The Perfect Prince (20 page)

 

Snarling to his brother, Zoran growled in irritation. “They say our mood is too black. They are frightened we will kill them.” Olek couldn’t say he blamed them. With the only outlet for their rage quickly retreating, they were stuck. But it didn’t mean he had to like it.

 

The soldiers’ frowns deepened at the dark royal looks.

 

“What the hell are we supposed to do now?” Olek growled, voicing his brothers’

 

sentiments as he stormed away to the palace.

 

After Olek left early in the morning with no more than a grunt directed at her as 
he passed, Nadja took it upon herself to invite misery to share her company. She wasn’t disappointed as the Princesses arrived.

 

Pia came first, her face glowering. She was soon followed by Morrigan, who looked sickly and pale and reeked of stale liquor. She had bathed, but the smell of a night of binging still softly came from her pours. Olena came last. Her red hair was pulled back into a bun and her green eyes flashed with continuous mischief, even when she wasn’t up to something. She looked none the worse for wear for her ordeal with the kidnappers, but she also wasn’t speaking of it.

 

Looking around at the other high-backed chairs, Nadja sighed. The relaxing sound of the natural water fountain didn’thing to soothe the sour temperaments of the four women.“Hienrich is now training as a soldier. I released him from his duty to us,” Pia said in answer to a question about the boy.

 

Olena didn’t understand, but the others nodded in agreement.

 

Stretching her arms over her head, Morrigan yawned. It was the most movement she had made in awhile.

 

“So, have any of your husbands lied to you about whom they were?” the dejected Princess Olena asked.

 

“I thought mine was a prison guard,” Pia chuckled darkly to herself.

 

“I used to call mine a gardener,” Morrigan admitted, tucking her hand beneath her head on the high-backed chair. Mumbling softly, she said so as not to disturb her delicate head, “And a caveman.”

 

The women laughed.

 

“I call mine a dragon,” Nadja shyly admitted. Bringing to mind his latest bout of anger in the office, she did indeed think he had a dragon-like temper.

 

“They’re all dragons, if you ask me,” Morrigan winked at Nadja.

 

Nadja halfheartedly laughed as she rose to answer a summons from the door.

 

Blinking in surprise to see the Queen, she allowed her in.

 

Mede stepped into the intimate circle of women and nodded. “I heard you all were hiding out here.”

 

Nadja smiled weakly at the Queen. Seeing Mede’s good mood didn’t match theirs, she sighed, but invited her in anyway. More than likely the woman would run for the hills once she felt the melancholy they were nurturing.

 

“How’s Yusef?” Olena asked, suddenly blushing at the outburst. She refused to glance around at her comrades.

 

“Still awake,” the Queen answered. “And still with his brothers. They speak of fighting, and fighting always makes warriors happy, for it is something they know how to do.”

 

Olena nodded, leaning back in her chair and trying to pretend she didn’t care either way. No one was fooled.

 

Mede glanced at the hung-over Morrigan and slightly raised her delicate brow.

 

Morrigan had to turn away. To her credit, the Queen said nothing.

 

Nadja suddenly asked if anyone wanted something to drink. Morrigan balked and instantly declined, turning a shade paler. They all laughed, despite their moods.

 

“No, dear, we’re fine,” the Queen answered. Silence followed. Mede was disappointed that the women weren’t going to continue to talk freely. She had heard their soft laughter and had been anxious to be a part of it. But, she also knew the women were troubled in their own ways. She couldn’t blame them. Her sons were great men, but were sometimes too stubborn for their own good. Announcing, she said, “Daughters.” The Princesses looked at her expectantly. Nadja blinked, surprised that the woman deigned to stay in their depressed ranks. Mede came forward and took a seat amongst them, looking them over in turn. She not only intended to stay. She intended to cure them of their woes.

 

“Enough of this. This planet is in desperate need of more women and I intend to see that each one of you to explore the power you possess,” the Queen said. Nadja couldn’t help her smile at the motherly tone.

 

“Your husbands are warriors,” Mede stated. “I expect now each of you has a clear idea now of what that means. But just because they made the rules, doesn’t mean you can’t use them. You have more power than you think. So, tell me your problems with my sons and I’ll give you the Qurilixian solution. I think it’s time that the royal women had the upper hand for once.”

 

Slowly, one by one, the women smiled, growing more and more trusting of the earnest Queen. The Queen nodded, happy. Yes, this was how it was supposed to be with daughters. She had waited too many years to let her sons ruin her plans for a giant family.

“Pia,” the Queen began, looking pointedly at the woman. “Why don’t you go first?” Nadja grinned, nestling into the chair as she listened to Pia’s problem and awaited her turn for council.

“Olek,” Nadja announced to her husband when he came through the door that night. He looked tired, his eyes red from little sleep. “I am your wife, your other half.

 

According to Mede, the best way to handle Olek was directly and honestly. He had a lot on his mind and at any given time and a concise, blunt attack was the best way to get him exactly where you wanted him.

 

Besides, he was suspicious by nature, always trying to read into half-words and looks. He had to be that way with the sort of double-tongued people he dealt with all the time. He was an expert at avoidance, never answering or giving more than what was needed at the time. So, given the nature of his work it was only natural he would try to read into everything Nadja said with suspicion.

 

Olek blinked at her strange greeting, but stopped to listen with an open mind.

 

Nadja smiled. It was working. She would have to remember to give Mede a big thank you gift next time she saw her.

 

“I’m listening,” Olek answered seriously. His eyes were intent as he came forward to sit across from her on one of the high backed chairs.

 

Let the negotiations begin, thought Nadja.

 

“According to Draig law, because you are an ambassador your wife has the right to be an ambassador,” Nadja stated. “Now, I had every intention of finding a job.

 

Ambassador duties might not be what I had in mind when I came here, but is the most logical option. According to Mede, you have quite a heavy work load. I know it will take some training before I am ready to be a real help to you, but the sooner started, the sooner ready.” Olek was quiet, listening to her calm words. Nadja knew that he was reading into her, judging her. She opened herself up and let him. There was no mischief or malice in her face as she spoke. He didn’t detect any falsehoods or deceit. He nodded for her to go on.

 

“I don’t expect to take over your job, but to help you with it,” she continued. “I am educated. I can learn if you will but teach me. Having done some research, I find I could be of immediate use in local disputes. I already have earned the trust of the villagers….”

 

Olek frowned, not following.

 

“Do try to keep up,” Nadja scolded. “See what I mean, you are way too overworked. You don’t even know what goes on in your own house everyday. The villagers have been here quite often seeking medical attention. I am the new … oh, what is it they’ve been calling me? Gullveig?”

 

“It means witch,” Olek muttered, knowing that it was a term applied fondly to natural medics.

 

“Good, then were agreed on that point,” she stated, not giving him a chance to deny her claim. “I can help out in local disputes, minor things for now. If I have questions about law I’ll come to you.”

 

Olek didn’t move.

 

“Also, I have a few ideas I would like to approach Zoran about for the men. I’ve finished testing on the cream I made and would like to have him try it out on the soldiers during practice to see what they think. Feel free to run it by your doctors for tests.” Reaching beside her, she handed him a bound report. “Here is everything they will need about the chemical makeup as well as the active and inactive properties. I also took the liberty of drafting a small antidote in case of an allergic reaction.” Olek took the report and set it aside without opening it. He eyes were traveling her face, thoughtful and probing.

 

“I have also talked to Mede about changing the decorating arrangements in the hall for traveling dignitaries,” Nadja continued, not losing her grace for a moment as she hopped from one topic to another. “Really, Olek, some flowers and silk banners wouldn’t hurt one bit and can be put up with minimal effort. First impressions are a key to any negotiation and our hall just screams, uh, ‘barbaric planet full of warrior men who would rather fight than talk’.”

 

Olek let the side of his mouth curl up. He couldn’t help it. She was ravishing.

 

Leaning back, he crossed his arms over his chest and rested his foot over his knee.

 

“Now, my first act as the newest Draig ambassador is to call an official meeting with you,” she stated boldly. “Right now I think would work perfectly for both our schedules. Update me on the Var situation.” His finger lifted to press against his chin in thought.

 

“All right,” Nadja stated. Her face remaining professional and business like. “I know that spies are suspected within our walls. What have we done so far to locate them?”“It is being handled,” Olek said. Nadja frowned slightly and he added, “There is nothing to report. Servants and soldiers are being questioned, but it is a long process and
so far we have nothing.”

 

“Fine,” Nadja said. “And the attack on Morrigan and Yusef?”

 

“Morrigan took a drink from a goblet meant for the Queen and King,” stated Olek.

 

“We don’t believe it was meant to kill her but them. Yusef was attacked from behind.

 

Whoever did it knew the back passages of the palace well enough to escape. It’s why we suspect a spy. That and the royal offices were broke into. Only the palace blueprints were disturbed.”

 

Nadja nodded. “Anything else?”

 

“The war council convenes tomorrow,” he answered. “I’ll be gone all day presiding over it. We are giving King Attor the right of defense, though it’s likely he will deny everything and nothing will be accomplished.”

 

“Fine,” Nadja said before announcing, “I will go with you.”

 

“I am afraid that’s not possible. You are not on the war council,” Olek said, liking how she took on the initiative with her new course of action. He would gladly accept her help. When he traveled to other planets, it would be nice to have her lovely presence by his side charming the foreign ambassadors. Not to talk about how much more interesting the journey would be with her lovely presence in his bed.

 

“But I am an ambassador,” she stated.

 

“An ambassador in training,” Olek corrected.

 

Nadja grinned at his words. He accepted her idea.

 

“You have to stay here tomorrow in the house. Attor’s men are here and everyone is ordered to stay within their homes. We won’t have bloodshed. We aren’t going to risk losing anyone,” Olek stated. He stood. “But, since you are an ambassador now, I have plenty to get you started.”

 

Olek strode over to his office, a mischievous grin coming to his features.

 

Reaching in his desk, he pulled out the hundred page communication from the Lithor Republic. He also took her translator from the desk. Coming back to where she sat on the couch, he handed both to her and said, “Look over this document and write a summary of what it says so you may report its conditions to the King.” Nadja, only slightly daunted by the thick document, didn’t complain. She set it aside on the couch for later. “Not a problem.”

 

“Glad to hear it,” he murmured. Looking down at her, he asked, “Meeting adjourned?”

 

Nadja nodded, a small smile of happiness coming to her face as she looked up at him. Oh, but he was so handsome, strong. He reached for her hand and pulled her up.

 

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he asked, “Anything else?” Nadja shook her head. “I can’t think of anything.”

 

“Then may I schedule our second meeting?” Olek murmured, leaning to kiss her earlobe. He bit it gently, sending sparks of delight all over her neck.

 

“When did you have in mind?” she asked, giggling as his breath tickled her skin.

 

“About three seconds from now,” Olek growled with promise.

 

“Where?” Nadja breathed, her hands journeyed to his shoulders, loving the feel of him. “Bathtub.” He bit her earlobe only to soothe it with a kiss. “I want to negotiate some marital relations.”

 

Nadja giggled. Olek swept her up into his arms, carrying her across the living room to the bathroom. Depositing her directly into the water, clothes and all, he stepped inside with her. Kissing her deeply, he proceeded to negotiate--for most of the night.

 

* * * *

 

King Attor denied all charges with a misleading grin. He knew so long as he was under the protection of the convened council, he wouldn’t be touched. Nothing was accomplished during the seven hours of talks. But, then again, nothing had been accomplished in the centuries of fighting that had occurred between the two kingdoms.

Death attempts on both sides were nothing new, though none had occurred for over a hundred years.

 

Zoran was in charge of military matters, representing the Draig with a Var warrior of equal ranking opposite him. Olek presided over the whole affair, doing his best as ambassador to keep the peace, though all brothers knew he would like nothing more than to spill King Attor’s blood for his insults to the royal Draig family. He was tired from his night of love play with Nadja. It seemed his wife wanted to try out every one of his fantasy sketches, not that he cared to complain. In fact, he had a few more ideas to draw for her.After the meeting, it took another four and a half hours to insure that Attor and his men were gone. A thorough search of the castle revealed nothing and the high alert was taken off the village so that the villagers could again leave their homes using caution.

 

Olek knew that soon they might be facing another war with the House of Var.

 

Wars were terrible affairs for their kind. They could last for fifty to a hundred years with much death and seldom any clear progress or victory. At the end they would have an uneasy truce while each side replenished their warriors and concentrated on rebuilding the population.

 

Olek came home late that night, exhausted to the bone. Nadja was just finishing up her translation of the Lithorian document. She looked as if she had been at it all day.

 

But, yawning, she didn’t complain.

 

Glancing at Olek, she said, “The Lithorian are requesting the exportation of ore and wilddeor meat. This is an outline of how they wish for us to deliver it, down to the formal greeting they wish our representative to give their representative. I have outlined all the important facts for everyone.”

 

“Tedious lot, aren’t they?” he laughed. “You still want the job?” 

 

“How often do they write?”

 

“Once about every five years to renegotiate.”

 

“Then yes, I want the job.” She smiled. “But I am putting in for a vacation in about five years and will need it approved of in advance.”

 

“We’ll see.” He leaned over and kissed her nose. “Come on, let’s get some sleep.

 

We both look like we could use it.”

 

“What I didn’t get from this is what we get in return for the trouble,” she said, shaking the frustrating documents at him.

 

“The best chocolate the galaxy has to offer,” Olek admitted with a playful smirk,

 

“and some other things.”

 

“Chocolate, you say?” Nadja grinned. She hadn’t forgotten her last experience with it, but thought that maybe it was time to give it another try--on a lesser scale. “As the new Lithorian ambassador, I am afraid I need to test this chocolate before I can endorse this proposal.”

 

“Coming right up.” Olek disappeared into the kitchen only to return with the red foil bag from the refrigerator with her name on it. Falling on the couch, he laid his head on her lap and handed up a piece.

 

Nadja took it between her lips and sighed, “You’re right. This is well worth their tediousness.”

 

Olek grinned. Sticking a second piece between his lips, he offered it up to her.

 

Nadja smiled, leaning over to bite. As she did, he kissed her and she was again lost.

 

“Maybe we don’t need to go to sleep quite yet,” Olek murmured to her chocolate flavored mouth. Nadja just laughed, continuing to kiss him.

 

* * * *

 

The warriors cheered good-naturedly as the four Princesses, wearing dark breeches and tunic shirts, aimed knives at the practice post. Olena was the first to throw.

She did fairly well as each knife made it into the center. The gathered soldiers clapped and stomped. She glanced at Yusef, trying to act like she didn’t seek his approval. A white bandage slashed across his arm but he looked well.

 

Nadja gulped nervously. She didn’t think there was going to be such an audience.

 

Looking at Olek, she watched him nodding at her. She had already confessed to him numerous times that she had never thrown a blade. Pia came up to her, urging her to aim at her target.