Ovation (Galaxy Circus #9)

Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Nikos

T he ship moves slightly, and the young girls whom I recognize as being more grown-up versions of Hurri’s sisters gasp. The preteens they were when Nixie and I left Aquilia are gone, and now they are pretty teenagers who I am sure do their best to drive my friend crazy. Storm and Tempest were such adorable little children and worshiped the ground their much older brother walked on, but they were also cheeky little girls who liked to get up to mischief.

“It’s just your ship blowing up,” Tirrian assures them, placing himself midway down the table between Lila and our guests. Zeydan also takes a seat on that end, much like Xavier. They are all strategically placed in case those claiming to be friends are actually enemies instead. I approve, but I hope like hell they are not trying to play us false in any way. I’m still shocked at Zeydan’s announcement. How can the man I know and grew up with be his godly brother? Before I can say anything, though, Nixie starts her story.

“After you left, Mother was kind to my face for a few days, but it soon became apparent she was no better than our father. We established a council, people handpicked by me who I knew would be a good counter measure to any decisions she might make—mers who would benefit our people and not just themselves.” My sister is most definitely more suitable for ruling than I am, since she is infinitely less selfish. “But as we started making decisions and suggestions on changes to Father’s rule, Mother was not happy. Some of the mers who had been loyal to my father decided it was better to follow her and get rewarded than try to do right for the better of the mer people. In the end, she imprisoned us all and became a dictator.”

“How did you get away?” Brannock asks suspiciously.

“She promised breeding rights of me to one of the crusty old men. When I was being transported to his estate close to where Hurricane was stationed, he created a diversion and managed to free me.”

We turn our attention to my friend, who takes over his part of the story. “I have been a part of a resistance for a while now.”

“Hang on, before we get to that, how did you and Nikos grow up together if you are also Zeydan’s long-lost brother?” Lila interjects, needing some back story before we go on, and I want to know this information as well.

“Of course, sister, my apologies.” Hurricane nods to her, and she gapes at him.

“Sister?” Lila mouths to Zeydan, and he shrugs. I mean, I guess he is her brother-in-law now, if what he says is true, and she seems to accept that.

“When we were damaged after Vivax’s plan was foiled, we were scattered amongst the galaxy. A good chunk of our power was gone, or at least the power to create new worlds and races was. Our general powers were still greater than those of our creations, but it made us vulnerable and easy to kill, and we made a decision to go our separate ways and live quiet lives amongst our creations. I chose the Aquilians.” His version lines up with Liliana’s and Zeydan’s stories.

“This is similar to what Aarin told me,” Zeydan tells Hurricane, mentioning the Celestian we now know is Zeydan’s other brother, the elemental god of air. We were all shocked to learn that. How have they all ended up in the same place together? Ghosie speculated it must be fate playing a hand in all of this. Maybe whoever originally created them is trying to right the wrongs of the universe.

“I lived a quiet life for many years, faking my death and later reappearing on the other side of the planet in a different community, but eventually, some of the mers got suspicious. Nikos’s ancestors, who have held the throne for a very long time, were a wily and suspicious lot, and I wasn’t able to outsmart them. I was ambushed and killed.”

Nixie and the two girls gasp, and their eyes shine with tears. My own heart aches at the thought of my friend being subjected to any pain from my family.

“Go on,” I encourage.

“I knew it wouldn’t be permanent, but I didn’t reincarnate for a good many years, and it was to a family that was part of the inner circle at the palace. Nikos and I were childhood friends. Eventually, my memories returned. I was about seventeen or eighteen by then, but instead of telling anyone, I decided it was better to live as Hurricane. My life was good, and my parents were lovely people. My best friend and his twin sister spent more time in our residence than their own.”

He isn’t wrong. Nixie and I did everything we could to escape our parents, who were in a toxic marriage and fought constantly when Dad paraded his harem of mistresses in front of my mother. She grew more bitter as we got older, and by the time we were teenagers, she couldn’t stand to look at us and vice versa.

“His parents were kind, loving, good people and made us feel like we were wanted. They knew life for the crown prince and princess of Aquilia was not all it was cracked up to be,” I explain.

“Nikos was being groomed to take over from Marlin, and Nixie was going to be married off in an alliance that would benefit Marlin. Their parents did not like my influence on their children. Nikos was using his airheaded facade almost permanently by then to fool his father into thinking he was a moldable idiot. Marlin didn’t like me around him and ordered me to attend military school.”

“Which was exactly our plan,” I interject. “I wanted Hurricane as my right-hand man when I took the throne, because there wasn’t anyone I trusted more, but then the Aquilians were ordered by the council to send someone to perform in the circus. Dad got it in his head that he could make good political alliances if he sent us. He knew the crown prince of the warlocks and General Saxon were already performing in it, and had been informed that Caspian and Link, although not royalty, had influential families, and we were instructed to make friends.”

“That didn’t go so well,” Lila remarks, and I shake my head ruefully.

“I did not want them dragged into my parents’ drama, so I continued my airhead charade and remained aloof. Nixie and I were certain that the pod we were performing with were spies for my parents, so she made friends with the cast and crew.”

“You used Magenta and the two Vilaxians?” Lila accuses my sister, unable to hide the hostility in her voice.

My sister vehemently shakes her head. “God, no,” she cries and clasps her hands together. “One of us had to look like we were making an effort. If I wanted to stay on my parents’ good side, I would have seduced one of the men they wanted me to. No, Mags, Hale, and Velorina was me being selfish and wanting something for myself. I knew it could never be serious though. I was always going to marry someone my parents picked out, and Mags was not on that list. The Vilaxians were eventually going to need a clan as well. It’s hardwired into them.”

We all look at Saxon for confirmation. “Yes, she is mostly right. A Vilaxian does feel longing for a clan when they are not a part of one.” Lila frowns, and he must see her worry, so he picks up her hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. “The exception being when we find our blood rose. I do not ache for a clan, and even if I did, all of your mates would satisfy that need. It’s not just a need for blood, but for emotional ties, and I have that with our family.”

Her face clears, and I can practically feel her relief. She turns her attention back to my sister. “Then what?”

Hurricane takes over again. “While in military school, I was invited to join the resistance—one that opposed Marlin’s rule and wished for a different leadership. I convinced them that Nikos was not his father and that he should rule instead. We had to be careful, because Marlin had spies everywhere. We were in the process of planning an assassination when the warlocks took care of the problem for us.” Hurricane nods his thanks to Xavier, who waves his hand nonchalantly, but before he can reply, the ship makes the leap into warp speed. It shudders for a moment or two, my chest aching as a great force presses down on it. Holy shit, that hurts. Usually I am below the surface of our pool when we do that, and it doesn’t hurt anywhere near as much since the water buffers us. It finally stabilizes, and we are all released from the harnesses.

“You’re welcome,” Xavier says, and Lila rolls her eyes at him taking the credit. I remember he was knocked out during the whole thing.

“We thought things might change once Nerissa was in charge, but then she declared Nikos was an enemy of the crown because he was pregnant and mated to a non-Aquilian. We knew it wasn’t going to be different, so we continued our plans for the coup, just changed our main target, but then Nixie was imprisoned, and I knew I had to save her.”

Hurricane is staring at my sister like the sun shines out of her ass, and something starts to roll around inside my brain. Before I can voice my thoughts, though, Lila says something that makes my heart skip a beat.

“How long have you known she was your mate?” Lila asks, and he turns to stare at her with open-mouthed astonishment. I am also looking at my mate in shock, unable to compute what she is saying.

“I’m your mate?” Nixie asks, staring at him with such surprise and no small amount of longing.

“Like hell he’s your mate!” I jump to my feet, slamming my hands on the table. “Aquilians don’t have mates. We choose who we want to be with.” I don’t have any problem with my sister being with my best friend if that is what she wants, but it has to be her decision. Our parents already tried to take that choice out of her hands, and I won’t do the same thing.

“Nikos,” Lila cautions and waves a hand to get me to sit back down. I do as she asks, but I won’t take my eyes off my friend who still hasn’t answered my sister.

“We don’t get a choice of who our mates are,” Zeydan says quietly.

“But Gigi chose my grandpas because she was reborn as a Skarrian, so why shouldn’t it be the same for Hurricane?” Lila argues.

Zeydan bites his lip, and he shakes his head. “I don’t know exactly how it works, but I did ask her about that, and she claims that even once she regained memories of her past life, she still felt like all three of them were her mates and that she hadn’t made a mistake.” He pauses for a moment, like he’s thinking about what he should share. “I hope you will keep this between us, but Aarin confided in me that Mark is his mate, which is why he insisted on accompanying them to the circus. Mark’s parents are aware that he is the god of air. He didn’t die and wasn’t reborn, he just changed his name to fit into their society and confided in the royals when he knew they were trustworthy.”

“Holy shit,” Lila mutters as Xavier waves a hand, and I feel magic settle over me.

“Hey,” Tirrian growls at the warlock who just waves him off impatiently.

“Just a little geis so that that information isn’t shared by accident.” He’s looking at the two teenagers in the room, and I understand his line of thought. I guess Tirrian gets it too, because he relaxes again.

I turn my attention back to my sister and best friend, and they stare at each other with stars in their eyes. Hurri holds Nixie’s hand like she’s the most precious thing in the world to him. I kind of thought my sister was more into females than males, even though I know she has had relationships with both. Lila is frowning, and I guess she has the same thoughts.

“How do you feel about that, Nixie?” she asks, biting her lip with worry.

“Like I’m the luckiest mer in the world. I had given up my crush on Hurri years ago because I thought he saw me as an annoying little sister.” My sister sighs as Hurri leans forward and presses a gentle kiss to her lips. I want to gag, but I control myself and instead turn to look at my own mate so I don’t have to watch such a gross sight.

“But you said you leaned more toward females,” Lila argues, wanting to make sure Nixie really is on board with the mate stuff.

They must stop kissing, because my sister answers. “Usually I do, but Hurri was always the exception. I crushed on him so hard when I was a teenager, but I didn’t have the guts to make a move because he was also our best friend.” When I look back, she’s gesturing to me. “I loved my brother too much to ruin the one friendship he seemed to value over everything else.”

My eyes fill with tears at her sacrifice, and the rest of my anger seeps away. How can I begrudge them any of this?

“I wouldn’t stop you from pursuing anything with another if that is your desire. I want your happiness more than anything, and I am not as unenlightened as many of the races of the universe,” my friend assures my sister.

“We can talk about this later,” she promises him.

“Well, okay then,” Lila claps her hands together. “I guess it’s welcome to the circus. Will you all be willing to perform in the show?” She looks to the four new arrivals, and Nixie and Hurricane both nod.

“Yes. We talked about this during our journey here. We should be able to rework the performance so it still catches people’s imagination.” Nixie looks at me. “Especially if we have my niece and nephew involved as well. When can I meet them?” she asks and puts out her hands, making grabby motions.

“I’m not sure they are ready for the show quite yet, and they just finished a swim in the pool when your ship hailed us, but we can go to our suite, and I can introduce you if you want.” I stand up and look at my wife, who gives me a small encouraging nod. She knows how much I have longed to have my twin meet our babies.

“What about you two?” Saxon’s attention turns to Hurricane’s sisters, who have remained quiet this whole time. “Are you going to want to perform in the show?”

“Will we get paid?” Storm asks. Her hair is a darker shade than her sister’s, and she is the feistier one of the two. Tempest is gentler and quieter, and usually lets Storm do all the talking for her.

Tirrian chuckles and gives her an approving nod. Of course the dragon would support that kind of question. “Yes, of course, all our performers do. You will also be expected to attend lessons and continue your education.”

“And where will we live?” Storm asks, crossing her arms. I smother my grin at her negotiation.

“Well, there is the Aquilian habitat that still has the two homes in it. Nikos and Nixie’s and the one the other pod used,” Brannock points out.

“Good, because we do not want to live with our brother if he is going to be doing that all the time.” Storm points at Hurricane and Nixie, who are kissing again, and I wrinkle my nose.

“I understand completely. I don’t see why you couldn’t live in one while they live in the other.”

Hurricane breaks off his kiss at my words and glares at me.

“What? It’s not like you won’t be able to supervise them, it will just be at a more tolerable distance for all involved.”

“Who are you to tell me how to raise my sisters?” he barks, and I raise an eyebrow at him.

“I am your crown prince,” I snarl, and he smirks.

“Ah, but I am your god.” He puffs out his chest, and I roll my eyes.

“We have not worshiped the gods for a long time. You are a washed-up has-been.” The two of us glare at each other, and Lila starts to chuckle with the others joining in until the whole room is filled with laughter.

“Ha-ha-ha, that was too good, but let me stop you both. This is my ship, and I am in charge. I don’t care if you’re a king, a god, or a warlock. What I say goes.” Lila’s words have power, and my body shakes as it washes over me. “The girls will have their wishes within reason. You will still be monitored, and until you can prove you are responsible and can be treated as adults, you will have a curfew. Now, I am just about done for the day, and I want to see my babies. How about you join us for some lunch? Tomorrow will be busy while we rehearse the show.”

Hurricane bows his head, conceding to Lila’s authority—for now. I also agree, secretly turned on by her show of power. I catch Xavier’s eye, and he winks at me and mouths, “Hot.”

“Why don’t we make a family reunion of it and invite Susie, Mark, and Aarin as well?” Brannock suggests, and Zeydan looks at Lila with hope.

“Better make it in the dining room then, because our suite is not big enough for a party like that,” she says, knowing it will make Zeydan happy.

“I’ll call ahead and book a table.” Saxon stands up. “If I make it an hour later, that will give Nixie time to show the others to their new home.”

“I’m assuming you all escaped without your belongings?” Xavier muses, standing up, and the four of them confirm this. “Write a list of what you need, and we will source it for you either from Vilax or Earth. Do you have someone you can contact to take care of your things back on Aquilia?”

“One of the trusted members of the resistance was going to pack up my belongings at the barracks and then go to my family home and pack that up as well. Once things are more settled, we can either return there or have them shipped to us.”

“We’re never going home, are we?” Tempest asks, tears streaming down her face.

Nixie stands up and moves to the girl, gathering her in her arms and holding her while she sobs. “I hope we can one day.”

“Well, I don’t want to be king,” I announce, and Hurricane looks at me with surprise, “so if you are amenable, then I would appoint you as regent until Typhoon comes of age.”

Lila looks stunned at this announcement. Of course it hadn’t occurred to her that he is in line for the Aquilian throne, and Hali next if he doesn’t want it, but heaven help Aquilia if she leads it with her temper. We’d constantly be on the verge of war.

“But that’s a subject for another time.” Zeydan obviously sees the panic in our wife’s eyes and takes action. “Come now, let’s celebrate another win for our family.”