“You have no reservations about the demotion in your noble rank?” King Johan, who had gone unnoticed during the previous confusion, asked seriously.
“No, Your Majesty. A man's worth is deemed by his actions, not his titles,” he said, his words genuine. Regalia stared at him in confusion; her mother always told her the opposite.
“Why not make him a Grand Marquis? The court rank is equivalent to prince,” the Queen suggested, an airy confidence in her words.
“That is a wonderful idea mother and should preclude any issues with his father,” Sasha stood, helping Trent to his feet. Empress Yukie joined them, supporting Trent’s other arm.
“Kneel, Prince Georigi,” he dropped to one knee at Sasha's command.
“Do you swear to protect the Alutia Duchy and all her peoples from all enemies, no matter they once friend or family, as well as obey all our commands?” Sasha asked the question of fealty, her voice regal and majestic.
“I swear, upon my life,” Prince Georigi answered, voice trembling. Regalia could see tears dripping to the floor, now fully understanding why.
“New rank, approved,” the Program's monotone voice sealed Georigi's fate.
“Stand now, Grand Marquis Georigi!” Georigi stood and Vickie rushed to his side, kissing him passionately. A blush of embarrassment spread behind his prideful tears.
“If everyone would please sit except Guard Trainee Donnlie, we have another matter to attend to,” King Johan instructed. Everyone quickly found a seat besides Donnlie and Regalia. She looked at the king, fighting against the urge to comply.
“Lady Regalia?” the King questioned kindly, but with command.
“I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but Donnlie was injured because of me. I do not think it's fair to make him be the only one to stand!” Her voice squeaked as the words of her mother clawed at her mind, telling her to never disobey a higher ranking noble. The king stared at her as laughter filled the air, a smile touching his aged lips.
“Dear Lady Regalia, I am in no way planning on making Guard Trainee Donnlie stand while we sit. But this ceremony requires him to be standing...for at least a moment,” King Johan explained. Regalia blushed, realizing her mistake. She releCased Donnlie, who stood stiff as a board, and rushed over to sit next to Vickie, who put an arm around her, sensing her embarrassment.
“It's alright, sweetie, no one minds,” Vickie whispered, her words soothing and helped ease her fears. But Donnlie seemed unable to control his, having broke into a cold sweat as he stood alone in the center of the room. The king stood and shuffled the few meters between.
“Kneel,” Donnlie complied and Regalia's eyes went wide.
“Guard Trainee Donnlie, for your actions during the rebellion of the Vn'Oco Royal Guard, you are hereby raised to the noble rank of knight. Please stand, Sir Donnlie!” Cheers rolled through the room as Donnlie climbed to his feet in confusion. Regalia, unable to contain herself, ran across the room, hugging her friend and savior close.
“Bravo! A hero's reward!” Georigi shouted over the cheers. Regalia leaned in and kissed Donnlie's forehead, then cheek. The cheers grew louder and she released him, falling into the hands of the guards who had seen them sway.
The king cleared his throat. “Sir Donnlie, you may be granted one boon, please name it.” the king asked, slightly annoyed at Regalia's breech of protocol. Regalia blushed her apology as she regained her feet, curtseying to the king before hurrying back to Vickie's side, ignoring her cat like smile.
“Umm...Your Majesty, I'd-I'd like to officially be Lady Regalia's personal guard,” Donnlie said with a stutter. The king looked at the boy strangely.
“Sir Donnlie, you already have that privilege...if I understand correctly,” King Johan responded.
“Yes, Your Majesty, I know, but I'd like to be hers alone...I'm not sure how to say it...” Donnlie looked flustered and Regalia had to hold herself back. She didn't want to make the king angry again.
“Your Majesty, if I may,” Prince Georigi interrupted, King Johan nodding approval. “I believe Sir Donnlie is requesting to be part of the Regalia Guard, not the Alutia Guard. He is honor bound to protect his lady and if, by happenchance, is assigned to other duties besides her protection, his honor may be questioned,” Georigi responded clearly, from experience Regalia thought.
King Johan turned to his daughter. “I can only request this, my daughter, since he is part of your guard and it is in regards to your lady-in-waiting.” Regalia watched Sasha, who nodded, eyes showing she was deep in thought. She turned to Trent, who smiled.
“One minute, Your Majesty.” Everyone stared at Trent, who smiled like he knew something no one else did. Sasha elbowed him in the stomach and he winced in pain. She quickly kiss him in apology.
“You called, Sir Trent?” An ironed face Sir Seb'Losh entered, flanked by Alutia Guard Commander Usa'Pol.
“Yes, we need you to create three additional guard services within the Alutia Guard. One will be called the Honorable Regalia Alutia Guard, or HRA, another the Vickie's Illustrious Alutia Guard, or VIA, and the Tiana's Virtuous Alutia Guard, or TVA. Each will be self contained within the Alutia Guard and members shall be solely responsible for their charges, unless they request transfer,” Sir Seb'Losh nodded, thinking on what Trent had just said.
“Very well, Sir Trent, this is similar to what I planned in the first place. But there seems to be more to this...will I still have command of these guards?” he asked, his concern obvious.
“Of course, but you will be unable to reassign them, unless the guards or ladies provide permission. With this in mind, Knight Trainee Donnlie shall be provided command of the HRA Guard...when he comes of age,” Trent explained. Regalia couldn't contain a smile as the faces of the only two active members of the Alutia Guard went white.
“I understand, Your Grace, but he won't be able to officially take that role until his 26th birthday,” Sir Seb’Losh told. Trent looked to the king.
“Exceptions can be made, Sir Seb'Losh. When you deem him appropriately ready for the position, let me know and I will provide an exception to the galaxy proclamation in regards to service age, allowing him to be elevated early,” said King Johan, joyous smiles once again spreading across the room.
“Sir Donnlie, do you understand what this will require? For the next four years you will be expected to complete both the officers and general guard programs, while continuing to protect Lady Regalia...do you think you can handle this?” Sir Seb'Losh asked, being the only serious face in the room. Regalia knew Donnlie's answer before he responded.
“Of course, Knight Captain! I will do whatever it takes!” He saluted crisply. A tiny grin flashed across Sir Seb'Losh's lips.
“Very well, we shall start immed-.”
“No,” Sir Seb'Losh was cut off by Empress Yukie. “You shall not! I've been planning a grand banquet along with Queen Vahna and you will not take away one of the guests of honor!” Empress Yukie exclaimed while walking briskly towards the Alutia Guards, who both bowed in reverence.
“Raise your heads; you are invited as well,” Yukie turned, rushing back to grab Trent's arm, pulling him, and by connection, Sasha, to their feet. “Let us be on our way,” Regalia stood and ran quickly to Donnlie's side, mimicking the way Trent held out his arm in the formal manner of escort. Donnlie looked confused at first, but seeing what she meant, did the same.
“Please allow me to continue protecting you,” he whispered.
“Yes, you are my hero after all,” she whispered back, kissing him tenderly on the cheek. This time he smiled, forgetting his embarrassment, as they followed the line of nobles to the banquet hall and the thousands of waiting guests.
*********
Tiana flew through the palace like the wind, almost knocking over a poor servant carrying a large platter who couldn't get out of her way in time. She apologized by throwing her hand in the air as she slid around the next bend, catching where the floor changed from stone to carpet to catapult herself forward, pi
cking up speed for the final stretch. The guards at the door to Sasha's favorite sitting room tensed as the red blur streaked towards them, but at the last moment, realized who it was and threw the doors open.
“Sasha! Sasha! Look!” She skidded to a halt, shouting excitedly while pulling down her low cut top to expose her bosoms. Trent's eyes went wide before Sasha's hand covered them, scowling in her direction. But Tiana didn't care, all that mattered was the furry lump in her cleavage. Sasha's expression softened when she noticed the baby catillian, then whispered to Trent. He smiled with a nod before Sasha removed her hand.
Tiana suddenly did mind and was about to turn away when she realized Trent had his eyes closed, the creases at their edge telling her they were closed tight. Sasha grabbed a cloth from a nearby servant and tied it around his head, blocking his sight, just in case.
“Congratulations, Tiana,” said Trent with genuine delight. Tiana had to hold herself back from hugging him, feeling so happy she felt as if she'd burst. Terra suddenly appeared from Sasha's bosom, seeming to sense the baby catillian, squawking his congratulations as he hopped to Sasha's shoulder. The tiny, green and blue catillian in Tiana's cleavage raised its round little face, with four, tiny eyes surrounding an air hole. Its six, multipurpose arms extended from its thin, flat body, wiggling its human like hands as it squealed in response to Terra.
“Whose was it?” Sasha asked as she sat back at Trent's side.
“Lady Moomi, she was so happy, but Lady Xeara and Lady Hoilie are pleased they get to compete in the next round,” she glanced at the unsuspecting Trent. “It seems they should both be giving birth tomorrow afternoon.” Tiana told, noticing Sasha's playful smile. Trent was going to be in for quite a big surprise for the first seven days of the forty-five day isolation period required following a wedding of elevation.
The reason for the isolation was twofold. To allow the newlyweds to learn each other's minds during their time alone in the hopes that when important decisions needed to be made, they would both easily agree, and, as was less common now, to provide plenty of time for an heir to be conceived. Tiana would miss Sasha, having never been separated from her for so long in her life, but it was a requirement for all marriages of elevation.
“Have you decided on how you're going to handle the bonding?” Sasha asked politely.
Tiana grinned. “Since you two will be gone, I think I'll be spending my time in that luxurious bed of yours. Plus, your apartments are so much larger than mine,” Tiana joked, feeling mischievous.
“Well, that's fine, just as long as there is no funny business!” Sasha batted a finger, seeming to be in a playful mood as well. This is going to be fun.
“You just need to remind me, which side of the bed is Trent's?” Sasha cocked her head slightly.
“Oh...we change, my dear Tiana. I'm sorry to disappoint you,” Sasha smiled regally.
“That's fine, Your Highness, I can always use both pillows to keep me company!” Sasha almost choked on her drink.
“Tiana! You've definitely been spending too much time with Vickie as of late,” responded Sasha, who'd started to become flustered.
“But...but, Your Royal Princess!” Tiana couldn't help but push further. “You told me that I should love Trent as much as you do. Plus, do not best friends share everything?” Sasha's look told her she stepped too far.
“There are different types of love, Tiana, and you know well that this is one thing I would never share!” Sasha's hand fell to Trent's crotch, causing him to grunt in surprise. Tiana fell back into a couch in laughter.
“Well, my princess, I guess I can give up for now. But the sounds emerging from your bedchamber at night make me feel ever so strange. Anything that can make my lady sound like that,” she smiled seductively at Trent, like she'd observed Vickie do to so many men before.
“In a couple years, Tiana, and only with a man you love,” Sasha said flippantly, having partially climbed on top of the blindfolded Trent's lap, a cloud of jealousy covering her soft features.
“But I do love Trent! At least let me watch so I can know what to expect,” she teased, not actually wanting too, but finding too much delight in stocking the fire of Sasha’s jealousy.
“Me too! I want to watch!” Empress Yukie shouted, having entered silently behind her. Tiana slid to floor from the unexpected shock.
“Yukie! Not you too,” Sasha's voice cracked. Tiana regained her feet and watched the gold and silver haired girl skip to the seat next to her, eyes exploding with wonder as she noticed Tiana's exposed bosom, and the tiny furball within.
“Is that a catillian! Oh, I want one so very much, but father says I need to find one on my own,” she said with a pout, all thoughts of the previous conversation vanished. Tiana spied Sasha's relieved smile.
“Well, Yukie, that may be arranged. Be sure to be with us at the grand ball after the wedding ceremony,” Sasha said what Tiana was thinking.
“But Empress Yukie, do you know about the bonding ritual?” Tiana asked. Yukie smiled in response, nodding her head as she bounced up and down.
“Of course, every emperor has had a catillian since before the founding of the NHA,” she explained, petting the baby catillian with a finger while looking to Tiana. “Can we go through the bonding together? It will be ever so lonely being alone for a week,” Empress Yukie’s question caught her off guard.
“Why not just allow ladies in Yukie?” Sasha asked quietly, now sitting completely on Trent's lap, his arms latched around her waist like a belt.
“I'm surprise you asked. The ritual requires that only other bonded humans be present,” Yukie said, matter-of-factly.
“We were all around Sasha during her bonding and nothing happened, ” Yukie’s skin went white.
“And the bonding was successful?” Sasha pointed to Terra, who danced happily on her shoulder.
“You're lucky. We don't completely understand the bonding process, except that it involves creating life energy feeding nodes all over the body, which is why you must be naked. But if other non-bonded humans are present during the process, the baby catillian may get confused and attempt to leave the body before the bonding is completed...” she trailed off, looking sadly at the catillian on Tiana's chest. “They die if they do that. So now the bonding ritual is done alone, or with other bonded humans, since catillians seem to sense if a bond already exists and won't become confused.” Tiana looked at Terra, suddenly realizing how close they'd come to losing him. Sasha must have been thinking the same, tears welling up in her eyes. Trent seemed to sense it as well, tightening his grip and whispering something in Sasha's ear.
“So it will be alright for Trent to be around Sasha when he is bonding?” Tiana leaned in, whispering in the empress’s ear.
Yukie giggled, then did the same. “Yes.” A devious idea came to her as Empress Yukie looked across the room, smiling at the two lovers.
“Whisper to Sasha that she needs to be naked as well during Trent's bonding process,” Tiana said with devilish delight. Empress Yukie looked at her, confused, but smiled her understanding when Tiana gave her a wink. Sasha stared at the two suspiciously as Empress Yukie tiptoed across the sitting room and whispered into her ear. Sasha's face went crimson, nodding, before Empress Yukie skipped back to Tiana's side, smiling playfully when she knew Sasha couldn't see her. Tiana was laughing inside, trying not to let any of the mirth show on her face.
“Sasha, if you'll excuse us, we need to make preparations for the ritual. Lady Tiana, if you would accompany me,” Tiana didn't question, just stood and curtsied. Following the bundle of energy that was Empress Yukie out into the hall.
“Now...Tiana! You shall call me Yukie! I will not be spending a week alone with you and having you constantly calling me empress!” Yukie instructed, trying not to sound too selfish.
“Of course...Yukie.” Tiana smiled as they hurried down the hallway, escorting guards taking station in front and behind.
“Good. Now...you will tell me everything! I
want to know what goes on when the records end!” Tiana looked at the smiling, blushing young girl and knew this would be a week she would never forget.
*********
The Grand Court sparkled as tiny specks of light danced through the darkness...a single spotlight illuminating just her and Trent. Try as she might, she couldn't hold her attention forward, her eyes constantly pulled towards the face of the dashing man who stood by her side, stern and serious, softening when he noticed her gaze. She felt her heart warm and her love awaken, knowing that the bonds she already shared with Trent, her eternal love, were about to be strengthened even further by the strongest legal union in the universe. Trent's eyes, flowing with love and barely contained tension, did little to hide the fact that he was also terrified. Not of being married to her, she knew. But of the responsibly his new station, and the chance he would make a mistake and embarrass her in front of the noble assembly. She had reassured him constantly the night before, keeping his mind from the thoughts she knew would lead him into despair or sudden depression. A rumble sounded, and they took another step; towards their shared future.
Whispers surrounded them as they stood arm in arm between the massed nobles. The spotlight within the darkness allowed the guests to view the couple being elevated, and the rumble that timed their steps meant all had plenty of time to watch and whisper. Another rumble sounded and they took another step; together.
They had been walking across the grand court for almost an hour, and she knew they had to be getting close, but the darkness was only broken by the tiny swirling lights, which exuded no actual illumination. The rumble sounded again, seeming louder than before, and they took another step; into the darkness.
Ever-increasing whispers surrounded them, and she thought she heard her ladies, louder than the rest. They were getting close. Beads of sweat started appearing on Trent's brow, slowly descending his flushed cheeks, and it took all her will not to reach up and wipe them away. The crimson robes they wore were identical, a sign of their equality in everything after today, but were heavy and unable to breath. The rumble sounded again, followed by an echoing clash, and they stepped forward; into the unknown.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 22