Cassandra's Challenge

by Michelle Eidem

  “Well let’s see. We had it in the Temple at Nias, just family and friends, a small union.”

  “A Guide performed the ceremony?”

  “Of course.” She sees Cassandra’s frown. “What’s wrong?”

  “Why would someone not have a Guide perform the ceremony?”

  “Not? Well…there could be some conflict between the families, as in one not supporting the Union. In that case a Guide would not perform the ceremony. Or it could be the couple doesn’t want to wait for the formality. There is a mandatory waiting period to see if one or the other changes their mind.”

  “Or if they are considered from different Houses.”

  “Yes. But Cassandra they are still recognized, just not in the Temple.”

  “And how does that reflect on someone, say an Admiral.” Cassandra’s eyes are steady as they met Javiera’s. “The truth.”

  “Some of the very traditional members of the Coalition would look unfavorably on it. But Cassandra, you can’t possible think that matters to the Admiral.”

  “No I know it doesn’t, he could care less what some small minded person thinks of him. But I need to know if it could be a problem, for him, because of me.”

  “So who’s performing the ceremony?”

  “King Jotham.”

  “Really!!!!” Javiera is amazed and realizes she shouldn’t be. “Cassandra, for the King to perform the ceremony means he supports the Union. That is huge! It will go a long way with the traditionalists. King Jotham is very highly thought of.”

  “What else?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “At your Union. What did you wear?”

  “A Union dress. It’s a special dress a woman picks her own, usually only worn on that day. I still have it.” Javiera smiles.

  “Color?”

  “Traditionally it’s the House color but any color can be chosen.” Javiera frowns. “We don’t have time for Pazel and Kia to make you something special.”

  “I have something in mind.” Smiling she thinks about the violet dress she’d demanded made. “Javiera….you did take Leander’s name didn’t you? I’ve always assumed you did but….”

  “Yes, I know it isn’t very modern of me but I wanted too. But Cassandra, that’s not something you need to worry about.”

  “Why?”

  “Why? Because you’re Qwes. You’ll be Queen Cassandra Qwes.”

  “I’m Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain. I’ll be Cassandra Qwes Zafar whether I’m Queen or not.” Cassandra’s tone is firm.

  “Cassandra…Really???” Javiera is shocked.

  “Why is it such a big deal?” She’s truly puzzled.

  “You’re Qwes….”

  “Chamberlain.” She argues back.

  “But you carry the Qwes name.”

  “And still will. Every woman in my line has carried the name, but we change our last name to our husbands.”

  “I….I guess I just never considered it. It’s not how it’s ever been done.” To that has Cassandra smiling at Javiera.

  “And everything I’ve done so far has been the way it’s been done?”

  Javiera looks at her and starts to laugh. “No, not one thing, the House of Knowledge is in for a surprise.”

  “Yes, they are.” She thinks about Audric about what he’s done then puts it away. That’s for tomorrow. “So anything else I need to know about the ceremony?”

  “I can’t think of anything else.”

  “We’re going to have it in the garden.”

  “That will be beautiful.”

  “On Earth the groom would be with the…Guide, the bride walks up to him, usually escorted by her father….” She has to stop. It catches her off guard, she hadn’t thought about it, her father…he wouldn’t be there to give her away. Neither will Peter or Cyndy. Standing she walks to the window blindly looking out.

  “Cassandra….” She holds up her hand, indicating she needs a minute. “I’m going to call the Admiral.” Javiera stands.

  “No.” Cassandra’s voice is tight but firm. “Is it done that way on Carina?” She turns to look a Javiera.

  “No. Well maybe a thousand years ago, but not today. The woman walks to her intended by herself, showing she’s willing to be his wife.”

  “Then that’s how it will be done.” She sits back down.

  “But Cassandra….”

  “Javiera, there’s no one here to walk me down the aisle even if I wanted them too. We’re on Carina, we do it the Carinian way. William doesn’t need to know any different.”

  “If that’s the way you want it.” Javiera isn’t convinced.

  “I do, which brings me to what’s said during the ceremony.”

  “King Jotham will go through the ceremony he’ll tell you what to say. You just repeat it.”

  “I can do that.” Cassandra takes a deep breath and looks at her friend. “Now tell me about babies.”

  “What?” Javiera laughs.

  “William seems to be overly concerned to me, about my conceiving. Why?”

  “Because he loves you?”

  “I’ve know that. But what else?”

  “Well….Cassandra, I know you don’t consider it an issue but you are rather tiny,” she sees her eyes flare. “For a Carinian woman.” Javiera quickly adds. “And the Admiral is rather large even for a Carinian man, it does raise some issues on you being able to carry his child full course.”

  “Full course, you mean term. What is a full course on Carina?”

  “Nine moon cycles.”

  “Moon cycles?”

  “Ummm, it’s been close to two moon cycles since the Earth was destroyed.”

  “And all moon cycles are the same length?”

  “Within a day or two yes.”

  “So a month, nine months. Same as Earth.”

  “It’s the same?”

  “Yes, but from talking to Victoria, there may be a size difference, at birth. Amina was really ten hectic?”

  “Ten hectic even. She was early. I told you I had problems.”

  “How early?”

  “One moon cycle.” Javiera frowns thinking back. “I thought I could do anything and then I fell. It was so stupid. I was rushing, it’d been a long day, and I missed a step and fell. I was in my sixth cycle, I start to bleed.” Javiera had to take a deep breath. “They kept me in medical hoping I could make it the full nine cycles but I only made it eight. I started to bleed internally, there’d been damage from the fall they couldn’t repair while I was carrying Amina. Once I delivered, there was a lot of scare tissue. So they think it would be dangerous for me to conceive again.”

  “I’m so sorry Javiera.” Javiera just nods. “So she was ten hectics at eight cycles. What should she have been?

  “Oh eleven or twelve easily.”

  “Really.”

  “What are they on Earth?”

  “Ten is a large baby.”

  “Really…” Javiera looks at her, now she’s concerned. “Cassandra…”

  “But they can be bigger, depends on the parents.”

  “You need to find out how big Lucas and Kyle were. It should give you an idea.”

  “I believe Salish was somewhat larger than I am, so that would have to be considered.”

  “Still.” Javiera watches her friend.

  Cassandra leans back thinking. William has valid reasons to be concerned every pregnancy has its own risks, but she honestly didn’t believe there would be a problem. Most of it was instinct, the rest Sabah’s reassurance that her son would be strong.

  “We’ll just have to see what happens.”

  “Cassandra…”

  “Javiera, I’ll take precautions, I’ve conceived, nothing is going to change that.” She takes her friend’s hand. “It’s a happy thing.”

  “Yes, yes it is. And it’s a happy day.”

  “Yes.” Javiera sees the sparkle in Cassandra eyes. “So are you going to help me get ready today?”

  “You couldn’t sto
p me. 1500.”

  “1500.” The two women grin at each other.

  As time the time draws near William finds he’s nervous. He dressed earlier, wanting Cassandra to have the suite to herself. Now Javiera is with her doing all those mysterious things women did before a Union.

  Lucas and Kyle enter followed by Quinn. Quinn walks over and starts to pour them all a drink as Barek and Jotham enter the room.

  “Majesty.” William nods.

  “Colonel, are you going to stand there or hand out those drinks?”

  “Majesty.” Quinn starts around the room.

  “I’ll propose the first toast.” The King raises his glass. “May your Union be long and joyful.” They all take a sip and the toasts continue.

  “Cassandra….” Javiera is at a loss for words.

  “Aunt Cassie, you’re going to knock his socks off!” Victoria is never at a loss for words.

  Cassandra turns from the mirror. The violet colored dress had turned out just has she’d envisioned it. Strapless with a heart shaped neckline, the dress hugged her curves until it reached about mid-thigh and then it flared out. Pazel had found the perfect lace to compliment the color and Kia’s accenting with crystals made the dress sparkle and shimmer elegantly. Turning she finds the train follows nicely behind her. They’d even made a shawl and trimmed it with the same lace and crystals. With her hair pulled up her neck looked long and lovely.

  “So?” She turns to them.

  “It’s beautiful Cassandra. The Admiral will love it nearly as much as he loves you.”

  “Aunt Cassie, it’s great!”

  “What about you Amina?” Cassandra looks at the little girl who’d been very quiet.

  “You look like a Princess.” She whispers.

  Cassandra walks over sit down next to Amina. “Thank you Amina, but can I still be your Aunt Cassie?” Amina nods then gives her a big hug.

  “You know, I think you look very pretty too, both of you.” She looks over at Victoria. They’d each picked their favorite dresses for the ceremony. “You too Javiera.”

  “Thank you but you will be the only one anyone will notice.” Javiera smiles at her. “Now it’s almost time.”

  “Already?” Cassandra looks at the clock.

  “Yes. Girls why don’t I walk you to the door, Leander’s waiting to take you down.”

  “Okay.” Victoria walks over to her Aunt. “I love you Aunt Cassie.”

  “I love you too Victoria.”

  “Look what I’m wearing.” Victoria works the necklace with Cassandra’s ‘lucky’ ring on it out from under her dress.

  Cassandra touches it, remembering. “That’s good baby.”

  “It’s yours maybe you should wear it.”

  “No, you wear it.”

  “Victoria.” Javiera calls from the other room.

  “I’ll see you in a little bit okay? You keep those Zafar men under control.” Victoria smiles like she knew she would.

  “I can do that.”

  Standing Cassandra walks over to the mirror taking one last look. “I wish you were here daddy….” She whispers. Taking a deep breath she turns and walks towards her future.

  “Fuck Will you’re nervous!” Jotham exclaims so only William can hear. He hasn’t seen him like this since they were sixteen and trying to peek in the female cadets bathroom.

  “Where is she?”

  “Getting ready. Are you sure you want to do this?” The eyes bore into his are deadly.

  “Yes.”

  “Then calm down, crap Will, you’re making me nervous. She’ll be here when….” Jotham trials off, seeing Cassandra entering the garden.

  William slowly turns. There she is, praise the ancestors there she is. As she slowly walks towards him he final realizes what she’s wearing. Violet. Pure violet. Moving he meets her half way.

  “I thought I was supposed to come to you?” She whispers up to him.

  “We come to each other.” Taking her hand he places it on his arm and escorts her to Jotham.

  “Family and friends, we are here this day, to witness the Union of this man and this woman….” Cassandra listens to Jotham finding many similarities between the ceremony here and on Earth.

  “Do you William Hale Zafar accept this woman Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain as your wife, to love, honor and protect until you meet the ancestors.”

  “I do and beyond.” Jotham raises an eyebrow.

  “And do you Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain accept this man William Hale Zafar as your husband, to love, honor and obey until you meet the ancestors?” Cassandra raises an eyebrow at the King.

  “I Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain vow to love, honor and protect William Hale Zafar until I meet the ancestors and beyond.”

  William smiles into Cassandra’s eyes, he’d forgotten that part of the vows. Leave to his life mate to make sure she didn’t promise anything she didn’t mean. Jotham clears his throat.

  “Yes, well I’ll take that as I do.” There’s soft laughter behind them. “The ring.”

  William sees the shock in Cassandra’s eyes. “I know it’s very old fashioned, but I want you to wear my ring.” Another thing he hadn’t asked. Jotham watches her slowly nod. William slips the ring he’d always worn off his smallest finger.

  “With this ring,” William slips it on Cassandra’s index finger, already knowing it would fit. “I make you my wife.” He sees the tears start to fill her eyes. Lifting her hand he kisses where he’d just placed his ring.

  “Ladies and….”

  “Wait!” Cassandra looks at William, then turning walks to Victoria, kneeling down. “What do you think?” Victoria looks at the Admiral and nods pulling the necklace over her head, handing it to her Aunt. Removing the ring she hands the chain back to Victoria.

  Rising she walks back to William. Back at his side she shows him what she has. William’s eyes widen. Cassandra looks at Jotham, who frowning nods.

  “With this ring,” Cassandra slips in on William’s index finger, a perfect fit. “I make you my husband.” This time the tears slip out. William gently wipes them away.

  “Kiss your wife Will.” Jotham tells him.

  Framing her face William leans down giving her a hard reverent kiss.

  “Ladies and gentleman, I announce the Union of William and Cassandra Zafar.”

  Hutu arranges refreshments and small bites for after the ceremony. As everyone mingles talking William holds up a plate to Cassandra a devilish look in his eye. Watching her look down he sees her eyes widen. Slowly she picks up a wafer, taking a small bite.

  “William….these are so good!” She quickly takes a bigger bite.

  “Chocolate chip cookies?” He enjoys the pleasure in his wife’s eyes.

  “Yeah.” Her eyes close as she finishes the wafer.

  “You know what you told Hutu.” He teases.

  “I know. Where is he?” William turns her to see Hutu refilling the refreshments. Cassandra walks over, William following behind. This will be interesting.

  “Hutu…”

  “Yes Princess?” He turns.

  She reaches up to pull his face down to hers and gives him a firm kiss, right on the lips. The room goes silent.

  Releasing him she smiles. “Thank you.” Hutu is bright red. Looking at the Admiral, he sees no anger and smiles back.

  “Aunt Cassie? What’s going on?” Victoria is never afraid to ask the question.

  Cassandra takes a wafer from the plate William still holds. Everyone watches the little girl’s eye widen reverently she takes the wafer from her Aunt then takes a bite.

  “Chocolate chip cookies!”

  “Yep, Hutu made them.”

  “Really!!! Hutu you’re the BEST!” Victoria jumps at him, he instinctively catches her. Victoria imitates her Aunt by kissing him. “Thank you Hutu!”

  “You’re very welcome.” Hutu sets her back down.

  “Thank you Hutu.” The Admiral nods.

  “Sir.” He nods at him then leaves the room.<
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  William holds the plate back up to Cassandra. Smiling she takes a bite of another wafer.

  “Uncle William, can I have another one?” Tori looks at him hopefully. William looks down enjoying his new title.

  “Why don’t you take the plate and share with Amina.” He smiles at her.

  “Okay.” Victoria hurries off with her prize.

  Still smiling William hands Cassandra a glass. “What if I wanted another cookie?” Cassandra smiles at him.

  “Then I guess you’ll have to ask Hutu.” William teases. “But give the man some time to recover. I thought he was going to drop when you kissed him.”

  “Oh please.” Cassandra laughs.

  “You don’t realize the effect you have on others. That kiss will ruin him for all other women. I speak from experience.” He gently caresses her cheek.

  “Will.” The both turn to Jotham. “We have to go, meetings.” He’s not going to tell him they have to do with him. He has enough going on.

  “Thank you Jotham.” He shakes his friend’s hand.

  “Yes Majesty, thank you.”

  “Jotham.” He tells her, seeing she understands.

  “Thank you Jotham.” Cassandra steps forward, resting her hands on his shoulders kisses him lightly on the cheek.

  “You’re welcome,” Jotham says slightly pink.

  “Barek, thank you for attending.”

  “Wouldn’t have been anywhere else Admiral.” Barek smiles at the two, with just a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you Barek.” Cassandra smiles at him. Turning Barek follows his father.

  Over the next several minutes people begin to filter out, each giving their best wishes until it is just the immediate family.

  “Aunt Cassie, can I stay at Amina’s tonight?” She gives William a concerned look.

  “You don’t want to sleep in your own bed tonight?”

  “I want to stay with Amina’s, it’s been forever!”

  “Well I don’t see a problem, if it’s okay with Leander and Javiera.”

  “It is.” William tells her, Cassandra raises an eyebrow.

  “If there’s a problem you’ll call?” Cassandra looks at Lucas.