Fuath was always… combative – as was I, but perhaps a new ruler would fit this new age. The humans were a welcome addition, but perhaps the Ryba could be too.

I turned to his guard. “If the king is incapacitated, you two rule, yes?”

Both nodded in unison.

“Does his desire for revenge at the expense of his people means he’s unable to rule?”

Again, they agreed in unison.

“Was my earlier offer sensible and fair to the Ryba?”

They both indicated as much.

“We offered a reasonable agreement,” I said to Fuath as he strained against the eels. “Yet you speak of waging war against our people even with the concessions we’re willing to make.”

“It would appear,” he said, “that it doesn’t matter what I agree or don’t agree to. You will do what you wish but know this. I will harm you and your people. Two disloyal mates will not stop me.”

I stared down into his eyes and wondered if I looked into a reflecting pool. I don’t think I lived in hatred of them. Distrust, yes, but they weren’t Volardi. My people came first, but perhaps helping another will help my own. We boast of our practicality and measured leadership.

Let’s see if that’s true.

I turned to both. “Let’s make a deal to benefit both Volardi and Ryba.

We walked to the far side of the room. Enough to keep him in my sight and my now larger family. Royal matters were being attended to, yet I still found time to smile and touch my Femeni and new son. Peter was worthy and welcome to give his input, but he did his part. More than any other Femeni ever did in Volardi history. He deserved his rest.

I lost track of time as we went over the minutia of the deal. Workarounds, hidden agendas, and the letter of the agreement were well within my mind.

I’m certain with enough effort they might circumvent points of the agreement. Specialists at Volardi prime would look at it as would their people. For now, it was a tentative agreement. Eventually, we would have an understanding that will benefit us both.

Once finished, I presented it to Fuath.

“All this means is I won. My people will sing my name.”

My eyes narrowed. “Two last additions. To ensure no one attempts to sabotage our new relationship… I request nobody know of his involvement. Second. I want to ensure he has no contact with his people. Otherwise, this relationship could fall apart like sand against a wave.”

“We cannot allow him to be hurt,” said Sammen in unison.