The Pacifist

by Elin Peer

  “Wow, that sounds impressive.” Anne’s eyes grew larger.

  “Ah, don’t be impressed yet. So far, it’s just a thought, but I really think it would be possible to create a state that evolves in the opposite direction of the thermodynamic arrow of time.”

  Nero was still smiling. “If anyone can do it, you can!”

  With the way Anne kept smiling at Nero, I would have expected her to introduce herself to him, but it was like she had turned shy all of a sudden.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Nero,” I reached out my hand to shake his. “I’m Jonah.”

  He laughed. “Everyone knows your name. It’s an honor.”

  “This is my sister, Anne.”

  It was interesting to see how Nero straightened up, and cleared his throat before speaking in a deep tone. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Anne stumbled over her words as if he made her nervous. “What kind of trape, I mean trade do you do?”

  I was puzzled why she had such a different reaction to Nero compared to the hundreds of Nmen she had met over the last few days.

  While Shelly returned to meet and greet the people again, Nero answered Anne,

  “A wide variety. Since your brother’s speech at the council, I’ve been buying up rights for previously published romance books. I had a feeling that it was just a matter of time before they would make them legal in the Motherlands, and I was right.”

  “You saw the vote today?” Anne’s voice was soft and pleasant.

  “How could I not? I’ve been waiting for this to happen.”

  Anne smiled widely. “So much is happening on both sides of the border. The legalization of romance books is only the beginning. Actually, we have a celebratory dinner planned tonight. You should come.”

  Nero looked at me and I read the question in his eyes.

  “I’m not her protector. Anne is a Motlander; she would never allow me to decide who she can hang out with.”

  Anne’s laugh was melodic. “That’s right.”

  Nero’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “But you want me to celebrate with you?”

  “Why not? It sounds like you have plenty to celebrate yourself. Do you like to read romance books?”

  Nero shifted his balance. “Sure, but to be honest, sometimes I skip to the sex scenes.”

  “Ahh, impatient, are you?” Anne’s giggle made me exchange a look with Mila to see if she too noticed Anne’s peculiar behavior. Fifteen minutes ago, Anne had been tired and complaining about her hunger but now she was laughing and teasing Nero like there was no other place she would rather be.

  “Anne, maybe you can ask Nero to show you around the festival. I’m sure you’re tired of hanging out with me and Jonah so much, and you’ve been complaining that you haven’t seen much of the tournament.”

  “Ooh, I’d love that.” Anne gave him a sweet smile. “If you have the time, of course.”

  The way Nero’s face lit up was answer enough. “I would be more than honored,” he exclaimed with eagerness.

  Mila placed her arm around Anne’s waist. “Nero and I grew up together, I can vouch for him. He would never hurt you.”

  “Hurt her? I would protect her with my life.”

  Anne giggled some more. “Hopefully that won’t be necessary, but it’s still sweet of you to say so.”

  “Nero, Anne was saying she’s hungry, will you make sure she eats?” Mila instructed him.

  “Of course.” His eyes flew to Tristan as if to silently ask if this was a dream.

  With a smack on Nero’s shoulder, Tristan told him, “You two have fun. We can catch up tonight at the celebration. Salma and I better get back to our meet and greet.”

  “No problem.” Nero was beaming with happiness when he returned his attention to Anne. “What kind of food do you like?”

  “I’m open to anything, but I’ve seen people walk around with a dessert that I really want to try. It’s a long stick with ice cream on it.”

  “Yeah, I know them. They’re called Tournament Toffees.”

  “Toffees? But it looks like cake.”

  “It is, but with a toffee filling. How about a burger first? They’ve got some amazing ones up at the comedy area.”

  “I like burgers.”

  “Then let’s do it.”

  “Nero,” Mila gave him a sweet smile. “Remember that Anne is a vegan.”

  “Right, I figured. We’ll have to ask what vegan options they have.”

  Anne was still showing her teeth in a broad smile when they began walking to the exit of the tent. “Do you mind if I hold on to your arm?”

  “Umm.” Again, his eyes went to me.

  My hands went up as I reminded him, “I’m not her protector. If Anne allows you to touch her, that’s up to her.”

  “So, can I?” she asked and moved closer to him. “It’s just that it’s a little overwhelming walking around out there. I think I’d feel safer if I held on to you.”

  “Of course… yes.” Nero looked like he’d won the whole tournament when Anne slid her arm under his elbow and they walked to the exit.

  Leo stopped them with a deep scowl to Nero. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m taking Anne out for lunch.”

  The tsunami of envious sounds and comments from the men in line made it hard to hear what Leo responded, but he asked Anne a few questions before ordering one of the largest guards in the tent to escort Nero and Anne.

  “That went well,” Mila said with satisfaction when they were gone.

  “You’re sure he’s a good guy?”

  “I’m sure.” Mila took my hand. “You know what this means? We can have a little time for ourselves. I feel like I’ve shared you with too many people today.”

  “Ditto.”

  She lifted on her toes and kissed me, which resulted in a few whistles from the line of people.

  “Let’s get some lunch, I’m starving.”

  With our being married, the Nmen kept their distance from Mila as we walked through the festival. Many shouted comments to congratulate me and tell me how they’d hated the way I’d almost been kicked off the Council. I thanked them all for their support.

  In beer tents that we passed, we saw fighters with black eyes, drowning their disappointment over lost fights. Street musicians were playing happy tunes and when we passed one of the fighting arenas, we exchanged another look of understanding. Neither of us enjoyed violence, and we passed it without stopping. We only had two hours before we had to be back at the meet and greet tent, but it gave us time to enjoy some of the delicious street food, and visit the large dating tent that Mila had helped decorate.

  It was stunning with the magical feeling it provided. Everything in here was in warm colors with strings of lights and chandeliers. There were enough small sofas and chairs in different colors and shapes around the tent to seat at least a hundred, but the large round tent had a capacity of three hundred. Colorful rugs on the wooden floor gave the tent a cozy vibe, and in the middle was a dance floor.

  “Oh, look.” Mila threw a nod to the couple on the dance floor swaying from side to side in a close embrace. “I hope they will be among the couples who marry at the closing ceremony.”

  We got drinks and found a comfortable chair in the back corner of the tent that offered the most privacy. With Mila in my lap, I leaned my head against hers. “I can’t believe how lucky I am. You blind men with your sweet beauty, and most of them are unable to say anything intelligent in your presence. It still blows my mind that you picked me.”

  Mila wriggled her behind on top of my crotch. “Same.”

  “Hey, don’t do that. You’re making me hard.”

  A mischievous smile made her dimples pop out. “This is a quiet corner and I’m wearing a dress.”

  I scanned the room and saw only six other couples – two on the dance floor and the others in deep conversation in the other end of the tent.

  “Mila, you’re not suggesting that we have sex right he
re, are you?” My heart was speeding with excitement and my erection felt like a second heartbeat counting down for a sprint.

  Without words Mila lifted herself to the armrest and opened my pants. The lights were dampened and I figured we were well hidden in our deep chair, but the risk factor was a major turn-on.

  With her slender hand she freed my sprinter and let her hands stroke it up and down like a beloved friend.

  “Ahh,” my voice almost broke with delight.

  “It’s never gonna be as quiet in here as it is right now. I say we take advantage of that.”

  She didn’t have to say that twice. Pulling Mila back on my lap, I lifted her dress up and pushed her panties to the side. The sweetest moan sounded from her when I slid inside her.

  “Mmm, Jonah.” Her head leaned back on my shoulder as she moaned with pleasure.

  Lifting her enough that I could move in and out, I began taking my wife in a public place. From our first quickie in the entertainment room at the Manor to the other quickies we had enjoyed since then, this was by far the riskiest one. I was in awe of how daring she was and wondered how everyone could have gotten it so wrong about Mila.

  “You know people think you’re sweet and innocent, right?”

  Mila made another moan. “I’m sweet.”

  “Yes. And amazing. But no longer innocent.”

  “You ruined that.”

  I was breathing hard from my movement and arousal. “Is that a complaint?”

  “No.” The way she rotated her hips made me almost come. “I love having sex with you.”

  Drilling my fingers into her hips, I rocked in and out while Mila leaned her head back against my shoulder.

  The warmth of her inner walls surrounding me, her suppressed moans into my ear, and the view of the clueless people had me so fired up that I felt my balls hardening as they prepared to fire.

  “Wait.” I kept her still and bit down on my lip hard enough to distract myself from the pleasure and excitement of having sex in this unexpected way.

  Mila moved a little but stopped when I whispered, “Give me a second. I don’t want to come too fast.”

  Our eyes closed as we indulged in slow and sensual kissing.

  “Oh, heeey, we didn’t know you’d be here.”

  My eyes flew open to see Anne and Nero coming toward us. There was no time for Mila to get off me but she sat up straighter and spread her dress to cover how we were linked.

  “Why are you two in here when you aren’t dating? You’re already married.” Nero leaned against a sofa across from us while Anne sat down.

  “Aww, look at you two all cuddled up. It almost makes me consider finding a husband myself.” Anne gave another of those giggles that I hadn’t heard from her since she was fourteen.

  “We like this place. Mila helped design it and it’s nice and quiet.” I hoped it was too dark for them to see my red face.

  “It won’t be quiet tonight. It’ll be packed.” Anne patted the spot next to her, gesturing for Nero to join her on the small sofa.

  “You’ll have to get your drinks yourself,” Mila informed them and pointed to the bar. “They have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. You should go and check out their menu card.”

  “Okay.” Nero had already turned and I was hoping Anne would follow him, but she nodded to Mila’s drink. “What are you having?”

  “A sweet pear mocktail.”

  “Can I try yours?”

  “Sure.” Mila leaned forward to hand her drink to Anne, but to reach it she would have to get up from my lap and it was too risky. With a strong hand around her waist, I pulled her back in place and it was almost impossible not to moan from the exquisite feeling of her sliding down on me again.

  Giving me a strange look Anne stood up and picked up Mila’s drink herself. “Why are you being so weird?”

  “I’m newly married and can’t get enough of my wife, that’s all.”

  Anne tilted her head. “Huh.”

  “Is it too sweet?” Mila asked Anne in a slightly high-pitched voice, and watched as she took a small sip.

  “No, it’s delicious. Nero, do you think I could get one of these?”

  “Of course.” With a smile he left.

  “Aren’t you going with him?”

  Anne shot a look over her shoulder to Nero. “Why? Do you think I should?”

  “Yes. It’s obvious that being seen with you makes him proud.”

  Anne sighed. “To be honest, I think it stresses him out. We were walking arm in arm and he kept getting strange looks from other men. At one point I thought he was going to get himself in a fight, but our guard stepped in and told the other man to get lost.”

  “Where is your guard?”

  “He’s right outside. With so few people in here, it seemed like a good place to relax a little.”

  “Why don’t you go and fetch him? There are plenty of seats for him to relax too.”

  Anne frowned at me. “What’s going on? You’re being weird. Why would I go and tell a grown man what to do?”

  I was getting desperate for her to give us a minute to get apart. “Well, then at least help Nero carry the drinks.”

  Anne lowered her brow and looked hurt. “If you want to get rid of me you can just say so. I know I’m not your favorite sister after what I did, but I thought you had forgiven me.”

  My shoulders fell in a long sigh. “No, Anne, that’s not it.”

  Mila sunk her face into her hands for a second, before she admitted, “Sweetie, it’s not you. It’s us.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The thing is that Jonah and I were kind of having some fun when you came and we’re still attached.”

  At first Anne didn’t seem to understand but then her mouth dropped open and she whisper-shouted, “You were having sex? In here? In public?”

  I closed my eyes with embarrassment, while Mila dealt with the situation. “Until you’ve been in love and felt the addiction to having sex morning, noon, and night, you don’t get to judge us.”

  “Who’s judging you?”

  I opened my eyes to see Nero come back. Handing a drink to Anne, he sat down next to her, oblivious to our predicament.

  Anne’s eyes were double the size, I was looking away, and Mila had crossed her arms.

  “What the hell happened in the two minutes I was gone?”

  None of us spoke.

  “I see.” Nero stood up. “I’m sorry if I said something wrong or overstepped your boundaries, Anne. It wasn’t my intention to upset you all.”

  Anne reached her hand up and pulled Nero down before leaning against him and whispering in his ear.

  His eyes flew to Mila and me and in no time his initial surprise changed to an amused grin. “Who would have thought Motlanders capable of something that daring? Respect.”

  “It’s a public place,” Anne pointed out with a raised eyebrow but that just made Nero smile even wider.

  “Exactly. Every man’s fantasy!”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Na-huh, most men here would give their left ball to be in Jonah’s shoes right now.”

  “I doubt that,” I muttered.

  Nero took a sip of his beer and stood up. “Yeah, well, except for the interruption of course. Come on, Anne, how about we give them a little privacy to finish off.”

  As soon as she followed him, Mila lifted off of me so I could get my pants closed again. “That killed the vibe.”

  “Yeah, having one’s sister catch you in a sex act will do that.”

  My beautiful wife pulled me up from the chair and cupped my face. “Still, I liked the thrill of it in the beginning.”

  I smiled back at her. “Next time, we’ll find a better place then.”

   CHAPTER 32

  Election Day

  Mila

  When election day finally came around on April tenth, Khan won by a landslide.

  The News showed interviews with the losing candidates
, who for the most part acknowledged that Khan was more beloved by the people than they were.

  Khan’s closest opponent, Edward Wolf, didn’t go away so gracefully. In an interview he raised concerns that it had been a rigged election and called people to unite against Khan’s oppressive rule.

  “Fuck him!” Mason flipped a finger at the interactive wall as he walked past us.

  Khan shook his head. “And to think I showed that lowlife mercy when I could have killed him several times.”

  We were in the large ballroom with family and friends. Most were in happy conversations, but Pearl, Magni, Jonah, and I stood with Khan, who was curious to see his competitors’ reactions.

  “We should make him pay for saying shit like that. That’s a serious accusation.” Magni was frowning.

  “Magni, calm down.” Pearl nodded to the screen. “It’s Edward’s pride speaking. Show some empathy; the man worked hard for months and is left with nothing but the feeling of rejection. He’s miserable.”

  Magni elbowed Khan. “How about we end his misery? I’m tired of listening to him whining. It’s not like anyone would miss him.”

  Jonah’s eyes widened as he looked to Pearl and me. “He’s not serious, is he?”

  “No, of course not,” I assured him and Pearl confirmed it.

  “Khan doesn’t kill his critics anymore.” She gave Magni and her husband a firm gaze. “He’s more civilized than that.”

  “Being civilized is overrated,” Magni muttered and shot another scowl at Edward Wolf, who was shown drinking with around thirty supporters who all looked as disappointed as him.

  “I fear that being a presidential candidate gave that fucker an inflated feeling of importance. I guarantee we haven’t heard the last of him.” Khan looked to Pearl, who answered him in a calm voice.

  “Maybe not, but at least now his claims that the people would rather have him than you will fall flat. The nation has spoken and sixty-eight percent wanted you as their ruler.”

  Khan pushed out his chest. “You mean President. They chose me as their President.”