Oliver had arrived on Arath halfway through a term, and to be honest, Conall was worried for his son. He was definitely intelligent enough to succeed, but he’d grown up on Earth which was centuries behind Arath and the other inhabited planets in terms of the advancement of their knowledge.
What humans knew about the universe was just a drop in the bucket. Oliver had a lot of catching up to do, and Conall worried for him.
It’s not like I’m much help, Conall mused. He and Oliver were learning about the universe together.
Perhaps I should be the one attending school.
CHAPTER 2
Onalee Cormikan sat perfectly still while her maid, Lena, began to weave her black, waist-length hair into intricate braids. Her fingers occasionally caught and pulled the strands. Onalee winced internally, but remained still for the process.
Lena had been her personal maid for many years now. They were roughly the same age, but were quite different in appearance. Lena was Ingole, a race of beings who were shorter than Arathians, with very pale skin, large eyes, and quick hands.
Many of them had immigrated to Arath in the last century, most of whom worked for wealthy families like Onalee’s.
Even though she stayed on the periphery like the rest of the staff, Lena seemed to know everything going on in the house.
“Would you like me to weave in the gold and green threads today?” Lena asked quietly.
“Yes, please. Don’t you think they’ll look best with the dress?” Onalee gestured to the long, sleeveless dress she’d chosen for the day. It was dark green, and brought out the vibrancy of her pale green eyes.
“Oh, yes. I think those colors will be perfect,” Lena replied with a smile.
Onalee smiled back at her in the mirror, and counted herself lucky that she had Lena as a confidant. It wasn’t exactly proper for her to befriend her personal staff (at least according to her brother), but Onalee couldn’t help it. She was lonely; and Lena was one of the only people she saw on a regular basis.
After a moment of silence, Lena asked, “Are you excited for today?”
Onalee nodded the best she could with her hair held tightly in Lena’s hands. Her brother had told her that today was important. They were attending a luncheon for all of the High Council members and their families.
Princess Jayda, Prince Lukas, and Prince Deian were hosting the event at their country estate. Speculation abounded as to why they were hosting, and not Jayda’s parents, who were still the ruling monarchs of Arath.
Would the coronation, already imminent, need to occur sooner? And if so, why? Everyone was dying to know.
“It’ll be nice for you to get out,” Lena commented.
Onalee agreed. Her brother had been so busy lately that she barely saw him. Usually he asked her to attend at least a function a week with him, but over the past few months, the pressure of his job was weighing him down. She wanted to help him, but knew that now was not the time to ask—not when he was so stressed and under pressure.
It was her job to take care of him. He was all she had.
Their parents had died when Onalee had been thirteen. Her brother had been twenty: legally old enough to inherit their immense fortune, the family business, and guardianship of her. Now, twelve years later, their relationship hadn’t changed much. He took care of her, and she took care of him—in her own way. Not that he needed her much now that he was a grown male of thirty-two.
As if thinking of her brother had summoned him, Onalee heard him call her name from her suite’s outer door.
“I’m in here!” she called.
“May I enter?” his voice was now right outside the doorway to her dressing room.
Onalee smiled. He was always cautious about respecting her privacy.
“Yes, of course, Forkan.”
Her brother breezed into the room carrying a box, already dressed for the occasion in lightweight clothing that hugged his body. Onalee had to admit that he was a handsome man, and knew how to dress to show off his best assets.
He came straight to her side, set the box down, and kissed her cheek.
“How are you this morning, sister-mine?” he asked merrily.
“I am well, thank you. And you?”
He held his hands out wide. “I’m ready to make our grand entrance at the palace!”
She smiled widely at his enthusiasm. He was in a great mood—a rarity these days.
“I’m nearly ready to go.” She stood up when Lena finished with her hair, and moved to take her dress off of the hook.
“I brought you something else instead,” Forkan told her. He opened the box he’d been carrying, and removed a pale pink dress from inside. “I bought it for you yesterday in Talavera. I think it will suit you very nicely.”
She smiled sweetly and thanked him, taking the dress from his hands. It was pretty… for a sixteen-year-old. The cut was young, not something a female of mating age would wear. But she didn’t want to tell him that and risk hurting his feelings.
“It’s lovely, Forkan, but I’m going to wear that one today.” She gestured to the green dress. Lena came forward with a padded hanger and took the pink frock from her.
Forkan frowned. “I like you in pink: it’s very becoming, and I think it’s better suited for today.”
Onalee didn’t want to wear the new dress, so she racked her head for an excuse he’d accept. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Lena tidying up the extra green threads, and she knew the answer.
“I already had Lena weave green and gold threads into my hair to match the green dress. I’m happy to have her redo them with pink, but I’m afraid it will take a while.” She gestured to the intricate braids falling down her back. “I don’t want to risk us being late for the Princess and Princes.”
Forkan pursed his lips in thought, then nodded. “You’re right. We can’t risk being late. I’ll leave to let you finish dressing.”
He left the room. Lena helped her step into the green dress, and close the fasteners up the back. Onalee slipped her feet into sandals, snagged her small purse from the table, and joined Forkan in the hall.
It took a couple of minutes to traverse their large home, and before they could step outside, Forkan’s assistant, Stigus, stopped them.
The male had always made Onalee uncomfortable. For the life of her, she didn’t understand why Forkan kept him around. She’d never seen him working or contributing in any way.
He was tall and thin, but it was his eyes that unnerved her. He didn’t just look at her: he leered. He tracked her movements, and made her feel like she needed to wash herself after their encounters.
“What is it Stigus?” Forkan asked.
“I just wanted to wish you two luck today,” the male replied. His eyes raked over Onalee from her head to her feet. She took a deep breath and curbed the impulse to shift closer to Forkan.
Forkan clapped Stigus on the arm. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow in Talavera for the meeting.”
Stigus nodded. “Yes, sir. I’ll be there. Have a pleasant afternoon.”
Forkan led her away, and Onalee breathed a small sigh of relief. Once they were seated inside their autotransport and it pulled away from their house, Forkan turned on the seat to address her.
“Now, do you remember what your role is today?”
Onalee nodded. They’d been over this several times the last few days, ever since they’d gotten the invitation to the royal trio’s home.
Forkan had pursued Jayda romantically for years, so he’d taken every opportunity to spend time at the palace, usually at the invitation of the Queen. But ever since Jayda had mated Lukas and Deian, the invitations had stopped.
It wasn’t confusing as to why: the trio was happy, and busy taking over as ruling monarchs. They didn’t often entertain in their private residence, and never this many people at once. Forkan wasn’t one to let an opportunity pass him by.
“Repeat it for me,” he instructed her. She stifled a sigh.
“I am
to be friendly, polite, and engage as many people as possible in conversation, to find out where the representatives stand on next month’s vote.”
“Specifically…” he prodded.
“Specifically, Representative Cohen.”
Forkan nodded. “That’s right. The High Council’s annual budget vote is next month, and I need to know where everyone’s loyalties lie. We’re close to finding a cure, but I need more funding this next year to make it happen. We can’t let Cohen snag it for his new education initiative. You know the weight of our responsibilities.”
Onalee nodded in response. She knew, just as he did, that the future of their entire race sat on their shoulders.
Sixteen years ago, a vaccine had been distributed throughout Arath that was supposed to cure all genetic illnesses. It succeeded, but they discovered too late that it also had the horrible side-effect of infertility. The Arathians had sought help from their allies, sent ships to the far reaches of the galaxy, and many companies on Arath—including theirs—had concentrated on finding a cure.
For eleven years, nothing had happened, and no progress was made… Until two Arathians had mated with a woman from the planet Earth, and had become pregnant naturally. Many Arathians began to see Earthers as their salvation. But even with that hope, they hadn’t been able to use the knowledge to reverse the damage done to their own people.
When Onalee and Forkan’s parents were killed in an accident twelve years ago, the family business had fallen to her brother and herself. Onalee was only thirteen at the time, so Forkan had taken on the responsibility of her, the business, and finding a cure for their race. He’d turned Cormikan Industries into the leading research firm on the planet, completely devoted to finding a cure for their infertility. But it hadn’t been without setbacks.
Lab accidents weren’t uncommon, and each one seemed to make Forkan even more concerned for her safety. She didn’t blame him; she was all the family he had.
“I almost forgot,” Forkan added. “The other thing I want you to do is listen for anyone who may have their sights set on a royal wedding.”
Onalee didn’t know what Forkan was talking about. Princess Jayda was already mated to two males, and her younger twin sisters had shown no interest in finding mates.
“Whose wedding are you referring to?” she asked.
“The royal trio’s,” Forkan replied, as if that was abundantly obvious. “There’s been talk that they’re looking for a fourth mate, and if anyone is going to have that honor, it’s going to be me.” Forkan softened his tone. “For their sake, of course. I don’t want to see anyone take advantage of Jayda’s gentle nature, or Lukas’s Earther origins.”
“Of course, Forkan. I’ll do my best.”
Onalee was shocked that the trio was looking for another mate. Sure, the current Queen had three Kings—which was completely normal on Arath—but the times Onalee had seen Jayda, Lukas, and Deian, they’d seemed very content with one another. She doubted they’d bring in a fourth, but anything was possible. Better their new mate be Forkan than someone who would misuse the power.
It wasn’t long before their transport pulled in front of the Royals’ palace. It’d been many years since she’d been there, so Onalee looked her fill as they slowly pulled up to the walkway. The door opened, and several men and women waited to greet them, all dressed in the Royals’ livery.
“Welcome, Forkan and Onalee Cormikan,” the head butler, Palavi, greeted. “If you would please follow me, I’ll show you inside.”
Forkan scoffed. “I don’t need an escort, Palavi. I know how to find my own way.”
Onalee sighed internally—and aimed a practiced, polite smile towards Palavi—as Forkan linked her hand through his elbow, and led her away. She loved her brother with her entire heart, but sometimes he wasn’t aware of how he treated others.
She kept her thoughts to herself and followed alongside Forkan, admiring the garden beds lining either side of the path, leading to the house. Once inside, Forkan guided her forward at such a speed that she didn’t have a chance to look around. He headed straight for the trio, who were greeting their guests.
Lukas was occupied, talking to the Representative of Wilderness and Wildlife, but that didn’t stop Forkan. He walked right up to their hosts and dipped into a dramatic bow. Onalee didn’t miss a beat, and followed suit. She let him rise first, since he was the head of their family.
“Princess Jayda, how lovely you look this afternoon,” her brother greeted. “You’re positively glowing!”
Jayda smiled politely in response. “Thank you, Forkan.”
“Welcome to our home,” Lukas added from her side. The representative had already walked away to join the other guests outside.
“I am happy to be back,” Forkan told them. “This feels like a second home to me, since I spent so much time here when we were younger. Right Jayda?”
The Princess didn’t reply, except to give him a tight smile. Prince Deian quickly diverted the conversation.
“I don’t think we’ve ever been properly introduced.” The Prince stepped forward and inclined his head politely to Onalee.
“Please excuse me, Deian!” Forkan exclaimed. “I’m so used to having my sister around that I must have overlooked that.”
Onalee smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Prince Deian. Thank you for inviting me today. I’ve been looking forward to it ever since we received the invitation.”
He returned her smile. “You’re welcome, although it was Jayda’s idea to have this little get-together. She thought it’d be nice to spend time with the council members and their families under less-formal circumstances.”
“I agree,” Forkan declared. He took a step closer to Deian, and his voice dropped. “I just hope that you’ll have time for me later this afternoon. I enjoy your company so greatly.”
Onalee was shocked that Forkan was being so forward, but as always, she kept her features schooled and waited patiently at his side. She did however, watch the trio.
Lukas was the only one to have a reaction to Forkan’s statement. His eyes narrowed the slightest bit, and she knew that Forkan had overdone it. He needed to tread lightly; Earthers had different customs than Arathians, and that included courtship. If he wanted to have a chance at becoming their fourth mate, he needed to win all three of them over; especially Lukas, who would be High King.
The title of High King was not a random assignment. In Arathian relationships, there was always one male who was the alpha amongst the mates. In this case, that was Lukas. He would be the final word on the High Council—the final authority. It was a lot of pressure, but to deny the role, one would have to change their nature. Onalee didn’t know enough about the Earther to know if he was cut out for the job, but Jayda did. She wouldn’t have mated with him if she didn’t think he was up to the challenge.
“I hear that your Sirilian friends have returned from Earth,” Forkan observed. “How was their trip?”
“It went smoothly,” Lukas answered. “Now they’re busy getting settled into their new home.”
Forkan’s interest was piqued. “I hear they built a house adjacent to this estate, yes?”
Lukas nodded. “That’s correct.”
“We’ll have to go over and welcome them to Arath.” Forkan turned towards Onalee. “Don’t you agree sister-mine?”
She nodded. “Yes, it’d be very nice to meet them all.”
“Then that’s settled! We’ll pay them a visit sometime this week,” Forkan decided.
At that moment, another member of the High Council and their family were escorted into the palace, and headed their direction.
“It was nice to visit with you both. I’m sure we’ll see you outside with the others, once we’re done greeting everyone,” Jayda told Forkan and Onalee.
Forkan caught the dismissal and empty meaning behind her words. He bowed once more, then led Onalee away.
One glance at his face, and she knew that he was angry. That wasn’t how he
wanted their introductions to go, but Onalee wasn’t sure what he’d expected. The royals were mated, happy, and in love. They wouldn’t open their hearts casually to another person. Forkan needed to be patient, and not so aggressive; although, now was certainly not the time to tell him that.
By the time they stepped out onto the terrace, his smile was back in place. Onalee gasped and looked around at the beautiful outdoor area. It was an extension of the house that had comfortable seating, which seemed to be ensconced by plants. Conversational spaces were surrounded by ferns with leaves larger than her body. Flowers bloomed everywhere; it was like an outdoor oasis, and reminded her of her own retreat at home.
Forkan didn’t give her time to explore. He led her through a walkway lined on either side by large palms, until the space opened up to a sprawling lawn that led down to a lake. There were aquatic crafts dotting the surface of the water, and a large floating maze of slides for the kids. Council members and their families were scattered throughout the area. Some were sitting in the shade of tents enjoying lunch and drinks, some were walking the gardens on the right side of the lake, and others were standing in clusters, talking under the shade of umbrellas.
“You know what you need to do,” Forkan whispered to her, before he let go of her arm and called to a nearby man. He walked away to go conduct business, and Onalee was left by herself.
CHAPTER 3
Brogan, First Lieutenant of the Royal Guard, watched the palace’s guests from his place at the edge of the back lawn. There were other Guards stationed all around the property and inside the house. Their job was to keep an eye on the festivities, and to make sure the guests behaved themselves.
Instead of his usual dark-colored uniform, Brogan was dressed in civilian clothing, in order to patrol undercover. He stayed on the periphery, drink in hand (non-alcoholic, of course), and watched the crowd. With his technologically-enhanced senses and years of training, he missed very little.
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