17. En’Zal

There's no rest for a king.

I would like to stay by Stella's side all day long, but duty calls. The human is becoming restless. It's been several weeks since I have saved her, and I have taught her many things about my country and my people. Perhaps it is time for an excursion beyond my palace's walls, but I can't risk her safety. Not while this war still wages.

That is the topic of today's meeting.

The Council of Kings have gathered in my throne room — virtually.

The holographic images of the various Kings of Erullia appear around me. King Zho'Ron, King Ulde'Ryn, King Co'Ran, and many more. The seat of King Ro"Kal remains empty.

My throne room is empty except for me. Every word said within these sacred halls is strictly confidential.

"Esteemed Kings," I say. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

King Zho'Ron clears his throat. "En'Zal, my boy, is it true you have stolen King Ro"Kal's property?"

Anger courses through my veins, but I will myself to stay calm. Stella is many things. Beautiful. Intelligent. Courageous.

She is not property.

"What do you mean, Zho'Ron?"

The old king shifts in his seat. "You know what I mean, boy. Ro"Kal claims you stole a slave from him, when you met on that space station. That is a grave accusation, En"Zal. You cannot steal from other kings like that. Not on neutral grounds, not during peace negotiations. Explain yourself."

"That ‘space station' is the Pleasure Palace. A den of evil we should not tolerate on our borders, and which we could easily vanquish, if we worked together," I say strongly.

Several kings nod, others prefer to look away. Frequent visitors, I see.

"Be that as it may, that is not the topic of discussion," Zho'Ron says.

"It should be," I counter. "But if you insist, the answer is yes, I freed a human slave that Ro"Kal had purchased from the botu-kan slavers."

"So you admit to theft?"

"I admit to doing the right, King Zho'Ron. You should consider doing the same some time."

Hushes whispers fill the room. Zho'Ron is the oldest Erullian king. A relic from a by-gone era, but a man who still demands respect. Respect I am no longer willing to give.

"By the goddess, what's gotten into you, my boy?!" Zho'Ron snaps. "If you do not return this stolen property at once, you leave the Council no choice, En"Zal!"

"And what's that?"

"Kalnia has asked for the Council's assistance in their armed conflict with Zalleria. The Council has remained neutral so far, but seeing as you so brazenly admit to your crime… the Council will have no choice but to side with Kalnia!"

Pure fury catches in my throat. I close it before I utter curses so stern that there will be an all-out war that'll transform our beautiful planet of Erullia into an uninhabitable hellscape.

"You are certainly welcome to try, Zho'Ron," I say coolly.

I end the transmission. Rage washes over me in waves as I sit there and breathe.

Can I risk my entire kingdom for one woman?