Interregnum
"I don't want them. I never wanted them!"
The babies started to whimper in my arms. I sighed, then scowled. I was very tired, close to losing my temper, and I'd just about had enough of Sheftali... But I bit my tongue. I'd learned a lot of diplomacy from Zha'haabron.
"They need to be fed."
"I don't want to feed them!"
The whimpers became high-pitched little cries.
"They're hungry. You have to feed them."
She threw a pillow at me.
"You feed them!"
I glared, then smirked as an idea came to me. I wasn't altogether sure of the truth behind it, but given how vain Sheftali was it was worth a try...
"But if you feed them yourself, your old shape will come back much more quickly."
She paused in her build-up to a real temper tantrum and stared at me, expression doubtful and suspicious.
"Is that true?"
I nodded. Her gaze turned to the wailing bundles in my arms, then she sighed ill-humouredly and took the little princes from me, settling one to each breast. Their cries stopped and I glanced at the twins' nurse.
"Can you cope on your own for a bit?"
The austere female nodded, and I left. Gratefully.
"But how can she feel that way?"
I'd sought refuge with Ti'aasaan, and was now curled up beside him, my head in his lap as he stroked my hair, the R'ren'nkh'ian princes playing happily in various parts of the suite. I shrugged tiredly.
"Just not the maternal type, I guess. Kayusu seems to be handling it all right, though. Just wish she could pass some of it on to her sister."
The little zn'hre leaned down to wrap his arms around my shoulders and hugged me close. "Is there anyone who can share the burden?"
"I suppose, if we got desperate, I might be able to persuade Kayusu to help feed them." I sighed. "We just need to get past these first ten or so days - then I can take over. They'll be able to eat proper food, and if necessary I can take them away from Sheftali."
"Will you bring them here?"
I glanced up at him, surprised. "Would you like me to?"
He inclined his head. "Well, there's plenty of room. And the children could all be together, then. It will probably do them good." He smiled, self-deprecatingly. "And I could, perhaps, have a little more of your company. I've missed you."
He was so dreadfully lonely, and so uncomplaining about it. I kissed his arm. "I've missed you too. And it's a good idea. I'd hoped they could all take lessons together, eventually, but this might be even better." I frowned. "I'll have to see what Vejiita says, of course, but as long as he's in agreement then I have no objection. Although you must let me know if it gets too much for you."
He grinned at me. "Agreed. And now I suggest you have some sleep - you look exhausted. They know where you are: I'll wake you if you're needed."
"Are you sure you don't mind?" I had to admit I really was tired - more than I'd any real right to be, even with the long, wearying hours I'd put in since the royal heirs were born. Ti'aasaan ruffled my hair and eased me down onto the sleeping platform.
"Silly primate. Of course I'm sure! Rest now..."
His mood one of happy anticipation, Radittsu returned to the suite after a successful day's meeting with the zn'hre and entered Zha'haarak's small chamber - to find the king's sibling standing, naked and very unsteady, beside the bed. His head whipped around at the Saiyan's entrance, and he staggered and nearly fell: Radittsu's arms under his knees and across his back supported him as the big male lifted him easily and sat on the bed, holding him lightly.
"Easy, now. You're still very weak." Radittsu smiled, amiably, biting back his concern: the painfully-thin zn'hre felt feather-light in his arms and was gasping for breath, although he'd hardly exerted himself. "How are you feeling?"
Golden eyes gazed into his. "I am feeling a lot better. Thank you." Suddenly realising his position, Zha'haarak lowered his eyes, blushed a charming shade of turquoise and pushed weakly at the Saiyan: Radittsu helped him slide back into bed and pull the covers up to his chest, hiding a smile. The last thing he'd expected was for Zha'haabron's sibling to be shy! He glanced around the room. To his surprise Zh'leet was absent.
"Can I get you anything? Something to drink, maybe?"
Zha'haarak nodded, keeping his eyes lowered.
"Thank you. May... may I have some water?"
Moments later, sipping delicately from a beaker held carefully in both hands, the zn'hre watched the Saiyan from under long lashes. Radittsu smiled.
"I don't mind if you want to ask me anything."
Zha'haarak turned a deeper shade of turquoise and shook his head slightly.
"How about if I ask you, then?"
"What... what is it you wish to know?"
Radittsu laid a reassuring hand on a thin green arm tense and trembling with apprehension. Dammit - he was so scared, even now! The Saiyan took a deep breath and a less-than-calculated risk.
"Do you think you could tell me something about yourself? Zha'haabron and I have been wondering which enclave you lived in, and who your master was. And why you were dumped in the desert."
The golden eyes grew huge and terrified, and Zha'haarak began to shake violently. Alarmed, Radittsu pulled the quaking body close, cradling him in strong warm arms and murmuring soothingly.
"It's all right. You don't have to tell me anything. I'm sorry - I didn't mean to frighten you."
He could feel tears wet on his chest as he stroked the silky green hair. Then -
**Zk'vissin? What's wrong with Zha'haarak?**
Radittsu sighed. Of course the king would know if something had upset his sibling...
*I'm sorry. It was me being clumsy and thoughtless again.*
**No, you weren't** Both bondmates started as the soft *voice* interrupted them. **I... I just find it painful to speak of**
**Zha'haarak? You can hear us both?**
**Um, yes. Is... is that wrong?**
**Not at all. Simply - unprecedented**
Zha'haarak glanced up, giving the Saiyan a muted version of Zha'haabron's beautiful smile - shy but warm, lightening Radittsu's heart. He hugged the zn'hre gently, and the king chuckled.
**What price privacy? Zha'haarak, do you feel able to talk with the Ssii'iir?**
The zn'hre nodded, a little hesitantly, and Zha'haabron *smiled*. **Then perhaps you could do so now. I'm in conference and will be a while, yet, but I will *hear* what you say**
If the story hadn't been so harrowing, Radittsu would have thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, sitting with his back against the bedhead, Zha'haarak cradled against his broad warm chest as - tentatively and slowly - the zn'hre unfolded a tale of such cruelty it made Zha'haabron's life seem a picnic. The Saiyan listened with mounting horror as the soft, occasionally faltering voice detailed the atrocities the gentle zn'hre had suffered. At the end, fighting back his own tears, he gathered the trembling, weeping form more tightly into his arms, kissing the silky hair.
"We will keep you safe. We will not let any such things happen to you again."
Zha'haabron had been *listening in*, his fury and anguish growing as the tale proceeded. He *reached* to help soothe his distraught sibling through their bond as Radittsu cradled him closely - then focussed tightly on his bondmate to keep his communication from Zha'haarak.
**Dhr'ovaanon. Oh, that he had a thousand lives, that I might end them all one by one and slowly and with infinite pain...**
Radittsu *nodded* in agreement, then tenderly stroked the gentle zn'hre's face.
"Zha'haarak? Is there anything we can do to help?"
The zn'hre lifted tear-filled eyes to his face, trying to smile.
"You saved my life, have treated me with care and gentleness - and you have brought such joy to my sibling. Could I ask anything more?"
The Saiyan grinned - as much to hide his embarrassment as anything.
"You can ask anything you like."
"But there is nothing..."
Radittsu kissed his forehead. "I'm sure you'll think of something, once you're fully recovered."
"But... I should be asking what I may do for you!"
Radittsu shook his head. "I'm not going to argue. We can sort out the details later. It's more important that we get you fit and well again as soon as we can."
"And right now, you need some sleep!" Radittsu's head jerked around, startled. Zh'leet stood inside the door, arms folded, gazing fondly at the pair on the bed. She smiled at his expression.
"I know, I shouldn't eavesdrop." She moved to the bed, laying a hand on his shoulder. "But I'm glad I did. Zha'haarak - Ssii'irin - now I know what happened I'll be able to help you more effectively." She frowned at the zn'hre's shaking head. "What is it?"
"You should not Ssii'irin me. It is not appropriate."
"I think Zha'haabron might feel differently. But I won't argue right now. What I want is for you to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow I'll start organising a series of treatments to heal those deep-seated injuries. It'll require some surgery, but it will be worth it to free up your damaged joints, and you'll be able to breathe more easily too, once we've reset your ribs and cleared away the scar tissue around your lungs."
Tears were trickling from Zha'haarak's wide open eyes. "Y... you can do that?"
Zh'leet stared at him, nonplussed. "Of course we can." She frowned. "Have you not had medical treatment before? What about when your hostlings were removed?"
Zha'haarak had paled almost to white: both Radittsu and Zha'haabron *felt* his remembered pain.
"They cut me open and then stitched me up."
Zh'leet blanched. "Without anaesthetics?"
A single nod.
"Every time?"
"Yes." It was whispered, so low they could hardly hear it. Her mouth a thin line of utter fury, Zh'leet turned to Radittsu.
"Make him suffer. Both of you, make that... that..." She stuttered, her eyes blazing, unable to think of an epithet sufficiently ugly. "Make him suffer. And if I can help, just ask."
Radittsu's face was grim. "Don't worry - we will." Zha'haarak was trembling again, his distress plain, and the Saiyan forced himself to calm, running his fingers gently down one tear-damp cheek and the long, graceful neck, cupping a thin shoulder and holding the zn'hre close. He regarded Zh'leet for a moment.
"Would you mind if I stayed with him? I won't stop him sleeping: I just... I'd rather stay here. Just for a little while? If you don't mind," he added, glancing down at Zha'haarak.
In answer, the gentle zn'hre cuddled a little closer, wrapping his arms around the Saiyan's waist and slowly relaxing against the strong warm body as he fell into a deep, restful sleep.
"...Leteetza? You need to wake up now..."
I groaned. Go away...
A cool hand stroked down my face.
"I'm sorry, little warrior, but they're calling for you. You really do need to wake up."
I forced my eyes open. Ti'aasaan was gazing down at me, worried.
"You have slept for nearly a whole day. Is something wrong?"
Apart from a pounding head, aching body and a slight dizzy feeling, I was fine. If that's the right word.
"'m awake... What do the brats want now?"
"Oh, it's not the twins. Vejiita has arrived and is asking for you."
Damn. And I was still so bloody tired... Ah well. I dragged myself upright, yawning, then smiled and hugged the little zn'hre.
"Thanks. That was the best sleep I've had in... well, since before the heirs were born."
He smiled and kissed me. "I'm glad. You needed it." The smile faded somewhat. "Um, I suppose I won't see you for a while."
I took his hands. "I promise I'll come and see you at least once a day. But for the moment I won't be able to sleep here. At least, I don't think so. Will you be all right?"
"I'm sure I can manage. You'd better hurry - he'll be waiting for you."
Vejiita was in the twins' suite, gazing down at the three babies with a mixture of wariness and satisfaction. One of the boys had Vejiita's upswept flame of hair, but rich red rather than black, while the other's hair was black, but more like Sheftali's soft waves. The little girl's was a curious mix of both her parents', black hair swept up and back and then cascading downwards in a substantial mane. As I arrived the king glared at me.
"You're late. Be present when required next time or it will be permanent."
I scowled at him. *Don't try to threaten me. You know it won't work. Besides, it undermines my position.*
He nodded curtly and went back to watching the babies.
"Which one was born first?"
Kayusu lifted the little girl towards him, smiling. He nodded and glanced at me.
"Which of the boys was born first?"
I pointed to the red-haired baby. Vejiita nodded again, absently, then turned to me, frowning.
*Hn. How do I name them?*
*What do you mean?*
*Usually the firstborn is named Vejiita. But there is usually only one first-born. I have three. How do I choose which should bear the name?*
I stifled an irritable sigh. He had three beautiful, perfect children and he was only concerned about which one should bear his name...
*Why don't you call them all Vejiita? 'Something' Vejiita, or Vejiita 'something', to distinguish between them?*
He stared, then smiled.
*That is a very useful idea. I will consider it.* He sniffed and frowned. *Are you well? Your scent is - different.*
*I'm over-tired and over-worked. And I missed you.*
He smirked. *That last I can do something about...*
And the twins' nurse had to cope by herself for the next three nights...
The three royal heirs were named at a special ceremony, telecast to the entire planet, with the twins standing proudly and regally at Vejiita's side while I hovered in the background. Perfectly happy to be there, I should add. The red haired baby boy, Vejiita Kiraz, was proclaimed first in line for the throne on the death of his father; his twin brother was named Vejiita Kobis, and the little girl Vejiita Buahan. And the ceremony was a wonderful excuse for everyone to celebrate with typical abandon. Except for me, that is. I just wanted a decent night's sleep. Too tired to care about the possible reaction, I risked asking something that would normally be unthinkable.
*My lord, would you mind if I spent tonight in Ti'aasaan's suite?*
I'd expected at least outrage, but to my surprise he was unusually amenable. Perhaps his new status as royal father had something to do with it...
*Very well. I will expect you in the suite tomorrow morning. Not too early.*
I smiled and kissed him and dragged myself to Ti'aasaan's suite. The little zn'hre was delighted to see me, but anxious.
"Leteetza? What's wrong?"
I slumped onto the sleeping platform with a heartfelt sigh and buried my face in my hands, feeling myself dozing off as I did so.
"Just need to sleep..."
I almost didn't feel him undress and settle me under the covers.
Radittsu could *feel* his bondmate's apprehension as they approached the first of the zn'hre's quarters, and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.
*I'm here. If there's any problem, you get out as fast as you can. I'll handle them - I'm familiar with them all, now, and they know me. They know what to expect, and they know your safety is paramount.*
Zha'haabron nodded and covered the warm hand with his own. **Thank you for preparing the way**
*Thank me when we know we're home and dry!* Radittsu grinned. *Now, the first we'll visit is Bri'seiyis...* He halted as Zha'haabron stopped and turned to face him.
**Bri'seiyis?**
*You know him?*
**I know of him, certainly: most of us do. One of the luckier of us. He is a skilled music maker: his master valued him for more than his body and allowed him the freedom to study and develop his talents** He smiled warmly. **This is excellent. With his support and participation the rest would be that much more easily swayed**
Radittsu frowned. *He never mentioned it.
**There is no reason why he should. You would be unaware of his reputation**
*True...* They resumed walking, and Radittsu saluted as the Saiyan guard moved smartly away from Bri'seiyis' door. The captain rapped lightly, then entered, standing aside for Zha'haabron.
"Bri'seiyis, this is your Ssii'iin. Zha'haabron, Bri'seiyis of the tribe of Fha'rq of the Southern Dunes."
Zha'haabron watched as the other zn'hre knelt, trembling slightly but otherwise hiding his fear well. His skin was a deep, rich azure, his hair dark green, almost black, and his eyes - his eyes were a vibrant blue, very unusual and striking amongst the zn'hre. Zha'haabron held out a hand.
"You are welcome, Bri'seiyis. I trust you are comfortable here?"
"Oh yes, my Ssii'iin. I have been very well treated." The low, musical voice was hushed, almost overawed as the zn'hre rose and stepped hesitantly forward to touch the king's outstretched hand. Radittsu held himself ready to intervene should the contact rouse any kind of compulsion, mating or otherwise, but to his relief - and Bri'seiyis' obvious astonishment - nothing of the kind occurred. Zha'haabron smiled as the other zn'hre gaped, staring at their joined hands.
"Much of what we have believed to be true was nothing more than lies, perpetuated to keep us enslaved."
Bri'seiyis looked into his king's face, eyes wide and almost adoring - and glistening with tears. Zha'haabron laid his other hand gently against the cool cheek.
"And that knowledge can set us free. I wish to exalt our kind. Will you join me?"
"My Ssii'iin, I am yours to command."
Zha'haabron inclined his head. "I would prefer it if you were my ally."
Bri'seiyis nodded, breathlessly, his eyes huge. The king smiled.
"Will you come with me and speak with the others?"
"My Ssii'iin, I will do whatever you ask of me. As your ally."
Zha'haabron's eyes shimmered as he ushered the zn'hre from the room...
"How was it?"
It was nearly dawn of the following day by the time the bondmates had returned to the suite. Both were exhausted, but satisfied and quietly content. Zha'haabron smiled at his sibling.
"It went very well. With Bri'seiyis as palpable proof that the mating urge is not necessarily inevitable, most were willing to listen to us. And of those who are still unsure, most will need only the slightest persuasion to believe. Our people want to be free."
Zha'haarak sighed and settled back on the pillows with a happy smile.
"I'm so glad. Were there any problems?"
"Not really."
Radittsu smiled to himself. There'd been a handful of zn'hre who'd instinctively tried to transform in the king's presence, but they'd been fairly easily dealt with: sheer surprise at finding two zn'hre - one of them their new king, the other a well-known artist - together, in their natural forms, and not trying to mate had allowed Radittsu the time he needed to tackle and slap a little sense into them (accompanied by his bondmate's outraged *objections*. But, as he'd pointed out, later, it had worked. And was a much better alternative to calling in the guards or using real force or, even worse, weapons. Zha'haabron had, reluctantly, agreed...)
"Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu is going to spend a little more time explaining that what we've been subjected to for so long has acted as a form of conditioning, and that we can break out of it if we so choose. Then we're going to try letting them socialise a little - under guard, of course, until we can be certain everyone is comfortable with the situation."
Privately, Radittsu anticipated a good few problems - it seemed very unlikely to him that the zn'hre as a whole could overcome millennia of indoctrination in just a few days. But they'd made a good start, and on the whole his people had taken to Zha'haabron with startled delight and a considerable degree of relief. It could work. It would work, if Radittsu had anything to do with it! But for now....
"You're tired." The big Saiyan wrapped his arms around his bondmate's shoulders. "Will you get some rest?"
Zha'haabron 's head rolled back to rest against the Saiyan's chest.
"Yes."
Radittsu blinked. "What? No argument?? You must be really tired!"
Zha'haarak chuckled, then stifled it, eyes widening in what looked suspiciously like fear. Zha'haabron reached for him, pulling him into a gentle embrace.
**You must not be afraid to laugh. Please. The nightmare is over. You are allowed to be happy, you are allowed to enjoy yourself. I want you to know pleasure**
Zha'haarak sobbed very quietly against his shoulder.
**It will take time, my Ssii'iin**
**I know. But please understand that you are safe now. And please don't Ssii'iin me. At least, not between us**
Zha'haarak pulled back and cupped his sibling's face in thin cool hands - then stretched forward to lick gently at his neck.
**Very well - heart-brother**
Zha'haabron gathered him close, and both zn'hre sighed contentedly as Radittsu wrapped his own arms protectively around both cool bodies, his mind *filled* with a calm, quiet joy.
And Zh'leet allowed them a good few minutes of warm family happiness before she announced they all needed to sleep...
Back in the main chamber Zha'haabron turned to Zh'leet, who had followed them through from Zha'haarak's room.
"I assume you wish to give me a progress report?"
She nodded. "He's recovering extremely well - the most recent internal damage is practically healed." She shook her head, smiling. "I'm continually astonished at how quickly the zn'hre heal when cocooned in love! If only I could find a way of synthesising the effect..."
The king chuckled, and Zh'leet grinned.
"We have a way to go yet, however. I've planned a series of operations to repair the effects of the old injuries. I'll keep the stress and pain to a minimum, but unfortunately it's still going to hurt." She sighed. "A lot less than he's suffered in the past, but still... Perhaps you two will be able to help, there. Either by distracting him or just by loving him."
Zha'haabron nodded. "Of course. How long will all of this take?"
"It's not going to be a speedy process. And I want him to be a lot stronger, too, before we start. He's still seriously underweight, very weak, and too fragile to endure the kind of invasive surgery we'll have to perform. We need to remove dead tissue from around his lungs and lower internal organs, repair ligaments, and break and reset at least seven ribs, the left wrist, and three bones in the left foot. One hip was dislocated, the ligaments sheared, the femur head shattered, and the broken bone forced back into the socket and allowed to knit without any kind of medical intervention - many years ago by the look of it. He can hardly move it: how he's been able to walk since is beyond me, and mating and hosting must have been agony. I've my suspicions that one or both shoulders were dislocated too, some time back, though those injuries aren't so severe. There's still some scar tissue he could happily live without, though. The pelvic bone's been fractured in the past: I want to check that's healed cleanly, and I want to have a closer look at his spine. I don't think there's been any serious injury, but there's a stiffness in his lower back that I'm a little concerned about." She rubbed her face and sighed. "There'll be an extensive period of recovery afterwards, too. He'll need to take very frequent very gentle exercise to keep everything supple and moving freely." She frowned. "It's a damned nuisance - swimming and bathing would be ideal if we had the water available."
Zha'haabron smiled, slowly. "I'm very glad to hear you say that..."
© 2001 September 2nd Joules Taylor
