by Shae Mills
Chelan smiled. “Without his knowledge.”
Korba smiled and looked at the roses. “Like the Sana, they are of your color.”
Chelan shied away. “We should be getting you home.”
Korba’s eyes glinted. “I am fine, my Lady. But I have no problem with returning, if you wish.”
“My Lady!” someone shouted.
Chelan and Korba reeled around just in time to see Dory running toward them as fast as she could. Security near the main doors bristled, and guns were raised, but a hand signal from Korba defused the tension.
Chelan burst into tears and grabbed on to Dory just as the woman slid to a halt before her. The two women hugged and cried. “Oh, Dory!” Chelan finally said. “Oh my god, you made it too!”
Dory pulled back and wiped her tears from her eyes. “My Lady! Someone had to look after the gardens while you were gone.”
Chelan sniffed. “You fled to the South also?”
“I did. I had heard through our intelligence that you still tended the gardens during Talon’s reign. At one point, I actually thought of trying to make it back here for you, but the risk was too great.”
“I am pleased that you were cautious, and I am so glad that you are back now.”
“Oh, my Lady, no one is more glad to see anyone than I am to see you.” She glanced at Korba and hesitated.
Chelan looked at Korba and then back to Dory, detecting a hidden interplay between the two. “You may speak your thoughts, Dory. I will tame the beast beside me.”
Korba chuckled, and Dory actually reddened. Then Korba nodded, his eyes soft and warm.
Dory swallowed nervously and spoke. “If I may say so, his Lordship has been a regular visitor to these gardens since the Empire was restored.” She paused and glanced at Korba again, but continued. “At one point, he asked if there were any specimens from Calley. We had to do a lot of genetic testing, and some records were checked, and through that, we found the pink roses.”
Chelan nodded. “And?”
“Well, my Lady, let me just say that we have all now witnessed the softer side of our Lord God Emperor. It would seem that he also has an affinity for the beautiful, pink roses from Calley.”
Chelan looked up at Korba. “So, the vast expansion of this particular area was of your making?”
Korba nodded. “Yes, my Lady. As soon as I found the flowers of your heart, to nurture them was both my desire and my need.”
Dory looked like she was going to melt on the spot. Then she cleared her throat. “Um… Have you told her yet?”
Chelan’s eyes skated to Korba’s. “Told me what?”
Korba spoke. “A new area has been built onto the main gardens. Many of your roses have been transplanted there. I have already sent a large contingency of people back to Calley, and they are picking up samples of your world’s flora as we speak. This new area will be filled with the native species of many beautiful plants from the west coast of your continent.”
Chelan clasped her hands over her mouth, but she dared not speak.
Dory, meanwhile, nodded enthusiastically.
Korba smiled. “Whenever you visit here, once all the plants have arrived… Well, I am sure Dory could use a little help.”
“Oh, my Lord!” Chelan squeaked with joy.
Korba drew her to him. “Whenever you wish some tranquil time on your little blue planet, Earth will be here to receive you.”
Dory jumped once with glee and then smiled at them both. “I will leave the two of you for now. I still have literally mountains of soil to prepare for the ship’s arrival from Calley.”
Chelan turned in Korba’s arms and looked to the curator. “Thank you, Dory.”
“Oh, my Lady, the pleasure has been all mine.” And she turned and left.
Chelan took one last look at the pink roses, and her heart soared. Processing what Korba had done for her was all she could handle right now. For the moment, the story of how she came to love the pink roses would have to wait. Then she looked up at him, love and adoration spilling from her heart.
He hugged her gently and then led her out of the gardens.
*****
They returned to the Command Center, where Korba turned to her. “You should retire early, my Lady. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”
“I thought we were going to your special place.”
Korba smiled. “We are, and you should be fully rested.”
“But Zeta—”
“I will meet Zeta, and I promise to eat all that she brings me.”
Chelan rubbed at her arms. “Despite my nap, I am rather worn,” she admitted.
“I will take my leave. You get as much rest as you can.”
Chelan watched as he hesitated, his eyes lighting on her lips, but he did not kiss her. Instead, he nodded to her and left the Command Center. She watched him as he disappeared into the workout area. She was not sure if his gait was stronger or not. Maybe it was her imagination, or maybe it wasn’t. Either way, her heart swelled with happiness.
*****
Chelan awoke to morning light and sprang from the bed. The room had already been gutted, for the most part, and the workmen would be back soon. She showered and dressed in her white gown and entered the Command Center. Then she ran to the blue room and stepped in to find Korba fully dressed and just finishing the breakfast Zeta had brought.
“Good morning, my Lady. You were tired.”
Chelan looked at the empty tray. “My word, it is later than I thought!”
Korba smiled. “You should eat.”
Chelan smiled. “I ate last night after you left. And this morning, I am too excited to eat.”
Korba straightened. “Well, then, we shall be on our way.”
The journey was fairly long, and Chelan realized that she was headed for a far-flung section of the Palace she had never been to before. When the guards finally stopped, Korba ushered her into an immense complex. Chelan froze at the sound of children’s voices.
She threw Korba a puzzled look, but he beckoned her and led her down a long corridor. Chelan peered into the rooms on either side as she walked, her eyes large. Then she skipped to catch up to him. “This is a school?”
Korba smiled. “That is right.”
Chelan looked around, wide-eyed, almost stumbling once over her own feet. “I have never seen Iceanean children,” she whispered in quiet astonishment. “Back with Talon, one of my intentions was to help the children of Iceanea, but I was caught up in so many things, I never got any projects off the ground.”
“Such a project would have required that you walk among the common people, as the children of the Empire—both Empires—were already well cared for.”
“Yes, I know, and that was my intent. But I was not going to overlook the children born of the Guild. All children, regardless of their backgrounds, have needs. Those needs may differ, but they still must be addressed.”
Korba glanced at her. “I know you would have done wonders.”
Chelan smiled. “I wanted to explore Iceanean cities, become one of the people, and share some of the Empire’s wealth where I could.”
“You could still do that. Much chaos has ensued with the two takeovers being so close to one another. I have people in the field trying to reestablish order and infrastructure. But, as in all war zones, the rebuilding will take years. The children of such upheaval bear the greatest burden. Your help in that area would be welcomed and appreciated by all, including me.”
Chelan smiled up at him, but then Korba touched her shoulder. “In here.” And he opened an enormous door.
Chelan stepped through, and her jaw dropped. Little children ran everywhere in the cavernous hall. Korba chuckled at her expression. “This is a gymnasium. Right now, while the older children are in class, the young ones run somewhat wild here.”
Chelan was flabbergasted. But despite the apparent chaos, Chelan could see adult men and women everywhere, some standing guard, others directing play. Soon she realized that
the children were in ordered groups, engaging in a wide proliferation of activities. Then she looked up into Korba’s smiling face. “This is your special place?” she asked in astonishment.
Korba nodded.
Chelan shook her head. “It is far from calming, my Lord.”
Korba chuckled but did not speak.
Chelan continued to look about for a time; then she faced him. “What do you do here? Do you supervise, or is there someone special you visit?”
Korba gazed into her eyes for a long time, and then she watched as he looked beyond her, and his gaze warmed even further.
Chelan whirled around and gasped. “Marri!”
Marri bowed. “My Lady,” she greeted graciously.
Chelan clutched at her chest. “Oh—my—goodness. It is so good to see you!”
Marri beamed. “And you, my Lady. I am so glad that you are here. And may I say that you look as beautiful as ever.”
Chelan blushed. “What are you doing here?”
Marri smiled. “I have taken some time off from the military to help with the children.”
Chelan nodded. “That is quite the change. You have taken on a whole new level of responsibility.”
Marri looked out over the room. “I love it,” she whispered. Then her eyes drifted to Korba, and he nodded. Marri took Chelan by the hand. “There is one special child whom I take care of always. Would you like to meet him?”
Chelan nodded. “Oh, yes.”
Marri released her and glanced at Korba again. Then she turned away and signaled something Chelan could not see. Chelan watched as in the distance a small child separated from the masses and came bounding toward them. All the children wore loose-fitting, black outfits, not unlike tracksuits with hoodies. But this child was the only one with his hood drawn over his head. As the child sidled in beside Marri, Marri reached down and drew his little hood back.
Chelan’s heart stopped. Her eyes darted out over the expanse of children and then back to the little boy. From the sea of blue-black arose this one child, his beautiful, silver-blonde hair shimmering in the lights. Chelan felt her knees weaken, and she reached for Korba’s arm for support.
The little boy grabbed onto Marri’s leg. He looked up at the warrior with huge azure eyes and smiled. Marri nodded to Chelan and then squatted down to him. “Jason, Korba has brought someone here for you to meet.”
Jason turned to Chelan, and he smiled. “Hello,” came his little voice.
Chelan crouched down, her body trembling and tears welling in her eyes. She stared at his silver hair. “Hi,” she whispered. Her voice cracked.
The little boy beamed. “My name is Jason. What is yours?”
Chelan felt every bone in her body liquefy. “My name is Chelan,” she uttered. She hesitated. “Jason is a beautiful name.”
Jason smiled at her and then looked up at Marri. He tugged on her hand. “Auntie Marri. Is she my mom?”
Chelan instantly burst into tears and leapt to her feet. Korba caught her as she crushed into him. “Oh god,” she croaked.
Korba squeezed her tight. “Shhh. It is all right, my Lady.”
“I don’t understand!” she cried. Chelan tried to sort through all her thoughts and memories, but too many questions swamped her at once. Then she became still as the small voice penetrated her heart.
“Auntie Marri, why is she sad?”
Chelan twisted in Korba’s arms, clinging to his shroud for support. Then she slid to her knees. “Oh, Jason! I am not sad. I am just so very happy.” She sniffled. “And I am just so very, very confused.”
The concern on Jason’s face began to ease. He let go of Marri and took a few steps toward Chelan. Chelan quickly cleared her tears and smiled. The little boy studied her and then smiled back. “You are pretty,” he stated.
Chelan laughed, and more tears welled. “Why, thank you. And you are very handsome.”
He held his hands behind his back and smiled coyly. “I know who my dad was.”
Chelan choked back a sob. “Oh, really? Who?”
“He was the great Commander Dar. He was the best,” the boy added confidently.
Chelan fought a losing battle against more tears. “Yes, he was,” she blurted out.
Jason’s smile faded, and he looked back at Marri. “Mom is crying again.”
Marri smiled. “That is okay. She is just a little bit overwhelmed.”
Jason turned back to Chelan. “Did you like my dad?”
Chelan had to touch the floor to maintain her equilibrium. She swallowed hard. “Oh, yes, Jason. I loved him with all my heart.”
Jason seemed to hesitate. He glanced at Korba for a moment. Then he looked back at Chelan. “Auntie Marri says that if you stay, I can visit you often.”
Chelan cupped a hand over her mouth and closed her eyes tight. Then she felt Korba crouch beside her, his arms surrounding her, giving her the strength and the support to hang on. She blinked in her tears and wiped at her eyes. “That is right,” she uttered. “As often as you wish.”
Jason began to sway back and forth. He glanced at the Emperor and then back to her. “Auntie Marri says that if you stay, then Korba can be my new dad.”
Chelan nearly choked on her emotions, struck mute by the intensity of the situation. Then Korba’s arms squeezed her tighter, and she looked up into his warm eyes.
He nodded to her. “Tell only the truth, my Lady. He has no false expectations.”
Chelan looked back at the little boy. “If I stay…” she whispered, “… Korba can be your dad.”
Jason clapped his hands together. “Yeah! I could have the Emperor for my dad.” And his big, blue eyes shone up at Korba with adoration.
Chelan wiped at her cheeks again. “Do you like it here?”
“Yes. It is fun. Will you stay and watch a while?”
Chelan hesitated. “Um… how about next time? I am going to spend some time alone with his Majesty, if that is okay? I just need a little time to process everything. But maybe Auntie Marri can bring you by later for a visit this afternoon?”
Jason eyes lit, and he peered back at Marri and bubbled. “Can we, Auntie Marri? Can I visit Mom later?”
Marri smiled and then looked at Chelan. “Of course, you can.”
Jason turned and ran to Chelan, catching her by surprise and nearly knocking her over. Chelan clutched him to her as though he were life itself. Her fingers entwined in his hair as she inhaled his scent… her long-lost baby’s precious scent.
He hugged her just as tight but then pulled back a little bit. He looked at her new tears and smiled. “You are happy some more?”
Chelan nodded. “I am the happiest person in the galaxy, Jason.”
“Me too.” And then he twisted in her arms and ran back to Marri.
Chelan tried to stand, but she could not. Korba steadied her and helped her to her feet.
Marri took Jason by the hand. “We will see you both later.”
Chelan waved at Jason, and he waved back. “Bye,” she whispered. Then she drew in a shaky breath and nearly collapsed against Korba.
He stroked her trembling body, holding her tightly for a long time. Then he pulled her back. “Come on. We have a lot to talk about.”
*****
Korba ushered her into his blue room, and Chelan sagged onto the edge of the bed. Korba watched her carefully as he removed his shroud. With shaking arms, she pushed herself back along the bed till she fell into the profusion of pillows. Korba sat beside her and held her hand. “He is truly beautiful, my Lady.”
Chelan took in a deep breath as her eyes filled again. “How long have you known?” she asked in a timorous whisper.
“Dar told me as soon as our ships linked, not long after you were captured.”
“Oh god,” she sobbed.
Korba stroked her soft hand. “It is all okay, my Lady.”
Chelan shook her head, her chin beginning to quiver. “No, it is not. Even though it may have been inevitable, I never wanted you to kno
w.”
“He had to tell me then, Chelan. RIBUS 7 had already been fatally crippled, and RIBUS 8 and 10 were under siege. Dar knew his odds of survival were slim. He told me so that whoever survived could take care of him.”
Chelan finally found the courage to look into his eyes. “You must have hated us.”
Korba rubbed her hand. “No. My awe for my best friend only increased. I had always known how strong Dar’s feelings for you were. The night Ticees fell, he told me that he forfeited you and would move on. But I knew that was not to be. The elaborate lengths he went to to acquire you were nothing short of astonishing. He sought to obtain exclusively what any man would want: your endless love and the ultimate gift of a child.”
Chelan’s tears flowed. “But I betrayed you.”
Korba shook his head. “No, my Lady. You were in extraordinary circumstances. You held true to your heart in that situation.”
“But I promised to be his alone.”
Korba paused. “If I had remained true to you, taking care of you as I should have… If I had remained on Iceanea, and if Dar had offered to be your sole mate, would you have accepted him exclusively?”
Chelan was quiet awhile. “No,” she finally whispered. “Though I loved him passionately in ways I could never explain, you were always the love of my life.”
Korba smiled. “I loved you both, and I have the child you bore. Each time I am with Jason, I see within him my best friend and his strengths and your beauty and your love. You did not deceive me, my Lady—you honored me.”
Chelan sprang up and grabbed onto his arms. “I still feel I cheated you.”
Korba held her. “If I had given you the child you desired long ago, none of this would have happened.”
“Regardless, Dar challenged the Let.”
Korba smiled. “If you had come to me and asked to bear his child, as you did with Fremma, I would have granted it.”
Chelan pulled back in astonishment. “But why?”
“Because, Chelan, you loved us both so deeply. And Dar did not challenge me directly. He did not seek the Empire through you. Nor did he expect his child to acquire any special status. He merely sought your love and the ultimate gift you could share.”
Chelan wiped at her tears. “Dar said you would not challenge.”
