CHAPTER SIXTEEN
 
 

Constantine looked at her people, then at Kathal.  "Why is it that Aragoness' priestesses call me with bad news?"  They all looked clueless.  "Apparently the God of Treasures foresaw some staff changes, for whatever reason.  He foresaw some people going after my stepmother and father to take back what little they have left.  Do us all a favor and don't.  Really, just don't.  They're going to need it to train my younger brother.  He's to be a priest, like his mother."  She looked at Kathal, who still looked clueless.  "They saw you retiring to be happy with a new husband."

"I am very happy, empress, but I wasn't going to retire before the end of this year."

"Good, then make sure you tell whoever you train in your spot not to bother them.  It'll only cause me more headaches.  Plus, the crown will add to them," she sighed.

"Does it want her back?" one of her guards asked.

"Probably. It doesn't like to be thwarted and it keeps telling me that I'm not stubborn enough on some issues."  They all groaned.  "Which is why I haven't been, so we wouldn't have another incident like Alesar.  Now, where are we moving to?  That way I can have them meet us there.  Or have them escorted there most likely."

"There are two good choices, and then there was Sivya's choice," Kathal offered.  She waved a hand, leaning back and against the arm of her throne.  "She wanted us to go to Diadesa.  They're an educationally centered planet that does have a small tourism base and she liked doing those sort of things.  They've got everything prepared for us so we should go sometime in the future."

"Are there fun things to do?"

"Some," he offered.  "Plus the activities usually go up when a palace is moved.  There's also the factor of that planet being one that has a regional queen with a crown of their own.  That would give you someone to commiserate with.  She's quite young and is planning her wedding this year."

"Which is interesting and can lead to many festivities," Constantine agreed casually.  "What're the other choices?"

"Hmm, according to the list we compiled, the top two and the best were Zapasia, where your stepmother will be one year soon, or Cotswald, which is having a bit of a fight and you could easily steady it out by being there."  Kathal looked up at her.  "There are less suitable ideas, including going to your stepmother's native planet or the one where she was found."

"Diadesa it is," she announced.  Everyone smiled.  "We'll save the others for later.  Personally, I don't like fire.  We'll leave off Zapesia for as long as possible."  Everyone nodded.  "Anything else we have to deal with?"

"Your stepmother's funds, m'lady.  Am I adding to them for his training?"

She shrugged.  "I don't know.  How is that usually done?"

"Usually the only way we get a new Empress is if the last one is dead," Kathal said gently.  "There's not been anything like this in the past."

"Okay.  Is their allowance enough to allow for such things?"  He raised an eyebrow.  "What about the stuff they bought that never got marked as Imperial property, is that theirs?"  He nodded.  "Do they have it?"  He shook his head.  "Why not?"

"It's still in storage.  Lord Brast said he didn't have anywhere to put it but on their ships and you said they were not allowed to use their ships for anything until this last call for help came in."

"And now she's got a space virus," she said mock-cheerfully.   "Can someone please see what is wrong with that woman?"  She shifted again.  "I mean, seriously.  Who else can go out on a call for assistance, run into an outcast clan who turned to slavers, beat the snot out of them using an energy whip, and then run into a family of them on the way back that's ill and makes her ill?  Who else in the universes can do so?"

"Your stepmother is a very special woman," Kathal said tolerantly.  "That's why the crown liked her so much."

"Yeah, well, I'm not that special in those areas.  Tell the people she's dealing with that she'll get to those trade agreements when she's out.  She can't bring anything in with her since she's under quarantine."  She shifted again.  "What is with the furniture and can we please get me a pillow?  My ship's chair is so much softer."

"The furniture was in here so that your stepmother could address petitioners.  Quite a few of them came in very tired so she thought it kind," one of the guards informed her.  "We can get you whatever pillow you want though."

"Please, just any nice, soft, cushioning object would be wonderful."  She looked at the couch a polite distance from her throne.  "If we set it up that way, why does everyone who comes in stand?"

"Your stepmother had the ability to put everyone at ease," Kathal said gently.  "You scare the living piss out of most of them.  Even those who should be sitting do not since you are so scary, Empress."  She gave him a dirty look.  "It's true, Empress, there are days when a Ferganis in cub has nothing on you."

"Fine," she said, waving a hand.  "Then we'll keep it that way. Whoever needs to can sit once they're done bowing or whatever."

"Thank you, Empress.  Before we leave, did you need to announce any legislation?"  She gave him another odd look.  "Sorry, but you do have to do it from here.  This way you wouldn't have to travel back here until the court case is decided."

"Can't we make them rush?"

"No," he said, shaking his head.  "We cannot rush the courts.  If we try to interfere or do more than push for it to be done shortly, it will be decided against us for using undue influence with the courts."

"Fine," she groaned, reaching back to adjust a pin.  "Just suggest to them to hurry up however you can.  This hair hurts."  She winced and pulled out a pin, sticking it in the arm of the throne.  "There, that helps some.  Next point?"  No one said anything.  "Okay, what else was I mumbling about?"

Rethna coughed.  "You were complaining about the food?" he suggested.

"Yes, can we please not feed me more things that will make me ill?  I really didn't like whatever it was we ate at the last dinner and I was sick to my stomach all night.  I know it's been happening a lot recently.  I don't know why, but can we please stop feeding me things that are making me ill?"

"I'll talk with my wife," Kathal promised.  "Have you seen a healer?"

"No, I'm not that sick," she defended.

"Empress, even a bit ill is too ill in your position," Rethna said calmly.  "I'll send your healer up tonight to your quarters."  She scowled at him.  "It's better to be seen than to be injured or ill over a long time."

"Everything would build up," Kathal agreed.  "You do have a private healer."

"Must I?"  Everyone in the room nodded.  "Fine.  Whatever.  Next point?"

"The ambassadors, m'lady?" Rethna suggested.

"Yeah, them," she groaned, shifting again.  She got up and went to sit on the padded couch, putting her feet up on the soft cushions.  "There, better," she sighed happily.  "Can we do something about the people who do nothing all day but stand around and pout?"

"No," Kathal said simply.  "They're here to bring you problems from their people.  Them being here means that the problems can find you easier."

"Just what we need, more problems."  She looked at them.  "Fine.  Can we make sure that they have something to occupy them when there's no problems?"

"Sure," Rethna agreed.  "We have games and tourneys in the old days."  He looked at Kathal, who shuddered. "I knew they were a pain," he offered.

"Yes, they were," Kathal agreed dryly.  "We'll see what we can find for them, Empress.  We don't want them to bother you unnecessarily."  He and Rethna shared a look, then he nodded.  "We'll find your healer on the way out so you can do that now and then see any petitions."

"Fine," she complained.  "Do I have to move?"

"We'll get you a pillow before you come back," Rethna promised, helping her to her feet.  "Come on, I'll take you back to your rooms."  He walked her off.  "Would you like something very thick or just cushioning?"

"Something fairly thick would be nice," she said with a grin up at him.  "Now I know why my stepmother liked you so much.  You're very soothing."

"I try, Empress."  He nodded at her guards, who opened her door.  "There you are," he said soothingly.  He turned and walked off, going to find her a pillow.  If he was right about what was going on, she was going to want a few to choose from.  He passed the healer in the halls.  "She's in her rooms."

"Very well then," the woman agreed stiffly, walking that way.  She nodded at the guards.  They opened the door for her and got out of the way.

~*~*~*~
 

Rethna walked back to Constantine's suite, frowning because she hadn't appeared for her usual petition time.  He looked at the guards, who shook their heads to show no one had left.  He tapped on the door before opening it, ducking the thrown statue.  "Empress?"

"Go away!" she yelled.

"Sorry."  He walked in and ducked another thrown thing. "Empress, are you all right?" he asked calmly and quietly.  She burst out in tears.  "Is it a serious injury or illness?"

Constantine's husband came out of his room.  "She's fine," he said gently, smiling at him.  Or really smirking if you were being honest.  "She's found out we're going to need a bigger ship."

"I hate you!" she screamed.

"Empress, please calm yourself.  It can't be good for you in this condition.  It can be no worse than what your stepmother went through alone and on a planet that had no other beings capable of helping her.  We'll get you whatever you need and desire to be healthy and happy."  He had to duck another thrown statue.  "Empress, that is not nice," he said impatiently.

"Rethna, I hate being compared to her!" she shouted.  "Stop doing it!"

"Yes, Empress," he said, bowing his head. "I'm sorry, Empress.  Forgive me?"

"Just go away.  I hate you, I hate all men!  Every one of them should be sent away!"

"Yes, Empress," Rethna offered humbly.  "Should I tell the others that you're not coming today and that you won't be at dinner?  Perhaps even the reason?"

"Fine," she spat.  "Just go away!  I hate men!"  She curled up on her bed and pulled the blankets overtop of her. "Go away," she sniffled when her husband tried to cuddle her.  "I hate you."

"Yes, dear.  Should I call your father?"

"No.  I'll yell at him later."

"Yes, dear."  He kissed the top of the blankets and went back to his room, smirking at Rethna.  "Rumors only for now," he suggested with a sly wink and a very smug smirk.

"If you want.  I'll give her excuses to the others."  He left, heading out at a sedate walk to the throne room, where the others were waiting.  "The Empress is feeling indisposed and is curled up in bed.  She won't be out for dinner or for petitions today.  Unless it's an emergency, I wouldn't bother her for a few days."  He looked at Rraaaaal, smiling at the purring baby clinging to his leg.  "You're very sweet," he said lightly.

Kathal clamped a hand over his mouth.  "She is?"  Rethna smirked at him.  "Then I'll have something light and soothing sent up to her for dinner.  She'll be announcing it?"

"Sometime soon," Rethna agreed.

"Is she very ill?" another ambassador asked quietly. "I did have a bit of a problem."

"Let me see if I can handle it for you," Kathal offered.  "She's not going to be in a good mood for a few days."

"Is it near her birthday?  I know her people have certain feminine times right before their birthdays.  Somehow they bred themselves that way."

"No, she won't have to worry about that this year," Rethna said dryly.

The ambassadors all looked shocked.  "She's with child?" Rraaaaal asked in awe.  Rethna nodded.  "Then I'll share what my sister went through to ease her burden. My sister had a very hard time of it."

"She wants to make a formal announcement?" Kathal asked.  Rethna nodded quickly.  "Very well.  It's a good thing we're going to Diadesa.  They've got some very good healing colleges there in case anything happens.  How is she?"

"Hiding and throwing things."

"Ah.  Perfectly understandable," Kathal agreed with a small smile. "I'll have my wife send her something to soothe her nerves.  It is often unnerving the first time."  He bowed and left, going to share this gossip with his wife, who would know just what to send the poor girl.  "Wife," he called from the doorway of the kitchen.  She came out of the pantry, scowling at him.  "We need to talk," he said with a smug smirk.  "There's special orders tonight."

"She won't be there?"  She walked over to him, giving him a gentle kiss.

"No, she won't be there," he said gently.  "It seems she's not feeling well and she's having a bit of a temper at the moment.  Poor Rethna looked fairly rumpled after checking on her."  He stroked up her arm.  "She needs something soothing.  It is the first you know."

"The first?" she asked flatly.  He nodded, stroking up her arm again.  "Oh!"  Her eyes went wide and she backed up a step, letting her husband's hand fall off her arm.  That stroking was why they'd had three of their children. "Really?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, and she decided we are going to Diadesa this time."

"Well," she said happily.  "A formal announcement?"

"She'll be making one soon," he promised.  "For tonight she's hiding and probably crying."

"I'll send her some soothing things and have supplies up there to help calm her stomach and tempers," she promised.  She walked back into the kitchen.  "The dinner will go on, but without the Empress," she announced.  "She's not feeling well.  Suaki, fix her some of that broth she liked so much last time, go easy on the salt.  Bring her some light bread and some of that pale cider as well.  Make sure it's on a cold tray so it'll keep overnight if necessary.  I'll be in my office."  She headed that way, going to write out the message going with it.  Then she pulled out some of the decadent treats they had found and had imported for the young woman's pleasure.  She added a small dish of them to the tray before it went up, sticking the note under them.  She was sure the Empress would need something like that as well.  She had her first time.

~*~*~*~
 

Brailian looked up from reading to his son when Brast walked in.  "Your daughter just called to swear at you, and me, and everyone nearby who could be seen."

Brast sat down, letting his son cuddle up to his stomach from his lap.  "Is she in trouble?"

"No, but her husband did look quite smug.  Congratulations, brother.  I hope it's a son."

Brast groaned.  "She's got to be throwing fits."  Brailian smiled and nodded.  "Wonderful.  I'll tell Sivya in the morning when I go back."  He stroked his son's shoulders and the back of his neck, making him quit moving.  "I'll call her to congratulate her later."

"I don't think she sees it as a blessing yet," Brailian offered dryly.  "She was throwing things at her husband when he tried to interrupt the call."

"I taught her better than that," he said firmly.  "Computer, call Constantine, private number from my address book."

"Yes, Lord Brast," the computer said melodically.  "On screen."

"Daughter," he said, frowning at her.  "You do not throw things at your mate.  You are a pirate and therefor you can deal with a child.  The same as everyone else can.  If I can deal with a son after raising you and being so long without one, you can and we will help," he promised at her scowl.  "Do you need anything?"

"A big sword."  She hung up.

"Computer, call her back," he said patiently.  She reappeared.  "Daughter, I know this is not the time or the place for such things, but I know you can handle it. You will make a stunning mother and a wonderful wife for your spouse.  If you need us, we will help.  We'll even babysit."  His daughter started to sniffle.  "It's all right, Constantine.  We still love you.  We'll love the son, hopefully it's a son," he added with a smile.  "You can come to us for help.  I know you don't like being reminded of Sivya's trials so I'll leave it as you can come to me for help.  All right?"  She nodded, wiping off her face.  "Good girl.  Now, be happy about this.  That means that your ship will be passed on through another generation."

"There will be a lass just like you soon," Brailian soothed.  "You can call us to ask us questions as well.  We have been there and are presently there again," he added with a small look of smugness.  "Apishian was quite correct about the daughter."

"Fine.  I'm not ready, but fine.  Father, I will expect you to come to Diadesa as soon as you can.  We're moving in a week.  If you make any other stops, I will have you hunted down and drug back."

"He could use a vacation."

"Yes, but I'll need him to be here to help," she said with a small pout.  "I can't imagine doing all this and having a child."

"It will be fine, daughter," Brast repeated.  "Just relax and everything will be just fine."  He blew a kiss.  "Now spoil yourself rotten and get some sleep.  I hear that's a hard thing to do later on."  He cut the connection, looking at his best friend. "Daughter?"

"Daughter," Brailian said smugly. "A very good and strong one by the omens."

"Hopefully she'll like Cabiael just as much as your son and be just as talented."

"Yes, hopefully," he agreed happily.  He looked down but his son was asleep so he put down the book and settled in to cuddle.

~*~*~*~
 

Sivya looked over as Brast came back.  "What's going on? You don't look happy."  She looked around.  "No son?"

"He was stolen by one of the priests out front.  Ambri is apparently missing his siblings again."  He sat down across from her cell.  "There is news.  Constantine's pregnant."  She smiled.  "She's not happy."

Sivya smirked at him.  "I wasn't either.  I was more resigned."  She shifted over to her chair and pointed at the computer.  "I've worked out some things if you want to send them back."

"Already?"

"I couldn't sleep last night," she said simply.  "They weren't that hard.  Mostly complaints about not being given the bigger portion.  It's an issue of proving their prowess as powerful players in the games of the Empire."

"If you say so.  I don't understand those things."  He got comfortable.  "How are you feeling?"

"My scabs peeled off," she said happily.  "I should be done soon."

"Good.  We're going to Diadesa as you had planned."

"Good.  It'll make Constantine feel better to be near so many healers.  They have some of the best training colleges there."  She shifted to the floor and moved closer to the doorway.  "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not the one who was deathly ill," he said patiently.  She gave him a long look.  "I'm fine, wife.  Only a small headache.  The son decided to climb in with Fyester this morning and was trying to suck his ears.  Fyester was giggling madly about it.  Brailian wanted to know if they could be mated once Cabiael was over his vows."

"No wonder you have a headache.  If they adore each other at that time I would not be more than amused by it."  She smiled at the person walking up the hall.  "Am I done?"

"No, sister," the priest said patiently.  "You must be fully healed.  Your scabs aren't gone yet."

"They came off last night."

"You removed them last night," he corrected with a smug look.  "You must fully heal before we can let you out, sister.  Brast, your son is most amusing.  Ambri let him look on the altar so he threw some of the gifts at the statues.  Ambri will be cleaning off Lorthan paste for weeks.  Your son has very good aim."  He smiled and walked on to check on the others.  "Friend, how are you?"  He didn't get an answer so walked inside, checking on him.  "I will tell them that you have succumbed," he said gently, backing out.  He walked off, going to tell the others.

"The nice old guy died?" she sniffled.

"He was a carrier, he's been in here since he was my age," Brast told her.  "He was content and safe.  He went in his sleep."  She sniffled some more.  "Don't do that."  She burst out in tears so he moved forward, seeing if the force field would move for him.  Something hit him on the arm so he picked up the small box, clipping it to his shirt so he could warp the shield between them so he could hold her.   He let her curl up on his chest, stroking her back as best he could.  He never felt the shield going down.

Sivya looked up at him, looking shocked.  "There's no tingles."

"What?"

"There's no tingles. The shield's down," she said quietly.  She looked up as someone peered into the room.  "The shield went down."

"It's not meant for such intimate contact," the priestess agreed.  "No matter, he can be in there with you."   She reset the shield and locked them in.  Then she went to tell someone.  "Priestess, the carrier has succumbed and Brast was hugging his wife for too long and too intimately. I've locked them in there together."

"That's fine," she agreed quietly.  "The enforced cohabitation will do them good."  She smiled at her.  "Good work.  I'll tell Lord Brailian that he'll be babysitting for quite some time.  Ambri, go do that."

"Yes, priestess.  Thank you for sparing me for a few minutes."  He bowed and walked the baby he had been showing how to clean off the sticky vegetable paste off to find his Godfather.  He tapped on the door and Brailian's wife answered.  "Lady Gerian, I am here to pass on some news."  He held out the very messy baby.  "He was helping by throwing some of the Lorthan paste at the Lord's statue.  He had good aim, it hit him on the nose."  He bowed to her.  "Please tell Lord Brailian that the priestess needed comforting after another ill person succumbed and Lord Brast was holding her when the shield came down."

"Of course he did.  He's like that," she agreed sarcastically.  "They're both quarantined?"

"They are," he agreed happily.  "They have a very small bed and not much else.  Is there anything I should have passed onto them?"

"No, I'll have Brailian visit later.  We need to make our yearly offering anyway."  She looked at the baby. "You are really messy."

"He had fun playing with the offerings.  You should train his aim as soon as he's able."  He bowed and left, going back to his cleaning.  He bowed to the statue.  "No disrespect meant," he vowed to the statue.  "The baby was just too cute to resist."  The priestess let out a quiet chuckle.  "He was."

"He was," she allowed.

Ambri smiled and went back to work.  He accepted that it was his fault the baby had thrown the offerings so he could cheerfully clean it up, as any proper priest should.  "How are they?"

"Just fine, Ambri.  He'll catch a mild dose, and since he'll be contagious we won't be able to remove her, so she'll catch a milder dose again.  It will be fine and the Lord wills them to be safe.  If a bit itchy and short-tempered now and then," she allowed.  He smiled up at her.  "Later, after you are done with the statues, come see me for more instruction, Ambri.  I do believe that you have a very bright future in the priesthood."

"Yes, High Priestess."

"Good boy.  Now remember to scrub hard, that paste will thicken and be like glue soon."  She shifted, looking outside to watch the others go through their hand-to-hand practice.  "She's very good," she said quietly.

"Kylestin?  She is," Ambri agreed.  "She's also very powerful mentally and she's got a very bad backhand when you scare her," he offered, looking up at her.  "She's also very angry at this time, m'lady.  I do not know why as she refused when I offered her the chance to discuss it."

She gave him a long stare, then nodded.  "Yes, you will definitely have a higher calling among us, Ambri.  For now, clean.  I'll talk with her myself."  She got up and went to oversee the practice, then stepped in to challenge the girl herself.  She won, of course, she had decades more training than the young woman, but she could see the grief in her eyes.  She helped her opponent up and held her tightly, crooning in her ear.  "I am here for you, sister.  Let it go," she soothed, gentling the girl into crying and letting it all out.  "That's right.  You let it all go.  We'll talk on this later, once you're settled again."  She walked her off, taking her to the gardens to listen and help the poor thing.  It was often not easy for those who were only vowed, not those sworn from birth.

~*~*~*~
 

Brast moaned, holding his head.  "I think I caught your disease," he said tiredly.  It had been three days and Sivya was still reacting to the virus, but she was nearly done with it.  She scooted closer on the small bed to hold him, stroking his stomach gently to make him feel better.  He hopped up suddenly and ran to be sick, waving her off when he heard her move.

"Should I call for someone?"

"I'll live," he promised, coming back to the small bed to lie down again.  He looked up at his wife.  "You gave me your sickness."

"I'm sorry."  She went to wet down a small towel, bringing it back to put over his forehead.  "There, that should help some."  She scratched her right upper arm, trying not to break the skin since she was starting to flake off scabs.  "What can I do to help?"

"Just don't cuddle," he ordered, flipping onto his side.  He moved the towel so it'd stay on and closed his eyes.  "You'll be fine in a few days and they'll release you."

"They can't if you're ill and in here with me," she reminded him.  "I could spread it like that young child did."  He groaned.  "So I'm guessing we're stuck here.  Should I call the stepdaughter?"

"If you want.  She's not very happy at the moment."

"Fine."  She gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked over to the old communications system, having to manually type in the address she wanted to call.  The page at the palace appeared, smiling happily at her.  "It's not good news.  Brast and I managed to break the isolation screen.  He's sick too."

"I'll be fine," he called.  "Tell her I said so."

"Let me get her for you," the page offered, still smiling.  He put them on hold but in the background you could hear him yelling for Rethna or Constantine to take this one personally.

Constantine's face appeared on the screen, frowning already.  "Did you know there are people who believe you can get ill from a call like this?" she said bitterly.  "Do you have anything on those trade agreements?"

"I gave them to Brast to send to you," she offered.  She held up a finger and found the files again, attaching them to the call.  "There, that should come to you."  She moved out of the way of the camera.  "He was comforting me after we found out that someone down the hall had died.  It broke the isolation barrier."

"Is father fine?" she asked patiently.

"I'll live," he repeated.  "I'm just miserable."

Constantine looked at her stepmother again and shrugged.  "When are you coming back?"

"I'm still in isolation and if he's got the same thing I had....they may not be letting us out until we're both healthy."

"Blast!"

"Basically," she agreed dryly, smiling at the young woman.  "I'll help all I can from here.  I'm bored anyway."  She saw a small baby wandering up on all fours and grinned.  "Aren't you supposed to be walking upright?  Are you a cub now?" she teased.  Rraaaaal's baby nodded, grinning up at her.  "You're so precious."

"Who has my brother?"

"Brailian."

"Fine."  She scowled.  "I hate you, you just had to have him the hard way, didn't you?"

Sivya sighed.  "It wasn't my intention of having him at all, Constantine.  It happened.  It wasn't planned."

"No, but it was good," Brast offered sarcastically.

"You, hush," Constantine ordered.  "I'm still not happy with the men of the universes."  She looked at Sivya.  "Everyone keeps telling me how hard you had it."

"I was surrounded by Ferganis mothers who had a lot of advice about having cubs.  The worst part was the labor.  I was coached, but I could have used a hug or a hand or something to help me focus."  She looked at the young woman.  "If they're bothering you by reminding you I had it worse, tell them to stop it.  It's not fair to you to stress you out that way.  You don't have to listen to it.  You do have to see your healer and if they're doing it then you can switch."

"No, it's mostly people with good intentions," she sighed, glancing around the room.  "We're not exactly alone but I'm having a bad day.  Did you have to face down anyone about the Riven/Oxendas debate?"

Sivya considered it and nodded.  "Yes.  I left some papers in my books on that.  If you can find my books, then you can find those and see if you agree.  It's got a lot of things I was preparing for or preparing to deal with.  That one was probably in the Oxendas history text."

"I'll have someone find those," Constantine agreed, sounding happier now.  "How about the Sicatay?"

"I heard they were coming so I was preparing some cultural notes.  I wasn't sure what the problem was at that point in time. No one knew."

"Hmm.  Were they on your table?"  She nodded.  "Okay, I'll have Rethna and Lasarae look for them for me."

"They're in storage," Lasarae called.  She waved from behind Constantine.  "Get better soon."

"Brast and I broke the barrier, he's sick now," she called back.  "Totally my fault for reacting when an older man up the hall died."

"That's perfectly understandable to need comfort at such a time," Constantine said firmly.  "You will not blame yourself.  Blame father.  He's a man, he can take it."  She grimaced.  "I hate men."

"I know, it'll get better soon.  Here in a few weeks you're going to feel the urgings of the Goddess like never before," Sivya offered.  "I know Alia and I had a lot of talks about her urges while I was pregnant with Cabiael."  Constantine blushed.  "It won't hurt her."

"Her?" she asked, putting a hand on her stomach.  "Are you sure?"  Sivya shook her head.  "Just a feeling?"  She nodded.

"We'll know soon enough," Rethna soothed, looking in the camera.  "Are you well, Sivya?"

"Getting there, but now Brast is ill.  We're in here together."

"Then we'll see you when you're released.  Should someone come for the baby?"

"I'd ask Brailian about that," she said gently.  "He may be tired of babysitting but he may pout and throw a fit like he did on Riven about me wearing no clothes to meet with the Draven ambassador."

"You did what?" Constantine asked with a smile.  "You went native for petitions?"

"I like Riven.  It's one of my favorite places," she offered with a smile.  "I only wore native clothes, except for those dinners to greet a new ambassador.  Many of them blushed, but I didn't care then and I don't care now."

"We're never going back there.  No one will look at your nude body and lust," Brast said firmly.  Sivya grinned at him.  "No!  You are a priestess, it is not allowed," he reminded her.

"Hush, no one saw me that way."  She looked at Constantine again.  "Be well, daughter.  I want to see you happy and content by the time we make it back, no matter how long that may be."

"I'll try, if I don't space my spouse.  He's being annoyingly smug."

"Then send for someone from the Caystiine sect of M'Rathlyan faith," she said simply.  "They're a small group of people on Comestodia who can and do believe in helping people understand each other better by sharing emotions and thoughts.  I'm sure someone could help him understand you better."

Constantine smiled at her.  "You're wicked, you know that?" she asked casually.  "Thank you for that excellent idea.  Page, have we received those files?"  He held up two fingers.  "We got two of the three.  Which one are we missing?"  He held up the list he had marked off.  "Hmm, send over the Pirate one if you would."

"Of course."  She found it again and copied it onto the signal, sending it again.  This time she saw the confirmation, it was listed on the screen.  "You might want to not open that on there."

"I know," she said patiently.  "I'm hoping that's the right file.  It's very old."

Sivya checked the file, frowning at it.  "No, the one I sent I did just a few days ago.  There's an older one but it's in the directory above it."  She looked at the name again then shrugged.  "That's the one I sent.  I don't know why that one went instead."

"As the Lord wills it," Constantine told her.  She closed the communication and went to gather the files that were being sent to a wrist computer for her reading.  She found the other file in there and smiled at her efficient page.  "Thank you."  She sat down to read all four, wondering what the other one was.  It was a historical diary apparently and it was at least interesting.  Even if it was a secret, she could keep it.  "Someone find me a member of that clan she suggested."

"Which?" Rethna asked.

"M'Rath something or other.  They're therapists who help by showing what the other is feeling and thinking."  She stared at him.  "I believe my husband would be helped by such experiences.  Don't you?"

Lasarae coughed.  "That's very mean, Empress.  They're a very devout and seclusionary sect.  I know someone on their planet in the Marines so I'll send him a message."  She smiled.  "I'm sure he'll benefit greatly from the knowledge of you're going through."  She bowed and went to cackle in peace while sending the message to her old friend.

Rethna looked at his boss and shook his head.  He didn't want to know.  He didn't need to know as long as it wasn't going to harm her or her child.  "Am I needed further, Empress?  Or may I go back to my practice?"

"Go," she ordered, waving a hand as she read. "Have fun beating up on the guards."   She got comfortable on her thick pillow, smiling at the niceness of being able to feel her feet again.

On the other side of the communication, Sivya was lying on the bed behind her mate when he suddenly turned over and held her down to kiss her. "Mine," he reminded her.  "No one else can look, nor would it be advisable for them to try."  He kissed her again and got comfortable on her.  It wasn't cuddling in is book since he was the one doing the holding.  Even though she was stroking through his hair.

~*~*~*~
 

Rethna tapped on Minister Kathal's office door and walked in, closing it behind him.  "May I have a moment?"

"I'm not the person to ask for a raise," he said patiently.

"I know that.  This is about someone employed in the household."  Kathal pointed at the soft chair across from his desk.  "Thank you."  He sat down and looked at the older man for a moment.  "Some things have been noticed both by me and by Constantine's guards, who are still very alert from what we went through with Sivya."  Kathal waved for him to go on.  "Constantine's healer goes to see her once a week, which is more than most people get when they're pregnant.  Also, she's usually carrying a larger bag than necessary.  Even though her people prefer tighter, body hugging clothes, like our armor suits, she wears very loose and flowing clothes, and has no connection to the people she dresses like, not even an contact that we can find in her past."  By now, Kathal was frowning.  "Also, whenever she goes in, she never comes out of either door.  I have guards at both of them to try to catch her, but she never exits by any formal exit."

Kathal nodded slowly, then turned to his files to pull hers.  He finally found it and opened it, reading quickly.  "She's from Kabar."

"Which dresses like a Space Marine, bodysuits that cover everything but leave nothing to the imagination."

"They do," he agreed with a grimace.  "They're also rather messy when they're here."  He looked it over again.  "She's not a high enough Thinker for more than home training.  Only a level two, which is about what half the population is.  She's only a feeler of feelings, not thoughts.  Nothing in here on ways of getting out of rooms without exiting."

"Do you think I'm being foolish?"

"No, I don't," Kathal admitted.  "I think it's very disturbing, especially since Constantine has had so many mood changes recently.  She's even sent her husband somewhere else, which I did not suggest."  He handed over the file.  "I will have her credentials reverified.  Are you opening an active investigation into her past?"

"I can't do that, but I do know someone who can.  I think we should but that's why I came to you."

"I agree, do so," Kathal ordered.  "Those are disturbing circumstances.  Also, try to have one of her guards in there with her."

"She threw them out when I tried that yesterday."

"Constantine?"  Rethna nodded.  "Interesting.  Did you want to talk to her or should I?"

"I've tried, she told me I was worrying for no reason and annoying her.  She's been frowning a lot recently."

"Very well, I'll talk with her.  Perhaps she'll mentor the new cub someone found and brought here so we could send them onto their new world."

"Perhaps, but she doesn't like animals."

"It never hurts to ask," he said with a smile.  "Thank you, Rethna.  I know we were harsh on you after Sivya abandoned us.  I'm sorry about that if it matters."

"It was my duty to follow her orders, we've run into her giving bad orders in the past," he sighed.  "I've put it behind me."

"I wouldn't have been that nice about it," Kathal offered.  "I am sorry."  Rethna nodded and got up, going to alert the guards to watch this person better.

Kathal stood up and went to find his Empress, finding her in the gardens working on a flowerbed.  Which she never did, she hated flowers.  "Empress, may I have a moment?"

"Sure.  What's wrong now?"

"Empress," he said as he settled himself beside her.  "You are aware that a Ferganis cub was dropped off here recently?  That it had been taken from a ship where it was in captivity?"  She looked at him and shook her head.  "There is and he's a very young cub, but we don't have any others in migration at the moment.  I was wondering if you would like to step in to be a foster parent until the time we can send him home."

"I don't really like animals."

"Well, he's not really an animal, he's more like Rraaaaal's son, very furry but intelligent.  He's speaking on a child's level."

"What's the real reason?"

"Your healer has some very disturbing things noted about her, both to Rethna and to me, Empress," he said honestly.  "The fact that she's acting like a different planet's people, even though she knows none of them.  The fact that we never see her leaving your room.  The fact that she sees no one but you."  She stared at him.  "It's worrying and it would solve two problems with one solution.  He could help guard you and you could practice dealing with a child.  He is still being bottle fed."

"Fine.  If he wants."

"Thank you, Empress, I knew you were a very gentle and sweet soul to put up with our fussing.  May I also have a guard inside your suite when she comes next time?  A female one who has been through this perhaps?  It could be more soothing to you to have an experienced mother there to ask questions and to gauge what is and isn't a problem."

"I thought Rethna had added a few of those."

"He may have, but I hadn't heard.  Would you allow that?"

"Fine," she agreed. "I can accept those conditions."  She glanced around.  "Where did I send my husband?"

He kept his expression calm and neutral.  "You sent him to talk with the next planet's people to prepare them for any special needs you may have, Empress.  Do you not remember?"  She shook her head and looked around.  "Then perhaps we should have you looked over by a higher level Thinker.  This may be from the child you carry, my own wife was very forgetful and nearly forgot to put on clothes one day with our son, but this is worrying."

"Thank you, Kathal.  Can you keep Rethna from going into super worrying?  He does it very well but it's wearing on my nerves."

"It's what he's there for, Constantine, to protect you and to worry about you."  She nodded, going back to her gardening.  "Should I plan out a garden at our next stop?"

"I don't know why I'm doing this.  I'm bored but I hate plants."

"Then come, let's get you cleaned off and out to see the cub.  He's very adorable."  She allowed him to help her to her feet and even help dust her off, then he put her arm around his and walked her inside.  "Here we are," he said.  "The nursery."  He smiled at her, seeing the frown.  "What?"

She shook her head.  "Something's not right.  I feel odd."

"Hmm."  He walked her back to her suite, and noticed she kept going slower and slower.  "Let's put you in with your First Wife," he offered, opening that door.  She was off visiting her family but it was a room she could safely stay in.  She relaxed once they were inside, making him very suspicious.  "Constantine, are you all right?"

"I'm just tired and being odd, I'm told it's part of pregnancy."

"Then I want a second opinion on that matter, my Empress," he said plainly.  "Just in case we're not being fussy."

"No, I don't need one."

"Empress, please.  Just in case?  It won't take more than an hour to get someone I trust up here and then maybe a few more minutes for an examination."

"No!"

"Fine, Empress.  Then you rest in here."  He left, going to find her guards.  They were only around the corner.  He pointed back at the door.  "She does not leave unless there are three guards with her or I or Rethna are there."  The guards looked confused.  "She's not feeling well."  They nodded, going to cover the door for him.  Kathal hurried to his office to call his wife's doctor, one who was very good even for a man, and have him brought up.  Something was definitely off.
 
 

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