Tarthian Empire space, Tarth orbit
Le Persequor - lurk mode (invisible)
Throne Room
Sumertsag 42, 4664 Tradestandard (May 11, 15127 AD Terran)
Lord Pietas ap Lorectic mounted the dais of the cavernous throne room, and adjusted the hang of his white fur cape before seating himself. He fussed with its fall around his feet, and finally motioned to his android bodyguard. "The mirror."
Uurah angled the full length glass for him.
Placing his hands on the armrests of the throne, Pietas lifted his chin. The stately pose showed off his long platinum hair, and the satin turquoise lining of his cape. It also reflected the empty chamber with its simple throne.
"No." Pietas stood. "I don't like it. My sister won't be impressed."
"How can she not be impressed, my lord? You are king of the immortals."
"You would think so, Uurah, but this is my twin sister we're talking about. Dessy's not impressed by anything I do. She's been at my side since before we were born. She can't even fathom the concept of my birth having occurred before hers being a sign of my superiority. She certainly won't be impressed by my clothing or appearance."
"I cannot imagine anyone not being awed by you, Lord Pietas."
"You would say that, Uurah. You're my bodyguard."
Uurah propped the mirror and approached him. "I'm more than your bodyguard, my lord. I'm a sentient being fully capable of making independent decisions and forming opinions. You yourself gave me that freedom. I would tell you if I disagreed." Uurah inclined his head. "As I have done whenever justified."
"True. To my great annoyance at times. In fact, I've wished a few times that I hadn't made you impossible for me to kill."
"Have you, my lord?" The android was physically capable of defending himself. No human could stand against him, and most Sempervians would have difficulty doing so. As a sentient being, under the laws Pietas had written for his people, Uurah had the right to defend himself against anyone, even Pietas himself. Of all the androids in the Sempervian army, Uurah alone had the right to prevent Pietas from destroying him. "Why is that?"
"Because--" Pietas considered a moment. Might as well admit it. It's not as if Uurah doesn't already know. "You were created to appear human, and you're attractive. Not as attractive as me, but then, I'm the epitome of manhood and masculine beauty. No one surpasses me in looks." He played with the hang of a sleeve. "You're not as brilliant as I am but you have a better memory. Mine is eidetic, so I never forget, but there are some things I choose not to pay attention to, and you pay attention to all details. You're a good complement for me. Therefore, I need you. Besides, you know the rules of Peril, and you keep me honest when I'm playing. And you and my cat--" He chewed his lower lip, loathe to admit the last.
"The cat and I... what, my lord?"
"You are my only companions."
Uurah smiled. "My lord Pietas, I serve your pleasure. To be considered your companion is my highest honor." He made a bow.
"So you think this cape looks all right?"
"Certainly not, my lord. You never look 'all right.' You look magnificent."
"I so rarely see anyone. I want to look my best." Pietas avoided looking into the dark area behind Uurah. "It's lonely on this ship." He heaved a sigh. "Never mind. Let's stay with this outfit. I've already tried on three, and she's been waiting for..." He paused. "How long?"
"How you look is important. Who would mind waiting for you?"
"I doubt what you say is true, Uurah but it's nice of you to say it."
"I'm honored you think so, lord. Perhaps, if you're feeling isolated, I could send for Tiklaus? You haven't seen your cat yet today."
"A brilliant idea. I've missed playing with my kitty." Pietas motioned to the door. "Do it."
Led by android security, the cat arrived a few minutes later. The slinky animal blinked lazily, its green eyes taking in the throne room. It pricked its ears upward when it spied Pietas.
"There's my good, big kitty." Pietas knelt to receive the animal.
The huge black panther padded across the room and head-butted Pietas in the chest. Tiklaus knocked Pietas onto his back and crawled atop him.
Laughing, the king rolled on the floor and tussled with the creature, petting its head and tugging its ears. Tiklaus set massive paws on Pietas's shoulders, flattened him, and sprawled atop him, holding him down.
"You great oaf! I swear; you weigh more than I do." He spent several minutes playing with the animal. "Uurah? Distract Tiklaus with a treat so I can get up, will you?"
The android took a treat from his pocket and clicked his fingers. "Tiklaus. Look. Goodies for you." The cat climbed off Pietas and lumbered over to the android to investigate the snack.
While Tiklaus ate the treat and snuffled against Uurah's pockets for more, Pietas stood and brushed himself off. He accepted a treat from Uurah, and held it out on his palm as an offering for Tiklaus. The cat ate it, and then nuzzled Pietas's hand. Pietas scratched behind the cat's ears.
"Lord Pietas, would you prefer one of your jeweled crowns instead of the one you're wearing?"
Pietas lifted a hand to the slender silver crown. "What's wrong with this one?"
"Oh, it's stunning. However, in this light, against your pale skin and white hair, the silver disappears. Since it's a symbol of your power, it should be seen. You should look like the royalty you are. Perhaps I could adjust the lighting to enhance its effect."
"Try that." He flipped a hand in Uurah's direction.
The android played with a remote, tracking the room's lights toward Pietas. "Sit down again, if you please, my lord."
Pietas returned to his throne and placed his hands on the armrests. "Better?"
"Perfect." Stepping around Tiklaus, Uurah produced a comb from a pocket. "May I?" With permission, he moved the long strands of hair. "There, my lord. The metal's shine is obvious, now. It's not as splendid as your other crowns, but even the priceless gems in those can't match your natural beauty." Uurah stepped back and held up the mirror again. "Better?"
"Yes, it is. You're right of course. You usually are, Uurah." Pietas turned his head side to side, admiring the view. A light shone directly on his hair, making the silver crown gleam. "I do look more kingly, don't I? Perhaps my sister will think so."
Uurah bowed. "Her opinion is beneath your notice as king, my lord, but it's so like you to be humble enough to care."
He preened at the android's words. "Well, humility is one of my finer features."
"It is indeed, Lord Pietas."
"I wish my sister appreciated me the way you do." Tiklaus trotted up the steps, and sat beside the throne. Pietas reached down to scratch the animal's ears.
Uurah put away the mirror. "I may not have been with you since your birth, lord, but unlike your sister, I've been with you when it's important. I've seen your greatness first hand, in ways she has not."
"That you have, Uurah. That you have."
"Shall I admit her, my lord?"
Tiklaus stretched out and placed its chin on Pietas's feet.
Pietas sat back. "How long has she waited?"
"Only a few hours."
He sighed. "She'll complain, won't she? No matter how little we keep her waiting, she always complains. We're immortals. It isn't as if time means anything to us."
"That is true, my lord. But then, has reasoning with your sister ever been easy?"
"You're right. Dessy's always been impossible. May as well admit her and get it over with."
Uurah escorted the woman into his presence, and remained near the door.
Pietas motioned to him. "You may go, Uurah. I'm safe."
The android bowed. The door cycled open and shut as he left.
The moment they were alone, his sister came straight to him without stopping to offer even a cursory bow. "You swore you wouldn't keep me waiting again. I've been here for hours, Pietas. I'm busy. I do not have time for your childish games."
Tiklaus sat up and growled.
"Easy, boy." Pietas petted the cat, standing as he did so. "Childish?" On the dais, at almost seven feet in height, he towered over his sister. "Even this animal senses your affront."
His sister sneered at the cat.
"I demand you perform an obeisance to your king." He pointed to the floor.
"I will not kneel to you, Pietas. Number one, I'm your sister. We're equals." She stripped off her gloves, and gestured around the empty room. "Number two, it's just us."
"You are the empress of the Tarthian Empire. If anyone entered your throne room without bowing, what would you do? I am lord of the Sempervians, lord of an army of androids and powerful immortals, yet you dare enter my presence without showing me respect?"
The icy stare of her storm-colored gaze all but formed ice crystals in the room. After a long stare, Dessy lowered herself to her knees, but she did not lower her head. She kept her gaze on his, a challenge in her eyes.
Pietas seated himself, and adjusted the placement of his hands. He lifted his head, allowing the light to bathe him in its bright glow. Beside the throne, Tiklaus settled down once more.
"Now, my sister. You came to ask a favor, I believe. After that show of disrespect, I'm unlikely to give it to you, but go ahead and ask."
Dessy shot to her feet, fire forming in her eyes. As her shape-shifting dragon self, Fireshade, she could scorch him to a cinder.
Pietas felt a momentary thrill of fear. Within, his own dragon, Stormsinger, roared at the challenge.
"This is delightful. How exciting you are when you're angry. Stormsinger and I have always welcomed engaging you and Fireshade." He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, and folding his arms. "But you have annoyed me. You know -- What was the word you used last time?" He tapped a finger against his cheek. "Oh yes, 'fractious.' What an entertaining word. 'Likely to be troublesome.' That was my favorite definition. I am that, indeed. So, sister, you know how 'fractious' I can become when I'm annoyed."
That she hadn't already stalked from the room told him she didn't want whatever it was she'd come to him for. She needed it. Which meant she was likely to do anything he asked. A slow smile crept across his face.
This is going to be more fun than I thought.
Pietas linked his fingers before him. "Perhaps if you grovel sufficiently, I'll feel more benevolent toward you, Dessy, my dear. Do let us hear you try."