Gateway To Vallis by Wee SK

Author:Wee, SK
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-07T00:00:00+00:00

25

A KINGDOM WITHOUT AN HEIR

I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life. Leaving Sophia unprotected was the one I’d always felt the most guilt about . . . until now. Not only did I not protect Electra, but I was also the one to cause harm. I’m not sure what to do about it, and though she doesn’t seem to hold it against me, I feel like a monster.

- Reuben Tadesse

The final leg of their journey was more pleasant than expected. Reuben had worried that his friendship with Joe was beyond repair, but after a week at sea, the men seemed to put the past behind them. They never spoke about what had occurred, but Reuben felt some level of acceptance and understanding from Joe. He believed Electra had something to do with Joe’s change of heart. The veiled looks of disappointment and anger disappeared, and sharing their small cabin went from frigid tension back to warm and comfortable.

Though Reuben attempted to steer clear of Electra, she managed to track him down while he dined in the galley. “I forgot I had bought these books for you, Reuben.” She set the books down on the table. He nearly rose to leave, but was curious about what she found. “This one is a history of the country of Kammigian before the split of North and South Kamm. I especially love some of the sketches of the women’s costumes for their holy ceremonies.” Reuben set the remainder of his meal aside to look through the books with her. It seemed like they may get past the awkwardness and back to how their relationship had begun.

Except, no matter how hard Reuben tried to return to their old camaraderie, he couldn’t keep certain images from his thoughts. Like the one of Electra, writhing in ecstasy, smiling beneath him with kissed-swollen lips and lust-filled eyes. He used every ounce of restraint to concentrate on what she was attempting to teach him about the Kammigian culture and the strong, bright women who ruled the country.

Reuben didn’t believe he was the only one who struggled, as he often caught a certain dreamy look come across Electra’s face. He didn’t know if her thoughts involved him or her betrothed. Her thoughts should be on her upcoming marriage, but Reuben held on to the dream that he might be the cause of a few of her distractions.

The voyage continued with all three of them pretending nothing monumental had occurred back in Zuska. Reuben often wondered about Prince Fendol and what the man was like. Though he recalled hearing about the betrothal from Sam, he never actually considered how it might affect him. Even before they had left on this journey, he had grown close to Electra, and not once had he imagined what life would be like once she wed and moved to Jekkor with her husband. Those were now thoughts he dreaded. Being around her constantly might be somewhat painful, but not being near her at all would be far worse.

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