Most days, being Dì èr was a chore. I understood it was human nature that people needed rulers to establish codes of conduct. I also understood that, as a neohuman, I represented every person’s hope for themselves. I loved that my role put me in a position to improve the life of our citizens, but normally, I disliked being treated differently from them.
But today? Today I could make an exception.
Not for myself, but for the treasure walking beside me. Wylie deserved a celebration more than anyone else I knew. I would give her gifts and throw her parties every day of her life if I could. She made me the luckiest person alive.
We descended into the circular courtyard extending from the tower. A path spiraled downward toward the center, blue-green moss shimmered between the steps, and a water fountain depicting an enormous bird rose from the pool, a fish between its beaks. The fountain hadn’t been working when last I saw it, but today, it bubbled happily. Colored glass in the pool’s basin created simmering sparkles of light in the flowing water.
As we made our way downward, countless people patted our shoulders and wished us well. A male singer had joined the female, their combined voices soaring high into the air so the sound seemed to float down all around us. The celebrants fell quiet as we reached the bottom.
Our Servants filed to our left, while Archibald and Natalya stood to our right. Father and Mother waited for us in the center, in front of a dancing fountain. One day, there would be a perfect match, at which time the prophesied blood crown would be activated. Until then, the Prem’yera each wore a gold crown made of three simple entwined circlets. As Wylie and I drew near, I knew something wasn’t right.
My mother was unnaturally pale, and she clung to Father not out of love and solidarity, but for support. I reached out to her telepathically, but she only smiled serenely at me while denying me access. I tried to read her eyes, but she gave nothing away.
“Welcome, citizens, one and all!” Father called out in an amplified voice. “Every parent desires their children to be happy, and for many of us, that includes finding a partner who will raise them up and be their helpmate throughout their lives. For us, that desire is magnified as such a union marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new, evolved human race.”
Mother swayed, and a few people in the audience gasped, but Father tightened his grip around her waist and continued.
“How fitting that we mark the occasion of Finn and Wylie’s first bonding, here on our new world.”
Wylie tensed, and when I cast her a glance, she wore a look of horror on her face. Maybe seeing my parents reminded her of what had happened with Suzette last night—something we had yet to discuss or report. I rubbed my thumb over her hand, hoping to convey comfort and peace, but I needed that bond now.
I shook my head. I knew I looked grim with my lips pressed into a thin line, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Mother. We must look a pair, Wylie and me, with such serious expressions.
“A world so bright and full of hope, it will bless us and our progeny forevermore,” Father continued. He paused for applause and cheers, but they were underwhelming. Surely, Father could see the people’s concern for Mother.
Archibald moved silently to Mother’s side and helped her sit on a small chair behind Father. I had never seen her sit while Father stood. Ours was a diarchy, always ruled by two equally, and my parents had always been careful to maintain the appearance that they ruled together as partners.
Wylie gasped and squeezed my arm.
“What is it?” I hissed, but she had no time to answer.
“And so it is with great joy that Serantha and I present you with Wylie Shudra, Dì èr Finn’s preferido. All in favor of this union, express it by raising your right arm in the square.”
As Wylie and I turned to receive the vote of the people, she held on to my arm in a vice-like grip. She shouldn’t have worried—the people not only raised their arms in unanimous agreement but cheered so loudly and long that we were both laughing by the time we faced the Prem’yera again.
To my relief, Mother and Father also laughed, and she looked much better now that she was sitting. Father stepped forward and gripped my right hand in both of his.
“It seems my son has chosen well, and you approve with resounding confidence.” Father’s eyes, mirrors of my own, glimmered with joy, and as the people cheered again, I felt my concern and worry slip away.
It was extremely uncommon for Dharma caste to fall ill, as our nanos were adept at eradicating viral or bacterial threats to our health. Nothing about Father’s, Mother’s, or even Archibald’s demeanor suggested there was anything to worry about.
“Wylie and Finn,” Father said, drawing my attention back to the moment and the reason we were there. “For all the pomp and circumstance, this event is rather simple. But do not let that trick you into thinking it is not essential and one of the most important things you will do in your lives. I know you are young, but Serantha and I have spoken with you both at length, and we are confident you are ready to become one.
“Do you agree?”
The amphitheater was perfectly silent as Wylie and I shared a smile and said “Yes,” at the same moment. Gentle laughter scattered around us, making the moment even more perfect.
“Then let us begin. Face one another,” Father said. When we did as he asked, he continued, “Finn, extend your right hand, palm upward.” Father gazed intently at me, and I extended my hand. He turned that same direct gaze on Wylie, but she remained focused on me.
She was truly beautiful. More than beautiful—extraordinary. A part of me wished her hair was loose, its wayward curls moving about her face, but it was also nice to see the expanse of warm brown skin from her neck to her soft cheeks. Her ears, which I couldn’t recall seeing much of before, were fascinating, and all I wanted to do was nibble them. A rosy glow slowly appeared high on her cheeks, and I wondered if she could somehow already read my feelings.
“Wylie, place your right hand, palm down, on top of Finn’s. Be sure the connection between you is complete.” I knew Father would employ technology to carry his voice to the onlookers, but he kept his voice low during the ceremony. It gave us the illusion of privacy and reverence.
“When you are ready, son, you may begin.”
My stomach roiled with anticipation as I held Wylie’s gaze with my own and began the transfer, sending batches of my own nanos into her through our pressed palms.
“Wylie, do you accept the transfer?” Father asked.
Wylie nodded once and said, “Yes.”
“Then you may begin your own transfer,” Father said.
Wylie shifted her weight, and I sensed her nervousness, but already my symbionts were finding purchase within her, so I communicated love and fearlessness through our growing bond. She gasped and her eyes widened, and suddenly a flood of nanos flowed through our connection and into my body. I grinned, overwhelmed with joy.
“I take it you accept the transfer, Finn?” Father asked. I heard the grin in his voice, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Wylie. My preferido. My partner. My wife. It wasn’t quite official yet, but there was no doubt in my mind—or in hers, I now knew with certainty—that she was mine, and I was hers.
This first transfer constituted one-third of the total symbionts we would share, taken in equal measure from each of three systems—our health, our minds, and the psionic centers of our minds, which would allow us to not only speak telepathically but to locate one another and share emotions. It was over in moments.
With his connection to me, Father severed the transfer, saying, “That is all for today.”
Wylie and I stared at one another, both of us feeling enormous regret that we couldn’t complete the bond. I knew she felt as I did because I could feel her. Relief and joy flooded through me as I discovered the extent of her love and commitment, and I knew she was experiencing the same thing.
Her eyes overflowed with tears, even as her cheeks were damp from those already spilled. I’m sure I had shed a few tears too. I stepped right up to her and pressed my forehead against hers. “Always,” I whispered and willed her to feel my love for her.
“Citizens, please join with me as we celebrate Finn and Wylie’s joy!” Father took hold of Wylie’s left hand and moved her to my left, forcing me to move as well.
To my surprise, Mother took my other hand, lifting it up at the same time. Relief lightened my heart, but I couldn’t speak to her, not just yet.
“There is just one step left to complete today, then we invite you to join our celebration in the courtyard,” Father said. “For as long as the Prem’yera wear the blood crown, you will know the bond between them is solid and unbreakable and that you are being led by two minds in complete agreement with one another.”
“Finn, Wylie.” Mother’s voice carried over the assembly, giving nothing away of her health. “Reveal the first circlet in the blood crown as you recite the first Prem’yera oath.”
I squeezed Wylie’s hand, and, using her symbionts alone, created a red circlet in the skin of my forehead. It took Wylie a moment longer than me, but when she accomplished the task, I felt her pride even while I watched it play across her face.
We faced the people and spoke in perfect accord: “Our bodies are yours, in defense of your physical rights, your freedom, and the nanotechnology that lives within each of you. We commit ourselves to ensuring that you and your posterity live in safety and peace.”
The crowd leaped to their feet, clapping, feet stomping. Before the bond, all I had were the thoughts she shared. Now, I not only heard her, I felt her. Everything she was, everything she felt, it was all shared freely. The bliss of it nearly drove me to my knees.
The formality of the gathering dispersed, and soon, Mother and Father had left our sides to mingle with the citizens. Despite her pale complexion, Mother seemed better, though I was glad Archibald kept close, just in case. Up in the courtyard, we visited with people from all castes, and while I wanted a moment alone with my preferido, it was wonderful to connect with so many of our citizens.
“Willow!” Wylie tugged on my hand and led me toward a Shudra woman standing at the edges of the party. “I’m so glad you came.”
The woman blushed but bowed as low as she could with a child clinging to her neck. “Preferido,” the woman said meekly. “I wanted to congratulate you.”
“Thank you!” Wylie said brightly. Through our symbionts, I understood she wanted to put this woman at ease, to help her recognize we were really all the same. “I’d like you to meet my bonded—oh stars, that’s the first time I’ve said that!—Finn. Er, Dì èr Finn.”
Again, the woman bowed even more deeply. “It is my honor, Dì èr.”
“Finn, this is Willow,” Wylie said when Willow straightened. “I haven’t told you yet, but I purchased one of Willow’s pieces at the market the other day. She’s a truly gifted artisan.”
This time the flush on the woman’s freckled face seemed more of pride than shyness.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Willow. And I look forward to seeing your work.”
Before she could respond, Wylie said, “And this is her wonderfully precocious child, Fallon.” Wylie patted Fallon’s back. “Hey, Fallon. Remember me? The girl with the crazy hair?”
This roused the girl’s interest a little, and she lifted her head from her mother’s shoulder to look at Wylie. Her head dropped back down, not exactly the picture of precociousness.
“Are you still not feeling well, sweetie?” Wylie asked as her eyes met Willow’s.
Willow swayed, rubbing circles on her daughter’s back. “I thought she’d be better by now, but she seems to be getting worse.”
“I’m so sorry,” Wylie said. “Be sure you take her in to see a physician—with that illness going around, you can’t be too careful.”
“Of course, Preferido. We’ll go there right after this.”
“Feel better soon, Fallon,” Wylie said. As she spoke, she brushed the girl’s hair back from her neck, which was sticky with perspiration. White spots were clearly visible on her brown skin. Wylie shared a glance with me, and I felt her anguish radiate through the bond. “And come see me when you’re feeling better, okay?”
The child didn’t respond, but the mother said, “Thank you, Preferido. Dì èr.” She semi-bowed to each of us. “Congratulations on your union. We are all so happy for you.” She walked away, leaving Wylie and me watching after her.
I squeezed Wylie’s hand. “We’ll figure it out.”
We didn’t need to voice aloud the harsh reality that it may very well be too late for Fallon—and possibly my mother.
“You finally got your man,” a familiar voice said from behind us. Wylie and I turned to find Birch, wearing his blue uniform and a genuine smile. Wylie dropped my hand and shared a hug with our friend. It shamed me how much it pleased me to feel through our bond that Wylie truly did not harbor any romantic feelings for him.
When she pulled back, Birch said, “And you—I hope you know what a treasure you have in her.”
I smiled inwardly at Birch’s comparison since Wylie was my love—my treasure. I pulled Wylie to my side and smiled down at her. “Oh, I do. I really do.”
Birch clapped his hand on my back good-naturedly. “I honestly didn’t think it was possible, but I respect you for not bowing to convention, instead choosing a preferido for love. We, the little people,”—he gestured at the sea of people, mostly dominated by green and blue clothing—”are proud. She’s one of ours, ya know?”
Our society should not be divided like this. Every soul was equal. I nodded anyway because I knew that our reality had strayed from the ideal our forefathers had envisioned. “I understand. But there was never anyone but Wylie for me.” I knew Wylie felt as passionate about redesigning our caste system as I did, which made bonding with her even more perfect.
I drew circles on her back as we talked with Birch, only half-listening to the conversation. My parents had focused on finding a place for our people to settle, and they’d accomplished that. Now that we were here, it was time to create the ideal society.
What should I tell him?
“What?” I looked down at Wylie, who, I realized, hadn’t been looking at me. Belatedly, I realized she’d spoken through our symbionts.
Birch laughed and slugged my shoulder. “How soon can you two get outta here? I’m sure you’d like some alone time.”
Wylie gave her embarrassed laugh, and I felt my own cheeks heat. After all, he wasn’t wrong.
“I was just talking to Wylie about the place we found. Has she told you yet?”
Now I understood what she’d asked me. “She told me about it, yes. What an amazing find, Birch. I’ve already requested that the discovery be named after you.”
Birch’s whole countenance brightened. He straightened and there was a lift to his chin, a twinkle in his eye that bespoke pride in his discovery.
Thank you, Wylie said. I squeezed her waist again.
“Really?” Birch laughed. “Here I thought I might get in trouble for thinking outside my caste.”
I cringed. This was Birch, I reminded myself. He couldn’t help himself sometimes. “Well, there might be a penalty for stealing a light bike, but . . .”
He shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels, his grin nearly splitting his face in two. “Yeah, yeah. But it was totally worth it. It really is so cool, man. I was just asking Wylie when she was going back there because I’d really like to accompany her—if that’s okay with you.”
The thought of Birch joining with one of those dragons terrified me, but now was not the place or time to throw down absolutes like “thou shalt not approach the ledge.”
“I’d love to go there this afternoon if there’s time. We’ll comm you and see if you can join us.”
“Yes! I bet the Brahmin guys I work with could spare me for a bit. Stars, there they are now. Looks like it’s back to work for me.” He nodded over my shoulder, so I turned to look, catching sight of three people in the purple of the Brahmin caste.
While I watched, a woman raised her arm and gestured for Birch to follow.
“Thanks for coming, Birch,” I said with all sincerity.
Then he surprised me by throwing his arms around me in a tight hug. “Take care of her, man. She’s the best of all of us.” And then he was off, shouting a belated, “Congratulations!” at us before disappearing into the crowd.
“Whew,” Wylie said. “I had no idea how that would go.”
I looked down on her, this beautiful, bright-eyed, happy girl, and let myself revel in just how lucky I was. “I think we’ve mingled enough, and it looks like people are heading back to work, anyway. What do you say we get out of here too?”
“We can do that?” she asked.
“We can do anything.” We laughed as we moved through the crowd, first slowly, then faster and faster until we were running by the time we hit the lift. We couldn’t actually do anything, but it was the first of our bonding days—it felt like anything and everything was possible.