His mother found tending the flowers peaceful and relaxing, and Celeste no doubt was chafing at her necessary house arrest. His forehead pressed up against the cool pane as his brain whirled with mixed thoughts and emotions. Perhaps he could escort her to the marketplace, and have his parents attend, or even his mother… With a grimace, he sought to order his thoughts.
He’d chosen not to see her at the morning meal, citing work obligations to Bast, though he hadn’t been able to make himself attend his government office. He’d told himself it was because of her final words to him the previous evening, the ones spoken through the gap of the closing door, her azure eyes wide and full of hurt and bewilderment. There was no reason to spend time with her outside of certain functions and of course those times to sire an heir. The sooner they both accepted the roles they were to play, the better. So why did he badly want to lay eyes on her and spend time in her presence? He was actually thinking of taking her shopping! And if he was honest with himself, he’d entertained another session or two on the breeding pallet, before calling in the healer. He was a selfish boor, but he ignored the revelation.
Her quarters smelled of her, that singular floral essence he’d now recognize anywhere, and after refusing to allow her to attend the market without the fortitude to do it in person, he had made his way here. Standing in a place infused with her, watching her from above, was a poor substitute, but all he’d grant himself in his ambivalence. With a grimace, he hardened his heart yet again.
Lady Celeste was no replacement for Trosan. She might be best considered a surrogate and he’d not give her reason to think outside her station. Gaining his private space, he sat at his desk and considered the work he’d avoided. As soon as Lady Shirley arrived and the two females were occupied, he would make his way to his government office and attend to pressing issues.
“Master?” Bast had slipped in without him knowing, and Lysett started. This too was another example of how distracted he’d become, an altogether unhealthy attitude considering the dangers brewing with this ridiculous purist hype presently afoot.
“Yes?”
“Am I to remain here for the day?”
“No. You can accompany me. We are lagging behind and I have granted audiences this afternoon.” He hoped he gave an indication about who he held responsible for that lagging, and immediately was ashamed of himself. He’d always been a fair ruler, or so he hoped, and neither Bast nor his concubine should take the blame for his own issues.
“Of course.” Bast bowed his head but didn’t look at him.
“Lady Celeste is settled for the day?” He hadn’t meant to ask, but the question slipped out.
“She is. Her visitor has arrived and I expect they’ll be together for the remainder of the afternoon. I wondered if I should tell your concubine you’d take the evening meal with her.”
“No. But inform her of the upcoming presentation. She is to dress accordingly. All eyes will be on us.”
Bast’s disapproval was palpable, but he said nothing other than to indicate he’d carry out his Master’s wishes. Lysett ignored his first servant’s body language and stalked from his home. It was best he avoided her. There was only a week before the presentation. Ashtun would surely have found the dissenters by then. He didn’t think about what it would be like to be hand in hand with his concubine, touching her publicly to reassure his supporters of their righteous connection while deterring the detractors. Celeste’s gamine appearance would silence critiques who would compare her to Trosan, and he would treat her as the treasure she was. In public. And if the Goddess was willing, she was already with child. He’d send for a healer—tomorrow.
Chapter Nine
“This place is amazing.” Shirley gawked and paused to stroke a frieze on the wall. “The Commander and I have a nice home, but this is … well, it’s royal.”
“Lysett is the Ruler.” Celeste ushered her friend down the hall to the living area. The heat of the day was upon them but that room, especially, would be light and airy with its high windows so cleverly placed to catch the breezes.
“And what’s it like to be the royal concubine?” Shirley plunked herself down on a chair and tucked her feet up. She looked vibrant—happy and content, yet brimming with enthusiasm.
“It’s fine.” Celeste tried to infuse her voice with sincerity. It was fine. She lacked for nothing. Except for a male who saw her as more than a broodmare. And it was ridiculous to feel hurt because she’d known what she was signing up for…
All the animation drained from her friend’s face and she leaned forward. “Fine? That sounds like … nothing. Aren’t you being treated well? You look well. You’ve gained some weight and you’re dressed beautifully.”
“I’m—”
“Bullshit. I was so busy being overwhelmed by this house and how swanky you look that I didn’t see you. We might not know one another very well, but you’re not you. What’s wrong?”
“Shirley. I’m fine. Seriously.” She waved her hand at her surroundings, mimicking her friend. “I made this trip here, to Meridia, like everyone else, knowing the end result. I’m matched with a handsome, powerful male and I have everything I didn’t have on Earth. But I’m really glad you came because I was getting lonely.”
“Oh. Okay. I guess it’s been awhile. You haven’t seen any of the others?”
“No. I had extensive studies before I could be matched. I mean, I was chosen, but he’s the Ruler and all…”
Folding her arms, Shirley tilted her head. “So the process was different?”
Desperate to find out what process the other woman experienced, Celeste nodded and smiled brightly. “I understand it’s different.”
“Because he’s the Ruler and all. I guess that makes sense. Once Adares offered for—chose—me, we spent a little time together. But I already had my mind made up.” Shirley winked and Celeste smiled harder. “Let’s just say I didn’t refuse and we consummated our agreement. Right away.”
“It looks like, uh, things agree with you.”
“They do indeed. I think I’m already pregnant.” She glowed and hugged herself. “I have to see a medico—a healer—tomorrow, but I’m pretty sure. Adares is over the moon.”
“That’s wonderful!” She meant it. She was thrilled for her friend and her male. Before Shirley could inquire as to her status, Celeste asked about the other women they both knew.
“I’ve heard most of the matches are going well. Some women refused and returned to their dorms but will have meetings with different males. I think pretty much everyone has been lucky out of the group we were in, but it’s early days. Belinda has met someone pretty special, though, a Liaison Ashtun. He’s a big wig.” She rattled off a few other names. “Wouldn’t your … wouldn’t the Ruler know better than me?”
Shirley didn’t know any more than she did, and Celeste had listened when Bast had shared. But it was nice to have confirmation. “I heard similar stories.”
“That’s good then. It looks like the Meridians meant it when they told us we would be treated well and properly matched. I had my doubts at first, but then the Commander offered for me.”
Celeste didn’t mention the role she’d played in that happenstance. Instead, she moved the conversation on, before Shirley asked intimate questions she didn’t want to address. “I hope that once the dissent dies down a bunch of us can get together.”
Her friend sobered. “Adares is worried, too. It doesn’t sound like a big movement, but those with concubines are on guard and those loyal to them are helping with precautions. I heard there are rumblings about purges, that the purists would rather see Earth females eradicated and risk their species’ extinction.”
It chilled her blood to think of it. “I know the Ruler is concerned. I’m confined to this house.”
“Not unexpected. You are the royal concubine, and if anything happened to you…”
Lysett would have to choose another, and if so many were already matched… Celeste better understood hi
s rationale about her safety but didn’t enlighten Shirley. “He’s certainly taken precautions. And now I feel guilty about asking to see you!”
Shirley chuckled. “I came disguised if you recall. I’m as tall as a Meridian female, or almost, and in this outfit and the cloak, accompanied by only one male, who’d be the wiser?”
“With only one guard?” Horrified, Celeste shoved to her feet. “What was the Commander thinking? This residence is bound to be under scrutiny.”
“Oh, he wasn’t far, honey. Him and a bunch of his men. But hiding in plain sight is best. Relax.”
And Shirley’s male could hardly turn down the summons from his Ruler for his concubine to visit. Celeste felt sick. Sick and selfish. “I shouldn’t have asked for you.”
“Nonsense. I’m happy you did. And we can use their communication systems now, right? Have a gossip every day. Maybe Belinda can be included and some of the others.”
Now that she was officially the Ruler’s concubine in every sense, she supposed the communication restriction could be lifted, so she nodded at her friend. “For sure. I’ll ask. It’ll be safer.”
They chatted about everything and anything they’d learned about Meridia, from the societal rules to fashion, avoiding politics by mutual accord. Shirley, too, had a mother-in-law if that was the right terminology. She wasn’t enthralled, confiding the older woman had pressured her and Adares to live in the family home and wasn’t pleased when Shirley hadn’t fallen into line. They laughed at the similarities to Earth males and their mothers.
While enjoying the light repast served by the same young male, Shirley asked if Celeste was required to wear something special denoting her station at the upcoming presentation.
Morat stepped inside, his bulk drawing the eye, and saving her from admitting she had no idea what her friend was talking about. “Lady Shirley should be leaving soon. Perhaps immediately after the refreshments. The Commander has made contact.”
Shirley instantly set her cup down. “I’m ready.”
Flustered by this presentation and amused by the other woman’s obvious desire to see her male, Celeste got up and hugged her friend. “Thank you for coming.”
“I’ll see you next week. And I’ll have news for you then! Maybe you’ll have some for me?”
Somehow she’d escaped being grilled about her relationship with the Ruler, and Celeste’s relief made her knees weak. She was happy for her friend, and not at all envious. There were likely a number of other matches similar to her own, with women settling, and being grateful for their lot, right? Shirley would see everyone’s match through her own happy lenses. Celeste’s past circumstances weren’t wonderful, but many others had been far grimmer, to judge by the stories shared on the trip here. So for sure women would settle, as she had. It was almost laughable, considering how others would perceive her luck.
“I’ll look forward to next week.” Once she found out what it was.
Shirley donned her cape and swirled the hood over her head. With her features covered, and in native garb, she didn’t look any different than the few Meridian females Celeste had observed, so she breathed easier. A tall warrior escorted her out and Celeste watched until the pair climbed into a small conveyance that powered off almost immediately. Several others followed within the space of several minutes, and she supposed those were the extra guards. The Commander was probably in the one Shirley had boarded.
With a sigh, she turned back into the house and headed up the stairs to her room. It had been good to see Shirley, but stressful too because she couldn’t confide in her friend. Hers wasn’t a love match, not even a hint of romance imbued it, and she didn’t want any pity. Or to worry her friend. She also wanted to protect the Ruler’s privacy, her studies not being lost on her. Bast would be proud. And when she next saw that male, he’d darn well explain this upcoming presentation to her.
****
“Report.” It was distasteful to have his first servant bring him up to date on his concubine in the same way he was apprised of everything else of importance, but he felt he had no other option. If he spent time with her, she’d get increasingly under his skin in that indefinable way she had.
“Lady Celeste had a pleasing visit with her friend, Sir, and the guards advised there was nothing untoward in Lady Shirley’s arrival or departure. I would expect your residence is being monitored, but no one is obvious, so it will be from a distance.”
He wondered what the females had spoken about but quashed his curiosity. “Have you advised her of the presentation?”
“Your concubine was already aware, Master.” Bast winced, before schooling his features. “I don’t believe she was happy to learn it from Lady Shirley.”
“She was harsh with you?” His concubine must learn to control her reactions and show a controlled demeanor in public, although he accepted it wouldn’t necessarily be the same with his immediate staff. And him, if he allowed himself to spend time with her.
“No.” Bast hesitated and clearly chose his words. “She was angry with me at first for … well, for circumstances surrounding the first time you and she met, and this morning there was some coolness, but… I mean to say, she struggled with the lack of information.”
“Struggled?” He shouldn’t feel a pang of guilt. But his first servant was obviously pained.
“She was hurt—and likely humiliated—to not be apprised of events involving her. But when I explained you had only just scheduled it, she accepted.”
He’d chosen the date immediately after consummating the joining with Celeste. But then he hadn’t deigned to see her at the morning meal… Bringing his thoughts up short, he quit castigating himself. Celeste shouldn’t take umbrage. He said as much to his first servant.
“Indeed, Sir. Though I confess she actually accepted it as if she deserved nothing better. I find myself unsettled and dismayed, Master. The wonderful young female I prepared to be your concubine is fast becoming distant.”
It was easier to be angry than allow himself to fall prey to the surge of other emotions he preferred not to label. “Considering the stellar attributes you ascertained when you considered Lady Celeste, resilience being one of them, I’m certain she will manage, Bast. You were responsible for her education yourself, were you not? Do you doubt her suitability?”
Bast bowed low, depriving Lysett of a view of his face. His tone reflected nothing other than subservience. “I do not, Master.”
“Then what is your concern? I will have a suitable royal concubine and sons to continue my house. Meridia will continue.”
His first servant straightened and faced him. “And you might have had happiness, Master. And the Lady Celeste as well.”
A fist gripped his heart and another his throat. He hadn’t raised a hand to a servant—ever. There had never been a need. He wanted to tell Bast that his loyalty was in doubt and reassign him. Perhaps as Celeste’s permanent personal assistant, seeing as the man was so concerned about her wellbeing. Or somewhere distant, where he needn’t hear the subtle—and not so subtle—chiding. His first servant had become too familiar.
But Lysett knew himself well and breathed through his reaction, managing his rage. If Bast’s words were meaningless, Lysett would have found it within himself to scoff and dismiss them. Instead, he’d struggled and initially hid behind a visceral reaction. He’d been there before, as a younger man, challenged during his fight to gain his station, and had learned from it.
“Leave me, Bast. Tend to Lady Celeste and reassure her to your best ability. We must all learn to live within our roles and remember our station.”
“Sir.” Bast backed out of the room, again displaying a subservience that reflected a much earlier time and Lysett nearly flinched. But he’d set his course and wouldn’t deviate. A Ruler had no time for inner conflict and he was finished with second-guessing himself. He longed for Trosan’s counsel, though suspected she too would offer something he wasn’t prepared to hear.
It was the end of the day,
so he contacted Ashtun and was astonished at the visible change in his friend and ally. Had the man sought rejuvenating treatments? The Liaison’s features were definitely no longer strained and while his shoulders were still squared and his posture erect as befitted his military background, there was a certain jauntiness to his demeanor.
“Ruler. I wish I had better news.” A hint of strain etched the other man’s handsome face as he spoke, but didn’t mar his obvious happiness. “I have no evidence, merely speculation. I believe the dissent is confined and not growing as rapidly as first predicted. I remain fixed on two Houses, but no additional evidence has been compiled. But it is still a concern.”
“You look well, my friend.” Lysett dismissed the unfavorable report. They couldn’t proceed without evidence and Ashtun was diligent—and vigilant.
“I am, Sir. My concubine has accepted my contract and enriches my life already. My gratitude knows no bounds. Which is why I am additionally encouraged to find the source of this purist movement and deal with it. Nothing must threaten Meridia’s future.”
“I am happy for you. And I most certainly have faith.”
Ashtun nodded. “I’ll advise you as soon as I know anything further. Ruler, how is the royal concubine? My concubine and I look forward to meeting her. They know one another, from the ship.”
“Lady Celeste is … an extremely suitable royal concubine. You’ll be one of the first to meet her at the presentation. I’m sure she’ll be pleased to see an old friend.”
Closing the connection, he thought to order a meal sent to his quarters, then changed his mind and decided to dine with Celeste and Bast. There were some bridges to be mended if those attending the upcoming event were to be convinced of her suitability. Bast could diligently prepare her, but the social discourse between Celeste and Lysett would be under scrutiny. He owed it to her to work on their familiarity with one another, or so he told himself.
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