Pradorian Mate

by C. Baely

  “Nor should you. He would never betray the council’s trust,” she said calmly.

  Dar sighed before moving to leave. “The reason for my visit was to inform you of the importance of letting us know your results as soon as possible.”

  “I will do my best to have them soon.” She understood the need for urgency, but something troubled her about all this.

  * * *

  Sara awoke alone, feeling tired after tossing and turning all night. She rose from the bed and headed toward the bathroom to retrieve her clothes, but she was surprised that they were nowhere to be found. She was certain she had laid them on the bathroom floor the night before, yet now they were gone. She hesitated for a moment, thinking she couldn’t wear a towel all day, but then she remembered the dresses in the closet and headed toward it.

  Inside, she found many different kinds of clothing. There was a soft pink dress where shades merged to form dark purple areas that effectively covered her breasts and lower body. The material fell free to her ankles, while the shoulders of the dress were open, leaving them exposed as the short sleeves hugged her arms tightly enough to hold the dress in place.

  She wished she had a mirror, but then she shook her head, rejecting the idea of her own vanity. She left the bedroom and headed toward the dining room.

  Sara had been mulling over the events of the night before. Her stomach clenched at the thought of facing Archail again that morning. When the door of the great hall opened behind her, a familiar voice called out.

  “Sara!”

  She turned to see Orora standing in the opening, looking at Sara with a broad smile as she moved to give her a big hug.

  “Orora, what a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?” She was so stunned to see her friend’s face that she stared at her almost dumbfounded. Orora was wearing a dress similar to hers, but it was colored with shades of brown. She looked very healthy and cheerful, and there was nothing in her posture or expressions that reminded Sara of the frightened mouse she had led on their unsuccessful escape attempt through the vast forest a few days ago. It now seemed almost a lifetime ago to Sara.

  “Well, I asked Dar where you were, and he was very kind to escort me over, so here I am!” Orora didn’t even stop to take a breath.

  “I see.” Sara gazed at her friend, still unable to believe the change in this timid woman.

  “Oh Sara, I have so many things to talk about. Where can we go and sit?” She glanced around the corridor as she spoke.

  “Follow me.” Sara recovered from her shock and started walking.

  She led Orora to the sitting room she had discovered just the day before, avoiding the dining room for fear of finding Archail there. She opened the door and entered the sitting room, waiting for Orora to follow. Her friend smiled as she walked in and grabbed Sara’s hand, gently leading her toward the large plushy cushions. As soon as she sat, Orora started rambling excitedly.

  “So many things have happened since the last time I saw you. Oh you won’t believe the news I have for you!”

  “You look so happy.” Sara studied her carefully.

  “Of course, I’m happy, aren’t you?” Orora looked back at her with sincerity in her deep-green eyes.

  “Well, I’m speechless,” Sara admitted honestly, unable to hide her amazement.

  “Yeah, well maybe you don’t know as much as I do, after all.” Orora scowled. “Don’t you talk with Archail?”

  A soft shadow passed over Sara. The sound of his name brought a small pain in the depths of her heart. “We haven’t had much time to talk.”

  “Well!” Orora exclaimed, a soft reprimanding tone in her voice. “Now that I’m here, I’ll tell you everything I know.” She gave Sara a reassuring smile.

  “I’ll begin with that horrid day when we ran away into the forest, remember?”

  “Yes, please go on,” Sara answered almost mechanically, trying to shake away the memory of what Archail almost did to her on the lakeside that day.

  “When we returned to Dar’s cave, he sat me down almost immediately and began explaining how things really were. Naturally, when he explained how there was a solution, by attending the blood exchange ceremony, I agreed immediately.” Orora appeared almost giddy.

  “We left the next morning and traveled to the city. Dar was very considerate. He led me to his house and allowed me to pick my own room, and he gave me fresh clothes to change into.” She excitedly detailed all the small things that Dar had done for her.

  “What about after the ceremony? Doesn’t that worry you at all?” Sara asked with genuine concern.

  “Oh Sara, of course not.” Orora sounded amused. “Dar explained to me that nothing will happen that I don’t agree to, and he is willing to wait for me for as long as I need to decide. I have the same rights as anyone else.” Orora seemed very confident of herself.

  “Did he now?” Sara considered how different Dar sounded from Archail.

  “Oh yes!” Orora continued with a giggle, “Why only yesterday, after Archail’s visit, Dar informed me that even though the ceremony will proceed as planned, I won’t have to worry about him making any demands of me. I am free to do what I please for as long as I like, and he assured me I would even be able to choose from one of the three houses that have been prepared for us!”

  “That’s great news, Orora.” Sara tried to hide her envy at her friend’s good fortune, but a question then arose in her mind. “Wait…did you say Archail visited Dar yesterday?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Do you know what for?” Sara asked, hoping her friend would know.

  “Well, to be honest, I didn’t hear much because they were talking in very low voices, but I picked up a few words here and there.” She frowned, obviously trying to recall what she could of the Pradorians’ conversation. “I think they were talking about a solution of some kind that they were close to finding. They also said something about postponing the mating or such like.” She shook her head. “Sorry, I can’t really remember exactly.”

  “Did you actually hear them say ‘postpone the mating’?” Hope rose within her at the prospect of not having to deny him. That choice had already proven impossible for her the night before.

  “Actually, I believe it was Dar who suggested it,” Orora replied thoughtfully.

  “Did you hear Archail’s answer?” Sara’s heart seemed ready to burst.

  “No, I’m sorry.” Orora paused, but then her eyes lit up as she remembered something. “But it seems that whatever they decided made Dar troubled and thoughtful after Archail left,” she said with certainty.

  Sara withdrew, not realizing how obvious her reactions were to her friend. Orora leaned closer to her and placed a hand on her knee. “Sara, are you alright?” Orora was looking at her carefully now.

  “Hmm? Yes, yes.” Sara tried to sound reassuring, because she didn’t want to trouble her friend with her confused situation. Orora was so happy, and she wanted to keep it that way.

  “Alright, well, I haven’t told you the best news yet.” Orora smiled and leaned back again.

  “What’s that?” Sara asked, trying to sound happy while burying her true feelings deep down.

  “Dar told me that not only will we be able to live here if we choose, but we will also have the same rights as Pradorian females. We can accept our own mates or refuse them as we please.” She laughed cheerfully as she went on.

  “Except, of course, for those who have already been marked by a male Pradorian, and something about choosing it or something.” She said the last words quickly and dismissively. “I didn’t really understand the last one because he was trying to explain it to me so fast. I couldn’t really concentrate after hearing all that good news.”

  “Well, that is great news, Orora. I’m truly happy for you.” She thought she sounded sincere as she smiled at her friend.

  “Don’t you mean for us?” Orora corrected her, looking concerned again.

  “Yes, of course. I meant to say for us.
It was a slip of the tongue.”

  Orora rose from where she sat and gave Sara a regretful look. “I’m really sorry, but I have to go now. Dar made me promise I wouldn’t stay too long.” She smiled down at Sara. “But I promise to come back again if you want me to.”

  “Yes, of course I do! I would be more than happy to see you.” Sara stood to escort her out.

  As Sara waved goodbye, she mulled over their conversation, and her mind went wild. She tried to absorb everything Orora had told her. Archail must not have come home for lunch that day because he went to visit Dar. They were talking about a solution to something, but what could it be? They also talked about postponing the mating, but Dar didn’t seem happy with the outcome. Had Archail said no?

  One thought struck her: she would have the right to choose. An idea formed in her head as she walked away from the sitting room. She could deny him because she had the right to choose. Strength flowed through her as she walked toward the dining room, yet at the same time, a question formed in her mind. Did she really want to deny him? If she was honest with herself, she had begun to have feelings for this strange, distant Pradorian, feelings that could be described with words like powerful attraction, wanting, and craving. What was she hoping for, though? What did she want from him?

  Would he be willing to give her what she wanted? She raised her hands as if willing the thoughts in her mind to subside. She wasn’t ready to deal with all these questions yet, and she had time to figure it all out. For the time being, deciding whether or not to refuse him was a priority.

  Chapter 13

  The night of the blood ceremony finally arrived, and the palladium was filled with the hustle and bustle of numerous voices within the great hall. Small podiums had been placed in the hall, enough for exactly twenty-one couples. Rich lights glowed brightly, illuminating the whole room, and Pradorian females scattered colorful petals over the floor.

  Sara sat in the bedroom wearing a long dress of dark midnight blue with bright opal lines running around her slim waist. She had been instructed earlier by Toria to wait in the room until Archail came to escort her to the great hall.

  He had been distant again for the last two days. He left her alone in the daytime and only returned to her late at night, never disturbing her or making any attempts to touch or even talk to her. She was prepared for tonight’s ceremony, but she was resolved that she would demand her rights.

  When the door opened, Archail entered wearing a dark-blue leather cover that matched the opal accents of her own clothing. She stared at him, and her heart stopped for an instant. Sara hesitated for a moment, but the glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes when he saw her helped her regain her composure. She walked steadily toward him. Ignoring his outstretched hand, she walked past him, and with her head held high, she headed into the corridor.

  She stood still outside the bedroom door, waiting for Archail. He moved to stand next to her, silently took her cold hand in his, and led her into the great hall.

  Sara looked about the room and spotted the other couples. They each kneeled before a podium set up toward the front of the room, silently looking toward the wall on Sara’s right. As her head turned, Sara stared at five Pradorians dressed in lengthy colorful robes of dark blue and bright orange with stripes of yellow running down to their feet. They were seated on stone chairs that protruded from the long onyx-ivory looking wall. Two female and three males all rose in unison as Sara and Archail entered the vast room.

  Archail, holding her hand tighter now, led her to the front podium, which stood alone before the rest. Applying a little pressure to her hand, he pulled her down to follow him as he knelt.

  One of the robed Pradorians took a step forward and spoke aloud for everyone to hear. “We are gathered here with open hearts and minds to give a new life, a Pradorian life, to these women and accept them as equal subjects within Prador. Pradorians and partners, raise your hands and place them on the podiums.” As he spoke, the Pradorian males, each clasping a female hand, did as they were instructed.

  The robed Pradorian then continued, “When the ceremonial knives cut your flesh, you will be united in blood and soul. Your thoughts will become one, and each other’s history will become your own. Begin!” He then stepped back into perfect line with the other robed Pradorians, who all sat with the same synchronicity as when they had stood.

  Sara’s heart threatened to run off without her as she tried to pull her hand from Archail’s, but he held her firmly. Archail lifted their clasped hands, and using a long, sharp knife in his other hand, he drew a long cut along his arm in one fluid movement. When Sara saw him bleeding, she instinctively tried to pull away. She watched the sharp knife moving toward her arm. Her calm exterior faltered, but Archail kept her in place. With one determined movement, he cut her skin, causing a stabbing pain to jolt along Sara’s nerves. He then took her arm, and touching it to his, he united the two cuts and allowed their blood to mingle through the fresh wounds.

  Throughout all of this, not a single spectator so much as blinked, especially the more imperial-looking Pradorians on the right wall.

  At first Sara felt like laughing, thinking this ceremony ridiculous, but it wasn’t long before her hand began to feel a little numb. To her surprise, the numbness rose up her arm and flowed like a waterfall into her body, making her shudder. She felt strange as the numbness rose to her head, which then fell back involuntarily. A sea of emotions passed through her: pain, loneliness, hope, strength, and passion. Sara knew these feelings were not her own, but she could feel them, and the impact they had on her made her dizzy. The haziness made it difficult to concentrate on what was happening around her. In her dream-like perception, she saw the robed Pradorians rise again and speak in harmony. “The union is complete.” They then fell into line and left the great hall followed by the other spectators.

  Sara wanted to pull away from Archail. She tried to move, but the weakness did not subside. In fact, it grew worse, and she was unable to stay upright any longer. Archail lifted her up into his arms where she lay like a rag doll. He carried her through the doors leading to the corridor and moved quickly toward the bedroom. On entering the room, he immediately laid her down gently on the bed and gazed at her carefully. He spoke in a clear soft voice. “Everything will be alright, Sara. It will pass.”

  Archail’s voice sounded loud and distorted to Sara’s ears. The room was turning in so many different directions, making her feel sick. She tried to move again but couldn’t achieve any control over her limp frame. Then darkness finally came for her.

  * * *

  Sara awoke in the middle of the night to the soft breeze from the open balcony doors blowing over her naked body. She felt strangely rested and stronger than she had ever felt before. Lifting her hand, she touched her body, and feeling her naked skin under her palm, she tried to remember undressing herself, but no recollection of it came to mind. Someone drew in a deep breath, and she turned her head to see Archail lying beside her. His head rested in one hand, propped up by his forearm, while he watched her, waiting for her to wake.

  “What happened?” she mumbled, unable to remember much of the earlier events.

  “You passed out,” he informed her in a gentle voice.

  “Why am I naked?” Heat rose in her cheeks.

  “I undressed you so that you could rest more comfortably.” His voice was almost sincere.

  Sara wished there was a blanket to cover herself from his intense perusal, but remembering what he expected of her, she recalled her earlier decision and felt suddenly empowered. “It’s not going to happen, Archail.” She sounded determined, although her heart started pounding a little faster as she spoke. She couldn’t explain why she felt different now, but it was as if her strength of will had doubled or even tripled.

  “And what is it that isn’t going to happen, little one?” He feigned ignorance. She could tell from his voice that he was toying with her. What did he know that she didn’t? Did he have anything to do with these
new feelings that coursed through her?

  She struggled to make her voice sound steady. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  Archail sounded very calm as he spoke. “All I know is that you have agreed to this. We have gone through the Trial of Blood, and we are now one with each other.”

  Sara spoke louder to emphasize her words. “No. I have the right to deny you.”

  “Do you now?” he said almost mockingly.

  “You know I do.” She tried to control the pounding of her heart. The trial of blood must have been what they’d gone through earlier. Hazy recollections started to replay in her mind. She had felt weak, nauseated, and hot, yet cold, all over. She hadn’t known which way was up or what was going to happen.

  “Maybe I do, but my question is, do you honestly want to deny me?” He watched her carefully as he waited for a response.

  Sara could hear her heart pounding in her ears as she caught herself considering his question. Unable to reach a decision, her will wavered. “You…cut me didn’t you?”

  Archail’s shoulders bunched slightly, and his voice sounded less sure than before. “I had to. It was necessary for the ceremony. We are connected now.”

  “Connected how?” Sara inquired.

  He shifted position. “Sara, by blood we have been connected in a way that no other beings ever have been or ever will be again. We have exchanged ties that go back generations. I know more about you, and you likewise know more about me. Our minds are now linked, and there is nothing that can undo this.”

  “Wait. Are you telling me that we’re telepathically linked or something now?”

  Archail’s head shook. “Nothing as severe as that, but our emotions are stronger within one another. There have been severe instances in the past where couples have felt the same pain as each other, but I do not foresee that happening with us. We have a better understanding of each other now. Surely you can feel it?”