Chapter 6
The rest of breakfast went as well as could be expected. Despite Kitty’s presence, those he’d disrupted when he arrived resumed their meals, and eventually made their way over to Vivian’s table to introduce themselves.
Vivian smiled warmly, politely placing her utensils on the side of her plate and dabbing at her fingers with her napkin before standing to receive each of them with a gentle grasp of their hands as though they were a guest in her home. After a bit of polite conversation, they’d take their leave, she’d rinse her fingertips in the small bowl of lavender laced water meant for just that purpose, then return to her meal, only to be interrupted a few minutes later by another person wanting to welcome her and introduce themselves. Each time Zahn assisted her in standing due to her lack of balance.
Kitty had long ago decided to take his bone off the table and was napping at her feet with his head on his bone. Vivian, had at least been able to taste a bit of everything and knew what she liked best, but because of all the interruptions had decided to take all the food back to her quarters.
“Can someone call Jof Ta?” she asked, doing her best to be kind, but unable to hide the fatigue that plagued her.
“Of course. What is it that you wish, Sirena?” Zahn asked.
“I want to package all this up and take it with me. I’ll eat some more a little later. I’m just tired of trying to eat through all the new people I’m meeting,” she finished on a whisper.
“I’ll tell him,” Kail said, bowing briefly to her, then walking toward the kitchen briskly in search of the chef.
Almost immediately Kail reappeared with Jof Ta right behind him.
“How can I be of assistance, Sirena?” Jof Ta asked .
“I’m very tired, Jof Ta. I find I tire so quickly,” she said, curving a hand over her huge belly. “But I adore your food, and I’d like to take it back with me to my quarters. Do you have something we can package the food in to take it with me so that I can finish it a little at a time?”
“Absolutely, Sirena. In fact, I will have it delivered to your quarters momentarily,” Jof Ta replied. “I will include some sweets as well.”
Vivian grinned at him. “You know me already. I appreciate you, Jof Ta. Thank you so very much for all the delicious food and for being so gracious to myself and Kitty and my guards.”
“It is no hardship, Sirena. I am proud to be of service.”
Jof Ta bowed as she got to her feet again with the help of Zahn and started toward the door with her guard — Asl carrying Kitty’s bone — and Kitty at her side. True to his word, he wasted no time calling for his employees and giving them instructions on packaging fresh versions of each food on her table to be delivered to her quarters.
Vivian glanced over her shoulder to smile at the sound of the male telling them that only the freshest versions of the meal were acceptable for his Sirena and to get to it at once. But she didn’t stop walking, she just looked back as she continued moving toward the door. Which meant she didn’t see the large, red wall of male that had moved into the room and was standing right in front of her. Instead, she bounced off of him.
Kitty hissed.
Vivian gasped, and gave a little shriek as her arms flailed to try to maintain her balance.
Strong hands settled on her waist, steadying her at almost the exact moment she bounced off a definitely male chest.
She gripped his forearms as she looked up to see who held her steady.
“I have you, Ehlealah. I have you,” Quin said. He could hear the beat of her heart and feel it vibrate through her body as the rush of adrenalin sent it into a rapid rhythm.
She blew out a breath, quickly pressing her hand to her chest as she closed her eyes trying to get her reaction under control. “You scared me to death. I didn’t see you there,” she finally said, opening her eyes to look at him.
“Because you were looking one way and walking in another,” Quin said.
“And I realized as I ran into you that my guards should have intercepted whoever you were, but didn’t. I was a little confused,” she said.
Quin pulled her gently into his arms and cradled her uncomfortable form against his body. “I am sorry.”
“Yeah, but are they? They just let me walk right into you,” her muffled voice asked from the safety of his arms, as she tried to lift her arm to point haphazardly at her guard where they stood around them.
“Don’t know about them, but I’m a little put out.”
Vivian’s body tensed, she stood a little straighter, her head lifting from Quin’s chest to look around.
Quin started chuckling. “Kitty! Leave him be!”
Vivian pressed against him lightly so she could stand back and look up into his face. “No!” she rushed out.
Quin was grinning ear-to-ear. “Yes,” he said.
“Oh, my, God!” she half-shouted, trying to move around Quin to get to the person behind him.
Quin turned to allow her direct access, and so that he could watch the reunion.
“Vivian. You are the picture of the perfect woman. I just thought you lit up a room before. You are even more beautiful now. At least I think so. If I could make this over sized barn-cat leave me alone,” Bart said.
Vivian smiled at the sight of Kitty standing up on his hind legs to rub his head on Bart’s face. “He loves you.”
“He likes to intimidate me,” Bart said.
“That, too.”
“Kitty! Move!” Quin insisted, grabbing the chain that made up Kitty’s collar and tugging him away from Bart.
“Bart…” Vivian managed to get out while her lip trembled and the tears started as she walked into his arms .
“Why the tears? You’re supposed to be happy to see me,” he said as he hugged her and held her tight.
“I am happy. This is me happy, now. I’m so not who I was. I cry all the time. I hate crying.”
“You are very much who you were. You’re just dealing with the pregnancy hormones that make you over the top emotional.”
Vivi stood comfortably in Bart’s arms with her eyes closed, soaking up the warmth and belonging that being near one of her only surviving family members could bring. She felt Bart swaying just a little to and fro and smiled softly to herself, knowing that same motion was one she’d use on her own child if he or she ever decided to vacate her body and actually be born.
“Vivian?” Bart asked softly.
“Mmhmm.”
“Open your eyes,” Bart said.
“Hmm?”
Don’t move. Don’t look up at me. Don’t look back at Quin. Just open your eyes.”
She thought about it for a second, then did exactly what he asked. It wasn’t like it could be that dangerous, Quin and her guard, and Bart were all right here. And these were the males she trusted most in life. Not even adjusting her body or the angle of her head, she slowly opened her eyes. Though Bart wasn’t a Cruestaci warrior, he was still a tall male, well over six feet tall, so his shoulder was the first thing in her line of sight. Then she noticed a tuft of dark grey, curly hair and sideburns, framing the kindest light soft brown eyes. Slowly she let go of Bart, who then stepped away.
Vivian clenched her jaws together, trying to maintain some type of composure. “It’s you,” she murmured as she sniffled, and swallowed repeatedly trying not to break down completely.
“And it’s you.”
“I’d know you anywhere. You still have those beautiful blue eyes. And all the curls.”
“And you look just like you did the last time I saw you.”
“I missed you so much, Samuel,” she whispered, as he moved closer to her and held his aged arms out to her .
“I missed you so much, Aunt Vivian. I never, ever forgot you. None of us did,” he said, repeating what he’d said to her on vidcom on more than one occasion.
“And now you’re here!” she said, her voice quivering.
“I can’t believe it. I’m here. And here’s not Earth. And you’re the queen!”
“Princess. Sirena actually, but close enough,” Vivian said.
“God had bigger plans for you than could be carried out on Earth. This is your time. This is what you were meant for. These people, and this little one in here,” he said, lightly touching her belly, “and this man standing at your side.”
Vivian smiled up at Quin who’d stepped forward to place a supportive hand at her waist for no other reason than just to let her know he was beside her. She knew he hated being called a man instead of male, but he gave absolutely no indication. “You’re right. I really believe you’re right. But there could have been easier ways to get it done, I think.”
Samuel smiled and nodded his agreement. “That is definitely true, on so many levels.”
Vivian laughed as she wiped away tears.
“I’m so happy for you. And I’m beyond excited that I’m able to be here for you and the baby,” Samuel said.
“Me, too,” Vivian said, hugging him while she subconsciously lifted first one foot then another as she rolled her ankles first left then right to try to relieve some of the pressure she felt in them.
“We’re going to take this to our home so Vivi can put her feet up,” Quin said.
“Oh, but they might be hungry…” Vivian said, turning to gesture at the dining room. It was then that she realized Jof Ta stood patiently waiting with two of his staff and trays of food to follow her to her quarters.
“The food awaits us,” Quin said. He leaned over and carefully lifted her and cradled her in his arms. “Come, please accept our invitation to stay with us in our home while you’re here.”
“We couldn’t impose like that, Quin,” Bart said .
“It would be a favor to me. If not, Vivi will be constantly leaving our quarters to visit with you, and she needs to rest.”
“He’s not lying,” Vivian said with a nod.
“I would appreciate the chance to spend as much time with you as possible, without disrupting your life, of course,” Samuel said.
“Then it’s settled,” Quin said.
“Are you sure there’s enough room?” Bart asked.
“We have a whole apartment downstairs, and private quarters upstairs, too. There is enough room for an entire family.”
“If you are sure,” Bart reluctantly agreed, following Quin as he walked out of the dining room. “Come Kitty!” he ordered.
At once the huge shraler fell into step, nipping lightly at Asl as he carried the bone for Kitty.
“Kitty, stop. He’s carrying it for you,” Vivian said.
“Asl, just give it to him,” Quin said.
Asl gave Kitty his bone, and without hesitation Kitty darted toward the opposite end of the hallway, which would lead him toward the main great room of the palace and ultimately outside. He suddenly paused and looked back at Vivian, rowring around his bone.
“You can go,” she said.
Kitty darted away.
“What was I saying?” she asked, returning her attention to Quin.
“You weren’t, Ehlealah. I was. I was speaking to Bart and Samuel about sharing our quarters while they’re here.”
“Oh, yes! We have plenty of room.”
“But if you prefer we certainly can provide private quarters for you. It would be no imposition for us either way,” Quin explained.
“We’ll figure out all the details later,” Bart said, walking with Samuel as they followed Quin and Vivian’s guard back to their quarters in the East wing .
Vivian looked up at Quin’s face as he carried her, until he felt her looking at him and glanced down at her. “This is why you weren’t here when I woke up this morning.”
Quin winked at her.
“I thought you ran off and left me, already getting into the habit of meetings and matters of state and leaving me alone.”
“No matter what is happening that demands my attention, you will always come first. If you need me, call me. I will stop what I’m doing and come at once. But today, I had a special errand. I had to bring your people to you.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too. When we get to our quarters, you sit with your feet up. Stop walking so much.”
“It’s a big place. How I am supposed to not walk?”
“Call for what you need.”
“I can’t. Missy isn’t here.”
“There are other ways. Send for a servant. Use the call system.”
“What call system?”
Quin looked down at her surprised. “Did I not show you the call system?”
“No, you didn’t.”
“I am sorry, my Vivi. I forget that you do not know of all the inner workings of the palace that I’ve taken for granted. There is a system installed within the palace that allows you to place calls to and speak to those in other places in the palace.”
“Is it a vidcall kind of thing?”
“It is.”
Vivian grumbled.
“You wish to remain unseen?”
“If I’m lying around and I haven’t had a shower or I’m lying on my back eating as much food as I can stuff into my mouth at once, I do not want to be seen.”
“I will speak to the communications officers to find the best method of communications. I am aware that things are different without Missy, but we will see what can be done.”
“Get me a cell phone. ”
“They are not cell phones, Vivi. They are communicators.”
“They’re easy to use. It’s a fancy cell phone. I could call anybody I needed,” Vivian said.
“If they have the same type of communicator.”
“Sire, if I may request one of the communicators as well, so that our Sirena can contact me at anytime for any food she may be in need of. I will see to her requests personally,” Jof Ta said, somehow bowing around the platters he carried while bringing up the rear.
Quin glanced over his shoulder at Jof Ta, kind of raised his brows and gave a slight nod. It might not be a bad idea to have certain of those Vivian was comfortable with able to respond to her without having to go through layers of servants to get a simple request addressed. “I will look into it,” he said, promising both Vivian and Jof Ta that he’d take care of it with the one statement.
Bart and Samuel, Jof Ta and his staff, all walked quickly along, keeping up with Quin as he took the turns of the corridors in his near race to get Vivian back to their quarters. As they approached the door Vivian was surprised to see two of Eula’s guard standing at either side of the door. They came to attention at once, bowing to the group.
“Sire, Sirena, we’ve been assigned as supplemental guards to your own. If there is anything you need, simply let us know.”
Vivian looked questioningly at Quin.
“You’ve only got four assigned to you. Those four move through the palace with you. Our home needs to be guarded at all times,” Quin said. “I requested several more guards for our home. There will be two posted here at all times. These are the first two.”
Vivian’s instinct was to argue, but she reminded herself this was all a new situation, a new world — to her anyway — and new way of life. “What are your names?”
“I am Yaghn.”
“I am Var don.”
Both gave a stiff, formal bow .
“I recognize you. You vowed loyalty to me on the ship,” Vivian said.
Both seemed pleased to be remembered. “Yes, Sirena. When our Sire asked for warriors to join his home guard, we volunteered to protect your home and your family. Our Sovereigna was more than happy to allow the transfer,” Yaghn explained.
“I’m happy to have you here,” Vivian said graciously.
“Please don’t hesitate to let Zahn, or any of us know if you have any requests or suggestions to be considered,” Quin said.
Both males bowed to her and Quin once more, then resumed their stony faced presence on either side of their door.
Rel unlocked the door and he and Kail stepped through first.
Quin followed with Vivian in his arms.
Bart and Samuel followed by Jof Ta and platters of food brought up the rear.
“Oh! Are you hungry?” Vivian called out.
They didn’t answer not realizing she was speaking to them.
“Yaghn, Var don, are you hungry?” she repeated.
“No, Sirena. We’ve eaten and are ready for our shift.”
“If you get hungry or thirsty, just come on in and get what you want,” she said.
They smiled genuinely, but had become the stoic statues they’d first been when she’d been introduced to them by the time Quin set her down on the sofa and closed the door.
He came back to her shaking his head good-natured. “Vivi, that is not how security works. They must remain at their post, alert for any sign of trouble.”
“At our door. Inside the palace. Which is heavily guarded by multiple layers of other security beyond these walls.”
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s just stupid. They can have a drink of water or a sandwich if they want it.”
Jof Ta tried to suppress a snort of laughter, and kept his head down as he placed all the trays on tables around the room. “Sirena, it is my hope that you and your family enjoy our food. Please, do not feel the need to come all the way down to the dining room when it is so difficult for you to do so. I will see to it that you have food here at all times.”
“I don’t want to be a bother. I can see to my own needs,” she said.
“Please, allow me the honor, Sirena,” Jof Ta said, bowing to her as he moved backward toward the door, shooing his staff out behind himself as he moved.
“Thank you, Jof Ta,” Quin said.
“It is my honor, Sire,” he repeated.
As the door closed behind them, Quin grinned at her as he grabbed up an individual dish of custard and handed it to her along with a spoon. “Already winning them all over, aren't you?”
Vivi smiled at him. “I just treat them with respect and kindness. Those that it matters to respond. Those that it doesn’t matter to don’t, and then I know who to stay away from.”
“Smart lady,” Bart said. He peered over the rim of her dish. “What is that?”
“I don’t know, but it’s heavenly.”
Bart claimed his own cup of custard and plopped down beside her.
Samuel followed suit.
Vivian looked around, noticing that Zahn and Asl were not there. “Where are Zahn and Asl?”
“Speaking with Yaghn, and Var don,” Quin said.
“How do you know that?” Vivian asked.
Quin lightly gestured toward his ear.
“See, I need one of those,” Vivian said.
“No, you do not. It’s for military purposes.”
“Do you not trust me?” Vivian demanded.
“I’d trust you to decide some injustice had been committed and you’d have the entire palace guard mustered and ready to invade some poor local’s shop to sort it out,” Quin said on a laugh.
“And the problem would be?” she asked.
Quin just shook his head, preferring not to answer.
“So, who is assigned to your quarters, other than guards? ”
“No one. After the baby comes, Au’revele as nanny, but no others,” Vivian said.
“So, you have no housekeeper, or assistants of any kind?” Bart asked.
“No. I didn’t really want anyone having regular access to our home. All I need is to come through half-dressed and find some poor girl in here trying to clean up after me. I’d be mortified,” Vivian said.
“In truth, my mother has arranged for several of her staff to be assigned to our quarters. But I spoke with her this morning to make some changes after I’d noticed they’d been here after we went to bed last night.”
“Really?!” Vivian asked.
“It is their way to perform their duties without being seen, or in the way any more than necessary. I came back downstairs for a moment and found all the lights off, and the items we’d brought with us already put away down here. I asked her to let them know that a small light of some kind must be left on in every room at all times, and that we do not want anyone moving in and out of our home without our knowledge at any time. If we need them, we’ll let them know and expect them then.”
“Thanks. I don’t want to be difficult, but that’s definitely better for me.”
“She’s compromised. She has assigned her Head of Staff to our home in addition to her regular duties. She’ll be touching base with you from time to time to choose a time that allows her to come in and quickly clean and put things to rights,” Quin said. “At least until you’ve recovered from giving birth and are at your normal activity level, then you can decide if you still want help or not.”
“I don’t want anyone coming in and walking around my home after I’m already in bed, or asleep.”
“Nor do I,” Quin said. “But Mirilla is different. Her loyalty is unquestionable and she is reticent in all things,” Quin said.
“I don’t want anyone in our home taking care of our home, but me. ”
“Perhaps we’ll just give her permission to reach out to you to see if there’s anything you need.”
Vivian held Quin’s gaze with no indication of what she was thinking, but he knew anyway.
“Vivi, I’ve met Mirilla. I think you could be great friends. Maybe give her a chance, huh?” Bart said.
“Would you want another man in your home taking care of whatever might need done in your home, for your family, in place of you doing it?” Vivian asked.
“No, I can’t say that I would. But, many, many women have people come in to help with the more mundane things when they have a new baby. Maybe just give her a chance for a little while. See how it goes. I was very impressed with her,” Bart said.
“What was it about her that impressed you?” Vivian asked.
Bart shrugged, his mouth open, prepared to speak, but only one word came to him. Finally he smiled at her and gave her her answer. “Everything. You’ll see when you meet her.”
“Which will be shortly,” Quin said.
Vivian turned to look at Quin.
“She’s coming by to meet you and ask how she can be of service,” Quin replied.
“I do not want anyone in my home taking care of my family, but me. I can’t be any clearer than that. I don’t care if I’m pregnant, not pregnant, have just birthed one baby or three babies. I do not want another woman in my home doing a damn thing for my mate and my children, but me!” she snapped.
“Vivi, Ehlealah, it is her job.”
“And taking care of my family is my job!”
“I’m going to rest. Samuel, Bart… if you’d excuse me.”
“Of course,” both answered.
Vivian went up stairs without a single look back at anyone.