Exhaustion pounded at his vision, his temple. Buro hadn't found rest, not with the impending arrival of his new ward, Jenaso. The message crows kept him informed, and when Nateo crossed the borders between Letoura and Meideon, the crushing weight on Buro's chest lessened. Yet, he wouldn't know peace until she was here in the palace.

Amid heated debate on the productivity of the jade mines and fishing ships, Buro's ever-vigilant guard, Tei, informed him of Nateo's arrival. Buro leaped to his feet, chasing his advisors out of the throne room. His boots thumped on the cobbled stones as he ran pell-mell along the underground passages, trusting Tei to follow. Buro did not fear for his life, for they were not at war, nor would harm befall him within his palace and the beloved city of Ethrielle. With Tei present, the risk to Buro's life was minimal.

Nateo had circled the city to ensure no one saw him enter from the direction of Letoura. This left Buro waiting, pacing on the eastern side of the palace. His cloak and robes billowed from behind him. Each violent stride aligned with the reverberating thunder from the approaching storm. The wind was as turbulent as the emotions roiling within him, with icy fingers as sharp as the fear piercing his usual serenity.

Sorrow's darkness embraced his heart. He and Kura became friends when they wrestled on the ground over the charms of a palace maidservant, of all things. Just remembering that day decades ago, a smile formed—a burst of warmth rolled through Buro's chest despite the chilling wind lashing at his cheeks. They had received severe chastisement and were sent to work the mines for a week. It took that long to travel to the Bowels of Abarat. Harsh words and scuffles soured their journey, but the seven days of mining stone and precious gems under the sweat of their brows strengthened their friendship. The test of time proved their loyalty to each other. This was why Kura chose Buro to care for his precious daughter.

The thunderous hooves of the horse galloping across the bridge paused Buro's pacing. He rested his hand on the cold ivory hilt of his sword—his grip soft but possessive, like a lover's touch on his hip. Nateo drew his horse to a halt with a strong arm wrapped around the sleeping girl. Keeping her clasped against his chest, he slid out of the saddle.

Buro darted forward, determined not to wait, that not a raindrop would land on her. He had promised Kura he would keep his daughter safe, and by the Divine, Buro would. The crows told him of the massacre. How the royal blood spilled down the palace steps, staining its beautiful white stone floors. The city shook with wailing as Letourans saw the same fate as their rulers. Unlucky visitors were unable to escape the slaughter.

If such a massacre occurred on Meideon soil, his people would demand justice for their loved ones, and as their king, he had no other recourse but to confront King Rumoc of Drem. Despite Drem being rich in minerals and silver, Rumoc wouldn't offer recompense for this incident. They were an arrogant people, indicative of Rumoc himself, who believed he was above natural law.

There had been whisperings of such a decisive plot, but hope had prevailed. Although, Kura, ever the strategist, planned accordingly. Seven days after his death his daughter was, at last, safe. Buro gathered the girl from Nateo's arms, giving him a nod, before rushing into the palace through the hidden tunnel. Buro hoped her brother and the heir-apparent made it out as well. To lose him too would be brutal for the young girl. He tamped down the sorrow welling in his chest, at the loss of Kura and his beautiful empress, Eria. His hold tightened on their last essence asleep in his arms.

"Did she choose a name?" he asked Nateo, who followed him from the servants' entrance into the hidden tunnel.

"Joi, my king." Exhaustion roughened Nateo's voice.

"A simple name, perfect. You did well, Nateo. You have my eternal thanks and the appropriate reward."

"A reward is not required, my king. To save her was thanks enough." Nateo trailed Buro into the stone foyer and her new chambers. "I cannot say when last I had such a delightful trip. Despite what she must have endured, she was polite yet inquisitive, peppering me for stories on the Meideon royal family. I admired her unexpected intelligence and her quest for knowledge even more so."

"Truly? I'd received whisperings of such...I will steer her toward the scholars. Perhaps they would serve as a distraction during her mourning."

"Wise as always, my king."

"You and Tei serve me well, but I need you to become her shadow, Nateo."

"As you command, my king."

Buro grunted as he placed the girl onto her bed, pulling the blanket over her. She snuggled into the bedding, cupping a hand under her cheek. He took the time to assess her—her small, pale face with the dark, slashing eyebrows of the Letoura. A thick braid trailed behind her, black as a moonless night. Her cheekbones were high, adding an ethereal air to her features. Her pointed chin was the elegant ending to her angular jawline.

"She received the blessing of Eria's beauty despite having been born under a calamity star," he said, brushing a curl off her temple. "Nothing must harm her, Nateo. I cannot fail her father."

Stepping back, Buro untied the drapes to obscure her, not a usual task he performed. It was strange to do so now, but determination spurred him to protect her against anything, even from a stray insect.

"Da?" Kylen made no sound as he scampered toward the bed. "Is that her?"

King Buro had shared the possibility of a sister with both his sons, needing them to protect her when Nateo couldn't. Both had large hearts, something Buro valued the most. Honor and integrity flowed in their veins as it had done for the Meideon royal family for generations. For these reasons alone, he could trust her to their care.

"Yes, this is Joi." A smile curled Buro's lips as his son parted the drapes to peer at her.

"She is beautiful," he said with a scowl. "Brother Mion and I will need to train harder. They will come for miles to see her."

Buro grinned, and he shared with Nateo the pride warming his heart. Such moments proved his sons would grow into honorable men. "She will train alongside you, my son. We cannot protect her all the time. Evil is persistent, and many a noble heart is lost to its allure."

"Da, may I remain here in case she awakens afraid?"

Buro studied his oldest son's features, his determination an echo of his own. With a nod, he and Nateo retreated, leaving the young addition to his family in the care of his eldest pride.

"Kylen's request to stay is good, my king." Nateo closed the carved wooden doors behind them. "Should the prince form an affection for her?" He hurried after Buro.

"She's the last of the Letouran royals, more than suitable as a consort or empress to my son." Buro veered left then right, down the many passages—a maze if one did not know the way. Having played there as a boy, he knew it by heart.

"Please excuse my presumption, but perhaps you should raise her as the empress you want?" Nateo paused outside Buro's chambers.

"You do not like the insipid females sent to entice my sons?" Buro flashed him a smile. "Not all find battle women appealing, but yes, I agree. Your presumption is forgiven."

"You are gracious, my king." Nateo bowed, placing his right palm over his heart.

"Now find your rest. I will have Lanz guard the young ones."

"Thank you again, my king."

Buro watched Nateo stridedown the wide passage before disappearing around the corner. Yes, Nateo waswise to suggest such. Buro should mold her into the empress he needed—no matterwhether it was Meideon or Letoura she would reign over. Nodding, he entered hischambers, for once void of servants. With a smile, he undressed—yet anotherrare task, one he strangely enjoyed and in absolute privacy too. A portent of goodthings to come.