The master tugged at the bottom of the doublet, his face scrunched up in frustration as the new garment insisted on riding up around his soft belly.
“Why must we conform with these ridiculous fashions?” Alexis growled to Steward Stolt as the two men waited to be announced. “What charter did we sign that said Station Thraen dictates the clothing trends of the System?”
He pulled and pulled at the doublet, his anger rising higher and higher with every tug.
“And did we not send my dimensions to their tailor?” Alexis snapped. “If so then this blasted thing must have shrunk during shipment!”
“I understand your frustration, your highness,” Stolt said as he resisted the same urge to worry at the hem of his own doublet, a new style of garment many of the various stations’ nobility had begun wearing the previous season. “But we are here to keep friends and find you a new match. Not to have worn our gifts would be a massive insult to Master Paul.”
Stolt looked about and made sure they were not being eavesdropped on.
“And my sources have confirmed what we have all heard,” Stolt grinned. “That Paul the Fair has expanded considerably over the years. Not just in his famed cruelty, but in his girth as well.”
“Has he really?” Alexis smiled, not feeling so self-conscious about the extra fifteen pounds he had put on since last seeing the monarch of Station Thraen. “Perhaps the sizing of this thing was on purpose?”
“So we all look to have ill-fitting clothing and a little extra around the middle?” Stolt smirked. “Sire, would a master stoop so low just to satisfy his ego?”
“No, never,” Alexis laughed as they stepped up to the entrance of Station Thraen’s great hall.
“Master of Station Aelon, Alexis the First!” the porter announced. “Accompanied by Steward Stolt of Sectors Kirke, Shem, Maelphy, Bueke, Gormand, and Trint on Station Aelon.”
There was a large round of applause as Alexis bowed low, showing that even at the age of forty-two he could still exhibit grace. He straightened up and strode with purpose down the middle of the hall towards where Master of Station Thraen, Paul IV sat with his third wife, Carmnella.
“Your majesty,” Alexis said as he bowed again. “It is an honor to be invited to your son’s Blessing Day.”
“I must wonder why you decided to attend this one, Master Alexis,” Paul said, his cruel eyes hovering over a broad, empty smile. A smile nearly hidden in folds of indulgent fat. The master shook his head and his heavily jowled neck became an earthquake of flesh. “I have four other sons, all who had Blessing Days before this. Not to mention that you couldn’t join me during my coronation either.”
Alexis looked up from his bow at the master then turned his gaze to Mistress Carmnella.
“Nor did I attend your three weddings,” Alexis said as he stood straight. “But if I had known the mistress would be this beautiful I would have dropped all matters of station and flown a shuttle here myself.”
The mistress blushed and ducked her head. Alexis couldn’t help but notice that her movements were away from Paul and not towards him. The master had to wonder what cruelties the woman suffered at the hands of her husband. He’d seen similar behavior in his grandmother when his grandfather’s ire was up.
“Master Alexis had wanted to attend every single occasion, your highness,” Stolt said as he moved in to smooth some of the tension. “But the life of a master is beyond complex and busy, a fact you are well acquainted with. Which is why we missed you at the funerals of Alexis’s wife and children those many years ago.”
“Or the wedding of my daughter Esther to Zaik, Minor of Klaerv, just last year,” Alexis said. “We masters are so, so busy.”
“Ah, yes, do give my regards to the minoress on her nuptials,” Paul said. “Landing the heir to the crown of Station Klaerv? What an honor. I’ve always thought of Station Klaerv as such a quaint monarchy, living so close in the shadow of the much larger Station of Ploerv.”
A few of the Thraenish attendants hid snickers behind gloved hands and Paul feigned anger and disgust instantly.
“I apologize for my court’s reaction,” Paul said. “You know how Thraen can be. We are just too prideful for decorum sometimes.” Paul leaned forward. “But I am sure you know of what I speak since your late wife was Ploervian. She must have known all about the inadequacies of Station Klaerv. I am willing to bet she would have objected to such a union if she had been alive.”
There was an audible hush from those within hearing distance. Even the snickers went quiet at that statement.
“Which is one of the reasons Master Alexis is here with you today,” Stolt said, hoping to head his master off before the Teirmont anger could raise its head. “Master Alexis has decided that the royal crown needs a partner once again.” He turned and spread his arms wide, taking in the entire hall, then looked over his shoulder and beamed at Master Paul. “And where else could my master hope to find a more pleasing sampling of royalty and good breeding? The court of Station Thraen has always been known for its standards when it comes to those who are considered the most noble of nobility.”
“Which is why we like to include even the Aelish,” Paul laughed. “To balance out the beauty!” He raised his hands high then slapped his thighs with a force that made the fat on his legs jiggle and roll. “I kid! A grand joke for such a grand guest! I hope you take no offense to my humorous ways, Master Alexis. We masters rarely get to jest back and forth.”
“If I take offense at your words, Master Paul, you will be the first to know it,” Alexis replied.
Stolt looked from one monarch to the other, his eyes trying to gauge the tenor of their moods. He had informed the shuttle crew to be on standby in case a hasty exit needed to be made.
“Well, hello there, Master Alexis,” a woman in her late twenties said as she walked up to the royal party. “Such a pleasure to see you again. Time has been very, very kind to you.”
The woman wore a wide, flowing dress of delicate breen thread like nothing Alexis had seen. Almost iridescent in color, shining bright blue then green then yellow all in a single blink, the woman drew every eye in the hall to her. Her auburn hair was pulled up into a tight bun that was studded with sparkling jewels from Thraen Prime. The woman’s brown eyes watched Alexis closely and waited for his response.
“I...I am sorry, my lady,” Alexis replied. “I am not sure we have had the pleasure.”
“Oh, we have had the pleasure,” the woman laughed. “You had the pleasure of meeting me when I was but eight years old. I had the pleasure of you saving my life. Although, I have to admit it was sort of your fault I fell prey to that attack that day since it was intended for you.”
Alexis studied the woman’s face, noting every curve and angle, dimple and ridge. He puzzled for several seconds as the woman waited patiently.
“Meredith?” he asked at last.
The woman curtseyed, but did not lower her eyes. “At your service, sire.”
“My, how you have matured,” Alexis said. “Of course I knew you would be beautiful one day, but I had no idea just how beautiful. It is always a pleasure to see one’s expectations exceeded. Your husband must be full of pride.”
“If she would take one,” Master Paul snapped. “But somehow she has will to match her beauty. Don’t you, dearest of sisters?”
“I’m sorry, but I am confused,” Alexis said, looking from Paul to Meredith and then to Stolt. “I was under the impression you had married Steward Gramblitt of Station Haelm. Was that not part of your terms of treaty?”
“It was,” Paul said, his voice cold. “But dearest sister here decided it was not a match for her. Thraen was lucky we were not plunged back into war, but Steward Gramblitt happily accepted the hand of my sister, Edwina. She is not as fair as Meredith, but she is younger by a decade and much more suited to producing heirs to those vast estates Gramblitt holds on Station Haelm as well as Haelm Prime.”
“He smelled of gully fish and honey wasp liquor,” Meredith said as she leaned in close to Alexis so only he could hear. There were instant whispers at the improper familiarity she took with the master, but she ignored them and instead looked up into Alexis’s blue eyes. “I believe I deserve more than a steward who doesn’t understand the meaning of proper oral hygiene.”
“I believe so as well, my lady,” Alexis said as he took the minoress’s hand and kissed it gently. “It would be a crime to have a woman such as you clouded in a miasma of Haelmish stench.”
Stolt cleared his throat and nudged the master. “The Haelm delegation is directly behind us, sire.”
“Good,” Alexis said. “Then they can witness how a woman such as this deserves nothing less than the highest royal honor, not another greedy steward looking to elevate his position within his station.”
Stolt looked back at the stricken and angry faces of the Haelmish royals and tried to give them a reassuring smile.
“Master Paul, with your permission, I would be honored if your dearest sister would sit with me this evening during the feast,” Alexis said, Meredith’s hand still held within his own. “Unless you find objection to my attempt to make up for my previous royal neglect?”
Paul and Alexis stared at each other as only two monarchs could until finally Paul broke the gaze and waved his hand.
“Please do, Master Alexis,” Master Paul said. “It would honor me if you would entertain my sister for the evening. I do warn you that she can be a handful.”
“I am counting on it,” Alexis said and turned quickly, leading Meredith away from her corpulent brother.
Stolt was left standing there with his mouth agape, trapped between an irritated Thraen master and an irate delegation of Haelmish royals.
“I, uh, well…” Stolt stuttered. He bowed low when he couldn’t find words.
“Begone, steward,” Master Paul said. “I will fetch you when I am ready to discuss business.”
“Yes, your highness! Thank you, your highness!” Stolt said and hurried away as fast as he could to find his seat.
* * *
The two royals watched as the other nobility and members of station proceeded to attempt the steps of the newest dance.
The women twirled about, having pinned bright blue ribbons to their dresses, while the men stood stock still, nodding in time to the drumbeat. The melody of the song seemed to repeat itself over and over and over until it came to an abrupt halt and the men fell to their knees, hands out in supplication. The women mock-tittered, then turned and hopped to the center of the hall.
“Can a dance make one sick to one’s stomach even if one is not participating?” Meredith mused. “I may need to fetch a porter and relieve my distress with some mid-course regurgitation.” She turned her head and appraised Alexis. “Unless your highness enjoys this sort of thing. Then I apologize fully.”
“I do not,” Alexis replied. “My interest in forced gaiety left me several years ago.”
“About the time your wife passed, I would suspect,” Meredith said.
It was Alexis’s turn for appraisal and he studied Meredith’s face, looking for the smirk, for the sneer. But she only raised her eyebrows at the master then lifted her glass.
“I hate to waste time on the important matters,” Meredith said. “Your love for your wife was legend. I have to know if it still burns or if there is room for another fire in your life.”
“Legend?” Alexis asked. “When was my love for Eliza legend?”
“Oh, please, Alexis,” Meredith said, going straight for the informal. “Bards have written songs about it for over a decade now. Maidens spend nights listening to the words, wishing they had what you had, while exploring their baser selves.”
“Is that so?” Alexis smiled. “I never knew.” He lifted his own glass and clinked it against Meredith’s. “Were you one of those maidens that explored the baser self while listening to a fool’s romantic notions?”
“Perhaps,” Meredith said as her free hand found the top of his thigh under the table. “But I have never needed a prompt or excuse for such actions.” She grinned and took a long drink from her glass then tapped it on the table so a servant could refill it. “Nor would I consider those actions base. I’ve always thought I possess a certain skill that elevates me above other women.”
The servant’s eyes went wide and he hurried off as soon as the glass was full.
“It’s good to see you are just as shy now as when I first met you,” Alexis laughed as his hand found hers and gave it a squeeze. “I would have hated for you to lose your innocence and tact.”
“Tact is for the passengers,” Meredith replied. “What’s the point of putting up with all the shaowshit of being a royal if you have to be restrained by tact? If I have learned anything from my brother, it is that royals and tact need not be bedfellows.”
“Then who should be bedfellows?” Alexis asked then turned to look across the hall before she could answer. “Perhaps that man and that woman there?”
“Sector Warden LeFlique and Madame Guntheest?” Meredith laughed. “It would take that man an hour just to find his own cock, let alone her jenny.”
“Jenny? Is that what Thraens call it?” Alexis grinned. “Interesting…”
“Those two. See? Now they would be well matched bedfellows,” Meredith pointed to a table where a diminutive man and a grossly obese woman sat, each looking in opposite directions. “The sexual tension is almost too much to bear.”
“She’d crush him!” Alexis guffawed.
“Then he would be wise to think through his approach,” Meredith nodded. “Perhaps a rear assault would work best?”
Alexis just shook his head as he tried not to choke on a sip of brandy. Meredith politely patted him on the back until he had himself under control.
“Oh, dear, I almost killed the Master of Station Aelon with crude humor,” Meredith said. “Who knew I was so deadly?” She looked into his empty glass. “Another?”
“Oh, at least,” Alexis said as he held his glass up and it was instantly refilled. “Leave the bottle.”
The servant looked at Meredith then set the bottle of brandy between them.
“Do you enjoy your drink regularly, Alexis?” Meredith asked. “Or are you merely a social indulger?”
“I can put away a bottle now and again,” Alexis said. “But I do not partake as much as I used to. I’ll admit to quite a bit of debauchery during my lost years, though.”
“Your lost years? That was when you sent your children down to Helios to live on Aelon Prime, am I right? That must have been hard to do.”
“Keeping them with me would have been harder,” Alexis said. “For them as much as for me. I was not in my right mind for a good long time after I lost Eliza and the others.”
“No, I would think not,” Meredith sighed. “And did the drinking work? Did it wash away the grief?”
“Of course not,” Alexis said. “Only time can do that.”
“Good to know,” Meredith said. “Although I hope to never find out personally.”
“Do you not want children?” Alexis asked.
“Oh, I do, very much,” Meredith said. “I just don’t want the heartbreak that can come with them.”
“It is worth it,” Alexis said. “In some strange way, at least.”
“Do you see him?”
“Who?”
“Your son Alexis,” Meredith replied. “Does he visit the station often or do you visit him on your prime?”
“There have been visits,” Alexis frowned. “Not as many as there should be, but we enjoy each other’s company when we can.”
“And is he as tall and strapping as his father?” Meredith grinned.
“Much more so,” Alexis admitted. “He is a very handsome young man. Fair-complected like me. Perhaps an inch or two taller, even.”
“Already? How old is he?”
“Thirteen. No. Fourteen? My Helios, I can’t remember my own son’s age,” Alexis laughed as he downed his brandy. “Probably a side effect of those lost years.”
“Years of debauchery,” Meredith added. “Your son is so young to be so tall.”
“It’s the way of the Teirmonts,” Alexis shrugged. “We grow big.”
“Do you?” Meredith responded, her hand moving along his leg. “Is that so?”
“It is,” Alexis nodded, letting her do as she pleased. “I would never brag about something that could so easily be disproved.”
“Sire?” Stolt interrupted as he stepped up behind the master. “I believe Master Paul would like to discuss business now. Shall I tell him you are coming?”
“Must we do that now?” Alexis asked. “I have been sitting here enjoying the minoress’s company.”
“Which is why Paul wants to talk now,” Meredith said, keeping her eyes averted from the sight of her brother sitting at the front of the great hall. “He’s been watching us have fun and now wants to take that away. One thing you must know about my brother is he is perpetually five years old and hates it when others have fun that he is not a part of. He will kick your sandcastle over, Alexis, for no other reason than just to see you cry. Be warned.”
“I know how to protect my castles, my dear,” Alexis said as he reluctantly stood up. His lips found her cheek and brushed it lightly. “I protect everything I care for.”
His words sent a small shiver down Meredith’s spine and for the first time that evening she looked like she was at a loss for words.
“Yes, well, he is waiting,” Stolt said, unsure of what he had witnessed. “Shall we, sire?”
“Lead the way, Cousin,” Alexis said as he rolled his eyes and then winked at Meredith. “You will be here when I return, I hope?”
“Oh, I have no plans to abandon you, Alexis,” Meredith replied.
“Good,” Alexis said and bowed low. “Until then, my lady.”
Stolt waved towards the front of the hall and Paul gave a perfunctory wave back as the steward and master walked towards the Master of Station Thraen.
“You seem to be getting on well with the minoress,” Stolt said. “She seems like a lovely person. You know who else is a lovely person? Stewardess Vla—”
“Stop, Cousin,” Alexis interrupted. “I have no interest in any stewardess, no matter what wealth and holdings she has.”
“But, sire, part of why we are here is to shore up Aelon’s treasury,” Stolt said. “And in order to do that we must find you a match that has sufficient resources.”
“And the entire station and Prime of Thraen is not sufficient enough for you, Stolt?” Alexis asked.
“Sire? Minoress Meredith is out of the question. Her reputation as a firebrand precedes her. I believe, if you must choose from Station Thraen, perhaps one of Master Paul’s less spirited sisters would be better suited for Aelon’s needs.”
Alexis stopped and looked at Stolt. The steward tried to smile, but the withering gaze Alexis gave him made it difficult.
“Or you could do as you see fit for the station, sire,” Stolt said quickly. “Your happiness is always what is best for all of Aelon.”
“It’s also what is best for you, Cousin,” Alexis stated. “Always keep that in mind.”
“Oh, I do, sire, no worry there,” Stolt said then gestured towards the waiting master. “Shall we complete the main part of why we have come to Station Thraen?”
“Yes, please,” Alexis said, looking over his shoulder at where Meredith sat, her eyes watching him closely. “The sooner we conclude this part the sooner I can get started on the next.”
* * *
She slammed him up against the wall as soon as the door closed to her quarters. Their mouths pressed hard against each other, as did their bodies, while their hands fumbled at laces and clasps.
“Damn this dress!” Meredith snarled as she pushed Alexis away. “It takes three of my ladies to get me into the stupid thing!”
She grabbed Alexis by the collar and yanked him back towards her mouth. She nearly devoured him as his hands lifted her layers of skirts only to find even more layers.
“Use your blade,” she gasped.
“I plan to,” he replied.
“No, moron, your actual blade,” she laughed. “Cut me out of this Helios forsaken dress!”
Alexis stepped away and grabbed the hilt of his short blade. It was a ceremonial one, only brought out on official business, but it was still plenty sharp.
“Are you sure? That is quite the dress,” Alexis said.
“You’ll buy me another,” she said as she turned around and pointed to the long row of laces that went from the nape of her neck all the way down past her lower back.
“Will I?” Alexis chuckled as he hooked the tip of the blade under the very bottom lace. “That’s presumptuous of you.”
“This entire encounter is presumptuous,” Meredith laughed. “There is only one way forward from here, you know. Too many people saw us leave the hall together, stagger down the passageway together, and will soon hear how loud we are together. You will ask me to be your wife and you will buy me a new dress.”
“I don’t think we have anything as beautiful as this dress on Station Aelon,” Alexis responded, not quite grasping what she said, as he slit every lace up her back with a quick swipe of his blade. “But I will make sure to change that.”
“Yes, you will,” Meredith said as she turned about and shimmied out of her dress.
She stood there in her undergarments which hugged her long torso and muscular legs. Alexis was on her at once, but she shoved him back, her eyes looking him up and down.
“You’ve seen me in my dainties, now let’s see the legendary Master of Station Aelon in his,” Meredith smirked. “Fair is fair, Alexis.”
“You don’t want to see this old man’s broken body,” Alexis replied as he stepped back from her.
“Alexis,” Meredith said as she moved towards him and took his hands, pressing them to her chest. “If this is going to go where I think we both expect it to go, then you’ll have to undress in front of me at some point. Husband and wife can’t remain modest for long.”
“Husband and…” he trailed off, finally catching up and realizing the true implications of what was occurring. “So you would consider it?”
“Consider it?” Meredith laughed. “I’ve dreamed of it since that day on Helios. I was a minoress rescued by a master. Please, you can’t top that for an adolescent girl’s fantasy.”
“But we barely know each other.”
“Oh, shut up,” Meredith said as she gripped his tunic and tore it open. “You know familiarity plays no part in matches of royalty. We should feel lucky we feel anything for each other at all.”
She pulled his tunic off then struggled not to gasp at the stained dressing that covered part of his side and abdomen.
“Is that…?”
“Where I was stabbed on Helios by a traitorous gatekeeper and then stabbed again by the rebel Lucas Langley,” Alexis nodded. “Damn thing refuses to heal all the way. I have to clean it daily and be careful not to allow any contaminants to get inside. It’s a burden that I do not wish to force on anyone.”
“Burden, my ass,” Meredith smiled as she led him over to the bed. “Lie down. I’ll clean it for you now.”
“That’s not necessary,” Alexis said as he tried to pull away from her, but was firmly shoved down onto the mattress. “I should leave. I’m afraid I have spoiled the mood.”
“Again, shut up,” Meredith said as she went to a side table and fetched a washcloth and basin of clean water. “You don’t know me well enough to say what mood you have spoiled. Perhaps I like to tend to weak and feeble older men?”
“Weak and feeble?” Alexis laughed, grabbing her in his arms and pulling her on top of him. “I’ll show you weak and feeble.”
“Not yet, you won’t,” Meredith smiled softly as she extricated herself from his grip. “Let me take care of this, since you have neglected it today obviously, and then perhaps I’ll let you prove my words wrong.”
Meredith carefully removed the dressing and tossed it aside. She studied the wound, which was streaked with black lines and wept a clear liquid from the edges. She hissed at the sight, but didn’t let it stop her as she wet the washcloth and set about gently cleaning the wound from edge to edge.
“You are a different sort of woman, aren’t you?” Alexis asked. “I wonder why no other man has snatched you up.”
“Because I haven’t been waiting for another man,” Meredith said as she rinsed the washcloth and started again. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Have you now?”
“I have,” she nodded. “And not very patiently. I do hope you aren’t offended when I tell you that I lost my maidenhead a long while back.”
“I’d be surprised if you hadn’t,” Alexis laughed.
“And what does that mean?” she glared. “Is his highness calling me a slut?”
“On the contrary,” Alexis replied. “A slut is a woman that indiscriminately gives herself to men. I highly, highly doubt you do anything indiscriminately, nor would you give yourself away. You take what you want, and that is not a slut, but a woman with confidence and power.”
“You have no idea how sexy you sound right now,” Meredith smiled as she finished her second round of swabbing the wound and set the cloth and basin aside. “Luckily for me, you are all clean. Let me redress this and then you can experience my confidence and power.”
Alexis watched her walk across the quarters and into the bathroom. He could hear her opening and closing drawers until she finally came out with a fresh dressing in one hand and absolutely nothing on.
“I decided to save you the effort of removing my dainties,” Meredith grinned as she slowly walked over to the bed, making sure he saw every inch of her.
She was not a skinny woman at all, but strong and made of curves. Her legs, belly, arms rippled with muscle and Alexis couldn’t help but wonder how a woman like her could stay confined in a station. She had the body of a prime explorer and from what he’d witnessed, the temperament as well.
Neither of them spoke a word as she covered his wound with the dressing, making sure it was secure, but not too tight.
Her hand reached out and dimmed the lights then she climbed onto the bed, her legs straddling him. She shook her head and her auburn hair dangled down, tickling his cheeks as she slowly lowered herself to him, pressing her breasts into his chest.
Alexis wrapped his arms about her as she reached between his legs and joined them together. They did not move, they just stayed that way, one being of flesh, connected in the most intimate way possible. Their breathing began to synchronize and then Meredith started to move up and down upon Alexis, making both of them suddenly gasp at the same time.
Neither was in a rush, and all the talk of confidence and power was forgotten as they found a rhythm that was the complete opposite of the hurried, sweaty lovemaking each was used to. They stared into each other’s eyes as they indulged their passions with a leisurely casualness that made both of them smile broadly.
“Do I look happy?” Alexis asked.
“You do, sire,” Meredith said, her voice breathy and catching slightly on the downstroke. “Do I?”
“I believe so, my lady,” Alexis responded before his own voice was stolen by a move from Meredith that left him tingling and almost helpless under her. “That was new.”
“I saved the best for you, my dear Alexis,” Meredith giggled. “Told you, I had been waiting.”
“And am I thankful,” he replied just as he threw her to the side and rolled on top of her. “Now, how about I show you my best?”
* * *
“Well, isn’t this an unexpected delight,” Paul said as he sipped from his glass while servants laid out an elaborate brunch before him, his wife, Steward Stolt, Alexis and Meredith. “I hope it’s not just because of the immense dowry that has been accruing interest since my sister was of marrying age.” He laughed and snapped his fingers. “Quick! Someone do the compound calculations! After all the years of rejected suitors, the amount must be enormous!”
Alexis bristled at Paul’s words, but Meredith’s firm hand under the table stayed the biting response he had ready.
“Station Aelon will be happy with new wealth in their coffers,” Stolt nodded. “But, as we can all see, I believe this matter was of the heart and not the pocketbook.”
“Every matter is of the pocketbook,” Paul snickered. “Especially matters of the heart. You know that, steward. Your strategic marriages have made you a man of wealth that even some masters of station would envy.”
“I have been fortunate in my holdings, but unfortunate in my loss of spouses over the years,” Stolt replied. “How I would give up every credit to take just one of my wives in my arms again.”
“Your last wife was taken in the weeping sickness outbreak that stole all but one of Master Alexis’s heirs, am I right?” Paul asked, draining his glass. “Yet you have stayed a bachelor all these years. May I ask why?”
“I have not found the right partner,” Stolt responded. “And my duties to the crown have prevented me from having much of a private life. Perhaps when I am ready to retire from court I will find someone suitable.”
“Well, the best of luck with that, steward,” Paul said, raising his refilled glass. “And the best of luck to the newly betrothed.”
“Thank you,” Alexis said, raising his own glass. “Which brings me to a request. We would like to wed as soon as possible, possibly tomorrow, if we can. I must return to Station Aelon right away and there is no reason why Meredith should not accompany me.”
“Oh, that is much too soon,” Paul said, waving his hand in the air dismissively. “She will remain here so we can plan a proper wedding and invite all of the heads of station.”
“Understood, but the majority of them are already here,” Alexis said. “Why waste the opportunity, and time, to do this now? Stolt has already conferred with the other stewards and there have been no objections from a single station. Many will gladly remain an extra day to attend.”
“Conferred already, has he?” Paul asked, locking eyes with Stolt. “Well, aren’t you the busy little honey wasp.” Paul’s face was nothing but conflicted emotions until he sat up straight and pounded a fist on the table. “Tomorrow it is! We had a Blessing Day and now we’ll have a blessed day! Helios will shine on us for our show of love and devotion to the Dear Parent’s grace!”
No one at the table bought into the master’s feigned piety, knowing full well the man only praised Helios to keep the High Guardian and gatekeepers of the Way happy and content.
“Thank you, sire,” Alexis said as he raised his glass once more. “Your devotion is a testament to us all.” He downed the glass and then yawned. “But if you will excuse me, I believe I will rest a bit before I dive into preparations for the ceremony.”
“I’ll join you,” Meredith said as she stood up from the table. All eyes fell on her and she shook her head. “For the preparations. The master is capable of resting on his own.” She leaned in close so only he could hear. “Not that we would rest much if I joined you now.”
“Is your wound acting up?” Paul asked. “I hear the thing is stubborn and refuses to heal properly. Maybe you should give some extra credits to your station gatekeepers so they may pray harder. I have always found the gatekeepers willing to pray for near about anything when properly motivated.”
“I wouldn’t burden the gatekeepers with something so trivial as my scratch,” Alexis said, standing as well. “But feel free to pay yours on my behalf. An early wedding gift, if you will.” He extended his arm and Meredith wrapped hers about it. “I’ll walk you to your quarters on the way to mine. We can talk wedding plans.”
“A lovely idea,” Meredith said as he looked at her brother. “I shall dine in my rooms tonight, brother. So much work to do.”
“Of course,” Paul said. “I understand.”
* * *
The two royals lay entwined on the bed, sheets wrapped about their naked, sweaty bodies as they breathed hard from the hour’s exertion.
“We are going to use all of our passion up before I even get you back to my station,” Alexis laughed. “Then what will we have to look forward to?”
“Travel,” Meredith said. “To the primes.”
Alexis pushed up on his elbows and looked at her as she lay her head on his belly, mindful of his wound, and let her hair splash across his skin.
“The primes? Why would we want to visit there?” he asked.
“Because I love the primes,” Meredith said. “The wildness, the freedom. Isn’t your son on the planet? We could visit Alexis at his estate and then tour the rest of Aelon Prime, not to mention the leases you hold on Thraen Prime. I can show you some wondrous sights from my homeland.”
“Homeland,” Alexis said, letting the word roll about his tongue. “Such a strange thing to say since there hasn’t been a royal born on the planet in millennia.”
“Well, maybe one day there will be,” Meredith said. “Our children could be born there. Wouldn’t that be something?”
“Our children?” Alexis asked then smiled. “Yes, our children. I forget how much younger than me you are. You have such an old and wise soul for a woman that hasn’t even seen her thirtieth birthday.”
“You won’t see your next birthday if you ever use the word ‘old’ when describing any part of me again,” Meredith laughed, kissing his soft skin. “With that said, thank you. It’s nice to be appreciated for who I am instead of being perpetually treated like a child.”
“Why anyone would treat you as such is a mystery to me,” Alexis laughed. “Even when you were a child you insisted on being in charge. But then I’m sure that has always threatened your brother, hasn’t it?”
“Dear Helios, you have no idea,” Meredith laughed as she scooted up so her head could rest against Alexis’s shoulder. “I think the imbecile has always thought I would take the station from him, despite the fact that women cannot lay claim to the crown.”
“Such is the way of the system,” Alexis said then cried out as Meredith pinched his nipple.
“What you are supposed to say is that is something you will change on Station Aelon,” Meredith said.
“Change? Change what? The line of succession?” Alexis laughed after swatting her hand away. “No, that is not something I plan on tackling during my reign. The meeting of stewards would eject me out the airlock. They would never allow their daughters to take control of their estates.”
“Then only make it for the crown,” Meredith said. “Damn the stewards. They can let their spoiled sons keep the estates. But I believe any daughters I give you should at least be in consideration of the crown.”
“Hmmmm,” Alexis said. “That would mean Esther would become mistress upon my death. I’m not sure she’s suited for it.”
“Is Alexis?” Meredith asked. “I don’t mean to pry, but there are rumors of his less than regimented upbringing on Aelon Prime.”
“My sister is overseeing his education and making sure he is molded into a proper minor, ready for his duty as master one day,” Alexis replied.
“Yes, of course,” Meredith nodded. “Your sister…”
Alexis sighed. “Ignore the rumors, they are only that.”
“Who else handles Alexis’s schooling?” Meredith asked.
“The men of the estate,” Alexis said. “Specifically my old friend Corbin. At the very least they will teach him how to be a man. Prime men are not known for their coddling of anyone, even the women of the estate. It’s a rough life I have left my son in the care of, but a life that will build character at least.”
“But will it be the right kind of character?” Meredith asked, nuzzling her lips against his neck.
Alexis didn’t try for an answer since he had none to give.
* * *
Nobility, gentry, and even passengers lined the grand promenade that led from the main shuttle bay to the lift that would take the royal party up to the Surface and Castle Quent.
Meredith happily waved to the people that were her new subjects, a broad smile on her face and happy lift to her step. The cheers around her were exuberant and she was amazed at the extravagance of blossom petals and breen boles that were thrown in the air as she passed by. But she was also puzzled by the many passengers that pointed and chattered away, their eyes wide as they saw her dress.
“Did I dress too boldly?” Meredith asked, leaning in close to Alexis as they walked the long, wide passageway. “Why does everyone stare?”
“Look about you,” Alexis said. “Station Aelon is not known for its fashion sense. Despite providing some of the highest quality breen to the stations in the System, our tailors and designers have yet to match the sensibilities of Thraen, Ploerv, or even Klaerv. We are but simple folk, her in Aelon.”
“Simple yet dangerous,” Meredith replied. “Everyone knows that picking a fight with Station Aelon is not the wisest choice.”
“Do they?” Alexis smiled, feigning humility. “I didn’t know.”
“Oh, shut up,” Meredith said as she swatted his arm. “You know you are the tough guys in the System. It is whispered in parlors all about Station Thraen that you have weapons at your disposal that none of the other stations possess. Is it true?”
“Perhaps,” Alexis said. “But how about less talk of fighting and more talk of loving? I’m certainly ready to retire to Quent and get lost in her lusciousness for at least a week.”
“Only a week?” Meredith smiled, giving him a peck on the cheek which resulted in several rounds of loud cheers from the crowd. “I have lusciousness to last much longer than that.”
“Unfortunately, Stolt has only given me a week’s reprieve from the duties of master,” Alexis sighed. “Not that I expect him to wait even that long before interrupting us.”
“Well, if he does interrupt then he better knock first,” Meredith laughed. “Or he’ll get an eyeful of some of the private duties a master must see to.”
“Mmmm, I can hardly wait,” Alexis grinned.
* * *
Meredith looked about the quarters, a forced smile on her face.
“Do you approve?” Alexis asked.
“It’s quaint,” she replied.
“You mean, it’s Quent,” Alexis joked then saw the lack of enthusiasm that was his new bride’s response. “Sorry. Like I said, simple folk, including our lodgings.”
“Is the castle safe?” Meredith asked as she traced her finger along a long crack in the wall. “The place looks as if it will crumble with a hard sneeze. I don’t dare wonder what will happen if you take me to bed. Will the structure implode around us?”
“My father spent most of his life trying to redesign and rebuild Station Aelon,” Alexis said. “Yet he barely spent a moment’s thought on the royal lodgings.”
“I can see,” Meredith said then shook her head and smiled. “I apologize, Alexis, I’m being rude. Wherever we are together will be fine for me. We could live in the swamps of Aelon Prime and I would be content.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” Alexis laughed. “You’d be miserable.”
“But you would be miserable right there with me, yes?” she asked. She began to undo a lace at her shoulder, but the knot was too snug. “Where are my ladies? I may need help with this.”
“I have sent your ladies away,” Alexis said. “We have the entire floor to ourselves. That way I can show you all the rooms without worry of being overheard.”
“All the rooms?” Meredith smiled. “How many are we talking about?”
“I can never quite recall,” Alexis said as he walked over and helped his wife with the knot that vexed her. “We’ll have to count them one by one as we go.”
“So our adventure begins at home, does it? And then when do we go down to the planet and visit the primes?”
“Are you that anxious to leave Station Aelon already?” Alexis freed the knot then began on the other shoulder, in a hurry to get Meredith free of the elaborate dress she wore. “Can we make plans for that after our week of bliss?”
“We will plan during the week,” Meredith said. “I will lie upon the bed, wrapped up in your arms, while we decide where exactly we will travel. I’ve never seen Flaen Prime and I hear it has incredible geysers of hot steam that erupt like clockwork. Wouldn’t that be fun to see?”
“You realize that I will have to run all plans by Steward Stolt, right?” Alexis sighed. “A master and mistress cannot just visit another station’s prime without there being an immense amount of bureaucratic fuss.”
“Oh, I know,” Meredith replied as the dress was finally freed from her shoulders and she was able to push it down over her chest, her hips, her legs. “But a mistress can wish, yes?”
“Yes,” Alexis said. “A mistress can always wish, and a master can always try to grant those wishes.”
“I like the way you think, husband,” Meredith said as she sauntered over towards the bed. “Can you guess what I’m thinking right now?”
“I have an idea,” Alexis said, following her over.
“Then perhaps you should put that idea into practice,” she responded as her undergarments were removed and tossed across the room. “You’re going to have to get those trousers off first, though.”
“Of course, my lady,” Alexis said as he took a deep bow. “I live to serve.”
“We’ll see about that,” Meredith said. “Words are good, but actions are much, much better.”
She drew back the comforter and climbed into bed, pulling the bedding up to her chest, but not over. Alexis kicked his trousers off and hurried to her, jumping onto the bed like a teenager and not the middle-aged monarch that he was.