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Izdahl stood behind Armando and rested his hands on Armando’s shoulders. Almost two weeks had passed since Rasmun had abducted Armando. While he seemed physically better, Izdahl could tell Armando still had some tough mental days. Being trapped in his mind had stirred up horrible memories.
Making sure to keep his voice gentle, Izdahl asked, “Are you sure you want to go?” He looked at Armando keenly in the mirror, as he waited for an answer.
It was the 320th anniversary of Nitelvosa and Humans surviving the battle against the Basheil. Rivkaen, Hasev, and Lyria would be alive for the next five nights with festivities. While there were smaller yearly celebrations, this one would be a massive one, as it only happened each decade. The seven Velzos would do a special ceremonial blessing in Tesha, the capital of the Amasi Territories. That would be broadcast to all the planets and interstellar outposts.
Armando moved away from Izdahl to grab his official Core Guardian frock coat. “I have to go.” He slipped on his coat. “It would look bad if some of the CGs don’t show, especially one under House Amasi, along with the only human.”
“Everyone should understand how tough things have been for you. I doubt anyone would—”
“Can I please have your support on this? It’s one of our first public outings as Core Guardians. I want to be at the festival.”
Izdahl nodded as he put the House Amasi pin on Armando’s lapel. “I’m just trying to look out for you.”
“I know! I’m not—” Armando sighed and his tone softened. “I know and I love you for that. Just please believe I can handle tonight.”
“Of course, ‘Mando. Whatever you need.”
***
Armando stared up in awe at the massive hot air balloons, decorated with the colors of each Nitelvosa Family. The staff in the balloons released smaller enchanted ones that drifted downward. The minor balloons contained special commemorative items celebrating surviving another decade of being protected against the Basheil. In every village, town, and city, the same festivities were happening.
Armando opened his hand, catching a balloon. He opened the box attached to it to reveal an engraved baltium square with the face of Velzo Vaihan Nieri. He grinned as he held up his coin to Izdahl. “I want to collect on this as soon as possible.”
“What will you ask her for?”
“We’re going to finish our architectural discussion. It was cut short. Remember?”
Izdahl dramatically rolled his eyes. “Of all the things you could get from a Velzo, that’s what you’ll choose?”
“I don’t want to be greedy.” Armando trailed his eyes down Izdahl’s body. “Besides, I have all the things I need with you.”
Izdahl’s eyes widened. “Careful. We’re supposed to attend an after-party. Talk to me like that and we might not make it there.”
“Right. So sorry for tempting you.” Armando glanced around the dispersing crowd. “Speaking of the after-party, let’s head to the convention center now.”
***
As he and Armando mingled at one of the after-parties, Izdahl wished he hadn’t talked Armando into going. The mood felt sour and a strange undercurrent pulled at Izdahl’s nerves.
A few Velzos, Core Guardians, and other high-level individuals were gathered around him and Armando. Many expressed happiness and surprise to know that Armando was doing well, after his abduction ordeal.
“It’s so good to see you out and about,” Vaihan said warmly.
“Thank you, Velzo Nieri.”
“Armando, I hope the blessings are especially helpful for you,” Dagmar said. “You’ve had such rough fortune. The death of your parents, your accident falling off a cliff near the Dara Rysalva, and then that recent abduction. It’s been a very tough time for you.”
“Velzo Havad, when did we adopt the practice of cataloging anyone’s misfortunes?” Vaihan asked, her tone breezy, as she raised an eyebrow. “Has doing so become popular with your family?”
“Velzo Nieri, not at all.” Dagmar gave her a tight smile. “Forgive me for being clumsy with my words. I was merely trying to point out how much Armando could benefit from our blessings.” Dagmar turned to Armando. “At least, there’s always someone to save you. How fortunate you are with the help of the Amasis and, of course, Izdahl’s abiding love.”
Izdahl’s heart heated, as he noted Armando’s vacant expression. He knew Dagmar’s words had hit Armando at his core. He and Armando had already had reservations about attending such a crowded event. Armando was still recovering from what had happened, but he’d pushed past his doubts to go out with Izdahl.
“I suppose I should feel fortunate,” Armando said, giving Dagmar a small, tight smile. He cleared his throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get something to drink.”
He gave Izdahl a furtive glance, before slipping away. Angry at the tentativeness in Armando’s eyes, Izdahl focused on Dagmar.
“I imagine Armando would need less luck, if someone would stop threatening him,” Izdahl said.
Dagmar raised an eyebrow. “And who would that ‘someone’ be?”
His words were just on the edge of goading. Izdahl felt the mood shift into discomfort, as others looked everywhere but at him.
“It’s almost as if someone more powerful than Rasmun orchestrated all of it.”
Dagmar tilted his head. “All of what? And who exactly?”
Izdahl took a step closer. “Armando’s abduction. You’re resourceful, Velzo Havad. Would you know who’d be so bold?”
Dagmar patted Izdahl on the cheek three times, each pat being harder than the last. Izdahl clenched his teeth, trying not to react violently.
“I’ve been so patient with you, young Izdahl,” Dagmar said. “Yet, you keep trying me. Are you forgetting my station, which I’ve earned?”
“Why don’t you two step away from each other,” Vaihan said. “You’re making a spectacle of yourselves.”
Dagmar brushed away the other Velzo. “No, Vaihan. Young Izdahl has something he clearly wants to say. His Velzo’s not at his side to stop him. Let’s see how reckless he’ll get. Or will he back down and remember his place.”
“You’re unfit to lead.” Izdahl took a step closer. “That’s why your power’s slipping.”
“How arrogant you’ve grown. I remember you insulted me at Armando’s ceremony for Prenya University. Think carefully about your next words. I won’t let things go this time.”
Elij, who’d been at Dagmar’s side, put her hand on one of her swords.
Izdahl ignored her threat, stepping forward with Dagmar firmly in his sights. “Ep antic dara, tolsom kadrin nayash avendi.” He raised his voice, shouting in Dagmar’s face. “Nayash avendi!”
Izdahl had told Dagmar that he hoped Dagmar’s soul shattered and ended all chances at reincarnating. This was one of the worst Nitelvosa curses, especially when said in Ancient High Nitelvosa. The only worst version of it was wishing that misfortune on someone’s mother or their children.
Dagmar’s eyes widened at the venomous words. He moved quickly, backhanding Izdahl hard enough across his mouth to draw blood. When Izdahl raised his fist, Elij pulled out her sword and placed it against Izdahl’s throat, pressing it hard enough to draw blood. A shocked roar went up through the crowd at the escalation.
Vaihan grabbed Elij’s arm to yank it behind her back. “I think that’s enough,” Vaihan said, her tone firm. “Let’s remember our responsibilities.”
Two Clan Liaisons swiftly appeared at Izdahl's side. They put a hand against his chest.
"Core Guardian Amasi, we encourage you to remain calm,” one of the Clan Liaisons said. “Retaliation will not be looked upon favorably."
Izdahl glanced at the Clan Liaisons. “I would not hit someone so feeble as Dagmar Havad, even if they had it coming.” He shifted his eyes to Elij. “And I’ll remember what you just did.”
He turned to go, finding Armando looking at him, his eyes panic-stricken.
“Izdahl? What’s happening?”
“We should go.”
Dagmar nodded. “Yes, Armando. Take Izdahl away and keep him on a leash. Otherwise, he’ll put you in danger. Yet again.”
Izdahl turned to face Dagmar. “You—”
Armando gripped Izdahl’s arm. “We’re leaving. Right now.”
Izdahl let Armando lead him past the gawking onlookers and out the building. On the drive home, Izdahl was still heated as he replayed the encounter with Dagmar.
“What’s going to happen now?” Armando asked.
Izdahl reached for a tissue and wiped the blood away from the edge of his mouth and from his throat. There were only a few small drops but seeing his blood infuriated him. He cursed Dagmar and Elij. Sighing, he rested his head against the car seat.
“As pissed off as I am, I’m calm enough to know I fucked up. I’m going to pay. GG will find out what I did. There’s a delicate balance between the Velzos and I’ve put GG in a bad position. Right now, I don’t care. In the morning...well—” Izdahl’s narrowed his eyes. “What is it? Why do you have that look on your face?”
“Remember what Tybrina told us in the Genzi Forest?”
“She told us quite a bit.”
“I mean when she said there would be a change in Dagmar’s close associates.”
Izdahl nodded. “Yes. I remember that comment sticking out. But I’m still not sure what her point was. And we haven’t talked to her since then, so...”
“That wasn’t Elij by Dagmar’s side tonight.”
“What? You think—”
“That looked like Elij, but she has a different soul. When I first met Elij, I was terrified. I memorized what her soul looked like because of how it made me feel. Tonight, that was not the same soul. It was Tybrina’s sister.”
“Then why would she put a sword against my throat?”
“Isn’t it what the real Elij would do?”
Izdahl nodded, as he stroked his jaw. “Maybe Tybrina eliminated Elij.” His eyes widened. “I didn’t think Tybrina would move so swiftly. That’s incredibly bold of her. Since Dagmar doesn’t appear to have noticed the switch, this could be a serious vulnerability.” He grinned. “This night is more surprising than I could ever imagine.”
“We should tell Xeira.”
“About my argument with Dagmar? She’ll find out in no time, if she hasn’t already.”
“I mean about the switch.”
“Yes.” Izdahl sighed. “I’m sure I’ll be speaking to GG soon enough. I can tell her then.”
***
Izdahl stood in front of his great-grandmother, his stomach clenching as anger rippled off Xeira. Usually, when he visited her they’d relax in her living room, have a meal, or walk the grounds, all while laughing and talking. He doubted any of that would happen on this visit.
Xeira sat in her leather chair in her study, with her large wooden desk as a barrier between them. Izdahl noted the austere expression on her face.
“Do you know why you’re here?” Xeira asked.
Izdahl’s stomach sank. She’d spoken to him in Alteel Nitelvosa, the version used to severely reprimand someone.
Izdahl lowered his eyes and used Rokteel Nitelvosa, the submissive form to Alteel. “Velzo Amasi, is this about my conversation with Velzo Havad?”
“Yes. You were disrespectful to him. Worst of all, many others heard you. Did you consider how that would reflect on our family?”
“No, Velzo. I let my temper get the better of me. I deeply apologize.”
There had been few instances when Izdahl had needed to use Rokteel. Having to do so while discussing Dagmar sent threads of anger coursing through him.
"Izdahl, I know you don’t like Dagmar. Yet, you must know your boundaries. How you acted last night was unacceptable."
“Yes, Velzo.”
Xeira stood and walked over to Izdahl. “Now, let me be clear. The reason we’re the most powerful clan is because we make wise choices. A subordinate of mine goading the leader of another group is not one of them."
“I understand.”
“As a direct member of my family, Izdahl Kandros Ziyad Amasi, I have high expectations of you. Don’t you ever abuse your position as my great-grandson, using it as a shield to goad a Velzo.”
Bothered by her words, Izdahl forgot himself and returned to the more casual form of Nitelvosa. “The only reason I—”
Anger flared in Xeira’s eyes. "Do not be so informal with me. Return to Rokteel! Now!"
Izdahl quickly did as she ordered. “I apologize, Velzo Amasi.”
“To save face, I had to grant Dagmar some leverage," Xeira said. "He’s going to bring a vote about the Dara Rysalva to the council.” She pointed at Izdahl. “This is your fault.”
For decades, Dagmar had wanted to rebuild the Dara Rysalva, a Havad cultural site, meaning Soul’s Hammer. Most Nitelvosa had mixed feelings about the Dara Rysalva, a location constructed by a former Havad Velzo who’d ruled with a baltium hand. The site had been mostly destroyed in the war with the Bashiel. Once the Amasis had taken over, they’d blocked attempts to rebuild it. Those who didn’t understand the delicate balance between the Velzos wouldn’t grasp Dagmar’s push against the Amasis being in power. Izdahl didn’t like the idea of anyone thinking he’d helped Dagmar, even by accident.
Izdahl did his best not to flinch under Xeira’s blistering gaze. "Velzo Amasi, aren’t your words harsh, considering—"
"Harsh?” Xeira raised an eyebrow. “Not only are you questioning me, but you've returned to regular Nitelvosa again. Will you continue disrespecting me, Izdahl? Do you want to provoke my full temper?"
Izdahl looked away, trying to avoid saying anything he’d regret. After a few moments of wrestling with his temper, he turned to go.
"I did not dismiss you."
In that moment, Izdahl didn’t care. He continued to walk away.
"Tav Nakra Kai!"
Xeira had cast a spell that created a dome of black flames around Izdahl. Cursing, he pushed through the flames, destroyed the spell and strode toward the door. Xeira moved quickly to get in his path.
"GG, please." Izdahl clenched his jaw. "I can’t stay here any longer, not after the leverage you gave Dagmar."
"Do you think I wanted to do that? Don’t you understand the gravity of what you’ve done? Didn’t the lessons about the Clan Rifts stick in your head?"
Izdahl huffed in frustration. Everyone was reminded of the Warring Period between the clans. The Havads had been victorious, building the Dara Rysalva at the height of their power. Rebuilding it would represent a threat to the other families, as the Havads’ path to the top had been a violent one. There had been 15 main families, but the Havad had crushed over half of them. The remaining members of those wrecked clans had become part of the Havads. It was only due to the devastating attack by the Basheil that the Havads had fallen from power, giving the Amasis a chance to rise.
Izdahl knew the history well, as was expected of every Nitelvosa. Even so, he didn’t want the weight of those centuries pushed onto him.
"You keep letting history control us,” Izdahl said. “The other Velzos do the same. Now Dagmar can get his way, because none of you stand up to him. Why couldn't you speak to me, before making an agreement with him?"
"How dare you?” The air in the room went cold, changed by Xeira’s spiritual output. “I manage our clan. I don’t have to consult you."
“Well, you need to take advice from others. May I suggest Tybrina? Elij is probably dead. Tybrina likely killed her and had her sister replace Elij. At least someone moves quickly to stand against Dagmar.”
Izdahl found himself slammed against the ceiling, pinned by a spell Xeira had cast. He hit his head hard on one of the wooden beams, but couldn’t even raise a hand to soothe the pain. The power of Xeira’s fury filled the room, as she began to transform. Her skin became dark-blue as her fangs descended, while she rose to her full height of almost eight feet.
“Elij isn’t dead,” Xeira said, as she floated up to him. “She’s under my control. I told Tybrina to capture Elij and replace her. I tested Tybrina to see how committed she was to joining my side.”
Izdahl avoided Xeira’s furious gaze, fearful of the vicious energy she released. He kept his mouth shut, hoping to defuse the situation.
Xeira undid the spell and Izdahl crashed to the floor, dropping twelve feet. He looked up at his great-grandmother who was still fully transformed.
“You may go,” Xeira said, hovering above him. “But before you do, know that this matter isn’t over.” She pointed at him. “You will endure what happens next. Now get out of my sight.”
With Xeira’s cold promise and sharp dismissal, Izdahl left her study with a heavy weight on his shoulders.
***
Izdahl stared morosely into space. He’d been silent for most of breakfast, even though Armando had tried to have a conversation. He’d only managed to mumble a few words. He was back to remembering the previous day’s heated conversation with Xeira. He hadn’t told Armando what had happened and still found the matter embarrassing. Armando calling his name pulled him out of his musings.
"Why are you upset?" Armando asked.
"I'm not." Izdahl sipped his coffee and put it down. He peered at the dark liquid, his face scrunching with displeasure. An effect of his activated shield fragment included unpleasantly sharpening the tastes of certain foods and beverages many humans tended to favor. Suddenly, coffee was apparently one of them.
“Are you listening to me?” Armando asked. “Or is there something more interesting in that cup?”
Izdahl gave Armando a furtive glance and frowned. “What?”
"All right. Are you playing some kind of game?"
“No.” Izdahl sighed. "GG’s furious with me and it’s Dagmar's fault." He cursed. “Well, partially. I shouldn’t have spoken to him at the festival, especially in the way I did.”
"I see.” Armando sipped his orange juice. “I know how the Nitelvosa honor system generally works. I'm not surprised Xeira’s angry."
Izdahl couldn’t argue that point. He knew that, while the seven leaders could be incredibly indulgent with their followers, all understood boundaries. Those rules were more stringent for Nitelvosa than for humans. He’d publicly crossed a major barrier.
“I’m worried about getting embarrassed,” Izdahl said. “Sometimes the protocols are ridiculous."
"Well, you did put Xeira in a bad position. You told me things can be tenuous between the clans. You’d said even The Gathering isn’t always about strengthening alliances.”
“Thank you for listening so closely,” Izdahl said, his tone dry and biting.
Armando looked at him pointedly, before continuing, “Maybe this was a really bad time to agitate Dagmar, especially in public. There might never be a good time to insult such a powerful Nitelvosa. Even among humans, it’s a big deal to upset a leader and—"
“I get it, Armando.” Izdahl’s jaw clenched. "You seem suddenly aware of Nitelvosa protocol. Did you turn into an expert, when I wasn’t looking?"
"No, but—"
"Anything else you have to say after 'No' doesn't matter."
"No, but you’re hot when you’re angry."
The unexpected comment froze Izdahl's anger and he laughed in surprise. “Not fair.”
Armando glanced at his watch, as he finished his roasted breadfruit. "I need to leave for the office." He wiped his mouth and got up from the table.
"A kiss?" Izdahl asked, as Armando casually passed him.
"No. You almost pulled me into your grumpy mood."
Izdahl followed him to the door. "You asked why I was bothered. I didn't want to tell you."
"Well, had you controlled your mouth, you wouldn't be in this position."
Armando hurried out of the house and to his car, evading Izdahl's grasp. Izdahl soul phased, moving much faster than Armando could. He beat Armando to the car and stood in front of the driver's side to prevent him from entering.
"You’re leaving for that business trip tomorrow," Izdahl said. "I won't see you for a week. We should take advantage of every opportunity."
"I'm aware of that, but you should be as understanding of me as I am of you."
Izdahl barely listened. Instead, he focused on Armando's mouth, waiting for an opportunity to kiss him. "What do you mean?"
"Iz, I told you I need to get to work. You know what’s occupying my mind right now."
Medina and Ramsey, Inc. had recently been hired to design a luxury resort in a Nieri territory. Armando had spoken at length with Izdahl of how this could benefit his company, but it came with significant risks. It was the first time they’d worked in a Nieri territory, after the attempt to abduct him. Armando was excited and nervous about it.
"Yes, I remember, ‘Mando."
Izdahl sighed in defeat and turned away, to head back into the house. Armando gripped his arm and Izdahl faced him again.
Armando wrapped his arms around Izdahl’s waist. “You’re so impatient, sometimes.”
He brought his lips to Izdahl’s, kissing him slowly. He massaged Izdahl's muscular back and then slipped his hands low to give Izdahl's ass a firm squeeze. Then, he pulled away and settled into his car, before giving Izdahl a wink.
“Come on now.” Izdahl grunted. “Don’t tease me.”
Armando chuckled. “Tonight, I’ll finish what I started. You’ll have to simmer.”