Third Interlude - Solace
Eager as I was to see Radittsu and the prince again, I managed to restrain myself and gave them a couple of hours to get settled before I went to visit. The door was opened by what I assumed - correctly - was Zh'anah, who regarded me suspiciously for at least a minute and a half before apparently deciding I wasn't an immediate threat and ushering me into the suite.
Radittsu was sitting on the bed, Zha'haabron cradled against his chest. The prince was clearly exhausted and far too pale, which made his bruises more obvious, and there were dark shadows around his eyes: I could barely sense his ki. He looked like death warmed up, and my heart went out to him. I perched on the edge of the bed and took his cool hand between mine.
"Is there anything I can do?"
He managed a half-smile and shook his head slightly. Radittsu gently stroked his hair, then looked at me.
"For the moment, we just need to give him time to recover - those bloody drugs are still in his system. Then he needs to take things easily. Lots of rest, no stress. And definitely no sparring. Vejiita will just have to put up with it."
That would please him. But I didn't want to think about the King right now...
Radittsu was gesturing to the rotund figure exiting the bathroom. "Zh'leet here knows what to do."
Zh'leet gazed at me for a moment, then smiled. "You are Leteetza? I need to speak with you. Not right now." she added as Radittsu opened his mouth to object. "Soon though."
I nodded. "Couple of hours time?"
"That will suffice."
"You and I also need to talk." There was a deep anxiety in Radittsu's eyes, and having read what little information I could find about zn'hre pregnancy I wasn't surprised.
I nodded, and glanced down. The prince had fallen asleep in his bondmate's arms: Radittsu settled him into the bed and tucked the cover around him, touched his pale cheek very gently, and beckoned for me to follow him out onto the balcony.
"He does that a lot. Doze off, I mean."
I laid a hand on his arm - an unusually brown arm, I suddenly realised. His pale northern skin had tanned while he'd been on R'ren'nkh'ia, despite the sunscreen. "It's not surprising, after all he's been through. But he's recuperating while he sleeps. It's probably the best thing, right now."
He closed his eyes for a moment, his face tight, then nodded.
"I know. It's just... Every time it happens, I'm afraid he's not going to wake up again."
"Oh, Radittsu..." I hugged him hard, feeling the faint, stressed trembling in his body. He let me hold him for a moment, his arms wrapped around my shoulders, then pulled gently away.
"Do you know of anything that might help him heal? Preferably something that isn't going to cause pain to open wounds? That bastard lizard tore him up inside - it hurts him to move, and with his ki so low it'll take him longer than normal to recover." He bit his lip. "I hate feeling him in pain."
I nodded, various blends of herbs, salves and carrier oils running through my mind. "I'm sure I can come up with something. Probably by the end of the day, if I can find what I need. It'll have to be a lotion though - will you be OK to apply it?"
He smiled gratefully. "Of course!" He fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "He wants to go through with it, you know."
I nodded. "I'm not surprised. From what I've read, for such a brutal species they seem to have an extraordinary reverence for life."
He sighed. "I'm not entirely sure it's actually possible to - what's the word? terminate? - a pregnancy without killing the host. Zh'leet seemed to imply it wasn't."
I frowned. "Hmm. I suppose we'll just have to trust her, then."
He scowled. "She won't tell me what to expect. I've asked, but all she says is it's a R'ren'nkh'ia-jin matter and not to trouble myself with it. As though it's nothing to do with me!"
I half-smiled. "Well, in a way, she's right."
"That's not the point! He's my bondmate - of course I want to know!"
"I'll see if I can persuade her of that."
"I'd appreciate it..." He gazed down into the palace grounds for a moment, troubled and distracted, then shook himself and forced a smile. "So - what's been happening while we were away? You're looking tired: Vejiita keep you up all night again?"
I stared at him - obviously he hadn't heard. Well of course not! He's only been home for a few hours! I could feel my tears building, and tried to stop them. Radittsu frowned, then his eyes widened in alarm.
"What's the matter?"
I choked back a sob.
He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, hugging hard, and, unable to stop myself, I laid my head against his chest and burst into tears, holding him tightly.
He let me bawl for a good fifteen minutes before gently stroking my hair back from my face and cupping my chin in his hand, pulling my bloodshot eyes up to his.
"You'd better tell me what's happened..."
"I don't understand." Radittsu was frowning in puzzlement. "This doesn't make any sense. It's not like Vejiita." He growled. "I mean, he can be a complete bastard when he wants, but at least he normally keeps private matters private, and tells you why he's doing it. Eventually. This sort of thing is really bad for public confidence - we all know how much he values you, and to treat you like that isn't good for morale, not to mention his reputation. You've had no contact with him at all since they arrived?"
"No." I snuffled. "Tried to reach him though his PA, but all I got were vague excuses. And requests for him to get back to me're ignored."
"Perhaps I can speak to him..."
"No!" He stared at me. "I mean, I don't want him to think I've been whining to anyone, like some spoiled brat. I do have some pride left. If he doesn't want me, I'm not going begging to him."
He stroked my face, wiping away the last of my tears. "Little warrior... Are you sure?"
I nodded. "But thanks for offering."
He shrugged, still troubled but accepting my decision. "What are friends for?" He paused, his head turning towards the balcony doors. "Zha'haabron's awake. Shall we go back in?"
Zh'leet was trying to persuade the prince to drink some kind of pink, fruity-scented glop. He was lying back on a pile of pillows, still exhausted, but determinedly refusing to take the beaker.
"I'm not hungry."
"I don't care. You need nourishment. Now you either drink it, or I'll put a tube down your throat and feed it straight into your gut."
Both Radittsu and I bit back a laugh at the wide-eyed indignant expression that flashed onto Zha'haabron's face. Zh'leet planted a pudgy hand on a non-existent hip and glared at him.
"Don't think I won't do it! And you're too weak to fight back, so it's no use trying to threaten me."
The prince rolled his head to gaze at us, wry grimace on his face. "Whose idea was it to entrust my care to Zh'leet?"
Radittsu sat down on the bed facing him, tenderly stroking tendrils of emerald hair back from his face. He took the beaker from the ko'ish'n and held it to his bondmate's lips.
"Please?"
The prince sighed, then smiled and drank, his hand resting over Radittsu's, golden eyes locked to gleaming black. I smiled at them, feeling tears threaten again momentarily - then swallowed hard and beckoned to Zh'leet.
"Let's talk."
The ko'ish'n frowned. "It is taking a long time for him to recover from the drugs: Dhr'ovaanon must use a particularly pernicious mix. This heavier gravity isn't helping, either. It's putting extra stress on his system, and it will become worse as gestation progresses. I would prefer it if he returned home."
I shook my head. "He won't agree to it. This is his home now."
She scowled. "I know... Well, we will have to cope the best we can."
"How can I help?"
"At present there is little you can do. Once his body is free of the narcotics - whenever that will be - he'll be able to resume his normal life, at least for a while. I know the big ape..." she saw me bristle and smiled wryly "your pardon - Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu - doesn't want him to fight, but it has always been the best way for the prince to recover his ki. He's going to need as high a level as possible if things are to progress smoothly. And he must eat, whether he wants to or not. It will be very difficult for him to do so later."
"Hormonal changes?"
She nodded. "He'll tire easily, have difficulty digesting food. His body temperature will fluctuate a little. There's usually some pain, as well."
I frowned. "What sort of emotional changes should we expect?"
She stared at me, nonplussed. "Emotional changes? No, only physical, and not until quite a bit later."
Well, at least we wouldn't have to cope with mood-swings. Having seen Kabaji through her last pregnancy I'd been rather afraid we'd be facing a mix of weepy mawkishness and screaming hysteria. I shook myself mentally. Stupid thing to think! This is Zha'haabron we're talking about. I'd never met anyone so amazingly self-controlled... Something she'd said caught my attention.
"Pain?"
She nodded. "And by then it is unwise to resort to analgesics - they upset the body chemistry. But massage often helps."
I saw my chance. "Good. You'll have to show Radittsu how and where."
Her mouth gaped. "But..."
I didn't give her a chance to object. "They're bondmates, Zh'leet. They're connected." I tapped my forehead. "What one feels, the other feels. If one is happy and relaxed, that helps the other be the same. You have to involve Radittsu in his care. They'll both be miserable otherwise, and that won't do anyone any good."
She nodded, reluctantly. I pushed ahead. "Radittsu adores him. He wants to make this whole experience as easy and painless as possible. He'll do anything you advise. Just include him in everything you do."
She sighed and scowled. "Very well..."
I smiled. "Trust me, it'll make your life easier. Now..." I cleared my throat. "Umm, about the actual birth..."
Radittsu smiled down at the prince, stroking his hair. The golden eyes were half-closed and drowsy.
*I'll need to leave you for a while, soon. I must report in. I'll have to leave orders with the Guard if I'm taking you away.*
Zha'haabron stirred in his arms. **I'd forgotten**
Radittsu hugged him, gently. *I haven't.*
**Won't the King object?**
*I'm owed some leave. Especially after R'ren'nkh'ia. And there are no formal state occasions scheduled until later in the year: Muz will be quite capable of deputising for me until we return. And I suppose I'd better leave some sort of report for Vejiita - though I gather Leteetza's team has kept him pretty much appraised of the situation.*
The prince shifted slightly, wincing as his aching body complained.
**How would you feel about Leteetza coming with us?**
Radittsu blinked, startled. *Why?*
**Because... she is sad. And lonely**
*You don't think being with us might make her feel worse?*
Zha'haabron gazed up into his face.
**You think it is a bad idea?**
Radittsu considered it, frowning pensively. *I don't know. I'd thought we'd be alone together. But she is unhappy - a change of scenery and air would do her good. I suppose it wouldn't do any harm to invite her. If you're sure.*
The prince bit his lip. **You'd rather we were alone? But we won't be in any case. Zh'leet and Zh'anah will be with us ** He inclined his head pensively. **In fact, having Leteetza with us may very well allow us more time to ourselves. I'm sure she would welcome the opportunity to talk with them - in considerable detail. Probably spar with Zh'anah, also**
Radittsu's eyebrows rose as he considered the notion, realising it was actually a good idea on all counts. *True...* He cupped the prince's face in his big hands, gazing down tenderly. *You like her, don't you?*
Zha'haabron smiled and nodded, twisting his head to press a kiss into his bondmate's palm, and Radittsu grinned. *Very well. I'll ask her.*
The prince sighed and carefully cuddled closer to Radittsu, soaking up the warmth of the Saiyan's big, muscular body.
**I'd like to bathe. I've missed being in water**
*Me too. We'd better ask Zh'leet first, though.*
The prince growled. **We do not need to ask her permission. This is not my first hosting. It's not even the first hosting I've embarked upon in this sort of physical condition...** He halted at the expression on Radittsu's face. **...ah...**
*Yes, 'ah'. You and I need to have a good long talk. But not until you're feeling stronger.*
"You spoke with Zh'anah."
*Yes. She told me you are her host and your father is her sire. And you don't need to stop mindspeaking: I want to know the whole story. And I'm not angry. Well, not with you. But it will wait until later.*
Zha'haabron nodded, and for a few minutes there was a slightly uneasy silence. Then Radittsu gently hugged his prince.
*I didn't think to ask before, but do you know what you're carrying?*
**Of course. Four offspring - two va'ha'da, one shr'en'an and one tz'een**
Radittsu was silent for a moment, then - curiously shy - asked hesitantly, *Can you tell which genders they'll be?*
Zha'haabron nestled a little closer into his comfortable, comforting embrace. **Not yet - it's too early. But later I'll be able to**
*Can you - *speak* to them?*
The prince smiled. **Not yet. But I will be able to when they're more developed**
Radittsu was silent again, but this time there was a tinge of wonder to his silence. Zha'haabron shifted to gaze at him more directly, biting down on the stabbing pain the movement evoked.
**What is it?**
The Saiyan smiled, flushing slightly, embarrassed, refusing to meet his bondmate's eyes. *Nothing really... Just... I think that's...* He shook his head, and his *voice* turned wistful. *I could almost wish we could have children, you and I...*
Zha'haabron gazed at him, frowning very slightly. Wondering for a tiny fraction of a second if it could be possible...
He shook his head. Their species' were too different. But the thought of it, suddenly and unexpectedly, tugged at his heart - along with a vision of a child with soft blue skin, laughing golden eyes and a tumbling wealth of long thick black hair, and another with a smooth cascade of silken green locks, serious ebony eyes and pale rosy-golden skin...
He bit his lip. Impossible.
...but so beautiful...
He forced the images out of his mind, and hugged his bondmate tightly, kissing his shoulder.
"You are sentimental, aren't you?"
The big Saiyan grimaced wryly. "I wasn't until I met you."
Zha'haabron leaned back slightly, wincing, expression sombre. "I am sorry."
"So you should be. It's a terrible liability in a warrior."
The prince stared at him, frowning, suddenly concerned. Radittsu was quite right - it was a real disadvantage for someone of his profession and status. The Saiyan watched him for a moment, then grinned and stroked his face.
"I wouldn't change it for anything. And don't worry. I switch it off when I need to. Now..." He stood and turned toward the bathroom. "I believe a bath was mentioned?"
Zha'haabron was still in too much pain - and still too raw - for them to make love, but simply relaxing in water was something close to paradise for them both after R'ren'nkh'ia. Radittsu sighed as he settled the prince on his lap.
"Oh, that feels good..."
"Mmmmm..." Zha'haabron stroked his hands over his bondmate's where they'd rested gently against his abdomen and leaned back against the broad warm chest, sighing - then pushed one of the Saiyan's big hands down to his groin and wrapped the strong, compliant fingers around his erection. Radittsu leaned his chin over one powerful blue shoulder, frowning slightly.
*Uh... Won't it hurt?*
The prince loosed his grasp. **I'm sorry - I'm being selfish**
Radittsu kissed his cheek. *Hardly. But I don't want to hurt you.*
**You won't. I just... ** He sighed. **My last memory is of - pain, and helplessness, and...** He paused, faint tremors shivering through his body. **He laughed. He forced himself into me and he laughed...**
He bit his lip, shaking with remembered long-ago pain: Radittsu held him close, fighting back his own angry tears. Zha'haabron took several deep, shuddering breaths, then rested his head back against his bondmate's shoulder.
**I'm sorry**
*Oh, beloved...* Radittsu pressed firm, soft kisses across his shoulder and gently nipped at his earlobe, moving both hands down to his groin to stroke and caress and fondle as the prince gasped and trembled under his hands, his thoughts a lustrous shimmer of bright gold and sparkling black...
Zh'leet smiled to herself from the balcony where she was still discussing the somewhat messy details of zn'hre gestation and delivery with the small Saiyan female. There was an abiding bond between host and offspring that was never shared by the sire: Zh'leet could *feel* a different and far deeper healing begin inside her prince as his bondmate loved him...
"Leteetza..."
I stopped and turned, waiting for Radittsu to catch up with me, my eyes widening. He looked different... Idiot! He's just changed his clothes. I sighed to myself, regretfully. He was back in his normal bodysuit and armour. What a pity...Ah well, it wasn't really the sort of thing he could wear here. Well, not on duty anyway. Perhaps in private..?
He gazed down at me, then, blunt as ever, announced - "I'm taking Zha'haabron north for a while - we both need a holiday. Would you like to come with us?"
I gaped. "Are you serious?"
He nodded and cupped my chin in his hand.
"You, little warrior, have been under far too much unnecessary stress. You need a break."
"But surely you two want to be by yourselves..."
He shrugged. "There will be time for us."
I chewed on my lower lip, considering the idea.
"Who else is going?"
"Zh'leet and Zh'anah." He hesitated for a moment, considering. "If you'd like to bring a friend or two with you, there's plenty of room."
"Are you sure about this?"
He scowled. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't ask."
I nodded. "Well, I've just taken on some detailed research for the diplomatic corps - that'll keep me busy for about eight or nine days. But I could always join you afterwards. How long are you planning on being away?"
He shrugged. "Haven't decided. It'll be at least twenty days, though."
I pondered as we walked together. It sounded wonderful, and with things as they were with Vejiita there was very little reason for me to stay in the city right now... I grinned up at him.
"I'd love to."
He grinned back. "Good. You'll like it - plenty of good hunting, forest, mountains, lakes... The nights can still be cool at this time of year though. Just so you know to bring something warm to wear."
He halted at the main hall and ruffled my hair. "We'll be leaving as soon as I can organise things here."
I hugged him, briefly, smiling. "Fine. I'll bring the analgesic lotion along this evening, if that's all right, and you can let me know the details then ..."
© 2001 (April 1st) Joules Taylor
