Chapter Nineteen
Azalyn finished her last stroke and placed her paintbrush in a cup of cleaning solution.
She’d always preferred animals over people as subjects, but she’d tackled the challenge in order to capture her son’s image.
Painting a straightforward portrait wasn’t her style, so there were strokes of color used strategically throughout Kelzal’s face, neck, and shoulders to make the image stand out. Even with the unusual hints of colors, no one would mistake it for anyone but her son.
Stepping back and turning toward the sink to wash her hands, Azalyn tried not to think of what she wanted to paint next. Since nearly a month has passed since last seeing Toralyn, she’d hoped to see her daughter again by now and convince her to at least allow Azalyn to sketch out a preliminary image. Only once she had a portrait of both their children would she present them to Keltor as a gift.
Even with her daughter still participating in some undercover work—or, so Xerla and Ervan’s reports said—Azalyn had nothing to complain about. Keltor had formally announced Kelzal’s line in the succession as well as broadcast his new role as king, both with only minimal resistance. Well, at least for the time being. She had no idea what the future held.
Things had also settled down inside the palace and she now spent most of her time in Keltor’s quarters, allowing her to spend time with her male and to give Kelzal his space. And when not there, her duties with the Jasvarian campaign and council meetings occupied most of her time.
But every once in a while, Kelzal would immerse himself in research and Keltor would have kingly duties he needed to perform, which left Azalyn with an occasional chance to paint.
Turning back to Kelzal’s portrait, she didn’t realize how much she’d needed to reclaim the part of herself that had emerged during her years apart from Keltor. In a way, painting her children and giving it to him would bridge the two lives together.
The computer system chimed, followed by, “Kelzal Burrig.”
Wiping her hands on a towel, she quickly headed toward the main foyer.
Even though Kelzal was free to wander Keltor’s quarters, he stood near a side table that had a few of her older paintings in frames. He ran his finger around each frame at a steady pace before tapping the table in a rhythm she’d heard many times before.
“What’s wrong, Kelzal?”
He didn’t look away from the table. “Will Keltor remain busy with his duties for at least an hour?”
What Azalyn wouldn’t give to have her son refer to Keltor as his father. But she would never force the issue. “According to his schedule and the update he sent me, yes. Why?”
He moved his gaze to hers. “I want you to take me to see King Kastor.”
Azalyn resisted widening her eyes. “Are you sure?”
Nodding, he looked back to the table. “I am. They say his health is declining further and I believe I should meet him at least once to get answers for some questions. I want you to come with me.”
“Kastor is not the formidable male he once was; you would do fine talking with him alone.”
“I understand that. But in case I miss a social cue or implied emotion, I want you there to help me because what I have to ask is important.”
Pushing aside her curiosity, she took a step toward Kelzal and placed a hand on his shoulder. Her son needed her. “I will go, if you like.” He nodded. “I should change clothes first.”
“Why?” His eyes flicked to the blue, green, and yellow splotches on her skirt. “I like the paint. It adds more color to your clothes.”
She snorted. “As much as I agree with you, I’m not sure the former king would approve.”
“Does it matter? In a matter of weeks you will be queen, with or without his approval.”
She did her best not to smile at Kelzal’s protective tone. “More importantly, I suppose he is family now.” She held out her multicolored skirt and half-twirled. “Besides, I always look for ways to surprise the royal guards. I’m sure my appearance will do the trick.”
Kelzal grunted. “I don’t like the guards. They are always in the way, not to mention inefficient. No one will attack me while walking down a secret hallway.”
Not wanting to rehash the argument they’d had many times before, she squeezed Kelzal’s shoulder and took a step toward the door. “Come, let’s go. If we hurry, we can catch Kastor before his afternoon medication is dispensed and he’ll be more alert.”
Without another word, Azalyn headed out the door and down the secret corridor to Kastor’s quarters. Kelzal followed on her heels.
While Kelzal wanting to meet his paternal grandfather was a big step, she was glad he’d asked her along for her own reasons, too. The meeting would allow Azalyn the opportunity to ask Kastor something without Keltor present.
Namely, if Keltor had a half sibling or not.
Father and son had no trouble discussing policy or royal history, but anything personal was silently agreed upon to be off-limits. Not to mention that any time Azalyn brought up the subject, Keltor kissed or teased her on purpose, putting off her curiosity.
So it was up to her to find out the truth.
Soon they reached Kastor’s quarters, and Kelzal passed both sets of palm and retina scanners. Kastor’s Barren nurse, Jevla, greeted them. “I did not expect you.”
Azalyn spoke up since Kelzal detested formalities. “We decided to visit unexpectedly. I believe Kastor asked for Kelzal to come when he was able.”
“I shall check if his majesty is receiving visitors.” The nurse went to a side room. She and Kelzal waited silently until she returned. “He will see you.”
The nurse guided them to Kastor’s room. Azalyn braced herself for the worst, but upon entering, blinked at Kastor sitting in a large, stuffed chair instead of laying on his bed.
Kastor noted her confusion and smiled. “Without any real duties to perform, I find myself more refreshed and not quite ready to die yet.”
“I should hope not,” Azalyn stated without missing a beat. “After all, you vowed to hang on until you met both your grandchildren.”
Keltor and Azalyn had decided to share Toralyn’s existence with the former king; he’d had no idea of a second grandchild.
She gently pushed Kelzal forward. Her son took another step toward Kastor’s chair, but Kelzal merely stood in silence with his eyes averted.
Kastor’s voice filled the room. “Thank you for coming to see me, Kelzal. I have a feeling you blame me for your parents being apart and your eventual adoption. As such, I am honored to be in your presence.”
Her son’s gaze met the former king’s. “I’ve had a good life and am glad for it. However, you are the cause of my mother’s pain.”
“You are correct,” the older male said without apology.
Azalyn held her breath to see what would happen. She’d intervene as a last resort, but Kelzal was a grown male and needed to test out Kastor’s boundaries on his own.
~~~
Kelzal Burrig frowned at his paternal grandfather. “I didn’t expect for you to be so forthright.”
“I am no longer king and finally have the freedom to say what I wish, at least to my own family. Part of me regrets my actions in the past, but part of me knows it was the right thing to do. Being a monarch isn’t always easy.”
The old male didn’t say anything Kelzal didn’t already know.
However, his decision to visit Kastor hadn’t been made lightly. Kelzal had come with a purpose. “I hear enough about that from Keltor. I came here to ask you a historical legal question.”
Kastor’s brows raised. “Then by all means, go ahead.”
Kelzal looked to the side of the room and focused on one of the light fixtures. Imagining the internal wiring and construction helped him to focus and recall a passage he’d read earlier in the week. “One hundred and thirty-five years ago there was a crisis in the line of succession. The event required the courts to put in place a temporary exception, allowing a female to assume the throne until a distant male cousin of hers could be located and brought to rule.”
“You mean Queen Laranna,” Kastor answered.
“Yes. Since there is a legal precedent for a female ruler, even if only temporarily, would it be possible for it to happen again? I am not as adept at understanding Kelderan law as you since it has never interested me until recently.”
Kastor grunted. Eight seconds passed before he finally spoke again. “Queen Laranna was a mere placeholder, not a long-reigning monarch. However, a legal case could be made that a female has ruled in the past and should be allowed to do so again in the future. To change the law would require the assistance of the commoners’ representatives. And that would be a long shot, at best, Kelzal. Especially given your sister’s activities over the years. A female ruler would cause enough talk and outrage, but for one that has been trained in defense and espionage is nearly impossible. She would be viewed as a threat to Kelderan tradition and way of life.”
“I understand the odds against it,” Kelzal said. “However, Toralyn would be more appropriate for the role.”
“And why is that?” Kastor inquired.
As always, Kelzal spoke the truth. “I’m not skilled in discerning lies from truth, at least until I have the research to disprove something. Nor do I understand the need for saying one thing when I mean another. Keltor always says that a monarch must realize his strengths and weaknesses. I am merely stating mine—I would be too easily manipulated. That is dangerous for Keldera.”
His mother spoke up from behind him. “I think you’re selling yourself short, Kelzal. With practice and trusted councilors, you would do well.”
Glancing at his mother, he said, “I appreciate your support. However, it is one clouded by emotion. Toralyn would be a better choice not just for Keldera, but also for ensuring your safety.”
After weeks of studying his mother, he recognized the flash of concern. She was trying her best to support him. And while he appreciated it since it was her way of showing affection, Kelzal lived by facts and truth.
And he sensed Kastor did as well.
Moving his gaze back to the older male, he added, “You know I am correct.”
“Perhaps. But for the moment, you are the heir, Kelzal. Until you can find a solution and enact it, you must acknowledge that fact.”
“I still don’t understand how an accident of birth makes me the most suitable candidate.”
Kastor barked out a laugh. “I’ve asked myself the same question many times. But our society functions with both a house of commoners’ representatives and a monarchy. Too big of a shift from the status quo might renege our treaties with nearby planets and risk war.”
“And yet we risk war with my mother marrying Keltor.”
Shrugging, Kastor stated, “That is something we can at least attempt to contain.”
Why did no one understand how poor a choice he’d be for a ruler? He wasn’t being selfish. He’d laid out his case and admitted some of his worst faults.
And still they wanted to force him into a situation that would end badly for all.
Turning away, Kelzal focused on the painting of a female he’d seen only in digital pictures before—the late Queen Solahn, his paternal grandmother.
He shared a few of the same genetic traits, but he would never smile as freely as the female in the picture. He was the only one in his family who seemed to be different.
Not wanting more reminders of that fact, he murmured, “I must return to my research.”
He made to exit the room when Kastor’s voice rang out, “If you have other questions, return at any time.”
Nodding, Kelzal briefly met his mother’s eyes before exiting the room. He wasn’t done finding a way for his sister to assume the throne. All Kelzal wished was to protect his mother and sister. Being left alone with his research would also be ideal.
Tapping his fingers against his thighs, he exited Kastor’s quarters and picked up his pace, doing his best to ignore the royal guards who escorted him.
He would find a way for his sister to be next in line to keep Keldera at peace, if nothing else. And he’d do whatever it took to ensure his plans became reality, even if it meant changing the law.
The first step would be studying every case related to a female assuming ownership of key positions. Only then could he devise the best strategy.
~~~
Azalyn watched her son leave and did her best to hide her emotions.
Kelzal might be slightly different from most people, but she had a feeling he viewed it as worse than it really was, possibly even as a defect.
And that broke her heart.
Kastor’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “I know you are his mother, Azalyn, but the boy has a point. I also think his sister would be a better ruler.”
She swiveled around to face Kastor once again. “Since when are you open to changing the status quo? Especially when you did nothing for Keltor and me, nor, if the rumors are true, your illegitimate children.”
He quirked a brow. “You, of all people, know that rumors aren’t always true.”
This was it, her chance to find out the truth. “So are you denying them?”
“No,” he whispered softly, to the point Azalyn doubted she’d heard him correctly.
“Pardon?”
Kastor looked over at the portrait of Queen Solahn. “I didn’t expect to find a female for more than a few nights of pleasure once Solahn died. Our children may think I didn’t care for her because of how much time I spent away, ruling the planet. But I loved her.” He smiled. “She was much like you are with my son, in that she forced me to stop and enjoy life every once in a while. But then she died during the Brevkan wars and I had no one to prevent me from working nonstop. Even seeing our children was too painful; they only reminded me of her.”
Azalyn remained quiet, afraid that a question might break Kastor’s memories and she’d never find out the truth.
Nearly a minute passed, but the older male continued, “A few years after Solahn’s death, I went to the small city of Cillaren to meet with one of our now foreign allies to negotiate trade agreements. The meetings took place in an upscale retreat complex, on the outskirts of the city. Jalarra was one of the servers for our meals. At first glance, my instinct kicked in and I knew she was one of my potential destined brides. Her being a commoner meant that I needed to keep away from her.”
“And somehow you didn’t.”
“No. At that time, she worked many jobs at the retreat facility, and I stumbled upon her cleaning my rooms. She scowled and told me to wait until she was done, otherwise she wouldn’t be paid if the job wasn’t completed. Her boldness surprised me, and I realized how much I missed it; few had acted that way with me since my bride’s death. I soon found myself searching her out. Even once the negotiations completed, I devised excuses to visit the area to see her. After some time, she found herself with child.”
Kastor met her gaze again. “I met her for the first time over twenty years ago, before you and Keltor, back when Keldera was still trying to rebuild after the devastating war with the Brevkan. Jalarra convinced me not to acknowledge her or test tradition for fear of what might happen. Her requests only became more fervent once our first child was born. I could not say no to her, and so our assignations and love remained secret.”
Understanding dawned on Azalyn. “When Keltor and I were together back then, and you discovered it, the situation must’ve seemed clear—any monarch taking a commoner as bride would be too disruptive.”
He nodded. “It doesn’t excuse my meddling—believe me, if I had known about your children, I would’ve tried a different tact—but I believed that if I had to hide away and publicly not claim Jalarra to protect Keldera, then Keltor should do the same.”
“Where is Jalarra now? Is she still alive?”
“Yes, she still lives in Cillaren, with our youngest daughter, Kasarra. Our eldest daughter, Kajala, joined the colony on Jasvar. And then there is our only son, Korjal.”
Azalyn would wrap her head around the existence of Keltor’s three half siblings later. For the moment, she pushed for more information. “Why do you sound irritated when mentioning your son?”
Kastor sighed. “Because he is a young fool, and he’s embroiled himself with the antimonarchists.”
She blinked. “How is that possible?”
“By all accounts, he hasn’t revealed his parentage. The people in Cillaren believe him and his sisters to be the children of one or more of the retreats’ patrons. None suspect me, however. Jalarra and I were careful in that respect.”
Azalyn wasn’t quite as confident of that fact since no doubt at least some of the staff knew the secret. “But Korjal knows you are his father?”
“Eventually, yes, they all found out. However, as Korjal grew older, he demanded to be acknowledged. No amount of discussion from me or his mother changed his mind. And one day, he left a note and vanished. Later one of my guards learned of him joining up with the antimonarchists.”
Taking a seat in the chair next to Kastor, Azalyn touched his arm. “And you’ve been carrying around all these secrets over the years, haven’t you? Because Keltor doesn’t know about this.”
“No, nor do Kason and Kalahn. Keltor had enough reason to hate me. Him discovering I had a female commoner I loved and had children with would only intensify the hatred. For the sake of succession, I kept the secret.”
“Then why tell me?”
He smiled. “If anyone can break the news to Keltor and make him listen, it’s you. I only hope he’ll continue to ensure their well-being. While I bought the retreat complex as a gift and bestowed it on Jalarra so that she has a source of income, if anyone finds out the connection between me and them, their lives could be in danger. Promise me that you’ll convince Keltor to look after them.”
For the first time, Azalyn believed the old king approved of her. “I promise. But out of curiosity, when was the last time you saw them?”
“Not since I became severely ill months ago.”
She squeezed his arm at the sadness in his voice. “Then I will reveal this information to Keltor and find a way to bring Jalarra and your children here, if you so wish. Or, at least your children still on Keldera.”
“Whether they come or not should be Jalarra’s decision; she may not wish to see me since our last visit ended in an argument. But if she does, and if Keltor knows and vows his duty to protect them, then I would love to see them one last time. Although I’m not so sure Korjal would be open to leaving the antimonarchists to join his mother and sister.”
“I’m sure we can work on that, too.” Azalyn stood. “I’ll break the news to Keltor as soon as I’m able. The more family he has, the better.”
Kastor reached up and took her wrist, preventing her from leaving. “I allowed my own circumstances and unhappiness to cloud my judgment about you, Azalyn. For that, I’m sorry.”
“You’ve made an effort, Kastor, and for that, I commend you.” She tugged lightly, and he released his grip. “Now, rest. With any luck, it won’t be long until you see the rest of your family again.”
He nodded, and it was then that Azalyn noted the dark circles under his eyes and the yellow-tinge to his normally golden skin. Kastor may be refreshed for the moment, but she wasn’t sure how many more weeks he could hold on.
Exiting the room, she signaled to the nurse that it was time for her to return to her duties.
As she turned a corner, Azalyn started to think of how to break the news to Keltor. Because if she didn’t act soon, Kastor’s other children might never have the chance to say goodbye to their father. Despite everything that had happened to her because of Kastor, he deserved to say his farewells to as many of his children as possible.
Since it’d still be hours before Keltor came home, it gave her some time to research what she could on Jalarra and the three children. The more information she had, the less time it would take to convince Keltor to risk bringing Jalarra and her daughter to the palace.