Conspiracies
Zha'haabron was in the main room when I returned, curled up on the couch tapping at the miniature console in his lap. He glanced up as I entered, smiled and gestured towards the steaming flask and platter of meats on the low table before the large seat. As I settled myself beside him, beaker in one hand and chunk of wild boar in the other, he rested one elbow against the back of the couch and propped his head against his fist. I grinned at him.
"Where're Radittsu and his father?"
"Sparring. It has been a while since they have seen each other - I believe Baadakku wishes to reappraise his son's abilities. They will be back in time for the noon meal." He frowned. "You look tired. Is all well?"
"Couldn't sleep. Last night was a little - overwhelming."
"It came as a surprise to us all."
I chuckled half-heartedly. "Yeah - sorry about that."
"What will you do now?"
I stared at him. "Well, nothing, of course. I'm happy with the way things are." All right, so I lied - but it was only a small lie. I'm not unhappy, exactly...
"Are you sure?"
I gazed into beautiful, shrewd, golden eyes. It's very difficult to lie to Zha'haabron.
"There are a few things I wouldn't mind being different. But on the whole I'm satisfied with my life."
He nodded, unconvinced but respecting my reticence. "Will you tell the King?"
I sighed. "I suppose I should. Not that it'll make any material difference, I suppose."
"It might make the twins a little more respectful."
I brightened. "That's true." Then I reconsidered and sighed. "No, it won't. Just give them something else to taunt me with."
The prince frowned. "They are indeed that unpleasant?"
"Oh yes. Radittsu is not going to enjoy being their bodyguard."
"Hmm. Perhaps I should have a word with Vejiita."
"It might help." I paused for a moment, glancing down at his muscular abdomen. "Uh, are you going to be able to train with the King? I mean, what if you get hit in the stomach? Won't it hurt the babies?"
He smiled. "Not for a while yet. And zn'hre are a lot tougher than we look. We have to be." He looked down at the console. "Speaking of which - will you excuse me for a moment? I'm expecting a message from Ti'aasaan..."
I sat back and grabbed another piece of meat, feeling my eyelids drooping. It was warm and peaceful in the large room, and I was very tired.
A few minutes later Zha'haabron looked up again, frowning very slightly.
"Problems?"
He shook his head. "Not really. Ti'aasaan is lonely and misses me - but I already knew that. Despite requests, Gh'heegonan is adamant he will not be allowed to visit: he insists that the heavier gravity will harm him." He sighed. "It's a useful excuse."
Partly curious, but mostly to try and keep myself awake, I gazed at him. "How did you already know he's lonely?"
"Through our bond."
I sat up, tiredness suddenly forgotten, intrigued. "But you're bonded to Radittsu."
"That is my primary bond, yes."
"But you can have more than one bond?"
He stared at me. "Yes. Can't you?"
I frowned. Was it actually possible? "I've never heard of any such thing."
"Ah, I see. The R'ren'nkh'ia-jin have a number of different types of bond." He smiled. "And of course you wish to hear about them all."
"Please. If you're willing to tell me."
"Very well. The bond I have with Radittsu is unique, as far as I'm aware, and I believe it is because we are of different species - something that has never happened before. Among my own people, such a - lifebond would perhaps be the best term - is not at all common, and where such does exist is neither as deep nor necessarily exclusive. I have only heard of two such bondings, involving respectively three and five individuals." He inclined his head, frowning slightly. "It did seem to provide the bondgroups with exceptional strength, however." He pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
"Lifebonds permit telepathic communication between the partners. There is a natural bond between host and offspring that is simply empathic and much weaker. What I have with Ti'aasaan is an extension of the bond shared by all zn'hre." He glanced at my frowning face and smiled.
"Zn'hre are telepathic amongst ourselves - the only R'ren'nkh'ian type that is - and occasionally with other types depending on the strength of individual abilities and circumstance; you already know that one of the narcotic mixes enhances telepathic ability?" I nodded. "Mated zn'hre share a deeper bond. Since it's rare that zn'hre are actually permitted to mate together, the bond itself is equally rare. It's mostly instinctively empathic - hence I am aware of how Ti'aasaan is feeling, as he will be aware of how I am feeling - although there is a deeper than usual telepathic element to it as well." He frowned. "It is difficult to describe."
"That's all right. I'm confused enough as it is!"
He smiled. "If it would make things easier, perhaps I could put the details into a text chip for you."
"Thanks - I'd like that. Can I add it to the database?"
"Certainly. And I would like to ask you for information in exchange. I understand that Saiya-jin customs differ in different parts of the world..."
"And you'd like to know how and where. That's not too difficult. Where would you like to start?"
He inclined his head. "Since both you and Radittsu are from the north, perhaps it would be most sensible to start here."
I grinned. "A fine choice. Let me see..."
I'd got as far as describing name-form differences between the Islands when Radittsu and his father - both looking battered, although the older male seemed to have come off slightly worse - arrived back for a meal. Radittsu stuck his head round the door and grinned at us.
"We're taking a shower. Be back shortly. Everything all right?"
"Indeed. I have had a fascinating morning."
Radittsu raised an eyebrow. "Good!" He glanced at me. "I hope he hasn't tired you too much... You look exhausted."
Zha'haabron turned quickly to me and frowned, laying a hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry, little warrior. That was thoughtless of me."
I smiled. "It's all right. I've enjoyed it - and there's lots more to cover. But I am tired. I think I'll get some sleep after we've eaten: we can carry on any time you like."
The meal was relaxed, and Zh'leet and Zh'anah joined us for once, much to Baadakku's bemusement. I caught him flicking glances between the prince and the other two R'ren'nkh'ia-jin, as if unable to believe they were the same species.
Father and son seemed to be on good terms, however, talking companionably, discussing the details of their fight: Baadakku asked about the Elite Guard and palace life, grimacing at the mention of Kakarotto - I got the impression he wasn't particularly impressed with his youngest son. He spoke at some length of Sorelya, who I gathered was his mate, and several other obviously mutual acquaintances...
I lay back on the couch and let the conversation wash over me, watching Radittsu from half-closed eyes. He sat, relaxed but alert, and let his father do most of the talking, occasionally flashing little glances at his bondmate, as if seeking reassurance. Though of what I had no idea - everything seemed to be going extremely well.
To round off the meal one of the kitchen staff brought in a huge bowl of some fruity concoction, sweet and sticky and very rich, and the talk became more general again. Baadakku turned to me, smiling.
"It has been a pleasure to meet you, my lady."
I grinned tiredly. "It's been good to meet you too."
He gazed at me thoughtfully. "Will you contact your family?"
I shook my head. "I don't think so. I haven't seen mother in fifteen years: we'd have nothing in common by now. And I very much doubt Sebettsu would be pleased to see me!"
He nodded slowly. "True. Though you might enjoy meeting your siblings."
I frowned. "Do you know them?"
"Your brother, yes. His name's Taaro. He's a warrior in my own company. A good one: I trained him."
I chewed my lip, thinking, then shook my head again. "No. Or at least, not yet. If I change my mind I'll get Radittsu to contact you. If that's all right." I added, realising I was taking a lot for granted.
He bowed his head in agreement - then turned to speak, quietly and respectfully, to the prince while I helped myself to another bowl of dessert before the (admittedly sparse) remains of the meal were cleared away.
Baadakku left soon afterwards, taking his leave of me and Zha'haabron in an unexpectedly quaint and courtly manner: Radittsu flew back to Passifla with him. By that time I couldn't keep my eyes open, and didn't object when Zh'leet shooed me off to bed...
It was evening when I surfaced, persuaded awake by the wonderful food-type smells drifting in from the main room. Moments later I was dressed and eating a large plate of mixed seared meats in some sort of spicy sauce. It was delicious.
Radittsu grinned at me, then glanced at the prince. "See? I said the smell would wake her."
Zha'haabron smiled. "Are all Saiya-jin always hungry?"
I nodded, speaking indistinctly around a mouthful of food. "Fast metabolisms."
"At least we wait until our food is dead before we eat it!" Radittsu teased.
Zha'haabron raised an eyebrow, but let the comment pass unanswered.
Fifteen minutes later I leaned back, patting my stomach. "That was good!"
"Want the recipe?"
"Who, me? I can't cook..."
"And you've no intention of learning..."
"Of course not!"
Radittsu laughed. "Very wise. Is there anything you want to do this evening?"
I considered for a moment, then nodded. "I'm spending the night in the forest. I need to do some serious thinking."
He gazed at me for longer than was strictly necessary, face expressionless. "Fine. Just don't go too far. And don't suppress your ki. I want to be able to find you in case you get into trouble."
I scowled. "I can take care of myself."
"I know that. It's just a precaution."
"Oh very well..." I sighed. I suppose he was responsible to Vejiita for my safety while I was here. "What do you have planned?"
"An early night." He glanced at Zha'haabron, smiling tenderly, and I felt a sudden, unexpected and very disturbing flash of jealousy. I forced a smile as I rose.
"Have a good time!"
"You too. We'll see you tomorrow."
They'd disappeared by the time I'd changed into my fur bodysuit - it really did get cold at night, here - and headed for the main entrance.
The sky was very clear as I flew over the forest, heading for one of the lower peaks of the mountain range to the north of the house. About half way up I found a massive old tree, slightly higher than its neighbours, with a convenient broad, many-branched bough a little above the level of the trees further down the steep slope. Comfortable to perch on, high enough that any climbing predators would most likely look for easier targets, and with a fine view across the river valley below, I opted to spend the night there...
What was I going to do? Until Baadakku had talked about my mother I'd always assumed that once you were claimed that was it - it was impossible to break free. Now I found that not only had my mother done so, but from what Radittsu had said it was even possible to challenge a claim! I'd never heard of any such thing. Although, thinking about it, somewhat bitterly, that wasn't so surprising. After all, it was usually the females who were claimed, and knowing something about male jealousy I could understand why the males kept the possibility of breaking free very, very quiet. It wouldn't do to have their females determining their own destinies, would it?
And what about bonding? I'd never even considered that it might be possible to have more than one bond at the same time! I wondered fleetingly if Zha'haabron had told Radittsu about his bond with Ti'aasaan - then shook my head. Of course he would have! And even if he hadn't, no doubt the captain would have known through his own lifebond with the prince. But was it possible for Saiya-jin to bond to more than one person? How did bonding happen, anyway?
I growled to myself. I was woefully ignorant when it came to emotional matters!
Right... I knew how I felt about Vejiita. That now included feeling annoyed about his claim over me, especially since he was going to claim the twins as well. Not that I wanted to be the only female in his life - but he could at least have left me free to turn to others if I wished. Like now.
Radittsu had spoken of me in Zha'haabron's presence. The prince hadn't minded. (I wondered, briefly, what it would be like making love with him... Then mentally slapped myself. I had enough to worry about without making life even more complicated for myself.) I got the impression he wouldn't mind if I did - uh, what's the word? become attached? - to his bondmate. And the idea was very, very appealing.
I lowered my face into my hands, almost weeping with frustration. It really didn't matter what I wanted; I was the King's Companion and such freedom was denied me. Even if I copied my mother and mated with someone else, Vejiita would probably kill them. Possibly me too, although I didn't think he would go quite that far. He'd certainly find some sort of punishment though. He'd see it as treason and his pride wouldn't allow him to forgive. And Radittsu was one of his most trusted officers: even if the captain could be persuaded into it - which I doubted, he's an honourable male where his King is concerned - well, I was frightened to think what Vejiita would do. Death would be too quick and too final for such unthinkable treachery. And Radittsu was right - he was nowhere near powerful enough to challenge the King.
I'm not good at introspection. My thoughts went round and round in circles until I almost felt dizzy. I couldn't see any way out. Finally, as red light flooded the horizon where greater sun was rising, I did what I always do - took the coward's way out, telling myself I felt like this because I hadn't had any sex for a while (a few days is a while when you're used to Vejiita's appetite) and shelved the problem, opting to wait and see what happened.
Not that I really had much choice...
The rest of the holiday passed far too quickly. I managed to keep my mind mostly under control, although there were times when being in Radittsu's company was almost painful. I spent a lot of time talking with Zh'leet and Zh'anah, learning more about the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin, while Radittsu and Zha'haabron trained. A couple of mornings I spent sparring with Zh'anah: we were fairly evenly matched, although I found her fighting style very disconcerting. I spent long afternoons in the forest, flying and walking and occasionally even trying, without much success, to meditate. And several times, towards the end of the break, Radittsu and I sparred with the prince, which was quite an experience. Zha'haabron is so graceful: he seemed to be dancing rather than fighting. Didn't stop him beating both of us, soundly, without even breathing hard...
Panting, Radittsu had sunk to the ground, battered and sore and grinning widely, and glanced at me: I wasn't much better off. He swung his attention back to the prince, who wasn't even bruised.
"I think it's time you got back to training with Vejiita. Your ki's definitely back to normal!"
Zha'haabron landed and hauled us both upright, frowning slightly.
"Have I hurt you?"
I shook my head, answering for both of us. "No. Just the usual, nothing to worry about."
He looked relieved. "Good. I tried to be restrained..."
Radittsu chuckled. "Just as well!" He turned to me, growling. "And you, little warrior, have gone soft."
I grimaced. "I know. I didn't get much opportunity to train while you two were on R'ren'nkh'ia - just a couple of sessions with Apyo and Jeruk."
The captain nodded. "They're good men, but not up to your level. Your previous level, that is. We'll organise a schedule when we get back: I want you back up to standard as soon as possible." He scowled. "I'm sure my babysitting duties will leave me some free time..."
And then it was the day before we had to return. It was a hot morning, and I wanted a last swim, so took myself down to the lake. Not long after Radittsu joined me.
"Zh'leet wants to give Zha'haabron a complete checkup." he said in response to my enquiring look. "She hates me hovering."
I grinned. At least the ko'ish'n had now accepted that he had to be involved with his bondmate's pregnancy - I thought the prince might have had something to do with that...
We swam lazily for a while, then Radittsu dived. After a few seconds I followed him: he was stalking a large and very fat fish. I floated some distance away so as not to scare the creature, enjoying watching the action. Enjoying the sight of Radittsu naked, expression intent, focussed on the hunt, watching the flex and play of his muscular body, his movements smooth and controlled, his mane flowing around him. So beautiful... I wanted to touch him, hold him...
And I shouldn't be thinking like this. I wouldn't be thinking like this if I hadn't found out how he felt, found out about my mother, found out about R'ren'nkh'ia-jin bondings... Damn. Like I didn't have enough on my platter.
A sudden flurry of activity, a whirlpool of bubbles and lashing black hair, and he'd caught the fish. Breaking its back in one swift movement, he grinned at me and headed upwards. I followed closely and surfaced beside him as he tossed the fish onto the bank.
"Well, it'll do for an appetiser! Shall we try for another?" He turned to me, eyes twinkling - and I suddenly found myself wrapped around him, kissing him.
He froze, speechless, for a second or two, then his arms were around me, and for one wonderful endless moment his lips were against mine, hard and hungry as he held me tightly, his body warm even in the cold water, his sudden erection pressing against my hip. Then he pushed me back, shaking his head.
"No."
I bit my lip, suddenly furious with myself. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean... I'd never come between you and Zha'haabron..."
He caught my face between his hands. "Little warrior, nothing can come between Zha'haabron and I. But you are Vejiita's. You can't break faith with him. And what I might want is immaterial."
"Do you want me?"
He gazed at me for a moment, considering. "I respect you. I admire your skills, your determination, your impulsiveness, your occasional bloody-mindedness. It's an honour and a pleasure to know you."
"You didn't answer the question."
"I can't answer it. Not without betraying my King's trust."
That was all I needed to know. I gave him a shaky grin. "All right. C'mon, I'm getting cold and I'm sure Zh'leet's finished by now. Let's get back."
Zh'leet was frowning slightly, and I took advantage of her uneasiness to distract myself from the hot tingling ache I felt in my groin every time I looked at Radittsu.
"Anything wrong?"
The ko'ish'n gazed at me thoughtfully, then beckoned to me. From the corner of my eye I saw Radittsu pull his bondmate into a close embrace, then Zh'leet ushered me into her own room and turned to me.
"It may be nothing to worry about, but there's something a little odd about one of the foetuses."
I frowned. "Malformed?"
She shook her head. "No... It may simply be an effect of your higher gravity, but it seems to be developing faster than is normal. Faster than the others."
"Is that a problem?"
"At the moment, no. Though I will keep a careful eye on the situation."
"Do you know which of the babies it is?"
"One of the va'ha'da."
"Is there anything I can do?"
She patted my cheek, smiling. "Right now, no. I don't want to worry Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu unnecessarily, so please don't mention it to him."
I frowned. "Doesn't the prince know?"
She shrugged. "Every hosting is a little different. At this stage, he's assuming it's just a minor departure from the norm - which indeed may very well be all that it is." She twinkled at me. "But it's my business to worry about these things. I will let you know if anything more comes of it."
"Thanks - I'd appreciate it."
"Now," she rubbed her hands, "we have an early start tomorrow. I need to get myself packed. I'll see you at dinner."
She bustled off and I went to pack my own bag.
*Beloved - we have a problem...*
**Leteetza**
*Can't keep anything from you, can I?*
**Of course not. What will you do?**
*Nothing. I can't.*
**But you would like to**
*You know I would!*
**I also**
*...?...*
A shrug. **I like the little warrior very much. I would like to see you both happy**
*I'm happy now!*
**I know. But you are attracted to her**
*I'm sorry...*
**Don't be - I do not demand exclusivity. Don't forget, I am also bonded to Ti'aasaan. Your feeling for Leteetza is like mine for him**
Radittsu stared, dumbfounded. *You are astonishing. Do you actually know what jealousy is?*
Zha'haabron smiled. **It is not something with which I am familiar, no**
*...I love you...*
I was sorry to leave Shizukesa-besso - although not as sorry as I'd been expecting. While I felt thoroughly relaxed and rested, the new problems the holiday had thrown up were depressing...
But it was a very pleasant flight back, and I discovered something new and unexpected - Zha'haabron had a sense of humour. A very dry, wry and definitely strange one, admittedly, but once I'd got used to it he had me - had all of us (well, all except Zh'anah, who didn't seem to have any comprehension of the idea of humour) - in fits of laughter. I debarked from the shuttle feeling a lot better.
And then it was back to normal life...
Radittsu had reported to Vejiita and his post as bodyguard to the twins. He'd been concerned about what to do if they split up: Vejiita had said to shadow Sheftali, as Kayusu was the more timid of the pair and wouldn't be separated from her sister for long. He'd been almost apologetic as he'd detailed Radittsu's responsibilities: I got the impression he'd said yes to their request for a guard without really listening to what they were asking, and then couldn't back out of it without losing face. But he agreed that the captain had other duties to fulfil, and had decided that his presence would only be required when the twins left the palace. Radittsu could appoint other members of the Elite Guard to them at other times.
Zha'haabron and the King resumed sparring, daily, almost as soon as the prince arrived back in Vejiitamachi, and for several days Zha'haabron arrived back in a terrible state, driving his bondmate almost frantic.
"You can't go on like this! He's going to really hurt you!"
Zha'haabron carefully eased himself half-upright on Radittsu's lap, wincing, gripping his bondmate's shoulders and gazing into his eyes.
"I will be fine. It is benefiting me greatly."
The Saiyan lowered him gently back into the bath, laving his bruised and beaten body with warm water.
"That's not funny."
**Zk'vissin, my ki is now back to my previous highest, and I believe myself capable of more**
Radittsu glared stubbornly.
*That won't do either of us any good if he kills you, will it?*
The prince kissed his chest. **He will not. You are being overly protective. Stop worrying**
*I can't. You know that.*
Zha'haabron sighed. **Then will you at least credit me with having the sense to know how much punishment I can safely endure?**
Radittsu hugged him gently. "All right. As long as you promise to call a halt if it starts getting too violent."
"I promise..."
I sighed, lying back and smiling up at Vejiita. We'd been back four days and he was still insatiable. I was just grateful we heal quickly...
*It's good to be back.*
*Good. I am - more comfortable with you here.*
It was quite an admission, coming from Vejiita. It reminded me of one of the reasons I'd wanted to be with him in the first place - and right now I needed to remember as many reasons as possible. I couldn't avoid Radittsu: he'd insisted on setting up my training schedule as soon as we got back, and was pushing me hard. And it was very difficult being with him, when fighting him was the last thing I wanted to do...
I swallowed and forced my mind back to the King. *Were you able to find out why our messages never reached us?*
He frowned. *It would appear that my PA allowed himself to be coerced into withholding the communications.*
*Why?*
He shrugged. *I had him executed before I found out.*
I blinked at him. *Uh, my lord? Wasn't that a little extreme?*
He stared at me coldly. *Are you suggesting I should have acted differently? His actions were treasonous.*
Which didn't bode well for me... But it really was time I told him. I wasn't looking forward to it. I waited for a few minutes, trying to gather my courage and persuade myself that I had nothing to feel guilty about.
"My lord?"
He kissed my neck. "Hmm?"
"Uh, I have a confession to make."
He raised himself to one elbow and gazed down at me, his expression neutral.
"Continue."
I bit my lip. Vejiita didn't like secrets. I didn't think he was going to be very pleased with me. How best to tell him...
Ah, sod it. Blunt and open's always worked best.
"I've never told you exactly who I am. Who my family are."
"No, you haven't."
"Well, you never asked."
"And that is a valid reason for not being honest with your King?" Dammit, he wasn't making this any easier.
"Of course not, sire." I took several deep breaths. "Uh, do you know Lady Kaarela?"
"Not personally."
"Well, she's my mother."
A brief silence. Then: "And who is your father?"
I lowered my eyes. "I don't know."
A much longer silence. I risked looking into his face - it was absolutely expressionless. I swallowed.
"I'm sorry, sire. I know I should have told you, right back at the beginning..."
"Do you think it would have made any difference?"
"I don't know."
"Why? Have you not considered the matter - and its consequences?"
"Uh, not really, sire..."
He was silent, letting me suffer for a minute or two, then cupped my chin in his hand and raised my eyes to his.
"I have known almost since the beginning."
I gaped. "What...?"
He smirked, but there was annoyance in his eyes. "Do you seriously believe that the heir to the throne of Vejiitasei would have been permitted to take a Companion without her being very, very thoroughly vetted first? Are you really that naïve?"
I stared at him, tears prickling my eyes, wanting to slap myself. How could I have been so stupid?
"I'm sorry, my lord."
He stared at me for a few moments, then smiled and ran his fingers down my cheek.
"It doesn't matter."
"...It doesn't?"
He shrugged. "I forgive you your - incomplete honesty."
I nestled closer, biting my lip, Vejiita's hand absently stroking my back.
"It will substantiate your status with regard to the twins, which is useful."
I peered up at him. "Uh, sorry, my lord?"
"Your family is much older and of higher standing than Anzu's. This will allow you greater - liberties with the twins than might otherwise be the case. Especially with regard to discipline..."
My eyes widened. "Truly?"
He nodded. "Indeed. Now that you are back, I intend holding a private official ceremony, claiming the twins as mine and confirming your position as Guardian of the Royal Heirs. Shall we say, six days time?"
I nodded. Sounded fine to me. He smiled and reached for my tail...
© 2001 (April 21st) Joules Taylor
