Close Remembrance

by Anna Zaires

  “And I love you,” she said softly, stroking his face with her fingers.

  They lay like that for a while longer, just holding each other and enjoying the feel of skin against skin. Then Korum heard Mia’s stomach rumble.

  She blushed slightly, and he grinned. “Shower and lunch?”

  “Yes, please,” she said, then laughed as he picked her up and carried her into the bathroom.

  * * *

  The guardians came for Saret at two in the afternoon. Alir was among them, his black eyes cold and expressionless.

  When they reached for him, Saret shrugged off their hands and walked out of the room on his own, following them toward his execution chamber.

  Laira was already there, looking somber as befitting the occasion. Saret had met her once and immediately disliked her. She reminded him of Korum. Same sharp intelligence, same ruthless ambition. She applied to work in his lab a few decades ago, before she became known as a rising star in the field. After a brief interview, Saret turned down her application, enjoying the crushed look on her face when he told her she was unqualified.

  There was some twisted irony in her being his executioner today.

  They strapped him down on a float, making sure he was fully restrained for what was to come. Saret didn’t fight them. What would be the point? The guardians were armed to the teeth, and even if they weren’t, they were skilled fighters. He wouldn’t stand a chance. At this point, all Saret cared about was dying with dignity.

  And death is what this would be. Even though his body would remain, his mind – that which made him Saret – would be gone, thoroughly erased. He would never be himself again; his memories, his personality, his essence – it would all be wiped out.

  Laira approached him, holding a small white device in her hands. Saret recognized it. He’d used a version of it on Mia just a couple of months ago.

  “I am sorry,” Laira said, pressing the device to his forehead. “I am truly sorry for this.”

  Her face was the last thing Saret saw before his world faded into darkness.

  Chapter 32

  The morning of their wedding dawned crisp and clear.

  “Mia, honey, you look –” Her mom wiped away tears. “You look so gorgeous . . .”

  “Thank you, mom,” Mia said softly. “You and Marisa look beautiful too.” She wasn’t lying; her sister was stunning in a cream-colored dress with gently draped folds that skillfully concealed her slight baby bump, while her mom appeared remarkably youthful in a peach-colored sheath that flattered her rounded figure. Her dad and Connor were dressed in Krinar clothing as well, looking surprisingly sharp in their fitted white pants, boots, and structured sleeveless shirts.

  “I can’t believe my baby sister is getting married,” Marisa sniffled, her eyes filling with moisture too. That wasn’t unusual, though; Mia’s sister cried at the drop of a hat these days.

  “And to a K, no less,” Connor jumped in, a big grin on his face. “Dan, did you ever think such a thing would happen to your youngest?”

  “No,” her dad said dryly. “I certainly didn’t.”

  Mia’s family were sitting in a private room in the giant hall structure, watching Mia putting the final touches on her hair. As a wedding gift, Leeta had sent her a design for a beautiful hair accessory, and Mia was now placing it on her head. Made of some sparkling metals and shiny white-colored stones, it went all around her hair and through each curl, making Mia look like a fairy princess.

  Her dress only added to the impression. It was long, covering her feet, with a wide skirt and a strapless sweetheart neckline that pushed up her breasts and flattered her slim torso. It would’ve been a classic wedding dress, if it weren’t for the fact that Mia’s entire back was left exposed in the style of her usual Krinar outfits. Since the dress was long, Mia decided to wear high heels, giving herself four extra inches of height – which made her almost as tall as the shortest Krinar women.

  “Korum hasn’t seen you yet, has he?” her mom asked anxiously, and Mia shook her head, smiling at the superstition.

  “He hasn’t, mom, relax.”

  Mia knew she should be feeling nervous herself. After all, didn’t all brides freak out, at least a little bit? And Mia had more cause to freak out than most, given the size of her wedding and the fact that the entire Krinar race would be watching the unprecedented event either virtually or in person.

  However, she didn’t have even a hint of bridal jitters. All she could feel was a warm glow of happiness. Korum had taken care of all the logistics, handling the wedding preparations with the same calm assurance as he did everything else, so there was nothing to worry about on that front. As for their future together, she knew it wouldn’t always be smooth sailing, but their love was strong enough, real enough, to survive whatever obstacles lay ahead.

  Some part of her still couldn’t believe that this was happening, that she was about to get married to a K she had once feared and regarded as an enemy. Although only a few short months had passed, so much had changed in her life – and in Korum’s life. They had each learned the value of compromise, of seeing the other person’s point of view. Mia had grown stronger, more confident, while Korum had begun tempering his natural arrogance and controlling tendencies. He was still ridiculously overprotective, of course, but Mia hoped that would ease with time, as memories of Saret’s attack gradually faded. Korum’s possessiveness was a different matter; she strongly suspected that part of his personality would never change.

  “You know, you’re going to be a celebrity back home,” Marisa said thoughtfully, watching Mia. “My baby sis – the first human to marry a K! If the media gets ahold of it, you’ll be all over the news . . .”

  “I know.” Mia mentally shuddered at the thought. She and Korum had already discussed the disturbing possibility. “When we come back to Earth, we’ll likely be living in Lenkarda, so it won’t be so bad for us. For you guys, though . . . You might want to consider moving to Lenkarda too, regardless of what happens with the petition.” It went without saying that Mia’s family would have to live in the Centers if they were granted immortality, just like charl.

  Taking one last look in the mirror, Mia turned and smiled at everyone. “I’m ready.”

  * * *

  Dressed in a white human-style tuxedo, Korum stood waiting at the altar. As the first notes of the traditional human wedding march began to play, his pulse jumped in anticipation. In a matter of minutes, Mia would be walking down that aisle, and he would finally see his human bride.

  Two hours ago, her parents had pulled her away and warned him very strictly that he couldn’t lay eyes on her until the ceremony began. Bad luck or something ridiculous like that. Korum hadn’t been pleased, since he had wanted to help Mia dress – and maybe sneak in a quickie before the lengthy celebration – but Ella Stalis had been adamant and Korum had grudgingly given in. Arguing with his soon-to-be mother-in-law was not high on his list of priorities today.

  As the music continued, he cast a quick glance around the large celebration hall. Decorated in white and silver tones, it was filled to the brim. In addition to Korum’s family, friends, and various acquaintances, many members of the Krinar elite were attending in person. The rest of Krina – and the Krinar residents of Earth – were experiencing it virtually. Everyone was watching him with unbridled curiosity, and Korum knew they were wondering why he was doing it, why he was marrying his charl. Even Arus had been puzzled. “Isn’t that redundant?” he’d asked Korum after a Council meeting in which Korum had participated remotely. “You and Mia are already as good as married. She’s your charl.”

  Korum had simply smiled, not bothering to explain his reasons. Mia was indeed his charl, and now she would also be his wife.

  In the distance, he could hear her footsteps. Her father was leading her in, as per the old custom of giving the bride away. Korum grinned to himself. He would gladly take her off their hands.

  As she appeared at the other end of the aisle, on he
r father’s arm, his breath caught in his chest. Mia looked radiant, more beautiful than any woman Korum could ever remember seeing. She was glowing, her blue eyes shining with happiness and her lips curved in a wide smile. The dress emphasized her tiny waist and pushed up her deliciously round breasts, drawing his attention to her cleavage. Just seeing her like that made him want to pick her up and carry her to bed – and keep her there for the next several hours.

  Soon, Korum promised himself, and did his best to push all thoughts of sex out of his mind. It was impossible, however, because he simply couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. As she glided down the aisle, he found himself hungrily watching her every step, drinking in the delicacy of her features, the elegant lines of her neck and shoulders. Her skin looked so soft, so touchable that Korum’s fingers actually itched with the urge to stroke it, to feel it all over.

  Then she was there, next to him, and the music reached a crescendo, then quieted down. Korum took Mia’s hand and turned toward the blond human woman who would perform the ceremony. Once a judge in Missouri, Lana Walters was now a charl living on Krina, and she was honored to be part of such a historic occasion.

  “Dear friends, family, and all who are present or watching us today,” Lana said in a husky voice, “we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Nathrandokorum and Mia Stalis, the first time such a union has ever taken place.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Korum, do you take Mia to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

  “I do,” Korum said, looking at Mia. At his words, her smile became impossibly bright, dazzling him with its beauty.

  “And you, Mia? Do you take Korum to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

  “I do.” Her voice was strong and clear, without even a hint of hesitation.

  “Then I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Korum didn’t need any urging. Bringing Mia toward him, he bent his head and kissed her, the delicious taste of her sending a surge of blood straight to his groin. It took all his willpower to stop after a minute. When he pulled away, she was looking up at him with her mouth slightly swollen and her blue eyes soft with desire.

  As one, the crowd stood up and began stomping their feet in the Krinar version of clapping. The floor shook as a hundred thousand guests stomped in unison and cheered for them. Taking Mia’s hand, Korum lifted their joined palms into the air, whipping the crowd into an even greater frenzy.

  It was time to celebrate.

  * * *

  Mia couldn’t stop laughing as her husband whirled her around the dance floor, as effortlessly as if she was a doll. All around them, other Krinar couples were dancing too, their movements so complex and fluid that Mia would never be able to replicate them on her own. Her family was watching from the sidelines, looking as awed as Mia felt at the inhuman grace and athleticism of the dancers.

  Despite the traditionally human wedding ceremony, the party afterwards was decidedly alien. It reminded Mia of Leeta’s union celebration in Lenkarda. Everything, from the exotic music to the corner location of the dance floors, was purely Krinar. Floating seats, reflective walls, and shiny decorations abounded.

  Mia could see that her parents were overwhelmed by all the glitter and the gorgeous crowds surrounding them. Marisa and Connor, on the other hand, seemed to love it. Mia’s brother-in-law even tasted one of the local alcoholic beverages. “Strong shit,” he said approvingly after his eyes stopped watering. Mia and the others stuck to the refreshing pink juice cocktail, unwilling to try anything strong enough to give Ks a buzz. After a little while, Korum’s parents joined Mia’s family, and they all conversed while Korum stole Mia away to the dance floor.

  After about an hour of vigorous dancing, Mia had to beg for mercy. “You realize I’m human, right?” she laughingly told Korum, stopping to catch her breath.

  At that moment, they were approached by a tall Krinar man. “Congratulations,” he said, smiling at them. “I’m Kellon, Ellet’s cousin.”

  Korum smiled back, and they exchanged the traditional Krinar greeting, touching each other’s shoulder with their palms.

  “I have a wedding gift for you,” Kellon said, “from Ellet.”

  “Oh?” Korum arched his eyebrows, and Mia looked at the K. What did the human biology expert want to give them?

  “For the past several years, Ellet has been working on a very ambitious project,” Kellon said, “and she finally had a big breakthrough last night. It’s something that would be of particular interest to you both – which is why she asked me to approach you today, during your wedding.”

  “What is it?” Mia asked, unbearably curious.

  “She has been trying to figure out how humans and Krinar could have biological offspring together . . . and she thinks she finally has a solution.”

  “A solution?” Mia whispered, hardly daring to believe her ears. “Are you talking about human-Krinar babies?” Her husband seemed to be frozen in place, staring at the other K in shock.

  “Yes,” Kellon confirmed. “The process is far from perfect yet, and Ellet has a lot of kinks to work out, but she’s been able to figure out how to combine the DNA from both species in such a way as to produce viable offspring. A few more years and the two of you may be able to have a child – if you’re so inclined, of course.”

  “Is she sure?” Korum’s voice was calm, but his eyes were nearly yellow with strong emotion. “Is Ellet absolutely sure about this? If this is just some simulation she ran –”

  “No,” Kellon said, “she’s sure. She’s run at least a hundred simulations, and every single one of them produced the same results. For the first time ever, it’s going to be possible for charl and cheren to have children together.”

  “Thank you, Kellon,” Mia said thickly, “and please thank Ellet for us. This . . this is the best wedding gift we could’ve received.” She felt like she would burst into tears at any moment, and she looked away, blinking furiously to hold back the moisture that filled her eyes. A child with Korum! It was beyond her wildest dreams.

  “Yes,” Korum said softly, “please convey our most sincere thanks to Ellet. She has our gratitude.”

  Kellon inclined his head respectfully and walked away, melting into the crowd.

  As soon as he was gone, Mia turned to her husband. “A baby! Oh my God, Korum, a baby!” She grabbed his hand, squeezing it between her palms in excitement.

  “A baby,” he repeated, and there was a strange expression on his face. “Our baby.”

  Some of Mia’s excitement waned. “You . . . You do want a child, right?” she asked uncertainly. “I mean, I know it would be partially human and everything –”

  “Want one?” He stared at her like she had just grown two heads. When he spoke again, his voice was low and filled with intensity. “Mia, my sweet, I love you. A child who would be part you and part me? How could I not want that?” Covering her hands with his other palm, he drew her toward him, his eyes gleaming. “I want it very, very much.”

  Mia beamed at him, feeling like her heart would overflow with happiness. “If we had a daughter, we could call her Ivy. I’ve always loved that name. What do you think?”

  “I think I like it very much,” he murmured, bending his head and giving her a deep, passionate kiss.

  They decided to share the news with their families after the wedding. There were simply too many people around right now for such an important – and private – announcement. Still, Mia couldn’t get her mind off Ellet’s gift.

  “Do you think the procedure will be perfected by the time I’m thirty?” she asked Korum as he led her back to the dance floor. “I’ve always wanted to have a baby before I was thirty –”

  “Thirty?” Her husband laughed. “Mia, darling, your age is irrelevant now. Our child could be born when you’re thirty – or whe
n you’re five hundred and thirty. It really doesn’t matter –”

  “It matters for my parents,” Mia said quietly. “I would want them to see their grandchildren, to know them in their lifetime.” It was the one thing that worried her: the fact that they still had not received an answer from the Elders.

  Korum started to say something when the music suddenly stopped. All the noise died down, a deathly silence descending out of nowhere. Everyone seemed frozen in place, staring at the entrance.

  “What’s going on?” Mia whispered, stepping closer to Korum.

  “Hush, my sweet,” he said quietly, putting a protective arm around her back. “It looks like Lahur is here.”

  Mia barely suppressed a gasp. From what Korum had told her, the Elders never came out to socialize with the other Krinar or to attend any public events. They were essentially loners, holding themselves apart from the general population. And now Lahur, the oldest of them all, was here at their party?

  The crowd slowly parted, and Mia could see a tall, powerful man making his way toward them. As he approached, she recognized the hard features of the Elder she’d spoken to in the forest. He was dressed in formal Krinar clothing, like all the other guests, but the fancy outfit did little to conceal his predatory nature. Even among other Krinar, he seemed more savage somehow, a panther roaming among house cats.

  “Welcome, Lahur,” Korum said calmly, inclining his head toward the newcomer. “We are pleased you could join us.”

  “Thank you.” Lahur’s deep voice held a note of amusement. “I’m not here for long. I came to give you a wedding present. That’s a custom of yours, isn’t it, Mia?”

  Mia stared at the Elder in shock. “Yes,” she managed to say. “It’s a human wedding custom.” She was surprised she was able to speak at all, with her heart beating as hard as it was.