Chapter Five
When the efforts were over, she called in Nushel and introduced him to his son. Two daughters were enough for any man to be proud of, but having a son continued his line. He would gain standing in the community with his little family, and his wife would be granted the status of lady if she didn’t have it already.
Morial had had a rapid birth, and it had taken all of Minya’s talents to keep the recovery under control. Once the mother was safe, Minya started to clean up.
Myka came in when the family was all together, and she whispered to Minya, “How close was it?”
“Close. It nearly got out of hand.”
“Damn. She bled a lot the last time as well.”
Minya gave her mother a look. “Am I going to have the talk with them?”
“During the next pregnancy. Their fertility is unusual, so I am not concerned about their wanting more children.”
Minya nodded. “Right. Four would be enough for most Dremarai.”
Her mother nodded. “It was more than Morial initially had in mind.”
“Are you ready to leave? We will return tomorrow to check on them for a few minutes.”
“Good. I do worry.”
She stood and beckoned to Nushel. “She had a rough delivery, and she must keep the baby with her for the next ten days.”
He frowned. “Should I worry?”
“No, but don’t let the child leave her side. He needs warmth and nourishment, and she needs to rest.”
He nodded soberly. “Will you check on her?”
“Of course. One or both of us will be back tomorrow before the festivities begin. Now, Morial and the little one need to be relaxed and with those who love them. Get her home and don’t let anyone try and sweep the child away.”
Understanding flared in his eyes. “My mother.”
“Perhaps. I have not met her. She can hold her grandson, but she cannot, under any circumstances, leave the room with him.”
“I will make sure that she stays in the room with him.”
“Thank you. I will see you tomorrow. I have your direction.” Minya smiled. “Call us if you need anything.”
“Yes. I will. Thank you, Midwife.”
Myka had packed up and had done a final check on the mother. Minya walked over and pressed her hand to Morial’s. “Call if you need anything. And you, young lady, are to be very happy with your new baby brother.”
The little girl blushed and ducked her head.
Minya walked back to her mother, and they made their way to the transfer point.
“Are you ready to do this?” Myka murmured softly. “I could fly us home.”
“I can manage a transport, just hold on tight. Morial took a lot out of me.”
“I will hold tight.”
Minya counted down, and there was a flash. She staggered, and her mother caught her weight.
“This was easier when you were shorter.”
Minya swayed. “Sorry. I have been out of practice. I was only able to access my talent for healing out there. Teleportation is a bit more draining.”
Hands held her and supported her while her mother stepped back. Minya sagged against her carrier, and a song began to play in her mind. She bolted upright and whirled.
Yuul was standing in front of her, long white hair in standard djinn bands, a midnight blue vest, and long skirt. “Hello, Minya.”
She stared at the icy blue man in front of her with the huge wings folded neatly to lie against his back. “Yuul. You are out of your cavern.”
His smile was slow. “It was time, Minya. Your father has graciously invited me to stay in the palace until such a time as I choose my next path.”
She looked down, and he still had a grip on her elbow. “You can let go now.”
“You are still very weak. I believe we should get you somewhere you can rest. What happened?”
Myka piped up, “She healed a difficult delivery and drained herself. Then, she teleported us here. She has had a rough day.”
Yuul smiled at her. “I do not believe I have had the pleasure.”
“I am Lady Myka. You have already spoken to my husband, D’hai. You are holding my youngest daughter.”
He maintained his grip on Minya and bowed low. “It is my honour to meet you. Your husband has been cautiously welcoming.”
Myka smiled. “He is cautious. If you follow me, I can lead you to Minya’s quarters where she can refresh herself.”
Minya stared at her mother in shock, but Yuul offered his arm, and she took it out of politeness.
He was shockingly warm for someone who lived under the ice. The heavy muscle of his forearm radiated heat, as did the exposed bare skin of his torso.
“It seems that my father offered you clothing as well.”
Yuul spoke as softly as she did. “He thought it would be appropriate to mask my nature as much as possible with traditional Dremarai clothing. He is an excellent tailor.”
“He is also a snappy dancer.” She murmured it while she nodded her head in greeting to one of the maids running around the private wing of the palace.
“Interesting. This place was not yet built when I was here last. It is impressive.”
She chuckled. “The population is the same now as it was when the djinn arrived here.”
He frowned. “That does not seem likely.”
“I know, but it is true. The villages are the same ones that the original colonists built, and this palace is a slightly expanded version of the original.”
“Why slightly expanded?”
Minya smiled. “My parents have a lot of children. We needed the protection at first, and then, space to get a hold of our talents.”
“Was it difficult?”
“It was different for the tutors that were brought in. We didn’t develop at the same rate as our playmates.”
She realized that she was babbling, and she only did that right before her mind and body were about to run out of energy.
She gritted her teeth together as they walked to the family wing with the private quarters.
“You are uncomfortable?”
She winced. “No, just a little tired. I just need to rest and relax a little.”
“I believe we are almost to your quarters.”
Minya stared at him while walking. “How do you know that?”
“I have spent well over a thousand years underground. I depend on my senses, and I can sense that your room is the one with the peacock curling over it.”
She chuckled and looked at the emblem. “It is a phoenix. The theory is that I will transform into one of them one day.”
“Any particular day?”
“The day when I am firmly bound to my mate. When he is mine, and I am his, I will become all that I can be. Or when I turn thirty. Either one.”
“So, you are punished for not gaining a mate right away?”
“No, I am rewarded for stealing the energy of the man I choose.” She smiled brightly.
“Stealing or using? Your version implies that the donor would be unwilling.”
“I hope he would be willing. That would be one of the reasons that I chose him.”
She paused. “Thank you for the escort. I can take it from here.”
He bowed. “It was an honour. I will see you later.”
He turned, and his wings swept behind him like a cloak. Minya watched him for a moment, and then, she opened her door. She staggered into her room and headed for her bed. She barely made it before darkness swarmed over her and took her into insensibility.
She was hot, her skin burned. Minya woke writhing and clawing at her clothing. She got up and stumbled to the lav, stripping as she went. The shower was a relief, but she couldn’t get the temperature cold enough to quell the waves of heat her body was firing at her.
She got out of the shower and reluctantly wrapped herself in a linen cloth.
One of the maids must have heard her moving around. When the maid came in, Minya left the lav and stopped the woman who was picking up her dropped clothing. “Can you bring my mother, please?”
Yaima nodded. “Yes, miss.”
Minya tried to think of what to do for this kind of fever, but it didn’t mimic anything she could identify.
She fanned herself, walking back and forth to keep herself calm. Her body was out of control.
Myka came in, her clothing was changed to court clothing and concern was on her face. “Minny, what is it?”
Minya looked at her. “My body is on fire from the inside out. I can only temporarily cool my skin in the shower. Do you know what is going on?”
Myka murmured. “Sit and let me do an exam.”
Minya sat, and her mother stared at her, touching her temples, neck, and wrists.
“Well, your pulse is galloping like a horse’s hooves. Your temperature is high, and your hair is changing colour. I think you are becoming a woman of the Dremarai.”
“What? And wait... my hair?”
Myka chuckled. “Yes, your roots seem to be bleaching out. It looks good on you.”
“What about becoming a woman?”
Myka gave her a long look. “You have dealt with women long enough to know that their bodies go through a cycle.”
“Sure. Every six months they get fertile if they are normal and healthy, but it doesn’t usually happen until they are in their mid-twen—” She paused. “Oh. I see what happened there.”
“Right. So, if it is your first time, you will feel exceptional hot, your metabolism is racing a mile a minute, and if you were wed, you would pin your mate down for some satisfaction. The hormones that sex would release can tamp the sensation of being overheated.”
Minya got over her shock and quirked her lips. “Are you saying that I should find a guy to relieve the heat?”
Myka held up her hands. “Not at all, but when you choose a mate, he can help. Evolution forces male and female together using these exact methods.”
Minya sighed. “Any idea why it is happening now?”
“Well, my cycle kicked off when I was eleven, so you have had more than an extra decade without the issue. At least the Dremarai don’t bleed like Terrans do. That was annoying.”
“Bleed?”
“Yup. Three to ten days depending on the situation. I was given hormonal therapy when I entered the Alliance for training, but that broke loose when your father and I got together. The fire burned it away.”
Minya looked at the soft and wistful expression in her mother’s eyes. Minya smiled slightly. “Is there anything I can do about the symptoms?”
“I can have some cooling tea sent up, but dinner is in an hour. You might want to get dressed.”
Minya sighed. “I guess it is a bad time to introduce nudism to the family.”
“And inappropriate with your beau attending family functions.”
“Yes, why is that?”
Myka shrugged. “I was out with you. The meddling of men is beyond my comprehension.”
Minya nodded. “I understand. I think. I don’t know. It is hard to think.”
Her mother patted her on the shoulder. “I will pick your outfits for the next few days. The heat makes you make strange decisions.”
Minya got up and followed her mother to the wardrobe. Having someone make her decisions for her seemed like the right thing to do at that moment.