CHAPTER ELEVEN

Cheers met his pronouncement, though they weren’t the disorganized accolades of human response. These were shouts made with military precision in the deep voices of the priests and the other believers who’d been invited to witness the historic occasion.

Tigh came up behind Ginny and put one hand on her shoulder as he bent to whisper in her ear. “I knew they would love you as much as I,” he said, warming her with both his words and his warm breath on her skin. She fought to suppress the shiver of awareness his touch always stirred as she turned her head to look up into his eyes. He was smiling, love reflecting back at her from his gaze.

He’d warned her that he’d be expected to address the crowd and had even prepared a short speech. Sure enough, there was a podium emblazoned with the imperial seal set up a few feet away. Tigh squeezed her shoulder one last time and headed for the spot, facing the multitude of recorders and bots along with the crowd that had gathered to welcome him home.

“Thank you all for this warm welcome home. Thanks especially to my brothers in the priesthood. I truly did not expect such a grand welcome, though I suspect it is more for my lady and her crew. And it is well deserved, for they not only come in peace to save our future, but they have saved my life and my mission of peace by dealing with traitors sent to destroy myself and my crew.” Murmurs went through the assembled crowd of officials and civilians, though the priests and other soldiers were too well disciplined to speak as Tigh went on. “I expect advance reports have already reached some of you. The rest will learn of the way a coward incapacitated me and all the men on board my ship, attempting to turn the women over to Goddess only knows what terrible fate. Thankfully, they underestimated my beloved Velkir. She and her crew took command of the ship while the rest of us were unconscious, won a space battle against three traitorous ships—showing mercy by not destroying them—and had her doctor administer an antidote to revive us. At first, I debated over whether to make this matter public knowledge, but I believe the time for truth in this empire is long past. In short order, I will be making recordings of the action that took place onboard available to you through the news streams. I think you should all see the bravery, skill and heart of your empress-to-be. In that way, I believe you will come to respect and love her and her crew, as I have.”

This was all news to Ginny. She felt a little conspicuous, knowing that everyone in the empire would be able to see exactly what she’d said and done during those precious hours when Tigh was unconscious. She thought back quickly over that time and hoped she hadn’t said anything that would be embarrassing. But Tigh was right. The jit’suku needed truth more than anything. Only in her conversations with Tigh and the other men on board did she find out that most warriors had no idea Elius planned to release a bioweapon until after it was done. At that moment, Elius had lost the respect of most of his army, but he was still emperor, with enough loyalists who were as crazy as he was to support him. Elius had hidden most of his crimes—perpetrated by the select few who had the same bloodlust he did—from the majority of the jit’suku galaxy.

When she’d discussed this with Tigh, he’d told her that he planned to do things differently. He wanted honesty to be his byword, and she agreed. Still, letting the news air every moment of her life was something she wasn’t looking forward to, but in this particular case, she understood. The jits probably had no idea what to expect with her and the rest of her crew. They needed to understand her, and this was perhaps the best way to accomplish that quickly. There was no truth like a person’s behavior when under fire. Soldiers bonded fast under those conditions, and a large portion of jit society was based on warrior ways, so showing them how she captained in a crisis was a good way for them to take her measure.

She’d still have those who hated humans and distrusted her, she was certain, but any fair-minded man would at least give her a chance after seeing how well she and the crew worked together in such a difficult situation. At least that’s what she hoped for. It was the best possible outcome as far as she could see—a lessening of hostility toward her presence and perhaps even the beginnings of acceptance.

Tigh was still speaking, moving on to more personal matters.

“We will celebrate our mating one week hence with a galaxy-wide holiday. We’ll dispatch credits from the imperial treasury to each and every citizen of the empire to commemorate our happiness.” Again, that deep, organized cheer sounded from the assembled guests. “And I will confirm what the high priest alluded to earlier. My lady is already with child. Most likely, twins, in fact.” The cheer was longer, this time, as Ginny blushed and smiled, her eyes only for Tigh as he gazed back at her. She couldn’t resist the urge to put one hand over her stomach, where her babies rested content for the moment.

Tigh finished his remarks and headed back to her. They’d discussed whether she’d want to speak before they landed, and she demurred. She’d wanted to get the lay of the land here before she got up in front of everyone and made a fool of herself. Tigh had assured her they’d all love her no matter what she said, but she rather thought that was an overly-optimistic opinion.

Tigh headed for the line of vehicles that waited. He held back a moment to invite Hansa and Henny to ride with them, and Ginny was glad. She wanted to ask Henny about that weird moment back there.

The cars were designed to allow people to see the imperial party as they made their way to the palace. The landing site was inside palace grounds, but far enough away from the palace proper to limit noise and assure security. The cars were transparent on top, but secure.

Tigh let Ginny precede him into the car then sat beside her. Henny and Hansa followed, sitting opposite them.

As soon as the hatch shut, Ginny turned to Tigh. “Can we talk in here? I mean, can anyone hear us?”

“We’re secure, my love. Everyone can see us,” he gestured to the fleet of newsbots flying alongside and over the car, “but nobody can listen in.”

“Good. Then, can anyone tell me exactly what just happened back there? Henny, were you actually… uh… possessed for a minute there?”

Henny’s laughter rang out, putting Ginny more at ease with the strange happenings. Regardless of what had happened, this was still Henny, her long-time friend.

“I guess that’s as good a word for it as any, but I was definitely feeling something there when the jit Goddess spoke through me. Weird, huh?”

“You can say that again.” Ginny sat back in the plush seat. “I can’t believe you’re so calm about it, Hen. That was some strange stuff.”

“It was, but it felt… right somehow, Gin. I don’t pretend to understand it, but the Goddess is amazing. She’s pure and good, and she welcomed us. You felt that, didn’t you?”

“I did,” Ginny admitted.

“It was a miracle,” Tigh chimed in. “I’ve seen the Goddess’ light used to both bless and burn. It can kill if you are not of true heart.”

“Really?” Ginny turned to him. “Then, it was a test?”

“Of sorts.” Tigh looked uncomfortable. “I had no idea Master Jurdan was going to do that or I wouldn’t have allowed it, but I guess in hindsight, he needed to know exactly who and what he was dealing with. He’s waited his entire life to see the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy. More generations than I can count have held that responsibility sacred. For you to come now, when we’re on the brink of destruction—and for you to truly be the Velkir of legend—will give us renewed hope. Master Jurdan needed to know if he was indeed, in the presence of true Velkir before he could know for certain. But I’ll not thank him for having put you and your crew in danger.”

Tigh’s hand rested over hers, and she saw the fire in his eyes, along with the worry he’d felt when he realized what Jurdan was doing.

“It’s all right, Tigh. I expect that won’t be the last test we’re subjected to. I didn’t expect this to be easy, but for the sake of both our peoples, it must be done.”

“And for us, Gineva. Don’t forget us.”

“How could I?” She cupped his cheek, smiling up into his eyes.

A throat clearing across the small space of the car drew her back. Henny was shaking her head with laughter. “You two really have it bad, don’t you?”

Ginny liked her friend’s teasing. It reminded her of her younger days, when she’d been free to just be a girl and not had the responsibility of a starship captain or empress-to-be.

“As if you and Hansa aren’t making goo-goo eyes at each other at every opportunity.” She teased Henny right back.

“I object to the term goo-goo eyes,” Hansa said in his droll voice. “I don’t even know what it means, but it doesn’t sound very manly.”

The women laughed outright as even Tigh chuckled. “You have good instincts, my friend,” Ginny said after a moment. “Now, why didn’t I know about this budding romance? Henny, I thought you were my best friend.”

“Well, gee, let me think… Maybe it’s because your head was so in the clouds over your own imminent marriage that I never quite found the right moment to tell you? Nah. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what we had until the big lug fainted dead away at my hatch. I knew then, that I’d be broken forever if he died.”

“Oh, Henny.” Ginny reached across and took her friend’s hand, squeezing once in comfort. “I’m happy for you both.” She included Hansa in her wishes as she drew her hand back.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Hansa said, drawing Henny’s hand into his own. “I have not yet thanked you and your crew for saving our lives and our mission. Blessings upon you, my lady.” He nodded to Ginny then took Henny’s hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “And you, my love.”

“So, you are chi’gor?” Tigh asked Hansa unexpectedly. Hansa looked pained for a brief moment but quickly recovered.

“I was, but you heard the Master. That’s over now,” Hansa replied.

“What is chi’gor?” Ginny asked.

“The title literally translates to ‘masked protector’. It is a secret order of the priesthood. Only the most skilled are asked to pose as less than they truly are so that they may be placed with those who may someday need their aid,” Tigh explained. “It seems my friend, Hansa of Clan Poltar, has been my shadow all these years as part of his duty. Am I not right, old friend?”

“It was always more than duty, my liege. I valued your friendship and still do, if you can ever forgive my deception. When the high priest first approached me with the task, I was both honored and afraid that it would drive a wedge between us if you ever discovered that protecting you was something I’d been asked to do by the brotherhood.”

Tigh was silent a long moment, gazing consideringly at his friend. “I have one question.”

“Anything, my liege.”

“How often did you let me win when we sparred?”

A grin stole across Hansa’s angular face. “Not as often as I’d like, I’ll admit. We are fairly matched, my liege.”

Tigh sighed. “Chi’gor—now Master Poltar—we’re alone here. Why are you suddenly using my title to come between us? Don’t you wish to still be friends?”

Hansa’s face went blank. “I wasn’t sure— I didn’t want to presume— Dammit, Tigh, after learning I’d lied by omission to you all these years, I wasn’t sure you’d still want to talk to me, much less retain our friendship.”

“Then, be at ease, my friend. All I want is a chance to see which of us is really the more skilled. You’re a Master now, after all. If I can beat you in a fair fight, I can earn my own ranking.”

“You’re on, Tigh. And I believe you’ll earn that rank before long. You’ve always been one of Jurdan’s favorites and not just because of your pretty face. As you know, the high priest values anyone who can come close to kicking his backside across the training hall, and you’ve come closer than most.”

Both men laughed, and the easy camaraderie was restored between them. Ginny was glad of it. If her best friend was going to be married to one of Tigh’s men, it would help if they were all on speaking terms.

 

The palace was a dream. Soaring towers gave way to sharply angled roofs and architecture that was distinctly not human, but welcoming all the same. Ginny liked the look of the place and was impressed by its beauty.

“What do you think, my love?” Tigh bent to speak into her ear as he stood behind her on the landing pad, looking up at the main entrance hall.

“I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t anything like this. It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you think so.” She could hear the pride in his voice, as well as the true happiness he felt in finally being home. “For now, I’ll have quarters assigned within the royal apartments for your crew. It’s the most secure portion of the palace, in addition to being the most beautiful. I thought, for the time being, you’d want your friends and family nearby.”

“Thank you, Tigh. That’ll be perfect.”

The doors opened as they approached, and they were greeted by a double line of servants standing at attention like soldiers on review. Ginny was duly impressed by their starch and order, every servant a strong example of jit’suku genetics in male form. Only one old woman stood in a place of honor off to one side, and Tigh went to her as he greeted his people with handshakes and nods.

He stopped before the lady and took both of her wrinkled hands gently in his. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her weathered cheek, sparking a smile.

“Grandmother, I’ve returned with my mate. Thank you for being here to greet her. May I present Captain Gineva Magdalena Starbridge, my wife-to-be.”

The old lady stood with all the grace and style of a former empress and looked Ginny over with measuring eyes. Ginny wanted to squirm under that perusal but resisted. The old woman was a surprise. Tigh hadn’t talked about his grandmother at all. Ginny knew that some older jit’suku women had survived the mutated virus, but she’d had no idea any of the royal family had been so lucky.

“Is she your true mate?” The old woman demanded in a leathery voice.

“She is, Grandmother. And she carries our children, even now.”

She raised one eyebrow as she turned her gaze back to her grandson. “Children? Humans breed more than one at a time?”

Tigh chuckled. “Twins, grandmother. You know very well that humans breed very much like ourselves. I was a twin. Ginny has twins in her family history. Her mother is a twin. In fact, her mother and aunt are right behind us, as is her cousin. They came with us to attend the marriage ceremony.”

“She comes from good family?” his grandmother persisted with skepticism in her tone.

“Grandmother.” Tigh sounded like a boy teasing his parent, and Ginny warmed to the relationship she sensed between the two. More than anything, she felt like she was being put on by the older woman, but she’d wait to see if her instincts were right. “She’s a Starbridge. A direct descendant of Diva and John whom our ancestor Tren entertained so many years ago.”

Wise old eyes turned back to her. “You’re one of those Starbridges. I see the distinctive eyes you share with your ancestress. She very nearly became empress, but she was not a true mate to Tren. Be welcome here, Gineva. I’ve long desired my grandson to find his true mate. In you, I hope he will have that and more.”

The old lady extended one wrinkled hand, and Gineva put out hers to meet it, smiling. “Thank you, ma’am. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“To be sure, I’ll be glad to have female company, once again. You say your mother and aunt accompanied you?”

“Yes, ma’am, and my cousin, Amelia, plus my crew. Ten women, plus myself.”

The old woman’s gaze went from her to Tigh. “It’s a start. You’ve done well, grandson. Better than I expected, in fact. The Lady Goddess smiled on your path to allow you to find your true mate at such a time.”

The former empress looked downward, and Ginny was surprised to find a young boy of about four or five years old tugging on the old lady’s skirts. Since Tigh’s grandmother was clearly not strong enough to lift the little boy, Ginny bent down to him, smiling as he stuck his thumb in his mouth.

“Hello, little one. My name is Ginny. What’s yours?”

“This is Mattie, my newest page.” The former empress bent down beside Ginny and reached out to tuck a strand of curly blond hair behind the boy’s ear. “He doesn’t talk much yet, but we’re working on it, aren’t we, Mattie?”

The little boy nodded, big blue eyes wide with interest as he looked at Ginny. She was enchanted by the boy and wondered with a pang what had happened to his family. It was likely his mother had been among the victims of the virus. Ginny sent a questioning look to the former empress. The old woman shook her head, and Ginny knew her fears were confirmed.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mattie. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

Tigh’s grandmother patted the little boy on the back, sending him back to the corner behind her where a small contingent of young boys of various ages stood. Ginny hadn’t seen them before, but now, she realized they all wore a sort of uniform bearing the imperial crest. They were probably all ‘pages’, she realized, motherless boys the former empress had taken charge of. Immediately, Ginny’s heart softened toward the old woman.

“As you’ll learn, my grandmother increases the number of imperial pages every day,” Tigh teased the old woman.

“It’s my prerogative to have as much or as little help as I desire, Tigh,” the former empress reminded her grandson.

“I believe I can assist you, ma’am,” Ginny said, “if you find yourself with extra pages. My family, crew and I have missed having youngsters around.”

Tigh’s grandmother beamed at her as she took Ginny’s arm, leading her away from the main hall toward a side corridor. “I believe we’re going to get along very well, indeed, Captain.”

 

Tigh’s grandmother accompanied them to the family portion of the palace, making idle small talk as they walked along beautifully decorated corridors, accompanied by an honor guard of men who left them at the entrance to the family’s private sector. As soon as they were alone in the dowager’s sitting room, she turned shrewd eyes on Tigh.

“Now, tell me the truth, boy. This mating. Is it just a ruse to make this more palatable for the masses, or is it true?”

Tigh pulled Ginny into him, his arm tight around her waist as they faced his grandmother together. “The Goddess truly blessed us, Grandmother, and if you don’t believe me, ask your friend, Jurdan. He subjected my true mate to the light of the Goddess before I even knew what he intended. Thankfully, she passed the test, as did her crew. Grandmother, they truly are the Velkir, and Ginny truly is my mate.”

Tears gathered in the old woman’s eyes. Ginny was touched by the display of emotion. She moved out of Tigh’s arms and took his grandmother’s hand, hoping to reassure her.

“I love your grandson, ma’am. I wouldn’t lie about that.”

“Bless you, Gineva. You lighten my heart.”

Tigh moved forward and cupped his grandmother’s cheek. “Rest easy, Nana. We wouldn’t lie about mating, though I was prepared to take any woman who would have me when I arrived in the human galaxy. But then, I saw Ginny, and I knew, from the moment I saw her, she was special. I subjected her to the nij’ta not five minutes later, and that’s when I knew she was destined for me, though she made me work for her compliance, courting her in the human way.”

“Good for you, Gineva. It’s not good for a man to have everything handed to him. Even an emperor should have to work for things, from time to time. Though, of all the emperors I’ve known, Tigh is the least pretentious. Even my own beloved Theotren always took too much for granted.”

Ginny realized then, that this woman wasn’t Tigh’s grandmother. If she’d been married to Emperor Theotren, she was the Empress Rilanda, Tigh’s great-grandmother!

“You’ve worked it out, have you?” Empress Rilanda smiled at Ginny as she sat down in an overstuffed chair. Tigh moved to a sideboard and poured three glasses of what looked like some kind of wine. He served his grandmother first, then Ginny, and kept the final glass for himself. “I helped raise Tigh and Elius, just as I helped raise their father, Renalt. There’s not much for old empresses to do when their husbands die and their sons take over. Tigh still calls me Nana in private, but in public, I prefer ‘Grandmother’. I need no reminder that I am ‘great’.” The old lady chuckled as she sipped from her glass.

“I understand, ma’am. I never knew my great-grandmother, but my own grandmother preferred not to hear that word. She said it made her feel old. So, we called her Nonny,” Ginny admitted as Tigh urged her to sit. “This isn’t alcoholic, is it?” she asked him, referring to the glass she held.

“Barely,” he admitted. “But it’s safe for the babies, if that’s what you’re asking. I would never give you anything that could hurt them. Try it. It’s a drink first bottled for women’s tastes, but I like it too. Nana served it to Elius and I when we were just teens.”

Ginny took a cautious sip and was pleased by the burst of fruity flavor that hit her tongue. “It’s delicious.”