The throne wasn’t as comfortable as he had expected. Of course, its stone slabs were constructed for grandeur more than comfort. But he had thought that the satisfaction of sitting in it would be enough. The growing pain in his back and neck suggested otherwise. 

Still, it had all been worth it, he thought. Now he commanded the respect he truly deserved. His soldiers did his bidding without question, as did the palace servants. If they whispered or exchanged furtive glances, they did not do so where he could see them. And all those who would not follow him had been slain, except for the few that had escaped. And they would be taken care of. 

His back twinged once again, thinking of the few loose ends. Most of them were too minor to bother with. But then there was Kazreena. She was the only royalty unaccounted for - the only legitimate heir, anyway. How she had escaped his meticulously-planned attack he did not know. But she could be trouble, he knew. Not only for her royal blood. Vidar had trained with her, knew her to be smart and tough. She had also been one of the few who had not balked at his element, who had treated him like a fellow human being. 

Vidar shook his head. He couldn’t think of that now. He had come so far in such a short time. His father, if he was still alive, would surely be proud of all that he had accomplished. 

A man strode through the great doorway to the throne room. [insert more description here?] He had a hawk-like nose and eyes that glittered under dark brows that seemed to be permanently furrowed in a frown. Vidar smiled. 

“Ah, Jonathan. Do you bring news?” 

“I do, Vidar. I mean Sapan.” Vidar inclined his head at the correction. 

“Someone managed to bring news to the city. Of the attack. Of how you took power. A mob is forming in the marketplace, and mages from every temple are coming together.”

Vidar stood, anger flowing through him. Ch’usaj whispered in his ear, as she always did in such moments. “Gather the royal mages,” he ordered. “It’s time to show them who they’re dealing with.”

Jonathan bowed, and began to withdraw. “Wait,” commanded Vidar. “Any word of the princess? Have they caught Kazreena?”

The other man’s flicker of a nervous glance told Vidar all he needed to know. “No, Sapan,” he muttered. “There has been no word. But they will catch her. Crayton and his men are the best. It’s only a matter of time.”

“For your sake, I hope you are right,” said Vidar. “You know she is your responsibility.” 

“Yes, Vidar. Is there anything else, Your Excellency?”

“No, Jonathan. Gather the other mages.”

The man bowed and retreated. Vidar tried, unsuccessfully, to ignore the rising unease in his chest. He knew Crayton, knew his skill and cunning and ruthlessness. But he also knew Kaz - Kazreena - and she was one of the few people who might be able to elude even the most elite tracking team.

Perhaps Crayton would bring her back. But he would have to think of another plan in case they couldn’t. Not even Jonathan knew how important Kazreena would be in securing his reign.

Next Chapter: 21: Kaz - Perspective