A/N: I know I've been a little laxed in the updating lately but I've had alot of things going on in my personal life lately. I hope to start updating more regulary now... well enough yapping, on to the story! oh, and please review.
Decisions
Vilandra sat in the back booth of the pub, nervously waiting for her guest. She hid behind her cloak as she scanned every shadow that passed the secluded booth, hoping no one would notice. It was a rural area in Palayan that was not often frequented by nobles, much less royalty.
After a few minutes she was joined by a man in a brown hooded robe. He slid on the other side of the booth silently and looked around before removing his hood.
"Thank you for meeting me Kivar," she said in a hushed tone. "I didn't know who else I could talk to. I used to talk to my father but with him and Sanaa both gone, and since it's about Viala…" she left the rest for him to assume as she stared down at the table.
"I'm glad you know you can always come to me Vilandra," he reached over to hold her hand. "Tell me what's happened."
"I told Viala about everything with my brother and Rath and the ceremony." She looked up at him. "She thinks you somehow set it up so I'd see Rath and Courtney together."
"I know," he explained after she looked at him curiously. "She had a few words with me that night." He gave a smirk. "If I was the intimidated type I would've took it as a threat.
"Well she threatened to tell my brother. I managed to talk her into giving me a few days but if I don't say anything today, I'm sure she will," she paused for a moment. "She also believes Sanaa and Zsar were working with you and that she told you about my dream."
Kivar leaned closer to her and lifted her chin so he could look her directly in the eye. "And what do you think?"
"If I believed that, I wouldn't be here," she answered.
"And about Zan," he paused momentarily. "Do you think you should tell him?"
"Did he tell me he didn't trust me?" she didn't give him time to answer. "Besides, if I do everyone will be angry that I went through with the ceremony and what if I'm wrong about my brother and Rath; I'll have started problems when there weren't any." She breathed out deeply as her rambling ceased. "Plus, it'll give Zan another reason to suspect you."
"Let him," he replied. "My only concern in this is you Vilandra."
"I won't sacrifice the only friend it seems I have left," her dark eyes looked into his.
"Well you have to tell him something before Viala does," Kivar countered.
"Like what?" she asked.
"Tell him about seeing Rath and Courtney but that Zander cleared things up before the ceremony," Kivar instructed. "You must mention that I saw you there just in case your dear cousin tries to check up on your story but make sure you're near if she comes to talk to him just in case you have to interrupt her before she says too much."
"I promised Zan I wouldn't lie to him again," Vilandra leaned her head against her upturned palm as she averted her eyes from the man sitting across from her.
Kivar reached over to turn her face towards him so he could stare into her eyes. "If you don't want The King to know you've jeopardized the linking of The Royal Four and his kingdom, you'll do it."
"And what if he senses I'm lying," she leaned back. "What then?"
"You simply make him believe you," he said matter-of-factly. "It is your decision but if Zan really doesn't trust you and Viala mentions some secret meeting between the two of us the night before the coronation, what conclusion do you think they'll arrive to?" He watched the worried expression wash over her face. "They'll think you're involved the same way they think I'm involved and that you going through the ceremony was part of the plan."
"Plan," she repeated. "I didn't have a choice; I didn't feel like I could back out with everyone counting on me."
"I understand that but will Zan, Rath, Ava, and your mother?" Kivar sounded empathetic as he stroked her hand. "If someone were to find out and use this to their advantage would Antar understand?" He looked up at her. "I'm not trying to scare you Loni."
"You could've fooled me," she rolled her eyes.
"I just want to make sure you make the right decision," he replied.
"I know," she swallowed. "Thanks for being here."
"I will always be here for you," Kivar said quietly and then kissed her hand. "Good luck." He replaced the hood over his head before leaving as quietly as he came.
Ava stood still, arms elevated at her sides as she concentrated on the glamour she was performing. Her warps had become more intricate with each session. Just as Ava was about to add a new person in this vision she was projecting, the whole scene vanished.
"Concentrate Avalena," the man at the end of the room said.
She exhaled in frustration,"I'm trying Nacedo."
"Well try harder," he countered.
"I don't mean to pull authority on you but are you really supposed to talk to me that way?" Ava put her left hand on her hip.
"I do not mean any disrespect Your Highness," Nacedo replied. "I mean only to protect you for what may lie ahead."
"War," she was almost saying it to herself.
"Yes," the shape shifter nodded. "It is not something you were brought up preparing for and it is my job to make sure that you are prepared; that you survive."
"And you think that it's inevitable," Ava clarified. "War."
"Maybe," he answered as honestly as he could. "But you do." It was not a question. "It's what's blocking you from reaching your full potential; your fear of a war, your fear of death."
"I don't fear death," Ava replied.
"Not your own," Nacedo looked her in the eye. "You fear you'll lose your new family the way you lost your old."
"No one wishes their family hurt," Ava did not dispute his words.
"You want to protect them," still there was no question.
"Of course I do," Ava replied.
"Then protect them," Nacedo countered.
"How?" she asked.
"You have to learn to reach your full potential," he said simply, "and by following your instincts."
Ava looked thoughtful for a moment, as if she'd already began thinking of something.
Nacedo peered at her. "What are you thinking?"
"I thought of something I can do to help protect us," Ava smiled at him. "I may need a favor from you."
"I'm at your service Your Majesty."
Zan shuffled through the papers on his desk. It had been a few days since the coronation and it was the first time he'd read through the proposals and plans that his father had been deciding on before he died. There was one that really grabbed his attention. It was a proposal for a new business alliance with Harpo that would benefit Antar's already growing jewel industry.
"Zan," the door cracked open as his sister called to him. "Can we talk?"
"Loni," he stood up. "Come in; what's going on?"
She shut the door behind her. "I don't know where to start." She sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"Vilandra," he sat in the chair next to her. "What is it?"
"The night before the coronation I went to Kivar's," she paused for a moment. "I overheard Rath saying something to Vipan about seeing Courtney so I went and when I saw them…" she left the rest of it for his interpretation.
"You thought something was going on between them," Zan finished for her.
"We both did," Vilandra quickly explained. "Kivar saw me standing outside of their house."
"Did you still have doubts during the coronation?" concern spread across his face.
"No," she lied convincingly. "Zander and Rath put me at ease. I just wanted to tell you because I spoke to Viala about it and I didn't want you to think I was hiding something."
"I would never think that," Zan replied. "You're my sister and I love you. I know you'd never hide anything important from me." He reached over to hug her. "You are okay now though?"
"Yes, I'm okay now." Vilandra replied; a dull look in her eye as she stared at the wall. "I love you too Zan."
Rath sat back on the settee, waiting for Zan. He'd called him a little while ago, asking The General to join him in a meeting about a proposal he was considering. Rath knew that his mind should be focused on business but he couldn't help thinking of Vilandra. He couldn't figure out what changed but ever since the coronation, she'd been pulling away from him.
"General Rath," he looked up to see a petite brunette standing in front of him. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine Ema, thanks," he replied stolidly.
"You don't look fine," she countered. "Do you mind if I sit?"
"It's a free world," he motioned to the seat next to him after he looked up and saw her still staring at him. "Go ahead."
Ema proceeded to sit down before exhaling deeply. "This is nice."
Rath said nothing; just shot her an amused look.
"I'm really a good listener," Ema turned towards him.
"I'm sure you are," he replied.
"Then," she pressed.
"You and your sister are relentless, aren't you?" He already knew the answer.
"We are," Ema answered anyways, then flashed a mischievous grin. "So..."
"Okay," Rath found himself agreeing, although he wasn't sure why. "It's Vilandra."
"Go on," she crossed her legs towards him.
"She's been pulling away from me since the coronation and I'm not sure why. There was this thing with Courtney but I don't think that's it. It seems like it's something else." Rath shook his head. "I don't know why I'm telling you all this."
"I told you I was a good listener," she paused. "Have you talked to her about this?"
"That's not really my thing," he elaborated. "Talking."
"You seem to be doing a good job of it right now," Ema replied. "Maybe she's just scared; I mean she has been through a lot lately."
"And we'd gotten closer but now," he scratched at his eyebrow as he left the sentence hanging in mid-air.
"You're scared too," she peered at him. "You think she doesn't want to marry you?"
Rath didn't answer; he just wondered how she and Ava both read him so easily when no one else he knew could.
"You need to talk to her Rath even if it's not your thing," Ema gave a half smile. "Look at everything that's happened to her. Her father was killed as well as two people she thought of as family, her brother got married to someone she hardly knows, he gets crowned king, and now she's being rushed into marriage, even if it is to a really great man."
"Thanks," he returned the half smile, "for the last part."
"You are, which is why you need to talk to her," Ema replied. "She's probably a little confused but who wouldn't be with all that?"
"You're right," he nodded.
"I know," she smiled. "So go find her."
"Thanks Emilia," Rath stood up. "Can you tell Zan I'll be back in time for the meeting?"
"Yes," she smiled. "Go."
"Hey," Ava knocked on the door as she opened it. "Are you busy?"
"Not for you," Zan stood up and came around the desk to meet her, then kissed her on the cheek.
"I wanted to talk to you," she looked up at him.
"Sounds serious," Zan took her by the hand and lead her to the chaise- longue on the right side of the room.
"It is," Ava said as she sat down. "It's about our meeting with Eca tonight. I have something I'm going to suggest."
"Okay," Zan said slowly, wondering what she was leading up to.
"I'd like to hold off on the executions," she exhaled deeply. "Just for a little while."
He took her hands in his. "If you want me to pardon your aunt and uncle as a personal favor, I will."
"I know you would," Ava smiled slightly. "But that's not what I'm asking. I know they deserve to pay for what they did but I truly believe someone else is involved and I think if we had more time to interrogate them we could find out the mastermind behind all of this."
"You're asking me to hold off on Zsar's execution?" Zan questioned.
"Not forever," the blonde shook her head. "I can't stop thinking about the note he had someone put on my tea tray. He made it sound like there were answers out there that he didn't want us to search for."
"Maybe it's a trick Ava," Zan replied. "We have to be cautious now more than ever."
"I know but I really think this is for the best Zan," Ava added. "So I'm going to bring it up." She was almost asking him.
"You'll have a hard time convincing the council but you have my support either way," Zan stroked her hands.
"Thank you," she replied. "Hopefully Nacedo's support will help sway them as well."
His brows creased as he looked at her. "Nacedo?"
"I spoke to him about it and he's promised his support," Ava explained.
"He must think highly of you. You should've stopped Viala on the way out," he was half joking. "She does carry a lot of weight with the board."
"I actually saw her but she told me about Vilandra," Ava bit the corner of her bottom lip. "Does that mean we'll have to have The Intertwining Ceremony again, because of Loni's doubts?" She shook her head. "I feel like this is partly my fault."
Zan peered at her, confused. "What are you talking about?"
"If I'd never asked you if you trusted her, she wouldn't have overheard and thought the wrong thing." Ava looked at the confused look on her husband's face. "Viala said Loni told you."
"Loni told me she thought Rath was involved with Courtney but Zander put her mind at ease before the ceremony," he ran a hand through his hair as a thoughtful look came across his face.
"Zan," Ava looked up at him. "What are you thinking?"
"That either my sister or cousin is lying to us; to me," he tried to shake the thought from his mind.
"Maybe they got their signals crossed," Ava shrugged. "I can't imagine they'd lie to you."
"Me either," Zan replied confidently. "I'll talk to them later but I'm sure you're right; they'd never betray me."
Vilandra looked out of the window at the bright orange sky. She'd heard part of Rath's conversation with Ema and knew he'd be knocking on her door any moment. She was glad that Ema was not another woman she had to worry about but the fact that Rath had been so open with her made Vilandra a bit envious, an emotion she was not used to feeling.
She wasn't sure what she'd say once he arrived. Vilandra wanted to believe him about Courtney but something wouldn't let her. He'd still kept something from her and she wondered what else he hadn't told her. She shook her head as she thought about what she hadn't told him; how ever since her and Kivar talked the night she'd found Rath with Courtney, that she couldn't get the ambassador off her mind.
The minute she heard the soft knocking, she turned around. "Come in Rath."
The door cracked open as The General walked inside. "How did you know it was me?"
"Lucky guess," Vilandra shrugged. "You look serious."
"I am," he closed the door behind him and then leaned against the chiffarobe. For a few minutes they both stood in this awkward silence until he finally spoke again. "Loni, what's going on?"
"I don't know," she ran a hand through her golden locks before looking down at the floor.
"You don't believe me about Courtney; you don't trust me?" He did not wait for her to answer. "But there's something else going on her too right?"
Again, there was a deafening silence as her eyes meet his and then shifted to the floor.
"Okay," Rath scratched at his eyebrow as he spoke through the silence once again. "I'll talk to your mother; we'll call off the wedding."
"What?" her dark eyes grew wide.
"If you don't trust me we can't get married," he cleared his throat. "I, we can't live that way."
"Rath," Vilandra shook her head. "That's not what I want."
"I don't think you know what you want Loni," Rath exhaled deeply. "We'll figure out something for The Royal Four; there was one set who weren't all married and they made it work."
"Why does it have to be either or?" Vilandra questioned as she felt her eyes getting watery.
"Because we can't go back," Rath replied. "I can't go back."
"But I need you," a tear rolled down her cheek.
"I have to go," Rath turned towards the door and placed his hand on the knob.
"Rath," the word came out in a deep breath.
He didn't turn around, knowing if he did he might never leave. "I'll see you later." Rath opened the door and walked out.
Vilandra wanted to go after him but she felt stuck to the floor. Instead she slid to the cold marble below and sobbed.
The room was buzzing with quiet chatter as the members of Eca waited patiently for the arrival of The Royal Four. Even though they'd all lent their political as well as social support to the new royals, they were still a bit nervous about this meeting. This would be their first meeting without any of the original four they'd started with and they each wondered if their positions and voices would be heard in the same way.
As The Royal Four entered the room, they all quieted and stood up as the royals walked to their seats.
"You may all be seated," Zan waited until they complied before sitting down himself. "Let me start by saying I do not plan on making any changes in this council. I continue to respect my father's as well as my mother's decisions and they felt very strongly about each of you being chosen and so do we. Now that doesn't mean everything will remain the same but your opinions will be taken in consideration before we make decisions." He cleared his throat. "On to the first order of business, Viala."
"The first topic for discussions is the executions of Zsar, Nadia, and Evan." She looked up from the metallic parchment.
"I don't see what there is to discuss," Vilandra looked to her brother. "We should do it tomorrow at first light."
"I'm not sure it's that simple," Zan said calmly.
"What do you mean?" Rath furrowed his brows.
"Ava came to me with a request to hold off on the executions," Zan answered.
"And you said yes!" Vilandra exclaimed, then quieted herself after she felt all eyes on her. "I'm sorry. I just meant that we discussed it earlier and you told me you wanted it done soon."
"I did but Ava made a convincing argument," Zan looked back at his sister.
"I mean no disrespect Your Majesties but these treasonists should be dealt with immediately," Erwin said. "If we don't; it will send the wrong message."
"I agree," Jamani replied. "With the recent rebel issues it's imperative that we show them that acts of treason and violence against The House of Antar will not be tolerated."
"And I agree with that too but I don't think executing them immediately will stop the movement," Ava finally spoke. "Not until we find out the person heading this up." She looked at the faces staring back at her. "Think about it; which one of them could be in charge of a rebel movement that killed three of the Royal Four?"
"She's right," Nacedo's agreement was a surprise to everyone except Zan and Ava. "Princess Sanaa was on her way to tell Their Highness' Zan and Vilandra about her involvement so it couldn't be her. Evan and Nadia are way over their heads so it wouldn't be them."
"And what about Zsar?" Swanlaa questioned. "He has enough resources to pull something like this off.
"Maybe but not enough friends," Nacedo answered. "He has a lot of business associates but most of them are on other worlds and I don't think any of them would be willing to go this far for him."
"Except Kivar," Ava supplied. "Besides that, Zsar was never on this planet enough to keep thing's going. There had to be someone else; someone who could make even the most bitter words sound like pure honey to rally so many people."
"And we all know an ambassador that fits that bill," Rath replied.
"He does have a way with words," Swanlaa said thoughtfully.
"What else are you thinking?" Erwin turned towards his fellow ambassador.
"Remember how he got his position as Charis' Ambassador," Swanlaa answered with a rhetorical question. "Becoming Jafree's assistant and suddenly he's the only one who can fix all the discrepancies that Jafree didn't even realize were happening."
"He even convinced Jafree to suggest him for the job before he stepped down," Vipan supplied.
"I read about Jafree's stepping down when I was on Crite," Ava said. "I always wondered how it happened so suddenly."
"Now you know," Nacedo smirked.
"If that's the truth, why didn't anyone do anything about it?" Vilandra asked with a slight annoyance in her voice.
"Because it's not against the law to take advantage of someone," Swanlaa answered. "Plus your father always saw the good in people and he saw that side in Kivar."
"So we've already convicted him?" the Princess looked around the room.
"We're looking at the responsibilities," Ava replied.
"And this has nothing to do with the fact that they're your aunt and uncle?" Vilandra turned to her brother. "Did she tell you she doesn't even think they're guilty?" She turned back to Ava. "I spoke to Ema."
"Calm down," Zan replied. "She just wants to know the truth and Zsar may be the only one who can tell us that."
"I agree," Nacedo replied. "Queen Ava may be able to use her influence with them to get one of them to talk. She just needs a little time."
"It's worth a shot," Viala concurred. "If we don't try the executions may cause more upheaval if the rebellion's leader is not caught. I say we hold off, at least for now." She looked around the room. "We all know Nacedo's position; Vipan?"
"I'm in agreement," he replied.
"Swanlaa?" Viala turned to watch her nod yes. "Erwin?"
"I agree," he replied. "As long as it's only a little while."
"What do you say Jamani?" Viala asked.
"Okay," he answered.
"Jakub," she turned towards the newest member. "What's your vote?"
"I say we wait," the Lt. General replied.
"Zander," Viala looked at him.
"I don't suppose waiting a little while could hurt," Zander paused. "I'm in agreement."
"I can't believe you all have agreed to this," Vilandra shook her head. "Rath, do you agree with this?" Her eyes were pleading.
"I'm not sure," he turned to Zan. "But I'll support it as long as the rebel movement doesn't increase."
"It's decided then," Zan replied then turned to his sister. "It won't be forever Vilandra." He spoke to the whole room now. "In light of this and several recent events, I've decided to appoint a new ambassador for Charis."
"What?" Vilandra eyes grew wide. "What if he's innocent?"
"Then I'll find a place for him later but either way most of the uncontrolled situation is in that region and he obviously isn't equipped to handle it anymore," he answered. "This is not up for discussion but I do want to talk about this." Zan took the first sheet off of the stack of paper that was in front of him and passed it down.
After they all had a chance to look over it, Zan spoke again. "This is a proposal that my father was considering and I believe it has merit."
"This is risky," Zander replied.
"And I don't plan on making any hasty decisions on it and I don't think you should either," Zan placed the sheet down on the table. "I'd like to send Viala with Rath to check it out and based on their reports and your suggestions, I'll make my decision."
"When do we leave?" Viala asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Zan answered. "If there's nothing else…" he looked around the room. "Then this meeting's adjourned. Rath and Viala, I'll need to see you in my office."
"I'll be right there," Viala replied before waiting for everyone else to exit the conference room except for Vilandra. "Is everything alright?" She placed her hand on the other girl's shoulder. "I noticed a little tension between you and Rath."
The bronzed beauty stood up quickly. "This is none of your business!" She turned around.
"Loni, I'm just trying to help," the brunette replied.
"You have helped me enough," she shot back icily. "You and I have to be involved for the sake of Antar's government but our personal relationship is over."
Viala scrunched her eyebrows in disbelief. "We are family."
"Not anymore," her voice was stern. "What's going on between me and Rath has nothing to do with Antar so you will leave this alone; do you understand me?"
"Are you threatening me?" Viala looked her in the eye.
"The same way you threatened me about Zan," Vilandra crossed her arms over her chest protectively. "I told you something in confidence and you used t against me and forced me into telling my brother something I didn't want to." Because of you I had to lie to Zan.
"And he forgave you," Viala offered.
"Yes he did but I won't forgive you," Vilandra said huskily. "Remember that even you have secrets and if you do anything to jeopardize my relationship with Rath… let's just say it would be a crazy idea to go against me cousin and that is a promise."
"Loni," her eyes grew wide. "This isn't you."
"Yes it is and this conversation as well as this friendship is over," Vilandra spun on her heels and exited the room quickly, leaving Viala standing there in incredulity .
"Hey," Ava said as the door opened. "How'd it go?"
"Good I guess," Zan closed the door behind him. "I just hope I'm doing the right thing; that I'll make the right decision."
"You will," she smiled as he sat down next to her on the bed. "You look worried."
"I was just thinking about Vilandra and Viala," Zan ran a hand through his hair. "Did you notice the tension between them tonight?"
"Do you think it has to do with Rath?" Ava asked.
Zan looked at her quizzically. "Why would you say that?"
"Ema spoke to him earlier," Ava replied. "She wouldn't say too much about their conversation but I got the impression he and your sister are having some problems."
"Maybe I should talk to them," he paused briefly. "See if I can help."
"Maybe," she shrugged. "Hopefully this trip will give them some time."
"You think I shouldn't get involved," it wasn't really a question.
"I think that as long as it doesn't affect Antar that they need to work this out for themselves." She smiled. "I do think that they're meant to be though," she reached up to touch his face, "just like you and me."
"Destiny," Zan gazed into her eyes lovingly before leaning over to kiss her.
Vilandra stood alone in Rath's room looking out of the window into the night sky. She could see two of the moons from where she was and their light filtered into the room, creating a silvery glow.
She'd had time since the meeting with Eca to think about things. She knew she'd been confused about a lot of things lately but she wasn't confused about how she felt for Rath. I love him, she thought to herself and Vilandra knew she had to make sure he knew that before he went away on his mission.
"Loni," Rath stepped into the candle filled room. "What is this?"
"You said today that you didn't think I knew what I wanted," she said softly as she turned around. "Sometimes that's true but I know I don't want to lose you. I know that I love you."
Rath stayed by the door. "We can talk about this when I get back."
"I need you to answer one question before I go," she stepped closer to him.
"Okay," he closed the door.
"Can you look at me and tell you me you don't love me?" she was standing in front of him now.
Rath said nothing but they both knew the answer.
"Then I want to prove to you that I love you and that I trust you; that the one thing I do know I want is you." Vilandra slipped her sleeves down her shoulders before letting her dress fall to the floor.
"Loni," he started to say something else but he couldn't help but gaze at the way the moonlight bathed her bronzed skin. "You're perfect."
"So are you," she began to unbutton his shirt and then slid it down his broad shoulders as she trace kisses up his neck to his jaw line.
"Are you sure?" Rath pulled back slightly to look into her eyes.
"Tell me you love me," she whispered.
He caressed her face adoringly. "I love you."
"Then I'm sure," she said softly.
Rath scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, both of them deciding to forget about everything else except the two of them in this moment. They both knew that come morning the day may shed light on the issues they cloaked tonight but for now, they lost themselves to the night and to each other.