Page 191 of Seasons of War
Miya would take back all the power that was rightfully hers and bring judgment to people like her father and the captain.
CHAPTER 45
Zayne
The Capital
Kallum, Ciondo
833 P.C. [Post-Collapse]
Zayne waited with Kira in the largest office of his parents' home, time ticking away until she'd see her mother again. This room didn't house the decorations the rest of the house boasted, instead only featuring the bare necessities. A conference table, chairs, a screen on the far wall, and two filing cabinets. No pictures on the walls. Father didn't like distractions while he worked.
Kira paced the room with the cat in her arms. “I don't know what to do, Pumpkin.”
Why did Kira need to be so brave? He wished she were a coward, even if her courage first drew him to her. All she needed to do was say a few words. Lie to her mom and make the Phaedra happy.
The emperor rarely lost, but the failures lately piled up because of them. He needed a harmless win today, or Zayne wasn't sure what he'd do.
A message buzzed on his wrist, and he looked down, body tensing. “They're on their way.”
Kira froze and looked at him, eyes pleading.
“Just say what my father tells you to say. It's harmless.”
“I will if I can.” The way she stared at him while clinging to that white cat sent terror crackling like lightning through him.
“What does that mean? Promise me,” he said.
But she didn't respond, and it was already too late. The door opened to his father and brother.
“Ms. Stiles.” The High General looked down at the cat. “I suppose there's no harm in you keeping that.”
Something flickered in her eyes, and she released the cat. “Go, Pumpkin.”
Her white tail raised on her way out the door.
“Zayne briefed you on your role?” His father asked.
“I know what to say.”
“Good. I expect you to stick to the script. Sit here.” He pulled out the chair beside him.
Kira did as asked, at least for now, and Zayne stood against the wall, directly across the room from Luke.
“I'm sure you're very excited to see your mother again,” Father said.
Tears slid down her cheeks while she nodded, eyes on the large screen in the middle of the table.
Several seconds crawled by until the screen lit with Becka Rogers, her short hair the orange hue that came from red hair fading into blonde and gray. When the two women saw each other, they both cried out. Though there was no one else on the screen, there would be plenty of United soldiers in the room with her.
Kira's shoulders shook with tears, and she gripped the edge of the table. “Mom.”
Becka was crying too hard to speak for a few seconds. “Kira. Kira, there you are. Oh, Kira.” She wiped her light green eyes, looking desperate for nothing to impede her view. “My little girl.”
They'd missed each other for so many years.
Kira leaned forward to get closer. “Are you okay?”
