CHAPTER EIGHT
 

Brast looked around the official landing field, then back at his shipmate.  "Come on.  Now, before we're spotted.  This is much too quiet, even for this place."  She nodded, following him into the building and through to the next area, where people contracted flights out.  It was empty.  "It's not a holiday," he reminded himself as they trudged on.  They heard someone coming and he got her into a closet, taking the front spot.  He felt a hand touch his gun and swatted at it.  "No," he hissed.

"I can handle it."

He swatted at her again.  "No, Sivya."  He glanced out into the hall, then backed up and kicked at the door, slamming it into the person standing in front of the door.  He took her hand and led her on, calmly walking like nothing had happened.  They hurried out to where vehicles should be waiting for hire and used the mechanical system to get them one.  It would draw less attention from real people and be a bit more unexpected. He shoved her into it first, glancing around before he got in and moved to drive them off.  He groaned when he noticed she was inflating the anti-gravity lift cushion, gently moving her hands so he could do it.

"I'm not feeble!" she reminded him hotly.  "I can drive this thing if we need me to.  The same as I can shoot enough to hit someone standing in front of us."

"Empress, you have me for that.  You concentrate on living."

"Part of that would be doing the mundane things while you watch for the bad people until you get into the vehicle," she asserted.

"That's true, but this isn't one of those situations, just one where we want to be careful."

"Then your arguing is taking time," she pointed out reasonably.  "We're fully inflated, we can go."  He growled but lifted them off and took them to the delivery entrance for the palace.  She glanced around then walked inside, smiling at the cook, who squeaked in fear.  "Yes, it's me.  Brast is being very careful since there wasn't anyone at the port."

"We didn't know when you were due to arrive.  He should have called us!" she scolded, glaring at him when he walked in.  "You should have called us!  We've been clearing a space for your personal ship as well.  Go move it!" she ordered, shooing him away with her spoon.  "Now!"  He gave her a wry look.  "Now!"  He sighed and headed off, going before she hit him with the spoon.  She patted Sivya on the back.  "Only two diplomats have shown up.  You probably have real clothes waiting on your bed."

"Wonderful," she agreed dryly, making the cook snicker.  "Something simple tonight?  My stomach's still queasy from the ride.  I hate traveling by ship."

"I figured as much.  It will be quiet tonight, tomorrow is the dinner."  She gave the young woman a gentle push.  "Go clean up.  You'll want to head through the back ways."  She snapped at another girl in another language.  "Take her to her chambers by the back ways."

"Yes, Cook."  She bowed to the Empress and walked off quickly, leading her through the back passages the servants had learned.  She came out down the hall from Sivya's room and pointed with a smile.

"Thank you, I'll try to remember those for when I want to slip away."  She walked up to her doors, smiling at her guards.  "Gentlemen."  She started to open the door but one of them stopped her so she swatted him. "It's my room!"  He blinked a few times and nodded, looking embarrassed as he opened the door.  "Napping?" she teased.  He shook his head quickly.  "I don't blame you, nothing was going on.  Just don't let Brast hear about it.  He'll yell at you like he complains at me."  She slipped inside, going to check the clothes on her bed.  "Who's this outfit for?" she called.

"Ambassador Rraaaaal is back," one of her women offered as she came out.  "Was the guard sleeping?"  She nodded, grinning at her.  "Sloppy."

"There's probably not a chance of something bad happening while we're not here.  Now, who am I putting on pants for?"

"The Ambassador to Thristian is here.  His women wear such because they are all farmers."

"Then there's a problem?"  She nodded.  "Have him sent for, I'll talk to him immediately.  Should I change?"

"It is your choice.  He is very relaxed."

"Then I'll go in this."  She headed back out, going to the throne room.  Everyone there went to attention when she walked in.  "Good afternoon.  The Ambassador to Thristian is coming.  Admit him immediately.  Send for the people who would know what I can do to help him."  Someone nodded and went jogging off.  She sat down, adjusting her skirt over her legs as he was walked in.  "You came with a problem?" she asked gently, smiling at him.  "I would have changed but it sounded important."

"It is, Empress," he agreed, bowing at her.  "There is a drought on our world.  We are not many, but it's been two years now and we're barely able to feed ourselves at the minimum level."

"Which is something I should help you with," she agreed.  She frowned at where he was standing.  "Someone put a couch or something there so he can sit!  It's rude to make people stand and it's tiring!"  Two of the guards nodded and went to get something.  She shook her head.  "There's still some things I'm working on," she admitted.  "Come, sit closer to me and tell me what has happened.  We will see what we can do."  She heard a ship coming in.  "That sounds like Brast is back."  She smiled at him, patting him on the hand when he sat on the step by her feet.  "Now, two years?  Did you manage last year with help or without?"

"Without, Empress.  We don't want to take charity or none, but we'd like to not die either."

"There are times when help is necessary, even for the most self-sufficient of people," she reminded him.  "Some turn to faith, some to others for help.  In this case, I will help you any way I can.  I do not wish to see children go hungry."  He smiled at her for that.  "Now, tell me what's been going on."  She noticed a new person entered.  "Are you the one who helps me with this?"

"I am, M'lady.  I'm Trocken.  I'm over the Agricultural programs.  There's another drought this year?"  The Ambassador nodded.  "What percentage this year?"

"Fifty percent didn't come up, another twenty percent of our crops came up stunted."  She gasped.  "That's why we need help.  Just some food shipments?" he suggested.

"That is more than doable."  He sat down on the other side of her feet since she didn't seem to mind.  "You were eligible last year.  For future reference, Empress, anything over fifty percent is considered worthy of immediate food aid."  She nodded, accepting that.  "We have things in storage."

"We have three worlds who are desperate to have their food stuff shipped," she offered quietly.

"We'd have no way to pay them, Empress.  We don't really trade much."

"That's fine, it was just a suggestion," she assured him.  She smiled at them.  "Do we send grains and the like?"  He nodded.  "How about food beasts?  Should we send those?"

"Those are the few things we trade for, but our beasts are all right.  Most people are feeding their children and their animals first.  The animals can make due on the parts we don't eat," the Ambassador offered.

"Ours were mostly grain fed," she admitted. "That's why I suggested it."

"That's fine.  Ours our heartier beasts than some things."

"We raised goats."

He laughed.  "Must have made them fat and slow."  She grinned and nodded.  "That's a good idea.  I'll mention it to the few who do that to see if it'll help.  We had one bad attack last year."

"Do you also have a healer in training there?  I know that there are programs to send healers out to smaller worlds to get training."

"We had one, she left a few months back.  We'll be getting our next one right after graduation. We have most of what we need," he promised.

"Fine.  Then I'll simply listen," she offered, smiling at her helper.  "What do we send them?"

"Your idea of beasts isn't unheard of," he offered.  "In this case, we usually send pre-processed items.  Grains, vegetables, liquids in some cases.  We can have them shipped out by later today."

"That would be helpful.  We've got our harvest feast in about a week," he admitted.

"Then let me work on that.  With your leave, Empress?  There's some equations we'll need to work out based on the amount of damage and the number of residents."

"That's fine.  Please, tell me later what you did."  He nodded, standing up and bowing, then helping the ambassador to his feet so he could bow.  They walked out together, speaking of farming matters.  She looked at the guards who were waiting with the couch.  "There," she ordered, pointing in front of her.  They put it there then looked up at her.  She made 'move it left' motions so they shifted it.  She nodded that it was fine so they smiled and bowed before going back to their spots.  "There, anything else I need to deal with?"  No one said anything.  "No other petitions?" she tried again.  Again, silence.  "Then I'm going back to my room."  She got up and skipped down the stairs, heading back to her rooms.  She found Trismshah waiting on her couch.  "Hello, little one.  How are you today?" she asked, giving her a gentle ear scratch.

I'm fine, Sivya.  Thank you for asking.  We're going to our new home tomorrow.

"Then I'm very happy for you," she said enthusiastically, hugging her gently around the neck.  "I hope you have a great new homeland with a great many hunts."  The cat purred at her.  "It would make me very happy if you would send word back about how your world is."

Sure, if I can.  I wanted to come say goodbye.

"I'll miss you, Mighty Huntress.  You have a good trip."  She kissed her on the top of the head.  The cat licked her on the cheek, then hopped down and walked out of the suite.  "I'm so happy that we could find them a good place to live."

Brast walked in.  "They're leaving?"  She nodded.  "To where?"

"We found them a new homeland.  No one had told me but apparently someone had."

"Good.  Why didn't you change?"

"There was an emergency petition waiting on me.  I came back to change clothes since there's nothing else going on, and perhaps have a bath."

He nodded.  "That's a good idea.  Dinner tonight will be in here?"  She nodded.  "Good.  Which petition?"

"Thristian has a drought for the second year in a row."  He winced.  "So they needed some grains and things.  I met the person who handles that stuff for me.  They're talking in his office about what to send since he's got some charts and things he had to consult."  Brast nodded at that.  "Where do those come from?"

"Central World.  It should take about three days to Thristian."

"Wouldn't it be easier to decentralize that stuff?"

"Yes, but then you have to watch it more closely.  It had been done years ago but there were problems so they recentralized it.  Don't worry, nothing will spoil by the time it gets there.  Everything's kept very well until it's delivered, then it's up to the people there to store it in a way that it won't go bad."

"Then I can't fuss about that either," she agreed happily.  "Fortunately it seems like everything runs by itself most of the time."  It gave her hopes of an easy retirement when she threw the crown at Constantine and went somewhere quiet.  She stripped off and headed into the bathroom, intending to get a real bath instead of those trickling showers on the ship.  That was another reason why she hated ships, not enough water.  She was very attuned to water, it felt like coming home each time she submersed herself in it. She ran the tub as deep as she could and climbed in, sighing in pleasure.  So of course someone knocked on the door at just that moment.  "Who is it?" she called.

"Your procurer is here," Brast called, letting the older woman in.  "She's in the bath."

"That is fine.  Let me examine her hair."  She headed that way, stopping to bow, then undoing the hair quickly.  "It is still dry," she noted.  "Still some breakage too.  Have you been to Riven, my lady?"

"Call me Sivya, and I served as one of Alia's priestesses there. I know I'm allergic to the little purple flower, it makes me sneeze."  That got a small smile and a nod.  "I know it needs help.  When he oiled it for me, he did it so he could undo the knots.  Brast does most of my hair for me."

"Very well.  I have a few oils to try.  Let's try them on your skin first, just to make sure you won't react."  She opened her case and pulled up a few bottles, dripping a drop on the other woman's skin and rubbing it in.  One she immediately rinsed off but the other two were fine.  "You were correct, that purple flower is more than a sneezing allergy," she said with a gentle smile.  "Let me oil your hair."

"Let me bathe first.  I just got off a trip back."  The woman nodded, working to release all the pins and combs in her hair.  "It's very heavy," she noted.

"I have a halo here to make it weightless," she promised, setting it up.  She smiled when one of the strands curled around her arm.  "He had told me you were blessed to have lively hair. It is charming."

"It's a pain in the rear when you're working on it," she complained, working on her feet.  The woman laughed at her grumbling so she worked faster, not wanting to make her stay on that hard floor.  "Would you like a chair?  Or are we going to do this in the other room?"

"No, we can do this in here," she offered. She did pull a chair over and turn on the anti-gravity halo, which made Sivya much happier.  Then she got to work oiling the ends since they needed the most help.  "How is the water supply here?"

"I try not to splurge too greatly," Sivya offered.  "No one has said anything.   We just spent four days on a ship however, and I needed a bath."

"That's fine, I'll rinse off in that water.  Now hold still, child."

"Yes, ma'am," she said patiently.  She knew it was going to take a while and she could soak while it happened. It was the best of both worlds.

~*~*~*~
 

Sivya came out for dinner with her hair done to her satisfaction.  It was soft, manageable, and the procurer had managed to make it quit helping by tangling around her limbs with a new oil she'd never seen before.  Her shoulder itched where that one oil had been put but she could handle that.  She loved this woman, she was her new favorite person.  She smiled at Brast as she joined him at the table.  He looked stunned.  "She's amazing."

"We're putting her on staff if she'll allow it," he agreed, pushing out her chair for her.  "Sit.  You look like you're tired."

"Not really.  I had a small nap in the baths."  She smiled as she sat down.  "You like it?"

"I do.  It's a daring style.  What's that red mark?"

"Where she tried an oil to make sure I wasn't allergic.  I am allergic to that little purple flower that grows all over Riven.  It makes me sneeze."  She gave him a small smile.  Then she looked at the food.  "Anything decent and gentle?"

"There's a lot of gentle food," he offered, opening the dishes for her.  She smiled and poured herself some soup and some of the stew, digging in hungrily.  "When was the last time you ate?" he asked tolerantly.

"Hmm.  The mall maybe?"  She shrugged. "I forget sometimes when I'm stressed out.  No, we had that soup at your house."

"That was still a few days ago," he chided.  "I cooked on the ship."

"You ate it all," she reminded him.  "You offered me but I was reading and stressed so I ignored it most of the time.  Unless I've started to eat without knowing."

"That is something we'll work on next. You must eat each day, Sivya.  It's not healthy for you otherwise."  He dished up some food for himself, leaving her another serving.

"No, take the rest. I'm fine."

"Eat."

"I am!"

"After you finish that portion, eat the rest of it," he ordered with a look in her direction.  She blushed but shook her head, curling up to eat.

"Young one, sit up straight," the procurer said as she came out.  "Sitting like that crushes your stomach so you can't eat all you need."  She bowed to Brast.  "It was wise to have called me."

"It was her doing.  Are you joining the staff?  I'll have them find you a room nearby."  She looked stunned.  "You did more than I could with her hair and she's one who'll mostly braid it."

"That would be fine. I can't be here for very long but I can stay for a few months.  In that time I can have one of my apprentices sent down and train her on this one's head."  They both nodded.  "That would be fine then.  Please get me a room."

"Of course.  Guards?" Sivya called.  One rushed in with his weapon drawn.  "Don't do that," she sighed.  "This is my procurer.  Find her a room nearby.  I'm going to shamelessly beg her to deal with the hair issue for me."  She smiled at him.  "Just because I didn't walk out doesn't mean it's an emergency.  You'll hear me scream in a whole different pitch if it's a real emergency, usually in rage."  He nodded and bowed, saluting her with a fist to the middle of his chest before leading the older woman off to her new room.  "Did I scare him?"

"It's the first time you've screamed.  They're still learning your ways," he offered, even though he was impressed with the guard.  That had been a very good reflex.  He'd have to watch that one to make sure he continued such good work.  Even though he had been asleep earlier and his wife hadn't wanted him to know.  "You haven't even had a screaming fit at your clothes recently.  It's something new to them."

"That's fine then.  I'm sorry about that one outfit I got mad and jumped up and down on."

"You're allowed, it's a normal thing I suppose," he offered gently.  "Eat, Sivya.  Talking to me won't get you out of eating."  She sighed and dug back in, making him shake his head in silent mirth.  "How did you remember to eat back at your temple when you were deep in your research?"

"I had a whole temple of priestesses who knew what I was like.  Food would sometimes appear next to my hand, where I would see it and eat," she admitted with a shy smile.  "The rest nagged me in pairs to come out of my study."  She smiled at him. "That reminds me, I need to find some things so I can do my handiwork when I'm not doing anything else, and sometimes when I'm reading," she admitted at his amused look.  "I'm used to embroidering scarves and things in my spare time.  It's how I made money for any personal purchases I'd need.  Plus it helped when I had to mend my clothes."

"I thought that you would have had that on a rotating chore basis at the temple."

"No, it's considered our clothes so it's our job to fix them," she told him.  "I spent much time working on a few of my hems.  They kept coming down because they were always too long."  She ate another bite of stew.  "Besides, it gives my hands something to do while I read.  That way they're not playing with my hair."  Something he had caught her doing and hadn't liked since he told her to stop doing it on the ship.

"Fine, we've still got to take a tour of the local market," he admitted.  "We can do that tomorrow morning."  She nodded. "But only if you finish the rest of the food on the table, Sivya."  She groaned but poured herself the rest of the food, leaving him two rolls.  "Didn't want bread?"

"No, I leave those as something to nibble on."  She dug back in, eating quickly and efficiently.

"Slow down so you enjoy it."

"I did the first serving, but the girl who comes to get the dishes has a date tonight and I don't want to keep her."  She finished her meal, then rang the bell, smiling at the polite young lady.  "Have fun on your date tonight.  I hope it is a good time," she said awkwardly.  The girl smiled and bowed, then left with their dishes.  "What does one do on a date?"

"That depends on the person and where you are.  Around here, since there's almost no bars or places to go to dance or listen to music, I'd say maybe a picnic?"  He shrugged.  "I haven't dated in many years."

"That beats me," she reminded him with a gentle smile.  "I could have left but I knew there wouldn't be anyplace else for me to read all the time."  She got up and went to the bag that had appeared on her bed.  "Ah, my things from the temple.  Including my books," she said happily as she pulled them out.  It also had a few of her scarves so she sat down to examine them.  One was half-finished so she worked on that one, pulling out her strings to pick the correct one to work with.

Brast came over to sit in a nearby chair, watching as she worked.  "You really do that sort of work," he said, sounding interesting.  She nodded.  "Was that a specific request?"

"I was hoping to give it to the Lady of the City, that way she'd remember the temple fondly," she said absently.  She got that paw done and moved to the next figurine she had traced on the thin material.  "People used to look at some of my scarves and ask what I was reading when I was working.  Sometimes the patterns would change based on what I was reading.  Sometimes they determined the pattern.  Sometimes it was straight religious ones for the other priestesses for Naming Day presents, sometimes for holiday presents."  She got to work on the next figure, making herself content.  She couldn't send this one back now, probably, but it was nice to have her pasttimes here again.  Maybe someone here would like these things.  Or maybe she could sell them on the sly, earning some money of her own again.  That way she didn't have to bother people when she wanted to do little things.  She didn't want to spend the Empire's money.  It wasn't hers and it should go to other things.

"You look content doing that," Brast said quietly.

"I am.  This is as close as I came to helping out in the nursery with the orphans.  Making their clothes cute and personalized.  Or their blankets for the smallest of the small."  She shrugged and went back to fix her mistake, it didn't look that bad.  "Some of them were very happy to have anyone teach them anything so I taught a few of them how to do this."  She got back to work after giving him a gentle smile.  She got a few more stitches done before he stood up.  "You don't have to go."  She winced, sucking on the finger she had stuck.  "Really, I don't mind being watched."

"No, that's all right.  You work on your calming things and I'll be in my room," he offered, stroking her cheek before leaving. She was deeper than he had thought, he was still realizing how little he knew about this woman.  Then again, the more he knew the more he wanted her.  He had to remember she was only a job.  It was only a contract, not a true binding in Pirate style. He laid down, looking up at his ceiling.  She was happy doing little things and she was miserable in her job.  He wasn't fond of this life either.  He'd have to remember her when he was gone, watch out for her to leave the life.  He could at least get her somewhere safe after she threw the crown away and walked off.

~*~*~*~
 

Sivya was woken by a hand on her arm, glaring at the person who was disturbing her.  He was in all black, in local clothing, so she sat up to look at him.  "Are you a clan member or are you an assassin?" she asked calmly.

"An assassin, m'lady, but I do not like to kill those who are asleep.  It ruins their final dream.  It is my way."

"That's fine."  She pulled a dagger from under her pillow and lunged at him, startling him.  She got him onto his back and stabbed in the arm, making him howl.  "I didn't need that dream interrupted.  You should have killed me in my sleep," she said coldly.  She got up and walked to the door, finding both guards asleep.  Then she sighed and went to knock on Brast's door.

"What, Sivya?" he called.  "Let me put on clothes."  He opened the door a moment longer.  "Did you have a bad dream?  Need to discuss something new?"

"No, I was wondering who I called to deal with the bleeding body beside my bed," she admitted calmly.  He rushed past her.  She noticed the blood on her hands and went to clean it off.  She came out to see a great many guards out there.  "He said he woke me because he didn't want to ruin my final dream."

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine.  I used to help with the slaughter at the farm.  Besides, I only wounded him.  Alia allows for self defense."  She rubbed her hands together, not minding when he took them to hold and stop her cleaning movements.  "It has happened in the past."

"Empress!" Rethna shouted as he walked in.

"I stabbed him in the arm.  I'm fine.  He woke me so my last dream wouldn't be ruined."  If he had known what she was dreaming about, he would have probably blushed.  Him and Brast both.

"Why did you have a dagger?  Where did you get it?" Rethna asked calmly.

"The Mall.  It was something I considered might come in handy.  Really, I'm not quite as helpless as everyone thinks, gentlemen."  She got free of her husband and walked over, removing the man's hood to see his clan markings.  "Your clan is from the Western Mountains.  Have his clan elder brought, that way we go by their judicial system as well.  He'll have to turn him over to us formally.  Otherwise they can claim the right to punish him."  Everyone stared at her so she sighed.  "Now!"  Someone went running to find the local representative.  He would know what she was talking about.  She sat on her bed, curling up on her pillows.  "Take him to a cell.  Make sure his arm is treated.  By law, he must be healthy at trial."  They nodded, dragging the man off.  "Brast, Rethna, I don't think I can sleep alone.  Can you sleep on the couch, Rethna?"  He nodded, closing and locking the doors after everyone else had gone.  "Brast, may I impose and sleep next to you?  In case I have nightmares?" she asked quietly when he looked at her.  He nodded, crawling in behind her.  "Thank you."  She curled up on his chest, letting him deal with the blankets.  "Good night, Rethna."

"Good night, Sivya."  He laid himself on the couch to watch the entries.  It had barely been a few months and they had already failed her.  He would have those guard's hides in the morning. They were going to be guarding the Tuatha goats by the time he was done with them, and hopefully be eaten by them.  He glanced back, looking at Brast, who shook his head.  He waited until Sivya was asleep before going back there.  "Is she all right?" he asked quietly.

"She's fine.  She said she helped with harvest and that her Goddess allowed for self-defense.  Are her guards here yet?"

"Two of the sixteen are here.  The rest are coming tomorrow."

"Good.  Get them up to speed.  Have Lasarae or one of them with her guards out there."  Rethna nodded.  "Were they drugged?"

"Possibly.  They couldn't be woken.  They're being examined.  They'll be guarding goats by the time I'm done with them."  Brast nodded, smiling at that.  "You'll have to stay closer, Brast.  No matter that you don't want to sully her, she must have someone closer."  He heard a scratching and went to open the door, finding one of the Ferganis on the other side. "She's asleep, Great One."

I am Hotarao.  I will guard her as she guards our packs as we move. He walked in and hopped up on the foot of the bed, staring at Brast. I will guard her tonight, Lord Brast.  She guards our packs as we move from bad places to the new place.  By the way, Trismshah said to tell her it was very pleasant and had good hunting, that she had already chased down her first kill. Brast nodded. Where may I lay?

"Across the foot of the bed.  Watch her feet, I'm not sure if she's one who kicks."

Then the best place would be beside her.   He laid down with his back to hers, stretching out on his side. I will take this side.

"Thank you.  That is very kind of you."

She is worthy, plus I hear she pets very well.

Brast smiled at that.  "I'm sure she does."  He nodded at Rethna that it was fine and to go back to his spot.  The guard went back to his couch to watch and Brast let him slowly fall asleep.  Not deeply, but he'd still need some rest and he doubted there'd be a second attempt tonight.

~*~*~*~
 

Sivya smiled as she woke up curled around Hotarao.  "Hello.  When did you come in?  Not that I mind," she offered with a gentle smile and a caress of his head.

Last night, Sivya.  You guard our packs as we move so we guard yours. He sat up, staring in her eyes. Trismshah called a while ago to say she has already caught her first hunt and that the planet is very nice with many animals to hunt and stalk.

"Then I'm happy she's happy there," she said quietly, still smiling at him.  She stroked down his back, frowning at the scars she could feel.  "Do you need someone to look at them?"

They are honorable battle injuries from long ago, Empress.  Thank you for your concern.  He licked across her nose, then hopped down. Your mate said you were to eat, he's at practice with the guards who just came for your personal guard.  Then he said he would take you to the market once you were done.   He got out of the way as she climbed out of the bed, following her to the table. The other, the big one, said he'd be back in about an hour. He had to check on those guards.

"Thank you.  What name shall I call you by?"

Hotarao, my empress.

"You have no need of titles.  I do not rule among your kind. You are a law unto yourselves in my book," she promised.  He seemed to smile at her.  "Now, did anyone think to bring you food?"  He shook his head, laying beside her.  "That's mean of them."  She rang the bell, bringing her maid running.  "Hotarao needs some food as well," she noted, waving a hand at him.  "How was your date last night?  May I please have my usual?"

"Of course, Empress.  It went quite well. He was sweet."  She went to the kitchen to get some food, giving the cook an odd look.  "She asked me how my date was."

"She's used to having young priestesses below her, and knowing them on a personal level.  Anything special this morning?"

"Food for the Ferganis laying beside her.  She said his name was Hotarao."  The cook smiled at that.  "You know of him?"

"He was one who volunteered to guard her last night.  After that nasty assassin got in.  Get her usual out of the refrigerator.  I'll chop some meat for him."  She pulled out some raw meat and chopped it into large chunks, about bite sized she estimated, putting them into a bowl.  She carried it up herself, letting the maid get the door.  "Empress, I brought meat for the Ferganis.  I trust that's good enough?"

"Ask him.  Hotarao?"

It is most welcome, he agreed, smiling up at the cook as put the bowl in front of him.  He even let her pet his head. Thank you, giver of meals.

"You are quite welcome.  Are there more that we need to look after?  If so, I'll make arrangements for a room for you and food to be sent up whole."

No, there are only a few of us who are here.  We came to pick up the others who were here and heard about the attack.  The young one was so pitiful and crying that I volunteered to stay until her guards could be put into place.

"Thank you, wise one.  I'll leave you alone.  Come to the kitchen if you need anything particular."  She stood up and bowed to her Empress.  "Anything else you need, ma'am?"

"No, I'm good," she promised with a smile.  "Thank you for being so thoughtful."

"It's my job, Empress.  Besides, I've always admired those ones.  Smarter than some I've had under me in the past."  She smiled and walked out with the maid.  She ran into Brast in the hallway.  "I just brought her breakfast and some for the Ferganis.  Trismshah apparently cried when she heard about the attempt so he stayed to protect her so she'd quit crying."

Brast smiled at that.  "She does make people like her.  Can I have some tea?"  She nodded, continuing on. He knocked before walking in.  "Good morning, Sivya, Hotarao."  He sat down in his normal spot, not watching the cat tear into his meat.  "How did you sleep?"

"Very well, thank you, Brast.  I heard my personal guards are here?"

"The majority of them. Two are still coming from a farther distance.  Lasarae will be with us today as we go to the market, Hotarao as well if he'd like."

As pleases her, he agreed between bites.

"Thank you.  I'm going to look for things to do my embroidery.  You're more than welcome to come along if you want."

Then I'll follow along.  It's not often that I've seen two-foots markets. He ate another bite with a slurp. This is very good.

"I'll tell her you said so," Brast offered, smiling at his wife.  "Eat, Sivya," he said patiently. She picked up her muffin to eat slowly.  "You need to eat more than that."

"This is my normal breakfast. It fills me up," she assured him.  "Really, I can eat, Brast.  Even if I forget, I eventually get hungry."  She ate, picking up a book to read while she ate.  It was taken from her and put down, making her frown at her husband.  "Were we going to have conversation this morning? Usually you don't want to talk over the meals."

"Just eat.  I'm running behind on your schedule.  You're due in the market within an hour."  She nodded, eating a piece of fruit.  "You still have to do your hair."

"My hair's fine," she pointed out.  "It was done last night.  It'll be done again tonight, that way we don't have to worry about more than winding it up."  He sighed.  "It shouldn't take that long, besides, did the style from last night come down?"

"It's a very simple style," he pointed out patiently.

"Then it's a lot like me."  She finished up another piece of fruit and took her last muffin with her to look in her closet.  "It's hot out already, correct?"

"Yes, and you'll burn if you wear that, Sivya."

"Fine."  She pulled out one of her new outfits like the one she was wearing, and the nearly see- through coat to go over it.  It wouldn't let her burn.  She finished her muffin as she went to change, then came out from behind her screen dressed and buttoning her coat.  "There, shoes?"

He looked her over.  "That coat doesn't match."

"It compliments."

"It doesn't.  Not with the embroidery being so prominent."  He got up and went to find her another one, finding an older one in there.  He passed it over without thought but nothing else would go with that outfit.  He looked at the older one, noticing it was soft from so many wears.  "When did you get this one?"

"A few years back."  She took it from his hand and put it on, handing him the other one to hang back up.  "Shoes?" she suggested again since he was in her way.  He just gave her a blank look.  She sighed and got her shoes, having to get to her knees in front of him to get them.  She came out and dusted her knees off, tossing them down to put on, then bending over to tie them.  "There, I'm done.  Are you going in that?  You'll probably overheat, Brast."  She checked her hair one last time, using a pin to anchor something that was starting to come down, then found a simple necklace to put on.  She looked at the cat, smiling at him. "Coming?"  He nodded, eating the last few pieces in a gulp.  She picked up another piece of fruit as she walked out, smiling at the guard coming up the hall.  "I'm told we're going to the market?"

"We are," Rethna agreed, looking her over.  "You look nice."

"Thank you.  Who has my credit chip today?"  He pointed back in the bedroom so she sighed and went to get it from his pocket.  He was still staring at the empty spot.  She patted him down, finding it in his pants, and pulled it out, which made him move so he could grab her hand.  "You've got the credit chip and I'm out of gold thread," she said quietly, staring in his eyes. He let her wrist go.  "Catch up when you're ready.  I'm sure we'll still be waiting to go outside."  She strolled off again, tucking it into her left breast cup. Rethna gave her an odd look when he saw it.  "I have a pocket in it."

"It's still not done at the higher levels, Sivya," he chastised.  "Not the Empress."

"The Empress is a common woman who will do common things," she reminded him.  But she did take it out and hand it over.  "There."  She and the Ferganis walked in, both of them snorting in disgust at the men around them.  "They truly think I'm an infant, don't they?"  He nodded, smirking up at her. "At least you're a sensible male, Hotarao.  If you were a species I could, I'd make you a husband.  At least you'd talk to me and listen to me."

I wish it were so, Empress, but I am not and my mate would be quite upset with me.

"Good point.  Do you have many cubs?" she asked as they walked outside.

Four, all females to date.  My mate is wanting another she thinks.  Maybe it'll be a son.  She could teach him how to laze around and smirk at females.  She laughed at that. We do. That is how we draw them to us.   He snarled at a man who reached for her, making him back off.

Sivya looked at the tall, blond man, smiling at him. "Hello again."

"Empress.  Where are the other guards?"

"Brast is still getting dressed. Rethna is behind us somewhere.  Hotarao helped guard me last night.  He's quite an excellent guardian.  He's also very soft when he sleeps next to you.  Didn't say a word at all when I ended up curled around his back."  He nodded once.  "Hotarao, this is one of my guards.  We met him on Central World.  He helped when we had to make that announcement."  She walked on, taking her new friend with her.  Her guards could follow her.  "Find Rethna, he's got the credit chip and I still need some gold threads for a scarf."

The blond man looked behind them, finding Rethna and Brast both back there.  "They'll be with us in a moment, Empress Sivya.  Which section first?"

"Should we start at the farther section and work our way back or this end and work our way that way?" she asked the big cat stalking beside her.

"This end. That end has food stalls," Brast said impatiently.  "You do not leave the palace without a guard, Sivya."

"I have one.  Hotarao is very good at that, Brast," she reminded him.  "I had to vouch for our other guard before he was attacked.  Which end are the threads on?"

"This one, Empress," Rethna said quietly. "After last night, we are all going to be quite jumpy and excitable. It would be best if you did not take less than two guards with you at all times, Sivya."  She pointed at the big, blond man.  "He is not on duty."

"No, but I needed to do some shopping anyway," he admitted.  "I figured I could leave once you two caught up.  She said you were running a bit behind."  He nodded at Brast's shirt, which was unbuttoned.  He finished doing it up.  "Now, shall we have a nice stroll through the market?  Lord Brast, I believe I'm in your spot," he offered, moving to the other side of the cat, who huffed, sounding like laughter.  "Are you staying long, Hotarao?"

No, the youngling cried so pitifully when she heard about the attempt that I volunteered until the rest of you got here.

"He has nice mate with four female cubs waiting on him," Sivya told him, walking on.  Brast calmly stepped up beside her and took her arm to hold, as a proper escort would.  "Thank you."  She smiled up at him.  "I'm really not that helpless."  She smiled at the first stall.  "Hello."  The seller looked at her, mouth open.  "I embroider," she admitted, touching the hem of her coat.  "I did this a few winters ago."  The seller looked at it, then nodded that it was nice.  "I'm looking for some gold threads for a scarf."

"We..we have many colors, but no gold at this moment.  I know one who does," she offered.

"Thank you.  What colors do you have?  One can never have too many of certain colors, especially shades of blue."  The seller pulled out her sample board, letting her see and feel them.  She took a few off, handing them to her.  "Those if they're truly died."

The seller smiled. "I always cut a new sample from each lot."

"That makes sense.  I've dealt with a few who haven't.  They had the prettiest colors, sometimes."  The seller laughed and to get them while she looked at the fabrics available. When she came back out, she pointed at one.  "What would that one be used for?"

"For a lighter cloak mostly, Empress."  She handed the package to Brast, taking the credit chip from Rethna.  "I have a large bolt of it if you'd like a piece."

"Please.  Maybe two faramas?"  She nodded, going to cut that off for her.  "That would almost make a shirt, but I can test it on an edge and then decide what to do with it," she said conversationally. The seller nodded, bringing it back.  "Thank you.  Where can I find the gold I need?"

"Six stalls up and one row over," she said with a smile, handing back the credit slip after running it.  "Thank you, Empress."

"No, thank you."  She walked in, looking back at Rethna.  "Is that one filled?" she asked quietly.  He checked it on his reader, then sighed and pulled out another one, handing it to Brast while he went back to deal with that issue.  "Thank you,"she called.  She went to the next stall to browse, getting a small something at most of them.  When she got to the one with the gold threads, she found a few more colors she liked so she got them too, and a lot of gold since it'd go so well and she used a lot of it.   They moved on through the market, stopping in the section with the jewelry.  She squealed at the sight one some of them, walking over to look at the cases.  "Brast, what do you think of this one?" she asked, pointing at a case.

"I think they'd have to be made in a metal you can tolerate," he noted calmly.  "I also think that Rethna would have to come back with the other chip."  He looked at the designs.  "I like that one."  The seller bowed, staying silent.  "Do you have it the baser metals? Or silver from the humans?"

"I like the quistian metals," she offered. "I can wear them without itching."

The seller waved them inside, showing her to a seat so she could pull out some of the things she had in that metal.  She laid out three necklaces and a bracelet in front of them. Brast looked at each piece, moving the bracelet and two of the necklaces off to the side. "Those, once we get the chip here."

"As you wish it, or we could bring it up to the palace," she offered.

Sivya looked at her faithful companion.  "Can you smell Rethna?"

He's not in this aisle. I'll get him, Sivya. He got up and trotted out, going to bite that guard.  She was happy, she needed to stay happy.  He found Rethna asking someone if they had seen the party and swatted at his leg, swishing his tail.  He led him back to the jeweler, letting him go in first.

"My Empress.  The Minister of the Household is sorry about that mixup."  He let Brast see the total on the chip he held.

"More than enough."  He paid for those three.  "Tell the others we're taking designs for heirloom pieces. That's more her style."

"And I do wear a collar," she noted, touching it.  The seller nodded, bagging those three up in fabric bags and handing them over.  Brast put the bracelet on her wrist and the others in his pocket. "Thank you for your patience."

"You will be a good customer," she reminded her.  They walked out together, letting her go gossip to the other jewelry sellers and designers.  This is the biggest benefit of having the palace here. Them and the courtiers would be here in another week.  She saw them looking at another stall and snorted as they only bought something small.  Then Brast had to help her to a seat and fan her.  She was not used to such intense heat apparently.  Very interesting.

"We'll take you back to the palace so you can cool off," he promised, fanning her gently.

"I'm fine."

"Don't argue," he said, staring into her eyes.  She got the clue to play along and nodded, smiling gratefully.  "Come, let's go back up to the palace."  Helped her up, letting her lean on his arm while they headed back.  Once there, he went to talk to the Minister of the Household about this credit mistake. Surely her allowance was more than that a month.  He tapped on the door and walked in.  "What happened this morning?  Also, pay Rethna for what we used of his."

"Of course, Lord Brast," he said smoothly, making a note to do that.  "What happened about what this morning?"

"You sent her a mere thousand gold for a tour of the market?"

The man nodded.  "That was standard.  She hasn't asked for more."

Sivya walked in and patted her husband on the arm. "Give me a minute, then we'll go look at my new guards."  She let him out of the office, then looked at him, unclipping the light deflector, which made him gasp.  "I'm a level Nine, Minister.  I do read minds, and feelings.  Were you behind that attack?"  He shook his head.  "At least you tell the truth in that," she admitted.  "I am doing what your fellow Ministers demanded.  So what is your problem?"  She clipped the light deflector back on, hiding the second collar around her waist and the chain joining the two collars. "Do you wish to turn over your position?" she asked when he stared at her.  "I like Kathal most of the time and he has said good things about you."

"Empress, that is the standard allowance," he started.

"I am a reader of feelings as well.  We are natural detectors of lies."  He groaned, holding his head.  "I am leaving this up to you, but I will expect your follower to do an audit and to tell me what has been going on."  He went pale.  "So I would fix it and retire quietly," she said firmly.  "Before someone else has to do such.  I will also be having a discussion with your husband in a moment.  I trust him and your wife."  She walked out, slamming the door behind her, heading up the hall to Kathal's office.  She knocked before walking in, slamming his door as well.  "Your husband is stealing," she said without greeting.  He looked at her in stunned shock.  "He's putting back everything he stole and fixing the other things he caused.  I like you, I adore your wife."

"Do you have proof?"

"We went to talk about the problem this morning.  A thousand gold to do a tour of the market?"  He blanched.  "Are we that poor?"  He shook his head.  "Was that normal?"  He shook his head again, groaning.  "I am a level Nine Thinker, Kathal.  I can read thoughts and feelings.  Like I said, I adore your wife.  I want her and you to stay.  You can keep him as a husband.  I won't dictate that, but expect someone to talk to him.  He had something to do with the attack.  He didn't sanction it, but he knew something.  I can't tell what."

"You did not read him like that?" he asked quietly, staring up at her.  She shook her head.  "Do you wish someone to?"

"No, but I expect you to fix it.  I won't put up with things like that, Kathal.  My first instinct is to pray and then attack back.  It's what you do in the hinterlands when attacked."  He nodded at that.  "Now, I'm not going to dictate what you do with him.  I'm not going to dictate that you dissolve your union with him.  I'm not like that.  I do want you to find someone to take his place and to do an audit to report to the both of us."

"Agreeable.  His second in command is very good and temple bred, the same as you were," he offered.  "Are you sure?  I can resign as well.  The stigma will be great, Empress."

She leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.  "That is up to you, Kathal.  Like I said, I love having your wife and you here.  She's wonderful.  I want six more like her.  I like you, we manage to work very well now that most of the understandings are together. I want you two to stay.  If you feel you can't, find me someone just as good who I can work with.  I'll miss you both, you're some of the nicest people I know.  I'll write you and your wife glowing reviews and help you find a new job if you want.  It'd hurt, I like your wife a lot. She always seems to know what I need and want."  He smiled gently at that.  "All right?"  He nodded.  "Then take care of that for me please.  I'm going to look over my new guards since Brast is now paranoid."

"He should be, empress.  Where there's one assassin, there's usually more waiting. Be safe."

"I intend to, Kathal.  As I keep pointing out, I'm not helpless, I just need some instruction to finish my self defense training."  She patted him on the head.  "By the way, how goes the search for a new First Wife?  Also Brast said he's staying for another year."

"The First Wife position is coming along well.  We've had an application and she is one I thought you might like.  I've opened a discussion with her on your behalf.  I've also had some of your maids and your second husband talk to her about what you're like.  She seems compatible. Have you considered taking one of your guards as a second husband?"  She blushed.  "You wouldn't have to do anything with them."  He smiled up at her.  "As for the paperwork for Lord Brast, I'll bring it to him later tonight with that suggestion."  She nodded and grinned before leaving.  He slowly leaned back, slumping.  He called his wife to his office, looking at her.  "He's stealing from the coffers.  She stated she wants to keep us, but he'll be retiring.  She stated over and over that she wants to keep us, or that she'll give us references if we must leave."

"I like her more and more," she agreed.  "She is very nice, but very strong willed.  How much?"

"I don't know.  I'm having his second do an audit as he takes over.  She said he's to report to both of us, not just her.  She also thinks he had something to do with the attack."  She winced.  "She said she won't make us dissolve our union, that she wouldn't do that, but that he's not to have a job here again."

"Agreed.  We'll see how it goes then.  If he's too harmful, he's convenient to get rid of."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Did she kiss you?"

"That same place.  She was putting out 'you're my friend' feelings at me.  She's so upset she's broadcasting."

"I'll warn her maid."  She smiled and left, going to warn the guard hidden as a maid, who was also a higher Thinker.  "Sivya is upset and broadcasting a bit," she warned the kitchen at large.  "Tell me if you feel anything odd so we can bring it to her."  They all nodded and that guard flinched.  "She'll be fine."

"She is very powerful.  She heard me thinking at someone about my date."

"She was over a bunch of priestesses before in a religion that values a celibacy vow.  I'm sure it was second nature to her," she soothed, patting her on the back.  "Back to work.  They didn't get to eat in the market today so they'll need lunch."  Everyone scurried back to their spots to get back to work, one of them stomping on a sand creature that had crawled in.  "Good, toss it back outside, let its own kind eat it.  We'll call someone to set up traps later."

"Remember, we're going to Riven next," one of the maids reminded her.  "They've got some smaller snakes there in the country."

"That's fine.  Each palace has its own challenges.  Tell your wife to set out traps."

"Yes, ma'am."  She went to do that.

~*~*~*~
 

Sivya looked at the guards standing at attention in the practice room, noticing how large they all were.  The tallest overshadowed her by nearly her whole chest and head.  The shortest was Lasarae, who was still taller than she was.  "They're all so tall and big," she said quietly.

"Good.  Bigger people often scare the stupid away," Brast told her. "How was Kathal?"

"He's found a good First Wife candidate for me he thinks.  He said if you're serious about staying another year that he'll bring you the paperwork later.  He'll have an audit done so we know how much we're supposed to have for trips like that. He suggested that one of my personal guards become a second husband."

"I like that idea," Lasarae offered. She nudged the extremely tall man next to her.  "He'd make a good pillow at night, Sivya."  The man looked stunned so she chuckled.  "We met up at the mall, lad.  Get over it."

"Is there anything new on that assassin?" Sivya asked the room in general.

"Excuse me, assassin?" one of the newly arrived guards asked in a high, squeaky voice.

"Last night.  He woke me up so he wouldn't ruin my last dream.  He didn't like it when I stabbed him."

"Where was your husband?" Lasarae asked, glaring at Brast.

"In his own bed, where he usually is," Sivya pointed out.  "I'm not helpless. Alia does believe in self-defense. I have taken some small lessons."

"That'll change," Lasarae agreed.  "I'll work with you tonight, Empress.  Before your procurer comes to you."  She nodded, smiling at her.  "Pick someone big and comfortable as a body pillow if you like that idea.  That would be their job unless Lord Brast takes his position that night."  Brast gave her a dirty look so she smirked.  "It is your job as her husband, Lord Brast."

"Quit picking on him, Lasarae, I don't want the same argument we had at the mall."  She looked at them. "They're all so large."

"There are two more, they're coming from Riven," Brast offered. "They were royal guards of the Crown there"

"I've seen a few of the guards there," she admitted.

"Are they going to wear those tiny cloths to cover their immensity?" Lasarae teased, making the Empress blush but giggle.  "It's all right, Empress.  I'm sure we can make sure that they're thick enough not to embarrass you."

"Especially if one of you ends up sleeping on the foot of my bed or wherever," she agreed, smirking at her guard.  "I like you."

"Thank you, Empress.  I live to serve and all that.  Personally, I'd pick the blond one.  He knows you and your weaknesses already.  He's also an excellent fighter, is a very good shot, and pretty enough to be on your arm."  The blond man blushed at that.

"He is," Brast agreed.  "That would solve some problems as well."

"I am unmated," he admitted.  He gave Brast a desperate look.  He didn't know how the man didn't touch that woman.  Brast gave him a long stare so he sighed.  "If it pleased the Empress and First Husband."

"I would never do that to someone against their will," Sivya reminded him.  "I am a Thinker."

"And then some," Lasarae noted.

"True," she agreed with another smile for her.  "Which I need to practice but there's not enough water here to do that."  She looked at the guards again. "I guess I'll be seeing you all on a rotating basis?"  They all nodded.  "Then I'm going to put my strings up and sort them out.  I'll be in my rooms."

"You are not to go anywhere without a guard anymore," Brast reminded her when she turned away.

"I've already been briefed, Lord Brast," Lasarae offered, walking off after her charge.  "Threads?"

"I make and embroider scarves in my free time  It's one of the ways I used to earn my own money while I was a priestess. It also gives my hands something to do while I'm reading."

"That seems reasonable.  Should I get your procurer for you?"  Sivya gave her an odd look. "It looks like she over-oiled your hair."

"It's a conditioning treatment since she knew I was going to go out today."  She shrugged. "If you think so."

"I do.  It looks like it's dirty.  Let me do that.  Go inside."  The guards saluted as they walked up. "Anyone go in?"

"The Ferganis."

"That's fine.  Go ahead."  She looked inside, doing a visual search. It was too early for another attack so she wasn't too worried.  She saw something shimmering in the corner and walked over to it, pulling off the light deflecting cloak, then kicking the idiot under it until he begged for mercy.  "Do you know him, Empress?"

"No," she admitted, looking down at him.  "You are?" she asked tolerantly.  He babbled something she didn't understand.  "I don't know what he said," she said, looking at her guard.  "Someone send in my translator!" she yelled.  Her translator, Melyn, came in at a run.  "Repeat that," she ordered coldly.  The man babbled it again and everyone looked at Melyn.

"I don't understand him, but it sounds familiar."  She pulled out her translator and attached it to her wrist computer.  "Repeat that."  He did and it spit out a written translation.  "Oh, nice.  He's here to kill you for making him use his rights. He was happier being a plaything."

"I make no one use those rights.  Next time, read the whole thing!"  She turned and stomped over to her table, where the bags were lying.  She tossed the jewelry on her dressing table and sat down to sort out the threads.  Most of them were already wound in a small skein for her use.  The rest were easily wound to her satisfaction.  She watched as the man was led out and her room was searched.  One of the guards tried to take her threads, so she snatched them back.  "They're not dangerous to me."

"Yes, ma'am, sorry, Empress."   He gave Lasarae a sideways look and went to check the bathroom.

She came over to sit and watch.  "What do you do with those?"

Sivya smiled and got up, getting a few of the scarfs that were in the stuff she had been sent.  "These."  She handed them over, testing the new ones against the pattern she had going.  A few were put aside so she could work with them later.  The rest were carefully put into her case of threads.

"Those are pretty," Lasarae said, handing them back.  "Were you planning on giving them as gifts?"

"I'm not sure what I'm doing with them.  I wouldn't mind selling them, that way I didn't have to go through the offices to get some spending money."

"Fat chance, dear," Lasarae said, giving her a smile and a pat on the wrist.  "I doubt it'll happen. You may be able to save some of them up and do a sale for charity," she offered at the crestfallen look.  "Or maybe you could convince one of the maids to sell them for you," she admitted quietly, glancing around.  "But I doubt it."

"I'll consider it.  For now, it'll keep my hands busy while I read and things."

"Empress, there's a new Ambassador coming in," a guard called from the doorway.

"Do they need to speak to me?"

"No, Empress, but you do have to acknowledge them."

"They'll call when they're ready to be acknowledged," Lasarae told her.  "Tell them to do so."

"Yes, ma'am."  He saluted and repeated the message.

"I'll get your procurer," she said quietly, going to do that.  She came back with the old woman, who led Sivya to the bathroom to do something about the conditioning treatment in her hair. Before she had to appear in front of someone important.

~*~*~*~
 

Brast looked up as the guards joined him in Sivya's room, looking around.  "What happened?  It looks like someone brawled in here."

"We found another attempt, sir," the door guard said sheepishly.  "He was under a light deflecting cloak.  Lasarae found him. He's in custody.  She's meeting the new ambassador in the throne room. He decided it was an insult that she didn't run out and immediately fall at his feet crying to thank him for bringing her problems."  Brast moaned.  "She sent word that he could send word whenever he was ready to be met."

"Which seems practical. Most people are tired when they come in," one of the new guards offered.

"You'd think, but he was upset that she wasn't there to greet him.  It's not like we knew he was coming or anything, but he's a diplomat."

"Wonderful," Brast complained, heading that way with the guards.  "Who's got today?"  Three raised their hands.  "Good.  You head in there and take your usual spots. Let's see how she reacts."  They hurried ahead.  He heard a yell and sighed, but it was the Ambassador's guard who had tried to attack and had been defeated.  "Empress, your new guards are here at your disposal.  We'll begin the training tonight," he said while she watched the Ambassador soothe his mate, who was crying.  "Is he all right?"

"He's fine.  Who are those thugs?"

"The Empress' personal guard," he said dryly. "Since there have been attacks and all."  His face went pale.  "We do have a few healers here if he needs one."  He sat beside his wife's leg, leaning against her throne.  "Are you all right?"  He looked up, noticing that her hair was covered by a scarf.  "That's very pretty.  One of yours?"  She nodded.  "It goes well with your outfit."

"Thank you," she said with a small smile.  "I'll hopefully be finishing my new one tonight."  She looked down at the Ambassador.  "Is he all right?"

"Just fine, Empress.  Thankfully your guard was gentle."  He helped his guard up, patting him gently.  "It'll be fine.  With your leave?"

"Of course.  I'll see you at dinner tonight.  I expected most of you would want to settle in first anyway."  He nodded, walking off with his injured guard.  She sighed once he was gone, slouching some. "How many more Ambassadors are coming?"

"Sixteen within the next two weeks, Empress," one of the scribes offered. "There's three here now.  Him, Rraaaaal, and the Ferganis."

"He's not an ambassador but we can treat him like one," she admitted.  "You might ask him if he needs anything."  He nodded and sent someone to see to that.  "Any others today?"  No one said anything.  "Once more, or I'm excusing myself.  Any others today?"

"A parent with a complaint about who his daughter wants to marry," one guard admitted. "Those are usually taken care of by the Ki however. They were misdirected.  They're using our communications gear."

"Good."  She smiled and got up, trotting down the stairs, going to do something about her hair.  Her procurer was waiting for her with the dryer and brushes. She slammed the door before the guards could come in. "Hey, Hotarao, need anything?"

No, I'm fine, this is a comfortable sleeping spot, he said sleepily. Have fun with the hair.

"Not really.  I hate this stuff."  She walked into the bathroom, closing the door.

The cat huffed in laughter, looking at the guards that came in. She's dealing with her hair.  It is best not to get between a woman and her grooming habits.  My mate bats, this one doesn't have claws for it but I'm sure she can find something else to do. He looked at the man who came over to him. Yes?  You needed something?

"You are very pretty."

Thank you, but only pretty two-foots may pet me, he said smugly.

"Fine.  You're still very nicely conformed.  May I paint you sometime?"

As long as you don't paint my fur funny colors.   He put his head back down on the pillows and sighed in pleasure. I need to import this to the new world.

Brast snorted as he walked in.  "Comfortable?"

Very.  Your wife is dealing with her hair.  She'll probably swat you if you disturb her.

"Probably," he agreed, heading into his room.  He came out with someone and handed him over.  "Sleeping on my bed."  He looked in the closet.  "We have a formal dinner tonight."

"Don't remind me, I hate them," Sivya called back. "Ow!  Knot!"

"Sorry," the calmer voice said.

Brast shook his head, looking her closet over.  He pulled out three outfits and took them into the bathroom.  "Which one?"

"The blue one," the procurer suggested.

"Sivya?"

"I don't care."

"The blue one it is," he agreed, going to put the rest back and hang that one up.  He saw the odd looks.  "She doesn't like to deal with her wardrobe."  He got the jewelry he thought and laid that out as well.  "There, that'll make it faster."

The guards all looked at him.  "Sir, isn't she experienced in that?"

"No, she's a former priestess of Alia."

"Who are much tougher than you'd think," one of the last ones in noted calmly.  "I've run up against someone hiding in one of their temples.  Needless to say it took the Space Marshals to get him. We were all injured when we left.  It took one of us telling them what he was wanted for to give him over."  Brast gave him a long stare.  "That was on Riven, sir."

"You've been there?" the blond man asked.  "How long?"

"Six months.  I was very conscious I was taller, stronger, and more dressed than every other person on that planet."  He smiled.  "But the priestesses were very nice. Was she there when I was?"

"I don't know. Sivya?" Brast asked as he walked toward the bathroom again, standing at the door.  "Were you on Riven when they had to remove someone from the temple?"

"That was two years after I left, but I cheered them on."

"One of the guards here was one of them.  He said there was a reason."

"I heard that as well, but my priestesses were still quite efficient."

"They were," the guard muttered.  "Very efficient.  I nearly didn't walk for a week."

Brast nodded.  "I figured as much."  He tapped on the door and stuck his head in.  "Everything's laid out."

"Thank you, Brast," she said sweetly. "How does it look?"

"Wet," he offered. He shrugged. "I'm sure it'll come out fine."  He looked at her.  "Not too slick."

"Of course, Lord Brast."  She picked up a pitcher of water to dampen down a spot, so she could clean some of the oil out of it.  "You like the dry look on her?"

"I do, but manageable."

"Of course. That serum is not that shiny."  She smiled at him.  "Do you need help with yours?"

"No thanks, I like my hair the way it is."  He left before they worked on his too.  The guards snickered so he frowned at them.  "I don't need to do more than tie mine back.  Those who have dinner, gather yourselves, it'll be a long dinner.  Those who don't, sit.  Don't touch her scarf- making stuff.  She uses it to do something with her hands while she reads."  He went to his room to pick out his clothes.  He had a nice silver shirt that would do well against her outfit. Some subtle pants in black silk and he was done.  He heard her come out and got himself ready.   By the time he was done, she was having her hair done. "Put the long pins in there, or other suitable weapons," he ordered calmly.  "Just in case."  He looked at the guards, who were looking anywhere but at her semi-naked body.  "Sivya, clothes?"

"Once my hair's up.  Otherwise it'll be tangled up in them.  This way it's easier."  He nodded, going to get her makeup person.  She came in and bowed, then babbled with the procurer about the outfit and what would look best.  "Enough!" Sivya said finally.  "I have a headache already. No more discussing, just do it."  The woman looked hurt.  Sivya touched her on the hand.  "If I could, I'd send you in my place.  The Ambassador earlier gave me a headache.  Just make it subtle and easy to take off later."

"How did he give you a headache, Empress?" her makeup doer asked as she worked on the eye coloring she'd use.  She saw the necklace and winced.  "So you are a higher Thinker?" Sivya nodded.  "That is understandable then.  I will try to quiet my thoughts."

"Usually I don't care, just not when I have a headache.  I'll become grouchy," she said with a small smile.  "I'm sorry I yelled."

"That was not a yell," she promised with a small smile of her own.  "Trust me, I have been yelled at in the past.  You don't sound at all like my teachers or my Father."  She dusted the powder over her eyes and stepped back. "That's too dark."

"Do something to highlight," Brast ordered.  "Not to match the outfit, but to draw out her own features."

"Stage makeup?"

"Nothing quite that heavy," he said as he got up, coming over to help her.  He wiped off that application, then pulled out what he would use.  The woman looked hurt.  "Gentle.  Remember, she's a former priestess.  Gentle, soft colors that bring out the color of her eyes and enhance her lips."  The woman nodded, doing as ordered.  "Thank you.  Sivya, do you want something for your headache?"

"No, I'll be fine with some food," she said quietly.  "Are you all right? I heard I was broadcasting earlier."

"No, you're not broadcasting at me," he promised, stroking down the side of her cheek with the back of his hand.  "Finish getting ready.  It was a short night of sleep."  She nodded, letting them finish her off.  "Put on the rest of your clothes as well," he ordered as he sat down again.  He looked at the guards, who were bright red.  "You can wait by the door," he offered dryly.  They went to wait in the hallway.  "You scared them, Sivya."

"I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to snap at her.  I'm sorry, dear."

"It's not a problem. That ambassador gives many of us headaches.  Always demanding and nothing is good enough for him."  She dusted the last of the lip powder over her lips, then stepped back.  "There, that looks natural."  She let Brast see.  "How's that?"

"Excellent.  Keep it like that unless it's one of those Ambassadors where she's supposed to be that heavily made up."  She nodded, bowing before leaving.
 

The procurer stopped her fussing, stepping back to admire her creation.  Which promptly fell.  She groaned and moved back to try it again.  "I'm sorry about that, Empress.  I thought those pins would hold."

"Let me," Brast offered, coming over to help.  Together they got her hair up and pinned in place, then anchored more securely.  At the end, he helped her to her feet, watching as she got dressed.  He was trying hard not to stare at her, but he wasn't going to manage it this time.  "How did you get that scar?"

"A tunnel collapse while I was working in the catacombs on my first temple.  I was almost fifteen. I spent the day before my birthday being the unwilling visitor to a great many healers, as I had the three days prior," she said with a small shudder.  "At least it was only me that got crushed and not the books and files."

"Was that before you were confirmed as a priestess?" the procurer asked.

Sivya nodded, and her hair came back down.  "Just wind it up," she sighed, sitting down again.  Brast came over to help again, and this time they clipped it with the clips that wove between the two hairs, it would hold the braid securely in place, even if she had to run or fight.  She shook her head when they stepped back and nothing moved.  "Good!"  She stood up again, looking at herself.  "Okay, am I ready?"

"Jewelry," Brast pointed out.  She put on the jewelry.  "Scented oil?"

"In the bath.  I was waiting for it to lessen, another good reason not to get dressed right away."  She smiled at the procurer.  "Thank you. Have a good night."  She walked out with Brast, nodding at the guards.  "Are you going to be sitting around me or standing behind me?"

"We'll be around the room, Empress," one of them offered.

"Good.  Onward to the Ambassador.  Hopefully Rraaaaal has pictures of his new cub."  She smiled at the Ferganis waiting in the hallway.  "I would be delighted if you would join us, Hotarao. If you can sit in a room full of diplomats."  He huffed in laughter while following the group.  The doors were opened for her and she smiled.  "Sorry to keep you waiting."  She smiled at the new ambassador, squealing in pleasure when she saw the small baby in his arms. "You brought him back."  She trotted over to look at the baby, smiling down at him. "Hello, little one.  How are you tonight?"

"Sleeping, finally," Rraaaaal said dryly, smirking at her. "Thankfully."  He kissed her on the cheek, nuzzling her gently.  "You look nice, Empress.  Lord Brast," he said, smiling at him.  "My Husband just brought our son in.  I did not mean to steal her attention."

"It's not a problem," he promised, looking at the child. "I'd wondered if you were born furry or not.  It appears you are."

"Very heavily furred," he agreed.  He gasped as the other being with them sat down in front of him.  "Lord Ferganis," he said, kneeling in front of him.  "Are you a shaman?"

A hunter, Ambassador.  I am here to help protect the Empress because one of our young was distressed greatly at the word of the assassin last night.   He nuzzled the baby. He is very strong.  I can already hear him.  I wish you much joy, my own female cubs give me such.  Hopefully yours is easier than my last one was to raise.

"Thank you, Great One, for your blessings," he said with a gentle smile. "If you would like, you can eat as part of our family tonight.  I would not mind in the least."

"Go ahead," Sivya encouraged.  The baby woke up and looked in her direction, then started to fuss. "That's my usual cue to leave," she said with a smile.  "They all hate me when they're awake.  I'll see you later, Rraaaaal.  Be safe."  She walked off, going to talk with the other Ambassadors.  She shook the newcomer's hand.  "Sorry.  I've been looking forward to seeing his new child."

"It is very pretty," he agreed calmly.  "You showed great affection for him."

"Rraaaaal was one of my first friends here."  He nodded at that.  "Did you bring any petitions with you?"

"Only one, to stop food shipments to Thristian."

"Why?  They've had a drought now for two years in a row."

"Because they aren't that bad."

"Then I'm sure there are procedures in place to look at such complaints," she offered.  "I can talk to Trocken for you if you'd like."

"No, I can do such myself," he agreed.  "Did you meet with him?"

"I did.  He was here when I got back and they are having great trouble. By his account seventy percent of the harvest was not in as expected.  Either not growing or stunted."  He nodded at that.  "I did not sense any dishonesty during that time."

"You are a Thinker?"  She nodded, looking wise.  "Ah.  Then you do scan those you talk to?"

"I can't turn off the ability to sense dishonesty.  It is the one thing that marks all who feel others feelings.  There's no way to turn that off."  He smiled slightly.  "I don't intentionally do so though, I do have ethics.  I was taught very well at Alectran."

"That's good to know.  I look forward to talking to you again, Empress.  You should probably greet the others."

"I should," she agreed, smiling at him.  "I'll see you later."  She walked on, going to talk to the others in the room.  She made another stop to look at the child, but he started to cry again so she backed off.  "Sorry, I'll admire from afar."  The fathers both laughed, but let her go.  When they sat down to eat, she smiled at Brast. "I told you children hated me."

"It seems they are not fond of you," he agreed, smiling up at her.  "Are you feeling okay?"

"Out of sorts but nothing else."  She smiled at the waiter as he came over, letting Brast accept their plate, as usual.  She sent a silent prayer to her Goddess, knowing that her behavior tonight was not acceptable.  It was like she was becoming as jaded as some of the ambassadors were.  Everything she believed in was now on its ear and things were making her change in ways she didn't like.  She would have to work harder on that. She felt the subtle nudge and raised her head, taking the first bite so the others could eat.  "Sorry, I was asking for a moment of attention later."

"Did you need to talk?"

"No, more that I need to talk to Alia."  He gave her a curious look. "I'm not the woman I was when I came in and I don't like everything I've done, so therefore I need to meditate a bit."

He nodded.  "That seems reasonable.  Remember, you can talk to me."

"Thank you."  She ate another bite and held a piece down for him.  "You should eat as well. I know you didn't get lunch."

"I'm fine."  He sipped the water, then grimaced.  "That tastes like it wasn't filtered."  He put it aside and went back to eating.   "They changed some of the seasonings," he noted, holding up another bite.  She ate it, smiling down at him once she had swallowed.  "Are you sure your headache isn't getting worse?  You look like you're in pain."

"No, I'll be fine."  She leaned back against her pillow, calming herself.  She almost frowned when some very unhappy thoughts came through.  She looked around but Yerthes wasn't there.  "Where's Yerthes?"

"She's on vacation this week."

"Oh. I didn't remember she had asked for some time off."  She took another bite, eating it slowly, nibbling while she searched out the reason for the unhappy feeling.  She looked over at Rraaaaal's family, then sat up.  She concentrated on the different mind. Hotarao.  Can you hear me? She got a feeling of yes and he looked at her while flicking his tail. I can feel a great many unhappy and angry people.  Guard the baby.   That got another tail flick.

Are you sure? he sent back.  She nodded slightly. Then the baby should probably go rest, and of course the fathers would have to do that. He broke contact with her mind, then looked at the people around him. The baby should be put to bed, Ambassador.

"Is he ill?" Rraaaaal asked.

There are a great many unhappy people around.  The baby should go to bed. He flicked his tail again.  The ambassador caught the clue and stood up. I will come with you. He got up and walked the ambassador over to where the Empress was sitting.

"Empress Sivya, excuse us, but the baby is fussy and I was going to put him to bed.  May my party be excused?"

She looked up at him and she knew he could read the fear in her eyes.  "Go in peace, may he be a healthy little guy."  She smiled at him.  "He has my blessings."

"Thank you, Empress. It means a lot to us."  He left, taking his party with him.

"What's going on?" Brast asked quietly, sounding casual.

"There's a great many unhappy people in the room behind us.  I'm not taking a chance," she said quietly.

"That's fine."  He took another sip of water, then stared at it, and up at her.  "You think?"

"I know," she admitted.  She looked at the guards, who were also edgy.  She clapped her hands.  "Because I have a headache, I will be excusing myself as well.  Rraaaaal's son was fussy so he left.  Please, enjoy the rest of dinner and make sure you give thanks tonight for the patience of the child not screaming all night."  That got some smiles and laughs.  "Brast and I shall retire now.  Have a pleasant evening."  She stood up and helped him up, walking him off toward the other hallway.  It would take them by the main entryway, but the healers were that way so it wasn't fully unexpected.  They got the doors closed before Brast started to feel oddly.  She could tell, he wasn't stepping quite as surely.  "Take him back to my rooms, guard him," she ordered Rethna.

He shook his head.  "Now.  I've got others, he doesn't."  Rethna glared. "Now, that is an order."  He took Brast off, but he didn't realize she had stolen his blaster until he got him back to the room and noticed the holster was empty.  Sivya looked at the remaining guards.  "In the room we were sitting against are a lot of very unhappy people, people who wanted to be very angry."  They rushed off and she went to the throne room.  It was fairly defensible.  No one else was in there.  That meant no one else could be harmed.  She heard shooting and sent a silent prayer for her skills and an apology for how she had been acting.  She knew better and if she lived she'd reform her behavior.

She saw the first person come through the door and braced herself.  He was a guard.  "Go with the others.  I can protect myself."  He turned and shot at her so she shot back, wounding him.  "I do hope you're not one of mine."  More people dressed as guards ran in, and she knew none of them were her guards.  She pulled the blaster up again, shooting at those running toward her.  She screamed as one of them hit her on the shoulder, but got him back.  She heard more people running as more entered and hoped it was someone to help. She was running out of charge on this blaster.  She'd have to recharge it for him if she lived.  She saw two people who could only have come from Riven and nodded at them, firing at the person shooting at them.  They got them and one of them rushed for her, taking the blaster and sitting her down.  "It's nothing," she said quietly.  "Just a scrape."

"Those are called grazes and they are not to be on your body," he chastised in a low, warm voice.  He stood up and shot the rest of them, stopping when one of them let out a wordless scream.  He figured he was another real guard.  "You're hers?"

She looked and nodded.  "He is.  Brast was poisoned.  I'm not sure if it was the water or the meat.  I feel sluggish too."  She let them help her up.  "Thank you for the timely appearance.  I think I'd like to rest now," she said, going a bit limp in the guard's arms.  "I hurt.  Could we possibly get a healer as well?  And make sure Rraaaaal's son wasn't hurt?"

"Worry about yourself at the moment, Empress, the ambassador's son is fine.  He's not old enough to eat anything other than milk," one of her guards offered, picking her up and carrying her back to her room.  He took the blaster from the guard and put it on the dresser after checking it.  "I'll get the recharge cord and switch them out with his other one," he promised, getting out of the way as her maids came running in.  "She's got a graze.  Clean it as you would a slight burn or a scrape.  Get Lord Brast's charger and bring it here.  Also, get his second blaster and give it here."  They looked scared, staring at him. "Now, before more come."  They rushed to do as they were ordered, coming back to take care of everything.  The guard looked at the others standing around.  "I will sit here.  Go.  Check the others and clean up that mess.  She knows of me."

"You guarded Stephanis."  He nodded.  "I do know of him.  He is good and honorable."  They nodded, leaving them alone.  "You volunteered?"

"I did.  Especially when I heard you were going back next year, Priestess. Anyone who could handle that unruly mass at the celebration and not get hurt or flustered deserves my respect.  Now lie there like a good injured warrior."  He pulled a chair over, sitting down so he could cross his arms and scowl at the door.  He flipped his shoulder-blade length black hair back over his shoulder, then went back to scowling.  "How many of these have there been?"

"This makes three.  The first was an assassin last night. Then someone was found in my room, then this.  Fortunately I felt them being very unhappy with everything around them."

"I doubt those heathens have ever been happy about anything and I know the Goddess of Follicles does not like them by the looks of their hair."  She chuckled at that.  "Truly.  They had horrible hair, and therefore they were very bad in their last lives and not much better at making up for it this time.  Rivena would hate them on sight by the look of their hair alone."  He nodded to settle that in his mind and went back to scowling while her shoulder was cleaned and salved, then bandaged.  "She'll be fine, there's no need to cry like that," he said, staring at the crying woman.

"It's fear and shock," Sivya pointed out.  "Many non-combatants are like that.  I feel like crying myself."

"Go ahead if it makes you feel better, Empress.  It is normal.  It was my mistake for misjudging your maid's reasons."  She nodded, but didn't start crying.  Someone knocked on the door.  "What!" he demanded.

Rethna walked in, looking at Sivya.  "Is she all right?  Does she need a healer?"

"You are?"

"That's Rethna, I had him guarding Brast since he was drugged or poisoned.  Which was it?"
 

"Both, the water was the key decider.  If you drank the water, the other would work on you. The healers said it was a mild sedative.  He'll be fine once he wakes up, just grumpy probably."  He knelt beside her bed.  "I'm not going to tell him what you were doing," he said quietly.  She smiled at him for that.  "I can't swear the same about the others however.  You did good, but that was our job, Empress.  Yes, you did very well getting them to die, or be injured, but even to draw them off that way was dangerous.  They could have shot you each and every time.  I do not know why they didn't or why that one only hit your shoulder.  Do you have something I should know?"  She took off the light deflector, making him nod in understanding.  "Very well.  In the future, do not do such foolish things.  Head back to your room.  This room is much easier guarded and it would have had the same effect.  Even though you ordered me this time, next time I will not follow it, Sivya.  My duty is to you, not to your husband."  He stared in her eyes, seeing the understanding.

"Thank you, Empress. We will have information for you by the beginning of day."  She smiled and stroked his cheek.  "You rest.  You need to rest. If they're this brash and stupid, there's probably more of them."  Rethna got up and looked at the guard.  "You are to stay there.  I don't care if you have to pee on the floor."  The guard nodded.  "Good. I'll put a double guard on the door.  Protect her.  Her husband will be quite upset in the morning, do not let him get to you about it."  He walked off, not slamming the door.  He looked at the guards.  "The remaining of her personal guards are to be here and only here. I do not care if they are in birth, as long as they walk, they are to be here until I say otherwise.  Not her, not Lord Brast, me."  He stomped off, going to find the others and order them.

Lasarae was found in her rooms asleep and rudely awakened.  "Better be damn good," she muttered as she sat up.

"The empress was attacked right after leaving dinner," Rethna told her.

"I'll be in her rooms personally," she agreed. "Her husband?"

"Drugged.  It was in the water and meat at diner.  It's already been taken care of.  She drew people away from the others and to the throne room with her husband's blaster. She has a single injury.  I do not care if you are in birth, you are to be with her at all times.  Even if you sleep on the foot of her bed or beside her."  She nodded, sliding into clothes.  "Good.  Go now.  Fortunately, the two from Riven showed up. One of them is in there.  She vouched for one of them.  He used to be a royal guard for their Ki."  He left her, going to the infirmary.

Lasarae buckled on her blaster holder and walked out, pulling her hair up as she walked.  "So much for a nice first week," she noted as she walked past the second husband.  "Are you all right?"

"Fine," he squeaked.  "Is this normal?"

"No, this was an attack, sire.  Go back to your room.  Things are in the clean-up stage."  He scurried back to his room with the First Wife, who was hiding from her wife's ire.  She nodded at the guards and was let in.  She looked at the other man.  "Go to the bathroom while you have the chance.  I'll guard her.  She is brash, but somewhat skilled."  He nodded, getting up to do that, while she took the seat beside the bed.  "Sivya, are you all right?" she asked patiently.

"Fine.  Just one minor scrape."

"That's fine. We'll be working with your skills once Yerthes comes back and we will definitely be teaching you how to shoot better.  Even if you're not supposed to kill, protecting yourself in self- defense is always better than missing and injuring them."

"I cannot, Lasarae.  I may kill to feed and clothe myself but for no other reason. Teach me how to wound them seriously so they can't get back up and try it again."

"Very well.  I will be doing so."  She checked Brast's gun, plugging it in correctly.  Then she got comfortable, her feet up on the edge of the bed. "Rest, now, Sivya.  You need to sleep.  He's going to yell tomorrow."

"I'm getting up first," she said wisely.  "I know better than to be here when he gets up.  He's still mad that he wants to touch me but won't."

"Men are difficult to understand.  Honor has nothing on this man's willpower.  Were you my wife, I'd have bedded you each and every night, if only so I could keep up with you the next day."  Sivya snickered at that, swatting at her.  "Rest, now, Empress.  I can hear Rethna outside."  She obediently closed her eyes.  "What was with Rraaaaal?  I heard he left early."

"I felt a lot of unhappy people who wanted so much to be angry," she said quietly.  "I sent him away."

"Very well.  I'll tell the others that."  She got up, heading to the door.  "In case it has escaped any of you she sent Rraaaaal away since he had his infant son with him.  That is also where the Ferganis is probably.  Remember her background, children are precious and that species is very slow to breed."  Rethna nodded.  "She did say so."

"I figured as much.  Is she all right?"

"Sleeping.  You?"

"Sore.  You're in charge until Brast wakes up.  I'm going to get a few grazes looked at."

"That's fine, she said it's going to be a long day tomorrow so she doesn't get yelled at."  She closed the door and went back to her position, noticing the other guard was now sitting on the foot of her bed in full meditative pose.  "Good, you rest there. I have the feeling one of us will end up being her second-level spouse by the end of the week."

"I am mated to my vows," he said quietly.

"Fine.  I'll remind them of that when they ask.  I still say the blond guy.  He's cute."

"He's also severely injured.  I saw him fall with a shot to the lower back."

"I'll check on him tomorrow," she offered.  "You rest for now.  I just got up."  He nodded, allowing himself to rest for a few moments.  "How many more this week?" she sighed, looking at the other occupants on the bed.

~*~*~*~
 

Brast woke up and blinked at the unfamiliar bed. It had been a while since he'd woken up somewhere unfamiliar. He looked around, but everything was fuzzy.

"Lord Brast," one of the maids said gently.  "You were drugged last night during dinner, a sedative."  He moaned as he sat up.  "Our orders are to let you sleep as long as you want.  If you are ready to get up, I will get you tea and call Rethna in."

He looked at her, squinting some. Now he remembered.  "The fight?" he asked tiredly.

"Was handled," Lasarae said from the bathroom.  "I've drawn you a bath, Brast.  Your wife is already off doing other things."  She got him up and into the bathroom, sticking him in the bath before he could complain about anything.  That woke him up and he shouted at the cold water.  She smirked at him.  "Are you clear headed now?"

"Much better," he admitted, turning on the hot water.  "What happened?  Have her send me in some tea."

"Sure.  Food?"  He grimaced and shuddered.  She went to the door.  "Send in some tea and Rethna if you can find him."  She nodded, going to spread that order around.  She closed the door.  "Do you want the good news or the stuff that Rethna won't tell you?"

"What happened?  Was she injured?"  He started to stand up but she held up a hand.  "What happened?"

"Yes, she was slightly injured.  She's got a new graze on her shoulder.  It's already been healed.  You passed out, she gave you to Rethna, do you remember that?"  He shook his head.  "The drugs were in the water and the meat.  The water was the thing that made the meat work."  He groaned, rubbing his face.  "You might as well wash up, Brast, it's not much better from here and you'll want to be clean when you chase her down."  He looked at her.  "She took one of your guns.  She went to the throne room since everyone else was headed for the ballroom."  His eyes narrowed.  "She's a decent enough shot, I'm sure she can be taught how to hit a target somewhere painful enough to stop them the first time. The guards from Riven are here by the way.  Ones' been sitting on your feet all night."

"She took them on?" he asked quietly.

"No, she drew them away from the other people and went to a room she felt she could protect," she corrected.  "Where she ended up shooting a good few of them," she finished. "She will not kill, but she has agreed to learn how to wound.  Are you teaching her or am I?  Since you are the better shot."

"I will kill her," he vowed quietly, clutching the cleaning cloth in his hands.  "She's fine?"

"One graze.  Top of her shoulder, already healed."

He controlled his anger, getting clean as quickly as he could, then he got out and took his tea with him to find his wife.  She was outside with the animals, surrounded by the goats they used as a food source.  They were nasty and would eat people, but they seemed to be staring at her.  "They won't save you," he said in a cool voice.

"I'm not looking forward to having one of them inside anyway," she admitted.  "I was picking out the next one to be taken for food."  She pointed at the older one.  "Him."  The handlers nodded and captured him, dragging him off before he could do more than bite another of the goats and nip in her direction.  She climbed over the fence, looking at him.  "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine.  How's your shoulder?" he asked, still sounding very upset.

"I'm fine, Brast. I did what I thought was best.  I've already been yelled at and someone is going to be teaching me how to shoot better.  Or so I've been told.  Did you want more tea?"

"Sivya," he snapped, moving closer, leaving his cup there. "You knew better than to go into a dangerous situation by yourself.  You are too valuable to risk."

"No I'm not.  Besides, I didn't think there'd be that much trouble.  I went to a place where I knew I could defend myself.  The guards took on the rest. I got most of the ones I aimed at.  Only two were missed and the guards got them."  He grabbed her by the arms and shook her. "Brast!"

"It was stupid and you knew it at the time," he hissed.  "You do not go into dangerous situations.  That's why you have guards and me."

"You were passed out and they were handling most of it!" she protested. "I did fine!"

"Hush!"  She looked at him so he calmed himself, lowering his voice.  "You should not have to shoot at people. If your guards are fallen, yes.  Not to draw people off.  You could have died.  Then what would happen?"

"Constantine would take over."

He shook her head.  "Not the point!"  He growled as he let her go.  "You are not to be in a situation where you can be shot at!  Never!  That is not what you're here for!  That's what the rest of us are here for!  I do not wish to go to your funeral this year!"

"Fine, then you take the crown," she said calmly, taking it off and handing it over.  "There, now they can shoot at you."  She turned and walked off, heading for a private spot she had found in the gardens.

He was staring after her when someone came by and took the crown from him. "Rethna," he said, glaring at him.  "Did you hear her?"

"I did, I also heard you threatening her.  You might not want to do that again.  Some people will try to charge you since they do not like her having you by her side."  He patted Brast on the back once he had handed off the crown to one of the guards.  "She did what she thought was necessary.  You and I need to teach her more and better.  She was not bad, but she shows bad judgement, the same as any first year cadet does."  Brast nodded, leaning on the fence.  "Now, calm yourself and go get dressed. Everyone would expect a worried husband to search out his wife before he dressed himself.  Now that you've made sure she was fine, you can dress, eat, and join us in the practice area.  She needs to be a better shot.  She'll only allow herself to wound."  He walked off, going to find her.  It wasn't that hard, it was an open area this time.  He sat down beside her.  "Are you ready to learn how to fire, Sivya?" he asked patiently.  She put down the thing she was working on.  "It is time.  Before something else happens."

"Of course. Here?"

"Inside.  In the practice room where you met the guards.  Do you need an escort?"
 

"Is this a test?  You told me I wasn't to go anywhere without one."

"Yet you crawled in with the goats without one."

"They would have protected me.  Unless someone was shooting from a distance."

"Exactly.  Now head inside.  There are two guards waiting."  She nodded, gathering her things so they could go back into her bag.  He watched her go, then leaned back against the tree she had been leaning against.  It was very nice here and very calming.  No wonder she had sought it out.  He forced himself to get up and head inside to teach her.  Before Brast could start yelling again.
 
 

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