Arjun's Heir Part Two: Dhaval (complete)

    “Let’s take a break.” Nadeem removes his glasses and rubs between his eyes. 

    The rest of the royals around me yawn and stretch. We have been in this meeting for a long time. It was morning when we all conferred, not it looks like it’s beginning to get dark. 

    “We’ll meet again in the morning,” I reply. “I think we’ve gone through everything we can tonight.”

    I sit there at the table, looking over notes from the meeting while everyone else starts to get up and move around.

    “You too, Dhaval,” Dinihari puts her hand on my shoulder.

    I chuckle softly. “I will in a moment.” I pat her hand. “You go on and get something to eat. I’ll be leaving in a moment.”

    Dinihari sits down beside me. “Darius told me the lords of Oriphin have been meeting with your mother.”

    I close my notes and look up at Dinihari. “My mother won‘t accept their terms. She knows Alexander is the rightful heir.”

    “I’m not worried about your mother. I’m worried about the lords. I don’t like what’s going on there. It has Darius in knots with worry about his parents.” Dinihari shakes her head. “I hate to ask such a thing of you, but if you could step in, maybe put your foot down.”

    “I’m not sure what me stepping in would do,” I grumble. “Arjun and Mairia are my family as well, but I have concerns of my own to deal with. In fact, I may have too many.”

    Dinihari squeezes my hand with both of hers. “I know,” she whispers. “I’m sorry I even asked, Dhaval.”

    I smile at her. “It’s ok.” I kiss the back of her hand. “Worrying about someone you love comes far too easy, doesn’t it.”

    Dinihari’s smile is small and sweet. “We’ll get Mila back. I know how much you care about her.”

    I can feel tears welling up and there is a gut punch in my chest that grows ever more painful. I swallow and nod, hanging my head down.

    “Oh, Dhaval!” Dinihari stands up and puts her arms around me. 

    “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t-” I start to cry.

    “You should.” Dinihari hugs me tight and rubs the back of my head. “You can cry, Dhaval. It’s ok.”

    I put my arms around her and hug while I let the tears fall. After Dinihari has mopped up my wet face, I go to find my mother. I may be a grown man and the king of the entire empire, but my mother is still one of the few people in this world who can make my sorrow feel light.

    I find her sitting in the study where she’s lounging by the fire. Her gaze looks distant and her mind seems troubled. She smiles up at me as I walk in.

    “There’s my baby.” She holds her hand out to me. “How was the meeting?”

    I come and sit beside her. “Continues in the morning.”

    Mom puts her arm around me. “I’m sorry, Dhaval.”

    I close my eyes and sigh. “What about your meeting?”

    She goes silent for a long pause. “It was horrible, but thankfully brief.” She runs her fingers along the top of my head. “Arlan seems to lay his loyalties elsewhere, unlike his father. It worries me.”

    I see a letter sitting on the table, one with the Brachuss seal on the back. “Did he give you this?” I ask.

    “He did,” she stands up and goes over to the globe that serves as a mini bar. She starts to pour drinks for us. “But I don’t have the patience to hear what he says. Just because there is blood between us doesn’t mean it adds up to anything.”

    I look it over and then back to my mom. “Are you sure you don’t want to read it?” 

    “Not right now.” She returns and places a drink before me. “They brought that scummy lawyer with them too,” she shudders. “Something about him, he looks at me like he wants to sleep with me and murder me.”

    “Mom,” I put my hand on her back.

    “He’s so full of bile,” she whispers. “He makes me uneasy.” She sips her drink and sighs. “You can open the letter if you want to, I don’t care for it. Maybe if you read it to me, I’ll feel better about things.”

    As I’m getting ready to break the seal the door opens and Chiyo comes inside. She has been staying with us after passing out from exhaustion in Bastat. Othet told us she hasn’t been eating or sleeping as of late and has been putting together a militia of Bastet’s remaining warriors.

    “What are you doing up?” Mythri goes over to her.

    “Whatever I want,” Chiyo scoffs. She sits down beside me and takes my drink. “So, how was your meeting?”

    “It was a meeting,” I say with a shrug. I then break the seal on the letter and look it over. As I read it I stand up.

    “Dhaval, what does it say?” My mom asks.

    I place the letter in her hands. “I have to go.” I say with a mild panic to my voice.

    “Go?” My mom looks at the letter then at me. “Go where?”

    “What’s the letter say?” Chiyo sits up from the sofa as my mom begins to read the letter in her hands.

    I race from the room as my mom tries to stop me. I need to get the Royals back together for another more urgent meeting. If what the letter says is true, then it must take precedence now. As much as I want to save Mila, this must come first.

    “Dhaval, wait!” My mom and Chiyo come up behind me. “We’ll come with you.”

    Chiyo is fuming and angry. I can see the vitriol and spite in her eyes as she tries to hold everything back inside her.

    We gather up the royals and meet in my bedchambers. Most of the royals were enjoying a meal or heading to bed when we gathered them all, so some looked more pissed than anything.

    “What is going on?” Kitto snarls at me. “Don’t you think we’ve had enough of this for one day? Why do you have to drag me out of bed?”

    “Word has been sent to us about a plot to take over Oriphin,” my mom says, holding up the letter. “There are lords within the kingdom who wish to unseat Arjun from power and replace him with someone else.”

    Dinihari looks to me with a bewildered expression. “Who do they want to replace him with?”

    “My grandson,” Chiyo snarls. “Which means Sanguis has his foothold there.”

    The room goes quiet and still as the royals look amongst one another as if one of them will have an answer. “Sanguis has been sneaking his military into the houses that wish to overthrow Arjun. He’s been sending them extra men for months now, slowly funneling them in so no one has noticed.”

    “Who gives a shit?” Chiyo snarls. “If we all put our resources together we can overpower him!” She looks around the room. “All of you! All of you have military might. When we fight against what Sanguis has hidden in Oriphin we can destroy them!”

    “How do you know this?” Kitto stands up. “Who told you about this supposed plot on Oriphin.”

    Mythri holds up the letter. “Sanguis himself.”

    Kitto snatches the letter from Mythri’s hands and furrows his brow. “Why would he send this to you? To gloat.”

    “It was given to us by one of the lords on Oriphin,” I answer. “He’s worked himself into Sanguis’ favor.”

    “But how can you trust him?” Dinihari asks. “What if this is also a plot formed by Sanguis to trick us? What if once we are there nothing happens?”

    “Lord Brachuss is our cousin,” Mythri replies cooly. “His father was our was our uncle, our father’s eldest brother.” She shakes her head. “For a long time I wasn’t sure who to trust, but after reading this letter, I realize that he’s working with us, rather than against us.”

    “I’ve seen what Sanguis is capable of,” Kitto snarls. “I’ve been Bastat! I’ve heard of his hold on Gravelmeuse. He has the Drow on his side now as well.”

    “Everyone is capable of dying,” Chiyo snarls. “Drow bleed just like anybody. Minotaurs bleed. Sanguis bleeds.” He clenches her fists in the air. “I will be the viper in his bed if I have to. I will go to Oriphin alone if I must. I won’t sit aside and wait while he tries to use my own grandchild in his games!”

    “Sanguis has sent the brunt of his military to the Elamont Mountains where the House of Scheer resides,” I reply. “It’s high ground and rough terrain. It’s almost impassable to anyone who tries to conquer it. From there, if we can control the coast, we may be able to get the upper hand and trap them in the mountains.”

    Kitto frowns at me. “Are you actually going to go along with this?”

    “My hands are tied.” I shake my head and close my eyes. “If there is even a chance we could somehow retaliate against Sanguis, I need to know I took it.”

    Niran stands. “You have my men.”

    “Mine as well,” Dinihari replies quickly.

    Nicolai stands. “You have the Polar, the entire Polar. It’s what my sister would want.”

    Kitto scoffs. “My ships are yours as well,” he murmurs. “But if this turns into a wild goose chase, Dhaval-”

    “It won’t be,” Chiyo snaps. “Mark my words!”

    “And what of your-” Kitto waves his hand. “You new guests? The three spooky ones. Will you use them as well?”

    “I’ll talk to them, but I would like it if one of them joined us at the least.” I take in a deep breath. “Send word now. I want us to be ready as soon as possible.”

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    I knew when I married Mairia there would be some dissonance amongst the lords in my kingdom. I just never assumed there would be so many willing to stab me in the back. Not long after Alexander was born I took one of the lord’s I could trust and with him I forged a strong allegiance with him. Ever since, he has reported back to me on what the other lords have said during their meetings.

    Ever since I started to show signs of age there has been worry about who the legitimate heir would me. Back then, I only assumed it would be my Alexander, or even Darius if he was not able. Then there was Mythri and Chiyo who came back into my life. Afterward, I knew the line of succession would be challenged. Some lords saw Alexander as the heir, others saw Mythri as the true heir. For a while, I thought things would get far too heated. It became clear that my decision in the matter would cause a great rift no matter what option I went with. My kingdom of Oriphin would no doubt go to war all over an heir.

    I knew some of the lords were going Rakshasa Country to speak with Mythri again. She and I have exchanged many, many letters as of late. I have been concerned for Dhaval and his health, the fate of Bastat, my great-grandson Amon was stolen from me. My children are in a state of constant rage and agony and I do not know what I can do. Mythri is more concerned for me, worrying about Oriphin since we share borders. Sanguis Rex seems intent on showing his wrath and power to the Rakshasa the most, and yet she worries about my silly boundaries.

    Both of my sons are in the midst of this war. Darius is serving Dhaval as an advisor as well as reporting to his wife and the Kobolds. Alexander and his family have been working in Bastat, giving aid and helping to rebuild. I am fraught with worry on all fronts, even in my own home I have a fear of being attacked.

    Mairia, god bless her, has been my rock through all of this. How dare these lords not see her as a legitimate bride? She has saved my life countless times, and through all this she has somehow managed to find the silver lining. Alexander is showing his worth and strength and Darius is using his vast knowledge to save the entire empire. Dhaval is courageous and strong and surrounded by loving family. I suppose she is right, but this Sanguis Rex is not an idle threat. In my long life I have seen many men like him, but this time I do taste blood in the air.

    While Alexander, Aahna, and Tiye are in Bastat, helping to rebuild, Mairia and I have our four beautiful grandchildren in our care. Tiye had twin girls, who are ten, while Aahna had twin boys, who just turned five. They have me run ragged, but luckily, Mairia is still quite spry and is able to keep up with them.

    One afternoon it was raining quite hard, so the children were playing in the throne room. There was a large fireplace there, so it was warm against the cold coming from the ocean. Maria was on the ground playing with them while I was watching from my seat. It made me think of the days when the boys were small and would play as I worked.

    I was taken from my happy memories when I heard shouting just outside the door. There was a loud bang and yelling, followed by the sound of scattering armor. Mairia quickly stood and gathered up the children, placing them behind the thrones as she came to stand beside me.

    The doors opened and one of my knights spilled inside, unconscious and probably dead. In strode the very last people I wanted to see. Lord Reginald was leading the front, his arm was glowing blood red and the veins in his face were close to the skin and straining. Behind him was Lord Brachuss and a drow woman and after then came Sanguis Rex.

    I stood up from the throne and stepped down. “You dare show your face in Oriphin?” I ask. “After everything you’ve done to my family?”

    Sanguis takes the lead of the group, kicking aside the dead knight. “Your family has is why I am here, Arjun.” he bows to me as if he respects me. “Your dear Mythri has declined all offers to make her your legitimate heir.”

    “What does it matter to you?” I turn and look at Arlan. “What gives you the right to bring him here?”

    “The lords of Oriphin are in agreement, Mythri has spit on our laws and made a mockery of you. She will be disowned and Chiyo will be made a proper heir to the throne of Oriphin,” he says. His tone is overly severe, not like the young man at all. “Sanguis has been brought on as extra insurance.”

    “Insurance?” I blurt. “After what he is done? What is to gain by forcing Chiyo to the throne? What has she-” I stop and my breath is squeezed from my lungs. “The baby.”

    Mairia comes forward and places her hands on me.

    “Amon will be your heir,” Sanguis’ smile is charming but just like the sharp teeth in his mouth, it is dangerous. “So, until he is of age-”

    “You will not sit in power here!” I roar at him. Mairia’s hands grasp tight onto me. “If I have to become immortal again I will!”

    “Now, now, my lord,” Sanguis coaxes. “Let’s not get heated here.” He turns and sees the children hiding behind the thrones. “After all, there are greatest things at stake.”

    Mairia stands between Sanguis and the thrones. He stands tall and grips her fists into tight balls. “May I ask you to another room?” Her voice is low and quiet. “The study has just as nice a fireplace. There is also a table where you can discuss these matters.”

    “My, my.” Sanguis grabs Mairia’s face and I lurch to catch him but Arlan stops me. “You’re a nymph, aren’t you? I do so love nymphs. My daughter is like you, you know? She’s half nymph.” I watch as his claws glide along Mairia’s beautiful skin. “I know you’re not as delicate as you appear.” He releases her and my heart beats again.

    “If you touch me again, you will know how delicate you are.” Mairia spits on the ground at his feet.

    “If you weren’t married, I would be in love with you right now,” Sanguis grins. “But I will respect your husband and keep my crush to myself.”

    Mairia turns her head. “The study is down the hall. There are drinks there as well.”

    “I think we would rather stay here,” Reginald chuckles and turns to the windows. “After the rain is done, the view will be spectacular.”

    I am jostled and look down, seeing one of my grandsons has run from cover and grabbed hold of my leg. He’s crying and rubbing his tears into my pants leg.

    “You understand how important children are, Arjun.” Sanguis kneels down to look at the boy. “Father. Grandfather. Great-grandfather.” He holds his hand out and there is a piece of candy in his palm. “You know how much love there is in the world when there is a child in it. You know what lengths you’ll go to protect them.”

    Mairia scoops up our grandson before he can take the candy from Sanguis. 

    “I have yet to even see Amon,” I whisper to him. “And yet you get to hold him.”

    Sanguis nods at me. “He’s quite healthy, rest assured on that. He enjoys baths quite a lot. I have to fight to get him out of the water.”

    Arlan grabs hold of me and I keep myself contained. “You have no right to him!”

    Sanguis turns to Mairia. “You can take the children away, but we will stay in this room,” Sanguis says. “Hisede,” he snaps at the Drow woman. “See they go to the bedroom and set your guards at the door.”

    Hisede glances to Arlan who nods in agreement. She bows and follows behind Mairia as she and the children leave the throne room.

    “I didn’t realize they were here,” Sanguis walks over to the thrones and sits down in mine. He smooths his hand over the armrest and sighs. “I wouldn’t have made the entrance I did.”

    “Let go of me,” I snap my arms away from Arlan and glare at him. I then turn my attention to Sanguis. “Why are you here?”

    “How strong is your military, Arjun?” Sanguis asks. “Twelve-thousand wasn’t it?”

    I remain silent and continue to glare towards him. 

    “And including the lords that will fight alongside you how much more does that make?” Sanguis holds up his fingers. “Lady Mainer, Lord Vaylen, Lord Osden, they have what? Maybe another ten-thousand combined?” He leans forward. “And the lords who are fighting against you, Brachuss, Swaene, Scheer, Saunburn, what do they have in total?” He smiles. “Certainly not twenty-two-thousand!” He sits back and laughs.

    “And uhm-” he leans forward again and taps his finger to his mouth. “How many do I have?”

    I turn towards him. “The question is how you’ve brought your military into my kingdom without me even noticing?” I scoff at him. “How long has this plot been going on?”

    Sanguis smirks at me. “Long enough,” he purrs at me. “The Houses that have risen against you have been taking in my men for months now. Slowly but surely, they have trickled in all under your watch.”

    I glare up at Sanguis as the rage in my heart is fit to burst. All this time, my people have been plotting against me like an illness. My kingdom in infected, my people could be dying already. Yet this man, this monster, before doesn’t even seem to care.

    “You have the same eyes that Mythri and Chiyo possess,” Sanguis whispers. “Your family fascinates me and draws me in. I haven’t met anyone like your girls, Arjun. The Goddesses.”

    “Once this rain is over, so are you,” Reginald walks over from the window. “Surrender now, or what happened in Bastat will happen here in Oriphin.”

    “How dare you make such a threat?” I whisper. “Those poor souls in Bastat didn’t stand a chance. You didn’t give them one!” I shake my head and turn to Arlan. “You should be ashamed.”

    “What’s right and wrong is all made up by the individual, my lord,” Arlan replies. “This is just how the game is played now.”

    “Game,” I scoff. “Is that what you think this is?” I turn and look up at Sanguis. “What do you need with conquering the world?” I snap at him. “What do you even want with it?”

    Hisede, the Drow woman, comes back into the room. Arlan and her share a look then he glances at back at me. “You are content with Oriphin, he is content with everything.”

    Sanguis chuckles. “What I want is not to be shared with you. You are not one of mine and those eyes of yours make me worry.” He stands up from his seat. “Reginald, this is all up to you now.” He replies. “I will be going home. I’ll be stopping on Sothen and reporting to Viovrouh for you Reginald. She has a gift waiting on me.”

    “You’re leaving?” I scoff in disbelief. “You bring war and you just leave?”

    Sanguis stands before me. “I gave you your options, Arjun,” he says cooly. “Surrender and there will be no war. As easy as that.” He smiles. “I have created an army in which they only need my word. I have children waiting back home who need me.”

    Arlan grabs me again and Sanguis walks away with Hisede by his side.

    I struggle, but Arlan is young and stronger than I am. He holds me down and the doors shut as Sanguis makes his leave.

    Reginald is leaning against the window, watching as the rain falls heavily outside. “When do you suppose this rain with end?”

    “If our gods are good they will make it last forever,” I tell him. “They will flood the entire Peninsula and sink it so that you can’t get your hands all over it.”

    “What? These?” Reginald raises his hands and the ruby one flashes bright from within. 

    “What has become of you, Reginald? What sort of horrid chimera has Sanguis made you into?” I step towards him.

    “I wouldn’t get much closer,” Arlan warns. “That new grabber of his isn’t pretty in action.”

    “I heard what you did to Habbar,” I growl. 

    Reginald laughs and sets his hands to his hips. “That was fun, I’ll tell you that much. Bringing down that gargantuan, fossilized shit.”

    “Your sister is married to him,” I reply calmly. “He’s your family.”

    “I’m moving,” Arlan stands up and steps out of the way.

    Reginald strikes the wall above my head, hitting the pillar so hard with his ruby arm it dents in and shifts near the top. 

    “My sister betrayed me!” Reginald growls.

    “You failed her, Reginald.” I sweep the dust from my shoulder. “You would be a better man if you admitted your shortcomings. Although I don’t know how much of you can be saved at this point. How many have you killed for Sanguis?”

    Reginald drops his arm down and huffs. “I have what I always wanted because of Sanguis. I have Veleryn. I have Sothen.”

    “But it isn’t enough is it?” I stiffen my chin. “It will never be enough. No matter what you do or how far into the pits of damnation you follow Sanguis, it will never quell the anger inside you. You will only end up disappointed with everything you do. You’ll go numb. Trust me, I know and it isn’t a place you want to be.”

    Reginald rises his fist again but Arlan pulls me out of the way and stands between us. “Reginald, calm down. Don’t let him get to you,” he scolds. “We need him alive, so put that thing down.”

    Reginald glares at Arlan. “I don’t know what he sees you.” He storms back towards the throne.

    Arlan shrugs as we walks away from me. “Yeah, same.”