Sci Fi Sunday - Reality Check Continues

Hello and Happy Sci Fi Sunday to you! Today we have more of Reality Check to offer you - can two men find love on a planet far far away when they appear to be so very different? Or are they more similar than they realize, at least in matters of the heart?  Don't forget to check out Sui Lynn's blog, 2 Cents, as well as our joint blog - Backdoor Divas!

As you'll recall from the last episode, Reno was supposed to come to the royal palace to pretend to court Kay's sister, Luci. But a family emergency has kept him at home, and Kay has come to find his beloved and see what the problem is.....

Reality Check

Chapter Five

Fear skitters across my spine. My Kay is here? Oh Guardian, we had an appointment. A chance to be together and I’ve blown it already. He’s a prince and certainly not the kind to take to being stood up lightly. Jaou places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

I marshal  my thoughts into some semblance of order. “Please go check on Dorian and I’ll go talk to Kay. I’ll try and get him into my rooms before Mother sees that he’s here.”

“Are you sure, Reno?” Jaou nervously shifts from foot to foot.

“I’m sure. If she’s out there too, I’ll be sure and get you. Now go check on Dorian!” I point in the direction of the door as an incentive.

“Fine!” Jaou stomps off in high dudgeon, but I can’t worry about him right now. I’ve other concerns.

He must be here to tell me what I can do with my suit. I can feel depression setting into my soul, I can’t… I won’t let him get away. He’s just going to have to deal with my familial obligations. I mean, I know he’s a bit selfish, but surely he’ll see reason? It’s my brother’s life… I couldn’t just leave Dorian. I had to save him… Surely…

I know, I’m procrastinating. There’s no way of knowing what he’ll say unless I let him in. What choice do I have? I surely can’t leave him standing just outside my door.

I walk down the short hall and slide the door to the side in order to admit my love. The sight which meets my eyes is both terrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time. Kay’s beauty and dishevelment are all rolled up into one lovely but grimy mess. His clothing, obviously once regal and probably quite expensive, is now dirtied and rather the worse for wear. Dust streaks his face, giving it an odd off-balance appearance, but he counters it by being so glorious it’s all I can do not to wrap him in my arms and spirit him away.

“My Prince, Welcome to my home.” Without thinking of what I do, I drop to one knee quickly before him, then regain my feet.

                                                             §§§§§

Am I foolish for thinking a serious question deserves an actual answer? Or did I hallucinate seeing someone at all, and am I simply addressing my question into thin air? Or perhaps I’ve hit my head harder than I imagined, though right now I can’t actually remember doing so. Does that make me dizzy, then?  Yes, that must be it, I’m dizzy with desire. Desire to see my Reno.

As if some provident god has heard my wish, the thin-ass door, which a mere kick would send sprawling without much trouble, opens, and I see him standing before me. My first thought is thank the stars I’m in the right place. The second one is please kiss me before I die.

I stumble toward him. Stumble being the operative word, as I seem to have lost the ability to walk. My legs have suddenly gone numb, and every muscle in my body aches. I feel like a damn baby, trying to take his first steps. The point is I’m going down, even as I reach my arms toward him. “Reno! You’re here!” Then the world goes momentarily black...

                                                                     §§§§§

Sandplats!! He’s falling! I make a quick and well-coordinated grab for him even as he heads in a definite downward spiral, and gather him into my arms just before he crumples to the floor. What can have happened to my princeling! I hold him against me, relishing the sensation of having him in my arms once more. His forehead seems a bit warm, and he appears flushed... Where’s Swy? Why isn’t he looking after him? I’m going to have to have words with my prince’s bodyguard. This is most definitely conduct unbecoming, and nothing I will tolerate. Not when his personage is so important to me.  I bend down and slip an arm beneath his legs, lifting him, enfolding him into myself, holding him tight against my chest. I really do need to get him out of here before Mother sees that he’s here.

I nudge the door; it slides gently closed. I turn and dash down the corridor with my prince snuggled against my chest like the treasure he is.

“What could’ve happened to you, my Prince?” I mumble into his ear. I push the door to my rooms open with my foot, making sure they close behind me before I take a seat on the bed, my Kay in my arms. I brush back the hair from his face. Only then do I realize what he’s done since last I’ve seen him. He’s colored his tresses the most beautiful hues—violets and blues that are most becoming with his gray eyes. If they would just open…

                                                                        
“Kay, my prince...” I gently brush my lips against his. How I ache for him.

                                                                         §§§§§

I hear his voice: it’s him, it’s Reno. I know I’m not imagining that. It’s his arms that hold me, his lap I’m resting so very comfortably in that I almost—but not quite—forget my aches and pains, the ones I’ve gained on my tortuous journey. A journey I shall most certainly have to tell him about in great lengths.

I make the effort to open my eyes, even though I feel that to do so might lead to a blinding headache, but no, it’s alright. Reno’s here. He’s here, but he looks so worried. Why? Is something wrong? Please don’t let anything be wrong.

His kiss. It’s his kiss I feel, how wonderful his lips, they give me life.

“I waited for you,” I murmur, my tongue feeling thick in my mouth for some reason. “You were supposed to come, to court me. I mean Luci. But you didn’t... and I was afraid...” I’ve never admitted fear to anyone in my life before, and yet I spill my heart’s contents as easily as a news reader might slip out the scandals of the day—without hesitation. I trust him, I love him, what else is there to say? “I was afraid you’d.... changed your mind.”

There. I’ve just admitted my biggest fear to Reno. Bared my soul to him. And right now, I just want to curl up against him, and never move. Ever.

                                                                §§§§§

He must have some story to tell, and I want to hear all the details but my first thoughts are to apologize to him for being so lacking , in manners and in punctuality, and in anything else I’m guilty of by not appearing when I was scheduled to be there for him.“I’m so sorry, Kay. I meant to be there... We meant to be there. But you see we’ve run into a bit of an emergency. My brother’s been hurt. Jaou and I were needed to help resuscitate him. Jaou’s in the garden with Dorian now.” I tremble slightly, not from fear of losing my brother... but from the proximity of this hot sexy man I’m holding in my arms. I want nothing more than to ravish his lips but he’s so delicate, I don’t want to hurt him. I lean in and gently kiss him, moaning into his open mouth as I slip my tongue between his lips, tasting my princeling.

It feels like it’s been forever since I last sampled those lips and tasted his sweet hot mouth. “If it wasn’t for my brother being at death’s door, I’d have been at your side, I swear it. Now tell me, my beauty, what has befallen you since last we met? Why do I find you here and in this alarming condition? And where is that miserable Swy?”

 What do you think of Reality Check so far? What would you like to see happen? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you!

Have a great week and we'll see you next week!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Sci Fi Sunday - Reality Check Continues

Happy Sunday and welcome to another Sci Fi Sunday! This week Reality Check continues with the further adventures of Kay and Reno.Will Kay kill his sister for having a big mouth? Will she ruin everything? And what's going on over at Reno's place? Stay tuned and find out! Don't forget to check out Sui Lynn's blog at 2 Cents and our joint blog at Backdoor Divas!

Reality Check  

Chapter Four

Normally, I’m not a violent man. Not at all. Rather, I’m considered to be a lover, by those who know me. A great lover, in fact. But that’s entirely beside the point. At this moment, I’m ready to commit violence, and on no less a personage than my sister Luci. Luckily for her, I remain a gentleman and a brother, despite my urgent need to strangle her and thus collapse her vocal chords before they can utter anything even remotely resembling an end to the carefully laid plans of Reno and myself.

I cast about in my mind for something that will divert the child from her tragic course of action.

“Luci! Why don’t we go outside and… and… play with your dolls?” It’s the first thing that comes to mind. Don’t ask me why. She gives me a strange look. Silly child.

“I haven’t played with dolls for quite some time, Kay. Probably since the last time you were home, before you left to attain your… education.”

Why does she have to snicker when she says that? As if there’s any doubt as to why I traveled off-planet for those four years? I was pursuing my higher education. Anything else I might’ve done in the way of extracurricular activities is simply none of her business.

Why does everyone snicker when they say that? Sometimes I wonder.

But never mind that now. While I was puzzling her words, she’s walked away from me, toward our parents. I hastily pursue her, managing to almost stumble over my own feet. Instantly, Swy’s hand is at my elbow. Good man, Swyddogh. Worth his weight in… well, in something valuable, but I can’t think clearly right now. My mind and heart are too filled with the fear of losing Reno to something as senseless as my sister’s big mouth.

She hugs our parents, first Mother, than Father. Everyone’s smiling much too much for my liking, as I see my short but spectacular life flash before my eyes. For a moment, I actually think about turning and running to my room to escape what’s coming. Until a vision of Reno flashes through my brain, and my body recalls the feel of him, of his arms around me, and I’m powerless to do anything but remain and fight for this man I love.

My eyes widen as the word zings through me. What did I just say? I. Love. Reno.

I LOVE RENO!

The more I think it, the more I know it’s true. And the more determined I am to keep Luci from destroying 

my love before I even discover if it’s mutual or not.

What is she saying? Heavens above, what is she saying?

“Mother, Father. About this courtship thing, I want to tell you again how pleased I am with your choice, and I’m sure he’ll make a good husband for me.”

“Just a minute…” I begin to protest, even as her words sink into my head. What did she just say?

They’re all staring at me now, Luci in open annoyance. Or is she smirking at me? Whichever it is, I think I need a drink. No, I know I need a drink. And a good translator. One that speaks sister, ‘cause I sure don’t.

“Kay, my goodness, what in the world is wrong with you?”

Think quickly, or all will be lost, I can’t afford to blurt out that I’m in love with the man we’ve just set up to marry my sister. Pretend to go along with it. And most of all, please breathe.

“I… I…. “ Damn, the words aren’t coming.

Mother turns to my sister, since I’m obviously a lost cause. “Liusaidh, your brother’s going to chaperone your visits, including the one we’ve set up for today.”

Today? Set up? What’s going on here?

“Thank you, Mother, what an excellent suggestion. I’d love to have Kay’s company. I’ll feel safer with him there.”

My parents are beaming at us both, while I’m looking suspiciously at the girl who wears my sister like a spare suit. That can’t be Luci. Can it?

She links her arm with mine. Just before I feel like I might fall to the floor. “Come, brother dearest, let us get you something to eat. I think your blood sugar is too low. Some orange juice should do the trick, don’t you think?”

She’s walking me out of the room, with Swy hastening after us, while I attempt to collect the scattered shreds of my dignity. She commands a passing native to bring some food to my room, which is where we end up. Why my room, I’m tempted to ask, but think better of it, focusing instead on the issues at hand. Like what the hell is going on?

“You sleep too late, brother,” she begins, sitting cross-legged upon my bed, forcing me to sit at the end of the bed, where it’s far less comfortable and… Again I digress.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that even before you dragged your pretty little posterior out of bed, I’d already seen our parents and broached the idea of your handling the courtship as my chaperone. They said yes, of course.”

“But… but… how… I mean… they never let on…” I’m totally unhinged now.

“Because I told them to let you think it was your idea. See? Brilliant, eh?” She looks so very self-satisfied. I’d slap her silly face if she hadn’t accomplished just exactly what I wished her to. Alright, so maybe I’m not as brilliant and convincing as I thought I was. Who cares? The point is that it’s all set. It’s happening. It’s fait accompli.

It’s Fate.

I feel a grin coming over me like a new strain of the flu, as I contemplate the pretty future which lies ahead of us. Ah, life is so wonderful. Wonderful indeed.

“When are we to receive them, sister dearest?” I ask, visions of Reno floating through my head. Naked Reno, I might add.

 “About the twelfth hour, brother dear. I’ll be back well before then, trust me.”

“Back? From where?”

“From dressing, of course. I need to look my best for my intended.”

“For your intended…” I find it hard to get the words out.

“Oh Kay, you know what I mean!” She sounds exasperated. “Don’t make me spell it out. Not yours, mine. Now hush.” She kisses my cheek and climbs off the bed, flouncing toward the door, which Swy opens for her. She turns and blows a kiss through the air at me before disappearing out the door.

Now I have only two things to do—dress myself to please my lovely Reno, to gain his approval. And wait for the time of his arrival.

That’ll be the hardest thing, waiting for him. But I shall. Oh, should I tell him I love him? Or wait until he asks? Or until he makes his intentions known?

What to do? What to do? What to do?

§§§§

I carry my baby brother, clutched tightly in my arms. Jaou on my heels as we ran for the garden. To say I’m a bit protective of my sibling is an understatement. I truly fear for his life in this moment. His body feels completely limp in my arms; there’s hardly any color in his skin. His hair and complexion are completely gray.

“Come on Dorian, don’t you dare give up. I’m not ready to have my baby brother leave me for the guardian.” I rub my cheek against his, willing every ounce of my energy to flow through my skin and into my baby brother. I don’t care if my hair turns pale— as long as Dorian recovers.

Jaou jogs ahead of me, sliding open the door that leads to the garden. I run as quickly as I can to the center of the garden and drop to my knees, laying Dorian into the center bed of rich soil. Jaou’s instantly at my brother’s feet, mounding the black soil around him. Jaou kneels with Dorian’s feet against his knees. I sit at the other end, Dorian’s head on my thighs.

“He’s gotta be alright.” Jaou’s concerned eyes meet mine, a tear sliding down his cheek.

“He will be.” I reply, ignoring the stinging pressure of tears pressing against my own eyes. I’ve almost lost two brothers to the wastes. When this is over I’ll find out what’s behind this phenomenon and help the earth mother dispose of the hazard. Maybe Kay can help with that. I tip my head back and stretch my arms out toward the rays of the guardian. Jaou sits exactly the same way at Dorian’s feet, both of us pouring forth energy blessed onto us by the guardian into our sick brother.

I vaguely register the footfalls of my baby sister, Alangelainea. I’m surprised mother has allowed Angel into the garden, what with Dorian being so ill.

“Is he going to be alright?” I almost miss Angel’s softly spoken question which comes from over my right shoulder.

“We’re doing everything we can. If the guardian wills, he’ll recover,” Jaou says softly. He’s making no promises because although we’re dumping energy into Dorian, he hasn’t begun to recover any of his color. His system has been poisoned and it’s taking everything we have to purge the toxins.

“Can I help?” Angel kneels down beside Dorian. She looks from me to Jaou and back to our brother.

“Jaou and I are purging his system. But he needs to know we love him, so he’ll fight to stay with us. Why don’t you hold his hand?” I brush a hand down my sister’s hair. Mother wouldn’t be happy but I can see in Angel’s eyes that she wants… no needs… to help her brother too. Angel smiles sadly and picks up Dorian’s hand, clutching it to her chest. Dorian may be our little brother, but his hand looks huge clutched in the tiny hands of our baby sister.

I can hear Angel whispering to Dorian. I can’t make out what she’s saying, but tears are slowly running trails down her cheeks, dripping on his chest as she slowly rocks. As close as Jaou and I are, I can see that Angel and Dorian are just as close. I can feel through the connection that Jaou and I are winning over the toxins. Dorian’s beginning to get his coloring back. It’s faint but still it’s getting there. That little bit encourages me and I pour more of myself into my brother. I glance over and lock eyes with Jaou. I see his little smile—I know he can feel it too.

“He’s getting better Angel.” I mumble as I continue to focus.

I vaguely recognize that the door’s sliding open. Father enters. He takes Dorian’s hands in his, sending Angel away. Hours pass with the three of us pouring energy and healing into Dorian. His breathing becomes easier and the gray pallor, becoming a light green as the black dirt around him becomes gray with the toxins that leech from his body. I can practically feel the color leaving my hair and body to rejuvenating Dorian.

“My sons, you must stop now. You risk yourselves and Dorian would never forgive you for endangering yourself in order to save him.” Father rests a hand on my shoulder. I look down from the guardian hanging in the afternoon sky, the morning is gone, my stomach is rumbling in protest to its malnourishment. I realize as Jaou falls forward on his arms that neither of us have eaten since the party. “You both need to rest and eat. Then come back and soak up the last of the evenings rays before you sleep.”

“Thank you, Father,” I mumble.  I brush the hair from Dorian’s face before I rest his head gently into the graying soil under him.

“I’ll change his bedding and feed him more energy. Your mother’ll be in to assist me as soon as she’s finished with her Vid meeting with the Advisor to the Crown.” Father takes up Dorian’s hands and I hear him whisper a blessing as I struggle to my feet, pulling Jaou along with me. He was barely healed from his own escapades in the wastes, so dumping so much into our brother has turned his pallor an alarming gray as well.

“Let’s go. We’ll be back soon, Father.” I see him nod his head in a miniscule motion before we leave and make our way to the kitchen.

Angel’s there. She’s setting out fruits and vegetables on the table for us to devour, but the water’s the first thing I grab. Both Jaou and I are dehydrated to the point where my very skin feels wrinkly from lack of moisture. If I look half as bad as Jaou, I’m certain that Mother’ll be furious. All of the hours of work and preparation for attracting Luci have all been poured into keeping my brother alive. And regardless, I wouldn’t change a thing. My brother still lives. I start putting together nutbutter and fruit sandwiches, slicing the exotic banana fruit imported by the humans into slices and layering it with bread and the nutbutter.

As I devour my sandwich in silence, too exhausted to make conversation, I realize I can hear Mother talking on her vid conference. She sounds very angry and I’m pleased that she has someone other than me to vent her frustrations at. Although I’m sure that nothing will prevent her from giving me a piece of her mind soon enough.

I’m about to suggest to Jaou that we return to the garden when I hear a familiar voice saying something about how do you request entrance to a home that has a paper door. My fear-filled eyes lock with Jaou’s… Kay has arrived. Why is he here?

to be continued

What do you think of the story so far? Any comments, or questions? We'd love to hear from you!

Come back for another chapter in the story of Reno and Kay!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie and Sui

Sci Fi Sunday - Reality Check Continues

Another Sunday, another edition of Sci Fi Sunday from Sui Lynn and myself! This week we present you with another chapter of Reality Check. As you may recall from previously, Reno and Kay think they have a great solution to an otherwise insoluble problem. Can they make it work?  Enjoy finding out!

Reality Check

I stride with confidence, Swyddogh just behind me, into the throne room, which is also used as the reception room on days such as these. Already petitioners form a line to see my parents, waiting their turn to plead their case in one form or another. Clemency, leniency, munificence—everyone wants something from the King and Queen, that’s just a given. There is an order to the process, one that prevents chaos from ensuing. Nothing worse than chaos on an empty stomach.  But these have nothing to do with me, I’ve a mission all my own. I fix my smile upon my face, fix my arguments firmly in my mind, and make my way toward….

Oh great slithering bandicoots, there is something worse, and it stands before me now. Oily, greasy, and obsequious—in other words, Orm Schlangeleben, fucking vizier. I should’ve expected it, where’s my head? Oh yes, with Reno.

Never mind. I don’t intend to let him get to me. Not today. I’m feeling too good, my heart is full of Fellaxxian love songs, and Reno’s image fills my brain. I’ve a purpose in my life, a reason for being. Outside of my usual one, that is, which is simply because I’m me. But that’s beside the point.

Luci has yet to arrive; that’s a good thing. I think we can accomplish more without her bratty presence. She has this annoying habit of sticking in her opinion when it’s least wanted. Like ever. Seriously, women just need to shut the hell up most of the time, and… and do womanly things. Whatever. No, I don’t mean my mother. She’d wallop me good if she ever heard me say that. I’m not that dumb. Do I look that dumb? Forget I asked.

I approach my parents upon their royal thrones, make my usual filial bow of obeisance—no sense in pissing them off by being rebellious when I haven’t even gotten what I want yet. I can play the game with the best of them. Don’t forget who you’re dealing with here—Crown Prince Cailean, and none other.

“Good morning Mother, Father,” I greet them. Most kings and queens, at least in my experience, are content to hold their offspring at arm’s length, eyeball them now and then, pat them on the back, fund their higher education, and their extravagant lifestyles, and generally keep themselves aloof from most parental contact.

Not my parents.

Queen Kærlighed and King Liefde have these strange ideas about raising their children, one that favors interaction. I suppose I should be grateful; it’s probably made me the spoiled little princeling that I am today. No, that’s not my opinion, but I’ve heard it said about me, when people think I’m not paying attention. Some people are actually under the delusion that I’m some sort of an idiot. I’m sure they really mean idiot savant. I’m not sure if I like that word much better. Words. I know it’s two words, don’t tell me.

Alright, I’ll admit it, I do love my parents. There, I said it. Maybe Liusaidh too. When she’s not being incredibly bratty. Sometimes their hands-on methods are very beneficial to me. When they aren’t suffocating. Let’s hope today is one of those times.

As I was saying, my parents belong to the hug a child every day organization. No, it’s not a real group, that’s sarcasm on my part. As I reach their dais, they stand to meet me. My mother hugs me, then my father hugs me. Then we have a group hug. I glare at Swy, as if daring him to step closer, but he’s smart enough to maintain just the proper distance between himself and us, thus avoiding the dreaded hug.

When I manage to separate myself from them, I smooth down my skirt, and announce, “I would like a private audience if I may. Now.” Just in case they think I’m wanting to be put on the schedule somewhere, let there be no mistake that I mean at this very moment. I don’t intend to wait.

As if to illustrate the gravity of my intentions, I signal to Swy. “Tell the people to come back in an hour or so. And close the hall.” He nods gravely. I half hold my breath, but I hear no objections from my parents, so all must be well.

Unfortunately, Orm hasn’t taken the hint, and he’s giving me the evil vizier eye. I don’t press the point, for now. Perhaps I can think of some way to turn his presence to my advantage. We’ll see.

Of course I have a throne too. I’m the Prince, aren’t I? Luci has one too. I take my seat beside my parents, feeling a bit of one-upmanship because I know that Orm cannot sit in our presence. Score one for my side.

“Is there something you wished to discuss with us?” Father asks.

“Does it have to do with your university studies?” That from my mother.

“Yes. And no,” I answer them both. “Actually, it’s about Luci’s courtship by the… native….” I try to put my usual disdain into that one word, although I don’t actually feel it any more. Not after meeting Reno. My attitude seems to have turned itself inside out. Where once I wouldn’t deign to touch the hem of one of their garments, now I dream of touching a whole lot more than that. Well, of one native in particular. Reno.

Of course I don’t want them to know that, it’d spoil everything.

“What do you mean—”

“The arrangements have been made, permission has been given for Princess Liusaidh to be courted by Renophoatien Sameeleon—“

Two voices speaking at one time. My father. And him. The greasy odious one. I turn my attention to my father, ignoring the oily vizier.

“I understand that permission has been given, Father, and I’ve a proposal to make regarding that very thing. I wish to see that everything is done properly, and Luci is properly chaperoned during her courtship with… what was his name? Reno something? With him.” There, I think I’ve covered myself pretty well, and given no indication of just how familiar I really am with Reno’s name. Or how familiar I wish to become with his body.

My father seems to be smirking at me now. What does he find so amusing? I huff a bit, turning to Swy, who immediately pulls out my mirror so that I may admire myself. Every hair in place, beautiful as ever. I nod to him and he quickly stashes it away once more.

“And how do you propose to do that?” Father asks. My mother’s wearing the same sappy smile he is, what’s with them? I’m beginning to think they’ve hit the happy juice a little early today. Very early.

“I’ve decided I shall offer myself as a chaperone. In fact, I’ll go farther than that. I’ll actually go to the native’s home and make all the arrangements. And I shall make sure that Luci is well looked after.”

“Oh you will, will you?”

“Yes, Mother, I will.” Why is this so hard to understand? Is no one else as concerned for my sister’s honor as I am? So maybe my concerns are a little lower, and are all aimed toward Reno. Minor difference.

Are they going to give me trouble? I feel a slight tremor of panic threaten to overtake me at the idea that I might fail, that they will approve of my idea of chaperonage but disapprove of me, appoint someone else in my place. And then we’ll be sunk indeed. And I’ll simply die….

“I think that’s an excellent idea, Kay.” My father again. Oh praise the stars, he approves. I begin to breathe again. Of course I show no indication that I was ever perturbed or disturbed in any way. I’m a prince, after all. And a damned good one at that.

My stomach is rumbling again. Normally, I’d listen to its less than dulcet tones and make some attempt to appease it, but I’m in a hurry. I want to see Reno. Very badly. I shall simply have him feed me there, once I arrive. I can’t believe that I’ve actually chosen to forego food. Who am I today?

I’ll tell you who I am—I’m a young prince in love.

Just thinking about Reno gives me pause, and I feel the same sappy smile my parents are wearing creep over my face. That means it’s time to go, before I give myself away in some manner.

I make my bows, and prepare to gracefully exit the room, and instruct Swy to see about transport to Reno’s house as quickly as humanly possible. Then the worst thing I can possibly imagine occurs—my sister walks into the room. She’s obviously not aware of the meaning of a closed door. Oh oh, she’s got that look in her eyes, the one that generally spells trouble for me. What is she up to now?

I’ve my back turned toward my parents, facing Luci, as I frantically try to signal to her to turn back, to stay away, and to generally get the hell out of here before she does something to spoil what I’ve just done. Without giving away the game, which took a great deal of finesse on my part.

She’s either blind, or oblivious, or both, barreling toward us with all the grace of a three-footed jintjant in heat. What do I have to do to get that damn girl’s attention?

Oh no, she’s opening her mouth, what is she doing?

“I have something to say,” she proclaims, as she gets too close for comfort—in other words, within earshot of our parents. “About this courtship thing, I want to….”

How very badly I wish to strangle my sister at this moment!

§§§§

How, how could I have… Of all the men at the reception, why’d I have to attract the most pompous of them all? His Highness Prince Cailean. I’ve gone and done it now, stirred the interest of the wrong royal and gotten my brother in as deeply as I am in the bargain. We’ve disobeyed our Mother, and our tribal leader, the First Mother. Which idea disturbs me the most—that I’ve attracted Kay, or that I’m attracted to Kay?

 I’m lying,  as I have all night long, staring blankly up at the ceiling. I try to sleep, but every time I close my eyes I see him—I can still feel him in my arms. Damn, he fits so nicely within my embrace. I shake my head and sigh. The Guardian has risen above the horizon. It’s early yet,  but I need to talk to Jaou. We’ve plans to make. If we’re to continue with this betrayal of our people, we need to be united before our parents, and especially our Mother.

I drag myself from my sleeping pallet, the soft rich soil having done nothing to ease my rest or my mood. I chose to sleep in my soil pallet instead of on a human mattress, which seems to be the current trend among our people. I’d hoped that the Earth Mother would grant me the respite that the mattress did not, but it mattered little where I lay my head as I still got no actual sleep.

I desire only Kay. My thoughts are filled with nothing but him. How beautifully annoying.

Jaou and I need to talk. We need to come up with a plan to fix things before our carefully built house of cards tumbles down around us. I step into my private bathing area and rinse my body in the shower. The cool water runs in trickles down my body; they feel refreshing against my fevered skin as visions of the handsome Kay float through my memory. I reach down and stroke my erection; my tender petals are tightly wrapped about my cock and haven’t opened. They won’t, of course, until I’m actually able to claim him—my chosen, my princeling, my Kay. How those very words tingle in my brain. My desire hardens and the need I have for him is almost painful, in an exquisite sort of way. I stroke my shaft and its sensitive petals, giving the three glans of the head a little twist as visions of my soon-to-be-lover dance through my mind. I can still smell him on my body; the cool water enhances his scent slightly before it rinses it away. My movements become more frantic, as I pant—the thought of his beautiful eyes, those long legs wrapped about my waist, and the wonder of his wood within my grasp… I moan as my seed splashes across the cool tiles. I lean forward, resting my forehead on my arm. The desire is no less, but the urgency presses less significantly against my libido, enough so I can safely seek out my brother and not be a cause for embarrassment, if  I’m seen. It wouldn’t do to walk around my family home in human dress, just to hide my enflamed state from them.

I emerge from the waters of the shower and I’m drying my skin when I hear the knock on my bedroom door.

“Enter,” I call from the bathing area as I finish my morning routine.

“Reno?” Jaou calls as he comes in and looks around.

“I’ll be right out. Make yourself comfortable. I was just about to come to you.” I chuckle as Jaou sits heavily on the made bed in the middle of the room.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Jaou asks.

“Slept in my earth pallet, not that it mattered… No, I didn’t sleep well.  How about you?”

“Not a bit. All I could think of was how sweet she smelled and …” Jaou sighs

“Shhh… You know better than that. It’s not like the walls here are made of stone like the castle,” I fairly snap at Jaou.

“I know but… Reno, what are we going to do?”

“I’ll go to Father one more time and beg him to speak to Mother. I can’t believe they’d force this on us. I’ll tell him that we all got along well enough but that there isn’t any attraction between us and see if it makes any difference.” I step from the bathing area back into my room to see Jaou lying back on the bed, his head in his hands.

“It won’t matter. I’ve already approached him this morning, while he was doing his Guardian salutations in the garden. I told him that the Prince seemed to be attracted to you and although the Princess was cordial, that I wouldn’t expect any declarations to be made.” Jaou’s hands thumped to his sides on the mattress.

“What did he say?” I catch my breath as I sit beside my brother. From the dismal discouraged look on his face, I already know the answer, of course.

“He told me to stay out of it and be a good chaperone, guard the family’s honor and keep you in sight. That you know your place and will do as the First Mother bids and mate with the female.”

“Smatherrats!” My head falls forward into my hands, my hair hiding my eyes as well as the shame of my overwrought emotions from my brother. “Then we go with Kay’s plan and for the time being we play the game. I’ll approach the First Mother and ask what our next step in courtship is expected to be. You’ve been named chaperone so you might as well come with. I apologize now brother, if I seem forward with your chosen, but I may have to touch her to make this game realistic. I’ve no desire for her, I assure you. I only want Kay. Just so you know.”

“I know brother. I know…” Jaou’s voice sounds tired. And our game has barely begun.

We’re both startled from our reveries by the sound of shouting in the hallway. Together we bolt for the door. The commotion comes from the front of the house. Someone has arrived. For a moment I think it might be Kay, but from the distraught screaming of Mother and the keening sound of Father in distress, I know that can’t be the case.

Jaou and I burst through the front door to see two men leading a horse. Behind the horse, upon a litter our brother Dorianianetah lies unconscious, cradled between the poles in a layer of soil. His color’s grey, none of the natural green of our people’s natural pallor can be seen in his skin. If not for the faint rise and fall of his breathing, I’d have thought he was gone from this world.

“What’s going on here!” I ask the two men—they look almost as sickly as my brother. I run forward and take my brother’s hand as Jaou takes the reins of the horse;  it’s begun to spook as a direct result of my father’s 

keening.

“We were in the wastes,” one man replies. “Dorian decided he wanted to try and find out what was at the center, see what was creating the wastes. I told him not to. I tried to convince him it was a bad idea, but he refused to listen to reason,” The telling of this awful tale seems to draw the last of the man’s energy from him. When I look up from my brother to him, I realize the man is my little brother’s best friend, Thom. Only he looks so much older than his few years, that I almost didn’t recognize him.

“My brother can be very stubborn, Thom. You know that,” I try to sooth him as I lace my fingers with my brother’s, sending him as much restorative energy as I can, before Mother shoves me unceremoniously away.

“You will lose your coloring. I’ll do it!” she snaps, lacing her own fingers with her son’s, pouring her energy into him. I bite my tongue, knowing that Dorian’s body would’ve accepted the energy from me—his brother and another male—easier than from the body of a female, even that of his mother. But I can’t disobey her.

“Thom, what happened next?” I ask since Mother’s concentrating on healing Dorian.

“We waited for him for two days, but when he didn’t show last evening, Zeph and I went in after him and found him unconscious on the ground. Everything around him was dead. The very plant life about him sacrificed to keep him alive.” Thom starts to waver on his feet. Zeph, his older brother wraps an arm around him and braces him.

“We put him in a litter and headed home. When we were clear of the wastes we put clean soil around him and bared as much of his skin to the guardian as we could, hoping it would help purify him. We gave him an energy infusion, but we’re almost as contaminated as he is.” Zeph shakes his head, exhaustion flooding him.

I watch Jaou unhitch the horse from the litter and help Zeph put Thom atop the horse, then climb behind him. “I’m going to take them home,” Jaou says. “They need help. I’ll make sure they get to their families.”

“Yes, thank you, Jaou,” Mother offers my brother a grateful smile. “Reno, I’m sorry I snapped at you. Will you assist me and your father to get Dorian to the gardens? We’ll see to his energy infusion, but he’ll do better with you there also. The light of the Guardian will refresh your colors as well.”

“Yes Mother, as you wish.” I scoop my brother up in my arms and run for the garden before she can protest the skin to skin contact and the energy I send to my baby brother, without her permission.

to be continued

Thanks for stopping by! What do you think of Kay and Reno so far? Want to see the sweet faces that inspired them? You got it!

Here's Reno!

And here's Kay!  

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Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie and Sui