“I hope we can eat before then.” My mouth watered as he untied the fabric.
Aaronmon smiled and laughed. “Lenai, would I let you go hungry?”
I thought about it for a minute and reminded myself of all of the study sessions where they would withhold dinner until I finished. “Yes, you would.”
Aaronmon laughed even more but couldn’t deny it. He poured the soup into sipping bowls. They were exactly what they sounded like: small soup bowls curved just right to sip from. He started to tear the bread when a light flashed through the window. I turned to get a better look. A large rock soared through the sky. Around it was an aurora of white and purple. I held my breath and admired its beauty as it slowly passed the window.
“It’s Emréiana’s comet,” Aaronmon told me. “It only passes by once every nineteen years. The last time someone truly magnificent was born.”
I cocked my head, confused. I soon realized his meaning. “Me,” I whispered under my breath. With everything that had been going on I had completely forgotten that I even had a birthday. Of course the Emréian calender was different from Earth’s. I didn’t even realize it was already August there.
“As you know, we don’t celebrate birthdays the same way here. So it wasn’t hard to sneak it past you.” Aaronmon smiled. In Emréiana they didn’t celebrate annual birthdays. New Year was when people actually counted their new age. The only birthday type of celebration was during the third Hurmon moon when they had the nilva festivities. That was when those who had grown into their abilities received their tattoos. Mine was celebrated on Earth before I came to Emréiana, but the community of Inae gave me another shortly after my arrival. Since I already had a tattoo, I had just participated in everything else, which had been awkward since I spoke very little Emréian at the time. Thinking back on all of that, I still couldn’t believe that I had forgotten my birthday.
Embarrassment radiated from me, and I tried to hold it back so that I wouldn’t send the waves to Aaronmon. I guess it didn’t matter because I could tell by the grin on his face that he knew. My reddened cheeks probably gave me away.
“I know back on Earth individual birthdays were the norm, and I thought that this could be something special between you and me,” he offered.
I smiled at his thoughtfulness and leaned into his chest. “Every year?” I asked.
“Well, the comet only comes every nineteen, so we will have to figure something else out.”
“Deal,” I said.
We watched the comet passing by and enjoyed our supper. We talked like a regular couple. If I had been watching, I would never have known that this was an arranged marriage, even if I’d known about the bond. The more time we spent together, the more I felt my feelings were genuine, and that was a relief. But there was still a small part of me that was timid, and that was what kept me from giving him my whole heart.
Aaronmon was telling me about his time on Earth before we met, when we were interrupted by an incoming transmission. He left to take the call privately and when he came back, he was distressed.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“We’re in trouble.”
“What do you mean?” My stomach dropped.
“Emréiana knows about Kyle.” Aaronmon’s news stunned me. I couldn’t find the words to ask how or any other question. I just knew that this was bad.
When we arrived at the air base, camera orbs immediately bombarded me. Aaronmon shielded me as we pushed through the press. We were met by Nouse and Gabon along with three other garnix that I did not know. Questions were being thrown at me about my relationship with Kyle. Was it true that he was my Earth lover? Why did I lie? Aaronmon was asked if he had known and if this would cause us to cancel the ceremony. It gave me the urge to throw up. We quickly made our way into the onmore. I held in my tears, not wanting to seem weak.
“How did this happen?” Aaronmon asked one of the garnix.
The garnix sitting next to me pulled out his abula and pulled up a video clip. It started out as Karlie sitting at home with her family at a meal. They were discussing her mother’s pregnancy. She was carrying her little sister during that time. Then the image faded in a familiar way. I realized that this was a memonai. The next scene was at the school cafeteria. Karlie was sitting across from me and Kyle. I had stolen Kyle’s brownie. He was attempting to get it back, but I was too quick for him. I stuffed it in my mouth. Kyle leaned in and kissed me, saying I tasted like chocolate. It wasn’t as though it was a special moment, and the only reason Karlie probably remembered it so vividly was because that was the day her mother went into labor, but it had to be that day and the memonai caught it.
“They can record those?” I asked, shocked.
Gabon gave a nod. “An Ominus can use a device that can record the memonais.”
I pulled the shawl closer to my body as if to cover up my fear.
“Who turned the recording in?” I asked.
“We don’t know, but it could have been the Ominus, Capritus, or even the doctor,” Gabon said. “There are several staff who work with the patients; it could have been any one of them.”
“I doubt any of them will own up to it, either,” I guessed, and no one objected.
“The first thing we need to do is talk this over with your mother,” Aaronmon said. “We need to make a formal apology at the press conference.”
After getting back home, I locked myself in my bedroom chambers to see what the media was saying about the scandal.
The video showed images of me exiting the ship and Karlie’s memonai as a narrator said, “Today, it was revealed that Lenai Carsona’s human boyfriend was actually the Morgon who brought us the antidote over a Hurmon moon ago. The planet is still in shock to hear that the palace covered it up. Now there is speculation on how the Lenai having a previous relationship would affect her bonding ceremony. Aaronmon, her bonding partner, didn’t seem to have any qualms, and it is suggested that he knew that the Earth boy was indeed the Morgon. We are awaiting information about the ceremony and want an explanation for the lies.”
A sound bite was cut in of a citizen. “At first I wondered if the entire thing was fake. The Lenai seemed so trustworthy and was working very hard. But now I question that.”
The video continued to show various clips of me, and the narrator returned. “The question that arises is: is there going to be a vote? And if there is, who will take the throne should the Lenai be voted out?”
I turned the volume down and clutched the nearest pillow. Ever since I arrived, everything about my life had been chastised, and I was growing tired of it. I was starting to understand why Aunt Trish had kept me in the dark for so long. She wanted me to live a normal, carefree life. She more than likely saw what my mother and father had to go through and knew that I would be subjected to it as well. Aunt Trish had told me once that life was a gift, and I should live it the way I wanted. There would be times that great responsibilities would rest on my shoulders, but the stress of it meant nothing if I wasn’t happy in the end. She could have forbidden me to be with Kyle back then, knowing the difficulties I would be up against now, but she knew that I was happy with him, and even now, I wouldn’t give up those memories.
I met with Elise in a video conference on the abula. Her image was projected in the Honure Room. My mother and Aaronmon were both in the room with me, sitting at the table. I stood, presenting a strong demeanor.
“So I’m assuming the Dianie are considering the vote?” I guessed.
Elise nodded gloomily. “They are going to make an announcement about it within a week,” she admitted.
“It’s only expected,” I said.
“How long do we have?” my mother asked. Her worry was strong, but I sent her small waves of courage. I wasn’t afraid.
“Close to six Hurmon moons,” she told us.
“Good. That gives us time to have the ceremony and for me to prove my worthiness,” I said, confidently.
“You don’t seem very worr
ied, Lenai.” Elise looked confused.
“If the citizens want a vote, give them a vote. That way, if I get in, it’s because they wanted me, not because I was born to this position.”
“You make a valid point, Lenai,” Elise acknowledged.
“She has what it takes to be a great leader,” Aaronmon said, “and I think the citizens will recognize that in due time.”
“We can’t have any more mistakes,” I ordered. “I want to be upfront and truthful about my past. If they want to pick at it, they can, but I’m tired of things from the past being revealed and dissected. If they want to know me, then I will let them know me. I have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Of course, Lenai,” Elise agreed.
Everyone seemed to be on the same page. We ended the conversation, and I took a little time to discuss a few minor details with my mother about the upcoming press conference and interview I would be holding tomorrow. There would be many questions asked, and I was prepared to answer them. Afterward, Aaronmon walked me to my room, his fingers laced with mine.
“You are starting to handle this like a true professional,” Aaronmon admitted.
“I used to think that the reason fate bonded us was because you would be the better leader—I would just sit back and let you take the reins. But today, I realized that this is my responsibility—my past. If I truly want to be Krea, then I need to earn it and work for it.”
“Wait, you thought our bond was fated?” Aaronmon teased.
“Out of all of that, that is what you heard?” I rolled my eyes.
“So now why do you think we are bonded?” he said playfully.
I was about to give a sarcastic answer when we rounded the corner to my room. Leaning against my door was Kyle. Aaronmon saw him too, and the hallway started to fill with agitation.
“It’s not a good idea for you to be hanging around Carson’s room,” Aaronmon told him in English, his accent heavy. “It doesn’t look good.”
Kyle pushed himself off the door and walked toward us. “Yeah, I know. But I needed to talk to her.”
Aaronmon’s presence began to feel awkward against Kyle’s conflicted tone.
“Aaronmon, don’t worry, we will talk in the hall. But can you give us some privacy?” I asked.
I could sense strain coming from Aaronmon, but he reluctantly released my hand and left the area.
“Carson, I’m sorry that I got you into all of this by showing up here,” Kyle apologized. “I seem to be a hindrance.”
“No, I’m glad to know that you are alive,” I protested.
Kyle pulled his eyes from the floor and took a step closer to me. “I need to leave, don’t I?” His words surprised me, but the idea didn’t. I had thought about it too, as I knew it was for the best.
“Yes,” I admitted. “But I would like you to stay for my bonding ceremony before leaving for Earth.”
It was an odd request, but somehow, I would feel better if he were there. It would be as if he was giving his blessing.
He tensed slightly at my words before I sensed him ease a little. “I won’t be returning to Earth.”
“What?” I snapped, then pulled my tone back down. “Why?”
“I’m going to Morgon,” he explained. “Any time now, the Bremoir and my father will be planning an attack on the planet so that my father can take it over. I want to be there to fight back with the other Morgons.”
“But you could die!” I cried.
“I’ve died before,” he pointed out, as if that would ease my fears.
I knew there was nothing I could do to talk him out of it. Kyle was always a loyal man. He would stick by them no matter what. Kyle moved closer as if he was about to give me a hug, but instead, he told me good night and walked away, with his hands in his pockets. I watched him round the corner before I entered my room. If he left for Morgon, would I ever see him again?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Another Hurmon moon had crept up. There were only a couple of days left before the bonding ceremony. The entire planet was gossiping about it and the vote. I met with a couple of interviewers to clear up the mess about Kyle. I was asked very personal questions about our relationship, such as: Did we have sex? No. Upon his arrival was there a romantic reunion? No. How long were we together? Several years.
I answered as many as I could, allowing everything about my private life to be told to the universe like an open book. There was no memory that I could keep to myself. They even wanted to do a memonai interview, where they would show my memories to the world, so they could judge for themselves—I did it. They even wanted to interview Kyle, but I pressed them to let him be since he was not an Emréian.
The planet had taken two opposing sides. While it was no longer a valid argument for them to keep me as heir because of the Bremoir’s fear of me, there were still many citizens who believed that I had earned my right to rule by learning and studying. However, the opposing side strongly disagreed, stating that Colamous should take the throne as he already knew his duty and did not need to be educated on the basics. After several polls were taken, it became clear that this race was neck and neck with Colamous a little ahead. I did not let that stir any worries, though, as there was plenty of time to show them my worth.
Today I would concentrate on the bonding ceremony. The palace was full of people preparing for the celebration. I met up with my mother who was going to tell me each step of the ceremony so that I knew what I was in for.
“First you are carried in a silver private tent,” she informed me. “Traditionally it was carried by several of the finest and most honorable men, but as technology progressed, someone created one that hovered. We keep the traditional practices here in the palace, so you will be carried by several of the palace’s garnix.”
As we walked through the garden, Emréians were preparing as my mother explained each step they were setting up for.
“The ceremony will take place under the shaundere vines, as they represent a strong bond.” I didn’t say a word as we passed under the beautiful vines that wrapped around each other in elegant designs from tree to tree. In several spots the vines had bloomed with delicate white flowers, glistening with the morning dew.
We walked over to a plant bed filled with marnia plants. “We were given one of those!” I said with a smile. I realized that I didn’t know what had become of our own plant, but my fear waned once I saw it sitting in the flower pot next to the others.
“These are all flowers that were given to the Elaeye family once they were bonded,” she told me. “After your ceremony, you and Aaronmon will plant your gift together with the rest.”
A sorrowful feeling came over me, and my mother knelt down by one plant in particular. I could have asked what was wrong, but the way she tended to the flower, I knew it was hers and my father’s.
My mother continued to educate me on the bonding ceremony throughout the day. We went over food and drinks. We discussed games, dances, and guest greetings. I took in everything she said and made mental notes. The entire planet would be watching me, and I wanted to get everything right. It was important that I remembered everything now, as the Emréians did not believe in rehearsals for bonding ceremonies—bad luck. By the time we finished, it was getting close to my daily visit with Karlie. My mother left to tend to some personal matters, but I took another look at the garden. It was slowly being transformed into a place of beginnings. After the ceremony, everything would be different for me. I’d be bonded to Aaronmon for the rest of my life, and that didn’t seem like such a bad thing.
I left the overloaded palace and made my way to the center, bringing lunch with me. Karlie was improving. I didn’t want to jeopardize that by missing more than one day—my wedding day.
When I entered her recovery room, I was surprised to find it empty. Panic set in. I half ran out of the room and into the hallway, finding the closest employee.
“Karlie, the girl in that room, where is she now?” I asked a woman who was preparing me
dicine.
“Lenai.” The woman gave a bow. “I believe the patient was taken to the garden.”
My worry started to dissolve and sudden relief replaced it. “Thank you.”
I found Karlie sitting next to the tree, watching the birds. Even though I was used to the beautiful creatures, she had never seen an Emréian avian. They were as big as ostriches and full of color. The bird she was looking at was neon blue—its wings stretched out, ready to take flight. I watched as the bird tilted its body upward before launching toward the sky.
“Tatoin,” I said, making my way toward her. “It’s a beautiful bird, but I wouldn’t ever frighten one. They are very loud.”
“You seem to know a lot,” Karlie replied. During the past month she had started to talk more, bringing more depth to our conversations. Dr. Guildionaious said that it was great improvement that probably had a lot to do with my visits, as the other patients that were in her condition were not fairing as well.
“After a year, you pick up a thing or two.” I took a seat next to her on the marbled bench.
“Was it only a year?” she asked, pulling her knees in to her chest. I realized that during this whole time, I had never mentioned how long she had been gone.
I smiled faintly and pulled out my abula. “I wanted to show you something,” I said. I searched for the file that had the images I was looking for. “Your dad sent me these.” Pictures of her family appeared. Each one stayed on the screen for a few seconds before the next one would swipe onto the screen in a slide show. Karlie’s emotions deepened until I felt something in her break. Her eyes reddened and filled with tears, making me hold back my own tears. Pictures came up of her sister, who seemed to be taller now. Her family all looked different, especially her mother, Beth. Beth’s eyes seemed hollowed and tired; her body looked thin and pale. I knew that her daughter’s disappearance was taking a toll on her. Karlie’s father had mentioned that she was depressed, but I had never understood the extent of it until seeing this picture. Karlie noticed it too. I quickly turned the abula off and reached for her hand. It was still odd feeling the loss of her fingers, but I pushed past that thought quickly.
Gemini the Heir Page 10
