More Tales of the Southern Kingdoms (One Volume Edition)

by Barbara G. Tarn

"Sure," Harish answered absentmindedly.

  He walked to the balcony and had a look outside. The back of the palace opened on a luxuriant, unwalled garden that faded out in a forest on the right side of the balcony. Leaning on the left side, Harish caught a glimpse of the sea. The wind brought whiffs of salty air mixed with the fragrance of unknown flowers.

  Harish wondered if the big room would be another gilded cage. He took a look at the bedroom – heavier curtains and more carpets, not too much like King Vijay's – then decided to join Kartik in the bath chamber. He wasn't as filthy as his lover, but he badly needed to try to relax before meeting the rest of the royal family.

  Kartik was furiously scrubbing himself clean.

  "I don't see any mirrors or razors, so I hope a barber will show up," he said while Harish undressed to join him in the big pool.

  "I probably need a shave, too. Do you think they'll cut my hair?" he asked, entering the warm water and sitting next to Kartik who passed him the soap.

  "Your twin and all the men we've met so far have short hair," Kartik replied. "Which, I guess, would make you look more manly. Although if you keep your hands on me all the time, the effect will be lost."

  Harish was about to protest when he realized Kartik was teasing. He threw water in his face, but entwined his leg between Kartik's.

  "What can I say, you seduced me thoroughly," he said, blowing Kartik a kiss.

  Kartik chuckled. "Naughty jester, you're the prostitute." He quickly kissed him, then resumed scrubbing his skin. "I wonder what the king will say about us. I thought only the Lakeshian court allowed same-sex love."

  "King Vijay is disgusting." Harish shivered at the memory.

  "I heard his son is much like him," Kartik replied. "Yes, the very same Prince Vivek who saved you. You're lucky you're not his type."

  "I wish Rohit had left us more privacy on the way here," Harish grumbled. "Now I'm too nervous to do anything."

  "If you keep your hands off of me in front of your father, I promise I'll make it up to you when we retire to sleep."

  "Oh, Kartik, what if they don't let us be together?"

  "Harish, you worry too much. Just relax. Everything will be fine."

  Harish sighed, but tried to obey. Before he could come up with another doubt or objection, a knock on the door introduced two servants with clean clothes and the much needed razor.

  "I was asked to cut your hair, your highness," said the servant who was also the barber. Harish looked at Kartik, dismayed.

  "It's just hair," Kartik smiled. "If they throw you out after tonight, it will grow back."

  Harish sighed, but sat on a stool to be groomed for the royal dinner. The barber also cut Kartik's hair and shaved both of them with quick efficiency. The servants then helped them into their new clothes, which were slightly different and far more complicated to wear than the jesters' attire.

  "What's with all these buttons?" Harish blurted out as the servants retired with deep bows. "It will take forever to take these clothes off!"

  "I should have stolen the razor, since I've lost my throwing knives." Kartik grinned.

  "You wouldn't dare ruin such precious clothing!" Harish scolded him. "What if they don't give you more? Besides, you look great in them!"

  He stared fondly at his beloved who now looked even nobler than Prince Vivek.

  "You are the most handsome man I've ever met," he declared, hugging Kartik.

  Kartik chuckled and held him tight as he sought his lips.

  Someone clearing his throat broke their long kiss, and Harish saw Rohit had entered their room.

  "If you're both ready, the time has come," the prince announced with a smile.

  Blushing, Harish let go of Kartik and followed his twin, still holding one of Kartik's fingers with his malformed hand. It was exhilarating to be the one who led the way after being dragged here and there for months.

  One finger was no longer enough when he entered the room where the extended royal family of Amrendra had their meals. Harish frantically grabbed Kartik's hand again as he followed Rohit to the long table facing the door.

  "Ouch," Kartik whispered in his ear as they stopped in front of the guests. Harish relaxed his grip, but didn't let go as two pairs of gray eyes studied him from two identical faces.

  "Father, Uncle, this is Rahul," Rohit announced. "If he looks terrified, it's because he is. He has grown up as a jester and still can't believe he is actually a prince."

  "I'm not terrified!" Harish protested, although he was. "And I'm not used to being called Rahul. I was Harish until just a few days ago when you showed up at the Lakeshian court!"

  His outrage had overrun his shyness, but a quick squeeze from Kartik's hand calmed him.

  "I'm sorry," he grumbled, staring at his feet. "I'm not used to royalty."

  "You will have to get used to it, and to your new name."

  Harish had no idea which of the two identical kings had spoken, but he didn't look up. He heard the man rise and walk around the table to reach him. When a pair of feet stopped in front of his, a hand slid under his chin and forced him to look up.

  "It is a miracle," the king said. His eyes filled with tears. "Welcome back, Rahul."

  Still puzzled, Harish found himself locked in a bear hug.

  "Father, I don't think he realizes it yet," Rohit said. "Hence the mirror."

  The king let go of Harish and quickly wiped away his tears of joy.

  "Yes. Please, Rahul, go with Rohit to that mirror."

  Startled, Harish followed the king's pointing hand and saw a big framed mirror standing against the wall. Unconsciously, he let go of Kartik's hand, fascinated by the expanse of polished silver that reflected one of the chandeliers from where he stood.

  Rohit gently led him closer and Harish saw his own reflection for the first time. A reflection in water or distorted and limited to Kartik's blades wasn't like looking at himself in a mirror. Incredulous, he stared at his twin and then at the identical faces looking back at them, one obviously upset and the other smiling. They even wore the same clothes, albeit in different colors.

  "Welcome home, Rahul," Rohit whispered.

  Harish gulped his anguish. How would he deal with this new life?

  ***

  Kartik's heart swelled with pride as Harish was introduced to the members of his real family. The shy smile proved he was still nervous about the whole situation, and he seemed to relax slightly only when they sat side by side at the table covered with food.

  Kartik didn't speak, but observed the royal family of Amrendra trying to put their long-lost member at ease. Often Harish's eyes searched his for comfort, though, and he made sure to flash a reassuring smile at his beloved every time.

  Harish's shyness made him quiet, barely answering the direct questions or commenting on the food, especially the strange dishes he'd never seen or tasted before. Kartik could feel his tension, though, and met Rohit's knowing stare as Harish leaned back with a sigh at the end of the long meal.

  "I think my twin brother is tired, from the journey and the novelties," Rohit said. "He should retire now. We can see him again tomorrow."

  Harish shot a grateful stare at him as the king nodded his approval.

  "Sweet dreams, Rahul," the queen said with tears in her eyes.

  Harish rose and bowed stiffly, then tried hard to exit the room at normal pace. Kartik grabbed his wrist to slow him, but once they were out of the door, they glanced at each other, then raced to their room, reaching it at the same time.

  Still panting, Harish headed for the bedroom and slumped on the bed.

  "Oh, Gods, what a day!" he exhaled, staring at the carved wooden ceiling.

  Kartik sat next to him.

  "Not used to a real family, are you?" he asked, amused. "The poor queen was so happy to have her son back, and you treated her like a stranger!"

  "But they are strangers!" Harish protested. "You're the one I've known the longest here!"

  "But they are your family,"
Kartik chided. "They love you anyway."

  "You left your family." Harish stared at him accusingly. "So it can't be that good."

  "I grew up with my family. I left them because I wanted to earn my independence, but sometimes I still miss them. When we were touring with Master Zahin, sometimes our path would cross and I'd spend an afternoon catching up with them. I know my sisters got married and my father died..."

  "You have sisters?" Harish sat up to stare at him, puzzled.

  "Yes. Did you think I was all alone in the world?"

  "I don't know." Kartik lowered his eyes. "I guess I imagined you were an orphan like me, just older and more independent. I envied your freedom."

  "Well, now you're free. You need to get to know your family. You'll have to learn new skills for your new life..."

  "What new skills?" Harish asked, alarmed.

  "I don't know what princes do, but I'm sure you'll have to learn to read and write at least."

  Harish moaned in disappointment and slumped back down.

  "Will I be allowed to keep dancing?" he whined.

  "Probably, although maybe not the belly dance." Kartik grinned, starting to unbutton Harish's vest.

  "Why not?" Harish protested.

  "I don't see it fitting for any court. But your acrobatic abilities might be useful if they decide to train you as a warrior. The sword dance is not the same as what you normally do, but you can probably become proficient at it." He patted Harish's chest as the vest slid open.

  Harish rose and took off the vest and pants, and then began to unbutton Kartik's vest, frowning in thought.

  "So who's going to keep calling me Harish?" he whispered in a worried tone while Kartik took off his vest.

  "I will," Kartik promised. "Although you should get used to your real name. Rahul of Amrendra, prince heir and future twin king. How does that sound?"

  Harish grimaced in disgust and took off his shirt and underwear, sliding under the bedsheets.

  "What's wrong with Harish the Jester?" he asked.

  Kartik finished undressing and joined him on the bed, taking him in his arms.

  "Nothing. But I think Harish the Jester died in King Vijay's room. Prince Rahul is free to choose whoever he wants to sleep with. Which one sounds better to you?"

  "Oh." Harish's smile blossomed again. "I guess Prince Rahul is better, then. And he demands you stay in his bed forever."

  Kartik chuckled. "As you wish, your highness!"

  Harish put his arms around his neck and kissed him.

  "I love you, Kartik."

  "Love you too..."

  ***

  Rohit thought his twin was a puzzle. They might share the same features, but they didn't really communicate. And while they felt how the other felt, at least as basic emotion, they didn't know each other at all.

  Rahul was surprisingly shy for a street performer, although he was probably just quieter than Rohit. He wasn't used to talking much and certainly took orders better than he could give them. Of course he couldn't read or write or hold a sword in combat, but Rohit managed to learn more about his jester life after a few days of prodding.

  Rahul was struggling with the alphabet as they sat together in the palace library. He couldn't concentrate, so Rohit suggested they visited the armory and try his fighting skills. Rahul meekly followed him, but brightened only at the sight of throwing knives.

  "You should see Kartik using them!" he enthused. "And he learned to shoot arrows the same way! When I was his target boy in Jevina..."

  "You were his target boy?" Rohit blurted out, incredulous. His twin has survived twenty-five years of hardship and risked his life as target boy?

  "Yes." Rahul beamed. "I can be very still if I need to." He had showed off his acrobatic skills in the courtyard already, but Rohit didn't think playing the target boy was a good idea.

  "It's very dangerous!" he scolded. "Don't you dare ever do it again!"

  "Well, they took Kartik's throwing knives away," Rahul retorted. "But we can still show you our juggling skills if you allow us."

  "Rahul, you're a prince, not a jester!" Rohit snapped. "There's no need for any of that!"

  "It's more fun than learning the alphabet." Rahul shrugged. He saw a bowl of fruit on a table and took a few apples to keep his hands busy. Rohit had to admit he was good at throwing and catching them.

  "So, when did you meet Kartik?" Rohit continued his inquiry. He couldn't deny the obvious love Rahul felt for the gypsy that slept with him, and was curious to hear how it started. Was it because Rahul didn't have an alternative, sleeping in a wagon with other young men?

  "He joined the circus about ten years ago," Rahul answered, still juggling.

  "And that's when you fell in love with him?"

  "No." Rahul stopped throwing the apples to ponder. "No, I think I fell in love when we ran away from the circus." He looked his twin in the eyes, serious now. "I have always admired him, because he was free and independent and Master Zahin never tried to pimp him. Well, he tried once to suggest Kartik privately entertain a rich man down in Arquon, but Kartik refused and Master Zahin didn't insist. When I tried to refuse, I was beaten and sent off anyway. So I decided to become as strong and determined as Kartik – and hoped he'd protect me when I managed to stand up for myself."

  Rohit marveled at hearing the story. So his twin had been a male prostitute as well. And the only person who had never abused him and always tried to protect him was Kartik.

  "I thought it would disgust you of men's touch," he said, pointing at the door for a stroll in the courtyard and palace gardens.

  Rahul put down the apples before following him outside.

  "It did," he said, thoughtful. "But Kartik was always very nice, and when he dragged me away from the circus, I began seeing him as my savior. I was no longer a slave at the whim of Master Zahin, but a free jester – except I didn't know what to do with myself. I'd been ordered around all my life... but Kartik knew what to do, and took the reins of our career, and he was so good at it! He even told me to underplay when we were invited to perform for King Vijay, but I forgot..." Rahul hung his head, looking dejected.

  "So King Vijay noticed you and ordered you to his bed," Rohit said.

  "Yes." Rahul glanced at him. "His daughter, your wife, is nice, but he... he is just like the other men I had met before him."

  "And what makes Kartik different?"

  "He said he'd been in love with me for five years, but never expressed it, for fear of hurting me. I thought his was brotherly love and that he wouldn't consider me as a lover because my body had been overused already... But after we escaped from King Vijay and were living in the village in the jungle, we finally managed to express our feelings. It was the best time of my life." Rahul grinned proudly.

  Rohit calculated that he and his twin had fallen in love for the first time at the same moment. Rahul had discovered his feelings for Kartik when Rohit had discovered Gaia was a woman. Rahul had expressed his love for Kartik at the same time Rohit had brought Gaia to his bedroom. They'd been very happy for the same period – and their hearts had been broken at the same time.

  Rahul's eyes widened in surprise when Rohit told him of Gaia and that she had left more or less when King Vijay had found Kartik and Harish and brought them back to Jevina. That was why it had hurt so much – because they'd each been sharing the other's pain. Fortunately, the pain had numbed down after a few days. Neither of them could take it.

  "Luckily for you, Vivek went home after attending his sister's wedding and choosing Kareena for his brother." Rohit smiled. "And now here we are, both alive and happy again."

  "Are you happy?" Rohit asked, worried. "I mean, I'm with my beloved now, but don't you miss Gaia?"

  Rohit looked in the distance, not really focusing on anything.

  "Sometimes I still yearn to be with her. I wished I could run away with her, but she refused."

  "She's a mercenary, right?"

  "Yes, a nomad, much like jesters."
>
  "So when she left, you lost track of her?"

  "Actually, no." Rohit smiled. "The Gallians were pressing on our borders, so I suggested to my father that we hire a couple of Gallian mercenaries to lead our troops. They know the enemy better than our generals."

  Rahul chuckled. "You're smart! So where is Gaia now?"

  "Protecting our borders, with her partner, Kenuwee. They each lead a patrol of frontier troops, and are successfully shielding us. By the way, the long hair is typical of northern barbarians – that's why we gave you a haircut."

  "I see. So you're over her?"

  "Sort of... I'm a prince heir, and I know my duty. I wasn't a slave, but I did have a very programmed life. And, like you say, Laxmi is nice. It's not the burning passion I felt for Gaia, but I do love her."

  "The burning passion doesn't last." Rahul smiled sheepishly. "Since we've come here, my love for Kartik is much quieter. Deeper, stronger, but less sex-oriented. I think it will last forever."

  Rohit chuckled. "It seems that miles apart or close as we are now, we share the same feelings."

  "Do you think it's because we're twins?"

  "Definitely."

  "Why don't you tell me more about a prince's programmed life?"

  ***

  Harish adapted fairly quickly to his new life – and new name – with the help of his twin. He learned what having a family meant, and even how to tell his father from his uncle. He got along fine with everybody except for a veiled hostility from his cousin Ajay, who seemed to be the only one unhappy with his presence.

  Rohit explained that, before his arrival, Ajay was the second heir of Amrendra. When their fathers died, Rohit and Ajay would have reigned together – a responsibility that was now on Rahul's shoulders. And the next twin king would be the first pair of male twins coming from the heirs, except Rahul didn't plan on having any children.

  So Ajay's position was rickety at the moment, at least until King Daruka Dahana issued an edict about the succession. Both Rhohit's wife, Laxmi, and Nisha, Ajay's wife, were now pregnant, and Rohit predicted that soon the king's private council would meet to solve the issue before the babies came into the world.

  Therefore Harish wasn't really surprised when Rohit summoned him one morning to attend his first Private Council session. The discussion would include the twin kings and their firstborns, Rohit and Rahul, as well as Ajay, who sat at the other end of the table with a brooding expression.