Free Kingdom Come by Devi Mara Page B

too generous, ninti. I thank you for such a gift,” he said formally, taking the gift with both hands to show his gratitude.
    The dagger was far more extravagant in close proximity. The hilt was covered in dozens of flawless rainbow diamonds, reflecting the colors of nature every time the light hit it. The blade itself was precision cut and he could see it had been lovingly honed to razor sharpness. The gift was priceless. He raised his eyes to tell the woman he could not accept it only to find the group had moved on in his distraction.
    “Your Highness,” Konani called. “The queen awaits you.”
    Gripping the dagger, his lips turned up into a small smile. He crossed to the enlil and climbed in next to his head advisor, the panel sliding closed silently. The craft rose steadily and moved toward the center of the square. The large front window showed the ground flowing below them at an impossible speed, the stone avenue giving way to the city park surrounding the royal palace.
    After a handful of minutes, the palace came into view. It was blinding white in the midday light. The enlil slowed and finally stopped, landing on the front lawn. Enric hopped out as soon as the panel slid open. He waited for Konani to join him before walking toward his home.
    “My son,” his mother said, the moment he entered the throne room.
    He studied her as he approached. She appeared paler and thinner than the last time he saw her. Her usually luxurious hair was wane and dull, hanging limply around her face. She sat with her back perfectly straight, but he could see small tremors shaking her shoulders.
    “You’re not well.”
    She gave him a small smile. “I did not call you here to discuss my health, son.”
    He paused at the base of the steps to the throne and looked up at her. “Nonetheless.”
    The motherly warmth fled her eyes at his tone. “You forget yourself, Ambassador.”
    He ducked his head. “I apologize for my lack of respect.”
    He knelt on one knee and crossed his right arm across his chest. When he raised his head, her gaze had thawed. She studied him closely.
    “What is that?” she asked, her eyes on the dagger.
    “A courtship gift for Abigail.”
    “She has acknowledged you?” his mother asked, obviously pleased.
    He paused. He was not sure he could consider her behavior accepting. She had yet to tell him he could approach her. If she had not asked for assistance, he would not have been allowed to take her arm in the garden. For the thousandth time, he wondered if there were a better way to approach her. He looked down at the dagger in his hands. Perhaps, it would please her.
    “Not yet.”
    His mother shifted in place. “Have you not made her aware of your feelings?” she asked sharply.
    He frowned to himself. “I have not met her gaze. What more can I do to show her the high esteem in which I hold her?”
    “She is from Earth. What is so obvious to us is not to them.”
    He looked at her sharply.
    “I mean no offense, my son.”
    He sighed. “I know. I apologize.” He reached up to loosen his tie. “I am merely irritated with the human governments.”
    “Which brings us to the business I have called you here to discuss. The Dorn have been far more active of late.”
    Mention of his father’s people made him tense. He had met his father only five times in his life, none of the meetings had been pleasant. While the man adored his mother, he had very little interest in his son. Edric preferred it that way.
    “What have they done?”
    The Queen visibly sighed. “Caern has chosen to supply that rebel group with weaponry.”
    “The one you were following in Eastern Europe?”
    She nodded. “The skirmish has bloomed into a small war. The Russian government is trying to contain the situation, but…”
    Edric scowled. “Anything else?”
    In a fluid move, his mother stood from the throne to descend the steps. “Always. The Dorn are warmongers, you know this.” She stopped in front of him and placed