King Athos
I hover in my study, not listening, because that wouldn’t be respectful, but hoping Zuri will give my new mate some advice and reassurance.
When I hear the balcony door open and close I step into the corridor.
She stops and dips her head when she sees me. “Your Majesty.”
“How did you find her?”
“She is searching for answers.”
“To what questions?”
“Why she is queen? Why she is here? How she will mate with you when evolution didn’t design you to join?”
“That will not be a problem.” I pull in a deep breath. There is no way that will be an issue, I am determined on that.
“But she doesn’t know that it won’t be painful for her, or confusing.” Zuri pauses. “She is trying to remember why she signed up for Project Hope.”
“Because Earth wasn’t providing for her the way I can.”
“I agree, my king, but her memories have faded or she is remembering with a silver lining.”
“What does that mean? Silver lining.”
“She’s remembering things in a way that show them in a positive light, rather than a bad one. But no woman here left because they were having a bad week, each one of us had some seriously bad stuff going on, she needs to remember that.”
“I agree with you but how do I get her to do that?”
“Get her to talk to you, ask her about the things that happened that made her sign on the dotted line, then you will get to know her and support her through these memories.”
I nod. “I thank you for your wise female council, Zuri, it will not be forgotten.” I dig into my pocket and take out a small toy shaped like a bird, it is made of shiny black morri taken from the base of the mountains. “For My-Tai, he is an absolute delight and you are clearly an excellent mother.”
“Oh thank you, Your Majesty he will, we will, treasure it.” She smiles, bobs again, and then sashays down the hallway, hips rolling and leaving behind the scent of lalpa flowers.
My tail hovers and I push my hair back, my horns are tingling and my belly tight with nerves. I have to find my way into the depths of my new mate’s soul, I need to understand her, and in doing so, help her understand herself.
I go to the balcony, the door creaks slightly as I open it, the sun has expanded the metal.
She turns to me, the sun catching the crown and making it look like a burning star is atop her head. Her blue eyes settle on mine and there is something different in them, an openness I have not seen before.
“There is something I need to tell you about,” she says quietly.
“I wish to hear it.”
“It’s about my job, my profession before I came here.”
I nod and wait for her to go on.
“It’s not something a queen should have ever done.”