Stardust And Shadows

by Janelle Taylor

  Jana couldn’t prevent a stunning suspicion from storming her mind: as Heather had pointed out, almost everyone had expected Varian to keep her. Ryker had admitted he demanded her in payment for a truce, even called her Varian’s “prized treasure.” He had said Kadim Tirol “had no choice except to do as I asked.” Varian had disobeyed orders by taking possession of a charl. Had his punishment been to sacrifice her to Ryker to prevent Maffei from being cut off by Trilabs or attacked by Androas? Did Varian secretly love and want—Stop this, J. G.! Listen to them.

  “Let’s not speak of such distressing things on our first day here, Grandfather. We have time to discuss them later, in private.”

  Jana saw the silencing nod that Ryker directed to the old man to signal a stop to the revealing talk. Maal grasped his meaning and complied. She watched Maal’s other, gentle, side returned in a blink.

  “This should be a happy occasion. Will you have a servant show Jana to our suite so she can settle in before tonight’s activities?”

  “It will be done, cherished flame of my soul.” He looked at Jana. “You are free to go where you wish inside the palace,” he told her. “But if you desire to venture outside, you must take guards with you as escorts and protection. We would not want anything to happen to our finest treasure.”

  Jana feigned a smile. “You are kind and thoughtful, sir. I will obey you.” But she was surprised by the caution. She wondered if Maal was plagued by malcontents, rebels, or spies. Here, in the kadim’s stronghold? She also wondered how closely her aural device was translating their Androasian words into her English language.

  “You must rest and settle in, my new daughter. I have planned a busy evening. There will be a grand reception honoring the marriage of my cherished grandson and future heir, and the first visit of our beloved Jana. We have a special guest tonight, Ryker, one who will surprise you.”

  Varian looked at the ruler who had called him by name for the first time. “Who is it, Grandfather?”

  Maal grinned and winked. “Wait and see.”

  Varian hoped his sudden apprehension and alarm didn’t show. He prayed that Canissia hadn’t sneaked here and was waiting to pounce on him and expose him at the party tonight. But if that she-creature had stolen across the boundary and was hiding in the palace, she hadn’t revealed his ruse to Maal yet, because the ruler had not made any slips. On the other hand, Maal could be very proficient at acting.

  The starship commander also hoped the surprise guest wasn’t an old or close friend of Ryker who would talk about things of which he was ignorant. Nor did he want to put himself in the position of having a medical or scientific discussion in which his mental implants might not be able to provide in-depth knowledge and accurate responses.

  If only he knew what was in store for him, for them, tonight.

  Chapter Nine

  Jana stared into the large mirror as her husband tastened a gem-filled necklace at her throat that matched the royal circlet around her head. The crown jewels? she wondered. He handed her matching earrings to don. As she did so, she thought about how simple and efficient it was to create a marriage in this alien society. To become Ryker’s wife, all she had done was accept his matrimonial bracelet and sign a document agreeing to become his spouse. The only witness had been a video camera to prove both parties were joining of their own free wills. After he signed the form and it along with the video was registered, their union was legal, almost unbreakable as in the word wedlock. Because of who Ryker was, they had signed two documents and made two tapes. One set had been presented to Maffei for their records and one to Androas, so their marriage was exposed and recognized in both galaxies. After she was presented tonight to his people, it would be official. Jana mused: no ceremony, no vows, no flowers, no attendants, no romance, no gay nuptials. Yet, if they desired, couples could have their friends and family present for the signing and banding and for partying. Still, it seemed to Jana too much like a business proposition, a merger, a deed they had gotten down to a cold science.

  She looked at the expensive golden gown that Ryker told her had been ordered by Maal and made for her and tonight’s special event. The snug bodice with flowing bottom was heavy. The garment had a neckline that was off-shouldered and low cut but not immodest. As she moved, it glittered from reflections of light and made a rustling sound like satin did on Earth. Her tawny tresses had been swept up and placed in leafy curls by a female servant, with the circlet passing through them and across her forehead. Her cosmetics were perfect in colors and amounts, again the work of the reserved alien who had carried out Maal’s orders and departed minutes ago. Even a heady perfume had been sprayed in strategic locations on her body, a scent Jana found pleasing. As she studied herself in the large mirror, she admitted the makeup, costly gown, and hairstyle were flattering to her. Without a doubt, she looked regal. She was relieved, because this occasion was so important to her and the two men.

  Varian pressed kisses on her nape, bared by her uplifted hairdo, and across shoulders exposed by the gown’s design. Her skin was soft and enticing. He could not resist tasting it or touching her. In a husky voice, he murmured, “You are breathand wit-stealing tonight, Jana of Earth, totally enchanting. Every man present will envy and congratulate me, and every woman will be jealous. You look like a queen instead of a princess. Even the goddess Kimon would envy you, my bewitching angel.”

  Jana wondered about their ranks. Why did her title and Ryker’s translate to “Prince” and “Princess” when Maal’s remained Kadim instead of King. And why were kadims’ first names used after their titles instead of last ones, as with political leaders on her planet? Yet, she reminded herself, English and other royalty used first names, like King Richard or Prince John or Queen Elizabeth or Princess Di.

  Before she could query Ryker about those matters, a servant arrived to tell them it was time to make their grand entrance. Jana’s apprehensive gaze locked with Ryker’s encouraging and comforting one in the mirror. He was magnificent, sexy, virile, and enormously handsome in his matching gold garments that fit like a leather glove. His accessories included a gem-encrusted medallion with symbols unknown to her and a solid gold circlet. “You are the one who is breath and wit-stealing, my husband,” she said, her voice quivering.

  “Just be yourself, Jana, and they will love you, as I do.”

  She turned to face him and search his intense emerald gaze. “I’m scared. I feel as if I’m trembling from head to toe. My hands are like ice.”

  Varian grasped them, rubbed them with his warm ones, and smiled. He noticed she did not respond to his rash confession, and he was glad. “I promise everything will be fine. Come, everyone is waiting to see my wife, joint ruler of their empire one day. You have nothing and no one to fear.”

  As they walked down the long hallway, she inquired as a distraction, “Why does Kadim Maal call you ‘cherished flame of my soul?’ “

  From notes in Shara’s diary, Varian explained, “Because I am the sole reason for his existence. I am the flame in his heart, the blaze that keeps him alive and vital. It is what he called my mother before she died years ago. Afterward, he passed the endearment along to me. I don’t care for the name, but it gives him great pleasure, so I say nothing to stop it.”

  “It’s good and kind not to steal joy from others, especially • loved ones.”

  They approached large double doors. He smiled, caressed her rosy cheek, and almost whispered, “Remember, you are my wife, not my charl or captive. You are a doctor, a scientist. You are intelligent and well bred. You come from a life of riches and elite status. You are a princess, a future queen, their future kadimess. No one will say or do anything to frighten or displease you.”

  Those words and descriptions did not dispel her anxiety, but she smiled as if they had worked magic upon her fears and tension. Maal joined them via another door. His faded green eyes widened briefly in astonishment. He studied her from head to foot, smiling.

  “She is indeed exquisite and p
erfect, cherished flame of my soul.”

  “Thank you, Grandfather. I was certain you would be as pleased with her as I am. Are you ready?” he asked Jana, who nodded.

  Maal entered the huge ballroom first, easing through a narrow opening that prevented any guest from getting an advance peek at them. The music halted, as did voices and laughter.

  The blond alien whispered, “You have filled the last void in my life and heart, Jana of Earth. I do love you, woman.”

  Jana stared at him. It looked as if he were telling the truth! Before she could think of the right response, she heard Maal’s voice.

  “Friends, loyal citizens of Tartarus and Androas, my grandson and future effecta of our glorious empire, Prince Ryker Triloni, and his bride, my new daughter, Princess Jana Triloni, future effectass at his side.”

  The doors were pulled open by two black-uniformed guards, human ones this time, she noticed. Instruments akin to trumpets filled the area with a royal or state herald. Mouths and eyes went agape and everyone seemed to stare at the Earthling in … disbelief and amazement.

  Jana’s right hand accepted Maal’s extended one and let him guide her into the crowded and silent room, all without releasing her grip on her husband’s with the left one. She felt Ryker’s light squeeze of reassurance, and she returned the gesture. She saw people lean close to whisper an exchange of opinions. She saw men eye her with admiration and desire. She saw women appraising her appearance and no doubt reasoning how a captive had snared the royal treasure from beneath the noses of local seekers. She gathered and returned smiles and nods. She even felt a pinch of jealousy as females raked her husband from head to toe with desirous glances.

  In a whirlwind of activity that lasted for almost two hours, Jana was introduced to countless people whose names rushed past her in the flurry of excitement. She received congratulations and best wishes from everyone, as did a beaming Ryker. As he had vowed, no one offended or displeased her by word, expression, or action. The tension and fears quickly left her. This time, she was on display as a richly adorned and beloved princess and wife, not on an auction block as a captive and future charl. She was looked upon and treated with respect, admiration, and affection.

  Jana could not help but enjoy herself. The heady wine in her grasp and many toasts helped calm her and rose her cheeks. She was grateful her breeding and training on Earth, on the Wanderlust, and at Draco’s had prepared her for such occasions. She noted with pleasure and delight that the same was true for her handsome husband.

  At last, Maal led the couple to a slightly raised dais at the far end of the room. He seated Jana between them. The signal given, everyone took their seats and a fabulous feast was served, accompanied by more wine.

  The clever Varian made certain Maal and the Androasians saw how much “Ryker” was in love with his bride by his enamored gazes, possessive touches, undeniably evident words, and other little actions like feeding her bites of food and giving her sips of wine from his glass.

  Jana was ensnared in the fantasy world and her wits were dulled by wine and exuberation. It was evident the kadim and Androasians liked her and were more than satisfied with Ryker’s selection of a wife. He was being so attentive and loving tonight. She presumed he, too, was caught up in the wonder of the special occasion. It was easy to be responsive and adoring in return. She realized they presented the image of a couple deeply in love, and it didn’t matter to her if everyone was wrong about her feelings.

  “Are you going to let me starve or will you share your treats with me?” he teased to evoke her unknowing assistance with the romantic ruse.

  Jana pushed a tiny piece of fruit into her lover’s mouth. He captured and kissed each of her fingertips while his smoldering gaze clung to hers. She liked this sunny side of Ryker Triloni, and it warmed her to the core. Whatever she had to do to keep any dark side at bay, she must. She laughed and teased, “Careful, my husband, you are playing with fire and there are no extinguishers around to douse your flames in public.” “How can I help but stay on a slow burn for you?” “Exile me from sight and release yourself from consuming temptation.”

  “Never. I want you at my side forever.” “I will remain there as long as you desire it, my love.” “Until the Universe ceases to exist. Is that too long?” “Eternity is not too long,” she replied, a twinge of guilt gnawing at her for deceiving him. If only Ryker didn’t make it so easy for her to dupe or want to dupe him. It wasn’t fair to him to pretend when she still—God, help her—wanted another man. Stop it, Jana. This past is over.

  Pictures were taken all evening, some posed and some spontaneous. After dinner, the three went into a room where Jana’s hair and cosmetics were freshened by the Androasian woman who had done so earlier. Official portraits were taken: hers, Ryker’s, the couple together, and one with the newly weds and aging ruler.

  As she paid a visit to the ladies’ room before returning to a dance in progress, Jana told herself their marriage was legal and consummated. Her position as Ryker’s wife was exposed and firmly established. If you could see me now, Andrea, what would you think? Jana Greyson, your best friend, wife to an alien, princess of Androas, future . .. effectass? She assumed that was the word for queen.

  When she left the lavatory, Maal was waiting. She was told Ryker was speaking with old friends and would join them soon. “What is an effectass and effecta?” she asked, as they hadn’t translated to king and queen.

  “What the Maffeians call kadim and kadimess,” he replied. “You are not a prutay here, Jana. I am sorry you were captured to become one in Maffei. It is a role and destiny beneath you. Your humiliation at their hands is unforgivable and cruel. If Androas suffered a similar plague and problem, if our men could not use their charms to win a mate, they would have none. And would deserve to have none.”

  “Is a prutay the same as a charl, a slave mate?”

  “Yes, charl is what Maffeians call their captive breeders. Come, let us join the celebration. We should not speak of troubled times tonight. You have made my grandson happy. For that, I thank you and love you. It is good to have a ray of sunshine here again.”

  “I am most grateful for my generous reception by you and your people. I will do my best to make all of you proud of me. Soon, my study of your language will begin and I won’t offend your ears with Maffeian words.”

  Maal smiled. “Do not worry over a problem that does not exist. It is good to know the language, customs, and laws of rivals and enemies.”

  As Maal led her back into the ballroom, Jana wondered why Ryker had spoken in Maffeian to her earlier. Why hadn’t he used the Androasian words for kadim and charl—effecta and prutay—words untranslatable by the aural device into English? She guessed it was because time for explanations didn’t exist and he knew she was familiar with those Maffeian words.

  Seated at their head table, Jana’s probing gaze located her husband. As she eyed the two conversing men, Maal revealed the identity of the one with brown hair and a short beard.

  “That is the other special guest this evening, the one I mentioned to Ryker this afternoon: Dakin Agular.”

  “Are they old friends?”

  “Only acquaintances. Agular presses me almost daily to make peace with the Maffei Alliance. Our old truce has expired and the Supreme Council has offered us another one. I have not accepted or signed the papers. I must keep a close watch on him. If things do not go as he wishes, I suspect he might inspire a rebellion against me. Agular and his faction are slow to challenge my rule and decisions because they will not go against me rashly because of Ryker’s powers. I am certain he is trying to convince my grandson to persuade me to sign the treaty. I invited him so Ryker could study his threat to us and to confuse Agular with our friendliness.”

  Jana studied the fiftyish-looking man who was clad in sapphire. This was perhaps why Maal had said she needed guards if she left the palace, to avoid being taken captive by rebels, by his political rival, perhaps his enemy. If Androas and Maffei clashed,
with their starships and advanced weapons, it would be a massive battle. “War is a terrible and costly conflict. No one should enter it lightly. If one can obtain peace with honor, one should do so. On my planet, we have had many rebellions and coups d’état. They resulted in great losses of life and destruction of property. Wars are cruel to families, Effecta Maal; please try to prevent an intergalactic one.”

  “You spoke the important word: honor. Maffei has attacked our honor in the past and must never do so again. Remember what they did to you.”

  “That was before Ryker and I met. If it hadn’t been for the Maffeians, we would never have met; I would not be here tonight. My father taught me there is always something good, however small, hidden in bad things. All one has to do is look for it and draw it out. If everything was good and successful, life would become boring. Bad things and defeats give us our challenges, make us stronger and wiser, make us appreciate the good more. If people ignore and resist the values and powers of love and peace, many suffer because of such blindness and actions.”

  “You speak and think as my beloved Shara did before the Maffeians shamed and killed her. It is good to dream, Jana, but it is not reality.”

  Jana saw the man’s pale eyes chill with bitter memories. She realized his dark side would surface soon if she didn’t change the subject. “Will you ask the servant to refill my glass?” she asked. “My throat is dry. As soon as it’s refreshed, shall we dance, sir?” She was relieved the ploy worked.