"Second Glance"By;Fjm''

Several Millennia have passed. The Galaxy has been divided into Empires, the Terran Empire being the largest. The Empire is run from mankind’s ancestral home, Earth.
Earth is controlled by one family, which had a status beyond that of a royal family. The first Emperor created a new system of government, based on medieval ideals. Slowly, various rights were lost. First, the right to vote, then the rights of women, finally the rights of ordinary people -who were reclassified as peasants- so Barons could do as they pleased, opening the system to corruption. Each planet became, in essence, a kingdom, with their own traditions and later, mutations. Each world also had a royal family, with planetary alliances sealed with the arranged marriages of their children.
To be certain that they got the genuine article, all children born to ruling families carried a tattoo on their right arm, displaying an intricate coat-of-arms. Each coat-of-arms display four distinct symbols, family symbol, planet of birth’s symbol, the personal symbol the child selects at sixteen and lastly, the spouses personal symbol. To be certain only the priests could draw the tattoos onto the skin. Eventually, only the priests knew how, as designed.
As the Empire was ruled by Earth’s ruling family, personal alliances were contended for with vigour. Whichever world produced a consort for the offspring of the Emperor was held in high regard, as well as gaining prestige and favour in the Empire. To this end, the worlds competed, using whatever they had.
Now the current Emperor had a daughter, resulting in the tale now being told.
"I won’t marry him!" Azura shouted. "I don’t love him!"
"When did love ever enter the equation?" Sapphire asked, raising an elegantly shaped eyebrow. "You have to do your duty and marry Prince Ksathra of Vertain."
"But, but…" Azura began to protest.
"Azura!" Sapphire snapped, finally losing patience. "As the daughter of Emperor Lorenzo and as an Imperial Princess you will do as you are ordered for the greater good of Earth and the Empire!"
Sapphires green eyes flashed in a green tinged face surrounded by artfully designed waves of green hair, characteristic of the inhabitants of Marachina.
"But it’s not fair!" Azura finally wailed at her stepmother.
Azura’s hair and eyes were deep blue, inherited from her late Charinic mother, while her pale skin had been inherited from her father.
"Life is never fair." Sapphire told her, "but that is no excuse for you to run away." She gazed sardonically at Azura’s mud splattered form. "And your hair! How could you crop it so short? You look like a peasant!"
"Couldn’t dye it." Azure muttered rebelliously, "had to cut it, to hide it."
"Now, clean yourself up, sort out your hair and get ready to meet your husband." Sapphire turned and swept out.
Azura, still fuming, began cleaning herself, had her hair growth stimulated -so that it was once again waist length- before changing into the formal green gown. Silently Azura vowed never to have any feeling, much less any love, for the man she was being forced to marry.
Once she was ready, she was escorted to the grand ballroom, which she entered accompanied by a grand fanfare, worthy of the first born of the Emperor. Azura paused at the dais to curtsy to her father. Before she could move on however, her father beckoned to her. Azura, in some surprise, approached him. Lorenzo, wearing royal blue smiled with twinkling brown eyes, brushing back a stray grey hair.
"You look beautiful daughter." He said.
"Thank you father." Azura answered with a polite smile, but her eyes were hard like diamonds.
"Your husband to be is at the other end, near the private rooms." Lorenzo told her. "Go and talk to him, you might be pleasantly surprised."
"I doubt it." Azura muttered, but she went obediently to see Ksathra.
Courtiers bowed and curtsied as she passed, until she reached Ksathra.
"Your Imperial Highness, you look lovely, as usual." He said with a gallant bow.
Ksathra’s skin, hair and eyes were golden, and he wore a red doublet and hose with matching shoes.
"Thank you, your highness," Azura said icily, with a curt curtsy, "so kind, especially since you have only ever seen me once before now."
Ksathra looked hurt, then his eyes narrowed. "If you would accompany me please." He said politely in a controlled even tone, but when he took her arm, it was like a steel vice.
Azura gritted her teeth, and allowed herself to be pulled into an antechamber. Only then did Ksathra release her.
"Well?" Azura demanded rubbing her arm.
"You don’t like me." Ksathra said bluntly.
"Isn’t it obvious?" Azura tossed her hair. "I’m being forced to marry you. I don’t want to, and I despise you." She added in anger.
"Well, I don’t care for you either, your Imperial Highness." Ksathra told her heatedly, "but I have no choice in this. Maybe even less then you." Ksathra’s voice rose with his anger. "I would’ve liked a chance to choose too, but my father and yours want this marriage, and alliance. Don’t you understand? We-don’t-have-a-choice! We never did, even if it was nice to pretend for a while."
Azura backed away in shock. Ksathra took a deep breath, and continued in a calm, dead voice. Somehow, that was worse then his shouting.
"We don’t have a choice, but we’ll have to live with this. Get used to the idea, if you can, because I can’t."
With that, Ksathra wrenched open the door and stormed out. Azura stared after him.
Azura stared into space the next day, during the haggling on their betrothal contract. Sometimes she would glance at Ksathra. He was just as preoccupied with the ornate ceiling; his eyes lazily followed the mouldings. Just once, their eyes met, and parted guiltily. Sometimes, during her covert glances Azura would study Ksathra’s profile. He was of average height and built like an athlete. His face was open, pleasant, and rather handsome in a certain light. Azura allowed her eyes to move to Sapphire. Sapphires careful arrangement made her look more like a statue then a living, breathing person. Azura preferred a more natural look, even if Sapphire thought it made her look like a child. Azura’s thoughts returned to her late mother, as it always did, after contemplating Sapphire.
Eleanor of Charin had been, different. She tended to have her own ways in certain matters. Strangely, considering her arranged marriage to Lorenzo, Eleanor had loved him, and Lorenzo had loved Eleanor passionately. Even now, Lorenzo would sometimes call Azura Eleanor. According to a lot of people, Azura did resemble her beautiful mother strongly. Her pale skin only enhanced her looks.
A brief spat of argument brought Azura back to the meeting. She watched Lorenzo argue over a point with an elder Marachiness gentleman. A quick search of her memory identified him as Melchior, part of the Vertain party. Azura remembered him quite well. He had a fatherly face, which she had liked. The point was finally debated, and added to a growing list on the computer, another step closer to a formal betrothal contract.
Azura felt her mood darken as she returned to her gloomy thoughts. Vertain produced a large amount of raw minerals needed to make and repair their spacecrafts. Vertain also produced, in abundance, fuel chemicals, which were becoming scarcer every day. Earth meanwhile overflowed with food and medicines. Both planets had what the other desired. Thus came this marriage contract. Earth would get ores for more space cruisers and the precious fuels to power them, while Vertain would get much needed food and medicine for their population. Vertain would also get Azura. Sapphire had given Lorenzo a son, who would inherit Earth, making Azura another token to be used any way the Empire required.
She wanted to scream. It was so unfair. Then she stole a second glance at Ksathra, and her self-pity drained away. She knew so little about him, or his world. And admittedly, he was in exactly the same predicament.
"Lady," a voice said. Azura looked at one of the knights in his formal space armour. "The betrothal has been finalised. You will be leaving shortly."
"Leaving?" Azura asked confused.
"You are to be wed in Tarin," the knight explained. "The capital of Vertain."
Azura stared in shock and horror. Whether she wished it or not, she was leaving her home forever.
Azura stared out of a porthole gloomily. There was still a week of travel, but no matter how luxurious the space yacht was, there was only so much you could do to entertain yourself.
"Why do the stars always seem brighter in space?" Ksathra asked, joining her.
During the preparations they had managed to stay civil, but little else had developed since Ksathra’s outburst.
"There’s no atmosphere, or dust particles, blocking our view." Azura answered, before blurting, "are you in love with someone else?"
Ksathra looked startled at the unprecedented question, before shaking his head.
"I was not fortunate enough to have tasted love." There was a long pause. "Have you?"
"No, I never had the chance." Azura replied bitterly. "When I reached eighteen, I was confined to the palace and the surrounding grounds. This is the first time I’ve left in six years."
"Twenty four? Your twenty four?" Ksathra asked.
"Yes." Azura answered, then giggled. "We’re to marry, and we don’t know how old each other is. At least, I don’t now."
"I’m twenty six." Ksathra began to smile, then chuckle. Azura smiled back.
"Look, we don’t have much say in what happens to us, but we’ll be married. Can we at least be friends?"
Ksathra smiled, almost shyly. "I’d like that."
Slowly, trembling slightly, Ksathra extended his hand. Azura smiled, and took Ksathra’s golden hand and his trembling stilled.
"May I sit down?"
Azura chuckled lightly. "We’re to be married remember? Of course you may sit." She shifted to give Ksathra ample space.
"I’m trying to forget." Ksathra said wryly, sitting. "For a little anyway. Then we’ll have to get acquainted. Properly," he added, "not just a quick ‘hello’ and ‘you’ll be marrying each other’."
"Yes, that’s not much of an introduction." Azura admitted sheepishly.
"Is that why you didn’t like me?" Ksathra asked. Azura nodded guiltily.
"I hate being forced into something I don’t like, or can’t control." Azura explained. "I didn’t even think that you’d have no choice either, and my temper doesn’t help." She flushed pale pink. "Sorry."
"I need no apology." Ksathra said generously, then smiled. "Tell me about yourself. I only know your name, and your age."
Azura gave him a half smile. "My mother was Eleanor of Milarin, Charin, and you know of my father. My mother was somewhat unorthodox. I was schooled in science as well as the ‘traditional’ studies ‘suitable’ for a daughter of the Emperor. When she died, father looked for a new alliance. He found Sapphire. Sapphire cancelled my ‘extra curricula’ activities. Fortunately, I’d completed my studies. Sapphire gave my father a son -he’s five now- I became another alliance piece, resulting in our current predicament." Azura leaned towards Ksathra. "Now, what’s your life story? I only know your name… and age."
"The same basic tale. My mother was a baron’s daughter, died when I was young. I did the usual courses. Got told by my father that he’d found me a bride. Came to Earth, saw you and got told you were my bride." Ksathra grinned. "Got the shock of my life. Felt like running away. Daft, aren’t I?"
"Not really. I tried. It was before our second meeting, before the betrothal." Azura admitted. "I was caught. I ended up standing in front of Sapphire in a mud-splattered tunic and trousers. She talked about duty, and I know mine."
"No wonder you were angry." Ksathra sighed. "And I lost my temper. Sorry."
"I’m also sorry. I took my temper out on you." Azura fiddled with the belt on her tunic. "Tell me about Tarin, and Vertain." She asked finally.
"Vertain is a fairly standard terre-formed planet." Ksathra shrugged. "The temperature is relatively even throughout the globe. There is a hot summer, a cold winter and a moderate spring and autumn. The people farm, mine or live in the vast deciduous forests. The oceans have only recently been stocked, but the rivers and lakes were stocked long ago. The system of government is the same; the land is divided into Baronies, each with a ruling family, the Barons. Tarin, well visitors describe Tarin as how Camelot would have looked. Vertain is situated on the boarder of the Terran Empire and another Empire. Father wants this alliance to protect our space."
"Why would Vertain need protection?" Azura asked. "The other Empire couldn’t harm you, not with the sentry satellites in orbit." Ksathra looked embarrassed. Azura’s voice took on an edge. "You do have satellites in orbit?" The edge hardened. "Don’t you?"
"The satellites fail around Vertain. No-one knows why." Ksathra admitted. "We’ve one large battle cruiser, and a few scouts. Then there’s the rebels, as if we didn’t have enough problems."
"Rebels?" Azura asked faintly, wondering what her father had been thinking.
"Yes, they feel that we’d be better served by joining the other Empire." Ksathra explained. "That’s why we carry personal weaponry, to protect Tarin from any rebel assaults. Father was most insistent during the betrothal agreement."
"Where was your father?" Azura asked, "I don’t recall seeing him."
"He takes after his Marachiness mother. I take after my mother." Ksathra explained. "When we were first introduced, he was the gentleman on my left."
"You mean Melchior?" Azura asked. Ksathra nodded. "Yes, I remember. I must admit I’m glad you take after your mother. I don’t think I could bear waking to his face every morning for the rest of my life." They laughed, relaxed in each other’s company at last.
"Midnight diamonds." Ksathra murmured.
"Pardon?"
"The stars, I remember a song that calls stars midnight diamonds."
"An apt description."
"Umm, I have to give you something." Ksathra presented Azura with a ring. "It’s… the engagement ring." Azura stared.
It was an opal, set in a heavy gold band. The stone rippled with bright, electric blue flashes on a dark blue background.
"It’s beautiful." Azura whispered. "I will wear it gladly." She slid it onto her finger and kissed Ksathra on the cheek, just a quick peck, but Ksathra still blushed crimson.
Azura gazed out of her window. Upon arrival, she had been escorted into Tarin and assigned a set of rooms, until her wedding. Preparations were being made, which she had been allowed no part in. Azura sighed. When she managed to escape the servants assigned to her care, Azura explored the castle that was to be her home.
Tarin was in essence an entire community, situated fifty miles away from the spaceport. A courtyard in front of the main keep provided a multitude of uses, from target practice to exercising the horses used for short journeys here, more ‘fuel efficient’ Ksathra had said. The keep itself formed part of the protective wall, which Ksathra had assured Azura, was quite safe. The lower windows were barred, and guards patrolled the ramparts. The surrounding forest had been cut back five miles, so any attacks could be seen. Azura’s window looked over the forest, creating a spectacular view. Azura sighed again. She had not seen Ksathra for a long time now. They managed to ‘see’ each other, but never had time to speak. Azura smiled, remembering their last, proper, meeting.
Ksathra had come to her rooms early, before the sun had fully risen, and asked her to go riding. Azura had agreed instantly. They set off, on the palominos reserved for royal use, with only one knight –Corin- in attendance. Their ride had been long, and enjoyable. They had talked frankly about their expectations, for their union and for the alliance formed. They had returned late that afternoon to find a frantic search about to start for them. The result was a furious scolding.
Melchior had gone a peculiar colour, his worry evident. It appeared that rebel threats against both Azura and Ksathra had been received. Such threats had not marred the memory for Azura though. Azura smile widened. Despite the vow she had made herself all those months ago, she was beginning to have feelings for Ksathra. Likewise, Ksathra was beginning to have feelings for her. Azura could see it in his face, in every covert glance. At the very least, when they were married, they could be cordial towards each other. Azura shuddered as her thoughts wondered onto the subject of her wedding dress. It was silver with matching slippers. It was just too ostentatious for her taste. A knock brought Azura back to reality. At her call, a maid entered.
"A messenger has arrived your Imperial Highness." The maid said timidly.
"Send him in." Azura said. The maid gestured to a man outside, curtsied and departed. "What is you message?" Azura asked him.
"His Highness, Prince Ksathra, asks that you see him in the stables at midnight tonight, your Imperial Highness. He said it was important." The messenger bowed, "will there be a reply your Highness?"
Azura nodded. "Very well, please convey my acceptance to Prince Ksathra and that I will try to be on time." The messenger bowed and departed.
Azura grinned and began planning for their rendezvous.
"Ksathra? Are you here yet?" Azura whispered, entering the stables.
It was five to midnight, and she still wore the soft brown tunic, trousers and boots of the morning. The horses shifted and snuffled as she passed on silent feet.
"Ksathra?" She whispered again, passing a loading bay.
The exterior door was open. Azura stropped, and frowned. Who would be loading at night? There was a team hitched to a covered wagon just in front of the loading bay. Curiosity drew Azura to the wagon’s contents. By the smell, it was manure. She gave a relieved sigh. Then some crates caught her eye. Azura bit her lip. Why would a manure load have such modern containers? She slipped the lid off one and gasped. The crate contained weapons, the light assault laser rifles, two-handed laser broadswords and personal force field shields. Azura quickly slipped the lid back on; someone was smuggling weapons outside, probably to the rebels. After all, who would, willingly, want to investigate a cart of manure?
She opened her mouth, to call for the guards, and a gag filled it. She had been discovered. With quiet efficiency, Azura’s hands were tied behind her, her arms bound to her sides and her legs trussed together. She was then placed into a hollow at the front of the wagon, mercifully free of manure. Shock, and the smell, held Azura rigid. She heard the sentry give the wagon permission to leave before she gathered herself. She began to struggle against her bonds, but it was to no avail. Dejected, she slumped back. Then she remembered her ring.
On their ride Ksathra had said, "as long as you wear it, I’ll be able to find you, anywhere."
"But how?" Azura had asked, gazing at the ring curiously, wondering where a tracker could go.
"Trust me, I’ll always be able to find you, no matter what happens." Ksathra had answered.
If Azura could have smiled she would have. These rebels would be captured. For several hours, She listened to the wheels creak and whispered conversations.
"We have… he must know we…"
"But what… finds out… one of us? You know what…"
"…The risks… Knew when…"
"Very well."
"We’re here." One of the voices said loudly. There were more whispers, a brief argument. Then someone entered the wagon. His face was obscured by a mask.
"You shouldn’t have been there, Princess." He said. "Now we’ll have to keep you here."
A sack was pulled over Azura’s head. Then she felt herself being hoisted onto the rebel’s shoulder, like a sack of potatoes. She was carried somewhere, before being dumped on a hard surface. She heard footsteps recede, a door slam and a bolt slide in place. Azura lay still, her Charinic heritage allowed her to stay comatose for hours, even days if required.
Footsteps coming towards her revived her. She lay still. The sack was removed. Azura blinked in the light. Ksathra was kneeling beside her. Relief flooded her body. Ksathra leaned forward, and helped Azura into a sitting position.
"I’m so sorry." Ksathra whispered. He turned and said, "leave us, I’ll explain everything."
Azura frowned, then felt her heart grow cold as realisation hit her soul. It must have show as Ksathra sighed and said, "I’m a rebel."
Azura stared at him. It would not sink in. It could not be possible.
"I’m going to remove the gag." Ksathra said. "Just don’t scream, too loudly. It’ll disturb others who need their rest." Gently, he pulled the gag loose.
"I don’t know how to scream." Azura told him dryly.
"Well I didn’t know that." Ksathra protested, with a half smile.
For a moment, they could have been riding, on that beautiful day, which now seemed long forgotten.
"Why?" Azura finally asked. "To get more weapons by ransom? To stop the wedding you still don’t want? To force my father to give you permission to join the enemy?"
"No." Ksathra denied. "I was going to tell you… but you found the shipment and they had to silence you quickly."
"Really?" Azura demanded sarcastically.
"I swear it." Ksathra swore. "On my mother’s grave."
"I’ll believe you -for now." Azura promised. Ksathra untied her; then helped massage her stiff limbs. Azura gazed at the rope cuts in her wrists, and winced.
"Here, this’ll help." Ksathra rubbed a soothing balm into the wounds.
"I thought your world needed medicines." Azura said, frowning.
"It does, but some can be made here, with the right equipment." Ksathra explained. "This is made laboriously by hand, a sort of herbal remedy." Ksathra stood, holding out his hand. "Come, and I’ll show you what we fight for." Azura allowed him to pull her up, before following him into the caves.
Ksathra led Azura through the complex cave system. They passed families evicted by corrupt Barons and people wrongly punished. Some, too weak to work had been banished and were being cared for, but their resources were pitifully low. Azura shuddered at the sight of a young girl, barely ten years old, missing a hand. She sat in a small side cavern, staring into space, unable to do anything to help.
"What did she do?" Azura asked at last.
Ksathra followed her gaze. "She stole some bread, to feed her mother. The Baron of her province ordered the punishment, without any anaesthetic. It’s said you could hear her scream throughout the castle. Her father’s dead, so is her mother, now. She had nowhere else to go. Same as the rest of these people."
"The system is so corrupt here?" Azura asked, subdued.
"The system is corrupt everywhere." Ksathra said bitterly. "Do you know the real reason we’re betrothed? Bribery from Melchior to Sapphire."
"Your father stooped so low?" Azura gasped.
"He isn’t my father." Ksathra’s smile was mocking. "My mother found love with another. I’m the result, her only child. My real father died, two years ago."
"I’m sorry." Azura said, and was surprised to realise she really was.
"Thank you, and here comes one of our allies." Ksathra nodded towards a passage.
Azura gasped. A humanoid cat was approaching. It wore a robe of matt blue, while its fur was silver with lavender highlights.
"This is Tarrann. She’s a healer." Ksathra explained, "watch."
Tarrann spoke softly to the young girl, then fitted a metallic hand to her stump, using a small tool to make adjustments. The girl’s face lit up as she flexed her new metal fingers. Tarrann led the girl off for some chore, and she followed happily. Leaving them alone.
"Tarrann’s people, the Traccans, are part of the neighbouring Empire, the Modeerf Empire." Ksathra explained. "Their ship crashed and we helped hide them. In return, they’ve been helping us, at our request."
"What do you mean by ‘part’?" Azura asked, staring after the alien.
"Their Empire is made of several races that co-operate, work together." Ksathra elaborated. "They’re democratic. They’ll help us."
"I understand." Azura assured him, "it’ll also mean we can’t be forced to marry." Oddly, the thought did not bring her any joy.
"Then there’s the fact Vertain, imparts certain, special abilities, on certain people." Ksathra extended a hand, frowning.
Azura stared. Ksathra had caused the rocks glow brightly.
"I can make them change composition, move or make minerals appear from thin air. I think the term is geomancer." He glanced at Azura. "I can also find, specific stones, like your opal."
"Is there anything else?" Azura asked.
"Just… one more thing." Ksathra swallowed, licking his dry lips. "Whatever you might think… I love you. I didn’t to begin with, but now, I’ll love for the rest of my life." Ksathra paused, then continued quietly "I will understand if you do not return my feelings."
Azura did not say anything. She simply kissed him.
"I never realised you felt that way about me." Azura admitted in privacy. "I knew how I felt. How long since you realised your feelings were genuine?"
"Since our ride." Ksathra admitted. "I had to tell you the truth. I couldn’t live with myself otherwise."
"Good thing I got kidnapped then. That’s when I realised that I love you." Azura suddenly smiled. "Anyone who saw our first meeting would’ve been very surprised."
"Are you surprised? And if you are, I’m hurt."
"Not exactly Ksathra. I knew it was possible, though unlikely, but I… vowed never to love you."
"You kept that well."
"I’m glad I broke it, aren’t you?"
"Oh yes, Believe me. I’m very glad." Ksathra agreed fervently.
There was a polite cough. One of the rebels said it was time for the meeting. Ksathra nodded reluctantly, and took Azura through to another spacious cave.
"How could this place be formed?" Azura asked, her voice echoing, "it’s huge."
"Something went wrong with the terre-forming. The caverns are linked to every major, and a lot of the minor, settlements on Vertain, there’re even tunnels under the oceans. Some are extensions of mines. We had to excavate a few, for more space, and we still need more!" he added in frustration.
"It might be over soon." Azura said soothingly. "It has to end sometime."
"Yes, but in whose favour?" Ksathra asked. Azura could not answer.
The cave they had entered was fair sized, containing jerry-rigged equipment, rough chairs and an equally rough table. Ksathra joined the others while Azura examined the equipment, her fingers itching to make improvements and repairs. A hissed argument drew her back.
Ksathra was shaking his head in denial while a young woman insisted with strong gestures. Corin made a suggestion, which Ksathra instantly quashed with wild gestures. Tarrann laid a paw on Ksathra’s shoulder and said something. Ksathra lowered his head in resignation, then raised it, saying something sharply. The others nodded in agreement. Ksathra turned and beckoned to Azura.
"Azura, allow me to introduce you." Ksathra said.
The emphatic young woman was Andraia. Batair was a muscular man with a boyish face and Corin she knew. Catarr was another Traccan; he wore a red jacket like garment, while his fur was gold with moss green stripes. Azura found herself captured by the Traccans eyes. Catarr’s were emerald green while Tarrann's were twin amethysts.
"Hallo." Azura finally said.
"We need your help." Batair said bluntly. "To defect, and maybe later, to overthrow the Emperor."
"I can’t." Azura protested. "Whatever you think, he’s my father."
"Without you, we shall surely fail, as will the human race." Andraia proclaimed.
"Before you ask, Andraia is a seer." Ksathra explained. "She never sees everything, but enough. She’s saved my neck a few times."
"If you help us, you won’t have to marry Ksathra." Batair added.
"I think those two want to be life-mates." Tarrann said. A small opaque box on her arm clicked in time to her words. Azura blushed as Ksathra looked guilty.
"Great, you had to fall in love." Batair groaned as another Traccan hurried in. Catarr joined the arrival and a hushed conversation insured.
"The Modeerf Empire offers equal rights to women." Andraia volunteered. "All women."
"We could not believe that women were treated so poorly here." Tarrann added.
"There used to be equal rights," Azura said, "but it changed, ten, fifteen thousand years ago. ‘For the greater good’, accordingly." She added bitterly.
"Excuse me," Catarr interrupted, "but we have intercepted –and managed to decode- a message that might be of interest to the Princess, and the rest of you." They turned to the LCD screens. One flickered. Batair muttered oaths. Azura leaned forward and made a few adjustments and the screen settling into the familiar split screen of a recorded message. On one side was Sapphire, on the other, Melchior.
"Well?" Sapphire snapped, as immaculate as ever. "How are preparations proceeding Melchior?"
"Fine, Sapphire." Melchior bowed. "What about your end?"
"The old fool’s still dying slowly, while our son grows strong." Sapphire purred. "After all, he is your son."
Azura gasped. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing could be said as the recording continued.
"What about that brat of yours?" Sapphire was asking.
Melchior laughed, to Azura he looked a lot less fatherly.
"He’s no son of mine. He’s my nephew and doesn’t know it. His true father’s been dead for years and I killed his mother. She would’ve inherited otherwise."
"I’ll kill him." Ksathra growled. He glared at the others. "Don’t interfere."
"I get Sapphire." Azura added. "She’s deceiving my father."
"Fierce pair," Catarr commented dryly. "For a pair of cubs."
"Shh." Batair hissed crossly, listening intently.
"So what do you plan," Sapphire purred, "beloved?"
"To wed the girl." Melchior shrugged. Azura gagged. "After a few months, maybe even a whole year, she’ll either meet with an accident or die in childbirth. I haven’t decided yet." Melchior gave a mocking sigh. "Naturally, I will go into deep mourning for my young bride, but our medical facilities are just too primitive."
"While, poor, dear Lorenzo fails, and dies from grief, at the loss of his beloved daughter." Sapphire gave a fraudulent show of grief. "Helped along by a poison or two, which will leave no trace, no mater how detailed the autopsy. I’ll naturally, but reluctantly, take on the responsibility of regent. Then after a suitable period of mourning. We marry…"
"…And the Empire sees a new family leading them." Melchior finished. "An Empire run from Marachina."
"I will hear from you, after your nephew has met with an ‘unfortunate accident’ and you have wed Azura." Sapphire smiled, like a wolf. "Farewell, my love." The screen went blank.
Azura turned to the others, her eyes angry and her jaw stiff. "What do you want me to do?" Was all she asked.
"Well," Batair began, taken aback by Azura’s change of heart, "What’s the best way to disrupt their plans?"
"For Azura to be already wed." Ksathra shrugged. "And for me to disappear before our impending nuptials."
"I don’t think Azura should marry Ksathra." Batair mused.
"Actually, she should." Andraia interrupted. "They must."
"I guess that’s settled, then." Ksathra grinned, squeezing Azura’s hand.
"How will you explain my disappearance, and subsequent reappearance?" Azura asked concerned. "I doubt the truth would be the best thing."
"After I found out what happened, I… left a note." Ksathra admitted.
"What?" Azura asked suspiciously. Ksathra shifted uncomfortably, refusing to meet her eye. "What Ksathra?"
"Gone fishing." Corin said grinned. "Ksathra was experimenting, but didn’t really care for it. We did stumble onto the rebels’ mind. We joined, and fishing became our favourite excuse. We can disappear for days, and no one at the castle really thinks about it anymore. This lot provide us with some fish, and no one is any wiser."
"We also took some of your cloths, and other things." Ksathra admitted. "To aid our deception."
"Why would I accompany you fishing?" Azura asked exasperated.
"Trying to get some time alone" Corin shrugged, "and it’s always nice to share your fiancés hobbies."
"We should also find a way to broadcast your recording." Andraia added. "It would scupper a few plans." She frowned slightly. "They were awfully candid though."
"I can do the broadcasting." Azura offered. "Just let me get to some equipment. I know all the override codes for the major communication satellites."
"Our equipment is more sophisticated then yours." Catarr shrugged in explanation. "The message was cunningly hidden and the scrambling very intricate. It took us a few days to find it in all the communications on your planet."
"Anything else?" Batair asked, "no? In that case, lets get these two wed."
The ceremony was held in a cave decorated with flowers. The group that watched was small, but they cared for the pair, in their own ways. Azura wore a simple, borrowed, gown of lavender while Ksathra was in royal purple. The priest was kindly, and knew how to alter their tattoos. The ceremony was recorded, as proof.
"We are gathered here to witness the union of Azura and Ksathra, a union chosen for them, but one also realised in love." The priest said in his wheezy voice. "Only you know what is in your hearts, let it last as long as you both live. Do you promise to love each other, to care for each other, and to be faithful to each other for long as you both shall live?"
"We do." They said.
"Ksathra, place your ring onto her finger, and pledge yourself to her." The priest told him.
Ksathra slid a plain gold ring onto Azura’s finger, next to the engagement ring. Still holding her hand, Ksathra looked deep into Azura’s eyes and made his pledge.
"I pledge to you, to never abandon you willingly, to be with you in sickness and in heath, for richer, for poorer, forsaking all others and to love you forever." Ksathra said. "For as long as I live."
The priest turned to Azura. "Place your ring onto his finger, and pledge yourself to him."
Azura slid a gold ring, decorated with Celtic knots, onto Ksathra’s finger, and made her pledge.
"I pledge to you, to never abandon you willingly, to forsake all others, to be with you in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, to love you forever." Azura smiled. "For as long as I live."
"You are now a step closer to marriage, does anyone have any reason or justification why these two people should not marry, speak now or forever hold your peace." The priest called. No one spoke. "Present your crests, for their final alteration."
The priest pressed a flat box, onto each tattoo. The boxes buzzed for two minutes, before dinging. When removed, both crests had been altered, declaring Azura and Ksathra married.
"I now declare you husband and wife." The priest declared. "You may kiss the bride."
Ksathra kissed Azura to the cheers, then they retired to a private room to consummate their marriage. Ksathra bolted the rough door with a sigh.
"I though it would never end." He grinned.
"I’m glad too." Azura said, absently rubbing her stinging tattoo. "You will remember to escape?"
"Of course. I don’t plan to widow you." Ksathra promised. "In Tarin, we’ll be separated again, but you can communicate through Corin, for a while anyway."
"Won’t you be jealous?" Azura teased, mischief dancing in her eyes.
"No. Why would I be?" Ksathra stared at Azura, then laughed. "You don’t know, do you?"
"Know what?" Azura asked.
"That Corin is homosexual." Ksathra explained. Azura blushed. "Do you approve?"
"It’s not my place to approve or not, as long as Corin is happy, that’s fine with me." Azura stated stoutly.
"It doesn’t make you uncomfortable?" Ksathra said in surprise. "Even though it has been outlawed by the Empire?"
"I… had a friend who was homosexual." Azura explained. "I covered for her, so she could be with her lover. They were caught a few years back, and given ‘corrective treatment’. They were never the same. My friend killed herself, her lover died a few years later."
"I’m sorry." Ksathra said.
"Why is Corin a knight?" Azura asked, changing the subject. "He has great managerial skills. Look at how fast he organised this wedding."
"He’s paying off family debts, from their original colonisation." Ksathra explained. "If it wasn’t for those debts, he’d be a Baron by now. It’s one of the rules here for a Barony."
"I see why you want freedom." Azura shook her head ruefully. "What a life."
"We really should be celebrating." Ksathra said with a half smile. "We are married."
"Then why don’t you kiss me?" Azura asked nervously.
"It’s your first time, isn’t it?" Ksathra whispered. Azura nodded. "Same here." Ksathra leaned over and kissed her. No more was said for the rest of the night.
Azura paced the antechamber, wringing her hands. The ‘official’ ceremony was about to start. They had returned to Tarin to another scolding.
"How can you be such an idiot?" Melchior had bellowed at Ksathra. "You know full well that those rebels have threatened to disrupt the ceremony! You will not leave Tarin again until after you are wed! Understood?"
"Yes father." Ksathra had said quietly to hide his anger.
"Yes your majesty." Azura had answered blandly. Years in the imperial court had taught her to mask her true feelings.
"You!" Melchior had barked at Corin, who jumped to attention. "Guard the Imperial Princess with your life!"
"Yes your majesty!" Corin had answered in kind. Azura had then retired to her room, closely followed by Corin.
"Have there ever been any rebel messages?" Azura had asked Corin.
"No." Corin had replied. "We’re not daft enough to announce our coming. We never kill anyone, unless we have to." Azura had flashed Corin a smile before entering her suite. Now, days later, Azura stood in the hated silver dress, waiting for her ‘wedding’.
"Please your Imperial Highness, you will only tear your dress." A maid wailed, bringing Azura back to the present. "See? You have mussed the arrangement."
Azura made herself stand still, as the maid fussed around, straightening the long glittering skirt, checked the lacing on the front of Azura’s corset like bodice and the sash around her waist. Then she checked that the long sleeves were aligned properly so that the tiny seed beads on the seams lay straight. The maid then checked the flap over Azura’s tattoo could be moved easily.
"Are you ready?" Melchior asked entering.
He wore black, which suited Azura’s mood. The maid bobbed a curtsy, before scurrying away. Azura wished the maid had stayed, she did not care to be alone with Melchior.
"Yes your majesty." Azura said.
"You can call me father, daughter." Melchior said with a kindly smile.
Azura did not say a word, as she pulled on the uncomfortable sliver slippers. Melchior pulled down Azura’s gauzy veil, and then handed her the simple bouquet of white roses.
Melchior then led Azura down the aisle of an ornate chapel to where Ksathra stood wearing royal purple once more. They got about half way through the vows when the attack came.
People, wearing masks appeared, and fought the knights. Melchior grasped Azura’s arm and dragged her from the chapel, saying it was for her own good. The last thing she saw was Ksathra and Corin running down a side passage. Azura was pulled down several corridors, calling for Ksathra. Finally, Azura found herself being pushed into a room.
"You’ll be safe here." Melchior said, before locking the door behind him.
"Let me out!" Azura bellowed, banging hard.
No one answered. A few minutes later, she began looking for another way out, removing her veil. The one window overlooked the courtyard, and was barred. The door was solid, as was the lock, keyed to Melchior’s DNA. Azura sat on the large bed, then pulled out a crystal from her bodice. It still held a gold tinge. Azura sighed with relief, sliding the crystal back into place, next to her heart. Ksathra was still alive. The crystal was a wedding present from Ksathra; he wore the other half. As long as the crystal was golden, then Ksathra was alive. As the two stones came closer, then the crystals would turn blue, but if Ksathra died, then the stone would loose all colour, and be clear. Azura jumped as the door was pushed open, and Melchior entered.
"It appears that my son is dead," Melchior said, appearing sad, "and that I must marry you."
"We know your plans." Azura told him, her temper rising, "and I know Ksathra is still alive."
"So? I’m allowed to force you to marry me." Melchior smiled nastily, dropping all pretences. "I get you, and the alliance, anyway."
"Not without Ksathra’s dead body." Azura cried triumphantly, displaying her tattoo.
With a snarl, Melchior grasped Azura’s arm and examined her tattoo. Realisation coloured Melchior’s skin a ghastly orange-yellow.
"You loose." Azura hissed.
Melchior raised his head. If Azura could have stepped back, she would have. There was nothing remotely fatherly about Melchior now.
"Not yet Princess." Melchior said.
Quickly, he tore off Azura’s sash and tied her hands together before binding her arms to her sides. His handkerchief made an effective gag. Azura was then pushed into Melchior’s cupboard. Melchior paused long enough to take a new handkerchief before locking his closet. Azura glued an eye to the keyhole and watched as Melchior scooped up her veil before opening his door and bellowed that Azura was missing, shaking the veil. He ordered the knights to search Tarin, before closing his door, leaving Azura alone.
Later, much later, Azura found herself being pulled from the cupboard and her doze. Melchior untied her, ripped off her right sleeve, then poured a vial of pale yellow liquid onto her arm. Azura tore the gag from her mouth and checked her arm. The liquid had been absorbed.
"What was that?" Azura demanded.
"A little something we brew on Marachina." Melchior’s grin was macabre. "It suppresses the will, you will follow quite willingly, and answer my questions. Allow me to demonstrate." He pointed to his bed. "Lie down."
Azura found herself moving towards it. Alarmed she opened her mouth.
"Don’t say a word." Melchior commanded, and Azura snapped her mouth shut.
Melchior watched as Azura shuffled to the bed, then lie serpentine on the highly embroidered covers.
"I could take you now." He told her, "but it’s no fun this way." Melchior hefted a coil of thin cobweb rope. "Stand." Azura did as she was bid. "Hold out your hands." Slowly, Melchior bound Azura as before. "Can’t forget this." Again Melchior gagged Azura. "Follow me." He ordered, lifting the rest of the coil, and led her from his room.
They travelled down, towards the storerooms. Part way down, the will suppressant wore of sufficiently for Azura to start struggling, but Melchior dragged her on doggedly. Eventually, Melchior stopped by a rough stone wall. He pushed a stone, and part of the wall swung open. Azura wanted to laugh. Secret rooms and passages were just a tad ridiculous, and seen in almost every mediocre spy and adventure story. Melchior proceeded to drag Azura into the hole. Azura looked frantically for some way to leave a clue. In desperation she kicked a small pebble under a groove in the hidden door, jamming it in place with her heel. Azura was pulled behind the door, which still swung back in place. Azura heard her skirt tear; a strip had been caught in the door.
"Keep moving." Melchior barked, pulling her down spiral stairs.
Azura was in danger of tripping several times as she lost her shoes. At the bottom, there was a sharp turn, leading into an artificial cave. Melchior shoved her into a chair then tied her down, binding her legs.
"Don’t bother screaming, the chamber is sound-proofed, and screaming annoys me." Melchior removed the gag. "You are a beautiful, if foolish, woman."
Melchior drew a hand across Azura’s cheek. Azura turned and bit his hand hard. Melchior pulled back with an oath and hit her, knocking her over. Azura lay still, gasping.
"Touch me again and you will regret it." She snarled.
"I’d love to see you try." Melchior mocked. He righted Azura and poured more liquid onto her arm. "Nutrients, and more will suppressant." He told her. "I will learn where Ksathra is, and the rest of the rebels." Azura began to laugh. "Silence!" Melchior barked, striking Azura once more. "When we are wed you will obey me."
"So? I’ll die anyway when you’ve had your fun." Azura retorted. "In an accident or in childbirth- and I’ll bear you no child!"
"I plan to have you for a while longer." Melchior grinned, "and I don’t need a child of your body. Sapphire is pretty, but it’s artificial. You are a real beauty. I am named as secondary regent. An assassin will kill the royal couple. We move to Marachina, where a husband can discipline his wife anyway that he pleases. I will care for the son of Sapphire’s body, and mine. He will one-day lead the Empire, and conquer the galaxy. You, will be mine."
Azure couldn’t help herself; he sounded like a melodrama.
"You’re crazy!" She yelled.
"No, it’s for the greater good of Marachina." Melchior declared. He tilted her head, examining her pupils. Seeing how far the drug had effected her. "Now, where are the rebels?"
"I don’t know." Azura grinned viciously. "I was blindfolded there and back at my request. I have no idea where they are."
With a snarl Melchior raised his hand to strike her again. Then a vindictive smile came to his face.
"You may make your feelings quite plain my dear bride."
Melchior began to caress Azura obscenely. Azura was shocked motionless for what seemed like hours. Then she screamed. Her screams continued until Melchior gagged her again and continued to subject Azura to his touch. Finally, he stopped.
"Now I’ll check any clues you might have dropped, like your shoes. Some might be useful to me, showing your valiant struggles against your captors, next to my nephews dying body. I will be back later to see to your needs. Then…" He gazed at a couch, his intentions all to clear.
"Sleep well, Princess."
Azura sat still, waiting until she was certain Melchior had left. She twisted her one remaining sleeve until she could reach the beaded seam. Azura tugged each bead, until one came loose. Slowly, keeping a firm grip on the tiny hilt, Azura pulled a needle thin blade free. As Azura picked through the one rope she could reach, she decided to thank Ksathra for insisting that she carried a number of blades, inserted into the seams of her dress. The blade slipped from the rope once more. Azura groaned to herself. To reach the rope, Azura had to hold the blade awkwardly. She was in constant danger of dropping it. Finally the rope snapped, loosening the rest. Getting a better grip on her blade, Azura sawed through more rope. As soon as her arms were free, Azura removed the gag and spat out oaths directed at Melchior, his ancestry and his paramour as she untied herself.
Once free, she stretched her limbs before examining the equipment secreted with her. Azura began to smile with delight. With the equipment here, she could hook into any communications system she wished. In a drawer were vials of nutrient, and will suppressant. Azura drank some of the nutrients and with a vindictive grin, poured the will suppressant onto the stone floor. A quick search yielded no weapons. Finally, Azura took a chair apart to provide a hefty metal club.
Considering her options, Azura decided to wait for Melchior to return, before attempting to escape. With Melchior here, immobilised, she would have an easier time escaping.
Azura gazed at the couch with distaste, before lying down on it. Slowly, Azura placed herself in a restful trance. Prepared to wake if any sound was made. Azura sighed deeply, then fell into her trance.
Azura woke with a start. Her sharp ears could hear someone creeping down the stairs. Slowly, quietly, Azura stationed herself by the stairs, and hefted her club. The footsteps came nearer. A hand appeared, gripping the handrail. Azura dropped her club grabbed the hand, pulled hard and kissed a startled Ksathra as he spun round.
"I’m so glad to see you." She whispered.
"How could you have been sure it was me?" Ksathra asked gently.
"Your ring." Azura smiled. "I know every mark on it. I made it." She looked at him. "What are you doing here? I though I was supposed to escape after the fighting started."
"My crystal was glowing violently. I was… scared for you."
"Melchior was…" She could not continue. Her face said it all.
"I’ll kill him." Ksathra growled.
"Only if you get him first." Azura answered fiercely.
"I love you so much." Ksathra laughed gently before kissing Azura.
"How did you find me?" Azura asked.
"I followed your ring to the wall." Ksathra explained. "A scratch on the floor told me where it swung back, so I pushed myself through the stones."
"Shh." Azura hissed, listening intently. "He comes! Hide!"
Ksathra vanished. Azura did not see where. She hefted her club again and waited. Melchior emerged. Azura swung down. Melchior pulled back. Azura missed. Melchior wrenched the club away from Azura. His hands easily caught Azura’s, but then, she wasn’t really trying to escape. Cruelly, Melchior twisted Azura’s arms behind her back.
"You’re more resourceful then I imagined." Melchior growled. He dragged her to his drawer. "Where is it?" He snared, staring at the empty vials, "where is my drug?"
"On the floor." Azura hissed back. "Try to control my will now."
"I’ll take you now." Melchior roared.
He pushed her against the couch. Azura fought hard, but Melchior was too strong. She screamed. Melchior laughed.
"No one can help you here." He crowed.
"Get off her!" Ksathra crashed into Melchior.
Azura pulled herself up gasping. Ksathra fought Melchior, but Melchior was winning. His hands were around Ksathra’s neck, choking, suffocating.
"Soon, you’ll be mine to wed." Melchior snarled at Azura.
Azura felt her rage build. Her body felt charged with energy. She knew what to do. She lifted a hand.
"Melchior." She called.
Melchior looked up. Lightning flew from her hand. Melchior was shot back. Dead. Azura stared at the crumpled body, at her still extended hand. She collapsed slowly. Crumbling into a heap. Weeping. Ksathra crawled over, comforted her, letting her weep.
Slowly, Azura’s tears stopped flowing.
"Are you all right?" Ksathra asked gently.
"I killed him." Azura said tonelessly. "Melchior. I don’t know how, but I killed him."
"It looked like electricity." Ksathra said, "or a lightning strike. It appears that Vertain has gifted you with the ability to call lightning." He gave a low chuckle "My world welcomes you."
"I didn’t see it that way." Azura managed a small smile as she brushed the tears from her eyes with a scrap from her skirt.
"You also gave your first scream." Ksathra grinned, trying to lighten Azura’s mood. "Congratulations."
"Second." Azura smiled again. "Don’t tell anyone, I’ll loose my reputation."
"Come on, we’ll have to sort out the rest of Tarin." Ksathra led her to the battlements.
"Your Highness!" One of the knights cried. "And the Imperial Princess! They’re alive!" A cheer ran through the ranks.
"What’s happening?" Ksathra demanded.
The knight was staring at Azura’s arm, at her tattoo, in astonishment. She stared back defiantly.
"Sir Knight!" Ksathra bellowed. "What’s happening?"
"Sorry your Highness." The knight apologised. "The rebels are attacking, and we have traitors in our ranks. They disabled our weapons, and took working arms to the rebels."
"Who are you loyal to?" Ksathra asked.
The knight blinked in astonishment. "You Highness?"
"Who?" Bellowed Ksathra.
"To Vertain and the Empire!" The knight bellowed back.
"Cease fire!" Ksathra yelled, "open the gate!"
"Your Highness?" The knight asked again.
"These people are loyal to Vertain if not the Empire. My uncle, Melchior, was traitor to both." Ksathra growled. "Melchior is dead. There are going to be changes after our coronation."
The following month seemed like a blur to Azura. Ksathra was crowned the following week. As soon as Ksathra was crowned King of Vertain, he crowned Azura as his Queen. True to his word, Ksathra began to change policies. The announcement that they would be joining the Modeerf Empire sent shock waves throughout the Terran Empire. Azura used her priority codes to ‘borrow’ some satellite systems so that their side of the story could be seen without any censorship.
The announcement also caused a mass exodus from Vertain, mainly corrupt Barons as well as some loyal to Melchior. The result being a major overhaul of titles. Azura smiled, Corin had gotten his Barony. He deserved it. Land was also returned to those wrongly evicted.
Finally, Tarrann and Catarr officially excepted Vertain into the Modeerf Empire. They arranged dates for proper discussions for the treaties. In conclusion they arranged for the immediate delivery of proper defences and medical equipment.
What stood out in Azura’s mind was the conversation they had with her father. Lorenzo had refused to talk with them. In Melchior’s lair, Azura used her priority codes to finally get through. She was disappointed to see Sapphire with him; she wanted to talk with her father alone.
"Azura, you’re fine." Lorenzo said with relief.
"Of course father." Azura said.
Then He saw Ksathra. "What is that traitor doing with you?" Lorenzo demanded angrily.
"He needs to hear you officially declare us separated from the Terran Empire." Azura explained. Ksathra nodded.
"Separated? You’re separate as of now." Lorenzo growled. "Until we reclaim your world. I’ll make preparations for you to come home Azura."
"Home?" Azura asked confused.
"To Earth. A space yacht will be dispatched to bring you back." Lorenzo explained.
"I’m staying here." Azura replied. Their conversation deteriorated from there.
"Don’t be ridiculous, he’s a traitor." Lorenzo growled.
"I happen to agree." Azure retorted.
"What can he offer you? They have little wealth."
"We don’t need it."
"Your comfort will be ignored!"
"So? I can take care of myself!"
"You might have to work!"
"Better than being an useless ornament at court!"
"You will return as ordered!" Lorenzo shouted.
"No!" Azura screamed back.
"You don’t even like Ksathra." Sapphire pointed out. "Return and we will find you a better suitor."
"To late." Azura showing her tattoo.
"But the ceremony was interrupted." Lorenzo protested.
"We did it earlier," Ksathra explained, "to thwart a twisted, evil plan." He winked at Azura as he replayed the recording of their marriage, and the intercepted communication between Sapphire and Melchior.
"I always wanted to say something like that." He whispered to her.
"Well?" Azura asked, when the recording finished.
"Thank you, for showing me the truth." Lorenzo gestured, and two knights closed in on a pale Sapphire before taking her away.
"Are you happy?" He asked, when he was alone.
"Yes father," Azura replied. "I’m in love."
For a moment, Lorenzo looked like an old, lonely man, before pulling himself together.
"Look after my daughter." Lorenzo told Ksathra briskly.
"I will your imperial majesty." Ksathra promised.
"Bye father." Azura said.
"Goodbye, Azura." Lorenzo said, before transmissions were cut.
A few days later, Azura stood on the balcony of their quarters, staring into space as the sun set. She sighed mournfully.
"What is it love?" Ksathra asked, joining her.
"I don’t think I’ll ever see my father again." Azura said gloomily.
"You never know what fate throws at you." Ksathra smiled. "You might see him again."
"And I might not." Azura said.
"At least he knows you’re happy, and you know that that traitor is out of his life." Ksathra pointed out.
"He’ll try to marry again," Azura said gloomily. "To get an heir."
"So?"
"He’s a hundred and ninety seven."
"Oh, he’s approaching the end, isn’t he?"
"Oh yes. One hundred and twenty seven years with Eleanor, seven years with Sapphire. He’ll be lucky to get another alliance, let alone a new heir."
"He does have a heir." Ksathra said quietly. "You."
"I’ve been trying to forget." Azura admitted. "At least, for a little while."
"If you’re the heir, we can change the Empire, make it all better." Ksathra grinned.
"Yes, we could, couldn’t we?" Azura smiled. "Let’s go in."
They kissed, as the sun set on their world. Azura revelled in his embrace. If she had not felt pity for Ksathra, the story could have been very different. All it had taken, was a second glance.