Full Circle

[Eidolon]

Kasimir

“Your father wants you to stay here, Kasimir.” His mother had not let go of him, even though the Aes Sedai had disappeared into his father’s rooms. Did she really think he would chase after, or that she could stop him if that’s what he chose? He turned his eyes to hers, glaring.

“I don’t give a –” Kas stopped himself from words he might later regret. His fists clenched, fingernails digging into his palm. “I don’t care what my father wants.” Each word was pronounced with final clarity, though even as he spoke he knew the words would not reach home. His mother’s fingers dug into his bicep, her face rigid with anger. Or fear, he couldn’t tell; there was so much raw emotion in this room it was suffocating

It was Jahzara who spoke.  “And what about us, Kas?”

“Malaika is our aunt, father’s sister,” he said, finally shrugging off his mother’s grip as he led the way into the sitting room. He opened his father’s cabinet and pulled out a bottle of amber liquid. Zara hovered at his side, and he glanced at her as he poured. Her eyes were narrowed in thought, and she stared at the sideboard. Suddenly her gaze snapped up.

“She’s… she’s still a witch.”

“A marath’damane, Kasimir,” Sharain reminded, her conviction more resolute than that of her daughter. “If the Empire were to hear of this … think of your father.”

“Father has not lived in Seanchan in years,” Kas spat.  “And none of us have been there.  Blood and Ashes, we are Altarans, and we live in the westlands!” He downed his glass, poured another.