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Ninallia slept curled next to Tegani. When she closed her eyes that night, she felt safe for the first time in many days. Her feelings of safety evaporated the next morning. She woke early from hunger and decided to go downstairs and check out the breakfast options. When she arrived on the first floor she was greeted with a sight that made her want to race back upstairs. There were Imperial soldiers in the hallway.
The hostel mistress was flushed with anger. “I run a very respectable place. I tell you there is no girl fitting your description here. I will not disturb my patrons at this hour.”
“I’m afraid we must insist,” growled the taller of the men.
“I’ll get my parents, mistress,” Ninallia said, turning and going back up the stairs. “My mother will not be pleased at being rousted from her sleep.”
On her way to the room she was met by Sister Tegani who demanded, “Where did you go?”
Ninallia tried to catch her breath so she could speak. A couple came down the hall, so she nodded toward the room.
Houston appeared sleepy and relaxed. He stretched, wearing only his pants, then scratching his chest. In the forest of tiny spikes, random gray hairs stood out against his dark skin. “I told you she went looking for food. She didn’t eat last night.”
Ninallia glared at them. “Imperial guards are downstairs asking about me. We have to go out the back.”
He shook his head. “That’s what we don’t need to do. They will be after a lone woman, not a married couple with their son. It’s better we go down; we can leave later.”
Tegani said, “I agree. If we run, they’ll know there are three of us, and your disguise will be useless.”
Ninallia saw the truth in what they were saying, but she was terrified. What if one of the men could tell she wasn’t a boy? What if they seized them all? She helped the Sister into her outer robes and followed them down the steps.
“Keep your chin up. You’re a spoiled young boy. Don’t act afraid, or they will think we have something to hide,” Sister Tegani said over her shoulder.
Houston crossed his arms and looked menacing. Sister Tegani went up to the soldiers and berated them. “My husband is a very important man, and our credits are good. Why are you harassing this fine mistress and disturbing our peace?”
“We’re sorry, my lady, this is Imperial security business. We have to check visitors.” He glanced at Houston and Ninallia. “You and your family may go, mistress. Sorry to have disturbed you.”
Other patrons of the hostel were being rousted and brought down. Tegani marched back up the stairs followed by Ninallia and Houston.
“I’ll send you a breakfast up at no charge,” called the mistress of the hostel.
Once inside the room Ninallia was consumed with a fit of giggles, and tears streamed down her face.
“No giggling. Remember you are a boy.” Sister Tegani laughed.
Soon, Tegani and Houston discussed what to do. Sister Tegani maintained they should stay in the city until spring thaw. Later they could head for the Temple City. Houston wanted to get Ninallia off planet as soon as possible.
“I would like to see the...” Ninallia stopped. The news feed was broadcasting the deaths of two young women. She recognized their faces. They were two of the women from Madama Ector’s hostel. Tears of sadness trickled down her cheeks.
“You knew them?” Sister Tegani asked. She placed a hand on Ninallia’s shoulder as she nodded in misery.
How many more people were going to die? There were ways to end a pregnancy. If Ninallia were no longer carrying the heir, the Royal Nephew might leave her in peace. Somehow, she knew aborting the baby wasn’t the answer. Madama Ector willingly gave her life to protect the royal heir.
There was a small knock at the door, and Ninallia jumped. When Tegani opened the door, a young girl stood in the hallway with their breakfast. “Enjoy this with the compliments of the house and our apologies for the disturbance this morning.”
Tegani gave the girl a credit chip. Their tray contained pastries, fruit, cheese, bread, and strong tea.
As they enjoyed the meal, Tegani and Houston agreed it would be safest to leave the Imperial City. Sister Tegani suggested they travel toward the Temple City and stop for the winter in a small town at the foot of the Great Mountains.
For the next two days, Tegani and Houston gathered supplies while keeping their ears open for news. The Royal Nephew was spinning a story of collusion and betrayal. He blamed two neighboring kingdoms for planning the assassination of the late emperor. He even hinted at other more ominous villains.
At the end of the week, Ninallia and the others boarded an early transport train headed south of the Imperial City. She watched the city speed by. Houston appeared to be dozing in the seat across from her, and Sister Tegani was reading.
As the Imperial City disappeared behind them, the view was filled with smaller towns and villages. Ninallia felt safer the further from the Imperial City they traveled, forgetting she was supposed to be a boy. She squeaked in alarm when there was a loud crash outside their berth. After a simple breakfast she relaxed against the seat and soon drifted off.
She woke to Tegani shaking her gently while Houston retrieved their bags from the overhead. Ninallia yawned and stretched as she got to her feet. After hours of sleep, her body was stiff. She was also sick.
Covering her mouth, she ran for the bathroom. Waves of nausea wracked her stomach. She threw up her breakfast and what seemed like the last three days’ meals too. Afterward she felt better and opened the door. Tegani stood there with a concern on her face.
“I’m okay. It’s morning sickness.”
Tegani patted her shoulder. Ninallia was slender and could hide the pregnancy for a while yet, but knew one day deception would no longer be an option.