Tusk has lived three times as long as I have. He has seen five of my lineage wear the crown. He has helped select our mates and organize our breedings. I am the product of his selection. In some ways, he might be considered my father. In others, he might be considered the puppeteer of the strings which hold every korabi royal hostage. I hate Tusk slightly less than I loathed my father, but only very slightly less.
“What is it time for, Tusk?” I feel the human creep around to sit behind me. She does not want to be seen by Tusk, and I do not blame her. Of all the korabi in the palace, he is the one I would least like to cross.
I play dumb because it annoys him. I know that a grown king acting petulant is hardly appealing, but I am not trying to appeal to anybody.
“It is time for you to select the first of your brides. We have sent for eligible korabi mates across six galaxies. Thirty have come to seek a place in your harem, each of them prepared to give her womb to you for the creation of a new generation of royal korabi. Unlike your father, you may seed a vast harem.”
It was a disappointment that I was the only issue from my father’s loins. Creatures like Tusk like to have a full herd of potential heirs to thin. Ideally, a korabi king would produce at least a dozen male heirs, each of whom would be encouraged to kill their way to the crown. My father’s lack of affection for me stemmed from the acts he performed in order to wear his. He kept me at arm’s length, so I might not sink a blade into him.
Now Tusk is trying to remake me in my father’s image. He wants me as a paranoid king, impregnating everything in sight so he can manipulate the poor little bastards into horrific acts against one another.
“I don’t recall asking for that.”
He continues speaking as if I have not said a word.
“These are the finest, most incredible females you have ever laid eyes on. This little colony of Megaris…”
“The largest and most profitable korabi colony in the universe…”
“But one infested with humans, with the citizenry quite literally surrounded by the beasts. Megaris is a shameful seat for the korabi kings. I tried in vain to convince your father to move to our ancestral home.”
“It was infested with scythkin, at last report.”
“They have no doubt used it as their broodsite and moved on.”
“Leaving absolutely nothing behind of any value.”
“It was a hundred years ago. A great deal of the natural beauty and splendor will be restored by now. It is your destiny to return to Korabis.”
Tusk has an agenda. A big, bold agenda which he champions whether or not the king shows any interest in it. I do not care for being told what my destiny is. My father did not appreciate it either. Nor did his father before him. This is why we are still in Megaris. If Tusk ever works out how to shut up long enough to let one of the korabi kings make his own way back, it may yet happen. For now, I remain king of Megaris and lord of all humans who dwell within.
“I’m not returning to Korabis.”
“Very well, sire. But you must take a bride.”
I do not have to do anything.
“If there is a female who appeals to me, I will make her mine. But I will do it in my time, not yours.”
Tusk’s eyes flash at me with irritation. He prefers a more obedient king. “If your father had followed his heart, you would not exist.”
Tusk does not realize that his rationale does not make me any more keen to take a mate. My father did not love my mother, and he did not love me. I was an obligation, and he treated me as such. Tusk wishes to continue the cycle of required breeding. He wants me to produce another heir for him to puppet.
“I have known you since you were an infant,” he reminds me unnecessarily. “I know what is good for you.”
“Tusk, you are a remnant of an ancient past.”
“Krush, you are a whelp who barely understands his place in history. You would do well to listen to me. Kings come and go. But one thing remains the same. And that," he said, spreading his hands in a broad gesture as he flashes me a bright smile, “is me.”
I stare at him and consider killing him.
“The choosing ceremony will take place at the next full moon. Enjoy your last three days of freedom as a single king. You will take a mate.”
Tusk departs, leaving me silently fuming.
The human creeps out from behind me and looks at me with her big blue eyes. She heard everything.