  The iliri were Dom's people as much as they were Sal's, even if they didn't know it.  When the Black Blades had been willing to sacrifice themselves to end the war, the King of Anglia had aimed higher.  He was the one pushing to free all iliri, all across the continent, and his support gave Sal the power to make it happen.  While she was the one making the decisions, they both knew that it was his presence that made Parliament take her seriously.  So when they shuffled into the lavish seating area of the gold room, Dom followed one step behind the Kaisae, always presenting her as the leader.

"Please make yourselves comfortable," Anis said, gesturing to the opulent furniture.  "Can we bring anything for you?  Or your," she paused, looking at the group with them, "soldiers?"

"Mead, a bottle," Sal said.  "Whiskey too."  She glanced to the beast at her feet.  "Nya?"

"Mead will do."  Nya held her hands up, showing her short fingers.  "A cup instead of a glass, please."

Representative Anis gestured to a woman at the side of the room, sending her for the alcohol, then made her way to one of the large plush chairs.  "Please?"  She gestured for them to find a seat.

Sal and Dom moved to a long couch, sitting at each end.  Nya hopped up between them, sighing as she relaxed into the soft cushions.  Jase reclined on the armrest next to Sal and Rayna leaned casually over the back.  The rest of their guards shifted, stationing themselves evenly behind their leaders.

"Thanks," Sal said, trying to offer a smile.

"So these are your elites?" Deina asked.

"Our Consorts," Dom corrected, gesturing to Rayna and Jase.  "Well, Sal has more than me.  One of the benefits of being iliri, I suppose.  We're all elite soldiers, though.  Blades are the Iliran guards, Shields are the human."

"And yours?" Deina asked Nya.

"The Sevic Ahzionah," Nya answered while Parliament found their own seats and the refreshments arrived.  "In Glish, it would be the Shadow Chasers.  I've been assigned as Raewar by the Orassae, and these are my sisters."

"The grauori and iliri work in a very similar fashion," Dom explained.  "Their family is their unit.  We've tried to adapt that for our own royal guards.  The Verdant Shields are led by my brother-in-law.  My Consort is," he turned to Rayna.  "They're making you the First Officer, right?"

"Yeah," she said.  "Sucks to leave the Dogs, but makes more sense this way."

The King turned back to Deina.  "It's amazing what you can learn from a people if you stop judging them first."  Then he smiled at Toth.  "I heard about you."

"Hopefully good things," the man said with a false laugh.

"Nope."  Dom's smile was just as fake.  "Mostly that you smell like lies and are not to be trusted.  We don't work like that in Anglia."

"You need us," Sal said, trying to keep the meeting on track.  "I was just inside the Emperor's head a few weeks ago.  He's moving more soldiers this way."

"Can you explain what you mean by 'in his head'?" Deina asked.

Sal glanced at Kolt and he nodded, knowing what she intended.  He could touch things he couldn't reach, and she could hold their minds if she could just touch them.  Arctic had made sure she knew the implications and Kolt was willing.  Mingling their skills, the possibilities were terrifying, but the pair was still learning to use it.  Blending her mind with his was easy.  Kolt held nothing back.  With a smile, she took the connection then reached out, breathing in Toth's scent.  Her eyes constricted to slits.

"Come offer me your hand," she purred at him.

Toth stood dreamily and walked toward her, completely enraptured.  Sal brushed her fingers against his skin and released Kolt before she could hurt him, her touch holding Toth to her.

"You were almost recalled.  The vote was forty-nine percent to fifty-one.  You still hate me as much as ever, and," she paused to look across the room.  "You've been having an affair with a fellow politician.  That could decimate your career."  Sal lifted her hand and released him.  "Yes, Toth, I got a lot more than that.  I know who.  I know how you plan to discredit us once we reclaim your borders."  Sal tapped her forehead.  "It's all in here, now."

A murmur of voices swelled in the room, the twelve politicians speaking among themselves.  Dom leaned to Sal but spoke loud enough that the humans around him could easily hear.  "I think you scared them."

"Usually."  Sal shrugged.  "Didn't seem to bother you any."

"I didn't have anything to hide."

"They do.  They want to prevent us from taking the iliri home."

Dom turned to Deina.  "Why?  You don't want them."

"Not her," Sal clarified.  "She's with the Gold Party.  They hope to pass legislation giving us equality.  It's the Blue Party that's afraid of losing their labor force."

"That's disgusting."  Dom looked at the humans before him.  "You do know that we won't help you unless you give us the iliri."

"Give?" Toth asked, massaging his hand as if Sal's touch had burned him.

"Yes," Sal said.  "As soon as I tell them they're welcome in Anglia, they will leave.  You cannot stop them."

"It'll cripple our economy."  Toth shook his head.  "There's thousands of iliri in Prin alone."

Sal leaned toward Dom.  "All paid subpar wages and worked hours longer than labor laws allow.  They live in a slum called Guttertown."

"Sounds lovely," Dom said with a dramatic sigh.  "We'll go tomorrow?"

"No," Jase said.  "Na you.  They will kill ya."

"That bad?" Dom asked.  "They're scared of all humans now?"

Jase nodded.  "I was born there.  It is na safe for ya, na even with the Shields at yer back."

Dom tilted his head to Sal.  "I was thinking more about alone, with the Kaisae at my side.  Maybe a few Blades.  I'm not stupid enough to bring human soldiers into an iliri's home."

Jase gestured across the room.  "They could na learn that."

"Which is why Anglia is now the strongest country on the continent."  He looked to the politicians.  "Even Viraenova can't match us anymore."

"It's nonnegotiable," Sal told Toth.  "I get your iliri.  In exchange, you get to see how efficient Nya's soldiers are.  The Devil Dogs and a hundred maargra are currently," she paused and glanced down, smiling as she traced the route of her army, "sitting outside the Forward Camp."

"In the Conglomerate?" a man asked.

She nodded.  "The 112th Mounted requested assistance.  At your order, I believe.  Captain Rais Tolan was given command of the Devil Dogs, who were assigned a platoon of grauori soldiers.  They've been clearing the foothills between Unav and the Forward Camp.  Pig says they just reached a place to set up a resistance, and if we can sign an alliance, Anglia can begin assisting your war efforts."

A woman stood, anger on her face.  "You entered our country illegally?"

"No," Deina said, waving her down.  "She's bending the rules, but she's completely legal.  She even gave us some protections she didn't have to.  Am I following, Kaisae?"

Sal smiled.  "You are.  A Conglomerate soldier is leading the mission.  He was loaned a group of Anglians, but he gave the order for them to enter the country.  By assigning the grauori units to the humans, I placed them under the restrictions of the human conventions.  In other words, these fighters are currently working as CFC soldiers."

"Oh."  The woman sank back into her chair, looking chastised.

Dom leaned back.  "Recognition of both iliri and grauori as sentient and sovereign species, diplomatic immunity for all of our soldiers, and the right to accept all iliri immigrants from the Conglomerate of Free Citizens.  That's my terms."

"I also want to speak with them," Sal added.  "Here, in the audience hall.  I want to address the iliri of Prin and tell them of the law that was already passed in Myrosica.  I want my people to know they have options."

"Soldiers on assignment in the CFC only," Deina said.  "And diplomatic personnel of course."

Sal nodded at that.  "Fair enough."

"If the grauori and iliri are sentient and sovereign species, then they must sign the Conventions of War," Toth said, smiling as if he'd pushed Sal into a corner.

"No."  Dom wrinkled his nose.  "Not worth it to me.  We'll be happy to recall the soldiers and return to Unav to finish our push there."

"You wouldn't."  Toth lifted his jaw, exposing all of his chins.  "Letting the Conglomerate fall would leave Anglia exposed on too many sides."

Sal shook her head.  "No.  Viraenova can hold your northern border.  After Terric overruns Parliament, installs a Governor, and restructures the laws, we'd be justified in bringing the front line right across the CFC."  Sal let her eyes focus on nothing, her mind playing over the strategic possibilities.  "Probably twenty-six thousand Conglomerate troops would be killed in the takeover, nearly fifty thousand iliri civilians, and approximately seventy thousand humans.  And, of course, anyone holding a position of office."

"Are you sure?" a man at the back asked.

Zep chuckled and looked over at Toth.  "I told you she's a savant.  Sal can see this shit the same way the rest of us see colors.  And she's always right."

Dom nodded.  "That's the least of what she can do.  She knows why iliri crave the taste of human flesh.  She knows why the Emperor wants to invade Fort Landing.  She also knows that the Conglomerate is completely and totally fucked unless you do exactly what she wants."

"It's true." Sal shrugged.  "I'll tell you a secret, though.  There's something special in Fort Landing, and it's got a whole lot of history attached to it."

"Go back," a man said, making a circle with his hand.  "What was that about human flesh?"

"Right."  Dom chuckled under his breath.  "You haven't experienced that yet.  Um, the iliri and grauori are predators.  It's a damned good thing they're civilized, because we're their prey."

"You eat humans?" he asked Sal.

"Yes.  Usually Terrans."

"Usually?"

Dom nodded.  "We hang all capital offenders by the feet and bleed them out.  Their bodies are given to the citizens.  War does make feeding the army pretty easy."

"Always have enemies around."  Sal pulled herself to her feet.  "Ok, Dom.  I'm tired of this, and there are soldiers who need our help."

"Yeah."  Dom turned to the politicians.  "So you all talk about it. Think about exactly what you want.  Our demands won't change, but we'll give you a glimpse of what you could get with an Anglian alliance.  Let us know when you're ready to talk."

"Tomorrow," Sal told them.  "Think quickly, Representatives, because I have a war to win."  Standing, she smelled the anger simmering from the humans and wiped at her nose.  Most of the iliri also tried to hide it, but Kolt couldn't hold his tongue.

"Be pissed all you want, but when you need someone's help, you should learn to grovel."  He shook his head.  "She's not just a beast.  Salryc Luxx is the solution you've been hoping for, so you'd better suck up your pride real fast."

Zep slapped his shoulder and nodded, shifting for Sal and Dom to lead the way.  They left the politicians in shock, staring at their armored backs.  Sal said nothing, trying to shove down the years of memories this place left seared into her mind.  She was here to help her people – to finish what Blaec started – but she wasn't sure she could handle it alone.

Chapter 4

Sal was grinding her teeth loud enough that Zep could hear it.  She definitely wasn't feeling talkative, but the emotions she was throwing off said enough.  Anger was the clearest, but the desperation lay just beneath.  He wanted to say something, to tell her this would be ok, but he couldn't.  It wasn't politics that was upsetting her, it was not having Blaec.  Nothing he could say would make that hurt any less.

And he wasn't the only one her mood affected.  Beside him, Jase and Kolt were just as silent, not saying a thing until they were back in the suite and Sal had stormed off for the bedroom.  She was changing.  Zep didn't need to look to know that.  He could feel it.  He could feel every single thing she did, and while it was amazing, right now it made him a little helpless.  Jase wasn't much better.

The little assassin flopped into the closest chair.  "She'll be fine," he told Kolt.  "Get some sleep while ya can.  Tomorrow, I want ya ta spend some time with Razor learning the broadsword."

Kolt nodded, then flicked his eyes to Zep.  "Let me know if I'm needed for anything else, sirs."

"Yer good," Jase assured him.

Zep just wanted to growl at the bastard, but he didn't.  At least Kolt knew a dismissal when he heard it.  Nodding again, the newest member of the Black Blades backed out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.  Zep followed, latching the lock before he threw himself onto the couch, not even caring about the dirt his boots left on the blue cushions.

"Why's he here again?" he grumbled.

Jase huffed once, the sound almost like a laugh.  "She needs him.  Do na resent that."

"I don't resent anything she does, little brother.  You should know that.  Now him?  Whole different story.  Asshole's up to something, and I don't like it."

Jase almost smiled.  His eyes were on the floor, but his lips flicked up twice, then he shook his head.  "What does he smell like, Zep?"

"I dunno.  Ass-crack and grauori shit?  Human, bro."

"Na ta you.  Ta her.  What does she think he smells like?"

Zep intended to snap something back but paused with his mouth open.  He inhaled, trying to remember how Sal sensed Kolt's smell, but couldn't quite make it out.  Thinking about it, there was only one thing close.  Slowly, he looked up finding Jase's dark blue eyes waiting.

"He smells like she does to you."

"Hope," Jase said softly.  "She thinks he smells like hope, but she does na know what that means.  She says I smell like home and ya smell like laughter.  Kolt smells like hope."

Zep didn't want to ask the next question, but he had to know.  "What did Blaec smell like?"

Jase's eyes dropped back to the floor.  "Respect."

"What are you saying, little brother?"

A swipe at his eyes proved that Jase was losing the battle with Sal's emotions.  "The first time I touched her, I felt it.  She was dancin', and I could na stop myself.  I had ta feel her skin so ran a finger along the back of her neck as I asked fer the next song."  He smiled, but it didn't last long.  "That one touch.  I knew.  That was all it took fer her to have all of me, but I also saw.  Ever' time I touched her I always saw it.  Some man who gave her a reason ta keep going, and I hated him.  I hated that he'd left her and she wanted him.  I hated that I could na be that fer her."

"But you are," Zep insisted.

Jase just shrugged.  "I am now.  I was na then.  He was.  Her officer, the man who gave her a goal to work for, was the only one she thought would accept her."  He paused.  "Na.  She hoped.  She did na really think he would, but she dared ta hope.  Blaec showed her the truth, that we all would, but that man was always there, always in her thoughts.  Ever' touch, he slipped into my mind, and he did na have a face.  He was just a shadow in the darkness, but he mattered."

"Kolt?" Zep asked.  Sal had told him what happened in Merriton, but he hadn't wanted the details.  At least, he hadn't wanted her to have to talk about them.

"Yeh."  Jase turned his head slightly, angling his ear back to the door.  Hearing nothing, he kept going.  "And yer right.  Kolt's up ta something, but I do na think he knows what.  He just feels pulled."

Zep closed his eyes and nodded.  "To her, right?"

"And her ta him.  She did na know he was iliri.  She only knew he treated her like a person and it mattered.  It made her who she is, Zep.  Do na push him away.  She could na take it."

"And him?"

Jase slowly leaned forward, forcing Zep to look at him.  "Ya will have ta ask him, but I do na think what he is lookin' fer is a bad thing.  Do na be human, big brother.  Be Dernor.  Take care of her.  That is yer job, and she needs ya so much."

"Yeah," Zep breathed.  "Bro, this ain't as easy for me as it is for you.  You know that, right?  I mean, I'll do anything she needs, but sometimes I gotta think it through, ya know?"

"Then think," Jase told him.  "And talk ta her about it.  She will share those memories with ya because ya need ta know.  But do na push him away.  Just like ya, he is trying ta learn.  That does na mean it'll be easy, but he's trying ta learn ever' thing as fast as he can so he can prove himself."  He paused, his brow creasing for a moment.  "Of all the Blades, ya can understand him the most, ya know.  Trying ta learn how ta be iliri when ever'one else just gets it?"

"Wait," Zep grumbled, holding up a hand for Jase to pause.  "You want me to become like his big brother or something?"

"Na.  She does."

"Fuck."  Zep pressed the heel of his hand between his eyes and rubbed.  "And why aren't you doing this, again?"

Jase chuckled, proving he knew how much Zep wanted to hate this guy.  "Because I have na been a human trying ta be iliri.  Ya have.  Kolt is.  Someone has ta help him, and the only one that can understand is ya.  Just keep tellin' yerself that Sal will love ya fer it."

"Right.  Only problem is that she'd love me anyway."

Jase just shrugged.  "Does na mean ya should na do it, though.  Ya might even find ya like the guy."

***

Jase had clearly dismissed him, so Kolt left Sal's suite with what little pride he had left and headed to his room on the south wing.  He'd barely had time to do more than drop his gear before he'd been ordered to replace the Ahnor at Sal's side.

When he opened the door, he found everything just like he'd left it.  With an exhausted sigh, he grabbed the saddle first, moving it to the rack before gently caressing the pair of crossed blades carved into the leather.  Blaec's saddle.

Next, he set his sword beside the table where he planned to clean it later.  Mud and blood had dried along it, packing the grooves and staining the scabbard.  One finger trailed down the worn leather, pausing at another set of crossed swords.  Blaec's weapon.

He felt like he was trying to replace the man.  All of his gear had been passed down, the two men being so close to the same size.  Kolt grabbed the uniforms from his pack – also Blaec's – and bundled them for washing.  As he shoved them together, the scent of the former leader of the Black Blades lingered, layered with the smell of wildflowers and hope.  Blaec's girl.

It was too much.

Kolt snarled and threw the shirt into the bag.  He felt like a shadow trying to fill the place of a great man.  Slowly, he sank into a chair, shoving his hands through his hair as he stared at Blaec's sword.  He, Syrik Enik Kolton, was nobody.  He didn't fit anywhere, being too human for the iliri to trust, too iliri for the humans to accept, and too stupid to know how to change it.

He grabbed the blade, pulling it free, and began to scrub away the grime.  He still didn't know why they'd given it to him, except that he had nothing else, but there was no way he'd abuse a good weapon.  Even the humans in Star Fall knew better than that, and cleaning the delicate carvings along the blade would keep him occupied.  Absorbed in his task, the fist pounding against his door made him jump in place.  The touch of a mind on his told him who it was.

"Come in, Ghost," Kolt called.

Zeryn Audgan pushed the door open, looking so much like the name Kolt had given him as he stepped inside.  "I brought brandy.  Figured you'd need a drink and it's what I have.  You need help cleaning that?"

Kolt chuckled and pushed the scabbard to the pale man.  "Sure.  Then you can tell the Blades that I didn't abuse his sword."

"You're in a mood, aren't ya," Ghost teased opening the bottle and lifting it to his mouth.  He took a long swallow then passed it to Kolt.  "You look like you need this."

"Shoulda been whiskey."  Kolt tilted the brandy up and drank, gesturing around the room while he did.  He swallowed the mouthful and gasped.  "I feel like I'm trying to replace your lost leader."

"Nah."  Ghost reached out for the bottle and pulled an empty chair closer before sitting on it.  "It's just things."

"His saddle, his sword."  Kolt gestured to the table.  "His damned sword!"

"It's just stuff," Ghost said again.  "So what's really bothering you?  Sal?"

"Mostly her mates.  Pretty sure Zep wants to gut me."

Ghost nodded, offering the bottle.  "What's up with you and her anyway?"

"Nothing," Kolt insisted.

"Doesn't look like nothing to me."

"That's what nothing looks like, little brother."

Ghost grinned at the title.  "Things any better with you and Zep?"

"Not really."  Kolt wiped the scrub brush on a dry cloth, then started on the other side of the sword.

"Things any closer with you and Sal?"

Kolt chuckled and shook his head.  "Not gonna be closer, man."

"You're going to make me pull this out of you, aren't ya?"  Ghost waved his hand for the bottle.  "I'll get you drunk if I have to."

"Won't take much," Kolt admitted.  "I try to avoid this shit usually."

"Good.  So tell me what's the deal with Sal."  Ghost took a sip and passed the bottle back.

Kolt took a long pull, a breath, then another.  "Nothing."  When Ghost growled at him, he continued.  "Iliri male curse man.  Shit ain't gonna happen."

"Bull shit."

Kolt waved at his lap.  "Doesn't work.  Hasn't in six years."

"And yet you smell like her."

Kolt laughed, knowing very well that he did.  "Ok.  It works just fine when she's the one with the desire and crawling in my head.  I've been celibate until then.  Isn't my calling to find a mate.  I think I'm just supposed to make sure Sal lives a very long life."

"How old are you, Kolt?"

"Twenty-nine.  Pretty sure it isn't a medical thing."

Ghost waved that away.  "No.  I'm not saying that.  I'm twenty-one, only had one girl in my life and that was in Zaqala.  Nuvani soldier found me in maast."

"You get maast?"

Ghost nodded.  "Only when hurt bad enough, or so it seems.  A good thing, considering my options around here.  My point is, there aren't many girls that get certain things stirring, if you know what I mean."

Kolt took another swig then passed the bottle.  "Ain't that the truth."

"Sal does."  Ghost tilted it to his lips.  "Every male I've talked to says the same thing.  You already fucked her once."

"I did," Kolt admitted.  "It was a long trip.  She couldn't hold back the maast that long, and the 112th were starting to look tasty."

"And when have you been alone with her that you had the chance to think about anything but fighting?"

"Plenty."  Kolt shrugged.  "I've also met a lot of real nice iliri girls who smell amazing, and shit still doesn't work."

Ghost sat up.  "How long?"  Kolt waved that away, but Ghost was insistent.  "Seriously.  You have a son, so it used to work fine.  When did it stop?"

"Gonna take a lot more alcohol."  He grabbed the bottle from the kid's hand and gulped at it, knowing he'd answer.  It was kinda nice to have someone willing to listen.  "Six years ago, just before Las was born."

"How long ago were you in Merriton?"

"How'd you know about that?"

Ghost gestured for Kolt to drink more.  "I listen.  Arctic said you escorted a caravan from Merriton to Fort Landing.  I'm guessing Sal was in Merriton, and you got close enough to smell her?"

Kolt sighed.  "You could say that."

"I did."  Ghost grinned.  "You caught a whiff of her, and she smells amazing, and you haven't been able to get it hard since, right?"

"Something like that."

"Didn't happen like that for me.  Not a lot of ladies iliri enough for me to sniff at.  Granted, maast is different.  Shit always works in maast, and the closest hole will do."

Kolt choked on the drink he was taking and sat up.  "Damn, Ghost.  Did not expect that from you."

The pale kid laughed, reaching over to slap his back.  "You'll learn.  But I bet it works just fine – with the right woman."

Kolt chuckled wryly.  "And where the hell do I find her.  I'm kinda tired of the damned dry spell."

Ghost tilted his head to the far side of the compound.  "Hers is the big suite reserved for generals."

"Sal?"

"Yeah."

"Oh no," Kolt took another long drink.  "Ain't like that with Sal and I."

"Bet it is."

"Bet it isn't."

Ghost reached for the bottle.  "Feeling drunk yet?"

"Yeah," Kolt admitted, well aware of the warm sensation in the back of his mind.  "You're a sneaky little fuck."

"I'm a ghost."  He smiled.  "Lemme tell ya something, big brother.  When you're around Sal, you're different.  Driven."

"She's my purpose in life, so yeah, no shit."

"You love her?"

"Don't we all?"

Ghost nodded.  "Yeah, but I don't spend a lot of time thinking about her naked."

"Yep, gonna need more."  Kolt drank again, embracing the warm fuzzy feeling in his head.  "And you're full of shit if you think I'm gonna believe you don't imagine what that ass of hers looks like naked."

"Seen it."

"Yeah."  Kolt chuckled.  "Me too."

"Didn't hit it."

"Oh, I did.  Damn.  She's fucking amazing.  Knows exactly what she wants, and doesn't mind telling me."

"You're drunk."  Ghost grabbed the bottle and shoved the cork in it.  "So, why haven't you tried anything with her?"

"Kinda did, or you forget already that I fucked her?  Seems like everyone else knows."  Kolt shook his head to get rid of the memory.  "Just breathe deeper and you'd know that."

"I mean now.  Since you got back, you're always hands-off around her."

"Zep would fucking gut me.  Besides, she's got enough men doting on her.  Doesn't need me."

"You sure?"

Kolt sighed.  "Yeah.  She's good with them.  And that's kinda the one thing I couldn't take.  Trying to make out with the girl of my dreams only to apologize for not being able to get it up?"  Kolt groaned.

"Bet it'd work."

"Trust me, man.  I'm not the kind of guy who ends up bonded to a Kaisae."

"Neither is Jase, or so he said.  Zep's human.  Never been a human Dernor before."

Kolt chuckled at the truth of that.  "And two cessivi.  Ayati, she's amazing, but kinda sounds like her harem is full."

Ghost just tilted his head to the sword laying on the table.  "Not anymore, brother."  Blaec's weapon said enough.

"And I'm not going to try to erase his memory.  I'm not here to take his place, I just want to do my part and see my boy have the best chances he can.  That's it."

"Mhm."  Ghost stood and nudged the bottle closer.  "You need to figure this shit out, Kolt.  Won't be easy for you to be around her until you do."

Kolt groaned.  "Yeah.  Just keep getting my ass rolled until I can remember to drop my eyes.  No big deal.  Eventually, it might even stop hurting, right?  Nah, I already know my place.  What Sal needs is someone she can lean on.  That's it.  There's nothing between her and I except a whole lot of memories and a brerror who's thrilled to have the chance to be in a pack."

Ghost gently rubbed his shoulder.  "Big brother, I think you're gonna be ok.  This will all work out, and now we're both drunk enough to actually sleep.  Women, right?"  He chuckled again and headed for the door, letting it close softly behind him.

Kolt sighed.  The kid was something else.  He didn't fuck around with what he wanted to know, but he had a heart of gold.  He was exactly the kind of brother Kolt had always wanted.  It was good to have a pack, even if some things were awkward.  Like Sal.  Ghost was right.  Kolt wished she was more than just a friend, but that wasn't going to happen.  Not with him looking like a walking memorial to Blaec.

But when he was alone, he could dream.  She'd been exactly like he'd hoped: strong, confident, but needing him.  She didn't feel ashamed of it either and had never tried to push him away.  Oh no.  When the maast hit, she'd pulled at him, and she melted when she realized he was stronger.  She'd even liked it.

He turned back to the table.  What he needed was to finish cleaning his sword and sober up.  He had to guard Sal in a few hours when she met with Parliament next.  Kolt smiled.  His room might be filled with Blaec's things, but she was his Kaisae.  That was one thing that Blaec didn't have first.  Kolt was the one who found her.  Maybe Blaec had made her into the soldier she was today, but Kolt had been the first man who protected her – in his own way.

He tried to focus on the sword, but his eyes were crossing.  Evidently, Ghost had gotten him a little more drunk than he'd realized.  Screw the gear.  Sal wouldn't care, and her opinion was the only one that mattered.  What Kolt needed was a good night's sleep to get her out of his head.  Reaching for the light, he turned down the wick until the flame sputtered and died before collapsing onto the couch.

He wasn't replacing Blaec; he was finishing what he started.  Iliri prophesies were always true, and Blaec had said she'd need him.  He'd take care of Sal.  He'd be the best guard she ever had and one day he'd make his own place.  He just needed to be a better soldier and a trusted friend.

This time, he would get it right.

Chapter 5

The pale white light of two moons left a pool of brightness inside the bedroom door.  For the last couple of hours, Sal had been watching it slowly cross the main room while Jase and Zep held her pinned between them.  The men slept, but she couldn't.  Every fiber of her body was screaming that she should be doing something, moving, not lying here.

When Zep rolled in his sleep, she took the opportunity to escape the confinement of the bed.  Softly, so as not to wake Jase, she eased herself out of the covers and toward the foot, pausing when his breath faltered.  For a moment, she froze, until her Ahnor finally snuggled deeper into the pillow.  Only then did she carefully ease her weight off the mattress.

Snagging one of Jase's shirts from the floor and her own pants, she got dressed as she walked, heading away from her lovers.  Since she'd made it home, she hadn't slept for more than a handful of hours.  Each time her eyes closed, she saw it.  When she relaxed too much, the memory of his fear hit her, jolting her heart into overdrive.  When the room got too quiet, she could almost smell the scent of Blaec's blood.  The only way to make it stop was to think about something else, and right now, there was a very big problem that only she could solve.

Her belt lay on the back of a chair.  That went around her waist, then she claimed one of the keys beside the door.  Glancing back, she checked the feeling of her lovers in her heart and knew they were too exhausted to miss her.  Right now, distance was the only way they'd get some well-deserved rest.  It was that almost as much as her need to do something – anything – that convinced her there was nothing wrong with slipping out of the room alone.

The door clicked but didn't creak.  Her feet were silent on the stone balcony.  The sky over the courtyard was turning that eerie shade of purple that preceded dawn, proving that, once again, Sal would spend the day running on empty.  Passing the next three rooms, she stopped at the fourth and pushed her key into the lock of their strategy office.  Turning it, she was shocked to find the door already unlocked.  The weak light of a dim lamp illuminated the opening, but it was the scent that set her at ease.

"Arctic?" she asked, her voice little more than a whisper.

"It's just me," he assured her, and she stepped inside.  Sitting behind a massive desk, his white eyes waited for hers to meet them, then he nodded.  "Still not sleeping?"

"Can't.  Where's Shade?"

He tilted his head at the wall separating the office from his own suite.  "Asleep.  She needs it, too.  All the humans running around have her a little anxious."

"Yeah," Sal mumbled, claiming the chair across from him.  "And you?"

With a dry chuckle, he gestured to the maps and papers before him.  "I thought that if I could figure this out, then I might be able to relax.  Since you're already up, willing to help?"

"Sure."

He turned the map to face her.  "We know Terric is here."  His finger traced a line through the eastern half of the Conglomerate.  "But it looks like they're pushing along the coast to the south, and I can't figure out why."

Sal just pointed to the far western corner.  "Viraenova."  Then back east a bit.  "Merriton, the trade hub of the CFC."  Then back even more.  "And this is where they'll breach the Siahies.  If Terric can move enough soldiers this far south, the Conglomerate will be pinched into a corner.  Viraenova might as well be a wall, and with the ocean to the south?"

"Divide and conquer," Arctic muttered, nodding in understanding.  "So what's Makiel going to do, Sal?"

Using her hand to represent the line, she pivoted it around Merriton, then pushed north, showing how easy the CFC would be to crush between the boundaries they'd made for themselves.  "And if they try to run, it'll push Viraenova out of place, weaken Issevi, and let Terric come at us from the north, too.  If everything works perfectly for him, the front line would fall back to Syhar again.  If it doesn't, he'll gain ground in either the Conglomerate or up north in Gallicor."

His white eyes raised to meet hers.  "So how do we stop it?  If something happens to you, how the hell do I end this war, Sal?"

The reality of what he was asking made her skin shiver.  Tingles ran the length of her spine.  Blaec was gone.  She was leading this now, and Arctic was the only other person who could do it if she died.  They were in the middle of a war, painting targets on their own backs.  The chance of them dying was a lot more likely than any of them living to see peace.

Huffing out a breath, she leaned onto the desk.  "Don't let him dig in.  If Makiel can get a base set up, he'll convert the people around him with promises of their dreams.  Money, land, power, happiness, it doesn't matter.  He appraises an area and finds what's missing.  In Escea, he offered them weapons.  In Unav, he was welcomed in with promises of trade."

"Anglia was supposed to have been political power..."  Arctic nodded.  "But we got there first.  Ok.  So keep him moving, always push the weakest point, and break his line so he's kept on the defensive, right?"

Sal was nodding.  "And you need to teach Ilija how to do this.  Nya, too."

"And Razor."  He chuckled sadly.  "Which is what I was trying to do, get my thoughts in order before I spend some time training him to be the next tactician for the Blades.  We just didn't expect to lose LT.  Of all the people to make a stupid mistake, I never would have thought it'd be him."

Sal's reply was almost a whisper.  "It wasn't stupid."

"Dying is always stupid," Arctic growled.  "Always, Sal.  That Makiel thinks death is a good way to deal with his problems is stupid.  That we're all charging in and dying is stupid.  That we have to even do this is fucking stupid!"

She let his rant flow over her.  The pain was still too fresh for all of them.  Their minds ached, the wound of Blaec's loss still raw but healing.  It wouldn't happen fast, but they all needed the chance to vent, to rage, and to get it out.  She wanted her pack to know they didn't need to suffer in silence anymore.  No matter what, they were together, and nothing could change that.

Not even losing Blaec.

"We'll be ok," she told him, grabbing his hand.  "You and I, we'll make sure they're all ok, right?"

His fingers clutched hers.  "Yeah, demon.  We'll make sure of it."

For a while, they just sat like that.  There were no words to be said, no real plans to be made.  Until something happened, all they could do was prepare, and that made Blaec's loss even more apparent.  Sal and Arctic could do this, and they were, but every task was a reminder that he was gone.  Oddly, knowing she wasn't the only one trying to hide how much it hurt helped.

But when Arctic broke the silence, his words weren't at all what she'd expected.  "How are things between Kolt and Zep?" he asked.

Groaning, she leaned back in the chair, shoving her ears against her head.  "Tense.  Jase doesn't seem to have a problem with him at all, but Zep?  Won't take much for those two to start throwing each other around.  Maybe you should trade him out for Razor?"

Arctic shook his head.  "No, I need Razor to work with me, and you have to perfect using his skill."  He paused, his mouth curling with a devious little smile.  "Or copy it."

Right now, that wasn't possible and they both knew it.  If Sal tried to copy Kolt's skill, it would knock her out for days.  Between the wound of their link breaking, her exhaustion, and the number of skills she'd already copied from her brothers, trying to rewire her brain one more time was just not going to happen.  Knowing that Kolt was willing to let her use his through him meant she didn't need to.

"Audgan?"

"Ghost," Arctic corrected.  "And he's staying with Shade when I can't.  If nothing else, he can make her scared enough to not use her skill.  Mostly, though, he's just sending a low paranoia to the Conglomerate men, convincing them that this redhead isn't worth talking to."

"Geo?" Sal tried.

Arctic shoved his hand across his mouth to hide the smile.  "Sure, if you want to get him up to speed on his sword work.  Can't really carry a pike around the Parliament building, you know.  Besides, you're the one that wanted to make Kolt a Blade.  Why wouldn't you want him at your side?"  He let his hand drop and tilted his head, his eyes holding hers.  "What's going on, Sal?"

"Nothing."

"Bullshit."  He leaned closer.  "You got your officer.  He's right here, and your Ahnor doesn't seem to hate him, so what the hell are you doing?"

"I just..."  Swallowing, she decided that wasn't how she wanted to approach this, so tried again.  "It's not fair to Blaec."

"Blaec's dead."

"It hasn't been long enough.  I need more time!"

His eyes didn't waver.  "And it's also been almost seven years.  I'm not telling you to make him your next mate, Sal.  I'm telling you to let your brother help guard you."

"But not in Blaec's place!"

He dipped his head slightly.  "Then move him to your back.  I don't really care."

"Yet you put the new guy guarding me?  Shouldn't it be something one of the older members of the pack do?"

"You mean, like rewarding a Blade for just living long enough to have seniority?" he scoffed.  "Thought we'd given up on our human ways, demon.  The men who protect you are chosen because they're the best for the job, not just the ones who came first."

"But – "

Arctic thumped his fist on the table, halting her mid-sentence.  "Stop.  That man dragged you across Unav to get you back to us.  He abandoned everything to take care of you.  He has a skill that makes you one of the most terrifying creatures I can think of, but you don't want to use him as your guard because..."  He lifted a brow, making a production of it.  "Remind me again why you keep shoving away the man you spent so long trying to find?"

"I'm just not ready."

"Oh.  Well that makes it all better.  I'll just let the Emperor know that he needs to put his offensive on hold until you've had time to get over the torture he inflicted.  This is war, Sal.  You'll never be ready to lose someone you love.  Neither will I, but we don't get the luxury of doing nothing.  Learn. To. Deal. With. Him."

Her ears slid lower on her head.  "What if I can't?"

"Then run him out of the Blades.  If you can't trust him, then he's not a brother."  With a sigh, Arctic reached over to carefully rub her forearm.  "But I think we both know better than that.  Your problem is that he makes you feel safe, and you don't want that to upset your mates."

"Yeah," she admitted.

"But," he went on, "Cyno seems fine with him, Zep will learn how to deal with it, and Blaec is dead.  I know you hate it when I say that.  I can smell it on you, but I'll keep rubbing your face in it until it actually sinks in.  Blaec is gone, and nothing can ever change that.  He won't care what you do.  He doesn't have the right to control your actions anymore, Sal.  He's dead, you're not, and we really need our Kaisae."

She nodded, knowing how right he was.  "I just don't have time to deal with it, Arctic.  The man who showed me the way out of slavery isn't Sergeant Enik Kolton.  He's some fantasy I created based on a few hours we spent together, and I don't have the time to sleep, let alone sort that out in my head."

"You do," he insisted.  "You have to, Sal, because it all goes together with the alliance we're making.  We're here to save the iliri.  You, of all people, know what we've suffered, and Kolt showed you that there's something you can do about it.  You need to do this.  Take a little time, get to know him, and figure out which parts you made up in your head and which is the real man.  You might be surprised."  He offered her a kind smile.  "Will it help if I make it an order?"

She huffed a weak laugh.  "It might."

"Then that's an order, Sal.  By the end of the week, I expect you and Brerror Syrik Kolton to be friends.  So far as I care, Enik was just a role he played, not the man we took in.  Syrik is our brother.  Who knows, maybe that will help you sort it out a little."

Bobbing her head, she pushed the chair back and found her feet.  "I think it kinda does.  I'll try, Arctic, but I'm gonna screw this up."

"Then screw it up as big as possible.  Humans respect the decision more than the outcome.  All you have to do is believe in yourself and the rest of us will follow."  He turned his eyes back to the map.  "It's kinda how we're made.  Now either go to bed, or start organizing the healers for the infirmary, but don't you dare head over there alone."

Snapping her body to attention, she thumped a proper Anglian salute against her heart.  "Yes, sir."

He chuckled, both of them knowing he didn't truly outrank her.  "Dismissed, soldier."

Chapter 6

When Sal left Arctic's office, the sun was barely over the horizon, but even this early, Conglomerate troops were already forming up in the courtyard.  Most wore the basic blue of regular soldiers, but the blue and brown tones of the 112th Mounted and the navy of Azure Silence stood out.  She paused, watching the men get their orders for the day, remembering when she'd been just like them.  It hadn't been that long ago.

Inside, her mates were still calm and relaxed.  Out here, the morning chill turned the human faces pink and encouraged the officers to move quickly.  Below, she saw Raj point, men nod, and Azure Silence began to break up.  A few units of blues were next, moving off in groups to handle their daily assignments.  Unlike the others, the 112th weren't sticklers for rigid military protocol, but that's probably because they'd earned it.  With the Devil Dogs and Black Blades now in Anglia, they held the place of the ranking elite unit in this country.

But not even they wanted to stand in the cold for long.  Laughing among themselves, the 112th headed for the mess hall, most likely to enjoy a meal before they did anything that resembled work.  Smiling, Sal pulled away from the rail, thinking she might join them, but something caught her eye.

There, at the back of one of the regular units, a pale-skinned man stood perfectly still even as his commanding officer pushed at him.  Something about it was a little too familiar.  Maybe it was the anger on the officer's face.  Maybe it was the resigned expression on the crossbred's, but Sal had a funny feeling she wasn't the only soldier who'd experienced the prejudice of humans.  Her ears flicked toward them, the wind making it harder to hear, but she never got the chance.

The human swung, catching the iliri across the face and toppling him into the dirt.  Sal didn't bother thinking about what she was going to do, she just reacted.  Storming toward the closest staircase, she yelled, "That's enough!"

Behind her, she heard a door open.  Beneath her, she saw the 112th turn back.  Her eyes were locked on the pale man wiping the blood from his mouth.  He might be a Conglomerate soldier, but he was her iliri.  They were all hers, and she wouldn't let these humans treat them like this.  Not anymore.

"Sal?" Blaz whispered as she marched past, but she ignored it.

"You."  One finger pointed at the Conglomerate officer.  "Name and rank, soldier."

"Lieutenant Carthis."  He lifted his chin and stared down his nose at her.  "You?"

"Salryc Luxx, Kaisae of Anglia and all iliri, and the bitch your Parliament begged to come save your ass.  What are you doing to that soldier?"

"The scrubber?" he asked, honestly confused.

It was too much.  The lack of sleep, hearing that slur, and the pleading eyes from the man on the ground all demanded that she do something.  Sal didn't bother thinking, she just struck, backhanding the human the same way he'd hit the iliri.  The man staggered back two steps but didn't fall.

"You fucking bitch," he snarled, glaring at her.

"Do not," she warned him, "think that we will take this anymore, Ace."  Then she looked at the iliri soldier.  "Get up."

"Yes, Kaisae," he mumbled, scrambling to his feet.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" the lieutenant asked.

Sal didn't get the chance to reply.  "Anglian diplomat," Rais Tolan, the leader of the 112th answered.  "Kaisae, please?"

"He hit an iliri."

Rais gently rested a hand on her shoulder.  "And I'll find out why.  Sal, you're not supposed to be down here alone."

"I'm never alone," she promised.  "There are three grauori down here, all of you, and Arctic is leaning over the rail.  I'm fine, Rais, and I won't ignore the abuse my people have suffered in this country."

"Which isn't your country anymore, Kaisae," he reminded her.  "Sal, have you been up all night?"

"I slept."

He just nodded, clearly knowing she hadn't.  "Let Blaz take you back to your suite.  I'll make sure the Private is treated fairly, ok?"

She met his eyes, seeing the warning in them.  They never tell us what we did wrong, Rais.  They just beat us, daring us to defend ourselves.  When we do, they punish us more, or withhold food, trying to make us learn how to be humans.

Are you so sure this soldier is innocent? he countered.

She flicked her eyes over, seeing the man standing proudly.  No, but I have a funny feeling that he has a very good reason for what he's done.  Whatever it is.  We all do.

Then I'll find out what it is.  I swear, Sal.  I'll make sure this is handled fairly, but you can't keep shoving your nose in the CFC's business until you have that alliance signed.

Fine.  Just make sure you tell him about the law.  Make sure he knows we'll take him.

Rais nodded.  Promise.  Then he switched to his voice.  "You really need to sleep at least a little."

A warm hand touched the middle of her back, begging her to turn.  "Sal?"  It was Blaz.

She turned to face him, but he wasn't looking at her.  Following Blaz's eyes, she found Kolt waiting at the base of the stairs on his side of the compound.  His shirt was unbuttoned, his pants were wrinkled like he'd slept in them, and his hair was mussed, but when her eyes landed on him, he smiled.

"He supposed to be keeping an eye on you?" Blaz asked.

Sal jiggled her head in a subtle no.  "He's supposed to be sleeping."

"And I have a feeling you are, too.  Need me to walk you up?"

"No," she mumbled, reaching up to rub at the back of her neck.  "Kolt can do that.  Just make sure these humans aren't abusing my people."  It was hard, but she pulled her eyes away from Kolt and brought them back to Blaz.  "I mean it.  I'm here for the iliri, and if the CFC isn't willing to respect my species, then I can't help save yours."

"Yes, sir.  I'll make sure they know."  Dipping his head, he stepped back, falling into his role a little too easily.

And that was something else she had to remember.  Blaz wasn't just her friend, he was also a soldier – for another nation.  The 112th had bent the rules as far as they could, but they weren't her men.  They felt like it, and they might be loyal to her cause, but they were not Anglians.  They'd made it clear they never would be.

Sal nodded at Blaz professionally and stepped past, her feet carrying her right to Kolt.  He grabbed his shirt, yanking it closed over his chest, and secured the middle two buttons as he made his way to her.  Ignoring the humans around them, the pair met halfway, but Kolt caught her elbow and kept going, turning her back to the officer's side of the compound.

"There are seven thousand Conglomerate soldiers stationed in Prin right now," he hissed under his breath.  "I don't care how good you are, you can't take on that many alone, so don't you dare try this again.  Am I clear?"

"Try what?"

He gestured at the base.  "Prancing around here like you're in Anglia!  Sal, some of these people want to see you dead, and I'd like to sleep through one single night without you waking me up."

"But – "

He pulled just enough to make her face him, then bent, glaring directly into her eyes.  "That crossbred you stood up for?  Yeah, you just made his life hell.  His unit is going to accuse him of treason, or harass him until he breaks."  He sucked in a frustrated breath.  "Or they'll just send him out on the front line the next time they need to find where the bolts are coming from.  You may feel pulled to protect him, but you need to think before you go storming around like you own this place, because you don't.  Am I clear?"

"I'm sorry."

His hand caught the back of her neck, tilting her head up.  "Sal, this is the Conglomerate of Free Citizens.  They don't like us.  They may need us, but they hate it, and that's going to make this a whole lot harder.  If you want them to give you the tools you need to win, then you need to be on your best game.  Planning, negotiating, not reacting to your instincts."  Slowly, his fingers loosened, sliding down her neck.  "That means you need to get some rest."

Well aware of how right he was, she switched the conversation to their mind.  I can't.

I think you can.  C'mon, babe.  Lemme tuck you in and read you a bedtime story, ok?  Figure I've gotten you to pass out a few times, I can do it again.

He didn't wait for her to answer, just steered her toward the stairs, escorting her up to her room.  Below, Rais was talking to the lieutenant just as he'd promised.  The iliri soldier stood quietly at attention, waiting.  Sal wanted to ask how it was going, but she knew she wouldn't get an answer.  Besides, Rais was right.  This wasn't her problem.  Not yet, at least.

The door to her suite opened before they got there.  On the other side, Jase waited.  He'd managed to find a pair of pants but hadn't worried about a shirt.  Those dark blue eyes of his were on Kolt, a little curl of his lips proving the man wasn't about to get rolled for manhandling Sal back to her room.

"Did ya sleep at all?" he asked, stepping aside so both of them could enter.

Sal glanced back at Kolt, feeling like a child who was about to get in trouble.  "I woke up before you two, so went to help Arctic with strategy."

"Then," Kolt added, "she stopped to watch the blues form up for morning orders, slapped an infantry commander, and Rais had to smooth things over.  Pretty sure what sleep she did get couldn't have been much."

The clink of a cup from the other room proved that Zep was also awake.  "Well, I was going to offer you coffee, kid, but I think you need a nap."  He tipped his head over his cup toward their bedroom door.  "You sleep.  Jase and I will make sure the healers don't have too many problems in the infirmary."

"I'm fine," Sal insisted, heading right to him, intending to steal his coffee.

Zep just chuckled and lifted it higher, outside her reach.  "Baby," he said gently, cupping the side of her face.  "I'm not just being a dick.  You know how hard this stuff hits you, and I'm kinda worried.  I can't remember the last time you stopped long enough to rest, so we've decided to take away all of your responsibilities until you do.  If wearing you out doesn't work, maybe boredom will."  Then he bent to press a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.  "Just try it.  Kolt, wait."

The last was loud enough to startle her.  Looking back, she saw Kolt halfway through the door.  With a sigh, Zep motioned the guy back in but gave Sal a little push toward her room.  Oddly, Zep didn't feel like he was annoyed.  Straining to hear his emotions, she couldn't find much but appreciation – and that wasn't like Zep at all.  Every time he and Kolt were together, she was waiting for the fight to break out.

"Leave him alone, Zep," she insisted.  "He was the only Blade out there to escort me back."

He waved her down.  "Won't even ask why you were out without a guard to begin with, but I'm not mad at him.  Just changing up today's schedule.  Now go get in bed."

***

Shockingly, Sal went.  She didn't complain, didn't try to insist she had too much to do, she just went.  It only confirmed that the heavy feeling on Zep's chest was her exhaustion.  Never mind her being out all night!  A glance at Jase proved she'd been guarded well enough even if Sal hadn't realized it.  The little guy had most of an arsenal laid out by the door of the suite, the curtains had been pushed aside enough for him to see out, and the coffee cup by that chair said he'd been awake a while.

"You need some sleep too, bro?"

"Na yet," Jase assured him.  "How long ya been up, Kolt?"

"Just before dawn.  I'm fine, Ahnor."

He nodded.  "Why'd ya get up so early?"

"Hearing the soldiers moving around, I think."  Kolt crossed his arms and looked between the two men.  "Why?"

Jase glanced back, meeting Zep's eyes.  "Yer call, big brother, but I need ta make sure Raast does na have trouble.  Humans are still scared of her."

"Go on.  I'll catch up."

Kolt shoved a hand over his face and slowly pulled it down.  "Look, if I screwed up again, I'm sorry.  Zep, I was just bringing her back so she wouldn't pick another fight.  I'm not trying to – "

But while Jase was getting ready to leave, Zep lifted a hand, cutting off Kolt's explanation.  "You're not in shit.  I'm a little pissed no one woke my ass up when she snuck out, but that's him," he looked at Jase, "and not you."

"Woulda woke ya if something happened," Jase assured him.  "It did na, so ya slept.  Now, when I do, ya can watch her.  If she's gonna be like this, then we will take turns."  Buckling on his sheaths, he shrugged then grabbed the door.  "Get Shift when ya are done."

"Yes, Ahnor," Zep called after him, barely getting it out before the door closed.  Then he turned back to Kolt.  "Right now, the laces on her pants are a little more complicated than she remembers them ever being before.  She's so far beyond exhausted there's no word for it."

"Kinda got that impression," Kolt mumbled.

Zep took a deep breath, reminding himself that Kolt wasn't trying to be an ass, he was just waiting for Zep to start something else.  And he had every right to be.  In the days Sal had been back, Zep hadn't really made it easy on the guy.  Then again, Kolt hadn't exactly tried to make friends, either.

"Look," Zep almost growled, "right now, I don't care if you hate my guts.  As the Kaisae's consorts, there's a few things we have to oversee in her absence, but I'm not about to leave her alone.  I need you to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't slip out of here without someone to guard her.  Understand?"

"Yeah."  Kolt gestured to the low table set before the couch and Jase's book laying on it.  "Am I allowed to read that while I sit here and stare at the walls?"

"Sure, if you wanna.  I kinda assumed that as soon as I was through this door, you'd be in there checking on her, though."  He couldn't help himself.  He smirked, waiting for the jerk to try and deny it.

"Promised her a bedtime story," Kolt said instead.  "Figure if she's going to act like my boy, then I'll treat her like him."

That wasn't at all what he'd expected.  Zep paused, his mouth hanging open slightly, and realized Jase was right.  Kolt was an ass, but he was being completely and totally honest about it.  He also didn't seem to expect any understanding from them.  Standing there, Kolt looked like he was waiting to be told no, that he couldn't go near the woman whose life he'd saved at least once.  He also looked like it was tearing him up.

"Just to get her to sleep," Kolt explained.  "I'm just trying to help, Zep.  That's all."

And he couldn't stay away.  In that moment, Zep knew.  Kolt had joined the Black Blades for a reason besides just seeing the iliri freed from oppression.  He did have an ulterior motive, but it wasn't nefarious.  Kolt honestly wanted to take care of Sal.  He probably thought he had to.  Even worse, Zep was pretty sure the guy had no idea how hard she was pulling at him.

"It's ok," he said quickly, mostly to hide his shock.  "You prefer Kolt or Syrik?"

"Uh."  Kolt looked confused.  "Kinda got out of the habit of being called by my real name.  Why?"

He gestured to the room where Sal was crawling into bed.  "Because if you don't tell her, she'll change it.  Tried to call me Valcor, but I guess that's like my human name, now."

"Either one's fine."  Kolt bent to pick up the book.  "Have anything more exciting than the toxicology of Unav?"

"Jase's stuff," Zep explained.  "Most of it's reference material.  Until we get a few things out of storage, no.  Guess you're going to have to make up your own story this time, huh?"

"Willing to give me any hints on what makes her feel safe?"

Zep just lifted his hands and let them flop.  "Can't.  Her whole world just got turned upside down.  Three weeks ago I would have said the Blades, but they took her right out from under our noses.  Anglia, maybe?  I dunno, man.  I honestly don't fucking know."  His voice strained on the last word and Kolt heard.

Looking up, he nodded in understanding.  "If I figure it out, I'll let you know, ok?  Just figured I'd wait until she's all the way in bed before I go intruding."

Zep decided to give in.  "She's almost there, and it's not like you haven't seen her naked already."

"Wasn't intentional, Dernor."  He didn't drop his eyes, but Kolt was clearly trying.

Zep just nodded.  "I know my place, bro.  Things between you and her are complicated.  I get that.  I'm just worried about her, not trying to stand in your way."

"Then I think you're ok.  I'm just here to get her to sleep.  I'm just trying to be a friend, Zep.  That's all."

"Yeah.  Have fun with that.  If you need us, we'll be in the infirmary."  Then Zep held out his hand, human style.

Kolt only paused for a moment before he clasped it.  Their skin connected and Kolt's eyes flicked down to their hands.  Slowly, the newest Black Blade smiled.  Zep knew why.  For the first time, he couldn't feel any animosity in the touch.  There was no way for him to know why.

Zep had finally figured out what exactly it was Kolt was chasing – Sal – and no matter how hard he tried to stop, there was no way that would happen.  He couldn't.  That's not how it worked when a man found the woman he was meant for.

Chapter 7

There was no wind, but she could smell the storm.  Electricity almost crackled in it, and it was close enough to touch.  Sal shifted closer, the weight of the blankets weighing her down, and pressed her face into the mass of it.  Unlike what she expected, this storm was strong and solid.  It also had an arm around her back.

"You have to wake up, Kaisae," it whispered.

Sucking in a breath, she obeyed, finding warm amber eyes waiting for hers.  "Kolt?"

He smiled.  "Shift and Raast healed a good chunk of the soldiers today.  Risk helped with a handful, but the guys decided that torturing them wouldn't help the cause, so they only let him work on the most desperate cases.  Dominik and Rayna put in orders for armor, including the Blades.  Ray said to tell you that she got the specs from Razor?  I dunno what that means, but I'm telling you."

Nodding, Sal pulled herself up to a sitting position.  The scent of impending weather was less like this, and it let her catch a whiff of something else.  Pungent and herbal, she knew they weren't alone.  That was Zep's shaving cream.

"Where's Jase?"

Kolt tilted his head to the main room.  "They reclaimed a lot from storage, and he's going through it looking for your clothes.  Something about boots, I think."

They'd talked about that, but she hadn't expected to sleep through crates being dumped in her suite.  "And why are you here?"

His face froze, and Kolt pulled his hand away from her side.  "Your Dernor asked me to keep an eye on you while you slept."

"Bullshit," Zep called from the attached bathroom.  "I asked him to make sure you kept your eyes closed and that hot little ass in bed.  Don't be a bitch, baby."

Groaning, she rubbed at her eyes.  "Sorry," she called to Zep before shifting her eyes back to Kolt.  "Pretty sure that didn't come out like I meant it."

"What she meant," Zep yelled at them, "was 'how did you convince Zep to let you in here' or something close."

"Basically," Sal whispered.

Kolt's face relaxed, and he nodded.  "Been asking myself that all morning.  Your boys are a little jealous, you know.  With good reason, I might add."  Slowly, he reached up to push back a lock of messy hair from her cheek.  "It's almost time to meet with Parliament again.  Dom and Rayna said uniforms, but they were waiting for you to decide which ones."

"We have more than one?" Sal asked.

Kolt just looked toward the bathroom.  Right on cue, Zep walked out.  Pale foam covered half his face, he held a ceramic razor in one hand, but the clothes on his body were immaculate.  They also weren't anything like the antiquated uniforms the Blades typically wore.  Gone were the button-down shirts and crisp pants.  Unlike their casual attire, there were no laces at the throat.  Instead, Zep wore the multi-pocketed pants they preferred for leisure and a shirt made of some skin hugging material.  It looked perfectly suited to fit under any style of armor – and to Sal, that was a plus.

"I like," she purred, letting her eyes appreciate Zep's well-made body.

He made a shooing gesture at Kolt and came closer, leaning over to peck her on the lips.  Only a trace of the foam managed to stick to her cheek.  Chuckling, he wiped it off and went back to the bathroom, talking over his shoulder.

"Yours is a bit different.  Since you were sleeping, it was decided that your pants should fit a little closer.  I mean, so you can just pull on the ringmail you like so much without needing to change."

Kolt leaned toward her.  "So they can check out your ass."

Sal grinned at him.  "And I'm sure you had nothing at all to do with that, right?"

"He didn't," Zep said, clearly still listening in.  "This time, you have to blame Rayna.  I mean, not that we mind, but she didn't exactly ask.  Said it was a tactical decision, and you should just go with it."

Which sounded exactly like her best friend.  "So, does this mean you're ok with me moving Kolt to guard my back so you can reclaim your proper place at my right?"

"Oh fuck no," Zep grumbled, coming back into view as he leaned against the door frame.  "Not letting the brerror get the best view, and that's about the only good part of playing toy soldier.  Kolt can stay on your right.  Makes it easier for me to stab him in the back when he gets out of line.  Now try on your new clothes and let me finish cutting the scruff off my face."

"Sure.  Where?"  Sal was still in bed, only the covers clothing her body.

Kolt placed a stack of folded clothes beside her.  "Your new uniform, Kaisae," he said softly, then turned for the door.  He didn't make it.

"Help her get the pieces sorted out," Zep ordered, this time not peeking into the room.

Biting his lips together, Kolt turned back.  "There aren't any pieces to get confused."  His voice was neither loud nor muffled, but it was hard.  "I'm pretty sure Sal's figured out how to put on a shirt and pants."

The scent of annoyance wafted from him.  She slid off the side of the bed, pausing to rest a hand on Kolt's arm.  "It's ok.  Just ignore him."

But Kolt wouldn't look at anything other than the far wall.  "This is why I didn't want to join the Blades, Sal.  I told you they won't accept me."

"And I told you they'll figure it out.  Give them time."

He cleared his throat.  "Clothes, Sal.  I'll make sure Cyno knows you're ready for weapons and boots."

Before she had one arm in her shirt, he was gone.  She just huffed out her frustration and kept going.  The new shirts were nice and stretchy.  The pants were made of a thicker version of the same material.  It was impressive, and Rayna was right.  This would work perfectly with armor.  Considering they had no idea how long this war would last?  All of the Blades needed something similar.  That it looked clean and crisp on its own meant Sal wouldn't need to worry about dressing up anymore.

By the time she was ready, so was Zep.  His face was regulation smooth – just the way he liked it – and he was covered in a small arsenal.  Outside the bedroom, she knew Jase was the same.  Kolt, however, she couldn't feel, but she had a funny feeling Jase hadn't let him go too far.

"How long until we're supposed to be in Parliament?"

Zep lifted a shoulder in a weak shrug.  "About the time you're ready.  We let you sleep as long as we could.  Dom's already dressed and in the courtyard, with Nya."

"Fuck," she groaned, snagging the dark green circlet from the top of the dresser and pulling open the door to the rest of her suite.  "Why didn't you tell me?"

"They can wait on a Kaisae's privilege," Jase answered, looking up with a smile.  "Ya look good, kitten.  Like ya slept."

"And now I'm late."  She dropped into the closest chair and shoved one foot in a boot.  "Weapons?"

Jase held up her belt with the two steel daggers.  "Ya do na need much.  And be late.  They demanded, 'member?"

"Right."  Now she focused on the other boot.  "But we need them to agree if we want to get the iliri out of here, and being late could be seen as a slur."

"Sal."  Her foot slid to the bottom of the boot just as Jase hooked a finger under her chin.  "Ya are the Kaisae.  The last Kaisae of the iliri.  Ya do na need humans ta tell ya what ta do.  They can na stop ya."

"And you don't want to let them know how much this means," Kolt said from beside the door.  "They're used to telling you what to do.  Change the rules, Sal.  The only person on this continent who can win this war?"  He pointed at her.  "And that makes you the most powerful person in that room."

"But I can't do it without the grauori!"

Jase chuckled, pulling her eyes back to him.  "They would na help if ya are na here.  Trust me.  Rragri does na care about saving the humans.  She is here because ya asked, na Dom."

"Blaec was supposed to be the one doing this."  She pulled in an unsteady breath, holding his twilight blue eyes.  "I'm going to fuck this up, killer."

"Ya have na yet.  Ya can na be anything but perfect, kitten.  Yer always perfect, and if ya fuck it up, then that's what we were meant ta do."  Slowly, he leaned forward.  "Do na think.  Do na worry.  Just do what ya have ta.  We will follow."  Then he kissed her, gently nipping at her lower lip.

That contact was what she needed.  His touch said more than words ever could.  Skin to skin, she could feel not only his belief – that thrummed inside her always – but also the pride she gave him.  It was the same pride Blaec had given her so long ago.  Smiling, Sal broke the kiss and nodded.

"Thanks, Jase.  Give me that belt and let's do this."

Strapping it on, she made her way down to the courtyard.  The sky was turning gold with the day's end, proving she'd slept a lot longer than she'd expected.  It also turned the grauori and Shields below into gilded figurines as the sun kissed their uniforms.  She liked it.  She also liked that the Black Blades were dressed the exact same way as the Verdant Shields.  It made them look more like a united nation, and Parliament had always been swayed by appearances.

"We ready?" she asked.

One of the grauori whuffed in amusement.  "Dey whanna be late," she said.

Sal ducked her head and chuckled.  Evidently, her men had the right idea.  Maybe she was still conditioned to respond to humans with respect, but neither the Anglian humans nor the grauori had that problem.  From the honest smiles on their faces, they also didn't care what happened in this meeting.  Sal, however, did.  She'd fought her entire life to get a taste of freedom, always thinking it would include everyone in her species.  It hadn't, but if she got this meeting right, it could.

"So are we late enough?" she asked Dom.

He canted his head and made a face.  "Eh, sure."  Then he turned serious.  "We're not going to beg, Sal.  We stick to the three clauses.  If they won't budge, then we don't either.  Rayna already talked to a couple crossbred soldiers she knows and started the rumors.  While we're heading in there, I have Ricown and a couple of your Blades on their way to Guttertown to start talking."

"Send Ilija with them," she decided.  "He knows when to shut up, and my guys will keep him safe."

"Done."  Then the King of Anglia offered his arm.  "Shall we?"

Sal slid hers through his.  "I think we shall, sire.  Just yell in my head if I go stupid.  I didn't get a coffee before this meeting."

"Promise."

This time, the leaders of Anglia looked like a couple strolling through the capital city as they meandered to the gates of Parliament.  The pale beasts frolicked – including the iliri – and the three rulers found themselves in good spirits by the time they paused at the massive doors.  One of the CFC guards hurried to open it, smiling at their lack of arrogance.

"Welcome to the Parliament of the Conglomerate of Free Citizens," he greeted them, lifting his eyes to Sal's chin.  They were turquoise, a color rarely seen in humans.

"Thank you," Dom said.

"Ilus," Sal added under her breath.

The man chuckled, but he also stood a little straighter.  It was the last proof Sal needed that her mates were right.  She didn't have to beg.  Her people were doing their best to show her they were behind her decisions, even if it meant taking their own risks to make sure she knew it.

And the iliri were everywhere in this country, mingled among humans who couldn't tell them apart.  Maybe once they'd been distinct species, but not anymore.  The Emperor of Terric had nearly exterminated the purebred iliri.  Others had produced offspring with humans, those crossbreds finding their own part-human mates.  Even a decade ago, the populace of this country had been paler than most of the neighboring nations, but Sal could finally see it.

All she'd known back then was that she was more pale, more iliri, and more hated than anyone around her.  Now, after spending time in Anglia and Unav, she could tell the difference between those who thought of themselves as human and those who'd embraced their iliri ancestry.  Shockingly, her people weren't in the minority.  From what she'd experienced so far, the Black Blades hadn't been the only iliri hiding in plain sight, she'd just had no clue how common her people really were.

The humans didn't seem to know, either.  Their senses were too dull to detect the differences, so they assumed.  They assumed that anyone smart enough, strong enough, or placed well enough to make a difference had to be human because iliri were nothing more than beasts.

Well, she'd show them exactly what that meant.

Five steps into the foyer of the Parliament building, a young man was waiting.  His smile was filled with saccharine and he smelled like disgust.  One of the grauori sneezed.

"Anglia," the man crooned.  "Representative Toth sent me to beg your forgiveness.  Parliament has been delayed with legislation.  If you'll be patient, I'll make sure they know you've arrived."

"Do that," Dominik snapped, letting his annoyance color his voice.  "I don't have time for this petty bullshit."

The man, who was most likely some Representative's assistant, blanched.  "Yes, sire.  Forgive us."  Then he scurried off.

Not kidding, Dom told Sal and Nya.  If they plan to make us wait around too long, I'm just going back.  I know how this game is played.

I don't, Nya told him.  So they are not delayed with other business?

The King shook his head.  Doesn't matter if they are.  Diplomatic visits always get priority.  Unless you want the envoy to cool off a bit, get bored, and forget their game plan.  Standing in the middle of this building, we shouldn't want to discuss our objectives -

But we can think them, Nya broke in, canting her head in confusion.

Dom chuckled, nodding at her.  Right, but they probably don't believe it.  Nya, the things your people can do are amazing.  That you've shared them with us is what makes Anglia so strong, and the CFC doesn't have grauori.  They haven't treated their iliri well.  There's no way either species would trust these humans enough to give them such a gift, so they're more likely to believe it's just some story made up to impress our enemies.

Oh.

They also, Sal added, have no idea how much better we can hear, what we can smell, or how sharp our eyesight really is.  Listen, Nya, because humans will talk when they think they're far enough away.

Letting her tongue loll from the side of her mouth, the Orassae's daughter looked at her sisters.  All three of them nodded, proving she'd just passed that information along.  Sal leaned back, easing her weight, and crossed her arms over her chest.  Yeah.  These humans had no idea what beasts they were playing with, and she intended to make the most of it.

Minutes ticked by.  Then a few more.  While they waited, the three leaders of Anglia discussed their options, keeping their goals fresh in their minds.  It only helped so much.  They hadn't been offered chairs.  There were no refreshments.  The Anglian delegation had been left standing in the Parliamentary equivalent of the foyer.

The intention was clear.  Anglia was being shown their place.  They couldn't just storm into the meeting – not without causing a serious incident.  All they could do was wait for the politicians to find time for them.  Never mind that the Conglomerate was the one who'd chosen the hour of this meeting and Anglia had arrived late.  Parliament should be ready and waiting, but they didn't seem to care.

Humans had done this to her before.  She couldn't count how many hours of her life had been spent waiting for her master to acknowledge her, for her superior officer to get done and give her orders, or for a human to finally decide that her money was as good as someone else's and serve her.  They thought they were better, but they'd been the ones demanding she come to help.

In other words, they thought she was still their slave.

"Dom?" she asked, her voice echoing back in the grand entrance.

He looked over, lifting a brow.

"I think they forgot that I'm no longer the property of the Conglomerate of Free Citizens.  I'm not here to answer to them.  If they want my help, maybe they need to do a little more begging.  We don't have time for this type of politics."

"Mm."  He nodded, looking at each of their guards.  "One of you willing to stay behind and deliver the message?"

From the King's other side, a dark man chuckled.  "Oh, I'll do it."  Leaning back, Sal saw it was Vanja.  Of all the Shields, he was the least predictable and most outspoken.

Dom nodded proudly.  "Yeah.  I think you'll do."  Scratching at his jaw, he looked to Rayna, nodded, then glanced at Sal before speaking to Vanja again.  "When they decide they're ready, let them know they screwed their chance.  Now, they only get two options.  First, they can invite us to a formal state dinner, tomorrow.  Make sure they know exactly what our friends eat.  Or, if that's not to their tastes, they can watch my country ride our bad-asses back to the north where we'll kick the shit out of this asshole for fucking with our iliri."  He raised both brows, checking that Vanja understood.

"And tell them," Sal added, "that their arrogance has proven to me that if this offensive is going to work, I need complete control of the tactics.  Complete.  They can either be led by an iliri bitch, or they can see how well their politics hold back Terric, because I'm done playing human games."

"Yes, sirs," Vanja told his leaders.  "Mind if I make it real clear that she ain't my pet, Dom?"

"Nope.  Expected nothing less from you, Vanja.  Cain, stay with him.  Nya?  Would your sisters be willing to watch my back on the walk home?"

"Always," Nya assured him.  "Just as they'd watch my own."

With that, they all turned for the door.  The same man who'd opened it for them now waited on the inside.  He was struggling to hide his expression, but Sal could smell that he was almost as annoyed as she.  This was one more day wasted.  One more night that soldiers on the front line would be outnumbered.  One more useless attempt to put the iliri back in their place.  Humans had been doing this for too long, and Sal was sick of it.

Chapter 8

On the other side of town, another delegation was making their way to meet the local government.  Unlike the King, Kaisae, and Raewar, this hadn't been set up in advance.  Ilija had just been informed he need to see this and was told the food should be tolerable.  He wasn't dressed fancy.  He certainly didn't carry any weapons.  All he had was his son, his unit-mate, and a handful of friends who could smell he was nervous.

Thankfully, Razor, Ghost, and Geo didn't say a thing about it.  Ricown looked excited, which wasn't surprising.  They'd all heard enough about the iliri in this country, and Ilija couldn't be the only one who wanted to see the truth for himself.  Granted, this was probably the most dangerous way to do it.  Of all the places for a human to go, Guttertown was taking his life into his own hands – or his friends', as the case may be.  One word from them would be all it took to make sure he was never seen again.

"Relax," Geo told him as they crossed a dusty street.  "We're known there."

"And I know how tasty I smell," Ilija hissed.

Ghost chuckled, flashing a wicked smile that did nothing to set him at ease.

"Colonel," Ricown assured him, "you're going to be fine.  If Ghost can't drop them all, Geo can remind them how much they've always loved you.  Arctic sent his best."  Then he bobbed his head from side to side, adding, "Mostly to protect the Prince, but we'll take care of you."

"Thanks.  If you wanted a promotion, you coulda just asked."

They were all laughing when Razor stepped up to a long, decaying building.  No one had mentioned what this place looked like.  The Blades only discussed the food inside and how it was one of the few places iliri could step out from under the heels of the humans around them.  Zep had shared stories of how hard it had been to get any respect in there, but not even he had said it was so run down.  From the stories, Ilija'd always expected a thriving business.  Then again, in the Conglomerate, this probably was what the iliri considered thriving.

Geo and Audgan entered first.  Ricown followed with Jarl right on his heels.  Bracing himself for the worst, Ilija stepped in behind them, thankful that Razor had his back.  Tensa's diner wasn't exactly a big place, but it was packed at this time of night.  Skin colors varied from nearly as pale as Cyno to slightly darker than Razor, but it didn't hide the feral way the locals' heads tracked them or the hatred written on their faces.

"Ya haf the wrong place," a pert little blonde snapped, marching toward them.  "Humans eat down there," and her arm jerked toward the market district.

Razor stepped forward, patting Ilija's shoulder as he pushed through their group.  "I'm looking for Tensa, actually."

"With them?  She does na talk ta them."

"Really?"  He pointed to Ghost and Geo.  "She said we were always welcome back.  Any Black Blade, any time."

Even the soft hum of movement stopped.

"Yer back?" the girl asked.

Razor smiled.  "For a bit.  We're here at the request of Anglia, to talk to the leader of the free iliri."

"Humans," the girl almost spat.

"Friends," Razor countered.  "I'd go so far as to call quite a few of them my brothers.  Like these."

She waved Razor aside, lifting her chin as she glared up at Ilija.  "What's yer name, Ace?"

He dropped his eyes to the floor.  "Ilija, miss."

"But ya do na look at me?"

He couldn't stop his mouth from twisting into a half smile.  "This is your home.  The Kaisae taught me better than that."

"And how do ya know the Kaisae?"

"She taught me how to use a sword."  Slowly, he lifted his eyes, holding them on the woman's cheek.  "I taught her that Anglia knows how to respect our betters.  She paid me back by changing my life.  Se bax genause."

His accent wasn't perfect, but it was good for a human, and Ilija knew it.  From the shuffling of the people in the diner, they thought so, too.  Before him, the girl nodded and stepped back, daring to smile up at Razor.

"Tensa!" she yelled.  "Guests!"

A plump, matronly woman shuffled through the swinging door that led to the kitchen.  Before she even rounded the counter, she was all smiles, holding her arms up as she hurried toward Razor.  He met her easily, hugging her back without hesitation.  Ghost and Geo got the same treatment with a few more back pats.  Then, she turned to Ricown.

"Ya have a new brother?" she asked.

"No," Razor told her.  "He's a Verdant Shield, one of Anglia's elite soldiers.  Rico here is human."

Tensa sucked back a big breath.  "He does na smell human."

The man in question chuckled.  "That's how it works in Anglia, kaisae.  We choose our nation by who we identify with, and I grew up not knowing I was any different from the Colonel back there."

Tensa's blue eyes shifted to Ilija.  "Ya are the Colonel?  Do ya claim ta be iliri?"

"No, ma'am.  My wife, however, has embraced her heritage.  We're still waiting for our son to decide what nation he wants."  And he dropped a hand on Jarl's shoulder.

"Human," the boy said.  "I mean, that's what I'm thinking right now.  Sal said she needed me to make sure her people were protected from us, and the best way to do that is if I'm the King, right?"

Tensa's head whipped over to him.  All around them, the other diners were leaning a bit closer, not even trying to hide that they were listening in.  Maybe they should have mentioned their ranks a little sooner.

But Razor didn't seem worried.  He nudged Jarl with his elbow.  "This is Jarl.  Ilija's boy.  He's also the heir to the human throne of Anglia.  His father back there is the King's brother-in-law."  Then he lifted a brow.

Tensa's hand flew to her mouth.  "Yer wife is part iliri?" she asked.  "The King's sister?"

"And the King," Ilija told her.  "They share parents."

"Do I kneel?" the woman asked, looking between all of them.

"No!" Jarl insisted.  "Being King is just a job, like running a diner.  It's not something to kneel to."

That made a few people chuckle, but it got a nod from Tensa.  "Well, then let me show ya what iliri eat.  I do not haf stuff humans like, but Zep allus said my cookin' was good 'nough fer him."

"Thank you," Ilija said, gesturing for Jarl to follow the woman.  "And we're well acquainted with what iliri eat.  And grauori."

Razor fell in behind him.  "Ilija is one of Sal's close friends, but he likes his food overcooked.  Maybe you can let one of the others burn it for him and come sit with us a moment?"

Tensa stopped before a large table, waving the six Anglians to find their seats.  "Lemme tell them, and then yes.  I think we might have much ta talk about."

"That," Ilija asked when she waddled back toward the kitchen, "is the famous Tensa?"

"The closest thing the CFC has to a Kaisae," Geo assured him.  "While she may not have been born one, she makes up for it in other ways.  This," and he gestured to the room of rickety chairs, mismatched tables, and wide-eyed patrons, "is one of the few places in the country where we knew we were safe."

Jarl was staring across the room.  "That's what safe looks like?"  He turned to his father.  "They look ready to run."

"You're human," Ghost reminded him.  "Around here, that means you could conscript them, accuse them of a crime that would result in someone being beaten, jailed, or put on the front line.  A human's word is always believed above ours."

"But humans are the ones who lie so easily!"

His voice had risen enough to make the patrons turn, casting nervous glances back at the table.  Geo lifted a hand in acknowledgment, waving them down.  "But they're only animals, Jarl.  They bite.  They'll turn on you.  How could you trust a beast like these?"

The kid shook his head.  "Ok, I get it.  Kick a dog enough times, it'll bite to defend itself.  I can only assume it's no different for people, especially when there's nowhere else to run."

A drink thumped down on the table before him.  "And where would we run to, boy?  Who would want beasts they can na trust?"

Jarl looked up, meeting Tensa's eyes as an equal.  "Anglia.  My uncle sent me here to make sure you know it will always be an option."

"The King of Anglia," Ilija reminded her.  "My brother-in-law."

Tensa placed a different colored drink in front of him.  "Why?  Do ya need slaves in Anglia?"

The chuckle slipped out and Ilija couldn't stop it.  "No, ma'am.  Have no interest in the Kaisae tearing my throat out.  No, we need more people like her and her brothers.  We need citizens.  We need different opinions and beautifully colored words.  We need people who can tattoo, paint, and create things that human minds can barely dream of.  We need citizens willing to work, because there are thousands upon thousands of acres waiting for towns to be built, and we need more people to help teach our country's second language."

"Wha' language?"

"Iliran."  He leaned back with a smile.  "Most military officers are fluent, or nearly so, now.  Our third nation, the grauori, don't handle the complex letters of Glish as well, but Sal says their language is almost identical to yours.  Except for a few nuances, they may as well be the same thing.  It's a lot easier for my tongue to speak that of my sister unit than it is for theirs to wrap around our strange words and letters."

"So ya speak Iliran?"

He tipped his head.  "I do.  I learned from the Kaisae's mind and that of her Ahnor."

She looked over at Razor, then Geo, and lastly to Ghost.  "So is that why ya are here?"

Geo waffled his hand, gesturing that she was part right, but Ghost didn't give him the chance to explain.  "They wanted to see Guttertown."

"Why?"

"Because they can't imagine iliri who are forced to drop their eyes to a human.  Because they have never seen an iliri who had to hold back her growl or stop himself from biting.  Because their idea of a proper iliri is one who stands beside them, not behind them."  He cast a quick look at Razor, then said, "Because the Kaisae trusts these men, and we hope that will be enough for you to see that not all humans are like those in this country.  Because in Anglia, they kneel to her, not the other way around.  She wants to free her people, and they're here to make that possible.  They’re here to ask for your help."

With a pleased nod, Tensa reached behind her for another chair, dropping into it easily despite her larger frame.  "So what do ya need from me?"

Razor held up a finger before Ghost could answer.  "First, we need a way to keep Anglians safe.  There's only a few of them, less than a hundred, here in the CFC right now.  Some want to visit Guttertown, to buy presents for their friends, trinkets for their sister unit, or just to help where they can."

"Sister unit?" she asked.

"Um,"  Ilija dragged a hand over his mouth.  "Have you seen the grauori yet?  Big white beasts that look like iliri with fur but have four hands instead of feet?  Each human unit is assigned to one, and we help each other.  They hold our link – "

Shocked gasps filled the diner, and Tensa's was one.  "Ya know 'bout the link?"

Jarl reached over and touched her shoulder.  "The Kaisae insisted.  All of Anglia's military is linked.  All three nations.  It makes it easier for her to give orders or control us when she needs it."

"They know about abilities, too," Razor added.  "Know what they did when they found out?"  He leaned closer.  "They stopped touching us without permission.  In Anglia, humans know better.  Ilija and his unit made sure of it.  Tensa, touch him.  He does not feel like hate."

Chewing at her lower lip, her sharp teeth leaving indentations, she cautiously lifted her hand over the table.  Ilija matched her, but didn't grab her.  He just held his hand, palm up, within her reach.

"Ma'am, I know better.  I'm also not offended if you don't."

Bracing, she clasped his hand, then froze.  For a moment nothing happened, then the most powerful iliri in the Conglomerate of Free Citizens slowly opened her eyes and smiled.  "Ya are warm."

"And you," he whispered, "are not a reader."

"Nah," she assured him.  "I am just a finder.  Is how I keep Guttertown together.  I find what they need most."

"Well, maybe you can find a way for Anglians to move among the iliri of Prin?  Our hope is to spread the word, to make sure all iliri know that you are welcome in Anglia and get you ready to move when we head out.  We need you to help them decide that such a big change will be worth it, and get them ready to go."  Ilija flicked his eyes over to the other diners and lifted his voice just a bit.  "The Conglomerate is begging Sal to save them, and we all agree.  The only thing here worth dying for are your people.  If they won't agree to her terms, then she wants to take as many of you back as we can haul out of here."

"Us?" Tensa asked.  "Ya think some scrubbers are worth dying fer?"

He nodded.  "Yes, ma'am, I sure do.  I think the only reason I can tell you Jarl is my son is because of 'some scrubber.'  I think the only reason I'm still alive is because of Jase, who might be one of the most feral 'scrubbers' I know.  I also really hate that term."  He paused to let that sink in.  "Tensa, I first heard that phrase from Sal.  In Anglia, we call iliri sir or ma'am.  We call you people."

"And ya do na smell like lies.  Ya smell scared enough I know ya are na hiding it, but ya smell like the truth."

He chuckled.  "That's because I've had the Kaisae's teeth on me enough to know what happens if I don't show respect."

She looked over at Razor.  "Well, tell her she did good.  Only human I've enjoyed talking to more is Zep."

"Considering Zep is iliri," Ilija said, "I'll take that as a real big compliment."

"Yeah."  She pushed her chair back.  "It is.  I'll tell ever'one ta give Anglia a chance.  How will they know ya?"

Geo tapped the triad on his uniform's shoulder.  "This symbol.  Three equal circles.  Human, iliri, and grauori.  They stand for the three people who make up our country, and the bond we all should have with each other.  Every Anglian soldier has one.  We'll make sure they know to wear them."

"Ya do that, and I will get yer meals.  I think the iliri may have some questions, but we will na kill ya fer coming into our home.  If ya can convince 'em, then I will orgaize them ta be ready."

"Thank you, kaisae," Ilija said, making no effort to hide his relief.

"Yer welcome, boy.  Now ya do na want it ta get cold."

As she sauntered off, Geo leaned over the table toward the Anglians on the other side.  "I think that went really well."

Ricown just nodded.  "No politics, just some talk, and things get done.  Much more efficient than how humans do it."

"Exactly.  Now we just need to start spreading the word."

Chapter 9

Back at the compound, Sal went directly to her suite to change into armor.  She needed to work out her stress, she'd said, so headed for the training pells.  Stress didn't begin to describe the anger emanating from her, but no one said otherwise.

With a pair of wooden sabers in her hands, she beat at the post repeatedly, not a sound slipping past her lips.  Over and over she ran through forms and combinations, working herself to exhaustion.  From the balcony of the barracks, Kolt watched, wishing he could do something to help.  He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't hear the human approach.

"Star Fall didn't really like her," Rayna said, moving to lean beside him.

He sighed.  "No, they didn't.  They didn't really hate her either.  They just thought pleasing Parliament was the fastest way to gain respect."

"Pleasing Parliament?" Rayna scoffed.  "That's what you call trying to kill someone?"

He turned to look at her, his eyes following the line of her arm to the dagger in her hand.  "That's what they called it."

She tilted the blade, acknowledging that it was out.  "Here's the thing, Kolt.  You show up out of nowhere, hover in the shadows, and are never too far from Sal.  You've claimed to be human for a long fucking time, but I don't trust you."

He chuckled and leaned back over the rail.  "Good."

"Good?" Rayna gasped.

He could barely pull his eyes away from the Kaisae, her pale hair glistening in the twilight, but Rayna's tone demanded it.  "Yeah.  Means you'll keep her safe."

Blaz's voice whispered behind him, "Do we need to?"

Kolt hadn't even smelled him.  He turned, surprise on his face, and saw the human standing in the shadows, his own dagger ready.  Slowly he looked from Blaz to Rayna, then back.  "Is this some kind of intervention?"

"Something like that," Rayna said.  "See, Sal's a mess, and that makes her a bit vulnerable.  You're real good at playing the part you need.  I don't know how you got the iliri thing – if it's real, a part of your cover, or what – but I don't trust you, Kolt.  You watch her every move.  You stalk her like you're planning something – and I want to know what it is."

"Last time we were here, you tried to strangle her in the bath house," Blaz chimed in, "or did you forget that already?"

"He had nothing to do with it."  Zep chuckled as he walked up.  "You're getting predictable, Kolt."

"Evidently."  He turned to Zep.  "She wants to be alone."

"Don't have to tell me."  Zep tapped his head then looked at the two humans.  "Sweet gesture and all, but sheath the weapons.  He can't hurt her."

"Sorry, not willing to risk it," Rayna said.  "Why else is he stalking her?"

"Because he can't help it."  Zep patted Kolt's shoulder.  "Come get a drink, bro.  Jase's keeping an eye on her."

"Uh uh," Blaz grumbled, putting his dagger away but daring to glare at Zep.  "You're willing to take the chance that no one has figured out a way around your little mental tricks?  You don't think this," and he gestured to Kolt, "is weird at all?"

Kolt sighed and turned back to the rail.  Nothing he could say would convince them.  He could smell that Zep trusted him, and that was enough.  That, and Sal's belief in him.

"No," Zep said, resting his hand on Kolt's shoulder.  "Not at all."  He tugged gently.  "C'mon, man.  Pretty sure you haven't eaten, and she's not going anywhere."

"Nah, I'm good."

"You won't be."  He tugged again.  "If you make me annoyed, it'll leak into her head, and she'll order you."

"Fine!"  Kolt threw up his hands and pushed through them.  "Then I'll eat.  Fuck.  Regulated dinner times, now.  You've got to be fucking kidding me."

Zep shrugged and followed behind him.  "You two coming?" he taunted.  "Figure you want to make sure he doesn't do something threatening, like guard the Kaisae."

"You're giving me shit, aren't ya?" Rayna asked, tapping Blaz's shoulder as she trailed after the iliri.

"Yep." Zep laughed but kept going.

Blaz just sighed.  "I'll never figure them out.  Think I'm finally starting to get it, and they just go all weird on me again."

"They're always weird," Rayna said.  "Kinda why we love them."

Kolt shook his head, refusing to comment, and made his way into the mess hall.  At least Raj had arranged for Iliran food to be served.  That was one small consolation.

He grabbed a rare steak, bread, cheese, and a hunk of pork, then headed for a table in the back.  Oddly, when the rest followed, he wasn't as annoyed as he'd been.  Just as he dug into the steak, Zep placed a bottle of whiskey before him.

"It helps."

"With what?" Kolt asked.

"The pull."

"What pull?" Rayna wanted to know.

Zep just looked at Kolt, saying nothing.  Blaz claimed the chair across from him, reaching out to turn the bottle enough to read the label.  "Whiskey?  Doesn't that fuck you all up?"

"Yep," Zep agreed.  "Knocks their asses out."

"What am I missing, Zep?" Rayna asked.

"Not my story to tell."  He broke the gaze with Kolt long enough to look at her.  "But Kolt could use a good night's rest.  I'm pretty sure he hasn't had too many lately."

Rayna giggled.  "Well, rumor has it the Conglomerate is filled with easy ladies.  Maybe he doesn't need the whiskey dick?"

Blaz dropped his head.  "Aw, man, Ray?  You had to go there, didn't ya?"

"Oh yeah."  She patted Kolt's arm.  "Stories say our little friend here is a slut."

Zep snorted at that.  "He's not."

"I can tell my own stories," Kolt snapped.

"Yeah?"  Zep leaned closer.  "I can remember the last time I got laid.  You?"

Kolt looked away, his eyes finding the rack of glasses across the room.  Maybe Zep was right.  If nothing else, at least a few drinks would make their shit easier to tolerate.  With little more than a thought, he fetched a glass, the smooth surface suddenly filling his hand.  Placing it on the table, he opened the bottle and poured liberally then took a long drink.

"Well, that kinda proves that he's really iliri," Rayna muttered.

"Oh, he's iliri," Zep assured her.

"Thought they were hairless, though?"  Rayna hefted her rump onto the table so she could see both Zep and Kolt.  "He's not."

Blaz grabbed the bottle of whiskey and took a sip.  "Do I want to ask?"

"Took him home once," Rayna said, obviously aware that Kolt was trying to ignore her.

That caught Zep's interest.  "Really?"

"Yep."  She leaned back.  "You're really going to let me tell this story, Kolt?"

He groaned and looked at Zep.  "I had to try, man.  Didn't fucking work, but I had to try."

"With a human?"

"Yeah.  She was comin' on to me pretty strong and the entire unit knew it.  If I hadn't, there would have been too many questions."

Rayna leaned closer.  "Wait, what?"

"How'd you play that off without her knowing?" Zep asked.

Kolt just lifted the bottle and poured.  "Got drunk enough to pass out – hence the whiskey dick jokes."

Blaz chuckled.  "Guess you're not every man's type, Ray."

"No," Zep said, almost distracted.  "She's not.  Doesn't work like that for them."

"What?" both Blaz and Rayna asked in unison.

Zep cocked his head in something like a shrug.  "They call it the iliri male curse.  He's not human, Ray, no matter how well he plays the part."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Kolt sighed and pushed his plate away.  Great, now he was going to be an example.  This was just what he wanted everyone to know.  "Guess we're giving out all of our secrets, huh?"

"Pretty much.  The more they know, the less human we need to be."

The bastard had a point.  Kolt took another long drink, then said, "It only gets hard if you smell like her."

"Like who?" Rayna asked.

Blaz understood immediately.  "Sal."

Shock hit Kolt as he realized what he'd said.  Slowly, he looked up at Zep, but the Dernor was grinning.  "Didn't think you'd admit it."

"She's the Kaisae."  He shrugged, trying to play it off.  "Rumor has it she works on every man."  She’d even worked on him, once.

"But most of them can look away."  Zep rested his hand on Kolt's arm.  "It's better when you can't see her, isn't it."

Kolt just turned his attention back to his meal, but Rayna was confused.  "So you know he's been stalking her... and you're ok with it?"

"I know he's been stalking her," Zep agreed, patting his brother's shoulder.  "I also know why."

"Then fucking tell me," Kolt snarled, slamming one hand on the table as he looked up.  "Explain to me why I can't get her out of my mind?  Fuck them, tell me why I need to be where I can see her or I feel like I can't breathe!"  He growled and shoved one hand through his hair.  "How the hell do you expect me to protect her if just the smell of her is this distracting?"

"Oh damn," Blaz said softly.  "Is this a common thing?" he asked Zep.

"Kinda."  Zep pushed the glass of whiskey closer to Kolt's hand, then looked at the humans.  "Iliri don't breed like humans.  Their sense of appeal is directly tied to scent.  It's that, more than sight, that makes a woman beautiful.  Works out, though.  If she isn't a good genetic match, shit just doesn't work, so no inbreeding – usually."

"So, he's in love with her or something?" Rayna asked.

Zep chuckled.  "We all love her.  Every male in the species loves her.  She's a Kaisae, Ray.  She's not a woman, she's a very carefully designed leader.  Her body releases hormones that drive them all to please her.  Any iliri male smells her, and he feels compelled to do what she wants – to charm her."  He dropped his voice.  "Even the Emperor felt it."

"So, how'd he...."  she let the thought fade.

"Kill Blaec?" Zep asked too calmly.  "It's not mind control.  It's just a desire to impress.  No different than what we humans feel when seeing a beautiful girl.  We do stupid shit if we're not thinking about it, but if something else is on our mind, we can ignore it, ya know?"

Blaz chuckled.  "Yeah.  I get ya."

"Thing is," Zep went on, "a Kaisae is perfect for every man who smells her.  Even her brother found her scent appealing in some way.  For a man who's been kept from his people, I'm sure it's much worse."

"Like some kind of addiction or something?" Rayna asked.

"Something like that," Zep agreed, watching Kolt.  "And some males have it worse than others.  It's harder to resist if they touch her."

"Worse how?" Kolt asked, looking up.

Maybe that's what was wrong, Kolt thought.  He shouldn't have touched her.  He certainly had no right to share her maast, but he had.  Maybe this was Ayati's way of punishing him for it, to be so pulled to her and unable to do a damned thing about it.

Zep's eyes refused to leave his newest brother.  "Can't stop thinking about her, feel the need to be where they can see her.  Usually, they feel this pull to do anything they can to protect her.  They honestly believe that her life matters more than theirs, so much so that they'd be happy to die for her.  It's like a drug to them, and they can't get enough.  Nothing else matters but her."  Zep tilted his head.  "It's not uncommon for the pull to be so strong that they forget to care for themselves."

"Just another way for humans to make us sound like beasts," Kolt grumbled, thinking Zep had read too many books.  "Never heard of a man killing himself over a nice-smelling girl."

"Cyno went three days without eating or sleeping after taking Sal's papers in the trials.  He was very careful not to touch her."

"Damn," Blaz breathed.

Zep nodded.  "I had to drag him away a few times.  Little shit bit me the first time I tried.  Said he had to make sure the other recruits didn't fuck with her."  He chuckled.  "And it wasn't an excuse.  He honestly believed it."

"Is that why he's following her around?" Rayna asked, tilting her head to Kolt.

Zep nodded.  "Yeah, I think so.  How long, bro?"

"I'm just doing my job.  Remember?  Protector?" Kolt said, shoving another forkful of meat in his face.

"Even when you're not on duty?" Zep asked.  "Even when she doesn't know you're there?"

Kolt chuckled and shoved the plate away.  "Not like we have another Kaisae to replace her."

"That's what you're going with?"

The silence stretched on until Kolt finally looked at the Dernor.  "When I was a boy, I told my amma I wanted to grow up and be the Kaisae's protector," he said softly.  "I spent my life trying to be good enough, but never was.  Now?  Here I am, chosen because the man who deserved the job was killed – and not because of a damned thing I did.  So yeah, even when I'm off-duty."

"Ah fuck," Zep breathed.  "That's why..."

Rayna looked between them.  "What?"

Blaz just sighed.  "I think that's our hint to leave."  He stood and patted Rayna's arm.  "He's not stalking her, Ray.  He's trying to prove himself to his pack."

"But..."

Blaz shook his head.  "Ray, I know she's your best friend, but I think this is between Zep, Kolt, and the rest of the Black Blades."

"It is," Zep said.  "He's not going to hurt her.  The dumb-fuck would die first."  Zep smiled up at the pair of humans.  "I know.  I did it already.  Just leave him alone.  If he steps out of line, Sal will drop him."

"Do I need to talk to her?" Rayna asked.

Zep blinked for a long moment.  "I don't think so.  She hasn't had time to think about much except the pain she's trying to hide, but Kolt helps."  He glanced over to Kolt as if weighing him.  "Just give him a break.  Make sure he eats and sleeps, and remember that he'll be snappish."

Kolt chuckled and grabbed the bottle, debating refilling his already full glass.  "Trying to say I'm a dick?"

"You're always a dick," Zep assured him, waving Rayna and Blaz away.  He said nothing else until they were out of hearing then leaned closer.  "I'm saying that I get it.  I thought you were up to something, too, then Sal told me about Merriton."  He grabbed Kolt's glass and took a long drink before pushing it back.  "Everything about Merriton."

The tone of his voice made Kolt look up, meeting his eyes like a human.  Zep smiled sadly, no challenge in his gaze.  "She did that to me once.  The thing with the lust?  I was going to let Cyno cut my throat for a split second just so I didn't have to let her go.  I don't know how you did it."

Kolt let all the air in his lungs just fall out before he answered.  "She smelled like fear."  When Zep said nothing, he tried to explain.  "I know everyone thinks the only reason I'm here is to get in her pants, but it's not.  It really is to take care of her.  Yeah, she smells amazing, but that night it was laced with fear.  Pure, complete, utter fear.  I couldn't get past that, and I'll never be able to forget it, so I'm just going to make sure she never has to feel like that again."

"You already did," Zep whispered, his voice rough.  "You brought her back."

"But I didn't get her out soon enough!"  Kolt's fist thumped the table.  "Not in Merriton, not in Unav, not even in Fort Landing.  I wasn't strong enough to protect her."  He dropped his head into his hands.  "It won't happen again."

"Grab me a glass, bro."  Zep gestured to the cabinet and Kolt fetched one with a thought.  Setting it before him, he watched while Zep slowly filled it half full of whiskey.  The Dernor took a careful sip then set it back on the table, slowly spinning it between his hands.  "You know I saw the sword that hit me?"

"No."

Zep nodded.  "Corporal Jeran Lesit, Black Widow Company.  That was his name before Jase killed him."   He smiled weakly.  "He had brown eyes.  Not black, not amber, but tree bark brown.  They were locked on Sal.  She'd just ducked a blow, lost her dagger, and was turning, that damned dress twisted around her legs, and there was nowhere for her to go."

Kolt rested his hand on Zep's forearm but said nothing.

Zep smiled, nodding to himself.  "Yeah.  I saw it.  Her ears were pinned back, she was snarling, and she was paying attention to the man trying to slice Jase's back, so never saw the blade.  She was looking after her mate, not herself."  He took a small drink and sucked in a breath.  "I knew."  He shrugged.  "There was no way to save her without stepping into that swing, and we didn't have helms."

"But you saved her," Kolt said.

Zep smiled wistfully.  "Yeah.  Thing is, I never thought about saving myself over her.  Not once.  I just wished I hadn't taken Taunor, ya know?  If I hadn't committed, then maybe it wouldn't have hurt her as bad to lose me."  He wiped at his eyes.  "But I was wrong.  That sword cut through my neck – and it hurt like a bitch – then she realized what had happened.  That was the pain that tore at me.  Linked, I could feel her anguish."

"She loves you."

"Yeah."  Zep chuckled.  "Dumbest shit ever, but she does.  Thing is, I know you'd do the same."

Kolt smiled and nodded.  "Yeah, man.  I would."

"She knows it, too."  Zep licked at his lips and bobbed his head.  "Give it time.  Be there for her and the rest of the pack will figure it out."

"I'm not trying to get in your shit," Kolt said, lifting his glass to his lips so he didn't have to meet Zep's eyes.

Zep chuckled.  "She told me, Kolt.  Last night, she told me everything about what happened in Merriton.  You're not getting in my shit.  It's more true to say I'm all up in yours."  He grabbed his glass and swirled the liquor in the bottom.  "She never would've touched me if you hadn't been there.  She thought you were human, and it gave me a chance."  He took a sip and sighed.  "I won't like it, but I owe you."

"You don't owe me."

"Yeah, I do," Zep said softly.  "Ayati.  Everything we do makes ripples, and yours was the biggest of this whole fucking story, bro.  She's in black because of you.  She's in my bed because of you.  She's so damned proud because you told her to never fucking give up.  Blaec fucked up so many times, but it was always the memory of you that kept her going, and she never said a thing."

Kolt felt his heart pause and shivers ran down his spine.  Zep believed what he was saying, and Kolt had no idea how to respond.

"What I mean," Zep went on, "is that we're good, man.  Sometimes you just piss me off, but I'm trying, ok?  Not saying I won't roll your ass, but I'm not gonna get pissed if you treat Sal the way you've been so far.  She needs you, and as jealous as that makes me, I know it.  Just don't give up on her."

"Never," Kolt swore, smiling at the glass before him.  Maybe he couldn't be her lover, but for the first time in years, he finally felt like he had a reason to keep trying.  "She's my Kaisae."

Chapter 10

Exhausted, Sal crawled into bed early, but it didn't help.  Just like the night before, each time she finally succumbed to sleep, it only lasted for minutes before her body was jerked awake again – usually with visions of Blaec's blood trickling down his throat.  Pressing herself against her mates helped, but it only delayed the inevitable.  If she kept this up, the only thing she would accomplish was keeping them as sleep deprived as she was.

Sucking back a long, deep breath, she tried to still her pounding heart, but her throat pinched closed.  She hadn't been able to sleep well since the last night she'd spent with him.  The hole still hung in her mind, a void where Blaec should have been, and laying with her cessivi only made the ache more real.  He was supposed to have been here, guiding her, making sure she didn't screw this whole thing up, and now he never would.

It was too much.  Smelling her mates beside her was nothing but a reminder, no matter how much she loved them.  If she wanted to get this right, she needed to reset her mind, and that meant getting out of bed.  Kissing Zep's neck, she shifted from under Jase's arm.  The little assassin opened his eyes, but she shook her head.

"Go back to sleep," she whispered.  "I just need some air."

"Or time ta think," Jase said softly, no judgment in his tone.  "Without the other men."

She nodded, rubbing her hand across his arm.  "Yeah.  I'm sorry."

"It's ok ta feel it," he said.  "I'm here when yer ready."

Her ears slipped lower on her head, and she tried to smile.  "I know."

She glanced at Zep's sleeping form again and climbed from the bed.  Grabbing a loose dress from the floor, she pulled it over her head as she made her way outside.  The night was still early, but a gentle breeze drifted through the stone courtyard, proving the Conglomerate soldiers kept military hours.  Clouds moved swiftly across the face of the two large moons, heading to someplace better, and Sal envied them the ability to escape so easily.  Somewhere there were guards, but even her senses couldn't find them.  For the first time in days, she was alone.  Completely, utterly, alone – yet surrounded by so many people.

"Oh, Blaec," she whispered, her feet carrying her toward the far side of the compound near the stables.  "I can't do this without you.  I needed you, and you didn't even try to get free."

She sucked in a breath and felt it cling in her throat, fighting the journey to her lungs as she staggered on, barely aware of where she went until she just stopped.  It was as good of a place as any, the large tree offering to hold her up while the dry grasses whispered that she was welcome.  A few feet away, the herd of Anglian horses munched on a pile of hay, the sound so natural it was calming.  Sal sank to the ground and turned her eyes to the moons again, thoughts spinning in her head.

"I didn't ask for this!" she growled softly.  "I just wanted to be a soldier."

She felt the offer of his mind before she even heard his steps.  Closing her eyes, she entwined her perceptions with Kolt's as he made his way to her.  Without a word, he lowered himself beside her and leaned against the massive tree, guiding her back against his chest.

Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, "It's ok to cry."

"I can't."

"We already proved that wrong."  His breath drifted against her ear.  "I'm just here to cry for you, babe.  I have a shoulder if you want it, but I'm just here for your tears."

Sal nodded and closed her eyes, lowering the last of her emotional walls.  It didn't start as a trickle; her pain was too intense for that.  Dry sobs wracked her body, the tears falling from Kolt's eyes, the anguish torn from both of their throats in hushed tones.  He leaned his head back against the tree and stared at the moons, the sharp branches reaching for them like Sal's anguish longed for her lover, and he cried.

The moons looked back, their eternal gaze fixed and relentless as they climbed higher and higher in the sky.  Memories flickered through the link, and with Sal's mind controlling his, Kolt saw more than he ever had before.  He could smell the grass decaying on the stalk and the next storm on the breeze.  He could hear the steady noise of the barracks and smell the remains of fires from homes in town, now burned to little more than ashes, but most of all, he could feel the weight of destiny pushing at him, begging for more.

Her voice broke the stillness.  "I just want to have him back.  I'd give anything to make that happen.  I don't want to fight anymore."

He nodded, another rush of tears hitting him.  Kolt closed his eyes and let them fall, gasping at the strength of her pain, one arm around her shoulders.  "I know, babe.  I know.  But would you rather die, or live their way?  Doesn't our freedom make it a little worth it?"

She took a deep, shuddering breath, but it didn't stop the tears from his eyes.  "I know, but it's all on me.  Before, I had Blaec to share it with, now it's just me, and I'm alone."

"You'll never be alone," he promised.  "Jase will always stand beside you.  Zep will always hold you up.  Arctic will always lead your men."

"But it's still just me," she whimpered, trying to make him understand.  "No one else can make the decisions, but me.  No one else can make them listen, but me."

"You're right," he breathed in her ear.  "That doesn't mean you have to do it alone.  I'm not Blaec, babe, but I'll carry as much of this as you'll let me."  He lifted her head up and stared straight into her eyes.  "I'll fight for it if I have to, but your pack is stronger than you think.  These men will do as much as you let them.  Even your most gentle soldier is stronger than the entire Empire, babe.  Believe in them.  They will not leave you alone."  He pushed her loose hair back from her face.  "I will never leave you alone."

She slowly reached up and wiped the tears from his eyes.  "Why, Kolt?  Why are you suddenly just here, now?"

"I never should have left you, but I wasn't able to help then.  I wasn't strong enough to fight the world for you, so I'm gonna spend the rest of my life making up for that."

"Why?" she asked again.

He shook his head.  "I didn't come out here to make you more confused, babe.  I just knew you'd need my eyes."  He guided her head back to his chest and leaned his cheek against her hair.  "You're changing the world, Sal, and I want to watch your back while you do it.  I want to be the man who protects the Kaisae and do my part to free our people.  I'll die for you, too, just like Blaec did.  And just like him, I'd be proud to do it."

"I don't want anyone to die for me."

"Then take the army home.  Every soldier here is willing to die for you.  We need something to believe in, and that's what a Kaisae is.  She's the embodiment of our species, the living proof that we all are a part of something more.  You exist because we need to believe in you.  It's both your burden and your greatest strength."  He ran his hand down her hair again, slowly rocking her against him.  "That you exist gives meaning to our lives and our deaths.  It matters, Sal.  If I died for you, at least my life would mean something.  Don't take that from me."

She twined her fingers in the cloth of his shirt.  "I want you to live, not die."

"Me too, but we all die, little one.  In the end, we all die.  Blaec will be remembered forever because he made you the greatest Kaisae in history.  His name is spoken on the lips of every iliri because he loved you more than he loved anything else.  You made his life matter, and I'm willing to bet you made it worth living."  He closed his eyes and smiled at the surge of emotions she was feeling.  "Sal, being in love makes everything else worth it, and you gave him that.  Our people love strong, but we don't love as freely as humans.  We don't get that option.  Blaec found the love of his life, and you made sure he knew it."

She reached up and touched the necklace at her throat.  "I chose him first, but I didn't love him most."

"But that's ok.  It is, Sal.  You loved him completely, even if you love Jase and Zep too."  He paused, hearing a step in the grass through her ears.  "Sometimes, babe, it's not about being first but rather about just being included.  Sometimes, just being there is what matters."

"Yeah."  She relaxed into Kolt's embrace and closed her eyes.  "I'm just tired of being strong for everyone else.  Sometimes I want to lean on someone, too."

"You can always lean on me."  He cradled her head against him, holding her close.  "Always.  I swear to you, I can take it."

"There's no one to remind me when I'm wrong."

Kolt smiled, knowing she'd feel it.  "Yeah, there is.  I'm not Blaec, Sal, but I won't let you screw this up.  I hear Shade won't either.  We'll remind you as often as you need it."

"But there's no one to stop me."  She looked up at him with large pale eyes.  "My skills keep changing and I don't know how to control them.  Only Blaec could stop me – because he was stronger."

He searched her irises for the colors he knew hid there and let his hand rest against her jaw, his thumb trailing across her lower lip.  "Are you sure?  You keep trying to drop your eyes to me.  Are you sure I couldn't stop you?"

"Are you sure you could?"

"Yeah," he whispered.  "That's why I'm here, babe.  Me, the guy who doesn't know how to fit in a pack.  The one too stubborn to back down when he should.  But I'm going to take care of you and make sure you don't have to do this alone.  Doesn't mean I'll get it right, either, but I'm willing to be whatever you need me to be."

She nodded at him, accepting his words, and took a long, deep breath.  "I just wish I could cry on my own."

"Yeah.  I'll swallow my pride and loan you my eyes anytime you need it, though."  He wiped at his face, well aware that he looked like a wreck.  "Now let go of my mind, Sal.  I'm not used to crying like a girl, and I think your mates are looking for you."

With a smile at his joke, she leaned back and pulled their awareness apart.  "How did you know I'd be out here?"

Kolt shrugged and pulled himself to his feet, finally seeing Jase in the shadow of a tree.  "Lucky, I guess.  I stepped outside and saw a pale white girl wandering along the balcony, alone in the middle of the CFC.  Figured that wasn't the safest thing."

"There's grauori wandering," Jase said, finally stepping out of the shadows.  "Do ya want ta be alone, kitten?"

Sal shook her head.  "I'm ok now, killer."

Kolt chuckled at her name for Jase but turned to him with nothing but respect.  "Sorry, Ahnor, I didn't mean to intrude."

Jase shrugged it off.  "We're good, Kolt.  She needed ya, na me."

"She always needs you," Kolt assured him, turning away.  "And Zep."

Jase sank beside Sal with little more than a nod of acknowledgment.  It was a step up from the last time the Ahnor had discussed Kolt's place in the pack.  As he made his way back to the south wing, Kolt could hear her soft voice and Jase's rough replies, but the words were too low to make out.

Having no interest in eavesdropping, he didn't strain his ears.  Sal had needed him, and now she had Jase, so he could go get some sleep.  What he hadn't told her was how he'd known she'd be there – because he had no idea.  He'd just known.  Somehow, he'd felt that she needed him, and he'd stepped out of his room in time to see her walking along the officer's wing.

Huffing out a long breath, Kolt let the tension fall from his body as he exhaled and then pushed through the door to his new home, blinking at the dim light.  He wasn't alone.  Risk and a pale-skinned human were spreading something out on the table.  It took Kolt a moment to recognize the second guy as the stablemaster, Tilso.  The last few days had been almost frantic – mostly because he'd been so worried about Sal – and there just hadn't been enough time to get to know everyone.

"Do I want to know?" he asked, easing the door closed.

Risk gestured toward the couch.  "Picked up some silver ink.  The Dernor informed me that you've earned your mark, so make yourself comfortable."  He finally looked up, his nearly yellow eyes meeting Kolt's.  "Figured you could meet Tilso, too."

"Your mate?  Nice to meet you, man."

"Same here," Tilso said with a smile.  "And I like the way that sounds.  Heard you're trying to be the next alpha male."

"Shirt off," Risk demanded, gathering his supplies.  "Lay back.  If you ask sweetly, I'll have Shift heal the tattoo.  If you don't, I'll heal it."

Kolt spoke to Tilso as he undressed, obeying Risk's directions.  "Not really trying to be dominant, just not learning fast enough."

"Gotcha.  Well, don't take offense when I pull human shit then," Tilso said.

"Never happen," Kolt assured him.  "Human mates are assumed to have the same rank as their partner.  Risk submitted, so it's kinda disrespectful for me to even challenge you."

Tilso smiled and nodded.  "Good to know.  I'm the last Blade in so missed all the formative shit.  Well, 'cept Shade, but she's a special case."

"Don't fuck with her," Risk said.  "I mean don't even touch her.  She'll fry you without meaning to."

"Too dark, too much dick.  Yeah, Ghost warned me."  Kolt lay back on the cushions and looked at Risk.  "Thanks, though."

"For what?" Risk asked.

"Giving me the head's up.  Kinda feels like most of the Blades are setting me up to fail.  I know you're not, but it's very clear that I'm not quite in the loop."

Risk let his head bob as he began to draw the symbol onto Kolt's skin.  "Look, you're not out of it, either.  We're just a bit unsettled lately, and everyone's waiting for Sal to figure it out."

Keeping his body still so he wouldn't destroy Risk's work, Kolt looked over as far as he could, seeing nothing but a fall of golden hair.  "Figure what out?"

"The pieces of what's left.  Arctic is doing a damned good job of holding us together, but Sal?"  He leaned back with a sigh and reached for his tattoo equipment.  "She's barely holding it together, and we all know you're wrapped up in the middle of it.  We're just trying to figure out why."

"We have some history."

"You have more than that."  Risk tilted Kolt's jaw up.  "Now stay still.  This will hurt."

And it did.  The pinch of the needles was sharp on the sensitive flesh of his neck.  Kolt let his eyes close, trying to figure out why they were putting the family name on him if they still didn't trust him.  It wasn't exactly something they could take back.  Not even iliri healing would remove the tattoo once it was applied.  That's why their people had such a fondness for them.

"Hey?" he asked when Risk lifted the machine for more ink.  "I want you to heal me from this."

Tilso chuckled wryly.  "You just into pain?"

"Nope.  Just figured I'd rather know what it's like before I'm dying and trying to hold my shit together."

"He's also tired of the tension between him and the other Blades," Risk said, running a finger across the nearly healed bites on his shoulder.  "You figure things out with Zep yet?"

"Think so.  He still assumes there's more between Sal and me than there is, but he'll figure it out soon enough."

"Or you will," Risk said softly, tilting up Kolt's chin one more time.  He spoke as he worked, aware that Kolt couldn't reply.  "I'm onsyc, but our instincts don't really get that.  I know the pull she has on the rest of you, it just doesn't grab me as hard.  Arctic and Zep seem to think there's something between you and Sal from way back when, but they aren't speaking."

"Not Jase?" Kolt asked.

Tilso laughed.  "Cyno doesn't say shit, Kolt.  Pretty much the only ones who ever know what Jase thinks are Sal and Zep.  The rest of us just wait for him to appear out of thin air."

"He hasn't gotten any less terrifying even since she tamed him," Risk agreed.

Kolt tried to turn his head, but Risk's hand stopped him.  "Tamed?"

"Yeah."  Risk tilted Kolt's head back to where it belonged.  "Cyno was damned near feral before we took her.  I think he got worse before they ended up together, and even then, it was months before they sorted things out between them.  Sal was raised by humans.  Thought all her instincts were something to be ashamed of and tried to deny it.  Still gets her sometimes."

"Especially with losing LT," Tilso added.  "She's gonna be a mess.  Guys said that her instincts will drive her to kill for him."

"To protect her own," Kolt corrected.  "Problem is that her body can't quite understand he's not around to protect anymore."

"Right. Stop talking."  Risk chuckled.  "Also means she won't be looking for another mate."

Kolt grabbed Risk's hand and moved the tattooing tools before he turned to look at the two men.  "Why does everyone think there's something going on between her and I?  Pretty sure she's run missions with men she didn't claim."

"She didn't leave marks on their neck."  Risk tilted his head at Kolt's wounds.  "Those were meant to scar, too.  She did that intentionally, even if she doesn't know why."

"It's just my skills," Kolt tried to explain.  "I can make her reach farther."

"Right," Risk muttered.  "My point is we're sitting in the middle of the Conglomerate.  Last time we were here, shit was pretty bad – but we had Blaec.  Now, she doesn't, and that puts a pretty big burden on her."

"I miss him," Tilso said softly.

"Me too," Risk agreed.  "We've always known we can die.  We've always accepted it, but we always thought it would be in a fight.  Not like this."  He sighed and put the tattoo equipment to Kolt's skin.  "I never thought they'd get us in the middle of camp."

"I never thought it'd be Blaec," Kolt said.  "The Lieutenant.  The greatest soldier in Conglomerate history.  When he let it be known that the Blades were iliri?  I can't even explain how that felt.  I was so proud of you all, and so ashamed of myself, but for the first time I dared to dream of a life where we could have some respect."

Risk smiled sadly.  "Let me guess, of a time that you could stop playing human?"

"Yeah," Kolt said, closing his eyes as Risk inked on the mark that would make sure no one ever confused him for a human again.

Chapter 11

The next morning, Sal woke up alone.  The bed was cold, but she could smell coffee brewing.  Exhausted, and running on little more than fumes, she crawled out of bed and wrapped herself in Zep's shirt before staggering through the door, but it wasn't either of her mates sitting on the couch.

"Morning, Sal," Kolt said, standing to make his way casually to her.

"Where are they?" she mumbled, rubbing at one eye.

He smiled and reached for the top button of her shirt, fastening it and moving to the next as he answered.  "They headed into town and asked if  I'd watch your back.  Said you were out like a light."

She yawned, covering her mouth but making no effort to stop him from dressing her.  "Evidently.  I can't believe none of you woke me."

"We were quiet."  His fingers brushed the skin of her abdomen, and his eyes flicked to hers.  "I brewed coffee."

"I think I need it.  Nice tattoo.  It looks good on you."

He fastened one more then casually stepped away to fill a cup for her without responding.  Sal watched him, but moved to the couch, curling in the corner he'd just left.  It didn't take long before he was back with two cups, passing one to her before taking a chair just out of reach.

"Jase and Zep said something about meeting with the iliri reporters uptown.  Risk is taking Tilso to lunch at Tensa's and plans to answer questions.  I guess Razor is taking Dag so more of the Shields can see what local life is like, and a few greens are going shopping for their sisters.  Yes, they know they're on display.  Arctic is taking Shade to get her final fitting for her armor, and Roo is taking Rhyx to the park with Dominik and Rayna."  Kolt shrugged.  "So what are your plans for the day, Kaisae?"

"How many wounded do we have left?"

"About fifty.  Raast is showing Blaz how to best use his new skill."

She nodded.  "We can fix a few of those before I need to start getting dressed."

"Sure, if that's what you want to do."

She sucked back the last of her coffee and stood.  "Yep, so I need some blacks.  You gonna watch my back while I'm healing?"

Kolt slowly took a sip then raised his eyes to her.  "Yes."

"You'll be bored to tears," she teased, walking into the other room.

"Just let me do this, Sal."  The door didn't block his voice.

She said nothing for a moment, pulling on clothes that fit, then opened the door, tucking her shirt into her open pants as she walked out.  "I'm not stopping you."

"I know."  He smiled and stood, putting away their cups before grabbing her boots.  "I guess the bigger question is why not?  Doesn't always seem like you really want my help."  He dropped them beside the couch, then stepped before her, his hands tugging closed the laces of her pants.

She knew he was no longer talking about taking her to the infirmary.  "I don't know.  I don't have time to think about that right now.  Planning for this alliance is pretty much all I can handle."

"Fair 'nough."  He tied the knot at her waist then stepped slightly closer.  "You do know that you can take a day off, too.  Right?  Sit, kick your feet up, and talk through your options."

"In theory."  She reached up and twisted her hair into a knot.  "But if I stop doing, I start thinking, and I'm not quite ready for that, yet."

"Blaec?"

"Yeah, and what I'm supposed to be."  She grabbed her boots and sat to pull them on, refusing to meet his eyes again.  "Thanks.  For the coffee, the help, and the understanding."

"You're welcome."  He dropped into the spot beside her.  "Sal, it's ok."

She smiled at nothing and nodded.  "It will be."  With a sigh, she stood and grabbed her belt, buckling on her weapons.  "Care to escort me to the infirmary?"

She was trying to keep space between them, and they both knew it.  Every instinct screamed at her to lean on him, to let him take care of her, but she wasn't ready.  The wound in her mind still bled memories of Blaec, drowning her in the responsibilities he'd left behind.  She couldn't decide what was right, acceptable, or inappropriate, unless it had to do with the bigger picture.  That's why she kept throwing herself into this alliance – because it was easier than dealing with the fragmented pack waiting for her to put it back together.

Without a word, Kolt offered his arm gallantly, and she took it, refusing to let her fingers touch anything but cloth.  If Kolt noticed, he didn't show it, instead, leading her across the compound professionally.  He made her feel so comfortable – too comfortable.  They both knew she was avoiding so much, but he never made her feel bad for it.  He just kept offering her a shoulder to hold her up a little longer.  It was exactly what she needed, even if that kindness kept bringing her a little too close to facing the emotions locked inside her head.

But every breath was filled with his scent.  In her mind, it screamed of a second chance, of renewal and rejuvenation.  Being so close to him was tantalizing and liberating, spiced with ozone and humidity, unlike the hospital.  As Kolt opened the door, that smell hit her, making her pause before stepping inside.  It reeked of blood, death, and disease.  Sal forced herself to breathe shallowly until she could adjust, and realized that Kolt was doing the same beside her, one knuckle pressed under his nose.

"Can I help you?" a woman asked, moving so Sal could read the insignia on her shoulders.

Kolt stepped forward before Sal could speak.  "Specialist, the Kaisae is here to tend the wounded."

She flashed a smile at Sal.  "Gotcha.  Can't tell you how glad we are to have Anglia's help, sir.  Shift," and she smiled at his name, "and Risk got most of them.  The soldiers here were minor injuries – compared to what you'll see in Fort Landing – and the infirmary is almost empty now."

"Almost like peacetime," Sal said.

The girl shrugged.  "Wouldn't know, sir.  We can hope, though, right?"

"That we can," Sal agreed, moving into the room the Specialist indicated.

A man lay in the bed, his arm bandaged.  At the sound of steps, he looked over and smiled.  "My turn, huh?"

"Yeah."  Sal moved to his side as Kolt leaned against the door behind her.  "Sorry it took so long."

He chuckled weakly.  "It's ok, majesty – "

"Kaisae," Kolt corrected.

"Sal," she told them both.

"Kaisae, then," the soldier said, grinning.  "My arm's nothing that a few weeks won't heal.  Some of those guys had wounds that could kill them.  I didn't mind waiting.  Just glad you're willing to help."

"We are," she said, kneeling at his side.  "Now let me see your hand.  The good one."

He took her hand and Sal let her eyes slip closed, taking a long, deep breath before doing her best to put his body back the way it should be.  Her healing caused some vertigo but little pain.  She wasn't as strong as Shift, but she could help.  This was one thing she could do, and it kept her mind off the myriad of things she couldn't.

When he was better, she moved to the next.  Most of the soldiers were appreciative.  Some hated her kind but accepted the healing regardless.  Others had no opinion, and some were iliri themselves.  Sal caught thoughts and memories as she touched them, but ignored it, focusing only on healing.  Room by room, wound by wound, and soldier by soldier, she put as many back together as she could, Kolt always waiting at her side.

It was the last man that was the problem.  She was tired, having put too much of herself into the wounded when she walked into his room, but as soon as she entered, she could feel the hate.  A dark-skinned man lay staring through the window, his leg wrapped from his ankle to his hip.  Blood leaked through the gauze, smelling sweet and ill at the same time.  A minor cut across his face told Sal that he'd taken a sword – maybe more.

"Sir," she said, "I've come to heal you."

His head turned slowly, and he looked deep into her eyes.  "Get out, scrubber."

"Excuse me?"

He made a shooing gesture.  "Go, leave.  I'd rather lose my damned leg than let your kind touch me."

"Why?" Sal asked.  The scent of disgust wafted from him, turning her stomach.

"Sal," Kolt hissed.  "Just leave him."

"No.  Why?  Why would you rather suffer than take something from me?"

"Don't need shit from a damned scrubber.  Don't want to owe you my life or give you any reason to think you're better than the shit beneath my boots."  He lifted his chin.  "Now get the fuck out of my room."

"I didn't ask for anything," she said.  "I offered.  It was a gift."

"Don't want your fucking gifts."

She stared at him in shock then turned, walking quickly through the door.  Her temper surged out of her control.  He smelled like hate, through and through.  So much hate that he no longer cared about anything else.  She needed fresh air to get the scent from her nose.  The odor was bitter, pungent, and it clung to her.  No matter how fast she walked, she couldn't get away from it.

Without slowing her steps, Sal made for the side door, the closest to where she was.  Kolt hurried to catch up.  With each pace, the smell of blood and lingering hate consumed her mind.  It smelled like the Terran camp.  It smelled like Blaec's death.  It smelled like her inability to stop what was coming.  Her heart beat faster and she hit the door at a jog, Kolt a single pace behind her.  When she didn't stop, he grabbed her arm, halting her forcefully.

"Sal, breathe!"

"I am fucking breathing," she snapped, spinning on him.  "I can smell it all!"

He shoved her against the wall of the infirmary, refusing to let her bolt.  "You're ok, babe.  It's just one fool."

"He smelled like hate and blood," she whimpered, trying to pull free.

He held her.  "I know."

"It smells like the camp!"  She pushed at him, her eyes seeking the freedom just beyond his body, not knowing where she wanted to be, but knowing it was far from the hatred inside.

He grabbed her hand and pinned it between them, clutching the side of her face to make her look into his eyes.  "You're fine, babe.  It's not the camp.  You're not chained.  You're fine, Sal.  Fucking breathe."

She shook her head.  "I can't do this."

"You can."  His body held her to the wall, the scent of him blocking out everything else.

She took a long breath, letting her eyes close as she sucked in a second.  "I can't do this!"

"You can.  You are."  His head tilted lower.  "You have been.  Don't fucking give up, babe.  We need you too damned much."  He took a deep breath.  "I need you."

Her eyes flicked open, finding his, and she stopped fighting.  Kolt's fingers slid up her wrist until they twined in hers, his other hand tangling in her hair.  He inhaled again, their faces close enough to share each other's breath.

"You can do anything, Kaisae," he promised.  "Which means you can do this."

"I can't do it without him."

"Yeah, babe, you can.  You already have."  His thumb caressed her cheek.  "You always did, but you just didn't believe it.  Blaec didn't have the balls to do this, you did."

"I need him!"

"You don't."  He tilted her head, his eyes never leaving hers, and leaned just a hair closer.  "Blaec wasn't brave enough to tell the world what you are, you did.  He wouldn't have done it if you hadn't pushed.  He didn't figure out where the steel was, he didn't stop the shipments, he didn't even plan that mission.  You did!"

"I – "

"You changed Anglia.  You found the grauori.  You convinced Viraenova to stop hiding.  It was always you."

"Because of him!" she hissed.

Kolt was so close, his forehead nearly touched hers when he spoke.  "Because of you, Kaisae.  Because you never gave up."

"You told me not to," she whispered.

"And you didn't, so don't start now."

"Syrik," she begged.

He sighed and let his cheek rest against her ears.  "I'm right here, Sal.  I'm not leaving.  I just want to chase away the demons that haunt you."

"I can't do this on my own."

"I don't ever want you to have to.  I don't want you to feel alone.  I don't want you to feel like you need to flee."  He caressed the side of her face.  "I want to chase away the shadows for you, babe, and be here for you to lean on anytime you need it."

"You always have."

"No, beautiful, I haven't, but I'm gonna keep trying until I get it right."

She smiled sadly.  "I know.  And I know I'm screwing this up, but just don't leave me?"

"Never.  I'm gonna stand beside you and have a front row seat while you change the whole fucking world, Sal.  And every time you feel like you're going to fall apart, I'll be right here to put you back together.  Every time you want to run away," his fingers tightened on hers, "I'll hold your hand while we face it.  Every single fucking time, babe.  You and I?  We'll figure all of this out, no matter how long it takes, and I'll always be waiting to catch you if you fall.  I swear it, Sal."

"I'm scared I won't be good enough."

He kissed her forehead.  "You already are.  While we're here, you're going to prove it.  You're going to show all of us what it looks like to be proud.  You're going to show the humans that we can't be stopped."  He smiled.  "We've waited so long for this.  In three thousand years, the only person who's managed to find freedom for our kind," he paused, making her look at him, "is you."

She shook her head.  "I didn't do it."

"Blaec didn't," he countered.  "Jase didn't.  If it wasn't you, then who?"

"Dom?"

Kolt chuckled, leaning back.  "No, babe.  You really think Dom would have just ridden down here to pick a fight like this?"

She opened her mouth to reply, but couldn't deny it.  Instead, she shrugged.

"Yeah.  I think you see what I mean."  He took a deep breath and stepped away.  "I know you miss him, Sal, but don't confuse that with needing him, ok?  You have a whole pack ready to hold you up.  They've always been there, but he got all the credit."

Sal let their hands fall apart, aware that she wasn't as exhausted as she'd been before.  "I'll try, but it isn't as easy as you make it out to be."

"I know."  He smiled sadly.  "And that's probably going to happen again."

With a sigh, she let her knees relax, sliding down the wall to sit in the dirt beneath it.  Kolt pressed his lips together then joined her, their hips just brushing.  Oddly, he looked weary.  Sal thought he'd been the vibrant one that morning.  Evidently, guarding her was more work than she'd realized.

"I don't even know what set me off," she admitted.

He clasped his hands before him, his elbows draped across his knees.  "Doesn't really matter, does it?"

Refusing to look at him, she shrugged.  "Maybe?  If I know what does it, maybe I can just avoid it?  Might make things easier."

"Blood, wounds, hospitals, hate...."  He chuckled.  "Kinda the main things you find in war, babe."

"Yeah."

"Think talking about it would help?" he asked.  "I don't mean the dick back there, I mean what happened in the Terran camp."

She shrugged, staring only at her own feet.  "You wouldn't want to hear it."

He ducked his head to look at her face.  "Why?  Because it might slip out that you loved your Dernor very much?  I already know that, Sal.  Everyone knows that.  It's certainly not something to be ashamed of."

She sniffed and rubbed at her nose, flicking her ears back to hide the embarrassment.  "I just don't know how he lied in a link."

Kolt let out a heavy breath.  "Means it wasn't a lie.  He just looked at the truth a different way."

"He said there was a chance I could save him if I hurt the Emperor enough.  What else should I have done?"

"That's regret, babe.  It doesn't make sense because you're not supposed to do it.  I think he meant there was a chance you could redeem him if you hurt the Emperor enough."

"He didn't need to be redeemed."

"He kinda did."  He reached over and pushed a wisp of hair away from her cheek.  "He tried to make you human.  He tried to fit you into a mold.  He did so many things, but you never saw them as wrong.  Doesn't mean the rest of us didn't."

"But I loved him."

"Yeah," he whispered.  "Doesn't make him perfect.  Doesn't make him a bad man either, but he knew he was wrong.  We knew he was wrong.  The only one who didn't... was you."

She nodded.  "But I couldn't save him."

"No, you couldn't.  That's why war sucks so much."

"But I don't want to lose him!  If I was a better healer, maybe I could have stopped it!"

"No."  He pulled her closer.  "It wasn't you, Sal.  Nothing you could have done would have changed it.  The Emperor wanted him to pay, and he did.  Nothing can change that."

"But I want to," she whimpered.

"I know."

She sniffed again, then pressed her face against the side of his chest.  "I don't want to lose anyone else."  She took a long breath.  "I'm so scared, Syrik.  I'm terrified that I'll miss something, and the pattern will fall apart."

"What pattern?"

She gestured at the sky.  "Ayati.  It taunts me, and I think that if I miss something, I'll lose someone else."

He said nothing for a moment, just ran his hand slowly down her back, over and over.  When Sal didn't try to go on, he grew brave.  "What do you see, Sal?"

"Lines, circles, pushes and pulls."  She shrugged.  "Not always, but sometimes.  I feel it on my skin."

"Fuck," he breathed.  "I think I felt those when we linked last night.  Does Jase know?"

She shrugged.  "They think I'm going crazy.  All Kaisaes do, you know."

"Yeah?  Well, I didn't read that book."  He kissed the top of her head.  "I think you're changing the rules, babe.  It's just a new skill, and one that you need to master."

"How?"

"I don't know," he said softly, "but we'll do it together, ok?  If anyone can do this, it's you, and I'll be right here beside you, holding you up the whole time."

She inhaled deeply, nodding, then looked up at him.  "You really think I can learn to control this?"

"Yeah."  He smiled down at her.  "Babe, I think you can do anything you want to, and it makes me so fuckin' proud."

"Really?"

He chuckled.  "Yeah.  The whole world keeps giving you reasons to stop, and you just keep proving that iliri are stronger than humans can imagine.  I also don't think you're crazy."

She snuggled closer.  "You always know just what to say."

He smiled down at her fondly.  "Think so?  How 'bout this.  Stop letting Blaec lead the Blades.  It's your job now, Kaisae."  He squeezed her shoulders one last time, then stood, reaching down to help her up.  "If he knew he was going to die, then he knew you'd be next in line to run things, and that meant he made sure you were ready.  How about we prove him right?"

She accepted his hand.  "You really think I can do this?"

"Sal, I think you already are.  I think seeing a slave wearing a crown is making a difference.  I think that every time Anglians go to Guttertown, someone is telling a friend.  Most of all, I think that what we're doing is changing minds and reshaping the world."  He smoothed her hair back.  "For centuries, our people have tried to rebel and we always lost.  You're doing it differently.  You're bending the rules, showing the world that they can't live without us, and you've given the iliri back one thing we've been missing for far too long."

"What?" she asked.

Kolt smiled at her before answering.  "Our pride, Kaisae.  You've given us all something to be proud of, and that transcends borders.  Now, are you ready to try again, or going to leave the rest to Shift and Raast?  Don't know about you, but I'm kinda wiped."

Her head tilted as she examined him.  "Really?"

"Yep."

Which was strange.  "Kolt, I'm not.  I finally feel like I've got enough energy to actually do something."  Her eyes drifted to the door of the infirmary, trying to pin down exactly when that had changed.  "And I was exhausted when I went to face that last human."

He just chuckled, slowly shaking his head.  "Yeah.  I think that proves it, because I was fine until..."  He paused.  "Until we got out here and I wanted to make you feel stronger.  Kaisae?  I think you may have found a new ability."

"Draining energy from my brothers?"

"No," he corrected.  "Transferring it from someone with plenty to the brother who needs it most.  Like the hub for our strength, pushing what we have to the one who needs it most for the good of the pack.  Sal, let's head back and see if I can give our Kaisae a little more rejuvenation before she has to face down Parliament."

"But..."

Kolt just offered his arm.  "Let me do this, babe.  Let me be something besides the outcast for once in my life, ok?"

This time, when she twined her arm through his, she didn't care that her fingers rested against his wrist.  "You are.  You're the man who guards the Kaisae's right."

Chapter 12

After healing so many people, she should have been exhausted, but was still fine.  Kolt, on the other hand, probably needed a nap, even if he denied it.  Unfortunately, diplomacy couldn't wait.  Cinching the corset, she laced it tight, looking in the mirror to make sure her attire was presentable.  She hadn't brought much with her, but she'd left a lot behind.  It was in those crates the guys had brought up from storage.  Jase had dozens of books, Zep had an assortment of weapons, and Sal had a closet full of clothes her brothers had bought during her trials.  This outfit was one.

The corset set low on her hips, the skirt short and tight against her body.  Her boots came just above her knees, the heels high, and laces wrapped up the front of her legs.  The entire ensemble was black, just like her uniform.  At the base of her throat, the opal lay, drawing the eye in its dark resin setting.  Sal dabbed at her lips again, ran her fingers through her hair, and stepped into the main room of her suite.

"Oh damn," Zep said.  "You look amazing."

"So do you," she agreed.  Both of her mates wore skin-hugging black.  Zep's with buckles down the front, Jase's as tight as a second skin.  Their leather pants left little to the imagination.  "Who's coming with us today?"

"Kolt, again," Jase said.  "If things go bad, ya will need his mind."

Zep chuckled.  "Just try not to kill him when you do it?  I'm starting to like that fuck."

Sal nodded, accepting the truth of that.  "Now I just need a place to put my weapons.  The belt doesn't really go with this."

Zep smiled at her and grabbed something from the couch behind him.  He turned, a very feminine belt in his hand, and draped it loosely across her hips.  A green stone decorated the large silver buckle, making the Anglian colors a perfect accent.  "And the steel is nothing but more decoration."

"Lethal decoration," Jase agreed.

Zep hooked his fingers in the belt and pulled Sal closer.  "What's under the skirt, baby?"

She reached up and traced the line of his broken tattoo.  "Why don't you check?"

He groaned and turned her away.  "I start that, we'd miss dinner.  You leaving your hair down?"

"Shouldn't I?" Sal looked between them.  "I'd planned on it."

"Ya should," Jase said.  "Zep likes it loose."

"Don't give me that shit," Zep shot back.  "You do, too."

"Na as much as ya."  Jase grinned and pulled Sal to him.  "And ya did na sleep enough.  That means ya sleep when we get back or I'm making ya stay with the brerror."

"I'll try," she promised.

Zep took a long breath and nodded.  "Kolt can get her to sleep.  I'll explain shit to him."

"Ya good with that?" Jase asked.

Zep looked at the ground for a long time, then nodded.  "I kinda am.  What else does she smell like to you, little brother?"

"Fresh snow," Jase said, breathing her in.  "Perfect and untouched, muffling the sound of the rest of the world and startling on the tongue."

Zep smiled at his brother's description.  "When do you remember it?"

"It was the last day before I was conscripted.  Snow had fallen and Guttertown was empty.  I stepped outside and saw how easy tracks were ta follow, and knew why, but I did na want ta miss it.  It felt like I'd found some kind of paradise that only I knew about."

"Yeah," Zep said.  "She kinda is like paradise."

Sal giggled and swatted at him.  "I smell like hope.  I think you all make up the rest."

"What does she smell like ta ya?" Jase asked Zep.

"From my own senses?  She smells kinda like a puppy.  You know that musky scent they have on their breath?  When I get it from you, though?  She smells like a late spring breeze, a hint of flowers drifting on it.  The kind that's perfect for flying kites."  He shrugged, looking a little embarrassed.  "Kinda dumb, but I guess that's just how it is."

Jase nodded.  "Yeh, but kites are fun just because they're fun.  So's Sal."

"And so's Parliament," she reminded them, grabbing her circlet and tilting her head at the door.  "Let's pick up the King and see how dinner goes?"

They both offered her an arm and Sal accepted, walking between them to the courtyard.  A group of men in white stood below, their attire pristine.  Rayna leaned in the middle of them, her skirt as short as Sal's, stark against her dark skin, but she'd left a lot more cleavage hanging out.

"Nice," Sal said, walking up.

Rayna tugged at her shirt, lifting her bustline.  "Thanks.  You look jaw dropping.  Want to know what's really impressive?"  Rayna tilted her head back.  "The Shields."

Sal looked at Tebio and Zain, smiling as she walked around them.  "We have got to bring Conglomerate fashion back to Anglia," she said.  Both men wore white, and while Tebio had tails, Zain's shirt was skin-tight, an overcoat falling to his knees, split across the front, held closed by a dark green resin chain.  They blushed at her inspection.  "Where are the other two?" Sal asked.

Rayna grinned.  "Seems the King needed a valet.  Kolt's helping."  She gestured up to the officer's suites.  "Sounds like they're coming down."

They were.  Dominik wore tight leather pants as white as Sal's skin, a silk shirt, and a body-hugging vest.  A lace cravat was tied at his throat with a hint of green embroidery breaking up the monotony of white.  Beside him, Kolt wore a black shirt with buttons trailing down both sides, the motif repeated down the legs of his pants, begging for it to be taken off slowly, but what stood out most was the bright swirl of silver on his neck.

"I felt that," Zep whispered to her.

"Shit," Rayna said.  "I felt that.  Damn, that boy looks good.  Makes me wish I was iliri."

The men jogged down the stairs toward them, Kolt unable to look away from Sal.  "I hope I'll do?"

"Yeh," Jase assured him.  "Ya'll do."

Sal bit her lips and struggled not to duck her head.  "The tattoo fits you."

Kolt just cleared his throat and moved to the far side of Jase.  The awkwardness between him and Sal was almost palpable, but none of them wanted to mention it.  Not out in the open.  Even the Shields could tell, if the quick movement of their eyes was any indication.

Dom broke the tension by stepping right up to Rayna.  "I think I like the styles here.  Just don't tell me anyone's seen you in that dress before."

Rayna laughed.  "Nope.  White wasn't my color, remember?  The boys and I went shopping yesterday."

He turned to Sal.  "You look beautiful, Kaisae."

"You actually look respectable, Dom," Sal replied, the set of her ears showing she was giving him a hard time.

Together, they made their way to Parliament, milling like a group of soldiers ready to hit the town.  The staff at the entrance looked at them with wide eyes but scurried to open the door.  Zep fell in at Sal's back, leaving Kolt to guard her right side.  Jase, as always, was on her left.

Representative Anis met them in the main hall, her skirt a shimmering gold that matched her jacket, but the shirt beneath was a vivid blue.  "Dominik, Salryc, you both look amazing, as do your escorts."  She smiled.  "Always six?"

Rayna chuckled.  "Sal started that.  One for the left, one for the right, the third for our backs.  Arrnya begged you to forgive her.  She doesn't do human tables well."

Anis nodded.  "I can't say I blame her.  Half the Blue Party was shocked to hear her speak.  It has to get old quickly."

"It does," Sal agreed.  "They assume we're beasts and always seem shocked when we can even speak Glish.  Trust me, it's tiring.  Being stared at over dinner is worse."

Anis smiled.  "I think if they stare today, Kaisae, it will be for your dress.  You look nothing like the soldier we've seen."

"I clean up well enough," Sal agreed.  "Or so I've been told."

"That makes it sound like you weren't stunning before," Zep said.

"Nothing like that," Anis assured her, gesturing for them to follow.  "It's more that she looks almost delicate when she isn't wearing armor – like a queen.  Covered in resin and swords, she looks like the leader of the military.  Both are accurate, but they are very different roles to humans."

Dom laughed.  "By your choice of words, I think I might actually enjoy this dinner."

Anis slowed and turned to look at him.  "I wouldn't hold your breath, sire.  The Gold Party supports your demands without reservation."

Sal wasn't surprised.  "But the Blue Party doesn't want to give anything up."

"Something like that," the Representative agreed.  "Here we are.  Please, make yourselves comfortable.  I won't even try to guess the proper seating for Anglia."

They walked into the room to a sea of blues and golds.  All of the politicians wore their finest, much of the clothing costing more than Sal's armor, each one declaring his party affiliation by the dominant color.  Dom made his way to the table, pulling out a chair for Rayna, then sat beside her.  Both Jase and Zep reached for the chair next to the King, sharing a look, then Zep moved away, chuckling softly to himself while Jase seated Sal.  They found their places in silence, organizing faster in their heads than words would allow.

As soon as they were all seated, the Conglomerate politicians claimed their chairs.  Sal noticed the shuffling for position, Anis and Toth sitting across from her and Dominik as the leaders of their party.  Before anything could be said, a group of smartly dressed men entered, carafes in each hand, leaning over to ask their drink preference.

"Red, white, or mead?" the man asked as he leaned over Sal.

"Mead," she told him, glancing up.  "Thank you, ilus."

"My pleasure, Kaisae.  Laetus."

"What does that mean?" Toth demanded.

"Mm," Zep murmured, leaning forward.  "It's a traditional greeting to any Kaisae or the head of an iliri household.  For an iliri to see a Kaisae and not offer laetus would be offensive."

"But what does it mean?"

"Respect and subservience," Jase said.  "Ever' iliri in yer staff will say it ta her if they're able."

"Knew we should have hired humans," Toth grumbled.

Kolt chuckled at that.  "You can't even tell us apart.  How do you know who you're hiring?"

He pointed to Zep.  "Pretty obvious."

Kolt gestured to Zep's throat.  "And yet, you're so very wrong.  The Dernor is less human than that waiter.  That's why he wears the family name."

"Yeah," Zep said, tracing condensation from his glass.  "Would this be a bad time to tell you that I haven't forgotten the last time we talked?"  He grabbed his glass of red wine and sipped at it, nodding at the taste.  "You couldn't read me then, and you won't now."

Anis sighed.  "Is this something I should know about, Barl?"

"Prolly," Jase said.  "Toth wanted ta know if the Lieutenant was in a relationship with Sal.  We lied.  A lot."

"Thought she was in your bed," he snapped.

Jase smiled cruelly, showing his double row of canines.  "She was.  We also have the most amazing orgies, or did ya forget about that?"

"Ahnor," Sal said gently.  "Do not taunt him.  What is past is past."

Dom leaned toward her.  "Unfortunately, Sal, I'm still human.  I hold grudges, and I'm pretty fond of hating people.  If Anglians are going to die for this alliance, I'd like it to be one I can trust."

"And I'd like to focus on beating the Emperor."  She looked up at him pointedly.  "We're here to serve the people, not taunt the politicians.  Our goal is an alliance, not to become buddies."

"And an alliance requires trust," Toth sneered.  "Tell me, how many of our secrets did you give to Anglia?"

She turned her pale eyes on him.  "All of them.  Every single thing my country needs to win this war.  You see, in your tantrum, you told us everything.  We know how every elite unit works, we know where the steel ingots are kept, and we even know who's paying your bribes."  Sal paused to let that sink in.  "What you can't wrap your mind around is that I don't really care.  There are a few thousand soldiers in this country who are still trying to heal from the wounds they received on the front line, and I can help.  There's thirty-seven thousand combined Terran and Escean troops planning to push back your border, and I can help."

"You don't even know what we have," said a woman wearing blue.

"Twenty-eight thousand combat ready soldiers, half of whom are just coming back from medical leave.  Twenty-two thousand hospitalized and unable to fight.  A disproportionate amount of your regular soldiers are novices, often in their first year of service.  The 112th Mounted is fine, but most of your elite units are down at least one man, many of them lost more.  Dark Heart was nearly wiped out.  There's only four men left.  Your recruiting has slowed, and you've been discussing conscripting more iliri to fill the ranks."

"How do you know that?" Anis asked.

Sal blinked her eyes over to the leader of the Gold Party.  "Humans love to shake hands.  I can read your thoughts through a touch.  So can Jase."  She gestured down the table to Kolt.  "With him beside me, I can do it through your scent."

Anis sat a little straighter.  "So you're saying we have no secrets from you?"

"Basically," Dom said.  "She doesn't use it unless she needs to – but loss of life always counts as a need."

"Ok.  Does this mean we'll get your country's secrets if we sign this alliance?" Anis asked.

"No," Sal said.  "Anglia doesn't have very many secrets.  We also tend to give them away if you just ask.  I have nine million maargra, three hundred and seventy-nine iliri soldiers, and just over seventy thousand humans in the military.  Our recruitment is up, so we gain a couple hundred each day."  She smiled.  "That's what you wanted to know, right?"

"Nine million grauori soldiers?" Toth asked, shocked.

Sal dipped her head in acknowledgment. "Yeah.  Maargra aren't exactly soldiers.  Closer to hunters, but for your purposes, it'll do.  Pretty impressive, right?  Ever seen them fight?  They make me work for it."

"Where?" Anis asked.  "How can you fit that many grauori in Anglia?"

Dom chuckled, turning to look at the men carrying in platters of food.  "See, thing is, your maps are wrong.  Anglia goes across the Ahnian ridge.  You only have like one-sixth of it – the human part."

The conversation paused while the food was dished out.  A darker-skinned man served Sal, smelling like the sugar of humans, but he smiled at her.  "Laetus," he said softly.  "The meat is beef, but rare, Kaisae.  The cook wanted you to know that he prepared it like he would for his own family."

She nodded.  "Please give him my thanks.  It smells delicious.  Nearly as good as maerte."

"Maerte," he whispered, locking the unfamiliar word in his head.  "I will pass that on.  Enjoy your meal."

Sal looked at Toth and smiled.  "He is human.  Your chef is not."

"What's the word you said?" Toth asked.

Sal shook her head and bit her lip.  "It's just a traditional Iliran dish.  Humans don't care for it."  She looked at the soldiers beside her, pleased to see that none of them fought the urge to smile.  They were elites and could play any game they needed, including feigning ignorance of iliri culture.

"Maybe I'll try it," Toth taunted, glaring at her.

"I wouldn't," Zep told him.  "The taste is very disturbing.  I typically eat Iliran meals, but my stomach couldn't handle it.  Needed my brother's healing before I could get back on the line.  Our system doesn't accept it."

"Thought you were iliri," Toth sneered.

Zep tapped his head.  "In my mind, yeah.  I was born human, though."  He cut into his meal, politely taking a small bite.  "My compliments to your cook."

The conversation lagged while they ate, turning to curious questions from the other politicians, and a few from the Anglians in return.  The politicians stole glances at Sal, seeming shocked that she had impeccable table manners.  She noticed every one but chose to ignore it, just as she had in Anglia when she'd arrived.  There was more to this meeting than simply an alliance.  She was slowly forcing them to respect her as an equal, being very careful to hide her weaknesses.  Sal was nearly finished eating when the Conventions of War came up again.  This time, it was a member of the Gold Party.

"So why won't the iliri and grauori sign the Conventions?" he asked.

"Because that agreement was made between humans," Sal explained.  "Some of the regulations are as foreign to our nature as expecting you to fly.  You have no wings so it would be impossible."

"Like what?" he asked.

"Torture of prisoners."  She set her fork on her plate and looked down the table at him.  "What constitutes torture is not defined.  That means a Terran soldier could complain because I bit him.  Others could claim I tortured them for taking control of their body.  I will not give that up because I've saved the lives of too many soldiers with it."

"Zaqala is a perfect example," Zep said.  "We locked down the Terran army by making them terrified of their skin."

"How?" Toth asked, his eyes glinting.

"Zeryn Audgan," Sal answered.  "He sends fear."

Zep leaned forward, catching their eyes.  "But, would that be torture?"

"There's a lot less savory things in there, as well."  Dom patted Sal's hand.  "Much of it is not suitable to speak of over dinner.  I've been told that Conglomerate culture is far more sensitive than Anglian."

"Your diet," Anis said, understanding.  "That's why you won't budge on it."

Sal nodded.

"So what do we get out of this alliance?" Toth asked.

Sal swallowed the last bite on her plate and leaned back.  "Your old borders."

"And?" Toth insisted.

"And Eastward is under siege.  They can probably last for two weeks.  Three if you can figure out how to get supplies in.  After that, you're out of Parliament because your region will be under Terran control."

"Doesn't work like that," he said.

Sal shrugged.  "Then I'll wait until the next election cycle.  See, Terric can't get past Viraenova.  We can either risk our lives for your border, or just keep them here.  From the rate they're moving, the CFC will have enough to stall them for at least two years."  She lifted her glass and smiled.  "And the defection law is already in place.  The past few days, I've had Anglian soldiers, fluent in our native language, visit a small diner called Tensa's.  They're speaking loudly about the laws passed in Myrosica."

"You went behind our backs?" Toth's face was turning red with his anger.

Sal shook her head.  "No.  You signed that law, Representative.  You demanded we come here.  You were more than happy to give us access to the entire city.  It's not my fault that my men have family here.  It's not my fault that they've been talking about things that are public knowledge."

"You entered this country with the intent to cause financial and economic harm," he snarled, smacking the table.

"Quite the contrary," Sal said sweetly.  "I spent a week tied to a post in near freezing rain, watching Blaec Doll be tortured for military secrets until he was killed before my eyes.  I felt his life ripped from my head but, still, I managed to crawl my way home so I could do what I'd promised."

"Oh my," Anis said softly.  "We didn't know."

Sal shrugged, trying to push away the memories.  "Our abilities come at a price.  When one of us dies, we all feel it.  I've taken a bolt and never stopped fighting, but losing a brother?"  She sighed. "It rips our minds apart.  It hurts more than having my skin cut from my arm.  It hurts more than anything I can imagine, but I still came – because I made a promise.  Because more than anything else, I want to stop this war."

Jase reached up and grabbed her hand.  "This is why ya need more than two hours of sleep a night, kitten.  They do na need ta know that."

Sal squeezed his fingers.  "I know, killer, but I think they do.  I think humans need to understand what a family bond truly means to us."  Then she turned to Anis.  "I told you if Halin Berrik was elected out, I'd come.  If she was shut up, I'd come."  Sal nodded slowly.  "I'm here.  Anglia is willing to help, but you have to meet our demands.  I have one hundred healers ready to come put your soldiers on the front lines again.  They can be here in days.  I want to make sure the troops are taken care of, but I can't risk my own people needlessly.  I promised I'd help, but you have to be willing to meet me in the middle.  We still don't need you."

Chapter 13

"You can't win without us," Toth taunted Sal.  "The Conglomerate of Free Citizens is the strongest nation on this continent.  If it weren't for the actions of Anglia, we wouldn't have Terric pressing down our eastern border.  We'd have come to an agreement with the Emperor and be happily trading back and forth while Anglia kept on freezing up there in the mountains with your backwards little military."

"Oh?" Sal asked, leaning back in her chair.  "So you're saying you don't want my help?"

"I'm saying we wouldn't need it if you hadn't invaded Unav."

"Liberated," Dom corrected.

But Toth wasn't nearly done with his rant.  "Invaded.  Terric claimed those lands over a decade ago.  The government there was stable and operational.  Coming in now and trying to change that?  For them?  Look at the unrest it's caused to every other country.  Even Myrosica has suffered."

"Barl," Anis whispered, reaching over to touch his arm.  "Please respect the leaders of Anglia."

"No," Sal countered.  "I want to hear him say it.  I already know what he thinks, so I promise you aren't shocking me, but I want to hear him admit that he hates the idea of getting help from a scrubber."

Anis's head snapped up, her eyes filled with panic.  "Kaisae, I assure you – "

Sal just waved her off.  "No, let's get this out in the open.  I came to your country, at your demand, to offer aid.  Since I've been here, Parliament has tried to discredit, slander, and insult me over and over, so let's just lay it all out there and deal with it.  You, Representative Toth, don't like me because I'm iliri.  I don't like you because you're a liar.  So what do you propose we do now?"

"You can't talk to us like that," a young man at the end of the table shot back.  "We're the Conglomerate of Free Citizens!"

Sal couldn't help but roll her eyes.  "First, the country's name is a misnomer.  The only free citizens here are the humans, and only those with pedigrees pretty enough to be impressive.  Second, you're not the strongest nation anymore.  Viraenova has left their borders.  By ending their xenophobia, you lost your place at the top.  And while yes, the CFC may have some impressive technology, we have the grauori.  We can do things you can't even imagine, things you people call magic.  Anglia has more resources, more trade agreements, a larger military, a stronger economy, and all the allies we need.  Remind me again what makes the CFC the 'strongest' nation, Representatives."

Across from her, Toth was glowering.  "So why are you here, Salryc Luxx?  If you don't need us, then why did you come?"

Up and down the length of the table, people quieted.  Some leaned closer, hoping to hear her answer.  Others braced for it.  Sal just breathed, reminding herself that she couldn't solve this fight with a dagger or her teeth.  No matter how much she wanted to run, to bite, or to maim, this wasn't the time.  Right now, she had to be the Kaisae, and that meant she didn't dare show these people a weakness.

"I came because cutting through the middle of the CFC is the fastest and easiest way to hurt the Emperor.  I want to see him bleed.  I want to watch that man's country fall around him, to see the hate he's instilled in humanity burned out of your species, and I want to know that the bastard who killed my Dernor feels every last second of my retribution."  Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath.  "I'm here, Representatives, because leading your military to victory makes my job easier, but I can go around you."

Anis cleared her throat softly.  "I thought it was to free your people, Kaisae."

Slowly, Sal turned her eyes to the woman who had been nothing but friendly.  "Oh, I'm going to do that.  One way or another, the iliri will hear that they're welcome in Anglia.  Stories move among my people.  Colors scrawled on lampposts and windows start them asking questions.  Words you think are just pretty pictures tell them about freedom in Anglia.  Now that we have an option, you can't stop us from taking it.  Not even if you make it illegal for the iliri to leave."

"You'd take criminals?" Toth asked, sounding a little too pleased.

Sal just lifted one shoulder, mocking a shrug.  "Toth, I will take anyone who is willing to risk their life for freedom, regardless of their species.  You see, no matter where our ears sit, how sharp our teeth are, or what our pedigrees look like, in the end, we're all people.  We all just want to own our own lives and live them as best we can.  For me, that means ending this war.  Give me the tools to do it, and the CFC will benefit.  Block me, and your country will be overrun in a few months."

"Is that a threat?"

Dominik slapped his hand on the table.  "It's the truth, and you know it.  No matter how many times you try to take this conversation in a circle, old man, the result will be the same."

"Old man?" Toth sputtered, shoving to his feet.

Dom matched him.  "Don't you dare get all indignant on me!  You're the one who ordered my grandfather killed, and most of my bloodline.  You are the one who wanted me on this throne, and now you get to deal with the results.  I took your garbage, the beast you threw to the wolves, and made her a queen.  She made Anglia the strongest nation known to man or beast.  So yes, I'll call you an old man.  I'll call you an idiot if I so choose, and you'll take it.  Am I clear?"

"I had nothing to do with that mission," Toth countered.  "So your arrogance is wasted on me."

Dom just wagged a finger at him.  "I've seen the memories.  You," and he pointed at Toth, "and you, you, you, and you," Dom's finger stabbed at a different politician with each word, the last landing on Anis, "were all there.  You ran through the mission details with Blaec Doll.  Jassant Cynortas saw it all with a touch.  The Kaisae and her Ahnor have known since before they entered Anglia that your ultimate goal was to discredit the Black Blades.  You didn't care about converting Anglia as much as you did making sure the iliri never got above themselves.  Your hate for their kind was put above the safety of your entire country."

"It was a difficult decision," Anis tried, but Dom shook his head.

"I'm sure it was.  Just two soldiers.  The loss would be acceptable.  And if they failed?  Well, you'd just blame their species, right?  Feral beasts, you'd assure me.  Went rogue would be the story, while here at home, the Black Blades would be disbanded, the crossbreds put back in regular ranks and sent out to the front lines.  Never mind that they've saved this country over and over – and are still trying to help.  All you worried about was another species thinking they might be good enough to be treated like something more than your pets.  You just forgot one little thing."

"What's that?" Toth demanded.

Dominik smiled.  "We didn't know we should hate them.  You sent us warriors who could do the impossible.  You loaned me a pair of world-renown heroes, and I would have been a fool to ignore what they said.  And then, I asked Sal why she was so willing to die for a foreign king, and your entire plan fell apart."

Anis was nodding, making no effort to deny that she'd been a part of it.  "Should I ask what she told you, sire?"

Dom looked to Sal.  "She said that since she was going to die anyway, at least she could give her life for something that mattered."  Then he looked back to Parliament, his eyes moving from Representative to Representative.  "She meant Anglia, but it made me think.  We're all so worried about the here and now, about our own personal comforts.  We're the spoiled brats, the rich, the famous.  We have nothing to lose, but them?"  He gestured toward the four iliri.  "They've spent their lives hoping for one single thing.  Fighting for it.  Dying for it."

"Freedom," Zep said softly.  "In their minds, that word has a taste, a scent, and a feel.  When they talk about it, they don't mean a day off.  They mean the choice to fight or not, the chance to retire, or the privilege of loving whoever they want without shame.  They long for the little things in life that you humans all take for granted."

A woman on Toth's other side groaned in annoyance.  "But what does any of that have to do with an alliance?"

Dom chuckled, shaking his head at her foolishness.  "Everything.  What is the one thing the CFC and Anglia have in common?  The Black Blades.  Once, they saved your country from Terric.  Repeatedly, I might add.  Now, they save mine.  The difference is that you tried to strangle them with rules and regulations.  I gave them free rein.  Now, you have the chance to do the same.  Give the Kaisae the authorization to help, and your country will only benefit from it, even if things get a little ugly along the way."  He looked back to Toth.  "Besides, what's a couple of assassinations between friends, right?"

A caramel-skinned man at the end of the Gold side lifted his hand, making the Anglians look.  "I heard you've added another stipulation to your demands, Kaisae?"

Sal nodded.  "As part of the alliance, I want it in writing that I will be leading this offensive.  Not coordinating with, not consulting your Military Command.  If you want Anglia to push Terric out of your country for good, then I need the official authorization to lead this effort.  I need Parliament's approval to make decisions with your soldiers.  Your generals must be under orders to follow my commands.  If we want to win, then I don't need anyone upset because some scrubber is making the decisions, and the only way for that to happen is for Parliament to sign it right into that treaty."

"I can't do that," Toth said.

Anis was running her hand across her eyes.  "Sal, that's a big request.  You know that, right?"

"I do.  I also know you're losing, so think about it.  Talk about it.  Come over to the base and tour the infirmary.  You'll see exactly what Anglia can do."

"And if we don't?" Anis asked.

Sal shrugged.  "Cutting through the CFC is easy for me.  It's not my only option."

"Look," Dom grumbled, leaning onto his elbows.  "Tell yourselves you were backed into a corner.  Call it an act of desperation.  Put limitations on Sal's authority over the CFC Military Command, say, until your borders have been reclaimed or to be reviewed in three months.  Whatever.  Just do it, or accept that we still don't need you.  We want to save our iliri, but we can do it without sacrificing our humans and grauori.  It's really that simple."

"Too much," Toth grumbled.

Anis nodded at him.  "It's a lot.  What you're wanting us to give up isn't a small thing.  Accepting iliri and grauori as free and sovereign species?  We don't even know what effect that would have on our laws.  And complete military control?  What if you betray us?"

"What if I don't?" Sal countered.

"Laws don't work like that, Sal," Anis said gently.  "We were chosen by the people to look out for their interests, and we have to consider that.  What if we give you complete military power and you betray us?  From this side of the table, we lose no matter what."

"And what would I gain by that?" Sal asked back.  "Fighting against you instead of Terric?  It makes no sense!"

Toth harrumphed under his breath.  "All of those iliri.  You've made no secret of wanting them.  Why wouldn't you start a civil war?  You've admitted you're vengeful.  Maybe this is your way of getting back at us for the wrongs you think we've done?"

She lifted a hand, acknowledging that he had a point.  "Fine.  Assign me a liaison.  We can find a general who I can work with, someone loyal to the CFC with the authority to countermand my orders, but it must be one who has no anti-iliri sentiment."

"And agreed upon before the alliance is signed," Dom added.

Once more, the caramel-skinned man spoke up.  "And if we bend over backwards to give all of this to you, what are you offering in return, Kaisae?  Where is the show of good faith?"

Dom looked at Sal.  "I'll offer trade agreements if that will help.  I know this matters."

She lifted her hands, giving in.  "All you, Dom.  Last time I tried to wrap my mind around an embargo, Tseri nearly peed herself laughing."

"Which is why you're banned from economic decisions," he said, turning to look across the table.  "Rumor has it that you all need lumber, though.  I'd be happy to make some very equitable agreements, good for, let's say five years?"

Toth's eyes lit up, and he started talking about export taxes and tariffs.  Sal took a long sip of her mead and relaxed.  She was finally getting somewhere.  She could smell it on the humans.  They were actually considering it.  They might still fear her, but that was probably for the best.  From the anticipation wafting from Representative Toth, she thought Dom's plan would be the last straw they needed.  At least she hoped so.

Finally, she told her brothers.  Now, maybe we'll actually get something accomplished here.

But ya will na be doing anything else, Jase thought.  Na unless ya get some sleep.  Ya can na keep on like this without making a mistake that could ruin it all.

Chapter 14

As they walked back to the military base, Kolt leaned toward Sal.  "How long have you been going without sleep?"

Behind her, Zep chuckled softly.  "Caught that did you?  She's been working on a few hours each night since she got back."

"Why?" Kolt asked her, the question pointed.

Jase looked over her shoulder, catching his eye.  "Blaec."

"We tried getting her drunk last night after she'd cried herself out."  Zep groaned.  "She just ended up healing it away when she finally did doze off, and then she was back up."

"I'm still right here," Sal said, looking between the three of them.  "No need to talk over me."

Kolt grabbed her arm and stopped, forcing the entire party to wait.  The Shields turned to themselves, giving what privacy they could, but Kolt stared at Sal intently.

"What's keeping you up, babe?" he asked.  She shrugged and tried to look down, but he grabbed her chin, refusing to allow her to submit.  "Don't do that," he whispered.

"I can't stop thinking," Sal admitted.  "I close my eyes, and it's worse."

"You see it?"  He gently brushed a lock of hair over her shoulder.  "Can't stop reliving it?"

She nodded.  "It's burned into my mind, and when I close my eyes, I see it again and again.  I remember how it felt when he slipped away."

"It gets better," Kolt promised her.  "I swear, babe, it will get better, but you still have to sleep.  You can't lead an entire country – or four – like this."

"So what do I do?"

Kolt looked up, realizing they were still in public, and smiled awkwardly.  "Spar with me?  Zep promised me a lesson, and you're about the toughest partner I can think of."  He turned back to her and caught her eye.  "I can take it, Sal.  The hate, the anger, and anything else.  If not me, your mates or your friends.  One after the other, we'll take it all, until you have nothing left to burn out.  Ok?  Your instincts demand you to do something, and I'll take every hit you can throw until they shut up."

"I'm in," Rayna said.  "Stop trying to be a damned human and get the fight out of you already.  You've got enough of us.  Just keep Risk or Raast on the side in case someone screws up."

Sal looked at them all one after the other.  "Think it will work?"

"It won't hurt," Kolt pointed out.  "But you need a real fight, not just friendly sparring.  Every time you try to play the politician you just get worse."

"But that's what I need to do."

"Maybe, but so is being our Kaisae.  Talk sweet to Parliament and take the rest out on us.  We can take it, babe.  I swear to you, I can take it."

"Barracks first," Zain said.  "We may be the biggest bad-asses in this fucking country, but I have two out of three leaders of Anglia here, and would rather not be a sitting target."

"And I need to get out of this dress," Rayna said.  "Why did Ilija pick white?"

They slowly started walking again, and Sal answered, "He didn't.  He chose silver, but with the Dogs coming over, it just kinda ended up being black, white, and grey."

"Least your horse matches," Zep teased.

"If she didn't, they would've had to change the unit's colors," Rayna shot back.  "Not giving up Piper for anything.  That mare's perfection."

"Nah.  Cessa's perfection."

Kolt laughed at their banter.  "So which one of you is the better rider?" he asked.

"I am!" they both declared.

"Zep's better at melee," Sal said, "but Rayna works with the longer weapons like lances and pikes.  She can spear anything while mounted."

Kolt nodded, accepting that.  "So is riding a human skill?"

"No," Zep said.  "Best horseman in the CFC was iliri."

"Was," Sal said softly.

"Could be again."  Jase grabbed Sal's hand.  "He believed in ya, kitten."

She shook her head.  "I can't be everything, killer.  I can ride, and that's enough.  Zep's the horseman, I'm the Kaisae, you're the assassin, and Arctic's the tactician."

They entered the base to stares from the Conglomerate soldiers.  It was late enough in the day that many were off duty and new faces had begun to mingle with the rest.  Sal could only assume they were the soldiers who'd recently been healed.  Most smiled, some glared, but none said a word to the party.

"Courtyard," Zep said.  "Thirty minutes.  Anyone sparring had better be prepared for shield work.  Both Sal and Kolt need it."

"Live weapons?" Sal asked.

Zep nodded.  "Always, Kaisae.  You learn better that way.  Leathers only, though."

She turned to her rooms and jogged up the stairs, Jase and Zep at her heels, the rest heading to their own rooms.  Soldiers moved politely out of her way, but Sal didn't bother to look.  She would never get used to seeing the curiosity on their faces and never knew if it was for her position or her species.  Both made her feel uncomfortable, so she simply tried to ignore it.

When they reached their rooms, she stripped out of the dress, unlacing the corset as she walked.  She was actually excited at the idea of a few good fights.  It sounded like exactly what she needed, and she'd never matched blades with either Kolt or Rayna.  The best part was she didn't need to hold back with her own soldiers, so for the first time in weeks, she could truly work out her frustrations.

Zep caught up with her halfway to the bedroom.  "Hey," he said, making her pause.  "There's a reason you keep us around you know."  He dug his fingers in the laces at her back and gently pulled them loose, releasing her from the stiff leather.

"To undress me?" she teased.

"Among other things," Zep promised.  "You have to wear that again for me."

She turned in his arms and pressed herself against him.  "Take me on a date while we're here?"

He smiled and tilted his head like an iliri.  "Maybe just us?"

"You going to try to pick up the waitress?"

Zep laughed.  "No.  Not this time.  You know, Ryali reminded me of you, that's why I liked her."

"She knew that," Jase said.  "I thought she was gonna choose ya and na me back then."

"I chose both."  She pressed her head against Zeps' chest and reached out for Jase.  "I just didn't know you two would make me this happy."

"And still na happy enough."  Jase kissed the side of her neck gently.  "Leathers, kitten.  Plan ta be on the ground a bit, too.  Arctic and Shift are nasty with shields."

"I haven't fought with a shield since I was a recruit," she admitted, pulling off her clothes.

She dressed quickly, her form-fitting leathers requiring a little hip wiggling that made her mates stop to watch.  Sal ignored it.  She wanted the fight, and Zep had promised her one.  With the simmering emotions inside her, she needed some way to vent, and a dozen elite soldiers would be perfect for it.  She wouldn't need to hold back like she had with Azure.

"Do we even have shields?" she asked.

Zep shoved his feet into his boots and nodded.  "Yeah, we've carried them on the wagon with the extra weapons and supplies.  If this works, I'll put you in lessons with Kolt for the rest of the week."

Sal pulled her hair back and tied it into a ponytail.  "Deal.  But I get to go against you too, big guy."

"Sure.  We have eight hours until you're crawling in bed.  I think you'll get to spar with just about all of us."

Jase passed Sal a line of scabbards.  "Daggers and swords, kitten.  Wear them all.  They'll think yer holding back if ya are na wearing an arsenal."

"I'll strap them on downstairs," she promised, eager to get to the courtyard.

"I'll catch up," Jase promised her.  "Go on.  Burn it out."

She kissed his cheek quickly then nearly skipped out of the room, her weapon belts over her shoulder and her Dernor at her side.  Together, Zep and Sal trotted back to the courtyard, surprised to see a large group of soldiers gathering.  Most were in either black or white, but there were plenty in shades of blue and navy.  Tilso sat at one of the tables around the edge, a pile of green shields stacked at his feet.

"I heard iliri and defensive combat," he called to her, "so had to come watch this."

Sal giggled and looked up at Zep.  "You really think you can teach me to hide behind a shield?"

"No," he assured her.  "I believe I can teach you how to attack with a shield.  First, though, your new best friend needs to get his ass put into the ground."

"Kolt?"

Zep nodded, gesturing for Sal to strap on her weapons.  "A shield is like a cudgel.  It hits hard, but you can put your weight into it.  Don't hide behind it.  Use it.  Fight like Blaec Doll, Sal.  Use your rage to make you better."

While he spoke, Kolt walked up behind her, taking a shield from the pile.  "I'm not holding back for you, babe."

She looked up at him and smiled.  "I don't think you know how."

"Never learned it," he agreed, adjusting the buckles.

When they were both ready, Kolt moved to a clear area, sliding a heavy black sword from its sheath – a sword she recognized from the years it had spent in Blaec's hands.  Sal slipped her arm in the straps and hefted her shield to her shoulder, testing the weight of it.  With a smile, she pulled her own black sword and moved to stand across from him.

"Ok," Zep said, moving to the edge of their sparring circle.  "Kolt, I know that sword's heavy, but it fits you.  If Blaec could make it work, then you don't have an excuse."

"Yeah, but it was made for Blaec."

"And that idiot ordered it too big.  Took him months to finally master it, but he was adamant that it had to be that size.  You?  You don't have an excuse.  Sal?  No fucking around."

"No, sir," she agreed.

"Anything goes," Zep told them.  "You die, you don't deserve to be in black, anything else, Risk will fix.  Loser repairs the armor."

Kolt chuckled at that.  "I can't sew for shit."

"Me either."  Sal grinned.  "So loser pays for the repairs, deal?"

"Deal."

They found their positions and nodded, signaling they were ready.  Zep hefted himself to the table beside Tilso and called out, "Lay on!"

Kolt fought as aggressively as Sal.  No sooner were the words spoken then he was on her, ramming his shield against hers, forcing her to take a step back.  Sal swung, nearly slicing his arm, but he'd expected that and stepped out of the way.  They fought hard, resin ringing out in the courtyard, punctuated with snarls and growls, but no matter how many blows they traded, neither scored a hit.

It was nearly winter, but the weather was warmer in the Conglomerate, and a thin trickle of sweat dripped down Sal's back in the late afternoon sun.  She was wasting energy trying to use the shield and gaining little for it.  Frustrated, she pressed him again, trying to find a balance between the defense of the weapons and the agility she needed.  Zep said it wasn't just a shield, but a cudgel.

Her ears flicked forward and she swung, but with her offhand, hitting Kolt across the face with the lip of the shield before spinning behind him.  He turned in the opposite direction, swinging, and she barely got her shield up in time to make the block.  Seeing her weakness, Kolt turned his attention away from her sword and hammered at the circle of wood and resin she clutched to her chest, slowly beating it down, powering through her defenses.

She heard the crack and felt the shield weaken on her arm, but began to fight back.  She wasn't human.  She couldn't stand up to the strength of the male iliri.  She was a Kaisae, and she lived because she was faster.  Kolt hammered at her again, and she ducked around the shot to swing at his arm. At the last second, she turned the edge, slapping him with the flat, hard.

He grunted and hit her again, shoving his shield into hers, their faces inches apart.  Their eyes locked, the challenge evident in his gaze.

"Stop fucking around," he growled, then hit her again.

She snapped, her teeth millimeters from his face, then leaned back, forcing him to overextend.  For each swing he took, she countered, listening to the staccato of their battle, but she refused to look away.  He swung, she blocked, she swung, he blocked, and Sal simply couldn't find the advantage.  Kolt pressed her hard, making her concentrate on defense.  This was where he shined and she struggled.  It made them evenly matched.

Frustrated, Sal avoided another swing and slipped behind him, throwing her shield away as she moved.  The fingers of her left hand closed on the hilt of her dagger.  Free, she could finally fight.  Kolt turned to her, and Sal dodged, tossing herself over his blade, moving as if she was little more than air.  She kicked out at his legs, but he absorbed the impact, hitting her back with the shield, the sword cutting through the air just behind it.  She leaned away, barely keeping her head intact, but felt fire as the edge caught her just across her cheek.

She roared at him, dropping the dagger to grab his arm, wrenching it behind him while she turned.  Pinning it to his back, she kicked his legs out from under him, knocking the much larger man to the ground.  Together, they dropped, their minds tangling together like their bodies – effortlessly.  She expected to lay her sword across his neck, but Kolt had already moved, knowing her plan.  His shield was off, and he pounced, one hand on each shoulder, holding her arms away from him.  They were down to little more than teeth as he pressed her back into the dirt.

Sal bit at his chest, sinking her canines deep into the muscle.  Growling as she pulled, she felt the ecstasy echo back and let go.  Kolt immediately dove for her neck, but Sal refused to submit.  She tried to roll him, but he was too strong.  His hands held her to the ground, his hip pressed against hers, one leg holding him up.  She snapped, keeping his teeth from her, but neither could win.  Not like this.

"You can't enthrall me," he whispered, their faces only a breath apart.

"Won't, not can't." She lunged at his jaw.  "You're cheating."

Kolt held her eyes, leaning just a hair out of reach.  "You can't, Sal.  You can't enthrall a man who already is."

The fight drained from her and she began to relax under him.  "I would never do that to you."

He lowered his voice to a whisper.  "You already did.  Every time our minds find each other, it happens – but I think I have you where I want you.  Sadly, there's a few dozen humans wondering why you haven't knocked me on my ass."

"I can't," she admitted.  "You know what I'm going to do and you're too strong to overpower."

That admission made his lips curl into a smile.  "You have the most beautiful eyes.  I love that I can look at them."  Sal tried to shift her eyes away, but he stopped her with nothing more than his voice.  "Don't do that."

She couldn't help but see the pale flecks among the dark amber in his.  "I can't break free."

"Then I'm strong enough to protect you.  That's all, babe.  Never lower your eyes to me."

"I will if you win."

"No, Sal," he whispered.  "Not even then.  If you lower your eyes, I'm not sure I'd be able to stop."

"Stop what?"

His eyes narrowed as he decided if he should answer, then he shook his head.  "Maybe I should let you save some pride so those humans don't get the wrong idea.  Discipline your soldier, Kaisae.  We need them to understand."

"Then it will hurt," she warned, straining against his arm.

He held her for a second longer.  "Yeah.  And eventually the pain fades.  Just remember that, beautiful.  It's sharp, and it stings, and you can't think about anything else, but eventually it will fade and you'll long to remember how intense it was."

She smiled sadly.  "Thanks, Kolt.  You've always known what to say."

"Not always," he assured her, shifting his weight slightly.  "Now get up or I'm going to embarrass you before both Anglia and the Conglomerate."

Sal shifted quickly, edging her knee under his hip, and shoved, finally gaining the leverage she needed to roll him.  With a snarl, she grabbed his throat and shoved him beneath her.  Kolt sighed and closed his eyes, resisting the urge to pull her closer.  Sal could feel it in the back of her head.

"You win," he said just loud enough.  "You're hard as hell to control.  Like trying to hug a fucking snake."  His words were meant to be overheard, and they both knew it.

"Let him up," Jase said.

Sal gently extracted her teeth and wiped the punctures on his neck with her hand.  "Not bad, brerror.  Where'd you learn to fight with a shield?"

"Star Fall."  He smiled shyly, refusing to catch her eyes again.

Jase stepped over and offered Kolt a hand, leaving Sal to find her feet on her own.  He tilted his head to the side, and Kolt nodded, then Jase turned to Sal.  "Feeling better?"

"Confused," she admitted.

Jase smiled.  "Then grab yer shield and go again."

Sal sighed.  "Can't.  Kolt broke it.  The resin's cracked."  She turned to Tilso.  "I need another."

"Damn, Sal," Tilso teased.  "We're going to make the CFC rich on just the repairs to your gear."  He pulled another shield from the pile as he spoke and tossed it to her.

She caught it.  "Ok.  So, I'm warmed up now.  Who's next?"

"Me," Rayna said.  "And I have a bet riding on this.  I win, you take me to Guttertown.  I lose, I take you to Parkfield."

"The human place?" Sal asked.

Rayna nodded.  "And just the girls.  Our lovers stay home."

Sal tucked her sword under her arm and smiled, offering her hand.  "It's a bet.  May the best bitch win."

Rayna clasped it.  "Oh, I'm laying your ass out, Sal.  You've got some damned stories to tell, I think."

The ladies squared up across from each other, and this time, Dominik gave them the call to start fighting.  Rayna held her own, calling out pointers as they fought, Zep adding to the advice.  Jase watched for a moment, then moved to the wall at the side, leaning casually beside Kolt.

"Why are ya fighting her so hard?" he asked the darker man.

"Because she needs to burn it out," Kolt replied.

"Wrong fight."  Jase turned, his dark-blue eyes meeting Kolt's before the larger man looked away.  "Look at me," Jase insisted.

Kolt sighed and raised his eyes.  "I'm just trying to help her get over this."

"Nah."  Jase smiled at him.  "Ya can na play that line with me.  I know better.  I saw that.  I heard that.  Kolt, I felt that.  I know ya have na looked at a woman since before Issevi, and from the smell of ya, it was a long time before that."

Kolt clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth while he looked for the right words.  "It's been a while, but that's not what this is about, Ahnor."

"She smells amazing," Jase whispered.  "I can na get enough of it."

"I'm not trying to take your girl."

"She never was my girl."  Jase turned to the fight, smiling at his Kaisae's determination.  "They all say she is, but she's na.  Blaec was first, then me, but she was na our toy."

"You were hers?"

He nodded.  "Always.  She amused herself with me, then learned ta trust me, and eventually, she came ta love me.  It did na happen fast, but it happened."

"You're good for her," Kolt said.  "She lets herself relax with you."

"A bit," Jase agreed.  "But she will na let herself be weak with me.  I can be as strong as her, but never stronger.  I can encourage her, but na hold her up."

"That's what friends are for."  Kolt shrugged.  "Rayna's the same."

"She's na the same, and we both know it.  She can go days without seeing Sal, and they reunite as if no time had passed.  It is na like that fer ya."

"You have no idea what it's like for me," Kolt grumbled.

"I do."  Jase turned to him.  "I know how much it hurts.  There's a part of ya that pulls ta her like gravity, and ya can na resist it, so ya try ta explain it away, but it hurts.  It's like a deep bruise that never stops throbbing, reminding ya it's there, always.  You think ya smell her, only to realize it's something else, and ya wanna cry.  She smiles, and it's worth dying for.  No one else will do, and ya just can na find the words ta explain it."

"I'm just her friend," Kolt insisted.

"I was just her partner.  Zep was her big brother.  Blaec was her commanding officer.  There is no rule."  Jase watched him, his eyes missing nothing.

"I didn't have the balls to talk to her when she was in blue," Kolt said softly.  "I'm not about to try now that she's the Kaisae."

"Ya should."  Jase turned back to the fight.  "Part of why she can na sleep is because she's trying ta understand you."

"I'm just here to guard her back," Kolt insisted.

Jase smiled slowly.  "And ya call her beautiful?"

"She is!  She's exactly what an iliri should be.  We all know that."

"She does na."  Jase took a breath, then let it slowly fall out in frustration.  "She still thinks she's too different.  She is na human, Kolt.  She does na know how to be, even if she's damned good at faking it.  She knows that ya smell like her hero, and she wants someone ta take care of her for a while."  He turned, meeting Kolt's eyes again, and nodded when the brerror did not drop his.  "She needs a little hope, and ya've always given her that."

"I always fucked up."

"Showing her she's a person was na fucking up."  He tilted his chin at the women battering each other only paces away.  "Does that look like ya fucked up?"

"That looks like a dream for all of our people."

"Yeh, and ya did that," Jase said.  "You.  Na me, na Blaec, and certainly na Zep.  She's there because ya taught her that she mattered."

Kolt chuckled.  "Then I'll spend a few more nights not fucking her, and we'll see if she gets that much better."

The crowd moaned, and Jase turned to see Sal on her back, her sword lying in the dirt beside her.  Rayna leaned over her, laughing as she offered a hand up.

"Maybe ya should buy her another glass of mead," Jase said.  "This time, see what happens if ya do na run away from her."  He looked over, hitting Kolt with that cold twilight stare of his.  "She can na find her balance if ya keep backing away ever' time she tries ta lean on ya."

Chapter 15

While Sal dusted herself off, Zep called out, "You're next, Tilso."

He grinned and patted the sword beside him.  "I'm ready for it, Zep, but was hoping she'd be a bit more worn out before I had my go."

"Sucks to be you," Risk told his lover.  "Show these humans what a Black Blade can do."

While they were talking, Sal stretched out her muscles, noticing that more Conglomerate soldiers were trickling in.  Many claimed tables in the line of sight while others leaned over the railings above.  Watching elite soldiers train had always been a treat, and the Black Blades had once been the best unit in the country, before they defected to Anglia.  The chance to see their skill was something few could pass up.

"Fist to your shoulder," Zep said, correcting how Sal held the shield.  "Stop trying to hide behind it and use it to kill, baby."

"And don't break his face," Risk called over.  "I kinda like how he looks."

"Me, too," Tilso agreed.  "You got the call, Zep?"

Sal slipped her black saber into her hand and moved to stand across from her little brother.  Zep smiled as she took her position and nodded.  "Yeah, I'll call holds, too.  Sal, you will halt at my command, you understand?"

"Yes, sir," she agreed, never looking away from Tilso.

"Then lay on."

They both closed the gap quickly, shields up.  Tilso held his weapon at shoulder height beside his shield, but Sal kept hers back, covering her shoulder.  She pinned her ears and stepped sideways, making him move, judging his guard.  He smiled.

They both attacked at the same time, weapons smashing against shields loudly.  Sal's thinner blade rang purely while Tilso's sword caused a deep bass pounding.  The small white girl was completely protected by the size of the shield, ducking behind it easily, but Tilso's longer reach was pushing her.

"Stop being nice," Tilso panted.

"She sucks with a shield, no experience," Zep said, grinning.

"I had three days of training as a recruit, under Shift," Sal corrected, parrying a strike.

"Shut up and fight."  Arctic's order cut through the crowd, changing something in the duo as he joined the spectacle.  "I expect to see blood on that white skin, Tilso, that's a fucking order!"

"Yes, sir!"

He swung, and Sal met his weapon with her shield, a growl rumbling in her throat.  She pressed, forcing him back, striking at his legs and arm.  He stayed out of her reach, stepping in for an attack, moving slowly but with power.  Each time his blade hit her shield, it sank lower.

He swung again.  This time, when Sal moved to block the shot, he shifted, dancing in place, twisting his body to get behind her.  The tip of his sword flicked up, aiming for the back of her neck.  Sal dropped, wrenching her arm to cover her exposed back with her sword.  The resin rang out, screaming in protest, but she recovered quickly.

She surged toward him, her blade moving, her feet light.  His guard was too good, but his endurance wasn't.  She pressed harder, then harder still, forcing him to concentrate on nothing more than keeping her off him, growling louder with each swing.  She aimed for his exposed arm, then his forward leg, barely missing each.  When she reached across for his off side shoulder, she felt a flare of fire across her bicep, but ignored it, closing the gap between them.  Swinging at his head, she kicked out, tangling their legs together, knocking her brother down but unable to get free.  They crashed to the ground.

Sal rolled, her shield taking the impact, and held him down.  Chest to chest, her knee on his sword arm, she looked down at her brother and smiled.  "Umso?"

"Oh fuck yeah," Tilso said.  "Sorry about the arm."

She leaned back, letting him up, and looked at her shoulder.  A short line ran across her bicep, just parting the leather, the skin red beneath.  It wasn't deep enough for a heal but was proof that Tilso had scored on her.  She reached up and inspected it with her fingers, making sure the watching humans knew that he'd blooded her, then laughed.

"Not bad for the horseman," she teased.

"I'm good with it."  Tilso pulled himself to his feet and offered her a hand.

She took it, letting him help her up, and patted his shoulder before she moved away to stretch her muscles.  "Who's next?" she asked.

Arctic stood, a cold smile on his face.  "That's me."

He shoved his arm into a shield and lifted it, showing a different pattern than the rest.  His was a brilliant silver, the symbol of Anglia – the trio of interlocked circles – in a deep green across the front, the exact opposite of the others.

"Full contact?" Sal asked.

Arctic shrugged.  "Can you control the mast?"

"Yeah."  A devious smile found her lips.  "I'm pretty good at that, now."

Arctic drew his weapon: a dark blade, thinner than most but still a full-sized sword.  Sal's saber looked delicate in comparison, but they both knew better.  Arctic was a sniper, Sal an assassin, and heavy weapons work was outside either of their expertise, but there was no way they'd let the humans around them know that.  The Blades relied upon their reputation to cause fear in their enemies, and the Conglomerate was not yet an ally.

What she didn't expect were Arctic's eyes.  He grabbed her gaze with his, the challenge evident, and moved across from her.  "Let's up the stakes a bit, shall we?"

"I didn't challenge you."

"No," he agreed.  "But you should.  Win or don't, Sal, but stop sitting on the fence."

Her ears flicked forward at his words, and her eyes widened before she caught herself.  Those were the same words Jase had said when she'd struggled against Blaec's dominance.

"You lead the pack."  She lifted her sword into position.

"You lead our people," he countered.  "It's time we settle this."

"I will not challenge you," she said again, but couldn't make herself look away.

Arctic noticed.  "No, but I'll challenge you, Kaisae.  You need to respect my position, and I'm not sure you do."  His white eyes were serious.  "If you drop those eyes now, I'm taking that chain from your throat."

Her ears locked back and she snarled.  The necklace was one thing she would not budge on.  Blaec had left it for her.  "Then beat me," she growled.

"Lay on," Zep said, stepping back.

Sal stepped in and swung, but not with her sword.  She hit Arctic across the face with her shield, sending him staggering.  He gasped but recovered, his sword already in motion.  She barely got her shield up in time.

From the sidelines, it no longer looked like a friendly spar between friends.  The strikes were savage and solid, their feet stirring up dust from the worn ground.  Both iliri snarled.  Arctic's low growl thrummed in their chests, too deep to hear, Sal's higher pitch a perfect complement.  Unlike the other matches, these two fought.  Something about the tension in their bodies let everyone watching know this wasn't just a game.  This was a true battle, and neither would pull their blades.

Sal spun behind him, trying to drop him to the ground, but Arctic hopped, avoiding it easily.  He turned, using the mass of his body to power through her shield.  The sound of resin smacking together echoed in the compound.  She hit him again, but he blocked with his own shield, pressing her back, and this time it was Sal who staggered.

Back and forth they fought.  Arctic's dark hair hung loose, drifting as he moved while Sal's was held back, swinging behind her like a rope.  Black against white, so similar yet so different.  They held each other's eyes, only looking away to make another attack.

Sal parried a blow and slashed wildly.  The tip of her blade caught Arctic's jaw, and she felt the resin part his skin.  Before blood began to show on the Raewar's face, she felt her muscles relax and a tingle ran across her like goose bumps.  Sal sighed as the world around her clarified, letting the maast consume her.

Beside them, Zep stood, his intention to halt them clear, but Jase grabbed him.  "Do na.  She's fine.  They need ta do this."

"She'll kill him," Kolt said.

"No," Jase assured him.  "She's berserk, na feral."

"Why doesn't she take control of him?" Shade asked.

Jase chuckled.  "Because she does na want ta be the Kaisae right now.  She wants ta be a soldier.  She wants ta beat him the right way."

"So she's going to settle it?" Zep asked.

Jase nodded.  "It will change little fer us, but it will ease things between them."

"Which is part of her problem," Kolt said, understanding.  "Submitting to Arctic because the Kaisor said to is different than submitting to a new leader."

"Exactly," Jase agreed.  "Let them do this.  Let her find her place."

With her mind clear, Sal moved faster.  She evaded his sword and dodged his shield.  When he swung at her head, she ducked back then struck, sinking her teeth deep into his wrist, crushing bones.  He roared, the sound more angry than pained, and jerked away, but she refused to let go.  He never paused, slipping his offhand free of the shield as her sword sought his neck.  He dropped nearly to his knees, his arm locked in her mouth, and lifted into her, but Sal was ready for that.  With their eyes locked, her sword just touched his neck, but Arctic had pulled a dagger.  The point of it rested just under Sal's breast, right behind her shield.

"I keep the necklace," she growled, spitting out his wrist.

He nodded once.  "You do that.  I'll keep the pack."

The tension eased and Sal stepped closer to her brother, letting her shield fall from her arm so she could embrace him.  "I told you I couldn't beat you," she whispered against his shoulder, healing away the cut across his face and the bones she'd destroyed.

Closing his eyes, he breathed, letting the vertigo pass before he answered.  "I know, I just wasn't sure if you were trying to protect me or if you believed it."  Then he tilted her head up.  "I didn't think I cut you, but your pupils are constricted."

"She cut ya," Jase called over.  "That's her trigger."

Arctic grabbed the back of her head, looking deep into her eyes, but this time there was no challenge, only a thorough inspection.  "You want to keep going or take care of that?"

She smiled, flicking her eyes to his lips.  "I'm fine."

He laughed and shook his head.  "I'm not going to try that again, Sal."  His fingers slid deeper into her hair as if ready to pull her off.  "I found my place, and it's not with you."

"I know."  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  "But please let me go.  I need another fight."

Zep stepped behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders.  "Not in maast, baby."

The crowd began to murmur among themselves.  Not all of them knew the word, but enough did.  Hearing that she was berserk, yet standing so calmly, made tension swell among the Conglomerate soldiers, the scent of their fear tantalizing.  Sal breathed it in, savoring it.

The sound of a sword smacking a shield made her eyes flick open.  Ilija grinned as he tested his weapons, his eyes locked on her.  "I'm ready."

"She'll kill him," someone said, loud enough for even the humans to hear.

Ilija laughed.  "Nah.  Not Sal.  She's too fucking good."  He nodded at her.  "I've learned a thing or two, Kaisae.  Let me show you what it feels like to lose."

Sal grabbed her shield with a snarl, snagging her sword from the dirt as she moved.  She didn't bother to wait for the call, she just attacked.  Surging toward him, Ilija met her head on, his shield hitting her hard enough to knock her off her feet.  She roared.

"Bring it, bitch."  He squared up and waited for the next assault.

The need to kill flowed through her even as the feel of his mind kept her sane.  This was her soldier, her creation.  She'd taken a lumbering human and turned him into a battering ram, but he wasn't better than her.  She wouldn't let him be.  Lifting her lip, Sal pounced.

Ilija met her again, intending to repeat the maneuver, but Sal had stopped thinking.  She hammered his shield with hers, her sword slashing at his throat.  Pushing hard, he was able to keep her back just enough to save his head, but only barely.  He swung for an opening, but Sal turned, leaving him standing alone as she came at his back.  It wasn't a shield, but a cudgel, and she used it as such, battering at the larger man repeatedly.  He grunted at the power of her attacks, keeping his feet, but only barely.  Behind them, the humans gasped.

"She's going to kill him, and they aren't stopping her," someone said.

"I've never seen anything like that."

"She's a fucking beast!"

Kolt smiled, his eyes following Sal's every move.  "Yeah, she really is."

Ilija couldn't get his blade near her, but he managed to slam his elbow into her chin.  Sal just snarled and came at him again, this time low.  Bracing against her shield, she rammed him with everything she had, finally forcing him off his feet.  He hit the dirt hard, spinning before she could pin him, but her weapons were still free.  Her sword sliced into the dirt beside his head.  Wincing away from the swing, Ilija made the first mistake.  He opened his guard.

Sal dropped her shield across his throat and growled, her eyes locked on his.  Holding him there, she casually lay her sword across his chest and smiled.  "Umso?"

"Always," Ilija said, grinning.  "I think you know how to use a shield, Kaisae."

Sal nodded and leaned back onto her heels, letting her eyes close.  "Did I hurt you?"

"Not bad."  He sat up and pulled off her shield, then carefully took the sword from her hand.  "Nothing that even needs healing."

She nodded.  "K."  Taking a deep breath, she smiled.  "I needed that.  Thanks."

"He'd be proud, Sal.  We all are."

She nodded.  "I know, but that doesn't make the hole any less empty."

"I know.  Just keep going.  We're all here for you.  Keep knocking us over until you're done, even if it takes all night."  He smiled weakly, then leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her.  "Roar, scream, growl, and even bite.  We're yours, Kaisae, until the end, and we're fucking proud of that."

She finally hugged him back, nodding against his chest.  "Me too, and you're still slow as shit."

"I'm not."  The sound of resin against leather screamed as Zep pulled his blade.  "Always wanted to see if I could stand up to you in maast.  Put your shield back on, Sal."

She smiled and pulled away from Ilija, grabbing her weapons again, then turned to her lover.  "You lose, you sleep on the couch."

His smile was as feral as hers.  "I don't fucking lose."

Chapter 16

Sal fought over and over until she could barely lift her sword.  Eventually, she learned how to use the shield effectively, but she still preferred the freedom her daggers offered.  Thirty-six men went up against her, back to back, until her arms could no longer lift a weapon.  Some wore black, others white, and a few had been in the brown and blue of the 112th Mounted, but they all fought hard.  By the time night fell, she could hardly keep her eyes open.  She'd managed to make it to her rooms before she passed out, but only barely.

When the first rays of dawn streamed through the window, she opened her eyes to dark skin and hard muscles pressed against her face.  Zep muttered sleepily and shifted, wrapping his arms tight around her.

"He fights like a beast and sleeps like the dead," Jase whispered from the other side.

"So did I, last night," she admitted, rolling over to face him.

Jase reached up and caressed her face.  "Finally, and that means that I'll let ya go play with Rayna toda – "

A banging at their door interrupted him.  Zep sat up, putting an arm across Sal, and Jase slid out of the bed, grabbing a pair of combat fatigues from the floor.  Groaning, Zep fell back against the mattress and tugged Sal closer, letting Jase find out who was brave enough to wake them.

With his pewter hair in disarray, the assassin staggered through the main room, snagging a dagger as he passed the sofa.  He cracked open the door and chuckled.  "I do na miss military hours.  What do ya want, Raj?"

"Preferably not to get gutted by whatever weapon you have in your other hand, Cyno."  Raj shrugged.  "Probably want this inside."

Get dressed, Jase warned his mates as he let the Conglomerate officer into their suite.  "Fer Sal, I'm assuming?"

"Yeah.  Don't tell me she's still sleeping?"

"Na after you knocked, no."  Jase tilted his head to the bedroom.  "They're still in bed."

Raj glanced at the couch then the closed door before turning to Jase.  "So the rumors are true?"

"Not exactly," Sal said, walking into the room.  She wore Zep's shirt and little else, but it was large enough to be a dress on her.  Gesturing for Raj to sit, she looked at Jase with a pleading smile, then folded herself into one of the plush chairs.  "Start talking.  I smell concern."

"Anis will be here in a few hours to make you an offer.  Toth is going to say that she's circumventing Parliamentary procedure.  If you take the deal, and it should be a nice one, everything may fall apart."

Sal nodded.  "If I'm not here, they'll assume we met in secret.  If I make it public, that only proves his claim."

"Right."

Jase carried over a pair of cups, both filled with coffee.  He passed the paler one to Sal then offered the other to Raj, who took it gratefully.  Zep staggered out of their bedroom bare-chested and waved for Jase to sit, grabbing coffee for the two of them before making his way over.

"Sorry," Zep grumbled.  "We don't do the military hours anymore.  That means you get to see us half dressed."

"Not really worried about it," Raj assured him.  "Just want to make sure my men stop dying to Terrans."

Sal was staring intently at the floor, her ears swiveling as she thought.  Suddenly, she smiled.  "I need the Devil Dogs back here.  Leave the grauori on the line, tell Pig to give them orders and get moving.  Get Dom and Nya up.  We're going to Parliament."

"What?" Raj leaned forward, nearly spilling his coffee.  "What are you doing, Sal?"

"Calling their bluff."  She bit her lip to hide an impish smile.  "Iliri are an impatient species.  You saw that in Myrosica with the nuvani."

"You gonna tell her you pulled out the maargra?" Zep asked.

"Gonna tell Toth that I'm about to.  I will, too.  Should take about two days for the Dogs to meet us here.  I figure when they ride in, they can either help with security or we'll head back to Unav together."

"How does this help Anis?" Raj asked.

"Keeps her from being arrested.  Besides that, the deal is the same.  You know why I can't just help, right?"

Raj nodded.  "Yeah.  I get it, Sal, but I don't have to like it."

"Dom's up," Jase said.  "How many of us are going?"

Raj chuckled.  "They saw you sparring last night, Sal.  About half of Parliament came to watch your training session.  You probably don't need a guard."

She nodded.  "Then we won't take one.  Just the three leaders, Jase."

"Armor," Zep grumbled, taking a gulp of his coffee before he headed back into their bedroom.

Sal called over her shoulder, "Leather will do."

Raj stood.  "When are you headed over?"

She shrugged.  "Thirty minutes?"

"K.  Then I'm assigning Azure to check for stress damage to the walls.  We got your back, Kaisae."

She flicked her ears forward and held his eyes.  "What changed, Raj?  Wasn't that long ago you didn't mind the idea of seeing me die."

"I saw a few other men die.  I watched you cut them down without even trying, and felt your knife against my neck.  You had no reason to spare me, not after what I'd done, yet you still did."

"It matters," Jase said softly.

"It kinda does," Raj agreed.  "When I saw the Blades ride into that meeting, I knew we'd lost the one thing holding Terric from our borders.  I realized at that moment that I don't hate the iliri.  I was just jealous, Sal.  I wanted to be what you are, and I blamed you because I'm not."

"Is your unit really worth saving?" she asked, sipping at the cup in her hands.

"I think so."  He shrugged.  "My First Officer has blonde hair if that tells you anything.  He doesn't talk about it, but he's fast and understands tactics like no one else."

She turned to Jase.  "Find out what his skill is."

"Yeh.  Put on some clothes before ya storm Parliament."  Jase stood and took her cup, tilting his head to the bedroom.

"Thanks, Sal," Raj said honestly as he left.

Leather armor, Sal told Dom.  We leave in fifteen minutes.

Yeah.  Just getting a coffee now.  Nya's already been warned.

She pulled on her standard uniform and began gathering her weapons.  A real fight and a full night's rest had really made a difference.  Her mind wasn't clouded, and she could think again.

Sal strapped the ceramic daggers down each leg, buckled on her belt with the steel knives, then secured her sabers to her back.  Fourteen weapons total, and she finally felt comfortable again.  That meant she'd been in combat for far too long, she thought as she kissed her mates and headed to Dom's door.

When she tapped lightly, Rayna invited her in, wearing nothing more than a sheet around her body.  "He's almost ready.  How are you feeling?"

"Better," Sal said.  "Kolt was right, I needed to stop acting human."

Dom chuckled as he entered the room.  "Glad to hear it.  So what the fuck are we doing?"

Sal tossed the memory of her talk with Raj into his head.  "Being iliri."

Dom smiled as he saw what she intended, playing the entire memory through before he turned to Rayna.  "Start spreading the word.  We move out in two days if we haven't reached an agreement.  Make sure our contracts are notified."

"Yeah.  I'm taking Vanja and Caein into town.  Blades have armor out, we all have weapon orders, and I think a few grauori have some deals they're waiting on."

"Get a list," Dom told her.  "Soon as the Devil Dogs make it back, we'll either address the iliri or head home.  It's up to the politicians of this country which it is."

"Problems at home?" Rayna asked, wondering what story to spread.

It was Sal who answered.  "A pair of purebred girls in Issevi.  Terric may push for them, and we're not willing to jeopardize our people for a country that doesn't want our help."

"Can do."  Rayna glanced at Sal and shrugged before stepping closer to Dom.

He leaned over and kissed her sweetly, nothing like Sal had seen him do before.  Burying his head in her neck, he pulled her close and kissed down the side of her face before pulling away.  "I'm not an iliri," he told her, "but I'm not ashamed to make sure everyone knows I'm in love with you, Rayna Mel."

She giggled.  "See, Sal?  Told you we need a night out."

"Tonight," Sal promised.  "I'll take you to try Tensa's."

"I think it'll be fun."  She flicked her hands at them, shooing the pair out.  "Now go be politicians!"

Obediently, they went.  Dom tapped at the next door down, and Nya slipped out, standing on her hind legs to ease the door closed behind her.  Sal was still smiling when she reached the entrance to the Parliament building.  A pair of guards stood outside, but none moved to grant them access.  She paused, looking at them, then reached for the handle.  "Been a long time since I had to open my own doors."

"Builds character," Dom told her.

"I'm sorry," a guard told them, stepping forward.  "We do not have Anglia on the schedule for today."

"I'm sure," Nya said, striding toward him.  "Does that mean we are not welcome in this country?"

Sal crossed her arms and waited.  The guards looked at each other, confused, but none of them made a move.  With a sigh, she decided to help them out.  "This is when you send one man in to ask what the Representatives would like."  Sal gestured to the door and tilted her head.  "Kinda quickly."

"We're not allowed to leave the doors unmanned," the soldier said.

She groaned.  "I don't have time for this shit."  Turning to the first man, she offered her hand.  "Salryc Luxx, Kaisae of Anglia and all iliri."

Out of habit, he took it, a look of confusion on his face.  She turned to the next and did the same until all four of the soldiers on duty had touched her bare skin.  Dom waited, refusing to show anything on his face, his eyes following.

"Ok," Sal told him.  "Your call, Dom.  Do we send one in, or do we just enter the building?"

"Let's go ourselves."

She nodded, flicking her hand at the soldiers.  "Would you be so kind as to get the doors for us?"

Without hesitation, the men pulled them open, granting the Anglian envoy admittance to the building.  The three of them stepped through and Sal released the compulsion, giving the men both their bodies and their memories back, but the Anglians didn't slow their feet.

Where are we going? Dom asked.

Toth's office, Sal said, leading the way.

Without any official meetings scheduled, the building seemed oddly empty.  A few people wandered the halls, but there weren't the crowds from before.  Sal knew how this worked, having lived most of her life in the CFC.  She turned down another hall then paused before a heavy wood door, twisting the handle and pulling it open for Dom to enter.  Nya trotted behind him.  Sal fell in at the back.

The receptionist stood, her mouth hanging open.  "I don't have a meeting scheduled with Anglia today," she said apologetically.  "Was the Representative expecting you?"

"He should be," Sal assured her.  "Would you be so kind as to tell him that I'm sorry we're late?"

The woman nodded her head nervously and scurried into the room beyond.  Sal could hear her inform Toth of their arrival and his startled response.  When he began to accuse the woman of conspiracy, Sal decided it was time to step in.  She sighed and yanked open Toth's door, Dom and Nya following without question.

"Stop berating the woman," Sal growled as she crossed into the room.

"Kaisae," Toth greeted her, plastering a false smile on his face.  "What a pleasure to see you."

Nya grunted at that and eased her haunches to the floor.  "Didn't sound like that a moment ago."

"I'm sorry, what was your title again?" Toth asked the beast.

"Raewar," Nya said.  "It means strength of the people in Glish.  It's the title for the leader of the grauori offensive."

"So Anglia is a military state?"  Toth rubbed his chin as if he was contemplating that.

"It's a loose translation," Sal said.  "Since the Grauoran Nation is organized by pack hierarchy, and that's usually determined by a fight to submission, we find it easiest to refer to our rank structure militarily to humans.  Iliri are the same."

"The Human Nation is not," Dom said, following Sal easily.  "Our culture is based upon inheritance and election.  While we do operate a military, we typically rely upon the other nations for most of our defense."

Sal sank into the chair before Toth's desk and kicked her feet up on the well-polished wood.  "In other words, try harder."

"Why are you here?" he asked.

She cocked her head to the side.  "You don't want our wood.  Least that's the impression I'm getting.  See, we made you a pretty nice offer and you haven't invited us back.  I have a few things that I should be doing, and shopping isn't really on that list."

"We're leaving in two days," Dom told him.

Nya nodded.  "As soon as the Devil Dogs return from out east, Anglia will return to the war in Unav.  I've asked the grauori to head that way once our humans have rejoined us."

Toth shot to his feet, shaking his head.  "You can't!"

"We're not wanted," Sal reminded him.

"If you wanted us," Nya added, "you would have signed the treaty already.  We've been here long enough."

He turned to the human in their group, his face shocked.  "Sire?  You can't just leave the Conglomerate.  I thought you needed to defeat Terric!"

Dom shrugged.  "Sounds to me like you need to play politics."  He gestured to the ladies he was with.  "They don't understand those games, and they refuse to play them.  You have until tomorrow evening."

"You're going to ride all night?" Toth asked.

Sal and Nya exchanged a glance, both of them grinning.  Dom chuckled and nodded.  "Yeah.  You know that iliri and grauori can see in the dark, right?  Doesn't matter to them when we ride out."

"But you're human."

Dom shrugged.  "Mental links let us share a few things.  The Verdant Shields can move as easily at night – with the help of their sister unit – as the iliri can.  You ever wonder why we brought a mutt for each two-legger?"

Sal pulled herself out of the chair.  "Ok.  That's the Blue Party.  We need to make sure the Gold Party knows, too.  That's Anis, right?"

"You haven't spoken to her yet?" Toth asked.

Sal turned to him, catching his eye.  "No, Representative Toth.  I was concerned that you might take exception to that, so I came here straight away."  She held out her bare hand.

He almost took it, then paused.  "Forgive me," he said, drawing his hand back to his chest and clutching it like it ached.  "You reminded me recently that you already know too many of our political secrets."

Sal chuckled and turned away.  "I'm already in your head.  Touch me or don't, won't make any difference.  I have no intention of letting you keep my people enslaved to the greed of humans."  She paused at the door and turned.  "I want to help.  I honestly want to see the Conglomerate protected, but I will not ignore the atrocities that happen to the iliri here.  Recognition of the iliri and grauori as free and sovereign species, diplomatic immunity for military and diplomatic personnel, the ability to show your military how to win, and I want to address the iliri of Prin.  That's it.  You agree, and Anglia will make you some very nice trade deals... and get the Terran Empire off your borders."

Together, the leaders of Anglia turned and marched from the office.  They didn't speak as they made their way to the leader of the Gold Party.  Nya's claws clicked on the hard floor, Dom's boots rang out, but Sal's feet barely made a noise.  They walked side by side, none of them outranking the other.

Representative Anis had left the door to her office standing open.  Dominic gestured for Sal to enter first, Nya followed her, and he took his turn coming into the room last.  This receptionist smiled at the sight of them.

"Anglia, please, be welcome.  The Representative is currently speaking with someone.  If you will give me a moment, I'll let her know you're here."  She crossed the room and peeked her head through the door to Anis's private office, making no effort to hide her voice.  "Deina, Anglia's here."

"Send them in!"

The receptionist stepped back and opened the door completely, gesturing for Sal's party to enter.  Unlike Toth, no one tried to pretend that Sal and Nya were hard of hearing.  Behind the closed door, a middle-aged man sat in one of the chairs across from Deina Anis.  Sal recognized him as the caramel skinned politician from dinner the day before.  Both Representatives offered a kind smile.

"Let me introduce Natyn Grenso," Anis said.  "He's one of our newer Representatives."

"A pleasure," Sal said, making no move to offer her hand.  "Where is your constituency?"

"Lewes, on the safe side of the country.  It's wonderful to officially meet the three of you.  I'd offer you my chair, Raewar, but I was told they're not comfortable for you."

"The floor is fine," Nya assured him.

Dom and Sal eased themselves into the remaining chairs, turning them slightly to include the entire group.

"Just came from Toth's office," Dom said.  "He's probably going to be in a bad mood today."

Anis sighed deeply.  "What did he do this time?"

"Not him," Sal said.  "This time it was you.  He planned to claim that you circumvented Parliamentary procedure."

She glanced to Grenso quickly, shock on both of their faces.  "How'd you know about that?"

Sal waved it away.  "I really do tend to know most everything.  Thing is, we're leaving tomorrow evening.  Devil Dogs are already headed back to Prin."

"You can do that?" Grenso asked.

Nya whuffed, amused.  "Call them back, or leave?" she asked.

"Call them back," he clarified.  "I'm well aware that you can leave at any time.  Would prefer you didn't, but I understand your position."

"He's good," Dom said.  "Honest, yet nicely spoken."  The King turned to Sal.  "Think we should tell them about our little show of good faith?"

Sal shoved out her lower lip, thinking about it, then nodded.  "Yeah, I'm giving them a second gift too."

"Oh?"  Dom's eyebrows raised.

"Yeah.  Jase is asking Rragri if there's another brerror wanting to travel."

"I'm lost," Anis admitted.

Sal held up one finger, asking her to wait.  "I assume you're ok with that?"

"But who?" Dom asked.

Sal smiled.  "Raj Jozefo, the leader of Azure Silence."

"What did he do?" Anis asked.  "I thought I could trust him!"

"You can."  Sal turned to Grenso and held out her hand.  "The bigger question is if I can trust you, Representative."

He smiled and gently placed his hand in hers, his eyes never reaching above her jaw.  Sal sucked in a deep breath, the scent of him obscured by the clinging smell of humans in the room.  Deina chuckled.

"Yes, Sal.  He's already told me."

"What?" Dom asked.

"He's iliri."  Sal barely breathed the words in her surprise.

Chapter 17

Representative Grenso nodded at Sal's accusation.  "I am, Kaisae.  I made no secret of it to the Gold Party, but unless I'm asked directly, I prefer to allow others to assume I'm human."

"What's your skill?" she asked.

He glanced at Anis then back to Sal.  "They haven't yet realized that we all get one.  Laetus, by the way. I'm sorry it's late."

"Thank you.  You didn't answer the question."

He nodded.  "I'm a lookout."

"Distance vision," Nya clarified.  "He can see things outside his line of sight, but not hear, smell, or touch."

"That's how you knew we were coming," Sal realized.  She turned to Anis.  "Glad to see you're moving in the right direction.  I feel even better about the gifts I'll be leaving in the Conglomerate."

"What gifts?" she asked.

Sal smiled.  "The 112th Mounted has an unofficial member of the unit.  His name is Murah, and he's a bachelor male grauori who links."

"Humans?" Grenso asked, shocked.

"Yeah.  The entire unit.  Rais is using it to full effect, and Murah has proven himself to be capable."  She looked between them, trying to decide how far her trust went.  "They got me over the Siahies."

Anis gasped.  "They were supposed to be clearing the border!"

"Rais made sure the Devil Dogs and the grauori units with them could handle it."  Sal licked her lips and stared at the ground.  "When Blaec and I were taken, there was no way for us to get free.  Star Fall helped, but there was little they could do.  Kolt and I ended up on the run, and without extraction from the 112th, we'd likely be dead."

"We also kinda took Kolton," Dom said.  "Sorry."

Anis waved that away.  "My bigger concern is the rest of Star Fall."

Sal shook her head.  "They're fine.  Actually, things are a lot easier for them lately."

"What did you do this time?" Grenso asked.

"I made sure those who help me won't suffer for it."  She turned to Anis.  "I hope you're planning a long embed with them."

"I think we might be able to make that happen.  Why?"

Sal smiled.  "Because even in Terric there are iliri, and I think you'll need to know what Star Fall finds out."

Grenso chuckled.  "Deina, iliri males are instinctually compelled to do what she wants."

"You, too?" Anis asked.

"Oh yeah."  Grenso shrugged at the implications.  "Think of it like a child trying to please a parent.  The closer I am to her, the stronger the desire is.  That she hasn't asked a thing of me shows that she's honest."

"It's that strong of an urge?"

He nodded.  "I didn't stand when she entered because I'm fighting the urge to kneel to her."

"Don't kneel to me," Sal told him gently.  "It makes me feel uncomfortable."

He closed his eyes and nodded.  "Thanks.  That actually helps."

"So," Sal brought them back to the topic at hand.  "The 112th has a grauori link.  I'm working on getting Azure Silence linked.  Raj came to me this morning with rumors that Toth wanted to make problems for you and that you had an offer."  Sal held up her hand.  "Don't make me any offers.  Anglia will help.  All you need to do is give me the tools to protect my own people."

"And this is about those tools, actually," Anis said.  "I was going to suggest Ran Sturmgren as your liaison and the Conglomerate's counter to the power you've been asking for.  He's back in Fort Landing."

Sal couldn't stop the smile on her face.  "That is an offer I can't refuse.  I'd also love to see the archeological site there."

The two representatives sucked in a breath and shared a look.  Grenso turned to Sal.  "How'd you know about that?"

She reached up and tugged at the tip of her ear, massaging away an itch.  "Strange how they figured it out, wasn't it?"

"The researcher said that she found an obscure reference."  Anis chuckled softly.  "Was that you?"

Sal nodded.  "Judoc, the Emperor's adopted son, leaked a few things.  I just made sure it was useful.  No, I will not tell you what is in there.  Yes, I did tell Marnia, the researcher.  You must simply trust me on this."  She looked up and caught Anis's eye.  "The history is priceless.  You want this to be overlooked until she's done."

"What do you get out of it?" Anis asked.

"Knowledge," Sal told her.  "Unpublished journals are being sent to Anglia, copies of Marnia's work.  When it's done, I'll formally request to have the professor excavate the vault under my own home.  As a Conglomerate citizen, her work would be published here."

"What is it, Sal?  What's in there?"  From the look on her face, Anis wouldn't leave this alone.

Sal smiled. "It's one of the vessels from the landing.  Its name is Star Fall, which is where the military unit got it."

Deina Anis looked down to her desk and nodded, her mind whirling.  "I don't want to know any more, do I?"

"No," Sal told her.  "Not yet.  I assure you, though, Marnia is loyal to the CFC."

"What else?" Grenso asked.

"There are two purebred iliri girls in Issevi.  Neither is old enough to be sure if she'll be a Kaisae.  The Kaeen thinks not, but they're not related to me."  Sal shrugged.  "Or my brother.  And I really am serious about leaving tomorrow night.  Get this alliance figured out or find a way to defend your own borders."

Anis sighed.  "We just don't have the manpower, Sal.  We've lost too many soldiers."

Sal nodded.  "I know.  I have one hundred grauori healers ready to move.  I can have them at the front line in two days."

"What will that do?" Anis asked.  "We have thousands of medical personnel down there."

"Iliri and grauori can heal with a thought," Dom said.  "I'd show you, but if Sal cuts me, it'll set her off."

Grenso shoved at the sleeve of his shirt and lay his arm across the table.  "It doesn't make sense unless she can see it," he told the King.

"You sure?" Dom asked, pulling a pale dagger.

Grenso nodded.  "It won't be the first time."

Dom drew the blade across the man's skin quickly, leaving a smooth, clean cut across his forearm.  Sal reached up and grabbed Grenso's wrist, waiting for the blood to pool before closing her eyes and forcing the skin to close.  The cut was shallow and took little more than one breath before it was healed completely as if it had never happened.

"That's how you heal?" Anis asked.

Slowly Sal opened her eyes.  "Yes, and I'm very bad at it."  She smiled.  "Not all of my unit has that problem, and we're currently healing – "

Angry voices paused Sal mid-sentence and Grenso quickly tugged his shirt into place.  Representative Toth stormed into the office, his most loyal followers beside him, refusing to pause as he wrenched open the door to Anis's office.  "What are you doing?" he demanded.

"Speaking to the leaders of Anglia," Anis said.  "She told me that she'd already been to see you."

Sal looked at him, expecting him to deny it.  Instead, he nodded.

"She said Anglia is leaving tomorrow."

"Yes," Anis confirmed.  "Unless they have an agreement, they plan to return to their own war.  I was hoping to convince her to stay a little longer."

"I can't," Sal said.  "This isn't a vacation.  People across the continent are dying.  Both in the Conglomerate and outside it.  There's no point in Anglia wasting time here when we could do so much more elsewhere."

"Can you really win?" Toth asked.

Sal turned to him, her face completely serious.  "Yes."

"How bad will this hurt our country?"

Sal shrugged.  "I don't know.  None of us are going to get through this unscathed.  People will die, buildings will be destroyed, but I think we can push him out of the Conglomerate easily, and possibly even out of Escea."

"Escea allied with him," Toth reminded her.  "They weren't conquered."

She nodded.  "I know, and those leaders are all dead.  I killed them, Toth.  It was my second mission as a Black Blade.  That means it will be a lot easier to convince Escea to change their allegiance.  With Jurica willing to speak up for us, even easier."

"He offered them steel!" Toth glared at her.  "What can you offer that compares to that?"

"Freedom."  She flicked her ears forward.  "I've been in a Terran camp.  The soldiers are afraid of their leader, but he's powerless.  I made him that way."

Grenso gasped.  "What are you saying, Kaisae?"

"Exactly what you think I am.  Sign a damned treaty."  Sal stood.  The other two leaders did the same.  When Sal moved toward the door, Dom and Nya fell in behind her, but she paused before Representative Toth.  "You want to know what I do?  Sign the fucking treaty and leave the iliri alone.  Talk about it.  I'll be waiting at the base."

They left, walking proudly out of the elaborate halls of Parliament and into the pale sunlight of a Conglomerate autumn day.  No one tried to stop them, and the guards at the door refused to meet Sal's eyes.  Outside, clouds drifted overhead, foretelling of less pleasant weather to come, but otherwise, the day had started well.

They returned to the compound without so much as a foul word spoken in their direction.  Sal had noticed a group of soldiers loitering outside the walls wearing navy and gold, trying their best to look busy, but she said nothing.  Raj had kept his promise; she intended to keep hers.  Inside the walls, none of the Anglians were visible.  It was late enough in the morning that someone should have been up, yet the stark colors of the Blades and Shields were obviously missing.  A clamor of activity from the area of the barns gave Sal her first hint.  The emotions of her mates were the second.

Jase was amused and Zep was frustrated.  The more annoyed Zep became, the more entertained Jase felt.  Sal paused, wondering what they could be doing, and the pale-haired man from Azure Silence, Raj's First Officer, trotted toward her.

"Kaisae," he said as a greeting.  "Aedryn Taxil.  Lieutenant Jozefo asked me to pass a message to you."

She smiled, both at his inability to meet her eyes and Raj's foresight.  "I assume my soldiers are practicing?"

Aedryn chuckled.  "The Dernor is training that guy from Star Fall."

"From the Blades now," Dom said.  "Is my mate there as well?"

The soldier's head snapped up, and he looked confused for a moment.  "Your consort, sire?"

"It's Dom, not sire, and consort is such an unflattering term."  The King shrugged.  "But yeah, Rayna."

Aedryn allowed a hint of a smile to show as he nodded.  "Yeah, she's making it worse, I think.  For the Dernor, I mean."

"What are they doing?" Sal asked.

"Bareback combat training."  Aedryn chuckled.  "Raj, I mean the – " He sighed.  "We call him Raj among ourselves."

"I don't stand on ceremony," Sal assured him.

His shoulders relaxed.  "So, Raj wanted to know if you'd mind us watching.  He said no one rides like the Black Blades."

"Azure is always welcome," she assured him, "and please thank the men who watched my back.  It matters."

"They won't understand, but I'll pass it along."

"Eventually they will.  Did Jase ask you about your skill?"

Aedryn nodded.  "I'm a reader, but a very weak one.  I can only pick up thoughts that are focused."

Sal held out her hand, palm up.  "Do you wish it was better?  Can you handle the headache?"

He smiled as he took it.  "Yes and yes, Kaisae."

She entered his mind carefully and found a weakly developed skill nestled in his brain.  It wasn't that he didn't have the aptitude for it, but rather his skill had atrophied from lack of use.

"This is going to hurt," she said, then carefully pulled at the color of it, stretching and shifting it to lay more comfortably in his mind.  It took only a few seconds, but Aedryn was struggling to keep his feet.

"Clearer?" she asked.

He released her and dropped his eyes to the ground.  "I think I may have just seen a few things you didn't intend, Kaisae."

"It's Sal, and you're fine.  I can block you easily if I choose.  What you saw is something you should know."

"What did you leak?" Dom asked.

She grinned big enough to show both sets of canines.  "Grenso.  They don't talk about those things here, but I think the people might want to know."  She patted Aedryn on the shoulder and turned for the barn.  "Coffee helps with the bruise in your mind.  I need to see what trouble my pack is causing."

Nya whuffed.  "I'll catch up.  Need to get my sisters."

Sal lifted a hand as the bitch trotted away, her own feet heading for the stables.  Dom kept pace, bobbing his head like he was trying not to laugh.  Sal had to remind herself that this was his first time in this country, and Conglomerate ways were as foreign to him as Anglian ones had been to her only a year ago.  Things were so similar but subtly different, like the emphasis on propriety in the military.  In Anglia, they didn't worry as much about ranks and titles, since orders were given with a thought.  In the CFC, everything relied on regulations – and the Anglians were making a mockery of it all.

On the back side of the compound, the crowd was easy to find.  People spontaneously broke out in cheers only to groan in sympathy a moment later.  Dressed like casual soldiers, Sal and Dom slipped among them without much notice.  The Anglians offered a friendly smile, but that was all.  Granted, no one complained when the pair pushed toward the rail for a better view.

In the arena, Kolt was riding Sal's mare, Veil, bareback.  Zep walked beside him, a look of frustration on his face.  "No," he snapped.  "Stop fighting her and just relax.  You're not trying to be pretty, you're trying to stay on.  You have to compensate for her movements."

But it wasn't helping.  Kolt's hips were stiff, and he wobbled with each step.  Sal had seen him ride and knew that he could do it well enough with a saddle, but right now, he was concentrating on impressing Zep.  It wasn't working.  If anything, it was making things worse.  Every correction Zep made brought a rush of laughter from the audience, making Kolt even more frustrated.

She was just about to send him a thought of encouragement when a hand gently touched her back.  Sal glanced over her shoulder to find Blaz.  He tilted his head to the side and stepped back, signaling she should follow.  Without hesitation, she did, weaving her way toward the barn where all of their horses were kept.  He didn't stop until he was inside, then held up a finger, begging her to wait.

Not wanting to be overheard? she thought to him.

Chuckling, he ducked his head and nodded.  Still not used to it, I guess.  Keep forgetting that I can just think to you.

Yeah.  She took a deep breath and let her ears search for sounds, finding nothing inside.  Just us.  Whatcha need?

He flopped against the closest wall and let his head lean back.  We got orders.

Not going back to Ft. Landing?

No.  The pause stretched on too long.  The 112th is heading to the front line.  We're the only unit still intact, and we've been told that with the Dogs coming back, we need to organize the push against the Terran line.

Sal groaned and flopped beside him.  That's my fault.

I'm not blaming you, Sal.  It's what I signed up for.  I just wanted to let you know.  He glanced over, meeting her eyes easily.  And thank you for frying my brain.  Kinda nice to know I'll be able to do something if our guys get hurt out there.

And the grauori will help.  Murah is linked to them, so if you need them, just ask, ok?

Promise.  Then he leaned a little closer.  You still holding up?

Slowly, she slid down the wall until her rump found the ground.  Yeah, she thought, but it was weak.

Blaz joined her on the floor of the stable aisle, reaching over to wrap an arm around her shoulders.  You're doing good.  You know that, right?  You're making a difference, and you look strong and confident.  I know how much it hurts, but you aren't really showing it.

I am.  Without hesitation, she leaned her head into his shoulder.  All the sparring?  It's the only thing keeping me from breaking down.  If I have to concentrate on blocking the next shot, and I get to snap, growl, and beat the shit out of something, it just doesn't hurt as bad, but I miss him.

And you always will.  He ducked his head, looking at her through his lashes.  Always, Sal.  It gets easier, but it never goes away.  You just have to learn how to deal with the pain.  You have to accept that there's nothing wrong with still living because this entire continent needs you right now.

I know.

You say that, but I've been there.  He pulled her tighter for a second.  Living doesn't mean just fulfilling your duties, either.  It means loving and laughing.  It means doing all the things you would have done a month ago, just not with him.

She nodded.  I know.  I really do know that, Blaz, I'm just not there yet.  But sometimes I find myself laughing only to realize later that it even happened.

Good.  So promise me something?

Anything.

He tapped his head.  Use this.  If you need a shoulder, or just an ear to vent to, you'll reach out?  Murah says you could reach me on the other side of the world if you wanted to, so I'm holding you to that, ok?

Promise.  For the first time in a while, a little of the weight on her shoulders seemed to ease.  And I might ask the 112th for a few favors.

Oh?

To win the war, she clarified.  Because if you're going to be near Eastward, I'm going to use you to organize my push.  She took a deep breath, staring at the dust on the ground.  I'm going to make him pay, Blaz.  The grauori will listen to you and Rais, so use them if you need them, and we're going to push that bastard back into Terric and keep him there.

He dipped his head in acknowledgment.  Regardless of what happens between Anglia and the Conglomerate of Free Citizens, how about you and I make a deal right now?  Between you and me, let's agree to a complete and open alliance between the Black Blades and the 112th Mounted.  No borders, no countries, just two units committed to saving the people who never asked for any of this.  He offered his hand.  Deal?

She took it without hesitation.  Deal.  Above all else, our packs will be loyal to each other.  You know the iliri have a word for that?

No, what?

Friends.

He couldn't stop the smile.  Yeah.  I think I like the way your people think.

Chapter 18

Outside, the roar of the crowd died unexpectedly.  Sal shared a look with Blaz and the pair of them clambered to their feet, making their way to the back exit of the barn.  She wondered what could distract so many rowdy soldiers and, leaning out, saw a cluster of well-dressed men walking daintily toward the arena.  Representative Toth was at the front, watching his shoes to avoid stepping in anything the horses may have left behind.  She couldn't help it; she giggled.

"The leaders of the Conglomerate of Free Citizens are scared of horse shit," she whispered.

Beside her, Blaz chuckled as he ducked back inside.  "You would be too if you spent that much for your shoes."

"It comes off!"

"This from the woman with months-old blood still encrusted in her armor?  Do you even own clothing that isn't black?"

Biting her lip, she glanced at him slyly.  "Maybe."

"Kaisae?" Arctic called in her direction.  "I think these humans want to speak with you."

Blaz waved her out of the barn.  "I'd rather they didn't know about our talk," he hissed.

So she lifted her chin and stepped out, keeping her eyes on Arctic.  "Where's Dom and Nya?"

"Right here," Dom said from the rail.  "Nya's on her way."

Gesturing for the King to join her, Sal headed toward the Representatives.  She refused to look back, knowing Blaz would slip out the other side of the barn with none the wiser, but his last words made her wonder.  How much had things changed since she'd gone to Anglia?  Would Parliament really make things difficult for them if they knew how close the 112th was to the Black Blades?  Unfortunately, there was no way to find out, and she had a treaty to get signed.

"Can I help you, Representatives?" she asked just as Nya cantered up from the barracks.

Toth looked at the soldiers clustered around them.  "I think we should have this talk in private, Kaisae."

"No."  Sal waved that away.  "I think we should have this talk here, with the people who are dying for our countries.  They are the ones who deserve to hear it."

He turned to the men behind him.  One by one they nodded, some without care, others reluctantly.  Toth seemed to grow more annoyed with each man's acceptance.  "We were hoping you would return to Parliament with us to discuss the final details of our alliance," he tried again.

She just crossed her arms over her chest.  "I've made Anglia's position very clear.  If you want our help, then you'll give me the tools to protect my people.  Diplomatic immunity for all Anglian soldiers and necessary personnel.  Permission to enter the Conglomerate of Free Citizens as needed to protect our alliance from outside threats.  Complete authorization over the combined offensive against Terric, and Parliament will open the doors to the audience hall in your building, granting access to iliri citizens of the CFC so they may hear the leaders of Anglia address them directly."

"And if we give you these blanket privileges, how do we protect our own people from you, Kaisae?  How do we limit your power?  I hear your kind are known to go insane on a regular basis."  The smug twist to his mouth was intended to be offensive.

"As I mentioned before, this country is built on checks and balances.  Assign a general to approve my orders.  Set it up so that a vote from Military Command can remove my control.  I don't really care, Representative.  I'm just telling you that if you bog me down in politics, I can't help you.  If you make this all about what species we were born, then you might as well tie my hands.  Anglia will still win.  The question is how badly damaged the Conglomerate will get before you let me help."

From the side, another voice joined their discussion.  "Make her run everything through General Sturmgren.  I think he's the only general who isn't intimidated by her."  Both Sal and Toth looked to see Raj Jozefo leaning against the arena rail.  He shrugged, refusing to pretend he hadn't said it.  "Sturmgren designed the elite forces.  He's one of the most decorated military officers I know of.  And," Raj lifted his chin slightly, "he's completely loyal to the CFC."

"Would that meet your criteria?" Toth asked.  "Say we give General Sturmgren authorization to veto any order you give, would you accept that limitation, or are you just looking for an easy way to get your hands on the best soldiers on the continent?"

It wasn't hard to figure out what Raj was doing.  For many years, Azure Silence had been the elite unit most loyal to the Blue Party.  He was using that to help her, to make up for the mistakes he'd made in the past.  The trick would be pretending that she wasn't pleased with the idea.

She looked at Dom, then Nya.  When they both nodded, she turned to the mass of soldiers around them, many in blue.  "I know the General.  I honestly believe that he's more interested in winning this war than any foolish politics, so yes.  I'll work with him as my second."

Toth nodded but he still didn't look happy.  "Well, I for one am not willing to just give you complete control over our military.  Conglomerate soldiers are the best on the continent, and I'm sure access to them is a treat your kind could only dream of."

Beside Sal, Nya's hair was lifting along the back of her neck and a slow rumbling was just starting.  Sal reached down, her fingertips just brushing the young grauori's shoulders as a warning to stay calm.  "Toth, having fought beside these men, I can assure you it will be a privilege to do so again.  With that said, my goals are bigger than that.  I'm here to make sure all the soldiers my kind put back together get to enjoy their newfound health.  I want to give both of our people a chance to know true peace, and I think we can do that together."

All around her, men in blue and green were nodding.  Sal didn't even need to look to know it.  She could smell their approval and their hope.

"Pretty words," Toth shot back.  "Just like the rumors of your success.  Do you really expect us to believe that your army goes against Terric and loses no more than a handful of soldiers?  It's propaganda!  It's also impossible.  Not even Anglia, with your supposedly superior numbers, can take out thousands of soldiers and only lose a few dozen."

She took a deep breath, trying to remember exactly how Blaec acted when the accusations started flying.  Regal.  That's what she needed to be.  "Then talk to the soldiers we've healed already, Representatives.  While we've been waiting for Parliament to figure out how to agree on anything, my pack has been healing your soldiers.  A few units worth, I believe, and we asked for nothing in return.  We just made them whole again.  Ask them if it's propaganda."

"Fine.  Show me one."

Around them, people started moving closer.  The Conglomerate politicians shifted nervously, but Sal just smiled.  Every day, she'd seen the number of bodies in the courtyard slowly growing.  Every evening, the mess hall was just a little more packed.  As Risk, Raast, and Shift healed the CFC soldiers, they'd been released to rejoin their units, and now, those same soldiers were stepping forward to show their appreciation.

"I had a septic gut wound," a woman called out, tapping her abdomen.  "Was listed as critical with a fifty percent chance of survival.  The beast held my hand and fixed it.  I don't know how, but our doctors assure me there's no wound or infection that they can detect."

"Got trampled in a charge," another man announced.  From the scar on his face, he'd been hit a few times.  "Had eight broken bones, including my leg.  They said I'd make a full recovery in six months.  The Black Blade touched me and made that more like a few minutes.  Nearly puked my guts up, and still came out with this scar, but the bones are back together, and I'm fine now, sir."

Others began to call out their own stories.  The Representatives who'd come over with Toth were listening.  A few shook their heads in disbelief, but they were in the minority.  At least four men just listened, looking from soldier to soldier.  She could only hope that meant they were willing to change their minds.

"For generations," Sal said, speaking over the buzz of stories, "my species hid our abilities.  We refused to let you know what we could do because you'd turn us into machines.  In this country, iliri get two options.  We can either be your slaves or the bodies you sacrifice so humans don't get hurt.  You considered us expendable, so we had no reason to share our tricks with you.  I'm changing that."

"And what do you expect to get back?" From the way Toth looked at her, it was clear he thought she was the real enemy.

Sal raised her voice so it would carry.  "Peace.  Freedom.  All the iliri have ever wanted was the right to our own lives.  Anglia has given us that, but Terric wants to take it back.  And that, Representative Toth, is why I want to destroy him.  You?  I couldn't care less about what you think.  I just want this war to end so we can learn what it's like to truly be free and equal citizens somewhere."  She flicked her ears forward and cocked her head slightly.  "Hate me all you want, but we're working toward the exact same thing.  We both want to defeat Terric."

"Yeah?"  He huffed out his annoyance.  "The problem is that I don't believe a walking, talking beast can do it.  I think giving you control of our military is the fastest way to destroy what's left of the Conglomerate's military strength.  I think that your feral little mind will get so wrapped up in chasing the prey that you'll kill hundreds of humans – humans you admit you don't care about.  I think the only thing this alliance will accomplish is the death knell of our great country!"

Toth ended his diatribe by throwing his hands up and storming back toward the compound exit.  Two other Representatives followed.  The rest stood there in shock.  Like a herd of confused sheep, they looked between themselves, each one hoping for a sign of what to do.  Eventually, most of them left.  Most.  Two men hung behind, waiting until their companions were well out of earshot.

"Kaisae?" the older of the pair asked, offering his bare hand.  "Kalt Sherin.  Blue Party Representative for Merriton, which I hear is your hometown."

She couldn't stop her ears from flicking back, but she did accept his hand.  Their skin touched.  His flesh was cold, clammy, but the visions in her head were filled with honest confusion.  He wanted to believe in human superiority, but he'd seen enough to make him question it.  Mostly, from that one touch, she knew that this man was willing to do anything to save his country, just like she was.

"Representative Sherin," Sal said respectfully as she released his hand.  "It seems you have questions."

The man chuckled as he rubbed his fingers with the opposite hand.  "That really is unsettling," he muttered to himself before meeting her eyes like a typical human.  "And yes, I have a lot of questions, but only one that's truly important.  How do we know we can trust you?"

For a long moment, she looked at him.  For her entire life, she'd wanted the chance to make humans understand.  In the last year, she'd been doing that, but it was different with Anglians.  They hadn't started out hating her.  They'd known almost nothing about the iliri.  This man was different.  He'd been raised to think of her as a monster, as just another animal to use when he needed and discard when he didn't.  For the first time in her life, she could finally make him understand, and he was giving her the chance.

"I need a bench," Sal told him, pitching her voice so the soldiers around would hear.

"Here, Kaisae," Zep called out, pointing to a place beside the arena.  "Guys, give the politicians some space.  They don't like crowds."

And just like that, a path opened up.  Sal gestured to the rough wooden bench, moving to take one side for herself.  Obediently, Sherin took the other.  His associate stood awkwardly beside them, watching the whole thing.

"Ok," Sal said.  "I am going to show you.  You'll want to be sitting because I hear this can be very disorienting for humans.  You will feel a light appear and grow at the front of your mind.  It's like a flame, but it has no heat, only knowledge.  Poke at it.  Look at it.  The memories you'll see are mine."  Then she offered her hand.  "Be aware that our senses are a little different from yours, but this is just a memory."

Nodding slowly, he reached up, pausing before he clasped her pale hand.  As carefully as she could, Sal fed him her thoughts.  She let him feel the desperation of slavery, showing him the first time she knew she would do anything to be free.  Her plans to become a soldier – the best soldier the CFC had seen – and prove to humans that she was more than a beast were all wrapped in it.  From there she moved to becoming a Black Blade and the pride that came with it.  That became the horror of finding crates filled with iliri heads.  People just like her, slaughtered to become trophies, and the knowledge that her only chance to save herself from that fate was to stop the Emperor's push across the known world.

Then she let him taste the joy of Anglia, the euphoria of freedom, and the weight of knowing she had to share this.  She hid nothing from this man, not the times she'd debated just hiding away, nor the disgust she held for those who'd treated her so cruelly.  He wanted to know if he could trust her, so she gave him everything.  And then she showed him the face of the Emperor himself, the feel of his mind, and the pain of losing Blaec, all wrapped up with the awareness that the only way to make sure she never felt like that again was to destroy Terric as a whole.

Sherin gasped and jerked back, wrenching his hand from Sal's.  The other politician jumped forward just as a dozen blue-clad soldiers reached for their weapons, but Sherin waved them off.  The man sucked back deep breaths, unable to speak, but he waved them down again before wiping at his face.

"What..." he managed to pant.

"I tried to limit the pain," she said softly, "but that's the price we pay.  That's what happens when you tear up our packs, when you try to legislate us to being something we never can.  I'm not human.  That's what it feels like when an iliri loses someone, and it's going to keep happening, over and over, until Makiel is dead and his country has something else to desire.  That, Representative Sherin, is but the smallest glimpse of why I'm fighting so hard to stop this man."

"Jakin," he tried, looking up at the other politician before clearing his throat.  "They're not beasts.  She's..."  He exhaled, puffing out his cheeks while rubbing at his brow.  "She doesn't care about us at all, but the Emperor is going to die.  I could see her plans, but I couldn't understand them.  I just know that..."  Again, he cleared his throat.  "She knows how to fix all of this, and it's crawling all over her skin.  I know that doesn't make sense, but I felt it."  No matter how he tried to keep his voice calm, awe filled it.

"So you trust her?" Jakin asked.

Sherin took another deep breath, then turned back to Sal.  "One last thing.  Show me what you want to happen to the CFC when you're done?"  Trembling, he held his palm up.

She accepted the touch.  This time, the memories of her daydreams were easier.  She let him see pale-skinned people working beside nearly black humans.  She showed visions of caravans heading north, taking the dissatisfied to Anglia, and smiling iliri opening storefronts where they could share their abilities.  Flashes of military units made of crossbreds, using their abilities to strengthen their country, and humans growing rich with the new skills of their neighbors were all there.  It was the future she hoped for, but one she couldn't do alone.  In the end, she left him with a dream of Anglia's three nations sitting proudly beside Parliament at the next Alliance meeting, bickering vehemently about each country's priorities as they worked out trade agreements for peacetime.

This time, when Sherin pulled his hand away, he was smiling.  "Kaisae, I doubt I'll be able to change Representative Toth's mind, but Jakin and I will do our best to get the votes.  I believe you.  I believe you can help us, but it's going to take a few more days.  We were told you're leaving, but can you give me two more days to get the votes?"

"I'll give you three," she promised, since she'd planned to stay that long anyway.  "Representative Sherin, I'm here because I really do want to help.  This used to be my home, after all."

"Yeah," he breathed, nodding.  "I know.  I felt it.  Kaisae, our opinions about the iliri will probably never be the same, but I'll do everything I can to make this happen because I believe that you really are the Conglomerate's last chance to save ourselves."

Chapter 19

Later, after the politicians were long gone, Zep's riding lesson was over, and the CFC soldiers were back to doing something that seemed like work, Sal found herself with nothing else to do.  She'd already been to Parliament that morning.  The rest of her pack were busy with training or some self-appointed task.  As crazy as the week had been, somehow she found herself with nothing else that needed her attention.

In other words, she was sitting in her suite, cradling a book on the iliri mythology behind ayati.  It should have been interesting, but each time she started to get into it, a noise pulled her right back out.  She was still just a little too tense, too ready for something bad to happen, and not even Jase's calming presence could make it better.  She'd just given up and tossed the book back on the table before her couch when someone tapped at the door.  Reaching out, Sal felt Rayna.

"Come!"

Her best friend stepped in with a grin on her face.  "Cyno says you're free."

Sal looked over at her mate.  "Oh?"

Chuckling, he raised his eyes from his own book.  "I can na read with ya sighing like that.  Besides, ya have a date."

More like paying for a lost bet.  "I owe you dinner, right?" Sal asked Rayna.

She nodded.  "Yep.  Guttertown.  For the first time in my life, I get to see the reality of what we did to the iliri."  She gave Sal a sympathetic look.  "And it sounds like you need to talk."

"Don't wait up.  Girls are gonna have some fun," she told Jase as she shoved her feet into her boots.

"Right."  He smiled sweetly at her, then pointed to her belt.  "Take yer weapons."

"Always," Sal promised, bending to kiss him.

When she was dressed and armed, the two ladies made their way down the stairs, across the courtyard, and out of the base.  The whole way, Rayna kept glancing over, appraising Sal, but until they were well out of earshot, neither said a word.  They didn't think one either, well aware that their linkers didn't need to know everything.

"You ok?" Rayna finally asked.  "I've been worried about you."

Sal shrugged.  "Ok is a good word.  I just miss him, and I can't seem to stop."

"Yeah."  Rayna dropped her arm over Sal's shoulder.  "I know.  That wasn't quite what I'd planned our date to be about, but I'll listen.  I just want to know how you're doing.  The Blades are all tense and serious, and that's not like your kind, so I know something's going on in your head."

"We're serious."

Rayna made a disparaging noise.  "You're spontaneous.  Iliri go from killing to laughing at the drop of a hat.  That's probably the farthest thing from serious I can imagine.  Doesn't mean you aren't good, or whatever, but serious is all calm and devious, like..."

"Blaec," Sal finished for her.  "I think too much knowledge has that effect."

"You really think he knew?"

She nodded, watching the ground change from dense stone to dusty clay as they left the human district.  "I know he did.  I felt it, but he lied to me.  He said there was a chance that I could save him."

"You did."

Sal's feet faltered as her head jerked up.  That sounded a little too much like what Kolt had told her the day before.  "What?"

Rayna rubbed her shoulder.  "You did save him, so it wasn't a lie.  He was half human.  He didn't get maast.  He didn't know how to throw himself blindly into a cause.  Blaec worried about death and pain.  Once overheard him and Pig talking about the worst ways to die, and..."  She chewed at her lip.  "You saved him."

"What was it?"

With a sigh, Rayna stopped.  Tensa's diner was only a few steps farther, and this was not a conversation for public.  "He told Pig that the worst thing he could imagine was screaming in fear as he was tortured.  Letting the enemy take the last of his pride and him not having a way to fight back.  He wanted to die like a hero, silently, giving Terric nothing to boast about."

Sal's ears hung limply.  The description was too accurate.  "When?"

Her best friend knew exactly what she meant.  "I dunno, a year before you became a Blade?  It was a while ago.  Audgan said you didn't let him feel a thing.  He said you saved his pride, which mattered more than anything else, even as you gave up your last seconds with him and your chance to say good-bye."  She rubbed both of Sal's shoulders.  "You did save him, Sal."

Her eyes slipped closed, and she leaned forward, hugging Rayna.  It was the only way to show her relief.  "He had a choice."  She pulled back and took a deep breath, trying to accept it.  "A lot of them, but they came one after the other."

"Gonna explain?"

Sal nodded, feeling the weight lifting from her shoulders.  "He could accept me into the Blades, or not.  He could have let me die on my first mission, or warn me.  He could have refused to send me to Anglia.  Every major point in my life was a decision Blaec had to make, at least for the last two years.  I just can't help but wonder how long he knew?  If he was talking about his death back then, does that mean he knew when we met?  Would he have lived longer if he'd failed me out of the Blades?"

"Fuck," Rayna breathed.  "That's a lot to deal with."

"I know.  That's how his whole life was, Ray."

"Yeah."

"He knew.  Even before I had any idea what was happening, he knew how he could die, and it was the worst thing he could imagine."  She grabbed the door and held it, letting Rayna go first.  "Which means he didn't lie."

"Is that..." Rayna dropped her voice.  "Is that what's been eating at you?"

"Yeah.  If he lied in my mind, then how many times had he done it before, you know?  But, he didn't, so I guess it's ok.  He didn't mean save his life but save his memory – his pride, I guess.  I just didn't understand until now."  She followed Rayna into the second set of doors, pausing in the foyer.

"Glad I could help, even if it still sucks," Rayna said, rubbing the top of Sal's head just behind her ears.  Beyond, the building fell silent.  Rayna jerked her hand back with a groan.  "Sorry."

Sal could smell the tension and hear the whispers.  All eyes were locked on Rayna, and the sugar of her human ancestry was easy to detect.  Everyone else in the building was iliri, or at least mostly iliri.  To them, one more human was flaunting their pet, but the crowd had been beat down too many times to do more than glower.

Before Sal could assure her that it was fine, a lean blonde stormed forward.  Her eyes were slit, just like a cat's, and they were locked on Rayna.  She didn't even try to hide the snarl, and if her ears had been set higher, they would have been pinned to her skull.  "We do not serve your kind," she growled.

Rayna shrugged.  "Rumors say different, and I owe my friend a meal."

"I owe you," Sal corrected.  "I lost the bet, my friend."

The waitress's head snapped over and her eyes narrowed.  This time, her words weren't in Glish.  "You owe the Ace nothing.  If she doesn't leave, we will make her, or they will never see her again."

Rayna chuckled, having understood every word.  In near perfect Iliran, she responded, "I believe that is the Kaisae's call, not yours.  Submit to her, or I will make you.  I know my place.  Do you, ilus?"

"She is not an ilus," Sal said in Glish.  "I have not yet awarded her that right."

Rayna's head snapped over.  "You'd withhold it?"

Sal's eyes were locked on the girl.  "If she disrespects my best friend, yes, I certainly would."  Deep in her chest, she allowed her growl to rumble as she stepped closer.  "Umso, little girl.  I assure you, my people will stand for me before you, even if a human is the reason.  The Consort is my friend, and she may touch me as she chooses.  It is not your place to say otherwise."

With each word, the blonde pulled into herself, her eyes locked on the ground.  Sal took the last step, but a high-pitched laugh broke the moment.  From the far side of the counter, another blonde was watching, and she made no effort to hide her amusement.

"Laetus, Kaisae.  Linaeryx has yet to learn."  This woman's smile was honest and her face was familiar to Sal.  Her name was Ryali.  The last time they'd met, she'd been Zep's lover.  "Is this one as well trained as the last?"

Sal grinned and stepped around the girl cowering before her.  "Better.  This one speaks our language.  I promised her a good meal since she rolled me, yesterday."

A collective gasp carried through the crowd, proving the citizens were still listening intently.  Sal's smile just grew.  Behind her, Rayna giggled, understanding exactly what Sal had just done.  Neither of them were willing to share the details of the fight, but the iliri didn't really need to know that.

"Then come," Ryali said.  "I have a table for you and your sweet-smelling friend."

Rayna grabbed Sal's shoulders and trailed after her, weaving between the well-spaced tables.  "They serve maerte?"

Ryali's head snapped around, but Sal giggled.  "No, Ray.  That's something only cooked at home in this country."

"Not even at Tensa's?  I mean, takes an escort to get in the door, and we all know it's not safe for my kind to come here without an invitation.  Figured it'd be available if requested."

"Why?" Sal teased.  "Want some?"

"Want to not become some, and you're starving."  She laughed and slid into the booth Ryali indicated, still going.  "Truth is, Tyr bet that was the secret to Tensa's success.  If not maerte, then what's the meal that's so amazing here?"

"All of it," Sal said, taking the other side.  "The dog is tender, the horse is succulent, and Tensa has a way with lamb."

"Venison," Ryali suggested.  "Zep always liked it."

Rayna looked up at the waitress.  "You know Zep?"

Ryali made a point of taking a deep breath, proving she was tasting their scent.  "I do.  I also smell him."

Sal hadn't even thought about that.  The last time Zep had been here, he'd left quickly, intending to come back.  "That's me," she admitted.

"He is a good man."  Ryali sounded honest, without any hint of bitterness.  "He always smelled like desire around you."

"Even I could tell," Rayna said.  "And I'll try the venison, unless you have a better suggestion."

"Dog," Sal ordered.  "I think Rayna would enjoy the lavender, but I have a fondness for the lighter blue."

The girl nodded.  "I can do that.  And Tensa wants you to know that she has people ready, as soon as you are."

"Good.  Once we know how this alliance goes, we'll know how fast we need to move.  I'm not leaving my people here, Ryali.  I swear."

The waitress smiled.  "We know, Kaisae.  I've been spreading my own stories.  We will follow you wherever you lead."  Dipping her head, she took one step back and turned, leaving them alone once again.

She was barely around the corner before Rayna couldn't help herself.  "Colors?"

"Drinks.  Tensa uses extracts and sugars to make beverages that suit us but are more than just water.  Some bubble, others don't."

"Nice."  Rayna shifted to sit sideways, looking over the rest of the diner.  "Know what gets me?"

"Nope."

"Them.  I'll have to ask permission to bring Dom back, but I think he should see this.  After living with Anglia, I can't imagine seeing iliri like this.  They're so..."

"Broken," Sal finished.  "I know.  I was just like them, once."

"Is that why you want to get them out so bad?"

Sal nodded.  "This is the only place where they're raised to feel proud of what they are.  Elsewhere, they're taught that they're just beasts."

"That's not pride, Sal."  Rayna's eyes roamed across the silent groups.  "This looks like a concentration camp."

"It is, and this is the proudest group of iliri in the Conglomerate of so-called Free Citizens.  The first time I came here?  I thought this was a haven for our kind."

"Yeah, well fuck the CFC.  I'll take all of their trash and turn it into jewels."  She turned to face Sal once more.  "Back in Myrosica, I didn't get it.  I mean, I knew this was the right thing to do, but I didn't have a damned clue.  Now?  I'm the Consort of Anglia, and I'll make sure Dom declares war on this country before I leave my fellow citizens to suffer like this."

The vehemence in her voice was shocking.  Sal grabbed her hand across the table, stunned at the intensity of it.  "Ray?"

"Sorry," Rayna grumbled.

Sal just shook her head.  "It matters.  You make this better.  I'm proud to call you a friend and equal."

Chapter 20

Ryali's shocked noise made them both look up.  The girl had her hands full of drinks and her eyes wide, but Rayna didn't give her a chance to say anything.  "I'll never be your equal, Sal.  Jase's, maybe.  I'm the Ahnor of the Anglian humans, not a kaisae, let alone the kind with the capital letter.  I know my place."

"Ahnor is for men," Ryali said.

Rayna shrugged.  "For iliri.  Humans work the other way around.  Our ruler is male and I'm his first mate.  What other title would you give it?

"Oh."

Sal couldn't help herself.  "Planning on getting a Dernor?"

Rayna laughed.  "C'mon, Sal, you know I'm all kinky like that.  Figure as good as it is for you, might work out well enough for me."  She looked back to Ryali.  "Thank you, ilus."

"My pleasure, Consort."  She turned, took two steps, then paused.  "I do not think it would be the same for humans.  We share different."

"My humans are linked," Sal said.

The waitress giggled.  "Then maybe it would work the same.  I would be interested to hear."

Rayna roared out a laugh, nodding at the girl.  "I'll tell you first!"  She glanced over and changed her mind.  "Second.  Sal first.  Ok, so, how does that work anyway?"  The waitress didn't wait around to hear the answer.

Sal, however, leaned closer.  "You'd share Dom like that?"

"Dunno.  Never had a reason to try, but now I'm thinking about it, and you know human males have an obsession with that.  I figure why not, right?"  She flicked her brows up playfully.  "So what happens with three guys in the same bed?"

Sal groaned.  "I don't know."

Rayna just looked at her, refusing to blink.  "Jase, Zep, and Kolt.  You mean you haven't tried that?"

"The thing with Kolt was just because my mates weren't around.  I almost ate Blaz."

"And?" Rayna asked.  "C'mon, Sal.  We both know better.  I took that boy home and he passed out on me."

"What?!"

Rayna's smile faltered, and she searched Sal's face.  "You didn't know?"

"I knew you made your way through the best looking elites."

"And Kolt is one!"  Rayna shoved her hair back, slowly nodding her head.  "No one told you?  I mean, it's not a secret that I took Kolt home.  Was pretty damned impressed with myself for getting him to agree to it."

"Wasn't their story," Sal pointed out.

Rayna waved that away.  "Humans, Sal.  We love to talk.  Thing is, he got drunk.  The other day, he admitted it was on purpose.  I mean, passed out drunk kinda drunk."

"Isn't that hard, depending on what he was drinking."  She paused.  "Did they tell you why?"

Her eyes narrowed slightly, proving Rayna was holding something back.  "Kinda.  Zep said he can't get it up, and that it has to do with scent."

Sal nodded.  "Males breed up.  Females breed for quality.  For the guys, the scent of sugar is a turn-off, and any woman more human smells too sweet.  Shorts out the goods unless they're in bloodlust."

"Ok...  So why aren't you screwing Kolt?  Has to be some serious quality there.  I mean, he's better looking than Arctic, and that's fucking impressive."

"Is he?"  Sal honestly wanted Rayna's opinion.

She smiled and nodded.  "Yes.  He has all of the angular features of the iliri but the heavy muscles of a human.  Enik Kolton is considered one of the best looking men in the elite forces, and he's always had his own fan club.  I always thought he was a slut."

"He's not."

Rayna giggled.  "I know that now.  Zep kinda gave Blaz and I a crash course.  So why aren't you doing him?  From the sounds of it, the tension between you two is thick enough to cut with a sword."

Sal's eyes fell to the table and her ears sagged.  "Blaec."

Rayna didn't give her time to fall back into that sadness.  "But it already happened once."

All she could do was shrug.  "It's different with him."

"Nope, that isn't gonna do."  Rayna grabbed Sal's chin and lifted it until their eyes met, just like Kolt so often did.  "Sal, you're spilling the beans on this one.  It's just us, and there's no way in hell I'm gonna leak your stories, but you need a girl to talk to and I'm dying to know."

This time, she flicked an ear at approaching waitress so Rayna would know why she wasn't answering.  They paused while Ryali handed out their meal and sampled it, making sure the cook knew it was good enough.  When the girl left, Rayna was right back at her as if they hadn't been interrupted.

"He's the reason I wanted a girl's night," Rayna explained.  "Jase told me you're thinking yourself into a circle, and Kolt's started snarling and snapping at everyone since we got to Prin."

Sal shoved a bite of dog into her face.  "It's kinda nice to not have to hide it.  He had to pretend to be human for a long time."

"Pretty sure that's not all.  Blaz said something about seven years ago was when you met him."

"In Merriton."  She grabbed her glass and took a sip.  "I was a slave, and my master used me to bribe soldiers to give him really good rates on caravan escorts."

"That's how you met Kolt?"

Nodding, Sal took another bite.  "Yeah.  Tried to seduce him and he said no.  I didn't realize he smelled so nice because he's iliri.  I just knew that he made me curl up next to him and sleep.  He refused to do anything more, and he swore it would be our secret."  She chuckled, her eyes focused on the memories of that night.  "He told me about the Black Blades.  I didn't realize he was on his way to a trial.  I just thought it sounded like a taste of freedom and decided I wanted to be one, one day."

"Hey."  Rayna rubbed her arm.  "I know it's not the same, and all that iliri shit you tell me, but if you ever wanna talk about the ones who didn't stop, I'll listen."

Sal shrugged.  "I prefer to not think of them.  But that's the thing about Kolt, ya know?"

"Not at all," Rayna assured her.  "Every time I think I get it, I realize I don't, so why don't you just tell me."

Knowing it was true, Sal laughed.  "Ok.  See, back then, it felt like Kolt saved me.  He showed me that I was a person, not just a thing, and it made me think.  So I started to plan.  I decided to get conscripted, and then I'd become an elite.  I had this whole thing laid out in my head.  I mean, I wanted to be a Black Blade, but by that time, they were the best in the CFC, so my chances were slim.  Elites and iliri didn't mix."

"So we thought."

"Right.  But, Kolt has this necklace.  It's made of stones that smell like steel, and when we ran that op for the fourth load of the Emperor's ingots?  He was assigned to my group.  He smelled like something I should remember, but so much like a human that I didn't get it."

"Still took a bolt for him."  Rayna tapped her bicep.  "The guys told me."

"Dumb-fuck was gonna get shot in the back because he couldn't see behind him.  He showed me respect, Ray.  It was the least I could do.  It wasn't until we were partway back from the Emperor's camp that I caught him without the necklace on."  Sal paused.

Rayna looked up for the waitress.  Finding nothing, she realized Sal just needed a moment.  "Not gonna judge you.  I already promised that."

"I used to daydream about him," Sal finally said.  "Every time humans shoved me around, I thought about the man who'd acted like I mattered.  I didn't even know what that meant, but I felt it.  I knew that he'd been so sweet, and he was so beautiful.  In my mind, he was perfection, and then I found him hauling my ass out of the Emperor's camp, and I didn't know what to do."

"Why not?"

"Because he's not the man I made up.  He's Kolt, an iliri who pretended to be human, and is sweet, and honest, and gorgeous, but also rude and arrogant.  He's not the magical officer I made up when I needed him.  He never walked into my office to yell at the Sergeant.  He never beat the shit out of the guys who threw garbage at me.  Those things were just my fantasies, and I need to figure out which one is really Syrik."

"So why aren't you doing something to figure it out?  I mean, you're keeping the man at arm's length."

Sal leaned back and rubbed at her face.  "Because I've already killed one man.  They die for me, Ray, and Makiel isn't going to stop.  He's going to keep coming and coming at all of us until the iliri are dead or I give in."

"And Kolt won't care if he's your lover or just a brother."  Rayna took another bite, talking around it.  "Sal, he'll die for you.  Bastard's as bad as Zep, and right now, all he's getting is the cold shoulder.  If you're sleeping with him – or not.  If you're in love with him – or not.  None of that matters to him.  He'll still be one of a very long line between you and the Emperor of Terric.  I know, because I'll be right there beside him."

"I don't want to get anyone else killed."

"Babe, that's not an option anymore.  If we quit, he'll kill all of these people."  Rayna gestured at the full diner.  "The only chance we have is to be stronger, closer, and smarter than him.  Risk, Raast, Shift, and a few hundred grauori are a damned good start to helping these people, but don't you dare think that shutting him out is going to give him a long life.  That's not how war works, sweetie."

"I know."

"Do you?"  Rayna dipped her head to meet Sal's eyes.  "Do you just know that, or do you honestly understand what I'm saying?  This shit sucks, and the only thing that makes it a little better are the friends, family, and lovers we get while we struggle through it.  Don't you dare become like Blaec, thinking that a cold heart will keep everyone else safe."

Those words knocked the wind from her.  She'd said them too many times herself not to know how very true they were.  "I'm trying, Ray."

"I know, and you're allowed to grieve, or whatever it is that iliri do, but I'll keep pushing you as long as I have to.  I'm your best friend, Sal.  This is my job, and no matter what humans think, I've already figured out that each of your mates bolsters some part of you.  Losing Blaec hurt.  Hell, it hurt for all of us, but losing his strength?"

Sal nodded.  "I know."  Then she slowly lifted her eyes, meeting her best friend's without judgment.  "I know Blaec had his issues, but I needed him.  I needed someone to make me feel like I was more than just a worthless slave and he gave me that.  Now?  Blaec is dead and Kolt just shows up?  It's too soon, Ray."

"It's not.  Dead is dead."  Ray reached over and patted Sal's hand.  "That may be cruel, but it's also true, and you need to wrap your little white head around that, ok?  You thought your way out of being a slave, worked your way up to being an elite, and proved you deserve to have that flimsy little crown on your head that means so much to these people.  Sal, if anyone can bounce back from the shit the world keeps heaping on her, it's you.  You're the most resilient person I've ever met..."  She trailed off, then chuckled at herself so softly Sal almost missed it.  "Wanna know a secret?"

Sal nodded.  "Sure."

"I kinda look up to you.  I mean, I'm glad I never had to deal with the stuff you've lived through, but I wish I could be half as strong.  I wish I could be just a little more like you because you're not just an inspiration to the iliri.  I think you're just flat out amazing, ok?  I've never had a friend like you before.  Someone who just accepts me as I am, and I really like it, so I'm doing my best to be that right back."

"You are!" Sal assured her, reaching out the clasp Rayna's wrist across the table.  "Ray, you're my best friend, and to me that means a lot."

Rayna nodded, smiling down at the table before she reached up to scrub at her face.  "Good.  Because I'm going to push you.  I think that's what you need, so I'm just gonna get all up in your personal life and keep on pushing until you tell me to back off.  Don't think I've forgotten how you forced me into accepting that it's ok to be a soldier and the Consort."  She plastered on a grin and gave Sal a pointed look.  "So, take this as my honest opinion.  Stop doing what you think should be right, and start listening to yourself a little more.  Do what feels right, because ayati has to owe you a little bit of happiness by now."

"But I already have Jase and Zep, and they made me so happy."

Rayna's smile softened, but she still lifted one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug.  "And they seem to like Kolt.  I mean, if that doesn't say something, I'm not sure what does.  Now finish eating while you think about that.  I wanna pick up my armor and do a little shopping before we head back."

Sal pushed a piece of meat into her mouth.  "K, and I am trying.  I got Kolt a present.  Figure it's a good time to give it to him since Arctic keeps putting him on my guard."

"Yeah?"

"Ringmail, just like the suit Blaec got me for Anglia."

Rayna groaned.  "Oh, that's evil.  I am definitely going to check out his ass in that shit.  Oh, damn, Sal.  I think that's a present to every woman in Anglia."  She took a drink then pushed her glass away.  "And you're giving it to him when we get back.  Alone.  No more avoiding him."

"Ray."

She shook her head.  "Talk it out, fuck it out, or whatever, but no more avoiding.  It's time for the Kaisae of all iliri to stop trying to act like a human."

"I dunno if I can do that," Sal mumbled.

Rayna sighed.  "Salryc Luxx, you are not a human.  Even I know that iliri are pretty damned good at just laying things out there, all blunt like.  So, try that.  If you fuck it up, I'll fix it – but I have a funny feeling that talking is probably going to do a whole lot more good for you than not talking ever has."  She paused, waiting for Sal to nod.  "Just try it?"

Sal shrugged.  "Not like I have anything left to lose, right?"

"Maybe it's more that you have a brother's trust to gain.  I think he's earned that, if nothing else."

"Yeah," she admitted, refusing to meet Rayna's eyes.  Kolt had more than proved himself to her.  Time and time again, he'd been there just when she needed him most.  Maybe it was time for her to try returning the favor and be a little less selfish.  "Thanks, Ray.  You're the only one who seems willing to tell me when I'm being a complete bitch."

"Always," Rayna promised.  "That's what best friends are for, and I expect you to return the favor as often as you need to."

"Promise."

Chapter 21

It was dark when she jogged up the stairs to the regular soldier's quarters.  Standing below with her arms crossed, Rayna waited, making sure Sal didn't back out and that no one got the opportunity to jump her alone.  Sal knew her best friend was there but tried hard to ignore her.  So, holding the package in her hands, she used her foot to tap at the door.

Inside, something moved, footsteps came closer, then a mental touch brushed her mind.  A split second later, Kolt opened the door with a smile on his face.

"Kaisae."

His black fatigues hung low on his hips and his chest was bare.  The scent of ozone drifted from him like the prelude to a storm, begging Sal to breathe deeply, but she resisted.  Her pride couldn't handle that.  Not yet.  Instead, she lifted the package and cocked her head slightly.

"Presents."

A single laugh came out, but he accepted the box.  When the weight hit, his brow creased.  "Why are you getting me a present?"

"Comes with the tattoo.  Open it and you'll understand."

So he did.  Leaning one shoulder against the door frame, Kolt lifted the lid – then paused.  It took him a moment to realize what he was seeing.  Pooled in the box, the armor looked like little more than a pile of beads.  The rings were so small and delicate that they flowed like water and fit the soldiers like a second skin.

The suit was elaborately decorated and designed to look as impressive as it worked.  Unfortunately, it was also a nightmare to clean completely, as Sal knew a little too well from her own set.  The number of times it had saved her life made doing so worthwhile, which was why she wanted him to have one.

"You ever see the rooms here?" Kolt tilted his head inside the door.

She nodded.  "Was assigned to them once."

"It's kinda like being spoiled, especially after living in the Terran army."  He stepped back, inviting her in.  "I'm guessing this is the same as the armor you wore in Myrosica?"

"Bigger.  And have fun with it.  The cuirass has more straps and buckles than lingerie."  She smiled as she ducked past him.

He laughed, running his eyes over her body.  "Yep.  Iliran lingerie.  It's about as sexy when you wear it, too."

Sal gave him a confused look.  "I thought all men liked lingerie."

"We do."  He gestured toward the couch, offering her a seat while he moved to drop the box on the table.  "So are you in a better mood after tearing up the town with Rayna?"

"Yeah, kinda," she admitted, watching him make his way across the room.

"Just kinda?  I've been warned that you two are trouble when you get together.  Something about taking out Death Vipers."  He headed into the kitchenette.  "The guys are downstairs in the mess hall sampling the liquor, but I have some coffee if you want it."

"Sure."

He lifted a small pitcher.  "Cream?"

She'd seen one just like it a few years before.  "Who gave you that?"  The words were out before she could stop them.

He turned to lean his back against the counter.  Evidently, he heard the growl in her voice, but his posture made her a little too aware of the muscles across his chest.  "Raj ordered pretty much anything an iliri could ask for.  There's plenty down there.  Why?"

"Sorry."  She forced her eyes away as her ears drooped in shame.

Kolt crooked a finger, beckoning her closer.  "If you're going to be that touchy about your coffee, come make it yourself."

She went, but her reasons had nothing to do with the state of her coffee.  She also wasn't entirely sure she wanted to admit why.  "Sorry, I just thought a certain iliri servant might still be working here."

"Oh?"  He pushed a cup over and made room beside him.

She poured in the cream.  Just a dollop.  "Some girl used to sneak Jase a pitcher when none of the rest of us got it."

"Mm."  He filled both cups with coffee.  "Ever think that maybe she was trying to show respect to the pack that rules our people?"

"Wasn't her reason."  She slid the cream toward him.

He paid it no attention, his eyes on her.  "Worried Cyno has one just like this in his room?"

"No."  Reaching for the spoon, she paused.  It was only a moment of hesitation, then she quickly stirred her coffee, deciding she wasn't ready to admit what had really set her off.  Lifting the cup, she caught his eye brazenly.  "Not like it would matter.  He's cessivi."  Then she headed to the table.

Kolt was right behind her, the coffee forgotten.  "So why?"  She barely set her cup down before he caught her arm and made her face him.  "Why did I smell that much anger on you for a stupid pot of cream?"

Defiantly, she met his eyes.  "It's not my place how you get your treats."

"It is."

"It's not.  Blaec always said to trust my instincts, but sometimes they're wrong.  Sometimes I fuck it up, and..."

"Shh."  He caught the side of her face, looking deep into her eyes.  "Don't do that, Sal.  Don't even think like that.  If you want to roll some bitch for smiling at me, don't you dare think I won't be flattered, ok?  If you want to say you're the reason Blaec Doll is dead, I will challenge you, and we both know how that will end."

"You're wrong."

He lifted a brow.  "Am I?  How many times have you tried to look at my feet?"

"So why won't you let me?"

Kolt smiled.  "Because I'm not into torture, babe, so let's not try it."

"Jase and Zep won't – "

He didn't let her finish.  "Has nothing to do with them.  We're working things out."

"Arctic?" she guessed.

He shook his head.  "Wrong torture.  I don't mean the Blades."

"Then what?"  She felt like they weren't talking about the same thing.  Her eyes flicked between his, begging for a hint.

Slowly, his thumb slid across her cheek.  "It has to do with you.  I just need to be strong enough to keep you safe.  That's why I asked you to spar with me.  That's why I've been training so damned hard.  I've made my mistakes, and I am not gonna do it again.  I just need to be strong enough."

"You are."

"No, I'm not.  Not yet.  Sal, if they could get Blaec -"

She reached up and pressed her fingers to his chest, halting him.  "Don't compare yourself to him.  Blaec was fragile and broken.  He was a brilliant tactician and a devoted officer, but he wasn't strong enough.  I always knew that deep down.  I always knew that he could break, but I never wanted to admit it.  I only submitted to him because I didn't want to destroy his pride and it was always so damned brittle.  I was supposed to take care of him, not the other way around, but I couldn't."  She swallowed, intending to pull her hand back to her side, but he caught her wrist.  "I've never told anyone that before," she whispered.

His chest rose and fell.  Slowly, he rocked his head side to side in a silent refusal.  "Babe, don't ever do that for me.  I'm not some responsibility for you to worry about.  I'm only here to give you someone to lean on.  Please don't submit to me, especially not like that."

"I wouldn't."

His fingers teased the skin along her wrist.  "You would.  We both know it."  Then he shifted, closing what distance was left between their bodies.  "Sal, Blaec wasn't perfect.  He was just a man trying to do the best he could – and he did a damned good job – but he wasn't perfect.  Neither is Jase, nor Zep."  His head bent closer.  "Nor me."

"But I'm not either."  Her gaze shifted between both of his beautiful eyes.

"You're not," he assured her.  "For starters, you have a little self-confidence problem.  Just look at how quick you were to assume I was sleeping with some crossbred from the kitchens."

She couldn't help it.  Her eyes jerked away from his, aiming for the floor.  "That's not -"

His hand caught the side of her face.  "Don't do that, babe.  Every time you do, it's telling me yes, but the rest of you keeps saying no."  Carefully, he guided her eyes back to his.  "You're the Kaisae of all iliri.  Your eyes should only fall in the bedroom, and that's one place I don't belong."

"Kolt..."

But he shook his head.  "I don't, Sal.  We both know it.  I'm here to protect you, and I'm going to make damned sure I'm strong enough to do that.  Stronger than Blaec Doll.  Stronger even than you, if I have to."  His thumb caressed her cheek.  "And I love touching you, but I don't deserve it.  Not yet."

"What about what I want?" she asked, once again extending her fingers to feel the skin over his pectorals.

He lifted her hand just enough to halt the teasing.  "What do you want, Kaisae?"  Those honey-colored eyes demanded an answer.

All she could do was shake her head.  "I'm not sure."

"And until you are..."  He bent her wrist, removing her touch completely.  "I can't answer that.  Sal, I'm not him.  I'm wearing Blaec's uniform, carrying his sword, and riding in his saddle, but I'm not him.  I will never be like Blaec Doll, and I don't want to worry about if that's what you see when you close your eyes around me."

"It's not."  Slowly, she pulled her hand free and pressed it to his chest, hoping to feel his thoughts as she finally admitted the truth.  "Can't you see, Kolt?  You think I'd compare you to him, the second officer willing to give me a chance?  Him?  The second man I met who didn't smell too sweet?  Him, the second iliri strong enough to tell me no?  You've never been compared to him.  It's always been the other way around."

Kolt's breath slid out, but he forgot to take any back in.  Instead, he stared at her, his eyes shifting from one of hers to the other.  "It was one night."

"It was the night.  The first time I realized I wasn't just a beast.  The night that changed my life, and the man who made it happen.  Do you think you didn't matter?  Do you honestly think that telling a slave you'd take care of her wasn't the biggest moment of my life?"  She paused, pulling in a breath as she lifted her chin.  "Did you really think that Blaec could ever compare to that, or that maybe, just maybe, I fell for him because he reminded me of you!"

"Sal, I'm not some glamorous officer.  I'll never be able to give you the things he could."  Kolt sighed.  "I want to.  Damn, I want to so bad, because you deserve it, but I'm sick and tired of getting my hopes shattered, ok?"

She shook her head slightly, trying to rattle that into place.  "What?"

With a soft chuckle, he bent closer until his mouth hovered beside her cheek.  "Your body keeps telling me no, but your eyes always promise there will be another yes."  Slowly, his hand turned her face so their eyes met.  "It was just one night.  I don't mean in Merriton, but Unav.  One single night with you, and I can't stop thinking about the feel of your teeth on my skin.  I'm willing to prove I deserve it."

Her eyes dropped to his mouth, and before she could convince herself not to, Sal kissed him.  Her teeth caught his lip, but he gently pulled away.

"Sal," he breathed.  "Don't do that."

"Isn't that what you wanted? "

He turned his face, looking at the far wall to keep his mouth from hers.  "I'm sorry."  Tenderly, he smoothed her hair back into place.  "I shouldn't have said anything, babe.  Yeah, it's what I want, but not like that.  Not because you feel you owe me.  Look," and he sighed, "can we just pretend that didn't happen?"

"Me kissing you?"

He nodded, leaning back to see her face.  "This is not something I want to explain to your mates, ok?  Babe, shit's kinda fucked up between us and the last thing I wanna do is have to explain it to them when I don't even get it myself.  Just, erase that and let's start over?"

"I can't.  They already know."  And were confused, but she was too.

"Fuck," he grumbled, releasing her to turn away.  "Sal..."  After two steps, he stopped.  "I wasn't asking you to kiss me."  A snarl punctuated his hand pounding the top of the counter, making his coffee slosh from the cup.  "I was trying to say I get it.  I fucking get it, ok?  A slave got swept off her feet by a man who treated her like she mattered."  Then he shook his head.  "And a brerror got swept off his feet by a Kaisae who acted like he was worth something.  I get it, but I kinda want to prove myself to you.  And maybe to myself while I'm at it."

"Kolt..."  When he still didn't answer, she tried again.  "Syrik?"

That name made his shoulders relax.  Slowly, almost torturously, he turned back to her.  "You need me to be stronger.  I've spent seven years working to be good enough to protect you, and I'm almost there.  Doesn't matter if it's more training, more submission, or whatever the Blades need, I'll learn.  My Kaisae needs someone she can lean on, and I want to do this.  I want to be everything you need, babe."

"Kolt..."

He just shook his head.  "Except that.  I don't want to end up in your bed because you think you owe me something."

She threw her hands up in frustration.  "So what are you playing at?"

"I'm playing at being a good man.  I'm not real good at it, and I'm fucking up a lot, but that's all this is."  He shoved one hand through his hair, erasing the way she'd mussed it.  "I'm trying really hard to be the man you wanted me to be, and not the one I think I am."

"Why?"

"Because you think I'm something special, and I kinda like how that feels, but you don't have a clue who I am.  Because, for the first time in my life, I feel like I matter." Then he dropped his arm back to his side.  "And because your eyes say yes, but your body keeps saying to wait.   I'm here to protect my Kaisae, not to be another problem she has to deal with, ok?  This whole thing between us?"

"The kissing?" she clarified.

He dropped his head with a chuckle.  "That, the amazing sex in Unav, and yeah.  All of that.  Yeah.  You don't have time for this, and I get it.  I don't have time to worry about impressing you.  Not until I've learned everything the Blades can teach me."  Slowly, he looked up through his lashes, once again meeting her eyes.  "How about we just put this whole sexual tension thing on hold for a bit?"

"And just like that," she snapped her fingers, "I have one less thing to deal with?"

Smiling, he waffled his head back and forth.  "Pretty much.  I mean, yeah, you're beautiful, and I'm iliri enough that I can't get enough of it.  I'm so used to human women trying to impress me with their lies and weak stares that you catch me off guard.  Being around you is different, and yes, you're sexy.  Sometimes it gets to me, and I certainly don't mind kissing you, but I'm not here to push your mates out of your bed.  I just want to make sure the hope of my entire species has one more body between her and anything that could hurt her.  I just want to prove to everyone else that I really do belong here."

"So you just want to be another one of my brothers?"

"No," he said with a chuckle.  "Just?  Another?  No, Sal.  I want to be your strength.  I want to be your crutch.  I want to be the confidant you run to when you can't even tell Jase.  I want to watch you laugh with Zep and plot the next move with Arctic.  Sal, I want to be the man on your right."

But that didn't make any sense.  The man on her right was supposed to be her Dernor.  "Kolt, that's Zep's place."

He shrugged.  "He prefers to guard your back.  I figure if you're changing all the other rules, then there's no need to follow the ones about who stands where, right?"

"Ok, then what does that mean to you?  Standing on my right?"

For a moment he said nothing, his eyes holding hers.  "I'm still working that out."

"Really?  That's the best you have?"

He lifted his hands and took a step closer, but not close enough to touch.  "I'm being honest, ok?  You're not the only one finding this arrangement a little overwhelming.  I need to deal with my shit, Sal, and you need to deal with yours.  I'm not telling you no, and I'm not saying I'm not interested – because I won't lie to you.  Just let me be your brother for a little while?  Give me a chance to figure out that you take a dollop of cream and no sugar with your coffee, or that you always eat your cheese before your meat at dinner."

She hadn't even realized she did that.  "And then?"

He shrugged.  "And then maybe we can talk about the hard stuff.  Right now, I just want to figure out how to be your friend.  It's a lot more than I ever expected, so I'm happy with this, and I have a feeling you're not really ready to worry about more."

Taking the last step, she stood just before him, chewing at her lip.  "So no more touching?"

Kolt just grabbed her waist, pulling her against his chest to wrap his arms around her.  "No deal," he said softly, then breathed in the scent of her.  "I deserve a little something for risking my life.  I'm not going to let you seduce me yet, but a man has to have his limits."

Burying her face in his chest, she giggled.  That was not at all what she'd expected him to say but, somehow, it was perfect.  He'd found the right words to kill all of her fears and dissipate the tension between them.  Wrapping her arms around his waist to return the hug, she looked up at his face.

"So, brother, now that we have that all sorted out, what comes next?"

He paused, tilting his head to listen to the soldiers on watch pass outside his door.  "Well, considering that's the last round before Anglia goes on guard duty?  It sounds like the Kaisae of all iliri might have just enough time to roll around in bed, get all hot, sweaty, and exhausted before you pass out, so you'll be ready to take down Parliament in the morning."  Then he tapped her nose.  "Which means I should probably take you back to your suite, huh?"

She stepped back.  "I meant between us."

He shrugged then made his way to the couch.  A shirt lay across the back where he must have discarded it earlier.  "You know, I always wanted to be the Kaisae's friend.  Not just her guard – and trust me, I've dreamed of that since I was a boy – but also her friend."  He flipped the shirt right side out and pushed his arms in, pausing before pulling it over his head.  "How about we start there?  Maybe just spend some time getting to actually know each other?"

Sal nodded, feeling one of the many weights on her shoulders begin to dissolve.  "I'd kinda like that, actually."

"Good."  He gestured to the door, following her as they both made their way out.  "And Sal, when I say friends, I mean like you and Rayna.  The kind that doesn't feel like they need to worry about hiding things."

She paused as he closed the door behind them.  "Oh?  So you just want to hear about what I do in bed with Zep and Jase?"

Turning her toward the far side of the compound, he dropped and arm across her shoulders and bent closer.  "Just?  I think you like that word a little too much, and no, but I am kinda curious how a human fits in the middle of all that."  He winked, proving he was joking.  "Honestly?  I don't care.  If that's what you have on your mind, then that's what I want to talk about.  If it's tactics, stupid humans, or the way your mare likes to sling her head against the bridle, I'm the guy willing to listen."

She pressed her head against his side and wrapped her arm around his waist.  "Thanks, Kolt.  You keep this up, and we'll have to find a special title for you."

Straightening, he nodded to himself.  "Yeah.  I could handle that."

Chapter 22

Zep felt Sal coming up the stairs.  His girl was relaxed.  The weight that had been suffocating her for days had finally started to lift, and beneath that was an exhaustion so deep he knew she'd pass out quickly.  Something had changed, and he had a funny feeling it had to do with the kiss they’d just shared.  But, like always, Kolt made no attempt to stay.

He dropped her off at the door the way a proper guard would – and left.  He made no excuses, and neither of Zep's cessivi could smell any anger or regret on the man.  The guy seemed perfectly ok with giving her up.

That was a problem, and one Zep needed to deal with.

Grabbing a bottle of whiskey and two glasses from their personal bar, he told Sal he'd be back in a bit.  She accepted it easily, but Jase sent a mental query.  Zep's answer was simple.  Kolt.   His brother's reply was a subtle nod as he guided Sal toward her bed.  As soon as the couple made it into the other room, Zep left, heading around the second level to the regular officer's quarters.

He knew where Kolt's room was.  The man hadn't had enough time to pass out, so Zep thumped solidly on the door.  A split second later, the newest Black Blade's face appeared in the open crack.  With a sigh, Kolt pulled it the rest of the way open and walked deeper into his room, leaving Zep on the threshold with a bottle and two glasses held up as a peace offering.

I'm assuming from the whiskey that you plan for this to take a bit? Kolt asked as he dropped into a chair by the table.

Dunno.  Figured the whiskey is being paid for by the CFC, so I'm not gonna pass it up.

Kolt waved him in, grabbed his new armor, and dumped it on the floor before gathering his cleaning supplies and Blaec's sword to take its place.  He barely looked up when Zep entered.

He did, however, point to the door.  "Close that if you would?"

"Planned on it."  Zep did, then made his way over to drop a glass in the middle of the table.  That got filled with whiskey.  "You get headaches from this?"

"Nah.  Just tend to do stupid shit."

Zep poured a bit more.  "Like kiss the Kaisae?"

"Damned cessivi," Kolt grumbled.  "Let's just pretend that didn't happen for a bit?"

Zep tapped the glass.  "Drink first, then start talking."

Kolt obeyed, taking two large gulps before turning his attention to the armor.  "Look, Zep, that was just a misunderstanding.  Won't happen again."

Zep just topped up the glass.  "Keep going."

"Nothing to go on about."  Kolt shifted the sword and grabbed a tiny brush.  "The detail of this thing is a mess."

"Yeah, but it looks really intimidating when you're waving it around.  That's what Blaec always said."

With a huff, Kolt leaned his head back and closed his eyes.  "Why did you put me on her right?  I mean, in her guard is confusing enough, but on her right?  In his spot?  With his sword?  Before you even knew a thing about me?"

Zep slowly sipped at his drink.  "Work it out."

"I can't," Kolt snarled.  "I've been trying to since Arctic gave the order, and I can't."

"Put down the brush, Kolt," Zep said.  "We'll send it out to be cleaned.  Not even Blaec spent as much time caring for that weapon as you do."

"Well, no matter what she thinks, I'm nothing like Blaec," he grumbled, still scrubbing.

"I know."  Zep reached over and took the brush from Kolt's hand.  "Thing is, you're still a fucking idiot, and you have no idea how hard that is for me to say."

Thwarted, Kolt grabbed his glass instead and lifted it in a toast, his expression anything but pleased.  "Congratulations, because I'm completely lost."

"Last time I said that was when I told LT to open up his mind to Sal when they made love."  Zep took a drink of his own and looked at the glass.  "Now, I know what he was so fucking scared of her seeing.  His death."

"So he knew."

Zep nodded.  "Yeah.  Pretty damned sure.  We put a lot of pieces together after it happened.  Figure he knew since he met her.  He never wanted Sal to know she'd be the death of him."

"Yeah, that'd be hard to live with."  This time, Kolt grabbed the bottle and filled Zep's glass.

"Thanks, bro.  Thing is, you're still being a fucking idiot."

"I'm trying to keep my hands off your girl."  He looked up and Zep nodded pointedly.

"That's what I mean.  She's purebred, Kolt.  She's not like you, and she's nothing like me.  You've seen her.  Sal goes from sappy to amused to depressed to laughing in the flick of an ear.  You sat and cried for two hours for her the other night, over a man she loved.  You've been following her like a lost puppy, and you haven't looked at a single woman from Issevi to Prin.  Longer, it sounds like."

"Been a little busy."  Kolt took a drink and stared at the amber liquid, turning the glass gently on the table.

"And if you weren't so busy?  If, say, Arctic gave you a few days off?  Guttertown is just a couple streets over.  Lots of nice iliri ladies there."

"Nah.  Need to learn, not go whoring."

Zep noticed that Kolt refused to look up.  "Sal said you're more than half Iliri."

"About sixty-three percent, supposedly."

"So have you figured it out, yet?"

The glass paused, and Kolt watched the liquor swirl against the edge before lifting it to his lips and swallowing most of it.  "Figure what out?" he asked too casually.

"That your dick stopped working."  Zep refilled Kolt's glass.  "Was it in Merriton or Echo Gap?"

"That's a pretty big assumption."

Zep nodded.  "And that's a lot of whiskey for an iliri.  Cut the shit, Kolt.  You basically admitted it the other day.  Now, I'm here because you're my brother.  A fucking arrogant ass of one, but I can respect that.  I'm not here because either Sal or Jase sent me."

"And if they had?"

"Then I'd tell them you preferred whiskey and to do it themselves.  What the fuck are you trying to do?"

Kolt looked up and sighed.  "I'm trying to prove I deserve to be here, Zep.  I’m trying to be the man she thinks I am."

"She thinks you're Syrik Enik Kolton, Sergeant, and the newest member of the Black Blades.  She thinks you’re brave and passionate and maybe even kind.  She thinks you confuse the fuck out of her.  That's it.  She thinks you smell like a thunderstorm."  Zep paused.  "No, that's a lie.  She thinks thunderstorms smell like you.  She'd never experienced one until she was conscripted.  They kept her locked in the basement when she wasn't entertaining.  She was never allowed outside before she turned eighteen."

"Ah fuck," Kolt whispered, pushing his glass forward.  "I didn't know that."

"Yeah.  Was rough for her.  But, when she's around, I can smell you like she does.  I mean, I know what she smells."  Zep waved his hand.  "Whatever.  You know those storms that are so damned strong it makes you want to seek shelter?  Lightning and thunder loud enough to deafen?  A hint of ozone spiking the air?  That's what she gets from you.  The power of it all, and the rejuvenation it brings.  She thinks of the way it washes everything clean and lets it start over, better."  Zep refilled both of their glasses.  "She's loved them since I've known her."

"I can't live up to that."  Kolt took the glass, his eyes starting to glaze from the alcohol.

"You already have."

"Nah.  I didn't do shit, Zep.  I was amused because this rich fuck brought a damned scrubber into his house and let me sleep on his silk sheets.  I knew there'd be a catch, but I didn't expect her."

"Trust me, you never expect her."  Zep smiled.  "So it was the first time you met her that it hit you?"

Kolt laughed and leaned back, the glass in his hand.  "First time I met you, you were pissed because I fucked her."

"Nah.  I was pissed because you were an ass about it."  Zep lifted his glass.  "Was jealous that you fucked her and she liked it."

Kolt tilted his head, accepting that.  "Kinda proves my dick works fine."

In reply, Zep wrinkled his nose and shook his head.  "Not so much.  Proves it works with Sal."

"I'm not touching her again, Zep.  You can leave it alone."

"What's going to happen the next time you're alone with her?  When she's touching you, smelling like she does, and you tell her no?"

Kolt shrugged.  "She's got a couple of good men.  Doesn't need another from what I can tell.  She's not ready for any more men in her life."

"She has no idea what she's ready for," Zep insisted.  "All she knows is that she loved him, and now there's a hole, and she doesn't know how to fix it."

"Yeah, kinda sounds like that's true for all of you."

A bob of Zep's head admitted the truth of that.  "Thing is, she doesn't understand regret.  Can't feel it.  She does what she wants and then lives with it.  Makes it easier for her to deal with Blaec's death, in some ways.  Harder, in others.  But she's not ready because she thinks she shouldn't be ready.  She's not ready because she's trying to do what a human expects of her."

Kolt shook his head.  "There's nothing there, Zep.  I'm not part of her problem."

"Bull shit."  He glared across the table.

Kolt grabbed the sword again and started cleaning it to keep his hands occupied.  "Fine.  Want to know what this is?  It's a damned brerror who got close to a Kaisae.  Just like all of you, she's got a damned claim on me."  Kolt smiled at his thoughts but kept working.  "For the first time in my life, I want to impress someone, and sometimes it even seems to be working."

"You even know what's happening to you?" Zep asked softly.

Kolt shook his head.  "There's nothing there."

"Are you being serious right now?"  Huffing out a sigh, Zep shoved his head into his hands.  "Fuck.  I figured with as much Iliran as you know that you'd recognize the signs."

"Of what?" Kolt asked, looking up.

"Just tell me if I'm wrong."  Zep placed his hand on the blade, forcing Kolt to stop.  "The first time you saw Sal, she smelled like something you couldn't describe.  Later, your mind associated it with a strong memory, but at the time, it was simply a scent that you couldn't get enough of.  You wanted to do everything to make her happy and keep her safe, even if that meant your own death.  You hung on her every word."

As he spoke Kolt's eyes widened, but he clenched his jaw, struggling to hide it.  "That's typical when a male meets a Kaisae," he said.

Zep went on.  "Betting a guy like you didn't have a shortage of ladies in his bed, but not long after you met her, you realized they didn't interest you.  You probably tried to fuck one anyway, just because the guys gave you shit, or because she was cute and you had nothing better to do.  Problem was your body had other ideas."

The brush started moving again, slowly, and Kolt focused on the packed grooves rather than Zep's words.

"Yeah.  So being iliri, you know about Kaisaes," Zep went on, "and you know how to pick your lovers.  Anyone ever tell you what happens when a male finds the woman he's intended for?"

"Iliran myths," Kolt grumbled.

Zep tilted his head.  "Is it?  You should ask Jase.  Happened to Blaec, too.  Arctic's in it right now."

Kolt growled, the sound more for himself than a threat to Zep, and looked up.  "I'm telling you that shit's a myth.  Why are you still going on about it?"

"Because it isn't a myth."

"It was maast!"  Kolt threw up his hands in frustration.  "She took control of my mind and fed me what she needed.  I've been celibate for six years because I'm meant to guard her back, not her bed.  What the fuck aren't you getting about that?"

"The part where you won't even look at another woman."  The Dernor leaned back, daring Kolt to say he was wrong.

"We're not beasts, Zep.  The smell of a woman isn't any different than how humans prefer certain hair colors."

Zep reached over and grabbed Kolt's arm, meeting his eyes when the man looked up.  "Then how many women have you been able to sleep with since her?  Your dick doesn't work, and you don't even care because all you've wanted since that day... is her."

"Let go," Kolt growled.

"Admit it."  Zep held his eyes, waiting.

Instead, Kolt yanked his arm away.  "I'm not touching your girl again, so you can stop worrying."

Zep pounded his fist on the table, making the glasses bounce.  "I'm saying you should, damn it!  If you're fucking meant for her, then stop being an idiot and just admit it."

Leaning back, Kolt tilted his head, taunting Zep.  "Then what?  Fuck her again and leave her more confused?  Make her think that every nice thing I've ever done for her was to get in her damned pants?  Convince the entire pack that the only reason I'm here is because she smells like hope and flowers?"  Kolt glared.  "You want me to say it, Zep?  Then I'll say it.  I'm obsessed with her.  I'm so damned obsessed with her that I named my son after her, and I'm still not going to touch her because it's not what she fucking needs right now!"

"Then what does she need?"

"To feel safe.  She needs to know that we're not all going to leave her.  She needs to run to your arms, and Jase's, where she's loved.  She needs to feel like her world isn't crashing down around her.  She needs time, Zep, and she doesn't need me trying to come in and replace Blaec."

"And she needs someone to be stronger than her," Zep said.  "She needs someone to remind her that the pain will eventually fade.  She needs someone to help her figure out that it's ok to keep on living."

Kolt's anger vanished like someone had switched it off.  "Zep?"

"Yeah?" he asked, grinning.

"Fill that glass for me?"  Kolt pushed the sword away and sighed, watching the liquor splash higher.  "She thinks I'm this hero, and I'm not.  I'm just some fuckup who refuses to quit trying to get it right."

Zep poured a dollop into his own.  "You gonna tell me I'm wrong about the symptoms?"

Kolt chuckled and took his drink, sipping at it.  "You wouldn't understand, being human.  Bonding is different for us.  Little more permanent."

"I'm cessivi to Jase as well as Sal.  Human or not, once that bond forms, there's nothing else.  Not ever."

"You miss it?"

"Whoring?" Zep asked.

"Yeah.  Military bases are filled with women who love a soldier.  Human women that make you feel strong, iliri crossbreds who aren't sure if they want to throw you down or let you roll them over.  There's a shitload of ladies out there who'd damned near beg to get into a Black Blade's bed.  Has to make the ego feel pretty good."

Zep shook his head.  "Don't miss that shit at all, man.  Human women who hold your eyes while they try to submit and always have a lie ready to make you do what they want.  Iliri crossbreds who've forgotten how to be proud.  Women who can't feel my mind, or who don't understand that I actually do want to just hold her for a bit?  Nah."

"Why the fuck not?" Kolt asked.

Zep chuckled and raised his glass.  "Because I have a girl that respects me and pushes me for more, even in bed.  When I touch her, I can feel it."  He shrugged.  "Maybe more than you ever wanted to know, but the rumors about the harem are true.  Damn, Kolt.  Woke up the other morning, and Jase had her pinned against the bed, his teeth in her throat.  Their tattoos blended together, and I can feel how much she not only enjoys it, but loves him.   Hits me pretty hard, right?  And she reaches over and laces her fingers in mine and gets off, dragging me with 'em.  You think I want a human after that?"

Kolt smiled and raised his glass to his lips, pausing for a moment, then he took a small sip.  "Iliri orgies," he said fondly.

"Yeah.  After that, the idea of sleeping with a human is about as appealing to me... as it is to you."

"Fair enough," Kolt admitted, grabbing the sword to give his hands something to do.

Zep put the lid on the bottle and sucked back the last of his drink.  "All I'm saying is that the next time that little demon plants a kiss on you, you should keep going.  Make your own place in the Blades, but stop being a fucking idiot and saying no.  Jase has no intention of killing you."

"You?" Kolt asked.

"Maybe a little, but it won't happen.  You know how they all say we share a soul?  Yeah, well it's Sal's soul."  Zep smiled and pulled himself to his feet.  "We want what she does.  Our job is to take care of her."

Kolt nodded.  "Kinda feels like that's mine, too."

"Figured.  Just let shit between you two happen.  If you're meant for her, it will.  If she refuses you, the compulsion should ease and you'll be able to get laid again."  Zep turned for the door.

He had his hand on the knob when Kolt stopped him.  "What if you're wrong?"  He took a deep breath, then looked at the Dernor.  "What if it's me, not Sal.  What if this is ayati?"

Zep leaned back against the door, able to hear the desperation in Kolt's voice.  "Is that why you stopped?"

"Yeah.  Shit only worked when she was in maast."

"It'll work."

Having finally admitted it, Kolt wasn't going to just accept such a bland answer.  "What if it doesn't?  What would that do to her, Zep?  It's not about me.  It's not about my damned pride.  Think how that would make her feel!  Do you have any idea how many times I've already let her down?  And if that happened?"

"So that's what it is."  Zep chuckled and pushed himself off the door, casually reclaiming the chair he'd just left.  "Bro, if your dick really is broken, she'll understand.  I think she'd be flattered that you'd even try.  I think she'd feel protective.  I think if you had the balls to tell her you're scared of letting her down, she'd get it."

"But what if it doesn't?"  Kolt snagged his glass and gulped back the last of the whiskey.  "I'm just some brerror stuck sniffing at the most powerful Kaisae in all history.  I can't be meant for her.  That shit's only in myths, and only for guys like Blaec Doll."

"Or Jassant Cynortas?  A feral iliri kid, raised in the bowels of Guttertown, with an ancestry as bland as they come.  You think he's any better than you?"

"Cyno's nearly pure.  Aren't many left, so yeah, it makes sense."

Zep shrugged, accepting that.  "So why not you?  What's so wrong with you that would make you unfit for her?"

Slowly, almost torturously, Kolt dragged his hand across his mouth.  "I didn't get her out.  I let her down, Zep.  How long was she a slave after I knew she was there?"

"About five months.  Seems she got this crazy idea to get conscripted."  Zep gestured for him to keep going.

"What about Fort Landing?  Time after time, those assholes kept harassing her, and the best I could do was distract them.  I could never make them stop, and she always took the brunt of it."

"And learned how to ignore it.  She learned that the opinion of humans doesn't define her."  Zep smiled.  "Try again, Kolt."

"I couldn't get Blaec out."

Zep's arrogant smile faded.  "I know."  His hands flopped onto the table.  "I know, brother.  I also know something you don't."  He swallowed, the sound loud enough to hear, then looked up.  There were tears in his eyes.  "She didn't plan on leaving that camp.  She was going to kill the Emperor and die beside her lover so we could all be together."  He wiped at his eye with the back of his hand.

Kolt's mouth fell open.  "She couldn't.  We need her too much."

"Oh, she could."  Zep chuckled wryly.  "Not many people able to tell a Kaisae what to do.  Figure the guy who can do that must be destined for her, or some shit."

"Yeah," Kolt whispered.  "Or too stupid to give up."

"Exactly."  Zep chuckled, but it was sympathetic.  "Which is kinda the same thing.  So stop ignoring it, and just let it happen.  Your dick will work."

Kolt nodded but had one more question.  "What makes you so sure?  Why do you think I'm meant for her and not just desperate?"

Zep stood and headed to the door.  "Because it goes both ways.  I can smell it on you when she's around."  He smiled over his shoulder.  "Think about that, and then thank Jase for not explaining it to her."

"What does it smell like?" Kolt asked softly.

His answer was a single word.  "Hope."

Zep left, closing the door securely behind him, leaving Kolt with half a bottle of whiskey and too many thoughts in his head.

Chapter 23

Kolt debated pouring another glass of whiskey, but he could barely read the label as it was.  Instead, he grabbed the small, stiff brush, and focused on getting the last of the grime out of the blood grooves.  It was cathartic, as if he was making the weapon new all over again.  It also gave him time to sober up a bit before he crawled in bed.  The last thing he needed was a hangover in the morning.

It took a while.  Around him, the sounds of soldiers winding down began to fade.  The yips and growls of grauori roaming the halls took over, proving Anglia was still under its own guard, even here.  When the last bit of dried mud, blood, and gore was pried free, it felt like an accomplishment.  Kolt wiped down the dark resin one last time and slid it into the scuffed sheath.

It stopped with a centimeter of blade still exposed.  Grumbling to himself, Kolt tried again.  This time, he realized there was something in there, packed down in the bottom.  Using the tip of the sword, he pressed, pulled, and eventually pried out a tired and abused scrap of paper.  When he tried again, the sword slid home easily.

How many times had he pushed that sword into its sheath without a problem?  Dozens.  Confused, Kolt picked up the yellowed square and looked at it a little closer.  Lines of dirt marked the side, proving it had been in the scabbard awhile with the sword sliding in and out against it.  The surface of it was scuffed and wrinkled from his attempts to get it out.  Tenderly, he smoothed those away.  Then he turned it over.

A dingy purple swirl made his breath catch.  It was his name sign, but not the way he'd always written it – never mind that it was in the color for hope.  The same color Sal had used to tattoo his story on her body.  Carefully, he traced the mark with one finger.  An elaborate version of Kolt's name, complete with the twists for both brother and leader.  This was the way Kolt had written his name as a child when he dreamed he could be so much more, but the script was much better.

Carefully, Kolt opened the note.  He had to know.  Clearly, this was meant for him, but how long had it been hiding in there?  Who had written it?  Zep?  Why wouldn't the Dernor just give it to him, or did he think Kolt had already seen it?  Had he somehow managed to slip it in the scabbard while Kolt was sitting right here?  But no, the signs all said otherwise.

The paper was so brittle it resisted.  Each fold had to be carefully worked open as if the paper had been soaked repeatedly.  Unfolding the last crease, Kolt's breath stopped.  Scrawled at the top of the page was his name in Glish – the real one.  His eyes quickly flicked to the bottom, shocked to see the Iliran symbol for Blaec Doll, leader of the Black Blades.  Without thinking, he sat up, his hands trembling as he began to read.

Syrik,

At least I think she's calling you Syrik by now.  I know this is probably the last thing you were expecting, but I want to thank you for the things you have yet to do.  It's not easy to write a letter to someone who'll take your place, but I want to make sure you know that I understand.  I'm ok with this.  In fact, I'm counting on you to take care of our girl.

She's going to need you.  I did what I could to make my death easier on the Blades, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy on Sal.  She tries so hard to be what the world expects of her, but eventually, she will break.  She's come so close, so many times.  She's so strong, but even she needs someone to lean on every so often.

Give her some time and you two will learn to be relaxed around each other.  You'll be one of the best guards she's ever had, useful in ways you never expected.  One day, when you're a Black Blade, you'll need that sword.  I just knew, when I had it made, that it needed to be longer, otherwise a blow would get past it and the iliri would all suffer.  Took me three months to learn how to compensate for the extra length.  This morning I saw it again, but now the sword is in your hands, and she will be ok.  It's long enough.  It was made to fit you, not me.  I know that now, I didn't back then.

Nothing will be easy, but everything should work out.  You'll be sure that you don't belong here, but just give them one more chance.  I swear Zep will come around.  Don't try to read anything into what Cyno says.  He means it.  Just trust him.  He's your brother – or he will be.  I didn't see if you had a tattoo in my vision – the angle was wrong.

All my life, I've seen these things.  When I was younger, there were so many and they came so fast.  I used to think I was losing my mind.  You see, unlike some prophets, I always saw all the options.  There's no way to describe it, just trust me on that.  For every choice, there were dozens, sometimes millions of outcomes.  The best and worst always stood out.  As I got older, closer to the end of my ability to see, the choices narrowed, defined by what I had already done.  Now, there's only one choice left.

Everything we do has consequences on those around us.  For some, like you, it's easy.  I could have pushed you, made you snap, and turned you into the perfect Black Blade.  I knew that, but I also knew something else.  If you were rejected and told you weren't good enough, then you'd become the final piece needed to unite the iliri.  You, Syrik, would bring the elusive loners back to our people, proving that who we are is about more than what others see.

I know that's because of her, just like I know I have to do this.  My death will change her.  It will forge her into a weapon.  Believe me when I say I don't want to do this, but it's the only way.  If I live, if she rescues me, or if I manage to stay hidden when they capture her, then she'll never take that last step.  Salryc Luxx, the strongest Kaisae the iliri have ever known, will never become strong enough to defeat the prejudices of the world while I'm still alive.  She's too focused on saving her people.  What she needs is a reason to get revenge, and ayati seems to think I'm it.

And now, I have one final prophecy to pass on.  When you get back to the beginning, you have to start over.  You see, my death will make her a weapon.  It will give her the strength to fight back, but like poorly mixed resin, she'll be brittle.  What she needs is the chance to forgive, and that's going to fall on your shoulders.  Show her how to bend.  Teach the Kaisae the one thing you've been forced to master: resilience.  All you'll have to do is know when to drop your eyes.

It will all work out, and the Blades will be stronger for it.  There's no other ending that I can see, the only question is how much you will fight yourself before it comes to pass.  I just want you to know ahead of time that it's the right decision.

If you get to read this, it means I'm dead.  I hope you're on the path where Narnx finds the necklace.  If you are, then please ask Sal to wear it?  She knows what it means.  If you aren't, then do not trust him.  If he keeps the necklace, he will tell everything to the Emperor in an attempt to prove his worth.  If he gives Sal the necklace, it means he's truly on her side.

There's so much I want to say.  So much I wanted to do.  Knowing that you only have a few days left is harder than you can understand, but my time with her gave me the chance to have so much.  I got to love the greatest Kaisae in history.  I got to have a family unlike any other.  I got to live in a time when humans finally accepted us for who we are.  I got to see a human King show respect to an iliri Kaisae!  The world is changing and I was there, at the heart of it all, standing to the right of Salryc Luxx, the first Kaisae of Anglia.

At least I die knowing she will be loved, that my brothers will find their own happiness, and that my life's work will live on long after I am done.  It's hard, but it feels good.  When Sal starts to blame herself, just remind her of that.  Make sure she knows I was so happy.  She made it easier to die because I had everything a man could want.  Now, when things look bleak, it's you that will bring her out of it.  When she has no one else, you need to be there for her.  It's up to you, Syrik.  You're the one she will lean on.

I know you can be strong for her.  It will be hard, but it matters.  Never forget that.

Blaec Doll, Former Kaisor of Anglia, The Lieutenant of the Black Blades, Dernor to Salryc Luxx

Kolt traced the signature with the pad of his thumb.  The writing changed throughout the letter as if it had been cobbled together over some time.  If this was the real thing, it probably had.  There was no way a letter like this could be easy to put together.  For a moment, he wondered if he should head across the compound to give the message to Sal.  She'd want to know, but would it be too soon?

If nothing else, it would wait for the morning.  She needed a whole night of sleep, and he needed to ask someone else's opinion.  The paper crinkled when he folded it again.

Ghost, he thought.  He'd been close enough to the pack to know what Kolt should do.  He was also the one person who would honestly admit if it was a joke – but the words were so true.  They touched on just enough that it had to be from Blaec.  No one else could know those things or be able to give a prophecy.  Blaec could.  He said Kolt had to drop his eyes.

But to who?  Sal?  That wasn't what she needed.  At least not right now.  She needed him to be strong, to hold her up, and everything else Blaec had said supported that.  So it couldn't be her.  But who?

Arctic?  Kolt had already submitted to him.  Jase?  Not even Kolt was strong enough to withstand the determination in the little assassin's gaze.  He could barely meet Jase's eyes when the look was invited.  Dominik?  The human wouldn't care one way or the other.  He might understand the significance of it, but the King wouldn't be swayed by it.  So who?  Who would be important enough that Kolt needed to submit to him?  Or her.

It had to be Sal.  That was the only answer that made sense, but it couldn't be now.  Blaec must be talking about something in the future, some disagreement that he had to let Sal win to show her she could.  The problem was that she liked his defiance.  It made her feel like the world might not be on her shoulders, which meant the prophecy wasn't a simple one.

It wasn't about dropping his eyes.  What Kolt needed to do was teach Sal that it was ok to lose sometimes, but also to win.  Blaec had already taught her the first.  He'd shown her how to accept someone else's command and trust in it.  What Kolt had to do was show Sal that she didn't need him to hold her up.  She didn't need the faith of her people, the support of humans, or anything else.

She was the Kaisae of all iliri.  She was the most powerful leader in all of the records their people could find.  She made rules, broke them, and bent them as she pleased, but over the last week, one thing had become very clear.  Sal had never learned her own strength.  She'd never been given a reason to believe in herself as much as her people believed in her.

Well, that was one thing Kolt could certainly change.  It wouldn't be easy, but Blaec was right.  He was the perfect man for this job.

Chapter 24

Sleep wasn't hard to find, not with as much as he'd drank the night before, but when the first light came through his window, Kolt was up.  There, on the table beside his bed, the aged and crumbling paper proved that it hadn't been a dream.  The letter he'd found was real.

First, Kolt read it again.  The words didn't change, nor did the disjointed feeling of the handwriting.  Only when he was sure he wasn't losing his mind did he get up and find a uniform.  The new one, because Sal liked it most.  A quick cup of coffee helped get his mind moving like it was supposed to, then he carefully tucked the note in a side pocket and headed down the hall.

Hope you're up, little brother, he thought as he knocked on Ghost's door.  There was no answer, so Kolt pounded a little harder.  The third time, a mental swipe at his mind assured Kolt that Ghost was stirring, but he didn't seem happy about it.  C'mon, man.  I need some advice.

I need coffee, Ghost replied.

Well, that almost seemed like an invitation, so Kolt tried the latch.  It was locked.  When he reached for his brother's mind again, all he got was silence, so Kolt decided to stop being nice.  He knew how the lock worked.  He'd seen the inside of his own.  Closing his eyes, it wasn't hard to fetch the lever to the side, releasing the catch, and then let himself in.

Then, he made his way to the kitchenette and started a pot of water on the brazier in the corner.  While that brewed, he cleared off the small table that came with each room.  Thankfully, Ghost was a rather meticulous soldier.  Except for a handful of sketchbooks, there wasn't much to make a mess.  Curious, Kolt opened one.

Spilling over the pages were rough outlines of soldiers in various combat poses.  From the armor, it was easy to identify the models as the Blades.  Sal stood out with her sharp teeth and pinned ears.  Jase was often drawn in beside her.  Impressed, Kolt kept flipping, waiting for the whistle that said the kettle was hot enough.  He found a few of himself, some of Razor, and plenty of Arctic with his bow.

Then he flipped again.  Staring back were too-large eyes and a mass of curls.  This time, the picture wasn't a study in combat, it was a portrait, and a damned good one.  Shaden.  Somehow, Ghost had captured her mismatched eyes using nothing more than shades of charcoal.  The pale streaks in her hair were there, and even a tiny scar on her chin that Kolt had never noticed.  Every nuance of her face, including the constant worry in her eyes, had been lovingly recreated.

"Put that down!"  The voice was a growl.

Kolt turned to find his little brother not even half dressed, standing there with his pants hanging open and his shirt clenched in a fist at his side.  "It's good," he told him.

"It's not for you to look at.  What do you want?"

"Mm."  Kolt carefully closed the sketchpad and set it aside.  "My secret for yours."  Then he pulled out the weary note.  "Found this in Blaec's scabbard last night and need some advice."

Ghost still didn't move.  "So you came to me?  Ask Arctic."

Kolt just pointed at the chair.  "Sit.  Coffee's almost done.  How do you take it?"

Finally, the little guy moved, heading to the exact chair Kolt had indicated as he finished securing his pants.  "Don't care."

"Ok, how do you like it, brother?"

"As white as my skin.  Sweet."

That, he could do.  While Kolt found the cream that every Black Blade seemed to be hoarding in his own room, Ghost pulled the sketchpad into his lap and flipped through it.  If he had to guess, Kolt thought the kid was making sure nothing had been ruined.  Like Kolt had, he stopped at the picture of Shade's face, but Ghost carefully caressed the edge, proving it meant a little more to him.

"What's she smell like?" Kolt asked when he carried over the pair of cups.

Ghost closed the book quickly.  "Nothing."

"Sal smells like these wildflowers.  I remember them from when I was a kid.  Right here in Prin.  My amma took me to the Grand Park, and we were playing in them, and they smelled so good.  I always thought it was the best scent in the world until I met her."

Trading the sketchpad for his cup, Ghost rubbed at his eyes, proving he still wasn't really awake.  "Lemons."

"Shade smells like lemons?"

Ghost took a sip before replying.  "The citrus of them, like lemon shampoo and fresh cut grass at midday in the summer.  When the trimmings are just starting to decay, turning sweet and bitter at the same time, but the citrus masks all of it."

"Yeah," Kolt agreed.  "That's pretty nice.  When do you remember it?"

"Doesn't matter."  He took another sip.  "So what's this paper?"

Kolt just let it go.  "I think Blaec wrote it for me, but I need some advice."

Another sip of coffee, this one bigger, then, "I suggest you read it." The kid smirked at the edge of his cup.

Ok, he was clearly starting to wake up.  "Already did, dumb-ass.  Ghost, I'm saying Blaec wrote me a letter.  There's a prophecy in there, too.  I just don't know if I should show this to Sal."  He pointed at it again.  "Paper's been soaked a few times, it seems."

"If it was in your scabbard, that makes sense.  Rained when they were imprisoned."

Kolt groaned, thinking back.  Blaec had written that, which meant it had traveled all the way back from Unav with him and Sal.  Who knew what it had been through before then, but Kolt had carried it through a river, plenty of mud, and at least one creek.  No wonder the note was so fragile.

"Just read it," Kolt begged, "and tell me what you think I should do?"

Slowly, almost timidly, the pale kid began to unfold the creases.  He paused, inspecting the markings on each layer, then continued on.  When it was finally open, Kolt watched while Ghost's eyes tracked across the page, taking in the words.  When he reached the bottom, he looked back up and started over.  Eventually, with a sigh, he folded it back into a small square.

"So he knew," Ghost breathed before looking up at Kolt.  "Give it to Cyno.  First, because he's not going to tell anyone about your prophecy.  Second, I wouldn't exactly tell Sal about it yet, but I wouldn't hide it.  Just tell her you found some of Blaec's things in your gear and gave it to Cyno in case she wants it.  Right now, she doesn't."

"How can you be so sure?"

Lifting his cup, Ghost smiled over the edge.  "Because she's avoiding everything he left here.  Razor's been packing it up to send back home, and she wants nothing to do with it."  He took a gulp this time.  "And where's the beginning?"

Kolt wasn't keeping up.  "Huh?"

Ghost tapped the paper.  "He said, 'When you get back to the beginning, you have to start over.'  So where's the beginning?"

"Merriton," Kolt guessed.  "That's where we first met, but he said I have to drop my eyes."

"Not the prophecy," Ghost told him.  "That was just advice for how to deal with what he told you, and you do know we're headed back through Merriton if this alliance gets signed, right?"

"I'm gonna bet we'll end up there even if it doesn't."  Kolt tapped the folded note as proof.  "Prophecies like this aren't wrong.  Heard enough of them to know better."

"Yeah, and Blaec's were clear.  Makes sense, now, seeing what he said.  He always saw all the options.  That means he saw this, and it had something to do with him.  Some reason he could see it even though he was going to be dead by now."  Picking at his lip, Ghost stared at the wall.  "But he was never in Merriton that I know of."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

This time, Ghost pushed Kolt's cup closer.  "Drink that so you can keep up.  Prophets can see things that their actions affect.  Like this.  He made the sword, and he saw you when it was designed.  It became more clear as time went on, but he could see past his life because Blaec was the one who commissioned the sword.  His actions changed your outcome.  The consequences he was talking about."

"Ripples," Kolt said, understanding.  "He could see how far his own ripples went.  Ok.  So I just have to keep an eye out for anything that has to do with Blaec in Merriton.  Shouldn't be too hard, right?"

"Or not.  Maybe he means another beginning, or maybe Sal's actions changed Blaec's life so he could see her ripple?  No way to know, which is why he told you the rest of it.  Don't worry about the specifics, big brother.  Just focus on showing Sal how to recover and rebound from things.  Blaec said that's how you find the right path."  Then he yawned.  "And since she's wearing that necklace, I'm going to assume Narnx really is on our side?"

"Seems like it."  Finally, Kolt took a drink of the coffee he'd been hovering over.  "And it sounds like I'm supposed to help with the brerror, which gives me an idea.  What do you think the chances are of her mates letting me take her to the bad side of Guttertown?"

Ghost's eyes narrowed.  "Not good, considering Cyno knows what's over there.  Why?"

"Because I have a funny feeling that having the Kaisae of all iliri show up is a real good way to let our people know she's serious."  Kolt's mind was planning as he talked.  "I grew up over there, so I can get her into a few places, but not with a whole pack."

"Or maybe you're just supposed to be seen?  Kinda like Zep?  I mean, it's made a pretty big impression having her mate be human.  Everyone knows we follow the old ways, and she calls all of us brothers and treats us like we're as pure as she is.  Even Shift, Zep, and Razor."

"Razor's well over half, though," Kolt countered.

Ghost just shrugged.  "And dark-skinned.  If he keeps his mouth shut, he could pass for a human as easily as you did."

Kolt groaned, putting the pieces together.  "And she insists that Zep is iliri, correcting anyone who says otherwise."

"Violently, sometimes," Ghost agreed.

"Because it matters!  Damn, she's good.  Her instincts say he's iliri, so she's adamant about it, and it's changing minds.  The Kaisae's mate is iliri, even if he looks human.  The other one's a feral near-pureblood.  Blaec was from a human to iliri mating.  One of each.  Doesn't matter where we came from, this Kaisae considers us all to be the same."

"And a brerror," Ghost said softly.  "Standing on her right is a man who everyone else shunned, but she trusts to guard her."

"Not her mate," Kolt reminded him.

The kid chuckled.  "Still on her right, and no one's gonna ask.  You might as well be as far as the rest of our people are concerned."

Kolt growled, stopping it with another big drink of his coffee.  "Just be glad your girl doesn't come with all the complications, man.  Or the pair of jealous killers hovering around her."

"Not my girl."

"Shade?"  Kolt chuckled, flicking his eyes to the pile of sketchbooks.  "How many times is she in there?"

"As many as you are.  Not as much as Sal or Cyno."  But he wouldn't meet Kolt's eyes.

"She even know you like her?"

"I'm just taking care of her.  It's not like that.  Arctic asked me to make sure none of these humans touch her, so we've been spending some time together."  He chuckled.  "That, and she figured out that I can make her scared about using her skill so she won't accidentally fry the town.  Means less work for Sal, so we've been practicing."

"You and Shade?"  Kolt blew out a dramatic breath.  "Yeah, that's like the iliri dream team or something.  You two tried combining your skills yet?"

"What, a fear of fire?"

Kolt's head cocked slightly.  "No, I meant like how Sal uses my fetching to extend her reach, but I guess that means you'd have to let her in your head, huh?"

Ghost stole a glance from the corner of his eye, then bit his lip to hide a smile.  "Wouldn't bother me.  It's her.  She's not comfortable with linking yet.  I mean, Arctic seems ok, and all, but she's still kinda nervous around other guys."

"Even you?"

He nodded.  "Even me.  The one time I offered her a memory, I almost couldn't breathe through the fear on her.  She's not meant for me, Kolt.  We're just friends, and I hate that my sister was treated like that.  Especially by other iliri."

"But she trusts you?" Kolt pressed.

Ghost nodded.  "Yeah, I think so.  Kinda like Sal trusts you, right?"

"Little brother, if Shade trusts you that much, then you're gonna be just fine."  He reached over and patted the kid's back.  "I'm not going to tell a soul about the pictures, but they're good.  If you ever want to show them off, I swear I know how to keep my mouth shut, ok?"

"Thanks," Ghost said softly, palming the note on the table.  "I'll give this to Cyno, should see him later this morning.  Consider it payback for not being a dick about the pictures.  Kinda nice to have someone who can understand that it's not always easy being just a friend."

"No, it most certainly is not.  Doesn't mean it's the wrong thing to do."

Chapter 25

Sal woke early.  The sky was still pink with the first rays of the sun, but that was ok because she'd fallen asleep well before she'd expected to.  Finally, she felt rested, like she hadn't spent the entire night trying to listen for the next attack.  Jase, on the other hand, opened his eyes as soon as her breathing changed.

"Morning, killer," she whispered.

He let his eyes close again, but his mouth curled into a smile.  "Now that is how ya should wake me up ever' morning."  His voice was rough from sleep.

"Early?" she teased.

"Happy," he corrected.  "And Zep's dreaming about swimming."

"Flying," Sal told him.  "I'm pretty sure he's flying."

"But he can na – "

She just shook her head.  "Not how dreams work.  When he's asleep, he can do just about anything he wants.  I'm just glad he's stopped dreaming about the void."

Jase scooted a little closer.  "I think that was ya.  When ya thought about Blaec, he could na help it.  He remembers death a little too well."

"Yeah.  I think we all do, but he got a front row seat."  She slid her leg between his.  "You going to be upset if I take my Dernor out on a date while we're here?"

"Na."  His hands found her hips, pulling her away from Zep.  "He's been plannin' it since we got here.  Wanted ta show ya how a queen should be treated.  Or a wife.  He changes his mind on that as much as he talks 'bout it."

"Pretty sure he thinks they're the same."

"Ta him, they are."  Playfully, he nipped at the side of her neck.  "They are both ya.  Now kiss me, cessivi."

Sal did, obeying without hesitation.  Her body slid along his, their limbs tangling, and she caught his lower lip in her teeth.  When he tried to nip back, she stole his mouth, kissing him deeply.  Finally, it felt right.  For days, she couldn't touch either of them without dwelling on the silence in her head where Blaec should have been, but something had finally changed.  Blaec was still gone, but it no longer hurt just to exist.  Loving the men who were still here didn't remind her of what she'd lost, so she smothered herself with the one who'd waited so patiently.

A deep chuckle made her pull back.  Turning, she found Zep snuggled into his pillow, watching.  "I need some of that, demon," he grumbled, tugging her against him.

She obliged, and Jase moved behind her, kissing a line down her spine.  Somehow, the three of them just worked.  They always had.  With Blaec, she'd had to make time for him, to find ways to keep from ignoring him, but Jase and Zep were two parts of her whole.  Wrapping her arms around Zep's neck, she held him closer, breathing in the sweet scent of him.  The three of them were right.

Blaec hadn't been.

"What?" Zep asked softly in her ear, having felt the realization as it hit her.

She just shook her head.  "Nothing, baby.  For right now, it's nothing.  I'm just glad I have both of you."

He hugged her a little harder.  "Me, too.  Now get off me so I can have a piss – unless you're gonna let all this cuddling get a little hotter and sweatier?"

Swatting at his chest, she rolled back to the middle of the bed.  "Hurry up.  I wanna go poke Parliament this morning."

Zep heaved himself out of bed, talking as he made his way to the bathing area.  "Who are ya taking?"

"Just Jase."

"Hey!"

She giggled, knowing he wasn't truly offended.  "Don't complain.  You're taking me out tonight for a date.  I asked all nice and stuff, remember?"

"Lunch," he called through the open door.  "Where we're going, dinner might get complicated, but I'm pretty sure we can do lunch without a problem."

"Ok?"

He came back out, pausing to look at both her and Jase sprawled in the bed.  "And you're going to need a pretty green dress.  Oh, and that crown thing.  Trust me, baby, I know how to plan an impressive date.  When she's the leader of Anglia, it's even easier."

"Mm."  Twisting in the covers, she turned to face Jase.  "I think he's trying to show me off."

"Do ya mind?"

"Eh, for him I'll let it slide."

He pulled her over to his pillow.  "Be nice.  He finally got his perfect iliri girl.  I think ya should let him brag a bit.  Heard humans love ta brag."

"Hey," Zep huffed.  "Sal says I'm iliri, so none of that human shit, bro."

Jase made a point of sniffing the air.  "Still smell human."

"Fuck off," Zep almost growled, grabbing his pillow to throw at the pair of them.  "And get your asses out of that bed before I jump back in it."

"Ok!" Sal giggled, rolling back to Zep's side where she could escape.  "But someone needs to brew the coffee."

"Got it," Jase said, slipping out on his side.  "What're we wearin', kitten?"

"Blacks.  Figure with the two of us, no one's going to count how many daggers we have strapped on.  It's just a quick in and out to make sure the Blue Party isn't going to screw us over."

"And ya," Jase told Zep, "can use the time ta get all pretty fer yer girl.  I hear she likes it when ya wear the tight clothes."

"Hell yeah, she does,"  Zep said as Sal stepped into the bathing room.  "Gonna find something to do this afternoon for me, bro?  Like, in the other half of the city?"

"Yeh.  That brerror needs ta be shown how ta work with daggers."

"Kolt?" Zep asked.  "You're going to train him to use – "

"Nah."  Jase chuckled.  "I'm gonna teach him how ta work with her when she does.  Or me.  He is na going anywhere."

"Already figured that out.  Kinda why I wanted the time with her.  Thanks, man."

She pulled a brush through her hair and called back, "I think you're safe, Zep.  Kolt has his own room."

For a moment, the two guys were quiet.  Then Jase chuckled.  A second later, Zep sighed loud enough for it to carry to Sal.  "Mind your own business, demon.  It's hard enough to surprise you without you listening in."

***

An hour later, Sal and Jase left the military base without much fanfare.  Both wore their basic black fatigues but carried only the basic weapons.  For Sal, that meant a line of daggers strapped to each leg with her two steel knives secured at the back of her waist.  Jase, however, preferred to keep his arsenal a little less visible.  Two blades in each boot, four hung from his belt, and two more were strapped to his arms.  As they jogged across the street, it almost felt like old times – except for the resin sitting on her brow.

On the upside, they had no problem entering the building.  When they got close enough, one of the Parliamentary Guards stepped forward and pulled a massive door open for them.  As Sal passed, she recognized his turquoise eyes.  She had no idea if he'd been given orders to admit her or if he'd taken it upon himself, but either way, it was progress.

This time, the inside of the building was busy.  Staff members hurried down the halls, some casting confused looks at the pair of iliri.  Servants wheeled carts of refreshments toward the larger rooms in the center of the building.  Voices were soft, but people were everywhere, moving, doing, and smelling like they were frantic.  Unsure of what was going on, the pair of Anglians made their way toward the Blue Party's side of the building.  That's where she hoped to find Representative Sherin.

They didn't make it.  At the first turn, someone called her name – not her title.  "Sal?"

She turned to find Natyn Grenso, the iliri Representative from Lewes gesturing to her.  "Can I help you?" she asked.

"I certainly hope so, Kaisae."  He gestured to a large room just ahead.  "We just got word back from Star Fall.  It's classified, but I have a feeling you can work with that."

She dipped her head in acknowledgment and fell in behind him.  Without a word, Jase shifted to her left.  Grenso was walking, but only barely, and Sal had to stretch her legs to the fullest to keep up.  When he reached the open doorway, he ducked inside, cupping an arm to include her without touching as he brought her to the front of the room.

"I have Anglia," he said loudly.  "Can we get them caught up?"

"Kaisae?" That was Anis.  She looked very confused.  "Did you know about this?"

"I don't know what 'this' is, yet.  Representative Grenso just said I might be able to help."  Sal flicked her ears forward to show she was listening.

"Tell her."  This from a man in blue, but Sal didn't know his name.

Anis looked down to a note in her hand.  "We just received word back from Star Fall.  They're currently embedded with the Emperor, as I'm sure you know."

Sal nodded once.  "Yes, at the Hurracan River camp.  They should all have been recruited into the Black Widow Company's delta squad by now."

Anis's mouth opened once, then closed.  All around them, the room was quickly falling silent as politicians turned to stare.  "How did you know that?" the leader of the Gold Party asked.

Sal just smiled.  "You're welcome."

The man from the Blue Party lifted a hand halfway.  "Excuse me?"

"I told you that I had more information for you once a treaty was signed."  She shrugged, trying hard to look regal when she did it.  "The CFC isn't the only country infiltrating the Terran Empire.  Anglia has a group of select operatives keeping us informed of the Emperor's movements.  As a way of showing my appreciation to Star Fall for helping me escape from that very camp, I had them inconspicuously moved into a single Terran Elite unit.  This will make it easier for them to not only get intelligence, but also to communicate without raising suspicion."

"Who's your contact?" Anis asked.

Sal shook her head.  "I'm not telling you that, but rest assured that one of their commanding officers is loyal to me."

"Well," the man in blue said, waving his own note at her.  "Says here that they know about Enik Kolton defecting.  There's a personal message, too.  Says, um..."  Blood began to creep into his cheeks.

Grenso leaned over and read for him.  "Says, 'Any scrubber who can fool us for seven years deserves what he gets.  Enjoy the promotion, you sly bastard.'"

Jase chuckled.  "I will be sure ta tell him."

"But," the man in blue broke in, calling attention back to himself.  "There's more.  Says here – "

Sal held up a hand.  "Do you have a name, sir?  I'm afraid I didn't get a chance to study between the front line and here."

"Representative Harris Caldon, Kaisae.  Blue Party Representative for Prin.  Ma'am, Star Fall is reporting that an additional ten thousand Terran soldiers were sent this way, and the Emperor has intentions of moving more."

Sal just held up a finger and dropped her eyes to the ground.  Narnx? she thought, reaching out along the iliri and grauori hubs.  I'm in the CFC with Parliament.  If you can find a moment, that would be great.  The emotional surge that came back told her he was trying.  "I'm checking," she told the people around her.

"Now?" Caldon asked.

Sal blinked her eyes up to him.  "Yes.  I told you I have someone embedded there.  I'm asking him."

"How?" he demanded.

"With my mind!" she snapped.  "The same way I give orders to my military, call the Devil Dogs back from the Escean border, or coordinate with the Orassae and Kaeen.  I'm iliri, you fool.  That's what I've been trying to tell you.  I can do this a hell of a lot better than you can!"

Sal? Narnx thought at that exact moment.

Again, she held up a hand, but this time she turned away.  Yeah, thanks.  Hey, Parliament here just got word that there's ten thousand troops heading to the Siahies with more on the way.

What?!  He paused for a moment, then she felt his amusement.  Those guys left when you did.  Old news, Sal.  Makiel sent them south looking for you and told them to keep going if they didn't find you.  You already planned for them.  He's got another rush of conscripts from Gallicor heading this way, but it'll be a month, at least, before they reach the Nebula II.

Ok.  Things still good with Star Fall?

She could feel him nodding with a smile on his face.  They know Marin is working with Anglia, but that's about all.  He's not about to give away how high up your influence goes, but they trust him.  Telling them about Kolt was all it took.  When the next section moves out, I'm sending them to Escea.  I'll give you numbers when it happens.

Standing a little straighter, she turned back to the politicians waiting silently.  Thanks, Narnx.  Be safe.

Always, Kaisae.

"Ok," Sal said, rubbing at her forehead.  "I previously told you that Terric has thirty-seven thousand soldiers along the Siahies, right?  Those ten thousand are included.  They left the Hurracan River camp the day after I did."

Anis asked, "How can you be sure?"

"Because we can't lie mind to mind.  Doesn't work like that.  My contact says that my intel is still up to date, and he'll interrupt if anything changes."

"He?" Toth asked, peeling himself out of a desk at the side.  "Who is he?"

"He," she told him, feeling her ears turning back, "is my contact, just like I said.  He's also one name that I will not give you, even with a treaty.  His safety depends on it.  I will gladly confirm all we know, as soon as your..."  she gestured to the notes, "technology can get it to you."

"Can you get it to us faster?" Anis asked.

Sal countered with, "Can you get me an alliance?"

Caldon just flapped the paper in his hands.  "How long have you known about this, Kaisae?  I have reports of Terran troop movements, our espionage efforts, and possible leads on Terran strategy, but you're one step ahead of us.  How long have you known?"

"I typically get informed before the soldiers have been given their orders, Representative.  I also know that Terric has another group of conscripts coming down from Gallicor.  In a month, they'll be in the Hurracan River area for training.  As soon as they're considered acceptable – which means their lead unit can terrorize them enough to keep them in line – they'll most likely be deployed to the south of Escea."

"The south?" he asked.

She dipped her head.  "Yeah, toward the ocean.  You know why?"

"No, ma'am."

"Because, Caldon, the Conglomerate is losing.  You don't have enough men to cover everything, and right now, the eastern border is stretched thin.  Viraenova has your northern side – and you're welcome for that – but Escea is Terric's.  All they need to do is waltz right behind their own safe line down to the beach and turn right.  They'll be able to walk right into the Conglomerate, and there's no way you can stop them with the military might you have left."

Caldon's eyes were a little too big.  "When?"

"Month and a half, maybe two."

The sound of him swallowing nearly echoed in the massive room.  "How do we stop them?"

"You give me complete control of your military."  Sal took a step toward the man.  "Just like I've been saying the whole time, I want to make Makiel pay.  I looked into his eyes, I shuffled through his mind, and I want to make sure that bastard can't do any of the things he's planning.  I want to stop him, and I can, but you have to let me."

"But why can't you just work with our generals?" he asked.

Growling, Sal stormed the last two steps and palmed both sides of his face.  "Because you humans can't keep up.  Because I'm nothing like you, and if you want to defeat the man who has taken over half this continent, you need to stop fighting like humans.  Because I can do this..."  And she released his body with her hands, but her mind already had his.

In what was probably the most graceful move the man had ever made in his life, he pulled the steel blade from the sheath on her right and spun to face Jase, falling into a fighting stance.  The shocked sounds of the politicians were loud, but it didn't cover the little assassin's laugh.  He just dipped his head and stepped back, holding up two open hands.

"Yeh, I can play like tha', kitten.  Make sure he knows what yer doin'."

"He knows," she promised.

Then the pampered Representative lunged.  Jase twisted, shifting his body out of the way, but he made no move to fight back.  Sal, however, wanted to make a point.  With full control of Caldon's body, she attacked, using her most impressive moves, sending them at her lover as fast as she could think them.  Caldon, caught in her spell, began to perform miracles.  He hacked, slashed, and wove his blade around like a trained soldier, never giving Jase the chance to relax.  Finally, Sal saw her opening.  Wrenching the man's arm up, she guided him perfectly to just slice the outer side of her lover's forearm.

Caldon gasped.  Sal forced him to drop the blade before she let him stop.  Only when Jase reached for her steel dagger did she give the man control of himself back.  He was breathing much too hard.

"Kaisae!" Anis was muttering.  "He's never – "

"I did that," she told them, holding out her hands for Jase to toss her blade back.  "I just took a politician and made him fight well enough to get a touch on one of the continent's most feared assassins."  She tapped the side of her head.  "And all I need is this, an iliri mind.  When your generals can do that, then sure, I'll coordinate with them like equals.  Until then, if you want me to win this war, then you need to stop thinking that your dull teeth, flat ears, and pigmented skin makes you somehow superior to the predator you humans designed.  You made me to be the perfect soldier, and you know what?  I am."  She looked around the room at every face in there.  "So let me do my damned job.  Sign the alliance, and I'll save this country.  I came to make sure you know that you have two days left."

With that, she turned, walking out of the room like the queen she was supposed to be.  Jase didn't say a word.  He just fell in on her left.  Behind them, the hum of voices swelled but one man's discontent could be heard above all the rest.

"You can't trust that beast," Toth bellowed.  "Give those scrubbers anything and they'll destroy humanity.  There's no way we can trust them!"

She was tired of trying to change his mind.  The decision was in their hands now.  The Conglomerate knew what she was offering, but she wouldn't beg.  If they wanted to die on their own terms, then she needed to spend her last two days here making sure her people knew what was coming.

The Emperor wasn't stupid.  He'd make sure to kill the iliri first.

Chapter 26

Back at the base, Zep had been busy.  The excitement wafted from him, making it that much easier for Sal to forget her worry over their alliance.  She knew she'd messed up, but she couldn't change that now.  All that was left was making the most of it.  Arctic assured her that he'd talk to the rest of Anglia and think of something, but she deserved the day off.  When she tried to explain to Dominik, he just shut her out, telling her to have fun for once in her life, and that politics was something he could handle.

So Sal decided to just go with it.  Zep had chosen a beautiful dress for her and laid it out on the bed.  She remembered it from their last shopping trip in Prin, when the three of them had been looking for appropriate court attire for Anglia.  The dress was green and black, and it might work now, but back then it had been completely inappropriate.  Mostly because it was beautiful.  That was the last push she needed.

By the time she was ready, she was already running late.  Standing before the tiny mirror in their military issue bathing chamber, she'd worked her hair into an elaborate up-do, painted her face with stark eyes and pastel lips, and secured a few ornamental weapons where they wouldn't show.  She was just clipping the crossed-sword pin to the beaded mesh at her shoulder when Zep leaned around the corner.

"Our ride's here," he said, letting his eyes run over her.

She turned, doing the same to him.  "Oh?  You do realize I can't ride a horse in this, right?"  Damn, he looked good.

Heavy boots buckled to just below his knee, covering the painted-on satin of his pants.  Those were fit perfectly, and tight across his flat waist where they met a black vest adorned with green embroidery.  His coat was cut to make the most of his broad shoulders, and in a green so dark she wondered if humans would see it as black.  The silk shirt beneath it all, however, matched her dress perfectly.

This man wasn't a soldier.  If she met him on the street, she'd call him sir, assuming he was a politician or wealthy business owner.  Every single detail had been accounted for, and nothing about his attire was cheap.  This was Valcor Zepyr, the man with twenty generations of human breeding – and the money to make sure everyone knew it – and he was smiling at her like he didn't care at all.

"Do I pass inspection, Kaisae?" he asked, taking one more step into the room.

She nodded.  "You look a little intimidating, Zep."

He canted his head, brushing that aside.  "Just trying to keep up with you."

"You look like a merchant."

His shoulders slumped.  "I was going for Prince.  Guess merchant is all I know."

"No, no," she babbled, closing the distance between them.  "Zep, I've never seen a proper Prince.  I mean, Dominik and Jarl don't count.  They dress like the rest of us.  When I think of impressive and fancy, all I have to go on are the merchants from Merriton, the men from those parties.  You look like the kind of man who they would try to impress."  Reaching up, she traced the line of his vest down to his waist.  "You look amazing."

He licked at his lips but it couldn't stop the smile.  "Thanks, baby.  And our carriage is still waiting downstairs.  I figure it's our last full day in Prin, so I want to make sure you will always remember what it feels like to be treated like you deserve."  He offered his arm.  "Like the true queen of your people, complete with all the pomp and ceremony."

She laced her arm through his and let him escort her from their room.  Outside, the base was just a bit quieter than usual.  It wasn't until they made it to the stairs that she realized why.  There, lined along the courtyard, was all of Anglia.  The greens who'd traveled with them stood at attention – even if a few were smiling inappropriately – lining the path to a two horse carriage.  Four members from the 257th heavy archer unit sat their horses at attention behind it, clearly assigned to guard duty.  Beside them were the Shields and the Blades.  Behind them were dozens of the grauori, all laying properly.  Even Hwa, Roo, and the pups were there!  The moment her feet hit the staircase, they all snapped a salute, thumping their fists against their chests or dropping their muzzles to the ground.  Sal didn't know what to make of it.

"Kaisae," Arctic said, moving to open the carriage door.  Sal couldn't miss the tapestry attached to the side with her country's symbol on it.

She looked up at Zep.  "You got them all to do this?"

"Not exactly."  He tipped his head forward, to the last Verdant Shield in their line.  "He did.  Said it was time the world saw exactly how we think of you."

That man was Dominik Jens.  He was dressed just like the rest of his unit, standing there without any other sign to signify his rank.  Sal slowed when they passed.  "Thanks, Dom."

He nodded.  "No different than the dozens of times you've stood like this for me.  Kaisae, I hope you understand.  All of us, of Anglia, feel you deserve to be treated like this every day.  You, my Kaisae, are the true Royalty in our country, even if you don't agree."  Then he looked over to Zep.  "Dernor.  Enjoy your afternoon."

"Thank you, sire."

With that, Zep handed her up into the carriage and followed after.  He'd just eased his weight onto the bench beside her when Arctic closed the door.  The driver didn't wait for a destination.  With a kissing noise, he urged the horses to step out at a decent clip, turning toward the wealthy side of the city.

"Why the display?" she asked, looking over Zep's shoulder at the city passing by.

He leaned back to give her a better view.  "Baby, I keep feeling like I don't deserve this, like people are going to realize I'm a fraud and everything will fall apart.  Now, I'm pretty sure that's not me.  I mean, I definitely deserve all of this.  So I figure it has to be you."  He gestured to the people turning to look at their fancy carriage.  "So I'm proving you wrong.  See, this is exactly what the equal ruler of the most powerful nation on the continent deserves."  Then he leaned closer and kissed her cheek.  "Just so you know, that's you."

"But I couldn't have done any of this without the rest of you."

Zep shrugged.  "Neither could Dom, but you don't seem to hold that against him.  Nor Rragri."

"Oh."  She knew he was right, but it was still hard to accept.

He murmured softly, showing he understood, and leaned back.  Lifting his arm, he encouraged her to move closer, casually draping it around her shoulders when she did.  Together, they watched the reactions of the humans on the street as they headed to wherever he was taking her.  She was pretty sure the carriage was rented, but it seemed to be from a top end company.  That they'd managed to put Anglia's symbol on the door proved that.  Then again, in the capital city, someone had to cater to visiting diplomats.

Which was exactly what she was.  She didn't feel like it, but she knew the truth.  She'd been using that to her advantage all week.  Zep was just throwing it back in her face, hoping to make her finally understand, and she was.  It just might not have been quite what he'd intended.

Sal had spent her entire life on the outside looking in.  She'd always been the "other", the scum on the bottom of some human's boot.  When she saw rich men, or politicians, she'd thought they had some inherent right to what they were, as if they were just better than everyone else.  Their wealth and power had given them dominance over her without her even realizing it, but she'd been wrong.

She wasn't inferior to them.  She was better than them, and she'd proven it.  Looking over to Zep, she saw him nodding, well aware of what she was feeling, and it made her smile.  He was right.  She deserved this because she'd made sure she did, and her mates had helped her do it.  All of them, including Blaec, but they'd helped.  They hadn't done it for her.

Finally, the carriage pulled up before a glass-encrusted building.  Stone and resin had been shaped to be as unobtrusive as possible, but over the door she saw the name carved into a slab of pale granite: Ogun's Gardens.  She cast a glance at Zep.  Of all the places in Prin, this was the last one she'd expected him to choose.  Ogun's Gardens wasn't just expensive and elite, it was where celebrities, politicians, and visiting dignitaries made up the clientele.

But that's exactly what she was.

"Wow," she breathed, looking over to her mate.

He was grinning as someone outside opened their door, preventing him from saying anything else.  Nimbly, Zep hopped out and turned to offer her a hand.  "Kaisae?"

Sal let him assist her descent.  Waiting before her were three men.  The one in the middle was smiling.  "Kaisae?" he asked politely.  "It's a pleasure to attend you, ma'am.  I've assured Valcor that we have the best table in the house reserved for you, and would be happy to adjust any meal to your specifications."

Chuckling, Zep reached out and slapped the man's shoulder playfully.  "She's not that stuffy, Brond."  Then he shifted slightly, looking at his mate.  "Sal, I'd like you to meet one of my few friends from childhood.  Brond Chidike.  He's the manager here."

"A pleasure," she told him, making no move to offer her hand.

Brond, however, bowed deeply.  "All mine, Kaisae.  Please, follow me, and we'll make sure your guard is comfortable and taken care of while they wait."

Proudly, he led them through the glass doors, straight through the center of the posh restaurant, toward an isolated table at the back.  It wasn't shut away from the rest, rather the furniture and architecture made it into the centerpiece of the room while blocking off access to others.  Clearly, this was the table reserved for those too important to be bothered.  The other two men hadn't followed, most likely seeing to her entourage.

Sal glanced at Zep from the corner of her eye.  "Did you tell him I'm iliri?" she asked.

"Yep."  he moved to pull out her chair.  "And the woman of my dreams."  Then he moved to his place on the other side, and the staff came closer.

"Honey mead, aged rum, fresh milk, or would you care for something else, Kaisae?" the first man asked.

"Milk," she decided.  "Thank you."

He'd barely moved away when a young woman took his place.  "Our chef has arranged a few appetizer options that should be suitable.  We have a selection of cheeses, meats, breads, or the typical options we offer humans that include fruits and vegetables."

Sal shook her head at the idea of plants, but Zep answered for her.  "Have the chef make something with cheese, meat, and no vegetation.  She doesn't tolerate it well."

"Yes, Dernor.  Any other dietary restrictions or allergies we should know about?"

He looked over at Sal.  "She's carnivorous.  If you have any iliri on staff, they should know what doesn't sit well."

"We do, sir."  Dipping in a half curtsey, she followed the first man toward the back.

That left only Brond.  He moved to a place between both of them and offered two menus.  "These are our most popular dishes, but do not feel constrained.  If there's anything you'd like the chef to create for you, we're more than happy to comply."

He turned to leave, but Zep stopped him.  "Brond?"

"Yes, Dernor?"

"It's Zep.  That's what they call me now, and I honestly wanted you to meet her, man."  He gestured to Sal.  "The woman who saved my life."  Then he pointed to Brond.  "Baby, he was the closest thing I had to a best friend growing up.  Not that we got to play together much."

Brond chuckled.  "Your father couldn't believe mine was raising me in the house beside his other children."

That made her ears flick forward.  "Why not?"

"Because my mother was the nanny.  Half iliri.  I grew up known as 'that merchant's bastard', Kaisae.  Only person who talked to me was Valcor.  Well, and my siblings.  That's how I got this position – my brother owns the place."

"Oh."  That wasn't at all what she'd expected.  "I'm sorry I didn't notice."

"She usually can smell it on you before you need to tell her," Zep explained.  "And surprise us with the meals.  Just make sure it's not overcooked."

"How rare?" Brond asked.

Zep smiled deviously.  "She'll eat her meat raw, and I've been living with iliri for a long time, my friend.  You can't under-do it."

"Well, Valcor..."  Brond finally relaxed enough to lean closer and drop his voice.  "I think we might be able to find something impressive enough.  Still don't know how you convinced her to even talk to you, let alone claim you.  Always figured a Kaisae would have better taste."

"Oh, she does," Zep assured him.  "Her first mate is a man-eating beast.  Me?  I got her drunk."

"Would have to."  He patted Zep's shoulder again.  "But you make one hell of a Dernor.  The two of you look like you belong together.  Now let me get out of your way."  He ducked his head at Sal with a friendly smile on his face, then he too disappeared toward the back.

"You are a good Dernor," Sal told him.

Zep just leaned back and smiled.  "Hope so, but I'm gonna gloat for a minute about that looking good together.  Always thought we were the mismatched couple, so it kinda feels nice."

"We are," Sal told him.  "A pure human and a pure iliri.  In a world of mongrels, I can see his point.  We kinda do belong together in our own way."

He reached across the table and took her hand.  "Yeah, but has nothing at all to do with why I fell in love with you, demon.  You could have been as black as my father and I still would've given in.  I just love your pride and your determination.  I think it's the same reason I liked Jase so much when we met.  You're the type of person to be a good partner.  The kind of person I know I can lean on if I ever need it."

"Always, Zep.  And thank you so much for the date."  She looked around.  "Without you, there's no way I'd get in a place like this."

He looked at the crown on her head.  "Yeah, baby, you would.  That thing works miracles.  Me?  I'm just along for the ride, and loving every second of it."

That's when the first waiter returned with their drinks.  When Brond said he intended to impress, he'd been serious.  Her fresh milk had been chilled to near freezing, making it thicken.  Knowing how hard ice would be to get – even at this time of year – Sal was impressed.  Zep's alcohol came with a bottle for him to refill as he needed.  The label proven it wasn't a brand typically offered in military pubs.

And the staff didn't stop.  Samplers, treats, and food offerings so unique she couldn't even describe them were trotted out without any fanfare, slipped onto an empty spot on the table, and the staff made sure to never disrupt their private moment.

All Sal could do was enjoy it.  She was a queen, and Ogun's Garden was making sure everyone in the restaurant knew it.

Chapter 27

Kolt had his feet kicked up on the table when a disturbance in the mess hall made him look up.  That stupid politician was back, dragging three of his cronies along with him.  The Conglomerate soldiers were almost tripping over themselves trying to get out of his way, but the fat prick didn't care.  He just stormed far enough in to get a good view and stopped.

"Where is she?" he demanded.

Insolently, Kolt lifted his glass and took another drink, watching the whole thing like a bad play.

"Or the King?" Representative Toth added.  "Does he have any idea what she's done?"

Yep, he meant Anglia, and the others hadn't made it down yet.  "She's not here," Kolt called back, but he wasn't about to take his feet off the table.

"Then where is she?"

"What do you want?" Kolt countered.

Toth's face was growing red from his anger.  "That beast mauled the Representative of Prin!  She accosted a human, boy.  Do you not understand the significance of this?"

That pulled Kolt's feet down, under him, and shoved his entire body to standing.  "She. Is. Not. A. Beast!" he snapped back.  At the same time, his mind was reaching out.  Arctic, Dominik, Nya?  Toth's in the mess and making a scene.

On the way, Dom replied instantly.

Arctic's voice followed a split second later.  Handle it, Kolt.

Yes, sir.  Kolt took a breath, trying to ignore the anger Toth's words created, and moved toward the man.  This was one thing he could do.  "Anglia's on the way.  How can we help you, Representatives?"

"I want that bitch arrested.  I want the people to know what she's done, and what those animals are capable of!"  Toth gestured to the men behind him.  "They're here to witness her being taken into custody."

"Not gonna happen."  Kolt stepped around the end of the table and stopped just out of reach.  "She's here at your request.  If you don't want Anglia's help, well, then you shouldn't've asked us to come.  We never expected you to like us, Representative.  Not once.  We just offered to make your Terran problem go away.  We healed your men.  We've done nothing but attempt to form an alliance based on mutual assistance."  And he smiled just enough to show his sharp teeth.  "Not our fault you don't like knowing you're no longer the meanest thing on this continent."

One of the men beside Toth spoke up.  "And who the hell are you?"

"Syrik Kolton, protector of the Kaisae.  Her right guard."

"Kolton?"  Toth clearly recognized the name.  "From Star Fall?"

"Formerly."

"Traitor," someone whispered.

Kolt's head swiveled to the sound, falling on the most timid of Toth's men.  "Now that would be very hard to prove, considering it's wrong.  Yes, I defected – while leaving the rest of my unit more secure than they'd been before I left.  I served your country loyally for most of my life, and I promise my emigration was perfectly legal.  I'd be more than happy to have it reviewed in a Continental Court before all joined nations."

From the way Toth's mouth began to flap, that was not at all what he'd expected.  "Right now, I just want to talk to someone with the authority to contain that animal.  The Kaisae is out of control, and I want to know who she answers to."

From the doorway, he got his answer.  "You're talking to him," Arctic said, slipping easily between the bodies to Kolt's side.

"You?"

Arctic pointed to Kolt.  "No, him.  I just organize the military operations of the Black Blades."

"What the hell does that man want this time?"  That was Dominik, and he sounded like he wasn't in a good mood.  "Let me in, people.  I was called."

The four Conglomerate politicians looked between the King making his way over and the two iliri standing there proudly.  Clearly, they were confused.  When more people followed the King, they started to look nervous, moving away from the crowd building among the tables.

Blue, green, black, and white were all there, shuffling to group together by color.  Between them, the grauori wove, some taking to the tops of the tables so they could see.  When Arctic had spoken up, all of Anglia had heard, and they were coming, but other soldiers had noticed.  Bodies were pouring into the mess hall, smelling of curiosity.  Kolt crossed his arms over his chest and tried hard not to smile.  Toth thought he'd just start making demands and people would fall all over themselves to do it, but he'd been wrong.  Anglia didn't work that way.  Most soldiers didn't.

Dominik stopped beside Kolt.  His shirt was untucked and wrinkled.  Silently, Rayna moved to his right.  Kolt bit back a laugh when he realized her shirt was on inside out and then he saw the knot in her hair.  Hoping to help, he plucked at a wayward strand, making it a little less obvious that she had a case of bedhead.  She flashed a wicked smile back to him.

"Ok," Dom said.  "So what's going on this time, Toth?"

"Your little iliri bitch just accosted a member of Parliament!"

Dom held up one finger.  "First, she's not mine.  The Kaisae is at best my equal.  If we want to be honest, I'll admit that my men would probably follow her orders well before mine, but they try to make me feel important."  He raised another.  "Second, I'd like to see the person so accosted, to hear exactly what happened, and not your extremist view on it."  Then yet another finger flicked up.  "And third, I want to remind you that she is not beholden to the Conventions of War, and this is exactly why.  So what the hell are you doing here?"

A lean, weedy man shoved forward, pushing a finger into Dominik's face.  "We want these beasts out of here.  Out of our base, out of the capital city, and all the way out of our borders!  Anglia is no longer welcome!"

A buzz of frantic conversation swelled as he made his demands, and it didn't come from the Anglians.  At the edge of the crowd, the soldiers in blue began to shuffle, pushing closer.  Those in green tried to hold them back, but it only made the bodies pack tighter.  Dom, however, didn't budge.  With his jaw clenched, he just nodded once.

"Sure.  We can do that."

"You have one day," Toth said, leaning toward him.  "By noon tomorrow, I expect Anglia to be riding north.  The Blue Party will not allow our people to be put in danger.  We expected an honest interest in an alliance.  Not this!  Allowing your pets to torture humans, and in the middle of Parliament?  It's disgusting, and we want no part of it.  We'd rather face Terric on our own than subject anyone else to the atrocities of the iliri!"

"Speak for yourself," someone screamed from the back.

"Who said that?" Toth demanded.

Dom lifted a hand, pulling his attention back.  "Fine.  I will have the Kaisae call back the grauori from the border.  The Devil Dogs should arrive late this evening, and we can all leave tomorrow morning.  Will that make you happy?"

The look on Toth's face was disgusting.  His eyes lit up and he dipped his head slightly, but it was the smile that was the most disturbing.  "Yes, sire.  I'll be sure to have a front row seat.  Hopefully your little display of leaving will be just as impressive as when you arrived."

"Wait!"

"I'm sure it will be," Dominik said, having not heard the human voice calling from outside.  "If you think your citizens won't know what's going on, well, I hope you're planning for a riot.  The people here know you can't win without us, and don't you dare think we'll leave without making sure they know it's because we weren't wanted."

"I don't care how you leave," Toth nearly spit.

"Wait," the man called again, bobbing through the bodies at the door.  "Sire, please wait!"

"Excuse me?"  Dom turned, gesturing for people to let the man through.  "Who's that?"

"Representative Jakin, sire.  Alverton."  He squeezed between a few more people.  "Blue Party.  I was here with Representative Sherin of Merriton the other day.  Excuse me.  Please, soldiers, can I get through?"

"Move!"  The roughness of that one word, and the growl that flowed with it was enough.  A path opened between the door and the leaders of both nations revealing a small man in black, pulling the younger politician with him by his shirt.  Jase's cold eyes dared anyone to get in his way.  "An' keep that clear," he demanded, propelling the human toward the rest.  "They do na need yer bodies blocking the fate of the CFC."

"Thank you, sire," Jakin told Jase.

The little man chuckled.  "Ahnor.  Sire is fer humans."

"My apologies, Ahnor."  Then he cleared his throat and turned to Toth.  "Caldon's not filing a grievance.  You don't have the right to make a decision like this without the vote of Parliament."

"Oh?"  The large man chuckled, but it was meant to show his control.  "Jakin, my friend.  I know you're new to this, but the Gold Party doesn't have the votes.  The alliance isn't going to happen.  I will, however, make sure the country knows what you've done."

Nervous, the younger Representative lifted his chin.  "I hope so.  Anglia promised us three more days.  We have one and a half left, and until a formal vote is called, I am unwilling to concede defeat.  I have no interest in seeing my district overrun by Terric just because of my pride, and my constituents agree."

"Do they know you're seeking help from iliri?  Violating everything the Blue Party stands for?"

"The Blue Party stands for limitation of government, not the abuse of it!  We support having the military might to defend our country, just like this.  Your specist views are not a mandate of the party line, Representative Toth, but our party's belief in the freedom to have your own opinion means I support your right to have them.  That's all.  It doesn't mean I need to agree, and right now, Barl, my only concern is making sure that my district still has those rights a year from now, and aren't bowing to the Emperor as their monarch!"

"Well, good for you."  Toth lowered his voice.  "But you overstep your place as a junior Representative.  The Gold Party doesn't have the votes.  These beasts are trying to destroy our country, and as the leader of the party in power, I want them out of Prin."

"What if they get them?" Jakin asked.

Toth shrugged.  "Won't happen.  Jurica is marshaling their forces.  This is a human war, you fool, and that means we need humans to win it, not them."

Jakin stepped back, his head nodding quickly.  "Fine.  Then I'm calling a referendum."  Another step moved him toward the door.  "And you four will have the notice when you return to your offices.  If they don't have the votes, then let's prove it."

"I already took a census," Toth yelled at the retreating man.  "Anglia is not welcome in the Conglomerate of Free Citizens any longer, and I'm going to remember this, Jakin!  Don't you dare think I'll forget you going behind my back."

Jakin mumbled something on his way out the door, but Kolt couldn't make it out over the swelling noise of the crowd.  The scent of fear was starting to make the place feel cloying, but he tried to rub it away, waiting for what came next.

Thankfully, that was Dom falling easily into his role as the leader of a nation.  He calmly held out his hand to Toth.  "If that's the case, Representative, then I will gladly inform the Kaisae that we can return to our own military efforts.  I'll have my soldiers complete their business in town, and like I said before, we'll leave Prin as early as we can tomorrow morning.  Anglia thanks you for the consideration."

Toth took it, but he let go as quickly as he could.  "I never wanted you here, sire.  I voted against sending the request."

"Demand," Dom corrected.  "Now if you'll excuse me.  It's not easy to move so many soldiers on such short notice."  He turned to the crowd.  "Anglia?  Check the horses and begin packing.  We leave as soon as the Devil Dogs are rested and able.  The first one of you to see Pig, fill him in."

"Yes, sir!" they all called back.

"Dismissed!"

"Blades!" Arctic yelled on his heels.  Find a table.  I need to know what's left to be done.

Ilija pushed beside him.  "Shields!"

And Nya lifted her head in a yowl.  A split second later, the pale beasts made for the door, their leader jumping down to follow them out.  Humans mingled among them.  Dozens of them.  It was chaos, but the kind that the military did so well.  Kolt watched, refusing to budge from where he stood as Toth tried to join the flow.  The three politicians with him were quickly split up in the mass of bodies, but it didn't matter.  They thought they were safe surrounded by so many blue uniforms.

They were, but not for the reasons they thought.  Mostly, it was because none of the Anglians cared enough.  They had bigger things to worry about, like all the pale faces looking back with wide eyes.  It didn't matter if those CFC citizens considered themselves humans or iliri, Sal intended to save them, and the Black Blades would make sure it happened.  As much as they could.

Eventually, the mess hall was once again comfortably empty.  Sure, a few off-duty soldiers were still loitering, but they deserved to eat, and it was lunch time.  That the humans moved away from the table the Blades so often used was all the proof Kolt needed.  They were still hoping, and still trying – in their small way – to show respect.

It mattered, and for the first time, he finally understood what Sal was doing.  He wasn't sure if she intended it, but he wouldn't put it past her to subvert the masses to prove her point.  Then again, that was the strongest power of a Kaisae, the ability to be everything her people needed.  For Sal, that meant not just the iliri, but everyone.

Guys? Kolt thought to the rest of the Blades as he took his seat among them.  We have one more night here.

And? Jase asked.

Kolt met the Ahnor's eyes.  It sounds like there won't be an alliance, so we need to start Plan B, right?  Tensa's been warned, but Guttertown aren't the only iliri in Prin.  What about those who live in the South District, or the brerror?

Arctic was nodding.  Ok.  Geo and Razor?  You two willing to head to the South district tonight?

Can we take some Shields? Geo asked, tipping his head to the King's unit.  Just for a little backup?

Sure.  Tell them to pack fast, but we'll have a caravan on the other side of the border.  Arctic's eyes moved to Shaden.  We'll go to Tensa's and fill her in so we can get everyone moving by morning.

The redhead nodded.  Ok.

That means we need someone to head over to the industrial district, to spread the word with the workers there, and a group to wander through the North side, to see if you can talk to any of the merchant's staff.

I'll do the North, Ghost offered.  Shift, you wanna go with me?  It's where I used to work.

Can do, Shift agreed.

Kolt looked over to Jase.  Ahnor?  I want to take her to my old home.

Can ya keep her safe? Jase asked.

Yes, sir.  I also think that the brerror won't expect her to come.  We don't count.  We've never counted to either the humans or the other iliri, and I think that if she treats us like the Black Blades do, then they'll spread the word better than anyone else.

Why? Arctic asked.

Kolt pulled in a deep breath, knowing he was probably going to offend one of his brothers, and not really sure if he cared.  Because none of you see us at first.  We move easily, so often assumed to be humans, but we know where the iliri live and play.  From Prin to Merriton, the brerror will tell everyone, especially others like themselves, that we still have a reason to hope, and a Kaisae who actually wants us.  The brerror can round up those we can't get to on our own.

Do it, Jase said.  Zep and I will visit the market district.  There is na anyone who will refuse him over there.

Risk chuckled.  Which means Tilso and I get to go to the underground clubs.

Won't be my first time, Tilso thought.  Best place to meet cute guys – besides the military.

Hey!  Risk playfully nipped at his mate.  Then I'm keeping you very close to me when we're there.

Oh yeah, Tilso agreed, but doesn't mean I can't look!

Chuckling, Arctic waved them down.  Fine.  I just want everyone to be safe.  If asked, you're just closing out any business you have.  Make sure you don't split up, and listen to the link.  I'll have the Devil Dogs standing by, and the Shields, just in case we have problems.  Tell the iliri we need them to spread the word.  Let them know we're moving early tomorrow morning, but do not put yourself at risk.  His pale eyes hit each of them, one after the other.  She can't take any more pain, brothers.  Be safe.  For her sake, if not your own.

Yes, sir, they all promised.

And I'll break the news ta Zep when they get back, Jase assured them, but na until she's back.  This may be her last chance ta ever have a date, and na even the CFC deserves ta ruin that fer her.

Ayati's already doing it, Geo grumbled.  Don't worry, Cyno.  We know.  She's all we have left, man, and we're not about to take her last chances at happiness away from her.

But Shaden was looking between them, clearly confused.  Why?

Because no Kaisae has lived to see the end of her war, Kolt explained.  The stronger Sal gets, the closer we are to winning – and possibly to losing her.

Chapter 28

Each course was more impressive than the last.  Eventually, Sal stopped worrying about what the people around them would think and just savored the moment.  She laughed at Zep's jokes, told a few of her own, and neither of them talked about the alliance or Blaec.  Stories of Jase, however, weren't off limits, and Zep had plenty to share.  Finally, when she couldn't manage another bite of the exceptional food, Zep waved over his friend for the check.

Brond brought it, but when Zep handed him a wad of cash, the guy tried to slip it back into his friend's pocket.  Unfortunately, both Sal and Zep noticed.  Chuckling, Zep just handed it back, smirking at his friend's embarrassment.

"I appreciate the offer, Brond, but Anglia can pay her bills."

His friend gave in, accepting the cash.  "I was trying to pay you back, but if this is being covered by the government..."

Zep shrugged.  "We are the government, so yeah.  We also can't really afford any rumors of favors.  Getting us a table was enough."  Standing, Zep offered the manager his hand.  "And if you ever have a reason to head north, come visit."

"Will do," Brond promised.  Then he turned to Sal.  "Ma'am, I can't even tell you how great an honor this was.  Not just meeting the last Kaisae of the iliri, but seeing that my old friend finally did it.  I always thought he was a fool, trying to make friends with the staff instead of these people."  He subtly gestured to the other diners.  "But I guess he had the right of it.  Take care of him for me?"

"Always," Sal promised.

Brond nodded.  "Now let me call your carriage to the front.  Don't be a stranger.  Either of you."

Like a perfect gentleman, Zep helped with her chair, then offered her a hand up.  Sal didn't wait for the invitation, just twined her arm through his.  Proudly, he covered her pale fingers with his dark hand, smiling down at her protectively.

"Thanks for indulging me, kid.  I always wanted to have an excuse to show you off."

She leaned her head against his bicep.  "Well, I can get used to this.  Zep, you make me feel beautiful.  Thank you."

"Aw, demon.  You are beautiful, just not in a human way.  Now, let's make sure they spoiled the greens enough that they won't regret volunteering."

"How?" she asked, moving with him toward the front door.  "I mean, you got all of our units to make that display, and then convinced these guys to give up their afternoon to play guards?"

"Didn't take much.  Walked into the mess and asked if anyone would be willing to help me show off.  Half the 257th Heavy Archers volunteered.  Made them pick numbers."

"Half?" she gasped.

He nodded.  "Sal, those guys love you.  They also know that standing at attention around you proves that you're something important, and the native Anglians haven't been real impressed with what they've seen here."

"Except the fashion, right?"

That made him nod.  "Oh yeah.  I think we just made the CFC rich on their clothing orders.  Couple of the guys were talking about buying things for their wives, but Rayna suggested they purchase the patterns instead.  Said there's no reason we couldn't take the style back with us, and it'd be a whole lot easier to carry."  He nodded at the two men holding the doors open for them.

At the front of the restaurant, their carriage was pulling into the foremost spot and the Anglian guards stood at the side holding their horses.  Dozens of times, Sal had been in charge of organizing things like this for Dominik, but it still seemed strange to know they were putting on the show for her.  Zep, however, wasn't bothered in the least.

"Next, I was thinking I'd show you the Grand Park," he said, leading her toward the waiting ride.

Sal turned to reply, but someone else cut her off.  "Valcor?"  It was a man's voice.  Beneath her hand, his body stiffened.  For a moment, she thought her mate wasn't going to stop, but the man called out again.  "Valcor Zepyr?"

Zep grunted under his breath and turned.  "Can I help you?"

An older couple was walking toward them quickly.  Their clothes were fancy and elaborate, even if the fur trim and muted colors were slightly outdated, but they didn't seem to care about appearances in their rush to catch up.  The woman was clearly panting as she made hurried little steps, constrained by the taut skirt she wore.

"Valcor?"  The lady sounded like she was begging.  "We were told you were back!  Is that really you?"

Sal's eyes bounced from the couple to her mate.  Zep's jaw was clenched.  They looked almost frantic.  It wasn't until the couple got closer that she finally understood.  All it took was a breath and she knew exactly who these people were.

"Karlon.  Laina," Zep greeted them.  "It hasn't been nearly long enough.  You also remind me so vividly why I avoided this side of town for so long."

"My baby boy!" the woman – his mother – proclaimed, lifting her arms as if she expected a hug.

Zep held up his hand, halting her.  "Ma'am, please!"

"Valcor!  I'm your mother!"  Then she looked at Sal.  "You're dismissed, girl."

Both of Sal's brows shot up.  "Excuse me?"

"Whatever he's paid you, take it and go.  I need to talk to my son."

Zep pulled Sal closer, moving his body between her and that of the elderly human.  The defensive nature of it was enough for those four Anglian guards to notice.  Instantly, they became alert, heading over to assist, but Sal lifted her palm to show them this wasn't dangerous.  The leading officer nodded, but he didn't back off.  Just like she'd trained them, they moved into a support position but kept their weapons sheathed.

"Laina Zepyr," Zep managed, even though his voice sounded strained with the effort to be polite.  "Let me introduce you to one of the rulers of Anglia, the Kaisae Salryc Luxx."

"Whatever," his mother grumbled.  "I don't care what that scrubber calls herself.  We have things we need to discuss.  Your father and I have been trying to reach you for over a year!"

"And I've been trying very hard to forget either of you exist."

"Valcor," his father, Karlon, huffed.  "That's no way to talk to your mother."

"If you wanted to get me to talk, calling the Kaisae a scrubber isn't the best way to start."

You ok? Sal asked, ignoring the insult in her attempt to figure out if Zep wanted an excuse to walk away.

He just closed his eyes and sighed.  They've been sending me letters since before I went to Anglia.  I'm sorry.  I should have said something.  Then he looked back to his father.  "I have no interest in your business.  I'm not coming back.  If you'd stop long enough to notice what's going on around you, you'd see that I clearly made a better life for myself, and neither of you has any part in it."

"With her?" Karlon asked, flicking a hand at Sal.  "Some beast?  And then what?  You can't serve in the military forever, boy, and normal society doesn't accept what you do with them."

"Sir?" one of the Anglians asked, stepping forward.  "Dernor, would you like us to remove these people from your presence?"

Zep just smiled.  "No, Captain.  Not yet."  His eyes never left his father.  "You see, Karlon, I'm not just a soldier, and I'm certainly no longer a Conglomerate citizen.  I'm the Consort to one of the three Anglian rulers.  The equivalent of a prince."

Laina huffed and stepped around him, clearly reaching for Sal.  She never made it.  The Kaisae stepped back, Zep put himself between them, and the Anglian soldiers acted.  Two of the men secured her arms, one on either side, and they pushed her to the side of the restaurant, using the glass wall to detain her.  The other two moved toward Zep's father, their hands on their hilts.

"No one touches the Kaisae!" the Captain snapped.  "Have that woman arrested."

"What?" Karlon gasped.  "But she's just a scrubber!"

"No," Sal told him, twining her fingers in Zep's.  "I'm the scrubber.  I'm also Anglian, and we do things a little different.  Step away from my husband, sir, or I'll have you arrested next for harassment."

"You can't!"

In the back of her head, Sal could hear the ruckus of her soldiers coordinating.  It wasn't just the four with her.  Back at the Prin base, the rest of the 257th Heavy Archers were preparing to assist and debating whether to tell the elites.  Sal smiled.

"Right now," she told Zep's parents, "my soldiers are scrambling to protect Anglia's leader.  That's me.  So let me make this very clear to you.  If you two do not want to be arrested for interference in an international negotiation, then you'd better stop trying to tell Zep what it is he's supposed to do, and start begging his forgiveness for the way you ruined his life."  She gestured to her guards.  "Let the woman go, but do not let her touch me."

"Yes, Kaisae," the man holding her said.

Laina stepped away from the window looking shocked and confused.  Tears were leaking from her eyes.  "Valcor," she whined.  "I just want you to come home."

"What?" he scoffed.  "Home?  You killed my amma!  You never cared about me, and you did your best to beat, abuse, or sell off the only friends I ever had.  Why would I give a damn about either of you?"

"But you're our only child," his father tried.  "Son... what about your legacy?"

"Legacy?"  Zep looked back to Sal.  "She's my legacy, Dad.  That 'scrubber.'  The woman I love, and I don't really care if you like it or not.  I walked away from both of you when I joined the military, and I'm not coming back.  Get that through your heads.  I have no clue how you found me, but stop trying, because it's not going to get any better."

Karlon sighed, letting his head drop.  "One of our neighbors saw you arrive.  Said it looked like you'd be here a while so we rushed over, hoping it was really true."

"Mhm."

"And," his father continued, "your mother wanted to see you in person.  She's been trying to find a way to tell you, but she didn't want to do it in a letter."

"Tell me what?" Zep demanded.

Both men looked at Laina, but she was biting her lips together, shaking her head as tears continued to trickle from her eyes.  It was clear she wouldn't be talking – and if she did, it wouldn't be very coherent.

"She's dying," Karlon said.

In her chest, Sal felt ice.  Without thinking, she reached for Zep's hand.  "Baby?"

His only answer was a squeeze of her fingers.  "How?" he asked his mother.

"My liver," she blubbered.  "The doctors say it's failing."

"And what did you expect?" he nearly spit at her.  "How many years have you been high?  Have you even quit?  Now that your body is all used up and destroyed, is that going to be enough of a reason to give it up?"

"Valcor," his father said, grabbing Zep's arm.  "She went to a counseling facility three years ago and hasn't touched anything since.  Not even a drink."

Sal waved the soldiers back and sent a thought to those on the other side of town that everything was under control.  The whole time, Zep's parents tried to explain to him that things were different, that they'd changed, and that all they wanted was to see him one last time before his mother passed away.  Zep listened, but she could feel the bitterness in his heart.  There was also something else.  Something that felt very similar to what she'd been fighting for the past week.  It was sick, twisted, and gnawed at her spine, feeling like she'd made a mistake.

Suddenly, she understood.  It was guilt, and it was Zep's.  Closing her eyes, she tried to understand what he was feeling but it was different, close to her own emotions but jumbled and confused.  He hated that they'd found him, didn't want to know she was dying, wished he could do something to change it, but had no interest in doing anything for the people who had terrorized him as a child.  They might be his parents, but no matter how deep Sal looked, she couldn't find any love, just a sense of responsibility that he couldn't shake, and nothing the couple said could convince their son that they deserved anything from him.  He kept refusing, even knowing his mother wouldn't live to see him again.

"Zep?" she asked, interrupting.

He turned to her.  "I'm sorry, baby.  I had no idea they'd be here."

She waved that away.  "Zep, we don't change minds with hate.  Let me do this."

He looked at her for a moment before snapping his head around to his mother and back.  "She doesn't deserve it, Sal," he said, understanding.

Sal cocked her head slightly.  "So?  Not for you."  She flicked her eyes to the staff of the restaurant packing the entrance to see the disturbance.  Quite a few of the faces were pale.  "But for them.  We're not hiding anymore, and they deserve to see it."

"She won't learn!"

"No, but maybe she'll feel a little guilt and change how she acts."  Sal took a deep breath.  "Let me do this, Zep."

Dropping his eyes to the ground, he nodded.  "Yes, Kaisae."

That was all she needed.  Pushing past her lover, Sal extended her hand to Zep's mother.  "Laina Zepyr?  I'm sorry to hear about your condition, but I'm glad we've finally had the chance to meet.  Your son is an amazing man and a hero to our country."  Laina cautiously accepted Sal's hand, acting like it was toxic.  "You should be proud of him," Sal continued, letting her mind flow through the cold and clammy feel of the woman's skin.  "He's fought hard to prevent the extinction of the iliri and has been instrumental in the advancement of Anglia's strategy.  He's also saved my life more than a few times, which means I owe you for bringing him into this world."

"Valcor?" the woman asked.

Sal nodded, but her focus was on the mass of illness in the woman's belly.  "Yes, and he convinced us that some humans are worth saving.  Close your eyes, Mrs. Zepyr, because this will make your head spin.  Captain?  Don't let her fall."

As Sal began to heal the woman's rotting organ, two Anglians moved to her side, both ready to catch the older human if she sagged at all.  Slowly, Sal worked, stretching her ability to remind the body of what it used to be.  The sickness had been going on for a very long time, but she could do this.  For Zep, she could remove his reason for feeling guilt, and hopefully convince one more human that her kind weren't as bad as they'd always thought.

"I don't feel well," Laina mumbled.

"Shh," Sal told her.  "Breathe deeply.  I'm almost done."

"What are you doing?" Karlon asked.

Sal heard Zep's hand clamp down on the man's expensive coat.  "She's giving my mother a second chance.  She's fixing her liver."

"What?  How?"

Zep chuckled.  "She's iliri, and not just any iliri, but the most powerful of them all.  And I don't care if you believe me.  Take her to the doctor tomorrow and they'll prove it.  My wife just gave yours the chance to get her life right.  Don't either of you dare call her a scrubber again – any iliri – or I'll ask Sal to take it all back."

Chapter 29

They were halfway back when Zep finally felt like talking.  "Why?" he asked, reaching over for her hand.

Sal laced her fingers through his.  "Because I don't like the way guilt feels."  He shook his head, confused, so she tried again.  "That's the only thing that bothered you.  Not that she'd die, not that you hadn't seen her or made up.  You felt like you should have done something sooner, even though there was nothing you could have done."

"Yeah, but I would have gotten over it, baby."

She lifted his fingers to her lips and kissed them.  "I know, but I still don't like it.  Felt too much like what I'd been struggling with since he died."

"Blaec?"  He moved closer, pulling her against his chest.  "Did it help?"

"Some," she admitted.  "Mostly it helped me understand.  I am a Queen, Zep, and that means that I have to think about more than just me."

"You always do, baby."

She shook her head.  "No.  I don't.  Since we got here, I've been thinking about nothing but me.  I was focused on how much I hurt, never stopping to care about you or Arctic – or anyone else.  Both of you knew him longer than me, and I'm not the only one who's been suffering.  All of us have."

He just pulled her a little closer.  "Maybe, but that's how grief works, kid.  No different than getting injured.  It takes a little time to heal and everyone deals with it different.  Some cry, some scream, and others just breathe real slowly.  I think you're more of the last."

She actually giggled and buried her head in his shoulder to stop it.  "Probably."

"I'm just saying it's ok," he assured her.  "We all understand, and we don't blame you.  Not with everything you've been doing.  The war, dealing with Parliament, and trying to heal all at the same time?  Sal, it's ok, and we know they didn't just target him.  Jase and I felt everything they did to you, too."

"Yeah."  Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him, meeting those dark human eyes.  "But I'd rather not think about that for a few more days, ok?  I just want to get this alliance signed and start doing something.  Being locked up in Prin is going to drive me crazy."

"Two more days," Zep reminded her, just as the carriage turned into the military base.  "And today's almost over."

"Yeah."  She pulled back the curtain just as they came to a halt.  Jase was on the other side, reaching up to open the door.  With a smile, he offered a hand.  Sal took it and froze, her ears flicking back to lock against her skull.  "No," she breathed as his thoughts flowed into her mind.

He just shrugged.  "Toth does na want us here.  Come upstairs so we can explain."  Then he looked over at Zep.  "Sorry bout yer afternoon in bed.  It's been canceled."

"Of course it has," Zep grumbled, following Sal out.

Jase escorted her back to her suite while Zep dealt with the Anglian escort and her drivers.  On the other side of the compound, Anglians were everywhere.  Shields, Blades, and even greens were streaming between the stables and their assigned rooms.  She noticed it all but assumed Jase didn't want to speak about this where anyone could hear.  The odd thing was that he didn't even think it.  She wasn't used to being kept in suspense, and it was killing her.

But when she walked into her suite, she understood.  Arctic, Shade, and Kolt sat there, leaning over the knee high table set between the couches as they discussed their plans in soft voices.  While she'd been out with Zep, something had happened, and it didn't look good.

"Fill me in," she ordered.

Kolt shifted down, leaving the closest cushion for her.  "Why don't you explain what happened this morning in Parliament?  Something about accosting a Representative?"

Her upper lip curled in frustration.  "Caldon, the Representative of Prin, got an example of why I won't politely coordinate with their generals.  I used his body to spar with Jase.  He was shocked, but finally understood that I'm not joking when I say humans can't keep up."

Arctic groaned, closing his eyes as he flopped back against the sofa.  Shade grabbed his hand, looking between the leader of the Black Blades and that of her species.  "The fat one didn't like it," she said softly.

"Toth?" Sal asked.  "He doesn't like anything."

"He kicked us out," Arctic told her.  "Stormed into the mess demanding to know where you were, said he was going to have you detained, then told Dom that Anglia needs to be out by dawn."

The stream of profanity that came out of her mouth was a perfect mix of both Iliran and Glish, with a few extras thrown in for good measure.  "Caldon understood!"

"Caldon," Kolt told her, "isn't leading the Blue Party, and the Gold Party is the minority representation right now, babe.  What votes Anis did have seem to have evaporated, which means we need to start Plan B."

She held up her hand.  "Ok.  Zep should be back in a second.  You can fill us both in together."

"I can explain it ta him," Jase promised.  "Tell her, Kolt."

His amber eyes met hers.  "Kaisae, we have to tell the rest of the iliri – not just the accepted ones – that they're welcome in Anglia.  You've said it before, we need to make sure they all know and beg them to pass the word because we can't anymore."  He paused, expecting something from her, but she just waited.  "Sal, I want to take you someplace that welcomes people like me, because they're the ones who can best spread the word."

"The edge of Guttertown?  Where the brerror live?" she asked.  "And then what?"

He leaned back but didn't break the gaze between them.  "Then you remind them why we're better than humans."

Sal felt a smile starting.  He was daring her, expecting her to think it was too dangerous, but she liked the idea.  "When?"

"Tonight.  A dinner date."

That, she didn't like.  She'd promised Zep she'd finally get to spend time with him.  "How about after?"

Kolt just shook his head.  "The place I'm thinking?  Yeah, biggest crowds come for the meal.  Dinner, Sal.  Pretty sure your boys can suffer through one evening without you."

"We can," Jase promised.

"But – "

Her Ahnor didn't let her get any more out.  "Zep will na mind.  This matters, kitten."

He was right, and she knew it.  She'd also just promised to be a lot less selfish, and this definitely qualified.  Smoothing the beautiful dress across her lap that her Dernor wouldn't be taking it off of her later, she gave herself a moment to despise Toth, but she needed to do this.  Freedom wasn't something reserved for the most pure or the most belligerent.  In other words, Kolt was right.

"Ok," she huffed.  "So what about the rest of the iliri in town?"

Arctic lifted his palm to keep her from starting a new tangent.  "The Blades are going out in pairs.  We'll cover as much as we can and try to get the most diverse groups first.  Those should have some crossovers, and if we tell people to talk, they will.  Everyone should know by morning and be ready to leave if they're coming."

"Ok, and the rest of Anglia?"

"Packing," he told her.  "At least that's the official word.  They'll be listening for any requests for assistance and ready to ride on a moment's notice.  One of the horsemen from the CFC offered to help tack if we need it, and he said he has a few others with the afternoon off.  Sounds like they're mostly crossbreds, but not all, Sal."

She smiled.  "Good.  And Parliament?  Has anyone talked to Anis?"

The guys all looked between themselves.  Clearly, none of them had even thought that Toth might be pushing his power farther than he should.  Glancing to the window, she doubted she could just waltz in like she had been.  That meant she would need to be invited.

"Arctic, have Raj notify Grenso that I'll need an invitation to visit him in the morning.  Make sure he knows his Kaisae expects it."

The leader of the Black Blades' mouth actually flashed a devious smile before he could control it.  "Yeah, I can do that."

Which was when Zep walked through the door.  His eyes took in everyone, then fell to Sal.  "Heard we leave in the morning.  Catch me up?"

Jase calmly latched the door behind him.  "Yer date is over.  She goes with Kolt t'night ta talk ta the brerror."

Zep's head snapped to Kolt.  "No."  Their eyes met.

"She has to," Kolt said.

Zep didn't budge.  "Blaec told me about the edge of Guttertown.  Even iliri disappear over there, and you want to take the Kaisae?  You think those people will just welcome her with open arms?  They hate humans, sure, but they hate iliri just as much, and she's the icon of the species!"

"Yeah, and they're part of the species."  Kolt took a deep breath as if forcing himself not to raise his voice.  "I'm part of this species, Zep, and so are you.  She represents all of us, and they deserve to know that.  They need to know that someone, especially her, wants them."

"Too risky."

"It's not!  First, we're not going in with swords drawn.  We're going to a club to have dinner and talk a little too loud."  Kolt lifted his hands, and a sinister little smirk flickered over his face.  "I think you can live without her for a few hours."

But that was the wrong thing to say.  Zep stormed across the room, right into Kolt's face.  "But I can't live without her.  Don't you get that?  None of us can!  We lost Blaec.  We almost lost her, and then where would we be?  What do you think would happen if the last Kaisae is ripped from our minds?  And you think that you are enough to protect her from a few dozen people?"

While he ranted, Kolt shoved to his feet, pushing his face even closer.  "Yes."

"Yes?  How?  You can't even beat a single Black Blade in fair combat.  You're not enough, not without the rest of us!"

"I am!"  Kolt tapped his head.  "Because I'm the only person here with the skill she needs to rule us all.  I am the one that makes her unstoppable.  All she needs is my mind, and I'll give it, even if she burns me out."

"For what?  A few iliri that abandoned their own cause?"  Zep wasn't backing down.

"We didn't abandon it – we were kicked out of it!"  Kolt was starting to growl.  "We were told we're not wanted, and someone needs to let them know it's a lie.  She wants us, Zep.  All of us."

"All iliri," Sal said calmly, pulling both of their eyes to her before someone threw a punch.  "I'm going, Zep."

"Sal, you don't understand," he tried.

She just canted her head and shrugged.  "I won't until I see it with my own eyes.  Baby, I have to do this.  I'm all that's left and our time's almost up.  We have to show our people that we're done being slaves.  All of our people."

Shaden was nodding, her wide eyes flicking between the men in the room.  "You said Anglia judges us on our minds.  So why are they any different?"

Sal thrust a hand toward the girl.  "Exactly what she said.  All iliri who think they are iliri, even if they were born human or had to hide what they really are.  All of us, Zep.  Me, you, and even Kolt.  We deserve this, and I'm the only one left to remind them of that."

For a long moment, Zep just closed his eyes.  From the way Jase was staring at the back of his head, she had a funny feeling her mates were having a little discussion between themselves and she wasn't going to break it up.  Finally, Zep nodded, but it was clear he didn't like it.

"Kolt," he said, struggling to sound calm, "if anything happens to us, I expect Shade to fry you to charcoal."

The girl giggled.  "Promise, Zep.  All the way to dust, but I don't think he'd do anything bad to Sal.  Ghost says he's a good guy and he believes in her."

Arctic just leaned over and kissed the top of her head.  "He's your brother, so of course he's a good guy."

"Yeah.  I'm still going to fry him if something bad happens to them."

Sal pushed a hand across her face.  "What all of you seem to have suddenly forgotten is that I've faced worse odds before.  Guys, I'm still a soldier.  I'm still a shifter.  Kolt's a highly trained spy.  I think we'll be fine."

"Better be," Shade muttered under her breath.  "Because I liked it more when we were winning."

"Me, too." Sal told her.  "And the rules are changing.  The CFC hasn't realized it yet, but they just screwed up bad.  Once the iliri know they have a place to run to, nothing will stop us."

Jase nodded slowly.  "We just have ta make sure they know, and we do na have much time."

Chapter 30

By the time the sun set, the Blades were ready.  In pairs, using various exits from the small military compound situated in the middle of the city, they set out to make sure everyone knew it was finally time.  None of them wore black, but all of them wore their crossed sword pin.  Combined with the tattoo on their neck, it would be enough to prove who they were: the Kaisae's pack.

Sal debated hiding herself, worried the politicians would take it amiss if they found out she was doing something besides packing, but Kolt talked her out of it.  Too many people were watching.  Dressed in casual clothing, heading toward Guttertown, it wouldn't be hard to claim that she was just collecting the last of her orders from the vendors she'd contracted during her stay.  What would be harder was convincing the iliri they no longer needed to hide if she was.

Thankfully, the Devil Dogs had made it back.  The King was updating them, and along with the Verdant Shields, their presence meant she had plenty of backup if things went bad.  Not just for her, but for all of the Anglian soldiers, because the iliri weren't the only ones wanting to change minds.  The Captain of the 257th Heavy Archers had come to her requesting permission to visit more human-dominated areas of the city to talk about the beauty of iliri equality and how it helped humans.  Since Sal couldn't find any problems – and she trusted her men – she approved his request.

But it still felt strange to be walking down the broken cobbles of a dark street without one of her mates beside her.  Kolt kept his hands shoved in his pockets and his eyes scanned the shuttered windows on his side.  Oddly, it didn't feel tense.  More like he was looking for something.  Finally, he found it.

Pointing to the third floor, where a red shutter was left cracked, he said, "That's where I grew up."

Sal paused, looking around them.  "Here?"

She never would have expected any of those windows to lead to someone's home.  They looked like businesses, but old and tired ones.  Others had the patched quality of someplace undesirable.  It wasn't shocking that crime ran rampant in such a poverty-stricken area of town, but that he'd actually lived here, and not just worked or spent his time while staying in an apartment close by, was disturbing.

"Right there," he assured her.  "One block to the north and my mother's name kept humans from renting to us.  A block to the south and our coloration made the iliri too nervous to give us a chance.  So we lived here."

"Do a lot of people?"

"Yeah," he whispered, turning back the way they'd been going.  "We all knew to never open the windows.  We kids played in the halls, not outside.  And the landlords?"  He huffed out a disgusted sound.

"Iliri or human?" Sal asked.

He shrugged.  "Mostly humans, if I had to guess.  We never saw them, not even when the building needed repairs, but they raised the rent every chance they could."

Sal tried to wrap her mind around it.  "And this was all because of your skin color?"

"No," Kolt assured her.  "I mean, for me that was the biggest problem, but not all of us.  Like one of my neighbors?  A couple of iliri bitches.  A couple, Sal."

"Lovers?"

He nodded.  "And while most don't care about onsyc males, the idea of two women doing that?  It confused people.  Or iliri-human pairings.  Iliri who supported human dominance were common, too.  It didn't seem to take much.  If people couldn't trust us, we were no longer welcome, and this was all we had left."

"That's wrong," she whispered, still walking.

He chuckled.  "I kinda thought so, but why do you?  I mean, they all love you.  Every iliri trusts you, that's why you're our Kaisae.  What made you so against us outsiders being pushed away?"

That answer was easy.  "Because I was an outsider too.  Sure, I might be pure iliri, and everyone else thinks that makes me special, but where I'm from?  It made me a freak.  It made people stare."

"Because they were human."  He said that like it didn't count.

"Yeah, but it still taught me what it's like to not fit in.  I wasn't good enough, and nothing I could do would ever change that.  I couldn't be human, Kolt, and being iliri meant I was a slave.  I was the lowest of the low, some man's pet to flaunt as he wanted."  She lifted her eyes to his.  "And I know exactly how it feels to have someone say that's ok.  That there's nothing at all wrong with being who I am."

"Blaec?"

Her feet slowed.  It wasn't much, but his question made her realize that it hadn't been Blaec who accepted her first.  "No," she said softly.  "It was all of them.  Shift started it, but they all made sure I knew there was nothing wrong with me."

"Mm."  He turned toward a narrow alley.  "Well, for me?  It's only been you and Ghost.  The rest try, but I have a feeling that's because of you."

She shrugged, unable to tell him otherwise.  Mostly because she didn't know.  "Well, let's make sure your son never has to worry about that."

"Yeah."  He pointed a few doors up.  "That's where we're going."

The door was just like all the others around it, except for the new coat of paint.  Stenciled across it at Kolt's eye level were the words, "The Club."  Beneath that was a brown swirl that said even more in her species' language.  "Outsiders."  It wasn't even the written form of brerror.  The way that one word was designed spoke of the pain of being shut out, drawn in the color of disgust.  Sal blew out her breath, letting her cheeks puff as the air rushed past.

"Hope that means you're ready," Kolt said, reaching for the handle.

"Me too."

As soon as the door cracked open, warm light spilled out with the sound of music on its heels.  Gallantly, he held it for her to go first, but he didn't dawdle.  Inside, she found herself in a narrow hallway looking at yet another door, but this one was glass, and on the other side was a very large, pale man, with his eyes locked on the top of her head.  Clearly, he'd noticed that she was different.

Kolt didn't seem bothered.  He walked to the window and nodded, waiting for the man to open the second door before he said, "Looking for a table for two."

The guy's eyes dropped to Kolt's neck, paused, then shifted to Sal's.  "I think you're lost."

She moved closer.  "I promise I'm not.  I have a feeling I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."

The man invited them into the club, but not much farther.  "Your kind go to Tensa's, girl."

"Been there," Sal admitted.  "And to Ogun's Gardens.  I always thought rules about who is allowed where were stupid."

That teased a smile to his mouth, but only barely.  "Well, ya smell good enough to go where you want."

Sal dipped her head slightly but didn't lower her eyes.  "I know.  I also have a real funny feeling you're going to say I smell like hope."

She watched as his Adam's apple bobbed.  "Yeah," he muttered, glancing back over his shoulder.  "Heard some stories that there's still a Kaisae left, and she's in town, but why would you come here?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

The look on his face was pure confusion.  It said so much more than Kolt ever had.  This man was the size of Zep but almost as pale as Ghost.  He was a contrast in every expectation she'd had about her people, all rolled up into one, and proof that not even iliri bred true.  She also wasn't sure why he'd be shunned instead of embraced as a strong member of his pack – but here he was.  And his expression proved he couldn't imagine anything else.

"Do you know where you are, Kaisae?" the guy asked.

Sal jerked her thumb back to the door.  "Sign out there said outsiders.  I mean, it's wrong, but that's what it said.  My brother said this is where he grew up.  Rumors say there's iliri here, and I was hoping to meet a few of them."

"Iliri?"He shook his head slightly, then squinted his eyes.  "Outcasts, hun'.  We're not good enough to be real iliri."

So she inhaled, making a point of it.  "I can smell the sugar of your ancestry, but also the musk.  To me, that makes you iliri.  Tell me, big guy, is the food here any good?"

He finally chuckled.  "Yeah, Kaisae, it is.  I'll make sure it is."  Then he flicked his eyes over to Kolt.  "You two looking to hide from sight or something?"

"Would rather be seen," Sal told him.  "Have a funny feeling there's going to be a few people with questions."

The big guy gestured to the left.  "Have a table over here, but I'm not sure they'll talk.  Round here, it's best we keep our noses on our own shit and do a real good job of pretending like no one else has any."

Reaching over to make sure the door was properly latched, he then led them into the dusky restaurant.  The ceiling was low enough that he dipped his head at each support beam, but Sal had plenty of clearance.  Thankfully, the place was lit decently enough.  Mostly from the candles on each table, but a line of brightly burning lanterns glowed on each wall and banister.  To Sal, it had a whimsical feel, probably because what these people really needed was a little escape from the reality they faced outside.

Their table was a large circle.  Her guide quickly pulled a pair of chairs together, shifting the placemats to match, then stepped back and offered her a seat.  Sal took the one on the left out of habit.  With a dip of his head, he then offered a pair of menus he'd picked up from the table just behind him, and turned into the perfect waiter.

"Our selection of food ranges from the typical iliri courses through those most commonly preferred by humans, Kaisae.  If there's anything you desire that's not on the menu, feel free to ask and we'll do our best to make it happen.  Now, can I get you something to drink?"

"Mead will be fine," she assured him.

Then he looked to Kolt.  "And you?"

"Coffee," Kolt decided.  "Cream if you have it."

The waiter chuckled.  "We have everything."

"So I see," Kolt replied as the guy left.  When he was well out of hearing, he leaned closer.  "I told you it wouldn't be dangerous."

"I never thought it would.  That was Zep."

He paused, daring to search her eyes.  "How does that work, anyway?  I mean, if you three know what each other feels, then how could he be so worried if you aren't?"

"Have you ever been excited and nervous at the same time?"

"Yeah," Kolt drawled, waiting to see where she was going.

"Like that, except the excitement is mine, and the nervousness is his.  Add in Jase's curiosity, and it's no different than any big change in your life, except that a moment of focusing on it makes it clear that those emotions aren't really mine."

"And distance makes no difference?"

Sal held up a hand and rocked it from side to side.  "The closer we are, the easier it is to identify senses.  Like I can smell the way Zep does if we're in the same room.  But from here?  No, I'm not being overrun with every nuance of the world around him.  I know that he's looking for something, and Jase is a little more tense than normal, but I can't smell every person that walks past them."

With his head turned to her, his gaze became just a little more intense.  "So what about the pushes and pulls of destiny?  Can your mates feel those?"

This close, she couldn't miss the flecks of yellow in his irises, or how his pupils had expanded to almost hide them.  She licked her lips, refusing to shake her head because she couldn't look away.  The challenge was soft and subtle, but he expected her to answer – not avoid – this question.  The look in his eyes said he'd been waiting a long time for the chance to ask.

"I don't think so," she admitted.  "They've never said a thing about it."

He tipped his head, acknowledging her answer, but his eyes didn't move.  "And what does it feel like right now, Sal?  In here, surrounded by all these people, what can you feel?"

Her eyes dropped to the table as she focused on the strange sensations she'd been fighting to ignore, but his hand caught her jaw, lifting it back up.  Her eyes found his again, and this time he looked to his hand, making it clear that she hadn't given in.  He also didn't say a thing, just waited for her answer, but the gesture was still sweet.

"It's like static in my clothes, trying to cling to me with this layer of something, but it's subtle.  Easy to ignore."  She kept her voice to little more than a whisper.  "It wants to be close, but it's disconnected, not truly a part of me.  It's almost like chaos waiting for someone to give it a pattern."

"Yeah," he mumbled, leaning back to gently run a hand over her shoulder.  "Kinda like the brerror, huh?"

Her head snapped up with a small intake of breath.  "You really think so?"

"I certainly think it's worth testing."  Then he glanced toward where the waiter had vanished.  "I also recommend the pork here.  Succulent, and perfect for a woman with teeth as amazing as yours."

So focused on the sensations Kolt had just asked about, she couldn't miss the zing that shot off toward him like an arrow at the compliment.  For a moment, she waited for him to react, to show that he'd felt it too, but there was nothing.  It was just her, but this time it hadn't been subtle.

"Kolt?"

"Yeah?"

She glanced around to make sure she wouldn't be overheard.  "What if you're wrong?  What if I'm going crazy?"

"What if I'm not?" he countered.

One hand waved that away.  She needed this answer.  "Then yay.  But what if you're wrong?"

This time, when his eyes hit hers, the determination made her almost flinch.  "Then it means we're almost done, but that's bullshit, and you know it.  The things that other Kaisaes have done?  Yeah, they don't apply to you.  Just look around!  None of the Kaisaes in history have given a shit about these people – but you do.  None of the Kaisaes in history have worked with humans – but you do!  None of the Kaisaes in history have been strong enough to control their final gift, Sal, but I know something not even Jase can figure out."  He reached out and caught her hand.  "You are."

Chapter 31

The waiter who came back for their order wasn't the big guy who'd shown them to their seats.  This man was small, beautifully effeminate, but his features didn't match.  Bronze skin, almost butter-yellow hair, and blue eyes so vivid they nearly glowed.  When he smiled in greeting, Sal couldn't miss his sharp canines – the single set.  Her head tilted in confusion.

He, however, almost stumbled in shock.  For a moment he just stared until Kolt clearing his throat jerked him out of it.  "Oh my," the little man breathed.  "You're real."

"You're interesting," she countered.

Dipping his head, he blushed.  "A freak.  Yes, I've been told.  Did you want me to get you another server, Kaisae?"

"No!" she insisted.  "I've just never seen anyone like you, and I've seen a lot of people."

"Mm.  Well, what can I get you two?"

Her honest interest in him may have been rude, but her complete acceptance broke the ice.  She and Kolt ordered their meal, but when she asked a few more questions, he answered them, admitting that he didn't know why he was so different and that he hated it.  Something about the man reminded her of Shade, so she told him about her sister.  The waiter insisted that his parents had both been typical crossbreds with nothing much to set them apart, so his strangeness couldn't be chimerism.  Then she asked about his skill.

"My what?"

Sal's eyes narrowed.  "Most iliri have an inherent ability.  Didn't your parents?"

He chuckled.  "No, Kaisae.  Those were bred out generations ago."

All she could do was shake her head.  "No, they weren't.  We just stopped trying to find them because they made us a target for humans."  Then she offered her hand.  "I can look if you'd like?"

He took it but seemed very nervous.  "Is this going to hurt?"

"Not this part," she promised, then slid into his mind.

There, nestled in the back was something very familiar.  Sal jerked back in shock but didn't let go.  Carefully, she reached closer, feeling the skill as she smiled.  Such a strange looking iliri crossbred deserved this one, just like she had.  It was the one thing that would make his life easier.  Gently, she nudged it, connecting it with his awareness.

The man gasped.  "Kaisae?"

"You're fine," she promised, pulling her mind out of his.  "It seems you're a shifter."

Daintily, his hand slapped over his mouth as his eyes widened.  "Me?"

She nodded.  "You'll need practice to hold a shape, but yes.  I should have made it a little easier.  Just imagine yourself the way you want – and focus hard – and it will happen."

His head jiggled in a nervous nod, and he swallowed.  Twice.  "How much can I change?"

"Color, face shape, and even gender," she explained.  "I've played the part of a human, myself, but I could never change to a grauori.  Our skeleton can morph but not truly change into something else."

"Oh."  A tiny giggle slipped from his lips.  "Oh, my.  Oh, Kaisae, thank you!  Let me get your food.  Thank you!"

It didn't take long after that for more to venture closer.  All of them seemed overly respectful, but most of them had nothing to set them apart – at least not on the outside.  That didn't stop them from begging her to show them their skill.  One after the other, Sal did her best.  The news wasn't always what they wanted, but she was honest and never flinched away, not even when they explained why they'd been shunned.  Criminals were the most common.  Second were the iliri like Kolt, born with pigmented skin.  Scattered among them were the few who truly didn't belong, but that didn't mean they weren't iliri.

And it seemed that each of them told their friends.  By the time Sal's food arrived, she had a crowd claiming every seat around her.  They all seemed to have questions.  Thankfully, she had answers.

"Why us?" a young woman asked.  "We don't have anything you'd want, so why invite us to Anglia?"

Sal didn't agree.  "You're iliri.  All of you.  What makes one crossbred better than another?  Who gets to say that being blonde, or pale, or even the ability to growl is what someone with iliri ancestry should do?"

"Uh, you do," one of the dark-skinned guys replied.

That made Sal smile.  "Well, then I say we'll judge you by your scent, and leave all of us to judge ourselves by our minds, how's that?"

The girl leaned closer.  "What do you mean?"

"In Anglia," Sal told her crowd, "we believe that you should have the right to choose which nation you belong to.  In the Black Blades, we have a man who was born as a human – my mate – and two grauori -"

"Four," Kolt interrupted.  "The pups, Sal."

"Right.  Four grauori who consider themselves to fit more with the iliri than the species they were born.  The King's unit has a man who has at least a quarter iliri ancestry, but he claims the humans as his because he grew up as one of them."

"An outsider?" someone at the back asked.

"She prefers the term brerror," Kolt corrected before turning to her.  "Most of us don't speak Iliran, Kaisae."

"No," Sal answered the man.  "I wouldn't call him that, because there was no pack, no culture for him to be cast out of.  In Anglia, they never thought about the differences in color.  People are just people.  Iliri used to be a myth.  It wasn't until I arrived that they even knew there were options, so they see nothing wrong in being what we feel like."

"And the iliri?  How do we fit in Anglia?"

She couldn't identify who'd asked, but she answered anyway.  "We're learning how to be ourselves.  Humans don't own us.  There's no slavery in Anglia, and no species is valued over another.  We all have our place, and we're learning what those are.  I want you, all of you, to come and show us why iliri shouldn't be defined by just how we look."

"But they'll never accept us."  The speaker was clearly referring to the other iliri.  Probably those in Guttertown.

"They," Sal told the room, "aren't the ones to make that decision.  I want my people to be free, and that includes all iliri.  You, too.  How could I turn my back on you when the man who guards my right grew up among you?  What makes any of you different?  What makes me?"

"But you're the Kaisae."

It was said with reverence.  Sal smiled toward the speaker.  "So you all keep telling me.  But I want you to know something.  The grauori have a word for people like you who don't fit with a typical pack.  Kolt used it.  Brerror.  It doesn't cut you from the species, it just means you're alone.  Many of them bond together to form their own families, and they've been instrumental in our war against Terric.  I think that word fits much better than outsiders."

"And," Kolt said, making people look to him, "we're hoping you'll help us.  The brerror of Prin travel all over the country.  So many of you can pass without incident among humans."  He held up his hand.  "That's not a bad thing.  It's what we need right now."

"Because," Sal went on, picking up on his line of thinking, "Anglia's leaving.  Parliament has given us until the morning, but we want the news to spread.  We want iliri to know that we're offering a safe haven.  It doesn't matter why someone wants to leave, the law says that any iliri can renounce their citizenship and move to Anglia, and the humans can't stop us."

That set up a wave of conversation.  Couples looked at each other with hope in their eyes.  Many leaned closer to their friends, all whispering about the possibilities.  She'd just given them a chance, and for the first time in history, a Kaisae had asked the brerror for help.  They all knew it, and she could smell it filling the room.  If she had to name the emotion, she'd call it pride.

"Yes," Sal told them, "I need your help.  This is something that most iliri can't do, but you can.  Those of you with the ability to shift," she looked for her waiter, "or lucky enough to be born with darker skin?  You're the hope of all iliri, and I need you to make sure those living in Fort Landing, Lewes, and even Merriton know about this.  I need your help, and we'll make sure that all iliri know who it was that did this."

"And then what?"  The gruff voice came from the big man who'd shown her to her table.  "Say we run all over the CFC spreading this word, then figure out how to get to Anglia, what then?  Where will we live, Kaisae?  Or work?"

"In Bysno, the closest town to here, we have grauori and human soldiers stationed to help.  Head there.  If you need help, Anglia has aid for our refugees, and anyone wearing the triad will help you under penalty of our laws.  They will direct you to towns looking for people with your skills, new businesses hiring to cross the Ahnian ridge and start their own villages on the west side of the mountains, or you can always join the military."

"Conscripted?" someone gasped.

Sal shook her head.  "My military.  Iliri soldiers, trained to fight like the predators we are.  Service is paid and voluntary, but includes housing if you need it.  There are options, and we want to revive the culture that has almost been lost.  We hope to one day start a university for our people, based on our history, knowledge, and abilities, where humans can pay to learn.  That's just one example of the jobs we'll have available for you.  Anglia wants the iliri.  We have our own leader, me, and we make our own laws, just like the other two species who share the land."

"And all we have to do for this is spread the word to neighboring towns?" the woman asked.

"No," Sal corrected.  "All you have to do for this is make it to Anglia.  Spreading the word to other iliri?  That's a favor.  I need your help, and only the brerror can do it.  I'm hoping that you'll speak to others like yourself in Yarrin, Garmsby, or even Alverton.  Any town you can reach, but it's not a requirement.  It's just a favor, because the only people the iliri can rely on to make this happen is ourselves."

"Ourselves," someone said softly.  "Us?  Like real iliri."

Kolt leaned a little closer.  "Yes," he assured them.  "The Kaisae calls you iliri.  Not freaks, not outcasts.  Smell her.  She calls all of us iliri, and she doesn't care if we speak the native language, have skin as dark as humans, or made mistakes against other iliri in the past.  This, right here, is our chance to prove to her that we belong.  That we may be different, but we're no less people than she was, raised as a pet to humanity."

Sal let her eyes flow across the crowd, aware that every last one of them was looking at her with desperation.  "You," she told them, "are my people as much as the Black Blades is my pack.  When I was younger, this is exactly where I would have belonged.  Not Guttertown.  Here, and I will never forget how it feels to be excluded."

"Kaisae?"  A beautiful young woman stepped closer, but she moved awkwardly.  Dipping her head, she smiled, showing a line of perfect iliri teeth.  "I don't know how I'll afford it, but if you need me to spread the word, I will."  She smoothed down the front of her apron, making it clear that she was an employee.  "You gave me this, a body that doesn't make me feel like a freak, so the least I can do is spread your word and grow your kingdom."

That's when Sal realized who she was talking to.  From the smell of her, this girl was the same waiter who'd taken her order, the strange-looking guy with mismatched features.  Easing herself to her feet, Sal moved to the waitress's side, gently touching her shoulder.  "You shift well.  Much better than I did my first time."

"Maybe because this is how I always thought of myself?" the girl asked.

Sal shrugged.  "Maybe.  But that's an iliri skill, my friend, which means you've proven which nation you belong to.  Thank you.  Thank you for being willing to help those who didn't believe in you, and thank you for trying to prove that my people are more than just pale beasts.  We're so much more than the animals humans call us."  Pausing, she turned to face the rest and raised her voice.  "But we can be beasts.  We can be nightmares.  And I need all of you to help us show the Emperor of Terric that we're not going to lay down and make this easy on him!  I need all of you to help me."

As the crowd began to murmur their agreement, nodding almost as if convincing themselves, Kolt leaned closer.  "And that's exactly what I thought would happen.  I think we're done here, Sal."

"Me, too.  Let's go home."

Chapter 32

Once everyone else had left, Jase begged Zep to help him.  The little assassin asked for so little, and this was one thing that he'd kept from even Sal.  He hadn't needed to ask, Zep would have helped him regardless, but it mattered.  Zep's dark skin made it easy to get into shops in the market district.  Together, they spent more money than was wise, but they had plenty now, and nothing worth buying, except this.  The clerk packaged their choices carefully, glaring at Jase while Zep paid.  Every chance they got, they told their brethren that the time had come.  Anglia was leaving in the morning.  Then they headed to their final destination.

Guttertown hadn't changed much.  The streets were still filthy, the people were still poor.  Slit eyes followed their movements as they walked casually through the streets, but voices fell silent as they passed.  Jase wore a string of daggers belted across each leg and a short sword strapped to his back, his weapons sized to his iliri frame.  Zep, being taller, darker, and generally unwelcome in the iliri neighborhood, had a sword on his hip, a broadsword on his back, and a pair of long daggers on his belt.  He also carried the package wrapped in deep green paper filled with their purchases.

The men didn't speak.  They had no need to.  Block by block, they watched the timid second class of the Conglomerate peer at them through windows and doors barely cracked open.  For so long, soldiers had meant conscripts, and not every iliri wanted to die for a country that hated them.  It made Zep's heart ache.  The poverty was everywhere.  Children peered from windows, their bellies distended, their shoulders gaunt.  Women looked at them cautiously, not proudly like the iliri in Anglia.  Zep reminded himself they were about to change it all.

Eventually, Jase turned to a well-weathered shack built to stand alone and paused.  "It looks the same," he whispered.

The pale grey building was a respectable cottage in this area.  Small flower boxes hung before each window, the plants brown and dead this time of year, and pale curtains covered the windows.  The paint was flaking, but the wood beneath had been cared for like the treasure it likely was.

"Knock, bro.  You won't know unless you try."

Jase nodded and rapped his knuckles against the wood.  Inside, steps scurried.  Both men waited, standing at ease out of habit, and Zep saw the curtain beside him move slightly.  The steps moved again, and the door opened a crack.  A surge of relief hit him suddenly, nearly knocking the wind from him with its force.

"Amma?" Jase asked.

The woman opened the door a bit wider, her face showing nothing.  She looked to be in her fifties, but her skin was smooth.  Her hair was nearly white, her eyes a pale silver color, and only the slightest hint of pink flushed her cheeks.  She inhaled deeply as she carefully examined every feature on Jase's face, then her eyes darted to Zep.

"We have na ta conscript," she told him, no trace of emotion in her voice.

"No," Jase said, pulling her eyes back to him.  "We're na here for that, Amma.  I just needed my brother ta watch my back.  I came ta tell ya I'm ok."

"Jassant?" she whispered.  When Jase nodded, she took a half step closer.  "It's really ya?  Ya smell diff'rent."

He chuckled.  "I've been eating better, Amma.  This is my packmate, Zep.  Can we come in?  It's na a safe place fer him out here."

Inessi Cynortas nodded and stepped back, cautiously letting the men inside her home.  Jase entered first, and Zep dropped his eyes politely before following.  When the door closed, Zep turned to the small woman.

"Laetus, kaisae," he said in Iliran.  "Thank you for allowing me into your home."

Inessi's eyebrows raised and she looked at Jase.  "How?" she asked.  "Ya come home with a human pet, after how many years?"

"I know.  I got conscripted," Jase explained, running his hands through his hair.  "Ayati, there's so much.  Ok.  I got caught feeding, Amma.  I was lucky.  They did na kill me, they just conscripted me.  Building walls out east because of the war.  Blaec Doll found me and made me a Black Blade."

She looked at him, then Zep, then back to him.  "Ok, sit.  Come in, and sit.  Ya too, human."  A disappointed sigh slipped out.  "I can na offer ya much, child, but yer welcome ta it all.  We do na have much here, but do ya need anythan?"

Jase laughed.  "No, Amma.  We're fine."  Grabbing Zep's arm, he tugged his cessivi into the main room of the house.  There, the furniture was well aged, but the place was spotless.  The men sat beside each other on a sofa and Inessi curled in the chair across from them.  Zep smiled when he recognized how similar her mannerisms were to Sal's.

"Ya think I am funny?" she asked, clearly defensive.

"I think you remind me of our Kaisae, ma'am.  I find that pleasant," Zep assured her.

"Explain him," she told her son.  "He smells like ya.  Are ya lovers?"

Both men shook their heads.

"I have ta start before that," Jase explained.  "Ya know about the Black Blades, right?"

She nodded.  "They defected.  They left us."

"Nah.  We did na leave ya, Amma.  We're fighting fer ya.  That's why we're here.  It just was na as easy as we wanted."

She looked down to their uniforms.  "So, yer both Black Blades?"

They nodded.  Zep tugged at the neck of his shirt to reveal the silver tattoo that stood out clearly against his dark skin.  She stared at it for a moment then nodded, and Jase continued.

"So, we've been a bit busy.  I could na just come home ta see ya, and they do na deliver mail here, especially na anything ya could read."

Inessi interrupted him.  "Where did ya learn Glish?"

Jase pointed at Zep.  "My brother helped me," he said proudly.  "When did ya start speaking it?"

"When that girl told me ya had gone ta Anglia fer the military.  It was the first time I'd heard that ya might be alive, and I wanted ta read the papers."  Inessi leveled her eyes on her son.  "Why do ya smell like him, Jassant?"

"Because we share a mate.  I am Ahnor, Amma.  He is Dernor."  He tilted his head and shrugged nervously.

Those words made a smile appear on her face.  "Ahnor?"  She looked at Zep and gently touched his knee, then back to Jase.  "I'm happy fer ya, child!  Is she good ta ya?  Did ya choose her?"  Inessi's eyes were bright and happy.

"I want ya ta meet her.  That's part of why we came."  Jase paused.  "But Parliament will na let us stay.  We have ta leave in the mornin', but I was hopin' ya would come ta the base and meet her before we go."

Zep added, "And then come to Anglia.  The Kaisae wants to build a school based on our history, and Jase says you know more than he does.  We want you to meet our pack and convince you that you should come help us."

"Live with us," Jase said softly.  "Like iliri were meant ta."

Her head moved from one to the other, almost like a refusal, but the look on her face said otherwise.  She was shocked, confused, and happy all at the same time.  "With yer pack?" she asked.

"Yes," Zep assured her.  "The King of humans gave the Kaisae a home.  It's a huge thing, with dozens of rooms, and space for the biggest pack you can imagine."

"And ya will live there?  With the Kaisae?"

That's when both men realized that Inessi thought their mate was someone else.  Zep knew she'd been told Jase stood on the Kaisae's left, but that was different.  They'd been sent out as partners back then, not mates, and no one had told his mother different, but before he could speak up, a thought from Jase stopped him.

She does na need ta know yet.

Why not? Zep asked.  You see how proud she is!  Just imagine if she knew you were the Ahnor of all iliri?

And she would na think she was worthy.  She would na agree ta run our house until we get back!  She would think that the only reason we want her is because she is my amma, na because she deserves it.

Zep let out a heavy sigh, turning his eyes to Inessi.  "The Kaisae is a Black Blade, just like us.  This is our pack.  We want what she does, and she wants the person who trained Jase to help her with the next generation, to remind them of the history our people have almost forgotten.  To teach our language, that of all iliri, to the next generation."

"Why?"

Jase lifted his chin slightly.  "Because I taught her ta speak it, Amma.  Salryc Luxx did na even know there was a language besides Glish when I met her, now she has taught it ta ever' officer of the Anglian military and made it the second language of Anglia.  A recognized language of the country, but they do na have anyone who remembers it like ya."

"Oh."

Zep could hear the insecurity in her voice.  "She wants to make sure it's not lost, and we finally have the chance.  The King supports her in this, and the entire country has embraced the iliri.  Ma'am, please come talk to her before we leave?"

"If na else," Jase told her, "tell me ya will move with us?  I can na be there now, na with the war, but our pack has children there, and friends, and we want ya ta be a part of it."

"To help bring others," Zep said.  "All iliri are welcome in Anglia, and Parliament passed a law making it illegal to stop you from leaving, but no one seems to know about it.  We need your help to spread the word.  The iliri respect you, which means they might listen to you when they won't listen to us."

"Please, Amma."

Jase's words were so soft Zep almost couldn't hear them, but he could feel it.  The hope hanging in his chest proved that this mattered to his little brother more than anything else – except Sal.  But there was no reason he couldn't have both.  That they couldn't have both, and Inessi was a major part of Sal's goals.  With her help, they could teach not only iliri children, but also human ones the proper way to speak and why the language worked the way it did.  The history mattered almost as much as the accent, and Inessi Cynortas was the woman who'd kept it alive in Prin.

Slowly, she nodded her head, those pale eyes hanging on her son.  "If it means tha' much ta ya, then I will meet the Kaisae, but I also wanna meet yer mate."

"Done," Zep said.  "Most of our pack has lost their families, so you can meet them all.  We live in the old way, kaisae, like iliri were meant to.  Our brothers and sisters are the family we've made, and we want you to be a part of that.  If nothing else, that's our dream, but to have you live with us?"  He glanced over to Jase.  "One day this war will be over, little brother, and I don't ever want to live like a human again."

"Then ya will na."  The words weren't from Jase, but from his mother.  Inessi took a deep breath, then reached over and clasped Zep's arm, touching only cloth.  "If my child says ya are Dernor ta his mate, then ya deserve this, and ya are my family, boy.  I will meet her b'fore ya leave in the mornin'.  Just do na let the humans arrest me."

"That," Zep promised her, "would start a war, and one the CFC can't win.  Not against Anglia, and not against the iliri the Kaisae calls her own."

"Tell them," Jase said.  "Amma, tell them all that the Kaisae wants us.  She does na care if we're brerror or have humans in our ancestry.  If we are iliri, then she believes us.  She calls Zep iliri because he feels like it in his mind, and she wants us all ta come home where we can be free."  He looked over to Zep.

On cue, Zep held out the package.  "To prove it," he said.

Timidly, she took the box.  Jase gestured, encouraging her to open it, but she looked at Zep again.  It wasn't until he nodded that she carefully untied the dark green bow and lifted the lid.  Inside, pale green silk billowed up, freed once the top was off.  Inessi lifted it out, exposing the elegant dress, but the box still wasn't empty.

Beneath that, she found a pair of shoes too fine for the streets of Guttertown.  The material would never hold up to the filth, but they'd be perfect in Arhhawen, the King's palace, or the university they'd one day build.  Along with those was a set of matching jewelry.  Hair combs made of jade, a necklace with a vibrant emerald, and long, slender daggers like the kind Sal used to hold her hair in place.  They were as much ornamentation as defense, and Jase had said his mother would understand.

From the look on her face, she did.  Carefully, she turned the blade, letting the light play on the jeweled hilt.  "This is na legal fer us," she reminded her son.

Jase shrugged.  "It is now.  It is fer the Kaisae and her family.  It's also enough resin ta make sure a human can na stop ya, Amma.  Zep picked them."

"Ya?"  Her head snapped over to the human.  "Ya'd give me the tools ta kill yer kind?"

"Their kind, ma'am.  By the Kaisae's word, I'm iliri, and both the King of Anglia and the Parliament of this country acknowledges it, even if I smell a little too sweet.  From the stories I've heard, you should be able to make very good use of those."  He couldn't quite hide the smile.

Inessi's lips curled to match.  "I can, boy.  I taught Jassant how ta hold a blade, and I am na so old that I can na still make the Ace pay if they try ta take them from me."

"Good.  Then you can teach our kids.  One of our brothers has a son in Arhhawen who needs to learn, and I think he'd be honored if you'd help."

When Inessi nodded, Jase stood.  "I can na stay, Amma.  We need ta tell ever'one, and we have ta do it t'night.  Anglia leaves in the morning, but I hope ya will come?"

Zep pushed himself to his feet.  "Please.  I know she will want to meet you."

Carefully, Inessi put the expensive items away.  "Then I will."

Setting the box aside, she reached up to embrace her son.  Zep heard her whispers, but his human ears weren't good enough to make out the words.  He didn't need to use Jase's.  The warm feeling said enough.  His mother was proud and she'd missed him.  That was all that mattered.  She would meet Sal.  She would see the truth, and she would come back to Anglia, all because she loved her son more than anything else in life.

Chapter 33

Warm lamplight spilled through the windows of Tensa's diner.  Arctic could smell Shade's nerves as they got closer, but she wouldn't say a thing.  The girl just lifted her chin and kept going.  He'd told her a million times that they'd be safe here and she was trusting him.  Even after what her own people had done to her, she was willing to believe him, and that felt better than he wanted to admit.

Like a gentleman, he pulled open the door, hoping his habit wasn't too human for her.  While Shade had grown up as an outcast in Unav, Arctic had been raised new-iliri in Bendford.  It was a poor mining town where iliri and humans worked side by side.  From the clay riverbanks, they harvested the raw materials for ceramics.  The money was good, but the cost of living was high enough to keep everyone focused on their own lives.  So long as their neighbors acted the same, no one cared how many sharp teeth they had and seeing in the dark was a bonus.

But it meant he'd only heard rumors about the wild iliri in other towns.  In Bendford, people said their iliri were cultured.  They married, never growled, and only spoke of their species' history in quiet voices behind closed doors.  As a child, it had felt like equality – or as close as any iliri got.  Until the war came.  When the military had come asking for soldiers to fight back, his neighbors hadn't hesitated.  They'd pointed out all the non-humans, pleased to see them conscripted instead of their own husbands and children.

In the end, they'd both been betrayed by their neighbors.  At least the people who'd been so willing to sacrifice him had been human.  For Shade, the idea of trusting strangers of any species was terrifying, but she was doing it for him.  He just had to make sure she didn't regret it.  Keeping his body close to hers, he followed her inside.

One of the waitresses looked them over, making no effort to hide how she inhaled their scent.  "Just you?" she asked, picking up a pair of menus.

"Yes, here to speak for the Kaisae," Arctic said.

Her eyes moved to Shade.  "She is not the Kaisae."

"No," Shade answered, but she reached for Arctic's hand.  "I'm her sister.  The Raewar is my mate."

Those words sent a rush down his spine.  He couldn't stop the smile.  It was the first time Shade had made any attempt to claim him, and like that?  Calling him her mate?  He wanted to cheer or do something just as foolish, but not right now.  He had to represent Anglia, but he slid his fingers between his new mate's.

"And the leader of the Black Blades," Arctic said, using his other hand to touch the pin on his shirt.  "Sal asked us to spread her message before we leave in the morning."

"You can't leave!" the waitress hissed.  "She promised she'd help!"

"And thus her message."  He looked right in the girl's eyes, shocked at how easy it was.  "Please.  We'd love a table in the middle of your dining area, where everyone can ask what they need to."

The girl glanced back, her eyes sweeping the room, then turned to Shade.  "Ilus," she said respectfully, "if you and your mate will follow me."

Arctic fell in behind the girl, but he didn't let go.  With their entwined hands, he kept Shade close to his back and used the connection to guide her to a chair once they reached the table.  The waitress noticed.  His habits were a mixture of iliri matriarchy and the human romantic gestures he'd learned growing up.  Shade didn't care, but in Guttertown, things like that stood out.

"And what can I get you to eat?"

When Shade shook her head, Arctic realized that she had no idea what her options were.  Most likely, because she couldn't read the Glish on the menus.  He made note of that and promised he'd work with her later.  For now, he'd make sure she had a meal to remember.

"Beef for her, cooked just enough to stop bleeding.  Dog for me.  I think she'd like a strong yellow, and I'll have pale green."

"Not going to let her make her own mind?" The waitress finally snapped.

Before he could answer, Shade jumped to her feet.  "Just stop it.  He's taking care of me, and it's nice, so stop looking at him like that!"  Her hand slapped the menu, palm open.  "I can't read your stupid language, ok?  Anglians use Iliran, and that's all I learned in Unav.  He was trying to save my pride, but you ruined it!"

"Shade," Arctic breathed.  "It's ok."

"Stupid mutts," she grumbled.  "I told you not all iliri are good."

"No," he agreed, "but most are, and the rest get better when they don't need to be scared all the time.  Sal really likes this place."

A smile flicked across her lips as she sat back down.  "Don't worry, I'm not going to fry it.  Not with us inside.  I just got frustrated."

He gently caressed her shoulder.  "I know, imp."  Then he looked back to the waitress.  "And she does like beef but prefers her food cooked.  My relationship with my mate is no concern of yours, ilus, but I promise that the Kaisae would never tolerate me degrading one of her sisters.  My mate doesn't mind so you shouldn't either."

Shade took a deep breath.  "Now please get our meal.  Thank you."

The girl left.  Quickly.  As soon as she was back in the kitchen, he looked over to Shade.  "Thank you.  I've never had a woman stand up for me before."

Like a human, her cheeks turned pink.  Like an iliri, she met his eyes so easily.  "I like it when you call me that.  I mean, your mate."

"Me, too."  He pushed a few red curls over her shoulder.  "And I like it when you're proud.  It looks good on you."

That brought a smile.  "Feels kinda good, too.  Sal said it's ok, and that there's nothing wrong with being a bitch because I'm iliri."

"Exactly."  Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear, "And you're one of the strongest females I've ever met.  You've never let fear stop you and it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.  I'm glad you finally chose me."

"Even if..."

He knew what she meant, just like he knew she wasn't ready for physical intimacy.  "I told you when we met, Shade, if you never do that with me, it's fine.  All I've ever wanted from you is for you to want to touch me, to hold my hand, and to spend time talking to me.  More than that can wait as long as it needs to.  Any man worthy of you would feel the same way."

"Ok," she mumbled.  "But we're supposed to be talking to them, right?"

"They can wait."  Slowly, giving her the chance to see it, he reached up to trace the line of her jaw.  "We have all night to do Sal's work, and the woman of my dreams just called me her mate.  Let me enjoy this for a moment."

"You'll always be my mate."

Oh yes, he liked how that sounded.  "And you'll always be perfect.  Do you have any idea how amazing you are when you're standing proud like that?  Like a Kaisae yourself, daring everyone around you to disagree."

"No, I'm not."  But the scent of her said she liked hearing it.

He kept going.  "Yes, Shaden, you are.  The only woman with more power than you is Sal, and not by much.  You're strong, both mentally and emotionally, and you deserve to have someone remind you of it over and over.  You've been set free, and no man will ever touch you without permission again – or anyone!  Day by day, I watch you overcome fears, just like you did tonight, and it only makes me love you a little more each time."

"You..."  Her mismatched eyes were big.  "You love me?"

"Of course.  How could I not?"

"Because you're meant for me?" she asked.

Chuckling, he shook his head.  "No, imp, that's not how it works.  I could hate you and still be meant for you, but I don't.  I love you because you're special, because you're so gentle and kind, but don't have to be.  I love you because you make me feel like I'm important and let me be your protector.  I love you because you're the most amazing woman I've ever met, and you smell so good."

"Quit," she giggled.  "You just love me because Sal's taken."

"Didn't want Sal even before she was taken," he countered.  "I always dreamed of a woman who knew when to growl and when it was pointless.  Of one who could stand strong no matter what happened around her, and one that knew how to have her own opinions.  I dreamed of a woman who wasn't afraid to show me her weaknesses and would let me be a part of her life, like an equal.  I dreamed of you, Shaden Lesedi."

"But I don't deserve you," she whispered.

He cupped the side of her face.  "Yes, you do.  You deserve so much more than me, but Sal took all the rest."  The devious smile proved he was mostly joking.  "Shade, you deserve whatever you let yourself, and I am so glad that, right now, that's me."

Her eyes shifted to look over his shoulder and Arctic released her.  When he turned, he saw the waitress heading toward them with a tray of drinks and two plates.  She glared at him, but when she looked to Shade, her eyes never made it above the girl's neck.  Arctic just leaned back and gave her room to deliver their meals.

"Tensa said," the waitress told them as she handed out four drinks, "that the new one can sample any flavor she'd like, but these are common favorites.  And she made the strong yellow you asked for."  Then she put their plates before them.  "She also said that you're welcome to spread any stories you need in her diner, and that the Black Blades are always welcome, no matter what the staff tries to say."

"I'll remember that," Arctic promised.  "Thank you, ilus."

"My pleasure, Raewar.  Maargra."  Dipping her head, she took two backward steps before turning to leave.

"Soldier?" Shade asked, meaning the word the waitress had used to describe her.

Arctic nodded.  "Maargra isn't really used for iliri anymore.  The Grauori may use it, but so many of our people have been forced into submission, prevented from using their strengths, and called soldiers.  To these people, a maargra is a fighter who is more than that.  Someone who can use her skills to make her more, and you're certainly that.  I wouldn't be surprised if that's what they call all of the Black Blades."

"Because we're the only ones who can, right?  Because the iliri in Unav have been scattered and are hiding, and the ones here are worried humans would make them slaves for their abilities?"

"Exactly."

Reaching out for the closest glass she could reach, Shade held it up.  "Well, then it makes a whole lot more sense why Sal wants them to come to Anglia."  She raised her voice.  "Because in Anglia, we don't have to hide who we are or be ashamed of it."

Heads turned toward them, and Arctic realized what she'd just done.  She'd given him the perfect opening to convince these people they should relocate.  His beautiful, timid woman was finally starting to believe in herself, and she was perfect.  Everything about her was exactly what he needed to not only lead his unit, but also to help Sal change the world.

"No, we don't," he said, pitching his voice to carry.  "That's why Anglia is begging for the iliri to move, but we leave in the morning and we want everyone who can to go with us.  Our soldiers will help, even the human ones, but we have to make sure the people know the time has finally come for us to claim our freedom."

"And the Kaeen of Viraenova made sure they can't stop us, right?"  Shade had been told about Tseri's help to change the laws.  Clearly, she'd remembered.

Arctic nodded.  "In the Myrosican meeting for an alliance against Terric, she demanded the Conglomerate give all iliri the right to leave.  All iliri, even slaves."

At the side, an older woman scoffed.  "We've always been able to leave – humans can't stop our kind – but where would we go?"

Yep, that's exactly what he'd been hoping she'd ask.  "Anglia.  We have safe havens set up in most major towns, offering refuge for any iliri seeking it.  Any iliri – as determined by our cousins, the grauori – who's willing to swear to honor their leader, the Kaisae, is given citizenship and asylum.  Now," and he looked around the room, "is the time to finally do it.  Those humans in green are fighting to set you free.  They're fighting, and risking their lives, because they want us to be their neighbors, citizens, and to share our culture with them as equals.  They're here to make sure that no one can stop their countrymen and women from coming to their rightful home, Anglia."

Voices began to swell, dozens of people murmuring to each other with excitement.  Smiling, Shade cut into her meal.  Eat, silly, she thought at him, because once they get brave enough to start talking, you won't get a second chance.

Knowing she was right, he picked up his knife.  This was going a lot better than he'd ever dreamed.  The entire diner was starting to fill with a very familiar scent: hope.

Chapter 34

In the dark alley, the night air was cold, but Sal never seemed to notice.  Kolt wondered if that was just another benefit of her pure ancestry or if it was just her.  Either way, he was glad for the heavy shirt he wore and wished he had a couple layers of leather to go with it.  Crossing his arms over his chest, he tucked his fingers in his armpits, but he wouldn't complain.  He'd been an elite long enough to know how annoying that was.

Sal flicked an ear at him.  "You ok?"

"Yeah, babe.  I thought that went pretty good."

Her head twitched slightly as she stole a glance his way.  "But you look angry."

Busted.  "Sal, it's winter.  I'm cold."

"Oh!"  She looked at her arm but he waved her off.

"No, you don't have any extra layers – and if you did, they wouldn't fit.  I'm not freezing, it's just a little chilly, and my fingers work better when warm.  I'm just being proactive, Kaisae."  Chuckling, he reached over and pushed his cold hand against the side of her neck.  "Gotta keep 'em warm so I can hold a sword, remember?  Zep threatened to castrate me or something."

She tilted her cheek to cradle his fingers closer to her.  "I forget.  When Zep's cold, I can feel it.  Jase and I don't seem to do that."

"No?" he teased, stepping around to put his other hand on her neck.  "So you'll be my personal furnace, huh?"

Giggling, she ducked away.  "I'm not a furnace!"

He held up both hands menacingly, twitching his fingers as he slowly moved toward her.  "Warmer than it is out here.  I bet your ass is like ice in bed, but those ears should make my fingers warmer."

"No!" She squealed.  Both hands slapped against the top of her head, protecting her vulnerability.

"So that's the secret.  It's the ears."  He lunged.

She dodged.  He grabbed her arms, trying desperately to slide his fingers under hers, but Sal was too wily.  It didn't stop either of them from laughing.  Each time he got close to putting his frigid hands on her ears, she worked herself free.  He might be stronger than her, but she really was impossible to catch when she didn't want to be, so he changed tactics.  The next time she covered her ears, he cupped the sides of her face, pushing his fingers deep into the hair at the back of her neck.

"That," he panted, breathing heavy from trying to wrestle with her, "is a lot warmer."

With each breath, her chest rose and fell.  Slowly, she looked up at him.  Their faces were so close but the levity had vanished.  Sal made no move to pull away.  Instead, she reached up and grasped his wrist, almost holding him to her.

"Kolt..."

Alone, in the middle of an alley someone would have to be insane to walk down, there was no one else to blame, but he could smell it.  Desire wasn't the right word.  Neither was sadness.  Standing so close to her, he could almost feel the longing in her body, but it wasn't for him.  Not exactly.  It was bigger than that.

"What do you want from me?" he whispered.  "I don't know if I can give it, but I'll try, Sal.  I'll always try."

It took her too long to answer.  "Don't leave me."  The words cracked as she forced them out.

"Never," he swore.

"Don't die."

A wry smile curled one side of his mouth, and he shook his head.  "That's one thing I can't promise.  If the choice is me or you, then you're gonna be pissed at me, because it's no choice.  Sal, I'm nothing without you.  None of us are."

She blinked.  If she was anyone else, her eyes would have been glistening.  "But I need you.  All of you."

"No," he whispered, leaning to whisper in her delicate little ear.  "You don't.  You like having us help, and you want us to make it easier, but don't confuse that with need.  Sal, you've never needed anyone, but we've been here just the same."  Then he pulled back and looked in her eyes again.  "And when we're gone, there will be others willing to do the same, and more when they are gone.  Do you know why?"

Frustration fell out with her huff.  "Because I'm the Kaisae."

"Let me say that another way.  Because you're proof that we're iliri and we're not done.  Because you're the one person who can show us how to work together.  Because ayati cursed you to deal with this, and no one else is strong enough to take the abuse the world keeps heaping on you.  Yeah, babe.  Because you're our Kaisae."

"But I'm just a slave!"

"So were all the others.  If not slaves, then prisoners, pets, or specimens."  He lifted a brow.  "Think about it.  The strongest Kaisaes are those who survived the most, and you've certainly done that."

"Oh."  She stepped back, pulling herself from his touch.  "Oh," she breathed again.

"What, Sal?"

Her head jiggled from side to side.  "I think I understand."

"Well, that's a good thing, because right now I sure don't."

Sal waved him off, her eyes following something only she could see.  "It's a balance, Kolt.  I kill a man; I learn to love it.  I lose my pack and I learned to lead.  I lose a mate and begin to feel destiny.  For every pain, there is a reward, but I have to be strong enough to take it.  For every power I gain, I must give something up, and the bigger it is, the more it hurts.  Ayati's testing me, I think."  She growled, shoving her hand into her hair.  "I know it's not a who but a what, but I don't know how else to say it.  The world has a balance.  When it rains too much in the CFC, then Gallicor has a drought.  Balance, and that applies to me, too."

Kolt caught her arm, forcing her to look at him.  "When did you start feeling it on your skin?"

The tip of her pale tongue jutted out, moistening her lips.  "When he died."

"When did you figure out how to control people?"

"When they broke up the Blades.  I think it was when Raj drugged me, but I can't be sure.  It's not like I used it right away."

"Mm."  Pulling her to his side, he started heading back toward the Prin military base.  "And making skills?"

She pressed into him, letting his body steer her.  "When Dom was linked in.  It hurt, like my brain was being carved with a knife."

"Ok."  He nodded his head, taking a few more steps before saying, "Ok," again.  "So how do we help, Sal?  What can your brothers and sisters do to make this whole thing a little easier on you?  And don't say not to die, because that just isn't an option.  Not in the middle of a war, babe."

He watched her chew at her lip, worrying it until small droplets of blood appeared.  Those got sucked away absentmindedly.  She was thinking about it, and he wasn't going to interrupt, even if it took the entire walk back before she found an answer.  Since her link broke, she'd been doing, not necessarily thinking, and he had a funny feeling that was part of the problem.  Sal needed to feel like she had control over her life, and for the last few weeks, that had been stripped from her.

"Push me."  She took a deep breath before looking up to meet his eyes.  "I want to say I can't do this on my own, but I haven't been.  You've all been here for me every time I've needed you.  I mean, I want someone to give me the answers, but that's not how life works, so keep pushing me.  It's the best I have, Kolt."

"Then I'll push."  He eased a lock of her pale hair away from her face.  "Trust me, babe, I can be a real dick about it when I have to."

One small laugh slipped out.  "I know."

"Mm."  He shifted his arm over her shoulder before he got distracted with those tiny ears of hers.  "You know it's not any easier for me, either."

Sal's feet stopped, making him turn to face her.  "What's not?" she asked.

This time, Kolt was blatant when he touched the side of her face.  "Telling you something you don't want to hear.  Being something you don't want me to be, even if it's what you need."

"My hero?"

He dipped his head in acquiescence.  "Sometimes."

Those little ears drooped.  "Kolt, I'm not ready for this."

"Me, either."  For a split second, he thought about stopping there, but he owed her the truth.  "That doesn't stop me from being drawn to you.  That won't stop me from doing stupid shit when I forget for just a moment that this isn't a dream I'm stuck in.  I may not be ready for whatever there is between us, but I'm tired of pretending it's not there."

"I don't..."  She swallowed.  "I can't..."

He just held up his hand.  "I know, and I didn't ask you to.  I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing, Sal, and I don't want that to get between us – this pull, I mean.  I'm a guy, and I'm going to do stupid guy things, but I figured if I admit it, then you won't have to worry about my intentions because all I need is to keep you safe right now.  I don't know why, but I have to do that, and I just want you to let me."

"That's it?"  Slowly she lifted her chin, meeting his eyes the same way she'd done so many times: as if it was normal.

"Yeah."  He stepped closer.  "I just want to be friends.  Maybe even brothers.  I'm going to smile at the wrong time or find some excuse to kiss your cheek, but you need to figure out how to live with just Jase and Zep, and I need to learn how to live with you.  I know this mess between us is weird, but let's just call that normal, ok?  I just..."  He paused, bracing himself with a deep breath.  "I have to find my own place so I can figure out who the hell I really am."

"Is it that hard?"

Those eyes.  They were begging him to just bend a little closer.  "Yeah, Sal.  It is."  He forced himself to blink.  "Being alone with you like this?  Like we were the other day?  I do stupid shit, and then I spend the next day hating myself because I'm not Blaec Doll."  He held up a hand before she could say anything.  "And that is something I need to work out for myself.  Nothing you say will change it, just like I can't make you stop missing him."

"I know."  She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck.  "I know, Kolt, and I wish I knew how to help, but you're not him and no one expects you to be."  Then she hugged him, burying her face in his neck.  "And thank you for not making me feel bad about wanting to remember what it is I've lost."

"Yeah," he mumbled into her hair.  "Well, I know something your mates don't.  You weren't raised to be iliri.  You may have these instincts, but you also have your culture, and you deserve to embrace it, even if it's a human thing."  He held her a little tighter.  "So's your Dernor, your best friend, and most of your army.  There's nothing wrong with liking human things, especially not when they make you feel better.  There's no one right way to be iliri, babe."

"Is that why you gave Blaec's things to Jase?"  She looked up at him without any judgment.

Kolt nodded.  "Yeah.  I thought you might not be ready to worry about that, but you deserve to keep it. "

"Thank you."  She pulled back but slid her arm down to link their hands together.  "He said you'd found more of Blaec's things, but it hurts less if I don't have to see it.  I dunno, like I just need a little space to remember that he's not going to walk in the door or send a thought to me, but I don't want to forget that he once did.  I don't want to just go on like he wasn’t important, and I think you're the only one who gets that."

This time, she was the one tugging them back toward their current home, but he followed willingly.  "Sal, when are you going to learn that I actually get you?  That whatever weird crap is going on between us, always throwing us in each other’s path, has given me enough chances to figure you out?"

"Right about now," she told him.  "Just like how now is a good time to decide that you might be right and be the understanding friend I've kinda been needing lately."

And that was all he'd ever wanted.  With his hand twined with hers, Kolt escorted her back to the base, his stationary ears hearing nothing at all to make him worried about her safety.  Then again, she'd detect a threat long before he would.  His job wasn't to babysit her, it was to protect her – which really meant forcing any enemies to hack through him to get to her.

Inside the base, things weren't necessarily safer.  Toth's declaration had split the humans' opinion of Anglia.  Some hated the scrubbers from the north.  They'd all heard the whispers, and Sal wasn't the only healer who'd had her offer refused, but those people were the minority.  For the most part, the sentiments were a question of whether to obey orders blindly or ignore them for the sake of saving the country.  It made the entire base feel tense.

That was probably why she didn't complain when he walked her all the way to her door.  Just as they reached it, she hugged him again, her face pressed deep into the side of his neck.  Kolt couldn't help himself, he breathed in her scent, savoring it.

"Are your mates back?" he asked, guiding her arms down to her sides.

She nodded.  "The only ones still out are Arctic and Shade, and it sounds like they're swamped with people interested in moving."

"Yeah, from Tensa's.  That means it's time for you to get some sleep.  Don't stay up all night with them, babe."

Her giggle proved that she'd been thinking about it.  Kolt palmed the back of her neck and pulled her head closer, then he kissed her brow.  The moment his lips touched her skin, he felt her muscles relax and the stress dissipate, so he pressed just a bit harder.

The door opened, making his eyes jerk toward it.

Zep's mass filled the space.  Brazenly, he pointed back to Sal.  "Keep going, but if you're planning to steal the bed, then I'm taking your room for the night."

Kolt just lifted his hands and stepped back.  "Nothing like that, Dernor.  Just bringing her back to finish your date."

"I'm saying I'm not offended, brother."

That word sounded like a title when he said it, and it felt good.  It still didn't change Kolt's mind.  "Well, it's not our decision, is it Zep?  It's hers, and sounds like she has plans for you – brother."

"Works for me."  Zep offered Sal a hand, guiding her inside her room.  "Night, Kolt.  Much as I hate to admit it, I think Jase was right.  I actually kinda like you, even if you are a dick."

"Just like you," Kolt told him.  "I've been learning from the best.  Sleep well, you three.  And please make sure she sleeps?"

"Eventually," Sal promised, offering Kolt one last smile.

He turned just as the door clicked shut.  A split second later, he heard the latch slide into place.  As he made his way to the other side of the base, not even the CFC soldiers staring at him could ruin Kolt's mood, not after a night like that.  It wasn't just knowing that she honestly accepted him and his kind.  It was that she never denied him when he admitted he was pulled to her.  She'd asked for time and understanding, but she hadn't pushed him away.

Every day they were getting closer and learning who each other really was.  She finally felt like his friend and not some Queen a few ranks higher than he could ever hope to reach.  He felt like the woman of his dreams had finally agreed to become his actual friend, and for the iliri, that was a very powerful word

Chapter 35

Sal woke early the next morning.  The sky was still tinted pink when she and Jase climbed the stairs to the Parliament building.  At the top, the overnight guards no longer stood as straight as they should.  Any minute, the next shift should be relieving them, and it showed.  Signs of exhaustion marked their faces, but the four men were still alert enough to notice that the street was a little too crowded.  Their tired eyes followed every person who passed by suspiciously.

It wasn't just Sal and Jase.  Near the front of the Prin military base, by the main gate, people had started to gather.  She hadn't seen them herself, but Sal had been told that most had pale skin.  Most, not all.  Sprinkled among the iliri gathering to wait for their leader were a few humans.  Some held signs that Anglia was the solution to the war.  Others clearly wanted to see the scrubbers gone.  The iliri, however, had brought their things.  She'd promised them a new life, and it looked like plenty had accepted.  That they'd been brave enough to come at all was more than enough for Sal.  Now, she just had to make it happen.

Nearing the doors, she held up the blue envelope that had arrived the night before.  So what if it had come back with Raj?  No one needed to know that her pass had been given at her request.  It still convinced the men to open the doors and let her inside the heart of the Conglomerate's government.  Beside her, Jase kept his face straight, but his amusement sang in the back of her mind.

They do na realize that ya have a'ready infiltrated them, he thought.

Sal shot him a dirty look.  I have not!  Grenso did that all on his own.  I just see no reason not to pull the string I need when my other options get ruined.

Fair 'nough.  His mental voice was stuck between impressed and amused.

She shook her head at him but said nothing.  Silently, they made their way toward the offices of the Gold Party.  They weren't trying to hide, but neither did they want to draw unnecessary attention.  She just needed a little more information before Anglia left so she'd know if they'd ever be back.  If anyone would tell her what had gone on inside the last few meetings, Grenso would.  If nothing else, he'd offer her a hand and let her see it for herself.

And he'd promised to be here.

Turning right, the pair entered a long, straight hall.  Along both sides, offices lined the walls.  Inside, most were dark.  Near the far end, one door was open, the golden glow of a lamp spilling into the dim hallway.  Clearly, Grenso had kept his word.

When she entered the office, she found the politician sitting behind his receptionist's desk, cradling a cup of what smelled like coffee.  His eyes met hers for a split second before falling to her collar, but he smiled.

"Would you care for a cup, Kaisae?  Ahnor?"

"She'd love one," Jase answered, following the Representative's gesture toward the table at the side.

Grenso pushed away from the desk, gesturing for the iliri to follow.  Sal did.  Jase would, as soon as the two cups he'd claimed were full.  The politician walked into his office, taking a chair before his desk instead of behind it.  She was pretty sure that if she'd claimed that space, he wouldn't care at all.  Instead, she took the chair across from him.

"Is this going to cause problems?" she asked.

He waved that away.  "Anything we do causes problems, Kaisae.  It is not illegal for me to give you the consensus of our alliance vote – or lack of one."

"Lack?" Jase's voice entered the room a split second before he did.  "Did ya na vote?"

"Tried," Grenso admitted.  "One of the moderates from the Blue Party called it yesterday evening.  Anis had us all attend, but Toth delayed the call repeatedly.  Most of it was just procedural crap intended to keep a record of intention from being made, but he and his cronies kept it up until after midnight."

"Wait."  Sal rubbed at her face.  "I was raised as a slave.  I never learned all the nuances of Parliamentary procedure."

"Ah."  He set his cup on the desk beside him.  "Well, there are quite a few loopholes.  Most of those won't change a vote, per se.  They just take time, and in a case like this, it delays the vote until you've already left.  Mostly it's stupid things like asking for a reading on the rules of voting or asking for clarification of legal words.  Loopholes."

"What if I'm still available?" she asked.

That had Grenso's complete attention.  "I thought you were leaving."

"I am.  I can also be called back rather easily.  What if you could call the vote after my very pale presence is gone?  Would that help?"

The man honestly thought about that before answering.  "I'm not sure, Kaisae.  There are twelve members of Parliament.  Four from the Gold Party and eight from the Blue this cycle.  According to Anis, we can only count on six votes: us, Sherin and Jakin.  She's hoping Caldon, the guy you used like a puppet, will prove to be a supporter, but she has no idea how he's voting, and the two moderate Blues could be swayed to vote with their party a little too easily."

"Best case," Sal thought out loud, "seven of us to five of them.  Worst case, eight of them to four of us.  Is working with me really that hard of a decision?"

"Asking us to give you complete control of our military is."  He sighed.  "Sal, you've made no secret of your feelings for this country's current situation.  Toth claims that you'd take our military and start a civil war between humans and iliri!"

"But – "

He didn't give her the chance to break in.  "We know one's already on the verge of breaking out, but not everyone wants to believe that.  Blaming you, the self-proclaimed Kaisae of all iliri, is a whole lot easier than thinking that treating an entire species as inferior might be the real reason."

She nodded in understanding.  "Well, I assigned a grauori to Raj Jozefo of Azure Silence.  She'll link him in when she gets here, and he can get word to me."

Grenso shook his head.  "Azure is going to be deployed soon.  We don't have enough soldiers to keep them here, and everyone's needed on the front line."

"Fuck," Sal hissed.  "Ok.  Then tell Raj to have his First Officer find a linker."  When Grenso's head cocked in confusion, she kept going.  "Aedryn is part iliri.  Their grauori can identify a linker and train him or her if they need help, and you can hire him or her to work for you.  It won't take long, maybe a week, but you're going to need a way to reach me.  Not all the iliri are moving out with us, just most.  If the grauori helps, then your linker will be able to reach my hubs."

The politician nodded.  "I can do that."

"Good."  She took a sip of her coffee.  "We'll try to push hard near the Escean-Unav border.  Hopefully, that will draw back some soldiers and ease the pressure on the east.  Make sure someone covers the south, ok?  If not, Merriton's gone."

Grenso closed his eyes and sighed.  When he opened them, they were on the door.  The soft sounds of people arriving for work were hard to miss.  "Kaisae – "

"Sal," she insisted.

"Unofficial reports makes it sound like Merriton might be compromised."

Her ears snapped forward.  "How unofficial?"

He sucked at one of his canines.  "Very.  My cousin sent word that iliri are moving into Lewes claiming that Terric is all over that area.  They're subtle, but it's hard to miss that scent – which isn't something I can really report to Parliament.  Sounds like spies are using the merchants to gather information and are paying those bastards well for it."

"All while enjoying the comforts of their homes," she growled under her breath.  "Yeah, that's good to know."

"And," he said, clearly changing the subject, "I saw the people gathering by the compound.  How are you going to move everyone?"

"On foot, if we have to.  At least until we get into Unav.  I've already called for carts and wagons to meet us there, and we can always use the horses to pack their belongings if we have to."  She paused, waiting for the man to look up.  "Natyn, I'm not leaving any of us behind.  Even if it takes you a while, my doors will always be open."

He chuckled.  "I hear you, Sal, but I'm staying here.  Someone has to be willing to speak for us, and I'm the only one in a position to do it.  So long as there are iliri in the Conglomerate, I'll do my best to help."

"Well, if they ever kick you out, it's an option."  She reached over and clasped his arm.  "I won't blame you for changing your mind, but I'll be proud if you manage to make this work."

"Thank you, Kaisae.  Your approval helps."  He paused as footsteps crossed the hall outside his office door.  "Looks like it's almost time to get back to work.  I plan to call a referendum again this morning, so maybe you'll just turn back once you reach the border."

"Here's hoping."  She stood, offering her hand even as the sound of more people began to fill the halls.  "Thank you, ilus.  While Anglia may not be welcome, your Kaisae and your people will always be allies.  The grauori don't recognize borders, so I see no reason why we should let them limit us."

He took it with a smile on his face.  "And I promise to reach out if there's any way you can help.  Safe travels, Kai -"

The clack of hurried steps cut him off.  In unison, the three iliri looked toward the open door in time to see an aid jogging toward the heart of the building.  Behind him came more.  Some ran, some walked quickly, but all of them were clearly on a mission.  Jase's hand moved to grip a hilt on his thigh.

"That does na look good," he whispered.

Grenso gestured for the Anglians to proceed him toward the door.  "No, it doesn't."

That's when everything began to happen at once.  Farther down the hall, she heard guards call out.  "I need everyone to make their way to the center of the building.  Please move away from the exterior walls!"

At the same moment, Zep's thoughts entered her mind.  Sal, time to go.  We have the city police moving in.  They're saying something about a riot.

Arctic was a split second later.  I'm moving Anglia out to protect our people, Sal.  Raj just got orders to guard Parliament against the iliri riots on the street.  Only problem?  There's no riots, just people waiting to head out with us.

Iliri don't riot, she thought back.  Not without someone leading it.

Exactly, but there's a whole lot of humans gathering on the street, too, screaming for the scrubbers to go home.

Understood.  I'm headed back.  Get Anglia ready to move.  Then she reached for the next mind.  Pig?  I need Devil Dogs to organize a defense of our people.  Blades will be in charge of moving them, so you get to be the bullies.

His reply was instantaneous.  Can do.  Let the humans beat the humans, huh?  Fuckers better stay the hell out of our way.  I'll tell Ilija and Nya.

While she coordinated with her men in the base, Jase was leading her back to the middle of the building.  Outside, voices could be heard, but they were too muffled to make out.  They also weren't getting quieter.  Touching the links, she tracked the flurry of orders in the back of her mind, ready to find a war starting.  Instead, the Parliamentary Guards were herding the staff of politicians – Sal and Jase included – toward the security of the audience hall.  The same room where she'd first greeted Parliament sitting behind their high dais.

"I need to leave," Sal told the guard, intending to push past him.  "Anglia is preparing to head out."

But the man grabbed her shoulders, propelling her back toward the open doors.  "No one leaves.  Doors are sealed and staying that way.  Get in there for your own safety, you stupid bitch."

Jase growled, but Sal grabbed him, turning to follow Grenso into the audience hall.  Guys, she thought to the Blades, we're being detained because Parliament is on lockdown.

It's more than that, Arctic thought back.  Police are trying to disperse the iliri.  A few have already been arrested.  Sal, we need to go!

Then go!  We can catch up, but you'd better keep our people safe!

His reply was little more than the feeling of obedience.  It was enough.  As Sal and Jase made their way down the curved ramp into the middle of the large oval room, she ignored the guards directing people to find seats.  Instead, she headed straight for the dais, right where Toth was sitting.

"Stop!" the man called out, pointing at her.  "That's her.  That's the one responsible for the attack!  Detain her!"

From both side doors and the one behind her where she'd just entered, clusters of uniformed men moved quickly.  To the left, she saw Parliamentary Guards with swords in hand.  The right wasn't much better, and they were all heading right for her.

"She has incited war on the Conglomerate of Free Citizens!  I want her arrested," Toth was screaming – and the guards kept coming.

In unison, Sal and Jase pulled their weapons.  He moved to shield the main aisle behind her while she kept an eye on the units flanking them.  The hiss of air being quickly released made the room fall silent.  Irritation slammed into her from Jase as he slapped at his neck.  Then fear.  She turned to see him pull a sliver of glass from his jaw.

Before him, braced shoulder to shoulder, stood the men of Azure Silence, each one holding a jakentron aimed right at her.  The pneumatic weapon was the only thing more accurate or powerful than a crossbow, and use of it was restricted to only the most trusted military personnel.  That they each had one said even more than Toth's words.  She was considered a threat of the highest caliber.

Then her mate crumpled, his knees giving out as his eyes rolled into his head.

"Jase!" she gasped, reaching for him.  In her chest, she could feel Zep's frenzy as their cessivi's emotions fell silent.

"Don't move."  Azure Silence moved closer as a group, their steps careful as they kept their formation.  Raj's order came from the center of their line.  His jakentron was pointed at her.  "It's just a sedative, Sal, and one that I made sure was completely safe, but if you make the slightest move toward him, I will dart you next.  You can't help him if you're out, and he's not hurt."

In the seats, someone screamed.  At the dais above her, she heard politicians gasp, but Sal's sole focus was the man who'd dared to attack her mate.  Her ears locked back against her skull and she carefully checked her grip on her daggers, weighing all her options quickly.

"I don't trust you with sedatives," she snarled.  "If he's hurt, I will make you pay for that, Raj Jozefo.  I will make all of the CFC pay for what you have done to my mate!"

"It's just a sedative," he said again, his unit moving another step forward.  "Listen to him.  You know he's fine, but he's the only thing I have that will keep you from killing everyone in this room.  It's a standoff, Sal, and I'm under orders."

"You have no idea how many of us there are," she told him, her voice dripping with warning, "but they will come for me.  My people are everywhere.  They will come, and if you try to stop them, we will show you exactly what we are."

"I know."  He kept his voice calm and soothing.  "I believe you, Sal, but I'm under very strict orders."

"To do what?"

Behind her, Toth chuckled.  "There's only one way Anglia can help us win this war, you stupid beast.  If the Emperor wants to cleanse the continent of iliri, then I'll give you to him and get my country back."

Chapter 36

Zep's roar made Rayna turn, one hand reaching for a weapon.  That was a battle cry if she'd ever heard one, and she'd heard too many in her life.  Near the main gate, she spotted the Dernor along with the rest of the Black Blades, and not even the closed gate was going to stop them.  Shade was running straight for it, wild red and blonde strands of hair breaking free of her braid in her panic.  Then the thick timber that held the doors closed just shattered.

Go!  Arctic's order was clear in her head and meant for every one of them.  Sal is locked in Parliament, Jase has been attacked.  We need to protect the iliri!

"Fuck," she hissed, glancing back.  "Dom!"

"Right on your ass," he promised.  "Don't worry, I heard that too.  Ilija, what are we doing?"

The big man pushed toward them.  "Dogs are working cover for the Blades.  We need to get out the side.  Dag, Vanja, take lead.  Ray, you keep the King safe.  Move out!"

Like some of the best elites she'd ever worked with, the Verdant Shields fell into their roles easily.  Dag guided  them to the side door the leaders had used so many times on their way to Parliament.  Unlike the main entrance of the base, it wasn't big enough to ride horses through.  This was meant for the daily shift changes, giving the soldiers assigned to the Parliamentary Guard a shorter path to their jobs.  Right now, it would let Anglia flank the foolish Conglomerate police and move their people out of town.

That was the plan, at any rate, but as soon as they stepped through, Rayna realized she'd drastically underestimated the size of the crowd.  There weren't a few dozen iliri, nor even a few hundred.  If she had to guess, there were over a thousand people in the street, and they all seemed to know exactly where Sal was.  Like a dog on a trail, they were heading right for the doors of Parliament – and the Black Blades were trapped on the far side.

"Sal's in there, and they know it," she called back to Ilija.

His grunt sounded like acknowledgment.  "Iliri!  We need you to head north," he called out, but no one seemed to be listening.  "Iliri!  Anglia is moving out.  Come with us.  Please go north."

A pale woman turned to growl at him.  "The Kaisae needs us," she hissed.  "Leave if you want, Ace, but we will not abandon her."

And they weren't.  Like a mob, the crowd was pushing toward the doors.  All Rayna could do was deflect them from the King as the Verdant Shields tried to push through.  These people weren't armed, but the men at the top of the stairs were, and they looked ready for a fight.

"If they want inside," Dominik ordered, "they by my crown, we'll get them inside!"  The iliri are pushing to rescue Sal.  Shields are helping, he told the rest.

The 257th is en route to the eastern edge of the crowd, their Captain replied.  I'll aim my guys for the north side of this building.

Dogs will take the west door, Pig chimed in.

"East door," Rayna ordered. Shields have east.

Blades have the south, Arctic told them.  Zep says they're fine but Sal's pissed.  Police incoming.  Keep them off these people!

And, Pig added, try your best to keep these people from tearing the police and guards apart.  They aren't civilians.  These are iliri.  Even the children can kill a man.  These are our citizens, people!

Zep's thoughts broke in, And nothing will stop them from helping their Kaisae.  Nothing, do you humans hear me?  They will go right through you if Sal needs them to, and from the way the Blades are acting, something in the air says she needs them.

Rayna glanced back to judge her unit's position and saw blue-clad soldiers following them through the side door.  She opened her mouth to alert her brothers, but paused.  Across the short heads around her, she met one man's eyes.  They were the palest yellow she'd ever seen, the pupils narrow in the sunlight.  She looked to the next, then the one after, each glance broken by her checking on Dom in between.

CFC soldiers behind us, but all look iliri, she reported.

Ours, Arctic thought back.  The Kaisae has called.

Police incoming!

That thought came from one of the greens, but it made them all look up.  Riding through, hacking at people with long wooden batons, the Prin city police were trying to disperse the crowd.  They just had no idea it wouldn't be that easy.  Ilija didn't need to say a thing.  The Shields saw, and they all knew just what to do.

***

The crowd started to move, and Ryali grabbed for her daughter.  Valri was walking well, but she wasn't old enough to handle being jostled.  Scooping the toddler into her arms, she guided the child to her back.  "Hold tight, baby."

"Ok, Amma."

She wasn't the only mother with a child clinging to her.  A few of the waitresses from Tensa's had their kids, and there were dozens of mothers she'd never met before.  That's why they wanted to go to Anglia, to give their babies a better chance.  To see their kids grow up knowing true freedom, not the second class existence they had in the Conglomerate.  Unfortunately, the crowd didn't care about their babies.  People were shifting, and all Ryali could do was shift with them.

The bags she'd brought with her things were soon forgotten, left near the gates where they were supposed to meet Anglia.  On the air was a feeling she couldn't describe.  The electricity of it was subtle but enticing, pulling her toward the large government building where humans made their laws.  Gripping Valri's knees against her side, Ryali followed.

In the mass of pale bodies, she could see the soldiers.  Some wore white, others green.  In the distance, she could see the black resin of the Kaisae's pack.  They were all headed the same way, but they weren't alone.  Shoving through the people before her were the police, and they didn't care if they trampled the scrubbers around them.  Just ahead of her, one man swung his club at an iliri youth, the impact wet and solid.

The people around the young male growled in response, but only one was brave enough to reach up.  White hands grabbed at the policeman's pants, pulling.  The rider slipped and others began to join in, ripping him off his horse to a chorus of enraged snarls, but the people kept moving.  They weren't here to hunt or kill, they just had to follow the pull.

"Damned scrubbers," the policeman yelled, pulling himself off the cobblestones.  "Disperse or you'll be arrested!"

"Go home," Ryali snapped at him as she moved past.  "Just let us leave."

The human's eyes landed on her.  "You!"  Then he lunged.

A hand grabbed her arm, pulling her around.  The other reached for her child.  Ryali didn't have a chance to think; she had to protect Valri.  Instinctually, her lip curled and she wrenched herself free, but the policeman kept coming, yelling about arrest.  One of his hands tangled in Ryali's blonde hair and he pulled.

She staggered, tumbling to the ground face first.  Her arm clenched her daughter to her back and she braced for another pull from the stupid human.  Down here, she was vulnerable.  Valri could be trampled.  Ryali tried to push herself back up, but the policeman caught her again.

"You're under arrest," he told her, pulling at her baby.

"Do not!" another human snapped, peeling the man away from her just to hit him in the face.  Over and over again, the second human – the one in green – hit the policeman hard.  "Do not touch her," he kept saying.  "Never.  Not without her permission.  Know your fucking betters, you Ace."

Then the human shoved him off, turning to offer Ryali a hand.  "I'm covered," he said, meaning his glove.

Desperate, she took it, letting him help her and her daughter up.  "Why?"  It was all she could think.

He just held out at arm, blocking the space around her.  "Anglian, ma'am.  Loyal to the Kaisae.  We're here to serve her people.  Are you ok?"  The last was addressed to her daughter.

"She's fine," Ryali assured him.  "I have to go."

And she did.  She had to follow the pull.  That's where the Kaisae was, and she needed her people.  The closer Ryali got, the harder it was to resist.  That the humans were helping was confusing, but they really were, and none of them smelled like lies.  It seemed Anglians really were everything Sal had promised.

***

Standing at the back of the audience hall beside the tray of water he was expected to deliver on demand, Iryn Melix watched the soldiers converge on the Kaisae.  Her mate dropped, and he had to fight the urge to rush forward.  He had to help her, but one weak man would do no good.  No, he had to help, but he didn't need to fight.

It was easy to slip out the door.  With so many people being directed inside, one quiet staff member rushing toward the kitchens wasn't even noticed by the guards.  Humans never paid attention to his kind most days, and he was going to use that to his advantage.

They let him go, but the kitchens weren't his real destination.  Instead, he ran for the main door, knowing one person there who could do so much more than he.  Thankfully, the day shift had made it inside before the coup started, because Kesryn was in his usual place by the grand entrance.

"Kes," he hissed, ignoring the looks of the humans beside him.  "They have the Kaisae in the audience hall."

Turquoise eyes hit him hard, and the man gripped his staff a little tighter.  "Ok?"

"Her mate's down and they're trying to detain her.  Sounds like she's not giving up without a fight."

"She wouldn't."  He turned to the men beside him.  "Go.  The guards need backup, and I'm pretty sure I can hold a locked door on my own.  Iryn, I need you to head to the weapons room and make sure the guys suiting down assist.  Send Tynas to help me."

It was hard not to smile.  Tynas was one of them.  Without raising any suspicion, Kesryn had just changed the balance of power, sending the humans away and calling for iliri to staff the doors.  "I can do that.  Want me to send the rest of us to help, too?"

"Please."  He met Iryn's eyes easily.  "Be safe, but we need to make sure we know who has control.  There's a riot outside."

Iryn's eyes hit the ground.  It was a show of respect, but the humans wouldn't notice.  They had no idea what Kesryn even was – nor Tynas.  Their color was too human and neither of the iliri guards ever smiled, keeping their secret hidden behind serious expressions, but Iryn could smell it.  It's how he'd first met Kes, by breathing too deep and getting caught.  It wasn't his fault the guard smelled so very nice.

But right now, his Kaisae needed him.  With the entire building in chaos, running didn't draw undue attention and it got him across the building that much faster.  The weapons room was on the north side, tucked away where it wouldn't distract from the fancy decor humans seemed to adore, although the door was wide open.  Iryn hurried inside, not shocked at all to find a handful of men belting on swords or grabbing pikes.

"Tynas?" he called, announcing himself.

"Yeah?"  The guy in question was in the middle of them all.

"Kes needs you to help on the south door."

The guard turned, a little smile on his lips.  "Well, that's convenient, isn't it."  Then he gestured to his friends.  "We heard that bastard plans to sell us to Terric, and not all of us are willing to give up without a fight."

They were all iliri.  They might not look it to most, but Iryn could see their smiles, and he could count their canines.  No human had teeth like that.

"And it sounds like there's a mob outside," Iryn added.

"Good.  If nothing else, the Black Blades will be coming."  He turned to the men beside him and started giving orders.

The plan was for the iliri to take the doors.  They didn't have enough people to control them all, but it would be enough.  With Kes and Tynas on the main entrance, they could be sure that Anglia could get in, and that meant Salryc Luxx would have all the help she needed.  It meant he'd actually helped.  Inside, something eased slightly, giving him a hint of peace even as his anxiety continued to grow.

No, not anxiety.  It was something in the air.  A feeling he couldn't describe, but it pulled at him, drawing him back toward the center of the building.  Iryn took a deep breath and turned to follow, but a heavy hand clamped down on his shoulder.

"That's the Kaisae," Tynas whispered.  "You're too young to have met one before, but that's what happens when she summons her people to battle.  I need you to ignore it.  I need you to think, not react, because you need to tell the kitchen staff that we're taking over Parliament.  If they're going to try to hold our Kaisae, then we're going to make sure they have never regretted anything more."

"I can do that.  Please tell Kes to be safe for me?"

Tynas chuckled.  "Don't worry, your mate will be just fine.  There's more of us here than them.  Humans won't get a chance to hurt him."

Chapter 37

"I will not go down without a fight."

Sal's words were too calm and directed right at Raj.  The leader of Azure Silence nodded once, but he didn't lower his weapon.  Beside him, the First Officer's muzzle wavered, the tip angled just to the right of her.  Sal noticed.  When her eyes shifted to the man, the tip of his gun sagged even more.

"Leave him alone, Sal," Raj warned.

She tensed, wondering if she could reach her mate before the drugs in their weapons took effect.  They hadn't been linked when he was shot.  Their minds had been their own, making it harder for her to reach across the space to heal him, but he was her cessivi.  She didn't need him to offer his mind.  He'd already given it completely.  Straining to think, to feel more of him, she followed the eerie silence of his connection back.

It was weak, but she could still feel him.  The problem was trying to concentrate on purging the toxin while staying focused on what was going on around her.  Right now, chaos.  At each of the doors, people were still filing in, each of them reacting with shock when they saw the standoff below.  The Parliamentary Guards on either side of her were anxious, their smell cloying in the bowl of the audience hall, but that wasn't all.  She dared to look over, letting her lips curl into a devious smile when she saw who had been sent to backup Azure Silence.

Not all were iliri, but enough.  At least half.  She could tell, now.  Before she'd gone to Anglia, most of these men she would have called human, but not anymore.  The intensity of their eyes, the pungent odor of their anger, and the vibrations on her skin all said they were waiting for a reason to show themselves, and that reason was her.

It was buying her time to bring Jase back to consciousness, but she needed more.

"I'm under orders, Sal," Raj said, moving his unit another step closer.  "If you surrender, we'll have Cyno taken to the infirmary.  If you cooperate, we'll even let one of your medics see him.  You know he's fine, Sal, but if you move at all, we will dart you, and then you both will be placed in holding.  I can't guarantee he'd be treated well."

She checked her sides again.  None of the Parliamentary Guards had moved.  "Why are you doing this, Raj?  You know it's wrong.  This is an act of war!"

"It's not," he whispered.  "It's desperation, Sal.  I don't want to see my country destroyed by yours, and we both know exactly what you'll do if anyone hurts him."

Her eyes moved back to him, and he met them easily.  There was no malice, just worry and maybe a little fear.  Raj had been under her knife once before, and he made no secret that he remembered.  He'd also chosen his words very well.  He, a human, didn't have the option of leaving.  He wasn't trying to start a war, he was trying to keep her from being an excuse for one, and he knew her well enough to know she'd do anything for her mates.  He'd just made Jase the olive branch.

"The last time you tried to sedate an iliri," Sal told him, "you weren't so good at it.  What makes you think this time is different?"

"It's just Soludim, Sal.  Your records show you've been given it before.  It's safe."

She checked her other side.  The guards were starting to shift, which meant they couldn't hold that much longer.  "So now what?"  Jase's body was responding, but it was taking too long.  She needed more time.  "We're at a standoff.  I can't move, and you can't come get me.  You know I'd tear apart every human soldier in this room, right?"

"I do."

She raised her voice.  "So what's the big plan, Toth?  You just committed an act of war against Anglia and the iliri, and now you're stuck.  How are you going to hand me over?  You can't even get outside this building, and there's no way in hell the Emperor can just ride in.  Not through the entire country, and certainly not through the thousands of iliri in Prin.  Or are you just going to hand him the entire CFC?"

That made voices start humming.  Packed so close together, everyone in the audience hall could hear, and few of them would keep this to themselves.  The leader of the party in power had just committed an act of war, and the Conglomerate of Free Citizens was already losing the one they were in.

"Surrender, and I'll let the rest of Anglia return home."  The fool actually chuckled.  "The Emperor sent missives to every opposition country, letting us know that he'll declare our nations peaceful if we turn over the iliri or the Kaisae of Anglia.  I figure giving him both will get Eastward back.  This is for the good of the Conglomerate, you stupid bitch.  I know you can't see it, but I'm saving lives here."

Anis gasped.  "You've received correspondence from Terric?"

"Of course I have," Toth snapped.

Which meant the Emperor had already started to secure his foothold.  Every nation he invaded, he took the same way: he offered them exactly what they thought they needed.  He just didn't necessarily deliver.  Sal had been inside his mind.  She'd seen too many of his memories.  She knew he had no intention of simply eradicating the iliri.  He wanted something so much worse.  He wanted to become the Kaisae, and that meant removing anyone who might be considered stronger than him.  It meant subjugating the rest of the world to his control so they'd have to fuel his iliri powers.

It meant Toth was an even bigger idiot than she'd previously thought, because the Emperor had picked him out as the one weak enough to give in.

"That's an act of treason," someone behind her said.  His voice was strong, but the shock tinted it.  Glancing back, she saw Caldon, the Representative of Prin, staring with his mouth open.  "You may be the leader of the Blue Party, but you have no authority to do this!  Not without the agreement of Parliament!"

He shoved forward, reaching for the heavy gavel on the bench in front of Toth.  Other politicians stepped back, one tried to push Caldon away, and Anis grabbed for the man, yanking him back.  The banging of the aisle doors made everyone flinch – except the soldiers staring each other down on the floor of the audience hall.  The staff and employees of Parliament, however, began to cry out in fear.

"All I wanted was an alliance so I could save you," she bellowed, pitching her voice to carry over the panic in the room.  "All Anglia wants is to work with the CFC.  The iliri are mine.  They've always been mine."  She blinked her eyes back to Raj and lowered her voice.  "I was just too stupid to know it."

He nodded.  "So what happens now, Sal?"

"Now," she told him, "it's time for you humans to see the beasts you made.  We're here.  We're everywhere, and you don't even know how many of us there are.  Let me show you exactly what I can do."

***

Orders raced through his mind almost drowning out the sound of enraged iliri pushing on the Parliament building, but Geo could still hear them.  Hell, he could also smell them, and it was like a drug.  Never before could he imagine an entire army of his people, but that's certainly what this was – and they were all heading onward to save his Kaisae.

East doors are open, Rayna's thoughts told the Anglians.

Push to the audience hall, Arctic ordered.  That's where they have Sal.  Iliri have the south door.  Looks like the Parliamentary Guards here are ours.

Guards are fighting themselves on the west, Pig notified them.  Dogs moving to assist.

Grauori have the police under control, Nya told them.  But dozens of our cousins have  been arrested and taken away.

We'll get them.  Arctic's thoughts were confident.

Then the Captain of the 257th spoke up.  North doors are secure.  The guards here are well-armed, and I have two iliri down.  Heavy archers are trying to move in.  Do we have permission to kill?

Arctic's response was immediate.  No!

Geo knew he was the one who could help.  I'm heading that way, he thought, making sure both Arctic and the Captain of the 257th knew.  Protect our people until I get there.

Both of them sent a wave of appreciation at him, and he was off.  Just like Shift had taught him, he looked for the spaces between bodies, using the gaps to make a path through the crowd.  The secret to moving fast in a group of people was to not fight them.  He had to understand the flow, but that was easy.  Everyone wanted inside.  That meant he was making his way through a strong current that was all headed the same way.  He could do this.

On the west side of the building, the Devil Dogs were rushing up the stairs.  At the top, a short, stocky man in grey armor grappled with a human wielding a pike.  Another Dog blocked a swordsman from assisting.  Geo kept going, confident that the elites wouldn't have much trouble with the guards.

It didn't take long to make it to the north door, but it felt like an eternity.  Every time the crowd stalled out or people tried to push him out of their way, he feared that humans were hacking down his kind.  But the 257th were there.  Like always, they were armored and ready for combat.  That's how Anglia traveled, and these guys were solid.  Zep had recommended them.  They had to be able to hold off the Parliamentary Guards.  They had to.  He just hoped that none of them would die for their efforts, because things were quickly getting out of control.

Then he was there.  Just ahead, he could see the stairs – and the two men fighting over the banister.  Green was at the front of the line, the motley colors of civilian iliri pushing in right behind them.  This was what he was good at, and Geo ducked down to fit between shoulders so he could prove it.  He just had to weave his way closer, pushing at the people who were too focused to even notice he existed.

Bodies were packed on the stairs, but he had this.  Twisting sideways, he wedged himself between them, almost running as he aimed right for the top, for the man standing squared off before the door, letting the other two guards fight anyone who tried to reach him.  But they'd never expect this.

"By order of the Kaisae, get me a path," Geo ordered, and the 257th heard.

The man on the left shoved into his opponent, using the pike to bend the human over the wall.  On the right, two soldiers blocked the swordsman.  Geo lunged for the gap in the center, his hand out.  The arrogant guard never saw him coming.  He didn't even have time to get his weapon up before Geo's hand clamped on his jaw.

"I'm your commanding officer, you stupid fucking Ace," he growled, shoving the human against the door he was supposed to be guarding as he reached for his talent.  "I'm the highest authority in the Parliamentary Guard, and you're scared shitless that I'll not only fire you, but have you demoted back to blues."

"Sir," the man gasped as the glamor took effect.  "We were ordered to hold the door."

"Not anymore.  Pay attention, soldier.  Inside, Parliament is screaming for you to open them.  We're supposed to let these people in, and not harm a single one."

"Yes, sir!"  Before Geo could release him, the man was turning for the latch.

Geo moved to the next, the one with the sword.  The other seemed to be the weaker fighter, and the Anglian had him trapped on the rail.  "Let me touch him," he called to his countrymen.

Without releasing him, they both leaned back, giving him clear access to the guardsman.  He went right for the throat.  That was the only visible skin.

"I am the ranking officer.  Parliament is calling to throw the doors open.  You will aid and protect the citizens of Prin and all iliri.  You know these orders are true and you will obey them without question."

"Protect the scrubbers," the man mumbled, nodding.

Not perfect, but it would do.  The problem was that Geo had never enthralled three before.  He had to keep his focus.  He had to hold the illusion in his mind or he'd drop the compulsion to obey.  He had to do this, because right now, Sal needed him to protect their people.  He hurried over to touch the third.

"Hold him still," he begged the guard, straining to keep his focus.  "You know me.  I'm the ranking officer here.  Parliament wants the doors open, and you can hear them calling for it, so obey!"

"I need to open the doors," The man agreed a little too easily.  The problem was that he didn't smell quite right.

Geo tried harder.  "I am your commanding officer, and one terrifying mother fucker.  You know me.  You've always known me, and the very last thing you want to do is lie to my face."

That's when it finally took hold.  The guard relaxed, his eyes changing from defiant to worried as he tried to slide out from under the Anglian pinning him down.  "I have to open the doors," the man gasped.

The Anglian let him go.  The compulsion had set.  All three guards were working to unlock the door and raise the latch, but Geo couldn't help.  He just had to keep his thoughts focused.  He had to remember what it felt like to be afraid of his commanding officer, to obey an unexpected order, and the struggle to prove he was worthy as a soldier.  Those were the foundations of the compulsion, and so long as he could hold those in his mind, the CFC soldiers wouldn't break.

"You good?" the Anglian asked, guiding Geo to a dead spot at the top of the balcony.  "Sir?  Can I help?"

"Just make sure the iliri get inside.  Wounded?"

"Nothing serious, sir.  Stay here.  As soon as the doors open, you'll have a barrier."  He took a step back.  "And I'm not leaving you, sir."

With a sigh, Geo leaned back against the wall.  "Thank you," he breathed, closing his eyes to wallow in his own imagination.  "I'll remember.  It matters."

All around him, the iliri were finally getting the chance to stand up for themselves.  It mattered.  It mattered more than the Anglian soldier could ever know, but he'd still helped, and Geo would make sure the aid of the 257th Heavy Archers was never forgotten.  They were probably the first friendly humans most of these iliri had ever seen.

Chapter 38

"Arrest him!" someone called out from the audience, pointing at Toth.

The guards shifted but didn't move.  Behind her, Toth was ranting something about the cost of freedom and how the iliri deserved to pay it after all humans had done for them.  Outside the locked room, voices were swelling, many of them speaking her language.  She ignored it and kept her eyes on Raj.  This close, she didn't need to yell for him to hear her.

"The iliri are coming.  Can you feel it?  Can you hear it?  My people are coming and none of you can stop us now.  I won't let you sell us off to Terric.  I won't let the lives of my people pay for the arrogance of yours.  Not anymore."

Aedryn took a half step forward, pulled by the vehemence of her voice.  Raj slapped a hand across his chest, pushing him back.  "Don't do that, Sal."

"That's what you don't understand!" she shot back.  "I'm not doing anything.  I just am.  I'm better than you humans and so are they.  And we, the iliri, are the only thing that is going to keep your stupid country from crumbling around you, but you can't admit it.  You can't see that the soldiers you bred so long ago are good.  That we were made for this!"

"I can see it."  He pushed his First Officer behind the line and the rest of his unit closed the gap.  "Just leave my man out of this.  I mean, what happens if you're knocked out, Sal?  Think of Cyno."

"I'm thinking of you!"  She growled, wanting to scratch at the tingles shooting up the back of her neck.  "We're coming, Raj.  We're already here.  If you drop me, then there's no one left to stop them.  If you knock me out, then you will finally see just how many iliri have been among you this whole time, and don't think for a second that they aren't loyal to me.  They can't help it!"

"The doors are secure, Sal.  This building was made to withstand a siege.  Your friends can't get in.  It's just us."

Grenso chuckled, pushing his way past the guards toward Sal.  "It is," he said, moving to place his body between her and Raj's jakentron.  "And we're already inside.  If you want to harm the Kaisae, you have to come through me.  Just know that attacking a Representative of Parliament without a direct order is a crime.  Nothing in that law says I have to be human."

The muttering swelled.  Sal ignored it, her mind split between forcing Jase's body to metabolize the drug he'd been given and the threats packed all around her.  "You don't understand, Raj.  I'm not the bad guy here."

"Then help me."

She took a deep breath, letting her eyes close as she followed the sensations on her skin, but it was more than that.  It wasn't just outside, but all the way through her, like tiny tethers trying to direct her.  When Sal looked back at the leader of Azure Silence, she could almost see the conflict in his fate.

"They're coming, Raj, and if they see you with a jakentron pointed at me, you will become a threat.  I'm not sure I can stop them from fighting to protect their Kaisae, because I'm all they have left.  If you attack them, the lines will be drawn.  Can't you see that?  Human against iliri, and the CFC will be destroyed from within.  The tensions have been brewing in this country since before I was born, but you don't have to be our enemy."

"Our?  Sal, I'm human, and I have orders."  His eyes flicked to Jase.  "If I break those, then my options aren't very good."

She followed his gaze to see her mate's twitching fingers.  He wasn't conscious, but he was trying, the drug still keeping him sedated.  "So we should get you another option."

"Peace would be a good one, Kaisae," Raj said softly.  "I don't have a fight with you.  I never have, but I need to protect my country."

She nodded slowly.  "So do I.  That's why I'm here, because the Conglomerate is made up of my people, and I want to keep all of you safe.  All of you, Raj."

His shoulders relaxed.  The movement was subtle, but she saw it clearly, just like she felt the pressure on her skin change.  Ayati had shifted.  Raj had made a decision and the world already knew it.  All Sal had to do was figure out how to make the most of this.  She lowered her daggers and shifted back, keeping Grenso between her and Azure Silence.

On both sides, the iliri members of the Parliamentary Guard waited for her command.  She could feel it.  The tension was so obvious she could almost hear the twang of it echoing through the room.  With so many of her people serving in all branches of the military, all it would take was her word and this could be over.  If she wasn't under threat, then the iliri making their way into the building would do little more than yell.  She knew they were coming, and she knew the outer doors were already open, but the only proof she had was the feeling Kolt told her to trust.  She just had to believe this wasn't her last act of sanity.

"Detain them," she ordered the iliri, keeping her voice as calm as she could.  "All of the humans in the Guard.  Do not kill them.  Do not harm them if possible."  Then she looked over Raj's shoulder right at Aedryn, focusing her need at him.  "And you will do nothing.  As my favor, you will not help the iliri today."

His weapon fell to his side as the Parliamentary Guards sprang into action.  In the distance, the sound of voices swelled just before something crashed into the main door.  Again, the boom came, sounding like dozens of bodies throwing themselves against the heavy wood from the outside.  Holding Raj's eyes, Sal smiled, flicking her ears to the scuffling on either side.  From the corner of her vision, she could see her hidden iliri grappling with their former unit mates, surprise having given them the advantage.  Some humans had been knocked out, simply hit on the head fast enough to drop them.  Others were held by the arms or the throat, slowly losing to the people they'd never thought to question before.

Without taking a step, the room was changing hands, and Sal never looked away from the man she thought might still be a friend.  "Lower your weapons, Raj, because they won't give you the chance to explain."

"Sal," he begged.

She shook her head.  "Toth started this.  I told you I was stronger.  I warned you, but you didn't listen.  None of you.  I'm not human, and you can't make me into one, no matter how hard you try.  I am the embodiment of an entire species, and I'm the last hope they have.  If you didn't think they'd fight for that, then you're a fool.  Right now, iliri members of the Parliamentary guard are detaining all the humans both inside and outside this room.  Those doors will open soon."

The tip of his gun dipped slightly.  "I was hoping we could find a safer way out of this."

Grenso pointed behind him.  "Then arrest the traitor.  You're an elite soldier, sworn to protect your nation.  Arrest the man willing to sell the Conglomerate to the enemy!"

"I need an order," Raj told the Representative.  "Sir, Azure Silence needs an order to move on an elected official of the government."  But a tiny smile tilted one side of his mouth higher.

Grenso nodded.  "Then I order you."

"I second it," a woman called from the dais.  "Toth's actions are in direct violation of our constitution.  As the Representative of Yarrin, I demand you arrest him so he can be tried for his crimes!"

"No!" Toth screamed back.  "I am the Chairman of Parliament.  I order you to arrest that iliri!"

"New mission," Raj snapped.  "Aedryn, detain the Representative from Eastward.  Make sure he does nothing to your Kaisae.  Azure, protect the politicians."  His men started moving, but Raj paused, looking back to Sal.  "I didn't ask for this."

She nodded.  "Neither did I."

As one, they both turned to do their duty.  Sal stepped toward the struggling human guards, laying a hand on the closest with a nod to the iliri who held him.  At her touch, the man sagged, falling into a deep sleep at little more than a thought from the Kaisae.  The guard lowered him to the ground.

"He was my friend," he told Sal.

"I know."  She patted his arm.  "Thank you."

"Always, Kaisae."

Then she moved to the next.  Just as she was reaching for the last guard on that side, the doors clanked open, the lock turning from the outside.  People screamed even louder, terrified humans not knowing any other way to protect themselves.  A second later, Sal felt a mind reaching for hers.  Kolt's.  She took it and breathed, working to separate each human's scent from those packed around her.  Then, once she knew who was a threat, she forced their bodies to simply shut down, sedating them more efficiently than the weapons Raj held.

As their bodies fell, shock silenced the room.

"Hold the doors!" she ordered the iliri.  "Blades, the room is secure.  Dogs, assist any wounded of both countries.  Shields, contain any human threats I didn't just force to take a nap.  Azure Silence is detaining the Conglomerate traitor."

She didn't wait for them to reply, just rushed to her lover's side.  "Please be fine," she begged, able to do so much more when she touched his skin.  "Wake up, killer."

The little man groaned.  "Ya heal like shit, kitten."

"It's all I have."  Pushing a little harder, she forced the last of the toxin from him then leaned back, helping her mate to his feet.  "Our people are here.  Azure is arresting Toth."

But the foolish politician wasn't about to go down easily.  He was struggling to keep Aedryn and another Azure man from securing his hands, wailing like a wounded animal.  The elites were trying hard to maintain their composure, but the human finally broke.  With a hard shove, Toth's face hit the wood surface of the Parliamentary bench, and Aedryn shoved resin manacles around his hands.

Along both sides of the room, iliri were pushing closer.  They could smell his hatred as easily as she could, and it was the only thing they had to blame.  Sal's orders kept them from attacking, but it was clear they wanted to.  They'd finally risen up.  She knew they wanted to do more than simply watch, but right now that would ruin everything.

"Please," she whispered, willing them to calm down.  "Please don't tip the balance."  If they'd known when she was threatened, then hopefully they'd know that right now, they had just become the one thing that could destroy everything she'd spent all week working for.

"You don't know what you've done!" Toth bellowed.  "Terric wants them bad enough to destroy us.  Our only option is to give him what he wants or the Conglomerate will fall!"

Caldon shoved forward, finally claiming the gavel from beside Toth's head.  "Shut up," he snapped before holding up the gavel and looking at the remainder of Parliament.  "As the Second of the Majority Party, I hereby claim the position as Chairman Pro-tem.  Does anyone object?"

The ten other members all shook their heads, some saying a quiet, "nay" under their breath.  And just like that, Toth's power vanished.  Looking down at Sal, Representative Caldon, pounded the gavel against the surface of the desk three times with a smile on his lips.

"I call the daily meeting of Parliament to Order.  The first item of business is the treasonous behavior of Representative Barl Toth, Representative of Eastward.  What does Parliament propose?"

"Fort Landing says he should be arrested and jailed until a fair trial can be arranged."  That was Deina Anis.

"Yarrin seconds that."

Caldon tapped the gavel again.  "Heard and seconded.  How do the districts vote?"

Calmly, simply, and diplomatically, order had been restored.  While the iliri milled around the outer wall, the members of Parliament quickly made it clear that Toth did not have their support.  Many of the politicians simply voted yes.  Some added that his actions were unimaginable or that they had no prior knowledge of it.  Not a single one voted against his arrest.  Sal gestured for her people to be calm and not interfere as the gavel crashed against wood one more time, declaring the results of the vote.

"Do the Representatives have any other business to bring before Parliament and the people of the Conglomerate of Free Citizens?" Caldon asked, glancing down the dais at his peers.

One man pushed to his feet.  "I, Kalt Sherin, Representative of Merriton, would like to call the referendum on an alliance with Anglia."

Caldon nodded, accepting that, then looked down to her.  "Kaisae Salryc Luxx, is the offer of aid still available?"

Sal scanned the room, looking at the bodies still blocking all three entrances to the audience hall.  Large eyes and hopeful expression looked back, all of them willing to support any decision she made.  Near the back, she saw Kolt, standing beside Zep.  They looked comfortable like that, like they belonged, but they weren't helping her decide.  No one could do that – not anymore – but she was finally strong enough to know that didn't mean she was alone.  Beside her, Jase gently pressed his hand to her back in support.  It was the last thing she needed.

"Our offer has never changed.  Anglia demands recognition of the iliri and grauori as sentient and sovereign species, we expect the law allowing iliri emigration to be upheld for all of my people, any soldiers or Anglians working for the purpose of the agreed upon treaty will be given diplomatic immunity, and..."  She looked at each one of the politicians in turn.  "If you want me to beat back Terric, then I need full control of the military.  Complete autonomy to make decisions without being tied down in bureaucracy."

Representative Jakin leaned over the desk to look at her.  "You want us to give you unlimited military power after an iliri mob just forced their way into the heart of our government?"

Sal lifted her voice so everyone in the room could hear.  "Yes.  I want you to realize that you have a civil war brewing in your country.  Today, it became clear how many iliri are truly among you.  Tell me, how exactly would you stop them?  I'm willing to take them, make them into the predators we're supposed to be, and then turn all of us loose on Terric.  I'm willing to make your problem into my solution, but your human military leaders would ruin that by spending over a week debating what should happen instead of doing something about it!"

She knew every person on that dais knew what she was talking about.  All of them looked guilty and smelled worse.  They had demanded Anglia's help, then tried to bend it into something to gain a few more votes or a little more political power rather than focusing on the enemy that was already inside their borders.  Sal wasn't about to let them feign innocence.

"Kaisae," Anis called out, easing herself back to her feet.  "Would you consent to us placing a single general as your second in command?  One with the authority to veto any of your orders should they pose an undue risk to our country?"

Sal fought to keep her face calm.  This was exactly the solution she'd hoped they'd agree to.  "Sure, so long as he's not someone with known anti-iliri tendencies."

One of the men who'd come to the Prin compound with Toth only a few days before surged up, lifting his hand to call attention to himself.  "I recommend General Sturmgren.  His name was referred by Azure Silence, who proved their loyalty today.  I think that's the best recommendation we can ask for."

"I'm willing to second him," Anis said.  "General Sturmgren was the Kaisae's commanding officer when she was one of our citizens and elite soldiers."

"Kaisae?" Caldon asked.  "Would he meet your requirements?"

Sal dipped her head, refusing to give any hint that they had all just played right into her plans.  Ran was the perfect person to help her with this.  Right now, she just had to let them think it had all been their idea.  If they suspected she'd pushed them to agree to this, he'd be the last man they let her work with.

"I know the General," she said, keeping her voice nice and bland, "and I believe he can be not only impartial but also think fast enough to keep up with the complex strategies I will teach your country.  Yes, Representatives, I have no problem with giving General Sturmgren the authority to veto any of my decisions."

Because he already has that, Jase thought.

Exactly.

"But," Sal called out, halting Caldon before he could strike the gavel and call a vote.  "Before we agree upon an alliance, I need to know what will happen to my people?"  She gestured to the oddly quiet iliri ready to respond to her next demand.  "They did not riot.  None of them deserved to be arrested.  We offered to help them move to Anglia; that's why they were on the street.  We just didn't expect so many."

"So why did they rush Parliament?" a member of the Blue Party asked.

From the back, Kolt answered, raising his voice so it would carry easily.  "Because you detained the leader of our people.  Because the Kaisae's desires are the same as our orders.  Because entrapping one of the leaders of Anglia is the same as an act of war, and we had no way to know it was due to a single rogue politician."

Zep slapped his shoulder proudly, nodding at him.  "Nicely said, brother."

Caldon slowly turned the gavel in one hand, nodding to himself.  "Then I suppose we'll have to call their actions a justified response, because I have a feeling that all of these people will swear they are no longer citizens of the Conglomerate."

"No, Representative," Sal told him, "they sure aren't.  They are mine, and I think you finally understand exactly what that means."

Chapter 39

It hadn't taken long for Parliament to reach a decision.  The result wasn't unanimous, but it was better than she'd expected.  Out of eleven remaining politicians, eight had voted to give her everything she'd asked for.  The Representative of Yarrin abstained, stating she couldn't support Sal's control of the military but otherwise agreed to Anglia's assistance.

On the upside, they did agree to release all of the iliri civilians who had been arrested.  Sal assured her people that she wouldn't accept anything but complete pardons, and eventually got everyone back outside.  Learning that Toth was responsible for the heavy-handed police presence only made it easier for her to get her way.

And five units of Anglian humans were already headed south to assist with moving the iliri out of the CFC.  Sal wasn't going to wait for the official signing of the treaty.  She wanted her people packed up and safe before anything could change.  Her soldiers – well, Dom's – were bringing as many wagons as they could drive so the children and elderly could make it comfortably back to Anglia.  In Arhhawen, her people had been notified of the population increase and plans were already being made for how to accommodate the refugees.  Now, all that was left was to wait for someone to tell them the documents were ready to sign.

While Sal did her best to reassure everyone she could, Raj was trying to prove he was still on their side.  The Prin military base was open to the public – due to Shade destroying the locking mechanism for the front gate – and Raj had ordered the off-duty soldiers to hand out meals to anyone interested.  Across the courtyard, mothers sat with their children, huddled against the stone walls while groups of iliri males stood guard.  Children watched the armed humans wander with wide eyes, flinching away if the soldiers came too close.  The elderly, disabled, and abandoned all were gathered with others, looking nervous but willing to take the risk for a free meal.

Poverty was everywhere.  There was no way to deny it, and even the humans seemed to notice.  As Sal and Jase made their way through the base, she saw a soldier offering the blanket from her own bed to an aged woman.  Another member of the CFC military was desperately balancing a few too many plates as he made his way toward a cluster of kids.  It wasn't much, but the few offers of kindness mattered, and Sal knew they'd made an impression on her people.  It was one step toward humans and iliri learning how to finally work together.

"Sal," Jase whispered, glancing to the side.  "I want ya ta meet someone."

Excitedly, he tugged at her arm, steering her to a pair of women standing together.  As they got closer, Sal recognized Ryali, the waitress from Tensa's who'd once been Zep's girlfriend.  The older woman was unfamiliar, and a very young girl wobbled haphazardly between them, weaving circles between the women's legs.  From the far side of the base, Sal felt a wave of amusement from Zep as he hurried over.

"Kaisae," Ryali whispered, reaching for the child's hand when she saw Sal.

The older woman turned with a smile on her face, but it wasn't Sal she was looking at.  "Ya make me proud, Jassant."

He flashed a smile back to Sal.  "Kitten, I would like ya ta meet my amma, Inessi Cynortas."

Sal dropped her eyes to the woman's feet.  "Kaisae Cynortas!  I can't tell you how honored I am to know your son.  He's saved my life, taught me my own history, and showed me what honest love really means.  I'm so honored to meet the Amma of my Ahnor."

She glanced up to find shock taking over Inessi's face.  The woman's eyes were wide, darting between Sal and Jase, just to flick over her shoulder to where Sal could feel Zep approaching.  Her hand trembled as she lifted it to cover her parted lips.

"Amma?" Jase asked.

Zep chuckled, slapping his brother's shoulder as he fell in at his side.  "See, bro.  We shoulda told her last night."

"But..."  Inessi lifted her hand, looking back to Sal.  "The Kaisae?  My son is yer mate?"

"Yes, ma'am," Sal told her.  "My first mate, the Ahnor of all iliri."

"Jassant?" she breathed.

Zep shoved Jase forward.  "Ya raised a good son, Amma Inessi.  We told you that you'd like her."

Sal shot Zep a confused look, trying to understand why the woman was speechless.  Did I make a mistake?

No, baby, she's just shocked.  You're kinda a big deal, and Jase was just Guttertown scum.  He lifted a hand before she could reply.  I know what you're going to say, but doesn't matter where you started.  You're still the Kaisae, and Jase is still her boy who had no chance at a good future.  I don't even need to smell like you to know she's happy.  You're fine.

"I can na believe the Kaisae is yer mate," Inessi gasped, wrapping her arms around her son.  "And ya love her?  She's good ta ya?"

"She's perfect ta me, Amma.  She's my cessivi.  Zep, too."

Inessi laughed, sounding like she hadn't done it in a long time.  "Oh, Jassant.  I was so happy when ya came home, but now?"  She smiled at Zep proudly.  "Now I have a family again, and it is na a little one.  Now I know why ya smelled so familiar."

Zep's eyes moved to the little girl Ryali held – and he froze.  Sal felt the ice of shock race down her spine, but it wasn't hers.  It was his, and he couldn't peel his eyes away from the child.  That's when she understood.  Breathing deeply, she tasted the scent of the people around her and was sure.  The little girl smelled very familiar.  Shaking her head, Ryali stepped back, her eyes seeking someplace to run.

"You forgot to mention something the other night, Ryali," she whispered, pushing between her Dernor and the mother of his child.

"Yes, Kaisae, I did."  Ryali kept her voice as quiet as possible while she looked over Sal's shoulder to Zep.  Then she took another step back.  "But you've already claimed him."

Sal nodded, blocking her only path.  "I did.  He was always my brother, now he is my cessivi.  There is no going back from that."

The girl froze, meeting Sal's eyes.  "I really liked him.  I didn't really love him, though, but," she pulled the child back into her arms, "I respected him and thought he would do."

"I think he did well."  Sal ducked her head to smile at the child.  "What's your name, little one?"

"I'm Valri."

Sal looked back to her nervous mother.  "Ryali, you going to tell him?"

"Don't.  He won't understand."

"He already knows, and he's certainly not mad.  Shocked and amazed, but I feel no anger from him."  Behind her, Zep was creeping slowly closer.

"Ryali?" Zep asked.

"Who's that, Amma?" the child asked.

Sal blinked, breaking the young mother's challenging gaze.  "Now is when you make your decision, but you should know what the options are."  Sal tapped at her throat.  "Valri could wear this when she's older if you acknowledge it.  If you choose not to, I will support that as well."

Ryali bit her lip, looking between her daughter and the dark-skinned man waiting to hear his fate.  She pulled the little girl closer, hugging her as tight as she could.

"Who's that?" Valri asked again.

Zep reached for Sal's hand, his own shaking.  "I'll accept the answer, either way," he told Ryali.  "It doesn't mean I don't know.  I can smell it through Sal, but I'll accept your choice."

Ryali nodded and took a deep breath before answering her daughter.  "That's your sire, Valri.  That's Valcor Zepyr of the Black Blades."

"Dava?" the girl asked, her large blue eyes looking up at Zep.

"Yeah, baby," Zep said, stepping around Sal with his arms open.  "I'm very honored to be your sire, and I'd be thrilled to have you call me dava."

Valri squirmed, reaching out for Zep.  Ryali looked at him then back to Sal.  "You won't take her, will you?"

"No," Sal assured her.  "It doesn't work like that.  Being of the pack does not mean losing your amma.  It just means gaining more, if that's what you choose."

Ryali nodded and loosened her grip, letting the precocious child reach out to Zep.  He grinned as he grabbed her, hugging her close to him.  "You are so big, aren't you?" he cooed.  "And you're as beautiful as your amma."

Sal rested her hand gently on Zep's arm but looked at Ryali.  "Thank you," she said.  "It matters.  She's beautiful."

As she stepped back to give them space, Zep hugged the child tight.  "Why didn't you tell me, Ry?"

Ryali tossed up her hands.  "What would you have done?"

"Sent you money.  Bought her toys.  I don't know, but I would have done something!"  He kept his voice light so as not to frighten the little girl.  "I could've helped you, Ry.  I could have done something to help protect her."  His voice cracked.  "And her amma."

"Zep..."

"I know I left without warning, but I can count.  You knew before we rode north."

Ryali nodded.  "I did.  I also did not want you to take her, and we both know you could.  The laws make it easy."

For a moment, Zep said nothing.  Then, "I guess I thought you knew me better than that, but you're right.  Ry..."

Ryali grabbed his arm.  "I heard it's different in Anglia.  I came because I thought she should grow up near her sire so she could at least see ya.  I came today to go to Anglia, but I didn't know if you'd even want a child that wasn't hers."

Slowly, he reached out with his free hand and cupped her face.  "I'm proud to have a daughter with you.  Our daughter, Ry!  This pretty little girl has nothing to do with Sal – unless you allow my pack to claim her.  I can't even tell you how honored I am that you thought I was good enough."

Ryali pressed her cheek against his palm before stepping back.  "You're good enough, Zep.  Good enough for the Kaisae, and I think that says enough."

He chuckled.  "Well, I'm at least good enough to make one good looking little girl, but I think she looks more like her amma than me."

Valri's brow scrunched up.  "You look like a human," she said.

"I used to be human," Zep told her, trying hard not to laugh, "but I learned how to be something better.  You look like an iliri."

"Nuh uh.  I'm dark," Valri mumbled, dropping her voice.

"Nonsense," Sal said, unable to hold her tongue.  "Being iliri has nothing at all to do with the color of your skin.  I already know you're iliri, and it's not just because you have so many big, sharp teeth.  Do you know how?"

Valri shook her head.  "Uh uh."

"Because you smell like an iliri.  Just like me."  Stepping back, she patted Zep's arm.  "Stay as long as you're welcome, Zep."

"Thanks, Sal," he said, grinning proudly.  "She's absolutely perfect, isn't she?"

"Yeah, baby, she really is."  Sal looked at Ryali.  "He's a good dava too, but don't let him spoil her."

Ryali nodded.  "Thank you, Kaisae.  Thank you for not being angry."

"You had him first," Sal told her.  "I know my place."

She had to force herself to leave, but Jase took her place, reaching up to hold the little girl's hand.  Sal couldn't help but smile.  Her Ahnor had never made a secret of his desire to have a family.  The pups had been first but she could feel that he was almost as excited about Valri as Zep was.

"I thought he knew," Inessi said beside her.

Sal shook her head.  "The Blades had to leave too fast.  Blaec had a vision and they left to come help me.  Zep didn't even get to tell Ryali goodbye, but I heard he left her a note.  He said he never hid from her that he could leave and she always seemed to accept it."

"She did," Inessi said, tilting her head for Sal to step away with her, leaving the boys to fawn over their new daughter.  "She would na tell me the child's sire, but it did na matter.  Na here."

"Or in Anglia," Sal promised.  "It's always been the iliri way that the mother chooses the father and only tells him if she wants to.  The nuvani and grauori are like that."

"I see."  Inessi chuckled.  "So what do ya think about the girl?  They did na exactly ask ya, did they."

"Inessi – "

"Amma," the woman corrected.  "Ya are my son's mate, so that makes me yer amma."

Those words hit her like a punch in the gut.  Words wouldn't come.  Just when Sal had finally accepted that she really could do this on her own, she finally found someone who would be the parent she'd never had, and Inessi was offering it honestly.

"Sal?" Jase asked, his attention immediately on her.

She waved him away.  I'm fine, she told her mates.  I'm completely fine.  It's just been a day of shock for all of us.

"Ya do na hafta call me that, Kaisae," Inessi said, trying to backtrack, "But I would be honored."

"I've never had an amma," Sal admitted.  "Zep's was killed by his dam.   Most of us don't, but I've always wanted one.  I just..."  A laugh slipped out.  "I didn't see that coming.  I was just hoping you'd think I was good enough for your son!"

"I think ya are," Inessi told her, offering open arms.  "I think ya are ever'thing Jassant ever wanted.  Come, child.  Ya do na hafta be proper with me."  Sal hugged the woman almost violently, and Inessi held her just as tight.  "Ya have two good boys and a beautiful little girl in yer pack.  Ya have yer brothers.  Now, ya have an amma, and I will na let ya go without a fight.  Just like ya were born ta me, child.  Ya are one of mine now.  I allus wanted a whole litter of children, and ya gave me that t'day."

"Aussah, amma," Sal thanked her in their native language.  "Il bax genause."

Across the courtyard, Sal saw a man in black watching.  Kolt leaned against the wall, a smile on his face.  When he realized she was looking at him, he just smiled, nodding back at her.

I told you, Sal, you'll never be alone.  We won't let you be.  I'm just glad you've finally remembered how to smile like that.

Chapter 40

Drafting a treaty between countries wasn't something that could be done quickly.  With the iliri settled in the military base, Raj promising that he had orders to make sure they were comfortable, and one last task left on her wish list, Sal convinced her boys to head into town.  Valri was napping, Inessi was moving through the groups of iliri, making sure everyone had what they needed, and the rest of the Black Blades swore they would take care of anything that came up, so Sal's mates had no reason to stay.  If they waited too much longer, they might not get the chance.

In the street outside the base, soldiers in green mingled with soldiers in blue, but the tension was obvious.  The display that morning had humans on edge, but the Anglians made it clear they were out to keep the peace.

Iliri citizens clustered in small groups around them, the look of hope gut-wrenching to Sal, but they were most likely asking about the offer of emigration.  She wished there was some way to prove how much better things would be in Anglia.  More than anything, she hoped she was right, and that it really would be better.  If nothing else, it wouldn't be worse.  Nothing was worse than the persecution her kind faced in the Conglomerate – except maybe Terric.

As she passed, the Anglian soldiers paused to salute and offer their laetus.  The Iliri stared at the humans in shock.  Evidently, she was wrong.  There was a very easy way to prove how good things were in Anglia.

"And that," Zep told her, understanding what she was feeling, "is what will make our people recover from this oppression.  The idea of humans showing respect to a Kaisae is still foreign to them.  The idea of a human friend?  It'll come in time, babe."

It wasn't far to their destination, and the whole trip was packed with a few too many of her soldiers.  It was as if her entire delegation was anticipating something.  Sal watched the men in green handing out pamphlets written in both Glish and Iliran to anyone who asked.  Most of them she recognized from the 257th Heavy Archers.  Dominick must have ordered them to make one last push for people wanting to head north.  The bastard hadn't said a thing.

Finally, Jase pointed to a humble little storefront, and Sal tried to memorize every detail.  This was the last thing on her wish list to take back home.  On the entire continent, there was only one place like this.  Over the years, she'd heard countless stories about this place from her brothers, and her first book in Iliran had come from here.  The last thing she wanted was to see all of this history left behind.

The bookstore was a small place, old and worn.  Dust coated the corner of the windows, but the spines of books were visible through the grimy panes.  There was no hitching rail before the shop since only iliri visited this part of town and few were wealthy enough to own a horse.  The door just opened right onto the street with barely a step of protection between inside and traffic.

Jase made it to the door and pulled it open, allowing Zep to be the first inside.  Before Sal could even step through, she heard the shopkeeper.  Jase's amusement hit her as he followed his cessivi inside.

"We do na haf yer books!" the owner growled.

Zep chuckled, and Sal was grinning when she saw the ferocious little man.  Jase moved next to her and wrapped his arm around her waist.  The old man's eyes grew wide as he looked over the trio.  Zep pulled off his glove and rested his bare hand on the counter within the man's reach.

"Sae vau e Kaisae arn Ahnor za Anglia.  Sivex, ilus," he said, refusing to drop his gaze as he introduced the Kaisae and Ahnor of Anglia.

"Laetus Kaisae," Molis, the shopkeeper breathed.  With a smile, he turned to Zep, gesturing for him to remove his hand.  "Yer Iliran is much better, ilus.  I did na think ya would return."

"He's Dernor, not ilus," Sal told the man.  "And thank you for the gift.  It mattered."

"It was my pleasure," he replied, then smiled as he looked back to Zep.  "I haf books.  Can ya read as well as ya speak?"

"I can," Zep told him.  "I'm not completely fluent yet, but I am learning."

"Ilus Molis?" Jase asked, speaking up.  "Growing up, we all knew what this store holds.  This is the history of our people.  Sal has been trying ta rebuild our culture in a place where it is safe, and we will na have ta hide anymore.  We need the histories, though.  Would ya be willing ta move ta Anglia?"

"Anglia?" Molis repeated, looking between the three of them.

Jase laughed.  "Yeh.  If we wanna make a university, then we are gonna need books.  Put our scholars in charge of our history – Anglian I mean.  Then we will na need ta worry if it is safe fer the next generation."

"Makes it harder to get to things that should be preserved, too, if we have the iliri sitting on it," Zep explained to Molis.  "On land Sal now owns is an old military base that she wants to make into a university.  Beneath the building is a vault.  Inside it is more history, the human kind, but it's surrounded by metals.  Iliri care little for steel and treasure the knowledge like it should be.  We figure it's the best solution to all of our problems."

Molis looked between the three of them, trying to keep up.  "I'm confused," he said softly.

This man had struggled for decades to keep the iliri's knowledge safe from the humans who had subjugated them for thousands of years.  Sal couldn't help but smile, knowing that the time for hiding was finally over.  They'd already proven it.  They just needed his help to make sure it actually happened.

"Molis, Anglia wants to make you the first iliri professor of history that the world has known, and to start the first university for our people.  Inessi Cynortas has already agreed to come back with us and teach the language.  Now, all we need is someone who knows the history well enough to pass on the knowledge.  We want to take you, and your treasure, back home."

"I can na move all this," he said, shocked.

"No," Zep agreed, "but Anglia can."

"And then what?" Molis demanded.  "I can na afford a place in Anglia!"

"No," Sal assured him.  "You won't need to.  The King gave lands to the leader of the iliri – me.  I'm willing to deed a building to the iliri to be used as a public university.  An Iliran school, ilus, not a human one.  You will be paid for teaching others, not required to pay for doing it.  I'm offering you a job, and one that only you are suited for."

"He could teach humans as well," Zep added.  "I'm sure many would pay well for the privilege, and some of us actually care.  Are you interested, ilus?"

"Humans would really let us do tha' in Anglia?" Molis asked, unable to believe what he was hearing.  "They all talk of leaving t'day, but they do na know what they are heading inta."

"They do," Sal assured him.  "I think my humans proved it this morning.  I can't say all of them will be perfect, but neither are all iliri."  She pushed up her sleeve.  "I would be glad to show you."

She offered the man her hand, bare, giving him the chance to read her memories himself.  His eyes flicked away, but he couldn't resist the offer so carefully reached up and brushed his palm against hers.  Slowly, his eyes slipped closed as the visions washed over him, then he began to smile.

"That," the shopkeeper breathed, "is what we dreamed of."

"That's Anglia," Sal told him.

Jase nodded and added, "In Anglia, the iliri were jus' a favorite myth until Terric came.  The grauori, our ancestors, fought beside them when Terric came.  Most of the military is in a link.  We do na have ta hide our skills.  Sal saved the country, and Anglian humans are very protective of their newest peoples now that they know we are real.  They are proud ta be the first nation ta benefit from an alliance with us."

Sal cocked her head with a smile.  "So are you willing to come make it better?"

He nodded quickly, looking at all three of them.  "I'd be proud ta.  I do na know how we will move all of this, but I'd be proud ta try."

Zep nodded, catching Jase's eye.  With a shrug, the big black man walked outside and Jase chuckled.  "Would t'day work for ya?" he asked Molis.

"Ta move?"

"Ta start packing at least."  Jase pointed through the window.  A unit of soldiers in green was making their way over, surrounding a wagon filled with crates.  That's when Sal realized why the 257th had been lurking in the streets.  Her mates had somehow arranged this with them ahead of time.  When Zep greeted the men and gestured at the door of the shop, a blonde human nodded, grabbed a can of paint and a pointed brush from the bed of the wagon, then entered the shop.

"Laetus, Kaisae," he said, pressing his fist to his heart before turning to the shop keeper.  "Ilus, I'm Sergeant Kaevin Danly, First Officer of the 257th Heavy Archers .  The Dernor asked us if we'd be willing to help move the history of the Iliri back home.  I have twenty-five men here at your disposal."

"Ya will help pack tha books?" Molis asked.

"Yes, sir."  The Sergeant held up the can and the brush.  "I just ask that you mark the crates.  They will be offloaded by iliri and grauori in Anglia, and I've been told that my hand is atrocious."

"Yer tongue too," Jase teased.

The Sergeant grinned at him.  "I never knew my great-great-grandmother, Ahnor.  Until you arrived, I'd never heard the language."

"Yer iliri?" Molis asked.

"No," the captain said.  "I'm human, but my family has ancestors from Viraenova.  I got just enough iliran ancestry to be pale, but no skills.  My mind is completely human, sir."

"And ya wanna help?"

The captain nodded.  "In the Battle of Barton Field, my horse fell to a pike.  The Ahnor cut down the enemy horseman while I was trapped under my mount's body.  The Kaisae turned the charge away from me.  A pack of grauori pulled me from under the horse and healed me.  I have nothing but respect for the other two kingdoms of Anglia, sir.  I'd also like to send my daughter to your university when she's older."

"Women had few rights in Anglia 'till Dom became King," Jase explained.  "Sal changed that, too."

Molis nodded.  "Then yes.  Yes, I would like yer help."  He looked at Sal.  "A professor?" he asked.

She couldn't hide her smile.  "Yes, ilus.  Professor Molis, Dean of the University of the Iliri."

The First Officer of the 257th looked over his shoulder.  Outside, a group of men paused, glanced at the door, then started grabbing crates.  One by one, they entered the store, looking to the shopkeeper for where to start.

"The window bays," Molis said.  "Those are stories fer entertainment and can be replaced.  Let us see how ya humans handle books."

One of the soldiers laughed.  "Sir, have you ever seen the Kaisae or Ahnor angry?"  Molis shook his head, confused, and the man chuckled again.  "They bite, sir.  I know how much the Ahnor loves his books, and I have no interest in being under his teeth again."

"I only bit him once," Jase told Sal.

She giggled.  "It usually leaves an impression."

The humans threw themselves into the packing with laughter and teasing.  One dark-skinned man picked up a book and dared to open it.  He sighed in appreciation, carefully flipping through it, his fingers caressing the vivid colors sprawling across each page.

"Have you all looked at these?" he asked his unit mates.

A few others stopped and opened the book in their hands.  Soon, a dozen men were staring in awe at the treasures they held, turning pages carefully, their eyes tracing lines they could not read.

"They're all handwritten?" the man asked.

Molis nodded.  "We do na haf a way ta print.  Na like tha'."

"We'll have to fix that," the soldier said, almost to himself.  His eyes were locked on the swirling lines of the story.  "This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.  Sir?  Are these for sale?"

"Some," Molis said.  "That one is."

The man walked to the counter, cradling the book carefully.  "How much, sir?"

"Ya can na read it."

The soldier smiled.  "Yet.  The grauori will teach me.  Sir, I've only ever seen orders.  I can't read them, but they're always in black.  I've never seen a story before.  It's perfect.  It's like the Iliri – bold, demanding, and amazing.  Besides, I'd kinda like to be able to tell my children, one day, that I helped pack the books for the first Iliran university."

"Told you," Sal said.  "Anglia loves us."

"Only because you love us back."  The man smiled at Sal.

"It's a gift," Molis told the soldier, nodding his head as he made the decision.  "Tha book is yers.  It is a gift.  One fer each of ya."

The men all paused, then turned.  The soldier with the book glanced at Zep, who tilted his head, obviously telling them something.  With a nod, then men all dropped their gaze.

"It matters," the first man said, his eyes on the book.  "Ilus Molis, I swear to you, sir.  It really does matter."

Zep chuckled.  "See, Molis.  Ya sold a couple books to an Ace and respected him enough to call him ilus.  He died for a Kaisae, who was then able to change the world.  They get it.  Now don't work them too hard."  He looked at the human soldiers.  "You all report to the ilus while you're packing.  Show proper respect."

"Yes, Dernor," the Captain said, glancing up from his crate.

"Dernor?" Molis asked, making Zep turn to him.  "Why did ya drop yer eyes to me tha' day?  Ya could be human, but ya choose na ta."

Zep chewed at his lip, honestly thinking before he answered.  "I think one of my brothers said it best.  We've fought too hard against tyranny to participate in it ourselves.  Saying I'm fighting for freedom is a hell of a lot easier than actually doing it.  If dropping my eyes let you find peace for just a moment, then isn't it worth it?"

"Is it?" Molis asked.  "How much have ya lost?  How much could ya haf had as a human?"

"Money only buys things," Zep told him.  "As a human, I could be rich, but I'd still be so very poor.  As an iliri, I know the kind of wealth that humans can't even imagine."  He paused.  "Molis, did you know you're the first person to ever call me ilus?"

The old man smiled.  "Na, I did na.  I was right, though.  She had ya.  The Kaisae, she had ya from tha moment ya smelled her."

"Kinda went both ways," Sal told the store owner.  "Zep always smelled more like incense than dessert.  I just thought it was because of the link."

"Is Ayati," the man said.  "Na even a Kaisae can do it alone.  Ya will allus find tha men ya need ta stand beside ya."

"I hope so."  She dipped her head in respect.  "Thank you, ilus.  I need to get back to the base so I can sign the official treaty, but I'm glad you're going to help."

"Kaisae, I am gonna teach humans ta speak Iliran.  For tha first time in history, we haf humans treat us as people."  Molis looked at the soldiers carefully moving the books.  "This is a day I did na think I would ever see."  When he looked back, his smile was wistful.  "And I haf had tha pleasure of meeting the greatest Kaisae of them all, Salryc Luxx.  One day, Kaisae, I will read yer book.  Laetus.  It matters."

Chapter 41

The sun was teetering on the horizon when a Parliamentary guard found Sal to let her know the treaty was finished and ready to sign.  That she recognized his brilliant turquoise eyes was a good sign.  When he told her that Anglia was welcome to bring the rest of their soldiers into town and they would help her accommodate the iliri refugees, she knew the Representatives had talked about a lot more than just the words of the treaty.  The only way for them to know her units were waiting north of Prin was if Grenso had told them.

"Ilus?" she asked when the guard turned to leave.

"It's Kesryn, Kaisae," he told her.

"Will you be joining us in Anglia?"

He shook his head.  "No.  Someone has to stay and make sure things change here.  Otherwise it will only happen again.  There's a handful of us on the guard who want to try to fix things before we give up."

She nodded.  "So they know what you are?"

"They do now.  My mate – you met him before, Iryn Melix?"

"Food service for the Representatives?" she asked, remembering the nervous man who'd begged her not to leave when she'd first arrived.

Kesryn nodded.  "He's convinced us all that pretending to be humans won't help anyone.  When the Representative from Eastward, Barl Toth, tried to detain you, he was the one who organized the iliri resistance in the guards, and he admitted it to Parliament.  They have named him a hero.  Those of us who opened the doors for the Anglians and iliri were recognized for questioning orders and obeying the ethics of the Constitution of the Conglomerate.  Things are changing, Kaisae, and I think someone needs to make sure they don't slide back."

"I agree."  Sal closed the distance between them.  "Do you happen to know your skill?"

Kesryn chuckled under his breath.  "No.  Most of us thought they'd been weakened by too many generations of humans in our ancestry, but I heard that's just a myth."

"It is.  So far we've found skills consistently in anyone with at least a quarter iliri ancestry, and some with less have shown iliri abilities."  She offered her hand.  "I can look if you'd like."

He glanced back toward the gate.  "I'm on duty, Kaisae."

Sal let her arm fall back to her side.  "Then when you're relieved, come see me, and bring the rest with you.  I don't want to leave you here without something to fall back on."

"There's always Anglia for that," he teased.  "And we won't forget.  Thank you, Kaisae.  I will tell the others and let Parliament know that you're on your way?"

"Please."

With one last nod, he turned, walking quickly back to the massive building.  Inside, the glow of lamplight was starting to brighten the windows proving that the hub of the Conglomerate Government wasn't ready to sleep yet.  Sal sent a thought to the leaders of her fellow kingdoms, relaying the guard's message.  They didn't bother changing clothes.  Everything they owned had already been packed and fancy clothes wouldn't make this deal any more official.

Together, the three leaders once again made their way across the street, but this time, the guards opened the doors quickly.  Sal noticed it was a mix of both humans and iliri, and she wondered if Kesryn was right or if the humans were just being a little more careful.  Either way, the three Anglian leaders were treated with nothing but respect, and it made her feel a bit more confident about the alliance they planned to sign.

Representative Caldon met them inside the building.  He was pacing the rotunda when the sound of Dom's boots made him turn, a proper smile on his face, but when he saw them, he paused.  His eyes took in their military style fatigues.

She chuckled.  "I assumed you didn't want to wait.  Shall we make this official, Representative Caldon?"

"I hope so.  If you three would follow me?"

He led them down a very formal hall, away from the ramp to the audience hall she'd been trapped in that morning.  The entire assembly of Parliament waited in the room at the end, rising to their feet as the leaders of Anglia entered, clapping politely.  Their guards took places along the wall, and Sal noticed the reporters around the room.  She was pleased to see one woman with a long scroll of paper and a selection of colored ink beside her.  The iliri reporter looked up and met Sal's eyes, smiling quickly before she looked back down.

"Laetus," she whispered.

Representative Anis moved before the room.  "Leaders of Anglia," she said formally.  "The Parliament of the Conglomerate of Free Citizens welcomes you, and thanks you for your willingness to come to our aid after the betrayal of a rogue Representative.  As we've agreed, we have a treaty ready to be signed.  Would you like to read over it?"

"I would," Sal said, releasing Dom's arm and stepping forward.  She chose her words carefully, aware they would be recorded by every reporter in the room.  "The iliri of Anglia want nothing more than to help our brethren here in the Conglomerate.  It is my hope that we can find a way to be of assistance."

"I would," Dom said, moving behind Sal.  "The humans of Anglia hope to see our countries become close friends in the coming days and help to push back the Terran threat."

"I would," Nya said, lifting herself to her hind legs.  "The grauori of Anglia would be pleased to serve any nation that values the freedom of all people, including our cousin species, the iliri.  We hope that one day our peoples will be accepted across the continent, and this will be remembered as one of the first steps in true peace."

Well said, Sal told Nya.

Thanks.  Jarl's idea.

Together, the leaders leaned over the excessively large document, all of them reading the wording.  The language had been carefully crafted but the intent was plain, with few loopholes, and only those Sal had expected.  She was surprised to see that the treaty was as simple as she'd hoped and as honest as she'd intended.

It's good, Sal told Dom and Nya.

I can't see a thing out of place, Dom agreed.

Nya whuffed under her breath.  I was directed to sign anything Sal approved.

Then let's do this.  Sal looked up.  "Anglia would be honored to sign this agreement."

Dom rested his hand on her shoulder.  "Let us formally bind our two countries against a common threat and begin working toward a free and prosperous Conglomerate."

"And hope that this arrangement brings both of us continued success in the future," Nya added, flicking her ear to Sal.

An elaborate presentation was made.  One man brought pens on a velvet pillow, kneeling to the Anglian delegation while they each took one and signed their name at the bottom of the treaty.  Nya drew her name sign with a mark to represent that she was standing in for her mother.  Dominik scrawled his name proudly.  Sal looked at the page for a moment, then traced the swirling lines of her name in Iliran and placed her name in Glish below it, adding a small symbol for Kaisae at the end.

They returned the pens and moved away, leaving room for the line of politicians to make their way forward.  One by one, each of them signed it.  None of them refused.  Sal watched the reporters, aware that most of them were glancing at her with unveiled curiosity, and did her best to maintain her dignity.  The ceremony was tedious, and her mind tried to wander.

This place is way too stuffy for my tastes, Dom thought suddenly.

This coming from a King? she teased.

A bastard's son, he reminded her.  All this ceremonial crap is stupid and does nothing but feed the egos of those involved.  The citizens don't care about it.  Notice that the only people watching are reporters?

Yeah, Sal thought, and most of those hand-picked by the politicians who want to be seen in the best light.  Politics.  It's something our country can do without.

Still need to find a way to remove a tyrant King, though.  Dom looked over to Nya.  Just make sure the grauori keep our humans in line?

Not my place, Nya said. Since you humans like to do everything peacefully, have you considered simply allowing a vote of no confidence?

Not bad. Dom smiled at the little bitch.  I think I can work with that.  I like the idea of the people getting a voice, but I'm not thrilled with the rapid turnover that the Conglomerate has.  Seems to me that there has to be a better way.

There usually is, Sal told him.  You just have to be brave enough to do something different.

Eventually, the last man signed and, not surprisingly, it was Natyn Grenso, the iliri.  He set the pen down loudly, the clink echoing in the room, and stepped back.  His eyes met Sal's and he looked down, focusing on her jaw.

"If Anglia would like to inspect the signatures?"  He gestured to the parchment and moved aside.

The three of them stood again and moved to the treaty.  Sal counted the names of eleven politicians plus their own, making the treaty legal and binding.  She nodded and turned back to the crowd.

"Anglia is proud to call the Conglomerate of Free Citizens an ally," she said, looking to the iliri reporter.

"To complete the terms as agreed," Anis said, "we will send you south with orders for General Ran Sturmgren to attend you.  Kaisae, sire, and Raewar, the combined forces of Anglia and the Conglomerate of Free Citizens are at your disposal.  Please enjoy the hospitality of Prin as long as you need."

She offered her hand and Sal took it, smiling for the reporters.  When Anis moved to Dominik, Representative Caldon took her place, shaking Sal's hand next.  Over and over it went, each of them touching her, leaving pieces of their thoughts scurrying through her head until Sal thought she couldn't take it anymore.  One bold man wore gloves, and Sal nearly sighed in relief at the silence it offered.  She debated putting on her own but worried it would be seen as a slight.  Just when she thought she couldn't take anymore, Grenso stepped up.

He gently touched Sal's fingers and knelt over her hand, kissing it lightly.  "Laetus," he said.  "The iliri of Lewes would like the Kaisae of all iliri to know that she has earned the respect of her people and every claim that goes with the title.  Your offer will be made public to them."  He stood but refused to release her.  "The humans of Lewes would like to thank you for your aid and forgiveness."  With his back to the audience, his eyes flicked to the ground and he dropped his voice.  "You make me proud," he whispered.

"As do you.  Aussah lor dru moxero," Sal told him, thanking him for what he was doing.

Grenso smiled and answered her in the same language.  "It is not bravery, but hope that makes me do this, Kaisae.  I should be thanking you."

Dominik chuckled, proving that he understood them both easily, and offered his hand.  "Congratulations, Representative.  I look forward to working with you in the future."

"As do I."

Already told the Shields we're finishing, Dom thought.  I'm ready to get out of this place.

Me too, Sal agreed.

This is why we stayed in hiding for so long, Nya told them.  Humans make everything so complicated.  Then again, it is nice to see things changing.

Sal grinned down at the bitch and nodded.  "True," she whispered.

Eventually, but not soon enough for any of their tastes, they were done.  Both Anis and Caldon walked with them back to the main doors of the building, neither willing to give the other a political advantage.  The Anglian guards followed at a distance, amused by the whole thing.  Sal noticed a man trailing behind them, scribbling notes on a pad as he walked.

"Whose reporter is that?" she asked.

"Freelance," Caldon said.  "That's the Prin Daily.  No scandal is safe from them."

Sal patted Dom's shoulder.  "That means us."

"Probably," Dom agreed.  "Wonder what they'll think when we get to Fort Landing?"

"They thought we were beasts before I left, when my people were still trying to live by human rules.  Now that I don't care?  I'll leave it up to the Representatives to worry about."

Caldon shrugged.  "They'll forgive it all when Terric is on the other side of the Siahies."  He gestured for Sal to proceed him through the doors to the front steps, a devious smile on his lips.  "I can call him over for you if you'd like?"

Sal shook her head.  "No, I'd much rather let you deal with it.  I'm tired, Representatives.  Not just because it was a long day.  I'm just tired of trying to prove my worth to humans over and over."  She rubbed at her hand.  "I can't take much more of it."

Anis looked at her bare palm.  "Every time you touch one of us?"

Sal tried to wave it off.  "Usually it's just a flash of a thought, a piece of a memory that makes no sense, but here?  It's a bit of hate, a touch of fear, and a glimpse of disgust.  It's too close to what I saw in the Terran camp."

"Is that why you hate us?" Caldon asked.

"No," Sal assured him.  "I don't hate you.  I won't forget that you keep trying to kill us.  I resent you because I was sold before I even knew my parents.  I fear you because humans throw us away so easily.  Lucky for you, I can't hate like a human.  I just feel the pain of it all and want to make sure no one else has to know it."

"And you're not alone in that," Anis said.  "I know it doesn't help, but I am sorry for your past, Sal."

She shrugged it away.  "It made me who I am."

"She doesn't regret, either," Dom explained.  "The idea of wishing for something else is as foreign to her as the idea of accepting things blindly is to us."

"I can't change it."  Sal looked at them all.  "Time doesn't work that way.  And if it did, what would I be giving up?"  She shrugged.  "The ripples of our actions matter just as much as the actions themselves.  I know that a little too well.  I just want to make sure my ripples make things better."

"Today," Caldon said softly, pausing at the end of the stairs, "I think they were more like waves.  The world is changing, Kaisae.  We're counting on you to make sure the Conglomerate is still a part of it when all this is over, because I sure don't want to miss it."

Sal nodded at them and turned for the base she'd call home for one more night.  "Me, either," she whispered.

Epilogue

The roan gelding's lip hung low as Pig checked his tack one last time.  The horse was a veteran of war and knew just how long he could nap before he had to actually do anything, and he made sure to use every last second.  Chuckling at the animal's antics, Pig tenderly patted the gelding's neck then turned for the last of his things.  At the top of the pile was the book.

Blaec had left it with him long ago, back when the Black Blades had just moved to Prin.  He'd never gotten the chance to read it, and now, he wasn't sure he wanted to, but his old friend had said all the answers were inside.  In those days, Pig thought it was filled with iliri battle tactics or something equally scandalous.  Now, he knew better.  Inside that book were all the things Blaec had seen, all the futures he'd never get the chance to warn them about.

Cursing under his breath, Pig shoved it into the near-side saddlebag, making sure it wouldn't be damaged.  What he needed to do was give it to Sal, but not yet.  Mostly because he wasn't sure he could take seeing that look in her eyes.  It hadn't been long enough.  He'd seen what had happened to his former commanding officer when a friend had been torn from his mind.  Trying to imagine losing a lover?  He had no idea how she was still going.

But she was.  Oh, she wasn't doing as well as she wanted everyone to believe, but she wouldn't quit.  Typical iliri, that.  Pig sighed, grabbing the next item his horse would have to carry across the country for him and storing it on the other side.  Considering the last favor he'd promised Blaec was that he'd take care of her?  Well, he could wait a while.  No need to rub salt in the wounds she was clearly trying to heal up.

When he reached for the last of it, the scuff of a boot on the gravel made him glance up.  Zep was heading his way.  Pig made sure the book was out of sight.

"You aren't going to make poor Bud carry all of that, are ya?"  Zep jerked a thumb behind him at the line of supply carts.  "Sal has an extra wagon heading south with us.  Tell the Dogs they're free to fill it up."

Laughing, Pig tossed the bag at him.  "Fine, then put that in there for me?"

Zep caught it, but just dropped it again.  "Yeah, I'll take it when I go back that way."  With his eyes on the horse, he stepped closer, gently petting the older gelding's forehead, but his words weren’t for the horse.  "How are ya holding up, bro?  Haven't seen ya since... before."

Pig finished buckling his saddlebag closed before he could think of a good answer.  "It's easier out in the field, but I'm holding.  What about the Blades?"

Zep tugged at one of the lazy gelding's ears.  "Honestly?  A hell of a lot better than I expected.  Arctic stepped up, man.  He stepped right up and made it easy for us, and Sal..."

"Don't feed me bullshit, Zep.  I know she's not fine."

"No," Zep agreed, "but she's strong.  Dunno if that makes sense to you, but she's not going to break.  Not even at her worst, and we all can feel it."

Nodding, Pig focused on Bud's mane, flipping a lock back to the proper side.  "But how are you holding up?"

"I have a daughter, did you know that?"  Zep glanced over for a split second before turning his face back to the horse.  "That girl I was seeing before we went to Anglia?  She had a little girl."

"This a good thing?"

"Fuck yeah."  Zep sighed, shifting to Pig's side of the horse.  "Sal's making Valri – my girl – a Blade.  Kolt has a kid back at Arhhawen too, and then there's the pups.  Jase is fuckin' thrilled about this.  Ryali even let us spend some time with Valri last night, playing prey for her."

"What?" Pig asked.

Zep laughed.  "Iliri games, man.  She's a little over a year old, so not tracking yet, but she still wants to hunt.  It's instinctual for them.  So we let her toddle around and catch us.  Damn, bro.  You should hear her laugh.  She pounced on Jase and just started growling until he 'died' and then laughed so hard."  He nodded.  "My little girl's a badass."

"Never saw you as the father type," Pig admitted.

Zep shrugged.  "I'm more the dava kind, I think.  Seriously, man, I'm pretty happy about this.  Shocked as hell, but happy."  Then his smile faded.  "I just figured Blaec would have said something."

Pig thought about the book, thought about saying something, then changed his mind.  Anything Zep knew, Sal would, too.  "Well, I took his advice on the girl," he said instead.

"Keena, Kiva, or whatever?" Zep asked.

"Keeya," Pig corrected.  "Her name's Keeya Tikva, and she showed up with the 23rd Infantry to help take the refugees home.  When she heard they were going back to Anglia?  The girl lost it.  Said she had to stay and help the Kaisae.  Her unit leader was about to report her for insubordination before I stepped in."

Zep groaned.  "What did you do, man?"

Pointedly, Pig looked back at the cluster of soldiers in grey.  "Got her a uniform.  She doesn't know how to ride, is a mess with anything longer than Sal's daggers, but she's light on her feet.  Have Ryek and Joevar keeping an eye on her."

"You made her a Dog?"  Zep was staring in shock.

Pig shrugged.  "Had a spot open, what with Rayna gone.  Figured I need another lady in my tribe."

"Bro, she's only been a soldier a few months.  Joined just before Anglia headed east for the meeting in Myrosica."

"And she'll find it," Pig insisted.  "Blaec said she would, so I'm going to keep her close.  Besides, she's cute."

"Human," Zep countered, teasing.  "Seriously, man, you can't be that hard up."

Pig raised an eyebrow.  "This coming from you?  Shit, you even go a day without getting a piece of ass anymore?  Don't wanna hear it, man.  Meia's into women, and Teya has a strict rule about relations with the men she works with.  Ray was the only one who didn't see a problem blowing off a little steam, and now she's so taken it ain't even funny.  And the Anglians?"  Pig groaned.  "Zep, half the women in this army are still virgins."

"Yeah.  Made it easier for them to find a husband, and until Sal showed up, that was all they had to look forward to."

"I know," Pig assured him.  "But don't you give me shit for checking her out because that's as close to getting laid as I'm gonna get for a while."

"Least until we get to Fort Landing," Zep reminded him.  "I'm sure you have some old friends there."

"One or two," Pig agreed.  "Just not sure they're gonna be friends anymore."  He paused.  "Speaking of that, you wanna tell me what's up with Kolton?  Didn't think Blades were friendly with Star Fall."

"A prophecy."  Zep shrugged.  "Blaec said we'd need them, and come to find out, Kolt's an iliri who's figured out how to hide from humans and us.  He got Sal home, Pig.  When Blaec died, Sal was planning on taking the entire Terran camp with her, but Kolt got her out and damned near carried her ass home.  Calling him a brother is the least we owe him."

"Looks like a little more than that.  Guy is hovering all over your girl."

Zep scoffed at that.  "Not my girl.  Look, those two have some history, but he's a good guy."

"You shacking up with him, too?"  Pig lifted a hand before Zep could snap at that.  "For lack of a better term, bro."

Zep didn't immediately reply.  Shoving a hand over his hair, he looked back at the Blades, turning to Sal without needing to find her.  "She's not fine, Pig.  She's faking it, and she's damned good at that, but she's not fine, and until she is?  I don't think she's ready to face everything Kolt reminds her of."

Forgetting his horse, Pig stepped to Zep's side, gently dropping a hand on his shoulder.  "Not my story, man, and I'm cool with that.  Can we help?  A few of the guys have been worried about her."

Zep nodded but didn't turn away from his mate.  "Let her know it's ok.  Remind her that there's nothing wrong with missing him, but that it doesn't mean she can't still be happy."  He paused, taking a deep breath.  "Pig?"

When he didn't keep going, Pig asked, "Yeah?"

"She's not going to make it.  She's a Kaisae, and the strongest the iliri have ever seen.  She can do things that I just can't understand, and I've been living with these people a long time – but she's still gonna die.  They all die to keep their people whole."  Slowly he looked back, meeting his friend's eyes.  "It's the price they pay for the power."

Tingles washed over his skin.  Pig's head was shaking in a silent refusal and he couldn't stop it.  He'd assumed those rumors were exaggerated.  "Zep..."

"Every Kaisae in the last three thousand years who's touched more than her own skill has died.  Every last one.  There's a price, and it's not fucking fair, so help me take care of her?"

"Anything."

Zep's face was completely serious.  "Help her.  She's pulling all of this out her ass, and she needs help with the strategy and politics of the military.  She needs someone to lean on, and we can't do it.  We're not her commanding officer."  He tipped his head slightly.  "But you were.  And you were trained by Blaec."

"Yeah," Pig breathed.  "I'll take care of her, Zep.  We all will."  He gestured to where the rest of his unit was still getting ready to leave.  "These guys might not be iliri, but they're the closest I could find.  I'll give her someone to lean on and let them know that she needs to clean up her bucket list.  If she's not going to make it, we'll give her one hell of a life to remember."

Zep nodded but he didn't look as relieved as Pig hoped.  His next words proved why.  "And my little girl?"  He swallowed, turning his head away.  "Will you teach her to ride a horse?"

"Nah, bro.  I think you can do that."

Zep just shook his head.  "Doesn't work like that, man.  If her heart stops, so will mine."  One hand wiped at his face.  "I'm not gonna see my daughter again.  I just need to know she'll be taken care of."

Pig stepped around so Zep couldn't keep avoiding him.  He might be shorter than the big guy, but he lifted his chin and met Zep's eyes regardless.  "This," he insisted, pointing back to the cluster of soldiers, "is Anglia.  This is going to be the dream we always hoped for.  This is the start of a whole new world, and the old rules don't fucking apply.  Don't you dare worry about your pack or your kids, because the Devil Dogs will always take care of them.  If I have to, I'll teach the whole lot of them what Blaec taught me, even if I have to learn how to bite to do it!  Those stupid fucking lines are gone, man.  It ain't iliri and human anymore.  Because of her, it's just us.  Just Anglia, and we'll all take care of the Blades until they can take care of us again."

"Good."  Zep pushed around him, grabbing Pig's bag as he headed right for Sal.  Pig just let him go.

He understood a man protecting his pride.  He also understood something else.  This was war, and the Black Blades had shouldered the brunt of it.  They deserved to have someone look after them, and if that's what the Devil Dogs had to do, then Pig knew his men wouldn't mind.  With Bud still enjoying a nap, he turned for his unit, striding right into the middle of the group.

"Gather round," he called out.

His soldiers dropped what they were doing and moved.  Like a well-oiled machine, they shoved close, packed shoulder to shoulder without jostling.  Except the girl.  Standing a head shorter than the rest, she didn't try to push to the front.  She just waited quietly behind the ring of the tallest men.  Pig lifted a hand, gesturing for her to come closer.

"When orders are given, Keeya, we circle up.  Shortest in the front.  Tallest at the back.  I expect you to make your way up here."  He pointed to a spot right in front of him, beside Meia.

The girl nodded, looking nervous with her wide eyes and clenched hands, but she obeyed.  The guys shifted to make it easier.  "Sorry, sir," she mumbled.

"No apologies needed, hun.  You're still learning how we work.  Dogs like to keep things fair, and not everyone's as tall as Tyr."

"Makes me look better by comparison," the guy in question shot back.

Pig just lifted his middle finger at the heavy armsman.  "And ignore his shit."  Smiling one last time at her, he raised his voice.  "I have a question for you all.  Anyone opposed to losing a few of our human benefits?"

"No, sir!" most of them answered immediately, but Pig saw that the new girl didn't say a thing.

"Keeya?" he asked.

She looked at the people on either side of her, clearly hoping for some hint.  "I don't know what that means, sir."

"You know about the rules of the Conventions of War?"

"No torture, no use of chemical weapons, and no acts of undue terror.  Right, sir?  They taught us about them in our initial training."

He nodded.  "Basically.  Thing is, that goes both ways.  Means Terrans can't torture you, poison us with chemical bombs, or desecrate our bodies to ward off the enemy.  What I need to know is if you'd be willing to give those up."

Her brow wrinkled as she thought about that.  "I don't understand, sir.  How would we get out of the Conventions?  All humans are bound by them."

The guy behind her, Ryek, leaned closer.  "Not the grauori ambassadors like Lieutenant Trant.  The Conventions say they're bound by the nation they work for, and that means the grauori."

"We're going to serve the grauori?" Keeya asked.

Pig just shook his head.  "I just had a talk with Zep.  Seems they're going to need someone to watch their back, and the Dogs have always been their brothers.  I want to ask Dom if we can be assigned to Sal's command as the human ambassadors to the iliri."

Keeya's mouth tried to curl and she struggled to stop it, making her lips purse into an adorable pucker.  "I'd be honored to assist the Kaisae in any way."

"Good."  Pig looked over the rest of his men.  "Guys, I don't mean for this to be a temporary thing.  Couple of stories say that our friends are going to need us even after this war is over.  Dunno about the rest of ya, but if I can't take care of them, then I'm damned well gonna make sure their kids have someone to tell them the stories."

"Fuck that," Tyr said.  "If I've learned anything from you, it's that the Devil Dogs don't play by the rules.  Pig, get us assigned to them because Sal needs a few more men on her team, but if you think I'm gonna just sit back and watch the Blades take one for the team, then fuck you.  Dogs play by Blaec's rules.  Bend 'em, twist 'em, and turn 'em inside out to get the result ya want, right?  Well, let's add a little human ingenuity to this mix."

"What do ya mean?" Pig asked.

Tyr crossed his arms.  "Stories say the Kaisaes die, right?  Yeah, we've all heard that shit.  Ain't no story I heard of that said she had an entire unit of elite humans working for her before.  How about we just see what happens to one if the best damned humans on the continent keep her ass alive for a little too long?"

Joevar was nodding.  "I'm up for that.  Told the Kaisae I'd watch her back, Pig.  Never said when I'd stop.  Granted, I don't see any reason those pale fuckers need to know about this."

Keeya gasped, her head snapping around.  "Don't talk about them like that."

Joevar just raised his hands.  "Term of endearment, girly.  I've been working with the Black Blades for six years now.  I know damned well how they work.  Loyal to a fault, so I figure the only way to work around their little protective streak is to just make sure they don't know about it."

"Oh."

Pig was nodding, relieved that his men agreed with him.  "All right.  So is everyone on board with this?"

The new girl was the first one bobbing her head.  "Yes, sir!" the entire unit said in unison.

Smiling, Pig dismissed them.  There was no way he'd get this done before Anglia got on the road, but it could wait until they got to Fort Landing.  Then, he needed to convince the King of his newfound country that there was nothing wrong with going behind Sal's back.  It was for her own good, after all, and for that of their entire country.

He just really hoped it would work, because he still had a debt to repay.  If he could do this, then he and Blaec would finally be even, and maybe he'd even figure out a way to make sure they still had a Kaisae.  It was a long shot, but that's what the Devil Dogs specialized in.

Dear Reader,

By now, it's probably very late at night (or early in the morning), you haven't seen your family in at least a day, and you're already preparing for the book hangover.  If this is the case, then I am pleased that I could suck you into my little world.

There's nothing that makes an author happier than knowing that for just a moment I could control your imagination and emotions.  To torture you with a good story until the unholy hours of the morning is my dream.  Hopefully, I've achieved it.

I'd love it if you let me know.  All you have to do is click the link below to leave a review on Resilience.  It tells other readers if this book is worth their time.  Your opinion give credibility to a novel in a world where the gatekeepers are those who participate.

Doesn't matter if you love my work or hate it, every bit of feedback helps.  It lets me know where I can improve, what worked, and the parts you felt passionate about.  Your comments don't have to be intricate or long.  Just leave the first words that spring to mind.  Even a few words work wonders – and every single one helps!

And, if you'd like to talk to me personally, go to the last page for my contact information and links to all my (very active) social media accounts.  If you haven't already, consider following me on my author page to get automatic updates when the next book comes out.

To share your opinion about

Resilience, click here.

Now, here's an excerpt from another book by Auryn Hadley, this one co-authored with Kitty Cox.  The Gamer Girls series features strong women, cool geeks, and the dark side of life online.

Flawed

Gamer Girls #1

Prologue

Unlocking the door, Destiny tossed her backpack on the couch, grabbed a Coke, and ran up the stairs as fast as she could.  First, her finger pressed the power button to turn on her computer, then she stripped out of her school clothes.  Baggy fleece pants and a t-shirt so old and worn that it was nearly transparent took their place.  She'd promised her guild that she'd join them for the raid at eight but still had to do one more read-through before posting her latest blog entry.

Dropping into the well-worn chair, she ripped open a mini Snickers, shoved it in her face, and opened a browser.  A gulp of Coke washed the whole thing down.  Probably not the best choice.  Chocolate and soda – that definitely wouldn't help her drop a few pounds.  With one hand she pinched the flab at her waist, while the other clicked the button to log into her blog.

Well, not like she needed to be pretty to become a game developer.  The biggest question was whether to get a degree first or ride the wave of her recent fame.  Electronic Arts wanted her to come in for an interview for one of their massively multiplayer online games, but the letter lying on the kitchen table was too tempting to overlook.  A scholarship to the school of her dreams, the University of Southern California, wasn't something to take lightly.  Then again, could she really learn anything new, or would she just be spending money she didn't have for a dream she was about to achieve on her own?

Destiny shoved her hands through her hair and let her eyes scan the blog.  That image wasn't in quite the right place.  Nope, she wanted that to say now instead of not.  What the hell was that sentence supposed to mean?  Oh, right.  Well, it needed to be rephrased.  Then she read it all again.  When the whole thing was good enough, she pressed the button to post and started on the comments.  Most of them were readers who didn't bother to log in or sign up for an account.

Anonymous: Dum fukin bitch.  Nothing wrong with girls in Legend.  Them elves are hawt!

Anonymous: It's called rock, paper, scissors.  If you could do more than just make a sandwich you fat fuck, you'd know that.

Anonymous: Talk bout Legend agn & I'll rape you.

Fyre: Is it more appropriate to alter the attire for female models, or offer equally scandalous clothing to the males?  What about offering players both, so that those who choose to sexualize their own avatar have that option, and those who find it foolish can select armor that actually appears to serve a purpose?

Anonymous: I fap to your stream.  Luv me a fat hoe.

Soul_Reaper: Face it, more dudes play than babes.  Armor reflects that.  If you got a problem, go play Hello Kitty Online.

Anonymous: Glad someone said it!  Legend is just bad!

She couldn't take anymore.  Yes, she knew she was opening a can of worms when she called out a game for its atrocious representation of women.  Not only was their "armor" barely more than dental floss, but the women were always abused, assaulted, or treated like objects.  Granted, her faithful fan "Anonymous" wasn't helping her ego any.  Fyre had a point, though.  Was her problem the unequal options, or was it simply that she was so sick and tired of being told she was only good enough if she dropped twenty pounds?  She clicked his name, which gave her the option to respond to his account privately.

You raise a good point about character clothing options.  While I personally find it irritating that a few strips of flimsy cloth represent top tier damage protection, none of us are fooled into thinking that games are equivalent to real life.  Mostly, I believe the issue isn't the clothing (although getting to see some hot guys in leather straps would be nice for a change) but the use of females as quest objectives.

Let me explain.  In the few instances where a male needs to be saved, the storyline always includes him doing everything possible to help himself.  Women, instead, are stupid, rushing headlong into danger because of a failed love, lost item, or any other superficial BS the designers feel is "good enough" to keep the story going.  It's not.  Women make up almost half of the population of online games, now, and we want to be tough, smart, sexy, and super-powered, too.

She sent it and started deleting the most crass of the anonymous comments.  Her blog was supposed to be a place for gamers to discuss the mechanics of both the available games and those currently being designed.  She popped another Snickers into her mouth, her hand moving down the list, deleting based on the first few words in the quick view.  Pressing a button, the icon spun, removing all of the nastiness and hate.

Her computer dinged softly, indicating another private message.  Really?  When she opened that folder, she was shocked to see that Fyre had already responded.

As a man, the objectification of women is a little too easy to overlook – sad as that may be.  I think that people of alternate lifestyles, such as the transgendered and homosexual, also need representation.  Back when I was a kid, only little boys played games.  Now, that's not the case.  Must say, I love your blog, Deztiny, and enjoy hearing your perspective on your stream.

Pretty sure you won't answer it, but one last question.  As the most influential private gamer this year, if you could persuade a development team to make anything, what would your dream game be?

She chuckled at the misspelling of her name but wasn't upset.  The guy was obviously a fan, but she was neither Dez nor tiny. Easy accident to make, though.  Granted, her mom freaked out if she spent too much time talking to any one person so she'd answer this guy another way.  Since he sounded genuinely interested in her opinions, she'd give him an eyeful.

See tomorrow's post for a detailed answer.  Short answer: I want it all, and I want something that feels smooth.  Raid in World of Warcraft tonight at 8 pm EST, lachesis@streamgamesnow.

He responded immediately.

Will be watching.  Won't cry if you happen to give up the secret to holding agro!  Love your blog – best insights I've heard in a long time.

That was exactly what she'd needed: a nice little boost to her ego.  Granted, most of the work she'd done for Sony and EA so far was contract jobs, but the non-disclosure agreement still held.  Not to mention that she didn't want everyone to know she was just a kid.  It seemed like as soon as people found out she was still in high school, they assumed she was an idiot.  Never mind that she'd proven herself over and over.  Nope, all that mattered was that she was chunky and ugly.

Her inbox dinged again, but this time, the message wasn't from Fyre.  With a sigh, she opened it.  Someone had caught a screenshot of her talking on the stream and photoshopped a penis into her open mouth.  Destiny just deleted it.  If her mom ever found out some of the things these people said to and about her, she'd make her stop blogging.

What her mom didn't know wouldn't hurt her.  Destiny focused her attention on the game of her dreams.  Oh, she already knew what it was.  She'd been wishing someone would make it, but the technical hurdles would require a very specific team.  Hm.  Maybe she'd address that as well.  If nothing else, it would look really good on her resume.

***

Two weeks later, Destiny finally got a response from Fyre to the blog she'd written for him.  At first, she'd been a little annoyed, but she realized that since her inbox received a few hundred messages a day – something she didn't keep secret – he'd probably just read it instead of commenting.  Didn't matter.  It still made her smile to see a fan that actually cared enough to hold a dialogue about something other than how girls should be seen and not heard.

When she opened the message, she found it short but oh so sweet.

You are brilliant.  I think someone is making your game.  Watch TGC, 9 pm EST.

That was in seven minutes!  She Googled the channel, opened it, and begged for it to load faster.  Her computer was a piece of crap, but it was all her mom would let her have.  If she had something better, she might try more than just online role-playing games, but shooters were out with the dinosaur she was running.  While the website did its thing, she flew down the stairs, found another Coke, grabbed a handful of candy, and scurried through the living room.

"Destiny?" Her mom called.  "Did you get your homework done?"

"Yeah, Mom.  Like hours ago.  Hey, don't forget.  I have that interview with EA next week.  I wanna call Dad and see if he knows what I should expect for pay."

"You're seventeen years old!"  Her mom sounded exasperated instead of thrilled.  "You need to get a degree, or you'll never have a real career."

"Doesn't work like that anymore, Mom.  Hey, I gotta go.  TGC has a segment on a new MMO.  Yell at me tomorrow, but I know the debate by heart, ok?  Love ya, night!"

And she fled before her mother could say anything else.  Two minutes past, she was back at her machine, thankful that this show had a long intro.  She cracked the Coke and took a big gulp, slipping on her headphones.

" – Up and coming development company.  Chance Hunter is here to tell us how Deviant Games plans to change the entire landscape of the gaming scene."

The camera moved to an amazingly beautiful man.  His eyes were greyish and sparkled with intelligence, his smile was perfect, but his hair was startlingly red.  Naturally red, but he not only pulled it off, he made it delicious.  Destiny grabbed her phone and sent a text to her best friend, warning her that this show would be worth watching for the hottie if nothing else.

"Deviant Games plans to compete with the other AAA companies.  Unlike most indie game developers, we have the financial backing to make this happen.  Our first project is Silk.  Set in a fantasy realm unlike any you've seen before, Silk explores the galaxy through trade, travel, and of course, the battles that go with it.  The journey is smooth as, well, Silk."

His voice was nice, too.  He had to be the public face for the company.  No, the text across the bottom of the screen said he was the owner and a developer himself.  Chance Hunter.  She'd have to look into him – for completely professional reasons, of course!

Then the camera panned out, showing concept art for the game.  The world was like a fairy tale.  Most modern games were going hard and dirty, with deserts and post-apocalyptic scenes.  Silk was swinging the other way.  The flowers were gigantic, the trees were in vivid colors, and everything was green and lush.  In the sky were visible planets, each of them colored differently, offering the potential for more worlds in the future.

"‘Combined arms' is a common term for first person shooters," Chance went on.  "What we want to do is bring this idea to Silk.  Infantry – whether that's for player vs. player or player vs. the environment – will require actual player skill, not just button mashing.  Conversely, vehicular combat, which includes powerful mechanical suits, will give players an auto-locking system.  Most of us call this tab targeting.  We also hope to have a storyline that is intricate, detailed, and fresh.  Raids will no longer be ‘tank and spank.'  In order to succeed, our fans will have to challenge themselves to do more and do it better."

"How far along is the project?" the announcer asked.

Chance smiled.  "Not far enough.  Deviant Games has been working for eight months to get a functional development platform and game engine.  We've achieved that and are now diving into making this dream of ours – the entire game community's – a reality."

"So, should we expect the typical races?  Elves, dwarves, and the like?"

"No."  Chance smiled like he had a secret.  "The old races are tried and true, but also tired.  Think more Star Wars and less Lord of the Rings."  He tilted his head.  "We also plan to push the boundaries in other areas.  Male, white, and straight will not necessarily be the standard for Silk.  This world of ours is diverse.  We have people with different sexual orientations, different races, and different religions.  Why would a fantasy realm that spans multiple planets be any different?  In Silk, women are not objects; they are people.  Armor is not dental floss – unless you find one of the rare magic pieces available to either sex character.  And, not all races come in just two sexes.  Some aliens may be... different."

"Is this a game or a comment on the state of society?"

"Aren't all games a comment on society, or our desire to escape from it?  This is a game, meant to be played for fun, but one that gives everyone a place to belong."  Chance leaned back.  "That is why we play."

The large screen behind him flickered to a blurred and distorted clip of a game.  It looked a lot like FoxFlight.  She squinted, trying hard to make it out while the reporter kept going.

"Rumors say that you're an avid gamer yourself.  Playing a lot doesn't necessarily make you able to create something good, though.  What do you say to this?"

"They're right."  Chance turned to look at what was playing.  "Yeah.  That's me.  Unfortunately, no matter how much I try to assure the public that Silk will be the next best thing, only time will prove that.  We want to learn from the mistakes of other games, not copy them.  Most of us know about the debacle with that one Star Wars game or how FoxFlight doubled their subscriptions by listening to the community.  That is video game history.  With that said, we also realize that our community won't always be right.  Making a game easier isn't necessarily better.  We get frustrated by the challenge and rant, but we all secretly love it.  It gives us a feeling of success to overcome the impossible."

It was FoxFlight!  That meant his character information was that blur at the bottom left.  She squinted harder, turned her head, and pulled her eyes open, trying to make it out.  Damned professional videographers and their ability to distort the information she wanted.  His character name was just four letters.  E?  Second letter was definitely a Y.  R or N?  She leaned her nose to her monitor.

Chance was still talking.  "I think Destiny Pierce from The Gamer's Fate just posted a brilliant article about what the player base is looking for.  In a word: inclusion.  That is exactly what we hope Silk will be."

Her heart hung in her chest.  He'd just said her name.  Her name!  He'd just given her blog the biggest promotion she'd ever had!  Not that she really had a problem with her viewership, but more readers meant more advertising dollars, which meant more respect in the community.  That this guy read her blog was great, but that he cited her as a credible source?

The four letters suddenly coalesced in her mind.  Fyre.  "Holy shit," she breathed.  "You fucking listened to me."

***

The Gamer's Fate

A Blog on the State of Gaming

By Destiny Pierce

The future of the MMO market is looking interesting, to say the least.  At this time of year, developers try to increase their investment money by hyping the newest games in the pipeline.  A few brave souls have already announced their products instead of waiting for F5 like the big names.  Here's a short list, and something to hold you all over until I can satisfy your appetites for some real gamer news.

•Star Wars – Yes, it's true, they're making another MMO based on this IP.

•Earth 2.0 – Will it be console only?  There're a few hints that a PC version might be a reality.  Unfortunately, most of the hype for this game is from unsubstantiated leaks.  The screenshots look amazing.  The game mechanics and the potential for cooperation with another, more popular MMO are inspiring.  Fingers crossed on this one, but I'm willing to bet that concrete news will be sparse.

•Silk – O.M.G.  These guys may be the wave of the future.  [Check out the interview with Chance Hunter on The Gamer Channel here].  If they can manage to pull this off, I think a few big names might be scared.  Expect to see popular titles try to steal their ideas and rush them into production (expansions for existing MMOs) before Silk can change the world.

•WoW's next expansion – Oh c'mon, we all know it's coming.  I'm going to bet there are some pigs and at least one poo quest.  Probably a new set of gear, a new raid, and a whole new set of daily quests to keep us playing.

Reader Comments:

Anonymous: If you leave your house, I will get you.  I will rape you.  I will kill you.  Keep your vag out of my games, you don't know shit.

Anonymous: Who gave U the right to say what I like?

Discreet: Love your blog!  Saw it on TGC!

Anonymous: I'm gonna kill you, bitch.  I'm gonna rape your mouth hole and kill you.

KZP12: No way Earth will go to PC.  No money in it.  Already have Dust, so don't need it.

Minx: Post these sexist comments over on Fat, Ugly, or Slutty.  They're epic.

Anonymous: How'd you get the damage modifier numbers for Aimed Shot in yesterday's post?

Anonymous: I know what you look like.  I know where you live.

Anonymous: Fuck me, Destiny.  I want to fuck your little ass.

Anonymous: She won't look pretty after I'm done with her.  Fat little fuck.  Oh Destiny, you shoulda kept your nose outta the boys club, bitch.

KZP12: You guys are seriously fucked up.  If you hate what she says, that's one thing, but damn.

Anonymous: You think you're hot shit bitch?  Yeah?  Just wait until I'm done with you.  I'll tie your ass up and rape you over and over until you never touch a game again.  Bitches like you ruined MMOs.  We'll make sure that no one will want you when we're done, and you'll beg us for more.  Damned bitch like you?  Getting raped's the best thing you can hope for.  I won't even bitch that you're so damned fat.  I wanna see you cry, Destiny.  I'll fucking rape you until you cry, then drink all your damned tears.  Ain't no one gonna find you either.  Up the ass, in the mouth, and I'll rip your twat so wide any other man will feel like a damned broomstick in a cave.  You should have quit, you cunt.  You're mine now, and I know where you are.

Soul_Reaper: I'm screenshotting this shit.  That's just fucked up.

KZP12: Hey, wasn't a new blog due today?

Minx: Been three days since her last post.  What happened?

Soul_Reaper: Email attached to my account.  Contact me for screenshots.  Destiny hasn't posted in a week, and she always is on time.  Anyone heard anything?

Minx: Nothing.  Wonder if the guys with little dicks finally got her to quit.

Soul_Reaper: maybe she's finally on the inside?

Anonymous: Destiny Pierce is my bitch.

Soul_Reaper: Nine days?  Seriously?  Anyone heard anything?

Soul_Reaper: Update – police contacted me today for screenshots of older comment sections.  I think something happened to Destiny.  I may not agree with her on everything, but I hope she comes back.  I hope she's ok.

Anonymous: Prayers for Lachesis.

Anonymous: Destiny we miss you.

KZP12: [click here for video]  Found that on the news.  Shit looks bad, guys.  Someone abducted her.  Destiny is missing.

Soul_Reaper: Shit, that sucks.  Hope she's ok.

Anonymous: Hope she's still alive.

Anonymous: Prayers for Destiny.

Anonymous: We miss you Destiny.

Chapter 1

Three years later...

Dez swallowed two pills, washing them back with ice cold water from the fountain outside the break room, then headed back to the floor.  Polished concrete and orange signs assaulted the eyes, but the smell of wood was worth it.  Just a couple more hours and she'd be off work.

Turning into her aisle, she saw a pair of low-slung jeans and a nicely stretched t-shirt under a swath of ginger hair.  The man scratched at his jaw absentmindedly, his eyes locked on the spools of cable before him.  For a moment, she thought about pretending he didn't exist, but she needed the job too bad.

"Can I help you find something?"

He turned casually as if he expected her to do his bidding.  "I'm setting up a network.  Need to hook up twenty-four computers."

Dez grunted, shoving out her lower lip while she thought.  Damn, she felt all blurry around the edges.  "What kinda data you running?  I mean, if it's typical office work, that's one thing, but if you're running tech support or, god forbid, coding, you'll be cussing at me in a week."

His silver eyes finally saw her, looking past the lean frame and hints of tattoos at her collar.  He looked at her, seeing more than the shell she wore on the outside, then his eyes dropped, leaving an oily film in her mind.  He paused at the name tag on her orange apron.

"Candice?" he asked.  "Well, can you tell me where I can find someone capable of setting this up on a budget?"  Why did he look familiar?

"Sure."  She plastered on a synthetic smile and gestured for him to follow, not waiting for him to get close.  "We have a list of contractors at the front desk."

He jogged a few steps to fall in at her side.  Only then did she realize just how tall he was.  At least six foot three.  Dez took a slow breath and moved over just a bit, feeling her heart rate increase at the proximity.  Thankfully, the Vicodin was starting to kick in.  She'd be fine in a minute.  Just act normal and he wouldn't notice.

"Any of these guys good?" he asked.

A wry chuckle slipped out.  It was just one, and almost under her breath, but he heard.  "They do exactly what you pay them to.  It's called a budget."

The fire god slowed, reaching out for her arm, and Dez jerked back in a panic.  "Sorry," he said gently, giving her space.  "Look, I need this to be stable.  I'm rebuilding an old warehouse into our development center.  We've got six months, and I need everyone in one place so we can get the program working."

He looked serious.  He also looked a little worried.  What he didn't realize was that he'd just spoken her language.  She smiled but kept herself well out of his reach.  "Yeah, I know a guy.  Sounds like you're trying to break into the game or social media markets."  She started walking again, not waiting to see if he'd follow.

"Something like that," he mumbled, trailing after her obediently.

She hated having people behind her, but it was better than when they touched her.  She couldn't do touching.  Not like the rest of the world really cared.  Shaking hands, hugs, a friendly pat on the back – people did it all the time and never thought about it. But for the last three years, Dez couldn't take it.  The only way she made it through the day was if she got high enough to forget.  Unfortunately, that also meant high enough that she could barely keep a job.

By the time she reached the front desk, she was feeling it: that warm embrace just under her skin and the cotton wallowing in the back of her head.  She could do this.  Just a few more hours, then she could bail on this shit job and get home to get high.

"LeAnne?  You got a card for Ian Black?" she asked the woman behind the computer.

The lady lifted her head, barely able to conceal her disgust.  "He's not on the list, Dez."

Dez shrugged.  "Customer needs technical wiring, not home renovations.  Unless you know someone else?"

"We're not supposed to give out cards for contractors that aren't certified with the company."

The man had moved beside her, his elbows leaning against the counter as he followed the exchange, but his eyes were on Dez's neck.  She shifted away from him and he lifted his head, moving a step in the opposite direction, the corner of his mouth twisting higher.

"Nice tattoo," he said.

She ignored it.  Fucking idiot probably couldn't read it anyway.  "Look.  I can just give out his number, but figured I'd try to play by the rules."  Leaning over the counter, she grabbed a pen and a slip of paper meant for writing down product codes.

The reach exposed another set of ink across her lower back.  She knew the bastard beside her was looking, and she wanted to jam the pen into his eyes.  Instead, she just took a deep breath and reached back to pull down her shirt.  Scribbling quickly, she wrote down the number of the best network guy she knew.  He handled everything from office installation and design to software.  Hopefully, the asshole checking out her ass would appreciate it.  She knew Ian would.

"This guy can set you up.  Tell him I sent you."

The customer tapped the desk, indicating he had no intention of taking the paper from her hand.  "Chance, by the way."

Ice washed over her body.  It wasn't possible.  "Chance Hunter?" she asked.

His eyes closed in a slow blink and his shoulders dropped ever so slightly.  It was definitely him.  What the hell was he doing here?  Shouldn't he be in Texas or California?

"Yeah, Ian can help ya.  Tell him Dez sent you."

"Dez, huh?"

"Yeah, he knows me.  Good luck with Silk.  You're gonna fucking need it."

"Hey!" LeAnne snapped.  "Language!"

"Yeah, sorry."  She tossed the pen across the desk and headed back into the store, writing off the rich geek and his project with each step.  There was no way he'd recognize her.

Hour and a half, that's all she needed.  Pulling the bottle from her pocket, she scooped out two more pills, palming them as she hid the bottle again.  Her eyes scanned the people wandering aimlessly through the hardware store, waiting for the chance to suck them back where she wouldn't get caught.  Turning into the plumbing aisle, she got it so tossed them into her mouth, chewing once before she swallowed them dry.  That would make the time go faster.

The shrinks said she was fine.  They thought she was trying to play the system.  They told her that if she wanted to get back into society, she had to make an effort.  What they couldn't understand was that she didn't want back in society.  She wanted to stay far away from it.  She didn't want to be around any more people!

Until the drugs kicked in, Dez busied herself with straightening the shelves and restocking the bins.  That was easy enough.  She kept asking to be transferred to nights, where she could spend her time working with boxes, but they didn't believe she could lift the merchandise.  Five foot, four inches, and maybe a hundred and ten pounds, what they couldn't wrap their mind around was that she could do anything it took to stay far away from another living soul.

Somehow, she managed to survive another day at work.  Martin eventually showed up, waving at her from a distance to let her know she could clock out.  Dez peeled off the orange apron and headed up the stairs to the break room as fast as she could without drawing attention.  Tossing the piece of crap in her locker, she tapped her code into the time management system and saw the confirmation slide across in blue LED, then turned to leave just as LeAnne sauntered up the stairs.

The middle-aged woman looked her over and shook her head.  "Are you high?"

"Nope.  I'm also off the clock.  Have a nice evening."

Ducking around the woman, Dez tried to make for the stairs, but the bitch grabbed her.  Fleshy fingers dug into the lean muscle of her arm, trapping her, pinning her, choking the breath from her lungs.  The panic took hold and Dez jerked away, gasping through her clenched jaw, doing her best not to scream.

"John!  The freak's high again!"

A metal door on the far side of the room opened, and the store manager stuck his head out.  "Dez.  In here.  Now."

She groaned but obeyed.  John stood in the opening, nearly blocking her access.  She convinced herself to slide past him, leaning away so they didn't touch, then took the chair before the desk.  He said nothing until he was on the other side.

"Look at me."

She did, knowing her eyes were probably glazed and her pupils completely dilated.  "It's called a panic attack, John.  I explained when you hired me that I don't do touching."

He steepled his fingers, his elbows propped on the desk, and nodded slowly.  "Right.  This is the fifth complaint I've had from your co-workers.  They say you appear to be stoned more often than not.  Are you willing to take a drug test, Dez?"

"Yeah.  You know I'm on a prescription, right?"

He folded his arms and leaned closer.  "You have proof of that?"

No, but she could make it pretty damned easy.  "Yeah.  I also told you about that when I was hired.  Vicodin for anxiety and pain."

"Mhm.  And can you tell me what caused this reoccurring problem?"

Dez leaned back in her chair.  She knew where this was going.  "No.  I'm not required by law to do that, sir."

"And yet it seems to be hindering your performance.  You're not rated as disabled – either mentally or physically – so why should I make all these special arrangements for you?"

"Cuz you're cool?"  She shrugged, hoping he'd prove her right.

John just shook his head.  "You're giving out contractor referrals for people who have not met the company standards.  You're high more often than not.  You can't get along with any of your co-workers, and you've only been working here two months.  Why should I keep paying you?"

"Because I know twice as much as anyone else you have."

"You're so full of shit."  He yanked open the top drawer of his desk, rifling through papers.  When he looked at her again, she could see it in his eyes.  He grabbed a packet and dropped it before him, reaching for a pen.

Dez sighed.  "Yeah, just tell me where to sign and you can fill it out later.  I get it.  You're fired, thank you for your service, and such."

He flipped to the last page and made an X, then slid the whole thing toward her.  "You're not nearly as hot shit as you think, Destiny."

"It's Dez!"

She scrawled her name and pushed it back, then stormed out of the office.  She hadn't liked the place anyway.  That's what she told herself as she jogged down the stairs, pretending that everything was normal.  She certainly didn't want anyone to offer her sympathy.

She couldn't take sympathy.  Their big eyes and sad stares were always hollow.  They wanted to make themselves feel better, not her.  People were only happy when they were judging others.  The only way they could feel good was to convince themselves that everyone else was an even bigger piece of shit.

She shoved through the sliding glass doors and turned right.  She'd made rent, at least.  She also had enough to buy more Vicodin.  Maybe she'd even splurge and get a bottle of whiskey.  Hit that hard enough, and she might pass out and never wake up.  Now that would be the perfect ending to the day.  She'd probably have to take the whole bottle – of both – but damn.  That sounded like a plan.

Her feet carried her down the side of California Drive, skirting the precarious edge between traffic and the parking lots.  When she passed the mechanic shop – which only barely qualified on this side of town, being closer to a chop shop – the guys whistled and called obscenities to her in either Spanish or Italian.  Dez rolled her eyes and raised her middle finger but kept going.

She needed a damned job.  The problem was that in order to get one, she needed to get clean, and if she was sober, she couldn't function at all.  It was a catch twenty-two.  For a moment, she wondered where that phrase came from, then turned her mind back to the whiskey.  A big handful of pills and a bottle should do it.  She could find a nice field somewhere, lie out in the middle, and watch the birds.  By the time she started puking, there'd be no one around to make sure she didn't choke.  Not the prettiest, but it would do.

She was so engrossed in her fantasy that she didn't immediately notice the dark SUV pull into the drive before her and stop.  When she got closer, it still didn't move.  Whoever was behind the wheel was looking right at her, almost like he was waiting for her.  Dez paused, checking behind her.  When she looked back, the window slowly rolled down.

"Need a ride?"  It was the redheaded guy from earlier.  Was he following her?  What would he want with her?

She pointed to a neighborhood just behind the business district.  "Nope, almost home."

He leaned across the passenger seat.  "Are you high?"

"As a fucking kite," she agreed, "and still not dumb enough to climb into your truck.  Go fuck yourself or something."

He was supposed to flip her off and leave, but this guy was not playing by the rules.  He put the truck in park and climbed out, moving around it to lean against the passenger side, crossing his arms and legs.  The way he looked at her was like he knew her.  There was no fucking way.  First off, he wouldn't remember someone like her, and secondly, her own mother didn't recognize her.  So what the fuck did he want?

"I called your guy."

"Yeah?  Ian's the best."  Dez leaned against the chain link security fence beside her, shoving her short hair out of her face.  She couldn't do a stand-off.  She was too fucking high.  "He'll make sure you can get a network that will get Silk off the ground."

"He said to hire you."

God, how many pills had she taken?  Two before work.  Two when she got in.  Two more on her break, then another pair when this asshole tried to touch her.  Fuck, no wonder she couldn't think straight.  This was making no sense.  Ian told him to hire her for a network?  Ian knew she didn't do networks anymore.  She didn't do games.  She was done.

"Yeah, you don't want to hire me."  She laughed and slid down the fence until she was sitting.  "Now get your fancy ass back in your truck and go back to work.  You've got six months to get that shit on the shelves.  Your market demands it."

"Get in the fucking truck or I'm going to come over there and grab you."

Dez just raised her middle finger.

Chance took a deep breath and moved toward her.  She braced for his touch, but once again he shocked her.  He dropped to the ground beside her and leaned back against the fence, his hands clasped before him.  Down the inside of his right arm was a long scar.  Even in her hazed state she could see it clearly.

"Ian said he can get the supplies in my price range, but he's booked.  He also mentioned that the best person for the job was working at Home Depot.  I'd know her by the tattoo that said, ‘Byte Me.'  If I could read it, you might even take the job."

"Binary, baby."

He chuckled, but it sounded worried.  "I just bought this fucked up building.  It's half warehouse, half hotel.  I'll give you a place to sleep and money for food.  You get the damned network running and set the place up for the developers to come work.  We can't keep doing this over the cloud."

She smiled and leaned back, closing her eyes.  "I'm fucking high.  You know that, right?"

"Kinda hard to miss, kid.  I won't touch you, I won't set hours.  I'll give you two weeks to wire it, and two weeks to get the system up and running.  If you can do that, I'll give you a ten thousand dollar bonus."

She shook her head.  "Don't want the money."  She took a breath, feeling the weight of her problems pressing against her tear ducts.  "I just want a job where I don't have to touch anyone."

"Why?"  His voice was kind.

She smiled.  "Tried it, don't really like it that much."

"Good enough for me.  One favor, though?"

"What?"

"Get in the fucking truck before some gang banger comes by and shoots us?  Come see the site, let me know what you think."

Dez drug her hands down her face then looked over at him.  Chance looked back, waiting for her answer.  "I'm fucking high and a basket case, and you still want me to put your network together?"

"Ian gave me your name.  I know how to Google.  The only thing I want to know is why you fell off the radar?"

She pushed herself to her feet then dusted off her ass.  "I got high."  Without looking back, she headed for the passenger side of the truck.

Behind her, Chance chuckled.  "Bullshit."

Dez buckled herself in and grabbed his phone from the cup holder between them, not even bothering to ask.  Chance just looked at her and put the truck in gear, making a lap through the parking lot before pulling out.  Neither one spoke.

He'd said he Googled her.  Well, the problem of being broke was that she didn't really have a lot of access to the internet anymore.  That and her laptop was almost three years old.  It was good enough, but just for older generation games.  That was about it.  What she wanted to know was what information her name still had on the world wide web.

Thankfully, not much.  She was still listed as the brains behind the innovative network and community manager for FoxFlight, and she had a minor credit in two other games, but thankfully neither listed why.  Unless Chance called the developers, he'd never find out, and by now the team had probably all been reassigned.  She smiled and flipped to the next page.  Her old blog was still up, even though the last entry wasn't made by her.

Unfortunately, that link also appeared to have been read.  She flicked her eyes at the driver then tapped on it.  She'd never seen what her mother had written.  It took a moment to load, then the screen was filled with a wall of text.  No images, no formatting.  It was obvious that this post had been made by a novice.

Thank you to all of Destiny's fans for their support of her enthusiasm for video games.  We're sorry to announce that the blog will no longer be updated.  After multiple harassing and threatening messages, for her safety and welfare, she will no longer be in the public eye.

This has been a hard decision for Destiny, but we all feel it is for the best.  She is a brilliant young lady with many opportunities ahead of her.  When she first sat down in front of a computer at the age of eight, we never knew that she had found her first love.  She learned to type, program, and manage her own hardware before she could drive a car.  Before she even graduated high school, Destiny was making a name for herself with her critiques of games and her natural command of the systems required to make them better.

But all good things must end.  Some might say it's Destiny.

"Damn," she mumbled.  "That's a shitty entry."

Chance nodded slowly.  "So you didn't write it, huh?"

"Nah.  That was Mom, back when she still talked to me.  Guess she never got over it."

He looked over quickly before turning back to the road.  They were at the edge of town, heading into the country.  "You getting out of the scene?"

"No."  She closed the browser and returned his phone to the cup holder.  "That not all demons are made of pixels."

"Gonna tell me what happened?"

She shifted in the chair so she could face him.  "Gonna buy me a bottle of whiskey?"

"What are you on?"

"Vicodin."

He nodded slowly.  "Keep your secrets."

Chapter 2

Ten miles outside the city limits, the town faded away and pastures took the place of buildings.  He loved it here.  The rush of the modern world faded into the endless horizon.  Chance slowed the truck and turned into a gravel lot, driving to the side of a massive brick building.  He parked next to a small, green metal door and turned the truck off.

"Welcome to Deviant Games' future headquarters."

Dez slipped out of the truck, her eyes taking everything in even through the haze that clouded them.  He knew she was high.  He knew she was a complete mess.  The problem was that he also knew what she'd done in the past.  When he'd started the idea for Silk, he'd been an avid reader of her blog, among others.  He'd kept up on her advances in development tools and loved her posts about the challenges of inspiring competent developers in a corporate setting.  He had no idea she was so young, though.

She couldn't be more than early twenties.  He'd expected her to be in her thirties, but the network admin, Ian Black, had assured him it was the same person.  He said something pretty traumatic had kicked her out of the technical world, but she was still the best he'd ever seen.  Everything Ian knew, he'd learned from Dez, and he hadn't even scratched the surface of what lingered in her mind.  He was also very clear about the fact that she was a complete and total mess.

"Don't touch her," the guy had said.  "No matter what you do, don't fucking touch her.  No skin to skin.  She'll lose it."

Chance had asked, but Ian swore he didn't know.  Something happened a few years back, and she wouldn't talk about it.  That's when she started using, and that's when she left the scene.  If Chance could work with that, he was sitting on a gold mine, and she'd work for a damned place to crash and enough money to support her habit.  It didn't get better than that, and god knew, Chance wasn't exactly in a position to judge.

"What kinda connection do you get out here?" she asked, looking at the power lines strung above the building.

He pointed to a new rut in the gravel.  "Dedicated line.  We're wide open.  Had them run it special for us."

Picking at her lower lip, she nodded, looking at the exterior of the building.  He was almost worried she'd blow away.  Not that it was overly windy, but she was just a slip of a thing.  Her long-sleeve shirt hung on her frame, dark marks peeking out at every opening.  Dangerously loose on her hips, not even the studded belt could keep her jeans from sliding precariously low.

She was a punk, just like so many geeks, covering up her lack of social skills with piercings, tattoos, and freakish hair.  Although he wondered if the black hair was natural or if she dyed it like that.  Not that it was any of his business, but he swore she used to have warm brown hair that matched her chocolate eyes.  What shocked him the most was the lack of excessive make-up.  Granted, she'd also just gotten off work at Home Depot.  Who knew what she'd look like tomorrow.

He tried to remind himself that he didn't care, but he did.  The girl was nothing but long legs and lean arms.  Chance held his face stoic as he moved to unlock the door, but he noticed every line of her.  It's what he did.  He usually preferred girls with a bit of curve to them, but he wasn't picky.  Not like he'd be getting lucky with someone that didn't touch people, but hey, he could look.

"The good stuff is inside," he said, walking into the building.

He knew she'd follow.  She was interested in the job, so she'd want to see what she had to work with.  He just hoped that she wouldn't turn around and run out screaming.

One by one, he turned on the lights, illuminating what would be the center of his game empire.  He had no idea what the building had started life as, but after many iterations, it was perfect for his needs.  The main room was wide open, with two stories of clearance over the work area.  Windows surrounded three sides at the top, giving natural light.  The fourth was his loft.  Beneath that, the back part of the building held four apartments, although he used the term loosely.  They were little more than hotel rooms with a kitchenette.

"What's the goal?" she asked.

Chance leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms.  "I have seven programmers.  I want to set this up for at least twice as many computers, hopefully more."  He lifted his chin at the space before them.  "Raised floor, basement access, and I'm willing to renovate for whatever we need."

"I'll need a key."

"Among other things."  He motioned her to follow, taking her on the grand tour.  "Up here is the reception area."  He kept going.  "This is the conference room, and I'd like this to be a demonstration area.  Over here is an employee break area."  Then he turned toward the back.  "And those stairs go to the basement where we'll house the servers.  This one..."

He stepped into a long narrow hall.  Behind him, Dez's feet paused, but he kept going, opening each door as he passed.  He could hear her lagging well behind, but pretended like he didn't notice.  What the hell had happened to this girl?  She was ready to bolt and all they'd done was enter a hallway!  He remembered her as sweet and charming.

"Apartments?" she asked.

He paused, then slowly turned, giving her time to prepare for it.  "Yeah.  I'm not sure what we're going to do with them, but you're welcome to one."

"What's upstairs?"

"My place.  I kinda sold everything to make this happen, so I'm living at work."

She stared at him.  He waited for an angry outburst about the impossibility of it all, but it never came.  Instead, she stepped into the closest apartment.  He followed behind her, making sure to step loud enough for the girl to hear him coming.  The place was a mess.  He hadn't cleaned out the rooms yet, mainly because he had no idea what to do with them, but Dez seemed pleased.  She turned in a circle, her eyes on the dropped tile ceiling, then moved to the far door, finding a second exit that led outside.

"I'll need a modern laptop.  Mine's out of date.  You'll be responsible for all of my tools, and I want full access to the network.  That means I'll be able to see your cloud and everything else."

"Kinda goes with the job," he agreed.

She nodded.  "Clean sheets, too."

That, he hadn't expected.  "You are not sleeping on that bed."

She blew that off.  "Better than what I got now.  You'll have to help me move – "

"No," Chance cut her off.  "You're not sleeping on that.  What kind of furniture do you have?"

Dez closed her eyes and leaned against an ancient dresser that lined the wall.  "Why the fuck do you care?"

He matched her pose, just out of reach.  "‘The mind of a game developer does not work on a set schedule.  When the idea hits, it hits hard.  The smart boss would give his employees access to the system at all hours, but concerns about company secrets and unintended leaks make this a struggle.  Working a traditional eight to five schedule often ends up detrimental as tired developers try to remember what slipped through their exhaustion and dreams.'"

"That was three years ago."  She pushed past him.

They almost touched.  Her shoulder was just inches from his chest as she headed back into the hall.  Chance was just glad to know she remembered what she'd written.  He was broke, but he wasn't that broke, and if he could make Silk into the game he planned, his core team would end up very wealthy.  He'd love to be able to put Destiny Pierce on the list of credits.

Like a miniature tornado, the dark haired ghost headed through the building on a mission.  Chance just followed behind her, a smile playing on his lips.  He'd already convinced her.  He wasn't sure what had done it, but he could tell.  She was going to take the job.  When she headed up to his loft, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Dez."  She looked back, and he tossed her a set of keys.  Unlocking the door, she stepped in, pausing just beyond.  "I'm behind you," he murmured.

Her shoulders relaxed, and she took a deep breath.  "It's so bright in here."

"What?"

He'd already had his loft remodeled.  The floors were covered in laminate and soft rugs.  The kitchen was modern and, while not top of the line, it was more than sufficient.  The bathroom was massive and had plenty of room for two, even though he lived alone.  The best part was the light.  Skylights and high windows kept it feeling airy, not like an old office over an abandoned warehouse.

"Got any beer?"  She was clearly changing the subject.

He let her.  "How old are you, Dez?"

"Twenty.  You?"

"Twenty-seven.  Do you really think I'm going to give you alcohol?"

She adjusted the piercing through her septum, then shoved her hand into her pocket.  Pulling out a brownish-orange bottle, she dropped into a well-padded chair without asking.  Tilting her head, daring him to say a damned thing, she opened the top and tossed back two pills before rolling the plastic container between her fingers.

"I need enough money to keep Vicodin on hand.  If I'm busted, you don't know shit about it; I get that.  Can't take the risk to your rep and all.  Thing is, I'm gonna get drunk, too.  I'm gonna get fucked up in just about any way I can, but your damned network will sing."  She pulled her eyes from the bottle and onto him, a shocking clarity in the brown depths considering how many drugs she'd probably eaten already.  "So, you get me the money and I figure out a way to make it happen – which is illegal and will be done on your network – or you just buy the fucking whiskey and let me steal it."

He leaned over and snatched the pill bottle from her hands, careful not to touch her.  Slowly, he read the label, surprised to see that it was actually prescribed under her name.  "Oh, I don't care how fucked up you get, little girl.  What I care about is you dying before I get my shit working."

"I could only be so lucky."  The words were under her breath, but he heard.

"What happened, Dez?"

She thrust out her hand, demanding the bottle back.  "I decided to try something new.  Time for a change of pace."

"Home Depot?"  Chance tossed the pills at her then headed to his fridge, pulling out a pair of beers.  Twisting the top off one, he passed it over.  "I just want enough information to not make your life any harder, ok?"

"I quit the scene three years ago."  She shrugged.  "I don't want my name on anything.  I just want a damned place to stay and get high."

He tilted the bottle, taking a sip.  "K.  I'll give you the right to change your mind about that later, but I'll respect it.  What else?"

"Don't touch me."

"Haven't yet."

Slowly, she was starting to relax.  Like a wild animal trapped in a cage, knowing she had a way out was all she needed.  She wasn't ready to run past him yet, but he could see her eyes soften.  They were so large, like a deer's.  He just hoped the light never faded out completely.  It was already too damned close.

Dez took a long gulp of the beer, then belched, not even trying to hide it.  "Until it's done, you get me anything I need.  I promise it will be below your budget."

"Already figured that."  He dropped his head slightly.  "I'm not talking work.  I'm talking about you.  We're about to be roommates."

"No dress code?"

"None," he agreed.

She took another long drink, her eyes turning to the pills in her hand.  "Just don't touch me."  Her voice quavered on the last word.

"I'll fire anyone who does."

She looked up, a glimmer of trust hiding behind her lashes.  "Sometimes I scream in my sleep."

"Should I ignore it or wake you?"  He tried to keep it bland, but he couldn't help but wonder what happened to make her so timid.  This wasn't the same person who'd written the blogs that had shaped his career.

"I don't know," she admitted.  "No one's ever been around when it happens."

"Then we'll wing it.  What else?"

"I don't want anyone to know I'm here.  That's how they found me, by knowing what game I was working on."

They.  He had no idea who they were, but she'd just told him more than anyone else knew.  Chance nodded, accepting that.  "Which is why your name tag said Candice?"

"Yeah.  I hated that name, but it was one they had lying around."  She tipped the bottle and drained the last of her beer, oddly coherent for someone on as many chemicals as he knew were in her system.

"I'm guessing that means Bambi's out?"  He stood, holding a hand out for the bottle.  She gave him a confused look, then tilted the bottom toward him, almost smiling when he avoided her fingers.  "Want another?"

"Not worried about my Vicodin?"

"Not today.  Just finish the damned network before you off yourself?"

"Promise."

"So."  He tossed the empty bottles and grabbed two more, passing her one before returning to his chair.  "You need a phone, I assume?"

"I own exactly seven shirts, three pairs of jeans, two bras, a single pair of panties, and five blankets.  Well, and my laptop, but like I said, that's a piece of shit.  All of that is locked in my storage unit."

And he realized how she'd fallen off the radar so completely.  "Which is where you live, right?"

"It works."

He leaned toward her.  "Look at me."  She tried, her gaze flinching from the intensity of his.  He nodded, seeing exactly what he'd expected.  She could focus when they talked tech, but interacting with people was out.  "Pick a name.  I'd suggest a game name since the devs won't bat an eye at that.  I also need to know your favorite color."

"Does black count?"

"No.  Pick another."

She smiled.  "White?"

"Then you're leaving it up to me.  Give me the keys and address to your unit and go crawl in my bed."

That was not at all what she'd expected.  Dez's eyes snapped to him, and she shook her head as if to clear her ears.  "What?"

"Pass the fuck out, take a hot bath – I don't care.  I'm gonna get your shit and start settling you in.  Until we get you a real bed, you're welcome to mine."  He pointed at the sofa.  "I'll last for a day."

"You're leaving me here?"

"Have some place you'd rather be?"

She twisted in the chair, looking at his apartment.  "I mean... with your shit?"

Chance decided to go out on a limb.  "I had no idea you were just a kid, ok?  I used to read your blog religiously.  I believed in everything you said, creating these grandiose dreams while I worked for my degree.  It shaped Silk.  Blending the genres, making perfection, and finding a work environment that allowed the developers and the community to work in synergy?  Yeah, that's all you.  Now that I have you on the team, I'll play by your rules."  Chance gestured in a circle over his head, the bottle of beer still in his hands.  "It's kinda all yours.  Just don't puke on the bed?"

"I'm not a puker."  She dug in her pocket for her keys, bending her body awkwardly in the chair to reach them.

He caught them when she tossed them over.  "Fridge should have something in it you can eat.  If you can find any clothes that fit, you're welcome to them."

She nodded, then changed the subject.  "I want a whiteboard.  A really big one on the wall."  She pointed in the general direction of where she wanted it.

"Sharpie markers are at the front desk.  Use the wall until I get one put up."

A smile lit her face, the first real one he'd seen, and it changed everything about her.  Stoned, avoiding reality, he'd just given her the one thing she needed to keep going.  She had a goal and the power to make it happen.  Destiny Pierce, the most influential gamer of his youth, had just decided she was going to keep playing for a few more days.

Chance turned for the door before he said anything to fuck it up.  He was no savior.  He certainly wasn't the person to put her life back on track, but damned if he didn't want to.  Something about the wretch in his apartment made him want to kill whoever had hurt her so bad.  He owed her everything, even if she didn't know it.

They'd found her through the game she'd been working on.

Those words haunted him.  Who had found her, why, and when?  What the fuck had they done to her?  He made it to his truck before his composure broke.  Sitting behind the wheel, he shoved his hands into his hair.  He'd always thought being harassed for being a ginger had been bad.  The redheaded stepchild jokes had nothing on the pain that poor thing had suffered.  He still couldn't believe she was living in a damned storage unit!

Was.  He'd be damned if she went back there.  Hell, if the bitch wanted to kill herself, at least she could do it in comfort, right?  She'd been a child prodigy and none of them had known it.  She'd changed the entire gaming scene, and none of them had known a thing about her.  He'd always assumed she was a few years older than him, not a desperate teenager wasting her youth away behind a monitor until it was all gone.

The upside to all of this was that she wouldn't be spreading rumors about his habits.  Dez might not realize it yet, but they'd just reached a very good understanding.  He'd be happy to keep her secrets if she kept his.  He was pretty sure she'd be willing to agree.

Click here to buy FLAWED and continue reading

Books by Auryn Hadley:

Adding Ink (Romance):

One More Day

Two of a Kind

Three Sheets to the Wind

Four Ways from Sunday

The Wolf of Oberhame (Fantasy):

When We Were Kings

When We Were Dancing

When We Were Crowned

Gamer Girls (Contemporary Romance):

Flawed

Challenge Accepted

Virtual Reality

Rise of the Iliri (Science Fantasy):

BloodLust

Instinctual

Defiance

Inseparable

Tenacity

Resilience

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About The Author

Auryn Hadley is happily married with three canine children and a herd of feral cats that her husband keeps feeding.  Between her love for animals, video games, and a good book, she has enough ideas to spend the rest of her life trying to get them out.  They all live in Texas, land of the blistering sun, where she spends her days feeding her addictions – including drinking way too much coffee.

For a complete list of books by Auryn Hadley, visit my Amazon Author Page, or check out my website: aurynhadley.com

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Table of Contents

- Rise of the Iliri
- Auryn Hadley
- Introduction
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40
- Chapter 41
- Epilogue
- Dear Reader,
- The Gamer's Fate
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- About The Author
- Follow Auryn on Social Media