by Cheryl Oblon
“Come in. Dinner is ready,” he said.
“Thank you. What’s the occasion?” I asked.
“Well, you two are headed away. Hopefully, not for long.” Faldar hugged me and shook hands with Nemal.
It was odd how Faldar had sort of become part of the family, but wasn’t seen at official functions. Not because of any shame about homosexual relationships. But if any of the pictures got back to the Bachal, it might be hard for him to explain.
“You don’t think I’ll manage well?” I asked.
“You’ll both do fine.” Faldar waved us to sit at the square table.
Nemal and I sat and shared a look. I wasn’t so sure I’d do fine.
“Have you spoken to your parents recently?” Nemal asked.
“My mother the other day. Yes, she’s very excited to see you again, Kimess,” Faldar said.
“Me?” I frowned. “I’m sure she’d rather have you back home.”
Remmy poured the wine. “That’s why we wanted to have you over. We want to make sure we’re all on the same page with what Faldar has told his father and what you say.”
Droids served the food, and once we’d all settled in, I couldn’t stand the suspense. “What have you told them, Faldar?”
He smiled and sat back. “I’ve told them I’m enjoying my time here very much. That I’m learning a great deal.”
Nemal sighed. “Get to the facts, please.”
“Nemal,” Remmy said.
I put a hand on Nemal’s forearm. “This is my fault. I should never have suggested you stay without a better plan. A long-term out. LeFawn can’t marry you. It’s not fair to either of you. We need a way to start undoing this.”
“And what? He tells his family the truth?” Remmy asked.
“You had to,” Nemal replied.
“It’s safe here. Where he’s from…” Remmy took Faldar’s hand.
It was so sweet. “Tell us. We need to know what we’re in for.”
Faldar took a sip of wine. “You do. It’s darker. The sky alone is darker from the pollution we permit. More poverty. More violence. Marriage and babies are encouraged. Boys are trained to fight young. Girls are trained, as well, but their time is split between home and child care and some defense training.”
“Sounds like a delightful place,” I said.
“It’ll be better for you. Guests of the king, you’ll have plenty of food and water. Plenty of wine and nice rooms in the castle. My brother and sister will help you have some fun while you’re there. It can be boring if you’re not in training,” Faldar said.
“How are women treated?” I asked.
“Well enough. You’re guests, so you’ll be forgiven if you make a mistake or overstep. Women of powerful families, the mother, can give orders regarding the home to servants. Orders about the comfort of their guests. But the man has set the rules. He brings home the food and income. He fights for the safety of his country. He is stronger and must not spoil his sons.” Faldar seemed to retreat into himself as he spoke.
“So, an unmarried woman is treated how?” Nemal asked.
“Kimess is too young to be judged. She’s still marriage potential. After, say, about twenty-five, then women unmarried are rejects. Burdens on their fathers, brothers, and nephews. If the family is rich enough, they’ll make her a nanny type of helper. Beyond that, it’s a disgrace. Of course, a woman doesn’t need to be married to have children, but it’s much harder to provide for them in our society. The structure is around the male head of the family. The more children he has, the better he is respected.” Faldar pushed his food around his plate.
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” I said.
“You didn’t. My home world does. I miss my family, but I can’t be myself there.” He looked at Remmy. “Children are of utmost value. More people, more fighters. If a woman can’t conceive, we have the technology to help. But a child without a mother is lost. Males end up in a military school. Females end up in orphanages with poor prospects. Most of the regular families can’t afford to take in added mouths to feed.” He took a long drink of wine.
“Meaning what?” Nemal asked.
“You may think we disrespect women because they are treated differently. But the highest compliment you can give a Bachal warrior is praise for his mother…that she did a good job. She raised him to be brave and all those other values they prize. The father gets no credit. Yes, his sons will inherit because of him. Be ranked in society because of him. But the praise and the glory of a child’s acts are all attributed to the mother.”
“Or the disapproval if the child isn’t outstanding,” I said.
Faldar sighed. “True. I don’t want to bring shame to my mother.”
“Why is homosexuality so bad in your culture?” Nemal asked.
“Magical beings are judged on magic. Powerful or not, that is how you rank yourselves. Kimess is powerful. Humans are protected and have all the rights, but lack magic,” he said.
“Different magical powers aren’t given more or less rights, either,” I said.
“No. But our culture is all about children. The more a man has, the better. Sons are better than daughters, but we need both. It’s about preserving our lines and keeping our world alive. Shifters were hunted by some during that horrid war. We survived, but it was a struggle.” He shook his head. “I sound like I’m defending them.”
“It’s your culture and homeland. Of course you are,” Remmy said.
“So, you and Remmy can’t adopt kids? Have them in the lab?” I asked.
“Adoption of orphans is respected, charitable. But they aren’t your blood. The lab, it’s all fine until you bring the child home. No mother. Shifters are creatures of nature. Closer to our animal roots and instincts. You mate to procreate. To them, homosexuals will kill off the culture. If they approve of it, more will admit to being that way, and my father would believe it was some contagious disease.”
“That’s insane,” Nemal said.
“I agree, but my brother and I have debated the topic with my father. Once, he put to death a man who refused to take a wife. He admitted he had a male lover.”
I put my fork down. “Death for that?”
“He refused to name his lover. They would’ve been sent to the front, the most dangerous of fighting at the time. Odds are they’d have died anyway, but they’d have had a chance. This way one died, one lives on. My father had all his friends interrogated. None would admit they were gay. It’s a shameful piece of my culture, but if I weren’t gay, I’m not sure what I’d think.”
“I hope you’d see the unfairness of it. I do,” Nemal said.
“It’s also unfair to have LeFawn in an engagement to cover for us,” Remmy replied.
“That’s true. I’m sorry. It was all we could think of on the spot,” I said.
Faldar leaned in. “That’s why this visit will help. You can tell my mother that you don’t think LeFawn and I would make a good match long-term. It was infatuation. Young love, but she’s not one to live in this sort of harsher world. She’s the baby and very delicate. And you think I might be losing interest in her and finding another woman more appealing.”
“Me? Why can’t you tell her that?” I asked.
“My father listens in on my conversation with my mother. He wants me to think he’s letting me be wild and free for a bit. That’s not his way. He wants me married with two sons, by now. He does like the idea of a magical bride. To see what the cross-match would produce, but I’m not sure I’m the one he’d want to risk that with. Maybe my brother?” Faldar suggested.
Nemal drummed his fingers on the table. “Wouldn’t that make your father call you back home immediately? Once the engagement was off?”
“It would. But we’re not going to break the engagement, not just yet. I want them to have time with the idea,” Faldar said.
“You don’t want to tell them the truth,” I said.
“I can’t t
ell them. It’s just so hard to be honest. I’ve spent my whole life in a lie. I want to see my family, but I don’t want to leave here. I don’t know what to do.” Faldar rubbed his forehead.
“Well, you could try to talk to your siblings. Or privately to your mother. See if they’d support you,” I suggested.
Faldar shook his head. “It won’t matter. My father would…It wouldn’t matter.”
“Kimess can feel him out. Dip into his mind and see if he’s really being that bad,” Nemal said.
I scrunched up my nose. “Sometimes our parents surprise us. They aren’t always exactly what we believe them to be.”
“My father is a blunt tool, and that’s how he rules. His men like it. You never have to guess where you stand. He can lie and keep a secret if it suits him, but if you push a couple of buttons on a random topic, like this, you’ll get a genuine response,” Faldar said.
“What other warnings or suggestions do you have? Of the country and culture, in general? Or the castle and royal family specifically?” I asked.
Faldar looked from me to Nemal and back again. “If you two are a couple, let it be known. If you’re not, you might want to pretend.”
“Why?” Nemal asked.
He smiled. “Mixing shifter with magical would be new. Both of you will find yourselves being approached. The Bachal aren’t subtle when it comes to courting. Clear intentions are a sign of respect.”
“Are men the only aggressors?” I asked.
Faldar laughed. “Not at all. Women are often hunting for a mate. Nemal would be a great prize.”
Awkward silence took over as we ate. What were Nemal and I to each other anyway? I wasn’t even sure. There was so much at stake on this mission, and having Nemal along was a comfort and a potential weakness.
Chapter 8
We were packed and ready to go. The relocator pads worked over the long distance from the Lazrel castle to Bachal’s castle. However, I suddenly understood some of why the Bachal always took a ship and simply relocated to the surface when convenient. Not having a place to retreat to that was yours was unnerving. Relocator pads could be locked or disabled.
No doubt, the queen had considered that, but showed no concern as she watched over the transport of our things first.
Nemal walked up with a man not too much older than he was, but the shock of red hair gave me a clue as to who this person was.
“Kimess, Royal Seer and ruler of the fifth family, I present my uncle. The queen’s brother, Prince Johey,” Nemal said.
I extended my hand. “Lovely to meet you.”
He kissed it rather than shook it. The man was the baby brother of the queen. He’d been trained to serve and protect people in her name.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Lady Kimess. I hope I will have the pleasure of relieving you of the concern of your father before long,” he said.
“Thank you.” I smiled, not sure how to take that. The queen must’ve told him I was loyal. That I welcomed his help, and I did. Yet, it was about my father. I buried my feelings, but once I saw him, they would become complicated.
The droids and most of the security went first. Johey and one other of the Queen’s Guards remained. The queen approached us.
“Serve your country well. I will see you in a month,” she said.
We gathered on the relocator pad, and I almost took Nemal’s hand. Not for fear of the technology, but for fear of the unknown.
I stood strong, and it was over in a blink. That’s how fast I could get home, I reminded myself. Looking around, I took in the darkness. Faldar hadn’t been exaggerating, at all. We were supposed to arrive inside the castle, but the light was dim even here. Dark gray stone made up the walls, but my eyes needed to adjust to see detail.
Nemal squeezed my hand and helped me step off the relocator pad. I stuck close to him.
“Welcome to our guests!” shouted the king.
He was far more gregarious at home, it appeared. Still clad in animal skins and furs, the bear of a man stretched out his arms in a friendly manner.
“Thank you. It’s very kind of you,” I said.
“We are all happy to have you here. A prince and such a powerful magical lady. You remember the twins, Tantil and Evangel,” the queen said quickly.
“Of course, so nice to see you again. Your brother is a hit at our court, but he assures me you two are keeping things lively here.” Nemal was a natural with people.
I took the hint as the Bachal fawned over him. Nemal was the real star, and I was just a magically gifted female. I relaxed a bit. It’d be even better that way, less pressure. If I had time alone, it’d be easier for me to flush out my father.
“My uncle, Prince Johey. This is King Gregor, Queen Makea, and Prince Tantil and Princess Evangel,” Nemal said.
I looked over at my attendants, and while their faces were serene, I could feel Zoma’s unease. I’d warned her it would be different. Harsh and foreign. She liked an adventure, but watching what she said would be harder for her. So far, the Bachal were on their best behavior, but the minds of some of the men were filthy. A barely clothed female servant stood to one side with a tray of drinks. She was basically ignored, but I found myself more worried about her lack of clothing than anyone being thirsty.
“How is my son?” the queen asked.
“Very well. He’s quite popular with everyone at court.” I didn’t want to start the concern over the engagement too soon or in front of so many people, but I could lay a little foundation.
“I see.” She nodded. “Well, you’ll be shown to your rooms. You can get settled and unpack. Don’t worry, we’ll come and find you for dinner. We’ll show you how everything works, too.”
“If you need anything, please let us know.” Princess Evangel walked up to me.
Prince Tantil did the same to Nemal. “Yes, anything.”
“How lucky we are to have such guides,” Nemal said.
I felt less lucky and more uneasy. But Faldar had warned us. That prince knew his country and his family. I considered suggesting Nemal and I were more than just friends, but it was too soon. Better to do that subtly with one member of the royal family.
Servants, dressed in what looked like very itchy brown cloth, led us down a hall. It was nice, still poorly lit, but clean. We were shown to our rooms, Nemal’s was just across the hall. Inside, I could see much better. There was a small sitting area, a square table, and desk.
“The bedrooms are down the hallway as is the bathing room,” said the servant.
“Thank you,” I said.
She pointed to a panel on the wall. “The lights and temperature are controlled here.”
“Where is the food replicator?” Marel asked.
The servant shook her head. “We don’t have that. People would hoard food. Most meals are in the great hall. You’ll be at the king’s table, naturally. I’ll show you there for each meal. If you need anything, I’ll be outside.”
“Just standing in the hall?” I asked.
She bowed.
“How long is your shift out there?” Zoma asked.
“I don’t understand the question. I’ll be out there. I may fall asleep, but simply wake me. I’m here for anything you may need.” She bowed again.
I followed the frail woman who was too young to look so tired to the door. “Thank you very much for your help.”
I slid a simple silver band ring off my pinky finger. Jewelry was one thing the fifth house had in abundance, and while money might look crass, small gifts were good diplomacy. My mother had taught me that much.
The woman backed away when I offered her the ring. “No, I can’t.”
“It’s a gift. A thank you. It’s nothing. Small. A token. If the king is angry, tell him you couldn’t refuse without offending me. But he doesn’t have to find out. You’re serving me, for now. Will you be put somewhere else tomorrow?” I asked.
“No, I’m to be with you during t
he duration.”
I tucked the ring in my palm and folded my arms over my chest. “What’s your name?”
“Anela,” she replied as she stared at my hand.
“Well, Anela, I want us to be friends. I don’t treat my servants like nothing. I won’t treat anyone who helps me that way. If you don’t want a ring, what can I do for you?”
She held out her hand.
“Don’t take the ring because you think I’m offended. If there is something else, tell me. I can read your mind if I have to.” I didn’t want to explore that yet.
“The ring, I can sell it, and it’ll help a great deal. My mother is a widow with no sons. I…” She bowed her head.
“You never got married?”
She shook her head. “I’m lucky to have this work. I won’t let you down, but I can’t lose this job.”
I dropped the ring in her hand. “You’re safe with us. We’ll make sure you get enough to eat. There are rewards for helping us, and if you see us doing anything that might offend or insult the king or queen—please steer us in the right direction. This culture is new to us, and we might make mistakes. If you help, there will be extras for you.”
She stared at my necklace and other rings for a moment. “Yes, my lady. Thank you. I will help. I’ll be right outside if you don’t need me.”
I watched her tuck the ring into her garment and check twice it was safely there. The metal was genuine and worth something, surely, but she treated it like a crown.
“Wait,” Marel called. She handed Anela a small packet. “I brought some cookies from home. Provisions if needed. You look like you need some food.”
Anela dug in without a word. My service droid poured us water, and I handed mine to Anela. She finished the cookies and drank the water.
“Thank you, very much!” Her smile was wide as she handed back the glass, then brushed off any crumbs of evidence. “I better go out there or I’ll be missed.”
“All right. See you later,” I said.
The door closed, and I let my jaw drop.
I sat on a sofa that was decent. “She’s allowed to exist in such conditions?”
Zoma opened the curtains. We had a view of the two high towers. The castle was black on the outside. Live dragons swooped around the corners. There was even a moat.