Raife: An Aquadomina Novel (7 page)

Before long, she was dressed and ready for her trip to the Halls of
Science.

It had been an uneventful two days since she had met her staff. Sophie
had settled into a kind of routine. She would get ready with the help of Allie.
Then she would go eat some fantastic breakfast created by Maureen. Then she
would visit with Patell in the grounds, somehow getting dirty every time. Then
Allie would change her clothes for her, she would eat another great meal and
then visit a location in Aquadomina.

The first day had been the trip to the Halls of Science. Director Jollier
was a very accomplished woman. She talked and talked and talked about
Aquadomina for what felt like hours. Sophie got to see a holographic
representation of what the wormhole looked like. She was informed that the
wormhole wasn’t stable and there were only so many Chosen’s that had made it
through successfully. Sophie got to see a holographic representation of
Aquadomina. If her brain was calculating right, this planet was about the size
of Neptune. That meant it was almost four times bigger than Earth, with a
population of only one million. When she asked about the small number of people
for such a large planet, Director Jollier confirmed that they had a population
that was sustained by the resources. If they grew to large, the food supply
would run out. The Director had zoomed into a topographic image showing the
water depths and ground underneath. It was explained that Kingdom Two was in
the “shallows” to better mine soil. While Kingdom Three was best placed for
agriculture. After her visit with the Director, she had been hurried back to
the Castrum, where she had crashed out asleep. The exercise, fresh air and
excitement had done her in.

The second day she had done the same morning routine, and then in the
afternoon traveled to The Halls of Technology. They did have some very advanced
capabilities, yet some things were so simple. The water they used for almost
everything was desalinated and then channeled along for use everywhere in the
city. Aquarian was equipped with sonar deterrents for any animal life that got
too close. Both of the other Kingdoms had this as well. She got to see some
images of the animal life yesterday at the Halls of Science and she had to
admit it was a relief some of that sea life wouldn’t be coming near. Being a
giant water planet did mean for giant water creatures. Talking with the
Director of Technology She was surprised to learn they didn’t have an internet
like she was familiar with on Earth. If you wanted to contact someone, you
requested a direct talk or sent a message through the nearest computer system.
Links were everywhere for that purpose, they just didn’t transmit information
around like Earth’s Internet. They also didn’t have portable telephones,
tablets or things of that nature like she was familiar with but the computer
links on every corner made up for the lack of portability.

Her only disappointment the last two days was her inability to get her
staff to talk to her. She was used to talking openly with parents and her
students. Everyone she met so far outside of Castrum was very open. It was her
staff that she was hitting a wall with. Besides Patell who was thawing out
slowly, the most she knew about the others were the Kingdoms they were
originally from and a little bit about their families. Maureen, Patell and
Allie were all from Kingdom Three. Her housekeeper, who she thought might be a
figment of her imagination she was so elusive was from Kingdom Two. She had
found this out from PAC since she hadn’t seen the woman since the first
introductions. Then there was her assistant Debb who she found out was from
Aquarian.

Determining that today she was going to get her dratted guard to talk to
her, Sophie had come up with a plan. On the Aquavi, there was no place for them
to hide. They couldn’t claim other duties, and they couldn’t hurry away from
her. There was nowhere to go! Right now they were headed to the Lextrium for a
visit with The Three.

With her plan in mind, Sophie took a seat by the window. Her guard
scattered to open seats with only Raife and Garritt in her direct line of
sight. Once everyone was seated Sophie called out, “PAC take us to The Lextrium
please.”

“Destination confirmed.” There was a metallic clanging noise and then the
Aquavi was falling. It was like an amusement park ride she had been on one
time. Her stomach was now in her throat and she was surprised she didn’t lose
her breakfast.

“Arrival time with current traffic thirty minutes.” The computer informed
them and Sophie felt the familiar pull of the vehicle as it picked up speed.
She even kept her eyes on the wall as they approached so that when they went
under, she might peek at what was in the water. Again, they submerged, and she
wasn’t able to see anything. With a heavy sigh, she looked around the vehicle.
They had thirty minutes. It was time to implement her plan and get to know her
guard.

Raife watched as The Chosen settled into her seat. The last two days had
been confusing and exhilarating at the same time. He had watched The Chosen
working in the dirt, seeming to enjoy herself getting muddy and learning about
the plant life from Patell. At night, she would sit in the seats looking out
over the grounds. She had attempted to talk with him and the other guards at
various points, but they had hurried away with duties. It was for the best not
to get too close to her. He had studied her and tried to figure her out for
days with no success. She was openly friendly. Very curious about Aquadomina
and its people. Highly intelligent and educated if he was reading her correctly.
He laughed softly to himself, and she loved Aquarian food. She was seen raiding
the kitchens or asking Maureen about the food multiples times a day. After the
women he was used to on Aquarian it was nice to see someone appreciate the
bounty of food they had. Raife didn’t wonder at his fascination with The
Chosen. If he could learn about her personality and quirks, he would be able to
perform his duties better.

When she let out a heavy sigh, his gaze intensified. Was The Chosen
unhappy this morning? He would have to pay closer attention. Maybe she had
words with Debb again. The only time he saw her composure slip was when she had
interaction with that woman. He didn’t blame her Debb put everyone on edge. If
she hadn’t been from a prominent family, she never would have made it as far as
being the assistant to The Chosen. Her personality didn’t mix with being a
subordinate to others. The Chosen however seemed to be a match for her and it
wasn’t often that Debb was thrown off kilter.

“So, you are Garritt?” He snapped out of his musings to see The Chosen
address his friend with that question. When Garritt looked to him for
direction, he nodded his head to answer.

“Yes. I am Garritt.” His friend tried to salute and bow in his chair, but
was belted in and could only hang there in his seat.

The Chosen laughed a sweet sound that echoed around the Aquavi. “I know
if I tell you that you don’t have to salute and bow, I will just get overridden
by Raife.” She cast him a teasing smile and he stilled in his seat. “I
appreciate that you tried.” She had turned her chair and her full attention was
on Garritt. “So, tell me about yourself Garritt. Do you have family in
Aquarian? A wife? Children?”

His friend swallowed hard and wiped his hands nervously on his legs. “No.
I have no family in Aquarian. As a guard to The Chosen I am unable to take a
wife or have children.”

That got her attention and Raife could sense the displeasure radiating
off the small female. He was not surprised when she bit out, “You have to
remain single as long as you guard me?” She strained to look at the others and
then her gaze fell on him. Why did she have to have such enthralling green
eyes? He wanted to tell her everything, and that was dangerous. With a slight
nod of his head, he indicated that what Garritt had said was true. The Chosen
turned back to his friend.

“What happens if you fall in love?” She asked him, “Can you leave my
service to be with someone then?”

Garritt looked helplessly at The Chosen, “Love? I am unfamiliar with this
term.”

The Chosen sat taller in her seat, “You don’t know what love is?” She was
going to get a pain in her neck if she kept looking around at his guard that
way. The others, Ramsey, Willem and Connor had all turned their seats and were
engrossed in her conversation with Garritt. He didn’t blame them, they were all
curious as to what the new Chosen was like.

“I’m sorry Chosen, I don’t.” Garritt looked like he wanted to die right
there in the vehicle for admitting a failure.

The Chosen smiled, “Love is when you are attracted to a person and want
to be around them all the time. You have a strong desire to live your life with
them, have a family and grow old together.” Raife was astonished when The
Chosen’s face got soft and her eyes glowed. When she wet her lips, his eyes
flew to her mouth. “To be apart is painful and when you are together you are
happy.” He felt his throat tighten at the unfamiliar sensations sweeping over
him. She had spoken with such longing that he knew she was looking for someone
to love. His mind instantly pictured Ri’Carn and The Chosen together and his
fingers clenched harder on the seat. Tearing his eyes from The Chosen, he
looked to his friend.

“Ah.” Garritt swallow hard again, “I understand this word, and no Chosen.
I do not have feelings of love for any particular female. Even if I felt these
things, I could not leave your service. To be a guard to The Chosen is an honor
and to leave your service would be the worst disgrace my family line or unit
could suffer.”

This had The Chosen scowling hotly and Raife decided to intervene before
poor, hardened Garritt was on the floor begging for mercy.

“It is how it is done.” He knew as soon as the words left his mouth that
it was a mistake. For some reason The Chosen took exception to why some things
were done. He knew she didn’t like the salute and bow they did to honor her.
She tolerated having guards at her door and in her personal space. Poor Stefan
and Thomas had arrived the night prior and he had hurried to inform them of
this Chosen’s quirks. In addition, she most definitely didn’t like being called
The Chosen. Before she could blast him with her ire, he hurried to add, “The
guards to The Chosen have to be completely free of all other obligations. How
are we to protect you if we are torn in our duties to family or
love
as you put it?” When The Chosen
went to argue he said, “What if they used this female or family we loved to
force us to hurt you?”

The Chosen thought for a moment, her body stiff in her chair then she
seemed to deflate before his eyes. He wasn’t sure what he had said, but she
seemed very sad and he was immediately sorry for causing her distress. Before
he could apologize or make amends for his words she turned back toward the
window, “You are right. I wouldn’t want anyone to be harmed because of me.”

Raife knew the discussion was over. The Chosen kept her body turned to
the window and didn’t look back to him or the other guards. He looked at
Garritt and raised an eyebrow in question. The other guard just shrugged
helplessly. Ramsey, Willem and Connor had all turned their seats back as well.
The Chosen had just insisted that she didn’t want anyone to come to harm
because of her. Was that the truth?

“Chosen.” He began and stopped to clear his throat when his voice came
out husky and soft, “Hmmm.” When he felt his voice was cleared he tried again.
“I am sensing that my words have offended you.” He wasn’t sure if he should
keep talking since she didn’t turn around. “I apologize. That was not my
intent—”

He stopped talking when she turned from the window to look back to him.
Her eyes were suspiciously wet and glowed an even deeper green than before.
“Commander Raife.” She began in a tone he hadn’t heard from her. She usually
sounded warm and curious but now she was cold and aloof, “I would appreciate
quiet for a moment please.” Without waiting for him to acknowledge the request,
she turned back to the window.

Sophie only wanted to learn more about her guards, she hadn’t meant to
make them uncomfortable. When Garritt had said they couldn’t have wives or
children, she had been taken aback. Then Raife had confirmed it and said it was
for her protection. She was the reason they had to remain single. How was she
supposed to accept that? When Raife had said that someone could use their love
of family to force her guard to harm her, the reality of what this new life
might be like hit her. Was she in danger that they needed to guard her all the
time? Was she going to be allowed any freedom? Was she going to be able to find
someone to share her life with?

Then she remembered the blonde haired male from medical and the way The
Three had addressed him. “The Chosen Consort” was what they had called him. Was
that man picked out for her and she didn’t have a choice in who she was going
to be partnered with? The thought of another loveless marriage made her skin
crawl. She wasn’t going to go through that again. She wanted passion, love and
commitment. Not a business deal that she didn’t get any say in. It was suddenly
too much and she felt tears welling in her eyes. What kind of life was she
going to have here on Aquadomina?

Into these thoughts, Raife had tried to apologize, but she was too deep
in misery to listen to him. She had stiffened her spine and asked him for
quiet. She hated so be so cold, but she needed time to think. She was “The
Chosen” supposedly, so maybe she would be able to make things happen to her
advantage. She was an educated woman and as such, she would get some answers
before panicking. After her talk with The Three, then she would worry if things
still looked bleak. Feeling a bit better, she turned back to Raife. He was in
his usual staring straight ahead mode.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered, “I didn’t mean to be short with you.” Biting
her lip uncertainly she waited for him to make eye contact. “I know that the
clean-up was supposed to make my transition easier, but that doesn’t mean I’m
not still overwhelmed with what has happened to me.” She relaxed a little when
Raife finally made eye contact. “Hold on.” She released her seat belt and went
to stand.

“Unauthorized release of restraint while moving.” The computer blared and
she felt the vehicle slowing down. “Please return to your seat.”

Sophie ignored the computer and hurried to sit next to Raife. There was a
sudden shift in the vehicle and Sophie ended up grabbing the top of Raife’s
seat to steady herself. His hands had gone to her hips to keep her from
pitching farther forward into his lap. She laughed and looked down to find the
only thing between her chest and Raife’s face was her hair. His face was buried
in it. Smiling apologetically, she reached for her hair and tried to sweep it
out of the way. Her fingers brushed along his face and jaw before his fingers
closed around her wrist to stop her. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to sit next to
you so I didn’t have to keep craning my head back and forth.”

“Ah.” He cleared his throat, “The Chosen can sit anywhere she likes.”
Sophie thought his voice sounded strained and she wondered if he would prefer
that she didn’t sit next to him. Pulling herself upright, she looked from his
face which still had strands of her hair all over it, to his fingers wrapped
around her wrist. The warmth from his fingers was seeping into her skin, and
she felt gooseflesh rise on her arm from the contact.

“Okay then.” She gently pulled her wrist free, her eyes still making
contact with his. She was mesmerized by the flashing sparks the flecks had
become. They were like fireworks going off in his eyes. Forcing herself to sit
down, she put the restraint back on and called out. “There I’m back in my seat.
How long until The Lextrium?”

“Arrival in approximately ten minutes.” PAC informed her.

“Thank you.” She turned to look at Raife and almost laughed at the
uncomfortable look on his face. He had a tan complexion so the fact that she
could see a blush on his cheeks was telling. “So Raife, tell me about
yourself.” She adjusted her skirts and flashed what she hoped was a friendly
smile at her guard.

“What would The Chosen like to know?” Raife asked his expression shuttered.

“I know you said you couldn’t get married or have children, but do you
have other family?”

“I have some family that still live.” Raife said shortly.

“That’s nice.” Sophie beamed at him, “If you don’t mind my asking, what
family?”

“Well.” He paused and Sophie saw him wipe his hands on his legs, “My
parents…” His voice trailed off and the silence grew.

“Are they here in Aquarian?” She wondered if he would open up and speak
in more than one word answers.

“No.” He looked forward at his fellow guard obviously uncomfortable.

“Where do they live then?” She pressed.

“They live in Kingdom Three.” He sighed and looked back to face her.

“I believe The Chosen is going to be honored in Kingdom Three in fourteen
suns.” Debb called out from her corner. “After your welcome ceremony in Kingdom
Two, which I have already informed you, would be in a seven suns. The itinerary
is in the packet I provided to you.”

“Thank you Debb.” Sophie called out. Then to Raife she asked, “Will you
need time off when we get to Kingdom Three to spend time with your family?” She
wanted to make friends with her guard and if she could give Raife time with his
family maybe that would help.

“That won’t be necessary.” He denied softly.

“It won’t be a problem.” Sophie was determined to offer, “I’m sure I’ll
be safe with Garritt and the others. You should have time with your family.”

“Truly, I do not require the time away from my duties.” He insisted.

“Honestly Raife, it’s okay. I want you—“

“We have arrived at The Lextrium.” PAC informed the group. “There is a
small crowd of about twenty citizens at the docks waiting for The Chosen.”

Raife jumped out of his seat as if it was on fire. Sophie unclasped her
restraint with a sigh and stood up. This was their expertise, she would follow
their lead. Raife moved to the doors and she followed him. It wasn’t a surprise
to her when Garritt squeezed between her and Raife. She looked to her left and
placed her hand on the guards arm. When he looked down at her, she smiled at
him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get a chance to talk to you yet. It’s Ramsey
correct?”

He blinked a few times and then answered her, “Yes. I am Ramsey.” Sophie
made a note to ask Ramsey what happened to his eye, if she felt he was open to
the question. She didn’t want to offend him by asking. The mark in no way
marred his features, she thought to herself. If anything, it gave him a
“bad-boy” appearance that she was sure drove women crazy.

“It’s nice to meet you Ramsey.” She moved to put her hand on the guard to
her right but asked Ramsey first, “Would it be okay if I sat next to you on the
way to our next meeting? I would like to ask you a few questions.”

She didn’t let the look of discomfit on his face upset her. These guards
of hers seemed to be very closed off. What they didn’t know was that she was
determined to talk to them. Placing her hand on the guard to her right she
waited for him to look at her. When he did, she hurried to say, “Hello. Your
name is Willem?”

He looked at Ramsey across from him and then back to her, “Yes. I am
Willem.” Before she could ask to sit next to him at some point to ask questions
he blurted out, “I am very boring. Therefore you would be better suited to sit
next to Connor if you would like someone to talk to.” With that said, he turned
to look pointedly behind her at his brother.

“I have much less to talk about than you, Willem.” The male behind her
stated emphatically, “I consistently put people to sleep I am so boring.”

“That is not true. Just the other day I heard you telling the most
interesting story.” Willem argued.

“You have me mistaken—”

“The crowd is growing as we sit here. The local patrol have them under
control, however I don’t recommend staying idyll.” PAC broke into the argument,
“You need to get moving. I will take Debb to her destination and return. Allie
can stay in the Aquavi as well.”

“Thank you PAC.” Sophie called out

When she looked up Raife was watching her. He averted his eyes to look
their group over, and then he snapped, “Tighten up on the right Willem. You
left a gap.”

Sophie was shoulder to chest with her guards, so she didn’t know what
“gap” Raife was talking about. When the males pressed closer, she sighed. Back
into her guard sandwich.

The doors opened ahead of her and she was pressed forward by her guard.
She was assailed with the sudden smells of fresh air and pungent earth. All
Sophie could see was the blur of colors as she was rushed along. Voices were
calling out to her, male and female alike.

“Chosen. If I could just see you—”

“Chosen. One minute of your time is all I need.”

“Chosen. Please help me—”

The pain in the last person’s voice was heart wrenching and she stopped.
Her guard had not been expecting the sudden lack of forward momentum and she
ended up getting bumped by Connor into Garritt.

“I’m sorry.” She hurried to say then slipped from between her guard
before they could stop her. Looking around she tried to find the woman that had
called for help. There weren’t that many women in the crowd around her it was
mostly men. The local patrol did have a “red rover, red rover” grip on each
other’s hands holding back the crowd. Then she heard the woman again over the
calls of the other people.

“Chosen please help me.”

Sophie went to hurry over and stopped when Raife grabbed her arm.
“Chosen, you cannot go over there.” His face showed concern and something else
Sophie couldn’t place.

“Either I go over there…or she is allowed here.” Sophie argued. “You
choose.”

Raife gave her a strange look and then called for the patrol to let the
woman through. She hurried over to Sophie and threw herself on the ground.

“Chosen.” She was sobbing hysterically by this point and Sophie bent down
to help her up.

“Please calm yourself.” She kept her voice soft and reassuring. “It’s
okay.” She used her sleeves to wipe at the tears streaking down the woman’s
face. She was a tiny thing, but then again weren’t they all here in Aquarian.
She wasn’t sure that they grew the females any bigger than five feet tall here.
After cleaning the woman’s face, she smiled. “Can you tell me your name?” The
woman had striking blue eyes, Sophie was getting used to that feature on the
Aquadomians. Her long blond hair was in an intricate braid and she wore an
intricately detailed dress, similar to her own.

“I am Merideth Irie.” The woman looked around frantically. “I need help
desperately.” Tears began to pool in the woman’s eyes again and Sophie hurried
to sooth her before Merideth became incoherent again.

“I will do whatever I can to help you Merideth.” Sophie was about to ask
what was wrong when Raife bit out.

“Chosen, we have to keep moving.” He insisted urgently, “You can’t just
stand out here in the open.”

“Okay.” Sophie was going to have a talk with Raife about why she wasn’t
safe. For now, she grabbed Meridith’s hand and started walking for the entry to
the Lextrium. “We can talk inside.” Sophie was shocked when Merideth shrieked
and tried to pull away.

“I can’t go in there.” She was frantically pulling at her hand.

“Please calm down.” Sophie urged, “I have a meeting inside, and we can
talk privately in the Lextrium.”

To her utter horror, Merideth went pure white and then fainted on the
spot. Utterly perplexed Sophie stood there for a second. Why was Merideth so
terrified to go into the Lextrium? Knowing she couldn’t take her inside, she
turned to Connor. “Please pick her up.” She turned to Willem, “Inform The Three
that I have been delayed and will be there in few minutes.” Without waiting for
him to acknowledge her, she turned and went back toward where the Aquavi had
dropped them off. To her relief the vehicle had just returned so she headed in
that direction.

“Where do you think to take the female?” Raife was hurrying along with
her. “Disperse this crowd.” He yelled at the local patrol.

“Do nothing.” Sophie yelled over her shoulder to the local guardsmen. The
crowd had gotten very quiet as the scene had played out. She could just imagine
what they thought she was doing with Merideth. Turning her gaze to Raife she
snapped, “Do they have the freedom to assemble or are they breaking the law?”

He looked around frustration marked in his face, “They are free to
assemble, but a crowd like this could become dangerous for you.”

“Until I figure out what is going on with that poor female, leave the
crowd alone.” She turned toward the Aquavi with her remaining guard hurrying
beside her.

“PAC.” She yelled as they approached, “Stand by in case we need to get to
a medical facility.”

“Standing by.” The computer informed her.

She rushed through the doors and asked Connor to put Merideth on a seat.
Seeing a shocked Allie sitting at the back of the Aquavi Sophie hurried to
assure her that everything was okay. She would explain when she could. Then she
waved her guard back and waited for the woman to come out of her swoon.