The Space Merchants of Arachne

by Wendie Nordgren

“How did it go with Quaid?” Abbie asked.

  “He plans to submit a contract to Papa. I think Nico and Yukihyo should satisfy the Parvacian societal dictates concerning my marital status.”

  Nico returned wearing comfortable clothing. “For a common Parvac woman, two husbands would be acceptable. However, for a princess of the royal bloodline, it would be considered taboo. You’ll discover that in your reading.”

  “How many am I expected to have?”

  Abbie said, “As many as you want, but no fewer than five.” My horrified expression prompted her further. “Five would be considered chaste.”

  Neema began to wake. I watched as she began to play with her feet and kick. Nico picked her up and cradled her in his arms. He made her laugh by nibbling her toes. Abbie patted Nico’s arm and left. “We plan to leave for Coronis tomorrow. Do you feel well enough to make the trip?”

  “Yes, not that I’m eager to leave this house.” The three of us cuddled in bed, and I read my history material to Neema using different voices. She hit Nico in the head with her rattle as I passed my first test.

  Chapter Thirty

  A few nights later, our ships landed on Coronis, the final planet in the Parvac planetary system. It shared the same pink and orange sky as Parvac. It was also a planet of lakes and mountains. Kane drove us to a gigantic steeple roofed house that had been partially carved from a mountain. What hadn’t been carved out of the mountain, had been constructed of steel and stone. The roof and large entry doors were bright red. The surrounding trees were tall with white bark and large green leaves. “This place is beautiful.”

  “Chirp chirp chirp chirp!”

  “Kane, is it safe for him to go and play?”

  “Yes, tiny cousin. I have assigned guards to protect him.”

  “Thank you so much.” Hearing the answer Thunderdrop watched us from a tree as guards opened the doors for us to enter. The first floor had rooms formed from wall partitions of red. Brown leather furniture was accented with white pillows. Sitting areas contained vid-screens and low tables. To the right, a room carved from stone was adorned with red columns at its entrance. The living room was inside and featured a waterfall whose stream passed under the wall. To the right of the waterfall, a large square floor to ceiling window provided a view of the stream as it passed through pale grass and white trunked trees. Thunderdrop played nearby. “Oh, I love it here. This is perfect. It’s so cheerful and happy.”

  “I’m glad it pleases you. Grandmother picked it out as a gift for you. She hoped it would remind you of Arachne.” I turned to Kane with wide eyes. He held his hands up to me. “Wait until you see the nursery to express shock.” Kane took us up in the lift. Yukihyo held Neema who continued to whack him gleefully with her rattle. Two uniformed male nurses stood at attention. Their names were Pierce and Lorca. From the ceiling of the nursery, a realistic model of the Parvacian planetary system had been suspended from a ceiling of smooth tinted plasti-glass in which sparkling crystals had been embedded as stars. “Watch this.” He turned out the lights, and the stars, suns, moons, and planets shone as they appeared from space.

  “Oh, this is amazing. I love it.” I wiped at my eyes as Kane turned on the lights. Two red lacquer cribs with white bedding were against the back wall. Between the cribs a red support pillar went from floor to ceiling. In the center of the room, two brown leather chairs with white blankets were to either side of a white rug. The walls to the side of each crib contained changing tables. A bathroom was across the room. Toy starships and balls designed to look like planets were in a corner.

  “Those toys are for Thunderdrop. Grandmother was sure he would build a web over the cribs and could use the pillar as an anchor.”

  “It’s perfect.” I was choked up. Yukihyo put Neema in the bed to the left, nearest the door that appeared to lead to our room. Pierce would be caring for Neema, and Lorca would care for Thunderdrop until the baby was born. Grandmother had hired them as permanent nurses who would remain with us.

  My room was above the living room. The wall opposite my bed featured the waterfall. Its splatters collected in a shallow pool of maybe an inch deep. Then, it continued down to the first floor. Kane assured me it was child and spider proof. Other than the bed, the room had brown leather chairs and a few tables.

  A large closet and dressing room was attached to the bathroom. I thought of how much Auria would love it here and wiped at my eyes again. Yukihyo chuckled, and I glanced over at him. “Well, as you can see, she loves it,” Nico said. I looked over to him. He held a vid-screen aimed at me. Grandmother and Aunt Seyla looked out from it at me.

  “Happy twentieth birthday, Teagan!” Grandmother said.

  “Today’s my birthday?”

  “Yes, had you forgotten? I thought the house a suitable gift for all the one’s I’ve missed. May you enjoy it for many years.” They waved goodbye and winked out.

  The cook prepared a feast and even made lemon cake. For that reason, Hugo became one of my favorite people. “Lady wife, you did know your birthdate. Did you not?”

  “Well, yes. It’s on my permits and identification. I just don’t think about it.”

  “Aren’t you excited about getting gifts? The boys always are,” Abbie said.

  “Remember the time I got the rollers? We ruined father’s yard,” Kane and Nico laughed.

  “You, Nat, and Nilo were always destroying something,” Nico said with a toothy grin.

  “This is the first time you have been given a birthday gift,” Quaid said. Eric looked at me with shocked frozen eyes.

  “This is a beautiful house. It was very generous and thoughtful of Grandmother to give it to me.” I smiled at Phillip. “The first gift anyone ever gave me was from Phillip.” I held up my gold identification chip bracelet. “He didn’t want me to get lost. The second gift ever given to me was from Yukihyo.” He reached down for my hand and brought my fingers to his lips. “Then, the Alarics and Montgomeries began spoiling me. Next, it was the Valens, Papa, and Cassians who began giving me lavish gifts. However, knowing I have family who cares about me, means more to me than any present.” The room was quiet. Thunderdrop sat on my legs and blinked at my stomach. “What are you planning to do while we are here?”

  Eric said, “There’s some good fishing to be had. We thought it might be fun to take a boat out.”

  “Good. Have fun.”

  “You don’t want to come along?” Phillip asked. He didn’t like hunting, but fishing was another story.

  “Oh, no. I don’t want to think about boats. I’ll go to town and see if I can find anything similar to the baths on Scipio. Pierce may agree to come with us.”

  “I feel badly about going off without you again,” Eric said.

  “Do I feel upset about it, Eric?”

  He showed me his dimples and said, “No, I think you’re tired, and your back hurts.”

  “Correct. If Simon were here, he would rub my back.”

  “Chirp!”

  “Wife, I will rub your back. I will also serve as escort to my beautiful young wife, daughter, mother, and spider tomorrow. I can think of nothing better than having you all to myself for a day.”

  I groaned when Nico found the sore tense spot in my lower back.

  They left well before sunrise the next morning. Nico had instructed Hugo to prepare pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and black coffee for breakfast. I wept tears of joy. “Chirp chitter chirp.” Thunderdrop sent me an image of the grass and trees.

  “Do you want to stay here and play while we go to town?”

  “Chirp chirp!”

  “Will you stay where Lorca can see you?”

  “Chirp.”

  “May I have a hug?” He wrapped six of his legs around my throat. He had grown. “I love you. Please, be careful.”

  “Chirp.” Thunderdrop rubbed a feeler against my cheek and then against my belly. Nico rubbed my spider’s back.

  “You are a good boy,” Nico told him. Thunderdrop blinked at hi
m and snuggled his neck before hopping away.

  “I’m so glad you didn’t want to go fishing. I’ve found just the place for some pampering,” Abbie informed us. Pierce held Neema while we each got massages. Mine was awkward since I had to lie on my sides or back, but it did help. Abbie and I insisted Nico get a manicure and pedicure right along with us. He couldn’t control his laughter during the pedicure, and the man attempting it feared being kicked in the head by the giant general, so he only got trimmed and filed. When we left, my hair had the soft curls I liked, my eyes were lined, and my lashes were darkened.

  “I feel much better. Thank you.”

  “I don’t see how the two of you can stand having your feet touched like that.”

  Two men saluted and stood at attention as we neared them. One was older than Papa with grey at his temples. He had dark brown cold eyes. Nico saluted him in return. “Viceroy Marcos, it is a pleasure to be able to introduce you to Princess Teagan Probus.”

  “Princess, it is an honor.” He bowed to me. Abbie seemed flustered. “Mrs. Cassian, you are lovelier than I remember.” Viceroy Marcos’ eyes had thawed.

  “There is no need for formality among friends, Orson,” Abbie said in a voice that sounded softer and deeper than usual.

  “You remember my name?”

  “I remember several things. Let’s talk about them over lunch and give the kids some privacy,” she said. Orson gave her his arm. She had captivated him.

  Orson said, “Eli, take the day off.” Abbie smiled at Orson Marcos as they walked away.

  Puzzled by what I had just witnessed, I whispered, “Nico, is he going to be our new father?”

  “Looks like it. Mother has been single for some time.” He extended his hand to Eli. “Princess Teagan, please allow me to introduce Inquisitor Eli Beck.” I curtsied. Eli had dark eyes, black hair, and a calm dispassionate air about him. He took my hand and kissed it.

  “The news and pictures have not adequately prepared me for your beauty. You are more fragile and delicate than I imagined.”

  I refrained from snapping at him that I wasn’t fragile.

  Nico said, “We are going to lunch. Join us.” Eli straightened and accepted with a nod. During our lunch, Neema grew tired of Pierce and wanted me. A fistful of my hair went into her mouth. I laughed and rubbed her stomach. Nico and Eli spoke of military matters. The Hadrian’s crew had been on their best behavior and seemed to be enjoying the fresh air. Eli reported that a few soldiers had attracted the notice of female crew members and were doing their best to gain more. Nico laughed. I hoped Gary’s nurse wasn’t one of them.

  “It is cruel of them to expect females to work.” Nico nodded, but glanced at me.

  “It depends on if the female enjoys the work. I very much enjoy working on Tora. I miss her.”

  “You were merchants,” Eli said.

  “We still are. I can’t wait to get back to Tora. I might even be willing to visit Earth to sell the paintings I bought. Nico, you could come with us and meet Uncle Lee and my friend at the land port. Oh, how I miss the Sun Palace.”

  “Is that the home of one of Earth’s rulers?”

  “No, sir. It’s Uncle Lee’s restaurant, and I wish I had some of his spring rolls and orange chicken. I better try not to think about them.”

  “You are hungry for these things?” Nico asked.

  “Yes, always. They’re my favorite things. Maybe Hiroshi will bring some.” I kissed Nico’s jaw.

  In a toy store, I bought Neema a new rattle that twinkled with lights when it was shaken and made a tinkling sound. She shook it, watched it, and put it in her mouth. I found a small toy punching bag that was weighted on the bottom for Thunderdrop. I found something else. It was a small harp. “He will love this,” I said as I touched a string. “It’s not loud like the drum.” I bought every harp the storekeeper had. He boxed and bagged them for me. Nico raised an eyebrow at me. “These are perfect spider gifts.”

  When we got back home, I allowed Thunderdrop to select the one he wanted. He touched a string and blinked. “Chitter chirp chirp chitter?”

  “No, you don’t have to wait until after naptime. This sounds pretty and isn’t loud.”

  “Chirp chirp.” He showed me an image of the strings of a web and how they vibrated.

  Abbie didn’t come home that night. She called us the next morning to tell us that she had accepted a marriage proposal from Orson. Shortly afterwards, a large bouquet of flowers arrived.

  “Aw, he sent them here by mistake.”

  “Tiny cousin, these are for you.”

  “To our precious niece, Love Uncle Kagan and Aunt Seyla. Oh, how sweet.” I got all weepy. Yukihyo picked me up and sat with me in his lap. Eric handed me a red and green striped silk square that was just ugly enough to get me to stop. Lorca placed the flowers in a vase for me. Since there were stores I hadn’t seen, I wanted to go back to town. The boys came with me. Eric had more gifts to buy anyway. “Yukihyo, please don’t let him forget the things we bought for Mary.”

  Yukihyo grinned, “I hope you have an extra cargo hold, Eric.”

  “Well, she’s having twins, and Grandmother and Aunt Seyla got her things, too.” Yukihyo kissed my forehead. Eric had begun making purchases. I pushed Neema into a jewelry store and bought tiny gold bracelets for each of her ankles. The tiny clasps opened seamlessly so as not to pinch. She tried to get them into her mouth. I spotted a necklace that resembled tiny blue and purple flowers with green leaves. They cascaded in front. I tried it on and touched the tiny flowers that draped across my collar bone and between my breasts. Emeralds, sapphires, and amethysts sparkled daintily.

  “Thank you, sir,” the shopkeeper said. I saw Quaid’s reflection in the mirror behind me. He traced my collarbone with his finger, and pleasure spiraled through me. I wanted to rip his clothes off with my teeth, and I blushed at my wantonness. Quaid gave me a pleased smile.

  “I like you in emeralds,” he breathlessly whispered into my ear.

  “Thank you for the gift.” My pulse thundered. Quaid left the store as Eric entered.

  Eric sidled up to me. “Nice.”

  “Quaid just gave it to me.”

  “He’d like to give you a lot more,” Eric winked. He bought Gram and Sydney each perfectly matched strands of pearls accented with diamonds.

  Eric held the door as I pushed Neema’s stroller out of the store. Eli Beck watched us from a small café table across the street. I waved at him. “What is an inquisitor?”

  “Someone who hunts down criminals and tortures the truth out of them.”

  “Oh.” Kane and Yukihyo met us on the sidewalk.

  “Daddy’s princess looks all fancy! What did Mommy get you?” Neema sucked at the bracelet on her left ankle.

  “I asked the jeweler to make her a pair that will jingle.” I laughed at his expression. Nico was engaged in a private conversation with someone on his vid-screen. He walked to me, put his arm around my back, and kissed my forehead.

  “Your uncle just called.” Kane perked up. “The Galaxic Government has just extended an invitation to the Parvac Empire to tour its planetary systems as we have so graciously allowed them to do.”

  “Good. Maybe tourism isn’t far off.”

  We walked across the street to Eli Beck. As Nico introduced everyone, I sat. Moments later, Nico brought me coffee and pastries. I beamed at him and enjoyed the indulgence.

  Nico whispered to Phillip. “I called ahead. She is enjoying decaffeinated coffee and reduced sugar pastries. It’s all in the planning.”

  “Why didn’t I think of that?”

  At dinner Eric said to Kane, “We have a problem.”

  “Oh, what?”

  “I’ve got several female crew members requesting permission to marry your male crew members.”

  “And you don’t know where to throw the party? There is a public ballroom a block from the gardens,” Kane grinned.

  “I don’t understand the allure,” Eric said without inf
lection. I glanced at Nico and hid my smile. “Spill it, Teagan.”

  “You didn’t notice the allure on Thalassa?”

  “Hey, now, Cupcake. We Galaxic types are just as well hung as they are.”

  “Nico gave me his house, half of his wealth, and his undying devotion with the expectation of trying to impregnate me once a year. Let’s say those female crew members of yours are from Earth. Like with my experience, they may have spent nineteen years without even being smiled at by a boy because they don’t look like Becca or Silvie. Then, they come to the empire and are treated like goddesses. Looking the way you do and with the way women throw themselves at you both, I’m sure you don’t understand the allure.”

  Kane said, “Those crewmen have asked permission to marry. Each one is the last of his family line and without marriage prospects. Would you consider allowing Ambassador Stine to oversee the marriage contracts?”

  “I suppose,” Eric said grudgingly. “No one asked you out on Earth? I asked you to dinner the first time I saw you.”

  “Maybe being clean and unbruised is more attractive,” I said and shrugged. Rory, my domestic assistant, announced a delivery. I went to check. Blue and purple flowering shrubs had been delivered. “How lovely! I didn’t order these, though.” Rory handed me a card. They were from Eli Beck. His note said he wanted nothing more, but to please me. “How thoughtful!”

  “Chirp!”

  “You want these planted under the trees and near the stream.”

  “Chirp chirp!”

  “I will see to it at once, Princess,” Rory said.

  “Thank you, Rory.”

  Eric and Kane went to the living room to call Stine. Their crewmembers were given permission to marry, but were expected to complete their military contracts.

  “Kane?”

  “Yes, tiny cousin?”

  “You may want to suggest to your men that they give wedding rings to their new wives, so they don’t hurt their feelings.”

  “Aw, yes. That is an important tradition amongst Galaxic citizens.”

  “Have I hurt your feelings?” Nico asked in abject horror.