by Roxie Ray
“Well, all hope isn't lost yet,” I said, trying to sound comforting while I tamped down my frustration. There were no further leads for me to pursue, no way for me to force the Wrath to fly faster than it already was so we could get to Valkred sooner. I’d spent the last eleven moon cycles running every whisper into the ground, every moment that I wasn’t actively serving my brother and protecting Valkred spent hunting for Torqa. And now – or for the next few hours, at least – there was nothing more that I could do but wait. “We just need to find a way for you to get a proper reading from her home on Valkred – there's nothing more I can do to track Torqa on my end until we arrive. In the meantime, do you require refreshment?”
“What, you mean food? Nah, I'm not hungry. Too anxious to have much of an appetite, I guess. But God, I could sure use a cup of coffee.”
I searched my memories of diplomatic missions to Earth, then snapped my fingers, remembering where I'd heard the word before. “Ah! A hot brown beverage enjoyed by humans, correct? Brewed from crushed beans containing natural stimulants? Often consumed first thing in the morning, or halfway through the day to provide additional energy and motivation?”
“I've never heard it described quite so clinically before, but yeah, that,” she laughed. “I suppose it's too much to hope you might have some on board?”
“Not precisely, but I believe I might be able to offer an acceptable substitute. Come with me.”
I led her to the ship's galley, searching the pantry until I found a cloth bag on one of the shelves. I opened it, revealing a heap of dense, faintly glittering brown powder.
“Let me guess,” she joked. “Intergalactic espresso grounds?”
“In a manner of speaking. It's called fiave. On one of my trips to your planet, I was told that its taste and uplifting effects are comparable to Earth coffee.”
“Oh?” She peered into the sack. “What's it made from? Beans that grow on your world?”
“Actually, it's made from the ground-up husks of dried fiave musk-beetles.”
Miranda grimaced. “Oh. Wow. Yikes. No, I, uh… don't think I'll be drinking any bug juice today, thanks.”
I raised my eyebrows, amused. “All the bizarre sights you've seen since your abduction, all the dangers you've faced… and you can't muster the nerve to taste a hot drink? You can't tell me you're not even a tiny bit curious about its flavor? Where's your adventurous spirit?”
She chuckled ruefully. “Okay. When you put it that way, how bad could it be, right? I'll have a cup, sure.”
“Excellent!” I spooned some of the powder into a mug of hot water, watching the brown clouds swiftly eclipse the clear fluid. I'd always found the effect mildly hypnotic, ever since I used to sit at the kitchen table with Akzun when we were small children and watch our parents prepare their morning cups of fiave. When I glanced over at Miranda, I saw the same look of childlike enthusiasm in her eyes, and nodded appreciatively.
The universe held so many wonders – especially for someone like her, who had only recently left her home world for the first time. I loved the idea of introducing her to them, one by one. Perhaps if we survived this mission, and the curse was successfully lifted, I could give her a tour of the galaxy before honoring my promise to bring her home.
That sounds lovely, she thought at me. I think I'd like that a lot.
I blinked at her, surprised by the sudden interruption in my reverie.
“Sorry, couldn't help overhearing,” she said sheepishly. “Didn't mean to intrude.”
“No intrusion at all,” I reassured her with a smile. By the stars, her powers were growing stronger! Generally, it wasn't possible for others to hear my thoughts without me granting access… or at least, it wasn't possible for other Valkredians to do so.
In a universe of wonders, this woman might just be the most wondrous yet.
The idea came to me unbidden, and I peered at her to see if she had heard that one, too. But if she had, she gave no sign.
“I seem to recall that many humans prefer their beverages sweetened. Is this true of you, as well?” I asked.
“Yeah, if it's no trouble.”
“None whatsoever.” I reached into the cabinet again, rummaged around, and pulled out a wooden box, opening the lid. Inside, roughly a dozen fiave beetles the size of human thumbnails wriggled and crawled over each other. I reached in with a delicate set of tongs, selecting one and holding it up to admire the way the light cascaded over its shiny shell in rainbow streaks.
“You know, when you said you were going to sweeten it, I was kind of expecting sugar, honey, maybe a little monk fruit… not eating a live insect.”
“Relax,” I laughed. “We won't be eating this little fellow. We simply dip him in the mug briefly for flavor. Fiave beetles thrive in moisture and exceedingly hot temperatures, you see. Once they're submerged, the membranes beneath their wings release a naturally-sweet substance meant to attract mates.”
“So it's not just bugs I'm drinking, it's horny bugs. Awesome.”
“I realize all of this is rather far outside your frame of reference, but what is it you humans are so fond of saying? ‘Don't knock it till you try it?’”
I lowered the beetle into the mug, waited a few seconds, and then lifted it out again and returned it to the box with its comrades. Then I handed the cup to Miranda.
She sniffed at it, hesitated, then took a sip. Her eyes lit up. “Wow! This is amazing! It's even better than real coffee! The flavor is so much richer and more intense! Thank you!”
“I'm delighted that you enjoy it,” I said with a grin.
Miranda took several deep swallows, savoring the taste. “You seem to know a lot about Earth. Have you been there a lot?”
“A handful of times, yes. No offense, but it's hardly my favorite destination. Seeing the vast inequality there always saddens me. Still, in matters of diplomacy, one hardly gets to choose where one's talents are needed.”
“Yeah, those of us down on the planet aren't exactly thrilled with the whole ‘vast inequality’ thing, either,” she replied sourly, finishing her fiave. “If you guys have visited us so many times, how is it that most humans still don't know aliens exist?”
“Naturally, the rich and powerful among you withhold such information to keep the lower classes distracted and docile.”
She threw up her hands. “Why am I not surprised? So is Valkred different from that, then?”
I took her in my arms, feeling the shared psychic connection flare through both of us briefly like a power surge. “Miranda, my dear, Valkred is utterly magnificent… as you will soon see for yourself.”
10
Miranda
The rest of the trip passed relatively quickly. I spent most of it drinking more fiave and cuddling up next to Zark on the command deck. I was starting to grow more comfortable with the way our thoughts and feelings crashed together gently whenever we touched, like waves against the shore. It was a lot easier to take, now that I was able to prepare myself for the strange sensation. It even allowed me to push my other random clairvoyant flashes aside when they came, instead of letting them batter me and cause me pain.
Finally, Zark hit a few keys on his console and gestured grandly at the view screen in front of us. “Now, have a look, and tell me truly: Is that not one of the most beautiful sights you've ever seen?”
I followed his gaze and gasped, my hand going to my mouth.
He wasn't wrong.
As planets went, Valkred was absolutely gorgeous – a swirling marble of purple and black, hanging in the vastness of space. It was far from the primary star in this system, so most of its surface seemed to be cloaked in darkness, giving it an air of mystery… even romance. I found myself eager to see what the surface was like.
Not to worry, Zark's voice echoed in my head. Soon, you shall see all the splendor my home world has to offer. In some ways, I even envy you, seeing it all for the first time.
Well, the good news is, if we hold hands, you'll probably b
e able to experience it through my eyes, I teased mentally.
It was becoming easier, more natural, for us to communicate without words. I couldn't believe how comfortable it was for me to be around him. Just a short while ago, I'd been terrified, desperate to escape his clutches – and now it was as though I'd known him my entire life, or had at least been searching for him that long without realizing it. At last, I didn't have to conceal anything about myself. I could talk about my clairvoyance freely without being labeled weird or crazy.
It was what I'd always wanted, but had given up on finding years ago. And where had I finally found it?
In a space bar surrounded by vampires.
“Yes, life's a funny thing, isn't it?” Zark planted a small kiss on my forehead. “And for what it's worth, I feel much the same about having found you. In a universe this big and cold, I'm pleased that I've discovered someone who makes it feel so much warmer.”
The Wrath soared past a formation of floating modules that looked like orbiting cannons, and then descended through the thick violet atmosphere of Valkred. When the clouds cleared, I saw what looked like a huge gothic castle, the kind of place you'd find in Eastern Europe… if I'd ever been to Eastern Europe, that is. It was night on the planet's surface, and tiny golden lights twinkled in many of the windows. The palace looked as though it was surrounded by a massive and thriving metropolis of impossibly high spires and sky bridges.
“Kor Püskla,” Zark said, admiring the streets and towers. “The capital city of Valkred… the crown jewel of our world.”
“It's breathtaking.”
“You think so? Then may I quote yet another Earthling turn of phrase: ‘You ain't seen nothing yet.’”
I threw my head back, laughing loudly. “Wow, you're full of them, huh? Or full of something, anyway.”
“Yes,” he agreed quickly. “Charm!”
Zark maneuvered the ship into position over what looked like an outdoor docking pad and touched down. When the ramp unfolded and we stepped down, there were over a dozen Valkredians waiting for us, including one wearing ornate robes and what looked like a headpiece of gleaming rubies. Based on his physical resemblance to Zark, it wasn't hard to guess who he was.
“Brother!” Zark called out happily, rushing forward to wrap his long arms around the robed figure.
“Welcome back,” Akzun replied, returning the embrace. “I must admit, I did not expect you to return quite so soon. Or with such an intriguing companion.” He dislodged himself from the hug and offered his hand to me. “I am Akzun, Blood Ruler of the Valkred.”
“You, uh, might not want to shake hands with her,” Zark suggested uneasily. “At least, not at first. The effect can be somewhat… unsettling, to the uninitiated.”
Akzun arched an eyebrow, withdrawing his hand. “Fair enough. In that case, may I introduce my mate and consort, Carly Love of Earth.”
Carly stepped out from behind him, smiling – and wow, very pregnant. I couldn't believe how different she looked, and it was a lot more than just the baby bump. When I'd seen her in The Vein, she'd been so frightened and uncertain, with dark circles under her eyes. Now she looked happy, self-assured… positively radiant!
“Miranda!” she exclaimed. “I never thought I'd see you again!”
“And I never thought I’d see you again. I'm so glad everything turned out okay for you, Carly!”
“Um, a little bit more than just okay,” she giggled. “From terrified blood slave to Queen of the Vampires in just a few short steps; I should write some kind of self-help book, ha!”
“Hell, it'd probably be a bestseller,” I agreed, laughing with her.
“Well, the Blood Ruler and his brother probably have some important business to discuss,” Carly said, nodding to them, “so let's leave them to it. I'll give you the grand tour of the Ruby Stronghold!”
“Yes,” Zark agreed. “I should update my brother regarding our mission. We will pursue the research we discussed as soon as I’m finished.”
Carly brought me into the castle and walked me from room to room. I was astounded by everything I saw. So many high-ceilinged halls and chambers of red and black marble! So many exquisite statues and tapestries – she explained that they all depicted the previous Blood Rulers and their achievements, especially the battles they'd won. There were sconces and chandeliers decorated with gemstones that reminded me of the ones in Amora's cave on Egone.
“Those gems are Valkred's most precious commodity,” Carly pointed out. “They're mostly mined right here on the planet, and a lot of them have special powers. Some of them can heal, some are used as light and energy sources, that kind of stuff. They're worth a lot to the rest of the galaxy.”
“Amazing. Nice outfit, by the way!”
“Oh, you like this, huh?” Carly did a small twirl, modeling the flowing Valkredian robes. The hems shimmered purple and blue. “I prefer pants, actually, but apparently, this is the traditional outfit that Blood Rulers' consorts wear when they're expecting. Akzun said if I didn't wear it, the people would be offended. I don't mind so much. It sure beats the shit out of those awful slave dresses Nos made us wear!”
“Heh, amen to that.”
“God, it is so good to see that things worked out for you, Miranda. I have to admit, I've thought about you a lot since then… wondering where you were, what happened to you, if you were okay. There were even a couple times when I tried to find you, but I didn't have much luck. I was actually just about to ask Akzun whether we could go back to Cexiea and try to track you down from there, but then I heard that some random Valkredian picked you up and carried you out – just like what happened to me! And then Akzun mentioned that Zark was bringing a human woman back with him, but I had no idea it was you!”
I suddenly realized that Carly was rambling nervously, and there was a guilty look in her eyes. I almost reached out to touch her arm, but then thought better of it – another psychic flash was the last thing I needed right now. My head was still throbbing a little after trying to read Respen's afterimage.
“Hey, it's okay,” I reassured her. “You weren't responsible for me. If anything, it was the other way around… I'd been on Cexiea a lot longer than you had, and when Akzun carried you off, I hated myself for not being able to do anything to protect you. Besides, it looks like things worked out pretty well for you, huh?”
She nodded. “They did, yeah. But what about you? Are you all right? I mean, Zark's a great guy, but I know you two have been through a lot lately, what with Torqa and her people trying to kill him.”
“Some of it's been extremely scary, definitely. But Zark is a great guy, and he's done a good job of protecting me so far.” I remembered Zurum, and then added, “Well, I guess we kind of protect each other, now that I think about it.”
“Zark was always nice to me when I first got here,” Carly said. “He was real friendly. Funny, too. I've been so worried about him. So has Akzun, but he feels like he has to hide it so people won't think of him as weak or emotional. Plus, I think he's still deeply ashamed that he didn't see Torqa's betrayal coming until it was too late. The people don’t seem to judge him for that, but he judges himself pretty harshly.”
“Listen to you!” I crowed gleefully. “‘The people’ this, ‘the people’ that! You sound like Eva Peron!”
“I'll try to take that as a compliment,” she laughed, “but I sure hope I end up living longer than she did, ha! Are you hungry?”
My stomach growled. When was the last time I'd eaten anything? I couldn't remember. “Sure!”
“Cool, let's go to the stardeck and get you something to snack on.”
“'The stardeck?'”
She nodded eagerly. “Yep. You'll see… you'll love it!”
The stardeck. When I saw it, I understood the name perfectly: a wide balcony on one of the castle's upper towers, where the stars above seemed to merge with the lights of the city below, creating a single blanket of glittering points stretching out into infinity. The effect was
dizzying, and I sat down hard in one of the wrought iron chairs, taking a few seconds to get my bearings.
“Don't worry, I know it's disorienting at first, but that'll wear off soon,” Carly assured me. “Isn't it gorgeous up here?”
“It is, definitely.”
“There's a magnificent garden, too,” she went on, “but I don't usually like to eat down there. Last time I did, a statue fell down and almost killed me. A little gift from Torqa, when she got jealous that Akzun liked me better than her.”
A tall, thin, emaciated Valkredian stepped out onto the deck, speaking to Carly in his native tongue. To my surprise, she answered immediately – and fluently. I'd heard the Valkredian language spoken many times before when I was working in The Vein, but never by a human. Coming from her lips, it sounded strange but somehow musical… like dry leaves rustling in an autumn wind, or water rushing over the smooth stones of a brook.
The Valkredian servant nodded placidly and withdrew.
“You picked up on the language pretty quickly, didn't you?” I asked, awestruck. “What did you order for us?”
“Nothing you've heard of, but you'll love it, believe me. And yeah, I've been working hard at speaking Valkredian ever since the mating ceremony. They've got these universal translator things they can install, but Akzun said it was important for me to actually learn the language. He said the p… the Valkredians would be more willing to accept me as their leader's consort if I showed them I was committed to integrating into their culture.”
“That makes a lot of sense. Still, I'm impressed at how well you've adjusted to all this.”
“Thanks. I've really tried. Again, it's better than waiting tables at The Vein and being bought by some alien pervert, right? But hey, speaking of mating ceremonies, when is yours?”
I blinked, confused. “Huh? What do you mean?”
“Your mating ceremony with Zark. You guys are mates, right?”