The days crawled by in the Ildiran Empire, now that Jora’h knew Nira was dead. But he still had to finish cementing his reign, keeping all the kiths together with the thism. He had to create and secure their future.
Entering the contemplation chamber, proud and utterly loyal, the new Solar Navy commander clasped his hands against his heart in a traditional salute. “You asked to speak with me, Liege?”
It felt strange to hear his son call him by the formal title, so Jora’h returned the favor. “Yes, Adar Zan’nh. I have chosen your first assignment as commander of the Solar Navy.” He smiled as he watched the young man’s reaction, then realized that they were no longer—and would never again be—merely father and son.
It was rare for a Prime Designate’s firstborn child to be of mixed-kith heritage, like Zan’nh; he had never intended for that to happen. Long ago, knowing that Jora’h’s first noble-born child would become the next Prime Designate, his own father had run many tests and consulted with lens kithmen to determine the best mate. Bloodlines were traced, family trees inspected, until finally the appropriate female was presented to him as a fait accompli.
Her name was Liloa’h, slender and graceful and quiet. When she’d disrobed in his private chambers, dropping her elaborate fabrics to the floor, Jora’h had seen that her smooth skin was painted with intricate designs and secret tracings of chameleon films. He had been captivated by her.
Liloa’h had conceived the first time, and medical kithmen monitored her pregnancy, while Jora’h went to work siring other children. His second mate was a woman of the soldier kith, muscular and strong—a striking contrast with cultured and quiet Liloa’h. He had gotten her pregnant as well. Such a combination of noble and soldier kith generally yielded a person with exceptional skill to become a military officer. She was Zan’nh’s mother.
And Jora’h had gone on for months, lover after lover. He’d hoped to see Liloa’h again, even foolishly considered knowing her as a friend, but the old Mage-Imperator disabused him of that notion.
Then, in the last months of her pregnancy, Liloa’h had suffered a terrible fall down the graceful ramps of the Prism Palace, and lost the baby. She was distraught at having failed in her duty, anguished that she would not bear a child destined to become the Mage-Imperator. Jora’h was not allowed to see her again, though he was sure the Mage-Imperator had let her live comfortably.
Thus, by accident, Zan’nh had become his firstborn son, and Thor’h—the first pure noble child, conceived without such careful selection—would now be the Prime Designate. Zan’nh was a model of what an Ildiran could be . . . so different from the distracted and self-centered Thor’h, who had already gone with Pery’h and Rusa’h back to Hyrillka. Jora’h sighed. “I’m not positive the Prime Designate is ready for his role, but I have complete faith in your abilities.”
Zan’nh remained at attention, speaking no deprecating word about his brother. For an Adar, questions usually had clear-cut answers. Through the bright lines of thism, Jora’h could see the dazzle of dedication coming from him. “Thor’h will fulfill his duties, I am certain. He is an Ildiran—what else can he do?”
Jora’h, not quite as sure, allowed himself a bittersweet smile. “Yes, what else can he do? I remember when I was young and unprepared as well.”
Zan’nh flashed his father a boyish grin that looked unusual on his normally serious face. “I know exactly what that feels like, too.”
The Mage-Imperator sat up more formally. “Adar Kori’nh was very proud of you, and so am I. You already have considerable experience in wargames, practice maneuvers, and scouting expeditions. There’s no need for more of that, when you can get directly to work.”
Zan’nh inclined his head. “Thank you, Liege. I would much rather concentrate on our genuine problems instead of ceremonies. What mission do you have for me?”
“I want you to secure the gains Adar Kori’nh made in his last fight.” Jora’h shifted in the voluminous chrysalis chair, trying to get comfortable. He was glad he had sent away all the attenders who would have fussed and worried over him. “We must take advantage of the fact that Qronha 3 is clear of the enemy. Find whatever skilled miner kithmen we have on Ildira, enough to form a splinter, gather the equipment you need, and establish another sky-harvesting complex there. Facilitate the production of more ekti for our dwindling stockpiles. It is a military necessity.”
Zan’nh bowed. “I will see that it is done to your satisfaction, Liege.”