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“There was gold in it before. A little bit.”
Tomson wasn’t prone to gossip and making up tales, but he might have guessed something odd was in the family. Aurelius smiled at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“His eye has always been blue,” said Jari.
“Now go do what I said,” said Aurelius. “You might have been Regent while I was away, but I’m the actual King now even ifI haven’t been properly crowned. You don’t need to know every second of my life in these past few weeks.”
Tomson bowed. “Very well. Jari, since you aided Prince Aurelius, thank you for that.” He hastily backed out.”
“I see you’ve got that post wedged in deep,” said Jari.
“He’s annoying me, and it’s court.”
“Are you sure he’s a good pick?”
“He is. He’ll keep Nova in good shape and make sure the new, other half is integrated properly. If Darlim ever tries to start shit again, he’ll deal with it. Our army is larger now with Zora added to it.”
The courtiers could barely shut up when Aurelius came around the High Table. Tomson had left Eurig’s old chair empty for him, and Aurelius settled in it. Jari sat by him, and Tomson called for quiet.
“Does anybody have an objection to anything done by Tomson while he was Regent in my absence?” called Aurelius.
The courtiers said no and shook their heads with befuddled expressions.
“Good,” said Aurelius. “King David is no longer living, and with Este’s help, Zora has been added to Nova. Our Kingdom is now twice as big. We did have an issue with Este who was working on her Father’s behalf. I’m sure you can understand a daughter wanting to be loyal to her Father and King, but the Duchess did what was right. I think that’s evident by her leaving Tomson here as Regent. Wockston’s army is heading home, and Este will deal with her Father and his dishonesty. The war is over, so you all can go about your lives, which I see you're already doing.”
“How do we know if they’re not coming back?” someone asked.
“Este has been a great help to me in these past weeks,” said Aurelius. “Yes, she did do something wrong at first out of loyalty,but she had plenty of opportunities to betray me again, and she didn’t. She’s fully proven herself, and even if Darlim decides to invade on his own, Zora’s men are now our own. Nova can protect itself.”
“What happened to you in Zo-”
“I'm not discussing that. While I was away, she helped me to track down Gullveig who was responsible for the death of Zylem, who in turn killed my Father and tried to pin the blame on me and my guard. That’s why I didn’t return sooner. Gullveig has been permanently dealt with, and we don’t have to worry about him. My Father is avenged. In the meantime, I’ve decided to permanently retire and hand over the position to Tomson-”
The Hall exploded at those words, and Tomson looked ready to have a stroke.
“Silence!” called Aurelius. “Nova will-”
“You can’t retire!” exclaimed Tomson.
“Actually, I can,” said Aurelius. “What are you going to do? Chain me to the desk in the office and order me to get to work?”
A vein bulged in Tomson’s forehead. “You're the Crown Prince, or you were, and since your Father has passed, Elira rest his soul, you are the rightful King. Ionlytook over as Regent to keep things in order until you returned. I’m perfectly willing to hand the position back over to you.”
Aurelius nodded. “That’s also partly why I’m leaving it to you. You’re the sort who goes by the book, and I know Nova will be in good hands. You also don’t believe in slavery, and you never had a criminal slave.”
“I banned it because I didn’t think you approved of it either.”
“I don’t, and I know you’ll make laws as needed for the good of Nova and not allow such foul practices. You’re not one to gossip, and you’ll focus on the task and be a good King. You’re also related, and you carry the last name, so the bloodline willcontinue. You have a son who’s already grown. If he marries soon, maybe he’ll have an heir by the time he takes the throne.”
“You were born as the Crown Prince,” Tomson said slowly. “You were raised to rule, and your Father would want you on the throne.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be on the throne.”
“Your Mother would want you as King.”
Aurelius leaned in toward him and spoke in a low voice. “Don’t tell me what my Mother would want. She didn’t want to be the Queen. She didn’t want my eye to be taken out by my insane Father, and she did things to keep me safe. If she were alive now, and I told her I was retiring, she’d know it was best for me. It’s my decision, and I’m tired of living a life where I’m free and not free at the same time. I also don’t want a child. I’ve been through enough, I’m leaving, and I’m taking my guard with me.”
Tomson’s eyes flicked to Jari who had remained quiet so far. “If this is some silly fling-”
