Nico grinned at me and gave me his arm. Abbie followed us with Niklos. I felt giddy as we walked over the lawn to the lake where my captain waited with my barge. He saluted me.
“Good morning!” I said.
Nico made sure that I was safely situated and then hovered protectively over his mother and our son. As Pierce was putting Neema down in a plasti-glass play area, my vid-screen beeped at me from within the bag of toiletries we had packed for the children. I grabbed it and was soon looking at Gina and Sydney, who had been laughing themselves to tears.
“Oh, Teagan. Just look,” Gina said.
The screen turned out onto a familiar beach. Out in the waves, Ethan and Sherman were attempting to surf. However, as I watched all they managed to do was fall in amusing ways. Ethan going butt first into the water while waving his arms did it for me. I laughed so hard that I snorted.
“Ow, I can’t watch anymore. It makes my chest hurt. Are you having fun?”
“Oh, yes. It’s beautiful. The fashions here are absolutely scandalous, but it is beautiful,” Sydney said. Auria and Eliot waved at me from under the pavilion. Then, they said goodbye as one of our Thalassan butlers brought them refreshments.
Thunderdrop nuzzled my neck and then jumped down from my arm to play. Abbie, with her short blonde hair, looked elegant and happy as she cooed and made faces at Niklos. Zared stood silently at the back of my sitting area as he scanned for dangers. Lorca began stocking diapers and wipes inside of a changing table near the bathroom. With Abbie, Pierce, and Lorca on board, I could just relax and enjoy the scenery. I walked over to Nico, who stood with his arms against the railing. The captain had taken us away from the shore and was steering us toward the mountains.
“Teagan, you need to prepare yourself.”
“For what?”
Nico gazed down at me with patient brown eyes. Then, he said, “An Imperial princess and new mother with only three husbands, one of whom is currently in Sector 45320B, is a woman who the men of Parvac have eagerly awaited for several decades. Members of the Warrior Caste are maneuvering around each other like pieces on a stones board for an opportunity to be near you.”
I wrinkled up my forehead and scowled at him. “Why?”
Nico looked at our son who was his mother’s arms. “To marry you and form a link to the Imperial family, and possibly introduce their bloodlines into those of House Probus, they will resort to just about anything.”
I thought of the reports of the Warrior Caste families who had been critical of me being permitted to leave the Empire. “What should I do?”
“Choose wisely, but you must choose. Social allowances have been made for you due to your upbringing. However, your matriarchal status is beginning to reflect poorly on Tavere.”
“He’s correct, Teagan. There are some who suggest that you prefer Laconian men to your own kind,” Abbie said.
I blushed. Then, I thought that might in fact be true. I did find Laconian men attractive. I glanced back at Zared. His long dove-grey hair moved gently with the breeze, and his black eyes saw deeply into my mind and soul. I turned my gaze back to Abbie and shrugged. I felt like snottily asking how many husbands she currently had, but didn’t want to hurt or be disrespectful to her. Abbie wasn’t simply my mother-in-law, she was my friend, and she had been friends with my mother. I sighed.
“I guess Fitz isn’t too bad.”
“Teagan, Fitz is a nice young man from a prominent House.” Abbie stood and placed a sleeping Niklos into his crib.
Neema held her hands up to me, so I bent down and picked her up from her play area. Lorca placed cups and a carafe on a table for us. I smiled to myself. I had a secret weapon against my would-be suitors, and his name was Izaac. He had promised to help me deflect amorous male attentions. Unfortunately, that would do nothing for me amongst the citizens of the Parvac Empire.
“Look, Neema!” I pointed at the rocky grey side of the mountain that had become visible. “Do you see the mountain goats?” The goat I pointed out had large curved horns and a shaggy coat. It jumped to a small ledge as we watched.
“Whoa!” Neema said.
I giggled at her. Neema decided that she wanted Abbie, so I took my cup of coffee and wandered around the deck. The lake appeared a dark blue shade this morning. I could see the reflection of the snowcapped mountains on the water’s surface. The breeze caught my hair and blew it across my face and almost into my coffee. I sensed Zared behind me as he gathered my hair and braided it with deft practiced fingers.
“Thank you.”
Through our bond, I sensed Zared’s need to be near me. Dr. Crispus had tampered with the supramarginal gyrus of my brain during my infancy. Whatever he had done had given me the ability to act as a stabilizing emotional and mental anchor for the hybrid children he had created for himself and his deceased wife, Nora. I reached out and took Zared’s hand in mine.
“I haven’t seen much of you. How have you been?” I was pleased by the uniform Zared wore. I liked the mandarin collar, and the black fabric looked nice against his hair. Zared had pulled the top of his hair back and into a thin braid that fell against the rest of his hair and down his back. I sent my current feelings of freedom and happiness to him.
Zared’s eyes lightened around the edges, and he said, “I am happier than I have ever been, my lady.”
I beamed at him. “I’m so glad to hear that. How are things going on Ephors?”
“It is much better than we had expected.”
“What did you expect?”
“We expected to be tormented, ostracized, and bullied. Instead, we have been welcomed by honorable men of integrity and character. They are wary of us only out of concern for you.”
I sent my feelings of relief to Zared. I really wanted my new brothers to be happy. I saw ripples on the water’s surface before I heard the boat that was making them. The captain stopped my barge and assisted Phillip in securing his boat.
“Daddy!” Neema shrieked.
Yukihyo took Neema from Abbie. Neema gave Yukihyo a sweet little baby kiss on the cheek. I gave Zared’s hand a squeeze and then went to give Yukihyo’s other cheek a kiss. My eyes went wide as I felt something cold and slimy slide down my back. I flinched and jumped squirming to get it out of my shirt. A fish flopped to the deck. I scowled at Phillip who was doubled over with laughter.
“Mommy funny,” Neema said as she laughed, too.
I bent down for the fish. “Poor thing. You belong in the water.”
“Allow me, Princess,” said Fitz who was still in the boat and held his hands out to me for the fish. I gave the wiggling fish to him, and he held it in the water for a moment before releasing it.
“Thank you, Fitz.”
Pierce and Lorca set out trays of appetizers that Rolf and Otto had prepared for us along with pitchers of chilled tea and juice. Abbie secretly smiled at me and darted her eyes suggestively toward Fitz. I shoved a tiny sandwich into my mouth and listened while the men talked. After lunch, Phillip and Fitz took the fishing boat back to its berth. While the captain docked my barge, I noticed that company waited for us on my patio with Papa.
“Who is that?” I asked.
“It is Director Sapor,” Nico answered.
Once we had made it across the lawn and up onto my patio, Director Sapor bowed to me. Thunderdrop followed Pierce and Lorca inside probably to check on Sue.
“Good afternoon, Director Sapor,” I said as I kissed Papa’s cheek. “I hope we haven’t been making the two of you wait.”
“I would happily wait for days if it meant seeing you in such high spirits, Princess Probus.”
“I believe the fresh air did us all some good after being cooped up in the Palace for so long. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just go take a moment to change.”
“Please, do not go to any trouble. Your attire is fine,” Papa said. He gestured for me to sit. Everyone else entered the sitting room to give us privacy. “Teagan, the discovery of the alien civilization has thrown the r
ulers of the Galaxic Government and Laconian Sectors into tumultuous chaos. In accordance with our Peace Treaty, we must come to agreements on our interactions with this civilization so as not to interfere with its natural sociological development. If the new species should wish to trade resources, it must be overseen in a fair and equitable manner so that no one takes advantage of their naivety,” Papa explained.
“That sounds like a headache,” I sympathized.
Papa smirked at me. “I imagine it will be much worse than the Peace Talks on Amphictyon,” he said. I grimaced. Although Papa and I had first met at those Peace Talks, they had taken forever and had been so boring with the exception of the anti-Parvac militants who tried to snatch me in the bathroom. “As of yet, no formal meeting has been arranged since we have not yet disclosed this information to the general public. However, through private communications, we intend to begin the preliminary framework for our interactions. I was hoping my darling might help me by attending to my tedious Imperial social obligations so that I might concentrate instead on making sure Parvac’s interests are protected in the negotiations.”
My eyes widened. “Of course, Papa. I’ll do anything that I can to help you.”
Papa smiled at me, but rather than appearing relieved, I thought he looked more like Yukihyo did when he was about to win against me in a stones game.
“Thank you, my darling. Director Sapor will guide you through your duties. Should you need me, I will be with Ambassador Stine and my chief advisors at the Galaxic Embassy. However, we will be engaged in conference calls for the remainder of the day.” Papa kissed my forehead and left.
Blushing, I allowed Director Sapor to escort me to Papa’s office. “Don’t you think I should change?”
“No, not at all. We won’t be long.” Guards opened doors for us along the way, saluted, and stood at attention. Director Sapor held out Papa’s chair for me. Once I had taken a seat, we met each other’s eyes, and laughed. “Guard, bring a chair more suitable for our Princess.”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s not just Papa’s chair. His desk is even too big. I need a booster seat.” The guard returned with one of the white, low-backed chairs from the dining room. “Thank you.”
He saluted and returned to his duty station outside of the door next to a second guard. A Palace servant entered next with coffee and pastries. I began to think that helping Papa might not be so bad. After the servant left, the guards closed the doors.
“Emperor Probus has many duties. The most difficult of those for him are the ones requiring visits to other systems to promote universal friendships and establishing a rapport with other dignitaries and world leaders. You fulfilled these Imperial obligations with aplomb during your tour of the Laconian Sector.”
I blushed at the praise. “Thank you.”
Director Sapor was both dignified and authoritative. I assumed that he was in charge, and I was just meant to be a figurehead.
“This week should be simple in comparison. Tomorrow, Emperor Probus wishes for you to attend a garden party hosted by the most prominent members of the Materfamilias Caste. It is a charity event raising credits to fund a breeding and relocation program in order to replenish the small mammalian populations of Ephors.”
“Oh, that’s so nice. What a wonderful idea. What is materfamilias?”
Director Sapor was unable to hide his shocked disbelief at my ignorance. I lowered my eyes in embarrassment and shame.
“Princess Probus, I beg your forgiveness for my surprise. The Materfamilias Caste consists of all Parvac women.”
“We have our own caste?”
“Yes, however, you are above the castes as a member of the Imperial family.”
“How many are there?”
“Women?”
“No, castes.”
Director Sapor sat back and crossed his foot over his knee. His shoes were shiny and black. He wore a dark grey suit with an Imperial seal pin at his shoulder. “At the apex of our social structure is Emperor Probus, then the Imperial family, Scholar, Warrior, Materfamilias, Artisan, Merchant, and Proletariat Castes follow.”
“Proletariat?”
“It consists of our citizens who are paid to work like the men employed at the land ports.”
“I’m not considered Merchant Caste?”
“No, and neither is Lord Yukihyo. As your husband, he is considered an Imperial consort. Those privileges are extended to your Arachnean family members as well.”
“So, to which caste does Dr. Fotri belong?” I waited to see how he would answer.
Director Sapor paused. He didn’t know that Dr. Fotri had told me that we were first cousins once removed. I waited to see how he would answer and whether or not I could trust him as I did Ambassador Jiri.
“The Scholar Caste consists of doctors and scientists,” he answered neutrally.
I drank a sip of my coffee and had a bite of pastry that flaked and left bits of crust on my pale green top. I brushed them into my palm and onto a small plate. I decided not to trust Director Sapor. “I see. Thank you for the information. At what time should I be where tomorrow?”
“Princess Probus, I do not care for your dismissive tone,” he said in a stern voice. I looked up at him with wide eyes. “Ryan isn’t your only relative in the Palace. I have your best interests in mind. Don’t forget it.”
“Ryan? Who is Ryan?”
Director Sapor raised an eyebrow at me. “Ryan Fotri is your cousin on your father’s side. I, Larkin Sapor, am your cousin on your mother’s side. Your grandfather Valen had a sister named Anna Valen. She was my mother.”
“So, you and Uncle Kagan are first cousins?”
He nodded at me. “Yes, you and I share blood, so no more of that misplaced distrust is warranted. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” I pouted.
“You will need to be prepared to leave tomorrow shortly after breakfast. Your wardrobe for the event has been selected and placed in your closet. When you are asked to speak, you will tell the ladies how kind they are to aid in the rescue of Ephors’ wildlife and present them with a certificate for two million credits for their cause which I will have prepared for you. You will socialize and then return to the Palace. I will escort you. Any questions?”
“Two million credits?”
“Yes, I think the amount is generous enough. When combined with the other donations they receive, they should be able to accomplish all they wish. Do you feel that it should be more?” He began looking at figures on a vid-screen.
“Two million? I didn’t realize there were that many credits. So, do I have any more secret family members?” A knock prevented his answer.
A guard announced, “Princess Probus, Inquisitor Gordian, Vice Admiral Galerius, and General Braga request an audience.”
I drew in a breath uncertain of what I should do. Director Sapor stood and went to the door. “Good afternoon, gentlemen. Princess Probus and I were just discussing her itinerary.”
Each of the soldiers wore full dress uniform. I felt my face turning red. I knew I should have changed. I stood. I thought that attempting to curtsey in shorts would be stupid, so I thrust out my hand. The officer closest to me took my hand but turned it over, bent forward, and kissed it.
He looked up at me and said, “Vice Admiral Dario Galerius at your service, Princess Probus.”
I could feel his breath against my hand as he spoke. His hair was as black as his uniform, and his eyes were dark brown. He stood and released my hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you,” I said nervously.
Vice Admiral Dario Galerius moved to my side and slightly behind my left shoulder. The next man took my hand and shook it which put me more at ease. He was very average looking with light brown hair and brown eyes.
In a quiet, cultured voice, he said, “I am Inquisitor Cormac Gordian.” The corners of his mouth lifted in a faint smile as he glanced down at my bare legs.
Inwardly, I sighed. “Izaac, where are you?” I asked in my mind.
He silently answered with, “You wish for Dr. Fotri to survive Kaoti?”
“Yes, why?” I thought.
“Violet became ill once again when Dr. Fotri took her to a private recovery room. Kaoti became irrationally furious. Violet began to cry.”
“Fine. You deal with Kaoti,” I silently responded.
“Princess?” Inquisitor Gordian asked.
“Yes?”
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I apologize.”
He bowed to me and took three steps back.
“Princess Probus, had my father’s presence not been required by Emperor Probus at this time, I might never have had the opportunity to gaze upon you with my own eyes. I am General Luca Braga, but I hope you will call me Luca.” His naughty brown eyes looked upon me the way Phillip used to look at Felicia on Scipio. I didn’t want to be looked at in that way. I liked the way Yukihyo looked at me, like he needed me as much as he needed air. General Braga made me sad.
“It is nice to meet you, sir.” I returned to my chair. “Have you gentlemen come to see me or Director Sapor?”
General Braga seemed puzzled by my behavior. I wondered if he had expected for me to press myself against him for a kiss as Felicia had done with Phillip.
“We have a slight discrepancy in regard to the allocation of funds. The Fleet should be awarded additional resources in order to protect against the unknowns of Sector 45320B,” Vice Admiral Dario Galerius explained.
“The funds should be directed toward our troops. We all know what happened on Ephors. Each planet in the Empire should be better prepared in case of an attack,” Luca argued.
Inquisitor Gordian held his hands behind his back. “The funds would be put to better use in discovering the aliens’ weaknesses. It would be better, if necessary, to win our battles far from our sector.”
I looked at Director Sapor and hoped he would make a decision so the men would leave. He looked from me to a vid-screen panel. “To which branch do you wish to allocate the funds, Princess Probus?”
Omnes Videntes (The Space Merchants Book 4) Page 8