Sacrifice

Epilogue

In the fading light of day, Bhirdan watched from the balcony as his son paced the courtyard. Teggan was as studious about his Princely Project as Bhirdan had been negligent of his. It helped that Teggan had chosen the project himself. After years of hearing the story of the noble girl who had died sending the Cirts towards the stars, the Crown Prince had decided to open diplomatic relations with the Cirt people.

"Sir." Bhirdan glanced towards Adir who stood at the balcony door dressed in his Imperial red uniform, wearing the crest that proclaimed him General of the Emperor's Personal Guard. "You wished to speak with me Emperor Bhirdan?"

Bhirdan turned back towards the railing. "Have you made preparations for the Cirt Ambassador's arrival?"

Adir came to join him at the rail. "You know I have, we discussed this last night."

Bhirdan smiled vacantly, "You know, you used to treat me with respect."

"I showed respect because I didn't feel it," Adir answered, "Now that I actually respect you, a show of the sentiment is unnecessary."

Bhirdan decided not to debate this ridiculous statement. "My son is going to wear out the cobblestones at this rate."

Adir watched the Crown Prince for a moment. "Perhaps. But he is eager to make his project a success, and his nature will not let him rest until it begins."

Adir paused and watched the young Prince check his com-pack and then leave the courtyard.

"He's very much like his mother in that respect."

"Yes, he is." Bhirdan answered absentmindedly.

"You didn't call me here to comment on your son's nerves. What do you want?"

Bhirdan glanced at the man beside him. Adir's gaze was steady. Everything about Adir was steady.

"I didn't want to be alone," Bhirdan admitted softly. "It's 30 years today."

Adir remained silent, and Bhirdan chose not to look at him, least the shadow of tears be seen in his eyes.

"I miss her. I wish she were here to see tomorrow. To see Teggan ... she would have been proud of him."

Adir finally spoke. "You wish that she was your Empress."

Bhirdan let out a long breath. "My wife is a good Empress to our people. But, yes, she knows that I cannot love her the way I loved Kalli. She knows that I miss Kalli still, but she cannot understand it."

"And that's why you asked me here," Adir said. "Because you wanted someone who understands what you lost."

"I suppose."

The two men watched the sun sink lower on the horizon for a moment; then Bhirdan broke the silence.

"You still love her."

The solemn-faced soldier didn't answer his questioning look.

"That's why you never married."

Adir's body stiffened, as if coming to attention.

"I apologize," Bhirdan said. "You don't need to answer that."

"Kalli was the only woman I could ever love." Adir stared into the distance as he answered Bhirdan.

Bhirdan nodded. "Do you think she'd be proud of us?"

Adir answered softly after a moment of silence. "I have failed, for I am human. I have tried and reached for better, because that is my nature. And if at some point along my life I have been greater than a common man, a simple soul, know that it is not by my own strength but by the strength of those who believed I could be more than I was."

The End