New Rome

13. Honour and Duty

"Arly?"

Arly turned at the sound of her name being called.

"Father!" She exclaimed in surprise. Students milling the corridor watched with interest as Arly rushed up to and hugged her stepfather, Kai. Whilst absent from the front for a few years now – Kai was still publicly recognised as being one of New Rome's greatest generals. Groups clustered together, furtively watching them - whispering together the names of his great victories. 

Stepping back from Kai's embrace, Arly was surprised to see Kaze standing beside him. "What brings presence within these walls? I thought you were in the capital." She asked, addressing her stepfather.

"I came to share words with Kaze."

Arly couldn't work out Kazes' expression. Was it happy? Angry? It seemed not quite either. Arly looked curiously between them. "Kaze's mother has asked that I adopt Kaze and act as father in my late brother's place."

Arly blinked in surprise. Never, in a million years, would she have guessed that. "I came to ask Kaze what he thinks about the idea."

"And?" Arly asked, nervously.

"You have a new brother."

Arly's stomach jolted. Her stepdad had adopted Kaze! Could life get anymore surreal then this?

"Pàxiū's day is approaching and I want you both to travel down to New Rome. Holidays are time for family."

Kaze didn't say anything against the idea, so Arly spoke for him.

"Father, Kaze has a party to attend that evening."

Kai turned to Kaze.

"Words could have come from your lips."

"It is of no matter, sir. The host is an old friend who won't mind me canceling." Kaze asserted smoothly. Kai nodded, satisfied. He offered Kaze's shoulder a squeeze.

"Good, I'm glad to hear it."

Arly stared nervously down at the floor. She was spending Pàxiū's day with Kaze then. Nervous butterflies danced a riot in her belly. "I wish you two to travel down together," Kai continued, "the shuttles can be troubled, especially during the holidays. It would reassure me if Arly wasn't traveling alone."

Kaze assured Kai that he would take care of Arly and Arly's cheeks flushed. She wasn't a little kid! Still embarrassed, she was slow to hug Kai in goodbye.

*

Kai was returning to New Rome the next day, so that evening Arly and Kaze were allowed to leave the school grounds and eat dinner at Kai's complex. For Arly, this was her home every school holiday, but Kaze had never been in the complex before. He looked around with interest as Arly stammered through a tour. In the living room, Kaze picked up a framed photo of Arly and Agrippa taken when they were kids. Arly cringed, horrified to see her awful haircut – the severe short fringe had been a mistake.

Kai let them have wine with dinner, judging that they were old enough. Kaze complimented the wine smoothly, recognising it was an Amen vintage from the taste. Arly pulled a face after one sip. She thought it tasted gross. But, not wanting to look like a kid in front of Kaze, she persevered.

"Kaze, what thoughts have you for the future? Is their a study programme or employment you've settled on?"

"No, sir. My thoughts are yet unanchored."