When David's mother came to take him back to the palace she showed no surprise at his empowered state. "I take it your studies went well? His Highness reports you've been a model student."

David nodded. "House Murdoch has gone above and beyond with their education."

"Good," she replied, and David felt the brief weightlessness that was the transport circle activating, taking them back to the palace. "Have you thought about where you'd like to go next?"

"I... think I'd like to stay home for a bit, if that's alright? Or maybe go see Dad in Altair for a bit."

His mother smiled, and nodded. "Of course." Then she wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pressing a kiss to his temple. "I'm glad you're happy," she replied, and started with him back to their apartments.

David, of course, just wanted to see Jack. It was hard to be prudent, but he took his time reuniting with his siblings, telling them about Edreau. Zahrah, if she was surprised to see him empowered, said nothing, but Colin picked up on it right away.

"Have you been fooling around with an Alpha?" he whispered, leaning close, and David smiled, though he couldn't help but wonder where Colin, barely eight, was getting his information.

"Who told you about fooling around?

Colin stuck his chin out. "Zahrah. I asked. Have you?"

He supposed that was fair. "Why wouldn't I? Hey, if you're nice to me I'll put in a good word. One of the King's sons is only a little older than you, he's an Omega. I'm sure you could foster there for a while if you want."

Colin wrinkled his nose. "Ew."

"Hey, you asked."

Whether his mother had intended it or not, there was a larger dinner that evening, with their Aunt the High Queen, the King's children and the wives that were in town, and surprisingly his father Carson and his mate and children, visiting from Altair. David tried to catch Jack's gaze, but his oldest friend didn't seem particularly dispositioned to look at him, something that became more and more annoying as the dinner went on. Shouldn't Jack be happy to finally see him again? Would he really have to wait until they were done to corner him?

"I was hoping you all might come be our guests for a few days to celebrate Unification Day?" His father said near the end of dinner. "It's very beautiful in Altair this time of year, especially at night in the hot pools. We can even have a hill up near one of the glaciers where you can still go sledding at this time of year."

His Aunt the Queen smiled. "I think that would be lovely, Carson. If you're certain it won't be any trouble, I will make plans. Ladies?" Both his mother and the other wives agreed readily.

Was it David's imagination, or did Jack look annoyed at the idea?

The conversation turned to planning all the things to do over Unification, and before David realized it Jack was folding his napkin, giving a polite nod to his Aunt and his mother. "If you'll forgive me, I'm feeling under the weather. May I retire?"

"Of course, dear," his Aunt said, and Jack left the room without a glance, leaving David with nothing to do but stare daggers at his back.

~~~