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The room was box-like and utilitarian. The bed he rested on was railed and narrow. A single chair had been arranged on either side. Curtains covered most of one wall blocking out any hint of natural light. The female had left the door open and light streamed in from beyond the room but he couldn’t see what was out there.
Rapid footfalls sounded in the corridor and then a male in his later years entered the room. This was clearly a hospital, but how had he gotten here?
“Where am I?” His voice cracked, so hoarse he barely recognized the sound.
“This is Highview Memorial Hospital. Don’t try to move. The Pyronese witches managed to stabilize your organs, but you have more than a hundred broken bones and they have just begun to mend. The emperor insisted on speaking with you before I sedate you again. I’ll let him know you’ve regained consciousness.”
Verbet tried to nod but the simple movement shot searing pain down his spine. “How long?”
“I am not sure how long you were on Pyron,” the doctor admitted. “If you are asking how long it will take for your injuries to heal, the answer is many weeks. This sort of damage will take multiple passes of the regen unit. I am honestly amazed you survived the explosion.”
That’s right. He ambushed the hunters in an effort to capture the conduits his half-brother was so desperate to possess. He didn’t blame Jevara. Power triads were amazing and the only way to control a power triad was to control a conduit. Well, his determination to impress his half-brother had nearly cost him his life. Jevara needed to let go of this obsession and move on to something else, something less futile.
As if summoned by Verbet’s irritation, Jevara swept into the room. His guards—Jevara didn’t take a shit without his guards by his side—blocked the doorway, which also blocked out most of the light.
“Welcome home,” Jevara muttered mechanically. “Why is it so dark in here? Illuminate one hundred percent.”
The lights responded and Verbet groaned. He squeezed his eyes shut to block out the painful invasion. “Illuminate fifty percent.”
Jevara chuckled but didn’t counter Verbet’s order. “You look like shit.”
Dragging his eyelids open, Verbet glared at his tactless half-brother. “Living through an explosion will do that to you.”
“The doctors assure me you will recover, though they are not sure about your legs. You might need some sort of aid when you walk, a cane or crutch.” Verbet didn’t miss the subtle lift at one corner of Jevara’s lips. The fucker was enjoying this. “What the hell happened out there? You have never failed me before. How did a bunch of untrained hunters get the better of you?”
Verbet clenched his hands, welcoming the pain caused by the motion. “The hunters didn’t. The massive warship that appeared out of nowhere did.”
Jevara’s brows arched as he averted his face. “If you say so.”
Confusion kept Verbet quiet for a long, tense moment. Was Jevara screwing with him? “Did you watch the recording? Mistress Air told me that they sent you a video that showed exactly what happened.”
“They’ve allied with my enemy,” Jevara reminded harshly. “Why would I believe anything they sent me?”
“In this instance, the circumstances are important,” Verbet argued, heightened emotions making his head pound. “I expected one mid-sized hunter ship, but there was?—”
“The specifics are irrelevant,” Jevara snapped. “The result is the same. Every planet in this star system has power triads—except Torret! I didn’t think my order was that hard to fulfill, yet everyone has failed me. I thought you were the one person I could count on, the only person who would succeed regardless of the odds. Clearly, I was wrong. I am so disappointed in you.”
Astonished by Jevara’s selfishness, Verbet just stared back at him silently. They were half-brothers and Verbet had nearly died. He was still facing weeks, perhaps months of painful rehabilitation. Did this creature feel anything but ambition?
Jevara sniffed and lifted his chin, managing to look petulant and arrogant at the same time. “If my father’s blood did not flow through your veins, I would have left you on Pyron to rot. I have no use for failures. I thought you understood that.”
Verbet was too angry to speak, and too weak to lash out physically. All he could do was lie there and stare in furious astonishment at the self-absorbed emperor so many despised. Any love Verbet felt for Jevara shriveled up and died as the emperor’s words echoed through Verbet’s mind.I would have left you on Pyron to rot.
This person was soulless and cruel. Why had it taken so long for Verbet to see it?
An image slowly formed within Verbet’s mind: Laidon Feran, crafty leader of the rebellion. His hair was a mixture of gold and brown, his eyes forest green. Jevara had ordered Verbet to attend several rallies, to quietly gather information. As always, Verbet had done as his half-brother directed. The only problem was Verbet had been moved by Laidon’s impassioned speeches. He found the rebel leader charismatic and compelling. They had only met briefly, but Verbet sensed a kindred soul.
Verbet had been approached numerous times in the ensuing months by various rebels. They knew that nothing would change as long as Jevara drew breath. They never came right out and said, “We want you to murder your half-brother,” but they tempted him with promises of power, equality, and freedom. The only thing that kept Verbet from joining their cause was his love for his half-brother. Well, clearly the feeling was not mutual. Jevara didn’t see him as a valued family member. Verbet was a subordinate, a warrior, a subject, no more important than any other.
Anger welled within Verbet, bitter and cutting. He wanted to pummel the emperor’s sneering face as he pointed out all the times, all the myriad ways he had supported and defended Jevara. But history warned that Jevara did not deal well with such outbursts. If Verbet was going to explore other options, he needed to protect what little remained of his access to this heartless tyrant.
He took a deep breath and swallowed his pride. “I am so very sorry for disappointing you. I know how much this meant to you. I should have been better prepared.” The words tasted so vile that Verbet barely forced them past his lips.
Jevara’s chin came up again and his gaze returned to Verbet’s battered face. “I’m glad you have seen reason. I feared you would add to the catastrophe by making excuses. Request an audience with me when you have finished with all this.” He motioned toward the room at large. “We can discuss your penance then.”
Verbet’s gaze burned into Jevara’s back as he turned and left the room. Penance? Was this fucker kidding? The only thing Verbet was sorry for was not turning on Jevara a long time ago.
CHAPTER4
