Chapter 5
Vivian opened her eyes and gazed blearily around the bedroom. She was alone, Quin’s side of the bed mussed, but obviously no longer being used by her husband. Sighing as she realized she needed to pee — again — she rolled onto her side so she could push herself up and hopefully get her feet on the floor to stand up. Swinging her feet, she realized they didn’t reach the floor. “Quin?” she called out, as she sat on the side of the bed.
“I can’t reach the floor!”
She listened as nothing but silence resonated throughout her home. “Great. Bed’s too high. Gotta pee. Can’t see the fricking floor. Can’t just jump down because… huge baby. Can’t get any damn sleep because I can’t get comfortable. Can’t stop peeing!”
“Quuuuuiiiiinnn!” she screeched as loud as she could.
Finally a sound other than silence was heard downstairs. The sound of a door opening and closing, followed by a familiar voice. “Sirena? Are you well?” Kail asked, his voice raised to carry through to wherever she may be.
“Yes! I’m upstairs but I need help!” she yelled back. She looked around and realized she was still nude. “Crap,” she grumbled, stretching out and scooting across the bed to snatch up Quin’s shirt from where it lay on the foot of the bed from the night before and quickly pulling it on over her head.
Immediately Kail started thundering up the stairs, his hand sweeping across the implant behind his ear to activate it. “Sirena needs us!” he rushed out.
The front door to their quarters opened and slammed and Asl ran as quickly as he could to catch up with Kail.
Almost immediately the door opened and closed again and the sound of more boots pounding up the stairs was easily heard .
Vivian sat on the edge of the bed scowling, waiting for all four of her guards to enter and realize she really only needed help getting down from the bed.
Kail was the first to burst into the room, his weapon drawn. He glanced around and found her watching him wryly. “Are you well, Sirena?!” he rushed out.
“I’m fine. I only needed one of you, not the whole group. I can’t get out of the damn bed. Quin got up and carried me each time I tried to get out of the bed to go to the bathroom last night. Now I know why. I can’t reach the floor on my own. He thought I’d hurt myself.”
“We can help you, Sirena,” Asl said as he and Kail both approached to help steady her as she slid to the floor.
“This is probably the most pathetic thing you’ve ever seen. A grown woman and I can’t get out of bed by myself.”
“I have no doubt you’d just jump if you weren’t carrying our next leader,” Rel said from the doorway. “It is only as high as your thigh. Without the baby, you wouldn’t need us at all.”
“Yes, well. It’ll be a little while until then. I’m sorry to have to call you until then.”
“We’ll be ready in the mornings,” Kail said.
“Or better yet, we’ll build you a short step up to access the bed more easily,” Zahn said, trying not to snicker.
“Do not laugh at me, Zahn. I’ll tell Au'revele you want to mate her!”
Zahn immediately stopped laughing. “I want no such thing!”
“Really? So you don’t mind that all the males in the palace have been watching her?”
“Who has been watching her? She is under our protection and none should be watching her!” he said angrily.
Vivi raised an eyebrow.
The others in her personal guard tried not to smile. They were all well aware of the fact that Au'revele was meant to be Zahn’s. She was his Ehlealah. Whether or not he followed through on it was another thing entirely.
Asl grinned at her, as she waddled toward the bathroom.
“It’s not funny,” she grumbled at him .
“It is a little funny,” Asl said.
“And why is it funny?”
“Because neither your shraler nor your chain can help you this time. You actually need us. So that you can go to the bathroom. That is funny.”
“Yeah, yeah, just remember that at some point, I’ll be walking around with my chain again,” she said, smothering her smile.
“That’s more than the height of my thigh! This is ridiculous. I shouldn’t need help getting out of bed.”
“You are little, Sirena,” Kail reminded her.
“And you are not usually this round,” Asl added.
“True,” she agreed, shuffling off to the cleansing chamber. “But I still shouldn’t be dangling off the side of the bed.”
“It is made for a much larger person,” Rel assured her.
“Obviously. Where is Quin?”
“He is no longer in the palace,” Zahn said.
She stopped in her tracks and looked back at them. “I’m sorry, what?”
“He had business to attend to this morning. He should return soon.”
“And he couldn’t tell me he was leaving?” she asked.
“You were resting,” Kail said.
Vivian finally disappeared into the cleansing room and the door closed behind her. They waited quietly near the bed they’d helped her get out of while she was tending to her needs.
A couple of minutes later she emerged from the cleansing room, already in full blown conversation. “You know what? A step stool isn’t a bad idea. They used to have steps for the beds in the middle ages to get in and out of bed easily because the beds were so over-sized. That’s not a bad idea. Even when I am able to jump down I still won’t want to jump in the middle of the night.”
“We will see to it, Sirena,” Zahn said.
“That’d be great,” she said absent-mindedly as she wandered around the bedroom opening doors as she looked for clothes of any type. “Ah hah!” she called out, having finally found them. “Can you guys wait outside while I get dressed. I’ll need at least one of you to help me get downstairs. There’s no reason for everyone to babysit me while I get ready, though.”
“We will all wait,” Zahn said, and they each bowed to her briefly as they left her bedroom, closing it securely behind them.
“Some of you guys go away! I don’t need everyone here,” she called out as she chose a long-sleeved, soft, loose fitting maxi-dress with a pair of matching slippers. Both in a dark green. She quickly changed out of Quin’s shirt and into the long dress before going back to the bathroom and brushing her teeth, then brushing and braiding her hair back out of her face. When she was done, she opened her bedroom door and looked questioningly at all four males still waiting for her.
“Why are you all still here. Isn’t someone off today?”
“No, we are all on duty for the time being. When you are in chambers we will not be as on alert. While you move about, you will have all four of us,” Zahn explained.
“Am I in danger?” she asked, looking questioningly at him.
“No, Sirena. But this is a new protocol. New location. New challenges.”
“Alright. Whatever you think, though I’m pretty sure it’s overkill.”
“No one will be killed while we are on duty!” Kail insisted.
Vivian turned and looked at Kail, then started giggling. He was still thrown by her Earth slang from time to time. “I’m sure you’re right,” she said, not interested in explaining the expression.
“Downstairs and breakfast?” Rel asked.
“Yes, and I’d like you to help me find the garden on the roof. If it’s as nice as Eula says, I might want to eat there.”
Zahn and Rel took just a few moments to search each room upstairs until they finally located the access for the rooftop garden and sun room.
Vivian in the meantime headed downstairs with Kail and Asl.
Zahn and Rel came down the stairs to find her looking up at them with her hands grasping her heavy belly. “No luck? ”
“We found it. It is quite beautiful, and the sun room is very nice, but the sun on the rooftop garden is very intense. Perhaps you should have it shaded, or for the time being only stick to the sun room.”
“Your sun is pretty intense. The last thing I need right now is to get a sunburn. The sun room is better, you said?”
“Yes. It is roofed, and has cool water misting among the plants there.”
“Oh, that sounds like a me kind of place.”
She heard one of their stomachs growl, and her own joined in. “Show me later, though. I think we could all use a good meal. You know, I could just throw something together here. We don’t have to go to the dining room.”
“You should go to the dining room, Sirena. There are many servants who haven’t met you yet and the food is already prepared and waiting. They look forward to your presence.”
Vivian growled a little but thought about it. “Yeah, but you know I’m just going to have to find somewhere to pee as soon as we find the dining room.”
“It will be fine, Sirena. We’ll escort you to the restroom as often as needed,” Kail assured her.
Vivian opened the door to her residence and was immediately gently held back as Asl stepped in front of her. “Have you forgotten all protocol?” he teased her.
“I’m not used to having to worry about it on the ship.”
“It’s different here, Sirena. Please, be more careful,” Zahn asked.
Vivian nodded but didn’t really comment as she allowed Kail and Asl to escort her up the corridor that would ultimately intersect with another and lead them to the main dining room of the palace.
“I really don’t think all this is necessary, but if it makes you guys feel better, I’ll play along,” Vivian said.
“But it is. Not only to establish that you are never left alone, but to show even those that it hasn’t occurred to, that in order to get to you, they have to go through us. It is not only a display of loyalty, but a display of strength and determination,” Zahn said .
“I get it. Lead on, my guard dudes,” Vivi said, chuckling a little.
“Where is Kitty?” Zahn asked, realizing that Kitty wasn’t with them.
“He ran out early this morning. I think he’s enjoying being able to run and play and exercise in the grass and climb the trees,” Asl said. “He has been on the ship since he was a small kit. He is making up for lost time.”
“So, Kitty has deserted me. Quin has deserted me. And I’m just hanging out alone waiting to pop,” she said for her own benefit more than anyone else’s. “I don’t even have Missy to keep me company.”
“You have us, Sirena,” Zahn said. “And we will be sure that you are never alone, you are always protected, and we will provide whatever information you would normally receive from Missy. Just let us know what you need.”
~~~
Vivian’s security team led the way into the large main dining room. There were only a few people already dining, but all of them looked up and stood in deference to her when they realized who she was. Vivian smiled politely and signaled that they should all retake their seats, then gave a little wave as she and her team made their way to a table near the back of the room. As Vivian chose a seat, all four of her guards assumed positions around her table.
Almost immediately a male she assumed was a chef was hurriedly moving toward her table. “Sirena, I am Jof Ta. I am one of the chefs assigned to the palace. Welcome.”
She tried to smile up at the male, but her guards were in the way. “Hello, Jof Ta. I’m happy to be here.”
Rather than become offended at the wall her guards were making of themselves, Jof Ta remained upbeat and unshaken. “Is there anything in particular that I may prepare for you, or would you prefer a sampling of the dishes we’ve prepared for today? Or if you prefer you are more than welcome to enter the kitchen yourself to determine what you’d like to have.”
“You know what, Jof Ta? I trust you. I’d like to sample some of whatever dishes you’ve got planned for today. The only thing I’d really ask for is Litah, and some type of bread. Whatever else you bring I’ll be glad to try.”
“I shall return quickly, Sirena.”
As soon as Jof Ta returned to the kitchen, Vivi focused on her guard. “This isn’t going to work. I can’t have you forming a line of separation between me and whoever it is that I’m trying to speak to. If they’re a threat, that’s one thing, but if they’re just speaking to me, and kindly, trying to meet me and determine if I’m even slightly a decent person, then you need to relax a little.”
“Sirena, we need to establish who is safe and who is no…” Zahn started.
“Zahn. I’m not out in public. I’m in a controlled atmosphere, and I have no doubt that if they work here, most likely live here, Zha Tahl’s security forces have already determined they’re safe to be here. I appreciate you, I really do. But I think you’re going overboard a little. Why don’t you sit and share breakfast with me instead of looming over me like a death threat to anyone who tries to speak to me?”
“We’ve already eaten, Sirena. We’re here…”
“Then please at least don’t stand between me and whoever is working here, trying to do their jobs unless you have some inclination that they’re dangerous to me. I really want to make friends.”
“Very well. We’ll wait there behind you, rather than around you.”
“You’re sure you already ate?”
“Yes,” all four males answered.
Only a couple of seconds later Jof Ta was heading toward her table again, this time carrying a tray with an ornate pitcher of what she assumed was Lita, and a woven gold basket of warm soft bread.
“Oh, Jof Ta, you may be my favorite person today! ”
The large male grinned at her. “I would like that very much, Sirena!”
“Vivian. My name is Vivian, and I know you’re going at tell me you wouldn’t hear of not using my title, but at least add Vivian, or Vivi, to it. It makes it more personable.”
“Of course, Sirena Vivian. We are pleased to have you join our household.”
He watched as Vivian poured herself a steaming cup of Litah and tasted it before closing her eyes in appreciation and sipping again before she finally looked at him. “So, good, Jof Ta. This is so very good. And it’s a little sweeter than usual which is exactly as I prefer it! Thank you.”
“You are very welcome. I’m going to prepare your sample tray. I won’t be long.”
“Take your time. I’m content sitting here until you can get it finished,” she said, gesturing to her guards.
Jof Ta glanced toward the four guards standing behind her. “Warriors, may I offer you food or drink?”
“Thank you, we’ve already eaten,” Zahn answered.
“Very well,” he said, smiling at her guards, before turning back to Vivian. “Thank you for being so gracious, Sirena Vivian.”
She smiled at him as he hurried away. Vivian sat back, enjoying the relaxing feel of the main dining hall, and the hospitality of one of the palace’s main chefs. No sooner, had she taken a deep breath and let out all of the morning’s stress, than screeches, and gasps filled the room. As her guard surrounded her table, Vivian stood — albeit haphazardly with her swollen belly throwing her off balance — to try to better see what was happening near the door of the dining room. Then suddenly, she knew. Without being able to see around her guards, or over any of the other Cruestaci people in the dining room, she knew. A plaintive “rowr” drowned out all other sounds.
Vivian chuckled to herself. “Kitty! Here, Kitty!” she called out.
Kitty bounded across the dining room and darted between Rel and Zahn as they tried to intercept him, before rubbing his head on her, then standing up on his hind legs to demand hugs and scratches.
“Are you being a good boy?” she cooed at him. “I have hardly seen you at all since we arrived. You should at least let me know when you’re going exploring.”
“Ah, so this is the famous beloved pet that I’ve heard so much about,” Jof Ta said as he approached her table once more.
Vivian looked up at Jof Ta as she continued to pet the shraler’s head. “He’s my Kitty. He won’t hurt anyone unless he’s threatened, or I’m threatened.”
“I saw him beside you when you were introduced to our people from the warship. And I’d heard tell that he was exploring the grounds, but I’d not yet had the honor of meeting him.”
Vivian cooed to Kitty once more and rubbed her forehead against him, which caused him to bump his head against hers. “He saved me, Jof Ta. He’s my best friend.”
“Then he shall be treated as the hero he is while in my dining room.” Jof Ta placed Vivi’s food on her table, then gestured to the other people with him, two females, to place the trays they carried on the table beside Vivian’s food. “So that you have plenty to choose from. And I shall return,” he promised, then hurried away.
“Is there anything else we can get for you, Sirena?” one of the females asked.
“No, thank you. This is more than enough,” Vivian answered, smiling warmly at them.
Zahn stepped over to a chair right across from hers and pulled it out from the table. “Sit, Kitty,” he said.
Kitty dutifully hopped up into the chair, and with two huge paws on the table began to sniff at Vivi’s breakfast.
“No, Kitty. That is for our Sirena!” Asl scolded.
Kitty hissed at Asl, but sat back in his chair.
“Here we are!” Jof Ta exclaimed, entering the dining room with a flourish, holding a huge silver serving platter with the largest meatiest bone Vivian had ever seen stretching from one end of the platter to the other .
Jof Ta placed it before Kitty on the table and stood back to watch.
Kitty immediately slapped both paws back on the table and began gnawing on the bone.
“And now he’s your friend, too,” Vivian said with a laugh.
“I think your Kitty would be a good friend to have,” Jof Ta said, laughing joyously as he returned to the kitchen.