He appeared even more morose. “Politics, dear Reina, have me in a quandary. That’s why I personal y interviewed each of those involved in this mess. I sought information to find a way out for the general. Gage is special to me in many ways. He’s earned my respect and admiration because of his bravery and sacrifice. Unfortunately because you’re involved, any transgression during his command wil be monitored.”
“I don’t understand, Sir.”
“In al its complexities, it’s real y quite simple. Because he disobeyed a direct order from my second-in-command, I have to punish him. If I forgive his transgression, it wil appear the general and I had some sort of secret dealings concerning you—an agreement that wasn’t brought before the Governance. They’d already questioned my use of a raven and deploying Gage with the Raze to bring my son home. There’s been innuendo that the general and I have too close a relationship. I’m afraid in the past, he’s been privy to information I’ve not trusted with others.”
“You’ve great power, Sir. Would it real y matter?”
His palms stroked her arms and when he reached her hands, he took them into his. “I do have power and it’s balanced precariously. I need to be extremely careful with how I proceed. It seems appropriate punishment is eminent for General Ryker.” Obviously regret weighed heavily on him. She felt inclined to offer a measure of reassurance. When she squeezed his hands gently, his smile warmed her. “He’s a rather large man, Sir. Would a few strokes of a whip suffice?” He shook his head and looked disheartened. “His continued accommodations in a confinement chamber for a time?”
“Unless I can find a way out, when he’s court-martialed, he’l be hung.”
She wouldn’t hear of such a thing! His cunning and bravery saved four lives, not one, and he’d die for it? Why hadn’t anyone mentioned this sooner!
“What type of madness is this? Because of my heritage, you need to kil him!”
“There’s only one other way I can think to appease those who’d question my actions.” Sad eyes gazed at her and he stroked the side of her face.
“Are you able to tel me?”
His hesitance to relay the information as wel as the expression on his face made her tremble. If must be something terrible. “Your gifts are extraordinary, Reina. Did you know that?”
“I accomplished what I’d been trained to do, Sir. Rather poorly at the tail end of it, which I’m regretful of.”
“I worked with Nakita and know of others who’ve worked with ravens. None of your predecessors have your ability with a computer. None were able to stretch the distance and touch someone as you did Blaize. None would’ve withstood five Theazians, let alone two dozen.”
“I don’t see how that—”
“Additional y, you were able to take on a raven state and rationalize things taking place around you. That ability is unparal eled in any raven. Lastly, any from your clan having done a portion of what you’ve accomplished have gone mad. They couldn’t be reached and became a worse threat than any Theazian. They’d been—destroyed.”
“I only came back because of your general, Sir.”
“I’ve been told.” He cleared his throat and appeared less foreboding. “Let’s pretend for a moment the general knew your potential as a tracker and a weapon. Despite his military training, he’d more than likely disobey an order if it were for the betterment of the Governance. In particular, he’d disobey an order that would place someone as valuable as you in jeopardy. I firmly believe his transgression could be overlooked if it were presented in that light.”
“Then you should do so, Sir, immediately. That’s wonderful news!”
“Not so fast, child, there’s also a price to pay.”
“If it doesn’t involve his death or blood, I believe it should be paid.”
“You’re so unlike Nakita, dear one. That’s why I feared broaching this with you. You see hope and brightness in the darkest of situations.”
“That and my sarcasm are renown, Sir.”
He laughed. “I could see where it may not be appreciated in the clan. You’l do wel outside of that place, Reina.”
“And that which you spoke of? A price, Sir?”
“This is hard for me to relay, but in fairness I wil . Take time before you answer and try to understand al it entails. If it appeared the general disobeyed the order to abandon you because of your military value—if people thought you’d sworn al egiance to the Governance before the rescue, his actions would be justified. If you were to immediately join our military, learn our ways and renounce the clan, I would commission the general, promote him and he’d be aboard a vessel with you at his side for the duration.”
Her head spun with the unexpected prospect of settling the problem without a soul getting hurt. “I accept.”
“Not so fast, please. You’d have to reject your upbringing, publicly renounce your clan.” That sounded a bit different from what she’d original y heard. But would it real y mean anything since they’d already renounced her? No, not in her mind it wouldn’t. “Again, Sir, I accept. I’m dead to them. This shouldn’t matter. But would my compliance in this also guarantee their safety?”
“You’re shrewd, Reina. Yes, it would satisfy their debt for protection as long as you serve. Careful y ponder the rest though. The general would have control of you. In a sense, you’d be given to him much as a soldier receives a weapon. You’ve not spent a great deal of time with Gage. This arrangement could entail years.”
“I’ve grown quite accustomed to taking orders from your general. The prospect of such for a period of time is worth his life, Sir.” She bowed her head, not because of how long her service seemed but because of how temporary.
“Reina,” he said, bringing her back to the long comfortable seat. He sat beside her. “Your happiness matters to me. From this brief time with you, it’s obvious you haven’t had much joy growing up. Are you sure about this?”
“Have you been on Haven?” she asked, smiling.
“Yes. A dismal place indeed, especial y for a young, spirited girl.”
“Then you didn’t see our rivers with the many creatures to catch. And our sun that makes crops grow and offers safety to travel beyond the fortress when it’s high above. The hearth in each chamber, which burns brightly to warm us at night as the smel of seasoned wood surrounds our beds. The large cats that roam, stalk and play when there’s no one your own age to do so. The caverns there al owed me to discover dark creatures and lost treasure from beings long dead. My point, Sir, is the dismal place you spoke of caused me great amusement and happiness during my youth. I found laughter on board your ship too, Sir, and believe it could make me happy for a time to come. Your people are welcoming and helpful.”
“The crew on board Raze? They’re some of the most technical y advanced, intel igent and highly decorated soldiers in the Governance.”
“Ah, Sir, they’re but beings with the same longing to discover new things. They make room for a stranger among them and make al owances for a misfit’s actions without hurting her pride. Most are quite wonderful.”
“I’l speak with the general then and make some arrangements.”
“I find myself growing fond of you, Sir.”
“May I hold you once more, Reina? Please tolerate the embrace for I’ve longed to give it.” She not only tolerated it, she held him back. The emotion emanating from him brought tears to her eyes. Strangely, it reminded her of Gage when he’d put the general away for a time.
* * * * *
That eve, the comings and goings from the chamber she’d been provided made Reina’s head spin. A meal, clothing and various other items were brought by different women. After having left to detail the scheme to Gage hours before, the president came back with a forlorn expression. “He’s declined to merely command you, dear.” The blood left her face and her father helped her sit in a comfortable chair. He patted her hand and stayed very close. “There, there, Reina, whatever’s wrong? You look as though you’ve taken a mor
tal wound. Shal I cal a medic?” Her lips and tongue went numb. “No. Fine. Real y.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good, because the hour grows late and after I speak with you, I must return to Gage to relay your answer.”
“Sir?”
“Please, Reina, cal me father. It would mean a great deal to me.”
“Of course—Father.”
“That’s fine, dear,” he said, stil patting her hand. His smile grew large and his eyes danced with delight. “It appears you’ve made quite an impression on our General Ryker. He said he’d not command you to avoid a noose around his neck.”
“Oh.” A sinking feeling made her stomach ache.
“He said, if you’d agree however, he’d abide a different form of commitment between the two of you.”
“Oh?”
“He’s asked to marry you.” He paused and grinned and looked excited and expectant.
“Sir—Father, I don’t fol ow.”
“To marry you, dear!” She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. His puzzled expression gave way to an enlightened one as something seemed to dawn on him. “Forgive me, Reina, of course you’re not familiar with my meaning. He’s requested a commitment far beyond that of service in the Governance. He wishes a deeper relationship. He’s asking if you’l join yourself to him for al time, through al circumstances.”
“Why would he require such a thing?”
“Gage relayed,” his face gained color as he spoke and searched for words, “the two of you—with your recent past it appears… The detail of such needn’t be disclosed to me because I’m his commander and especial y since I’m your father, but…” Oh-my-God! Considering recent happenings between them, if Gage were to accept her as a soldier, he feared keeping control of her! If she were like Pinski or Lobank and went berserk again, his military protocol certainly wouldn’t permit him to bring her back to sanity by using his big, overly hot body in his bed! He knew how to deal with her and sought to get her approval as wel as a Governance blessing to command her in a manner guaranteeing he could use whatever means necessary to command her. What he must think of me! She needed clarification before jumping to hasty conclusions.
“If I were to accept this deeper commitment, Sir, he’d have more authority over me than a regular soldier?”
“Yes, indeed, dear. In al things for al times.” She swal owed and felt her lips going numb again. “You have a choice. You don’t wish to marry him?”
“If I refuse, he’l be hung?”
“It’s either a ceremony with the two of you in the morn or a court-martial for him, Reina.”
“Then of course I agree. Yes, certainly.”
“You look il , child. Are you sure?” He looked most expectant of her answer.
“I’l marry him.” She final y managed to sound as though she meant it.
He grasped her arms and brought her to her feet. The crushing embrace transmitted his delight. “I’l relay your answer soonest.”
“Might I have a word with him prior to the morn, Sir?”
“Heavens no, dear. There’s much preparation needed. We’l have you smartly outfitted in proper attire and I’l assure your lieutenant general is ready as wel .”
“Brigadier general, Sir. He’s a brigadier general.”
“Al wil be in attendance tomorrow, so prior to your ceremony, I’l promote Gage. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to witness it. It’s terribly bad luck for you to see him beforehand.” He kissed the top of her head. “Besides, dear, you’l need every moment to prepare yourself. We have a fine woman who can see to your dress. Many women wil be made available to you to make sure everything’s perfect. I can barely contain myself.”
“Yes, Sir. Me too,” she said without emotion.
“Are you nervous?”
“A bit. Truly, if I could speak to him for a moment…”
“Absolutely not, young lady. You’l have al the time in the universe to speak to him in a few hours.” Women toiled through the night in her preparation. With the prescribed hour drawing near, Reina paced the confines of the chamber. Extremely uncomfortable in the clothing, she glanced again at her reflection. The bath had been luxurious and scented. The use of real water rather than the sanitizing mist afforded her a time of relaxation. Her long hair had been painstakingly prepared to lie in spiral tresses with strings of white beads and scented, smal white flowers arranged throughout.
Lovely, soft material wrapped around her and went to the floor. The lace and the shimmering jewels against the white layers contrasted interestingly with her raven hair. But maternas wore dresses and she certainly wasn’t of the age to necessitate it. And why would she be required to wear such apparel to a ceremony?
The president—her father—knocked before entering the chamber. When he saw her, he gasped. Her original assumption had been correct. The man was somewhat daft because as he looked her over, his eyes moistened. “He doesn’t deserve you, Reina. No man does.” Because she’d be such a burden, he required a super-special binding ceremony to remain with her. Her own eyes misted up.
“Are you ready?” he asked. She nodded, unsure what would happen if she tried to speak. “Do you remember what to do, dear?” She eventual y offered a response without al the emotion threatening her. One of the women briefly explained what was required of her. “Certainly.” She took his arm and they walked from the dressing chamber down a long corridor. When they reached a massive chamber, she couldn’t believe how many attended the ceremony. She hesitated when music began playing and beings turned to stare at her and the president. He rubbed her hand, which grasped his arm tightly. “Are you rethinking this whole thing, Reina?”
“Simply overwhelmed, Sir.”
“Do you wish to proceed?”
“Of course.”
Ahead of them she spotted the broad shoulders of the man she’d marry. When he turned toward her, he didn’t appear merry, didn’t look like she could make him merry and looked quite ful of emotion, real y. Stared at her, actual y. The burden has arrived, Sir, wrapped to your specifications.
When they walked past al those in attendance, the president took her arm and gave her over. Lieutenant General Ryker took her hand into his. When he unmistakably caressed her, she looked down, surprised by the comforting gesture. Despite his own misgivings of their future and his requirement for her to become more than a soldier, he offered a measure of reassurance. She couldn’t seem to look up. The creatures in her stomach went on a rampage and she felt suddenly very chil ed.
The lieutenant general said, “A moment please.”
Hampered by layers of cloth, silk and lace, she managed to walk where he led. A murmur went through the crowd when he took her from hearing distance of the others. He touched her chin with his long fingers. She eventual y gazed up. “Lady, I’ve not been permitted to speak with you until now.”
“By the low voices I hear behind me, Sir, perhaps now is not an appropriate time.”
“We’l make it so because nothing wil happen until I understand why your march down the aisle has you looking as though you’d rather be marching to the gal ows. You don’t wish our union?”
“I was…” She careful y pondered what she’d say.
He said very softly, “Time is an issue, Reina. Best you say it straight out.”
“Your refusal, Sir, to command me. It stung and… It matters not. I’l do what’s necessary. Please, may we be done with this?”
“Refusal?”
“You said you wouldn’t take me to your side without this ceremony.”
“Sweet one,” he said. His pet name made warmth return to her fingers. “You don’t want a marriage to me?”
“Marriage?” That particular term confused her.
“The declaration that al ows us live as one man with one woman for the rest of our lives.”
“But that’s the vow of husband and wife, Sir. What’s one got to do with the other?”
“A m
arriage, a wedding is the process which makes a husband and wife. You knew that. Didn’t you?” Marriage—the process of two people marrying? Could that be correct?
She stared at him as it penetrated. He refused to simply command her. He’d insisted they be bound far beyond that of service. She understood what the implications of husband and wife were. She’d probably been seated in a corner considering transgressions when the ceremony and additional terms were detailed. She should’ve paid more attention. But it wasn’t as though she ever thought to find herself in this situation! The breath rushed from her lungs and she felt dizzy.
“Reina?” His hands came to her arms and steadied her until the swoon passed.
“Forgive me, Sir, for another misunderstanding.”
“We’l cal this off. I’m sorry, Lady. I know my own heart and if you were close by day in and day out, I wouldn’t keep my hands from you. And after a certain period of time what I take to prevent breeding you won’t work because sex is one thing and a wife is—oh hel , that has nothing to do with it. What I wish to impart is that it wouldn’t be right in my mind for us to remain as we’ve been. With me dragging you to my cabin without…” She smiled, liking the general having trouble finding the right words.
“Best you spit it out, Sir, their voices grow louder.”
“I want al of you. Always.”
“More than some years aboard a ship?”
“Forever, Reina.”
“Even though I’m not a very predictable weapon?”
“You’l be punished for that remark, Lady. You’re not a weapon or a tracker or a raven. You belong with me and I don’t want a life without you. I don’t want to command you. I want us to be joined.”
“I think I could stand it.” She smiled but he seemed very serious.
“And I want to be yours.” His words made her heart skip a beat.
“Forever,” she said, letting it penetrate.
“If we get through the ceremony, sweet one.” He stroked her face and final y smiled. “Your father’s glaring at me.”
“Then we must get it done, Sir. But I’d appreciate use of your strength for a moment. My legs seem uncooperative.” She held his arm and they slowly walked the short distance to where the president original y left her. Al the men in attendance were smartly dressed in ful military regalia and her future husband looked more handsome than any other. Buttons gleamed and medals adorned his chest. She felt very strange. She suddenly feared she’d been dreaming and would wake to find herself in a cold stone chamber—alone. She fought tears again and couldn’t fathom why.
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