Galactic Gale

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The Queen

Kael clambered down a set of ladders, the metal clattering under his weight. The warmth of the city hit him in a dizzying wave, and he could not help but look to Amara as his feet hit the landing strip. The edges of her eyes were already beginning to turn red.

"You and the others are welcome to leave," he said.

The Rapid had been ready to fly hours ago. Retch's people had even polished its metal exterior. Now, as the Rapid was released onto the bay to stand on its new landing gear, it looked newer than ever. The sight almost made him smile.

"Is my company so bad?" Amara frowned.

"Not at all. I simply wouldn't want you to make yourself ill on my behalf."

"Don't flatter yourself. Nona owes me some payment."

"I could collect it for you."

"Trust you with my money? Not likely with what happened to your last credit card."

Shaking his head, Kael lead the way towards the palace's rear entrance. Cyre and Ry had run off to search the shopping district for supplies, Abe and Meri were arguing over the Rapid's medical centre, and Valour had declared himself on guard duty. Just because they were on friendly grounds, it didn't mean the Rapid was safe from raiders.

Having only Amara around made Kael relax. He didn't wish for the rest of the crew to see inside the palace and meet his mother, nor did he want Nona to be granted the chance to start an argument with anyone.

"Do you think Nona will take away your criminal status when she's queen?" Amara cracked her fingers, raising her brows at a royal guard who narrowed his eyes at her passing.

"I hope not," Kael said.

A bright smile broke across her face even as she swayed in the sun's heat. "I never considered you to be one for wanting a bad reputation."

"Being a rogue is the only title I have been able to earn and choose for myself." Kael shrugged. "Sounds silly, but it is something I had to work for. I was made prince without any effort."

"Telion might have an alternative view on the matter."

Kael snorted and shook his head. They had reached the entrance hall of the palace. A small party of assistants was making its way down the steps, each of them wearing woven black robes, eyes directed at the floor. At the head of their group, the normally cheery Leh Lena O'Frien, was humming softly.

Taking Amara's elbow, Kael discreetly moved her out of the path of the grim procession. She opened her mouth but closed it promptly as Nona and Traen appeared atop the staircase. They seemed to take a lifetime to reach the bottom.

"Telion will not have anything to say on any matters," Nona said bitterly. "She died last night." Turning to Kael, Nona raised her nose a little. "I was crowed a few days back. Mother was there to see it. She looked disappointed – as she always did."

I'm sorry, Kael wanted to say. I'm sorry I'm never around. I'm sorry I wasn't there when you and mother needed me. I'm sorry I missed your coronation.

Something caught in his throat, and he swallowed to combat the sudden dryness in his mouth. Sorry did not even begin to cover it. While he had been off trying to stop the gales, Nona had been here fighting a battle of her own.

A battle that he should have been guarding her through.

"Everything has been taken care of," Traen said, the paint on his face flaking as his muscles moved.