It’s good to be King.
Chapter 8
Kendra returned late with the Sage Matron Anela of Ber. Anela was surprisingly fit for an old woman though her transformation to Gens form assisted greatly. She ran and bounded, and, in no time, they were at the Palace gates, the old woman eager to meet the Manti. She herself doubted that pregnancy confinement was the object of the meeting, so she would ask for a private audience with the Manti first. Confinement among the Gens was unknown, and abandoned as a practice in the Black Forest among the human and mixed races long ago.
They presented themselves in Gens form to the King who bid her transform to human state. He dismissed Kendra with a wave of a hand.
“My Lord, it is a great honor to meet you and to serve your will.”
“You are Anela, the Sage Matron of Ber?”
“Yes Lord, I am.”
“Then let’s dispense with all this ‘Lord’ and ‘Kingship’ nonsense between us. I intend to abdicate soon, so let’s begin again. I’m Adam and you’re Anela. You must first know that I’ve no intention of confining my wives for any reason, but I will take you into my confidence and explain to you why you’re here. I apologize in advance for the interruption of your daily life.”
“Thank you. L …, Adam. It is an honor to serve your will no matter the circumstances and the object of your plan. What do you wish me to do?”
“I wish you to speak to the Matrons, human, Gens and mixed race and pretend to plan for a pregnancy confinement. Don’t say you’re definitely going to do it, or that I have given orders as such, only that the Lady Cia seriously considers the move as necessary and that, at present, I intend to follow her advice. Let the word get out around the Village and Dietschberg to all communities.”
When their conversation concluded sometime later over details, there was a soft knock on the door.
“Enter!” said Adam, and one of the four young maidens, Beata, entered. Upon seeing her relative Anela, she ran into her matron’s arms, hugging and kissing in the new human fashion.
Beata said, “I didn’t know you had been summoned Auntie,” as all in Ber called her, related or not.
“I had no idea myself that I would be summoned, but Princess Kendra appeared this morning in Ber and summoned me at the request of the Manti. I came as quickly as my paws could carry my skinny old carcass. I am overjoyed to see you again, Beata. You obviously glow with happiness. All is well in the Palace?”
Beata smiled. “All couldn’t be better had the Creator come down from Heaven and made the Palace home.”
“And what brings you such joy?”
“I am with child. I am with child and am to be wed to the Manti. We await a man, a King I believe, who will perform this odd rite called ‘marriage’. It’s common among the humans, and the Gens Germania are adopting it too in Paraiso. You must’ve heard of it.”
“I have. And I approve. I hear the Manti is much revered, and missed at his home in Paraiso, and not just by his other wives and family. The people miss his presence and the calm, and feeling of well-being he brings whenever he’s in residence. But we understand he has duties here, and elsewhere before the final challenge. And he must be prepared for that, and it is our honor here in the Black Forest to prepare him for all that may come. You are committed to the Manti?”
“I am. I am … what is the word again, my Lord.”
“Fiancé or betrothed. It means we are committed to be one in marriage; a formal bond between us, and our peoples.”
Her heart gushed with joy and her smile told Anela everything she needed to know.
“Isn’t it exciting, Auntie? Wife of the Chosen One.”
Anela said, “The Chosen One no longer, Beata. He is now the Chosen of Chosen. I am told that the Lady Cia, after attending the Council of the Eighty-One, has revealed his true nature.”
Anela looked at Adam after seeing the love in the eyes of her little maiden, so young and innocent. “Does he treat you well, young one. With dignity and respect. Does he attend to his, uh, duties as mate with you as often as you desire?”
“I desire for much more, but I am not alone in desiring all of his time. But he is kind and thoughtful, and always remembers those little things that please me most. I can ask for no more as what I’m given makes me most happy every day.”
Beata approached Adam and whispered something in his ear.
“Of course. It will be my honor. But first you should find quarters for Auntie, if I may now call you that?”
“You may.”
“I shall put you a distance away from my quarters Auntie. The other girls say that I am often quite loud in my exultation. I did not think it should be otherwise.”
“It should not, my sweet. If he exults you, you should let the world know.”
Just then Kendra appeared. “May I interrupt?”
Adam said, “You may. What brings you here?” His tone was cold, and dismissive.
“Lady Misti, Lady Saldana and I would like a word, if we may. Urgently.”
Beata smiled, and guided Auntie past Kendra, and introduced her to Misti and Saldana as they passed by. Anela was suspicious of both and didn’t smile as would be expected for a commoner passing royalty.
Please inform my wives that I shall see you first, Kendra, then Misti and finally Saldana. When our talk is over, you may leave.
***
Adam stood up from behind his desk and motioned a very unhappy looking Kendra over to the sofa he kept in his Study for short cat naps, and other unscheduled encounters.
“You look very troubled my Princess. What could bring worry lines to your beautiful face?”
“I am ashamed of myself, of my conduct, and have need of admitting to you, husband, that I have betrayed you. More than once I’m afraid and have lied to you; right to your face. It was only when I heard today of your decision to confine Misti and Saldana that I knew you had figured it out. Worst of all was when you sent me to fetch Anela of Ber, I knew what that meant, and that the game was up. While I didn’t plan the foolish game, I agreed to say nothing to you about it. I was never asked to lie or deceive you; that I did on my own. I don’t know why I did it; I just did. I am sorry. I know that will mean little under the circumstances, but if it means anything at all, I deeply regret what I did.”
“Hum,” said Adam, “so you freely admit your culpability in a betrayal of your husband that you didn’t plan or take any active role in other than to keep quiet for two of my other wives. Is this correct?”
“Yes husband, that’s what I did. But I am as guilty as they since I knew their conduct was wrong and meant to irritate you for no reason; none at all. In that, I was complicit. When you told me to go to Ber, I ran back to the Palace not to get winter clothing as I told you, but to warn the two we had been found out. Another lie. I regret what I have done.”
“Do you regret it because you feel you did wrong or regret it because you have been caught?”
“Both, but mostly because I knew it was wrong and I still continued my deceitful ways. I thought myself better than your other wives, incapable of deceit and lies to you. I thought myself more reliable and dependable, always able to speak the truth. And to be loved and trusted by you. Never to go behind your back or refuse to do as you ask.”
Kendra began to cry.
“But in the end, I was just exactly like all your other wives. No better, no worse. And I have kept another secret from you, which is nothing more than a new kind of betrayal. Not a lie, but unfaithful in telling the truth. I am horrible, untrustworthy, and will leave immediately for Paraiso where I hope I may still be allowed to live.”
“Seems like pretty serious offenses, Kendra. And my response to your admissions requires some serious thought and perhaps some even more serious punishment. But before I mete out what you deserve, I should hear more of your second betrayal. It may merit even crueler treatment as the greater of the two offenses. So, Kendra Boles, late of MI-5, what have you to admit to me now?”
&nb
sp; “I am with child husband, your child, and I feared to tell you.”
“And why would you fear that? Have I not made a solemn oath to you that you shall forever remain at my side? I mean I may have to walk a little slower for your benefit now, but you would still be by my side, would you not?”
“You jest, but I should’ve informed you right away. I was afraid you would send me away; back to the City of Light. Then when I thought of confinement, I panicked.”
“By coming to me and admitting all?”
“I almost ran away.”
“But you didn’t?”
“No husband, I love you too much to run from you. I could never do that, nor do I wish to. I wish to remain at your side and do everything in my power to earn back your trust, the trust I value even higher than my love for you. I ask you to forgive me and give me another chance. Can you?”
“Can I what?”
“Forgive me and give me another chance?”
“Forgiving you is asking quite a bit and, as for a second chance, that may be unnecessary as the punishment for forgiveness may preclude the necessity for second chances. Do you follow?”
“No husband, I do not. Sometimes your manner of expression is difficult for me to fathom. This is one of those times.”
“Well, I have thought it through, and your punishment is …”
“Yes, husband?”
“A severe …”
“Yes, husband?”
“A severe diminution in the number of daily kisses from infinite to perhaps, say, only a billion. I know the punishment seems severe, but one day you will realize that the transgressions were of the sort that merited the severity I am imposing.”
Kendra flung her arms around Adam, realizing that he must’ve known about both ‘transgressions’ all along. She should have been piqued with him for stringing her along, yet she truly did mean what she said. And she did fear being sent away or found out. She had thought herself a better wife to Adam than the rest.
“How did you …”
“Oh, I’m dumb as a post about women in most cases, but not always. And certainly not around you. Misti claims to be the best liar in the family, and I the worst. Says she can read me like a book. Well, Saldana gives Misti a run for her money as best liar, and you sweetie are by far the worst liar we have ever had in this family. Your feelings are as easy to read as that beautiful smile I see every day on your beautiful face. What does this look or that look mean on Kendra today; why is she so quiet or so animated? Why is she sad or inwardly screaming for joy? Each look, if I am a careful interpreter, gives away what you feel inside.”
“And?”
“I could tell you were hiding something about Misti, and Saldana, and you were struggling with it. Nothing those two could ever concoct would harm me; I just wanted them to stop that silly game. I was most displeased, but not angry. They will think I will be furious when I see them soon but, really, they should just learn a hard lesson is all. Misti might be remorseful, but Saldana may leave over the entire affair. We’ll know by tonight, over the next few hours.”
“And my pregnancy?”
“How did I learn of it? From the one who informed you, of course.”
“The Chief Midwife. But I told her to keep it a secret. She said she would.”
“I’m sure she meant to, but when I was told you went to see her, so did I. I am the King, you know. I might’ve mentioned that she could be reassigned to the far off reaches at the timberline near the Village of Arnen. Very cold, and very remote. No cookies, goodies or Palace visits. She caved quickly and outed you as fast as she could get the words out of her mouth. She is a bit zaftig, if you catch my meaning. She was never svelte because she enjoys her comforts. The goodies of the town folk are her downfall. God forbid she ever discovers Swiss chocolates or French pastries.”
Adam looked at his Princess. “So, no reason for tears, or fears, although I do understand that keeping a secret among the wives is not easy for you. You still are my pride, and joy, and nothing has changed. I love you more today than I did yesterday because, of all my wives, I still trust you the most. There may be a small amount of corporal later tonight, but only if you feel up to it.”
“It’s not my turn you know?”
“Says who?”
“I make the schedule. And you have a date with Beata the Screamer tonight. She must really …”
“Yes, she really does show her appreciation, well, loudly and proudly. Fun girl and you always know how she’s feeling about one touch or another.”
“The other girls make fun of her, but she doesn’t seem to mind.”
“Neither do I, and I mean at all. She’s just so sweet and so … well, naughty, I just can’t help but love that she seems to enjoy her time with me. I always enjoy my time with her, that’s for sure.”
“Does she ever, you know, share her time with any other?”
“I don’t think any of the girls have ever asked. What are you thinking?”
“Instead of a double header we could just have a longer game. You know, extra innings.”
“Why don’t we both ask. I know she wants to have alone time with you too. I assume she just didn’t get her turn yet.”
Adam paused.
“Since I am the King, and I know the scheduler, I can freely change the schedule as I please. Let’s talk to Beata and see if she screams in exultation for both genders equally. Refer all other complainers to me later. Tell them I will make it up to them later, I promise. Tonight, my little one, and I celebrate with our new acolyte.”
“Can’t wait.”
“And, I’m told it’s a girl.”
“You poked around in my mind when we touched, didn’t you?”
“May-be.”
Chapter 9
The next two conversations were far less happy than the first. As Adam predicted, Misti at least attempted to feign regret as she realized the game had gone too far given where they were living, and the seriousness of the work they were doing. Adam’s life was at stake, and wasting time on foolishness and trying to make him look weak was no help. For that she was truly repentant.
Saldana was, however, a different breed of cat who thought Adam had no right to tell her what to do or how to do it. She was yin to his yang; co-equal in every respect, and essential to the success of the mission. Adam, husband or not, would never tell her what to do, and if he didn’t like it, he could go fuck himself. She had survived on her own in the past; she could do it again and easily. She had money, secret homes and men and women still loyal to her.
She thought. Besides, her behavior was just a harmless prank caused by boredom and excess energy.
That conversation was most unpleasant for everyone. Both Misti, and Kendra hung around within earshot; both thought this chat would end badly and wanted to be nearby to intervene before the fists started flying.
Adam met with a less hostile Misti first.
***
“You found out somehow. Ratted out by some little Princess?”
“Hardly. Expert advice from home, and detective work here in Germany. Wasn’t that hard to know who planned the stupid shit; I just couldn’t understand why.”
“So, you think you’re going to confine us? Does that include the little one too? She just got the good news. Or does she get a free pass because she’s your favorite plaything?”
“Did she plan any of this?”
“No.”
“Did she take part in any of this?”
“No.”
“Did she ever advise you not to act like fools and stop before you started?”
“Yes. Many times.”
“I can assure you, and Saldana, that she never, ever said a word to me. Not a word. She kept her word to you ahead of her feelings of loyalty to me. Sounds to me like she was a better friend to you than you are to her.”
“Meaning?”
“You’d love to blame her and bring her down a notch. That’s the tenor of your voice, the implication of your a
ngry questions. She’s to blame too, punish the little Princess. I mean did you or Saldana set out to do this to Kendra? I mean on purpose?”
Misti looked down. “No. I would never do that. Not to her; not to any of the wives.”
“I wish I believed you, but sadly I don’t. Saldana is horrid, and would fuck anyone over, given half a chance, but not the little one. You, on the other hand, are quite capable of punching below the belt in a clinch. Whatever stupidity Saldana was up too likely was caused by boredom, hormones or just idle meanness. It’s in her nature to be mean and spiteful. But she truly does love the little one and would never hurt her. But you, Misti are a different cat altogether. You’re not cruel, but you protect what’s yours. Or what you may think is yours. Am I getting close?”
“Believe whatever you want, Adam. But jealousy over that little twit is not one of them. I used to fuck her long before you, so I know what her material is like. She’s no match for me.”
“I agree. If that was the criteria, there would be no other women in my life. But even you know better than that. You’re sly like a cat and I know you. Not like you know me, but there are times I may not know why you do what you do, but I know it’s you. This was you; I just can’t figure out why.”
“What’s the deal, Adam? Confinement, the lash, interminable lectures on being nicer to my playmates? What is it this time?”
“Nothing. Never was. No confinement and no punishment. You’re my wife, not a child. I just want this foolishness to stop. And now. Saldana will probably leave over this, and it will get ugly. She’s ugly inside, and cruel, but she isn’t devious about family matters. She wouldn’t consider punishment by me or anything even remotely like it. She believes she’s my equal, perhaps even my superior. Smarter and cleverer than me. Maybe even more entitled to be in charge than me. That isn’t you. At least you trust me or at least I thought you did once.”
Misti was silent.
“But you have always been there for me. I owe everything to you; the who and what I am today. You put me on the path and forced me to look at myself. But now you’ve changed; you are a Mom, and I thought you’d think like a Mom now. You’d protect like a Mom now. And that usually includes me, and everyone around me. You want your freedom, but not at all costs. You never considered that being a Mom might weigh you down, change the things you like or want to do. You miss our son badly, but you will stay close to keep an eye on me. There is no need for that. I thought you knew that already?”
Resolution Page 42
