“He loves us.” Miki chimes in. “He’s our Grim.”
Risa pauses at the entrance to the area of the Assembly assigned to House Guttuso and smiles. This will be the last time she will ever sit here, looking up to the empty Emperor's area she knows that’s where she belongs.
House Guttuso, while on the same level of the other Houses, sits closest to the Emperor signifying its importance on Tornian. House Luanda of Luda is the only one to sit higher thought still below the Emperor, signifying that whoever sits there is next in line to rule. Risa smiles coldly at its empty seats. Today Grim will finally be destroyed. Today he will stand before not only the Lords but also their females and greatest warriors. For they have all arrived for this unprecedented Joining Ceremony. A ceremony she and Bertos are responsible for, her smile grows.
Grim will stand before them all and have everything stripped from him, his title, his status, and his females, all this by his own brother, just as everything had been stripped from her family so many centuries ago. Still smiling she takes her seat behind Bertos.
"You've made sure the females will do as they’ve been instructed?" Bertos turns in his seat to face her, his black eyes boring into Risa's, demanding the correct answer.
"Of course." Risa gives him a disgusted look. She'd once desired this male greatly. His yellow body had stood tall and strong when she'd meet him at fifteen, here in this very Assembly. He'd come for a Joining Ceremony then too. Risa had snuck into the Ceremony, through a secret passage that ended in this very area, one of the many secret passages she'd discovered as a child. Bertos discovered her but instead of reporting her to her father he allowed her to stay, but it had come at a price, it was on that day she learned the true power a female had over a male. She’d allowed him to touch her were no male had and in return he’d promised to make her Empress.
He failed her, Grim lived, so she had to take matters into her own hands and while she succeeded, Wray had refused her, refused her! Well soon, she’d be Empress and then Wray would know what it felt like to be refused!
Looking at Bertos, she now wonders what she’d ever seen in him. His brilliant yellow color has faded, his strength having left him long before her arrival in his House. If it hadn’t been for Luuken, she never would have been able to give him a second male. Not that either knew. Luuken was weak, while Bertos believed no one would dare to cross him.
“They have no idea they have an option, just as we planned. They will choose a male presented and all will know it is because of you. None will oppose you.” Nodding, Bertos turns back to the Assembly, a smile on his face.
Risa isn’t going to tell Bertos that the female Grim has claimed knows about her killing the Empress. That she realizes he is behind the attack on Grim. Soon it won’t matter, for she shall be Empress and no one touches the Empress, well no one but her.
“Have you heard from Luuken?” Bertos turns back interrupting her thoughts. Luuken was supposed to have arrived earlier that day, explaining in person why he failed to capture the female, sealing Grim’s fate.
"No. Did you try Korin?" Must she do everything? She wonders.
"Yes, he said they were having engine problems and would arrive later."
"There you have it then. Turn around and enjoy the show we have arranged." Risa informs him. Sometimes she thinks he's no brighter than a three year old. "He'll come straight here. He won't want to miss seeing a great House destroyed." Nodding Bertos does as she says.
"My Queen." Agee reluctantly steps into the room, wearing his court uniform and medallion. He doesn't want to do this. "I must now escort you to the Ceremony." Lisa looks at him and sees his distress. The green male from the Emperor’s guard growls at him.
"Of course you must. Don't worry so Agee.” She looks back to the women. “Ladies, this fine male is Warrior Agee,” She gestures to him. “He is the Captain of my Elite Guard, a most worthy and honorable male, all the warriors of the Luda’s Elite Guard are."
The green guard watches in disbelief as eleven more warriors from Luda move to surround the females. Did Warrior Agee just address the female as his Queen? Did she just say he is the Captain of the Queen’s Elite Guard? There is no such thing. For there is no Queen. Moving forward he stops Agee.
"You will stand aside Captain. It is our duty to escort these females." He's eyes widen as he sees the medallion on Agee's shoulder. A quick scan reveals that every Guard from Luda wears one. Is that Charoite?
"We will not." Agee growls back. "Our Queen is within this group, as are her offspring. We will not trust their protection to you." Guards from both Houses grip their weapons.
"Gentlemen!" Lisa steps forward, placing a hand on Agee's back. "I believe we all want the same thing here." She nudges Agee, he moves slightly so she can address the Emperor's Guard, while making sure he's able to step in front of her if need be. "What is your name?" Lisa addresses the green Guard that's confronted Agee, the male looks down at her in shock.
"My Queen asked you a question, you will answer!" Agee growls at the male.
"I…I am Warrior Jaqua, of the Emperor's Torino Guard." He finally replies.
"It's nice to meet you Warrior Jaqua.” Lisa gives him a slight nod. “The Emperor has given you and your men the very important task of making sure we arrive safely at the Ceremony."
"Yes." He acknowledges.
"So you can understand how Captain Agee would feel the same, when his King has given him the same order, protecting his Queen and offspring."
"Yes." He grudgingly admits.
"That being said, I suggest you allow the Queen's Guard to escort us, as my King demands.” She holds up a hand silencing him before he can speak. "While you and your Guard escort the Queen's Guard, as the Emperor demands. That way everyone is able to do their duty."
"It is not what the Emperor requested." Jaqua is startled to find he’s arguing with the female.
"How is it not?" Lisa tips her head questioningly. "Are you not escorting us? You've even doubled our protection, using the Queen's Guard, ensuring our safe arrival. The faith your Emperor has in you is well placed."
Jaqua's green skin begins to darken as he stares at the small female, astonished at not only her logic and compliment but that she would openly speak to him. No female speaks to a male she isn't joined with, could she wish to join with him?
"Jaqua." A male's voice pulls him from his thoughts and he realizes all are awaiting his decision. The female is right there would be no harm if both Guards escort the females.
"You will take your orders from me." Jaqua looks to Agee.
"As long as they don't endanger those in my care." Both males nod.
Isis quietly enters House Rigel's area to sit behind Oryon, who is speaking to Ynyr, their third offspring. Ynyr has been on Tornian for nearly a year now, receiving special training from the Emperor's Guard so that he may train warriors on Betelgeuse. A great honor for a warrior so young but Ynyr has always been more than his years, when he turns to acknowledge her, she smiles.
He is such a good male, always caring, and considerate of her. He has more of her coloring then his manno's but he has Oryon's powerful build and deadly skill with the sword.
"All is well Isis?" Oryon's question pulls her gaze from Ynyr.
"Yes but I wonder if we aren’t all in for some surprises this day." She informs him.
"Why would you say that?" Oryon moves to sit next to his female, letting his fingers graze her leg as he sits. He never tires of touching this female and she allows it, even after twenty-five years. The goddess had truly blessed him with his Isis.
"The female King Grim has claimed was brought to the female’s chamber, along with her offspring."
"Truly?" Ynyr asks hope in his eyes. "She has two female offspring?"
"Truly, still very young but definitely female, she and Risa had words."
"What?" Oryon looks at her concerned. Risa is not a female to be trifled with.
"Risa approached her as soon as she arrived, tr
ying to assert her domination." Oryon looks to House Guttuso and sees Risa looking to the Emperor's area.
"I'm not surprised." He mutters.
"Risa was, by Grim’s female, she did not back down." Oryon looks at her surprised. "Instead she told Risa that she was a stupid bitch for choosing another over Grim and then went on to accuse her of not only arranging Grim’s attack but of killing Empress Adana."
"Truly?" Oryon had always wondered.
"Yes, it was quite interesting that Risa denied neither, choosing instead to threaten the young ones..." Isis looks at Oryon and he sees...respect in his female's eyes. "Every Earth female in the room stood against her Oryon, protecting the young ones even though they weren't their own." Oryon looks at her, considering what she’s said.
"So the rumors we've heard about what has been happening on Luda are true." Ynyr looks to his father.
"What have you been hearing Ynyr?" Oryon demands.
"It's said that she rests with the King." Ynyr looks from his manno to his mother, he knows their relationship is unusual, but he'd never heard of even them resting together.
"What?" Oryon can't hide his shock or the considering look he gives Isis.
"Yes, not only that but that she touches him, sometimes with her lips, in front of others and he allows it."
"That’s impossible." Oryon denies the possibility, yes Isis touches him but it is only ever in private, and only with her hands.
"It is what they say. They also say she speaks to any male she wishes, whether the King is present or not."
Before Oryon can reply the doors to the Chamber open, rising he takes his place as Lord of House Rigel but wonders if Isis isn't right, they may all be in for a big surprise today, he just hopes they survive it.
Lisa smiles reassuringly down at her daughters as they walk besides her, she is so proud of them. They walk besides her, unafraid of what lies ahead because they trust in her, in her and Grim and they won't let them down.
“Nicely done back there.” Rebecca whispers as she moves next to her.
“I try.” Lisa whispers back, as two massive doors open and they are led into the Lords Chamber. The Chamber is built to intimidate, Grim tried to prepare her for it but seeing is believing. The main area is sunken so those in it have to look up, look up to the Lords who sit at its sides then look up even more to see the Emperor who sits at the far end, presiding over the Assembly. The Guards lead them past twelve warriors, each watching them intently as they hold a cape in the color of their House.
“You will remain within this circle until you are ready to select the male for your joining.” Jaqua instructs them then the Emperor’s Guard move to stand before the doors that have closed. Signaling that the females will not be allowed to leave as they've come. Agee looks from Lisa, to the girls, his conflict easy for Lisa to see.
“It will be fine Agee, trust your King.” Lisa reassures him softly.
“And my Queen.” He responds, his arm crosses his chest and he bows to her, followed by her entire Guard. They then move to stand just on the other side of the females, ready to protect their Queen, if need be.
A low rumble moves through the Chamber as the Guard bow to a female, showing their respect for her, before stepping to the side. The blaze of color and glitter of Charoite in their medallions catching the eye of every male. What are Guards...even the King’s Elite Guards...doing with Charoite in their medallions? Why would they bow to a female?
The sound of a deep bell announces the Emperor’s arrival, the Assembly as one stands and turns to face him and to their shock the Empress. Lisa watches as Wray carefully escorts Kim to her seat, a seat that is beside him. She stands proudly at his side, as she looks over the Assembly, her eyes coming to rest on women below. She wears royal blue, Wray’s colors, with a jewel-encrusted bodice and the emblem of the Emperor around her neck, Lisa gives her a slight nod, which Kim returns. The Assembly holds its collective breath as she goes to sit, slowly lowering her swollen body with the assistance of the Emperor. What is the Emperor thinking having her here? Wray personally arranges the pillows on her chair, making sure she is comfortable.
“I am fine Wray. Let’s get this done.” She whispers, rubbing her stomach as the baby kicks again, with a stiff nod he straightens and faces the Assembly.
“Lords, warriors, males of the Tornian Empire,” Wray addresses them. “We are all here on this historic day for a Joining Ceremony that will change our universe forever…but before this can take place there is another matter that must be addressed.” Looking to a Guard, he nods before sitting, the Assembly follows.
Chapter Eighteen
The opening of a door near the Emperor has all heads turning to witness Grim entering the Chamber, followed by yet another set of Guards that also have Charoite in their medallions, although not as much color. Confused eyes look from one Guard to the other, their medallions, while they differ both represent the House of Luanda...why would King Grim need two sets of Guard?
Lisa watches with pride as Grim strides confidently into the Chamber. He is the King of Luda. He is the Raptor, his eyes cold and fierce, offering no sympathy for those that threaten what is his. Only those he protects feel the Raptor's warmth. His eyes immediately search for and find Lisa and the girls before traveling to her Guard, assuring they are safe, he turns to face the Emperor.
“Mommy.” Carly whispers, her little voice full of awe.
“I know baby.” Lisa whispers back.
“Lisa, that’s him?" Rebecca asks taking in the horribly scarred, massive bronze colored male who looks like he would kill anyone that looked at him wrong. "That’s the man you've joined with?”
“Oh yes. Isn’t he magnificent?” Rebecca looks at her as if she’s lost her mind.
“I can think of a few other words.” Lisa gives her a sharp look.
“His scars are from an attack that he was not supposed to survive. He did. They didn’t. They prove that he is the fittest warrior.”
“The attack you talked to Risa about.” Rebecca gives her a considering look.
“Yes.” She looks and sees they are all listening. “I need you to believe that I will stand for you. Grim will stand for you, if you let him. He is an honorable male. He protects what is his.”
Lisa doesn’t realize her voice has traveled to the Emperor's Guards. That they all look at her in disbelief, no female talks about a male this way, with such commitment such…passion. Jaqua looks to Agee and sees no surprise in his eyes, just truth. Could she really mean what she is saying? Is it possible?
“King Grim.” Wray stands to address his brother. "You have been brought before the Assembly of Lords to answer charges that you have broken Tornian Joining Laws. What is your response?” Looking down at Grim, Wray hopes his brother knows what he’s doing.
“My response is that I have broken no law.” Grim announces for all to hear.
“You took a female outside the Joining Ceremony.” Lord Bertos stands, glaring down at Grim. “That breaks Tornian Law.”
“I’ll admit it was outside the traditional Joining Ceremony but none of this," Grim gestures to the females in the circle, "is traditional. That being said, at its essence, my joining breaks no laws.”
“That you can suggest such a thing is an outrage!” Bertos slams his hand down on the ledge in front of him causing many to jump. “A female is presented to only the fittest of all Tornian warriors, and you, no matter what your blood line,” He sneers at Wray, “Have been deemed unfit! Therefore your joining is outside the law and therefore unlawful! They will be removed from your House.”
"The Law states that if a female makes an especially unusual demand that the traditional Joining Ceremony maybe bypassed.” Grim challenges Bertos. “A request was made for the retrieval and protection of her offspring. There were more than a dozen warriors in the control room when the request was made. Warriors deemed by this Assembly as worthy of the task of obtaining these females. They all refused her, including your male, Lord Berto
s. I did not. I agreed to accept and protect her offspring. They are mine."
"You made demands of your own!" Bertos is enraged that Grim has announced to all that Luuken refused the female.
"That she accepted." He fires back.
"She knew not what she was accepting! She hadn't completed the education program!"
"Again, Luuken’s fault, for not seeing to his duty!"
"That matters not!" Bertos pounds his fist again. "Unfit males are not allowed offspring! They will be removed and given to a worthy male!" Lisa has heard enough, no one speaks to Grim like this, not in her presence but before she can move, the girls do.
“Carly! Miki!” Lisa’s cry has Grim gripping his sword as he spins ready to protect his family. Seeing his daughters running to him, he quickly drops to his knees pulling their trembling bodies close as they launch themselves at him.
Every male in the Assembly watches in a stunned silence as the young females wrap their arms around Grim’s neck seeking comfort. This doesn’t happen, not even with a male’s own offspring.
"Don't let them takes us Grim!" The girls plead, their fear heard by all. "We want to stay with you! We love you."
"Calm my little ones. It will be okay." He whispers, kissing the tops of each head.
"I believe the question of to whom my children belong has been settled." Lisa announces. With one last look to Rebecca, she steps from the circle to join her family, her Guard immediately follows. Ignoring the shocked whispers, she gives Grim a short but deep kiss before he stands and together they turn to face the Emperor.
"The offspring will belong to the male you join with!" Bertos announces and an excited rumble travels through the Assembly at the thought of one of their Houses having these three females, sitting back down Bertos smiles smugly. Let the Emperor try to control the Lords now.
"Has someone died and made you Emperor, Lord Bertos, that you can make such a decree?" Lisa turns challenging Bertos. "A decree that breaks the most basic of all Tornian Laws?" A shocked gasp follows her challenge, not only at her question, but also at that she dares address Bertos directly, it removes the smug look from Bertos' face.