C. Bryant - Broken

Kira leaned into Octavion’s arms in hopes of getting a little comfort. Instead, they were instantly surrounded by little bundles of energy, laughing and wiggling around them. Unsurprisingly, Arela had proclaimed herself as leader of the pack. She grabbed Octavion’s arm and pulled him toward the swelling crowd.

“Octavion, come play with us,” she pleaded.

He looked at Kira as if she would save him, but she happily encouraged his kidnapping. After watching the mob of children carry him away, she glanced around to find Ussay. She didn’t see her anywhere, but spotted Cade sitting on a long bench with plenty of room beside him for all of them to sit-if Octavion ever escaped.

Kira sighed. As much as she missed Lydia, she wanted to forget about feeling sad, along with everything else that had happened, and enjoy the festivities. She lifted the hem of her dress off the ground and walked the short distance to where Cade sat.

“Good day, Kira. We wondered if you would join us.”

“Yeah? Wouldn’t miss it.” She sat next to him, giving a gentle pat to his thigh. “Where’s Ussay. I thought she said she was going to sit with you.”

Cade cleared his throat. “She is not happy with me at the moment. I believe she went to find her aunt and mother.”

“Why? What did you do?”

Cade looked down at his hands where he twisted a thread between his fingers. “I believe she has feelings for me, has for quite some time. I felt it was time I told her the truth.”

“Which is?”

“I do not feel the same.”

“Oh,” Kira said. She struggled with what to say-Cade and Ussay had both been nice to her; she wasn’t about to take sides. So she simply said, “I understand.” And left it at that.

“So what exactly is a moon festival, anyway?” Kira asked after several moments of awkward silence.

“A time to celebrate the end of the feeding. At least that is what it means to the servants and their families. For us, it is our way of showing them our gratitude. It also helps them feel more comfortable around us and it is the only time we mingle with them freely like this.”

As Kira listened to Cade’s explanation, her eyes focused on Octavion. Arela had tied a red scarf around his eyes so he couldn’t see. The children ran circles around him as he tried to catch them. “I’ve never seen him like this.”

“Ha! This is nothing. When I was younger, he would invent games for us and he instigated many pranks. But today is the first time I have seen him truly happy since his return.” He paused for a moment. “We have you to thank for that.”

Cade chuckled as Octavion scooped up one of the children and spun him around.

“Gotcha,” he shouted in English, then pulled off the scarf. “Go find Luka. He is much better at this game.”

Luka stood near what Kira could only describe as a ‘gaggle’ of chatty girls, all very young and beautiful. They hung on his every word and seemed completely satisfied with the attention. When he saw the children coming at him, he put his hands up to ward them off. The girls quickly retreated, leaving him to his captors. The children hauled him off like a bunch of ants carrying away a scrap of bread. Kira felt a peaceful contentment wash over her heart and she smiled as she watched Octavion approach.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” He settled on the bench beside her and lightly touched her arm with his fingertips.

“I am, actually. Cade is very good company.” She gently jabbed Cade’s arm with her elbow. “He’s educating me on your childhood.”

Octavion growled. “You better not tell her any of my secrets, cousin.”

Cade laughed. “Would I do that?” He looked at Kira and winked.

“Yes, you would.” Octavion put his hand out for Kira to take. “I would like you to meet someone.”

She feigned a fearful expression. “Should I be afraid?”

He smiled. “Oh, yes, very afraid.” Then he stood and pulled her up after him. He led her to the other side of the grass area where the children played. All around the perimeter were tents, lean-tos and canopies of all sizes, shapes and colors. Some were decorated with furs and fabric, while others were plain and simple. They came to a canopy, by far the most ornate, that stayed cool under the shade of several trees. Shrubs and flowers surrounded it and just inside the large opening was a throne-an empty throne.

“What. .”

“Wait,” he said.

The entire festival of people fell silent as everyone, even the children, turned toward them. People came out of their tents and gathered close. Octavion raised one hand into the air and they all knelt. She felt the most powerful, majestic spirit engulf her, so strong it took her breath away. It only lasted a few seconds, but when the king appeared and she glimpsed his grand countenance, she instinctively fell to her knees and lowered her eyes. Beside her Octavion knelt on one knee.

“Kira, raise your head,” Octavion whispered.

Kira slowly brought her eyes to meet the king’s. There she saw gentleness, compassion. He smiled at her, then scanned the crowd. When he stepped down from the throne and offered his hand to Kira, the crowd gasped.

“You must be Kira,” he said in a smooth voice, his tone completely composed, confident.

“Yes.” She wanted to say ‘your majesty’ or ‘your highness’, but wasn’t sure what was proper. Instead, she placed her hand in his and let him gently pull her to her feet.

Octavion stood as well.

Kira felt entranced by the king-the mirror image of his son, with only with a few wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and gray around his temples. However, unlike Octavion, he exuded tranquility. She felt a sense of peace surrounding her as he bowed his head to her. She assumed he had paid her a great gesture of respect and honor. To have a king bow to a commoner was unheard of, even in her world. He gently pressed his lips to the back of her hand and then straightened.

“You are indeed a vision of purity, my child. My son has made a wise choice.” He released her hand and motioned for the others to continue with their games. Then he returned to his throne.

After discovering his deception about Serena’s death, she’d thought the king to be some kind of monster. She’d already decided she hated the man, but now she didn’t know what to think. He seemed like a compassionate father who loved his kingdom. She couldn’t help wondering if it was all a show for the crowd. She hoped not-she really wanted to like him.

Octavion took her hand and led her through the swarm of buzzing children where Luka busily entertained them. He had one child on each arm while spinning them around in circles. As he caught sight of their escape, he pleaded for Octavion to rescue him.

“Not a chance, cousin,” he said. “I have princely duties to attend to.”

Luka growled as several of the children pulled him to the ground and the others piled on top.

Octavion escorted Kira back to her seat, then crouched in front of her. He tried to look in her eyes, but she pretended to pay attention to Mara, who now sat nearby. Several women gathered around while Mara gave advice on how to raise the perfect child. Spoiled child was more like it, although Kira had to admit she liked Arela very much.

“Kira, are you sure you are not keeping something from me?”

Kira looked into his eyes and tried to be convincing. She smiled. “I’m sure. Now go save Luka.”

He grimaced. “Must I?”

“I love watching you with the children.” She looked over his shoulder to find Luka down on all fours giving rides. “Besides, I want to see if I can pull more secrets out of your cousin, here.”

Cade wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “I will take care of her.”