Chapter 34 His Omega’s Life

Ryedir didn’t miss the suggestion that he would die if he ever lost his powers. It was not something to bear thinking about, but it was the reality of the situation. While Kari might not want to say his choice yet, Ryedir knew he needed the omega to come to him because if he broke the young man’s will then he would lose him irrevocably. Their power was connected to their beliefs and their own wills, of that he was certain. Force him into something and the doubt would eat away his power as had happened to the two previously captured Daiyans.

Silence reigned while those words sank in. It was Jaid who finally broke it. “That may be, but that’s not common knowledge here. Who would know about such things and have been in contact with him? Few notice a slave, even out in the city.”

“Knowledge about Daiyans is more prevalent within the army as they are something that has been fought against in the past.”

“Hanzen?” Trois frowned in thought. “He just left. Sending an assassin just hours after visiting? That would be far too obvious and foolhardy, surely?”

“It would generally be considered a blatantly obvious move, something that would usually be dismissed out of hand because Hanzen is well known for his cunning nature. It’s not his style but he could be using that to hide his intentions. Most likely he knows what the tattoo suggests and sent the assassin not for me, but for Kari to test his theory. It would be of no consequence to him if my 'pet' died. It would only allay his fears and prove he was never a threat. But if his assassin never returns then he would need to be cautious if he is planning something involving myself. Don’t be fooled by his open and flippant attitude. The man is cunning and ruthless. He’s not one of Niamrea’s top generals for nothing. He is planning something, but whether or not it involves me directly remains to be seen.”

“Sir, with the upcoming wedding and subsequent coronation of the new queen, the entire line of succession will be gathered in one place. You don’t think…?”

“The coronation will take place in the palace, the heart of my family’s strength. While Disani is a cesspit of politics and power struggles, the sheer military might required to breach that fortress is greater than one individual within the Niamrean court commands.”

Ryedir shifted to pull Kari closer while he considered the possibility of a threat against his family. It was not a pleasant thought and seemed so far-fetched. But he hadn’t lived this long by being reckless or dismissing possible threats out of hand. “Juean commands with an iron fist and great intelligence, as does Berend. Neither of my brothers would allow such a strong force to gather unchecked.”

“It would be easier to arrange for an ‘accident’ to occur within the confines of the palace. I would like to request an increased guard to accompany us on the journey.”

“Fine. Bring me a report on who you’ve picked in the morning and we’ll update the travel plans with additional funds and supplies.” Jaid nodded in acknowledgement.

“Please bring me with you- ”

“No,” Ryedir cut Trois short with an air of finality. “I need you here running the province in my stead. No one else has the ability or knowledge to do so.”

“Then at least leave Kari here. If something were to happen, I can protect him…”

“No.” The thought of being without his little omega for over a month was almost physically painful. “I’ll make sure nothing happens but you need to give him more credit. Much like my youngest sister, everyone forgets that they are quite capable of defending themselves.”

He let the note of pride creep into his voice, because for all his demons, Kari had defended himself and defended Ryedir’s territory. Such a fierce little thing. The omega in question turned around to look at him in curiosity. “My youngest sister is also an omega. She fits the description of the perfect omegan appearance- small, fragile looking with big eyes and a soft voice. She’s also a highly skilled fighter and a ruthless politician. Many stupid alphas thought she would be an easy way into the royal family and so she’s left a trail of broken hearts and broken bones in her stead. You will get along well.”

“Sir, that really isn’t advisable even so.”

“Enough. With me is the safest place he can be. Besides, his heat is due while we are away.”

Kari flushed bright red at that and his subordinate finally let the matter rest. Yes, he would be distraught if anything happened to his little omega, even now before they were fully mated, but there was no way he would leave behind his mate to endure his heat on his own. Not when he had been waiting so patiently for it to arrive.

Because while Kari might have been pointedly ignoring the passage of time, Ryedir had been keeping a careful eye on the calendar. He had been in Ryedir’s care for just under two months at this point so his heat was due any time now.

It was two weeks’ travel to the capital generally, although that pace meant stopping at all the villages and inns on the way rather than using all the daylight to travel. They would be caught by the dark and have to make camp along the roadside more than once on their trip but that was preferable to the snail’s pace of losing half a day of travel so he could sleep in a bed that night.

Less time travelling meant less chance of Kari’s heat coming while they were on the road as well. He was very much looking forward to claiming his mate and would much prefer to do so in the comfort of a private room with all the time in the world.

Because he had no doubt that Kari would, in fact, choose him. He was almost certain he already had, he was just too stubborn to admit it. Kari had to choose him. Because for all he knew, he is his mate and he would never let go of Kari.

Laret finally stood and packed away her things. “He needs to rest and no strenuous activity before you leave. Except for bonding activities. I would highly encourage you to engage in some pleasurable bonding activities to help ease off the tension of the attack. It will help ground him and strengthen your connection.”

Ryedir thanked the woman and waved her off. Kari had groaned during the little speech and determinedly hid his no doubt bright red face in his chest. It amused him that even after their activities that morning, Kari still found any spoken suggestion of sexual activities extremely embarrassing.

None of the other occupants in the room seemed even remotely bothered by the explicit suggestion and it highlighted the differences in Niamrean versus Aithyean mentalities. Sex was considered a part of life for Niamreans, nothing to be embarrassed about or to hide away.

Poor little Kari was in for a shock once they reached the capital and he was faced with the others.

Standing with Kari still wrapped in his arms, he spoke to his staff. “We’ll stay in the south wing guestroom tonight but I want this cleaned up as soon as possible. Nevis, fetch something sweet but light from the kitchen for Kari.” The beta nodded and scampered off while his steward and master-at-arms bowed. He strode from the room, heading off towards their temporary room. It wasn’t long before Kari was squirming in his grip.

“I can walk, you know.” Ryedir could hear the pout it his voice but was pleased to note the underlying defiant tone.

It seemed like Kari’s reaction earlier was genuine. He really wasn’t one to be down and out for long. That was good. He didn’t want his mate to lie down and give up. No, his partner needed a strength to match his own, albeit a different type of strength. But then he had rallied against Ryedir right from day one and even as his body betrayed him, he had held his ground.

But Kari is his mate. As much as he want him to be strong, he also want his little omega to depend and lean on him. He want Kari to need him as much he need Kari. He wants to take care of Kari and love him with all his might.

“I’m sure you can but I feel like carrying you.” The omega huffed and squirmed more determinedly but he clasped him even tighter against his chest. “As much as I enjoy your fiery spirit, right now I do not have the patience for it. You have been injured and are clearly hurting.” Kari opened his mouth, eyes glaring at him but he cut him off. “And not just physically. You can go back to your usual bluster tomorrow but for tonight, let me take care of you.”

Kari was silent at that but he did stop wiggling. They walked through the hallways quietly until they reached the main guest quarters that were always clean and ready for unexpected visitors. Finally alone, he asked the question that had been eating at him since he had seen Kari on the floor surrounded by his ice.

“Kari, were you trying to kill yourself with your ice?”