by Robin Roseau
“We’re near the end of that,” Mother pointed out. “We won’t have any more by next week.”
“But we’ll have some sort of fresh fruit all winter,” I added. I pulled Shalendra over to a table holding a variety of foods. We made one plate then sat down to share it. “Father, I know there are papers to sign.”
“Your secretary has them,” he said.
We talked easily for a while, and then Shalendra said, “I understand Darfelsa and I will be leaving.”
“Not just yet,” Ahlianna replied.
“Gionna and Allium, what are your plans?” I asked.
“Unless you wanted us to stick around,” Gionna replied. “Allium and I were thinking of leaving in a few more days.” But then she picked up a berry and stared at it. “There are reasons to prefer Barrish, but there are also reasons to prefer Charth. However, I’m not sure there are many reasons to prefer Ressaline City.”
“We’re working on that,” Allium said gently.
Gionna popped the berry in her mouth, ate it slowly, and then said, “In Charth, they have canned fruit all winter. I remember last winter, and no one thought it was notable.”
“It probably wasn’t,” Father said.
“They’re out of fresh fruit by now, too.”
“You’re welcome to travel to Sharden with us,” I pointed out.
She shook her head. “No. I need to work on some of the things you started.” Then she grinned. “And there are a few aspects of Ressaline I prefer.”
“By that,” Valsine said, “she means the steady supply of sex partners.”
“I got it,” Ralifta said. “You do realize your great aunt heard you, Valsine.”
“Why do you think I said it?” she asked. “Great-auntie probably doesn’t know about those things.”
“You are impertinent, Valsine, as always,” Grandmother said.
“I strive to be consistent,” Valsine replied with a grin.
“Valsine,” said Shalendra. “You’re a very confusing woman. Yesterday, you were full of tall tales, but somehow you managed to explain the custom, and quite well besides.”
“She did?” Grandmother asked.
“Valsine was priceless,” I declared. “She was able to help ensure the surprise while also acting as a guide. No one else would have done it quite the same way. I am quite pleased she was there to share our day.”
“Thank you for appreciating me, Darfelsa.”
“When you get married, do you hope to experience the same tradition?” Shalendra asked her.
Valsine scoffed. “Are you kidding? It was a brilliant move for Darfelsa, embracing ancient tradition while engaging in a very non-traditional choice. But no one cares what I do, and traditional is about the last word I would ever want anyone using for me.”
“Darfelsa,” Grandmother asked. “I would like to understand your plans for visiting Sharden.”
“I want to see Gionna off,” I said. “And head south after that. Did you hope to travel with me?”
“Will you accept my hospitality for your stay?”
“We’ll start that way,” I replied.
“Then I believe I should leave in the next few days. I wish to see to a few things and collect the latest news, ahead of your arrival.”
“Then I would like one more conversation before you go,” I said. “With my staff. Ahlianna?”
“Handle it, Darfelsa,” she said.
I glanced at Father. He was listening, but didn’t add anything. So I nodded. “Shalendra and I will see my staff next, so I’ll have them arrange a time with you, and I’ll try to provide our tentative schedule before you go.”
“I want to ask something,” Shalendra said. “In short: what are my duties? Clearly, I am no longer involved in my family’s businesses.”
“In no way may you be involved in your family’s businesses,” Ahlianna said. “It’s illegal.”
“I remember,” she said.
“Your immediate duties,” Ahlianna said, “Are to settle into your new life. You will also meet the head of your security team. Until you have your own secretary, Ms. Pelonden will see to these items for you.”
Shalendra turned to me. “This isn’t something we ever discussed.”
“We should have,” I replied.
“Shalendra, you will have social duties. We all do. However, you can’t accept any duties that can’t be suspended on short notice, because Darfelsa can be sent anywhere with two-hour notice. Once you’re settled, all of us will probably ask you to attend minor events that are worthy of royal attention, but not necessarily enough to send Mother. You have responsibilities to Darfelsa as her wife. Other than that, I believe the best plan is to ask your own wife how you can help her with her duties.”
“Shalendra,” Father added. “You have no official authority beyond what Darfelsa grants you within your household. You may, from time to time, be asked to represent the royal family, and you would be granted very limited authority specific to the situation.”
“I understand,” she said. “I want to be busy and useful, and I wanted to bring it up sooner rather than later.”
“Admirable,” Father said. “It may take some time, but no one in this room is shy about using available resources. I would prefer that you attach yourself to Darfelsa’s needs, but if that turns into too much time together, ask for a fresh conversation.”
“I will. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Save the title for court,” he said.
“Of course, Leander.”
“Darfelsa,” said Mother. “You’re going to be running away again. I would really prefer if you and Shalendra would accompany me to an event or two first.”
“We would love to,” I replied. “Are you asking me for duties, Shalendra?”
She turned to me. “Yes.”
“Excellent. Grandmother?”
“Oh, interesting,” Grandmother said. “What can I do for you, Darfelsa?”
“Two things,” I replied. “First, do you think you would have time today to review the books available in our library and select any you feel would help my wife learn more about Sharden?”
“I can do that.”
“Thank you. Secondly, could you take her for a long lunch, perhaps in two or three days, and help give her background on the region?”
“How about in two days?” she proposed. “I can leave the next morning.”
“Thank you, Grandmother,” I replied.
“I can help with that, too,” Valsine offered. “I don’t know things as well as Great-Auntie, but I’ll be here a little longer, and I bet she has questions.”
“Thank you, Valsine. You know the region better than I do.”
“Valsine,” said Grandmother. “Perhaps you will join us for lunch, so you can see what I’ve told her.”
“I’d like that,” Valsine replied. “Thank you, Great-Auntie.”
“All right then,” I said. “Shalendra, getting settled, and the things we’ve discussed should keep you busy for at least a few days. After that, I’d like you to attach yourself to my staff. Tess is leading my domestic policy work, so I think you should focus on that.”
“It sounds like I have enough for a while.”
* * * *
I brought Shalendra to my office. “Congratulations!” Renishta said as we entered the outer office.
“Thank you,” I said. “Renishta, you should have papers for us.”
“I do.”
“Please bring them in, and then assemble our little staff.”
We passed through into my inner office, sitting down at my small conference table. Renishta brought the papers in and showed us what we had to sign. Then she slipped back out. I double-checked, smiled where it showed Shalendra’s new name, and then signed. Shalendra had been reading alongside me, but she brushed her fingers over her name.
And then, with a grin, she took the pen from me and signed the papers.
It only took a moment for the staff to file in. Renishta coll
ected the papers and assured me they would be filed within the hour. With a few kind words, the staff settled.
“We’ll be leaving for Sharden in approximately two weeks and may be there most of the winter,” I declared. “Initially, we’ll stay with my grandmother, but I don’t know if that will last.”
“We’ll be ready,” Renishta declared.
“Renishta, until Shalendra finds an aide of her own, can you handle double duty?”
“Of course.”
“She’ll have a meeting with her new head of security and also has lunch with my Grandmother in two days. Please coordinate for her. Tess, she’ll be coming to you for an education on domestic policy.”
“I look forward to it.”
“All right, then.” They filed out. I looked Shalendra in the eye. And then I said, “I think there is something we need to do in our quarters.”
“You might be right.”
* * * *
We got Shalendra settled. That involved bringing her personal things from her old home, and making room in my quarters.
I set to preparing for my trip. Shalendra learned what she could from Grandmother and Valsine, and then could be found with Tess.
And in between, I’m sure it would shock absolutely no one if I admit we spent a lot of time in bed.
* * * *
Grandmother left. For the first time in my life, I actually felt a little sad about that, even though I’d see her in a few weeks. I talked to Ahlianna about it.
“Frankly, I don’t trust her,” she said. “Be careful what you promise her, and how much you invite her into your life.”
“What do you think she’s after?”
“She’s after influence,” Ahlianna replied. “I don’t know her current game. Maybe she actually intends to remain reasonable, but I think she made a retreat and is simply trying a new direction. She’s never had the sort of influence with Father that she felt she was owed.”
“I think she’s been reasonable this entire visit.”
“I agree, which is why I don’t trust her.”
“You must suspect something.”
“I have guesses.”
“Such as?”
“Such as, don’t be too surprised if she suggests you should foster your eldest with her, or with someone she knows. Don't be too surprised if she offers you a maid, either. And you should assume that anyone she places on your staff will report to her.”
“You don’t believe what she said about loyalty?” I grinned. “You know, I can test that quite easily.” I thought about it. “You’re telling me to be careful?”
“Yes.”
“I will.”
“Good.”
* * * *
Gionna, Allium, and Valsine left. That was even harder. We saw them off, and then I found myself with Ahlianna on one side, Shalendra on the other, an arm from each around my back. I felt a little sick; they wouldn’t be back until the edge of spring, and I didn’t think they would stay as long as they had this trip.
But then I remembered something. “You intend for us to return with them in the spring.”
“That is my strong preference,” Ahlianna said, “Unless something else comes up.”
“All right, then,” I said.
* * * *
Two days later, my household assembled in the courtyard. My honor guard was enhanced with four more members, all men. I’d talked to Mariya about that and only told her, “If you need me to back you up, I will.”
“I can handle it.”
My normal team would be sufficient for both Shalendra and me unless we separated. It was good to allow flexibility, however, and thus we were traveling with an enhanced force. Luckily, I was neither responsible for their arrangements or their budget.
Shalendra and I were both still entirely under the blissful spell of the recently married. I kept catching her grinning at me, and I thought I was probably doing the same. And, of course, we were touching whenever we could.
It was a good thing I had such a good staff. They saw to all the details and only chuckled when they caught Shalendra and I engaged in some form of affection.
Our first night was at an inn. Once we settled for the night, Shalendra cuddled into me and said, “It still feels like a dream, Darfelsa.”
“I know, for me, too.”
“It was so sudden,” she said. “It was… and then…”
“Oh,” I said.
“I’m not complaining,” she added quickly.
“I wasn’t very fair to you.”
“If this was just looking for love, then you’re right. But in a way, it was a job interview, and that was what made it difficult. I’m not complaining, Darfelsa.”
“I turned it into a sudden change and gave you no time to grow accustomed to the idea.”
“Oh, I was entirely accustomed to the idea. It’s the reality I’m still catching up to.” We both laughed at that. “While I didn’t necessarily care for having competition, it does my ego no end of good that you chose me in the end.” She grinned at me. “And I don’t need to ever worry again.”
“No, you don’t,” I agreed.
We came together to kiss, and touch, and stroke. And I’m not entirely sure how it happened, but I found myself on my stomach, shuddering under her touches, and then she reached underneath me, urging me onto my knees. We’d never made love like this, but Shalendra kept touching and stroking and teasing, and I went out of my mind for her.
When the final pleasures came, they came hard and long. I was long past words, but I knew I was making noises. I’m not sure what. I’m sure they were quite regal. Quite regal, loud mews of pleasure until I collapsed, panting rapidly, my legs now clenched tightly, trapping Shalendra’s arm, her fingers still inside me, both of us twitching.
She leaned over me and kissed the back of my neck. “Mine,” she whispered. “Aren’t you?”
“Yes,” I panted.
“Going to let my hand go?”
“No.”
She laughed and used her own foot to nudge my legs apart, then slowly withdrew. I gave a fresh mew, this one of displeasure, but she laughed and pulled me into her arms., then presented her hand to me. “Clean it.”
“You think so, do you?”
“Yes.”
And so, working slowly, I licked her fingers. It was quite… dominant a demand, but I didn’t mind. She stilled as I did it, but I licked and sucked, taking my time.
“I didn’t think you’d actually do it. I was teasing.”
“Hmm,” I said, then used my hand on her wrist, withdrawing her. “I am simply assuming you are showing me how you want me to treat you.”
She laughed, rather loudly. We spooned, my back to her front, and she said, “My First liked taking me that way, and she always made me clean afterwards.”
We talked, and then we slept.
* * * *
Shalendra remained a sex fiend for the remainder of the trip to Grandmother’s. I thought we’d had a fairly active, healthy sex life even before we married, but she really stepped it up, and I didn’t mind at all, not at all. The night before we arrived, after she took her pleasures from me this time, I told her, “I think I like being married to you.”
“I think I should be the one saying that,” she replied with a laugh. “Thank you, Wife. That was absolutely lovely.” She pushed me onto my back and rolled towards me, sliding an arm under my neck and throwing a leg over me. Her free hand moved to my breast, lightly touching. It felt nice, and I closed my eyes, offering a little purr of pleasure. “You’re a very complicated woman.”
“Hmm?”
“It’s like you’re ten people all wrapped up into one wonderful package.”
“Ten, hmm?”
“You have a playfulness that is unusual for someone with as much responsibility as you carry.”
“Mmm.” Yes, I was being very articulate, I know.
“I’ve been watching you for a while, and you’ve become quite settled with your authority.
”
“I wasn’t before going to Gandeet.”
“You are the center of this trip, of all these people. You’re like the sun, and we’re all a bunch of flowers, turning to face you.”
“Does that bother you?”
“No. I’m proud of you. Go back to those other noises.” I giggled, and she only touched for a moment. Her tone softened. “In bed, you’re a few different people, too. You can be quite determined, or playful, or gentle. You like starting tickle fights.”
“Mmm. No. You start them. I finish them.”
She laughed. “Fair enough. But when I turn even a little dominant, you let me without a single fuss.”
“I am well-rewarded for that,” I replied.
“You don’t even deny it?”
“No. That feels so nice, Shalendra.”
“I’m barely touching you.”
“It’s all of it,” I whispered. “You’re more than barely touching me. Your leg like that is more than just a little dominant.” It was only resting across me, but it was her way of telling me to stay where I was. “Why would I fight with you?”
“I’m glad you don’t.” That wasn’t really an answer, but perhaps we both accepted my point. “I’m so happy, Darfelsa.”
“So am I.”
“You liked the other women.”
I opened my eyes, turned my head to look at her, and captured her hand, holding it where it was. “You’re right,” I said. “I did. But at the same time, while all the attention was exciting and good for my ego, I wanted to reach this point. I want this security, this knowledge that things are now settled. Life is a journey, and the journey continues. It won’t always be easy. But we’ve reached this destination in our life. I did what I could to enjoy the path I took to get here, and I did what I could to ensure when I reached this destination, it was one that pleased me. But it was all about getting to this point.”
“I’m only saying… I’m not sure what I’m saying.” She shifted her gaze, looking past me. “I’m saying I recognize you gave something up.”
“That’s not how I see it. Yes, I liked them. So? They were a temporary part of my life. You’re permanent. And it feels so good knowing that.”
“You’re right,” she said. “Now close your eyes and let me do what I want.”