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Chapter 58 – Legate's Problem

Legate walked back into his and Genie's flat and closed the door.

She walked around the corner.

"Oh, hi." She smiled.

He returned her smile. "Hi."

"Come in the kitchen. I've just made some tea."

He put his hands in his pockets and joined her.

"Where have you been?" Genie asked.

Legate sat down at the bar and sighed. "Arles' place. Walked about for a while. Genie, I owe you an apology."

"No, Legate. I owe you one." She told him as handed him a cup of tea.

He shook his head. "No. I really owe you one. Sit down. I'll explain."

She sat at the bar and he sat in front of her and took her hand. "The governor of Kaitos died."

"Yes. So, Legate will be governor. We knew this."

"Yes. He's been announced as that and the heir. So, the entire Quauthin kingdom is sorted."

She nodded. "Yes."

"Okay. So, Lartius has spoken to his advisors, concerning me. And I've been told that I'm not allowed to be anywhere where he is, use the name Legate with anyone, and in all honestly…it would just be better for the kingdom for me to disappear."

"What?" She asked. "How could they say that?"

"Well, it makes sense. I was pissed about it last night, but…this is the thing. There are two of us."

"Yes."

"If it comes out there are two, that would be seen as a way of someone possibility doing something to take over the rule of the Quauhtin. Do you see where I'm going with this?"

"They want you to return to our time."

"Even that won't solve the problem because he's there, too."

She sighed. "So, what are you to do?"

"I am Legate. That's all. I can't go any deeper with any explanation. No title. Just Legate. I can't use my Quauhtin status for anything. If I'm seen out anywhere, I'm him. The governor."

"Okay, makes sense."

"Well, all of this isn't the end of the world because I am here. Planning on staying here, with you, and the school. I had planned on leaving the Guard anyway, but now I'm rather forced to. No one can know I'm actually here. So, my name has been taken from all records."

She shook her head, "I can't believe Dad and Papa have agreed to this."

"It was Lewis' idea. That way, I could stay here. I'm a secret. If anyone asks, there is only one Legate. There are no Quauhtin Warriors any longer, who are named Legate. He's decided to enter public service, and I can't be him. I'm just…a guy, named Legate. No further explanation."

"It does make sense, and I can see why you were upset now."

"I just didn't want to talk about it last night. That's when everything was getting discussed and I didn't fully understand what Lewis was trying to accomplish."

"He's trying to keep you safe."

"He's trying to keep the rule of the Quauhtin people, safe. Genie, there's so much at stake. More than you even realize."

Genie nodded and brought her tea up to her mouth to sip.

Legate looked up at her, sadly.

"But, that's not it." Genie realized. "That's not why you didn't want to talk to me about this."

"You've had such a terrible week. I couldn't add to your misery."

She sipped her tea, "I appreciate that, Legate. But, it mostly concerns you. I don't see completely, how it would have made me miserable, except to feel badly for you. And I do. It's terrible. It's as though you have lost your identity."

He took her tea from her hands and sat it back on the bar.

She looked at him in surprise. "Okay, what am I missing then?"

He took both of her hands. "We cannot get married."

"Why not?"

"Because there is only him. Not me. If we were to marry, you would be his wife, not mine."

"Well, that's just ABSURD!" Genie exploded. She stood up and walked around to the other side of the bar.

Legate had expected this. He sat at the bar and let her shout.

She was furious. "This is absolutely…..without a doubt….ridiculous! What the hell was Papa thinking to even allow such a thing?"

Legate sighed. "We've covered that."

"And I get it, yes…..the entire kingdom of people can't be made to understand there are two…TWO Legates now! But, to for it to be like that! I mean…..that Legate isn't you!"

He nodded, "I know."

"Oh, I'm so angry I can't even think!" She pasted the floor with a clenched jaw.

Legate tried not to smile where she could see him. He didn't see her upset often, and found that he enjoyed it more than he should. He rubbed his face and cleared this throat. "Believe me, Genie. I've with you."

She shook her head as she grit her teeth. "Damn, this is just…."

Legate was reminded of John when he became cross. He cleared his throat again to hide his amusement.

Genie had become irrational. "This is a mistake. Surely, you misunderstood."

He shook his head. "I didn't. It was discussed last night. The records for Legate to marry have to be very clear because of his role as heir."

"But, Quauthin Kings can take two wives."

He shook his head, "Martiea outlawed that on the basis that no King in three generations had practiced that. Why do you think Lartius only has her?"

Genie groaned. "You can get special permission-"

He shook his head. "I've ask. It comes back to being one Legate. Which is him."

"Well, I'm not agreeing to it."

"There is another option." He told her.

She crossed her arms. "Okay. I'm listening."

"You and I, could marry. Here. And it would just be, a simple…between you and me….ceremony. Maybe invite the family. Something small. But, it just…could never be official."

She shook her head. "That's what you wanted. Where everyone in the Quauhtin kingdom sings my and your name in their head. Where the bells ring and the…."

He shook his head. "I don't have to have that."

"And you wanted us to make the promise in the room. There at the castle."

He sighed. "I'm not allowed on the Quauhtin homeworld. Well, unless Lartius summons me back, of course. If anyone was to spot me, I have to tell them I'm him."

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "This is all my fault."

"How is that?"

"If we had never came back here-"

He quickly got up and took her hands in his own. "Look. It's not your fault. And it doesn't matter whose fault it is. That's not important. This is what we're dealing with now."

Tears formed in her eyes. "If had just told you yes back home-"

He pointed at her. "Don't do that. This is not through any fault of yours. This is just how it is. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine."

She waved her hand at him. "You're right…this entire fault thing doesn't matter."

He took her hand, "Genie. Please tell me what you're thinking."

She sighed. "Legate, I'm so cross right now, I can't really think."

They held one another and he kissed her head. "Genie. This changes nothing about how I feel."

She fought her tears and buried her face in his chest.

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