by Delia Roan
When her hands finally stilled, Jenna applauded. “That was beautiful!”
The Ennoi spun around, and dropped into a bow. “My lady! I didn't hear your approach. Please forgive me. If I'd known you were still here…”
Jenna stepped forward, holding up her hand. “Please, don't apologize. You're very talented.”
The Ennoi woman kept her head down and said nothing.
“What's your name?”
“Cyndrae,” replied the Ennoi, head still bowed. “Cyndrae Il’Paihel. I am to be your maid servant.”
“Nice to meet you. I'm Jenna.”
“I know who you are, my lady.”
Jenna swallowed. The silence stretched out, and Jenna shifted her weight from foot to foot. Was she missing some basic part of Ennoi etiquette? Should she dismiss the woman?
Ugh, just say something!
“The music was lovely.” Jenna searched her mind for some topic of conversation. “What is the name of the instrument?”
“It is the troeben, my lady.”
“What is the song called?”
Cyndrae raised her head, but kept her large blue eyes downcast. “My Love Is Broken.”
“Oh, it sounds sad.”
“It is, my lady.”
Jenna waited a beat, but when Cyndrae said nothing further, she said, “What is it about?”
“It is a well-known Ennoi story, about two lovers from different clans. They were Avowed, but their clan loyalties forced them to meet on the battlefield. Neither could bring themselves to yield, nor could they harm their Avowed. When one finally submitted to their wounds from an earlier skirmish, the other died of a broken heart. Only in death could they be together.” The Ennoi lowered her head again.
“That's a very poetic story. We have similar stories on Earth.”
“Story, my lady? No, it is historical fact. Eragol died when Arnea did. Such is the bond of the Avowed.”
Jenna hesitated. “I- I don't know much about that. How does it work?”
Cyndrae tilted her head and extended two fingers. “There is a saying amongst the Ennoi that we are born twice. The first is when our mother speaks our name at birth. The second is when our Avowed speaks our name with passion.
“The Virtue of the Avowed changes us, emotionally, mentally and physically.” Cyndrae raised her hand to her horns. “You might have noticed some of the Ennoi have such features, while others do not. The Avowal bond marks us. It makes us taller, stronger, faster, but it also makes us dependent on another. It is our glory, but also our weakness.”
“Is it truly possible for an Ennoi to die of a broken heart?”
“It is. It happens less often these days. There are medications one can take, which will prolong the takers life. The Lady Dovena is one such Ennoi. Upon the death of her husband, Lord Gemet, she began taking artificial hormones to enable her to live.”
Cyndrae's voice remained flat. “I myself have lost my Avowed mate.”
“I am so sorry. Do you take the hormones, too?”
Cyndrae nodded. “When Brykos died in battle, I was pregnant. I remained alive for the sake of my unborn child, and found renewed purpose once she was born. The Temanzyme prevents the physical discomfort of being parted from Brykos. Thedi, my daughter, eased my mental anguish.”
She looks so sad, Jenna thought. “You must love her very much.”
“I do. She is an excellent troeben player.”
“I would love to hear her play.”
“She's away visiting family, my lady.”
“It's hard to be away from the ones we love.” Jenna thought of Melissa. Is she safe? Is she suffering? Guilt gnawed at her stomach. She shouldn't be having fun while Melissa endured.
“We do what we must, my lady,” Cyndrae replied. She looked around the room, and frowned at the wardrobe, where a scrap of fabric peeked out from the shut door. With a tongue click of annoyance, Cyndrae crossed the room and unhitched the door. She began pulling out gowns and rearranging the overflowing clothes.
Jenna hid a smile. In that way, the Ennoi woman was a lot like Rachel. Neither could bear to see a messy closet.
Jenna walked to the troeben, and ran a finger along the instrument strings. She plucked at one, and winced at the pain in her fingers. It was like trying to pluck a wire fence. “You Ennoi must have very strong fingers!”
Cyndrae stopped fidgeting with the clothing, and nodded. “It is easier for Avowed Ennoi to play, but I have a suggestion. If you could wait a moment, my lady.”
The servant returned with a compact metal hook embedded in a wooden rod, which she handed to Jenna with a curtsy. “This is a troeben hook. Children use it when they first begin playing. It helps move the strings.”
The rod fit in Jenna's fist comfortably. She pressed the edge of the hook onto one of the wires, and pulled. Jenna laughed in delight as the string vibrated, emitting a deep, sonorous note like the pealing of a large bell. One by one, she tested each string. It took more effort to move the thicker ones, but the lighter ones she could move easily with the help of the hook.
Once she had a sense of the notes, she began to pluck out the simple tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Then she began humming the tune. Before she knew it, she quietly sang the lyrics under her breath. The music calmed her, just as her guitar had on difficult days. The notes were halting and uneven, but as she worked the strings, she learned how each worked together.
I might not have much, but I have music.
Cyndrae continued to fold clothes, though now she tilted her head and listened. Once she picked up the melody, she began humming along.
Fingers aching, Jenna finally stopped. She stretched out her cramping hand, but couldn't stop the smile on her face.
“It's just like playing a giant guitar,” she said.
“You are very good for a beginner, my lady.”
Jenna placed the hook on the table beside the troeben. “I appreciate the compliment, coming from a talented player such as yourself.”
Cyndrae waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “I'm a beginner myself. I started learning once Thedi showed an interest. Her skill far outstrips mine.”
A distant pealing made Jenna head to the window. To her disappointment, the window overlooked a dim alleyway, rather than to the glorious garden she’d spied earlier.
“What is that sound?” she asked as the pealing faded.
“The bells keep time,” Cyndrae responded. She drew a gown from the wardrobe, and held it to the light. It shimmered like a river of milk when she moved it. “Hmmm, interesting that they have chosen to clad you in white.”
“What’s wrong with white?” Jenna wandered back to the closet, and ran a hand down the soft skirts. “The beads are so delicate. Women back on Earth would kill to wear a dress like this to their wedding.”
“It is a direct and unmistakable message.” Cyndrae pursed her lips. “To you, to the Council, and to any Ennoi who behold you. And over the following days, many Ennoi eyes will light upon you, and they will know the Cadam Ennoi’s message.”
“What… what is the message?” Suddenly, the glimmering gown didn’t seem as gorgeous.
Cyndrae placed a hand on her hip and studied Jenna. “The message is they have not claimed you. Which means that, even though you wear Kovos’s stone around your neck, the Ennoi Cadam are not certain you will be in residence long.”
Jenna swallowed back the lump in her throat.
“Now,” said Cyndrae. “Let us resolve the situation with your hair.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
KOVOS
The double suns had slipped beneath the horizon by the time Kovos left the council chambers. His head pounded, and his jaw ached. The meeting had fortified his belief that the clan leaders often spoke just to hear their voices.
Why are they all such insufferable fools?
At his door, he dismissed Yaldir. “Go get some rest. I'm sure you're as exhausted as I, af
ter listening to all that tripe.”
Yaldir bowed deeply, but couldn't hide the smirk from his face. “I tuned them out after the second lord started speaking.”
Kovos grinned in response. “So did I, to tell the truth.”
Later, as he lay in bed, he tossed and turned. The pillows lacked comfort. By turns, the sheets grew clammy and warm, and then frigid and itchy. Water couldn't quench his thirst, and his legs itched, eager to be moving after an afternoon spent sitting.
A walk might help. He dressed, and when he exited his rooms, the night guard straightened.
He nodded irritably to their bows. “Stay here. I'm just going for a stroll.”
“But, my lord,” began one of the guards. His mouth snapped shut when Kovos growled at him.
“I shall be fine, Stronn. I do not require a nursemaid.”
He didn't bother to wait for their reaction. If anything, he needed peace and quiet. It was hard to get either when the guards jangled and clanked with weapons and armor. By the time he reached the end of the hallway, Kovos sighed in defeat. His conscience pricked, and he knew he would apologize. Stronn, the guard at whom he had snapped, was merely doing his job. Perhaps once he finished his walk and was calmer.
A sound caught his attention. A melody. He frowned, and followed his ears. They led him to one of the spare rooms, most likely Jenna's based on the location and size. He pressed his ear to the door.
Simple music, played with faltering notes. Jenna was definitely awake. A strong need to see her face overcame him. Before he really knew it, he'd raised his hand and tapped on her door. The music stopped.
What am I doing?
He stepped back. He should leave. Now, before…
The door opened, and Jenna peered around the corner. “Yes?” When she saw him, she smiled. “Kovos!”
She opened the door wider, and Kovos felt his skin across his scalp tighten. She wore some sort of soft shift, and the material clung to her curves. Curls framed her face before falling past her shoulders and down to her breasts.
He wanted to grab her and pull her to him. He wanted to slam the door shut in her face and run.
He did neither, choosing instead to force his eyes to her face, where she wore a slightly concerned expression.
“Are you all right?” she asked. “You look troubled.”
Kovos managed a slightly strangled sound.
“Oh!” Jenna raised a hand to her mouth. “Was the music too loud? Did I wake you?”
He shook himself, breaking whatever spell she wove over him. “No, I was passing by and heard the… the music.”
Her smooth cheeks reddened. “I couldn't sleep, so I thought I shouldn’t waste the time.”
His face fell. “You are uncomfortable here?”
He kicked himself. Of course she is uncomfortable! Anyone would be miserable if they were far from home and all alone.
“No, everything has been wonderful.” Her smile was genuine, but tinged with sadness.
An urge arose to wipe away her pain.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” he asked, surprising both her and himself. “The gardens. You expressed a desire to see them.”
Jenna bit her lip, and then nodded. “Yes, I’d like that. Let me grab my shoes.”
They walked through the palace in silence. A heavily decorated door opened out into the courtyard, and Kovos sent Jenna through first. The largest moon hung heavy in the sky, flanked by its smaller sisters, and everything bore its pale blue-green tinge. The scent of night-blooming flowers hung in the air, and Kovos breathed deeply, inhaling the familiar scent.
“Allea flowers,” he said, pointing out the white blossoms growing along the wall. “Tricky to grow, but worth the effort.”
Jenna clasped her hands together in front of her chest, and bounced slightly on her slippered feet. “It's all so beautiful.”
She kept her voice low, as if she were aware of the windows lining the wall behind them.
And the judging eyes which might be peering down.
Kovos scowled up at the building, and then placed a hand on the small of her back. Her skin warmed his palm.
“This way,” he said. “I’ll show you the mosaics.”
The mosaics decorated the archways lining the paths. Each represented a different scene from Ennoi history. A row of Ennoi, facing the stars, showed how the Ennoi had colonized distant planets. Another showed the lumi mines. Jenna stared in fascination at each one.
They stopped in front of a heavy golden frame that surrounded an exquisite section of mosaic. Kovos paused for a moment, swallowing back the emotions threating to overwhelm him. He always felt such pride when he got to this spot.
Jenna leaned forward, and studied the art. “What’s with the monsters? They’re pretty nasty looking. Look at all those teeth!”
A muscle in Kovos’s jaw worked. His nostrils flared.
Monsters?
“No.” He indicated the figure on the right. “My father.” He pointed to the other. “My mother.”
“What?” Jenna blinked.
Kovos clasped his hands behind his back. When he spoke, his words were very measured. “This one represents my father’s Virtue of the Avowed, and the other, my mother’s. The circle behind them shows Cadam.”
He cut his eyes to Jenna, whose face was bright red, even in the low light. “Oh. I- I’m sorry! I didn’t- I said something stupid. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult them. I’m really sorry.”
She does not understand.
Kovos brushed aside his irritation. “There is nothing to forgive. Let’s continue on.”
Their destination was a small bower, surrounded by trees. Over-arching boughs hung low over the aromatic grasses underfoot. As their feet broke the stems, the scent rose up. The air was cool, but not cold. The night buzzed with the sounds of night insects. The only illumination came from the thin crescents of the three moons above, and from the bioluminescent flowers and plants surrounding them.
“Are you afraid of heights?” he asked, pushing aside a final bough.
Jenna, stepping up behind him shot him a puzzled look. “No, I'm not. Why?”
He waved her through, and when she saw what lay beyond, she stopped short. He grinned at her sharp inhalation, and followed her, pushing the bough higher to make room.
Below them, the garden terrace level ended, and the city spread out, a million twinkling lights indicating streets and houses. He came here often, to stop and think about his life and his people. During the day, from up here, he could see the hustle and bustle of Ados below. At night, it was a quieter landscape, and the cherished the silence.
Why did I bring her here, to my sanctuary?
He approached the drop-off, and Jenna squealed.
“Careful!” She reached her hand for him.
“I thought you weren't afraid of heights,” he teased.
He settled on the grass, against the rough bark of a tree, and crossed his ankles. Jenna crouched low, and inched her way toward him. She perched beside him, and shivered either from fear or cold.
“I'm not afraid,” she said, “I'm just being cautious.”
Kovos grinned, and grabbed a fallen fruit from a nearby jukkad tree. He tossed it toward the edge. At the top of its arc it slowed. The fruit paused in mid-air. There was a faint humming sound, followed by a snap. The fruit bounced back. Jenna's mouth dropped open.
“Forcefield,” Kovos explained. “It protects the entire palace. Nothing gets in without permission, and nothing gets out.”
Jenna raised her eyebrows, then narrowed her eyes at the edge. “Huh,” she muttered. “You can't even see it.”
“We Ennoi are like that. We like to maintain appearance. Showmanship is important to us.”
“It's the same with humans,” Jenna replied. She took in the glimmering lights below, then gazed up at the stars above. “So many stars!”
Kovos beamed. Pride welled in his chest. �
�These stars are nothing compared to the ones visible from my home.”
Jenna tilted her head. “I thought this city was your home?”
He paused. “Ados is the capitol of Cadam. I did not grow up here. Despite the many years I have lived here, I still think of Braddrak as my home.” His lips tightened.
“Braddrak…” Jenna pronounced the word carefully. In her soft, human voice, the word sounded like music to Kovos’s ears.
“My ancestral home. It was destroyed many years ago. During a battle.”
“You must miss it,” Jenna said.
“I miss the memories it held,” Kovos replied. “I suspect I enjoy this alcove because it reminds me of Braddrak. It is high in the mountains. A window upon the world.”
“It sounds beautiful.” She picked up another fallen fruit and tossed it to the edge, grinning when it returned to her. She caught it in mid-air. “Did they have force-fields?”
Kovos grinned. “My mother would have appreciated the sense of security, but alas, no. Foolhardy princes often tried to find the fastest way down the mountain.”
Jenna laughed, and the sound echoed in Kovos’s chest.
“Are any of these edible?”
Kovos reached up and picked a jukkad fruit fresh from the tree. “Here.”
He watched as she bit into the fruit. Juices ran down her face, and Kovos became mesmerized by the way Jenna's skin glistened and by her moan of appreciation for the sweetness.
She caught him looking. “What? Do I have something on my face?”
He reached out and wiped away the juice with his thumb. Jenna froze, her eyes wide with fear, and he pulled back his hand. Foolish! Stop touching her!
“Do you come here often?” Jenna blurted out. She settled back against the tree, and continued to eat. She patted the ground beside her, and Kovos sat.