C. Bryant - Broken

“Walk with me,” was all Ramla said as he turned his back to Octavion and began a leisurely stroll down the stone path.

Octavion fell in step behind him, amazed at the lack of security surrounding the king-not a single guard in sight. In fact, he hadn't seen anyone since the young boy left, not even a gardener working among the many flowering shrubs.

Ramla paused and motioned for Octavion to walk beside him, something he'd never seen a king do before, not even his father. It was a show of disrespect to consider one's self an equal to such esteemed power, so it took some effort to remain at his side and look the man in the eye when he spoke.

“I am told you have visited another planet,” Ramla said.

“Yes, it is called Earth.” Octavion clasped his fingers behind his back to keep from fidgeting. “It is much like Ophira. Perhaps I could tell you about it one day.”

They'd only walked a short distance when the narrow path opened into a small courtyard where several stone benches surrounded a large fountain. Water poured out of a bowl being held by the sculpted hands of a young maiden and spilled into a shallow pond decorated by multi-colored tiles. King Ramla lowered himself to one of the benches and motioned for Octavion to do the same.

Octavion eyed the stone bench and wondered if his buttocks could take another moment sitting on the hard surface. He reconsidered when his thoughts wandered back to Kira and the request he needed to make of the king. Being obedient to Ramla’s request to join him was the least he could do under the circumstances. He moved to the bench opposite the king and sat, resting his hands in his lap.

“So, tell me of this. . Earth,” Ramla said, gesturing toward the sky.

Octavion sighed. The last thing he wanted to do was reminisce about his last few years on Earth. He needed to steer the conversation in another direction. Kira's life depended on it. “Please forgive me, Your Excellency. I would like nothing more than to tell you everything about Earth, but I have come on an urgent matter and there is little time. If you could only listen to my request, I will spend hours telling you everything about my journey.”

Ramla's brow furrowed. “I am well aware of your concern, Prince Octavion. May I presume you mean to pay for your request with such menial information about a planet I could visit easily if I so desired? Is your human worth so little to you?”

Octavion gripped the stone bench with his hands and tried not to show his irritation. “No, Your Excellency. The information you seek is free whether you help me or not.”

“And what exactly are you willing to give in exchange for the human's recovery?”

The human. “Kira. Her name is Kira, and I would give my own life if it would save hers.”

Ramla folded his arms. “Ah, a life is a simple thing to give-takes no effort at all to drive the point of a dagger into one's heart. A split second and your pain would be over. A coward's way out of this world. She must not mean much to you.”

Octavion shot to his feet in anger, then quickly reconsidered. He lowered himself to one knee in front of the king. “She means everything to me. Name your price and it is yours.”

Laughter erupted from Ramla's chest and it was all Octavion could do not to lose his temper. If the king knew how close Kira was to death, why did he taunt him, goading him so? Why didn't he simply tell him what he wanted so he could pay the price, or refuse so he could take Kira home to die?

When Ramla's laughter settled into a wide smile, he finally said, “Young love. How highly we value its worth, yet when asked to sacrifice something dear to us in order to save it, we fail miserably and let it fade away or die. I suspect this is the case with your. . Kira.” He stood and began walking back toward the castle.

Octavion didn't budge. “Name your price!”

Ramla paused on the pathway, then turned back to meet Octavion's eyes.

“Name your price.” Octavion repeated, daring to meet the king’s gaze full on.

Ramla studied him, then said, “Very well, then. I will heal your human . And in return you will give up your crown, swear allegiance to me and leave Xantara forever, never to return.”

“Agreed!” Octavion stood and put his hand out for Ramla to shake.

Ramla's eyes remained glued to Octavion's. “Without your human.”

Octavion's hand slowly fell to his side as a large lump formed in his throat. “I am blood bound to her. I will agree to swear allegiance to Panthera, but only if we are both allowed to serve you.”

“I have no need for a human. You have my price. Accept it or return to Xantara and watch her die.”

Octavion's heart clenched. How could he leave her? She'd never understand the sacrifice he'd made for her or what he'd given up to save her life. But if he didn't agree to the king's terms, Kira wouldn't have a life. Either way, he'd be without her, but if he agreed to King Ramla's price, at least Kira would live and have the opportunity to find someone else to love.

“May I at least stay with her until she wakes?” Octavion asked. “I would like to put my affairs in order and say my goodbyes.”

Ramla didn't answer at first. He rubbed his fingers across the stubble on his chin, eyeing Octavion with much concentration. “I will allow it. Truth be known, I am not sure where you will fit into my kingdom as yet. I may need time to consider your placement.” He motioned for Octavion to come closer. His eyes pierced clean through to Octavion's soul. “This may take some time. I will send someone to fetch you when I am ready for your service. My time. My terms. Agreed?”

Octavion let the air out of his lungs while struggling to hold back his emotions. “Agreed.” This time he didn't extend his hand and Ramla didn't request it. The deal was made and of two things Octavion was absolutely certain: The first-Kira's life would be saved. The second-she would spend the rest of her life hating him.

The wait was the worst. Octavion still hadn't been allowed to see Kira. Rather, he’d been instructed to stay in the hall near her door until the healers finished with her. Occasionally he heard Kira moan, but received no word as to her well-being.

For several hours he watched people come and go; some brought clean linens and others scurried about while whispering as if they'd seen a strange being from another world. Which he supposed they had. He wondered if they were disappointed when they saw she looked as they do-except for the red hair. As far as he knew, no Ophiran had ever had red hair.

As he paced, he tried to occupy his mind with her memory-her sweet smile, her silken auburn hair and emerald eyes. Her tender touch when she’d healed him and her soft lips when they’d kissed. He smiled when he thought of that day near the falls. She’d wanted him to propose, but he’d teased her and said she’d have to wait. How he wished he’d savored those moments.

And then there was her confession. In the heat of passion, she’d pushed him away and professed her conviction to remain pure. She would save that precious gift for her wedding night. A gift she would save for another now that he’d traded his allegiance for her life.

When the door opened and Ussay walked out, Octavion was taken aback by her troubled expression.

“What is it?”

She shook her head. “Please forgive me. I know I promised to stay by her side, but I cannot bear another moment.” She collapsed onto the bench near the door and put her face in her hands. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed.

Octavion knelt in front of her and gently forced her hands away so he could see her eyes. “What are they doing to her?”