The Great Succession Crisis

  Chapter Four: Anlei Unmasqued

  The trip to Hejing took six full shir-ors. Dinner was being served at the palace by the time the royal low-altitude shuttle arrived.

  High Priestess Wehe called for a family dinner in the family dining room. Everyone was there—Queen Isabelle, Prince Consort Bevin, King Ejen, High Priestess Wehe, all of the servants, and the usual attendant droids like RK6. Everyone except Corann—and Anlei’s brother Anwell, only the goddesses could tell where he was off to this time. Though the meal was exceptional and included many favourites, Anlei picked at her food. After the second course of this, Wehe rose and knelt next to her chair, “Anlei, what is it? You aren’t eating and you haven’t said a word since you returned.”

  Anlei met eyes with her grandmother, “I-I-I-not here. Not now.”

  “You’ve learned. Would you like to pause and talk for moment out in the antechamber?” solicited the high priestess. Anlei nodded nervously. Wehe hugged her affectionately, “It’s okay, baobei. I’m here. Let’s go.” Taking Anlei’s hand as if she were only ten yen-ars old again, Wehe rose and addressed the family, “Please excuse us for a moment and continue the meal. Banumu Hehe bless you.” Quietly Wehe lead Anlei into the small antechamber used for private conversations best kept away from the dinner table or for private prayers before meals. Soft benches lined three of the antechamber walls. Wehe sat down and guided Anlei to sit beside her, “Baobei?”

  “I don’t think you have ever brought me in here during dinner.”

  “You are so strong and strong willed; I knew you would never come. Tonight you are different. What happened?”

  “Corann. If it wasn’t for me, he would not be hurt at all. Don’t you know, this is my fault?”

  “That’s not what your father says; it was a simple training accident,” declared Wehe.

  “That’s not what he told me; he said he did that for my benefit. I think on some level he must love me in some strange way.”

  Wehe laughed, “I’ve known that for yen-ars, Anlei. You think that with my abilities as high priestess I did not see that coming? No, course I did. He’s adored you since the first beinor he saw you in the palace.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “And interfere with the visions I’ve had for all these yen-ars? No, baobei. I would not be so cruel. I’ve known for most of your life that Corann was going to be important to your future and that if I just let things happen as they were meant to that he would do everything I foresaw him doing. When a vision is positive, Anlei, you try to stay out of history’s way. It is too easy in trying to bring about a positive future to utterly prevent it in the attempt. No; it is best to let things happen naturally.”

  “Corann seems convinced somehow that I have inherited some priestly skills from you, I think – I don’t know where he gets that,” she snickered ironically.

  “Corann’s very perceptive, Anlei; don’t underestimate him. If he hints at something like that or tells you outright something, you would be wise to believe it, no matter how outrageous it sounds.”

  “Even something about myself or my own heart that I don’t see or perceive?”

  Wehe smirked, “ESPECIALLY if it’s something you don’t see or perceive grand-daughter. House Miyoo desperately wants him to assume the high priesthood. He has all the skills we want in a high priest – and the bloodline. He is Lady Cordelia’s only son and heir. The only bloodline from house Miyoo that is stronger in power is mine – which is why the death of your aunt and your uncles is a greater loss than you can possibly understand. Your mother had to inherit the throne when it was hoped that she could have taken over for me as head of House Miyoo. And, what you may not know, Anlei, is that house Miyoo covets lineage by the mother’s side, not the father’s. To them, you are House Miyoo. Confusing, eh? I bet you did not know you are wildly regarded as the next high priestess of Beinan.”

  “What? You’re kidding me.”

  “NO. I never kid about that, Anlei. By the rules of House Miyoo, you are supposed to ascend as high priestess. Technically I should be training you to take my place. Since you are so stubborn, I had to train Corann. He does have most of the training for a high priest. Knight or not, he can assume that role with just a little more work from me. If it comes to it, I will defer your training to him.”

  Shock filled Anlei. She did not even believe the goddesses were real and now this talk of her taking over House Miyoo. What was this?

  “Okay, Your Highness, before I completely freak out, I do owe you an explanation why I am not eating….”

  “Sitting with you like this, I already know. Shall I send for Corann to join us? Would you eat if he sat beside you?”

  “Will it endanger his life to do so?”

  “He’s had 1.6 shir-ors to rest and settle in; I think he can handle dinner with the rest of us, especially if it gets you to eat. Knowing him and his sense of duty, he probably would be as upset as you are at the separation. You two are becoming a couple of fabku, aren’t you, always needing to perch together, crying out if you don’t see one another? Yes, I think you are starting to bond like a pair of fabku. Good. Good. I am glad to see this happening at last.” Rising, Wehe opened the door and led Anlei out. Wehe whispered to a servant who rushed off to get Corann. Anlei sat down.

  In 0.02 shir-ors, Corann entered the room and sat weakly down besides the smiling Anlei whispering in her ear, “I heard you refused to eat until they sent for me.”

  Whispering back at him, she replied, “Grandmother called us a couple of fabku on a perch, always needing each other. Yes, of course I did. They took you away too abruptly.”

  “Thank you for caring so much, Anlei. These family dinners are always exclusive to the royal family; no one outside is ever allowed to partake.”

  “Injury or not, you are my protector. You stay with me. If that means I need to sit near your bed to make sure we stay together, then I will do it. Friends forever.”

  Corann picked up her hand and kissed it, “Forever. Thank you. Now EAT or I’ll have to reopen my wound making you.” Corann and Anlei giggled together as they both ate, becoming the world to each other and with Anlei determined to help feed him. Usually so independent minded, Corann let her help however she wanted. She obviously was gaining pleasure from playing nurse. Anything that brought her pleasure should be encouraged, especially if it were within political bounds. From across the table Wehe watch approvingly, watching what was for her another step in prophesy coming to fruition. Ejen watched her watch them and wondered exactly what she saw and knew, what mysteries still abounded.

  After dinner, Corann was sent back to his room. Anlei was forced to stay with her family for briefing and debriefing regarding the trip. After such a long beinor…work when all she wanted was to relax and visit Corann whom she felt certain wanted the company. In the throne room there was a formal ceremony and the usual court business. Anlei took it like a proper royal, but felt relieved when the herald dismissed everyone. The shir-or was 12.55 and at last it was allowed for gentles to prepare for bed, or at least, relaxation if she or he wished.

  Anlei headed straight to Corann’s room and knocked softly, then entered without waiting for a word. The light was still on and Corann was still up, trying to read something, his tunic off and set up for bed, wearing only a pair of trousers. His bandage had been changed to a new one. Corann expressed his surprise at the sudden visit, “Anlei? What are you doing here? Especially this late, RK6 will fret and, most likely, report you to the palace guards. Or worse, tell your mother or half the court.”

  Anlei sat down on his bed beside him, “Do you want me to leave?”

  “No. But I don’t want you to get in trouble either. I would not want your integrity questioned or someone thinking you and I had done something that would compromise you politically. Even not doing that, the sheer rumour could cost house Gurun control of the monarchy. I cannot let you do
that.” Corann took her fingers into his left hand, “You know I don’t want you to go. Not now, not ever when it comes to it.” Corann leaned forward, his lips parted slightly as if begging for a kiss. She leaned towards him and met his lips, allowing him to kiss her and returning his caress with her own kiss. For a moment they dared to exchange kisses before Corann’s political senses stopped his own desires.

  “I have a strange confession to make to you, Corann, as my best friend.”

  “Tell me.”

  “I enjoy your kisses. I don’t know why, I know it’s probably political suicide, but I enjoy…I want more,” she confessed meekly.

  “You have no idea how many yen-ars I have wanted to kiss you, Anlei. I’m a 15.335 yen-ars older than you, you know. I ah noticed you a long time ago and thought about you long before you ever set foot….” Embarrassed, Corann could not finish his sentence.

  “Worth the wait?”

  “Absolutely,” he pulled her with his free arm closer and kissed her again. He felt her yield more to his kiss than ever before. Did admitting that she liked it make her more willing to kiss him? Oh the temptation.

  “Corann. Corann,” Anlei broke the kiss. “There is something you must know. While my father and I were away, the Great Council debated about the future of house Gurun and the monarchy.”

  Suddenly pain flared through Corann’s lung and shoulder. Did she just say what he thought she said? “What?”

  “The Great Council met. My mother attended the proceedings. They proposed that I be courted by all of the eligible candidates from all of the greater houses, no less than seven prime candidates from each house. In fact, they required of my mother or said that summarily they would elect a new king from another house to follow after my mother after she steps down from the throne. My mother said there was no way I could be courted by over sixty noblemen effectively or safely in a roughly five yen-ar period, so at least one compromise was accepted at her suggestion,” briefed Anlei.

  “Let me guess: some sort of grand ball or masquerade? Bring all of the candidates out to the palace in one night for one big celebration where you can meet each one, dance with each one, and eliminate most of the candidates from consideration in one evening?” described Corann.

  “How did you know?” exclaimed Anlei, incredulous.

  “You already told me, Anlei; you dreamed this only last beinor, remember? I knew when you told me your dream came from the Sight. No doubt when your mother made the pact you felt it in your mind and your soul and foresaw the details in your heart. Oh Anlei, you already know how this turns out; you know in great detail each phase of this process. And, I think, Anlei, you know who you are going to marry.”

  Anlei blushed and avoided looking at him, “That’s impossible.”

  “Not for the granddaughter of High Priestess Wehe, it’s not. If anything, that’s pretty damn likely. You are her heiress and heiress to house Miyoo. You are twice royal, dear friend. Royal as the daughter of a sovereign queen and royal as the daughter of the daughter of our high priestess. You are special beyond your comprehension. Just like me, I suppose, only you don’t appreciate your bloodline like I’ve been taught to.”

  “You really think I should give this religion thing a chance, Corann?”

  “I think you should give your heritage a chance, Anlei, not religion. There is a huge difference. I think you should stop fighting yourself and start learning to listen to your inner heart. Forget about organized religion for a few shir-ors or beinors or even yen-ars if you will. Just learn to listen to your own heart, find your own voice, learn who Anlei the woman is. I do remember you asking me before to forget about politics and titles with you and to see that woman in you…I think you need to discover her for yourself.”

  “But me – high priestess – Corann – I don’t know. I can’t see that for myself. I’m the queen’s daughter; this makes no sense to me.”

  Corann closed his eyes and tried to breathe. It was hard through all the pain. His lung hurt deeply. Trying to breathe deeply to meditate and focus spiritually was the most painful thing he could try to do besides, he supposed, pick up a sword. He reached for her fingers which she readily gave him and squeezed her hand. She felt his pain in the tightness of his grip. Corann was not complaining, but serious pain surged through him. Still, he tried to focus, to quiet his mind. He knew the discipline well, this should not matter. Finally, at last, the many yen-ars of practice with Wehe paid off and he felt her mind merge with his. Oh the sweetness of that touch. His physical pain eased as her mind filled his skull and his hand loosened. His expression shifted to pleasure. Anlei kissed him twice as he lay back, almost daring to climb onto the bed on top of the covers to lie beside him. In their joined minds, Corann touched her, explored deeply. Where were the answers she sought? Why did she resist her powers so much and exactly what had she inherited from her grandmother? Why was Anlei so afraid of herself?

  In his psychic explorations, Corann’s breath grew shallow, barely existent to the untrained eye. He looked deathly to Anlei who began to panic, “Corann. Corann. Abka Biya have mercy on him, please don’t let him die.” She began to whimper and weep.

  Slowly, weakly, Corann caressed the back her left hand, “I’m okay, sweetheart. I’m okay. Oh that somehow some beinor you might kiss me because you know you love me instead of your mind playing this game with both of us.” He slowly met her eyes, fighting the pain that started to surge once more through his body, “I was searching for the answers you seek, deep in your mind. I was trying to help you. What are friends for, right?”

  Anlei tried to brush away her tears, but the torrent would not stop, “I thought you were dead.”

  Corann stroked her hair, “I felt that. No, sweetheart, I’m not dead…just too in tune with your mind to care right now about political correctness. Don’t tell your parents I called you ‘sweetheart,’ please and don’t mind my lack of protocol. I really do need to sleep and recover from this. Maybe I put on a brave face for everyone, but this is worse than it even looks.”

  Anlei brushed her tears and looked him in the eye, “Would you like some company, someone to sit with you and alleviate the boredom while you stay in bed rest? I cannot imagine you sitting still for thirty beinors. Actually I cannot imagine you sitting still for five beinors, no matter how injured you are.”

  Corann chuckled through his pain, “You are really getting to know me, young lady. By Abka Biya you are tempting me to ask for your hand in marriage right now. There is no better friend, no better companion in all of Beinan for me than you. They say if you get to marry your best friend you are extremely fortunate. Ah – maybe it’s the pain. I don’t feel like repressing my every thought and feeling tonight.”

  Anlei kissed his forehead, “I noticed.”

  “Do you mind that I called you that?”

  “No. Not at all. I’ve never been anyone’s sweetheart before,” she blushed. “Corann, do you wish to be my suitor?”

  “Yes. If there is to be some competition for your hand in marriage, then I wish to be part of it. My bloodline is greater than most of those who might vie for your hand in marriage and I think our existing relationship makes me more than suitable for you. I hereby request your permission, Anlei, daughter of Queen Isabelle, to court you as a nobleman of the court and as a Knight of Ten-ar.”

  “Then, young suitor, court me and win your prize,” she challenged.

  “You are no prize, no object to be won for the sake of winning, my Anlei. You are the rarest gift and most precious being any man can hope to have in his life. Being near you is like being in the direct presence of Abka Biya, Banumu Hehe, and Abka Gahun combined. You, my lady, are holy ground and your body is the holy of holies. Let no man touch you unworthily.”

  Inspired, Anlei kissed him passionately and aggressively…new feelings surged within her. She felt herself bring her body only the bed and start to climb up towards his body to l
ie upon him, the blankets and her gown between them. Sensing what she was thinking, and knowing the political implications of even kissing him from that position, he blocked her, preventing her body from touching his beyond the kiss, “Don’t tempt me. You are a princess, not a wench. Not yet, sweetheart. It pains me more than you know to forbid this, my princess, but NOT YET.”

  Anlei sat up, then stood next to the bed, deeply confused, “You don’t – I was only going to kiss you – I don’t understand.”

  “I do, more than you can know, Anlei. I want your touch, to feel your body in every single way it can be touched more than you can imagine. Oh Anlei, you are so innocent in the ways of men. I told you before I do not dare express myself. I do not dare speak my mind or act on my heart. If we were not nobles, if we were mere servants or cobblers or miners or the most base and simple of folks, don’t you know I would have accepted what you offered and given you much more in return? You would have lain in this bed all night with me and felt a sweetness you have not ever known. I would have given you a joy that would please us both to no end…as I have wanted to for more than twenty yen-ars, sweetheart. Oh Anlei, you have no idea what is really in my heart and how much I care for you and your crown. I am not rejecting you…I am protecting you from your enemies, from those who would violate your flesh and do those horrible things you know can happen for political reasons against a powerful woman of great bloodline. Don’t you see that? I deny my flesh, my heart, my soul for all these yen-ars knowing that this is the right way to help you. True love protects and sacrifices, always putting the other ahead of self. Can you truly have any doubt of my heart?”

  “NO. Oh Corann, there are times in my heart I wish I were just a farmer’s daughter or a miner’s or someone of no importance so that it would matter so much less whether I stayed so perfectly chaste in appearance and reality before I marry for some stupid political purpose. I cannot do anything, associate with any one; make any choice without it affecting the government in some way. I hate this. I wish I could run away from all of it and just be a woman.”

  “You could always run away to the temple…”

  Anlei laughed, “No, I couldn’t. They’d expect me to run the place.”

  “Not at first…you could spend time as a first level student for a while and even change your name for a bit to be anonymous.”

  “Dare to dream, Corann”

  “I always dream, Anlei…I’ve been dreaming the moment I laid eyes on you.”

  Anlei turned and sat back down beside him, “Yes, you have. Maybe I’ve been too. I’m about…”

  “It’s okay…”

  “Mom’s going to kill me if she finds me here…though I am sure she wouldn’t be surprised.”

  “A proper princess should not be in a man’s room after shir-or 11.50. It is late, Anlei. I would not create trouble for yourself if I were you, even for me.”

  “Always the protector.”

  “Courting you formally won’t change that, Anlei. My vows to you still hold. Only death can release me from that promise.”

  “May you never be injured again on my behalf.”

  “Now THAT I won’t argue with,” chuckled Corann.

  “As usual, I don’t want to say goodbye.”

  “Then kiss me goodnight, my sweetheart, and check on me in the morning,” suggested Corann. Caressing his cheek and running her fingers through his hair, Anlei kissed him repeatedly which he just as eagerly returned repeatedly. Finally, she held him close in a tight embrace before kissing his cheek, then his forehead, and only then releasing him.

  Queen Isabelle sat in her bed. Prince Bevin bowed to her, “You summoned me, my lady?”

  Isabelle smiled, “Come here, husband and undress yourself, I have not had a wife’s privilege in many beinors.” Bowing, he removed his sword which he now started to carry again as a knight of Ten-ar. Smiling, he removed his tunic before approaching the great royal bed and closing the curtains around them.

  After a shir-or, Bevin laid back down into the bed, cuddling Isabelle, “How was that? Are you pleased, your majesty – or should I try again to please you better?” He kissed her affectionately and playfully.

  “After fifteen beinors without you, it feels like forever since you did that – and yes, I want more, don’t you?” asked a mostly pleased Isabelle.

  Bevin cuddled his wife, “Well if you would just take a beinor off for a change, I would suggest we stay in this room for the next ten shir-ors and keep practicing. We could even try for number four – what do you say? After all the trouble these two are making for us; let’s have another one – or at least practice for one.”

  “Why Prince Bevin, are you trying to seduce me?”

  “Always,” cuddled Bevin, his kisses covering her lips and face.

  “Oh you – after fifteen beinors – it’s working; come here and show me just how well you remember how get me with child,” she teased as she felt her husband comply with her wishes and offer her the sweetness of his physical love.

  Half a shir-or passed. Bevin kissed Isabelle affectionately as this second round of their physical enjoyment of each other finished. Breathing deeply and holding Isabelle close, Bevin caressed his wife, “Am I improving, your majesty?”

  “Ummm, more practice tonight, definitely. I am rather happy where I am,” guffawed the queen.

  “As much as you want, my love,” he kissed her. “Oh to think, Anlei will be feeling this soon. Maybe she already has and she never told us.”

  “Anlei would never destroy her honour that way. She is too cool and logical for that. Heck, I think her logic is a good part of the reason she and mother cannot get along. She cannot reconcile science with religion or faith.”

  “Maybe, but she and Corann certainly spend a lot of time together, not just as princess and protector. I’ve seen things, Isabelle, the sorts of things that make me wonder about him and his motives.”

  “Mother’s protégé? Lord Corann is the most honourable knight of Ten-ar, Bevin, more honourable than you, even. If he did have an ulterior motive for wanting to be near her, I would bet ten thousand tai-or that he would take the honourable path in his conduct and sacrifice himself and anything or anyone else in pursuit of that honour. No…even if he does want her like that, I would estimate he would do everything in his power to protect her chastity and her honour at all costs.”

  “I saw them kissing, Isabelle.”

  “A friend’s kiss is no slight on anyone’s honour, Bevin. She almost overdue to be kissed at her age. If he wants to kiss her, by all means, allow him that much. She might end up in a miserable match arranged strictly for politics, after all. If this time with Corann gives her joy…let it be. There is no better steward for her person or her honour than him. He’ll die before he’ll let anyone touch her inappropriately. I promise you that.”

  In the beinors that followed, Anlei found herself tending to Corann as often as she could. In light of the new decree from the Great Counsel, Queen Isabelle often put Princess Anlei at new studies, assigning not only RK6, but three legal advisors and tutors to the princess to educate her in the details of Beinarian politics. At first these studies were in Anlei’s own office, a sort of a private study where she was customarily tutored for school and where she could do her homework without being bothered by servants or anyone else for that matter. Yet after a beinor or two, Anlei realized that Corann’s room also had a similar configuration and, as crown princess, she did have some prerogative regarding exactly WHERE she studied as long as she did it. Assuming she had the authority to set the location of her tutoring, she slyly instructed the tutors that she wished to conduct her work in the study adjacent to Corann’s chamber…and with the door between these rooms kept open so Corann could observe her work and still protect her from bed if he so wished. When one tutor questioned her argument, she reminded him that the sacred trust between knight and princess was understood as bi-directional and that she was
under a sacred obligation according to the mandates of Abka Gahun to stay at his side as much as he was obligated to stay at hers.

  The argument, and therefore the applied lessons of the beinor before, worked and from that time onward, Princess Anlei studied and worked from mere cun 寸 from Corann’s bed while he “rested” and took interest in her work.

  While Anlei listened to all of her tutors and was put through what felt like the training of some well-disciplined animal, her eyes drifted to Corann periodically whose expression often brought her solace and encouragement. Finally, as the third beinor ended, she was free to attend him directly, “How do you feel?”

  “Not nearly as tired as you, my friend. You look like hell, you know that.”

  Anlei giggled at his candour. Only Corann would dare such brutal honesty. “Of course I do…you heard most of that, didn’t you?”

  “I did. Your mother is worried about this ball, obviously.”

  “So am I. A lot is riding on it.”

  “You know who you’ll choose already.”

  “I don’t even know the names of half of the suitors. I know almost nothing about this…competition for my crown. I know I know – but that is what it feels like. They won’t want me, Corann, just the power and chance to make policy for our people. They just want House Gurun to not be in charge anymore.”

  “Jealousy does that. Yes, I am sure to more than half of these men, you are just a sexual trophy, some nice thing to have once in a while to go along with the power your breeding produces.”

  “House Ten-ar has never taken this power though….”

  “No…and I don’t think anyone from house Ten-ar really wants it, despite the track record of numerous royal consorts from our house…male and female both. I’m sure if you look at your genealogy you will discover many foremothers as well as forefathers were House Ten-ar and you never knew it. Some were knights, others just sons and daughters of knights who pursued other interests. Not everyone born to House Ten-ar pursues the training, you know. Every one of the House’s healers is born to the house. Many skilled healers are Ten-Arian, actually. Well, Ten-Arian or Slabian. Healers do tend towards the neutrality in war,” taught Corann.

  “Isn’t it strange, my dear dear friend that after all these shir-ors of endless studies I find myself most interested in what you have to teach me? I’m bored with these aggressive political lessons. It feels…forced. But simply sitting and talking to you….I learn so much. I feel…so content with you right here.”

  “Come here,” beckoned Corann with his free arm. Anlei moved closer from her chair next to his bed. Corann held her and caressed her lips with his own in a lingering kiss. Enjoying the feel of his lips, she returned it eagerly. “You know what you want to do, my dear. You know how this ball turns out. Trust your senses. Trust your own heart. You know what you must do. The answer to everything is right before you…trust your spirit and only your spirit. Your soul knows the path you must take, the path that will save all of Beinan from chaos and war…and will bring you happiness for all the beinors of your life,” he whispered into her ear.

  “What you ask of me sounds like it is personal gain.”

  “I have no interest in your power or your name, Anlei. If anything, I am sworn to uphold both. In my visions I see House Gurun standing for hundreds of yen-ars more…but only if you and I do what we know we must now. No, my dear…my interest is in the interest of all of Beinan…House Gurun is the only hope for our people. If another house should seize power…it will be the end of all,” fear filled Corann’s eyes as he uttered his prophesy, as his powers as the chosen high priest of House Miyoo filled his mind, obscuring all else. “I fear for Beinan, my dear Anlei…I see…I see…oh by all that is holy…a man shall rise…from another house, from a blood that hates House Gurun…and by sweet words he shall seduce the people. Anlei…I see a usurper to all we have striven to build. He who hates House Ten-ar and House Gurun…a personal vendetta, I see not clearly. But he shall rise and he shall strive to wipe out all we have built. And this city…Hejing, shall BURN in the fires of his revolution…unless…unless a Knight of Ten-ar should stop him,” tears poured down Corann’s eyes. Anlei had never seen such terror and sorrow in anyone’s face before in her life. She began to sob with him and hold him close defensively.

  “What do we do? I do not understand. Is this a vision of what will be or only things that may be if we do nothing to stop them?” begged Anlei for a clearer understanding.

  “I do not know right now, Anlei, but I think this revolution of this dark one may yet be prevented…I think what you choose to do with this ball of the Great Council’s will make a difference in this prophesy.”

  “You want me to choose you to avoid the prophesy?”

  “I want you to do what is right, Anlei. I cannot think of myself on that. I have too much self-interest there. Do I want to be your husband…yes? Nothing in all of Beinan would bring me more happiness. But can I tell you for certain that marrying me will prevent the prophesy…I cannot say? For all I know right now, marrying me is what triggers this dark one to rise to power. But I do know is that if you do not choose wisely, dearest friend, if somehow this other man should wrest power away from House Gurun…there may be worse things for our society than some future dark ruler who means our respective houses ill will. I think if you do not choose wisely now, there will not be a Beinan for this dark one to rise up in. Every bone in my body tells me this. But choosing wisely for this beinor may, indeed, have consequences for the future.”

  Fourteen beinors passed. Lady Healer Cara checked on Corann and finally cleared Corann to leave his room and resume his duties as Anlei’s protector on the condition that he still not try to use any sort of weapon and rested as needed. Eager to leave his room, Lord Corann agreed and agreed to not wear his sword until his wound was sound enough for him to draw it again. Satisfied, the healer released him from his limited movement clearance in the palace. He was, at last, free to move about as Anlei’s protector and go about as either he, or she, pleased.

  He was also finally able to dress himself again, though granted, it hurt like hell to do so. Raising his arms to put on a tunic pulled too much at the tender flesh trying to knit in his shoulder and in his lung. Inevitably, he would gasp in pain at any attempt to do so.

  Some beinors before, Anlei, ever doting upon him to the extent her increasing royal duties permitted, ordered tunics for him with long, front lacing for closure that could be put on and removed with less stress to the shoulder than his higher necked, more simply styled Ten-Arian tunics. She ordered four such tunics for him to begin with almost from the moment his bed rest began, one each in white, saffron, a clear blue that complimented his fair skin and grey eyes, and sky green. These tunics were finally ready in time for his release from bed rest. As Corann returned to his room from his visit to the palace healing center, scratching from the medical examination robe they put over him above his linen-like blue trousers, he found them on his bed with a handwritten note from her…and a bloom from her personal garden on top of them, “Free to serve and be yourself. Meet me in my gazebo.”

  Pleased, Lord Corann chose the white tunic with gold lacing and discarded the hated medical robe. Carefully and minding the well placed laces designed to be easy for him to manage the wound with, he put his hands through the sleeves, then cautiously pulled the tunic over his body. The fine wool was smooth on his skin and cosy, yet also warm, designed to both retain heat as he needed it, or repel it if he overheated. Finding a common belt such as he wore before his knighting, he glided to a mirror to help him cinch the laces and tie them, and then noticed the fine details on his tunic. It was truly quite princely, the shirt of a consort, not a mere servant. Fine gold piping and bias accented all the edges and seams. Careful embroidery graced the hem and neckline with symbols of house Ten-ar and house Miyoo. Studying the tunic in the mirror and his own, more civilian look, Lord Corann felt won
der and amazement at the amount of work done on just this tunic alone. How many servants did she employ for this act of devotion?

  Lost in thought, he smelled the bloom then strode confidently towards Princess Anlei’s apartment and her garden, happy with his gift.

  When Lord Corann reached the garden he saw Princess Anlei a vision of lavender among the white wood gazebo nestled among huge white and pale yellow trees with green and orange leaves. Wanting to run among the grass…then remembering how it would tax his lung, he strode briskly, yet carefully among her garden’s paths and around its waters. As he reached her he bowed formally and kissed her hand, “Lord Corann of the Knights of Ten-ar reporting as requested, Your Highness.”

  Anlei embraced him warmly, “Welcome back, my knight.”

  Finally able to reach her with both arms, Corann enveloped with both and kissed her as he had wanted to for many beinors, his grey eyes sparkling, “Thank you. Royal gifts indeed.”

  “Your life and your friendship honours us and pleases us. How could I do less?”

  “There is one thing my heart dares to want…if only I dared to think you would grant it,” confessed Corann.

  Anlei kissed him sweetly, then laid her head on his shoulder. Corann was not saying it, but she knew what he wanted. But how could she grant it when she did not love him like that? As a friend…yes…but though she loved his kisses and the way it felt when he held her, her intellect wondered if that was truly all there was to love and being in love. Physically, she felt curious. On a strictly noblesse oblige level, she felt she owed it to him. Of all the men she had ever met in her life, he was the most kind, the most tender, and the most companionable. But was that enough for marriage? Was she ready to accept his heraldry and lay in that great bed with him to seal that betrothal? Was he the one she wanted for all of her life? What would the political consequences be of such a match? It was still too confusing for her. Life was so much simpler with him as her best friend, even knowing that on some level giving him those kisses and that physical closeness must be maddening to a man whose real desire was for marriage and physical intimacy with her. “Corann, what would happen if I married you?”

  Corann stroked her hair and held her close, as if he feared she might melt away in his arms like snow on a hot beinor, “What do you mean what would happen?”

  “Beinan, the council, our people? Us? What would happen?” she repeated, her eyes deep in sorrow and worry.

  “I have the bloodline to be more than acceptable to the council, Anlei. I am Cariadoc’s first born son. That counts for something; should I ever want it, I can assume the high priesthood for all of Beinan, my status as Lady Cordelia’s only son guarantee’s that. I think the Council would prefer I marry well, that I marry a woman of strong bloodlines, perhaps with a strong Miyoo background who can match or nearly match my credentials with that house. They have not had a suitable high priest in some time, you know. You do have such a Miyoo bloodline, you know. The only Miyoo line better than mine, I think. So on that, we would be the perfect match. Then there is your crown, of course. Should you choose me as your husband, I am perfectly willing to defer the throne to our son, as long as I can do my job and sire one out of you.”

  ‘“So you are saying you are the safest choice.”

  “I’m saying that many of your political problems and concerns would be resolved with me as your consort.”

  “And what about us? Lord Corann, I still am not sure I love you.”

  “You don’t love the others either, nor do I think you are likely to. This is a political decision in your mind, Anlei. Why are you making this about being in love or not being in love with me when no such issue exists with other suitors?”

  “Perhaps I am afraid, Corann, afraid of losing you as you are this beinor.”

  “Your marriage will change us as we are this beinor no matter what, my sweetheart. Once you are betrothed, I will no longer be able to kiss you again unless it I whom you have chosen. The change will happen…and soon. No matter whom you choose or when, Anlei, things will have to change between us. Nothing can stop that. All either of us can do is strengthen the bond so that come what may nothing may divide us – no one and no circumstance.”

  Eighteen beinors passed and, at last, the beinor of the Great Masquerade arrived. In preparation for the main event itself, many of the more noble representatives were invited to a private reception in the state dining room to meet with the royal family before facing the crowds of the masquerade itself. This would be Anlei’s first chance to meet her most eligible suitors, those with the best political credentials and best pedigrees.

  From her private chamber, Anlei paced nervously. Corann walked in wearing his sky green tunic with gold embroidery and edging and his Ten-Arian broad sword. He was absolutely stunning to Anlei’s eyes as she looked for a necklace to compliment her blue bliaut. Smiling, Corann moved to her jewellery boxes and found a faceted blue gem necklace to frame her neck and collar bone beautifully and casually put it on her neck. Anlei smiled at him through the mirror. Corann turned her and kissed her sweetly, “You look beautiful, sweetheart. Absolutely perfect. I could marry you right now if you only bade me to. Just say the word and I’m yours.”

  Anlei hugged him tightly, “Corann, I’m afraid. What will these men do?”

  “I do not think anything dangerous, sweetheart, especially if you introduce me as your protector from the onset. My shoulder is still not one hundred percent yet, but I am perfectly willing to lay down my life to protect you. No one is going to hurt you so long as I am still alive. You must know that.”

  “Corann…oh my Corann…no one has ever been so good to me. You don’t require I give myself to you at all, do you? Your protection is not dependent on my choice….”

  “No. Never. I am yours no matter what happens. Do not be afraid, sweetheart. I am here and I will keep an eye on everything. If you feel afraid, edge closer to me; I will keep you safe.”

  “How is it possible that you should care so deeply for me, Corann?”

  Corann smiled at her, “I think you know the answer to that.”

  “Things are about to change between us, aren’t they?” she trembled.

  Corann struggled to maintain his composure, his voice almost breaking from his emotion, “As soon as we walk into that room, Sweetheart; I will never again be able to call you that again not unless you ask me to offer you….” His voice cracked. Tears flowed openly now. “You cannot know how these beinors with you have meant to me. Being at your side, even injured as I’ve been…I have never come so close to something I wanted so much.” Corann kissed her cheek with the tenderness of his unrequited romantic love for her. Anlei gazed into his eyes, and then kissed him passionately. Oh, the price of politics. This man whose love for her was forbidden by titles and political necessities did not dare, even now, say the words even though his eyes burned with the need to speak. Honour, dignity, and protocol forbade his speech – unless she could release him.

  Instead, Anlei kissed him, passionately, her own fears shaping her behaviour. Corann felt the fear and unleashed some of his own into his kisses upon her. Everything changed here and now. Nothing could be the same anymore even though the flirtations, the kisses, and the cuddles had given them an illusion of a world different than it was. For a few short beinors they had pretended no titles nor Houses nor high stakes ruled their lives and had dared tried to live with some measure of free hearts.

  But the hearts of those high born are never free. Their minds, bodies, and hearts are bound in the chains of their societies. Money, bloodlines, and politics dictated for them where the peasant was most free.

  They could pretend for only half a xiao-shir more. They were already late. Both were afraid to breathe, to move, to let the moment go. Tears flowed. And then…finally, both remembered themselves, their many yen-ars of discipline and training. They took deep breaths, straightened their postures and, each ass
uming her or his proper social role, and began the formal procession. They would never be the same again.