Perturbation

"I don't know what to do…"
      Leteetza sighed and offered her friend another beaker of mulled ale.
      "And he's shown no inclination at all?"
      Tamata shook her head.
      "We're so ashamed…"

Pasunippu's teachers were very happy with the child. He was polite, intelligent, bright and inquisitive, forever asking questions - a delight to teach. He was popular with the other children, too, especially Peyaru: the two had become quite close.
      But he would not fight.
      He resisted even basic training, finally and very reluctantly joining the sparring class when Peyaru had teased him into it. And, Radittsu had reported, he was competent and would make a good warrior - if he worked at it.
      But 'nippu didn't want to work at it. He didn't want to be a warrior. He wanted to be a scientist.
      Tamata was horrified. Kakarrotto was surprised and a little alarmed, but nothing ever really worried him. He was of the opinion that the brat would most likely change his mind later and then have to hurry to catch up…
      Leteetza patted Tamata's shoulder sympathetically.
      "It's not really all that shameful, you know. I mean, we already agreed that if 'dittsu didn't want to train we wouldn't force him - or worry about it."
      "That's different! You're a noble, and King's Companion, and Rad-chan is the lizard king's mate! You can do what you like and people won't bat an eyelid. We're just… normal…"
      Leteetza absently wrapped her tail around Kome's waist, lifting the giggling brat and swooping her gently in the air. The little female could fly under her own power - had learned to fly well before she learned to walk, in fact - but it was still fun having someone else do all the hard work… Leteetza had planned on suggesting that Kome join the classes when she was a little older, but under the circumstances it would probably not be taken well right now. Tamata smiled and ruffled her daughter's mane.
      "At least she seems set on becoming a warrior."
      Leteetza quirked an eyebrow, and Tamata sighed.
      "She's picking fights with 'nippu already. And winning."
      The smaller Saiyan chuckled.
      "Can't say I'm surprised. She's elite already."
      "We know. Although we don't know why." Tamata growled to herself. "I just don't understand it, 'teetza. I mean, I'm only upper third class…"
      "But Kakarrotto is elite."
      "Don't remind me…" She chewed her lip, hesitating, then gazed at her old friend, eyes shadowed. "He could have his choice of any female, just about. And there's nothing keeping him here. I mean, he's never claimed me, and we aren't bonded…"
      "He loves you?"
      "I don't know!" she wailed. "He's never said so."
      "Do you love him?"
      Tamata's shoulders slumped.
      "Don't know that either… I'm happy with him. He's a good mate, and reasonably good with the brats, I guess. Affectionate. Umm… I'm happy to stay with him."
      Leteetza nodded.
      "Well, I don't think he's ever likely to leave. Baadakku would beat the shit out of him if he tried."
      Tamata pouted.
      "Bit sad if it takes threats to keep him with me."
      The King's Companion grinned.
      "Yes - but it must be nice to know you have back-up."
      "I suppose…" She sighed and pulled her daughter into her arms, nuzzling the brat's neck. "But what am I to do about 'nippu?"
      Leteetza sighed.
      "Don't think there's much you can do - at least, not if you want him to be happy, and forcing him into the military would make him very unhappy. Let him carry on as he is for a while?"
      Tamata growled, then nodded in resignation.
      "You're right. We don't really have much choice…" She shook her head and made an effort to smile. "So, what's been happening at the palace?"
      Leteetza blinked.
      "Kakarrotto doesn't tell you?"
      Tamata snorted.
      "Heh! He gets back here after his shift, eats, fucks, then falls asleep! I never get any news out of him…"
      Leteetza grinned, and started to tell her friend the gossip - well, all of it she safely could impart, anyway…

The summons came at first meal, the one time in the day when the whole family could be counted on to be present in the suite. Limau himself had brought it.
      "His Majesty requests the presence of his Companion, Buahan Oujo and Peyaru-sama tomorrow at midmorning." Hijau's father had finally managed to gasp out, laughing, after being inundated by his grandchildren - and Kinu - who didn't get to see him anything like as often as they wanted. Buahan frowned at Leteetza.
      "Me and 'ru-chan? What've we done wrong?"
      The little female grinned.
      "Nothing. I think he wants to speak to you about your becoming officially mated."
      The princess glanced at the young lord, who had paled and whose tail was trembling. She reached for his hand, then eyed Leteetza a little nervously.
      "You think so?"
      "It's been nearly a year since Peyaru came here…"
      Peyaru's eyes widened.
      "Really…? It doesn't feel like it."
      Buahan stared at him, narrow-eyed, for a second or two, then grinned.
      "I'll take that as a compliment… We should talk."
      Peyaru paled further.
      "T… talk?"
      The princess nodded.
      "Uhuh. 'bout whether we're happy and think we'll stay happy and be able to stand each other in years to come…"
      Leteetza chuckled at Peyaru's expression - then sobered and inclined her head.
      "Yes, you should. Do you want me there?"
      Buahan frowned for a moment, thinking, then shook her head.
      "No, but can we talk to you if we need to?"
      "Of course, brat-highness!"
      Buahan giggled, then piled a platter with their favourites, grabbed Peyaru around the waist with her tail, and dragged him off to one of the side-rooms…
      Hours later, well past mid-night, they were still in there, still talking, and Leteetza was wondering if she should try to get some sleep or tap on the door and remind them of the time…
      "'teetza-sama?" The gentle touch on her shoulder made her jump: she'd been so preoccupied she hadn't realised Pirum had joined her. She smiled at the young Hassinan, noticing absently that Pirum had grown taller and looked set to be a real beauty when she was a little older.
      "What is it, brat?"
      "I… I was wondering… What will happen, once it's official? Will Bu-chan move away?"
      The youngster was very apprehensive, the Saiyan couldn't fail to notice. She frowned slightly: she knew Buahan and Pirum were close friends, but she'd thought, just recently, that the Hassinan had been more involved with 'selaan, her study partner. She smiled to herself - and Kiraz… Though she was very aware that they were discreet about it, making sure they waited until Radittsu and Hijau were out of the suite before indulging and bathing very thoroughly afterwards. The scents were very faint, she had to admit, and very quickly overlaid by others: she'd have missed it herself had she not come back unexpectedly one afternoon and heard and smelt the three of them quietly if enthusiastically fucking in a side room…
      Well, she wasn't concerned. It wasn't as if they didn't know what the whole thing was about, and it was quite obvious they were all enjoying themselves. She kept the information to herself; they weren't doing anyone any harm…
      She laid an arm over Pirum's shoulders.
      "Would it upset you if she did?"
      Pirum bit her lip and nodded. Leteetza frowned.
      "Why?"
      "'Cause… 'cause she's my best friend, and I love her… I know she has to have a mate - but does that mean we have to… um… we can't see each other any more?"
      The Saiyan pondered for a moment. It was, of course, an entirely new situation… Or was it? After all, the royal family of Vejiitasei had always had its own household, its own retinue of companions and advisors, even if they'd been purely Saiyan. But things were changing. Was there any reason why Buahan shouldn't have her own household within the palace, with her chosen friends and guards? Certainly nothing came to mind…
      "What about 'selaan?"
      Pirum chewed her lip, blushing.
      "I don't know." She whispered. "I like him lots… he's so pretty and intelligent and…"
      "And you enjoy 'playing' together."
      The Hassinan blushed even deeper, eyes lowered, and nodded faintly. Leteetza smirked.
      "Heh, don't worry, I'm not going to say anything to anyone. But I will speak to his Majesty, later, and see how he feels about you staying together."
      "Oh, would you?" Pirum's scent overflowed with gratitude. The Saiyan tilted her head.
      "How does Buahan feel?"
      Pirum chewed her lip.
      "I don't really know. We just… never talked about what would happen later. I s'pose we just thought we'd always stay together, no matter what happened."
      Leteetza smiled.
      "I'll speak with her myself, see what she says…" anything further was silenced by a double armful of happy Hassinan squeezing her as hard as the youngster could - which wasn't very hard, but a charming demonstration of appreciation all the same.
      "Thank you, thank you…"
      The Saiyan pushed her back slightly.
      "I'm not promising anything. We'll have to see how it goes."
      Pirum nodded, her eyes gleaming delightedly. Leteetza pointed to the far side of the sleeping platform, where 'selaan was showing signs of waking up.
      "Better try and get some sleep. We'll sort everything out in the morning…"

Peyaru looked tired and anxious at first meal. Buahan, by contrast, was bright eyed and bushy tailed, the limb expressive of both excitement and apprehension. Leteetza took them to one side after the rest of the children had left for their morning activities, sitting them down and eyeing them gravely.
      "Right. What have you decided?"
      Buahan wrapped an arm and her tail around Peyaru's waist and hips and grinned whitely.
      "We want to be mates."
      Leteetza glanced at the young lord.
      "You feel the same?"
      He nodded. She frowned.
      "Truly?"
      He offered a small smile, still nervous, but his scent spoke his feelings clearly.
      "Yes, 'teetza-sama. I want to be with Bu-chan." He twisted to kiss her shoulder. "She's perfect. I want to do everything I can to make her happy, to share everything with her."
      "You know it might be hard, later? That you'll have official duties that must be performed, whether you like them or not?"
      He chuckled.
      "Been to too many council meetings not to know that, 'teetza-sama! We'll learn as we go along."
      The King's Companion smirked.
      "Good. Now, what about Pirum?"
      Buahan blinked.
      "What about her?"
      "Do you want her to stay close to you?"
      The princess' mouth opened and closed a couple of times, her scent startled.
      "But of course she's staying with me! Who said anything different?"
      Leteetza glanced at Peyaru, who was nodding solemnly.
      "And 'selaan?"
      "Him too. If he wants to, I mean."
      Right - that settled that. Now they just had to get Vejiita's agreement on the establishment of the household…

…which he was happy to give. Although, as he pointed out, it wouldn't happen for several years yet. Buahan would be permitted her own apartments and household when she reached maturity - around her seventh year: nobles tended to mature more quickly than the rest of the population. In the meantime, she could stay in the R'ren'nkh'ian wing, or move into the royal wing to be with her mother, the choice was hers…
      They'd make the official announcement on the anniversary of Peyaru's first moving to the capital, and the king decreed a day of celebration for the city.
      Which, pouted Buahan, wasn't fair to her brother. Kobis never had any sort of celebration of his bonding to 'haabron…
      Vejiita had blinked at her, then frowned.
      "It's an entirely different matter! For a start, you're female: your children will be pure-blooded elite Saiya-jin. Should Kobis and the lizard prince actually manage to produce offspring, the brats will be half-breeds…"
      "I don't see what difference that makes to the idea!" She sighed and hugged him, gazing up with big appealing eyes. "Papa, 'haabron-sama will be High King after the Ssii'iin, and Kobis is his bondmate. That makes them just like Zha'haabron-sama and Rad-chan. Surely that's as important as me and Peyaru!"
      Vejiita scowled, but knew from long experience it was much easier not to argue.
      "What do you suggest?"
      She glanced quickly at Peyaru, who nodded.
      "Could they share our celebration?"
      The king blinked.
      "Wouldn't you prefer them to be separate?"
      "We don't mind."
      Vejiita glanced at his Companion.
      "Is this feasible?"
      She nodded.
      "I don't see why not, sire. Knowing that pair, I don't think they'd like a big public affair anyway. Sharing with the princess and her mate, they can be acknowledged but not have to be the main focus, and I think they'd prefer that." She grinned at Buahan. "It's a very kind thought, brat-highness."
      She smirked.
      "I like 'em. Doesn't seem fair they should miss out."
      Leteetza nodded.
      "Right. I'll check with everyone, but otherwise I'll get it organised."
      The king's eyes had narrowed, his tail flicking out to brush lightly over her own.
      "Good." There was a brief, charged silence, then he smirked. "Return to my quarters tonight. It has been a while since we spent any time together…"

*It's very beautiful. But where is it?*
      'zhasaan sighed and relaxed back into Ti'ani's arms. It had been a pleasant dreaming session, this time, with images of the lovely ringed world prevalent amongst the confused and colourful visions of the future.
      **I don't know, Ti-chan. I see it so often, and I don't know where it is. Only that it's very far away**
      The hybrid frowned, nuzzling the dreamer's neck.
      *Do you think it's Zhane?*
      **I don't know. I don't think so, the beings I see don't look much like zn'hre. Not that I can see them very clearly…**
      Ti'ani sighed.
      *'lee-chan has asked to be alerted should any race ask to join the Empire from a ringed world. He'll let us know if…* His voice faltered as 'raadiin entered the suite, Kiraz and Ry in tow, and 'zhasaan twisted to hug him.
      **Calm, zk'vissin. Be calm…**
      It was all very well to say it, but Ti'ani couldn't stay calm in 'raadiin's presence, and certainly not when Ry was there too…

The Ssii'iin had been so gentle, so sympathetic, when Ti'ani had, haltingly, told him what had happened. Zha'haabron thought it was most likely another variation of bond - but it was quite obviously one-sided, and causing the hybrid immense distress. He'd frowned.
      **Do you wish me to attempt to intervene? Either by speaking directly to 'raadiin, or by seeing if it is possible to ameliorate or break the bond?**
      He'd made the suggestion very reluctantly, and Ti'ani shook his head.
      *I'd rather not, Ssii'iin… Want to deal with it myself… But now you know…*
      **Indeed** Zha'haabron frowned. There really should be something he could do to ease things, but Ti'ani was adamant he didn't want 'raadiin to know of his feelings. The zn'hre would only laugh, and the hybrid couldn't bear that…
      So he endured seeing the young warrior with 'fallon, cursing the heritage that had given him Saiyan senses, trying to ignore the sounds and scents that reached him from behind their door, imagining what they got up to. At least he occasionally had the release of sparring: 'vahn and Za'rayne were growing so powerful they needed others of their level to fight with - which meant Le'leen and his twin.
      Most of the time, though, when he wasn't in class or special training with Jeice, Ti'ani acted as 'zhasaan's anchor. He was proud of the position. He held the young seer safe as 'zhasaan explored the future, tracking him and helping him to return on the all-too-frequent occasions that he simply strayed too far. Le'leen was able to perform the same service, to a much less effective extent, but 'zhasaan only truly felt safe with Ti'ani. The knowledge gave the hybrid a deep warm satisfaction that helped him maintain his equilibrium…
      But he still wanted 'raadiin. And had resigned himself to simply having to live with the fact for as long as it took for things to resolve themselves.

Ry observed Ti'ani from the corner of his eye, scenting carefully, smiling grimly to himself as he finally realised his earlier suspicions were confirmed. Ti'ani's expression was impassive - but his scent? The sheer hopeless yearning there…
      The Saiyan frowned, his own not-yet-resolved attraction for 'raadiin making him unusually sensitive towards others in a similar plight - even if it was for his zn'hre, he suddenly recognized with a shock. Ti'ani couldn't help the way he felt, and the lovely hybrid - yes, he was lovely, wasn't he? Ry realised a little dazedly - was hurting…
      Was there anything he could do to help?
      He wasn't too sure at the moment. His relationship with 'raadiin had settled down into a warm, easy companionship - nothing like as close and physical as he wanted, but an excellent start. He was plaiting the zn'hre's hair for him most days, and the thick gold armband with the solid emerald cabochons that 'selaan acquired had been accepted with pleasure: Ry didn't think 'raadiin had taken it off since sliding it over his bicep to rest just under his shoulder.
      He didn't want to do anything that might jeopardise their blossoming friendship. But he also didn't want to feel Ti'ani's pain.
      Weird. And very un-Saiyan. But then, look at his brother! Zorun wasn't exactly acting like your average - heh, elite anyway - warrior either!
      Ry wondered if perhaps he should speak to his zn'hre…
      But not yet. He wanted 'raadiin to himself for a little while longer.

*That was better than I thought it would be.*
      'haabron pulled Kobis close, holding him tightly. It was past mid-night of the day of the celebration, and both of them were still feeling a little overwrought…
      Not that anything had gone wrong, of course. It had been a splendid occasion, recorded and transmitted across the Empire. Buahan had looked simply beautiful in a robe of intense rich blue subtly embossed with minute silver scales, Peyaru in full bodysuit and cape at her side - but Kobis had only had eyes for his bondmate. 'haabron had worn a replica of the laced bodysuit his sire liked so much, and Zha'haabron had lent him Zha'zhasaan's jewels for the reception, the earrings and circlet shimmering, the stars deep within the stones sparkling brightly against the zn'hre's smooth blue skin. 'fallon had worked his magic with the heavy fall of green hair, too, the plaiting complex without being uncomfortable or too heavy, allowing for flowing movement. 'haabron was so beautiful, tall and lean and elegant, his face so similar to his sire's, his low voice smooth and caressing… Kobis had stood at his back, proudly, protectively, as Vejiita had made the proclamations.
      And 'haabron had done most of the talking, later at the huge reception, greeting guests, making small talk, gracious and graceful… At the banquet the four mates sat together, the focus of attention and well-wishing from all.
      It had been a great success, and Kobis was heartily glad it was over! 'haabron chuckled.
      **It was worth it, though, zkai'da**
      The Saiyan nuzzled his ear.
      *It was? Any particular reason?*
      The zn'hre sighed happily.
      **Oh yes. Don't you see? It means that Vejiita has given his seal of approval for mixed species partnerships. In public. There's no bar, now, to any kind or variety of mating**
      Kobis blinked, then grinned.
      *You're right… Heh, they're going to have to draft up a whole new load of laws to handle the ramifications!*
      **I'm sure papa and Rad-chan and maazi and Zha'haarak and Hi'ijaa and Zorun-chan will be happy to lend their vast experience…**
      Kobis slid smoothly into his bondmate's cool chitsu, suckling at the blue neck where, one day, he'd make his claim mark on his zkai'da's skin.
      *I'm glad we won't be here to worry about it…*
      As his Saiyan began to shift, 'haabron closed his eyes with a gasp, drowning in the sensations and just managing add a brief **nod of agreement** before melting into his beloved.

The children had arrived back from seeing Korena born full of excitement, cheerfully discussing the event. Well, most of them were: 'jau was looking anxious, and Buahan downright worried. She collared Leteetza as soon as the female arrived back in the suite.
      "It was horrible! It took hours, and she was hurting so much! Is it always like that?"
      Leteetza hugged the princess reassuringly.
      "No brat-highness. For Saiya-jin it's usually very quick. Not completely painless, but certainly nothing you won't be able to deal with, I promise. And over very fast."
      Not entirely convinced, Buahan moved to sit with Pirum, who wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek, speaking quietly and apparently setting her mind at ease since after a little while the princess relaxed again, and started talking about the baby, what a strong little thing she was, and so cute….
      'jau was a different matter. Kinu cuddled him tightly, expression unhappy, tail wrapped tightly around the hybrid's own. Leteetza would swear the cross-breed was fighting back tears… Zha'haarak lifted the little bondmates into his lap and held them close.
      "What is wrong, zk'vissini?"
      'jau bit his lip, then *showed* his host what had happened at Korena's birthing: the gentle zn'hre winced, and his hostling's lip trembled.
      "I hurt you, when I was born, I know I did. Is it going to hurt me like that, when I have hostlings?"
      Zha'haarak frowned, nuzzling the bright mane.
      "I… don't know. None of us know, little treasure. We don't even know if hybrids can have hostlings…"
      "Yes, we can, maazi. Same's you." He eyed Kinu, watching him worriedly. "I want us to have hostlings, one day. S'important. But I don't want it to hurt like that…"
      The gentle zn'hre sighed.
      "I would think that by the time that happens, the biotechs will have found a way to make the process easier and less painful. But if not, we can always have the hostlings removed surgically, the way it was done for millennia on R'ren'nkh'ia."
      'jau nodded, looking a little comforted. Kinu slumped with relief, then kissed his cheek.
      "Rather we didn't have hostlings than you have to be hurt like that!"
      'jau smirked.
      "But that would be unfair on you…"
      Zha'haarak shook his head, bemused.
      "Zk'vissini, there's a very long time to go before you need to worry about such things!"
      Kinu nodded.
      "We know, maaziZak, but it's wise to think about them now. Then we know what to expect later…"

It was very late when Zorun returned to the suite, landing on the balcony and slumping over the stone railing as he gazed out across the gardens for a while. The sleepless Ti'aasaan eased himself from the sleeping platform, dragged on a robe and joined his bondmate, sliding cool slim arms around the broad chest from behind.
      **Zkai'da?**
      The big Saiyan sighed quietly, head bowed.
      "She's beautiful, little one."
      "She would have to be, she's part of you."
      Zorun bit off a bitter laugh.
      "She should be with me."
      Ti'aasaan bit his lip, resting his cheek against a broad bowed shoulder.
      "You should be together. I know. I wish I could do something to help."
      Zorun turned to cradle his zn'hre against his warm body. Tears glinted on his eyelashes.
      "I couldn't even go in. Couldn't be there to welcome her. That fucking baita was there…"
      Ti'aasaan nestled into the warrior, trying to give what comfort he could.
      "I'm sorry…"
      "It's not your fault, koibito." Zorun nuzzled his bondmate's hair. "And it's not fair of me to burden you with this when you're carrying our brat…"
      Ti'aasaan sighed, mildly exasperated.
      "It affects you, zk'vissin, therefore it affects me. You will be able to see her, as often as you want - they won't deny you that. And I'm sure, later, she'll join us here, for lessons and to stay overnight." He kissed the Saiyan gently. "I know it's not the same…"
      "But it will do. It will have to do…" He gazed sadly into the zn'hre's face. "And you are growing cold, little one. Let's get inside. It will all still be there for us to worry about in the morning…"

The plans for the visit to R'ren'nkh'ia were coming to fruition. Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak and their mates, and Br'yaan, were remaining on Vejiitasei: 'raadiin and 'fallon were staying, and Zh'nast had insisted that 'leesaan couldn't possibly be spared (which fitted perfectly with his own wishes); 'selaan wanted to stay behind to keep an eye on his host (and continue his researches). 'tiisaan and 'viirel would remain, of course, and after some consideration 'haavok and 'honee also opted to stay. 'jau wouldn't go anywhere without Kinu, who refused to leave his mother and siblings while Korena was so young. 'zhasaan and 'miiron, and the two pairs of hybrid twins, however, would return with the Ssii'iin and Radittsu, 'haabron and Kobis. And Zh'leet would go with them: the brood's responsibility was, to her mind, ultimately and always to her Ssii'iin and host.
Leteetza wanted to go too, but her duties made it impossible. She was not happy about it. She knew she was needed, that 'dittsu and 'jiita would be pretty much inconsolable - well, uncontrollable, anyway - if she wasn't there, that her work at the library was, if not absolutely vital, at least extremely helpful. There were some important official receptions coming up, as well, at which Vejiita required her presence. None of it made any difference: she wanted a break, and she didn't want to be parted from Radittsu for so long.
There had to be a way around the problem. She frowned to herself, sat down and began to re-examine her schedule…