Even my Oma was expected not to survive, and yet he does. I can give him what he thought he would never live to see; his child’s child in his arms. Even the situation with the Ryba was unexpected. Our peoples were never cordial, unlike other planets where the client races ranged from friendly or mild dislike.

I still believe what we gave to them years ago was fair. Normally, I would say no to the demands and not embarrass myself by asking the Emperor. However, the new bio-technology would strengthen our empire.

So, with all the good things that happened, was it too much to expect I would get one more thing?

Both women walked to our side, and we approached my Oma’s room.

I should refer to them by their new titles.

They were no longer the King’s guard or wives but rather the rulers of their kingdom. It boded well for the future, but nothing was certain. Just as I didn’t control the entire planet, they didn’t control all the oceans. There were other rulers to consider both on land and beneath the seas. There were so much to do, but it still came down to the Emperor. Final decisions would be out of my control. The only real thing I could do was to give a gesture of trust. It was still almost impossible to do, yet it was a chance to save my Oma’s life.

I have to do this.

As horrific as his… death would be, knowing I could have prevented it would be worse. If he died because of fear or suspicion, it would kill me. Not as literal as my former loves, but deep inside. My people and family deserved a whole ruler.

Both women… rulers walked to the room with no prompting or direction. I suspected it was a hint to broadcast their knowledge. There’re only a few ways of letting me know. This or using it in an attack.

I prefer this way.

They knew my royal layout, yet both stood to the side of the grand door while I entered. I stopped in mid-step while I looked at the tiny man in bed, with thinning hair. Wrinkles grew around his lips as he smiled… before the coughing took over. His aging accelerated or, so it would appear. I knew it resulted from stress. From fighting the disease to the recent events. Still, the age seemed to leave his face while he stared at us three and our new guests. If there was a way to look at everyone at once and yet each individually, he did it.

I’m sure he would have gotten up had he could. Instead, he hugged himself tight before his bony hands went out. Nothing was said but, only a fool wouldn’t know what he wanted. We gave what Peter would call his Grandson to him and against all odds, my Oma held my child.