Chapter 7
Several hours later a soft knock let Vivian know someone was at her bedroom door.
“Go away,” she commanded.
“It is Zahn.”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes.”
“You can enter.”
The door opened and Zahn turned sideways to ease himself through, hoisting something over his head.
“What is…”
“Your steps, for the bed, Sirena,” he said proudly as he lowered them to the floor and nudged them up against the edge of the bed frame. “There is a soft edge around the bottom that will grip the carpeted floor and prevent them from moving. Try them,” he encouraged.
Vivian dangled her feet over the edge of the mattress and very easily stepped down the three steps and onto the floor. “These are great! Thank you, Zahn.”
“I am merely the delivery person. Asl and Kail built these for you.”
“They did a beautiful job. Please thank them for me, and thank you for bringing them to me.”
“I will give them your appreciation.”
“You and Rel are on duty, then?”
“Yes, Sirena. Would you like to take a tour around the grounds? See some of the things to explore other than the palace?”
“No. I have to stay here and meet whoever this Mirilla woman is,” she said irritatedly.
Zahn shook his head. “I sent her away. ”
Vivian’s head snapped up and she looked questioningly at him.
“My sworn duty is to protect my Sirena. She is feeling unwell and I determined that it would be detrimental to her state of mind to have to endure meeting more new people today,” Zahn explained.
Vivian’s smile started out slow but grew to a full out grin. “Despite your Sire arranging the meeting?”
Zahn looked her directly in the eye. “Respectfully, I swore to put nothing before my Sirena. It is she I answer to, and all my decisions are based on her welfare. Even those she doesn’t agree with. It just so happens that she agrees with this decision.”
“You’re my favorite friend at the moment, you know that right?”
“I thought I might be,” he said, answering her beaming smile with one of his own. Which was uncharacteristic for Zahn. He rarely showed any kind of emotion at all, other than intensity.
“Does it make sense to you, the reason I don’t want anyone helping me?” she asked.
“It does. But I can also understand why our Sire feels it is necessary to place someone he trusts in your home for any assistance you might need. It defeats the purpose, I think, if you’re made unhappy by the idea of others in your home, tending to what you feel is your responsibility.”
“I know he thinks I’m being difficult. But I’m not. I spent so long finding myself again, learning to be strong again, taking back my life and making it all it could be, that it almost physically hurts to consider handing off some of the things that make me me, some of the things that only I’m supposed to do to someone who is not even part of my family.”
“There is much more to this situation than one female not wanting another in her home,” Zahn said softly.
“Yes, there is! I don’t care if we’re in a palace or on a ship, or in a freaking hut somewhere. This is my life, my family and I’ve struggled through so damn much to live this, to have this. I don’t need things taken care of for me. I don’t want help with my child. I don’t want help with my home. I don’t want help with my family and our home.”
“It is standard for those living here to have a practical army of staff to see to their needs. They think nothing of it. For them it is normal, the way things are done. I do not think they can understand your point of view.”
“How do you understand it?” she asked, some of the fight going out of her for a moment.
“I’m not noble. I’m not accustomed to having anything done for me.” He paused for a second, not sure just how much he should say, then decided that full honesty was needed at the moment. “And I saw firsthand what you endured. I saw what you fought to come back from, and I see all you’ve become. You had no ability to make the smallest decision for yourself, at the whim of one who had no concern for your needs. It is why control of your own life, your own family, your own space is so important to you.”
Vivian blinked slowly as she realized that Zahn really did understand. “Thank you, Zahn. It means a lot that you understand.”
He smiled and nodded at her.
“There are others that understand as well.”
“I wish Quin did.”
“He is caught up in the briefings his father has insisted he receive in preparation of assuming leadership of Cruestace. He feels that he is not able to be at your side as he’d like to be, so when his mother insists that every female in your position needs assistance and staff and servants to do her bidding and make her life easier, he accepts the offer in substitute for his own time.”
“Hmpf.”
“It comes from a place of love, Sirena,” Zahn said.
“How did you get so smart?”
“It is easy when on the outside looking in.”
“Are they all still down there?”
“No. Samuel, Au'revele, and Elisha have gone off to see the grounds. Chairman Bartholomew had meetings to attend via Vidcom. Ba Re’ is with our Sire within the garrison, preparing for the training that will soon become a daily schedule for Ba Re’. The Sovereigna’s guards are at the door. Kail and Asl are off duty, and Rel is downstairs. The Sovereign and Sovereigna have been busy all day and occupied all day.”
“Well, you are certainly up to date on everyone,” Vivian said tiredly.
Zahn tried not to let her see his brief smirk. “It is the same information I believe Missy would provide, were she here.”
Vivian huffed a laugh. “You don’t have to perform Missy’s duties.”
“I know. After you came up here to rest, our Sire suggested we keep abreast of as much information as we can.”
“Were they upset that I just went to bed?”
“No. I believe they are all aware, as are we, that the delivery of your young one is imminent. I think they were all thankful that you are taking time for yourself.”
“Was Au’revele upset?”
“I don’t believe so, she gave no indication of it if she was. Why would she be upset?” he asked, considering Au’revele’s recent behavior more closely.
“I thought that maybe she heard me saying I didn’t want any woman in my home doing anything I’m supposed to be doing.”
“I don’t believe she heard you. She was not near, and even if she was, your quarters are intentionally well insulated to keep privacy at a maximum.”
“Good, I like Au’revele. I don’t want to offend her.”
Zahn hesitated for a moment, clearly trying to decide how to phrase whatever it was he planned to say next. “What is your plan for her? If you don’t wish for assistance, why is she here?”
“Au’revele is more friend than anything. And there will be times I’ll need a break. Au’revele is the only person I trust to help me with our baby.”
Zahn took a deep relaxing breath and let it out almost on a sigh of relief .
“I’m not going to be sending her off anywhere. She’s here for as long as she wants to be here, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Zahn said.
Vivian smirked at him. “I would think so.”
“I’m not sure that I understand,” Zahn said.
“Oh, come on. If you can be so in tune with me picking up on the reasons I do the things I do, why do you think I can’t do the same?”
“There is nothing to be in tune with,” he claimed.
“Seriously? Fine. Keep your secrets to yourself, but let me say this… if you care for her, don’t wait so long she thinks you don’t care at all or that anything else is more important. Let her know, Zahn. She’s a beautiful female, smart and kind, and this place is crawling with single males. Don’t make the mistake of letting your pride stop you from claiming her.”
“I have never wanted a mate, Sirena. It is something I actively never wanted. A mate does not fit into my life and my responsibilities.”
“Funny how fate determines what we need despite what it is that we think we want, isn’t it?”
“I worked a long time to reach the position I hold. My loyalty would be split and that would affect my performance.”
“No, it wouldn’t. Especially if both of the things you’re loyal to are usually in the same place, or at least close enough they could both be protected at once. You just have to adjust the way you think.”
Zahn was obviously considering her words, but didn’t answer right away.
“Are you trying to tell me that every single male I’ve seen in your military is single and unmated?”
“Not at all. Most are mated. They fight more passionately in battle because they are keeping their planet safe for their mates back home.”
“That’s all I’m saying. Think about it.”
“I will, Sirena. In the meantime, I will keep you safe from palace staff that wishes to make your life easier. ”
“Okay, that was the most passive-aggressive thing I’ve ever heard said!” she said with a laugh.
Zahn refused to allow himself to smile, but she detected the upturned corner of one side of his mouth.
“Is there anything I can get you?” Zahn asked.
“No, but I think I’d like to go sit in the sun room.”
“Come, I’ll help you get there, and then Rel and I will pretend we are not with you.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
~~~
“I tried, Sovereigna. Her security blocked my attempt to visit. I was not even able to see her personally.” The female was visibly upset.
“It’s alright, Mirilla. Vivian is very near the birth of her youngling. Her emotions are at an unsettled high. She is easily upset and overly fatigued. Her protective instincts are most active and she’s just been moved from the security of her home aboard Command Warship 1 to the palace where everything about her day to day life is changing. Do not take her actions to heart. She is genuine and kind. I have no doubt you’ll become friends and she’ll no longer be guarded with you,” Eula said.
“I do hope that you’re right. I’ll keep trying,” Mirilla said.
“I knew that if they waited until the end of her pregnancy to move to the palace she’d feel more out of sorts than necessary. But no one ever listens to me!” Eula said, shaking her head.
“It sounds that she is going through a lot of changes. I will remember all you’ve said and I’ll try to see her again soon.”
“Please do. Perhaps try in just a little while. I know that most of those visiting with her today have gone off to tour the grounds. She should be there and perhaps is more relaxed without everyone there.”
“Her guard will still be there… ”
“Yes, but you can ask them to let her know you’re there. If she’s less harried, she may be more accepting. At the very least, they relay your best wishes to her on your behalf if she’s not feeling up to seeing you.”
“If you don’t think I’ll be a nuisance for returning so soon, I will try again. Perhaps you could go with me,” Mirilla suggested.
“I simply can’t today. I’ve been needed elsewhere all day. But,” Eula said, an idea beginning to form, she paused to think it through. “Perhaps you could deliver a message to Vivian for me. Tell her that I sent you to let her know that I have been detained today with duties that I can’t ignore, but that I hope to be able to spend time with her tomorrow. Tell her that I’ve sent you on my behalf to make sure that she is comfortable and is not in need of anything.”
“I will try.”
“In fact, tell her guard that you have a message for her that you must deliver personally. I just know that if she’ll accept any assistance at all, her acclimation to life here will be so much easier. She’s simply not accustomed to having support staff. And I know you’ll be great friends once she meets you. She’s a wonderful judge of character and will see the same things in you that I do.”
“I’ll try, Sovereigna.”
~~~
After a quick bite to eat in the dining room, Mirilla gathered her dishes and brought them to the kitchen. As she rinsed them, she smiled to herself as the voice she expected met her ears from the other side of the kitchen.
“I have told you so many times that washing your dishes isn’t your job that I have lost count!”
Mirilla laughed, her soft feminine laugh carrying across the short distance between herself and Jof Ta. “And I have told you just as many times that it is not the job of any other to pick up behind me. I am not a noble.”
“No, but you’re a personal friend to our Sovereigna,” Jof Ta said. “And you also oversee her private staff. Besides, you’re kind.”
“But I’m still just Mirilla. In fact, I don’t want anyone to even consider picking up after me. I can do it myself.”
“Doesn’t mean that you should deny others their responsibilities if they enjoy performing them,” Jof Ta grumbled.
“I’m not. I’m just clearing the way for them to tend to those they’re supposed to instead of catering to me.” She finished rinsing her plates and placed them in the racks to dry before she turned to face Jof Ta, pecked a kiss to his cheek and quickly left the kitchen.
“You’re a stubborn female, Mirilla!” he called after her.
“Lunch was delicious, Jof Ta! Thank you!” she answered, laughing again as she left through the service hallway that connected the main kitchen to the East kitchen.
“It is too late for lunch! It is almost time for evening meal!” he called back. “And if you come back for evening meal, do not wash your dishes!”
Mirilla was still grinning to herself as she rounded a corner and bumped right into Mir’ Ahn.
He scowled at her. “How is it that you always look so happy to serve those beneath us?”
She shook her head and pressed her lips together in irritation. “What do you want, Mir’ Ahn?”
“And now it seems you think I have to have a reason to seek out my only sister.”
“No, you don’t have to have a reason to speak with me. But you always seem to anyway.”
“Ridiculous. I haven’t seen you in weeks and simply desired reassurance that you’re still among us.”
“Weeks? Mir’ Ahn, you saw me four days ago. I brought lunch and came to visit you. You told me you were too busy and that I was interrupting important things. Have you forgotten already? ”
He glared at her suspiciously for a second before he seemed to brush it off. “I don’t remember that. I must have been very distracted with the importance of my job.”
“I’m sure. Thank you for coming to check on me, but I’m fine, and I must be going.”
“Why? Where are you going?” he asked, looking unnervingly into her eyes, then allowing his gaze to sweep down to the chain she wore around her neck that supported the pendent she wore at all times. It was a simple pendent, seemingly made of smooth, carved silver or platinum with a dark blue center stone, but in fact it was made of molded steel. Within it was hidden an electronic sensing element, a transducer, and a signal processing unit. The dark blue of its center stone was actually the surface by which the electronics inside could connect to the locking devices placed by each door of the palace to grant her access, automatically unlocking when she approached and stood directly in front of the sensor installed beside each door. In plainer terms, it was the passkey assigned to her on the occasion of her appointment as Head of Staff. It gave her access to any room in the palace, which was important if she was to see their state of cleanliness and readiness, depending on the requirements for any guest staying in the palace, or those living there on a regular basis. Her staff saw to each individual’s need. Some wanted particular foods or drinks left out. Others preferred scents or perfumes to be evident upon entry to their rooms. Some, like the Sire and Sirena, wanted a lamp left on in each room, even if they’d gone to bed for the night. But for the most part, she had to give approval for the cleanliness and processing of each room, hence her passkey. Most of the keys were two-and-a-half to three inches in length, and one-and-a-half inches across. There was an indention where one’s thumb would rest when pressing the button to activate the electronic locking/unlocking mechanism in the doors of the rooms they were programmed for and could easily be fit into a pocket. Most warriors didn’t have keys because they lived in the barracks, and of the palace staff, only staff members who lived in the palace, and those whose work needed access to multiple rooms had keys, but hers was meant to never be taken off. She was always on duty, and if she was wearing the key, it would always be at hand. She unconsciously lifted a hand to cover the pendent as her brother seemed to focus in on it.
“Why do you insist on wearing that thing. It’s like a collar, keeping you chained to your job at all times.”
“I like my job. I’m proud to be so needed. And it’s only a pendent, remember?!” she insisted, trying to remind him that he wasn’t supposed to know that it wasn’t just a pendent. She’d been so excited when she received it that she’d run to tell him about it straight away. He was her brother… why wouldn’t she share her good news with him?
“Good for you,” he said drolly. “Where are you needed this time?”
“I’m on an errand for our Sovereigna.” She went up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek quickly, just barely making contact before he pulled away to try to prevent the kiss.
“Why do you always do that?” he complained, wiping at his cheek with the palm of his hand.
“Because you’re my brother and I love you,” she said, shaking her head at his antics. “Were you always this difficult? I swear there was a time that we were actually friends. What happened?” she asked as she slowly moved past him.
“We are friends! We always have been! You’ve just not realized you’re above every one of those you serve. I have.”
She looked back at him doubtfully.
“Where are you going? To see the Sirena?” he asked, jogging a step or two to catch up with her.
“To try to speak to our Sirena. The Sovereigna has asked me to befriend her and see if I can help ease her assimilation into palace life.”
“Assimilation into palace life? What fool has trouble being waited on like a fatted cow hand and foot by those they deem beneath them?”
Mirilla stopped walking and turned to face her brother. “That’s not fair. None of our Sovereign’s family deems any of us beneath them. They each truly care about our people. ”
“And you honestly believe that?”
“Of course, I do. And as the Steward of the palace battalion of our military, you should, too. You serve them in your capacity. You took vows of loyalty. Do you not still feel as you always have?” she asked, her concern clear in her eyes and in her voice.
Mir’ Ahn sighed. “I do. You know that I do. I’m just tired and overworked, and I worry that the change of power will change our forces, our warriors and our people. I like things done the way our ancestors always have. Change makes me nervous.”
“I know. It always has. But I believe if anything changes at all, it will be for the best for you. Our Sire has spent all of his life as Commander of our forces. He has a special affinity for our military.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Say, maybe after you befriend the Sirena, you can take me along and introduce me one day so that I can make my vow of loyalty to her personally.”
“Really?!” she asked excitedly.
“Yes. I’d like that. If it’s not too much to ask.”
“I’d love that. But I have to become friends with her first.”
“Well, go then. Why are you wasting time speaking with me. Hurry up!” he insisted, pushing her slightly to get her moving.
“I’m going!”
“I’ll check with you in a few days to see if you’ve succeeded. I would like to ingratiate myself to this new Sirena.”
“I wish you a good day, brother!” she shouted happily as she hurried away from him.
As she turned another corner up ahead and stepped into the main corridor of the East wing, he lost sight of her. He raised his hand to his cheek again and wiped at the spot she’d kissed on his cheek once more. The disgust on his face clear, he lifted his lip as a snarl escaped him and turned down another corridor to quickly get out of the palace. “Maybe she’ll finally manage to be of use to me,” he grumbled.