* * *
Sirion sat on the cushion, staring into the mirror, soaking in all the attention Mihai was giving. She had been fawned over all morning. First there had been the sudsy bath the two had shared, Mihai scrubbing and fondling her like a mother does her little child. Now the king was busy with a comb, playing with Sirion’s hair.
The girl tipped her head back, resting it on Mihai’s naked breasts. Looking up into Mihai’s face, she cooed, “I love you, Mada. I love you so much.”
A rush of emotion swept through Mihai. It had been so many millennia since she had heard that name. When Sirion was but a babe, the child had begun calling her that, but stopped doing so after her coming of age.
Mihai stared into Sirion’s eyes. “Did you just hear yourself now? How many eons have passed since you sang that word in my ears?”
Sirion reached up and took hold of Mihai’s hand, smiling. “You’ve always been my Mada. I’ve never stopped saying it to you in my heart. I stopped speaking it because, I guess, big girls weren’t supposed to do those kind of childish things.” She looked back into the mirror. “I don’t want to be a big girl anymore.”
Mihai bent forward, wrapping her arms around Sirion, gently rocking her from side to side. “Do you want to know a secret?”
Sirion said nothing, waiting for Mihai to speak.
“I don’t want to be a big girl anymore, either.” They looked at each other through the mirror and began to giggle.
The two bantered on, talking about silly things, things that are viewed as of little worth in days of bliss, but become precious, nearly sacred, during times of great strife and turmoil.
Sirion stood and embraced Mihai. She gazed into the woman’s ocean blue eyes. “I was just fourteen when our world ended. I have lived so many different lives since then. You know what? It’s those first few years when you mothered me, nursed me, and cared for me that are still so clear in my mind. It was such a beautiful time in my life.”
Mihai kissed Sirion on the forehead. “You are my most precious gift, a child born to me by law, the first baby to nurse at my breasts, to drink the milk of life from me. You are my firstborn, heir to all that is mine.” She pushed Sirion’s nose. “Always have been and, no matter the future, always will be.”
Sirion snuggled close to Mihai, soaking in the warmth of her body. For a moment she could be the little child again, forgetting the ravages of this terrible Rebellion. For the longest time the two remained locked in their affectionate embrace, shutting out the world around them.
As the morning pressed on, Sirion and Mihai played in each other’s company, giving tickles and back rubs, and then there were the word games and guessing games. But, as all such things must come to an end, more serious business became subject matter.
Sirion tried to be judicious when the discussion of Terey came up. She didn’t want to quote what Terey had said when asked if she would allow Mihai a visit. “Terey has been very busy as of late, you know, with battle strategy and all. She hasn’t really had time for anyone. She only tolerates me because, like she says, I’m ‘quiet as a mouse’, not intruding in her business.”
“But did you tell her how much I want to see her, just how important it is that I spend some time with her?”
Sirion nodded. “Yes, Mada, I did. I will go to her this afternoon and ask her again if she will permit a visit.”
Mihai thanked Sirion, emphasizing her burning desire to speak with Terey.
At that moment, someone knocked on the stateroom door.
“Yes?” Mihai called out.
“It’s Admiral Gabrielle.”came the reply. “May I have a word with you?”
Mihai stiffened. She stood up, slipped on a night robe, and coolly answered, “You may enter.”
Gabrielle stepped into the room, noticed Sirion sitting on the bed and asked, “My Lord, may I speak with you in private, please?”
Mihai was curt and to the point. “Why? Is witchcraft served up only in private? No! I think you should tell me what’s on your mind where other ears and eyes can attest to the conversation.”
Mihai’s words struck Gabrielle like a fist. She had mustered all her strength just to leave her sick bed. Beads of sweat were running down her face and back from her sickening headache. There was little else to do, though. She must stay the course. Mihai was king and was to be treated as such.
Gabrielle glanced once more at Sirion, who felt like someone caught in the middle. “All right.” Gabrielle sighed. “My Lord, report has come to me that you have delivered your fighter to my ship, off-loading it last night, and that it is being readied for combat.”
Mihai was caustic. “Admiral, what I do with my possessions is my business. Am I your servant? I am readying my fighter should the need come to use it.”
Bowing her head in sadness, Gabrielle replied, “My Lord, this is my ship. I am commander of this Navy. You may rule the people, but I rule this fleet and control what is done with it. Your fighter is in trespass, you having received no permission to secure it here. I will not allow its use without my personal permission.”
Mihai’s face went red with rage, her body shaking with tremors as she fought down an urge to strike Gabrielle. Finally mastering her feelings, she angrily rebuked her. “You are Admiral for the moment! Do be careful, for you walk a very thin line! I shall do what I feel necessary and no underling will usurp my position!”
There was ever so small a sign of a tear in Gabrielle’s eye. She politely bowed. “My Lord, what the future brings it shall bring. As for now, your fighter remains in the hangar, locked down.” She bowed again and exited the door.