by Seven Steps
“He’s innocent.”
“Yes, Empress, I’m sure he is. But how are you doing? It must be difficult for you to get along without a slave. How about I send you over one of mine, just until you can purchase a more permanent one.”
“I don’t want another slave.”
“Of course you don’t, Empress. But, sometimes we need a little help, especially around the home, don’t we? It would be at no charge, and I can send one of my most advanced students. I even have one that looks a bit like Kiln.”
Nadira had the sudden, sharp urge to reach through the comm, grab this woman by the throat, and shake her.
“No, that won’t be necessary. Kiln is innocent, and I’m going to prove it. Once he’s out, he’ll be back to work, and everything will return to normal.”
“I wish him all the best Empress. Thank you for informing me of this situation. I’ll be sure to tell the other teachers and children. Good day.”
The line disconnected with a click.
Nadira sat down on a nearby bench, her body growing heavy.
He’s innocent. I just have to find a way to convince everyone. I have to get him out.
Her wrist buzzed again.
Nadira’s throat felt dry, cracked. “Accept.”
“Empress Nadira,” Empress Chee’s voice was light, like a sales person out to make their quota. “May your mother be well.”
Every thought that Nadira had turned violent. “What do you want now?”
“I’ve heard that you tried to pay a visit to Kiln. That was not in our agreement. But not to worry, Czarina Arees is merciful. She has agreed to a visit...”
Nadira’s heart leapt.
“...After the primary vote.”
It fell again.
“And, if you vote correctly, both in the primary and the actual elections, you can have him back, and we can all put this unfortunate event behind us.”
“You can tell the Czarina Arees that I will not vote for her. She can stop asking.”
“I appreciate your honesty. Sleep on it. Sometimes things look better after a good night’s rest. Hopefully, you will decide to vote correctly, and then you and Kiln can be reunited. If you don’t, then you’ll see Kiln at his execution. Good day to you, Empress.”
The comm clicked before Nadira could belt out the swear that she had reserved just for Empress Chee.
She paced the sidewalk, feeling like she was trapped in a box of her own making.
What do I do, Kiln? How am I going to get you out of this mess?
She briefly considered voting for Arees, ending this torment. She pushed the thought aside.
I will not let her win. If I vote for someone, it will be because I think they’re the best candidate, not because I was bullied into it. I’ll find a way to get Kiln out, and I’ll do it without selling my vote.
She looked at the comm on her wrist. It was getting late. She rushed towards the Square, where her mother waited for her at a small table. In front of her was a plate of odd vegetables, purple carrots, purple leaves, and white, frothy, steaming milk.
Marie raised her hand, and gestured for Nadira to join her.
Nadira sat at the small table, her stomach tight with nerves.
“How are you holding up, Naddie?”
Nadira shook her head. “I’m not. I don’t know what to do.” She looked up at her mother. “What should I do?”
Marie raised the milk to her lips, set it down again.
“Do you really want my advice?”
“Yes, mother. Please, tell me.”
“Change your vote. Give Arees what she wants.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Arees is a bully. If I give in now, then Kiln will forever be her leverage over me. I can’t let that happen.”
“You are assuming that Kiln will be around next time.”
Nadira crossed her arms over her chest. “What a thing to say, mother.”
“I just don’t understand where this stubbornness comes from.”
“It’s not stubbornness. I have values, values that you instilled in me. I want to do what is right. Why does everyone think that’s so wrong?”
“We don’t, Naddie. We just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll figure things out my own way.”
“What way?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Nadira-”
“I said that I don’t want to talk about it!”
Marie’s eyes widened a moment before she sat back in her chair. “Alright. Let’s change the subject.”
Nadira grunted, miserably looking out over the other women enjoying their lunch.
“Have I ever told you about Zenith, the planet I ambassador for?”
“Not really.”
“Well, I guess you never asked.”
Marie paused, waiting for Nadira to accept the new topic. When Nadira didn’t respond, Marie pushed a bit.
“Would you like to hear about it?”
“I guess.”
“You’d love Zenith. From the outside, it looks like a common planet. But inside, oh Nadira it’s gorgeous. Trees as far as the eye can see. Large, sturdy trees with purple leaves that drip golden dust all over. Seas that sparkle beneath two suns. A volcano covered by a big, white fluffy cloud. And the Magistrate Embrya, you’d love her most of all. She’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.”
Nadira didn’t respond, lost in her own troubles.
Marie kept going, “That’s where I got this.” She pulled the gold necklace from beneath her jumpsuit. A bean shaped locket hung in the center of it. “It’s what they call a fire seed.” She leaned in, as if telling her daughter a very secret, very juicy piece of gossip. “If you chew it you can-”
“Why are you telling me all of this mother?” Nadira snapped.
Marie’s brows squeezed into a deep frown. “I thought it would cheer you up, I guess.”
“The only thing that would cheer me up is getting Kiln back.”
Marie nodded. “Yes, I’m sure it would.”
Nadira let out a breath, stood up. “Look, it’s getting late and I have to meet Eva, so...”
“Yes, you should go.”
Marie stood and hugged her daughter tightly. “We’ll stay in touch.”
Nadira released her mother, then moved away.
“And Nadira?”
Nadira turned around. She faced Marie again.
“Be careful.”
Nadira nodded. She walked away from her mother and towards her home.
Her mind was focused on one thing, and one thing only.
Getting Kiln back.
Chapter 19
The front door slammed shut just as Lex placed the dusting machine back into the supply closet.
After Haos, Xy and Aloston left, he’d spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning. He activated the bots that vacuumed the carpets, and mopped the floors while he washed the numerous windows, scrubbed the sinks and toilets, and polished every knob and handle in the house. He closed the shower door and turned on the cleaning cycle. He went over Eva’s dressing table, straightening bottles, cleaning out combs and brushes, and refilling hair and makeup products from Aloston’s recent delivery.
Eva’s closet was filled with pile after pile of dirty jumpsuits, which he’d spot treated, then threw down the laundry chute. The machine inside the wall purred and hummed as it washed, dried, pressed and hung the garments. Even now he heard the clank of the hangers as the wall to Eva’s closet opened, and the newly cleaned garments were slid inside. Any garment that needed mending was carefully photographed, catalogued, and placed in a box to be shipped to the recycling center. He’d have to order a new one or recreate it from scratch.
Her numerous boots were stacked on the rotating shelves next to the jumpsuit rack. He pushed the shelf down into the floor and started the cycle that shined and deodorized them.
The last task for e
ach room was to dust. He placed the overly loud machine in each room for fifteen minutes while he attended to other task. The machine sent out wave after wave of electrostatic, attracting dust, hair, dead skin, and anything else that happened to be floating in the air. After the fifteen minutes were up, Lex opened the bottom, took out the pre-tied bag, dumped it in the trash, and moved it to the next room.
Eva’s boots clicked on the shiny tile floor as she entered the house, closing the door behind her.
She stood in the hallway, closed her eyes, and took a deep whiff. “It smells great in here.”
“Thank you, Empress.”
They froze for a moment, studying each other before realizing their sin and looking away.
Eva walked past him, and into the sitting room. Flopping down on the sofa, she pulled off her boots.
“Today has been an absolute nightmare. Nadira had a meltdown, every committee meeting ran long, and the lunch place I go to was out of everything I wanted.” She sighed. “I’m so glad this day is over.”
“Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes, Empress.”
“What are we having?”
“I saw in your preference manual that you generally favored steamed vegetables. I thought that you might like something different.”
“Like what?”
“I believe it translates into Scuzz Mold. It’s from planet Zymeer.”
Eva made a face.
“Don’t worry, Empress, it’s not as disgusting as it sounds, I assure you. Empress Drell served it at a party once. It’s quite delicious.”
“Well, I guess I’ll taste it.”
She walked to her bedroom. “I’ll take it in the sitting room. Just let me get changed.”
“Yes, Empress.”
He wiped his dusty hands on a rag, and went to check on the food.
“Lex?”
He hurried down to her bedroom. Her door was cracked, and he peeked inside.
She seemed transfixed by something within her closet.
At the sight of her, Lex’s mouth went dry. Her jumpsuit was unzipped to the waist and hung down her hips. The top half of her was covered in her undergarment, a transparent, thin-strapped top that covered her from collarbone to just above her belly button.
He cleared his throat.
“Yes, Empress.”
“My room looks amazing. Absolutely incredible.”
“Thank you, Empress.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so clean.”
He smiled at the compliment, pride in his work welling up inside of him. “Thank you, Empress.”
He walked away from the door and back to the kitchen. His mind cried at him to keep focused.
You have to leave for Mahala as soon as possible.
His heart, however, said something entirely different.
He tried to figure out which one to listen to as he set up the serving table in the sitting room and placed her dinner upon it.
She walked back out of the bedroom, this time in linen, wide legged pants, and a linen top. The material seemed as if it was molded to her body. It accentuated her curved backside and her ample bosom. Her hair was not in its typical high bun, but one that was low on her graceful neck.
He bit his tongue, and looked at the floor as she passed him and sat down for dinner.
“Well it certainly smells delicious.”
He had placed steamed broccoli and carrots in a small bowl in the center of the plate. Around it was a long brown skin with a reddish filling and topped with a lighter brown gravy.
“I’m not sure about this.”
He picked up the knife from her plate, and handed it to her.
“Try it.”
She looked wearily at the dish, then back at him.
“Trust me.”
She picked up the knife and fork. Not knowing where to begin, she cut into the middle of it and raised it to her lips. She wrinkled her nose as the gravy dripped onto the plate.
The smell was vaguely familiar. It reminded her of parties. Maybe this was something that rich women ate?
She took a deep breath, let it out, and put a piece in her mouth.
Lex waited patiently for her reaction.
She chewed a few times, her eyes going from confusion to something else he couldn’t immediately recognize.
She closed her eyes, threw back her head and moaned.
“This is absolutely delicious.”
He tried to smile, tried to say something, but the sight of her taking so much pleasure in her dish enraptured him. His feet were rooted to the ground, his heart pounded in his chest. He squeezed his hands into fist to keep from reaching out and touching her. He bit the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood.
She took another bite of the Scuzz Mold. A bit of gravy dripped onto her lip.
He felt himself reach down to wipe it away, stopped before the movement became obvious, then promptly marched himself back into the kitchen.
“Where are you going?” Eva called after him.
“Just leaving you in peace,” he said. His voice was dry, cracked. He hoped she didn’t notice.
“You gave me such a large portion,” she said.
“I can clean it up when you’re done.”
“I was hoping that maybe you could share it with me.”
Lex braced himself to the counter.
“You know,” Eva said. “So it won’t go to waste.”
He found the strength to look up at her. She stared at him from the sitting room, a smile hanging on her lips.
“It’s quite delectable,” she said.
Not as delectable as you, he thought, then immediately frowned, scolding himself for the inappropriate thought. Although, it was tame compared to the other thoughts he’d entertained since he’d met his new master.
“Here.” She moved over, making room for him on the sofa. “There’s plenty of room.”
He couldn’t sit. If he was too close to her, he’d touch her, and then she’d execute him for sure.
No. Keep control. You’re leaving soon. Don’t let anything interfere.
He straightened his jumpsuit and placed both hands behind his back. “Empress, according to the law, servants and master’s aren’t supposed to eat together.”
Her face fell instantly, and as she turned around, he saw her face grow red.
His frown deepened. He wished he could go to her, to tell her that if he were to accept her offer, they’d both be in trouble. Instead, he dropped his head, and swore.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. What was I thinking?” She stood up. “I was a little too comfortable I guess.” She walked around the sofa, towards the bedroom. “I’m a bit tired. Please wake me when Nadira arrives.”
“Yes, Empress.”
He waited in the kitchen until she’d gone to her room and shut the door.
Yes, Nadira’s coming. That means I won’t be able to leave tonight.
A part of him was disappointed.
A part of him cheered.
Tomorrow, he thought. I’ll definitely leave for Mahala tomorrow.
Chapter 20
It was well past curfew when Lex, Nadira and Eva stood shrouded in darkness. In front of them was a moss covered tombstone. Alpha Memorial was the final resting place for the residents of Habitat Alpha. The tombstone belonged to Endira Minor from Beta Sector, a woman who, although never existing, held one of the greatest secrets in Venian history.
The orange clouds of Venus swirled and spiraled behind the dome’s thick glass. The origgrow was clipped short, it’s bluish green coloring illuminated by the projection of women’s faces above the tombstones. The faces were still, their expressions solemn as they gazed upon the field of dead sisters, mothers, and daughters.
Nadira shivered, and wrapped her arms around her waist.
I wish Kiln was here.
Eva pulled her black, hooded cape tight over her shoulders. “This place gives me the creeps.”
“Well, we are surrounded by five cent
ury’s worth of dead women,” Lex replied. He knocked on the tombstone three times. He craned his neck to look behind him, searching for any unwanted visitors. Only the floating heads above the tombstones greeted him.
A perfectly hidden door in the rock cracked open.
“I’m looking for Tronic.”
The door shut again. All was still.
“What’s happening?” Nadira whispered. “Did you say something wrong?”
“Patience, Empress.”
The door cracked open again.
“Who’s there?”
“Tronic? It’s Lex.”
“And them?”
“They’re with me.”
The door shut, then opened again. A man with a bushy black beard peaked out. His eyes roved over Nadira and Eva, then back at Lex.
“They’re alright,” Lex assured him.
“What do you want, Lex?” Tronic asked.
“I need the security footage from the Slave Market. There’s been a riot. Nadira’s slave was accused of being involved. We need to prove his innocence.”
Tronic’s voice turned bitter. “Slaves are never innocent on Venus.”
Nadira stepped forward. “Please,” she said. “He’ll be executed the day after tomorrow if I don’t do something.”
Tronic’s eyes narrowed in on Nadira.
“What do you care? Just buy another slave.”
She didn’t shift under his gaze.
“I can’t do that,” Nadira said. “I love him.”
He looked back at Lex, sighed, and pushed the door wide for them to enter.
They hurried in, and Tronic slammed the door shut.
“Rogues usually go to Mahala. You shouldn’t have come here,” Tronic said. “It’s not safe. Not with what’s going on outside.”
“It’s my fault,” Nadira said. “Please don’t think ill of Lex. He was only trying to help.”
Tronic paused. “Are you sure you weren’t followed?”
Lex nodded.
Tronic sighed, and began down a long, dark hallway. On their left, behind large lit glass cages, were creatures that Nadira had never seen before.
Some were small and wide eyed. Some were large and powerful looking.