Chapter 5
Changing
“That is what I have heard.” Erak admitted.
“Really, I was surprised you had nothing like that here. You are so advanced in technology in certain areas, but more like our world in olden times in others.”
“How does this employment office work?”
“In the US, we pay a small part of our wages every paycheck for services and taxes. If we end up off work under certain conditions, we can draw a small check back from them while they try to help us find a job.” She explained.
“Certain conditions?”
“You can’t just quit without a good reason. They won’t give you anything then, but they will still try to help you find a job.”
“That is kind of them.”
“It’s their responsibility. They work for the government and it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep all of our people working.”
“What happens if someone isn’t working?”
“We have other programs that help supply them with food and money for their expenses. Some are run by the government and some by private charities.” Tomi explained.
“Your world is complicated. I’m not sure I will ever understand your government and what they do.”
“Don’t feel bad. Most citizens never fully understand it either.”
“But they live there. Shouldn’t they know how things are run?”
“Some do and they take advantage of everything available even to the point of abusing it. The average citizen doesn’t even use the benefits they are entitled to even when they need them.”
“That sounds sad. What do they do?”
“They ask for help from friends and family or suffer through their difficulties until it gets better.”
“What if it doesn’t get better?”
“They live in poverty or some get sick and die.”
“It sounds like your system needs work too.” He observed.
“No one would disagree with that. They make changes all the time but not all changes are for the better. Are you considering a similar program?”
“We need something for a sudden surge in unemployment. Jobs are there, but no one takes them. I don’t understand it, but we are investigating.”
“Could it be the rebels have somehow caused this?”
“How could they do that?”
“Some feel certain jobs are worse than no jobs at all. Remember that one guy said Dala had told him I was terrible to work for and he’d just get fired anyway?”
“The male that also had neighbors looking for work?”
“Yes, that was the one. The whole thing sounded strange. Maybe you should see why they are all unemployed?”
“It does sound odd. I will have it checked into.” He stepped close to her giving her a kiss. That was a habit he’d gotten her into. Both a greeting and a goodbye with a kiss.
There was little doubt that he was moving her toward a relationship and she wanted it. She couldn’t seem to hold back the feelings for him that were deep inside her. All this time, she’d fought it and now she wasn’t sure why.
A week passed and she noticed the guard but said nothing. That made her feel safer after what had occurred with Dala. The birthday party was moving closer and she hoped and prayed Kitty would be joining them soon after that. It would be a fabulous event, if she could get away for the day.
“Hey, my King. What are you doing here?” Lushia greeted.
He’d been coming here more often and when he hadn’t she’d gone to his throne room. Still, it was a bit early. “I needed to speak with Tomi. A snack would be nice too. What do you have on hand?”
“I’ve got several pies or cookies.” Lushia offered.
“Any blueberry?”
She decided to stop lurking in the shadows and come out and greet him. “We do and we have cherry as well.”
“That’s right.” Lushia agreed.
“I’ll take one of each and one for Tomi too.” Erak ordered.
“I’ll get those right away.” Lushia rushed to get it. It was halfway between breakfast and lunch.
“What did you need to talk about?” She asked.
“I spoke to the emperor preparing him for the request to allow Kitty to come among other things. His first question was if you were my mate and if so, why weren’t we mated?”
“He’s requiring us to mate to let my sister come? That’s wrong on so many levels.”
“That’s not what he said or what he meant. It would help to give even more reasons to let her come. Here even an emperor can be brought to task for decision that seems to favor some over others. While there are some reason to allow it, more would be good. We are mates, I feel it down to my soul and I believe you do to.”
Her face turned red enough that she felt hot. It was true she felt something deep inside for this male, but she didn’t want to feel forced. Things were progressing naturally as they should. If anything, it was the demands of his position and her resentment of them that had held up their mating. The emperor was single so he would have no understanding of what was involved in a mating.
“You resent his question?”
“I do. He’s single, what would he understand of mating?”
“Too much, I fear. He wooed a female once and she chose another. I don’t believe she was his fated one, but he does.”
“How can that be confused?”
“Armagine was gorgeous beyond belief. Although she’d come to our planet to test compatibility with the emperor before he was an emperor, she left to join with another high in the government of her own planet. They said she died when her planet was struck by the meteor. She refused to leave her possessions behind. There were a few others like her.”
“How tragic.”
“Indeed. It’s like a story you tell children so they won’t be greedy.” Erak admitted.
“We have stories like that too.”
Lushia set their pie and a drink for each of them on the table they sat at.
“Thank you.” They said together.
“This is perfect.” Erak said as he took his first bite.
“Didn’t you expect it to be?”
“I did, but it’s always a pleasure to be right. Are you still upset about what the emperor asked?”
“In one way I understand his reasoning, in another it aggravates me.” She admitted.
“I wasn’t sure whether to mention it or not. It’s your sister so I decided to.”
“Yes, I needed to know. I just hate to be pushed.”
“So how goes the hunt for employees?”
She saw he felt the need to change the subject. “I have two new males that I assume your people have checked out and a new female. If I can find a few more, I’ll open the cafeteria for supper to everyone as well.”
“Can it support those hours? Only a handful of guards work that late.”
“Perhaps, but many guards are single and would wait for supper or even come back to be fed. Eating alone is no fun.”
“I guess that’s true. Are you getting many from the village?”
“A portion every day that grows. I’ve also thought about offering food they can take home like sandwiches. When we do have them, customers often order extra. They are either taking them to someone or taking them for later.”
“It’s so interesting to see the way a business is run.” Erak admitted.
“Running the castle is much like a business.”
“You think so?”
“Yes. You determine the needs, you have to watch the expenses, and you plan out your time.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“Right now the rebels are making things harder. Eventually you’ll get them dealt with.” She encouraged.
“I hope so. We delayed the attack because the emperor is coming to Toreen’s party. There will be an attack, there’s little doubt.”
“I’m sure you’ll be prepared.”
“If they attack the party, yes. If they attack elsewhere, maybe not.” Erak observed.
“You’ve no idea where they might strike?”
“The party should be the most likely place but with the extra guards there, it opens up other possibilities.”
“I can see that dilemma, but have you no extras you can pull in? There are many soldiers on ships. Have you no ships you can have here to pull help from?”
“There is one due in a day or two later. Maybe they can hurry to make it in time. They won’t be happy, many on board came back with potential mates.”
“Any of the mates have a military background?”
“That’s something the general can check on.”
“Oops. I didn’t intend to give the general extra work.”
“If this gets us some help, he’ll thank you.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Trust me. I am.”
Now Erak ate quickly and ran off the same way. She hoped she’d been helpful. To be honest she was worried about their security. It had become more urgent after Lushia had been attacked. Once she finished her work, she headed home.
The next few days went well although she saw less of Erak. Toreen’s party loomed and soon it was the night before. It was both exciting and scary to go to a party where everyone would be dressed up. She’d had enough notice to find a perfect dress with all the accessories. It was a soft lavender and darkened all the way down to a rich deep purple. Hopefully there would be no trouble because running would be damn hard in it.
It was the morning of the party. She’d gotten up early to see everything was perfect at the cafeteria. Now she headed to her mom’s where all the girls were meeting. As she made it there, she saw Betty headed toward the door.
“Hey, Sis!”
Betty paused so she could catch up. “I worried that you wouldn’t make it.”
“I got lucky. I have some new help.” She admitted.
“I bet we’re the last two to get here. I can’t wait to see everyone’s gowns.” Betty shot a look at her garment bag.
“Where’s your dress?”
“I brought it here last night and we had supper with mom and Garulto.”
“It was probably heavenly.”
“You cook. Why would you care?” Betty asked.
“There are still lots of things I can’t cook as good as mom does.”
“I don’t believe it. It’s just the thought of Mom fixing it. It’s just the way a child is.”
“You believe that and I’ll believe what I believe.” She said.
The place was busy as they entered and everyone rushed around. “Breakfast is on the table.” Their mom yelled to them.
They both sat down and fixed big plates. “Thank goodness she saved us some food.” Betty observed.
“She probably had to beat the others off.” She giggled.
Davy was in the living room with a towel wrapped head and something shiny on her face. Bree was sitting next to her with a shower cap on her head and a mineral mask on her face. Even Cretia had something wrapped on her head and her hands and feet soaking in bubble bath. The day might start like a trip to the spa, but when they started to get ready the stress would be on.
They would all want to look perfect and none of them would feel they looked good enough. Their mom came into the kitchen with her hair already done. Her face was makeup free, but looked like that of a much younger woman.
“You look younger every time I see you.” She admitted.
Her mom smiled and her eyes were shiny. “It’s because I love my family and have all but one close by.”
It made her feel bad to know an engagement announcement or whatever dragons did might help the emperor approve Kitty coming here. Would it really be that much of a hardship to give in? Her decision was made. She felt an enormous relief now that it was decided.
The next few hours, all of them washed and styled their hair, applied all manner of cleansers and makeup to their skin, lightly perfumed themselves, and finally put on their dresses. Betty went with red, Bree blue, Cretia liked yellow and their mom wore pink. Betty’s sitter watched all the children and it was finally time to go.
The males showed up decked out like gentlemen in their finery. Styles were slightly different here but their clothing resembled suits. They divided up into two vehicles and made it to Toreen’s house in no time. Sure they were early. Cretia was the hostess and she was with them.
Toreen greeted them all at the door and swept Cretia into his arms. They made a lovely couple as they entered leading the rest of them in. Most guest would be in the ballroom, but the rooms nearby would handle the overflow that they would have if most of the invited guests came. Those guests began to arrive early and some would leave early.
The emperor arrived exactly on time. He was a stickler for being punctual. Everyone immediately bowed or curtsied. “Rise everyone.” The emperor said. Once he said that, additional bows were unnecessary except when new people entered. There were so many rules to remember and she would have to learn them all.
For now, she would put the problems of being royalty out of her mind. Right now, convincing the emperor to let Kitty come here and watching for any suspicious characters was far more important. Erak had told her the ship had made it here and soldiers were mixed in with the guests and servers. No one would guess they were there. The castle also had several squads of extra soldiers ready for anything.
Erak was much more relaxed than she’d expected. He felt confident in the security he now had in place. All that could be done, had been. If anyone attacked, they’d rue the mistake they’d made.
“May I have this dance?” Erak asked.
Her cheeks felt warm as she nodded. “Do you know that I’m untaught in your dances?”
“I’ll be pleased to teach you anything you wish to learn.”
Goodness, she could take that in many ways. “Thank you.”
Erak twirled her around in what was quite a complicated dance. She let him lead her round and round as they moved behind a line of other dancers. Her mother danced with the emperor and they seemed to be talking. Personally, she couldn’t keep up a conversation and follow the steps of this dance. Were they discussing Kitty? She’d bet money that they were.
“You’re distracted. I wish I could keep your attention on nothing but me.”
“There’ll be many years for that. Right now Kitty is my main concern.”
“Years? You’ve decided then?”
“Was there ever any doubt? We both knew we belonged together.” Erak was clearly excited and happy.
He led her out into the garden where he kissed and held her tight. “Looks like a king is getting frisky with his whore.” A male voice said.
Her heart sank as she realized they had walked away from all their protection and were now surrounded by several dirty disreputable looking males. She knew she’d be no help in this fight. The only help she could provide is if she got away to bring back help. There was a gap between two of them and all their eyes were on Erak. The second her mate began to shift, she ran through the hole and hit the party.
Davy was who she saw first. “I’ve sent Jarel to aid him. It will be alright.” Davy whispered. Just don’t let anyone know what’s going on.”
She nodded. It was easier said than done but she calmed as she saw Garulto and others headed to the garden. Erak wouldn’t want the guests, especially the emperor or other kings to know about this attack. Looking around she saw the emperor headed toward the garden. The male must think something exciting was going on out there.
All she could do was intercept him and find something to talk about. Heading his way, her mind could only come up with Kitty. “I’m so pleased to see you here. Did Erak tell you we are planning to mate soon?” She grabbed his arm and turned him on the other direction. Maybe not an acceptable move, but he went along with it.
“He’d not mentioned it yet. Perhaps he planned to surprise me with the announcement at the end of the party. Your family has adapted to life here well. Erak has even told me of some practices from Earth that may work well for us here. The suggestions came from your family.”
“While the suggestions were made in good faith. We do feel Kitty would serve you well in implementing the medical part of one of those suggestions.” She observed.
“Yes, the missing family member. She refused the offer early because she was training?”
“She did. Being a doctor is an honor on our world. While women have made amazing strides in equal rights, they still struggle in some area. When Kitty decided to become a doctor I looked it up and there are more than two males to every female that are doctors in my country. That might not sound like much to you but we have an immense population and our country is one of the most progressive. Kitty felt blessed to get into medical school. I’m sure you can understand the drive to complete something that is incredibly difficult and takes years to finish properly. The fact that she completed it will benefit your world if you choose to bring her here.”
“Your explanation does help put things in perspective. I will consider it when I make my decision. Now that the fight outside is done, maybe we should go see if anyone was hurt?”
She knew she was bright red, possibly enough to glow from the heat coming off her face. “Of course.”
Now the emperor led them to the garden where the fight seemed to be over. “How did it go?” He asked.
“They all gave up in the face of a superior force. The ones attacking the castle did as well. The mines on the meteor will have many new workers.”
“It’s sad to see so many convinced to turn against their own people. Your mate is a keeper.” The emperor turned and left.
“What does he mean?” Erak asked.
“I kept him from joining the fight. You didn’t tell me he knew.”
“I decided to alert him to the possibility at the last minute. A good decision since he had guards assigned around the outside. They joined the battle.”
“Something we should remember in the future.”
“No one would have wanted him outside. He would have made a tempting target.”
“Just like you did?” She raised a brow in question.
Erak looked a tad embarrassed. “I’m not as recognizable as the emperor.” He defended.
“You are in your own kingdom which I’d bet most of these males came from.”
Now he had no answer. “I hope you’ll think more next time.”
She turned and sashayed away. Erak wouldn’t change, but in the future if she had to defend a decision she made that he didn’t like, this would give her some ammunition. Now that everything was over, she felt more relaxed. In the dining room, food was set up for guests to eat whenever they wanted to. Moving from dish to dish, she got a bit of everything. That seemed to be what everyone was doing.
The food was good, about half supplied by her kitchen and half from some of the places in town. Many people on this planet were not familiar with Earth dishes, not even when they were made with local ingredients. That would change, she was sure of it.
Erak returned to her side done with the chaos outside. He grabbed a plate and piled it high with an amazing amount of food. Dragons had hefty appetites which they sated often. “Let’s find a place to sit so we can be comfortable while we eat.” Erak suggested.
“I hope your males are still on guard. Trouble may not be finished for the night.”
“You know or suspect?”
“I just have a bad feeling.” She admitted.
He pressed his com. “Everyone be on high alert for a second attack.” Several males answered back. His com would reach everywhere so her warning was accomplished. “Will you stay with me tonight?”
Knowing what he was asking made her both excited and scared to death. This would be it, the final choice for the rest of her life. She started to reply, but his com went crazy. “Excuse me.” Erak said as he moved out to the garden once more.
Looking inside herself, she wondered if she was relieved to put it off or disappointed it probably wouldn’t happen tonight. Maybe it was a toss-up? It didn’t look like Erak would come back soon and the emperor had snuck out to join in the free for all. If she was a dragon, she might be out there too.
“Tomi!” It was her mom. “You spoke to the emperor?”
“I did. And you?”
“I did too. That male should be a poker player. He gave me no idea of what he might do.”
“Same here. I thought he felt interested about her being a healer. The benefits of her knowledge, knowledge gained by her staying were one of the things I pointed out.”
“Well I was shameless. I pointed out she would make someone a perfect mate, possibly him. It was almost as if fate aligned to send her here for someone, not just her family. Then I pointed out all of us that were fully mated had turned. That was something unheard of outside our family. Maybe we have dragon blood?”
“You were shameless, but that’s alright if it works. Kitty would be a great addition to any community. Not just because she’s single and educated, but she is loyal and loving. Her characteristics are those that any mate or member of the community should have but few do. I miss her terribly.”
“I know. Me too.” Her mom admitted. “What’s been going on outside?”
“Rebels, they have attacked here and the castle more than once. So far, no one’s been hurt but many prisoners were taken.”
“I thought they were short on guards?”
“Did you not know a ship was brought back early and their crew used to fill in the shortages?”
“No, whose idea was that?” Her mom wondered.
“I might have mentioned the ships and their crews.”
“The males tend to forget them and it is almost like they are a separate entity.”
“I know what you mean. When I mentioned it, Erak looked gobsmacked.”
“That bad, huh?” They both giggled.
“I like that he listens to me.” She admitted.
“Most of these males that are now in our family do listen most of the time. They are however extremely protective.”
“Tell me about it. After what happened to Lushia, Erak put guards on me full time. He thinks I don’t know, but I knew right away. It makes me feel safer.”
“I’m glad to hear it because I was worried. Garulto assured me Erak would watch out for you.”
“He really has. I think he sent me some of my new employees. Not that he admits to it.”
“Erak must be afraid you’re too independent to accept help. Males!”
“What are you two up to in the corner like you’re hiding?” Davy came up to them and asked.
“We were talking about the fight outside.” She admitted.
“It’s over with. No one was hurt but more enemies captured. They must have some dumb leaders.” Davy said.
“Not really. They had no idea a ship came in early and extra help was available for guarding everyone.” She explained.
“But to attack twice and after a failure?” Davy asked.
“Who would expect that? Has it been successful, their leader would have been called a genius.”
“Sometimes it takes little to separate a genius from a loser.” Her mom observed.
“What are all you lovely ladies doing hiding in the corner?” The emperor asked.
“We were discussing the difficult decisions leaders make.” Her mother said.
“Well, yes. Some can’t be made as quickly as others.” The emperor said and there they had it. He wasn’t deciding right away.
They would all worry until they knew if Kitty was coming home. Sometimes there were no quick answers and no easy way to get what you wanted. She had a feeling the emperor would check into the plans for getting more mates quicker. He would also research Kitty, but that would just show him how wonderful she was.
It was getting later in the evening and the servers were putting out less food and cleaning up empty dishes and any messes that had been made. Toreen’s and Cretia’s garden was probably a fright, but at least no one had been hurt badly. Guards were still everywhere, but they would be leaving soon as the guests did.
The political event of the week had gone off with only those in high positions knowing about the attacks. Those other two kings present would have nothing to use against Erak. It made her wonder why they didn’t have any trouble with rebels or if they did and they too hid it. This was a strange world indeed.
“I think we should go now.” Erak whispered in her ear. The male was sneaky and she’d not realized he was there. “Now that the emperor is leaving, it’s alright for everyone else to.”
“What? That’s the official end of the party?”
“It’s considered rude to leave before he does. Once he goes, then you usually have a mass exodus. Unless he leaves very early which he didn’t. Most would say him staying so long was a sign of favor.”
“But we all know he just wanted in on the fighting.”
“Yes, that’s what we know. It seems he got in on the tail end of the second fight. His dragon is a brute.” Erak admitted.
“I bet he doesn’t get to come out and play often.”
“Neither do I. I’ll admit I enjoyed it.” He grinned like a boy with complete delight.
“I’ll have my hands full with you.”
Leaning in with his mouth at her ear, he whispered. “In more ways than one.”
Her face heated and she was sure it was pink. Was he forecasting things to come? She’d tried not to fantasize about the two of them together, but that had been hard. Erak was such a handsome male, with a fine sexy body and handsome face. Damn! She knew her desire perfumed the air as several males turned to look at her.
“Thanks a lot.” She replied.
Erak grinned like a naughty youngster. “It was my pleasure.” Heaven help her deal with bad boys. “Let’s tell Cretia bye since she’d the hostess.”
“Finally something a female gets credit for but it’s considered woman’s work.” She muttered.
“Oh, females get credit for other things.” What he meant wasn’t lost on her but had it been, the heated look on his face would have informed her.
“I can’t believe you went there!“
“Where? Cooking?” He looked so damn innocent.
“If our kids are like you, we’ll need a team of nannies.”
“Kids?” Erak asked.
“Dragonlings?”
“Little ones.” He now had a goofy smile on his face.
“Yes, little ones.”
“We can fill the castle with them.” He suggested.
“Let’s just start with one.”
“We’d best say goodbye to Cretia and get home.”
“There you are, Cretia.” She observed.
“It was a lovely party. We’ll see you again soon.” Erak said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along. Cretia just laughed. She knew how mates were.
They got in a car or what passed for one here. It raised off the road and headed to the castle. The king’s escort was waiting for them and surrounded the car riding the animals that were popular here. Most rode lizards bred near the desert while a few rode their version of horses.
Feeling moderately safe, she leaned back against Erak who held her tight. The castle loomed in front of them and she knew if nothing interfered, tonight would be a life changer. She’d had a few boyfriends, but not many. Neither a prude nor an overly experienced woman, Erak would probably teach her things she couldn’t have imagined. A shiver ran through her.
“Are you cold?” He asked.
“No, I’m okay.” What else could she say? She couldn’t admit she was fantasizing about being naked in bed with him, could she?
“We’re almost there. Do you need anything when we arrive? Food, drink, or anything at all?”
“No, I’m fine.” Her nerves were attacking her and his were probably doing the same. It was a huge step because this was forever.
They arrived and he helped her out of the car. Now they moved up the steps with a guard in front and one behind. Once you were royalty, you were never truly alone. Honestly she’d never thought much about his life. Erak didn’t seem to mind because he’d grown up that way. To him, the rules and expectations were just a way of life.
To her they were new and scary. If she wanted him, she had to accept everything. Somehow, she had to make it work. Once they got to the right floor, they left the guards at the door. It worried her that they might be able to hear everything intimate that passed between them.
Erak pulled her into his arms. “It’s alright. The bedroom is sound proofed.”
“The bedroom, but not the rest of the rooms?”