The Space Merchants of Arachne

by Wendie Nordgren

  After I had changed and fed her, I took her into the other room and laid beside her on the ice bear rug. I kissed her fingers and toes. She held my pinky in her hand. I heard them enter the room. Hiroshi must have had things covered with Phillip and Simon since these two had time to lounge around. I wondered if it would be childish of me to take Neema into the other room.

  “May I help you?”

  “No, we just wish to be near you.”

  “Fine.”

  “The day you became my wife was the greatest of my life. The day you were taken from us on Naxa was the worst. However, I know you now. We have spent months together. I helped to hold you as you bore Neema. If something were to happen to you now, I wouldn’t survive it. I would rather you hate me and be safe.”

  I scowled at him. Then, I stood and walked over to where he sat on my grey couch amidst purple and fuchsia pillows. I sat down on his lap and put my face against his neck. “I don’t hate you. I’m just very disappointed. And calling me childish for having feelings was an asshole thing to do.” I got up and sat back down by Neema.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Tora followed in Kane’s ship’s wake. Yukihyo and Nico discussed a renewed attempt to hunt on Naxa. I suggested they go and have fun. “You would not come with us?” Yukihyo asked.

  “I would rather not.” I tucked my feet under a silk blanket. I sat with my feet on my couch and my knees up. Neema’s head was near my knees, and her diapered bottom rested on my stomach. I held her hands and made surprised faces at her. My rewards were her little smiles. “Neema, would you rather stay at the pretty palace with grandpapa, your grandmothers, and aunt and uncle, or go to the spooky hunting lodge? What? You want to sleep in mommy’s wing at the Palace and get spoiled? Okay. Neema wants to stay on Parvac. You should both go have fun.”

  They exchanged looks. Nico narrowed his eyes at me. “Are you planning to fly your fighter in our absence?” Nico asked.

  “No, wouldn’t she be with you on Kane’s ship docked on Naxa?” I smirked at him.

  “She has nothing planned other than female bonding and shopping with Hiroshi,” Yukihyo said. I rolled my eyes.

  I sought out Nico for some private husband and wife time. Instead of the feral passion he had been inclined to show me for the past weeks, he was gentle and sweet. I fell asleep in his arms. Neema’s crying woke me up as Yukihyo stumbled into Nico’s quarters with her. He placed her in my arms. “I changed her,” he said as he went back to bed. Nico rolled over in his sleep. I fed her, pulled on my gown, and sat up with her in the relaxation room until she became sleepy.

  Our arrival on Parvac was an event. Papa had a parade to welcome the Galaxic Ambassador Stine and a ball planned in his honor for the next night. Once Papa had completed his duties in regard to Ambassador Stine, he had taken Neema into his arms and hadn’t released her. She looked up at his face and cooed at him. Thunderdrop watched intently from my shoulder. When we finally arrived at the Palace, it was to a surprise party for Neema. As we entered the sitting room, Papa was forced to relinquish his hold on Neema. Yukihyo’s mother took her and babbled incoherently for a while in her joy. “I thought my Ruyo lost forever, but now I hold his daughter in my arms. Ruyo, she looks just like you, but with her mother’s green eyes.”

  Grandmother sat so close to Yukihyo’s mother that their thighs touched. I looked around the room at all of our female family members waiting to hold our baby. “Think of all of the sleep we could get.” Yukihyo laughed at me, but then considered it.

  “I have a birth gift for my granddaughter,” Papa said. He handed Yukihyo a vid-screen. Yukihyo’s eyes grew wide. He looked up at Papa who stood gazing down at Neema over someone’s shoulder. Yukihyo pressed his hand to the screen.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “Grandpapa gave Neema a fully operational diamond mine on Daphoene. All that needs to be done is enjoy the profits placed in our account for her care.”

  Neema began to cry and was promptly returned to me. As soon as I fed her, Grandmother took her. Palace servants brought in platters of appetizers. Hours later Papa thanked everyone for coming to welcome his new princess, and our family began to trickle away. They would all return for the ball tomorrow night. “What’s wrong?”

  “I do not relish the prospect of meeting the husbands of my mother and sisters.”

  Papa carried Neema, who was sound asleep, to my wing. He took her to an elaborate crib carved to resemble two swans facing away from each other. “Papa, it’s beautiful!”

  “Only the best for Princess Neema.” He kissed her head and gently laid her down. Then, he kissed me. “I am very proud of you, Teagan. Now, rest. I will see you at dinner.” We all got settled. All of our closets were full of new clothing.

  The next morning the boys were all led away for sprucing up for the ball. Attendants came to me in my room. My hair was placed up in an elaborate cascade of curls that fell over my left shoulder. A selection of beautiful white ball gowns was brought to me. I didn’t even consider the knee length dresses that were shown to me. If a dress didn’t swirl out when I turned, what was the point? I chose an off the shoulder, long-sleeved gown with a full skirt. I wore my diamond pendant from Papa, my necklace from Nico, bracelet from Uncle Kagan, and ring from Eric. Neema wore a soft white dress with a long train and a bonnet that had been adorned with small glittering diamonds. Neema and I waited in the sitting room. Papa joined us. He wore a white uniform adorned with medals and ribbons.

  “Papa, you look strong and handsome.”

  “My princesses are the most beautiful creatures in the galaxies,” he said as he kissed my cheek. Rolf took a few pictures of us. “How is my new son-in-law treating you?”

  “He treats me like a princess.”

  “Are you still angry with him?”

  “I’m a little annoyed, but after thinking about it, Yukihyo is even worse when it comes to being overprotective.”

  “What do you mean?” I told Papa about our first fight. It amused him. Nico entered and stared when he saw me. He wore a black uniform with almost as many adornments as Papa’s.

  “Teagan, you are even more beautiful than usual.”

  “Thank you, Nico. You look handsome in your uniform.” Yukihyo stole my breath when he entered wearing a formal black suit. He gave me a hungry look. I sent naughty thoughts his way. He winked at me. Simon, Hiroshi, and Phillip followed wearing formal black suits in a similar fashion. “Wow, you all look so handsome! I wish Ling could see you right now, brother.” Then, I remembered Rolf. He took pictures for me. I sent Ling Hiroshi’s picture. I sent one of Simon to Gina and Sherman. “Phillip, I don’t have contact information for Becca and Flora, but I sent your picture to Silvie.”

  “Thanks, Cupcake!”

  Papa handed me two white boxes. “These are gifts for you to give to your husbands. They symbolize their stations within the Imperial family.”

  Opening each box, I found identical pins. Each showcased a large round center diamond protected by upturned platinum wings. I smiled. I took one to Yukihyo, attached it to his lapel, and gave him a kiss. I went to Nico and was unsure where to place it amidst all of his medals. He indicated a spot. I gave him a kiss, too. A pair of Papa’s advisors alerted us that the time for our entrance had arrived. I carried Neema and followed Papa. Nico and Yukihyo were to either side of me.

  The ballroom contained the most prominent citizens of the Parvac Empire. Officers in their black uniforms stood at attention when Papa entered, and ladies in colorful dresses curtsied. Papa made a speech of welcome to Ambassador Stine and expressed the willingness of the Parvac Empire for a new era of peace and cooperation with the Galaxic Government. Then, Emperor Probus invited everyone to enjoy his hospitality. I carried Neema over to Ambassador Stine.

  “Does the embassy meet with your approval?”

  “It is far beyond my expectations, and I am greatly honored to have my arrival celebrated with such extravagance. I have little work at present. You and y
our crew are the only Galaxic citizens currently visiting Parvac.”

  “Maybe that will change. People may want to visit after they see the beauty of Thalassa and Apellan.”

  “Parvac is a breathtaking planet. The pink and orange sky is stunning.” Stine bowed to me, and I curtsied to him.

  I felt Yukihyo emotionally stiffen as he caught sight of his mother with her Parvac husband. I carried Neema over to him and placed her in his arms. She calmed him considerably.

  I said, “Hello, mother. You look radiant.” I hugged her and kissed her cheek. This woman was responsible for bringing the other half of my soul into existence.

  “Princess Teagan, please allow me to introduce my husband, General Tereas.”

  I curtsied to him. “It is nice to meet you, sir.”

  “It is an honor to meet the Princess,” he said. “I am honored to meet the son of my wife.” General Tereas inclined his head to Yukihyo. His mother must have been pouring calm into him to allow him to do the same. I gave Nico a grateful look when he engaged General Tereas in conversation.

  “You are so handsome, Ruyo.”

  “You are as beautiful as always, mother.” Next, Yukihyo had to meet all of his sisters’ husbands. By the time it was over, his eyes had filled with blue, red, and purple capillaries. Neema started to cry, so we took her to a private room reserved for our use. Hiroshi and Phillip followed us. Hiroshi stood eye to eye with Yukihyo.

  “Do you need to leave? We can go for a walk.” Yukihyo nodded to him.

  Phillip stayed with me. We changed Neema and returned to Nico. “Is he alright?”

  “No, the hunting trip is a good idea. Some sparring on the way there may also be helpful.”

  “Understood.”

  I was happy to see the Valens. Uncle Kagan took Neema. “Hello, tiny cousin. You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you. Kane, are you going hunting with Yukihyo and Nico?”

  “Of course. I’m sorry you have decided to stay home. I had hopes you would take me on a flight.”

  I frowned. “I would love to, but Nico won’t let me. Maybe you can change his mind.”

  “He won’t let you?”

  “No, he said something about forbidding it.”

  “I’ll try to talk some sense into your husband.”

  “You’ll have to talk it into both of them. On this they agree.”

  “Can’t you get your way by promising them nights with you?”

  I snorted and scowled. “They act like I’ve worn them out. I might have better luck if I promise to leave them alone.” Kane threw his head back and laughed. It drew a lot of attention. I tugged on his arm. “Kane, stop.”

  Uncle Kagan brought Neema to me. “Teagan, something smells bad,” he said as he returned her to me.

  “I’ll go with you,” Phillip offered.

  “It’s okay. We’ll be right back.” Yukihyo’s mother went with us instead.

  “Is my son alright?”

  “Hiroshi took him for a walk. Yukihyo hasn’t told me how he feels, but he has been dreading this. I think he just needs time.”

  “Perhaps we should go.”

  “No! Please don’t do that. You know how much being near you means to him. Anyway, I need help with your granddaughter. You can carry her around until your arms get tired.”

  My mother-in-law was pleased to help. When I reentered the ballroom, without Yukihyo and Nico to either side of me, I thought I understood what a fat rodent surrounded by hungry predators must feel. I was stopped several times by officers who bowed to me as they introduced themselves. My legs grew tired from curtseying. Finally, I made it back to Uncle Kagan, Nico, and Phillip. Mrs. Tereas introduced Neema to her friends throughout the ballroom and returned her to me when she became cranky. “Someone is ready to go to sleep,” she said.

  Grandmother said, “Let’s put her to bed. I’ll stay and babysit her for you.” Her pale blue eyes sparkled, and her voice held excitement. Nico walked with us to our wing. I fed Neema, and grandmother changed her into a soft gown before laying her down in her swan bed. Inside, Rolf and Otto were on guard. Additional guards had been placed on the patio and doors.

  Nico pulled me into his arms and kissed me. “I have been mad with desire for you all evening. Will you come to me tonight?” Gazing up into his dark eyes, I nodded. Nico gave me his arm, and we returned to the ball. Music had been playing, but it was louder now.

  “I wish to dance with my Princess,” Papa said.

  Shocked, I said, “I don’t know how.”

  “Your gown hides your feet. Just let me guide you around.” Papa took my hand, and to my horror, we danced in the center of the ballroom, alone, while everyone watched. Then, he handed me over to Nico and danced with Aunt Seyla. More couples joined us. I worried about Yukihyo.

  “My men guard him. He will be back soon,” Nico said.

  Uncle Kagan tapped Nico on the shoulder. “May I cut in?” Nico bowed and left me to dance with my uncle. Kane was dancing with his mother. My heart soared when I saw Yukihyo dancing with his mother. When I finally had a dance with Yukihyo, I looked up into eyes that seemed much calmer.

  “Grandmother is with Neema.”

  “Yes, I checked there before I returned. Our daughter has claimed her grandmother’s heart.”

  “Nico has already agreed to place bets for me on you to win in any sparring matches in which you might participate.” Yukihyo grinned at me. “Just don’t get hurt.”

  “I will return to my lovely wife and bring pheasant when I do.” I smiled at that. “Simon is coming along with us. Hiroshi and Phillip are staying with you and Neema.”

  “Do I have enough credits to do some shopping?”

  Yukihyo grinned. “You could buy several large land transports, fill them with your purchases, and have credits left over.”

  The ball ended and Uncle Kagan and Aunt Seyla collected my sleepy grandmother. Thunderdrop and Cass rested on a web they had constructed above Neema’s bed.

  I removed my diamonds and remembered my promise to Nico. “Do you wish for me to sleep in Nico’s room tonight?”

  “No, this is our room.” I changed into a gown. I snuggled against Yukihyo and listened to his heart. I made love to him slowly, kissed him, and left to fulfil my promise.

  We had breakfast on the patio as Cass and Thunderdrop played in the grass. “Teagan, Cass would like to stay here with you and Thunderdrop. Is that alright?”

  “Yes, it is very much okay.” I got a hug from Simon and passionate kisses from my husbands. Nico drove them to Kane’s ship. “What are we doing today, Captain?”

  Hiroshi’s eyes glittered. “I would like to take you and the baby with us to visit a few shops and merchants. You may shop all you wish.”

  “Uncle Hiroshi wants to take us shopping! Let’s go change.” Neema and I wore matching white sundresses with a small pink flower pattern. I put my hair in a high ponytail. Hiroshi loaded Neema’s pram and transport seat. Also, he had given Nico details of our outing, and security was in place. I had an Arachnean Silk spider clinging to each of my shoulders, wore the medallion, bracelet, and ring.

  Hiroshi raised an eyebrow at me. “I should give you a raise.”

  “You pay me generously, Captain. Did Yukihyo tell you that Papa gave Neema a diamond mine? If being merchants wasn’t so much fun, we could all retire.”

  Hiroshi gave an amused grunt and parked near an expansive plasti-glass and metal building. Phillip unloaded Neema’s perambulator and helped me adjust her blanket. “Look at mommy’s little spiderling. Are you ready to impress Uncle Hiroshi’s business associates?” Thunderdrop and Cass each rested their cephalothoraxes against my shoulders and blinked. They had wrapped their legs around my upper arms. Hiroshi entered and made sure the way was clear for me as I pushed Neema inside. Phillip followed. The building was full of stores. However, they all catered to men and sold weapons, camping gear, activity wear, and communications systems. We followed Hiroshi around as he made purchases. �
��Where is he going to sell this stuff?”

  “Malta,” Phillip said.

  I inclined my head and smiled each time a man bowed to me. My thighs and stomach muscles were sore from all of the curtseying from the night before. Hiroshi was taking a bit of time to make a deal with one of the vendors. Neema began to whimper. I picked her up. Thunderdrop and Cass crawled from me and into the pram. Phillip and I laughed at them as they blinked up at us. Phillip pushed them around. Our presence had accomplished what Hiroshi had hoped. Parvac customers entered the building and shopped in order to satisfy their curiosity. A few deadly looking Parvac soldiers kept anyone from approaching us. Hiroshi’s eyes glittered in pleasure.

  The next market was much more to my liking, selling dresses, jewelry, gowns, shoes, and swimwear. All of the shopkeepers were male, but many ladies shopped there. I recognized a few of them from the ball and made small talk. We followed Hiroshi into stores. I found a blue and green sundress with thin straps and a wraparound front that I bought along with several skirts and tops. For the most part, I tried to select things that had some white in them to please Papa. I saw coral jewelry that I liked, but thought if we visited Thalassa, I could get a better deal. Then, I remembered I had lots of credits and bought whatever I wanted.

  On Parvac I was popular. When I bought something from a store, other ladies did, too.

  “What’s that all about, Phillip?”

  “They can say they shopped at the same stores as the Princess.”

  “Nobody knew I existed on Earth.”

  “They know all about you here.”

  “Oh.”

  “Here we go,” Phillip said as he pushed his spider babies into a swim shop.

  “Phillip, this is underwear.”

  “This would be more appropriate here than Arachnean swim dresses.”