by Cheryl Oblon
“More time together, but you need to be nice to me and Anela,” I said.
He warmed up my tea. “I promise. We all want to go home.”
Johey cleared his throat. “And we’ve still got another task that we need to accomplish. I’m not rushing anything, but we can’t go back without a certain traitor.”
My stomach knotted. “I haven’t felt anything from him. Anything on your end?”
“No, but I’m not asking too many direct questions. I don’t want anyone suspicious, or they’ll tip him off. You just keep to keep your ears and feelers open,” Johey said.
“If I’m always with Nemal and a prince and a princess, he won’t come out of the shadows.”
Nemal nodded. “You were trying to make yourself available so he’d approach you. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because we can be so easily overheard around here. I thought the castle was bad in Lazrel, but here, there is no true privacy or safe place.”
“Are we being monitored?” Johey pointed to the ceiling.
I rubbed my forehead. “No. Their technology is sparser, but they don’t have droids, so all the servants have ears, and it’s hard to check every single person before you speak. Too many people, and it’s harder to isolate and be sure.”
“Maybe you should go back to bed. After last night, no one will blame you for sleeping in.” Nemal devoured his cake.
“We have that birthday party for the twins tonight. I’ll probably need a nap today, sometime.” I took another bite of cake.
“What do these people call a party? The welcome party was a bit rough,” Johey said.
I straightened my posture. “The men won’t be as crude, at least not to our women.”
“You enjoyed that too much,” Nemal said.
“I’m going to see if your friends are up and offer them cake,” Johey said.
He left the room, and I was alone with Nemal. Alone for the first time in a while.
“I prefer men who respect women. Is that hard to understand?” I asked.
He leaned over and kissed me on the lips. “I want to beat the crap out of any man who was rude to you, but you don’t need it.”
“I need your support. You’re looking out for me. Here, having men on my side is so critical. I hate it. I hate that women aren’t equal and respected, but we can’t change them. It’s so weird. We’re both dealing with this culture shock.” I stopped talking as the ladies and Johey came through the door.
The cake was gone quickly, but having Lazrel people alone in the same room made me feel safe, even if it was just for a little while. I had to find my father and get him in custody. Until then, there was no chance of going home.
The princess received the adoration and birthday gifts with all the joy of a natural and spoiled daughter of the king. She seemed to now be more on the marriage market, and men tried to impress her. The food was much like the welcome celebration, and I ate sparingly.
The Bachal prince was less interested in his party, though the women were certainly eager for his attention. I studied the dynamic from the head table. The queen had seated me next to her, and I wondered what the special attention was about.
“You must be very proud,” I said.
“Yes, they are both wonderful and dear children. Evangel will be a beautiful example of motherhood and courage while Tantil will join his father in battle if the time comes.” The queen smiled.
“No one wants war, but men do sometimes crave the physical outlet.” I played along to see where she was headed.
“Yes, they do. I hope Faldar isn’t getting too soft in Lazrel. Not that you don’t have fine men and military, but life here is different,” she said.
I kept my gaze on the party. “It certainly is. I’m sure Faldar is keeping true to his nature and home country’s standards. A future king wanting to learn about other countries and make friends is preferable to one who isn’t interested in the world. Or who only wants war and no allies or peace.”
“True. Everyone needs friends. I wish one of my sons would marry and give me a grandson. That would be a welcome distraction without war.” She looked at me.
“I’m sure one of them will. With the right woman. You can’t want them to marry in haste.” I found mixed thoughts in the queen. She wanted Faldar to have a son, but not with LeFawn. She seemed to care less about Tantil, but he was a second son.
“Tantil is old enough to marry. Maybe he’ll surprise you?”
She frowned slightly. “He’s sullener and moody. Not bad on the field of battle, but not a natural warrior. Strategy comes easy enough, but I don’t know how he’ll distinguish himself.”
“If it’s any help, the Lazrel princes and princesses have similar challenges. How to distinguish themselves and make lives they enjoy while devoting themselves to their people. One is often torn.” I sipped my wine and watched the dancing.
“Your prince Nemal seems quite clear. His military gifts have impressed the king. Nemal is calm and steady, but very clever.”
I couldn’t argue with that. “Yes, he is.”
“Rumor is, he’s quite in love with you.”
My cheeks burned, but how could I deny it? He’d kissed me rather publicly. “We’ve known each other all of our lives, so it’s rather complicated. Not everyone would approve.”
“Does that matter?”
“Sometimes it does. Depending on the person. A mother’s approval matters. The queen’s approval always matters. We’re in no hurry for anything formal. It’s not like we’ll have to produce the next queen.” I bit my lip. I’d really casually mentioned having a child with Nemal? It was insane, yet seemed the natural trajectory.
“You never know what will happen, Lady Kimess. I never expected to marry a king. Then, I did. You may find yourself on a throne one day. Stranger things have happened than a woman as high ranking as you to end up a queen. Your parents would be very proud, I’m sure.” She smiled.
“My mother is—”
“Of course, forgive me. I forgot. But your father?”.
I skimmed her mind. She knew who my father was. “I don’t think he’d be proud of me, at all. If I happened to find myself in that situation, it wouldn’t be from manipulating or creating the circumstances to be there. It’d be fate. I take no credit for the twists and turns of life.”
“Of course, you’d never take the throne. Lazrel is so orderly.” She looked back at the party.
“We have a clear line and contingencies built in. Do you worry about people taking the throne from your son?”
She shook her head. “Not worry. But I do like that he is in Lazrel for a bit. Gives him an air of mystery. Lets the ladies here miss him. He’s doing and seeing things these men never have. More experience and confidence. That’s what a king needs to have the respect and fear of his followers.”
“If they fear you, they never respect you,” I said.
“Then, I’d rather have fear.”
“People who are afraid are unpredictable. They can lash out in irrational ways. I’m not sure that’s the choice I’d make.” I wanted to change the topic or end the conversation, but I couldn’t seem to find the right note that wasn’t ominous.
“You’re an advisor, not the queen or the next in line. Your position is not in danger. It’s not that high to be so threatened. You’ll have a daughter or two and be secure. Serve your queen, marry that prince, and have a happy life. The one on the throne is always the target.” She turned and looked lovingly at her king.
“You’re quite right.” I stood and lifted my glass. The music stopped when someone at the head table stood. I had the attention of the room, and Nemal looked a bit scared. “A toast to the birthday twins, for long and happy lives. And to our host. Long live the king!”
“Long live the king!” the attendees shouted over and over until the music resumed with the king’s wave.
“That was very kind,” the queen said.
“I wouldn’t want to lose my queen. People come to trust the judgment and knowledge of their monarch. Faldar will be a wonderful king one day, but he’s young. I know how hard it is to step into a larger role than you’re ready for because of death. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.” I spotted a handsome man walking toward me. “Who is that?” I asked.
She grinned with pride. “My nephew, Spetor. He’s been asking about you. I believe he wants to ask you to dance.”
“Me? That’s very kind,” I said.
“He’s a warrior, like all the men. But he’s intrigued by your gifts and culture.” She gestured for him to approach.
The man bowed. A leather strap decorated with dagger crossed his shirtless chest. He looked intimidating, but his smile softened his muscled and imposing form.
“Care to dance, Lady Kimess?”
“How could I refuse the queen’s nephew?” I couldn’t, and it ended the conversation with the queen, so I went happily.
“You look lovely,” he said.
“Thank you. You look very strong.”
“That’s the tradition. I prefer to show weapons instead of kills. Some judge that as soft.” He led me in the dance.
“Soft.” I couldn’t understand that. He was anything but soft. “Killing is nothing to be proud of.”
“Don’t say that too loudly here. I understand your meaning, but others won’t. They follow orders. If they are ordered to kill an enemy or an invader, they do it. It’s an honor to accomplish the goals set forth by their superiors.”
“But you use your own mind?”
“My aunt is queen, and I’m still alive. Trust me, I’ve had to be smarter than the rest.”
“Why would they kill you simply because your aunt married the king?” I asked.
He leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Status.”
I frowned at him. “You’re a bigger prize?”
“Proximity to the throne. Even though I have no claim, and never could, somehow, it’s a triumph to best me. In sparring combat or honest challenge, of course. An outright assassination would offend the king.” He smiled. “Our worlds are very different.”
“More than I imagined. You have open combat? Challenges that could kill you?” I shook my head.
“We are bored soldiers. We have gambling, physical challenges, and sex. That is all. Oh, well, and wine.” He laughed. “Forgive me for being so crude.”
“No wonder you have such a high population growth. Marry young and have a lot of children. I suppose it’s a good goal.” I didn’t believe it, but there were worse ways for men to act out their sexual needs.
“Not everyone marries young. Lots of fun to be had.” He dipped me. “Faldar and I are the same age. We were good friends. I just wanted to talk to you and check on him.”
“He’s doing wonderfully. He’ll make a great king one day,” I said.
“I agree. I’d love to see Lazrel. I wasn’t chosen for the delegation last time.”
“Maybe next time? I’m sure they needed men they trusted back here to protect the king and his interests. A monarchy can be tricky.” I tried to focus on the conversation and not how close he was holding me.
Then, I felt a cold stare on my back. I turned and saw no one. I’d have sworn it was Nemal.
“Are you feeling okay?” Spetor asked. “I didn’t touch you wrong or anything?”
I took a deep breath. “No, you’re being quite proper. I just felt like someone was watching me.”
“Everyone is watching you. You’re a glowing princess in the dark of our world,” he said.
“I’m not a princess. Evangel is one. She’s very pretty and would look younger if she weren’t always dressed in so much dark clothing.” I wondered if it was choice or necessity.
“You’ve worn dark red and gray since you’ve been here,” he said.
“As well as pale blue and yellow. I like a mix in my wardrobe, but maybe her choices are the fashion here.” My pale blue gown had collected a lot of dinge on it from the air. Dark was more practical, no doubt.
“I don’t know a thing about fashion. She only wears a gown now because you do. She’s more of a pants and corset girl. Likes to run with the boys.” He winked.
“Nothing wrong with that. She teased me about my dresses when she visited Lazrel. I don’t mean to make her feel uncomfortable. We all have our own styles.” I looked at Tantil. He was much more covered than most of the men but suitably adorned in weapons.
“The prince is odd, too,” Spetor said quietly.
“I don’t think he’s odd. He’s been very nice to me.”
Spetor smirked. “He is very nice. I wonder if he’ll ever get married, but he’s nice.”
That wasn’t a comment I expected for Tantil. Faldar, sure. “He doesn’t show interest in women?”
“Well, he does. But we’ve never heard much of him bedding women. Faldar brags a great deal. Tantil is so private about things. Maybe you can encourage him. Draw him out?” Spetor asked.
“Being private about personal matters isn’t a bad thing. He and I are not that close. I’m not interested in anything like that,” I replied firmly.
“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to suggest you personally would—no. You can read minds. You saved the princess from a fire. You can know whatever Tantil is hiding or fearing. Tell him not to hide or fear it. Because he’s already being whispered about, whatever woman he likes will be better than none. He may be protecting her honor, but virginity is not valued unless you’re about to marry the king. Children are tested to check paternity, but the king being embarrassed that way, it wouldn’t be good. More sex, more children,” Spetor said like it was a motto.
“I see. So, he should be more like Faldar? Brag?”
“Brag, yes. Faldar goes from woman to woman, and they never seem to brag about him. Perhaps he likes the exotic Lazrel women? Stronger women used to getting their way. Nothing wrong with it.” Spetor grinned.
“What do you like?” I asked.
“All women are beautiful to me. I let my history speak for itself. The women talk plenty. You?” he asked.
“Me? My sexual preferences aren’t in question or in judgment by a country. It’s nice not to be a princess, at times.” I smiled.
“I’m not a prince, either, and I told you mine.”
“I like men. I like Lazrel men who respect women equally and don’t need ten children to prove their manhood.” I stopped myself before I went too far.
“Ah, there is another thing. I have one child already. I’m not married yet, but for non-royals, it’s no matter. Faldar has nothing.”
“He’s royal.”
“If you marry a prince, you must have children,” he said and glanced at Nemal.
“Not really. Men don’t inherit the ruling positions. But I must have a daughter for my own heir.” I stood a bit taller.
“True. And a prince is a good father. Magic is a wonderful power.”
“So is shifting,” I replied.
He winked. “I’m a Pegasus. Not the most impressive, but a good scout. I fly in very dangerous places.”
“It must be hard for all men to be warriors. I mean, not every man loves war. Do they?”
He tilted his head. “We have our rebels, too. Men who don’t like to fight and serve in the military, basically. Some men are working hard on our technology. It wasn’t a priority, but Prince Faldar is part of our growing technology. When it comes to medical stuff, we’re quite advanced. The women usually study those things. Childbirth and all that is their area. So, see, a woman can do more than be a mother and defender of home. She can help deliver the children and find ways to help them have more.”
It was something. “I’m glad the medical side of things is advanced. Health is important.”
“Do you suffer from rebels?” he asked.
“Me? I’m sure all cultures with rules do. People will always want to break the rules. Some in small ways, but o
thers needed to try and unseat the top dog. I like an open exchange of ideas. Debate is good. Disloyalty I can’t approve of.” I’d walked a careful line.
“I heard rebellion ran in your family. But, I agree. I’m loyal to my king. And you to your queen…” He stopped.
The dance ended, and the Bachal prince turned up.
“May I have the next?” he asked.
“Of course. Thank you.” I took Tantil’s hand and smiled at Spetor. I relaxed as soon as he was gone.
“My cousin never knows when to stop talking. I’m sorry,” said the prince.
“Not at all. I’m used to it. But thank you. And happy birthday.”
He frowned. “Thank you. Such a waste of food and funds.”
“The people do need a reason to celebrate now and then. Even if life feels gloomy. Our festivals happen four times a year in addition to the queen’s birthday, then there is also Founding Day. Holidays help everyone, really. But I’m sure the queen doesn’t like being reminded of getting older in such a national way.”
Tantil sighed. “It just feels like pressure to marry. To have children. What is the hurry?”
“I don’t see any. You have plenty of time to enjoy your choice of women. You have to find the right one before you marry. If Faldar had sons, you’d have less pressure,” I said.
He chuckled. “I’m not holding my breath.”
“The heir and the spare, not fun to be the spare. Less pressure in some ways, but always under scrutiny.” I let my guard down more with the prince, but Spetor’s words about rebels haunted me.
“The heir and the spare? An odd phrase,” he said.
“It’s an old joke, of sorts. From before the horrid war. If a woman had two children, her line was assured. Even if the first one died, the odds of both dying were slim. My grandmother was devoted to studying history so we’d learn from it.”
“Smart. Sometimes I feel Bachal is wallowing in the past. Your world seems far more forward-thinking.”
I smiled. “We’re not perfect, but we try. It’s a nice compliment that you see our strengths and not just our flaws. Most people want to see their own way as better. I find myself fighting that habit and trying to analyze things objectively.”