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Chapter 59 – Lartius' Orders

Poltious poured himself a drink inside of the large, conference room of the Quauhtin castle. Lewis, Legate, and Lartius went over all of the information they knew. Summus sat back, watching the transmission again of Kapral of Iota Zealae, declaring war on the Quauhtin and Andromedaen people.

Lewis sighed, "This just doesn't make any damn sense. Who the hell is responsible for these attacks?"

Legate groaned and sat down, "We've had how many?"

Summus spoke with his attention still on the transmission. "Six. Each one, progressively worse than the other one."

Legate sighed. "It has to be someone who stands alone. Lartius, are you doing something stupid that we all need to be made aware of?"

The entire room stopped what they were doing and looked back at their King.

Lartius held his hands out. "Now, why the hell do you go there?"

Legate nodded, "It wouldn't be the first time-"

Summus added, "Nor the second-"

Poltious sipped his drink and grinned.

Lewis crossed his arms and looked back at Poltious. "Something you would like to add?"

Poltious shook his head. "No. Primus Lewis, sir. I'm fine-"

Lartius pointed at him. "My One knows of things that we won't speak of. But I assure you, it has nothing to do with this."

Summus groaned and tossed the remote on the table. "Well, this doesn't make any sense. I'm with Legate. This has to be someone who is an enemy of the Quauhtin people."

"Well, why would you say that?" Lewis asked.

"It is now. That's for damn sure." Lartius groaned.

Summus crossed his arms. "Well, think about it. All of the targets have been people who have openly opposed the Quauhtin-"

Lewis pointed out, "Not all. This Kapral of Iota Zealae. In the service of the King of Luminar, even had Quauthin-"

Summus reasoned, "He got rid of them-"

Lewis added, "He did. But, only after that bet-"

Lartius rose his hands, "He didn't honor it! I thought it was all in good fun!"

Legate shook his head. "Lartius! You and your damn jokes may have brought about a war-"

Lartius leaned on the table and pointed at himself. "This wasn't me! I'd admit it, if it was! Whoever knew about that, would have been someone in that my court, or the King of Luminar's! How the hell do you not see that?"

Summus pointed at him, "That is an excellent point. It wasn't a broadcasted fact."

Poltious sipped his drink.

Lewis sighed. "So, immediately. Oen has to be moved-"

Summus nodded, "She has. She's on her way to John on Terra. She wants to ensure Ashena is alright, and seeing them together will boost the confidence of the people-"

Lewis threw his hands up, "But, with them NOT ON ANDROMEDA! Damn it! That just fuels the fire that it is a place that needs to be avoided!"

Summus pointed Lewis. "I agree, but-"

Lewis shouted, "Summus! You're smarter than that! How could you approve it-"

"Licis has her-"

"In a Royal Cruiser-"

"I'm not thick! He has her in a small craft. Unmarked. Lewis, relax. I've done this a long time."

Lewis put his hands on his hips and breathed out of his teeth.

Lartius snapped his fingers. "Okay. We've done everything here that we can for the moment. Legate, assist Summus in looking over the Guard. Then head over to the Academy to check preparations. Remember, you're dead. So, assure the Quauhtin that you aren't. It will help with morale."

Legate stood up, "Yes, sir."

Summus bowed and left with Legate.

Lewis was still cheesed off. "I need to check the outer defenses and all of Stark's preparations-"

Lartius pointed at him. "No. You are to remain with me. Poltious, see to the outer defenses and all of Tony's….madness. Contact him through his Quauhtin as needed."

Poltious sat down his drink. "Yes, Lartius. Happy to."

As Poltious walked by Lartius, he stopped him, "And report back to me directly in the residence-"

"I don't live there any longer-"

"You do as of now. I'm not having you on your ship when something is attacked. You're going to be safe."

Poltious groaned, "Lartius…."

Lartius pat his friend's shoulder. "I insist. It's not the same area-"

"Close enough."

"Martiea is waiting to see you. She expects you for dinner."

Poltious leaned back over, picked up his drink, and walked out of the room.

Lewis sat down and using some dials and buttons, changed the displays on the screens on the walls.

Lartius sat down beside of him. "And what has you so excited?"

"I'm not excited-"

"John and Poltious have both told me-"

"Oh brother-"

"…that you have been completely….."

Lewis rose his eyebrows, "Completely what?"

"Cross about everything."

Lewis sighed, "I'm fine-"

"You forget that you grew up, under my nose. I know you, Lewis. Little Arles is how old?"

Lewis rubbed his arm. "Nearly three months-"

"So, she's been gone for-"

"I'm not talking about it." Lewis told him flatly.

"But, you have spoken about her."

Lewis looked as if someone had punched him in the stomach. He swallowed hard and looked down, "I have. To Arles. The older one. And I find now, that I speak to her all of the time. Just like she's still there."

"I'm sure it helps-"

"It doesn't. And the worst of it is, I know I've woken her from her rest. I can….hear her. I go to sleep and feel her sleeping next to me. I make her favorite meals. Arrange the furniture the way she would have preferred. Even play her favorite shows on the telly."

"I'm sure it's comforting-"

Lewis shook his head. "Looking into the eyes of our son. Or sons. Seeing her there. Gosh, she would have loved both of them so much. And…because of me, they have both missed that."

"It wasn't your fault-"

"It was. I'm sure of it-"

"John says-"

"John doesn't know everything. I'm sure it was."

"Acceptance of your situation is what you need. I can't tell you that I know how you feel-"

"Thank you. I know you don't-"

"But, I have experienced loss."

Lewis closed his eyes and sighed. "Gosh, yes. The princess."

Lartius nodded, "Yes! Maria! I will speak her name!"

"You aren't supposed to do that-"

Lartius pointed at him, "It helps me. My Maria always felt that was an archaic practice not to speak of the dead. She told me, several times, how she planned to end that with her reign as Queen."

Lewis sadly nodded, "She would have been an amazing Queen."

"She would. She was so much like her mother. There is a movement here. And I've found that I rather agree with it."

"What? Speaking of the dead?"

"As a King, people will speak of me for centuries after I'm gone. I know it. It's expected. Part of the job. A Quauhtin is always on duty. Their King, is on duty, even in death. Maria knew this. Thus, I will wake her from her sleep. Plus, it makes me smile that I'm certain that I've annoyed her in that."

Lewis grinned. "Yeah. Humans don't have that practice. They celebrate their ancestors-"

Lartius jumped up and clapped his hands together. "Which I feel we should begin."

Lewis rose his eyebrow at his King. "You do?"

"Yes! I do."

Lewis shook his head in disbelief. "Completely gone mental."

Lartius rubbed his hands together. "You, Lewis, are thinking clearer than anyone else in the Kingdom at this point. Which is why I have something I want you to do."

Lewis stood up, "Yes. What is it?"

"You are to return to Terra. John is taking over the Guard there until further notice."

Lewis was shocked. "You're sacking me?"

"Not at all. I'm giving you time to be with your sons. To, find out who you are now. You are to take each day, write into a journal what you are grateful for."

"This is just not the time for this-"

"Grief never comes at a convenient time. If you are to be in line as a possible heir, I need you to also be aware that this will put both of your sons in position to take the role. They will need to be prepared. You are simply spread too thin to do that, and recover from this."

"Recover." Lewis grumbled. "John says I'm fine."

"Doctor Lartius begs to differ-"

"You're not a Doctor-"

"You're right. I'm your King. Legate and I have spoken. He says that the role of heir would be a welcomed return to your side of the family. Hell, you are the grandson of the great King Lovell! As Legate simply put it, 'This is really your problem any damn way.'"

Lewis crossed his arms. "Technically, it's Lance's. He's the older one."

"He's in love and useless."

"And then it's Luce-"

"He doesn't want to do it. Neither does Licis. I've made certain of it. Although, by custom, you will have to do the same. And if I had my pick, if the Quauhtin people had their pick, it would be you. Primus Lewis of the Prime Guard of Terra-"

Lewis rubbed his face and nodded. "I've not spoken to the brothers about this."

"I know you haven't. They all will be surprised when you break the news to them. Legate was. He said he would hand it to you in a second. Just say the word."

Lewis sighed. "Maybe, I should rethink this."

"Why?"

"I'm mourning and useless. Hell, I'm not even in charge of the Guard!"

"On a temporary basis." He assured him.

"For how long!?"

"Oh, I'll know when to reinstate you."

"Is this John's doing-"

"It is mine. Completely mine. I've not informed John-"

"Good. Then, reconsider."

Lartius stood in front of him and after a bit, shook his head. "No. You are using your role as Primus to prevent your acceptance of this. For the good of the kingdom, and my family, you are to return to Terra to prepare your sons to possibility take over as heir one day."

Lewis groaned, "I can't fucking believe this. We are at war! You need me here."

"I need you as far away, and safe as possible to be." Lartius told him as he turned to walk out of the door. "A ship stands ready for you. Consider it yours. Keep me posted on your progress and let Tony Tyler know that I've not forgotten about him."

Lewis was furious and trying not to show it. "Okay."

Lartius stopped and walked back over to Lewis. He put his hands on Lewis' shoulders. "Be angry with me about this. That's alright. Hopefully soon, you will realize I'm right, and see why I have done this. Lewis. Be with your sons. Love them. Realize what a unique opportunity you have to have them both. As odd as it may be."

Lewis nodded as he chewed his lip. "Yeah. Two Arles."

"They are both, so important."

"Yes, sir. To the Kingdom."

Lartius shook his head and smiled. "To you. Make sure they both know that."

Lewis sighed and nodded.

Lartius turned to walk out of the room. "Keep your head down, Lewis."

The door slid shut behind him.

Lewis was left alone. He shook his head and walked over to pour himself a drink. He sipped it and spoke to Arles in his head.

'Son, are you busy?'

He could tell Arles was smiling. 'Never too busy for you, Papa. Everything alright?'

Lewis threw the drink to the back of his throat. 'Everything is fine. Are you safe?'

'Currently at 20%.'

'Where are you?'

'Miles away from shore. On a copy of Tony's boat.'

Lewis grinned. 'Hopefully, not alone.'

'We're just friends, Papa.'

Lewis chuckled and poured himself another drink. 'Yeah, Lance told me about your friend. He says she's lovely.'

He laughed. 'Then believe him.'

Lewis took another drink. 'I'm returning tonight. I'll be there in a matter of hours.'

'Why?'

'I'm needed there. I need to see you, when it's convenient. We have to…have a chat.'

'I'm being careful-'

Lewis grinned and sat the glass down. 'Good. Because this has a bit to do with that.'

Arles was silent.

Lewis leaned on the table. 'Arles. Remain there. Enjoy your boat trip, and your friend. Just, when you're available, come to see me.'

'Right then, Papa. You aren't dying, are you?'

Lewis threw his hand up, "Shit! These cheeky kids."

He walked out of the conference room.

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