Reckoning

by T. J. Michaels

  “I don’t particularly like the idea of anyone else feeding my babies.”

  “Rhia, I know you slept very little last night. Between both children you were awake almost every hour to feed them. If you wish to double your recovery time, then feel free to feed them yourself and you can stay in bed until...”

  “Never mind, already.” My husband the tattletale.

  I heard that.

  RuArk.

  She grimaced, then blinked in wonder. “Mother, is it possible that having kids can make your bond with your lifemate stronger?”

  “Strong in what manner?”

  “I just heard RuArk in my head, clear as day. It was like he’s standing right here.”

  “It would take an incredibly strong bond, but yes, it is very possible. And that means you’ll have to practice keeping your naughty thoughts to yourself.”

  “Mother!”

  “What? Do you think I was any less, as you say, horny for my mate than you are for yours?”

  “Oh god, I don’t even want to imagine that! And I’m glad you’re having such a fun time laughing at my expense. Both of you.” She glared at her father, who’d settled on the steps of her bed as Mila continued.

  “Her name is Rose. She is a bit older than you, but she has a kind spirit and is very easy to get along with. She’ll help you in whatever way you require. And by the way, she is sweet, but she is no pushover. I believe RuArk called her a ‘veritable dragon’ or something along those lines,” Mila grinned. “She stands guard over the little ones, not letting anyone get too close. You know, germs and all.”

  “Fine, she can help, but I won’t have anyone trying to replace me as their mother.”

  The High Counsel exchanged a telling look with Mila. Rhia felt immediately foolish, knowing that she was being a bit too possessive. Mila rubbed some good natured salt into that little wound before she left the room chuckling, leaving a disgruntled Rhia to tear her toast into little angry pieces.

  “On second thought, I’ll have a cup of this coffee. It smells delicious,” her father said, helping himself to the carafe on the night table next to Rhia’s bed.

  He sat back down near her, propped an elbow on the thick mattress and appeared to take his ease. The quiet soon became a bit uncomfortable. Rhia could tell he wanted, or rather needed something. In fact, she needed to talk to him, too. But how to begin?

  With a deep breath, the High Counsel jumped into the silence and began a long needed cleansing.

  “Rhia, I’m afraid I haven’t been a very good father.” Plate forgotten, she snapped to full attention.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I grieved deeply after your mother died. But you were hurting as well. You threw yourself into your duties, I guess to take your mind off of losing your mother. And I let you bury yourself in those duties. I realize now that I rejected you. It may have been unintentional, but rejection is rejection no matter the reason. After a while you stopped asking any questions about her or her people, your people. And in my selfishness and grief, I didn’t volunteer any answers. I am so, so sorry Rhia.

  “Father, you don’t have to do this.”

  “Yes, I do, Rhia. I love you more than anything or anyone in this world. I love you because you are my daughter, not because of anything you do or have done for this province. I do not love you because you filled your mother’s shoes, because that simply is not possible.”

  The words stung. Rhia’s spirits flagged. Lowering her lashes in an attempt to hide the pain, she took a sip of coffee, but didn’t taste the sweet brew. It settled like bile in her stomach and it was all she could do to keep from throwing up.

  It had all been for nothing. She’d become the most skilled warrior in her province, worked herself to death learning and executing the laws of her people. She’d run the blasted place, dammit. And all for absolutely nothing. Her father still didn’t see her as the warrior her mother was.

  “Rhia, your mother was a magnificent woman, an amazing wife and caring lifemate. She was an unmatched warrior, not only in Draema, but among her own people. Like Sharyn, you know? It’s rare for a Gaian female to choose that path, but she was who she was. And you are who you are. You never had to match the image of your mother. You’ve created your own legacy, your own accomplishments and your own feats of greatness. For lack of better words, you don’t need to fill her shoes. You’ve made your own and you’re just as great as the fabulous woman who gave birth to you.”

  Hugs had never been the High Counsel’s preferred method of affection, so it was something Rhia hadn’t been the recipient of on a daily basis until she’d joined with RuArk. But those walls had long since crumbled from around her heart and disappeared altogether. RuArk had started the assault on those walls, and now her father had completed it. Rhia reached out for him now and for the first time in almost twenty years he was there for her to touch in body, mind and spirit.

  “I love you father.”

  “And I love you, my little red fox.”

  “You haven’t called me that since I was five or six years old.”

  “It was because your hair had all those red streaks in it, and your skin as brown as the rarest cinnamon spice. Intellectually, you were pretty sharp at a very young age. But now I should remember that you are not my little red fox anymore. You’ve grown up into the Fire Storm. You’re pretty damn amazing, Rhia Greysomne Miwatani.

  “You know, I was proud when your brother Sean had his children, but Rhia I must say that I am most proud that I was here to greet the new First Heir of Draema, who is also a prince of Gaia. And his baby sister, a princess of both realms. I am so very proud of you.”

  His expression morphed from relieved to alarmed when a tear slipped down her cheek. “Father, these are tears of joy. I’m just so happy that you and I understand each other. I felt so alone for most of my life thinking that you didn’t love me because I wasn’t... Well, enough. I do believe I’m the happiest daughter in the world.”

  “Well, you have your husband to thank for that.” Head cocked to one side, Rhia’s eyebrow shot up, clearly questioning him on what in the world RuArk had to do with any of this.

  “He took me aside when you went into labor and set me straight on a few things. I had to really sit down and think about what our relationship has been like over the years. The more I thought on his words, the less I liked what I saw. I shouldn’t have abandoned you to your grief, Rhia. I wasn’t there for you and I realize now that you were very much alone. You had Brita and Joan, but that is no replacement for a father. And now that’s one thing I’ll never worry about.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’ll never worry about whether RuArk will be there. I have no doubt he’ll take care of you whether you wish it or not. You’ve met your match, and I’m grateful for that.”

  “Thanks father,” she chuckled. “I think.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  It just so happened that Rhia’s third day of rest, post-partum, fell on New Spring’s Eve. At noon, she was up and about after promising, of course, to nap when she needed to rest.

  The townsfolk had arrived and the vast courtyards that surrounded the villa were brimming with revelers. There was nothing quite like a New Spring party, but this one had a few very special twists.

  The first of which, were the two receiving lines—RuArk sat at the head of one for the men, and Rhia sat at one for the women. It was wholly Gaian and nothing she’d ever seen before at a festival of any kind. She was relieved when her mother-in-law accepted an invitation to sit with her.

  Besides, it was only proper since Mila was in residence, that she personally present the beautiful sarands Rhia had commissioned from the vast amount of silk the woman had sent over weeks ago. Sitting beneath a large sun sunshade in the middle of the largest courtyard, Rhia greeted every woman, whether Draeman or Gaian, with a genuine smile.

  Her heart filled with warmth as one after another expressed gratitude to the Queen of Gaia, who winked as each he
ld the colorful garments up to their bodies. Rhia knew they were imagining what they would look like once they put them on, because she’d done the same on several occasions after receiving one of the lovely outfits.

  RuArk presented each man with a well-made dagger and a tunic with the sigil of the Wind embroidered over the left breast—a symbol that they were, indeed, under his Protection. When RuArk had first arrived, the Draeman accepted him because he had the blessing of the High Counsel. Now they accepted him because he’d shown himself to be a man worthy of respect, and they would serve without question.

  Rhia shook her head at the strange, yet wonderfulness of it all. These people were Draeman citizens on the edge of their province. Their Council of Seven rep hadn’t been through in so long, many didn’t even remember what he looked like. Yet here were the elusive Gaian, again showing their hospitality.

  The kitchen had outdone itself providing relaxed, but substantial meals for everyone, even those who preferred Draeman engineered synth protein meals. The Houseman had managed to spice up the blandness of the foodstuff, which put the staff firmly in godlike territory as far as Rhia was concerned.

  The acres of gardens RuArk ordered installed a cycle ago had yielded abundantly, so there was no need to send to Gaia for all the ingredients they needed. As a result, the feast was the most lavish and decadent the people had ever experienced. They were getting used to seeing some rich Gaian food, but only those who resided, worked, or reported to RuArk in the Protector’s home had the fare with any regularity.

  Fish from the lake were now freshly baked and laced with ginger butter. Roasted wild hare and water fowl had such a variety of sauces to choose from that it was impossible to select just one.

  The sweet orange-colored squash preserved during the winter had been taken out of the stores, baked and then garnished with mint sprigs and fresh berries. Several roasted yearling calves turned over a spit in the center of the courtyard were constantly surrounded by merrymakers urging the cooking staff to slice the succulent meat faster.

  There were loaves of hot crusty bread still warm from the baker’s ovens, rolls with honey were piled high on huge platters. Next to them was as array of colorful, fresh greens, crispy and sweet, smothered with a tart and creamy dressing. Pans of crispy noodles tossed in a kind of sweet and sour spice sat next to trays of meat pies filled with duck, chickpeas, carrots, potatoes, onion and savory broth.

  Rhia had deferred to Joan on the desserts, and the woman’s choices were beyond addictive. She’d had the bakers deliver fruitcakes soaked in lemon liqueur, shortcake drizzled with hot butter and a dollop of winterberry jam, and Gaian coffee laced with dark chocolate rounded out the desserts. The children received hot chocolate and sweets of hardened spun sugar made into little trees, animals and tiny sigils of both Draema and Gaia in every color imaginable. They quickly became a favorite of the kidlets who wished to be just like their Protector and First Heir.

  The warriors stationed inside the township rode to the outer walls and delivered goodies to their comrades on guard duty so no one was left out of the festivities.

  All the townsfolk mingled together with no care that some of them were Draeman and some were from the land of Gaia across the river. Celebrating well into the night, the courtyard emptied slowly, each person returning to their home with high spirits and a lighter, though somewhat wobbly, step.

  The following morning was the traditional exchanging of the gifts. Rhia rose early, threw on a morning suit and robe and after their feeding, scooped up the twins. RuArk was already breaking his fast, standing in front of the fireplace near the high table when she arrived. He sipped a steaming cup of coffee and held another out for her.

  RuArk relieved her of their daughter and rubbed his face against a chubby cheek. Gurgling in response to her father’s attention, Relaina Grey grabbed a fistful of his long black hair and promptly stuffed it into her mouth. Rhia smiled at the tender scene. RuArk dropped a kiss on Taté Icamna’s forehead as they turned both babies over to their caregiver, Rose.

  Sharing a plate, they sat at the high table. Speaking quietly to one another, they watched their friends and family make their way into the hall. Almost every one of them headed directly for the coffee carafes to pour a healthy cup and not bothering with sweetener or crème.

  “I think there may have been a bit more liqueur in those desserts than expected,” RuArk whispered with a wicked grin.

  Rhia snapped her gaze to her husband’s. “Did you...?” He winked. She gaped. “You did that on purpose? Seriously?” He said nothing. Instead, he simply raised his cup with a wink and took a sip of the steaming brew.

  Marth plopped down in the seat opposite RuArk.

  “I believe I should have left my head upstairs with my lifemate,” he groaned, took a gulp of his coffee, and then rested his forehead daintily in his hands.

  “Marth, I don’t believe I have ever seen you with elbows on the table, head in your hands and utterly miserable,” RuArk chided.

  Marth grumbled. “Your voice is as loud as that bloody train that runs through the eastern Neine.”

  RuArk laughed even louder and Rhia stifled a giggle as Marth lapsed into a round of pitiful groaning.

  “Perhaps you should give up your swords and take up gardening. Flowers are nice and quiet,” Rhia said. Marth turned toward Rhia and tried to scowl, but he couldn’t get his facial muscles to cooperate. He settled for a low growl instead.

  “Speaking of life mates, when is Linc going to join with Sharyn?” RuArk asked.

  “Your cousin, Sharyn, is the most stubborn Miwatani alive, and that includes you, RuArk.”

  “Well,” Rhia chimed in, “he’s been wooing her relentlessly.”

  “Hopefully Linc’s gift is impressive enough to move her to say yes. Finally.”

  “Speaking of gifts, isn’t it time?” Rhia asked.

  “Indeed.” RuArk stood and signaled to Lunis, who then signaled to a Houseman closest to the door. A moment later, a loud gong-like sound filled the room. Rhia knew the same sound was ringing throughout the villa. It usually rang five minutes before main meals, but today it signaled gift giving time.

  Moments later, the last of their family and Household, with their mates and children streamed in and took their seats. This was a very private affair. Rhia knew that across the river, the rest of their family was doing the exact same thing—honoring one another with gifts of love.

  Linc escorted Queen Mila and Sharyn, along with Joan, Brita, Drefan, Dalmore, Osgar and several other bleary-eyed folks.

  When the Housemen brought in box after box, Rhia sat...and sat, and sat as her eyes got wider and wider. Her father, who had come in and taken the chair next to her, winked devilishly.

  No wonder there weren’t any goodies for me in the things that arrived weeks ago.

  There were endless packages and containers to open and every single one was for her and the new babies! The notes and little tags showed that the Grandfather, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other members of Clan Miwatani had all sent their love.

  She received several sets of linens for summer and warm soft silks for winter. She crooned over leather leggings with matching tunics, boots and vests—some silk-lined and some fur-lined to accommodate the weather. And the cloaks with special pockets in the lining for her weapons to be concealed were to die for. Now who had thought of that?

  The gifts for the children were just as amazing. Not one cradle, but two, hand carved, polished and engraved with their sigils. There were beaded soft leather shoes, tiny buckskin leggings and shirts in all shades of soft blue, yellow, white, green, gray and pink. Then came the tiny silk undershirts, tightly woven cotton bibs, warm hats, wraps and such. There were so many outfits, clothes and toys for the children that Rhia wondered how she would get them to wear it all, play with it all, and chew on it all before they were ten cycles old. Rhia turned to her mother-in-law in awe.

  “How did you know we were having two babies, a girl and a boy?
”

  “The Grandfather told us.”

  That should have been no surprise. The man knew everything.

  Marth gave Joan a pendant of the clearest, most beautiful pink diamond set inside a loop of cleverly intertwined silver and gold strands, and hung on a thin rope of gold.

  In true suitor-in-pursuit-of-warrior-mate fashion, Linc gifted Sharyn with a new bow, wrist guards and a quiver of arrows designed especially for her. The bow was carved of spirewood, a rare tree found only in the northernmost forests of Gaia. It was light and pliable, but incredibly strong and durable. The bowstring was crafted of the thinnest, most flexible steel cord Rhia had ever seen. This would eliminate the need for concern if caught fighting in wet weather.

  The quiver was fashioned from oiled leather. It was full, but still somewhat smaller and lighter than the one she presently carried. They all wondered why until Sharyn began to remove the arrows—they were made of hollowed, brushed Draeman steel and were thinner and shorter than her traditional wooden arrows.

  Remarkably, these arrows could fly a much farther distance and she could carry more of them. The vivid burgundy feathers set into the ends, the colors of the house of O’dann, were coated with a clear, almost undetectable finish to protect them from the elements.

  The most unexpected present was Marth and Linc’s parents who’d arrived just in time for the exchange, along with Joan’s parents who’d come from the High City to surprise their daughter and meet their new son-in-law.

  Rhia nervously presented RuArk with his gift—a hand sewn white buckskin shirt, with beadwork done in the traditional blue hues of Clan Miwatani, along with the subtle grays of his house.

  “I understand the time and effort it takes to make something like this. So I have one question, Rhia—between running the estate, learning the Gaian customs, and training any and all who wished to learn the skill of the blade, when in the world did you have time to do something like this?”

  “A woman has her secrets,” she mused. Then he kissed her soundly in front of all their close friends and family, which caused a raucous cheer.