by Neal Jones
Now, at last, Chancellor Kroth and his elders were finally seeing the error of their ways. Alikk smiled to himself as he gazed at the Kauramide tapestry. Ronnd's surprise visit to him today had been no surprise. After the failure of the Jha'Drok's plans to invade the Federation, and after the many cracks in the Alliance that Vi'Sar had managed to widen with his terrorist attacks and protest rebellions, a conference with the chief minister of Central Intelligence was expected. The High Council had arrived at a crucial turning point for the empire, and they were finally making a wise – albeit extremely risky – choice.
Great power comes only with great sacrifice and great risk, Alikk thought. He turned to Ronnd. "I accept your proposal." He inserted a data chip into the pad and downloaded a copy of the agreement. He placed his thumbprint on the last page and handed the pad to the chief minister.
"Very good." Arius accepted the pad and tucked it back inside his coat pocket. "I look forward to your first report." He started for the door.
"It will be a pleasure working with you, chief minister. Have a safe trip back to homeworld."
After he was alone, Vi'Sar stood at his windows and watched the night.
Chapter 6
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( 1 )
LADY PRINCESS VATRA INEHL moaned with pleasure as Sierik's tongue brought her to climax for a third time. The two of them had been sequestered in her bedchamber for the last hour and a half, and as he moved up beside her, intertwining his nakedness with hers, Vatra wished that they could remain here for the rest of the evening. Sierik nibbled at her earlobe and gently kissed her neck.
"We really should be getting dressed," he murmured.
"Yes, we should."
She reached around to feel his hardness and began to massage it. It was his turn to moan, and she rolled him onto his back and climbed on top. He thrust himself into her, and she bucked wildly against him while biting hard against his neck to keep from screaming as they both came to rapid climax. For several long moments afterwards, she lay against him, her head on his chest, her ear against his heart.
"Vatra?"
"Mmmmm?"
"It's time to get up. We're both expected downstairs in half an hour."
The lady princess sighed as she clambered off her cousin and started for her closet. Sierik stood and reached for the garment carrier that held his suit and ceremonial robe. Vatra frowned as she looked at the pair of gowns she had selected from hundreds that had been paraded before her in the last three days. She couldn't decide which one she liked the most.
Sierik stole a glance at her as he sat on the edge of the bed to put on his boots. "The one on the right. It's a good color on you. Plus, it fits you well and that will drive Larewyn crazy."
Vatra snickered. "It is rather revealing, isn't it?" She began putting it on.
"How are things between you and our new lady empress?"
Vatra turned her back to him and motioned to the zipper. "I'll admit that I underestimated her. She's not as naïve as I expected, although I think her mother has a lot to do with that."
"You're far too clever, cousin, to allow an upstart like Larewyn to outmaneuver you. Or her mother. You'll think of something, and when you do, I'll be there to help." Sierik turned Vatra around and kissed her.
She melted into his embrace, pressing her palms against his firm chest, and returned the kiss. She made it last as long as it could before he finally pulled away.
"Lyka is going to start wondering where I am."
"Are you sure she doesn't know about us?" Vatra pressed a command into her computer terminal to turn one of the holoscreens into a mirror.
Sierik embraced her from behind and nibbled her ear lobe. "My wife is many things, but clever is not one of them. See you at the party." He kissed her neck and then left the chamber through its rear exit so as not to arouse the suspicion of any servants who might have been waiting in the corridor outside the lady princess' private quarters.
Vatra sighed as she pressed a button to summon her maidservants. It was time to do her hair and put the finishing touches on her gown before making her appearance at Lord Tannit's birthday celebration. As the pair of girls performed their work, Vatra thought some more about Larewyn and Marija. Because Erengaar had kept his courtship a secret - if selecting a bride from a lineup of suitable girls could be called that - Vatra had known very little about her or the Lady Tannit. Marija and Vatra had avoided one another for the last several weeks, the same way that two adult sand snakes of the same sex avoid each other's nesting grounds.
But tonight's celebration would provide the perfect opportunity for Vatra to cozy up to Marija, to make the first move in an elaborate game of King's War. It was time to see what Lady Tannit was capable of. These were very uncertain times for Vatra, but she was sure of one fact: without Marija to guide her, Larewyn was weak and inexperienced. Without her mother, the lady empress was as vulnerable as a mouse in a pit of sand snakes.
Vatra smiled as she admired her reflection while her maidservants waited patiently for her verdict. Just then the intercom beeped.
"Mother, it's me. May I come in?"
"Of course, little one."
Vatra walked towards the door as Jharek entered the chamber. He was dressed in a dark suit, and since he was not yet of age to receive the ceremonial sash of his house, the crest was sewn in gold thread on the lapel. The lady princess beamed with pride as she grasped her son's shoulders and spun him slowly.
"You're a handsome boy, Jhar."
Jharek made a face. "I hate it. Can't I please stay in my chambers? I can pretend to be sick again."
"Afraid not. You're old enough now to understand your place in royal court. Parties such as this one are a requirement for people like you and I, and we suffer our roles gladly." She walked back to the mirror. "Now come tell your mother what you think of this gown. Do I look pretty enough?"
"You look like an empress, mother."
Vatra smiled and kissed her son's forehead. "Let's go have some fun, shall we? You only have to stay through dinner. After that, you're on your own."
( 2 )
Lord Tannit's birthday gala had begun in the celebration hall, one of the trio of massive rooms that was dedicated to these types of formal occasions. The throne hall was where the lord emperor held court, and the supper hall was where large banquets were served, such as tonight's feast. Most of guests had already arrived by the time Vatra and Jharek entered the hall, and many couples were in the center of the room, dancing to an upbeat classical waltz. Marija Tannit was fond of classical music, especially the waltzes, and she and her husband were at the center of the choreographed ballet. Running counterpoint to the music was the pleasant buzz of multiple conversations among the guests who were watching the dancers.
As Vatra swept her gaze over the hall, she was sickened by the sight of the tapestries that had been hung on the walls. It was a logical assumption that they belonged to the House Tannit, and the lady princess wondered if their appearance had been Larewyn's decision or that of her mother's. The scenes were meant to convey the history of the Tannit bloodline, and Vatra understood why they had been hung, but she took note of the fact that none of the Valayne tapestries were present. Perhaps her half-brother was not as adept at controlling his wife as Vatra had once thought.
Or maybe she was angered at the fact that the House Tannit was one of the lesser houses of the empire, and they had no right to be in this palace at all. No matter that the empire was in a severe crisis just now where the female population was concerned, Erengaar should still have chosen his bride from one of the more noble houses, preferably one that was already established in the royal court or the senate.
But then again, when one took the time to ponder the decision, it wasn't hard to see why Erengaar had chosen Larewyn. Inviting one of the lower houses into the royal court was an open declaration to the nobler bloodlines that their position in the court was precarious, at best, and in mortal danger, at worst. Erengaar was det
ermined to rearrange his father's court to his liking, and that meant that Vatra needed to set her plans in motion as soon as possible. Everything hinged on whether or not Larewyn could provide her husband a male heir, and when that day arrived, Vatra and Jharek were going to disappear.
"Evening star, Vatra," the lady empress gushed.
Vatra realized that she had allowed her musings to carry her away from the present, and she smiled as she returned the formal greeting. "A lovely party, Larewyn. Your parents make a beautiful couple."
The waltz came to an end, and everyone applauded as Lord and Lady Tannit bowed to the guests.
"They are handsome, aren't they?" Larewyn replied.
Vatra was about to make another comment when Erengaar appeared and handed a drink to his wife.
"Hello, Vatra. I was starting to wonder about you."
"The lady princess enjoys making an entrance," Larewyn said. "You do look lovely tonight, Vatra. That gown is exquisite."
"Thank you, lady empress. It's not as stunning as yours, of course. Was it designed by Turgust?"
Larewyn giggled. "Oh gods no. His work is hideous. No, this is by Chawor. He's been designing all my clothes since...well, as long as I can remember. He and mother are close friends."
"Yes, I'm sure," Vatra replied, and then sipped her wine to keep herself from saying something she shouldn't. She was going to need lots of wine tonight.
"There's Senator Paenth, and what's his wife's name?" Larewyn asked.
"Tiisa. Excuse us, sister." Erengaar took his wife's hand and guided her across the room.
Vatra had only a moment to herself before she caught sight of Marija and Gyan weaving through the crowd in her direction.
"Lady princess. How good to see you."
"You as well, Marija. Happy birthday, Gyan."
"Thank you. Excuse me, ladies. I need to have a word with Lord Kelhos."
"Of course." Marija motioned to a servant who was passing by with a tray of drinks. She took two and handed one to Vatra. "I'm so pleased that you and my daughter have become close these last few days."
"She's a strong woman," Vatra replied. "Exactly the kind of lady empress that is needed in these dark times."
"Dark, indeed. Erengaar and Larewyn have quite a burden on their shoulders. But I can't think of two people better suited to guide us back to our former glory."
"If there's one thing my brother excels at, it's ambition. With the passionate fervor to match, of course. I expect that Larewyn is the same way." Vatra finished her wine as she cast a sideways glance at Marija.
"Oh yes she is. It's what got the lord emperor's attention when she was first presented to him. And for you, Vatra? Are you going to choose a new husband? It's not proper for a boy to be raised without his father."
"Jharek has Erengaar to guide him. In fact, Jharek has become quite skilled with the Skelperi sword under my brother's tutelage."
"Ah, but there's far more to life than Skelperi. And besides, Erengaar will have sons of his own very soon. He will be too busy teaching them to have any time for Jharek."
"Oh, I don't think it will be that soon," Vatra demurred, waving a greeting to Lady Prisca who was on the other side of the room talking animatedly with Third Lovar Marlaas. "From what I've heard, our royal couple has yet to conceive any children. Although it has been three months since they consummated their union."
"Well, I'm sure if they went at it as often as you do, lady princess, my daughter would be with child right now. How many menservants are at your beck and call?"
"I have twenty. You?" Vatra snagged another glass of wine and smiled warmly at Larewyn's mother.
"Oh, there's Lady Sheekrim. Excuse me, Vatra." She was already moving away.
"Yes, of course," Vatra muttered. Round one was over, though it was hard to say who had scored the most hits.
For the next hour, the lady princess suffered through small talk with the various lords and ladies of the royal court. Most of the guests were part of the House Tannit so there were plenty of new faces, and judging by some of their expressions, they could barely contain their glee at being able to finally rub shoulders with the ruling houses of the empire.
Just as Vatra had seized her seventh glass of wine from a passing tray, the dinner chime sounded. Per tradition, the royal couple left the celebration hall first. Then came Lord and Lady Tannit, and then Vatra and Jharek. The lady princess was basking in the pleasantly warm feeling that comes from drinking too much alcohol on an empty stomach, and since she was right behind Marija, she made sure to guffaw in a most annoying manner at the joke that Lady Tannit was murmuring to her husband. Marija ignored Vatra, but she couldn't help the look of disgust that soured her countenance when she saw who she would be sitting next to during dinner.
The tables were arranged in long rows perpendicular to the lavishly adorned head table at the front of the supper hall. Only the lord emperor and lady empress – along with the immediate family – sat there, and Vatra smiled once more as she took her place next to Marija.
"Well, now, isn't this charming? I was hoping that we would be able to talk some more, Marija. You and I are going to get to know one another very well."
"Yes, I suppose so. Hello, Jharek."
Vatra's son smiled nervously and bowed at the waist. "Evening star, Lady Tannit."
"Your mother tells me that you're learning the lessons of Skelperi."
"Oh, yes ma'am! I'm very close to becoming a level one sword master."
"Congratulations, young man," said Lord Tannit. "My two sons have both been declared proficient at level nine. They were just about your age when they started their lessons."
Marija gave a look of feigned disgust. "You men and your barbaric arts. There is more to life than blood and blade."
"Not for a son of the empire. You know what, Jharek? You should join me and my sons on one of our hunting trips to the northern preserves."
"Really?" Jharek's eyes bulged with excitement, and he looked to his mother. "Can I?"
"Of course," Vatra replied. "That's an excellent idea, Lord Tannit."
Marija directed a cold smile at Vatra, but she held her tongue. The other guests had finally found their places, and Father Intercessor E'vora stood to give evening prayer. Lord Emperor Erengaar motioned for all to be silent, and everyone bowed their heads. When the prayer was finished, the appetizer course was served.
( 3 )
Dinner was late. Jennifer thanked the gods once more for the miracle of automated food processors as she set the table. She'd meant to cook a pasta casserole, but she'd laid down for a nap after lunch and overslept. Emalie was playing with her dolls in the living room, and Ben was late getting home from work. As usual. Jennifer didn't bother using the commlink to contact him. He was never home on time, and she was hungry. She poked her head into the living room.
"Emalie, come eat. It's just the two of us again."
"But I'm not finished dressing my dolly!"
"Now, Emalie."
The girl pouted as she tucked her doll underneath her arm and marched into the kitchen. She wrinkled her nose as she clambered into her seat. "Eewww. What is that?"
"It's spaghetti casserole. You've never tried it so don't give me that look." Jennifer dropped a spoonful onto her daughter's plate. "Do you want milk or juice?"
"Juice."
"What's the magic word?"
"Juice please." Emalie poked at her serving with her fork while she waited. "Mommy can we get a puppy? Joss brought a puppy for show-n-tell, and it had brown fur and big eyes and it chewed on my finger and she said its name is...is..." Emalie frowned as she tried to remember, but then moved on. "Please?"
"I don't know, sweetheart. A puppy is a big responsibility."
"But I can take real good care of it, I promise, and I'll play with it, and it'll sleep with me, and Joss said that she cuts her puppy's toenails if they get too long and –"
"Emalie, you need to eat. We can talk about a puppy later. And please put your do
ll on your lap. You know I don't allow toys at the table."
Emalie speared two strands of pasta, gingerly put them in her mouth, and chewed slowly. She made a face as she swallowed. "I don't like this mommy."
"Well, I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice. You finish what's on your plate, and then you can have some yogurt or some ice cream."
"But –"
"No! I'm not going to argue with you. If you don't want to eat what's in front of you, you can go to bed right now."
Emalie scowled as she stabbed some more spaghetti and chewed noisily, glaring at her mother.
"And if you want to have an attitude about it, I'll be happy to give you a spanking before you go to bed."
Emalie shut her mouth and swallowed. She kept her gaze on her plate, and Jennifer sighed. When she'd woken from her nap she'd had a craving for pasta, but now all she wanted was soup. Something creamy, like potato and rice. But she ate a helping of the casserole anyway, just to set an example for her daughter.
"There." Emalie set her fork down and crossed her arms over her chest. "Can I have some ice cream now?" Then she remembered. "Please?"
"Yes, you may have some ice cream. What flavor?"
"Chocolate."
Jennifer ordered a bowl of ice cream and a bowl of soup from the food dispenser.
Later, while Emalie was splashing in the tub, Ben arrived home to find his wife cleaning up the kitchen.
"Sorry I'm late." He kissed Jennifer on the cheek and then walked over to the dispenser.
"You don't have to apologize. You're always late."
"Okay." He refused to take the bait. "What was for dinner?"
"Spaghetti casserole."
"Oh good. We haven't had that for awhile."
"It's almost time for Emalie to get out of the tub." Jennifer left the kitchen.
Ben plopped himself into a chair at the table and started eating. She was right. He had been late all this week, but his research was going very well, thanks to the tests and analyses that he'd been running on Ilkara for the last three months. That, however, wasn't the primary reason for his tardiness. Ever since Jennifer had returned from Earth, Ben had been spending more time at the lab to avoid his wife. It didn't matter what he said or did, she was always upset or disappointed. He knew that most of the time her anger had nothing at all to do with him, but she had no one else to take it out on. He'd tried on two separate occasions to talk to her, to get her to open up to him, but all she did was pick a fight and then disappear into the bedroom or turn on the HT. So he'd sheltered himself in the lab to give her space.