Knives and Women

Inspecting the Cosmosium extraction sites was one of the few constants in my life. It was a rhythmic, industrial comfort amidst the chaos of war.

"Yaksha," I said, my voice echoing in the metallic chamber. "Report on this month’s exports and revenue."

[Yes, My Lord. We have exported 12 million tons to the Royal Storage on Planet Gara. Per the standing contracts, the Council has credited us 18 trillion Sakshas.]

"Good. At least the coffers are full," I muttered. I turned to find Elvis staring at me, his eyes heavy with an uncharacteristic sorrow. "What’s wrong, Elvis? You’ve been burning a hole in the back of my head for fifteen minutes."

"Funds, My Lord," Elvis sighed. "The Jaegerist camps are falling behind. We need maintenance for the defensive tech and reworks on the barracks if we want to stay combat-ready."

"Take what you need," I said with a wave of my hand. "Don't let our blades get dull."

"Thank you, My Lord. Also, a reminder: the Cassendra Clan is visiting today."

I felt a spark of genuine warmth. "The Cassendrans? Prepare a royal welcome. It’s been too long."

The Cassendra Clan had ruled Planet Hirotu for twenty years, masters of nuclear weaponry and the hidden hands behind the LYNX Guild’s trade monopoly. More importantly, their leader, Havoc Cassendra, was a man I’d grown up with.

"Three thousand soldiers for a welcome party? It feels small for a clan of their stature," Elvis remarked as we stood on the landing pad.

"They don't care for grand displays, Elvis. Just try to keep a smile on your face."

"I am smiling, My Lord," Elvis said, his face looking like a piece of cracked granite.

The sky roared as the majestic Cassendrian Warship broke through the clouds. When the hatch hissed open, a familiar figure stepped out.

"Long time no see, Thaya!" Havoc shouted. We embraced, laughing as we thrashed each other's backs in a traditional warrior’s greeting.

"You look well, Havoc," I said, before turning to his family.

"This is my wife, Pilla, and my daughter, Illya," Havoc introduced them. I welcomed them with a bow, returning the gesture by introducing Asa, Rishi, and Rayan.

While the women spoke of palace life and the children disappeared toward the Royal Gardens, Havoc and I retreated to my study. The air turned heavy as we discussed the Bellugian threat.

"The Kalyans are filth," Havoc spat, leaning over a map. "They crave dominance. I agree with your General; they are too proud to crawl into bed with the Bellugians."

"But if they do..." I looked him in the eye. "Will you stand with us, Havoc?"

A long, painful silence stretched between us. "The Council would never allow it," Havoc said quietly. "If I interfere in a two-clan war, they’ll siege Hirotu before the week is out."

I felt a sting of shame. "I understand. I shouldn't have asked."

"But," Havoc raised a finger, "there is a legal way. A blood way."

I tilted my head. "Go on."

"I have no male heir. You have a son. If Rayan marries Illya, our houses become one. The Council cannot stop a man from defending his own family."

I blinked, stunned. "Marriage? Elvis, what do you think?"

Elvis immediately launched into a list of Rayan’s virtues. "The boy has a spark, My Lord! He’s a warrior in the making—"

"Stop, stop!" I cut him off. "I don't need a resume, Elvis. I need your honest opinion."

Elvis leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Rayan is nineteen. The girl is eighteen. It's a perfect match on paper, My Lord. But... there is a problem."

"What problem?"

Elvis leaned closer to my ear. "A month ago, during training, I asked the Prince what he thought of women."

[Flashback: One Month Ago]

"Prince Raya," Elvis asked, wiping sweat from his brow, "what do you think of the opposite gender?"

Rayan didn't even look up from his blade. "They are problematic. Their minds are a labyrinth of needless complications. I prefer the simplicity of steel."

[Present Day]

"He said that?" I groaned.

"Word for word, My Lord."

Before I could process this, Havoc stood up, his voice booming with finality. "It's settled! Our children shall marry four weeks from now. Prepare the feast! The Jaegers and Cassendrans are one!"

He marched out of the room, energized by his own plan, leaving me standing there in a daze.

"You heard the man, Elvis," I sighed. "Prepare for a celebration."

In the Royal Garden, the atmosphere was far less political. Illya stood in awe of the artificial waterfalls, her eyes wide as they tracked the shimmering water managed by the Yaksha system.

"Your brother..." Illya whispered to Rishi, glancing at Rayan, who sat alone on the grass, staring out at the horizon. "Why is he so quiet?"

"He’s just shy," Rishi lied smoothly.

Suddenly, Illya’s VoiceMaker chirped. She pressed the receiver to her ear. "Yes, Father? Wait... marriage? To who? Rayan?!"

She whipped her head around to look at the boy on the grass. Rayan didn't move, his back turned to the world, seemingly staring into a future only he could see.