A King's Revenge: Warlords Series Book 2 (2 page)

Chapter 3

“Your gift was
received and accepted, your highness.”

Tarik lowered the last
public notice he’d read three times without absorbing. He sighed and rubbed at
his burning eyes. Hensel stood at attention though neither considered the
messenger a threat to him.

“Was there anything
else, Lonzo?” Tarik thought long and hard before he’d taken action. Now he
waited anxiously to hear details about the results for what he’d put into
action.

“Yes, Sire. The Overlord
sent a response.”

Tarik tapped a finger
on his desk and weighed the odds. With a rough sigh, he waved for Mati to
accept the letter. His personal advisor placed it on Tarik’s desk with a low
snort of disapproval. Tarik bit his cheek to still his smile. Mati disagreed
with his actions but Tarik tired of battle and longed for peace.

The Overlord Vaan
Galip was nothing like Warlord Thenl Asgun. In the past, Tarik had invited the Overlord
to dinner as they talked of a potential treaty between their two countries.
Then the Overlord and his Warlords had been betrayed by one of their own. Thenl
had taken over Kaban with unparalleled cruelty. He attacked nearby Desani
villages and raided the merchants while customers shopped unconcerned for those
he’d injured who had no part in the battle. Galip would never have committed
such an atrocity.

Tarik reached for the
sealed blue envelope and slid his blade along the edges of the silver wax
emblem. A single sheet of cream paper fell out. He fingered the missive before
tipping it to read. By the time Tarik finished, a satisfied grin curved his
lips. He came to his feet abruptly. “Prepare for guests. The Overlord and his
Raasa come with their family.”

The surprised gasps of
everyone in the room were over loud. Mati rushed to the side of his desk. “Do
you think this is a good idea, Sire?”

Pleased that his
invitation had been accepted Tarik took no offense at his decision being
questioned. “If not for Warlord Thenl there would already be an alliance in
place.”

Tarik dismissed Lonzo
after thanking him for the message and left his office with thoughts of how
much he needed to get done before the Overlord and his people arrived. Hensel
fell into step behind him and Mati brought up the rear.

“This will be the
first treaty of its kind, Mati,” Tarik stated as he walked down the hall.
“Desani and Kaban have warred long enough.” It was what Tarik strived for.
Peace would be his greatest accomplishment yet.

Chapter 4

Tarik stared unable to
take his eyes from them. Vaan slightly lifted his left arm. “These are my youngling.
Arane and Erana. I know not which is which since my mate chose to birth me similar
youngling instead of the mighty Warlord I expected.”

“Vaan, don’t say things
like that in front of them.”

The Overlord’s mate
flushed as she corrected him with a sharp glance. Mikayla Galip defined the
beauty of the females in the Raasa race. Her smooth oval face complimented her
green colored diamond pupils. Round silver combs held back hair as black as a
starless night emphasizing high cheekbones.

She wore a gold silk
tunic with matching leggings. Tarik found it hard to believe almost a year ago,
her lithe figured carried a child let alone two. He studied the bright eyed babies
in Vaan Galip’s arms. Lovely girls with a cap of midnight silk on their heads
and their mother’s shiny green eyes.
 
Eyes
which took in everything.

Tarik’s arms ached.
The longing must have been visible on his face. Mikayla swiped the child on the
left from her mate and passed her to Tarik. He had no choice but to hold on to
the bundle or let her drop to the floor.

“She’s Arane and Vaan
holds Erana who is named for my old noan.”

Arane’s chubby hands punched
the air. Tarik ignored the pain in his hearts and cuddled the baby closer. As
King, he’d had many children thrust in his arms to wish well or kiss. None
enchanted him as much as the one he held at this given moment.

“She is beautiful. A
tribute to her worthy parents.” He meant the words sincerely.

The Overlord nodded. “We
thank you for the gift of the miniature swords. They will get much practice
with them when they are old enough to wield them.”

Tarik chuckled. He’d
sent the replica weapons as a joke in order to extend the branch of forgiveness
to the Overlord. Tarik had got along well with him prior to the carnage which
followed Vaan’s alleged demise. Then Warlord Thenl ruined all of those plans.
His tyranny left many deaths in his wake including that of Tarik’s wife.

Vaan must have noticed
his somber look because he inclined his head to one of his Warlords. “I know it
comes years late but accept my condolences on the lost of your Queen. She was a
pleasant woman and gracious to me during my visit.”

Tarik had no words. He
tipped his head in acceptance. It would not be viewed favorably if the King of
Desani dissolved into tears at the mere mention of his wife. One of the four
Warlords in their traveling party handed a gift wrapped object to his Overlord.
With an ease that came with experience, Vaan placed the babe over his shoulder
braced by his large hand and reached for the bundle. He extended it to Tarik.

“This is on behalf of
my mate.”

Tarik’s guards closed
ranks. The Kabanian Warlords tensed. Tarik raised a palm and glared at all
present in the small visiting chamber. “Cease. This ends now. The Overlord and
I will continue discussions of our treaty that stalled in the past. We will be
allies.”

Waiting until they all
accepted his decree, Tarik took the gift and cuddled the babe in his arms.
Because he was unsure what to expect, Tarik joked, “You do realize that
birthing gifts do not require a reciprocal gift?”

Vaan chuckled. “My
mate decided this is,” the Overlord paused and frowned at his mate before
continuing with a sneer, “It is a hostess gift.”

All the men gaped and
turned toward the Raasa whose gold skin flushed from the sudden attention. She
firmed her lips, fangs peeking out and lifted her chin.

When she gave no
answer in her defense, Tarik had no choice but to open the present. The baby in
his arms giggled while he shifted his hold. Sensing his dilemma, Mikayla Galip
leaned over and plucked her laughing baby from him.

Tarik smiled weakly as
nerves strummed along his spine. All watched and waited to see what the Raasa
considered an appropriate welcome gift for the King of Desani. He decided he
would appreciate it and respond enthusiastically regardless of what she
offered.

Blue colored paper
crinkled beneath his fingers as he tore into the present. Once unwrapped, Tarik
could only stare. In his hands, he held a miniature rendition of his home. The
detail and craftsmanship depicted every inch of his castle down to the
beautiful windows. Over a hundred of the windows featured tiny jeweled
overhangs.

Tarik’s throat closed
as he marveled at the gold statuette. Not many paid heed to the jeweled
enhancements. His wife added them as a surprise for Tarik during the second
year of their marriage.
When the sun
shines it sparkles from outside, she’d said with a laugh
.
 

He must have been
silent too long because they all watched him with awkward grimaces, including
his guards. They didn’t understand why the gesture moved him. There was no
hiding his reaction and he made no effort to do so. Tarik swallowed and faced
Vaan’s mate. “Thank you.” A gift like this was not accidental. “Did you know
her?”

Vaan stiffened and
turned toward her.

Mikayla rocked the
baby in her arms. “I met her once. Patriots Day in the village of Luall. She
watched the dancers and smiled though she wasn’t allowed to get close.”

Tarik nodded and
listened intently, knowing there was more to the story.

Mikayla cleared her
throat. “She slipped free of her guards at one point. I was eyeing a length of
cloth and she came over. She said the material reminded her of the windows she’d
commissioned for her home. The jewels were discrete but gave her pleasure each
time she looked at them.”

“They did.” He
straightened his shoulders trying to shed his melancholy. “Show our guests to
their room. They are probably weary from the journey.” It was a two day ride
from the Raasa border. “Tonight there will be a dinner in your honor.” He spoke
to Overlord Vaan but those in his traveling party all relaxed their tense
stance.

Tarik understood why.
It wasn’t often the race that slaughtered your wife got invited to stay for
dinner. With a polite smile, his royal face in place, Tarik strode from the
room, Mati and Hensel on his heels. No one noticed his thumbs caressing the
edge of the gift until his fingers bled.

Chapter 5

“Are you sure this is
a good time, Your Highness?”

Tarik finished the
last crop report from his head farmer and leaned back in his chair. He pinched
the bridge of his nose and exhaled. “It must be done, Mati. I have stood by the
arrangement since joining. It would not go over well if I missed the meeting a
second time.”

His advisor inclined
his head. “I will have your things packed. When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow mid-day
after the Overlord and his family depart.” Tarik looked forward to tonight’s
dinner. He’d not spent much time around Raasa but Vaan’s wife proved a delight.
He rose to his feet. “How long before dinner?”

“Shortly, Sire. You
must change first.”

Tarik grimaced. His
advisor had planned the dinner in the formal dining room to impress his guests.
The table sat fifty and sported a pretentious display of his Desani wealth.
Eating in that room required he wear his royal robes and the official Sabarn
crown instead of the thin circlet he typically donned for daily wear.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t sweat before the evening ended.

“Have Alain gather my
clothing. Everything but my weapons.”

Mati and Hensel
followed him as he left his office. Mati made no effort to hide his
displeasure. “But, Sire, the royal blade is a sign of strength.”

Servants bowed in his
direction as they walked through the halls. When their small group reached the
corridor of his private suites, armed guards stood at attention and saluted his
presence. Tarik nodded and turned the corner. A guard jumped and opened the
door seconds before Tarik reached it and ignored his glare.

“I’m not wearing it to
dinner with the Overlord. This meeting is to confirm the prior alliance we
discussed. His children will be present at the table.” Of that, Tarik had no
doubt. He’d witnessed the love in the Overlord’s eyes for his mate and
children. He’d not leave them unattended no matter how many Warlords he brought
with him. Tarik would not offend Vaan by wearing a weapon to his dinner table.

In his private office,
Tarik paused at his desk. Before sitting, he faced Mati and Hensel. Both men
stood at rigid attention within touching distance. Dressed in the black and
gold livery of the royal house of Desani no one could mistake who they worked
for.

“Hensel, notify Alain.”
Tarik’s tone brooked no argument and his personal guard clicked his booted
heels then disappeared through the door they’d entered.

Tarik waited until
they were alone before addressing Mati. “Despite our roles, I count you as a
friend. You are my advisor, Mati, but make no mistake on who has final say.”
Tarik awaited Mati’s nod of agreement.

Tarik allowed the
silence to continue for another beat. “Hear me and hear me well, I will not
offend the Overlord. My Queen died due to the foolishness and greed of one man.
I will not continue to have the people I rule live under such fear.”

Mati bowed low at the
waist. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” His tone properly rebuked.

Tarik relaxed. “Good,
we will speak of this no more.” Tarik took the seat at his desk and rubbed his
hand across his brow at the mass of forms that accumulated in his brief time
outside his office. Private office, public office. It didn’t matter. Maintaining
his sovereignty required a hundred hour work week and despite his commitment
the work never seemed to end. Just once, he wished for a respite from it all.

“Where should we
start?” The question came out loaded in weariness.

Mati approached and
shuffled the stacks of paper in no visible order. “I recommend you start here.
The rest can wait until your guests have departed.”

Tarik glanced down. It
was a letter written in childish script. As he read, the child thanked the King
for helping his parents by lowering the rates on their winter crops for the
last two years. Tarik turned to the next paper and again it was a letter of
thanks from a woman whose husband lost his arm in an accident at a wood mill
grinding plant. Meals had been prepared and sent by the royal kitchen for
several months allowing the couple a chance to get back on their feet.

A quick flip through
the stack revealed more of the same. Thank you after thank you for acts done on
behalf of the royal family. Tarik looked up to Mati but his advisor had slipped
quietly out of the office leaving him alone. Hettel, the man knew him too well.

His twin hearts
steadied their beat and Tarik decided to read the entire pile. Each letter warmed
and reminded him that being King wasn’t always a burden.

***

“Your crown, Sire.”

Tarik lowered to one
knee much to his servant’s dismay to allow his man Alain to place the weighty
jewel encrusted gold crown on his head. With a slight press downward, Alain
made sure it fit properly. Tarik got to his feet, careful of the long black
cape slung over his shoulder.

A check in the mirror
reflected the perfectly groomed image of the King of Desani. His ankle length black
tunic was richly trimmed in gold braid along his shoulders and the hem. Only
the toes of his matching black boots were visible. A thick wide belt of gold
hung low on his waist, each circular disc connected by tiny jewels welded
together. His brown hair with streaks of blond lay neatly beneath his crown.

Hammered gold had been
fashioned into a rough circle with jewels added unevenly along the rim from
each ancestor who’d carried its hefty weight.
Ugly
and
ornamental
monstrosity
were a few of the words his mother had once used to describe
the visible evidence of the Desani King. Tarik much preferred the thin circlet
of gold his father had favored. Mati had passed it on to him after his
coronation.

Alain hovered behind
him, straightening the cape so it trailed behind Tarik another three feet on
the floor. Held at the shoulder by a gold clasp bearing the Sabarn crest, the
cape added a layer of unwanted heat.

“I should skip the
cape, Alain.” Tarik watched his royal wardrobe aide pale and swallow thickly.

“Sire, it is expected.”

Tarik’s lavender gaze
met the appalled shift in Alain’s blue one. “But perhaps in this instance, it
would not be amiss.” He could already feel sweat dotting his forehead.

“The cape stays, Your Majesty.”

Tarik heaved a sigh. “Be
sure and revive me with cold water if I land in a graceful swoon at the dinner
table.” As if he’d ever swoon.

Alain choked but Tarik
didn’t stay to laugh at his expense. He swiftly cut through the Queen’s room,
head turned deliberately away from the black draped painting. He held his
breath to avoid the sweet scent of
Pasal
and walked by Mati and Hensel. Tarik didn’t slow his steps until he was well
into the hall where four more guards took their place behind the royal
entourage.

Their small group
followed the winding halls and corridors leading to the royal dining room. Portraits
of every king before him including his father lined the walls in ornate frames.
An elaborate and stuffy affair he often thought.

Tarik longed to barge
through the double doors at the end of the hall but Henri was on post and the
older guard stood resolute before the huge entrance. His silver threaded brows
lowered in a warning frown, long used to Tarik’s annoyance with formality
unless there was an ostentatious affair taking place.

This time Tarik kept
his sigh bottled. In these halls and in the presence of so many, he had to
remain the upstanding ruler of the throne.

Once Henri realized
there would be no battle, his thin lips eased into a smile and his wide arms
threw open the doors behind him just as his voice boomed out. “All stand and
recognize the rightful King to the throne, his royal majesty, the fair and just
King Tarik Adan Rajli Sabarn.”

If he wasn’t used to
the effusive announcement, Tarik would have blushed. Instead he entered the
dining room and raised his hand to the visiting Raasa and Kabanian. “Please
sit, my guests and soon to be allies.”

Vaan’s Warlords all
bowed in his direction and the Raasa Su-Su, Mikayla, tipped her head while
holding both girls in her arms. One twin waved at Tarik but her sister buried
her head shyly in her mother’s shoulders.

The Overlord himself
stood tall and proud. Firm in his belief he was the king’s equal. Tarik admired
him for it. Vaan’s shirtless torso was bare of the ever present chest harness
containing his deadly sword. The black leather pants skimmed his legs ending in
black sturdy boots. Tarik would love to have dressed so casually though he’d
never gone shirtless outside his bedroom.

A line of house
servants dressed in black and gold uniforms waited by the buffet table. When
Tarik reached his seat at the head of the twenty foot table, he allowed the
woman standing by his seat to pull his cape to the side and hold it while he
sat.

As soon as she
finished, Kara moved back several feet. Hensel took his place on Tarik’s left
behind his chair and Mati stood behind Tarik on his right.

“Be seated,” he
invited and allowed everyone time to sit before nodded at the other servants.
Immediately they began plating food and serving.

Mikayla sat closest to
Tarik on his right and leaned in his direction. She no longer held either baby.
“I admire your tolerance.”

His chuckle caught him
off guard and thus the rest of the evening went.

Dinner proved as
pleasant as Tarik expected and hoped. While the Overlord’s warriors did not
speak much, Vaan Galip’s wife had no such restraint. She bubbled with such
enthusiasm that Tarik caught several of the servants lowering their heads to
hide their smiles of amusement. It had been a long time since a woman
entertained with such candor.

“And then do you know
what happened?” Mikayla asked.

She recounted a story
about the guards her mate assigned to follow her every move. Apparently the
Su-Su was known for finding trouble.

Tarik bit off his grin
and tipped his head to the side. “Please share with me what happened.”

Vaan leaned back in
his chair, legs spread wide in a relaxed sprawl after eating, showing his trust
and faith in Tarik. A babe lay curled upon his chest with tiny fists gripping
loose strands of hair from the high tail the Overlord wore. He didn’t seem to notice.
Her twin cuddled with one of the other Warlords as she banged silverware on the
table while she babbled.

It was one of the most
informal yet delightful dinners Tarik had partaken of in years. Maliya would
have loved it and been tickled by Mikayla Galip’s conversation.

“Well despite my
protests, my mate gave the unfortunate man two weeks cleaning the animal pens.”

A snort of laughter
escaped Tarik. He turned giving Vaan a nod of approval. “Well done, Overlord.”
Even among his own people no one liked cleaning the stables or the excrement of
the animal livestock pens.

“I thought so but my
mate disagreed. Fortunately, she understands that ever I am right.”

The baby gurgled,
bouncing in the lap of the Warlord who held her drawing everyone’s attention.
When she noticed, her bright smile flashed fangs as she let loose a giggle. Tarik
smiled in return. He wondered how the Overlord and his mate distinguished
between the two.

Envy cascaded through
him. The Goddess had gifted the Overlord a fine mate and beautiful children.
Shaking his head, Tarik dismissed the servants. Time to move on to the business
at hand. Only Hensel and Mati remained. “I want to thank you for accepting my
invitation but I’m sure you know I have a bigger reason for wanting you here.”

Vaan straightened in
one easy move not disturbing the baby at all. He signaled one of his warriors
to take the child and Mikayla immediately got to her feet. “I long to stay to
take part in the discussion but they get cranky when in need of rest. Whatever
Vaan decides, Raasa will stand by it.”

And with those few
words she declared her support and trust in the warrior she chose to spend her
life with. Mikayla stopped by the Overlord’s chair and leaned down placing a
gentle kiss on his brow. Another smile and she cuddled her daughter close
before taking her leave. The four Warlords waited for her before exiting the
room.

“Fortune smiles on you,
Vaan.” Tarik eliminated any formality between them with his use of the Overlord’s
first name.

‘This I am aware.”
Vaan leaned on the table, elbows propped and black eyes serious. “I wore no
weapon to your table to show your home respect. I appreciate you offering me
the same courtesy.”

Tarik nodded, glad he’d
noticed. There was one thing they needed to clear out before they could proceed
to talk of alliances. “If you had not killed Warlord Thenl, I would have
destroyed Kaban in my efforts to find the hapfe dung.”

“This I am also aware.”

Again, they were of
like minds. The Overlord never broke his dark eyed gaze from him. As much as it
pained Tarik to accept, his Queen’s death rested in the past and nothing either
of them did would ever bring her back. He could only make sure that Desani and
Kaban worked together in the future. Vaan’s joining with a Raasa female meant
the land bordering their countries would also be included in the alliance.

“Tell me of your
brother. Warlord Saran sits on your seat in Kaban?”

“Yes. My life is in
Raasa now with my mate.”

Said with such
vehemence, Tarik knew Vaan would no longer be the warrior he’d once been. The
Overlord was a changed man. “Then let’s talk of peace. I believe this is years
overdue.”

Vaan’s stern features
relaxed. “In this I would agree.”