The Legacy of Princess Anlei

By Laurel A. Rockefeller

The Legacy of Princess Anlei comes alive!

Begin with The Great Succession Crisis, the paranormal coming-of-age romance about Princess Anlei and her struggle to find herself while caught in the middle of a chess game of noble houses.

Then solve the mystery of the Ghosts of the Past. As unseen terrorists target healing centres planet-wide it falls to Lord Knight Elendir of house Ten-Ar to stop the killers before they murder everyone he loves in this thriller where no one is safe.

Finally join in the fight for freedom against Lord Yelu's tyranny in Princess Anyu Returns, the exciting final chapter to the Peers of Beinan Series.

All in their original forms from 2015 and reflecting the original vision for the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurel A. Rockefeller
• Release date: Mar 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310406089

Laurel A. Rockefeller

Born, raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska USA Laurel A. Rockefeller’s passion for animals comes through in everything she writes. First self-published in 2012 as social science fiction author (the Peers of Beinan series), Laurel has expanded her work into the animal care/guide, history, historical fiction, and biography genres.Find Laurel’s books in digital, paperback, and hardcover in your choice of up to ten languages, including Welsh, Chinese, and Dutch. Audio editions are published in all four available languages for audible: English, French, Spanish, and German.Besides advocating for animals and related environmental causes, Laurel A. Rockefeller is a passionate educator dedicated to improving history literacy worldwide, especially as it relates to women’s accomplishments. In her spare time, Laurel enjoys spending time with her cockatiels, travelling to historic places, and watching classic motion pictures and classic television series.

Book preview

Part One: The Great Succession Crisis

Prologue

Your Majesty, are you sure you want to do this? asked Lord Knight Elendir of house Ten-Ar protectively, his red-fielded heraldry barely visible among the steam and smoke of only recently extinguished fires.

What else can I do? replied Queen Anyu. Against her will tears filled her eyes from more than just the toxic bilast in the air. At 58.67 cun 寸 tall and a mere forty yen-ars age, the fair skinned and grey eyed adolescent queen felt the weight of her journey heavily. How many died in this war of vengeance and why? Her mind struggled to find the answers as she carefully navigated the dangers of her half-destroyed royal office adjacent to the sovereign’s personal apartment. Against her will her hand caressed the remains of the same conference table her mother Queen Constance so often sat at and where the queen gave permission to her to study with the engineers of house Xing-li, training that saved her life even more than the countless shir-ors mastering fencing.

At length, the noble Elendir whose own journey of loss and pain in this war exceeded hers managed to activate the interstellar communications system. Finding a single chair among the ruins, he dusted it off for her and helped her sit down, Is there anything further I may do for you, Your Majesty?

Wait a shir-or, then send for my husband and children, please, commanded Queen Anyu politely.

You do not need to send this message now, Your Majesty. There is so much that needs to be done. We do not even know how many are dead yet!

We will mourn, Old Friend. But right now I owe those who preserved my life an explanation. Maybe I did not have a choice – or not much of one – but I still lied. Allow me to make amends. I will never see these people again; I do not wish to part without telling the story to them.

Lord Elendir nodded, his own heart heavy, As you wish. Bowing, he left the queen to attend to taming the chaos around them.

Saying a small serenity prayer in her mind, Anyu steadied herself before raising her voice to the computer, "Computer, begin recording and transmit to coordinates 23978 by 29458 by 5492. This is Queen Anyu to my friends and loyal allies throughout the known universe. My greatest apologies for not writing sooner. Many of you know of some of my adventures during my exile. Few of you know what happened after I returned home nor of the history behind my story. Forgive me for my many deceits during my exile. If I had revealed my true identity my life most certainly would have been in greater peril than it ended up being.

"Much has happened to me since my return home. Much remains to be done. But one thing is for certain: with hard work and determination we shall rebuild and restore the beauty of Beinan to its former glory. The road is long and hard. But now I have ascended to my mother’s throne, I have little doubt the lessons of my exile will serve my people well.

That is the future. The past still remains veiled. Forgive me for this and allow me to tell you the full story of my people. Understand that the deceit that kept this story from you before truly was necessary to preserve my life. Fault me not for wishing to neither perish from the differences in our biology nor from the threats from home that inevitably came to destroy me. Here, now, I shall tell you all.

Chapter One: At the Great Council

Are you certain you want to do this, Your Highness? asked Lady Gillian of house Ana nervously, trying to match the quick strides of Lord Prince Bevin through the corridors of the Great Hall of the Assembly.

Can you think of any one better to propose my amendment? stared Lord Prince Bevin, slowing his pace slightly.

Perhaps someone from one of the other houses? quivered Lady Gillian. Forgive me, Sire, but as the queen’s consort, I fear the Council will consider you…biased!

Who do you aide for, Lady Gillian?

My lady is none other than Lady Councillor Juliana, head of our humble yet equally noble house Ana!

Bevin met her eyes, Would Lady Councillor Juliana propose my amendment? House Ana was, after all, one of the houses who forbade the ascent of daughters to their mother’s positions of leadership back on original home world! Gurun and Miyoo never held such a rule. We have no problem with female leadership!

And yet you are a knight of Ten-Ar and therefore subject to the tradition of your house, countered Gillian. How can you claim innocence on the matter when Ten-Arian blood flows through your veins?

I was not born of Ten-Ar, Lady Gillian. My knighthood is a matter of merit, not heredity. House Balister, recognizing the prowess of female archers, stood against grandfathering this…custom into our laws. Or so the records state, asserted Bevin, his patience with this aide waning even as he turned the corner and approached the assembly chamber.

Then who will you represent in chambers, my lord?

I represent the interests of all Beinarians, as is my duty as prince consort, particularly when I appear as her majesty’s proxy. I do so now to express our royal opinion regarding the succession, declared Prince Consort Bevin, opening the heavy wooden doors separating the corridor from the council chambers.

A herald noted Bevin’s arrival, crying, Please rise for Lord Bevin, prince-consort of Beinan and knight of Ten-Ar. With a thunderous pound of one hundred ninety feet, the councillors all rose in Beinarian precision and unison, falling suddenly silent in their voices.

Formally Bevin processed into the council chamber, his head held high and his face stern. He bowed to the herald at the waist as he approached the podium used to address the assembly. The Honourable Lady Kalar of house Cashmarie bowed slightly to Bevin, the metallic white threads making up the sails on her green heraldic kirtle sparkling like silver upon the golden masts of the Cashmarie ship emblem, Welcome, Your Highness, to council.

Bevin acknowledged Honourable Lady Kalar with a bow from his neck and shoulders, Your Honour, it is a pleasure to see you again. How fares the efforts to redact replica sailing vessels such as were used on original home world?

The efforts go well. Soon we shall master once more the ancient sailing arts, grounding ourselves in that which ennobled us long ago, smiled Lady Kalar.

Your Honour, may I address the council?

Of course, bowed Honourable Lady Kalar, stepping aside for him.

Wise councillors of the Great Council, I come to you now concerning the royal succession. As all of you know, five yen-ars ago, on BE 6321, beinor 1 Isabelle of house Gurun became our sovereign queen following the resignation of the crown by King Ejen. Her coronation came after our son, Anwell, legally ceded his right to become king after her in favour of our first born, Princess Anlei. This was well known across Beinan at the time of her majesty’s coronation. For five yen-ars this council has failed to solidify the succession. I come before all of you to ask for a vote to resolve this matter. Will you accept Princess Anlei as heiress to the throne of Beinan? questioned Bevin resolutely.

Lord Esreile of house Shem approached Prince Consort Bevin, We have postponed that vote, Your Highness, out of deference to her majesty…and her position as equal heiress to house Miyoo. High Priestess Wehe is no one to trifle with; her reputation precedes her as highly skilled in arts house Shem refuses to dabble in.

This matter concerns the future of Beinan. Let us not use the debate as an excuse to advance religious causes. I understand that house Shem disagrees with the high priestess on matters of religion and spirituality. However, her grace is not the focus on this discussion, nor are the differences in theology espoused by houses Shem and Miyoo, asserted Bevin. Rather, let us examine why a custom that predates the Great Migration and arose out of our bloody past should abide in this yen-ar of peace and diplomatic resolution of our many disagreements?

Very well, conceded Lord Arthur of house Xing-li, I am happy to entertain such debates. After all, we lose nothing by discussing the matter.

Thank you, Lord Arthur! acknowledged Bevin with a slight bow to his head.

Lord Knight Eisiq of house Ten-Ar rose, I have no personal grudge against Princess Anlei. All reports regarding her indicate a highly educated and politically engaged adolescent. She is perhaps one of the best candidates among us for the throne of Beinan. House Ten-Ar also approves of her bloodline among three great houses: Gurun, Ten-Ar, and Miyoo. She is the logical choice to ascend the throne.

Perhaps, debated Lord Arthur, but the law is itself quite clear on the matter. No noble woman may pass her power and authority to a daughter except for among the clergy. House Miyoo refuses to relent on that matter.

Perhaps wisely, affirmed Lady Priestess Alicia, younger sister to High Priestess Wehe and a councillor from house Miyoo. War and bloodshed are the pitiable heritage we are forced to endure from a time of virtual lawlessness and savage blood feuds. Let us always put aside our violent impulses in favour of adult discussion and logic.

A noble goal to be certain, Lady Alicia, but perhaps not always pragmatic. Only our egos truly make us superior to the other races we encounter when we travel through the stars in our star craft. Violence is a way of life…an almost universal quality among humans across the charted universe, observed Lord Arthur.

Must it be? Must we remain complacent and refuse to change when change is merited? This law from our past was not even a law before formation of the Great Council of Houses. It was a tradition, a custom maintained informally across tens of thousands of yen-ars by specific Beinarian houses, an outlet of patriarchal impulses interpreting females as inferiors leaders of war, defined Lady Alicia. House Balister never maintained such a custom…and with good reason. Few Beinarians of any house, even Ten-Ar, can match the accuracy of Balister ladies with a bow of any sort – heritage or modern.

Bevin smiled. Alicia’s words reminded him of the long forgotten yen-ars he’d spent living with his mother, a house Balister lady of particular skill with a laser crossbow. That was before he met his first knight of Ten-Ar…before he made the decision to attempt to earn his place among Ten-Arians and pursue knighthood. My mother was such a lady. I can affirm through first-hand experience the skills of the ladies of Balister. They are truly the best archers among our people, earning them leadership roles across our culture’s history. Balister is wise to make leadership about merit, not gender.

No one says that women are not effective leaders, Your Highness, declared Lord Arthur, but that is not the question for us here and now. Rather it is whether or not this beinor is the beinor to make a dramatic change in our laws. As much as I respect Princess Anlei…I cannot find a solid legal imperative to change the law at this time. Right or wrong…this is a custom, a law, which has stood since before the Great Migration.

I concur, agreed Lord Esreile. This is not the time to change this law. Unless house Gurun can find a more pressing reason to overturn the law, I cannot endorse such a change.

Lady Kalar took her place as council chair, Let us vote on this matter. Shall we overturn the law as requested by Queen Isabelle through her proxy, Prince Consort Bevin? Or shall we retain the law in all its strengths and weaknesses? How vote you on the Gurun resolution? House Ana?

Nay.

House Shem?

Nay.

House Cashmarie?

Nay.

House Balister?

Yeah.

House Ten-Ar?

Nay, answered Lord Knight Eisiq.

House Xing-li?

Nay, answered Lord Arthur.

House Gurun?

Yeah, answered Prince Bevin.

House Miyoo?

Yeah, answered Lady Priestess Alicia.

House Slabi?

Nay.

Resolution denied six votes to three. The law will remain as it was. This council will hear further debate on how to handle the extant succession crisis on BE 6326, beinor 120, shir-or 9.50, proclaimed Honourable Lady Kalar. Bowing, Lord Prince Bevin took his leave of the council. Upon the closing of the massive wood doors, his eyes misted. Lengthening his stride, he controlled his composure until he was able to exit the building before letting his tears flow. The board was now set, the crisis now inevitable. Anlei would pay the price for the council’s decision, one way or another.

Chapter Two: A Knightly Education for Princess Anlei

Prince Consort Bevin bent over his computer in his private office off of his private apartment. Though he and Isabelle had almost always shared the same bed since their wedding, it was customary for the sovereign to maintain her or his own spacious apartment in the palace and the consort to maintain her or his own, separate but nearby apartment in the palace. The palace was designed to provide a private garden for each apartment—and a force field screen to prevent consort and sovereign from seeing one another should each choose to be in their gardens at the same time as a means of protecting each one’s privacy. In political marriages where neither loved the other, this arrangement of space allowed each to maintain an official, if need be, lover, for those occasions when the sovereign was not interested in maintaining the relationship physically, though of course such practices were frowned upon, though not altogether unexpected—for either side.

Still, in matters of intimacy, the sovereign held power over the consort and yielded power only when it suited her or him. To ensure proper boundaries, even the closest of couples kept their respective personal belongings in their respective apartments and allowed servants to shuttle things like clothing back and forth as needed to accommodate practical use of only one bed for most of the time. This may have seemed inconvenient, but by doing so, each was also guaranteed her and his own space, a sanctum not shared by the other in times of stress.

Important to the design of each royal apartment was the office built into each. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, the sovereign and consort each held their own work spaces, complete with the latest and best computer technologies and equipment.

Advanced communications equipment inside all the royal apartments enabled the royal family to speak to anyone on Beinan—and nearly any known star system for that matter. The current system had a range of more than two million light yen-ars, easily reaching systems nearby galaxies. On his last meeting with engineers, Prince Bevin was told that within one yen-ar they would be able to more than double the current range to 5.2 million light yen-ars and to expect someone to stop by in about fifty beinors with the upgrades. That was good. The better the communications, the more secure the planet would be. Among the reports on his desk: confirmation that his wife’s younger sister’s body had, indeed, been found by survey droid sent there to investigate what happened to her some 75 yen-ars ago on D425E25 Tertius, a distant world just under two million light yen-ars from Beinan.

The scans indicated she died when her cipher was removed from her neck. There were neither signs of the cipher nor of any other Beinarian technology for that matter to be found by the survey droid. Bevin knew, as a knight of Ten-Ar, that the princess had not been the first Beinarian to visit this planet on the edge of known space—not remotely. But Princess Anyu visited an unknown region of D425E25 Tertius, a natural move for a dedicated student scientist like Princess Anyu, but hard on High Priestess Wehe, particularly in the beinors following Anyu’s final report. For twenty one beinors High Priestess Wehe grieved, deeply depressed. Thirty beinors after Anyu’s death according to the droid’s report, Wehe returned to palace life to celebrate the wedding of her daughter Isabelle to then Lord Knight Bevin. Remembering back to his wedding beinor, Bevin recalled seeing grief reflected deep in his mother in law’s eyes. Only now, with the final report on his wife’s little sister’s death did Bevin finally understand what clearly his mother in law knew without doubt at the time.

The door chimed. At first, Bevin did not hear it, so lost was he in memory. The chime rang again. Finally, Bevin looked up and commanded the door, Come.

Lord Culain, an agile warrior 125 yen-ars old and, at 57.6 cun 寸 tall, a rather tall Beinarian, stepped into Bevin’s office, his red hair flaming against his green eyes. At his side he carried a sword in an elaborate scabbard. Culain grinned at Bevin and hugged him warmly, Lord Bevin. By the goddesses…how many yen-ars has it been?

It’s ‘prince’ now…you may not have heard, but I married well, smirked Bevin.

Culain explored Bevin’s office with a few steps and gave a careful, watchful look around, Impressive. What girl did you bed this time?

Oh, no one important…just some girl named Isabelle. You may have heard of her. You were at her coronation five yen-ars ago, smiled Bevin. Actually make that at OUR coronation. Or don’t you attend official functions of the knights of Ten-Ar anymore? Last I checked it was required for all living knights to swear personal fealty to newly crowned kings and queens of Beinan.

You know how much I hate courts and politics. I made my appearance to please the knights and slipped away, grinned Culain.

Oh, I see, teased Bevin.

So old friend, what work keeps you so far from the monastery?

Politics! I have spent more shir-ors at the Great Hall of the Assembly than I ever thought possible. Don’t these politicians on the Great Council understand how their decisions affect the rest of us? The way they prattle and posture, seeking power and compliments – it makes me annoyed at best, wringed a vexed Prince Bevin.

If anyone can handle it, Bevin, it’s you. You are so devoted to your wife and children…how can you not fight for what is in the best interests of Beinan. I was at your wedding vow renewal ceremony back in BE 6300, but I was disappointed not to see your son Alastair.

Alastair died as an infant, just shy of his first natal beinor.

How?

The healers of Gurun and Ten-Ar said – I can hardly believe their report – poison. Why would anyone want to poison my son?

You will never find the answer sitting here. Come, return with me to the monastery. Come home and see your brother and sister knights of Ten-Ar. I promise a grand surprise for you – and your lovely daughter if you can convince her to stop pouting like the adolescent she is….

Don’t be too hard on Anlei, Culain. She’s at that age when she should be thinking about marriage and finding a proper husband. Instead, I feel this anger in her. She doesn’t believe in love or romance, only duty, the cold duty of a girl who feels like she must lie down, submit, and tolerate a future husband whose only interest in her is his own carnal lust and lust for power and wealth. I don’t see her wanted marriage or children…just accepting that she must endure such things in order to bear enough children to secure the dynasty. She is, in fact, the only adolescent girl her age I have ever met who feels so cold towards her future. She doesn’t dream romantic dreams like a girl, but feels…hunted. As a father it breaks my heart to see it.

Then take her with you to house Ten-Ar, my liege. Do not delay in this. For I think there is someone, a squire perhaps, who may thaw your ice princess and inspire her towards greater optimism, hinted Lord Knight Culain.

Make way. May way for His Royal Highness Prince Consort Bevin, lord of the knights of Ten-Ar, heralded one of the junior squires, a lad of no more than 14 yen-ars wearing a simple brown tunic and green trousers with a muddy brown leather belt. Confidently, Prince Bevin strode through the main audience hall of the monastery, his bright green tunic with its royal Gurun heraldry embroidered in silver shined under his regal purple cloak. White trousers and red leather belt completed his royal ensemble. On his belt hung the elaborate platinum and gold broad sword of the knights of Ten-Ar. On his brow sat the Beinarian sapphire and Beinarian ruby coronet of the royal consorts of the Gurun dynasty. Behind him, walking just two paces away glided Princess Anlei in modest yet elegant crimson gown, its soft, flowing fabric billowing in the gentle breeze that filled the room from outside. Light touched the blue white gems sewn to her gown’s bodice, making it sparkle. The fullness of her skirt trailed behind her as she walked as if she was dancing. Underneath the soft, almost clinging fabric her small breasts and petite waist beckoned seductively in the wind.

As she passed with the wind in her gown, she met eyes with a squire kneeling near the head of the hall, a great sword resting on the floor in front of him, his blue eyes sparkling brightly through his fair face. For just an instant he dared look up at her to touch her soft grey eyes with his own and let her see his face clearly. She felt her breath rush out of her in an instant.

Squire Corann smiled. Closing his eyes he let his mind feel the contours of Princess Anlei’s mind and heart, and let his own heart be enraptured for just an instant. He struggled to conceal an outburst of laughter. Who was this fair lady?

Forgetting himself, he ignored his training, his discipline for an instant and let himself explore her with his mind. Wonder and joy filled him, fascination and beauty.

Squire. Squire, snapped Culain.

Suddenly Corann saw and felt only the present, his master, Lord Culain standing over him expectantly attempting to start the greeting ritual for Prince Consort Bevin and Princess Anlei Sir! My lord Knight.

Where were you? asked Culain, kneeling and taking his hands gently.

Corann took his masters hands softly and kissed his palms like a servant whispering, The flower of Abka Biya.

Compassion filled Lord Culain. His squire, Corann, was no ordinary young man. Born the bastard son of one of the house’s greatest knights, Lord Cariadoc, it was said to a great priestess named Cordelia; he was born very different than most Beinarians. He was born feeling things that most Beinarians outside of the temple never felt and knowing things most outside of the priesthood never knew. Corann was house Ten-Ar by his father and house Miyoo by his priestess mother -- a rare collision of bloodline in patriarchal and matriarchal houses not unlike Queen Isabelle and Princess Anlei themselves.

Youth born to dual or, in Anlei’s case, triple house affiliation, must choose as adolescents which house to call her or his house for political purposes. Corann chose house Ten-Ar, knowing full well that as a bastard, his choice would be questioned and scorned by many. Lord Culain, concerned about the young man’s studies and social standing made a point to mentor him. When Corann passed his trials and was granted the rank of squire, Lord Knight Culain chose to train him personally, protecting the young prodigy from many dangers that otherwise would have assaulted him.

Lord Culain looked into Corann’s eyes, returning both to the present. Pain, awe, wonder all flashed through Corann’s mind at the question he sensed from his master. Understanding, Culain whispered back, The flower of Abka Biya is covered in ice by the political storm around her. This is High Priestess Wehe’s granddaughter, Corann, whom you knew before.

Lightning flashed in Corann’s eyes. Anlei? How could it be? Had she really grown so much since last he saw her? Had his studies in house Ten-Ar made him forget everything he sensed around him while at the palace studying as Wehe’s protégé? Wehe had taught him how to focus his mind instead of being perpetually distracted by the feelings and thoughts around him. But Anlei…she was different. In her presence he could never control his mental powers. To her, his mind was ever captivated, needing the soothing touch of her consciousness near him.

Shall we begin? asked Culain, tapping Corann on the shoulder to refocus his attention back to the ritual at hand.

As the ritual began and the usual introductory remarks and speeches made to the assembly, Corann could not help looking at Anlei as often as the ritual allowed. He knew his place and his knew every word of this ritual, of course. He was an excellent student and had no problem doing everything required of him while still studying the beauty in front of him. How beautiful the princess looked in that gown. The fabric shifted ever so slightly over her delicate body when a breeze came up, complimenting the gentle curves of her breasts. Desire filled him, desire he had never known before living among all these men. Why had not the others spoken of such things before? Was this what it meant to want to marry someone? Was this the drive to leave training and take a wife…or at least to bring children into the world? Why did not the knights speak of this to him? Surely feeling what he was feeling for this girl was only natural. Corann suddenly realized…he had grown up as well since last he saw Anlei.

Corann breathed hard, and then restored his mental discipline. No matter the strange sensations filling his body—and his well-trained senses could easily detect the diversion of blood flow to that other part of his body where it had never diverted before—he was a squire of Ten-Ar, able to avoid such distractions with concentration.

These skills he found more useful now than ever before. He looked at her, and then closed his eyes, his fingers moving into the practiced meditative position. Lord Culain looked over at him for 0.7 xiao-shirs and noticed the shift in position to meditation but said nothing—though he suspected, as Corann’s master, the cause. If anything, this sudden shift from the ritual to meditation pleased Lord Culain for it showed how well Corann had learned his lessons and was able to apply his training. Putting his attention back on his brother in the knighthood once more, Lord Culain continued the ceremony with Prince Bevin and Princess Anlei as Squire Corann focused and controlled his thoughts.

By the time Lord Culain finished the service and offered his bows to the royals, Corann felt normal again and ready to greet their guests as if they were any other esteemed visitors. With the last words of ritual now finished, Corann picked up the great sword on the floor, cradling it in his palms as he stood two paces behind Lord Culain. Culain put his right hand on his shoulder, Your Highness, have you met my pupil? This is Squire Corann. Tonight he is to be initiated as a full knight of Ten-Ar. It would do me great honour if you and your daughter would attend the ceremony…and the banquet afterwards. It would also do us honour if you would stay for the next few beinors here at the monastery as my guest. It’s been many yen-ars, I think, old friend, since you slept in our humble quarters. Unless, of course, her majesty your wife requires you at the palace right away….

Ignoring the joke, Bevin turned and positioned his hands in the form of the knightly salute to another brother, Welcome to the brotherhood, Corann. I look forward to attending your ceremony…it has been a long time since I attended one. It would do me great honour to attend yours if you are willing.

Corann bowed, The honour is mine, Your Highness. And if your daughter would grace me with her presence as well, it would be a kindness to me. Are all descendants of great kings and queens so fair – or only your daughter? Corann blushed at the sudden moment of candour. He knew better than to let even a sliver of his attraction show.

Bevin regarded him, suddenly more father than knight of Ten-Ar. Was this squire, about to be a knight, attracted to Anlei? Corann … that name sounded familiar – was he? Corann, are you the same Corann who spent countless beinors at the palace under the tutelage of High Priestess Wehe?

Corann bowed, I am. For some reason she sees something special in me beyond my humble origins.

Lord Prince Bevin smiled, From what the queen has told me, you are her only pupil since she left residence at the Temple of Abka Biya upon her marriage to King Ejen. The honour extended to you is vast.

The knighting of a squire was one of the oldest and grandest ceremonies for the Knights of Ten-Ar—and proudest. In a cavern-like ceremonial chamber that resembled a temple built slightly underground, Lord Culain, Lord Prince Bevin, and several of the more academically accomplished squires of Ten-Ar processed to flutes, zithers, and the Beinarian version of a soprano shawm, a light, sweet double-reeded instrument. In the amphitheatre-like setting sat Princess Anlei in a place of honour among other dignitaries. Behind her were many of Corann’s classmates, all dressed in their finest fabrics and brightest colours. As Bevin and Culain took their ritual places, the music changed to a heraldic tone, signalling those in attendance to rise. Corann glided in his processional in a crimson tunic and trousers, his clothing unbelted and unmarked in any way; even his soft black leather shoes were unremarkable.

Though his heart soared, especially when he dared to look at Anlei in her lavender gown, he maintained the composure of a man who had been in vigil all beinor long and endured many trials and tribulations to reach this point. As much as his spiritual abilities allowed him to survey the soft contours of her soft body, he refused to show anything, though deep in his heart and even reaching his conscious mind, he felt pleased at her beauty. He noticed the way Anlei had braided and ornamented her hair in silver ribbons and white pearls around and through her crown braid. Silver and lavender ribbon streamers fell out of the pins placed in her hair and a white rose-like flower with the softest and most alluring fragrance served as a center piece comb at the center back of the braid, just above it and anchoring just under it.

Anlei was … breath taking.

Almost against his will, Corann smiled at her as he reached his assigned ceremonial spot. Anlei smiled back. Composing himself once more, he knelt and looked into Lord Culain’s green eyes. Lord Culain laid his hands on the

crown of Corann’s head, Corann, son of Cariadoc, for many yen-ars have you studied and suffered, enduring the trials set before you of mind, body, heart, and spirit. Now the journey’s end has come and a choice lies before you. Do you choose to join the brotherhood of Knights of Ten-Ar as is your birth right by your father, Lord Cariadoc – or leave this monastery for the temple that is also, through your mother, your birth right?

Corann’s grey eyes beamed with spiritual devotion as he grasped Culain’s wrists ceremoniously, Master, hear me now before these witnesses. I choose as I have always chosen all my life: to dedicate my mind, body, heart, and soul to this house and this place. If the brotherhood will have me, I vow myself to be, now and for forevermore, sword brother and peer, a lord of Ten-Ar.

Lord Culain removed his hands from Corann’s head and anointed the center of his brow with fragrant sacred oil, Then in the name of the Knights of Ten-Ar and as your master, I confer on you the rank of Knight and Lord of Ten-Ar. With a nod, one of the squires knelt nearby, bearing a great sword in a gold and silver scabbard and on a strong leather belt in a bright green. Kneeling, Lord Culain girt it about Lord Corann’s waist.

Rising, Culain turned to Bevin who in turn turned to a second squire bearing a narrow silver-like circlet on a cushion. At the front center of the very narrow band was a great marquise-like cut Beinarian sapphire with strong, triangular corners that sparkled like an earth diamond and displayed a pattern of light onto other objects when the Beinarian sunlight shone strongly upon it. Lord Prince Bevin picked up this circlet and handed it to Culain who ritually held it over Lord Corann’s head, Lord Corann, Knight of Ten-Ar, this, as much as your sword, is the sacred symbol of our house. As your sword aids in obtaining the peace, let this blue stone of wisdom guide you in keeping the peace. May your soul always travel in harmony with the goddesses and may they always help you find paths that will unite, and never divide, our people, Corann’s grey eyes met his as the circlet softly lowered onto his head and into his hair. He felt the weight and the stone’s energies at once as Lord Culain kissed his forehead like a father and with his forearm raised him up from his long kneeling position. Brothers of Ten-Ar, nobles of many houses, I give you Lord Corann, Knight of Ten-Ar.

Realizing he was on his feet and fully initiated, Corann allowed himself to smile, but his gaze quickly wandered to Princess Anlei who smiled at him discretely like a shrewd political princess. As the gathering rushed to greet him and congratulate him, he noticed that she did not, waiting and keeping her gaze as far from the crowd as she could. Lord Corann could not help but to recognize the training and allowed the crowd to thin on him before he made his own moves towards her direction. Food and drink by now were being served as part of a formal reception. Lord Corann grabbed two glasses of something that resembled a sparkling wine and walked to Anlei, extending

a glass to her, You look like you were waiting for something to happen…or perhaps someone.

A princess does not need to rush into the fray like some starving creature, but moves deliberately, with a purpose. I did not think for a moment that this gathering would end without you speaking to me at some point, she smiled, accepting the glass and taking a sip.

You know me well for someone who has only known me a few xiao-shir, smiled Corann.

You forget, I’ve seen you around the palace many times. Do you really think that you and grandmother were completely alone during all those meetings? Grandmother let me get away with more things than you realize.

Corann laughed, thinking about times at the palace as a youth when High Priestess Wehe tutored him, People think your grandmother is the evil queen at times, but she’s really not that bad. She can be a real kind and generous soul. I would not be surprised at all if you turned out more like her than people guess.

Anlei laughed, Who me? Like my grandmother? Her royal priestessness? Perish the thought. I’m a woman of science, not faith. I am not sure any of these goddesses are real at all…and I don’t see any point in this religious mumbo jumbo. Why anyone would confuse her and I beyond the obvious genetic similarities is beyond me.

Corann tilted his head and opened his mind psychically, allowing himself to sense her more deeply. This was, after all, his first real time alone with Anlei to speak to her as two people. He blushed from what he sensed. What is it with her to enchant him so? Such a soul. Could any soul be more beautiful? Why did she try to cloak it with this faux atheism? Or could it be that she did not herself realize how much she actually believed in the goddesses? Maybe on some level you think all that is religious nonsense. But I wonder if perhaps your adverse opinion of religion has more to do with the practice of religion than with divinity itself, Anlei. It’s important not to confuse the two. One may see the faults with the way that people worship or talk about religion and see abuses in our religious system—and these are valid. But the system and practice is not the same thing as theology or the beings behind it. They say that on many other worlds, other cultures struggle with these issues. It is not just you remotely.

You surprise me, Lord Corann. I know you are a student of my grandmother’s, but I did not think of theology as the first subject of interest to any knight of Ten-Ar.

Corann smiled softly, You might be surprised how we knights of Ten-Ar are actually educated. In arts of war, yes, certainly, but that is only perhaps 20% of our education now. Hundreds of yen-ars ago…yes, it was much more about fighting and defence of our people. But now we understand that the best way to defend our people is with clear thought and strong minds. We are a house of peace more than war. It should really not be so surprising my father Lord Cariadoc fell in lust with one of the most powerful priestesses in the temple…well, so they say.

Anlei smiled back, You mean as my grandfather fell in lust with my grandmother?

Something like that yes. Isn’t it strange how we both owe our existence to the lust of some man over some powerful priestess – and that same priestess’s willingness to use his desire to attain something she wanted? Your grandmother wanted to become queen and bear legitimate heirs to the throne. My mother wanted to stay in the temple, but bear some powerful son who would merge two powerful lines and still have the right to be part of this noble house. I am sure that even the best efforts to protect the innocence of a princess have not kept you from hearing of that most unfortunate custom among the houses regarding the best way to disgrace a rival house—or rival individual for that matter? Lord Corann spoke carefully now, particularly of such a delicate subject, no doubt, to a woman now entering prime age to be victimized.

Anlei looked into his eyes, suddenly afraid and vulnerable, I am aware of it, yes.

Corann met her eyes. Perhaps it was his training, and perhaps it was an immediate effect of his elevation; he felt this overwhelming need to protect her, Do not fear it from me, Your Highness. Taking her hand, he knelt, I pledge to you, my princess, ever shall I serve you. The sovereignty of your house is in my heart. I pledge by my life and by my death as a knight of Ten-Ar, never shall a man place a hand on you in violence or hate—or if he should and evade my sword at the time, I swear by my life and death to avenge you. Turning her hand, he kissed her palm to seal his vow, and then kissed her palm twice more very tenderly out of desire. Anlei felt a wave of spiritual energy crawl up her arm from his kiss, stealing her breath. She stumbled by a step. Instinctively, Lord Corann steadied her with his hand softly on her delicate waist. The soft fabric caressed his fingers. The sweetness of her body for just that tiny instant enraptured him.

Steadied by him, Anlei regained her footing and with her hand tugged on Corann to rise again. Thank you, she whispered in his ear. Resuming a more appropriate distance of two friends talking, she replied, Your service is accepted, Lord Knight Corann. Gladly will I take you as my protector. Keep your vow to me always, Lord Knight Corann and never let anyone—not yourself, not a friend, not a foe -- common, noble, or royal -- lay a hand on my body except in kindness, friendship, or love. As daughter of Queen Isabelle I charge you with this task for all the beinors of your life and mine.

Lord Corann drew his sword. It gleamed brightly and sharply in the hidden lights, From this moment until death, I am yours: protector, friend, and servant.

Chapter Three: Bevin’s Royal Challenge

Your highness. Your highness, whirled RK6. You must get up your highness. RK6 hovered nervously around the modest bed provided to Princess Anlei in the student quarters in the monastery. Comfortable, but very modest, she was put in a two person dormitory with two beds, one each on opposite sides of the wall. In the other bed laid Lord Corann who was already dressed. With his vows made as protector to the princess, his belongings had been transferred to Anlei’s room. He was officially a royal servant now and Anlei’s aide in particular. RK6 might be the perfect political droid skilled at helping the princess with managing the court, of, course, serving as her constant lady in waiting, but as such, she was strictly civilian and incapable of keeping the princess out of danger like the young knight of Ten-Ar. RK6’s programming, of course, saw Corann as both an asset and a political inconvenience. A man sleeping so close to her highness? This was scandalous. A female protector would have been far better. At least then the court would not gossip regarding the princess’s chastity.

While RK6 hovered and fretted, Anlei did her best to ignore the droid. Why should she actually get up, even if the damn droid was making too much noise to keep sleeping? Half asleep Anlei decided to pretend she heard nothing.

But Corann suspected the truth from across the room. Perhaps the beautiful Anlei needed an incentive to wake up. Perhaps, if she were attracted to him, a bit of flirtation might be enough to convince her. Motioning to RK6 to be quiet, he slowly crept to her side of the room. Slowly, deliberately, carefully, he moved just enough of his body over her to hover over her without touching her at all – until with a feather’s touch his lips lightly brushed hers softly, just barely at first, then more fully into a complete kiss. Still touching her lips to his, he kissed her again, fully and completely, and a third time before backing away, heart racing. Had he dared what he had just dared?

Anlei opened her eyes with Corann simply sitting beside her as if just watching over her as a protector, Corann. I had the strangest dream.

Tell me your dream, dear friend, smiled Corann softly, taking her fingers into his own tenderly.

Anlei smiled, her eyes lighting up, and her voice laughing with delight at points, We were dancing … some sort of ball or masquerade by my father. And instead of being my protector, you were like my prince charming. You were dressed just like royalty or something. Very handsome. We were in the grand ballroom and dancing so happily. And I felt your strong arms around me. Oh, how strong you are or must be after all those yen-ars of training. And somewhere as we are dancing this ancient dance of our people you sweep me up so close and I feel your soft lips on mine. Oh Corann, in my dreams your kiss was the sweetest touch in the entire world. And I knew in that instant that you were so much dearer to me than any friend. You were the only man I could bear to marry. And in my dream, you knelt down to me and told me that you love me. And I never heard such a sweet sound in all my life from anyone. And all I could think about in the dream is how much I wanted to receive the betrothal gift from you so I could – oh, I have never thought that or dreamed I would think that about anyone. It’s not logical, nor particularly realistic for me – but it was just a dream….

Just a dream. Oh how Anlei did not understand her own bloodline, thought Corann. The daughter of the daughter of one of Beinan’s most talented priestesses did not simply have dreams any more than Corann simply dreamed. How is it possible her grandmother never explained the Sight to her – or did she merely refuse to listen?

How innocently Anlei related her dream vision to Corann? Corann’s training, between High Priestess Wehe and the knights of Ten-Ar, made him rather adept at understanding prophesy and recognizing it. Corann’s heart raced at the prophesy, yet he maintained his composure, What a beautiful dream, my friend, I wish you could see your face. I have never seen such joy or delight in you before. You light up the room this morning – and my heart with it. I can see everything you dreamed so well, you are so happy. A smile escaped Corann’s face. He was overjoyed at the joy in her right now. Oh that life would let him bring back the joy on her face again.

Am I? Maybe it’s waking up feeling truly safe. I’ve never woken up with someone beside me before.

I was near you, Anlei, not beside you. I slept across the room at a proper distance, remember? The only way I can truly sleep beside you is as your husband and only if you should wish it, corrected Corann.

Would you wish it? she asked.

What do you mean?

Do you want to be my husband?

Anlei, that’s a political decision. I’m not at liberty to make those for you. I haven’t even been a full knight for a full beinor yet. And even if I were an established knight of 100 yen-ars old and not just over sixty yen-ars old, it would still not be my place to verbalize an opinion on this matter. Who you marry will decide the fate of house Gurun in the Great Council. I’m no politician. I cannot say who would be good for your house—or for you personally. I find life confusing enough without adding the complications of the Great Council and the nuances of Beinarian politics. Turning to RK6’s direction he added, Besides, you have a political droid to help you in these matters. I’d rather you ask her regarding your options. You don’t rely on RK6 nearly as much as you should, Your Highness. Corann started to shift his body to rise from his sitting position.

Anlei stopped him with her fingers, Corann. What do you want? Forget about my heritage and my name. What do you want?

Are you asking me in a perfect world, if our choices did not affect the lives of billions, what would I want? What would I wish if you were truly free? If you were not King Ejen’s granddaughter?

Yes. For one xiao-shir, forget I’m Princess Anlei. Let me just be Anlei, some ordinary girl, what would you choose? What does your heart say?

Anlei if there were no houses, no politics, no games of flesh and blood, I promise you that every minute since I met you would have gone different. I have felt you in my mind since the xiao-shir I laid eyes on you. You are in my very heart and being. Oh Anlei if you were not princess I would dare to say what is in my heart I would dare to be true to myself.

Anlei sat up and stroked his cheek, But you can’t can you? A tear rolled from Corann’s eye into her hand as he shook his head. If I were not a princess, I would dare to love you too. But I don’t dare fall in love, do I?

Corann shook his head painfully, Not until you are married, no. If you were to fall in love with someone other than the man you must marry for political reasons, you might put yourself into grave danger, Your Highness. You would not wish your heirs conceived in violence which many husbands would be inclined to do, I think, especially if jealous of another man. And – I probably should tell you that there are legal limits to how much and far I may protect you from your own consort.

What do I do?

Do you love me, Anlei?

No. Not so soon. I like you; you are already a good and loyal friend. And it was a good and beautiful dream. But in love with you right now, no, though I cannot say I would be unhappy if next beinor I learned that my father chose you for me. I think that would please me better than most other possibilities. But that is not the same as being in love.

No, it is not. Believe me; I value your friendship, Your Highness. Always. No matter what the yen-ars bring us, you shall have it, no matter who is chosen for you…even me.

But your feelings?

Corann smiled humbly, I can handle them, if you can handle a protector who admires you and thinks you are especially beautiful.

Your esteem honours me and elevates me, Lord Corann. Never leave my side. Since it is possible that perhaps one beinor you will wed me, I would like you to stay closer to my person than is traditional for a male protector. I do not doubt your integrity or your self-control, Corann, towards my person. If you are willing to deal with temptations that few men have ever faced, I am willing to have you closer and nearer than any man save a consort has ever been to a princess. Are you willing?

Corann smiled, If you tempt me so, I may fail and offer you affections of my heart instead of merely my sword.

Anlei put his hand on her waist under the blankets. The thin fabric of her nightgown let him feel her soft skin very tangibly. Instinctively he explored a little, finding her belly button and noticing its contours. Oh what a handful she could be. Well, what are friends for?

Corann laughed and shook his head, then, feeling daring from her bold move quietly moved towards her lips with his own. She moved forward to meet him. This time it would be no attempts to hide as he kissed her lips tenderly…and she gently returned his. Daring only a moment of kissing, Corann and Anlei embraced in friendship

and almost fear of too much romantic contact with each other.

For Corann, his fear was about losing control of himself and unleashing too much of his feelings, his needs for Anlei into the moment. For Anlei, she was very much afraid of stimulating Corann too much and pleasing him or teasing him to the point of cruelty. Cruel indeed would it be for her to give more of herself to him than her heart truly felt for him—or politics would truly allow. He deserved better, bastard or not. She had no desire to play him physically or emotionally. Yes, she wanted to experience that kiss, to know what it felt like, especially coming from Corann…could anyone be a finer choice for her first kiss?

But she had to be careful about it too, balancing her curiosities about dating and sexuality with her very real situation and with his needs. This was a friend and someone who was becoming a very close friend at that. His feelings mattered very much to her already. And if she knew nothing else, it was that Corann wanted to kiss her too. That much she could give him from time to time. That much, at least until she was married, was a gift she could offer him…as well as that proximity. Perhaps it was not sleeping in the same bed…but moving his closer to hers would keep her very safe. Besides…for the moment, she was a very big target for assassination. Anwell was just a little TOO unready.

Anlei stroked Corann’s hair softly, So was there something in particular that we needed to do this morning, Lord Corann?

Corann gazed into her eyes, the temptation of her flashing through them as he spoke up, RK6, the schedule, please.

Thank goodness. I thought for sure you would never stop your politically unwise course of action. My lady, your father has been waiting for you for 0.0137 shir-ors in the temple where Lord Corann’s elevation was held the previous beinor. He said that there is something important he wanted to discuss with both of you, announced RK6 formally.

Taking his eyes off her, Corann addressed RK6 directly, Thank you, RK6, please go on to see Lord Prince Bevin and inform him that I will personally ensure her highness gets there within seven xiao-shir and please extend our apologies for making him wait.

In compliance, RK6 turned and floated away, leaving their chamber and Corann and Anlei alone. Anlei turned to him, You do realize that now you will have to help me dress in order to be ready that soon.

Corann embraced her from behind and put his very strong arms around her, clasping his hands around her tiny waist. He kissed her cheek softly and briefly, That is what you had in mind when you asked me to be even closer to guard you. You knew full well I would have to help you with that as well…and you want me to. You rather enjoy the prospect of that flirtation with me, my young, beautiful princess. If that is your will, Your Highness, I will comply…now let’s get you dressed and quickly. Corann put a pastel blue dress in her hands.

Anlei’s particular night gown had very long laces from the waist to a high neck, allowing her, in theory, to begin pulling another gown over her head while she undid the night gown and simply pulled it off her body. The blue dress in front of her laced up in back with a modest scoop front and long bell sleeves. The dress body was lined for modesty from the very light fabric, keeping the sleeves sheer. Standing in front of her, Corann held the blue dress up, taut at the shoulders. Anlei stepped into it without putting her arms into the sleeves, and then worked on the laces of her nightgown, Corann looking straight into her eyes and both smiling at each other. The night gown fell and Anlei carefully stepped outside it while still without the boundaries of the blue dress. Navigating Corann’s hand, she found the left shoulder of the dress with her left hand and slid her hand into the sleeve completely. Her left hand caressed Corann’s right arm to tease him before she raised her left arm to the right shoulder to help Corann. No longer needed to protect her modesty per se, he helped her find the right sleeve and slip into it. The gown started to conform to Anlei’s body. Moving behind her, Corann worked at the lacing to fasten the gown and deftly secured it together. Why did it feel almost like an act of worship to dress her? Any other royal servant would consider this a chore. But to touch her, to see her like this…this was no chore, but a pleasure…that she wanted him to do it.

As Anlei dressed her hair slightly, Corann sighed softly, and then belted on his sword…it was time to go see the prince consort of Beinan.

Arriving in the temple of the monastery, Anlei and Corann found Lord Prince Bevin waiting for them with RK6 hovering quietly in the background. Bevin was reading an aged book that looked more than 500 yen-ars old and was probably more than two thousand. The physical archives of Ten-Ar extended back to OW 40,000 with some books dating to as early as OW 10,000 in copied form. Bevin looked up from his book as his daughter and her new protector entered, My daughter, I do not think you have mastered punctuality yet.

Corann bowed, My liege, if you will kindly accept my insight, your daughter was experiencing her matrilineal heritage this morning…even if I think she is still in denial that her Miyoo blood has any impact on her life….

Bevin raised an eyebrow, "Was she? Intriguing, particularly when you