“Daddy!” Remtani came running as Emeton entered the nursery. He felt a pang of guilt for not seeing them last night. He hardly saw his kids as it was. “I missed you, buddy.” He picked up Remtani and hugged him. Moments later, Irkali was there pulling herself up on his pant leg. She’d be walking soon. He bent down and picked her up too. “I missed you all.” “Eat wif us.” Remtani requested. Emeton sighed. He often did eat breakfast with them, lunch too, if his schedule allowed it. “I can’t. I have to talk with Uncle Tolin,” he said. “Uncle Tolin eat wif us too!” Remtani insisted. “We need to talk about a visit from Governor Borat. Maybe I can eat lunch with you. I made a new friend last night. Perhaps she’ll join us.” He noticed the nurse’s look. His impulsiveness was definitely the gossip this morning. “A gubenor?” Remtani looked skeptical. “No, a friend of Kith’s.” “Kif’s here?” Remtani’s eyes lit up. Kith would often come and play with the kids. He was Remmy’s favorite dragon. “Should I ask him to see you?” Emeton offered. As long as he was sober it shouldn’t be a problem. Remmy bounced in his arms. “Yes!” Emeton laughed. He put them down so he could greet the others. Remmy ran to the nurse, telling her that Kith was coming, as if she hadn’t heard the whole conversation. Emeton went and picked up Piena and then Janta. Nadal’s last act was giving them life. She’d gotten pregnant on their wedding night. The pregnancy had gone well so the complications during birth were a surprise. It had taken everything Shunati had to keep her alive long enough to be able hold the children once. Now, the twins were a few weeks old. Both were doing quite well. He loved them as much as his oldest three. Some had whispered that they’d be neglected, unloved, since he hadn’t loved their mother. They were wrong. It didn’t matter who the mother was, he loved all his children. Then he went to Bacna and picked him up, carefully. The boy was still healing from his last surgery. Trilla, Emeton’s first wife, had a difficult pregnancy. They’d had to induce labor early in order to save them both. Trilla had been fine after that but Bacna’s problems continued. He was underdeveloped and underweight. His arms and legs were badly deformed and he had gone a long time without breathing. Few thought he’d survive. Most felt they shouldn’t make the effort. Emeton, Shunati, Pt’this and Mirimar were the only ones who thought they should try. With Shunati’s persistence, they devised a treatment plan. Bacna was undergoing a series of surgeries to break and reform his arms and legs. Shunati could only healed the bones part way and then they had to heal the rest of the way on their own. Sometimes they worked on all four limbs at once, other times it was only one or two. Currently it was three, both legs and an arm. There was a little time between when the splints came off from one surgery before the next. But they felt it was best to get it done as soon as possible, while he was still growing rapidly, although it wasn’t as rapid as a healthy baby. He was two years old and the same size as little sister, Irkali, who was only a year old. He couldn’t walk of course. They still weren’t sure if he ever would. Nor could he sit up or even roll over. His mental development wasn’t much better. They still weren’t sure how much damage was done from the lack of air. And while the nurse cared for his physical needs, feeding him and changing him, she didn’t play with him or even talk to him. Remtani loved all his siblings and would play with him. He’d even figured out a way to get Bacna out of his crib, although he’d been told not to. Emeton had also heard Remmy demand that the nurse put Bacna on the floor so they could play, insisting she had to do what he said since he was the prince. Emeton had scolded him, reminding him he still needed to listen to his elders. He’d also had a talk with the nurse reminding her that the boy shouldn’t stay in his crib all the time either. “Remmy, you want to play with Bacna?” He asked. “Yes!” Remmy bounded over. “Now remember, be careful. He’s still healing. And watch his shoulder.” One of Bacna’s shoulders would dislocate easily. “I know. He screams loud.” Emeton placed Bacna on the floor on a blanket. “I’ll be back later.” Emeton promised as he left. **** Despite what Pt’this requested, Mirimar had Kith take her to the main entrance. She wanted to walk a ways and do stairs. “Meermar!” They heard as they crossed the garden. They looked and saw Remtani running toward them at full speed. Knowing he wouldn’t stop in time, Kith stepped in front of his aunt to protect her. Remtani hit him without slowing down. Kith picked him up. “What are you doing out of the nursery?” “I ‘scaped.” The boy said proudly. “You escaped?” Kith frowned. “Daddy said you were here. I wanted to see you. I didn’t know Meermar was here too.” “Mirimar just got here. I’m taking her up to get her cane. Then, I’ll take you back to the nursery. I’m sure your nurse is worried.” “Daddy said you brought a friend. Is Meermar your friend?” “Mirimar is my aunt. Tylan is the friend I brought.” “Tylan?” Mirimar asked. “Slippurse,” Kith said. “You brought a thief to the palace?” “She’s not going to rob the place. She’s not stupid. She actually wanted to talk to Tolin about security.” “Uh-huh. This is who Pt’this was talking about that you were trying to set up with…” “Stop.” Kith interrupted, pointed to the boy in his arms. “She said no.” “Oh, then why am I here?” “Other than to see Uncle? Emeton isn’t taking no. But I’m sure Uncle can fill you in.” Pt’this growled when they entered his room. “I told you to bring her here.” “She told me to take her to the gate.” Kith told him. “I did. I need the exercise. Kith was very good and stayed with me the whole way.” Mirimar assured him. “But still,” Pt’this muttered. “I’m not transporting someone where they don’t want to go.” Kith insisted. Pt’this growled again. “Bad dragon! No growling!” Remtani scolded. “You tell him.” Kith laughed. “Remmy, mind your manners,” Mirimar said. “And Pt’this, you too.” “Remmy, what are you doing out of the nursery?” Pt’this asked. “Looking for Kif.” “I’m taking him back next.” Kith told his uncle. “Can we flash?” Remtani asked. Flashing was what he called transporting, since he had trouble remembering the longer word. “No we can’t flash. Transporting isn’t for naughty boys who sneak out of the nursery.” Kith told him. “Come on. Let’s leave these two to say hi.” **** Mirimar found Tylan in the library. “Hi, I’m Mirimar.” She introduced herself as she sat down. It felt good to sit. She was pushing it today. “I’m Tylan.” “Oh, you’re Kith’s friend.” She said it as if she didn’t already know. “I’m his aunt.” “Yes, he talks quite a bit about you. He didn’t tell me you would be here.” “It was a last minute decision. I haven’t seen Pt’this for a bit. It’s easiest if Kith transports me.” “So Kith’s both of our transportation.” Tylan smiled. “It’s good he doesn’t mind.” “Can I ask what you’re reading?” Mirimar asked. “The Immortal War.” Tylan showed her the book. “Oh, you don’t want to read that one.” She stood and pulled another book from the shelf. “This one is much better. It’s the same war but it’s told in so much more detail. That one’s kind of dull.” Tylan smiled. “I saw that one but it looked a bit more difficult to read.” “It’s not too bad.” Mirimar assured her. “I don’t get much practice. I don’t think I can finish it before I go.” Mirimar shrugged. “You can take it with. Just give it to Kith to bring back when you’re done. I think that one belongs to Pt’this anyhow. He has so many books, he won’t miss it.” “Really?” “He’s a scribe. He makes himself a copy every time he copy’s a book so we have hundreds.” Tylan smiled. “Thanks. Kith taught me how to read a few years ago but I don’t get much practice.” “Well, I’ll talk to Kith and have him bring you a few books each time he visits. Just send them back when you’re done.” “Thanks.” “Let’s go down to the nursery. Remmy already knows I’m here. He’ll have a fit if I don’t visit. They’re all so adorable. The twins are so tiny, but not as tiny as Bacna was. I think he’s finally starting to put on weight. I’ll be surprised if Irkali isn’t walking yet.” Tylan couldn’t help but smile and follow. Mirimar obviously loved kids. Tylan did too. She’d been devastated when she was told she couldn’t have any. Mirimar led her to the nursery. She had stopped a few times to rest and needed Tylan’s help on the stairs. Going down was harder than going up. Remtani came running up. Mirimar wondered if he ever walked. Fortunately he didn’t ram anyone this time. “Shh,” he said. “Janta and Piena are sleeping.” “Remmy, you said you wanted to meet Kith’s friend. This is Tylan.” Remmy turned to her and stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m Prince Remtani but everyone calls me Remmy.” Tylan squat down and shook his hand. “Hi Remmy. I’m Tylan. It’s good to meet you. Your dad talked about you quite a bit last night.” He pulled her hand. “Come, meet everybody.” Tylan could tell he was imitating someone. “Dis is Janta and Piena. Dey’re twins,” he said, as if it was an obvious. “Dey had a different mom but she died, just like my mom did. Dey’re still my brofer and sister because we have the same dad. He’s a king, you know. “Uncle Tolin was supposed to be king because he’s da oldest but grandpa said dat Daddy should be king because Uncle Tolin likes to fight.” “He’s a better soldier.” His nurse corrected. “Dat’s what I said.” Remtani insisted. “So, Daddy’s de king and I’m a prince and so are all of dem. “Dat’s Irkali. She and Piena are really princesses because dey’re girls. “And dat’s Bacna. Don’t hurt his shoulder. He screams really loud.” “His shoulder dislocate easily.” Mirimar explained. “Yeah, when he was born he looked like dis.” Remtani dropped to the floor and twisted in a way only a very flexible child could. “Den, de healers take him away and put dose bars on him and he cries a lot and den his arms and legs are little straighter.” He explained as he stood. “They’re doing surgery and breaking the bones to reform them.” Mirimar translated. She looked away a moment. “They need me in the audience hall. Why don’t you stay here? Remmy can finish showing you around.” Remmy was happy to oblige. Tylan got the feeling he was craving attention. **** Emeton entered the nursery. He was surprised Remmy didn’t come running to greet him like he usually did. Then he saw why. He and Bacna sat on Tylan’s lap as she read to them. Quietly, so he wouldn’t disturb them, he went and sat on the floor by them. Remmy smiled when he saw him and it almost appeared like Bacna might too, but he didn’t. Remmy slipped off Tylan’s lap and sat on his. She smiled and nodded a greeting but continued reading. “Daddy, why are you here?” Remmy asked when she finished. “I thought we were having lunch together. Did you forget?” “It’s lunchtime already?” “You’ve been having so much fun you didn’t notice,” Tylan said. “There has been a little change in plans though.” Emeton told him. “You’re not eating with us?” Remmy guessed, looking disappointed. “I need to eat with some grown-ups. So, how about you and Bacna and Irkali join us for a picnic in the garden?” “Irkali’s sleeping,” Tylan said. “Okay, then you two,” Emeton said. “Can Tylan come?” Remtani asked. “She better. She came with Kith and he’s hardly seen her.” “Kif will be there? And Meermar and Pifis?” “Pt’this, and yes they will and Governor Bacna and Uncle Tolin.” Emeton took Bacna from Tylan. With Remtani running ahead, they went to the garden. He thought about holding her hand but he needed both hands to carry Bacna. The splints on his arm and legs made caring him cumbersome. “Remmy seems to like you,” he said. “Remmy’s starved for attention. He’ll like anyone who’ll play with him.” Tylan told him. “The nurse barely pays attention to any of them except to change diapers or make sure they aren’t getting into mischief. Isn’t there other kids in the palace? Some of his own age?” “Several.” Emeton confirmed. “So why isn’t he with them? The crown prince too good to play with the lowly noble kids?” “He’s supposed to be with them in the afternoons. I’ll check with the nurse to make sure he’s going. I do want him with his brothers and sisters though to and none of them can go. Irkali maybe soon but Bacna won’t be able to for quite a while yet, if ever.” “Sure he will. Even if he can’t walk, he’ll need to be around other kids. They’ll learn to be careful of his shoulder.” “I don’t know.” Emeton was hesitant. “I do. Some kids will tease him, but others will treat him well and will watch out for his shoulder.” “You sure you’re not a mother?” “I think I’d know.” She smiled. “Lots of brothers and sisters?” “Something like that.” She shrugged. But there was no chance for a clarification because they’d reached the others. “Can I sit by Tylan?” Remmy asked. “I think Kith wants to sit with her,” Emeton said. “What about da oder side?” “I think your dad wants to sit on the other side.” Tylan told him, to Emeton’s surprise. “You can sit across from me. Then we can see each other.” “Okay.” Remmy smiled. Over lunch, they discussed problems Resdelk was having with Paosij, it’s nearest neighbor. It seemed the only time the two cities got along was when they were causing trouble for Emeton and Sen-gan. Then, talk turned to trouble with the trolls and their increased activity near the border. About that time, Mirimar said she needed to lay down and asked Kith to help her up the stairs. Emeton guessed the talk of trolls was upsetting. The troll army had been involved with the death of her father and brother and her injuries. It also had been a busy day for her already. Emeton had been surprised to learn she was at the palace. Usually, Pt’this asked for time off if she was there. And she had been all over too plus he’d had her help settle a dispute. If she wasn’t careful, she’d have problems. He made a mental note to have Shunati check on her later. Tylan, on the other hand, impressed him. She had an amazing eye for detail and picked up on nuances he missed. She follow the conversation while interacting with both Remtani and Bacna who stayed on Emeton’s lap. She wasn’t versed in politics but was able to figure out most of what was going on and wasn’t shy about asking questions. She even had a few valid points about the situation. By the end of lunch, Emeton found he wanted her to rule at his side even more than he had the previous night.