6.3

Erin approached Rohen with open arms and congratulated him on the birth of his children, hugging him.

"I'm so happy for you! Two kids at once. Isn't she kicking you out yet?

"Kamily? No. Did you promise her a maternity leave?"

"I promised! We'll have to fulfill her request."

"She treats me well," - Rohen said.

"Then keep an eye on her before she drives you away. I'm worried that she's planning to run away from us."

"To where?" - Rohen made a worried face.

"To Lariel! It turns out that he is in full swing building a city Ornalion at the Cave Mountains. The local black-winged just adore him, blow off specks of dust from him, and put their wives under him. Proclaimed him as the King. I didn't expect this!"

"Well, let him feel at ease there and multiply. He dreamed of such a life."

"As if he felt bad in Azaren!"

"Hmm, after all, being the leader of the people is much more pleasant than exposing your ass for conception and laying eggs from different partners, don't you think?" - Rohen chuckled.

"Oh, how rude! He was so ashamed of being a hermaphrodite that he abandoned us to pursue his ambitions. This is betrayal and retribution for it is inevitable!"

"Let's see what happens next."

"And you? You both had a relationship… after all you let him go so easily."

"Erin! You don't understand what's between us. I can't keep Lar near me. He is a creative person and needs development and self-realization. I am well aware of his activities. He is completely under my control."

"Hmm... You protect him, no matter what. This is truly a strange relationship," - Erin blurted out gloomily and left the house.

Rohen immediately went to Kamily.

She sat next to the babies in their cribs, and stroked their curls with a dreamy smile. 

"Demiris is a copy of Lariel," - Rohen noted in a satisfied tone.

"And Nifisim is yours! When will he fly back to see his son?" - Kamily was worried. - "Stuck in his new city and doesn't think about returning."

"And it's not necessary. The boy will stay with me."

"Do you really need to have two sons?"

"I'm not going to adopt Demiris, he will be my vassal."

"Do you want to be his patron? But why do this while the father is alive? Lar will find time to raise his son, no matter how busy he is."

"He did something wrong to me, interfered in our temporary marriage, so I'll leave Demiris for myself as a ransom."

"It's my fault that I let him sleep with me."

"It's okay," - Rohen noted dryly. - "I'm actually very happy about this boy. Lar's copy is of great value in every sense. He is my new treasure!"

He took little Demiris in arms and tenderly kissed his forehead, which greatly surprised Kamily.

"Is Lar's child more important to you than your own son?"

"Not at all. It just seems this way to you."

She thought deeply and asked:

"If you and I are heavenly spouses, then why is our marriage temporary?"

"This is how it is done here, my dear! Whoever received the children from the Queen Bee must retreat."

"Actually, I don't want to have children from another men. Be my permanent husband, since fiery skies connect us!"

"Do you know what you're asking me for? I must overthrow the Supreme Power of Xantary and become the Lord of all syrinxes so that you, as my wife, have immunity and freedom from any claims."

"Is it possible?" - Kamily perked up. - "Are you really so strong and powerful that you can defeat the Archons? Is it true?"

"I was born to do this!"

"To conquer the syrinxes?"

"Yes! And I also came to pick up what's mine: you and Lariel."

"Then let's do it together! We will rule over all winged creatures."

"I've been waiting for you to say this, my precious!" - Rohen smiled. - "So be it! Our triple alliance: you, me and the androgyne, comes into force."

***

The trembling voice of a boy fearfully walking through a large deserted hall worried the Lord, who built himself a big castle not far from Azaren.

"Uncle, I want to visit Lariel. How do I get there?" - Gedeon said standing as frozen in front of Rohen.

"Not now… If you don't like living with his cousins, stay here in my stronghold."

"Your castle? Why did you separate yourself from everyone?"

"That's what I wanted," - Rohen answered sternly, sitting down on a wide chair in the middle of the hall.

"Do you live here alone?" - Gedeon looked around.

"Why alone? With kids. Nifisim must be brought up in discipline and rigor, as befits a phoenix warrior. When his awareness comes, training and cultivation of magical powers will begin."

"Shouldn't I be learning the same thing?"

"The time has not yet come. Your case is somewhat different. Then I will tell you what and how you should do for your development. In the meantime, gain energy. Your body requires a special approach."

"There's not even a hint of magic in me. I feel inferior among the Azareans. What is wrong with me?"

"You must trust me, Deo," - Rohen proclaimed strictly. - "If I said something, these are not empty words! Your transformation will come when your heart ignites. Certain circumstances are needed for this event. Wait and do what you love."

"Okay, my Lord. I just want to know if Lariel will return?"

"He is always with us, dear. Only distance separates us."

"Does this mean … Lariel will always be yours?"

Rohen smiled mysteriously:

"Hope so."