Chapter 9

• EMPEROR ARION
• The early morning light streamed through the windows. I had yet to pull out my desk chair to review the schedule when there was a gentle knock at the door.
• "Come in Morvath, what brings you here so early in the day."
• High Chancellor Morvath approached. With a respectful bow, "I have news that you might want to hear." He had begun.
• "I hope you bring good news. I am actually in a good spirit."
• I watched as Morvath's jaw tightened before speaking. “Doctor Imbalance has requested an audience with you at your earliest available time,” he announced.
• “Did he say why?” I inquired. It had been a few weeks since he last reported.
• Morvath cleared his throat. “Apparently, the landing of the SS Babylon did not unfold as planned. Troubling reports are suggesting that the vessel has crashed in the northern hemisphere.”
• "That is unfortunate." I pulled out the chair as I sat down. "On the positive side. It crashed in the north, not at one of our settlements. With any luck, more Silver Vipers and their low-lifes have perished as well."
• "Doctor Imbalance has concerns that the Serpion's could have survived the crash."
• I snorted in disagreement. "I doubt that."
• Morvath glanced down at his weathered hands. His fingers were twitching nervously. "The scientists of the SS Babylon were close to breaking the code to the DNA sequences. They were on the brink of perfecting the Serpions," a hint of worry etching his features. "There’s a real chance that the destruction of the crash won't be sufficient to eliminate the bioweapons entirely."
• The weight of his words hung in the air. The implication was there. "Would I be wrong in assuming that the same progress has been achieved here?"
• "I can't say for sure Your Imperial Majesty. If you wish I can ask Doctor Imbalance to report on the progress of the Serpions."
• "I want a report before the end of the day." I flipped the page of my planner. "Assuming the Serpions survive the crash. What safety guards had been put in place to ensure my full control?"
• "My apologies, I have no knowledge in that regard. I can speak with Doctor Imbalance on the matter if that is your wish."
• I tapped my planner. A bubble of irritation reached my eyes. "Do that. While you are at it, find out where the Xanthor's are located. I want to keep a close eye on them."
• Morvath bowed, "Your wish is my command." He shuffled his feet backward. He turned only once he reached the threshold between my office and the hallway.
• I was just about to finish off with the paperwork when Noxis had softly rapped on the door. Kneeling on the floor, she waited for me to receive her.
• "If you bring words of sorrow and tears, save your words for someone who cares." I barked.
• Still kneeling on the floor, Noxis kept her head lowered. "I bring you good news. Nyxara has stopped with her tears. She has resigned to her obligations. Excepting her duty as the daughter of an emperor and soon to be wife of Duke Erebus."
• "Rise," I motioned with my hands, gesturing to a chair for my wife to sit in.
• Noxis seemingly glided across the floor. She only spoke when she had gracefully sat on the chair. "I know you are busy, so I will only say a few words." She smiled, even though her eyes told me she had been crying. "I had encouraged Nyxara to come to peace with your judgement. That her childish ways had to be put aside. That her love for you will always remain. That she could visit with the duke's blessing."
• I snorted, not believing my primary wife's words. Since Nyxara was a child, she had been the only one who dared to argue with me. "If her tears had been placed with the separation of father and daughter. She should have known better. As I do. It is apparent to me that I had indulged in her whims far too long."
• Noxis softened her features. "She fears the duke will not love her as you have."
• "As Nyxara, being your only daughter of seven children, I sympathize with your loss. But you both must see, with this decision come hatchlings. They will fill the emptiness soon enough."
• "Will I be permitted to leave the palace, to visit our daughter when her time comes?"
• "I can't see why not. Our sons are grown. Started families of their own long ago."
• Noxis's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Nyxara had been the gift she prayed to the creator for. After having six sons in a row, a daughter finally rested in her arms. For 25 years, Noxis had doted on the child. Nyxara, being her favourite child, was her world.
• As she nodded slowly. My words had reached her heart. The lump of sadness remained, but the promise of grandchildren was at the forefront of her mind.
• With a quiet dignity, she announced her departure. Noxis turned and exited the room. Her footsteps were soft against the floor. Of my three wives, at least Noxis wasn't a disappointment.
• A wide, mischievous grin formed on my face. If Nyxara was anything like her mother, she wouldn't disappoint the duke. Providing him with not only an heir but several sons.