David

  I stepped off the ramp onto the damp soil of the northern field. The morning air was cool, crisp, and clean. Not even a hint remained of the carnage from hours before. No bodies, no blood, no burned earth. Aria had done her work well.

  I stretched, rolled my shoulders, and took in the scenery. The northern lands were quiet again.

  Circling the airship, I did a quick inspection. Nothing obvious stood out, no burn marks, no cracks, no stress points. Good. By the time I made it back to the base of the ramp, Allyson was standing there waiting. She has changed her clothes since last night. She wore a simple blue dress today instead of the green one from yesterday. Was she being conscious of what she was wearing now?

  “Everything okay, Allyson? I see that you have picked a different dress today,” I asked.

  “Yes, Master. It was unfortunately stained with blood. No other issues have been reported.” She tilted her head slightly, always attentive, always composed.

  Over her shoulder, I spotted them: a group of five Orcs lingering at the forest line. Watching.

  “Come,” I said, already stepping off. “Let’s have a chat with our neighbors.”

  “Shouldn’t we wait for the others?”

  “It shouldn’t be an issue. It’s just going to be a conversation.”

  I walked toward the Orcs without any attempt at stealth. Let them see me. As I approached, they stiffened, but none fled. Two of them looked nervous, one visibly shaking, but they held their line.

  “Hello,” I greeted.

  “Hello, Builder,” one of them answered, not in Orcish, but in Common. The speaker was the largest of them, his skin weathered and scarred, his presence quiet but undeniable.

  I blinked, surprised. “Everybody okay?”

  He nodded. “Yes. We were surprised you would speak to us. We were told only to watch.”

  “That’s fine,” I said. “Just tell them I surprised you.” A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. “Do you need anything?”

  “We are fine.”

  I turned to go, then paused. “Would you relay a message for me?”

  The big Orc tilted his head. “What message?”

  “I’m looking for a gate. I don’t know what it’s called. Some call it the Vault, or the Dark Gate. I was told it might be east of here.”

  His brow furrowed. “The Dark Gate?”

  “Could be,” I replied. “I’ve never been there.”

  He nodded slowly, then tapped the smallest Orc on the shoulder, the one still trembling. He bent down, whispered something, and the young Orc bolted into the trees.

  “He will ask our chief. But there may be a request in return.”

  “That’s fair. Equal compensation is acceptable,” I replied, then turned back toward the airship. Peace was a fragile thing. And as much as I wanted to hold onto this moment, Theresa’s kiss, Allira’s hope, the quiet of the ship, I knew it couldn’t last. Something was coming. I could feel it, like pressure behind a dam. And when it broke… I just hoped I’d still be standing. Around the perimeter, several crew and passengers had been watching the exchange. As I neared the ramp, I spotted General Kitch and both Princes waiting at the base.

  “Brother,” Prince Theodore called. “Chatting with the neighbors?”

  “Yes. They live here. If anyone knows where the Vaults might be, it would be them.”

  Kitch nodded approvingly. “Earl, that’s a smart move. From what we’ve seen, they respect you. Might be the best chance we have.”

  “That was my thought. It’ll be a while. One of them went to ask their chief for permission. So…” I tapped my satchel. “I’m going to catch up on some reading.”

  As I started up the ramp, Ajax spoke. “David. How many trolls were killed here last night?”

  “Sixteen,” I replied without slowing. “I killed fifteen. The golems took one.”

  Ajax sputtered. “Six… teen…?”

  “Brother,” Theodore said slowly. “What are your stats?”

  I turned my head just enough to answer. “Ask your sister to see if she’s okay with me disclosing them.”

  “The… Theresa? She knows?”

  “Of course she does. I told her everything. Would be a bad way to start a relationship otherwise.”

  With that, I stepped inside the ship, leaving the three of them to process what they’d just heard.

  I sat at the table, sketchbook open, penciling in designs for baby items. Swaddles, bottles, crib enhancements, things I remembered from big box stores, but redesigned with materials and magic in mind. When the little one arrives, I want to be ready.

  I didn’t even notice her sit down at first.

  “Hello, Princess,” I said, looking up.

  “Hi, David,” Theresa replied, smiling softly. “What are you drawing?”

  “Baby stuff,” I replied, flipping the page to show her a rough outline of a transforming crib. “Things I want to have ready for the baby when they arrive.”

  “That’s… really sweet. It seems you like building things.”

  “I do. It gives me peace. Creating helps me think.”

  She tilted her head slightly. “So what brings you that peace right now?”

  I looked around the room. Seraphina leaned against me, asleep. Across the table, Marlena and Allira were reading but glanced up to give me matching mischievous smiles. Aria was napping nearby. Veronica, I realized, was nowhere in sight.

  “Where’s your escort?”

  “I told her I wanted to spend some time with you. With all of you.”

  “Oh?” I smirked. “Are we really that exciting?”

  Theresa chuckled. “From what I’ve seen, you live a very adventurous life.”

  “Come on,” I laughed. “We’re just like everyone else, Theresa. We’re just… a family.”

  “I’m not part of your family. Not yet.”

  “We already consider you part of it. All that’s missing is the ring.”

  “Ring?” she asked curiously.

  Marlena and Allira both raised their left hands, flashing their rings.

  “Those don’t look ordinary,” Theresa said, leaning closer to inspect Allira’s.

  “David made them,” Allira said, slipping hers off and handing it over. “Each has a personal inscription. Mine says ‘Una via, duo corda’, One path, two hearts. Ever the romantic.”

  Theresa turned the ring gently in her fingers. “I don’t recognize the language.”

  “It’s Latin,” I said without looking up. “From my home. An old language.”

  “I’ve never heard of it.”

  “It’s rare now, even back home,” I said. “I also added a few features to the rings. Each bearer can locate the others, and me.”

  “That’s… special. And these are silver?”

  “No, my dear,” Marlena said, looking up with a grin. “They’re mithril.”

  Theresa looked stunned.

  “When we get back to the capital,” I said, “I’d like to get your ring size. I want to make your ring, too.”

  I paused, tapping the edge of my sketchbook.

  “I also made some notes… when I examined your mark. I might’ve been a bit too excited when I first looked, might have gotten a few things wrong. But now I think I understand it better. If I’m right, I could integrate… um… communication features into the rings.”

  There. I said it. I could feel sweat forming at the base of my neck.

  “Are you sure?” Allira asked, her voice low and thoughtful.

  I nodded, still not looking up. “I think so. If what I saw is correct, then…”

  Theresa stood.

  She was removing her dress. I blinked. “Wait, what are you doing? I haven’t even told you the plan yet.” She stood slowly, her eyes searching mine, uncertain but resolute.

  “I gave you my heart this morning,” she said quietly, “but I don’t think you understood what that meant for me.” I blinked, caught off guard by the weight in her voice. She stepped away from the table and began to unfasten the rest of her dress, careful, methodical, each movement a silent declaration.

  “Theresa?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

  She didn’t answer at first, only folded her clothes neatly and set them aside. Then she stepped barefoot onto the low table between us, radiant only in her undergarments, her chin lifted, not in arrogance, but in trust.

  Around the room, no one moved. No one spoke. She knelt in front of me and took my face in her hands. “David Robertson,” she said, her voice clear and unwavering, “from this moment forward, I belong to you. Not because I must… but because I choose to. With my heart. With my body. With my soul.” Then she kissed me, soft, lingering, and full of certainty.

  I gulped, feeling the world tilt beneath me. Not because of desire, though it simmered just below the surface, but due to the weight of her vow. She had just given me everything. And gods help me, I wanted to be worthy of it.

  “Sweetheart, what have you done now?” Seraphina’s voice cut through the fog in my brain. She was awake, rubbing her eyes.

  “Me?” I asked, confused.

  “Yes, you. You have a woman sitting in front of you in her under-linens, who just gave you her heart… and you look like someone dropped a bucket on your head.”

  Theresa chuckled. “My father would skin you alive if he saw me like this.”

  Everyone laughed, except me. I was still trying to catch up.

  “Well,” I said finally, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her onto my lap. “If I’m going to be skinned alive, might as well earn it.”

  That got a laugh from everyone. Theresa giggled as she straddled me.

  “Now then,” I said, brushing her hair from her face, “I can finally see what I missed earlier.”

  I reached for my sketchbook, then gently traced the markings along the ring between her breasts, stretching outward across their tops. The symbols around the inner circle glowed faintly under my touch. With them, I began cross-referencing what I’d drawn.

  “Your hands are cold, David,” Theresa murmured, shivering slightly. Goosebumps rose across her skin.

  “Do you want to get dressed?” Seraphina asked, reaching out to touch Theresa’s bare shoulder while watching me with that same amused, knowing expression.

  She shook her head. “I’m fine.”

  Aria, half-asleep, mumbled from her chair, “If this keeps up, we’ll need a bigger table.” The room broke into soft laughter, the tension lifting like steam.

  “Theresa,” I said, swallowing the rising heat in my chest, “may I see your status panel?”

  Theresa raised her right hand between us and willed the blue status panel into existence. The glowing window shimmered softly in the space between us, elegant and clear.

  “Yes, I have nothing to hide from you now,” she said with quiet certainty. “And with this, you see all of me.”

  The panel formed fully:

  [Theresa Theran]

  Race: Human

  Status: Betrothed (David Robertson)

  Title: Princess of Eldros

  Age: 18

  Class: Divine Healer 1

  Strength: 10

  Intelligence: 15

  Wisdom: 16

  Agility: 7

  Charisma: 14

  HP: 220/220

  MP: 350/350

  SP: 100/100

  Skills:

  ? Cooking Lvl 1

  “What’s wrong? David?” Theresa asked softly.

  I had been staring at her status panel, lost in thought, when her voice finally pulled me back. I looked into her warm brown eyes and gently brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear.

  “I was thinking… what to do about Baron Winsket,” I admitted. “What could we do to make him finally back off? And stay away?”

  Her expression tightened. “There were just two dinners and a walk in the garden,” she said defensively.

  “No, no, dear, I’m not jealous,” I said quickly, reaching to take her hand. “Far from it. I want to know what it would take to make it clear to him and the court that you’re far beyond his reach. And even his dreams.”

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  She took a breath to answer, but I could already sense her instinct. “Well… my father could…”

  “Let’s try not to involve your father,” I said, cutting gently. “If we can resolve this without him, it strengthens our position and his. Let the court blame the eccentric engineer. Or even better, that overreaching Baron.”

  “You want to protect my father?” she asked, her voice unsteady.

  “Yes. If possible,” I said, quietly but firmly. “Let’s bring your brothers in, come up with a plan that works for all of us. Maybe even loop in the General, or the Bishop.”

  She leaned forward suddenly, burying my face between her breasts. Her arms wrapped around me as I heard the soft sobs along with her steady heartbeat. “Thank you…” she whispered, weary but sincere.

  “You made a princess cry,” Seraphina said with a playful smile as she watched from next to us. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

  I held Theresa tighter, letting the warmth of the moment pass between us.

  “We could always land the airship in his garden and destroy everything in sight,” Allira offered casually from the sofa, eyes still on her book. “It wouldn’t be that difficult.”

  “True,” I chuckled. “But we’ve already got two mage families to straighten out in Vaelthorn. Do we really want to conquer a barony on top of that?”

  “It would be fun,” Allira mused.

  “Let’s hold off for now,” I said, smiling faintly. “One disaster at a time, but let’s keep that as an option.”

  “Master, Prince Theodore is requesting to speak with you.”

  Allyson’s voice pulled me out of my swirling thoughts, plots, and ploys about how best to make Baron Winsket reconsider ever laying eyes on the woman in front of me.

  “I think that’s our cue for you to get dressed, my dear,” I said to Theresa.

  She leaned back, pouting ever so slightly. “You know, this might be the last time you’ll see me like this today.” She posed teasingly, ensuring I didn’t forget the moment. I chuckled and leaned in to steal one last kiss before she stood to dress.

  “Who knew our princess had a devilish side?” Marlena teased, grinning from across the room. Theresa started blushing and quickly turned away, slipping her dress over her head. Once I was sure she was decent, I opened the door for Theodore.

  “Brother,” he greeted, and to my surprise, he hugged me. “Things have got me… worried.”

  “Come in, have a seat,” I motioned to the empty chair. “Want something to drink?”

  He shook his head, eyes drifting toward the room, then landing on his sister.

  “Theresa? I thought you were in your stateroom?”

  “I’ve been here for a while,” she replied, casually. “Discussing babies.” Her eyes flicked to me, warm.

  Theodore blinked. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”

  “No, you doof,” she rolled her eyes. “I’ve told you, I don’t know how many times, Seraphina is. Not me.” She paused for a moment. “Don’t you listen? I can’t anyway, remember?”

  “Oh… yeah. That stupid rule. Like that ever stopped anyone.” He chuckled. “I mean, I was born six months after Mother and Father officially got married. Don’t tell them I know that.”

  He turned back to me, more serious now. His smile faded.

  “David, I’m the crown prince. I’m supposed to be strong…” He hesitated, then looked away before continuing. “But the way you fought those trolls… it made me feel like I’m not nearly strong enough.”

  I leaned back, weighing my words. He wasn’t just scared, he was questioning his very role.

  “Theodore, I’m proud to call you brother. Just like you call me the same.” I glanced around the room, at the faces of the people who defined my world. “Yes, I have abilities… well beyond the norm. But my strength doesn’t come from that.” I smiled. “It comes from them. From the people I care about. A king without his people is just a man in a chair. That’s where your strength should come from.” He absorbed the words quietly. “You’ll need advisors,” I continued, ”ones you trust. Build with them, lean on them. That’s the wisdom I think your father is waiting to see.” I raised my arm and flexed with mock bravado.“Of course, having these helps too.” I slapped his knee, jolting a laugh from him.

  “David… would it be too much to ask, if we talked from time to time?” he asked, quieter now.

  “Of course not. I learned long ago that when you marry a girl, you also marry her family. For better or worse.”

  I grinned. “Anytime. We can share a drink or talk over tea.”

  “Someone should always bring snacks,” Seraphina added helpfully.

  “Remember those from Vaelthorn?” Marlena chimed in.

  “Those honey-covered ones?” Allira added with a dreamy smile.

  “See?” I winked at Theodore. “Mostly good.”

  He laughed again, lighter this time.

  Then he hesitated.

  “David… one more thing.”

  The room went still.

  “Could I see your status panel?”

  The silence that followed wasn’t shocking; it was careful. Everyone looked not at me, but at Theresa. She met my eyes and gave a gentle nod.

  “Are you sure?” I asked.

  “Yes. I want my brother to know the man I’m going to marry,” she said.

  I looked around. Seraphina’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. I turned to her, then to Allira and Marlena. Each of them nodded. I exhaled quietly, turned my palm upward, and summoned my status panel.

  [David Allen Robertson]

  Race: Human 4 (evolved)

  Status: Married

  ? Seraphina Robertson

  ? Allira Robertson

  ? Marlena Robertson

  ? Aria Robertson

  Betrothed

  ? Theresa Theran

  Title: Earl of Brakenreach

  Master of Tower 6

  Demon Slayer (Cataclysm)

  Master of Tower 1

  God’s Blessing

  Master of Swords

  Age: 20

  Class: Engineer Lvl 32

  Strength: 50

  Intelligence: 30

  Wisdom: 37

  Agility: 40

  Charisma: 38

  HP: 875/875

  MP: 532/532

  SP: 225/225

  Skills:

  ? Blacksmithing - Lv. 31

  ? Sword Fighting - Lv. 45

  ? Unarmed Combat - Lv. 15

  ? Kinetic Weaponry - Lv. 13

  ? Structural Insight - Lv. 3

  ? Mana Efficiency – Lv. 2

  ? Forge Mastery – Lv. 1

  ? Engineering Constructs – Lv. 1

  ? Arcane Integration – Lv. 1

  ? Enhanced Diagnostics – Lv. 1

  Passive Traits

  ? Analyze - Lv. 11

  ? Perception - Lv. 6

  ? Fire Resistance - Lv. 4

  ? Language Arts - Lv. 2

  ? Pain Tolerance - Lv. 1

  ? Precision Forge

  ? Autonomous Calibration

  ? Enhanced Learning Curve

  ? Artisan’s Resolve

  ? Blade Sense

  ? Cognitive Multithreading

  Theodore’s eyes widened as he read line after line of my status panel. I saw the change in his expression, shifting from curiosity to surprise, then to outright panic. They all looked at me like I was untouchable, a warrior, an engineer, a man with gods behind him. But power never comes without a cost. And somewhere in the shadows, I could feel the weight of a scale tipping, unseen, but inevitable.

  “Allyson, dear,” I called out casually, “could you bring us some towels?”

  Right on cue, Theodore turned and dry heaved into the ones she handed him.

  “David, what’s your swordsmanship now? I finally reached thirty!” Allira asked, not even pausing at the sound of the prince gagging behind her.

  “Nice.” I closed my panel. “We should celebrate.”

  “David, I can take it seriously,” she pouted.

  “Cake?” I offered. “A huge cake?”

  “Allira, it was forty-five,” Seraphina said with a soft grin.

  “Gods, David…” Allira groaned, flopping back onto the couch. “I finally reach mastery, and you raise the bar into the clouds. If you keep climbing like this, love, something out there’s going to take notice. And when it does, I hope we’re all ready.”

  “Actually…” I paused, glancing toward Theresa, who was rubbing her brother’s back supportively. “There’s a theory I want to test. A few books in Tower Six might prove or disprove it. No spoilers just yet.”

  “I’m sorry for my display,” Theodore finally said after wiping his mouth with the towel.

  “It’s okay,” Seraphina said, her tone comforting. “It takes a bit to adjust to this family. But once you do, you’ll see, anything’s possible.” She smiled, leaning into me.

  “I’m starting to believe that,” Theodore nodded, standing. “I should get back to General Kitch. They tend to panic if I disappear for too long.”

  He walked toward the door, then paused.

  “Also… sister, Veronica’s been looking for you. She’s still technically your bodyguard… sorry maid, even if I now believe you’re safer here than anywhere else in our kingdom.”

  He smirked and left.

  “I’ve never seen my brother like this before,” Theresa murmured.

  That’s when Aria appeared from the bedroom, wearing a loose bathrobe that wasn’t doing much work. Her long legs showcased the classy tattoos along her thighs.

  “Did I miss anything?” she asked as she padded over. “David, I’ve got that tightness again… can you do what you did before?”

  “Of course. Sit here.” I gestured to the spot in front of me.

  “You know, we could get a healer,” Allira offered as Aria sat down between my legs.

  “Yeah, but I like how David rubs it out,” Aria said, letting the robe slide down her shoulders and fall to the floor. “Anyway, don’t we have one in the family now?” she quipped, looking back at me for a moment.

  I pressed my hand to her shoulder blade.

  “Is it here again?” I asked, slowly kneading into the muscle.

  “Oh yes…” she moaned as I applied pressure.

  Allira leaned over to Theresa.

  “Don’t get embarrassed, this happens all the time. Aria sleeps funny and gets these knots in her back.”

  “This is… normal?” the princess asked, blinking.

  “Completely,” Marlena said without looking up. “Let’s see… Allira gets her thighs rubbed after training…”

  “And you like your shoulders done after spellcasting, sister,” Allira added smugly.

  Aria’s moans became more intense, somewhere between relaxed and feral.

  “Master,” Allyson said suddenly, “several Orcs are approaching. Also, Veronica is at the door requesting to enter.”

  “Let Veronica in. The Orcs can wait until Aria’s satisfied,” Seraphina replied without skipping a beat.

  “That will take forever,” Allira quipped.

  The maid opened the door, and Veronica marched in.

  “Princess! Are you alright?” she blurted, only to stop dead at the sight of me elbow-deep in Aria’s bare back, her moans echoing through the cabin. Veronica’s face stayed impressively blank.

  “Aria, dear,” I said, ignoring the awkwardness, “you really need a healer when we get back to Eldros.”

  “Yes,” Aria agreed between gasps. “Old injury. Never healed right.”

  “Allyson, add it to the list. Healer for Aria.” I slowed my motion, letting the knot ease out under my hand.

  “Veronica, I’m fine,” Theresa finally said. “Just… discussing baby stuff.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” the maid bodyguard said, still eyeing me like she wasn’t sure if I was massaging or performing dark magic. “I hadn’t seen you in a while and wanted to check in.”

  “It’s fine. Seraphina and I were reviewing crib designs.” She gestured to the sketchbook, which I handed her.

  “I need to meet with our neighbors, Seraphina.” I stood up as Aria rose and stretched. “Let me know what changes you want to see in the sketches.”

  I finally made it out of the stateroom and down the ramp toward the group gathered ahead. The clomping of boots behind me told me who followed even before I turned.

  “Allira,” I said without turning, “you’re not interested in baby stuff?”

  “As much as I’d love to,” she replied, “it’s going to be hard to command with a newborn strapped to my back.” She paused, and her voice softened. “I do want to have a couple of children with you, but… not yet.”

  I stopped abruptly, so suddenly she nearly walked into me, and turned to pull her into a warm hug.

  “Have I told you I love you?” I asked.

  “Not today. A few times yesterday,” she smirked.

  “Let’s get this all wrapped up and head back to Vaelthorn. I want to test if my theory’s right. If it is…” I trailed off with a smile. “It might be the biggest gift I could give you.”

  She tilted her head. “What?”

  “I think your level thirty cap in swordsmanship isn’t a true cap. I believe there’s a way to break it.”

  “You’re joking.”

  “Not on this,” I said, serious now. “Never with you on training.”

  She stared at me, part disbelief, part hope.

  “Now,” I said, turning to the clearing, “let’s go meet our Orc hosts.”

  Three Orcs stood near the treeline, just beyond the combat golems. As I approached, two of them shifted back slightly, wary, but the larger one I’d spoken to earlier remained still.

  I extended my right arm, and he stepped forward to clasp it in a strong grip, forearm to forearm. A gesture I hadn’t seen since Earth.

  “Builder,” he said in a deep, accented voice. “We greet you.” Behind me, I heard murmured voices, Prince Theodore among them. “Builder?”

  “I greet you,” I replied in kind.

  “Our chieftain will see you tomorrow morning,” the Orc said. “We’ll be here to escort you. It is too late now. Too many dangers come at dusk for your servants and mate.” He nodded behind me toward the others. “Even we risk much. But you… You would be fine. Too many four-legged birds?”

  “Griffins?”I asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Yes. You call them Griffins,” He said with a frown.

  “I’ll be here in the morning.” I clasped his arm once more, sealing the agreement.

  Without another word, he turned, and the trio disappeared into the woods.

  I turned to face the group behind me. Prince Theodore stepped forward.

  “Builder?” he asked.

  I nodded. “I think it’s what they used to call us engineers. From my research, my predecessors lived in this region for centuries, before they vanished two hundred years ago. So it’s not too surprising they’d still have stories. But the fact they recognize the class at all… gives me hope.”

  “You think they know where the vaults are?” Allira asked, stepping up beside me.

  “I think it’s our best lead yet,” I replied. “We’ll know more in the morning.”

  As I turned toward the ramp, another voice called out.

  “Earl Robertson,” General Kitch said, approaching with his hands behind his back. “Do you have a moment?”

  “For you? Always,” I said. “Privately, or casual?”

  “Privately, if possible.”

  I nodded, thoughtful. “Could you meet me at the stateroom doorway in two hours?”

  “Two hours,” he confirmed. “Thank you.” With that, he passed me and stepped onto the ship.

  Allira sidled up beside me. “Do you know what that’s about?”

  “No idea,” I said, taking her hand as we followed him aboard. “But in two hours… I guess I’ll find out.”

  “Mate?” she said teasingly.

  Two hours passed faster than I expected. After dinner, I sat down to read and lost track of time.

  “Master, you have a visitor,” Melissa said, standing by the door.

  “I’ll be right there,” I replied, Allyson, falling in behind me. “It’s the General, I’ll be back,” I added to the group. They waved and returned to their conversations.

  In the passageway, General Kitch waited. “Let’s go somewhere quiet,” I said, leading him up to the bridge.

  Once there, I made my way to the navigation console and took my seat at the command station behind the helm stations. Oh, I want to change this chair to resemble Kirk’s command seat so much. Allyson took her usual post nearby, while the four flight crew members observed the general closely. He ascended the stairs slowly, his eyes widening as he took in the panoramic view: the towering mountains bathed in sunset, and the equipment and crew waiting silently for orders.

  “The mountains do look grander from the bridge, don’t they?” I said.

  He took another long moment before answering, “Do you know what my mission here is?”

  “Besides evaluating me for your king? You’re here to oversee the protection of the three royals,” I answered, blunt for blunt.

  He blinked. “You knew?”

  “I figured it out when you stepped on my ship. Why else would the kingdom’s top military commander join this simple mission? It wasn’t just formality; it was an evaluation. The king wants to know what I am, what I’m capable of. Am I a threat, or an asset? How close am I to his daughter? Is that about it, or am I missing anything?”

  “No, you seem to see the whole picture,” he said, standing a little taller.

  “You upset that I figured it out?”

  He shook his head slowly. “No. Just surprised. So, what should I report back to my king?”

  “Tell him the truth. I pose no threat to his kingdom, or any kingdom, unless I’m threatened first.”

  “I can accept that,” he nodded.

  “And also,” I added, “his daughter is safe with me. I would never harm her. She’s… special.”

  “Yes. She’s the princess of Eldros.”

  I narrowed my eyes slightly. “You don’t know, do you?”

  His tone sharpened. “Know what?”

  “Allyson, dear, would you please ask the princess to join me on the bridge? Alone.”

  “Yes, Master.” She curtsied and left.

  Kitch watched her go. “You have me worried, Earl.”

  “I just don’t want to talk about her without her here. She deserves that respect. She’s not just someone I protect; she’s someone I care for deeply, just like the others.”

  He nodded slowly. “So, who else comes up here?” Looking around at the various stations and the flight crew standing at many of them.

  “I come up here to read sometimes. Marlena, too, when she wants peace and quiet. Allira uses the space for morning stretches. I keep it closed off otherwise.”

  “Hm. Safe. I can see that.”

  “Ohhh, what a view…” Theresa said as she entered the bridge.

  “Theresa, dear, come have a seat.” I gestured beside me.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked, brow creased. “Allyson said you wanted to see me alone. Veronica nearly had a panic attack.”

  “Nothing is wrong,” Kitch replied, bowing slightly. “David and I were talking. Some of it involved you. He thought it appropriate that you hear it directly.”

  “You’re very sweet,” she said to me, taking a seat.

  “Do you bring all your wives into these kinds of talks?” Kitch asked.

  “Yes. They’re my council. They know me best.”

  “And will the princess be part of this council?”

  “She already is,” I said, smiling. “She brings a unique perspective, I trust.”

  Theresa blushed, gently placing her hand on my thigh.

  “You two are betrothed. And if all goes well, you’ll be married by summer’s end,” Kitch stated.

  “Well… not quite,” I said.

  Her eyes turned to me. “Wait, it’s not true?”

  “I mean…” I paused, taking hold of Theresa’s hand. “Things tend to go a little off-script when I’m involved.” Turning to her. ”You told me this morning that you gave me your heart. I accepted. But later, I realized I hadn’t told you how I felt in return.” I took her hand. “You see, Theresa… the gods, they like playing tricks on me. This isn’t the first time this has happened. I’ve now been married four times… unintentionally. No ceremony. Just divine interference.”

  She looked confused. “What do you mean?”

  “Would you show us your status panel?” I asked gently.

  “You’re scaring me,” she said, raising her hand.

  [Theresa (Theran) Robertson]

  Race: Human

  Status: Married (David Robertson)

  Title: Princess of Eldros

  Age: 18

  Class: Divine Healer 1

  Strength: 10

  Intelligence: 15

  Wisdom: 16

  Agility: 7

  Charisma: 14

  HP: 220/220

  MP: 350/350

  SP: 100/100

  Skills:

  ?Cooking Lv1

  “What?!” she gasped.

  “Yeah… the gods strike again,” I sighed.

  “Congratulations, Master. Three more and you’ll meet our goal,” Allyson chimed in helpfully.

  “Allyson, not now,” I groaned.

  Kitch stared at the panel, stunned. “Earl, David, this is… unprecedented. This isn’t normal. We need to inform the King… The gods may grant blessings, David… but they never do it for free. Not forever.”

  “Agreed,” I said. “I plan to have a word with the gods next time they drop by.”

  “You’ve spoken to them?”

  “General, please, keep your voice down.”

  Theresa still stared at her panel, wide-eyed. I reached out and gently pulled her into an embrace.

  “I wanted a ceremony… dancing…” she whispered. “A night of dancing with you.”

  “You’ll still have it,” I said firmly. “Nothing changes. We’ll inform your father privately, but please keep this confidential. You’ll still have your ceremony, your day. I promise.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked, tears forming.

  “Yes. We’ll figure it out, your father and I, together.”

  She nodded against my shoulder.

  “For now,” I continued, “spend more time with your sister-wives. Still sleep in your stateroom. Veronica doesn’t need to know. Let’s keep everything calm until we return.”

  Kitch nodded. “It could work. Are you sure you’ll speak to the king about this?”

  “First thing after I step off the ramp: Will you, General, keep this secret? When I meet with her father in a few days, I would like you there as well.”

  He smiled faintly. “David… you never stop surprising me. Yes, I will keep this to myself.” He turned to leave, but paused at the door. “If you’re willing, I’d like to hear more about your… divine conversations during tomorrow’s walk with the Orcs.” Then he was gone.

  “Now what?” Theresa asked, wiping her eyes. “Seems I’m married now… so what changes?”

  “Not much yet. However, when we return to Vaelthorn, I would like you to enroll in the academy. To learn more about your class.”

  “I thought we agreed I’d wait until after the wedding.”

  “Well…” I gave her a sheepish grin. “You’ll just have to come with me. I’m not leaving you behind, especially with Baron Winsket sniffing around.”

  “Hmph. I doubt he likes married women.”

  “Ah, so you accept being married now?”

  “Maybe.” She smirked.

  “Are we talking about sex, Princess?”

  “Why yes, my dear Earl. Sex. We wives of yours have had a conversation about positions, and I am eager to start exploring.”

  “Well then, you’ll need to speak to the first wife about scheduling.”

  “She’s your secretary now?”

  “Actually… She has always been. Without her, my life would be utter chaos.”

  Theresa stood and brushed out the wrinkles in her dress.

  “Where are you going?” I asked.

  “To see Seraphina,” she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me to my feet. “I need a time slot.”

  _____________________

  “I see that your puppet is growing…” a voice rumbled from behind her.

  Goddess Veira didn’t turn. Her gaze stayed fixed on Aerendor, watching the airship drift across the sky like a floating leaf.

  “Khosa,” she said, flatly. “You’ve decided to wake from your naps and take notice?”

  The silver-armed god stepped into view, resting his greatsword on his shoulder. “There’s little left that keeps me interested,” he said, walking up beside her. His eyes followed hers, down toward the engineer and the women orbiting him. “Do you think he’ll be ready when the time comes?”

  “He has to be,” Veira replied. “But first, he needs to find the map.”

  A new voice spoke, cold and quiet, emerging from the shadows behind them. “You admire him.”

  “He’ll get the map,” Khosa said, ignoring the intrusion. “But will he understand it in time?”

  Veira’s voice was blunt. “Let’s hope.”

  “Imagine that,” the shadow muttered. “The fates of realms resting on the shoulders of an engineer.”

  Khosa started to walk away, his steps slow and deliberate. “For the first time,” he said almost wistfully, “I agree with him…” He paused at the edge of the clouded platform and grinned over his shoulder. “Kirk is better than Picard.”