by Jane Henry
“After I dress you, we will go to the hall for breakfast,” I explain. “I wish to learn more about you, and then you will have some time to explore the palace while I see to my duties here. I will then join you for dinner.”
She nods.
“Svali, it is of the utmost importance you stay where I ask you to, as you will need the guards to protect you if trouble comes to our front door. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my lord,” she says, her voice soft and submissive. Still, I do not trust her. I will watch her.
“Stand then, wife, and I shall dress you.”
She rises, looking at me. Perhaps she does not understand whether she likes or dislikes being told what to do. Certainly, her immediate visceral reaction is to balk rather than obey.
She will learn.
Tossing off the bedcovers, she swings her legs over the side of the bed, and gets to her feet, looking to me in confusion, as if she needs guidance or instruction. Very good.
“Stand right there, please.” I fetch a lavender tunic from the wardrobe, a color fitting her eyes, and as I drape the tunic over her curves, I take a moment to caress the length of her side, caressing her soft, smooth skin. My cock stirs again.
“You undo me, woman,” I admit, letting the fabric cover her bare skin. The words have tumbled from my mouth of their own accord.
Her eyes lower but her lips curve up in a smile.
“You sit here while I ready myself.” It is customary for a warrior king or man of rank like me to be waited upon by a servant, but I have always preferred my own company. I dress myself and wash in the small room adjacent, occasionally glancing to see if my wife has remained where I asked her to. Three times I see her sitting, but the fourth time I look, she is not there. I frown, peek around the doorway and catch her standing by the fireplace. Upon the mantle are some framed prints I had brought from my home.
“Who are these people?”
I do not answer her question. “Svali.”
She turns quickly. “Yes?”
“I asked you to sit and wait, woman. I did not give you leave to get up.”
She blinks, then looks to where I gesture, scurrying back. “I apologize, my lord.” Her tone holds such genuine repentance, I allow her transgression to slide. She has, after all, only just assumed her role here.
“See it does not happen again.” I make sure I catch her eye.
“Yes, my lord.”
I walk toward her and offer my arm. She takes it, and we exit our room.
The open windows allow the breeze to waft through our palace, our servants stand waiting to do my bidding.
“We wish to breakfast, Tamar.”
He precedes us to the dining hall, places a pot of tea on the table, then leaves to get food for us, as I pull out her chair. She sits, the picture of obedience and submission. Perhaps she is learning.
While we sip our tea in silence, I observe my new wife. Her freshly washed hair shines golden-brown, accentuating the unique color of her eyes, her full, pink lips. Her petite form is curvy and attractive, her hands tucked onto her lap. Something about her holds herself from me, a wall that still separates us. Even the discipline I administered and the intimacy we shared failed to break down her defenses. I have taken down cities that were easier to conquer.
How will I break through?
Why do I want to?
When our food arrives, she waits for my permission to eat. I grant it with a wave of my hand, and we eat in silence for a while.
“Svali, I’d like you to tell me about your family.”
Her spoon clatters to the table, and she scrambles to pick it up. “I apologize, my lord,” she says. “It merely slipped.”
There is more at play here. “Before you tell me about your family, however, I shall tell you about mine.” I lift a piece of bread and smear jam on it. “I was raised by strict Avalerian parents. My father was a member of the Hisrach, and he chose my mother from the circle when she was but eighteen years old.”
She takes a sip from her cup.
“There were two of us children — me, and a younger brother just a year younger, Yosef. People often thought we were identical twins, though I was a bit taller. We looked that much alike.”
“I see.”
“However, Yosef was taken from us when he was five years old.” She gasps, but I continue my story. “We were taken hostage in our own home one evening. My father had killed the leader of a rebel tribe in battle, and his battalion sought revenge in the way they thought best. They did not harm him. Instead, they took his son.”
I pause a moment, swallowing against the lump that has risen in my throat, prodded on by her wide eyes. She is so expressive, she cannot hide the sympathy there.
“They knew harming his family would be the most effective revenge, and they were quite right. My mother was devastated when news of Yosef’s death came to us not one month later. The leaders of the rebel tribe were punished, and my brother’s death avenged. But the damage was done. My father would not admit it, but he was never the same again. The following year, against my mother’s vehement protests, my father enrolled me in the acceptance program of the Hisrach. That same year, I joined the ranks of military leaders here on Avalere, and I have never looked back. Father devoted the rest of his life to taking care of my mother and training me to be a skilled warrior.”
“From what I can see, he trained you well.”
I nod once.
“My mother remained in good health for many years, until her quiet death two years ago.”
She pauses before speaking. “I am sorry.”
I must find more information from her now. “Svali, tell me about your family.”
She shrugs, avoiding my gaze. “As I’ve explained to you before, I was taken hostage to Kleedan. While I was captured, my mother, father, and sister were also taken and killed.” Her eyes flit about the room, and she clears her throat after talking. She looks down at her plate. “I miss them.”
She lies, of course. I am just not sure which part is the truth. I long to take her across my knee and teach her to speak the truth, but will that be effective?
“What was your sister’s name?”
She blinks. “My sister’s name, my lord?”
Her delay confirms my suspicions. “Yes, Svali. Your sister? The one who was killed?”
“Trina,” she says. “It is why I took that name when first I met you.”
I nod. “And who took your family and killed them?”
“The bragni,” she says. The bragni are a species of half-humans who live on Kleedan, small creatures who mimic human appearance but for their enormous round eyes suitable for working the mines. They communicate well with humans, but have no concept of civilization or proper behavior. If they were in my dominion, I would have something to say about the bullying and violence the bragni engage in. However, they are not under my dominion. Because the bragni are so lawless, others often blame them as easy targets of crime. They likely had nothing to do with the kidnap of her family…if her family was even kidnapped.
“I am sorry to hear that.” I offer an obligatory response. “Do you have friends back on Kleedan?”
Something flickers in her eyes, but I know not what. “No, my lord.”
“Any family or friends remaining here on Avalere?
She shakes her head again. “My years as an evening lady of Avalere made friendships impossible. I had no friends. No family. No…lovers.”
I clench my jaw. I did not ask about former lovers. She belongs to me.
The words hang in the air like a fading star in the night sky.
“Is that right, woman?” So much of what she tells me is lies, I cannot believe her.
“Yes, my lord.”
A door behind us opens, and Tamar walks in. He approaches the table and bows. “My lord, please excuse the interruption. You have someone here who wishes to see you. A member of the Hisrach, my lord.”
“Bring him in.” As Tamar fetches ou
r guest, I speak to Svali in a low voice. “You will stay seated until I bid you leave while I speak with my brother of the Hisrach. We will discuss your plans for today when I am finished. You do not interrupt our conversation at any juncture. Do you understand?”
She nods, but the meekness has fled. Her gaze meets mine, hardened and uneasy. “Yes, my lord,” she says, but her jaw is clenched.
This woman will find herself over my knee again today before the rays of the sun set.
The door opens again, and in walks Gregor. He dwarfs the guard at the door in size and stature. When last I saw him, his dark hair was combed and his beard braided. Now, they both hang wild about him, his hair hanging down his back. He is bare-chested, his eyes flashing.
In battle, Gregor is fearless and brutal. There is no one I would rather defend my back than him. I rise to meet him, extending a hand in greeting, which he grasps.
“Idan.”
“Gregor.”
He bows to Svali. “My lady.”
She inclines her head. “My lord.” Since they’d met at Aldric’s, no formal introduction is necessary.
Much lies beneath the surface of this woman.
I hear a booming noise in the distance and look to Gregor.
“We celebrate the birth of Aldric’s child. Fireworks.”
I stare out the window, and as I do I note that the two moons have drawn closer together. We near a lunar eclipse.
I blink with sudden recognition.
The two moons shall become one.
CHAPTER TEN
Svali
I sit in meek silence as my husband meets with his companion. I simmer, my anger just below the surface, ready to blow if provoked. The stern warrior husband of mine will not tolerate defiance.
“Idan, please tell me what happened last night,” Gregor inquires.
“We were waylaid on our return journey from visiting Aldric and Carina,” Idan replies, and then pauses. “Any word on the new baby? We saw the celebration in the sky. Does Aldric have a son or daughter?”
Gregor grunts. “We’ll know soon enough. I have heard someone attacked you, and you put an end to that?”
“Yes,” Idan says. “One was killed, three badly injured. “I had the remaining alive sent to you.”
Gregor nods. “I have had them jailed and they await trial, though the trial will be an easy one.”
Idan looks to me as I watch them speak. “The penalty for assault on a member of the Hisrach or his immediately family is death,” he explains.
“Yes, my lord,” I respond with feigned meekness. His eyes narrow. He misses nothing.
“And what of this unrest?” Gregor asks.
“Some wish for Avalere to remain unchanged,” Idan says. “They object to Aldric reinstalling the second throne and wish only for one throne to be filled.”
“Why are they angry, though?”
Idan shrugs. “Perhaps someone is trying to stir up trouble. I do not know. It could be that they do not trust me to lead, or they fear further planetary attack as we faced a decade ago when the thrones were split.”
I have heard of the wars between Kleedan, Freanoss, and Avalere, legendary wars that ended with a decided change in leadership.
Idan continues. “And there also appears to be a sort of prophecy some ascribe to.”
Gregor raises a brow.
Idan snorts, rolling his eyes. “The second throne of Avalere brings with it great strife, when two moons become one as the lord takes a wife. Upon the land of Avalere, the leader will be tasked. But when all thrones are fully filled, our land becomes unmasked.”
Gregor speaks up. “And word of the prophecy has spread? People are afraid?”
Idan gives nod of assent. “When Aldric appoints me to the throne, I will establish myself as a leader of Avalere,” he says. “I will prove I am a worthy leader, and I will put no stock in such trivial things as prophecies. Stern leadership, dedication to justice, and fearlessness in battle outweigh some silly hag’s prattling on about the future. Futures change,” he scoffs, as if to add this for extra emphasis.
Gregor speaks first. “I agree. What did you find when you went to the tavern last night?”
I glance sharply at my husband. He did not go to the tavern last night. Why did this man say such a thing?
Idan frowns. “I know not of which you speak. I did not go to the tavern last night. I have been right here, with Svali, the whole time.”
Gregor’s brows knit together. “Are you sure?”
Idan’s cheeks flush as his eyes flash. “What on earth are you talking about?” he inquires. “How could I be unsure? I did not accidentally end up in a tavern without my knowledge. Why do you insist on such foolishness?”
Gregor’s brow furrows before he shakes his head. “Zadok saw you.”
Idan’s gaze grows stormy. “That is preposterous, Gregor. He lies! I haven’t left Svali’s side.” He turns to me and I only nod to confirm this though now my own suspicion is aroused. Did he go out when I was asleep? I wouldn’t know.
“I will question Zadok when I return,” Gregor says. “If you say you were not there, I believe you. It just makes no sense that he would lie to me.”
“I agree,” Idan says. “But I have only ever known him as a man of integrity. There must be some mistake.”
“Certainly,” Gregor acquiesces, but he remains stern.
Idan turns to me. “I do not like what brews here. You will stay by my side or under my watch and protection until further notice. You must obey me, Svali. Do not travel alone at any time, and I will be sure you have a guard with you at all times.”
I frown. It is what I expected, but it still angers me, but I must at least obey…for now.
⊱⟢⋯⟣⊰
I walk toward the garden with a book in one hand and a hooded garment in the other. He has allowed me to go under surveillance, and I do not resist. What good would there be? The breeze has picked up, so I put on my shrug and sit by the main entrance to the castle, a seat that anyone within would see.
I observe my surroundings, amazed at the transformation in just a few days. Those who garden on Avalere know how to make the greens and flowers flourish, coaxing them to grow rapidly, and already, tender buds blossom around the perimeter of the garden. A light breeze picks up, and my hair flies in the wind. I close my eyes, enjoying the bit of reprieve after the intensity of the previous few days. I can hear the twitter of birds in a nearby tree, the rush of water in a stream. But then I hear twigs snapping in the forest. I open my eyes and gaze about me. The guards have not moved, my female servant, Kada, standing nearby.
I peer into the forest, and, at first, I see nothing. Then a flash of dingy white catches my attention. Still, the guards have not moved.
In front of me, I see a familiar slight form with thin blonde hair. I start. It cannot be.
Cambri?
I glance quickly to the guards but they do not seem to have noticed anything. I stroll toward Kada. Her looks are similar to mine. She has the same slight form and golden brown hair, though her eyes are a light blue. From a distance, that will not matter.
“Will you assist me?” I ask her, as we make our way toward the greenhouse. I have watched her now for several minutes, and she seems most passive of those who surround me, the perfect one to ask.
“Certainly, my lady,” she says. We walk and I see the guards watching us out of the corner of my eye. I speak in a low voice to her. “Would you sit here on this bench, wearing my hood?” I ask. “I need be gone only a short time.”
Her eyes grow wide and fearful. I sigh, and try to appear wistful. “My new husband is awfully protective,” I explain. “And, though I adore him, I just wish for a moment alone sometimes. I would like to prepare a gift for him, and if I cannot have a moment alone, then I will not be able to give him this surprise.”
“Oh,” she says. “You will only be gone for a moment?”
“Just a moment,” I assure her. The guards at watch step behind a
tree for a moment. I must move fast.
Nodding, she slips the garment on, and sits by the garden bench with her back toward the castle. Anyone seeing from a distance would think she were me.
I do not waste a minute. I hasten toward the forest with my head bowed, and when I am there, I run. Moments later, I meet up with my sister.
“Cambri,” I hiss, “why are you here?”
Her blue eyes widen, panic-stricken. “Svali. It is mother! She is very ill. You must come and help her.”
My blood runs cold, the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. No, this cannot be.
I must go.
I do not know how long my decoy will remain in place without being discovered. If my deception is discovered, both she and I will be subject to punishment.
I must move quickly, and I must not make any mistakes.
No one pursues us, so we enter the forest unencumbered. Once there, I duck beneath the branches of a low-lying tree. There it is, the portal that will bring me to Kleedan. Avalerians are welcome to travel at will when they are of age, but I know I am not. What danger could there be?
I quickly place my hand on the entry, and the door opens. In seconds, both Cambri and I step out of the portal and into the murky darkness. I sigh. I have not missed this.
Cambri and I walk in silence to our home, aware that danger lies about, bragni or wild creatures, ready to attack. Poverty strikes all who live here, hunger making the desperate savage and violent. My mother lies on her cot when I enter. I have never seen her lying down during the day. Something is wrong.
“Mother,” I say, rushing to her side, then putting my hand to her forehead. “Are you ill?”
She does not open her eyes. My sister speaks from the doorway. “She has been like this for days,” she says. “She needs medicine.” Medicine is far too expensive for the poor to obtain here on Kleedan.
I must get what I need from Avalere.
“What illness has she?” I ask.
