by Judy Mays
“Good, we’re all here,” Jamiros said briskly. “Now, I don’t really anticipate any problems tonight. Anyone who would have caused problems was simply not invited, but the crowd will be large, and it’s possible for a few uninvited guests to slip in unnoticed. Enough of us are here, however, to make sure Sheala is monitored all evening.”
Brianna looked around curiously. “I thought that she was considered an adult now and was old enough to make her own decisions.”
Rodane grinned at Brianna. “Do you honestly believe that we would leave Sheala unguarded? She may be old enough to take anyone she wants to her bed, but that doesn’t mean we will allow her to do so. There will be those here tonight who seek to lower Alalakan prestige and power or join with it. Sheala’s an intelligent girl, but she’s still young. She hasn’t yet learned the difference between honesty and ambition.”
Jenneta continued, “We don’t seek to keep Sheala from learning the joys of her body, but we will do our best to make sure she’s not used in some plot to bring shame onto her or the Alalakan clan.”
“You should be aware, Brianna,” Xdana added, “that you’ll receive proposals yourself tonight.”
“Me!”
“Yes, love,” Char answered with a grin, “most will be for after you give birth, but a few will seek to make assignations for tonight.”
Brianna’s mouth fell open. “Why? I look like a beached whale!”
Fionilina smiled and sat down next to Brianna. “Because you are a very beautiful woman, Bri. Your coloring is…exotic. That which is new whets jaded appetites.”
“Great,” Brianna grumbled, “a mob of horny rakes following me around all night. I think I’ll borrow one of Sheala’s swords.”
Marljas walked over to stand in front of Brianna and raised her right hand, the hand that wore scars that matched those on his chest.
“With Denieen at your side, Bloodsister, you needn’t fear unwanted advances. Her claws are sharp.”
Brianna’s eyes met Marljas’s, and she acknowledged the twinkle in them. “You’re a very perceptive man, Bloodbrother. Deni asked to stay near me tonight, something about being uncomfortable in crowds.”
Marljas smiled. “And you asked that she wear a new dress, I think. Something about standing out in a crowd?”
Brianna laughed outright. “I do think I love the Gattan more every day. When will I meet the rest of the family, Brother mine?”
Marljas’s smile became a grin. “Whenever you’re ready.”
Jamiros interrupted. “You two can carry on your family conversation later. Right now we must ascertain that Sheala is always either with one of us or close enough to reach quickly.”
Ban had been leaning quietly against the door. “How will Sheala feel when she realizes what we’re doing?”
All eyes turned to Ban.
“It’s her party, after all. If one of us is hovering about constantly, she’ll realize what we’re doing. Sheala has a temper. Do you want a scene tonight? Having two or three hundred guests watching won’t inhibit her.”
Char grunted. “Ban’s right. Sheala’ll never forgive us if we hover.”
“Don’t hover, then,” Meri said. “The area will be well lighted, as will the house. Servants will be everywhere, and most of them are very fond of Sheala. Have them watch her. That way, we can appear at various times to talk to her. Her family members will be expected to dance with her. There’s no reason all of you must dance with her early in the evening. There are also members of other clans and friends whom you trust. Quite a few people want Sheala’s party to be a success. Let them help.”
Xdana smiled. “Trust the daughter of a diplomatic queen to be wise. How often is this system used by your family?”
“How often?” Meri answered. “You mean ‘how long’. The Hardan family has been monitoring its family members for centuries. We perfected the system. That, and we have Marljas.”
“What?” Marljas asked in a surprised voice.
“Most of the guests don’t even realize that there are Gattan here. None of them know of your relationship to the Alalakan clan. Indeed many of them will be afraid of you. Since you don’t really know anyone else who’ll be here tonight other than those in this room, no one will think it odd if you show little interest in any unmarried girls other than Sheala, Jami, and Vani.”
“An excellent idea, Meri,” Jamiros said, “that is, Marljas, if you don’t mind. I realize your first loyalty is to Brianna. To be perfectly honest, I was very surprised when you agreed to wear a dragon at all, though I am deeply honored that you chose to do so.”
Brianna turned and smiled up into Marljas’s face. “You’ll help, won’t you?”
Marljas sighed. “I’ll do my best, Alalakan don al’ Jamiros, to protect your daughter from any unacceptable advances. I only hope I’m equal to the task.”
Ban grinned and clapped Marljas on the shoulder. His wink was unnoticed by everyone but Marljas.
* * * * *
Brianna stood in the shadows on the stage that had been constructed for the Solstice celebration, admiring the grounds of the Alalakan estate which had been meticulously groomed and decorated for the evening’s festivities. Brightly colored lanterns hung in strategic places, illuminating most of the extensive lawns and gardens behind the house. Drakians being Drakians, however, there were more than enough shaded and dimly lit areas for private conversations and assignations.
“My friends,” Jamiros began as he stepped into the spotlight and looked out over the sea of interested faces, “welcome to my home on this Solstice evening. A time of momentous change has come to the Alalakan clan, changes I will share with you tonight.”
Murmurs from the crowd reached Brianna’s ears. Rumors had flown about ever since her arrival on Drakan, but tonight, those rumors would be put to rest and everyone would finally learn the truth.
“First, I am more than pleased to welcome back into the Alalakan fold my brother’s son, Alalakan don al’ Bandalardrac. Many of you, I am sure, have already made his acquaintance.”
Laughter followed as Ban stepped forward and bowed to the crowd, winking and throwing kisses to various women who stood close to the stage.
“Second,” Jamiros added, “I am pleased to introduce my son Rodane’s new wife, Alalakan dem al Fionilina.”
Escorted to the front of the stage by Rodane who placed her hand in that of his father’s, Fionilina inclined her head graciously to the applauding crowd. Jamiros’s announcement had everyone buzzing. The dissolvement of Rodane’s marriage to Crystas and his subsequent marriage to her sister Fionilina had not been widely known.
After Rodane had led Fionilina back into the shadows and the applause had quieted, Jamiros continued, “My friends, it gives me the great joy to announce the marriage of my son Chardadon to Alalakan dem al’ Brianna of the before unknown planet Earth. She is the carrier of the Alalakan heir.”
More applause as Chardadon led Brianna forward and handed her to his father. Illuminated by the spotlight, Brianna nodded to the crowd. Flashes of red fire sparkled from the Gattan red diamonds she wore in her hair and on her person. There was no doubt in the minds of most of the crowd that Chardadon prized the exotic woman who was his wife. And it was obvious to everyone that Brianna was very pregnant.
Char grinned to his father and took back Brianna’s hand. Pulling her into his arms, he gave her a kiss that left her breathless, much to the crowd’s delight.
“That should leave no doubt in their minds,” Char said as he led her back into the shadows amidst the whistles and cheers.
Grinning, Jamiros bowed to Char and Brianna as they left his side.
“The fortunes of the Alalakan clan are now firmly in the hands of Chardadon,” Jamiros announced as he turned once more to face the crowd. “However, wonderful though the announcements have been to this point, the most important reason for tonight’s celebration is the last.”
Turning, Jamiros waited as Xdana and Jenneta escorted Sheala to stan
d by her father.
“My friends, my daughter Sheala celebrates her eighteenth birthday this day and takes her place as an adult in our society. I ask that you celebrate this special occasion in her life with us.”
Sheala laughed and waved as the crowd burst into loud applause. She loved being the center of attention, and, despite her father’s earlier announcements, tonight was her night. Murmurs of appreciation about how beautiful she was were easy to hear from many voices in the crowd. Sheala planned to enjoy every minute of her night.
Before anyone realized what he was doing, Ban reappeared from the shadows and swept Sheala into his arms. Planting a huge kiss on her cheek, he took the few short steps to the edge of the stage and tossed her into the air.
Sheala shrieked with surprise as she fell through the air to the strong arms that caught her. Throwing her arms around the neck of the man who held her, Sheala’s locked gazes with Marljas as she slid down the length of his muscular body.
Marljas looked deeply into her eyes and smiled a slow grin, but Sheala had no chance to react before Marljas released her and stepped back.
Hands grabbed Sheala’s, and she was whirled away into the crowd, but not before craning her neck to see the shadowy form next to the stage. Unfortunately, too many people crowded around her as she was whisked away into the crowd so she lost sight of the man who had held her so tightly.
“Why did you toss her into the crowd, Ban?” Brianna asked as the family exited the stage much more sedately by way of the steps.
The orchestra Jamiros had hired began to play.
Ban grinned as he took Brianna’s hand and helped her down the last two steps. “It’s supposed to be a night for her to remember, and she’ll certainly remember flying through the air.”
“You’re lucky someone thought quickly enough to catch her,” Char growled.
“Marl and I had everything planned. I knew exactly where to toss her.”
Descending the final steps behind Char and Brianna, Jenneta tried to lock gazes with her rakish grandson as she too placed her hand in his. “Exactly where to toss her, eh?” she said for Ban’s ears alone.
Ban’s refusal to meet her eyes verified for Jenneta what she had begun to suspect. “Walk with me, my Medirian grandson. It will do this old woman good to be seen in the company of such a notorious rake,” Jenneta said silkily, refusing to release his hand.
Knowing when to admit defeat, Ban bowed over Jenneta’s hand. “Old! Grandmother, you do not know what the word means.”
Soon, both had disappeared into the crowd.
Jamiros and Xdana, joined by Lorilana and Dadon, headed toward the main pavilion, where most of their friends had gathered.
“An interesting way to begin a birthday celebration,” Denieen said as she and Wendjas joined Brianna, Char, Fionilina, and Rodane.
Both Rodane and Char took their time admiring Denieen in her new finery.
“Stare at your own wives,” Wendjas snarled.
Both men grinned at Wendjas.
Brianna patted him on the arm.
“Deni is lovely tonight, Wendjas. Think how many men will envy you.”
“You’re not on Gattan, old friend,” Char added. “No one here will challenge you for her.”
“As if I’d allow it,” Denieen teased.
“I don’t think anyone would dare,” Rodane dryly. “I’d worry more about someone trying to make off with some of those diamonds you and Brianna are wearing. They’re worth a fortune.”
“Humph!” Wendjas snorted. He’d not worn the jacket Denieen had chosen for him. Instead, he’d donned an elaborately embroidered and bejeweled vest that left his arms and much of his chest bare, his white battle scars standing out plainly against his brown skin.
His wrist cuffs contained daggers topped with huge red diamonds.
Deni sniffed. “Judicious displays of claws every now and then will discourage any such thoughts.” Locking arms with Brianna and Fionilina, Denieen pulled the other two women towards the dance floor.
“They make quite a trio, don’t they?” said Rodane as the three women sauntered toward the festivities. All three wore red dresses and very expensive jewelry, though Fionilina’s jewels were not red diamonds. Instead, sapphires matched the blue matriarchal necklace Rodane had returned to her the night he refuted Crystas. “Alone, any one of them would demand attention. Together…I hope Sheala doesn’t feel slighted.”
Later that evening, comfortably ensconced on a cushioned divan, Brianna watched the continuing festivities. Sheala’s coming out party was an unqualified success. Though many people had presented themselves to Brianna to be introduced, most attention was lavished on Sheala. Nor had the Alalakans had any trouble monitoring her movements. All they had to do was look for the largest group, and Sheala was in the middle of it.
Denieen spent much of the evening with Brianna, Wendjas glowering behind them until Rodane and Char pointed out that many people were afraid to make Brianna’s acquaintance. Wendjas watched as many men admired his wife, but not a single Drakian behaved in what he considered an improper manner. Eventually, he was able to relax and even began to enjoy himself.
As Meri had commented earlier, most of the guests did not know what to make of the three Gattan in their midst, so most tread warily around them. Brianna’s obvious closeness to the female Gattan amazed many in the crowd, and there was a great deal of conjecture about her planet being discovered by the Gattans. Noting how nearly identical Brianna’s and Demieen’s vibrant colorings were, some hypothesized that Brianna’s race could be closely related to the Gattan.
“Well, Coz, have you saved a dance for me?” Ban asked as he sat and stretched out next to Brianna.
Brianna had danced exactly twice that evening—once with Jamiros and once with Char—slow, sedate dances that did not require a great deal of movement.
“You’ve got to be crazy, Ban. The orchestra hasn’t played anything slow enough for me in at least two hours,” Brianna said with a laugh. “Dance with Deni.”
He shook his head emphatically. “And find myself facing blood challenge from another Gattan? No thank you!”
Deni’s laughter joined Brianna’s. “He wouldn’t challenge you, Ban. I wouldn’t allow it. However, I don’t know if I want to dance. My feet aren’t used to these Drakian shoes!”
Ban grinned in answer and glanced around. Wendjas was on the other side of the pavilion talking with Char and some of the Alalakan elders, no longer continually watching his wife.
He turned his attention back to Brianna. “The next selection will be much slower because I requested it. I’ll have few opportunities to hold you in my arms, lovely Coz. I must take advantage of them while I can.”
As Ban finished speaking, the orchestra finished its number and began a slower, more lyrical tune.
The soft melody rolled across the dance floor and embraced Brianna. “That’s a beautiful song. What is it?”
Grinning, Bandalardrac rose and pulled her to her feet. “It’s the Medirian Wedding March, of course.”
Laughing, Brianna allowed herself to be swept into Ban’s loose embrace.
From across the floor, Char answered Ban’s grin with his own and saluted his cousin. Bowing to his grandmother, Char led her onto the floor. Soon other couples joined them.
When the dance ended, Ban returned Brianna to her seat. Winking, he raised her hand to his lips. “Good night, sweet Coz, a lonely widow awaits.”
Brianna tried to smother her laughter as Ban strode away, but she was unsuccessful.
“Something amuses you?” Denieen asked as she sat down beside her. She’d danced with Jamiros, and Wendjas had only glowered at her once.
“Ban,” Brianna answered when she regained control of herself. “I can’t wait for the day when he finds a woman he can’t charm.”
Char settled into the place beside Brianna that Ban had vacated. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
She smiled up into his face. “Hmmm, but I am getting
tired. Would anyone notice if we disappeared?”
Char leaned closer. “Probably. Do you have something in mind?”
Brianna chuckled at his suggestive leer. “Yes, sleep. I’m exhausted.”
“Has anyone seen Sheala?” Rodane asked as he joined them.
“Marljas just took her some punch,” Jamiros answered from behind Rodane, “and Ban is going to gather her up now. Says he hasn’t had his dance yet.”
“So much for lonely widows,” Brianna muttered.
Rodane rolled his shoulders. “Good. I’m glad the guests are finally starting to leave. Fionilina left half an hour ago. She said she was exhausted. I’m surprised you’re still here, Brianna.”
“I took a nap this afternoon.”
Char scooped Brianna into his arms. “As long as Ban has Sheala under control, I’ll take my wife to bed.”
Wendjas watched Char stride away. “He seems to carry her off to bed quite often.”
“How do you think she became pregnant so fast?” was Rodane’s wry answer. “But his idea sounds good to me. I think I’ll join my wife, too.”
“Well?” Wendjas whispered into his wife’s ear as Rodane followed Char and Brianna.
Deni laughed seductively as he led her away.
Jamiros chuckled as Xdana joined him.
“What amuses you, Jami?”
“I’m beginning to feel young again, Xda,” he answered putting his arm around her and pulling her close.
Xdana laughed quietly. “You may be feeling young again, my love, but we have guests to see to. Now come along.”
“Well, I hope they soon go home!”
Ban stood next to the bench under the Chotton bush. Silently, he picked up the blue slippers that sat there. Marljas wouldn’t have left Sheala until he came for his dance. There could only be one reason for them not to be waiting for him.
“Well, Sheala, I hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into,” Ban said lightly.
This was a very interesting development to report!
