Tamerlane looked up from the console of his desk when the door opened and Ashan stepped into the office. The door closed behind him before the older male hurried over to the conference table and gathered together the materials from Tamerlane's last meeting of the day. From the expressions of the Nietzschean males leaving the office a short time ago, Ashan assumed the meeting had not gone as the males had expected. Throughout the day, more and more people were leaving the Emperor's office with less than pleased expression on their faces. This evening, Ashan had waited a short time before venturing into Tamerlane's office to remove materials for filing and recycling. He had no desire to be the recipient of one of Emperor Anasazi's reprimands or scathing performance reviews that many had been getting during the day.
"Sire?" Ashan approached Tamerlane's desk hesitantly. Today, the Emperor's temperament was harsher and a little more volatile then it has been in months. He was critical of everyone and everything and allowed no margin for even the smallest errors. To Ashan, it was as if they had been transported back in time a few short years to when the young Nietzschean emperor was more ruthless and unyielding to all those with whom he conducted business.
"Yes Ashan?" Tamerlane asked as his eyes followed the older male over to his desk. His executive aide had been performing quite admirably ever since Tamerlane's early morning critique of Ashan's tardiness in providing early morning materials for Tamerlane's first meeting of the day. It had been a busy day in the office and many meetings had become adversarial at some point. What Tamerlane viewed as increasingly more lackadaisical performance by many under Tamerlane's immediate command was being brought to the forefront and rectified. Many had been alerted to the simple fact that if their performance and the performance of those under them did not improve, changes would soon be made. Ashan and his staff had to step up to the highest level of performance to keep Tamerlane's meetings flowing smoothly and provide an example of how Tamerlane expected all aspects of his Empire to run.
"Sire, Tyr Anasazi is in the reception area," Ashan's uncertainty was reflected in his voice as he spoke. Tyr had not been included in any meetings all day. Even meetings that he was supposed to be a part of had not included his participation at Tamerlane's directive. It put Ashan in a few awkward situations when he had to turn Tyr away at the door. This evening, Tyr had insisted that Ashan get him in to see Tamerlane. The Emperor's father had been patiently waiting for nearly two hours. Ashan did not know how much longer he would patiently wait and Ashan had no desire to have him removed by security. He had a long history with Tyr Anasazi that preceded Tamerlane's period of self rule. "He would like to speak with you this evening."
Tamerlane leaned back in his chair as he considered Ashan's words. Tamerlane had been most displeased with his father following the events that had taken place in the Hawkins's suite the previous evening. In Tamerlane's mind, all wrong doing was on the Hawkins' family. Tamerlane had shown restraint in not ending Kindred Hawkins' life the previous night. Tyr was fortunate that Tamerlane had not been more aggressive toward Tyr for restraining him while Kindred Hawkins had struck him. All were fortunate to still be residing in the palace as far as Tamerlane was concerned.
"Show him in," Tamerlane replied after a few moments of consideration. He was interested to hear what his father had to say after a day of self-reflection.
"Yes sire," Ashan hurried over to the door with an arm full of flexis.
"Tyr Anasazi to see you, my lord," Ashan announced Tyr. Once the older Anasazi was inside, Ashan disappeared out the door and closed it firmly behind him.
"How are you?" Tyr asked as he walked across the room to where Tamerlane was seated behind the desk. Tyr had not seen his son since Beka had demanded Tamerlane leave and Tamerlane had exited the suite. He was certain Tamerlane was fine after his altercation with Kindred. Tyr seriously doubted Kindred had inflicted any damage to Tamerlane even though his son's face was smeared with blood when he left the suite.
"Fine," Tamerlane replied in a clipped tone as he watched his father take a seat across the desk from him. This was the first time anyone, including his father, had inquired as to Tamerlane's health. Although the damage to his face had been minimal, Tamerlane knew questions, theories and rumors had to be abound after a day full of meetings and the number of people who had seen him. The scabbed over cuts and bruises were faint and disappearing quickly. However, only unobservant fools would not have noticed the damage to the Emperor's face when speaking directly to him. Yet, no one asked directly how the Emperor of the Nietzschean Empire had received the injuries to his face. Tamerlane could only guess at the speculation and rumors being spread.
"You and I need to discuss what happened last evening," Tyr began cautiously. He knew from experience that Tamerlane was not pleased with him in the least. Tyr could understand in some ways. He had, after all, been holding Tamerlane back when Kindred Hawkins attacked and hit him several times. Tyr was certain in Tamerlane's mind that made him an accomplice in the attack. Tyr acted as he did because he knew what might happen if Tamerlane got his hands on Kindred that night. In Tyr's mind, it was fortunate, for both sides, that Tamerlane had not injured Kindred worse than he had. The Human male required medical attention to treat the lacerations to his face. The damage to his throat and neck from the near strangling was also seen to by the palace staff physician.
"There is nothing to discuss," Tamerlane shook his head with an amused expression on his face. "When the Hawkins family is ready to make amends for what happened, we can meet."
"You nearly killed Kindred," Tyr countered in a light tone as to not irritate Tamerlane.
"Nearly being the operative word," Tamerlane pointed out as he pushed back his chair from the desk. He got up and walked over to look out the window behind his desk. "I was well within my rights to defend myself from his attack. Had he been any other being in the universe, I would have ended the threat then and there."
"He's not available to see you," Ashan's worried voice cause Tamerlane to turn when a commotion could be heard as the outer door opened.
"I know he is in here," Beka's voice burst into the room as the door opened and she came inside. She pushed Ashan back out the door and shut it behind him.
"Sire," Ashan started when he came into the room an instant later with two guards.
"If you touch me," Beka warned as she backed a step away from the two guards. Tyr got to his feet and started in Beka's direction.
"Leave her," Tamerlane's voice overrode the mild chaos taking place at the door.
"Yes sire," Ashan waved the two guards off and they exited the room.
"Sire, I informed Mrs Anasazi that you were not available," Ashan hurriedly tried to explain.
"Obviously he is available," Beka pointed in Tamerlane's direction as her gaze focused on Ashan. "And don't even pretend that you did not realize I was seated outside with Tyr all this time."
"You may go," Tamerlane dismissed Ashan. It only took a nanosecond for the aide to disappear out the door.
"In case you were concerned, Kindred is healing nicely," Beka informed Tamerlane as she and Tyr walked back over toward Tamerlane's desk. "We have talked and he has decided against pressing charges against you."
"My injuries from your son's unprovoked attack are mending," Tamerlane replied as he walked back over and took a seat behind his desk. He motioned for Tyr and Beka to take the chairs on the other side. "I have decided not to have him executed for my attempted assassination."
"Attempted assassination?" Beka scoffed as she looked over at Tyr when he took a seat. Beka took the seat next to him when he gestured to the chair.
"It is fortunate that cooler heads have prevailed," Tyr began as he looked over at his son. He had no reason to believe Tamerlane had ever considered leveling any charges on Kindred. Tyr believed Tamerlane's assertion was only to ruffle Beka. "I hoped that we could resolve any lingering issues with this meeting."
"Lingering issues?" Beka looked over at Tyr incredulously. "He nearly killed my son."
"My father and I have already spoken on this subject," Tamerlane spoke up causing Beka to look at him. "I was merely defending myself against his unprovoked attack."
"You nearly choked him into unconsciousness," Beka retorted hotly. "You could have crushed his throat."
"I refrained from snapping his neck," Tamerlane pointed out as he looked over at Tyr. "This conversation is pointless. What is done is done. Kindred attacked me. I defended myself. Unfortunately for Kindred, he lost the encounter."
"Fine," Beka threw up her hands. "Let's talk about what started the brawl."
"Your son attacked me from behind. I was doing nothing to provoke such an attack. You should be speaking with him about what motivated his actions last night," Tamerlane replied as he leaned back in his chair.
"I know what motivated his actions," Beka snapped heatedly. Tamerlane annoyed her to no end when he tried to play innocent in these situations.
"Would you care to enlighten me as to what you believe were his motivations?" Tamerlane asked as his gaze remained on Beka.
"He was protecting his sister," Beka took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"I was present before Kindred's vicious attack. I can assure you that Terra was in no danger," Tamerlane shook his head slowly as he looked over at his father. "Unless Terra is claiming otherwise. If so, I would appreciate a recounting of her recollection of events."
"I have told you from the first time we discussed my daughter that you were to leave her alone," Beka sat forward in her chair and pointed at Tamerlane. "I don't know what you think you are doing …"
"Have you spoken with Terra concerning last night?" Tamerlane cut Beka off.
"Terra is furious with her brother," Beka's temper flared just a little.
"I asked if you had spoken with Terra," Tamerlane repeated.
"No," Beka shook her head as she glanced over at Tyr. Tyr had told her is was not a good idea for her to try to talk to Tamerlane about the incident. Beka just wanted Tamerlane to stay away from Terra. Nothing good would come of them spending time together. First, Beka had no desire for her daughter to get caught up in a Nietzschean male like Tamerlane. Second, Beka was never certain if Terra was working a con whenever she came to Arktos. She knew her daughter well enough to know that Terra had plenty of patience to pull off a long con.
"Last night, I came to the suite to speak with Alexandra concerning some of the issues with security clearance on some of her wedding guests," Tamerlane informed Beka as he leaned forward with his forearms on his desk. "Alexandra was not there at the time. Terra invited me inside and offered to give the information to Alexandra when she returned. Terra then invited me to remain and view an entertainment video with her. I accepted. If you have concerns about Terra's interactions with me, you need to speak with her about them. Not her brother. And not me."
"You were having sex with my daughter," Beka exclaimed as she got to her feet. She leaned over the desk toward Tamerlane. "You have six wives Tamerlane. Stay the hell away from my daughter."
"If Kindred believed Terra and I were having sex when he attacked me, I would strongly advise you or my father have the conversation with him that most males have when they come of breeding age," Tamerlane leaned back in his chair as he regarded Beka closely. "Your daughter is fully aware that I have six wives. Once again, the conversation you should be having is with her."
"You have children Tamerlane. You should understand this. I want what is best for my daughter. I want her to finish her education. I want her to live a full life," Beka replied as she straightened as she threw her hands up in the air. "I want her to pursue her passions and her dreams. I want her to find the man of her dreams and fall hopelessly in love."
"What I don't want … is my daughter here … chasing after something she can never have," Beka gestured in Tamerlane's direction. "Putting her life on hold … wishing … waiting for something that will never be."
"Leave her alone Tamerlane," Beka's voice had a soft pleading undertone when she spoke. "Don't make her settle for being a nameless, faceless concubine who only receives your attention when no one else wants or needs you."
"If you believe any of that describes your daughter, you do not know your daughter at all," Tamerlane replied as he leaned forward in his chair. "Your daughter is brilliant, driven, vivacious and fiercely independent. She will never permit any male the power to allow her to be or do anything. She will never settle for anything less than what she desires out of this life."
"Now, if you will excuse me, it has been a long day," Tamerlane gestured toward the door when Beka failed to reply. Tamerlane thought that perhaps his words might make her think about how she viewed her daughter.
"I know my daughter Tamerlane," Beka shook her head as she glanced over when Tyr got to his feet. "I also know the toll infatuation and unrequited love can have on a person. You and I both know … you … will never care about my daughter the way a person should care about my daughter. Leave her alone, Tamerlane. I won't tell you again."
With that, Beka turned and headed toward the door to the office.
Tyr paused just a moment as he looked down at his son. He could see the surprise at Beka's words and a thoughtfulness at the same time.
"Representative Velden will be here at 0945 tomorrow morning," Tamerlane said as his eyes met his father's. "If you would like to join us for the meeting, I believe he would welcome your input."
"I will see you in the morning," Tyr nodded before he turned and followed Beka from the office.