A King's Revenge: Warlords Series Book 2 Read online

  Biting back a snicker, Lea sat in the bench seat across from him pretty certain the other four seats would remain empty if Kord had his way. He never liked strange males getting close to her.

  According to Kord he and her father had been good friends evidenced by the fact he knew specific details about her parents life together. In the beginning she’d considered Kord’s behavior odd. Even thought it hinted at jealousy but his manner toward her never went beyond brotherly. Hell, fatherly could also describe the dagger looks he shot at people who got in her personal space.

  Watching him eat, she tried guessing Kord’s age. He could be thirty or fifty for all she knew. The glimpse in the garden revealed a trim physique well maintained with power in every line of his body. Attractive dark hair and light hued blue eyes complimented a more than pretty face.

  “Stop staring.” He didn’t bother to look up when he made the pronouncement.

  Lea laughed and began her own meal. “Just guessing your age.”

  “Again?” He looked up, eyes narrowed.

  Maybe she had asked a time or ten. Her shoulders rose up and down in a shrug. “Call me curious. I have a large hole in my head concerning a window of my life I may never get back. Outside the details you gave about my civilian shuttle crashing, no one recalls what I did for those missing years before I was rushed to the medical center.” She also didn’t understand why she’d been rushed to the moon Terra V above the planet Taka after her accident yet taken to the planet Ellowan instead for further treatment. But that was a puzzle for another day.

  If she had any family she could have asked them but her parents had died in a building collapse on a science colony when she’d left to be a recruit and they’d both been less than talkative about their former home world. She knew that. Recalled everything about her life up to joining the Alliance then those infernal years of blank space. Stars, she couldn’t even recall the accident that knocked everything loose in her head.

  Kord resumed eating but his focus never strayed from her face. “How old do I look?”

  They’d played this game too. “Doesn’t matter and you know it.” She smiled and let go of the past. “Now that I know your true form you could be one hundred for all I know.”

  “One hundred twenty two.”

  Lea gasped and had to lay her fork down. Not because of his age but because he actually answered. He never satisfied her curiosity. “Well,” she cleared her throat. “Color me surprised.”

  He shook his head at her old fashion words but she saw the twinkle in his eyes and knew he found it funny. Huh, Kord could be amused. Their stay here was providing all kinds of different nuances to her preconceived notions. Lea thought about it and decided she liked it. Going forward, she’d be more attentive to her partner and friend.

  Chapter 3

  “Your gift was received and accepted, your highness.”

  Tarik lowered the last public notice he’d read three times without absorbing. He sighed and rubbed at his burning eyes. Hensel stood at attention though neither considered the messenger a threat to him.

  “Was there anything else, Lonzo?” Tarik thought long and hard before he’d taken action. Now he waited anxiously to hear details about the results for what he’d put into action.

  “Yes, Sire. The Overlord sent a response.”

  Tarik tapped a finger on his desk and weighed the odds. With a rough sigh, he waved for Mati to accept the letter. His personal advisor placed it on Tarik’s desk with a low snort of disapproval. Tarik bit his cheek to still his smile. Mati disagreed with his actions but Tarik tired of battle and longed for peace.

  The Overlord Vaan Galip was nothing like Warlord Thenl Asgun. In the past, Tarik had invited the Overlord to dinner as they talked of a potential treaty between their two countries. Then the Overlord and his Warlords had been betrayed by one of their own. Thenl had taken over Kaban with unparalleled cruelty. He attacked nearby Desani villages and raided the merchants while customers shopped unconcerned for those he’d injured who had no part in the battle. Galip would never have committed such an atrocity.

  Tarik reached for the sealed blue envelope and slid his blade along the edges of the silver wax emblem. A single sheet of cream paper fell out. He fingered the missive before tipping it to read. By the time Tarik finished, a satisfied grin curved his lips. He came to his feet abruptly. “Prepare for guests. The Overlord and his Raasa come with their family.”

  The surprised gasps of everyone in the room were over loud. Mati rushed to the side of his desk. “Do you think this is a good idea, Sire?”

  Pleased that his invitation had been accepted Tarik took no offense at his decision being questioned. “If not for Warlord Thenl there would already be an alliance in place.”

  Tarik dismissed Lonzo after thanking him for the message and left his office with thoughts of how much he needed to get done before the Overlord and his people arrived. Hensel fell into step behind him and Mati brought up the rear.

  “This will be the first treaty of its kind, Mati,” Tarik stated as he walked down the hall. “Desani and Kaban have warred long enough.” It was what Tarik strived for. Peace would be his greatest accomplishment yet.

  Chapter 4

  Tarik stared unable to take his eyes from them. Vaan slightly lifted his left arm. “These are my youngling. Arane and Erana. I know not which is which since my mate chose to birth me similar youngling instead of the mighty Warlord I expected.”

  “Vaan, don’t say things like that in front of them.”

  The Overlord’s mate flushed as she corrected him with a sharp glance. Mikayla Galip defined the beauty of the females in the Raasa race. Her smooth oval face complimented her green colored diamond pupils. Round silver combs held back hair as black as a starless night emphasizing high cheekbones.

  She wore a gold silk tunic with matching leggings. Tarik found it hard to believe almost a year ago, her lithe figured carried a child let alone two. He studied the bright eyed babies in Vaan Galip’s arms. Lovely girls with a cap of midnight silk on their heads and their mother’s shiny green eyes. Eyes which took in everything.

  Tarik’s arms ached. The longing must have been visible on his face. Mikayla swiped the child on the left from her mate and passed her to Tarik. He had no choice but to hold on to the bundle or let her drop to the floor.

  “She’s Arane and Vaan holds Erana who is named for my old noan.”

  Arane’s chubby hands punched the air. Tarik ignored the pain in his hearts and cuddled the baby closer. As King, he’d had many children thrust in his arms to wish well or kiss. None enchanted him as much as the one he held at this given moment.

  “She is beautiful. A tribute to her worthy parents.” He meant the words sincerely.

  The Overlord nodded. “We thank you for the gift of the miniature swords. They will get much practice with them when they are old enough to wield them.”

  Tarik chuckled. He’d sent the replica weapons as a joke in order to extend the branch of forgiveness to the Overlord. Tarik had got along well with him prior to the carnage which followed Vaan’s alleged demise. Then Warlord Thenl ruined all of those plans. His tyranny left many deaths in his wake including that of Tarik’s wife.

  Vaan must have noticed his somber look because he inclined his head to one of his Warlords. “I know it comes years late but accept my condolences on the lost of your Queen. She was a pleasant woman and gracious to me during my visit.”

  Tarik had no words. He tipped his head in acceptance. It would not be viewed favorably if the King of Desani dissolved into tears at the mere mention of his wife. One of the four Warlords in their traveling party handed a gift wrapped object to his Overlord. With an ease that came with experience, Vaan placed the babe over his shoulder braced by his large hand and reached for the bundle. He extended it to Tarik.

  “This is on behalf of my mate.”

  Tarik’s guards closed ranks. The Kabanian Warlords tensed. Tarik raised a palm and glared at all present in the small
visiting chamber. “Cease. This ends now. The Overlord and I will continue discussions of our treaty that stalled in the past. We will be allies.”

  Waiting until they all accepted his decree, Tarik took the gift and cuddled the babe in his arms. Because he was unsure what to expect, Tarik joked, “You do realize that birthing gifts do not require a reciprocal gift?”

  Vaan chuckled. “My mate decided this is,” the Overlord paused and frowned at his mate before continuing with a sneer, “It is a hostess gift.”

  All the men gaped and turned toward the Raasa whose gold skin flushed from the sudden attention. She firmed her lips, fangs peeking out and lifted her chin.

  When she gave no answer in her defense, Tarik had no choice but to open the present. The baby in his arms giggled while he shifted his hold. Sensing his dilemma, Mikayla Galip leaned over and plucked her laughing baby from him.

  Tarik smiled weakly as nerves strummed along his spine. All watched and waited to see what the Raasa considered an appropriate welcome gift for the King of Desani. He decided he would appreciate it and respond enthusiastically regardless of what she offered.

  Blue colored paper crinkled beneath his fingers as he tore into the present. Once unwrapped, Tarik could only stare. In his hands, he held a miniature rendition of his home. The detail and craftsmanship depicted every inch of his castle down to the beautiful windows. Over a hundred of the windows featured tiny jeweled overhangs.

  Tarik’s throat closed as he marveled at the gold statuette. Not many paid heed to the jeweled enhancements. His wife added them as a surprise for Tarik during the second year of their marriage. When the sun shines it sparkles from outside, she’d said with a laugh.

  He must have been silent too long because they all watched him with awkward grimaces, including his guards. They didn’t understand why the gesture moved him. There was no hiding his reaction and he made no effort to do so. Tarik swallowed and faced Vaan’s mate. “Thank you.” A gift like this was not accidental. “Did you know her?”

  Vaan stiffened and turned toward her.

  Mikayla rocked the baby in her arms. “I met her once. Patriots Day in the village of Luall. She watched the dancers and smiled though she wasn’t allowed to get close.”

  Tarik nodded and listened intently, knowing there was more to the story.

  Mikayla cleared her throat. “She slipped free of her guards at one point. I was eyeing a length of cloth and she came over. She said the material reminded her of the windows she’d commissioned for her home. The jewels were discrete but gave her pleasure each time she looked at them.”

  “They did.” He straightened his shoulders trying to shed his melancholy. “Show our guests to their room. They are probably weary from the journey.” It was a two day ride from the Raasa border. “Tonight there will be a dinner in your honor.” He spoke to Overlord Vaan but those in his traveling party all relaxed their tense stance.

  Tarik understood why. It wasn’t often the race that slaughtered your wife got invited to stay for dinner. With a polite smile, his royal face in place, Tarik strode from the room, Mati and Hensel on his heels. No one noticed his thumbs caressing the edge of the gift until his fingers bled.

  Chapter 5

  “Are you sure this is a good time, Your Highness?”

  Tarik finished the last crop report from his head farmer and leaned back in his chair. He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. “It must be done, Mati. I have stood by the arrangement since joining. It would not go over well if I missed the meeting a second time.”

  His advisor inclined his head. “I will have your things packed. When do you leave?”

  “Tomorrow mid-day after the Overlord and his family depart.” Tarik looked forward to tonight’s dinner. He’d not spent much time around Raasa but Vaan’s wife proved a delight. He rose to his feet. “How long before dinner?”

  “Shortly, Sire. You must change first.”

  Tarik grimaced. His advisor had planned the dinner in the formal dining room to impress his guests. The table sat fifty and sported a pretentious display of his Desani wealth. Eating in that room required he wear his royal robes and the official Sabarn crown instead of the thin circlet he typically donned for daily wear. Hopefully, he wouldn’t sweat before the evening ended.

  “Have Alain gather my clothing. Everything but my weapons.”

  Mati and Hensel followed him as he left his office. Mati made no effort to hide his displeasure. “But, Sire, the royal blade is a sign of strength.”

  Servants bowed in his direction as they walked through the halls. When their small group reached the corridor of his private suites, armed guards stood at attention and saluted his presence. Tarik nodded and turned the corner. A guard jumped and opened the door seconds before Tarik reached it and ignored his glare.

  “I’m not wearing it to dinner with the Overlord. This meeting is to confirm the prior alliance we discussed. His children will be present at the table.” Of that, Tarik had no doubt. He’d witnessed the love in the Overlord’s eyes for his mate and children. He’d not leave them unattended no matter how many Warlords he brought with him. Tarik would not offend Vaan by wearing a weapon to his dinner table.

  In his private office, Tarik paused at his desk. Before sitting, he faced Mati and Hensel. Both men stood at rigid attention within touching distance. Dressed in the black and gold livery of the royal house of Desani no one could mistake who they worked for.

  “Hensel, notify Alain.” Tarik’s tone brooked no argument and his personal guard clicked his booted heels then disappeared through the door they’d entered.

  Tarik waited until they were alone before addressing Mati. “Despite our roles, I count you as a friend. You are my advisor, Mati, but make no mistake on who has final say.” Tarik awaited Mati’s nod of agreement.

  Tarik allowed the silence to continue for another beat. “Hear me and hear me well, I will not offend the Overlord. My Queen died due to the foolishness and greed of one man. I will not continue to have the people I rule live under such fear.”

  Mati bowed low at the waist. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” His tone properly rebuked.

  Tarik relaxed. “Good, we will speak of this no more.” Tarik took the seat at his desk and rubbed his hand across his brow at the mass of forms that accumulated in his brief time outside his office. Private office, public office. It didn’t matter. Maintaining his sovereignty required a hundred hour work week and despite his commitment the work never seemed to end. Just once, he wished for a respite from it all.

  “Where should we start?” The question came out loaded in weariness.

  Mati approached and shuffled the stacks of paper in no visible order. “I recommend you start here. The rest can wait until your guests have departed.”

  Tarik glanced down. It was a letter written in childish script. As he read, the child thanked the King for helping his parents by lowering the rates on their winter crops for the last two years. Tarik turned to the next paper and again it was a letter of thanks from a woman whose husband lost his arm in an accident at a wood mill grinding plant. Meals had been prepared and sent by the royal kitchen for several months allowing the couple a chance to get back on their feet.

  A quick flip through the stack revealed more of the same. Thank you after thank you for acts done on behalf of the royal family. Tarik looked up to Mati but his advisor had slipped quietly out of the office leaving him alone. Hettel, the man knew him too well.

  His twin hearts steadied their beat and Tarik decided to read the entire pile. Each letter warmed and reminded him that being King wasn’t always a burden.

  ***

  “Your crown, Sire.”

  Tarik lowered to one knee much to his servant’s dismay to allow his man Alain to place the weighty jewel encrusted gold crown on his head. With a slight press downward, Alain made sure it fit properly. Tarik got to his feet, careful of the long black cape slung over his shoulder.

  A check in the mirror reflected the perfectly
groomed image of the King of Desani. His ankle length black tunic was richly trimmed in gold braid along his shoulders and the hem. Only the toes of his matching black boots were visible. A thick wide belt of gold hung low on his waist, each circular disc connected by tiny jewels welded together. His brown hair with streaks of blond lay neatly beneath his crown.

  Hammered gold had been fashioned into a rough circle with jewels added unevenly along the rim from each ancestor who’d carried its hefty weight. Ugly and ornamental monstrosity were a few of the words his mother had once used to describe the visible evidence of the Desani King. Tarik much preferred the thin circlet of gold his father had favored. Mati had passed it on to him after his coronation.

  Alain hovered behind him, straightening the cape so it trailed behind Tarik another three feet on the floor. Held at the shoulder by a gold clasp bearing the Sabarn crest, the cape added a layer of unwanted heat.

  “I should skip the cape, Alain.” Tarik watched his royal wardrobe aide pale and swallow thickly.

  “Sire, it is expected.”

  Tarik’s lavender gaze met the appalled shift in Alain’s blue one. “But perhaps in this instance, it would not be amiss.” He could already feel sweat dotting his forehead.

  “The cape stays, Your Majesty.”

  Tarik heaved a sigh. “Be sure and revive me with cold water if I land in a graceful swoon at the dinner table.” As if he’d ever swoon.

  Alain choked but Tarik didn’t stay to laugh at his expense. He swiftly cut through the Queen’s room, head turned deliberately away from the black draped painting. He held his breath to avoid the sweet scent of Pasal and walked by Mati and Hensel. Tarik didn’t slow his steps until he was well into the hall where four more guards took their place behind the royal entourage.