42. Kian

Kian grappled with the information the queen had relayed, and so did his mother and Syssi. The only one who didnt look surprised was Aru, and Kian had a feeling that the god had known about the patrol ship and the potential assassins that had been sent to end Ahn and the other gods.

Shaking her head, his mother got up and started pacing. If Mortdh didnt kill the gods, maybe he didnt kill Khiann either? She looked at Kian with hope and desperation shining in her eyes. His body was never found because his murder coincided with the earthquake. What if he is buried in the desert, alive in stasis?

Kians heart clenched. He understood his mothers desire to cling to any shred of hope, to believe that her beloved mate might still be alive somewhere, waiting to be found, but clinging to false hope would just reopen old wounds that had scabbed over.

Rising to his feet, he walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder.

I know you want to believe that, but you heard the witnesses describe the murder yourself. They saw Mortdh kill Khiann with their own eyes.

His mothers shoulders slumped, the brief spark of hope dimming in her eyes. She sighed. I know, Kian. I just allowed myself to hope for a moment.

The familiar mask of composure settling over her features again, she offered him a smile. We should call it a night. She cast a quick glance at her sleeping granddaughter, and the fake smile turned genuine. Allegra will be more comfortable in her crib.

Leaning down, Kian kissed his mothers cheek. Are you going to be okay?

She nodded. This is a lot to process, but we had our doubts for a long time, so it should not have come as such a big shock. We have always wondered what actually happened that day and what prompted Mortdh to act out of character. Now, we know that he did not intend to commit suicide. Perhaps he was coerced by a compeller even more powerful than he was, or maybe he just happened to be at the right place at the right moment for the assassins to frame him for what they did.

Syssi nodded. I still wonder how the real perpetrators managed to coordinate it so perfectly that it appeared as if it was Mortdhs fault.

We can talk more about this over brunch tomorrow, Kian suggested. After weve all had a chance to process everything weve learned.

That is a good idea. Annani took a deep breath. Thank you for being here with me tonight. She smiled at Syssi. It would have been much more difficult without you. She turned to Aru. I am grateful to you and your sister for your help tonight. Thank you for enabling this conversation and all the future ones that will follow.

We are glad to help. The god didnt sound convincing, which was understandable.

He and his sister were taking a great risk, and it wasnt as if either of them had a choice in the matter. They had been recruited, and saying no to the queen of Anumati had not been an option.

After they had said their goodbyes and walked out of the cabin, Kian waited for Ogidu to close the door behind them before turning to Aru. You knew about the assassins.

I did, he admitted. But since its all conjecture and speculation, I didnt want to bring it up. Maybe Mortdh was responsible after all, or maybe the assassins shot him down and caused the weapon to explode. We will never know the truth because the only one who knows it is the king.

And the assassins, Syssi said.

Aru shook his head. I doubt that they are still around. The Eternal King does not leave any breadcrumbs that could lead back to him.

Kian felt a flicker of irritation at Arus admission. He understood the gods reluctance to share unconfirmed theories, but part of him wished they had been better prepared for the emotional fallout of this revelation.

I get why you didnt want to bring it up, Kian said, running a hand through his hair. But maybe a little warning would have been warranted. I hated seeing the hope flare in my mothers eyes only to have to quash it.

A hint of regret flickered through Arus eyes, but then they hardened. I apologize, but it really wasnt my place to share this information.

Was he still angry about Syssi finding out about Aria?

Probably.

Kian regarded the god with a frown. I assume that your teammates dont know about this either.

Of course not. Aru glanced at the cameras mounted on the walls. Id rather not talk about it out here.

Dont worry about it. Kian waved a hand at the camera. I asked for the cameras to be turned off on this deck between midnight and three oclock in the morning every night from now until the end of the cruise. He chuckled. I can only imagine what the Guardians in security think of my request.

Syssi groaned. Now I understand the smirks I noticed during the wedding. They are probably imagining us chasing each other in the nude down the corridor.

Arus eyes widened, but he was smart enough not to respond.

No one was smirking at you. Kian kissed the top of Syssis head before turning to the god. Nevertheless, we shouldnt conduct such conversations out in the hallway. Would you like to come to our cabin for a glass of whiskey?

The god smiled. Thank you for the invitation, but I will have to take a raincheck. Its after two oclock in the morning, and my mate is waiting for me in our cabin.

I understand. Kian offered Aru his hand. Thank you for your help tonight.

Aru shook it. It was definitely an interesting hour. Im looking forward to the next session tomorrow.