The Shadowbearer (An Aegis of the Gods Book)

Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31

Stefan stared at the closed door.

“What he says makes no difference.” Cerny regarded him with a sly smile. “You can’t hope to defeat Nerian.”

Thoughts spinning, Stefan barely noted Cerny’s remark. Then, Kahar’s words hit him. ‘They are in the throne room.’ He spun on his heels to face the room’s entrance. “No.” He whispered. “No.” Gut clenching, he sprinted down the hall. When he reached the door, he didn’t bother to push, choosing instead to slam it open with his shoulder.

Flames crackled in the braziers next to the pillars and in the three large hearths along the walls. Unlike the rest of the castle, the throne room was hot. Up on the dais, dressed in ebony armor, Nerian slouched, his throne barely visible behind his massive form. On either side of him sat Anton and Celina. There was no sign of Thania.

Cerny rushed into the room. “Sire—”

King Nerian stopped him with an upraised hand. “So the wayward son returns,” Nerian’s voice echoed throughout the empty chamber. “Children, go greet your father.”

They glanced over to Nerian as if uncertain.

“He is your father, isn’t he? Go on.”

They stood. Stefan’s eyes widened, and if not for the circumstances, he would have smiled at how much they’d grown. Anton was almost Stefan’s height, his shoulders broad, hair coal–black. Celina was also tall, but she had her mother’s silky tresses and dainty shape. Both were dressed in finery. Despite the years, their features were unmistakable.

One foot in front the other, Stefan reminded himself as he willed his feet to move and began to walk toward his children. At first, Anton and Celina took slow, uncertain steps, then their pace quickened, and eventually they ran. Tears in his eyes, Stefan broke into a run to meet them.

“Father,” Anton said, breathless when they met near the room’s middle. “Is that really you?”

“Yes,” Stefan replied. He grabbed them both in his arms and hugged them.

“Of course it is silly,” Celina said. “He’s almost the same as when Mother lets us see him in her divya. The one that resembles him.”

The pendant of Thania hanging around Stefan’s neck was heavy and cold against his skin. “Yes. Yes it is,” he whispered. He hugged them even tighter.

The moment seemed to go on forever, him hugging his children, and they squeezing him in return. They cried the entire time.

Finally, Stefan released them. Wiping at his eyes, he asked, “Where’s your mother?”

“She abandoned them,” Nerian said from across the room.

How did the King hear what was said from so far away? “She would never do that,” Stefan shouted. He searched his children’s faces to confirm he was right. Sadness reflected at him.

“She’s been gone for days,” Anton said.

Celina shook her head, mouth downturned. “The same day Uncle Nerian’s King’s Guard showed up at our home.”

“Uncle Nerian?” Stefan repeated.

Anton shrugged. “It’s what we called him for years. Mother said Uncle used to look after you like you were his son.”

Stefan took in the throne and the stranger sitting upon it. “That was a long time ago. He’s no longer the same man. Did your mother give any idea where she was going?”