Lady Eloise [Book 6 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel]

by Robert Iannone

  “Why? Why would she do that?” asked a very interested Serenity.

  “She said it didn’t feel right. To her it seemed that I had asked just so I wouldn’t spend all that time alone. If I wanted to get married, it could wait till I returned. I told her she was right – I didn’t want to spend that time away from her. That didn’t make my proposal any less valid.”

  “So what happened?” It was BreeZee asking.

  “L’elle was a very intelligent individual and she could routinely best me in most arguments. Unfortunately, she did in this case even though she was wrong. We didn’t get married. I resigned from the Corps three years later when I returned home. Then it took us more than a year to find the same comfort level with each other that we had before I left. In the end, L’elle died a few months before our wedding was to take place.”

  Bree, Egg and Jax’x went misty eyed. Sparky on the other hand demanded to know, “What’s your point?”

  “If the person you love asks you to marry him – or her – you should look for reasons to accept the proposal rather than to reject it. We can never know how many more tomorrows we have. It’s usually a lot less then we expect.”

  Serenity stared at the gorgeously handsome pink-winged man with great intensity. Her mind was processing his words – looking for flaws in his logic. “Okay, then.”

  No one knew what that meant. Jax’x had to ask, “Okay what?”

  “Okay, then. I’ll marry him.”

  Chapter 4 – Love, Look at the Two of Us

  They celebrated in their now usual fashion of champagne and confetti. Ix, who had no idea what a wedding was, what confetti did or what champagne tasted like stood back and simply observed. Jax’x eventually took pity on him and tried to explain.

  However, sometimes aliens are just that – strangers in a strange land.

  When he responded with, “Apologies; explanation is a null set,” she shrugged at the big bug, smiled and returned to join the others.

  “When do you two want to tie the knot?”

  “What knot?” asked Skotti.

  Benny chose to explain for his wife. “A quaint earth saying – it means to get married.”

  “Of course, it does,” responded Sparky sarcastically. “So, do we have to go back to Aerianna to have the ceremony?”

  “Actually, either Gracie or I can perform the service,” explained the Prince.

  “Me?”

  “Yes, wife. You are technically the Captain of this vessel. It is in your purview to wed anyone onboard. And as a Crowned Prince, I, too, can perform the ceremony for citizens of Aerianna.”

  “Since I don’t think of myself as a captain, I defer to you, my blue-blooded Ben’Edikk.”

  “It would be my pleasure.” To the newly engaged couple he asked, “And when would be your pleasure?”

  All eyes turned to Serenity. She glanced from one face to another . . . then her skin turned white and clammy. “I . . . I can’t breathe,” and she sunk to her knees.

  *****

  Skotti, with the help of Kon’dor, picked up the girl in his arms. “I’ll take her to sickbay.”

  “NO. That was stupid of me . . . sorry. I just need to lie down for a bit.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely,” and she squeezed her man.

  Egg agreed. “Take her back to her cabin. I’ll look in on her in a bit.”

  “If that’s best.”

  “You should also use the time to talk.” Her meaning was abundantly clear.

  He nodded then turned and carefully walked out of the command center with his precious bundle.

  After they left, Kon’dor asked, “She has never been in love before, I take it?”

  “No,” replied Bree. “Why do you ask?”

  “This sudden marriage proposal is obviously causing an internal conflict. She seems like a highly intelligent individual. I’m guessing that the logical part of her brain is having a difficult time with the emotional part of her heart in processing this situation.”

  At this point, there was nothing the man could say or do that wouldn’t get Bree’s heart to fluttering. “That’s a very poetic way of describing it.”

  Egg explained, “She was brought up by her mother who was Serenity’s whole world. An experiment that she was working on went very wrong. Our sister tried to save her but it didn’t work out. There was an explosion. Her mom died and she was severely injured. Even now, she can’t walk without that exoskeleton she wears.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “Anyway, by luck or fate, our paths crossed. There was a bit of a misunderstanding at first. In the end, we decided she would make a great Hameggattic Sister. We became her family.”

  “That’s why she was torn about leaving you for an extended period.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Besides being very protective of us,” continued Jax’x, “she is also defensive of herself. Allowing her emotions to run free and thereby making herself vulnerable goes against every fiber of her being.”

  Kon’dor smiled. “First love is truly a reality of its own . . . terrifying and exhilarating. I understand her warring emotions completely.”

  “Well, let’s not waste the time till they return. Bree, why don’t you take Kon’dor to the auxiliary control room and call your dad. See if they can come to an agreement about resettling the Sky’lords on Zynn-Zaz’zia.”

  The girl’s face lit up. “Great idea,” and she grabbed the man’s hand and began to drag him out of the room. Just before they disappeared through the door, Kon’dor turned back to the others and smiled broadly . . . then winked.

  “Speaking of first love,” observed the Prince. “I do believe another sister has been smitten.”

  “Egg,” called Jax’x.

  “Yes?”

  “When I say ‘Bree and Kon’dee’ – does that cause your goosebumps to pop?”

  Egg smiled then held up her arms. “Not a one.”

  “Oh, good.”

  *****

  “Father.”

  “Daughter, what a pleasant surprise. I’m glad you called. Your mother and I wanted to apologize. All that talk of you getting married and having children – well, we overstepped ourselves.” He looked closely at the image of his daughter. “Are you okay?”

  Bree was blushing scarlet. “Father, I would like to introduce you to one of those mythical Sky’lords I went hunting for.”

  “Bree, what are you . . .” then his mouth dropped open as Kon’dor stepped in front of the view screen. “Good grief.”

  “Kon’dor, this is Zephyr – my father and the titular head of the Wind ‘dancers. Father, this Kon’dor, a leading citizen of the Sky’lords of Splendora.”

  “An honor,” said the young man.

  On the other hand, Zephyr simply stared in total disbelief. After a half minute of uncomfortable silence, Bree said, “DAD, you’re embarrassing me. Say something.”

  “What? Oh, sorry. Sorry. I . . . I have to sit down.”

  “OH, Daddy.”

  *****

  “Can I get you a glass of water?” asked Skotti.

  “No. Yes. Thanks.”

  He fetched the water, handed her the glass then sat down on the bed next to her.

  She took a sip – then a bigger gulp. “Sorry about all that.”

  “Nothing to be sorry for. I sprang all this on you and for that I apologize. I warned you that I had little experience with women.”

  She forced a smile to her lips. “I thought you were lying; I was obviously wrong.”

  He smiled back then turned serious. “If you don’t want me to go, then I won’t. The Prince can easily find other volunteers.”

  She stared into his eyes – looking for something. “I still don’t understand.”

  “I’m sorry?” he asked confused.

  “How is it that you love me? I’m physically broken, emotionally grumpy, a boring conversationalist, all around lousy company and I’m hideous to look at.”

>   He smiled. “You forgot one other thing – you’re certifiably insane.”

  She didn’t respond; she just stared.

  Figuring she took offense when humor was intended he quickly added, “You’re insane because none of those things are even remotely true. Well, the grump thing can be argued either way.”

  “See. There you go again.”

  He was trying to follow her train of thought but it was getting increasingly difficult. “Sorry, I don’t know what that means.”

  “It means that you never lose your sense of humor, you’re irritatingly nice and I hate you.”

  “Oh.” He kind of nodded his head while he considered her words – then he broke into gales of laughter.

  “Stop that.”

  He didn’t.

  And despite her best efforts not to succumb, she found herself laughing just as hard as she used to . . . all those years before as a young girl with her mother.

  *****

  “My talk with Zephyr went extremely well. He offered us the option of relocating to Zynn-Zaz’zia.”

  “And?”

  “There is no way we can live in the Sun-Seeker Trees as they do since there aren’t enough. However, he described a mountain range that sounds very similar to Splendora that is uninhabited.”

  “That’s great. Do you think your people will agree to relocate?”

  “I can’t answer that. Remember, for them no time has elapsed since they entered the Glass. This world is still very much their home.”

  “Kon’dee, why don’t you and I go down to the surface and survey the damage first hand. That will obviously play into their decision.”

  “Good idea, Bree.”

  “Did you want me to go with you?” asked Egg.

  Kon’dor looked at her quizzically. “I guess I could carry you.” Everyone laughed. “Did I say something funny?”

  “Ring, tend to my suit.”

  At the sight of Flying Girl, Kon’dor gawked. “What just happened?”

  “I am now the legendary Flying Girl – or in Spanish, Chica Volando.”

  “What is Spanish?”

  “Sorry husband, it’s another earth language that I learned in high school. I was just showing off. Not important.”

  “I still don’t understand,” answered Kon’dor.

  “It’s a flying suit – one of a kind. I can go anywhere you can go. In fact, I can fly in space or under the sea.”

  “It’s the same outfit you wore down in the cavern. I just assumed it was your traditional attire. May I touch the material?”

  “Sure,” and she held out her arm. “It’s made from serpent’s crystals. Very advanced stuff. It’s a thousand years old and the technology to build it has been lost. Even if it wasn’t, it’s against the law on Aerianna to make another one.”

  “Why?”

  “Bree will explain it all to you when there’s time.”

  “Egg, thanks for offering, but I thing Kon’dee and I can manage on our own.” She stared daggers at her sister as she said it.

  “Oh. Right. Sorry. Ring, tend to my suit,” and she returned to her other self. “Sparky, beam these two down to the surface.”

  “Thank you, sister.”

  “Like I had a choice.”

  *****

  Bree and Kon’dor materialized on top of the volcano. “You lead and I’ll follow,” said the girl.

  “I’m terribly curious as to your abilities. Should I fly slowly?”

  “You silly, silly man. Try to keep up,” and she spread her wings and lifted off the ground. Catching the strong wind, she sailed away. Looking back over her shoulder, she saw him smile and follow.

  As he caught up, she gave him a wink, folded her wings, and dove straight down. His first reaction was of surprise. He quickly regained his composure and dove. However, he couldn’t retract his wings like she could and they created a drag on his speed.

  She easily beat him to the ground and waited with a very smug grin. He landed next to her. “That was hardly flying,” he teased. “It was more akin to falling out of the sky.”

  “Kon’dee, I would never have guessed you’d be a sore loser.”

  He smiled then his expression changed to one of thoughtfulness. “Why do you call me Kon’dee?”

  She was stunned by the question. “I don’t. I would never do that.”

  “Bree, that’s the only name you call me.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. That was L’elle’s special name for you. It would be absolutely inappropriate for me to call you that.” She was deadly serious.

  Her response worried him for reasons he couldn’t explain. Not wishing to argue, he responded with, “My mistake. Would you mind terribly if I continue the survey of the damage on my own?”

  Bree felt her heart tear in half. “But why?”

  “I just have a need to be alone. After all, it is my world that lies in ruin. I want to experience the pain without being distracted.”

  “Oh.”

  “You do understand, don’t you?”

  “Sure,” then, “No. Actually, I don’t.”

  “Bree, we’ve only known each other for a short time – but you seem to be a year ahead of me in our relationship. I need time to catch up.”

  The girl’s face went crimson red then bone white. “I’m so, so sorry. I . . . well, it’s just that . . . um, I never felt this way,” and she stopped trying to explain. Sometimes you just can’t find the right words. She turned her back on the man then tapped her communicator. “Gracie, one to transport.”

  “Which one?” came the sarcastic reply.

  “Me, Serenity. Just me.”

  *****

  An hour or so later, Kon’dor asked to be beamed up. He materialized in the control room with five pairs of eyes staring at him (six if you counted Ix). Glancing from face to face he said, “I can explain.”

  “Please remember one of the Sisterhood’s most important rules,” replied Egg. “No one messes with our sister, mister. No one.”

  He looked around one more time. “Where is she?”

  “In her cabin, crying.”

  The winged man exhaled, dropped his head, and slumped his shoulders. “Forgive me. It’s been two hundred years since I’ve been in a relationship with a woman. I could have handled this better. Could we discuss this in private? As the leader of the Sisterhood, I would feel more comfortable if it were just the two of us.”

  “At the moment, your comfort is of no concern to me.”

  Kon’dor’s eyes went wide in surprise. This was a side of the Sisters he had not seen in action – fierce loyalty. “I phrased that poorly. In truth, I really don’t know any of you that well. For Bree’s sake, I would discuss this in private. At the very least, I would ask Skotti and the Prince to leave.”

  That was better – he was concerned for Bree, not himself. “Come with me,” and Egg led him to the conference room. “What happened down there?”

  “I asked her why she always called me Kon’dee.”

  “It’s your nickname. So?”

  “She said she would never call me by the name that L’elle gave me.”

  “She was being polite.”

  “Egg – she really didn’t know she was saying it. I felt I was becoming a . . . a fantasy of hers. I needed a way to bring her back to this reality from the fantasy she seems to be living in.”

  “Bree really didn’t know she was calling you that?”

  “She denied it emphatically. She was shocked that I would even suggest such a thing.”

  “Oh boy.”

  “If it’s not too impertinent to ask, did you and the Prince fall in love at first sight?”

  She scrunched her face at the unexpected question – then laughed. “Not hardly. I thought he was a stuffed shirt.”

  Kon’dor smiled at the description. “But do you think it’s possible for others to fall in love at first sight?”

  “Absolutely. Happens a lot back on Earth.”

&nbs
p; “Well, it kind of happened to me.”

  “With L’elle?”

  Now he laughed. “As you said – not hardly. I was talking about BreeZee. She is beautiful, intelligent, kind, empathetic, gentle and obviously brave beyond measure since she is a Hameggattic Sister.”

  “You love her?”

  “No. Not yet. Let me explain. I don’t believe it’s really love at first sight. It’s more a type of cosmic attraction that, if allowed to continue over time, results in two people becoming one. Does that make sense?’

  “Oh yeah,” she replied with a warm smile. “So, why did you do what you did? Why not let time work its magic?”

  “Like I told her, we just met but she’s a year further along in the relationship than I am.”

  Egg laughed. “You are one smooth talking man; I’ll give you that.”

  “I didn’t want to hurt her. I just wanted to give her pause to consider what she was feeling. Until her conscious mind realizes that she’s been calling me Kon’dee, she’s still in that dream reality.”

  “So, what do want to do now?”

  “I would have you talk to her as an older sister and friend. Then ask her to accept my invitation to accompany me into the Reverie Glass.”

  *****

  They returned from the surface – from their excursion to the Sanctum of Reverie. Her friends didn’t want to intrude but they were bursting at the seams to know what had happened – why Kon’dor wanted to take her inside the Glass.

  As nonchalantly as she could, Egg asked, “You two okay?”

  Bree had already asked Kon’dor to play along with what was bound to be a third degree grilling from her sisters. “Let’s not make this easy on them,” she said with a grin.

  “You’re quite the mischievous one, aren’t you?”

  “It’s one of my better attributes.”

  He looked deeply into her eyes. “You know that year’s difference I mentioned? It’s now only six months, maybe five.”

  Her grin turned into a full smile. “Your emotions are just like your flying – much slower than me.”

  “Will you wait for me to catch up?”

  Instead of a yes, she moved close and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.