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CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Khol

Everyone at the dining table could tell I was in a cranky mood.

My brother, Ghid. One of my guard commanders, Thanu. Ghid’s advisor and lead builder, Zorfov. And of course, Princess Sanjit.

They all stared at me as I shuffled through the maps and plans on the table.

“As you see, I think our colonies would benefit from a blood union. As I learned from my uncle’s and father’s mistakes, nothing can trump a blood union,” Sanjit spoke and then picked up her wine and took a long sip.

As she stared at me, Ghid, who was seated directly beside me, leaned over and plucked out one of the maps.

“I happen to agree,” Ghid said. “We’ve taken Dretis and all the smaller settlements and you, my dear Sanjit, will inherit all the Isles of Contra. Our future acquisitions would make us formidable to all. I’m itching to start my building what I know will be one of the greatest colonies on Xalxa 5. Acquiring the Isle of Contra is only the beginning, but there’s so much more coming. King Oderas will be proud of what we’ve achieved.” He scratched his chin and further studied the map.

“Can you tell me about some of these future acquisition plans, Ghid?” Sanjit asked. “This is the first I’ve heard of other acquisition plans beyond our Isles.”

Ghid put the map down and leaned forward. “We—”

I cleared my throat. “Our plans are not made known before they are executed. I’m sure you understand, Princess,” I stated.

Ghid leaned back in his chair.

Princess Sanjit flicked back her hair. “Of course.”

“We’ll need to look at these plans and map before we decide,” I continued.

“What is there to decide? The plans have already been approved by King Oderas. He is aware. I’ve communicated with him that I’ll accept any proposal you present to me, even a blood union.” She looked between Ghid and I. “I’ve always admired both of you. And I’ve heard of the wonderful work that Ghid has done on our planet and others. There’s only the river stopping us from coming together and I know Ghid with his skills has a solution for that.”

Ghid smiled proudly and licked his lips as he studied the Princess. I already knew what was on his mind.

“Besides,” the princess added. “I’d hate to have to take my proposal to some other king who might understand my vision.”

“You are free to do just that, Princess. None of us here will stop you,” I replied.

She tested my stare with a defiant one of her own. “In all honesty, I much rather work with you—the Xihran brothers.”

I looked down at the maps before me and studied the legend. I couldn’t deny that the acquisition of Isles of Contra would be a smart move and an even smarter alliance. They had a lot of resources we didn’t have in the colony. But I couldn’t seem to think straight. With Visla disappointed in me, it was all I could think about.

“My king, I’ve been working with Ghid on the plans for the new bridge. I can attest that his plans are monumental,” Zorfov stated. “The future is bright. There will be many changes coming around the bend. Princess Sanjit, I truly hope you are a part of those changes.”

Sanjit batted her eyelashes. “I hope we all feel the same. But alas, I understand your king must think this through especially since the blood union is what ultimately will seal this deal per what Ghid and I discussed.”

“Many things can and have sealed deals, Princess,” Zorfov said.

I never cared much Zorfov and I was certain he knew it, but Ghid had befriended him years ago. I already knew he wanted to be named ambassador, but nothing he’d done so far had proven that he was worthy of the title.

“Blood unions are only one option,” Zorfov added.

“That is true,” the princess said.

Yet, I could tell by her apprehension that she wanted something more solid ensuring this prospective alliance would never be broken. She may have lost all of the noteworthy male lead-figures in her life, but Sanjit certainly wasn’t dumb. She wasn’t prepared to just give away her lands without a fight or payment in kind. But she knew she had no armies to protect the Isles after her uncle had led them all into a battle that was powered by greed and not sanctioned by the King and lost all but a hundred warriors—as well as the battle itself.

But I refused to let anyone press my hand or rush me into a decision that would have a monumental effect all around.

I leaned over and told Thanu that I’d had enough.

“I’ll stay and fill you in, my King,” he said.

I nodded and then stood up from my seat to address the rest of them. “I have somewhere to be tonight. Excuse me.”

“But brother—”

“My decision won’t be made until after we return from Nunbar as we previously agreed upon,” I said, looking between both him and Sanjit.

“I can wait until you return from Nunbar, my King,” the Princess said. “Of course, my men and I weren’t fully expecting to return to the Isles until the next several moons. We hoped to have good news for my people. I’d hate to go back with no news at all.”

“Not to worry, Princess. We’ve already prepared a room for you here in the castle. Make yourself at home and please let me know if you need anything at all,” Ghid said before I could interject.

I met Ghid’s stare with opposition and he returned it.

I only hoped that Ghid wasn’t thinking with his cock and letting this Princess fuck him dry until there was nothing left. Out of respect, I decided to hold my tongue. Without another word, I pushed my seat from the dinner table and exited the room.