“It means your skills are in different areas. The ‘Brine is in my Veins’ so to speak. I am of Volardi but also of this planet. Many generations of my previous fathers have passed on knowledge on how to deal with them. They have a good life and, yet they persist in their complaints.” He paused while I took in his words. “I believe your own culture has a saying; Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile?”

“We do.”

“I will give them a chance to make restitution. If they do not, then you need not worry about me being away for long.”

I might’ve been the son of a simple farmer as he said, but I could get the meaning in that both from common sense and scent. I thought about my country and wars in our history. We could have ‘won’ battles within days if my government killed everybody. It’s not something I would wish on my country’s soul, but it was possible. There’s only so many ways to win a war quickly.

You kill the other side completely so there’s nobody left to fight.

His voice lowered. “It took us several empires to come to this balance. Those that were too strict, had their races rise in revolt. Those that were too lenient, weren’t respected. We are in danger of being seen as soft. A message must be sent.” His muscles flexed before he continued. “They attacked you. This cannot go unchallenged.”

“You don’t know for sure.”

“My treasure… you give them way too much credit.”

“Perhaps you don’t give them enough?”

He slapped his hands quickly together and I jerked from the noise. “Why do you persist in taking the side of those that plot against me… us? You are my mate. I would think you would–”

“–agree with everything you say?”

“Certainly not, but you live with me. You share your bed while my arms wrap around you. Have I not proven myself?”

“It’s not that,” I said while I wiped away the sweat from my forehead. “There’s something I’m not seeing. This seems wrong.”

“This is politics and diplomacy. Many times there isn’t an answer for all, but Volardi must come first.”

Perhaps I would’ve argued more, but sickness and my pregnancy took most of my energy even if I was in bed.

It was a moot point as the redheaded doctor ran in. “Sire, your Oma has fallen ill.

His voice lowered to a near growl. “No. It spreads.”

***

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

MATROS

“Is this how the universe works? I get a Femeni while I lose one?” My steps toward the medical center were slow and forced. Shying away from my personal death isn’t me. However, the passing of others is too hard to bear. I’ve never been one to complain about the universe but there has been too much death lately.