Tales Around Blue Blossom

Nizzie, Harvester Maid of the 7th Order, bounced back and forth on the heels of her feet whining as if anyone could hear or care about the situation she had gotten herself into. This was her own stupidity and there was not much she could do about it. The Xaltean maid pulled at one of her straw blond pig tails that sprouted from the sides of her head in frustration. She tried her best to ignore how cold her bottom was because that was the whole reason she was in this predicament. Nizzie had lost her uniform skirt.

Yes, normally that wouldn't have been a problem and any other maid would have just gone to get a replacement but not her. She had to be on controlled possessions clause which meant she had only five with three in the wash, one being mended by the seamstress and the other lost somewhere on the estate.

It was warm, Nizzie thought to herself and she had a tendency to shed whatever clothes she could get away with. In the fields, nobody cared unless their new Terran master was around. The young woman giggled at that. It was cute watching him flush and eyes desperately escape when a cute butt or a bouncing breast went by. Humans were such nervous and pretentious creatures.

Right now though, the thought was not going to save her. She was due back to her quarters in forty-five minutes and if she showed up without them, Arch Maid Abiva would tan her already sore backside. It wouldn't be so bad if her actual Arch Maid Vindik Mal of the Ground Legion did it but he always expressly invited the red headed arch maid to deal out the discipline. That woman had it out for her. Damn that Adjudicator and not getting that discipline clause removed from my contract.

Well, that wasn't really fair to the man that represented her in front of an Arbiter two years earlier. They were planning to send her to a penal colony. All for accidentally taking things...repeatedly...without permission. Yes, yes, she was a thief and for that reason she was a half bonded servant of House Avernell.

The pressing problem is locating her uniform. The rules meant she had to take care of all her possession and not have more than allotted. Missing her lower tvekel skirt was a big deal and one she couldn't easily hide. She was wearing the support band around her chest, magnetic clip and nothing else.

Where did I leave it? Nizzie wondered as she began to trot down the path towards the outer estate where the fields, temple and out buildings were located.

“I drug brush in the fields for the upcoming vivxieeae thareeaenata, cleaned the shoreline for sharp aetukee shells, scrubbed the northern hot springs, swept the temple...Where did I leave it?”

It definitely wasn't in the fields. Today was the day she worked with the Reserve Legion in hopes that one of the gods would take pity on her and let her transfer out of the field. She's rather work under the extremely strict Arch Maid Nish than in the hot fields.

Nizzie pulled at the magnetic clip that ran across her sternum following the contours of her breasts as it itched thanks to the sweat from the day's work. Goddess! She was miserable. It was at the thought of just ripping it off that it struck the woman of where she actually had left it. She had that exact same response to her skirt catching on the shrubbery around the hot spring bath. Nizzie had taken it off so she could get her work down and then completely forgot about it.

Yes! No caning today! Nizzie chortled to herself as she trotted as fast as she could down the path without attracting attention. The sun had already begun to set casting it's deep blue shadows across the estate and there were still a few groups of maids finishing up there work though there was a feeling of leisure around it.

Goddess, Nizzie loved the end of day. Their leaders stopped pushing them hard and that evening of clean up was a mixture of slowing down, enjoying your time, talking with your friends and comrades while mentally switching gears for dinner, free time and sleep. What was the human saying? Work hard; play hard? That's what the blond haired maid wanted to do. Chat a bit with Netu and Enty or see if she could find Minda and find out if she heard anything about a more permanent opening. Instead she was trying to find that damn skirt.

The bathhouse was nestled among a thick cop of large evergreen trees that added their shade to the warm lamps that hung around the wooden structure. The front entrance would have the foyer were everyone would meet, a few seats, then the dressing room that had stone floors (which were miserable to scrub), carved soft wood racks to place the clothes and then a curtain that led to the bath proper. That was four large intersecting pools of varying depth heated by a thermal vent that an underground river passed over. It was an absolutely amazing place. Nizzie had heard it said that if the Reserve Legion worked really hard, up to twenty high performing maids could be selected and given a half day at the bathhouse. The young woman was completely envious. To be able to soak and hang out like a Lady of the Estate. She had even heard Ubrev, who had earned a special dispensation for her saving a field from a blight, that servants were there to serve just like if you were royalty.

Nizzie whined again. This time out of jealousy. She never got nice things, she just got a wooden rod to her lower cheeks.

The sun had just touched the treeline when the harvester maid arrived to the bathhouse with the express purpose of begging the maids closing up to let her grab her skirt. That came to a crashing end when she found the place dark and only the steam of the baths rising over the fence. The workers here must have finished earlier.

It was so hard to keep her swearing from being too loud as Nizzie pulled on the door and found it fastened shut. She pressed her face up against the window in hopes of seeing someone but no luck. The place was locked up tight.

Nooo!

How could the gods do this to her? All Nizzie wanted to do one day was sit down and not feel the sting. I refuse! I'm not gonna get it again. There was only one thing she could do.

There had to be a way to break in. That shouldn't be too difficult. That's a skill that she had before that curious guard found her and gotten her that ten year sentence. She crouched down moving the stones at the door seeing if they had made things easy on themselves and left a key. The lock was one of those old fashion as the whole point of the bathhouse design was to embrace the ancient life. Only the lights were powered.

How about the lock itself? Could it be tripped? No. That was a complicated asymmetrical key with a interchangeable lock cylinder. No way she was forcing that open. Nizzie began to make her way around the fence hoping of all hopes that there would be something somewhere. There it was!

The high fence that surrounded the open air bath was designed to keep people from easily getting in but it still had it's decoration and there was a good three food boulder

It took Nizzie a few moments to judge the distance between the boulder she was planning to scale and the fence itself. She was pretty agile when she had to be and this was going to prove to be one of those times. She just had to be very careful about vaulting over the fence as she didn't want to land straight on her face or land straddling the fence. Nizzie did not have any protection down there and did not want to explain to Doctor Torbet why he had to pull splinters from out between her legs.

Yes, this was a jump she could do. Just jump, grab the edge, swing her legs over and land on the other side gently. She knew there were soft grass on the other side so no risk of hurting her feet.

One, two, and over she went. No, it was not as graceful as Nizzie had pictured in her head but she had gotten her lithe legs over the fence and landed in the grass on her ass instead of her feet. She stood brushing herself off and looking around. She was in!

Just as she had seen earlier that day, the steam rose warmly from the bath like a nice, cup of tea, the water gently flowing from the pipe that brought it up to the surface. Her bare feet padded across the terracotta walkway to the door that would lean inside the main changing room where her skirt was waiting for her. With glee, Nizzie reached for the door, pulled on it and found that it didn't budge.

Are you kidding me? They locked these doors too?

Why did they do that? No one is going to break into a place like this...well, anyone else. With a whine of frustration, Nizzie stamped her feet and glared at the unyielding door in front of her. How the hell was she going to get in there now?

That was when her gaze landed upon the transom above the door. The cloth that was draped over them blew inwards showing her that it was open. Nizzie cackled with glee. She could definitely get herself in there. One of the few advantages of having a smaller chest instead of the other girls. There was no way Minda could get through that, the big chested...anyway.

The door was set inside the frame enough that Nizzie could use it to climb with one foot on one jamb, and the other on the opposite. She had the body strength to shimmy up it and then grab the transom ledge. As she pulled herself through, she swore as her magnetic clip on her sternum snagged. She pulled it off, and flipped in like an acrobat at one of those shows in Belentine.

The room was dark and cool to the point that the floor was almost like ice. The sun had to be going down fast now and she did not have much time left to grab what she needed and sprint back to the dorms. Frantically looking around, Nizzie found the skirt tossed haphazardly to the side just where she left it, she quickly fastened it around her waist, darted for the transom and made it out.

There was only a little time left as she ran down the path, the dark blue of night consuming everything except the warm orange glow of path lights and the large windows of the estate ahead. Nizzie finally slowed down catching her breath as she merged with the last few maids chatting and walking up the path that was lined with a low stone wall that reached her waist. Goddess, she made it.

“Nizzie.”

The voice cut through the crowd like a knife, at least for the girl. The rest of the men and women glanced in the direction to see Arch Maid Vindik Mal standing there, arms folded across his chest. A few greeted him which he gave a polite nod. He did not look away from the harvester maid. Unconsciously she checked to make sure her skirt was till there.

“Arch Maid,” Nizzie said with a curtsy and tried to move on.

“You're missing something.”

Nizzie's heart dropped into her stomach as she clutched her skirt. She had her skirt! She spent that entire time breaking and entering to get it! She's not missing anything!

“Where's your magnetic clip?”

Oh.

The realization that she never picked it up after it had gotten caught on the transom made her gut twist. All of that to avoid discipline and she left something else.

“Arch Maid...” Nizzie started deciding that begging might be her only way out.

From behind the burly man, red hair caught the light and grin on her face stood Arch Maid Abiva. In her hand was the thin, flexible wooden cane Nizzie had become familiar with. The words stuck in the harvester maid’s throat as Abiva all but chortled in glee.

“What have we told you about keeping control of your possession?” Vindik said with a shake of his head. “Your contract is not a lark, something you can just ignore when you want.”

“But sir—”

“You know the clauses of your contract. You were saved from the penal colony for your robbery and thievery but you will not get leniency here. Peer Abiva, if you would.”

Abiva tapped the cane in her hand and then motioned to the garden wall.

“Hands on the wall, maid, lift your skirt and bend over.” That damn skirt.

This was going to sting.

It was quiet. The only sound that Henry Patton could hear was the thrum of the shuttle engines as it propeled them across the ocean towards Blue Blossom Estate. Mistress Maevin Maer was sitting across from him, her blue eyes staring out the window peacefully watching the clouds and the deep azure colored water below. She shifted in her seat a few times as if trying to get comfortable and Henry knew why. His hand could still feel her soft skin even if he was doing something his mother would murder him for.

“You okay?” Henry asked with guilt in his voice. The woman turned back to him and gave one of those smiles he had begun to appreciate. It was a mixture of understand, amusement and a hint of mischevious. The young Terran was pretty sure that Maevin found herself entertained by his predicaments. There also was a strong sense of relief discovering that he hadn't actually had sex with the Crowned Princess of the Xaltean Empire.

That was the wildest party I have ever been too...not like I've been to a lot.

“Of course. You were very effective in my discipline.” Maevin emphasized the last part of her sentence by squirming in her seat. She did that on purpose.

“Maevin—”

The Mistress of Blue Blossom waved her hand in dismissal. “You have not done anything wrong. I am the one who did. If you were Xaltean, my punishment would have been much more severe and thorough.”

“Still, I don't like that idea of hitting anyone, especially you.” Henry said sullenly.

What was that look? Maevin had an expression of surprise and delight? It was nice to see her relaxed. The maid that had accompanied them had been dismissed to the back of the shuttle for her dinner so there was no act that had to be put on. Henry liked seeing this soft side of her which was rare. Most of the time, around the servants, he saw the majestic and ruthless leader of the Blue Blossom Legions. Henry wanted to see that smile a bit more so when the idea came to him, the young man decided to go for it.

“So Maevin...” Henry started and immediately she got the look of caution.

“Yes, my lord?”

“Since I'm the Lord of the Estate, I can make any choices I want, right?”

“Yes,” Maevin responded, the hesitation in her voice. Henry grinned at her and he could see in her eyes she was now extremely suspicious. Henry depressed the crystal switch on his seat's armrest pinging the pilot.

“Yes, my lord?” The pilot's voice came through official and ready to respond.

“I want to change our course. Can you take us to Belentine?”

“As you will, Lord.”

The look of alarm crossed the Mistress' face but he could see the battle within her to demand what he was doing and respecting his decision. The swat must have been more chastising than Henry realized. He didn't want her nervous.

“I was talking to Burdak yesterday about food and he said that there was a restaurant in Belentine that had the best dishes he thinks that my palette could handle. At least till I can acclimate. It's a place called Smetamae, the Royal?”

Mistress Maevin's eyes grew wide as they both felt the momentum of the shuttle changing direction. “My Master, smetamae is a civilian restaurant. Though it is a place for those of status, I worry about your safty.”

Henry nodded. “I know but I looked it up. It's a high rise building on the top floor. That seems pretty safe to me?”

“But Master—”

Henry was excited now. Maybe still giddy and full of adrenalin thanks to the tekiasetel only a few hours earlier but he was going to be insistent. “Not only that, there is a sky bridge four floors down that lead to one of those floating parks, you know the ones that have the sky bridges from different buildings supporting it? Gisar's grove I believe it's called.”

There was a horror that crossed Maevin's face that caused him to stop.

“What is it?”

Maevin shifted in her seat and this time it wasn't from a sore butt. “Are...are you wanting me to accompany you to dinner?”

“Yes? I thought that was obvious.”

“My master...I'm...I'm a full bond servant to your estate. It would be extremely inappropriate for me to dine with you outside of the estate.”

“Why?”

She shifted again, a dusting of pink coming to Maevin's cheeks. “As a servant of the master and the Mistress of his estate, I being seen as an equal and with casual behavior can lead to...rumors of impropriety.”

Alright. Henry was confused and it was probably written all over is face. “I don't understand.”

Maevin cleared her throat, the pink getting deeper into a shade of red. “As I had said. I am a full bond which prohibits me from having a relationship outside of a transaction encounter. That is when you use my body for your needs.”

Yeah, he knew what she meant. Maevin didn't have to say it. Now it was Henry's turn to blush but he forced himself to keep his wits about him and not melt like some prude. “You are worried about being seen as a vtedeega.”

The Mistress of Blue Blossom visibly started, her eyes growing wide with a hint of fear. She leaned in dropping her voice low after making sure the other maid hadn't heard. “You know that word?”

“Yeah. I learned it last week.”

“Please do not say it so loud, my master. It is a humiliating word.”

Henry nodded but straightened. “I want you to accompany me as I want to dine outside. We will make a point to discuss business so everyone understand and then we shall see Gisar's grove as I have not been there before,” He softened. “I want to thank you in more than just words for how much you have taken care of me.”

Any will Maevin had to resist him seemed to melt and she slumped in her chair. “I obey your will, my master.”

***

When the shuttle landed at the Belentine space port, a personal vehicle was already waiting. Even with short notice, everyone was prepared. The walk through the concourse was quick and simple as it appeared their escort took them through the back channels to avoid the crowds. Belentine’s spaceport was a cathedral of glass and light, its ceiling a transparent arc that revealed the planet’s moon that had risen.

“Wow. This place is pretty amazing,” Henry said as they followed the skywalk that wrapped around the contours of the skyscraper. The Terran made sure not to look over the edge of the waist high guard wall that was on the other side. “Though that doesn't look safe,” He said referencing said guard wall.

Maevin let out the slightest chuckle, took a step towards it and lightly tapped. A shimmer of a forcefield appeared like a disturbed puddle before vanishing. “There is security up here. All open walkways have these forcefields to keep accidents from happening. They're powered by our footsteps and the movement of the wind and a secondary power source from the buildings. They are quite safe.”

The restaurant occupied the second-to-top floor. The skywalk delivered them into a wide antechamber where the air subtly shifted to a cooler, perfumed with something floral and faintly metallic. Walls of dark wood curved inward, threaded with slow-moving veins of light that gave the place a warm feeling. The floor was a single seamless pane, translucent rather than transparent, giving an illusion of softness.

Beyond the entry, the dining hall opened into a vast crescent overlooking the city. Panoramic windows rose from floor to ceiling, layered with adaptive filters that softened the glare of towers and streaming sky-lanes into a painterly glow. Tables hovered a few inches above the floor on silent gravitic mounts, spaced generously for privacy, each surrounded by satin cushion chairs. Soft holographic constellations drifted lazily above. It was something subtle, tasteful, never intruding while distant music hummed just below the threshold of notice, more vibration than sound.

This was Henry's first time to see how people who were not of the house's dressed. His gaze drifted while he waited. Maevin had stepped away to talk to the person who wore a very nice looking suit of black and gold.

Maybe the floor manager? Henry had no clue how it worked at places like this.

At one table sat a woman in a cropped black wrap-jacket, gold seams catching the light whenever she moved her wrist, her posture composed in the way of someone used to being deferred to. Nearby, a pair of younger patrons laughed softly over drinks, one of them dressed in a soft mauve wrap that showed just enough midriff to feel intentional rather than careless. Further back a man wearing a long, dark asymmetrical coat over tailored inner layers. A Vertical wrap seam reinforced with metallic piping on the coat and underneath he wore a type of slacks. The trimming was gold against the dark. It struck Henry what he would have expected a businessman to look like among the Xalteans.

“Our table is ready,” Maevin said at his arm. The woman's eyes were soft blue, almost an indigo in the warm lights around them. They searched his face, the nervousness still deep.

Got to keep this looking official, Henry told himself. The man who Maevin had been speaking to earlier was waiting patiently a step ahead. The Terran began to follow as he was lead through the open concept dining room with Maevin two steps behind, head slightly bowed and hands folded in front of her. It was so disconcerting seeing his Mistress so submissive and demure. A few eyes glanced in their way, some longer recognizing who he was.

“eta beti gavive ki,” The man said motioning to the chairs. Here you go.

“Oh...uh...eta isa mi tave“

Without thinking about it, Henry went around to one of the chairs and pulled it out for Maevin. He looked up to see her frozen, eyes wide and then darting around to the others who were still paying attention.

“It's a human tradition, Mistress,” He said a bit louder.

“Oh...of course...Master,” she said sitting quickly.

Henry sat down himself across from Maevin. She had completely transformed from the authoritative, leader that ran things when he was not to this very quiet, submissive, polite woman. A lot like the lower level maids he had met.

“Do you know what you wish to order?” the man asked as Henry got comfortable. The young Terran already had an idea what to get thanks to that conversation with Burdak. “I'll have the Kabelet Steak, cooked medium, with machuva.”

“Would you like to pair that with a Winter Rose? A nice five year as it is out of season at the moment.” the waiter offered.

“Yes, please. And—” Henry started to ask what Maevin wanted but saw her watching very closely. Shit. That's right. She can't order food on her own. I have to order for her. That's what Maela had explained once. Thank god he remembered it. What did Maevin like again? He thought back to the few meals he had seen her eat.

“For my Mistress, bring her spiced machuva with eflen. Also the same wine. Thank you.”

The waiter bowed, left and Maevin shoulders slumped as the stress left them.

“I remembered!” Henry whispered excitedly.

***

Gisar’s Grove unfolded beneath them like some sort of fantasy novel that Henry used to read as a kid.

The sky bridge let them out onto a broad, floating terrace suspended between three towers, its edges dissolving into open air and soft light. Below, the city stretched as far as the eye could see with ribbons of traffic, and the slow pulse of Belentine’s night. The grove itself felt insulated, wrapped in a hush that muted the world beyond.

Bioluminescent trees arched overhead, their bark a pale silver veined with slow moving light. Leaves the size of cloaks drifted lazily on invisible currents, shedding motes that glowed like embers before fading. Pathways of polished stone curved gently through gardens of flora with blossoms that opened only in darkness, releasing a faint, sweet fragrance. Henry stopped without meaning to.

“Okay,” he said quietly. “This might be the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”

Maevin was at this side with the grove hiding them, the woman he was familiar with more present.

“It is a civic sanctuary,” she said. “Gisar was a philosopher-steward who believed that cities must remember how to breathe. The grove was built in his honor.”

They began to walk.

The path responded subtly to their steps, light blooming beneath Henry’s boots before dimming again. He resisted the urge to stare over the edge. There were no railings here, only the suggestion of boundaries marked by gently hovering lights. He was glad Maevin showed him the forcefields earlier.

“I’m glad you came with me,” he said after a moment.

Maevin’s stride faltered, just slightly. “You commanded it.”

Henry winced. “That’s… not what I meant.”

She looked at him then, really looked, her blue eyes catching reflections of the drifting lights. “I know,” she said quietly. “That is why it is difficult.”

They walked in silence for a few steps. Somewhere nearby, water trickled, an artificial stream threading its way between roots and stone, disappearing into mist before it could fall.

“I do apologize,” Maevin continued, choosing each word with care, “I have learned about how your culture approaches friendship and it is hard to explain how that is not possible.”

“Why?”

“Because it blurs lines that keep people safe.”

Henry frowned. “Safe for who?”

“For everyone,” she answered, then hesitated. “For servants most of all.”

He stopped again, turning to face her fully. The lights along the path brightened in response, casting them in a soft halo.

“Maevin,” he said, gently but firmly, “you’re not just some servant to me. You run my estate. You keep me from making a hundred stupid mistakes a day. You’ve protected me more times than I can count, even when you didn’t have to.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t understand the rules,” he went on. “Or that I want to break things without thinking. But I don’t want to pretend you’re invisible just because we stepped outside the gates.”

Maevin looked away, her jaw tightening. “I am to be invisible outside as the Lord of the Estate is who matters. The servants are there to make everything run smoothly. That is all. ”

“Should you not get credit?”

“We do. By our hard work,” Maevin continued but softened her voice. “I understand the lines you want to cross. To treat me as an equal and as a teammate but I cannot cross it. I am Xaltean, I am a servant of the house. It is not a line for me but a wall.”

Silence reigned between the two as they continued deeper into the grove, the sound of traffic now almost inaudible.

“For what it is worth,” Henry said. “You are more important than me.”

Maevin's intake of air cause him to turn to see her eyes dark with unease and anger simmering underneath so he quickly continued. “I won't repeat that outside of this moment, I promise, but when I say that I mean as to keeping the entire estate from slipping. If I was gone tomorrow, there would barely be a hiccup. If I lost you, the whole place would fall apart.”

“There will always be another Mistress,” Maevin said quietly.

“But not another one of you.”

Maevin went silent, her face unreadible but she did take a step or two faster to stand by his side.

“I just wanted you to know when nobody was listening. Even if I can't say it again.”

“This servant accepts your generosity,” Maevin intoned with a curtsy but there was a smile playing at the corner of her mouth and that sparkle had come back to her eyes.

Right now. Her company was enough.

Discuss...

“This is all your fault.”

That was the first thing Kesna, Stockpile Maid of the 10th Order, had said since they had been handed two energized lanterns, instructions, and then unceremoniously pushed out of the securty hut into the night. The sun had gone down long ago but the moon shown down on them brightly. It gave Blue Blossom Estate a strange, blue-white glow that washed out the colors one would have seen in the daytime. A thin fog clung to the ground around them and as they walked down the manicured path, through the fields and towards the forest, it got thicker.

“Excuse me?” Netu, a Scullery Maid of the 10th Order, shot back, her medium length silver hair swishing from the movement. “I'm not the one who was caught sleeping behind he security crates in the warehouse.”

Kesna crinkled her cute nose at the woman beside her who was wearing the same soft, red tvekel top and skirt that was traditional for House Avernell. Cloth caps were on their heads, pulled down around their ears. It was cool except when the wind blew thanks to a surprise cold front that hit the estate earlier that morning.

“I'm not the one who snuck up to the third floor chasing ghost stories, ” Kesna groused. “You're the one who got put on the pillar and her butt caned.”

It was probably subconcious as it had been two weeks, but Netu reached back unconciously and rubbed the cheek that had gotten most of the welts.

“You're both at fault.”

Kesna and Netu squeaked in fight and both raised their lanterns giving off a soft orange light. Standing there in front of them at the point where the path went into the woods was the scariest person Kesna had ever met. Tox Utivin had his arms folded across his armored chest, dark cape over a shoulder and one good, brown eye focused on them.

“Primal Utivin,” Kesna said with a quick bow.

Tox stared at both of the maids for a few moments before gesturing a thumb over his shoulder towards the forest. “You get your instructions?”

“Yes, sir. We're to walk the northern path past the Temple of Ala, take the west circle, and return.”

“There are three structures on the way. The Northern Rest Awning, Temple of Ala, the Temple of Erut, and the fishing hut. You need to go in to each to make sure there is no one there that shouldn't be.”

Kesna swallowed, her eyes growing bigger. It was Netu who voiced what they both were thinking. “Do...do we need to go all the way into Erut's temple?”

The temple of Erut was dedicated the God of Night. It was left mostly alone to allow night creatures like Ghostflitters and glowberries. Only the priests from House Ukesa entered the sealed inner chamber once a year. The estate was to allow the creatures of the night and darkness to thrive and live there in honor of the god who created them and loved them. That meant it was a terrifying place to go into.

So many creepy crawlies, Kesna thought to herself.

“You will search both the first floor and the basement up to the Sanctorum at the end to make sure no one is hiding there, waiting for us to let down our guard. Am I clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Both maids said.

“If I find out that you didn't,” Tox said beginning to walk away towards the comforting light of Blue Blossom residence. “You both will not be able to sit down for a month.” Netu's hands instinctively went to cover her bottom.

As soon as the two maids walked a few yards into the forest, the night insects sounds changed. The chirps and night bird calls had shifted into a thick rumble of amphibians and heavier bugs that lived up in the trees. Both Kesna and Netu held their lamps up to cast as much of the safe, orange light in front of them cutting through the inky dark.

Neither of them felt the need to speak as the fog collected around their feet and parted like drops of water into a puddle. There were lights on the path leading to the Temple of Ala. They were spaced about eighteen meters apart and were simple metal poles driven into the ground across to each other and the softly blue glowing light on top was at waste level. It cast a strong enough glow that one spent very little time in the dark between them. It was not going to stay that way.

The Temple of Ala was empty. The pristine, marble floors glimmered in the moonlight as it shone in through the archway. The entire building was marble with patterns inlayed with glistening nistilian ore and the heavy wrought iron doors were left open all year except for the winter months.

A quick walk through of the single floor religious building showed nobody was hiding around the pillars or near the empty stone altar. The two bowed quickly in respect to the goddess who owned it and then hurried on out. The hard part was coming next.

The Temple of Ala, the goddess of the rain, was the main attraction and most popular temple. Many times the citizens of Belentine and the other houses would visit as tourists or pay their respects. It was important for the estate to keep it pristine and well lit. The Temple of Erut was a completely different story. The path to it that continued north was nowhere near maintained as the rest. It thinned out to a path that the two women had to walk single file in parts. The branches were untrimmed and there was a few times that Netu thought a snagged branch would pull off her top or her skirt. Not that she cared about it but it was getting colder.

In what felt like forever, the path finally opened up into a clearing that was surrounded by the tall trees, their thick leaves and branches breaking up the moonlight causing the beams to land haphazardly over it all. Unlike the previous temple, this one was much rougher and larger. The blocks of rock were carved out of granite and basalt giving the entire structure a look of being incomplete. The only marble was the slabs that had been put in front of the archway that was the entrance. There were no doors on this building.

Netu almost came to a complete stop and Kesna ran into her. The two looked at the forboding building in front of them. The flowering ivy had almost but consumed the majority of the building while some of the building material had fallen and been covered with years of grass growth.

“I...don't want to go in there,” Netu started, her voice strangled as she forced out the words.

“Tox said we had to,” Kesna responded but her voice did not have the conviction that her words did.

“We can just tell him we did?” The other girl offered. “I don't think anyone is brave enough to go in there. You know how many night creatures make the place their home.”

“As Erut would want,” Kesna said with a nod.

“I just don't think it would be respectful to the god if we went trapsing in there looking for people. I wouldn't want to offend him,” Netu offered. Kesna knew she was trying to find any excuse that would get them out of going in and getting in to trouble.

Kesna sighed and shook her head. “We've got to. I'm more scared of what Tox will do to us if he finds out we didn't go in and we lied about it.”

The other maid let out a sound that could have been a cross between fear and understanding.

“We got to do it.”

“But I don't want to!”

Maid Kesna gripped the other one's shoulder and forced her to start walking. If she didn't know any better, she could have sworn Netu was digging her heels in like a disobedient gef.

After a few moments of shoving and pushing, the two finally found themselves standing in the archway of the temple looking into the cold darkness. Netu could have sworn it was looking back at them. She let out a whine but Kesna was not going to stop now. They made it this far; they had to go in.

“Stop it. Let's go.”

Holding their lanterns up as high as they could, they stepped in and immediately the sound around them became muffled. Though most of the floor was uncovered, they could see where the moss had taken over and clung tightly. Vines of plants climbed up the inside of the wall, higher up she could make out the soft red and purple glow of the flowers. It would have been absolutely gorgeous to look at but she could just feel the creepiness pressing in on her.

“Did you hear that!” Netu squeaked gripping Kesna's arm hard. The all froze but all they could hear was the moan of the wind forcing itself through the cracks where the mortar had given out.

“Hear what?”

“I thought I heard something whisper and giggle.” Goddess, Kesna wanted to punch Netu right there. Did she have to say something like that while they were in the middle of this dark, dank, place.

The lead maid swung her lantern about quickly casting light into the corners and found nothing there. Ahead they could see the moss covered stairs that led deeper. Taking in a muggy breath, she marched towards it.

“Shall I stay up here just in case?” Netu offered.

“Navi beti ke gmenibike ve!” Get your ass over here!

The other girl squeaked and hurried to her side. With one hand on her lantern and the other gently brushing the wall, Kesna began the descent in to the basement, her heart beating so loud she thought the blood would come out of her ears.

'Please don't be any skitters. Please don't be any skitters.'

They were beautiful from a distance, the arachnids that were dark furred except for the exotic patterns that would glow in the dark. There bite wasn't deadly but it was very painful. They finally reached the bottom and if Kesna didn't think she had claustrophbia, this place would have given it to her. The ceiling was not high, maybe a meter above her and she could feel the whisps of web and plants brushing against her hair as she walked. The temple walls had been broken through by tree roots that took up large chunks causing Kesna and Netu to climb over a few. A trillipede ran over Netu's hand and the girl gagged back a scream as it climb up her forearm and then deviated to the wall she had fallen against.

They had to be very careful here and could not risk killing anything no matter how scary it was. Erut was the god of the night and he prized life that lived when the sun was gone. Killing one of them, especially in his temple would have begged for his anger.

After the bug had gone off on its nocturnal hunt, Netu breathed a sigh of relief and then screeched scaring the living daylights out of Kesna.

“Be quiet!” Kesna hiss shouted back.

“Something just pinched me!” Netu said scared reaching down around her waist and then her eyes grew wide. “And it stole my skirt!”

In the light, the Stockpile Maid could see the frightened woman standing there, hands covering between her legs and the skirt she was wearing was gone. Shining the light around, the piece of fabric was nowhere to be found.

“I don't want to have demigod babies!” Netu wailed.

The laughter that broke out around them was not Kesna's nor Netu's. It silence both immediately and they both held the light up to cast in the corner. Crouching down, back against the wall in yellow banded top and bottom wrap sat the pigtailed terror that could only be one person.

“Nizzie!” Kesna snarled. “What are you doing here?”

“Did you hear how loud she shrieked?” Nizzie laughed waving the other girl's skirt in her hand trying not to choke. “demigod babies!”

Netu let out of shriek of indignant rage and charged for the girl that had just scared them. Nizzie was much faster than she looked, probably because she spent so much time trying to dodge her senior harvesters. Nizzie was already flying towards the stairs, deftly dodging and leaping over the roots while the other gave chase.

Kesna began to trot after them, stopped, turned, dropped to her knees ignoring the moss and slimy floor, crossed her arms, and bowed her head until her forehead touched the cold floor.

“Great god Erut. I beg your forgiveness for my friends and the treatment of your temple. I pray you enjoy the entertainment they provided and not take offense at their childishness.”

The maid got back to her feet and turned to leave. She wasn't sure if she believed in any of the gods but for a split second, Kesna thought she heard the quietest hum and the basement did not feel oppressive anymore, almost as if it was light and friendly. She took that as a good sign and hurried out.

When Kesna finally cleared the archway into the dazzling moonlight, she found Nizzie and Netu tangled up in the long grass rolling back and forth as they screeched and tore at each other's hair and clothes. Nizzie was barely keeping the irate Netu at bay though she had lost her top and already showed a few scratch mark and a growing bruise.

The only maid acting her age walked forward and as Nizzie found herself on top of Netu trying to pin her hands, Kesna grabbed the girl by her straw colored hair and pulled her up.

“Ow! Ow! Ow!” Nizzie cried out trying to pry her hair free.

“Enough! Both of you!” Kesna scolded. “You are both maids of this house. Stop acting like children!”

“She scared me! She stole my skirt!” Netu shrieked furiously.

“It was so funny!”

Netu went to attack again but Kesna pulled Nizzie out of the way eliciting another cry of pain. Finally, they quieted. The harvester maid had stopped laughing and Netu was staring at her sullenly.

“What are you doing out here so late?” Kesna demanded.

Nizzie sighed finally coming down from the adrenalin. “Tox told me to come out here and wait in the temple. He wanted to see if you would actually obey him. You two have been having obedience issues lately.”

“Look who's talking,” Netu groused back.

“At least you can finish the patrol with us,” Kesna responded warningly and Nizzie nodded.

“More the merrier right?”

“I hope you get eaten,” Netu muttered.

Kesna laughed.

Discuss...

Henry Patton had been warned about the swift weather changes in the Arctic Circle of the planet Victory. As Tula, one of his maids with thick hair in twin tails, updated him on the weather and what to expect when he arrived in Khelen, Maevin Maer, his mistress, had explained to him the importance of this trip, as cities like Khelen were small with only a thousand or so people and no close estate to provide support. Well, no Avernell estate. Khelen was several dozen miles away from Black Fall Estate, which was controlled by House Devenek. Devenek was one of the major rivals of House Avernell, but he had been told it wouldn't be a problem. That was until the electronic malfunction of Henry's shuttle changed all that.

“Fasten yourself in!” the pilot called over the intercom as the shuttle gave a heavy jerk. Henry felt his stomach flip-flop as they dropped altitude suddenly.

“Left stabilizer's gone!” the co-pilot said, his hands dancing expertly across his panel.

“Closest landing zone?”

“Black Fall Estate.”

The co-pilot, a sharp-looking man with dark skin and long braided hair, looked back to Henry.

“Any other options?” Henry asked, swallowing.

“Ditch into the tundra.”

Yeah, that wasn't an option. The young Terran lord gave a firm nod, and immediately the pilot's hands flew across the screen while the other steered the shuttle into a steep turn.

“Black Fall Estate. This is shuttle vevet-lalu of House Avernell. We have suffered a catastrophic malfunction to our energized stabilizer and are losing altitude. By the auspices of the Gray Council, we seek permission to land.”

The comm was dead—no response—and Henry swallowed in concern. As the dark-skinned man reached to press the button again, there was a distinct chime and a voice came through. The Terran couldn't tell if they were bored or angry.

“Shuttle vevet-lalu, by the graces of the auspice, you are cleared to land. Transmitting coordinates: landing pad balu. We have an emergency crew standing by.”

All Henry could do was hold on and pray to God that he would live. Out the front port window, he could see the long tundra covered with splotches of snow and ice, which was getting closer faster than he'd like. The ground was barely visible as the sun had begun to set.

The young man glanced over to the two maids who sat across from him, fear but resolve in their eyes. Hena, an Estate Maid of the 6th Order, gripped tight to the armrests of her chair. She wore the standard pink tvekel of her rank, emerald hair long and in a braid. Her warm coat was across her lap in all its furry glory. The other was a young man he hadn't met, an Emissary Maid named Fildar who had been assigned to him. Of course, Gimavek, his bodyguard, wore his armor and had a steeled expression of someone who was ready to face his end.

Oh, how Maevin would lose it when she found out. The usual people—Maevin, Siv, Nish, and Abiva—couldn't accompany him due to important estate matters, and this was believed to be just a simple meet-and-greet to show the flag. He had been here long enough to understand. Maevin felt he needed to be seen in command and not following behind his mistress. Oh, how that did not go according to plan.

We might actually have to ditch, he thought, looking back out the front window as the ground got closer.

Like a beacon of hope, ahead of them brilliant lights flared as the expansive estate came into view. It was nestled in a mountain range, but farther away he could make out the four landing pads. Of course, the holographic display was showing them aiming for the farthest one.

Don't want to crash and burn near something important, Henry mused to himself.

It was all credit to the skill of the pilot that they did not plow into the side of the mountain that the Black Fall Estate was built into, even when a bitter gust of wind caught the flailing shuttle. It was the hard bump that almost threw Henry out of his seat that announced their arrival.

“All power is being shut down,” the co-pilot said as his hands danced over the touchscreen in front of him. Like life ebbing away, the lights dimmed, the beeping softened, until there was nothing left but the soft glow of the emergency lights built into the floor, showing how to safely exit the craft.

“Now to survive until repairs,” Fildar muttered under his breath as he peered out the shuttle window at the windswept landing pad.

“Have you radioed for help to Blue Blossom?” Henry asked the pilots as he walked towards their open cockpit.

The man shook his head. “It doesn't have the range we need, especially with the mountains interfering. It's got enough Kelenite in it to scramble any transmission. You're going to have to use the estate's comm array.”

The Terran lord nodded, though his gut churned. With the adrenaline of the near-crash wearing off, the full ramifications of the situation he was in were sinking in quickly.

Gimavek had been pulling out heavy coats of fine material, offered one to Henry, and once he took it, gave one to Fildar. Hena was trying to pull hers on but was shaking uncontrollably.

“Are you alright?” Henry asked her, trying to keep his voice calm.

Her large, beautiful eyes looked straight at him. “We are at a hostile estate. You may be protected, but anything could happen to me.”

Lord Henry looked to Fildar, which the Emissary Maid was quick to translate. “Historically, things have been known to happen to servants and personnel while being at an estate of a hostile or enemy house.”

“Does Devenek pose that risk?”

“Not in recent years, but you're not Xaltean, my master, so I do not know how they will react.”

Cinching the soft sash around his waist, he turned to Hena, who had just finished. “You stay by my side and never leave. I'm not going to let anything happen to you.”

She nodded.

“That goes for you too, Fildar,” Henry said with a smile.

Gimavek patted his pulse rifle. “If they threaten you, my lord, I'll kill every last one of them.”

God, I hope that doesn't happen.

The bitter cold wind ripped at Henry's face, stealing his breath as he stepped down the extended steps to the platform below. His hood was barely breaking the cold as the flurries whisked past him like frozen ghosts trapped in a vortex. There was only one way off the pad: a long gangway over the rock outcropping this specific landing pad was built upon.

“My Lord,” Gimavek said, his voice low. Henry's eyes followed to where he was looking, and they both could make out the clad forms of three people. They were wearing what appeared to be thick tops and long skirts with another heavy coat on top. The outfits were a dark color except for their sashes. Two of them were a deep violet, while the one in the lead was a vivid blue.

“Devenek servants use color-coded sashes or collars to denote their positions,” Fildar whispered to him as they approached. “The woman in front is either a 2nd or 3rd Order Maid. The silver tassels on the sash ends are how you can tell.”

Thank god Fildar was here. Maevin had said that there was a strand of commonality running through each house, but they also had a unique way of showing it. His maids did not wear anything that denoted their rank, while Henry knew Irisik maids with more clothing and ornaments were of higher rank.

As they approached, Henry could see them clearer. The maid in front had her golden hair in two ponytails running down the side of her head across her shoulders. She had furry earmuffs on and a look that could only be disdain.

“My lord,” she started with a half bow that was nowhere near as respectful as it should be. “I am Kita, Estate Maid of the 3rd Order. This is Milu and Aeba. They will be your honored maids.”

Without another word, the three turned and began walking back the way they came.

“Honored maids?” Henry quickly whispered to Fildar.

“Those are specific maids assigned to you for the duration of your visit. They will work with Hena and yourself for your stay.”

“Anything I should worry about?”

“From them? No. That's a line for the houses. Honored Maids must be respected and protected. If not, there would never be someone to trust from the other side.”

Henry nodded. Fildar pointed out an obvious thing with the way the politics seemed to work with these people.

“That doesn't mean they aren't spying on you,” Fildar added as if just remembering it. “So be careful what you say; it will get back to the Lord of the Estate.”

“Which is?”

“Duke of the Blue Shantuk Devenek.”

“Duke?!” Henry said, blinking quickly, trying to keep his eyeballs from freezing from how wide they were. “That's like above my title. And I'm in charge of the planet?”

Fildar nodded. “House Avernell controls the sector. It does not matter what one's rank is if you are not of the controlling house. Duke Devenek's authority is below yours, but I highly recommend you show deference for his title. The respect is going to be important in our situation.”

Well, this was getting better and better. “So I'm over everyone.”

“Unless a member of the royal family visits or any Gray Council High Baron.”

The gangway that they were walking along connected to what appeared to be a long balcony that ran along the mountain's side. There were windows in the rock, and the entire estate seemed to have been built within the crevices and cracks of the mountain. It made Henry think of those old sci-fi movies where one thing phased into another. But all the lights were glowing a warm orange that cut through the gray and white of the snow and deepening twilight.

When they reached a large circular space that was in the center of a large crevasse with other paths sprouting off of it, Henry was glad of the tall guardrails on the paths and spaces, especially when the wind came racing through, making him stumble.

When they finally made it to the large, heavy glass doors and passed the threshold, the heat of the room blasted him in the face. It was whiplash, coming from the freezing outside into the room. As they walked, the Devenek maids unfastened their sashes, shrugged their winter coats off, and then re-fastened said sashes. Their outfits were still warm-looking: long-sleeved fine wool, with skirts that reached to their ankles. As they walked, he could make out the slit running up the side of their legs that gave them the freedom of movement while staying warm.

This entire time, Henry had no clue where they were going, and when they finally stopped in front of yet another set of doors, Kita turned to him, unimpressed.

“The master waits for you, Lord Patton-Avernell. Your guard will remain outside. Your maids may accompany you. Maid Milu and Maid Aeba will prepare your room for the evening.” Kita flicked her wrist in dismissal, and the two others immediately bowed and headed away. Kita pushed open the doors and stepped in.

The place was amazing.

The living room itself was quite large and round with tall windows lining both sides. Directly across from him, breaking up the near-continuous glass, was a massive fireplace and a stone facade running up and into the roof. What was not glass was the natural mountain itself, the structure coexisting with nature. Shallow steps descended two concentric circles, each further down with space between them. Each level was filled with chairs, lounge beds, and tables, while in the center and final circle was a couch that followed the curve while having missing sections on the left and right allowing passage from the center. A large smoky glass table sat in the center, and on the far end was his host.

“My master,” Kita said, crossing her arms across her chest like the letter X and bowing deeply from the waist. “Lord of the Green Henry Patton-Avernell of Blue Blossom Estate.”

Shantuk Devenek was a fierce-looking man. He was at least six feet, broad-chested, with amber eyes that seemed to bore through anything. His hair was a hue of blue as he lounged in the chair. At the announcement of Henry's name, he sat straight, his eyes keen.

“I sincerely apologize for my intrusion into your estate unannounced,” Henry started, trying to sound official like he had heard Maevin speak with many of the visitors who had come to Blue Blossom. He made sure to enunciate the proper Xaltean sounds as he spoke. “I am grateful for you extending shelter.”

“Lord Patton-Avernell,” Shantuk rumbled, standing. “Your apology nor gratefulness is necessary. It is extended as required by the auspices of the Gray Council.”

Henry did not let the brusqueness get to him. This was a hostile faction, that was something he understood. The tiekesetel taught him that much. Henry just stood there quietly, a trick Maevin had taught him. The Duke finally found the silence uncomfortable and motioned for the Terran lord to come down. With Fildar and Hena trailing behind him, Henry truly comprehended the size of the man who ran this estate. He towered over him by at least a foot. Shantuk gestured to the couch opposite, and the Lord of Blue Blossom Estate sat. Immediately Fildar took a position standing behind him, while Hena went to her knees to his left side, eyes cast down, waiting.

It was uncomfortable, but Maevin had explained to him the position and posture of the maids in official gatherings. She was his personal maid, was close if needed, but did not make eye contact with others as it was above her station.

“We have sent a message to your estate,” Shantuk started. “Though they obviously wanted to get here sooner, the weather has turned extremely unsafe. You will be staying the night.”

Well, there was that. Henry let his gaze drift around the chamber once more. The interplay between the warm orange lighting, the glass, and the natural stone gave the room a kind of carved elegance that raw but somehow fit the vibe (for a lack of a better word) that House Devenek was giving off.

“This is… impressive,” he said finally. “I can't even imagine how you planned this place to fit so seamlessly. It's gorgeous.”

Shantuk’s brow twitched, the faintest tightening at the corner of his eye. “It was built by Devenek hands with assistance of the artisans of House Nabeth,” he replied, tone cool. “Function over spectacle. The mountain leaves little room for indulgence.”

Henry didn’t miss the tone, somewhere inside of him he knew he should play things more carefully but the opportunity was so tantalizing. Another House and Maevin wasn't here to make sure it stayed on track. “Their architects must have known exactly how to take advantage of the terrain. Those windows look like they’d withstand a blizzard and a half.”

The Duke blinked. The expected rebuttal clearly wasn’t returned to him. He shifted in his seat.

“It is… sturdy,” he conceded. “The old builders favored resilience. It is not as grand as Avernell holdings.”

The passive edge was unmistakable, yet Henry tilted his head thinking. What had he read in the reports earlier yesterday? “Is that because of the location? Or supply issues?”

That made Shantuk pause. Hena stiffened beside Henry, which he did not miss, and for a split second he realized the question was extremely direct. He could feel Fildar's nervous energy behind him.

“My master,” Fildar started softly.

Shantuk studied the Terran, his eyes searching Henry's face for something. There was mixture of indignation but also confusion on the Duke's face.

“Supply,” he finally said. “Our logistical access is… constrained.”

Henry frowned. “Constrained how? Weather? Distance from central lines? I didn't see anything in the reports I get.”

Shantuk’s jaw tightened. “Politics. That is why.”

That was blunt and Henry could feel every person in the room both side stiffen. It was too late now, the Terran had broached the subject. He felt back out now would have not looked good.

“I take it it's an Avernell thing?”

Shantuk raised a humorless eyebrow.

“Do you not know that your estate the orbital starbase and docking yards around Victory? Devenek holds only three lanes. Not enough for proper freight handling for our primary and four others in the star system. Not enough for consistent throughput of raw goods from the system lanes.” His eyes narrowed. “That limitation is not accidental.”

Henry’s stomach dropped. He had known tensions existed, but not specifics. “I… didn’t realize access was that restricted. I thought the starbase was operating under shared auspices.”

“It is...on paper.” Shantuk leaned back in his comfy couch and stared at Henry. “But Avernell controls it and our houses are not quite...friends. Their priority queues push our shipments out-corridor. Their tax negotiations slow approvals. And we—” He gestured vaguely toward the mountain around them. “We sit on frozen rock. We cannot grow, cannot expand, cannot compete with an estate blessed with open land and warm valleys.”

Henry stared. “That’s… actually unfair.”

Shantuk gave a sharp, mirthless laugh. “You state the obvious, Lord Patton-Avernell.”

“No. Really.” Henry shook his head, hoping he was coming across earnest. “If your estate can’t get materials in or out, you can’t build anything, can’t maintain anything, can’t even manage regular improvements, let alone keep your staff and family safe, that's a problem. That’s basic infrastructure. That affects everyone.”

Yes. At this moment, Henry knew there were politics at play. Victory was controlled by House Avernell and House Devenek was a rival. It was made clear that High Baron Avernell intensly disliked High Baron Moket Devenek so it was obvious why Black Fall estate was struggling and why this Duke looked at him with anger and distrust. But it was unfair and after all the mistakes he made, he was tired of things being unfair. Shantuk narrowed his eyes at his silence.

“You speak as if you intend to do something about it.”

Henry lifted his hands slightly. “I want to. I don’t know all the bureaucratic processes yet, but I have authority. If Devenek needs more docking lanes or more queue access, I can try and get it started. There's a renovation planned.”

“Master!” Hena hissed softly placing her hand on his knee..

Oh. That was supposed to be a secret. His security officer had said that things like that could lead to sabotage from other houses who didn't like them. That was how the houses fight.

Henry patted her hand as Shantuk glared at the maid who spoke out of turn.

“Forgive her, Duke. She has only my best interest and you can understand why what I said was not really a smart thing.”

“It was foolish.”

Silence thickened the room. Even the fire seemed to crackle quieter.

Shantuk stared at him with an intensity. “Answer me this, Terran, Why would a house that detests mine offer such a bounty with nothing in return?”

“Well, there would always be something in trade,” Henry said.

“Of course there is. And what do you expect me to pay for this privilege?”

“Nothing monetary.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t want us to be rivals,” Henry said plainly. “I’m not here to start fights or keep feuds alive. I barely understand half the customs I’m supposed to follow.” He said awkwardly. “As you just saw how my maid reacted. But I do know that if we are always wating for the knife in the back, we can't truly take care of our own.”

Shantuk’s jaw moved slightly, as though testing the weight of Henry’s words.

“I see.”

“Look. You know that we're upgrading the starbase. Yes, I understand that telling you is a risk since, as you said, our houses are rivals. But this is what I would like to propose.”

Henry internally cringed and laughed at himself as he seemed to not be able to stop himself. Boy, Maevin was going to have his ass for what he was doing here.

“I would like to propose a joint venture. House Devenek is the second largest house here on Victory and within the star system. If you provide workers, resources, and experience along with Avernell engineers, we'll give you a larger portion of the station so you can take care of your people.”

Shantuk’s gaze drifted to Hena, to Fildar, then back to Henry with what could only be disbelief at this strange Terran.

“Do you not worry that we will sabotage the station weakening Avernell's position here?”

“And ruin your advantage?” Henry asked feeling a moment of brilliance...god, he hoped it was brilliance. “You're getting more space, participation where you can claim that you helped make the upgrades, and the chance of not worrying someone is going to back stab you.”

“The High Barons would not go for it.”

“Not their call.”

That brought stunned silence. The temperature in the room had dropped and it was not just because of the night that had descended.

“Explain.”

“I saw the paperwork that was drafted for Blue Blossom. We are House Patton-Avernell. I'm saying we do this as the Lord of Blue Blossom to the Lord of Black Fall. We work together for the betterment of our people, not for our houses.”

“You are either naïve,” the Duke murmured, “or far more dangerous than you appear.”

Henry swallowed. “Is… that a good thing?”

A faint, almost imperceptible, smile touched the corner of Shantuk’s mouth.

“Time will tell.”

He rested his hands on the armrests, posture relaxing a fraction.

“For now,” he said, “we will treat your proposal as… a gesture. Nothing more. But gestures can have weight. And if you are sincere in this desire to ease tensions…” His eyes locked onto Henry’s with quiet intensity. “Then I am willing to see where this goes.”

Henry nodded. “That’s all I’m asking.”

Shantuk gave a slow exhale, something easing in his shoulders.

“Very well,” he said. “Tomorrow we will speak in more detail. But tonight—you are my guest. And the snow outside ensures you remain so.”

With that. The meeting was over.

***

Night settled over the Devenek estate with a slow and heavy presence. The storm that had begun in the afternoon had grown into a full mountain gale. The floor to ceiling window of the guest room showed a sheer drop into the crevasse, now filled with swirling white. Gusts of snow slammed against the glass in repetitive waves, each one muffled but unmistakable.

Henry stood near the window for a moment, watching the wind tear through the abyss. He had never seen weather that violent. The rains in the valley where Blue Blossom was were scary in their own right but there was something with the way the snow and wind ripped at everything.It was as if the storm wanted to swallow the entire estate whole.

Behind him, the large guest chamber had taken on an unplanned arrangement. Fildar was already asleep on the long couch that curved beneath a wall of carved stone having been worn out from the adrenalin of the meeting. He begged forgiveness as he collapsed on the couch. Henry did not even fault him for it. He wanted to collapse too. He had refused the servants quarters with his characteristic stubbornness. Gimavek sat on the floor in front of the door, back straight, pulse rifle within arm’s reach. He intended to rest with one eye open and had no intention of letting anyone slip past him.

Hena hovered near Henry, jumping every time a large gust of wind slammed against the window. When one particularly loud crack echoed upward through the mountain, she flinched hard and grabbed Henry’s sleeve. She immediately let it go.

“I apologize, My master,” she said with a bow.

“You okay?”

“I will be.”

“Hena.”

The maid looked at him and glanced to the protocol maid who was out cold.

“I'm scared. I've never seen a storm like this and we are at a hostile house. I don't want to die here.”

“You're not going to die. You're safe in this room.”

Hena did not seem to believe him, her eyes large in fright. He sighed. He had done it before but he motioned to the bed.

“You want to crash here with me?”

Her eyes got even wider.

Henry nodded. “It is fine. You can stay here.”

What ever doubt she might have had, it was gone when the wind hit the window again. Before he could react, she shed her clothes, and darted into the bed with nothing but the blanket pulled tightly around her shoulders. She curled into a terrified ball, eyes fixed on the storm outside. Henry sighed inwardly. He just invited a girl into his bed. Who was now naked. His mother would have been horrified.

'I guess I have changed a bit.'

He settled on the opposite side of the bed, still dressed, giving her as much space as possible. She immediately inched closer, seeking warmth like a frightened animal.

Fildar’s voice drifted from the couch, low and gravelly. “That was a risky maneuver today.” He yawned but did not lift his head. “Speaking so honestly to Shantuk could have turned very ugly.”

“I thought you were asleep,” Henry called over leaning up against the pillow. “You don't have to wake up.”

“I dozed. I appreciate your indulgance, My Master,” he said yawning again.

“Go back to sleep.”

Fildar didn't seem to argue as he was snoring again. Another thunderous crack rattled the glass. Hena burrowed closer and hid her face.

Henry laid back on the pillow and drifted to sleep. How long he was asleep, the young Terran did not know. Henry awoke with a slow pull of awareness, as if the dark itself was trying to lull him back into sleep. The storm outside had grown heavier and the world beyond the tall window was filled with swirling curtains of white. Moonlight hit the snow and scattered a pale glow through the room. Faint shadows trembled across the ceiling as the wind pressed against the mountain walls.

Warmth pressed against his side. Hena slept half draped over him, breathing softly. Her skin felt like heated silk under the blankets. She had curled up there after whispering that the storm howled like the dead and that she would never get any rest alone. She was drooling on him. There was something so stark and hilarious about that. It took everything in him not to laugh.

Fildar was still snoring and at a glance, in the shadow of the door he could see Gimavek still blocking it but asleep, weapon in his arms. Which is why Henry’s heart lurched when he saw the silhouette sitting on the edge of the bed.

Someone was there.

Someone he had not heard enter.

For the briefest instant every muscle in his body went tight. His breath caught in his throat. The shadows parted just enough for him to see the sharp line of cheek and jaw, the long fall of hair, the steady eyes watching him without blinking.

It was the maid from earlier. The haughty one.

Kita. That's it.

His pulse kicked hard. For one terrible second he was certain she had been sent to kill him just as Hena had warned.

Kita lifted a hand, palm toward him. Her voice came quiet that it was almost lost in the wind. “Relax. If I wished you dead you would not have woken.”

“How,” Henry managed, “did you get in here without waking them?”

A small light crossed her eyes, something like pride. “One trained by House Gijol can easily enter a room like this.”

Gijol. The house that trained Ashkatula. Assassins.

Henry swallowed. “That is not comforting.”

“It is not meant to comfort. It is meant to answer your question.”

He tried not to shift too much, because Hena murmured and tightened her arms around his ribs, completely unaware. Kita’s eyes flicked to her only once, then back.

“Did Shantuk send you?” Henry asked.

“Yes,” she said. “He must balance the will of House Devenek with the good of his estate, yet he is not without honor. Though he pledges your safety, I am here to personally guarantee it.” Her gaze softened a fraction. “He assigned me to make sure nothing happens to you before morning.”

Henry frowned. “Is there a threat I should know about?”

“There is always a threat.” Kita's said. “Your presence here benefits some and offends others. Devenek has foes who would relish the chance to kill a visiting lord and force Shantuk to answer for it. There are others who would enjoy thrusting blame upon him. You and your House are not the only ones that pose a threat to us.”

Henry let out a slow breath. The bed felt smaller and the chamber colder. He stared at her for a long moment. Her presence was unnervingly steady.

“Then what happens in the morning?”

“I take you to your shuttle. I have sworn to ensure you leave these walls in safety.”

“And if something happens to me,” he asked, “or you fail?”

“Then my throat will be cut and my body left to bleed out in the snow. Such is the consequence of failure.”

Horror swept through him so fast it made him sit up slightly, which only made Hena cling tighter. “That is insane. I have my own guard. You don't have to risk your life like that!”

Kita regarded him with an expression that might have been amusement. “It is not throwing anything away. It is the life I chose. Devenek gives me purpose. I serve until I can serve no longer. I will not fail my master.”

Henry shook his head. “No one should have to live like that.”

“It is the way it is. I accepted that long time ago.”

He let his back sink into the pillow again, though the tension refused to leave his body.

“I am not going back to sleep,” he whispered. “I won't let you risk your life.”

“You will sleep, little lord” she said in a voiceless laugh. “Your body needs rest. I am here. Nothing will touch you.”

Her confidence was so complete that it settled over him like another blanket. Hena breathed against his shoulder. Fildar snored. The storm howled against the window with a deep, rhythmic pulse. His eyelids grew heavier in spite of himself.

Kita remained a still figure at the edge of the bed, he shadow almost statuesque in the dark shadow illuminated with moonlight.

Henry’s eyes fluttered once.

Twice.

Then he was gone.

***

The wind carved long, low notes across the landing platform as the morning broke. The storm had not fully passed, yet it had lost the angry bite it held the night before. Snow drifted in slow spirals and the light was muted behind a curtain of cloud. Henry stood with his winter robe pulled tight, hood drawn low, breath steaming in the cold. Hena stood beside him in her formal winter layers and looked far more composed than she had in the middle of the night. Fildar and Gimavek hovered close, both alert in spite of the early hour.

The door to the interior hall slid open. Duke Shantuk stepped onto the stone platform. Another man followed. He was tall, broad shouldered and wrapped in thick protective robes. A silver sash crossed his waist which was a new color and there was not time for Henry to ask Fildar. Frost clung to the man’s beard and he bowed formally before taking his place behind the Duke.

Shantuk inclined his head to Henry in a calm, almost neutral greeting.

“Lord Henry,” Shantuk said. “This is my steward, Vedarat. He ensures the estate remains in order and that our servants operate with discipline.”

Vedar bowed again. “An honor to receive you, my lord.”

Henry returned a respectful nod. “Thank you. Your hospitality was… very thorough.”

For a moment he wondered if Kita lingered somewhere nearby, perhaps in a shadow or watching from a vantage point above the open courtyard. He kept his expression steady, offering neither hint nor implication. Shantuk watched him, and a knowing spark flickered quietly behind the Duke’s eyes. Nothing was said aloud.

Shantuk folded his hands behind his back. “I have considered what you asked of me,” he said. “If you submit your proposal through the appropriate channels and if it does not compromise the structure of Devenek, then I will honor it. You have my word.”

“Thank you,” Henry replied. “I appreciate you considering it. It was out of the blue.” He hesitated only a breath. “And thank you for the precautions you took last night. I understand their purpose and appreciate your concern.”

Shantuk’s expression did not change. His tone remained even. “Your safety as a visiting lord is my responsibility. Nothing more.”

A low roar carried through the air. The group turned to see the Avernell shuttle cutting through the haze. Its engines glowed faintly as it descended, pushing aside loose snow that scattered across the landing pad. The stabilizers flared, fighting the last gusts of wind.

Shantuk stepped closer to Henry so their voices could carry above the turbulence.

“You are an unusual Terran,” the Duke said. “Unusual and brave. Few would be bold to talk as you did in the presence of a rival house.”

Henry felt an uneasy warmth rise in his chest. “I do not know if I would call it bravery. Maybe stupidity? Mom did always tell me I talk too much.”

The comment about his mom seemed to have been lost on the Duke. Shantuk gave a quiet hum that might have been amusement. “Either way, I look forward to our next discussion.”

The shuttle settled into place and lowered its ramp. Snow gusted beneath the engines and Fildar signaled for their small group to approach. Hena adjusted her hood and stepped closer to Henry. Gimavek followed keeping a watch on the perimeter.

Henry turned back to the Duke. “Until next time.”

Shantuk inclined his head once more. “Travel safely, Lord Henry.”

Henry followed his companions toward the ramp. As the engines hummed and the cold stung against his cheeks, he felt a knot form in his chest. What had he done? What had the Duke said?

Unusual. Brave.

Reckless. I think that's the best description.

He pulled in a slow breath and stepped into the warm shuttle interior. Henry may have bitten off far more than he could chew.

'Crap.'

Maevin was going to kill him.

Discuss...

Henry Patton needed a break, at least from his office. The spring rains that had been pummeling the estate had slowed down, and Henry found that he could finally sit on the stone patio at the back of the estate house without ending up in a foot of water. Much of the grounds around Blue Blossom were still waterlogged, which gave the green grass a strange glitter. At the moment, the skies were still sprinkling rain, but the delicate umbrella covering most of the table kept him dry.

He was puzzling over a pile of small computer pads in front of him, the smoky green crystal displays flickering with reports for him to read. Many were in Xaltean, though he had a few translated into English—the complicated ones with big words he hadn’t yet figured out. Something about the reports was bothering him.

“These are all the reports since I’ve gotten here?” Henry asked, looking up from them at Nish, who was standing nearby. Nish Kevet was the Arch Maid of the Reserve Legion and Abiva’s lover. Like Abiva a week ago, it was Nish’s turn to babysit him while Maevin was away at the rescheduled Council of Servants; Siv had gone with her this time. Nish had a reserved but calm personality, almost the opposite of the bouncy Abiva. The girl was under the awning that extended over the door back into the living room, also out of the drizzle.

“Yes, Master,” she said with a simple but firm nod. “This is everything from Serene Vale Estate since you took residence, as requested.”

Henry stared at the paperwork as the wet breeze ruffled his hair and caught some of the rain on the side of his head. These reports had been filed by a Mistress Eena of Serene Vale Estate and, though he was still new to many of the subtleties of the culture, he was sure he’d found what was off. The young Terran made a decision.

“Nish, can you have Maela or one of the other Emissary maids come see me? I have some questions.”

“Of course, my Master,” she said, swiftly tapping the thin gauntlet she wore on her left arm. Within a few minutes, Maela appeared.

She was a medium-sized young woman with an athletic build, but unlike the colorful nature of the other maids, she wore a black outfit trimmed in silver with the same midriff cut and short tvekel skirt. It was quite fancy and rich in appearance. Her hair was cut short and asymmetrical around her head, while two long braids ran down the back to her waist, each tied with a silver bow. The maid bowed with an elegance Henry hadn’t known was possible.

“Emissary Maid Maela, my Master,” the maid said, identifying herself. “How may I serve?”

Henry motioned her over, which seemed to catch the girl off guard for just a moment, but she approached as he pushed the computer pads toward her.

“I need to check something. You see these reports?” Henry asked, holding one out. “This one was filed three days late. This one refers to Mistress Maer without her proper title, while this one omits it completely. These two were addressed to the Arch Maids instead of directly to Maevin. And there are quite a few other things—like referring to Maevin as eemodaema instead of xikihanma, which is her title. These are protocol mistakes, right?”

Maela took a few moments to check, pushing some of her dark hair out of her eyes. “Yes. They’re simple mistakes, usually seen from people who haven’t filled them out before or are new to their position.”

Henry’s eyes narrowed. “How long has Mistress Eena been in her position again, Nish?”

“Six years,” the other maid answered.

Henry nodded, frustration growing. “She’s doing this on purpose, isn’t she? This woman is insulting my Mistress.”

Maela’s eyes flicked over to Nish. “I understand I’m putting you on the spot,” Henry continued, “but I need to know.”

“She’s doing it on purpose.”

“I knew it. Who the hell does she think she is, insulting the woman who runs this planet, this estate—and is my friend?” Henry asked. “Who is House Medekin? They’re not even on the registry or listed with a royal charter I can find.”

“House Medekin is a small, unregistered house that has been part of House Avernell for several hundred years,” Maela explained. This subject seemed more comfortable for her. “They control three estates through this star system and a nearby one. Serene Vale Estate on the continent of Teratha is their primary.”

“So how do they fit into the reporting structure with their Mistress and…is it a Lord of the Green or something?”

“No, a shivxihanxa, or Lord of Honor. Lord Ruxsh is not royalty like you but is not a servant either. The shivxihanxa have many of the same powers over their estate that you do, but cannot claim a title. He is referred to as a Lord only in name, not power,” Maela explained. “His house is subservient to yours.”

Henry sat back, folding his arms, finally letting the anger edge into his voice. “They’re being rude.”

“Yes.” Maela didn’t have to add anything else. It was a fact.

“And Maevin hasn’t said or done anything about it?” Henry asked, looking toward Nish.

The young woman shook her head, causing her blond hair to bounce. “She has never said anything to me, nor have I heard Siv mention it.”

Henry Patton sat there staring at the reports, his face running through a gamut of emotions—none of them happy. He could feel the anger boiling inside him. The same anger that had almost gotten him in serious trouble at the tieseketel a few weeks ago.

I can’t make the same mistake again, he thought to himself.

As if some deity was listening, the patio door slid open and a tall, dark-skinned man with a metal eyepatch and scars all over his face walked out. The wet wind caught his cape, which billowed about him, adding to his already impressive stature. Tox Utivin bowed.

“Yes?” Henry asked, knowing he wouldn’t speak until prompted.

“The monthly sweep of the estate walls is complete. Nothing untoward found,” Tox said in his raspy voice.

“Thank you.”

Tox moved to leave when Henry stood, making a decision. He wasn’t going to do this on a whim, but with a plan. The Terran had to stand up for the honor of his Mistress.

“Tox, can you get me a security team together?”

That got the man’s attention. His eyebrow went up, causing wrinkles to cascade up his bald head. “Is there a security issue we need to address?”

“No. I’m going to the Serene Vale Estate and I need a security team.”

“Master?” Nish said, her voice trembling, her beautiful eyes wide with nervousness. “Shouldn’t we wait for Mistress Maer to return? She should be back in a few hours.”

“No,” Henry said with a shake of his head as he picked up the computer pad and slid it into his jacket pocket. “Maevin is my Mistress, and I’m not going to let this stand.”

***

The continent of Teretha was across the ocean, but with a sub-orbital shuttle from Blue Blossom, it was only a three-hour journey. Throughout the trip, Tox and Henry exchanged only a few words. After the Terran explained what he was going to do, to Henry’s relief, his Security Officer did not try to persuade him otherwise. In fact, Tox had adjusted the armament of his security team to create the impact Henry wanted.

“We’ve got clearance to land,” the shuttle pilot called over the intercom as the small ship shuddered through the air currents. Henry looked out the window, the anger now replaced with trepidation, as the landing pad for Serene Vale Estate, a small but sprawling collection of buildings, grew closer.

After the soft bump of landing, they made their way to the hatch, followed by the six-man security team who were armored well above what was necessary. Tox placed a hand on Henry’s shoulder.

“You are in charge. Make them understand that,” was all he said.

The hatch hissed and opened while the ramp automatically extended. The first three soldiers stepped out, followed by Henry and Tox, with the remaining three taking up the rear.

Standing at the edge of the pad was a young man with two women behind him. He wore a full robe with a belt around his waist, the edges of the cuffs and the collar trimmed with white lace. His violet eyes flicked between Tox and Henry with nervous energy. He immediately bowed low while the women behind him curtseyed.

“My Lord Avernell,” he said smoothly, though a tremor laced his voice. “I am Maid Kelshar, Arch Maid of the Estate Maids. I profusely apologize that we were not prepared for your visit, as it was unexpected.”

“Where is Lord Ruxsh?” Tox demanded, his voice sharp enough to startle Henry.

“He is en route as we speak. He was at a meeting with the shivxihanxa of the Azure Mist Estate, about an hour from here.”

“And your Mistress?” Henry added, trying to match the bite in Tox’s tone. It did not sound as intimidating, but it had the desired effect.

“Mistress Eena is coming in from the fields and—” he glanced down at the thin screen wrapped around his forearm with visible relief “—has entered the estate and will be here momentarily.”

“I’m not waiting out here in the wet,” Henry said, striding past him. His gut tightened as he did so, half expecting someone to tell him to stop and wait. That did not happen; instead, they scrambled out of his way and followed quickly behind.

Henry glanced at Tox, who gave him a subtle nod and whispered, “You are the Lord. Make them understand.”

The young Terran lord found the estate similar to Blue Blossom with its wooden floors and soft palette of colors, though it was smaller and less opulent than some areas of his own home. Arch Maid Kelshar kept up but dared not move too close to the security team. They reached what appeared to be the center of the estate, a large round room from which hallways branched in several directions. That was when Henry saw her. Mistress Eena.

She stood calm yet confident, her long blue-silver hair falling over her shoulders in loose waves, a few strands catching the light from the skylight above. A thin crown rested neatly on her head, its simple design speaking of Eena’s position within the house.

The dress she wore was fitted, the fabric tracing her shape to reveal but not flaunt. Fine stitching lined the edges of the bodice and sleeves, trimmed with the same lace, though more modest than many of the outfits Henry had seen. A small pendant hung at her throat, matching the delicate jewelry on her arms and ears, and another piece adorned the bridge of her nose.

“My Master Patton-Avernell,” Eena began, her voice high-pitched yet smooth in pronunciation. “I am honored you have—”

Henry cut her off. “Mistress Eena?”

“Yes, my Master.”

“Tox. Seize her.”

The nervousness in her eyes turned into abject fear as Tox gestured, and two of the guards immediately stepped forward to seize her arms. The other maids around them gasped and backed away.

“My Lord!” Eena cried, terror stealing the breath from her voice.

“Be silent until your Lord arrives,” Henry said, trying to sound harsh and authoritative. His adrenaline was pumping, his stomach twisted in anxiety. At that moment, he wished he had brought Nish with him, but someone had to stay behind to manage things and inform Maevin if she returned before him.

They did not have to wait long before the young Terran lord heard running footsteps. An older, wiry man with a receding hairline appeared, followed by two guards. He came to an abrupt halt as he saw Henry standing with his arms crossed and his Mistress being held.

“Lord Patton-Avernell!” Ruxsh managed, shocked. “I apologize for my forwardness, but why have you arrested my Mistress?”

“I’d rather not have this conversation out here,” Henry said, working to keep his voice steady and authoritative. He made sure his Xaltean came across clean and clear, just as Yil had taught him.

“Please! My office is right here. I am happy to help smooth over any misunderstanding.”

Ruxsh quickly led the way, his robe billowing behind him. They soon entered a small room with a bay window overlooking the valley behind the estate. Without being told, the guards forced Mistress Eena to her knees, where she shook, eyes wide with fear.

“My Lord,” Ruxsh began carefully, standing near his desk. His eyes dropped to Eena’s, which were pleading. “May I ask what we have done to offend you?”

Henry pulled the computer pad from his pocket and handed it to the man. “Your Mistress has been insulting mine.”

“No,” Ruxsh said, horrified. “Mistress Eena would not do anything—” His voice trailed off as he read the condensed report of protocol violations Maela had prepared. His eyes shot to Eena, filled with both horror and anger.

“I will not tolerate a maid or servant in a position of authority insulting or demeaning the woman who commands the Servant Legions of this planet and sector,” Henry said, working hard to add the proper emotional prefixes to convey his anger. “Mistress Maevin is due honor and deference, which your Mistress has failed to give. This is unacceptable.”

At those last three words, Eena’s knees gave out and she sank down into a seated position.

“Is this how you train your staff?” Henry demanded.

It was Ruxsh’s turn to look nervous, but he did not falter. He lowered his head. “I offer my apologies that my servants have insulted you and yours. There is no excuse for such behavior.”

“No, there isn’t.”

“If you will allow me,” Ruxsh said, “I will discipline the Mistress for her actions and do whatever is needed to make amends. Our treasury, though small, is willing to pay a Penance Levy for her offense.”

Henry had no idea what a Penance Levy was, but he was not about to admit that.

“Do you have someone who can maintain your estate for you?” Henry asked. That was when Eena whimpered, realizing what was coming.

“I do, but—” Ruxsh began.

Henry hesitated, unsure what to do next. His original intent had been to scare them, but now, standing here, he felt the gravity of the situation settle over him.

“The Lord of Blue Blossom has instructed me to return Mistress Eena to our estate so that proper discipline can be administered,” Tox said smoothly, stepping in. “She has not only insulted the primary house but also set a poor example for the other estates under our authority.”

“My Master,” Eena whimpered, looking desperately to Ruxsh for help, but Henry could see resignation in the man’s eyes.

“Your will is law,” Ruxsh said with a bow. “If I may be bold, my Lord,”

“Yes?” Henry asked as the guards pulled Eena to her feet.

“Mistress Eena has committed an egregious infraction, but I ask that you please consider some leniency, if only because she means a great deal to me.”

“We will see,” Henry said, turning away and hoping no one noticed his knees shaking from the adrenaline coursing through his system.

***

If Henry had thought the flight to Serene Vale Estate had been quiet, the return flight proved him wrong. The entire shuttle was silent, with Tox sitting beside him while Mistress Eena looked as though she was barely holding herself together. Though she feigned interest in the view outside the window, a shiver escaped her every so often.

What was he going to do? As the shuttle drew closer to home, Henry realized he didn’t actually have a plan beyond bringing the offender back. He had made it all up as he went along and was probably as anxious as the person in front of him.

By the time they landed, the rain had become a steady drizzle. With efficiency, they moved along the colonnade from the estate port to the estate proper, the mistress flanked by guards. As Henry entered the large courtyard at the back of Blue Blossom, he saw the flowing blue hair of his mistress stepping out to greet him. The way Maevin Maer visibly started at the sight of Eena between the guards told Henry she had been completely caught off guard.

“My master?” Maevin asked, her voice full of confusion and concern.

“Can we go to my office?” Henry asked. He wanted to make it a command, as he had been doing, to show he was in charge. But he could never raise his voice or order the woman around. There was something so regal and beautiful about her. Maevin nodded silently and swept ahead as the other maids moved out of the way. The entire mood of the estate had shifted, sensing that something major was happening. All that could be heard was the sound of boots, sandals, and the clink of jewelry as they made their way to his downstairs office. Once inside, the lush carpet deadened the sound. The door slid closed, leaving only Maevin, Henry, and Eena.

Immediately, whatever poise Eena had been holding melted, and she began to sink to the floor. To Henry’s surprise, Maevin quickly gripped her arm and gently led her to a chair.

“Peer Eena?”

“Peer Maevin!” Eena squeaked desperately, fear plain in her voice. “I beg your forgiveness. Please! I know I shouldn’t have. You understand though, right?”

Confusion filled Maevin’s blue eyes, and she glanced at Henry, who sat trying not to shake himself. The fact that Maevin had used a term of equal footing made him regret his decision. The Mistress of Blue Blossom turned to Henry and, with the most elegant curtsey he had ever seen, spoke.

“My master. May I ask why Peer Eena has been brought here from her estate?”

“Because of what she did to you,” Henry said, though the anger and bravado had left his voice.

“Did to me?”

The young man handed his tablet to Maevin, who took it. As realization dawned across her face, she clicked the device off and set it down on the side table beside the chair where Eena cowered. Taking a slow breath, she met Henry’s eyes. He could see she wanted to speak, but the decorum he had established with his act had tied her hands. Thinking quickly, the Terran spoke.

“I was going through the reports on my own, trying to understand how the Legions were handling business,” he explained carefully. “I found Mistress Eena’s reports and the improper behavior.”

“And my master felt that a personal visit was needed?” Oh, how she phrased that. He knew Maevin well enough to know she was asking why he had decided to charge off to the other side of the planet. Right now, he wanted to know that himself.

“I found such insulting behavior toward my mistress, the one I and the planet rely on, too much to leave unanswered.”

“And how do you wish to punish her for this action?”

Henry had no answer.

“I… I want Eena to understand the gravity of the situation and how I expect the people of my house to be treated with the respect they deserve.”

“Before the master makes a decision,” Maevin continued carefully, her voice controlled and submissive, “would he be willing to discuss this with his own mistress?”

“Yes.” Thank god she asked. Relief flooded through him.

“Nish,” Maevin said, and the blonde-haired maid opened the door and quickly stepped inside. Authority had returned to Maevin’s voice. “Please take Mistress Eena to the lounge. Get her some food and drink if she wishes.”

Eena stood but quickly gripped Maevin’s hands, which the other woman gave just the gentlest squeeze before walking out. When the door closed, Henry’s shoulders slumped, and that pristine image melted away. Maevin’s face was a mixture of confusion and irritation. He probably would not have noticed before that irritation lived in the gentle creases at the corners of her mouth.

“My lord,” she said in her accented English. She had switched to his native tongue, which meant Maevin was making sure there was no misunderstanding.

“Stop,” Henry said, raising a hand in defeat. “I realize that I screwed up badly. I just… everything you’ve done for me, for this estate. I’ve seen you staying up late at night finishing the reports, taking the stress and responsibility of keeping things going. I just couldn’t bear to see someone insult you like that.”

The young man looked up and, for a moment, saw the softest smile she had ever given him. It vanished as she controlled her expression.

“You did not screw up as you said,” Maevin began carefully. “Yes, Eena was out of line, but I was not going to do anything about it unless she started acting out further. There were reasons I was letting it go.”

“Ah.”

Maevin stepped forward, and he tried to hide his smile as she went into teaching mode. “You had a right to challenge her behavior, but normally that’s done through me or others. Maid issues are to stay maid issues. In your case, you terrified an entire minor house with your arrival and arrest.”

“Ohhh,” the Terran said as realization began to sink in.

“Yes. The Serene Vale Estate is probably expecting to face the full might of House Avernell, and Eena thinks she is going to take most of the brunt of it.”

“I just wanted her to be respectful.”

Was that a giggle from his mistress?

“You honor me in ways I cannot put into words,” Maevin said with a hitch in her voice.

“Look. You’re my friend, and I cannot imagine doing all this without you,” Henry said with a stupid grin. “I need you to help me stop causing these massive diplomatic incidents. What do we do? I don’t want to hurt her or anything. Can we let her off the hook now?”

Maevin shook her head, amused. “No. We’re well past that. What we need to do is make sure she is disciplined but in a way that also lets House Medekin know there won’t be future repercussions.”

“Is there a way I can apologize without undermining us?” Henry offered.

Maevin thought for a moment. “I have a thought.”

***

When Eena was brought in, the woman no longer looked pale, but her eyes were still full of fear. Henry had put back on his “official” persona, with Maevin standing beside him at his desk. Eena bowed low.

“Mistress Eena,” Henry began, and she grimaced. “I want to first extend my apologies to you for the way you were treated.”

Eena made no effort to hide the look of shock on her pretty face.

“As you know, I am Terran. Mistress Maer has kindly explained to me that, though you did disrespect her, I was unaware of other avenues to address this. Your estate and house will not be affected.”

Eena’s shoulders sagged as if releasing a massive weight.

“I... I thank the Master for an apology he does not have to give,” she said, her voice exhausted.

Maevin stepped forward as Eena pulled herself to her feet. “Peer Eena, though I have been forgiving, Lord Patton-Avernell is right, and correction is necessary. I believe it is important that we all remember where we came from. To that end, will you accept, as discipline, a temporary change in position? You will serve Blue Blossom as a Harvester for two weeks as penance and a learning experience, and then return to your estate with your original title.”

“I accept!” she said quickly.

With the formalities out of the way and evening finally setting in, Henry found himself sitting in his chair, exhausted and feeling like an idiot. Maevin had returned after finding Eena a place to stay. She updated him on the meetings and how the day had gone, as if he hadn’t nearly caused an entire estate to think it was going to be wiped out.

“Maevin,” Henry said as she was about to get up and leave.

“Yes, Master?”

“Why were you letting her get away with it?”

Maevin Maer thought for a few moments, then sighed. “I guess it’s because I felt she deserved some leeway.”

“Oh? No offense, but you give no one here leeway. Ever. Even me.” Henry made sure to smile so she knew he was joking.

“Mistress Eena was destined for Blue Blossom, not me,” she began, settling into the lounge chair in front of his desk. “She had worked hard to earn the spot, but High Baron Avernell overrode the decision and placed me here instead. Peer Eena had to spend three months training me, knowing that the position she had worked hard to earn was being given to someone else. It’s part of the job, but it’s never easy when it happens. I suppose I let her get away with it because she had a right to be bitter toward me.”

“I see.”

“I just didn’t expect you to fly down there and drag her back for it,” Maevin said with a chuckle. “You almost gave all of us a heart attack. Rumor has it that all the estates on the planet are talking about it.”

“Is it going to be an issue?”

“I don’t think so. The rest may just be a lot more careful around you now.”

Maybe that was a win. Henry wasn’t sure, but at least this time, he hadn't caused a war.

Discuss...

The storm outside was rough. In the months that Henry Patton had been here, there hadn’t been one like this. His mistress, Maevin Maer, had explained to him that late spring and early summer brought heavy storms, thanks to the topology of the continent he was on. The young Terran man was not a meteorologist, but he did understand that the clouds got trapped between the mountain ranges. Maevin had remarked that one did not want to be an Iron Forge Estate servant in times like this.

Right now, Henry was lying in his bed, the sheets covering only the lower half of him, trying to figure out how to get to sleep. The rain itself, clattering against the window, was not the problem. It was actually relaxing to listen to the little drums against the glass. What was the problem was the bright flash of light and the thundering boom that followed. Unlike back home, these flashes were powerful, painting his entire room white and causing him to start awake. There were curtains, of course, but they were the thin, gauzy ones for summer and thus useless at keeping the light out. The following concussive sound caused his glasses on the nightstand to dance.

“I don’t know if I’m going to get any sleep tonight,” Henry muttered to himself as he swung his legs out of bed. He stared ahead at the stone balcony, where large puddles of water danced, and in the distance, the heavy swaying of trees hidden among the gray sheets of rain. This was a bad storm.

The reluctant Lord of Blue Blossom Estate was about to consider the success of burying his head under multiple pillows when the sound reached his ears. He was actually surprised he heard it over the deafening thunder. There were voices talking in the hallway.

That is strange, Henry thought. This floor was off-limits to all but the high-ranking fourth-order maids or higher. The young man stood, grabbed his shirt, pulled it on, and made his way to the door. He could hear the voices low and trying to be quiet but failing.

“fdaeta gara aetae mi,” one of the female voices trembled.

Another responded indignantly.

“Shvelu! Roka ata tregu ki na ve hiv shorix!”

“Eta xil shveni mi vakren tregu mi ve!”

Ghost? Henry’s tired brain had not switched on the Xaltean side yet, so he was not processing the words just yet. He reached for the knob of his door.

“ki-ki ita gavae shivae?” Did you hear that?

Henry pushed the door open just as the lightning flash illuminated the faces of three very scared-looking girls. The first fell back in surprise, while the second went to shriek. The third clamped her hands over the second’s mouth quickly enough that it only sounded like a strangled yelp.

“M..m...Master,” the dark-haired one said, trembling. “We did not mean to trouble you.”

Henry blinked a few times, trying to process these women standing in the middle of the hallway in front of his door. Out of the three, there was only one that the young man recognized. That was Minda. The Inventory Maid of the 8th order was hard to forget. Her dark red hair was loose instead of its usual three braids, and her chest was the kind that made a lot of people envious. They were, of course, uncovered and right in front of him.

The other two he did not recognize.

“What is going on, Minda?” Henry asked, lowering his voice enough that the storm could cover it up.

“It is nothing, master. I am really sorry to bother you. We beg you not to tell the Mistress we snuck up here,” Minda said quickly, trying to drag the one still with her mouth covered, though her eyes had gone wide, realizing she was in front of the lord of the estate.

“We are looking for ghosts,” the one who was not silenced blurted out, then covered her own mouth. If looks could kill, Minda would have been murdering the other one right then and there.

“Ghosts?” Henry asked with a raised eyebrow. In his time here, he had not heard any stories of ghosts or anything strange happening. Though in honesty, everything that had been happening to him was strange.

“Really, it is nothing,” Minda continued, hissing at the other.

“Minda,” Henry said, adding a bit of authority to his voice. Maevin and his entourage would have thought it adorable, but for these low-ranking women, they froze, anxious eyes wide. “Can you let her go? She is going to hyperventilate.”

Minda pulled her hand back, and the girl gasped, still breathing quickly.

“Relax,” Henry tried to say, but the girl just stared at him wordlessly.

“You are embarrassing us, Enty,” Minda hissed, giving the girl a rough nudge. That seemed to finally snap the maid out of it. She straightened and gave a slightly shaken bow.

“You said something about a ghost?” Henry inquired again, his curiosity piqued. It was not like he was going to sleep anytime soon.

“We have disturbed you enough, my master,” Minda started, but the girl with the short, dark hair who had blurted out first interrupted.

“They say she wanders the halls in the worst of storms,” the woman said, eyes wide.

“Netu!” Minda said, horrified.

“Who?” Henry asked, ignoring the maid. Propriety had already gone out the window.

Netu’s voice lowered, and she leaned in closer, as if she did not want the others to hear. “The Pale Lady.”

Before Henry could ask for clarification, another burst of light filled the hallway from the window down the hall, causing every window to rattle in its frame. Henry almost screeched along with the girls.

“She is going to hear you!” Minda hissed, whacking Netu on the back of the head as Henry calmed himself down.

“The Pale Lady?” he asked.

“No! The Mistress! We are more than dead if she finds out we snuck up here.”

“Then why did you come?”

Minda glared at the two other girls, who were more than likely her juniors. “Because they swore they could find the ghost and the treasure, and I could not let them just run around without supervision.”

“And so you thought joining them was the way to go?”

Minda did not have an answer for that. She just huffed, more in irritation at herself than anything.

“Well, it sounds like you three need to get back to your floor,” Henry said with a gentle smile, hoping it made clear he was not going to report them. Minda seemed to get it as she grabbed the others by their arms to pull them away from his door.

“What about the treasure?” the hyperventilating one said with a whine. “I wanted to find the treasure!”

“Enty! Shut up!” Minda growled. “We are in enough trouble.”

“Treasure?” Henry asked. If his curiosity had not been piqued before, it was now.

The other girl, whom he assumed was Netu, nodded vigorously, her wide eyes watching him.

“Legends say that the Pale Lady is guarding a vast treasure that she is guarding for her master. We wanted to find the treasure!”

Henry pulled his door closed gently as the rain pounded on the roof of the estate, his grin growing bigger. He was not going to bed anytime soon, so why not? “Tell me more.”

Minda released Enty’s arm with a resigned sigh and walked over until they were huddled against the shadow of his door, cast by the disrupted moonlight coming through the windows that lined the hall.

“So, the stories that I have been able to find since I am the researcher,” Netu began, her hair bobbing as she spoke with excitement.

“Is that a thousand years ago, Mistress Akina Avernell was the secret lover, a…” Netu looked around quickly and lowered her voice conspiratorially. “…she was a vtedeega.”

The three looked at him expectantly, but all Henry could do was look back in confusion.

“I do not know what that is.”

“A vtedeega is someone who is secretly having a relationship with someone they are forbidden to, either by law or by morality.”

“Relationship?”

Henry immediately understood when Netu giggled and gave a few hip thrusts as an answer.

“Oh.”

“There are some relationships that are strictly forbidden outside of the norm,” Minda clarified. “A mistress or administrator may not have a relationship with their supervisor outside of a transactional expectation.”

Henry grimaced. The young man knew he was going to regret asking this question. “Transactional?”

Minda thought for a few moments and then nodded. “You know how Mistress Maer is available to you in case you are interested in what is the human phrase I just learned.”

“Banging!” Enty threw in quickly to be helpful.

“That is it. Banging. You can bang the Mistress all you want, but she is not allowed to bear you children nor raise children you sired with anyone else. The Mistress is to remain outside of the family unit. In this case, it is said that Mistress Akina secretly bore two children for Duke of the Red Mikin Avernell because his wife was barren, even with the technology of the time.”

“I see.”

“So the story goes,” Enty continued excitedly, “that the Mistress and Duke Mikin were caught by their High Baron. It is said that Mistress Akina took her own life instead of being stripped of her bond and clothes, then given to the High Baron’s troops. In his grief, Duke Mikin hid a quantity of treasure somewhere on the Blue Blossom Estate for his children when they came of age, before he boarded High Baron Nakeet Avernell’s personal ship and tried to assassinate him.”

“Damn. And why were his children not given the treasure?”

“Both died of a disease before they reached their tenth year, and the secret of where the treasure was lost with them.”

“That is what the legend is,” Minda sighed. “History, on the other hand, lists Duke Mikin as having no children, and Mistress Akina served for ten years before transferring off the estate to the homeworld.”

Both Netu and Enty pouted. “You take the fun out of the story, Colleague Minda.”

“And you take the fun out of sleep. We should be in bed, not risking getting sent to the penance pillar. We are not supposed to be on this floor without express permission of the Mistress or our Arch Maid.”

Henry could see the terror hidden in Minda’s eyes. Half of him knew he should send them back to their dorms, but the other half did not want to be alone in this storm.

“I will cover for you,” Henry said, trying to sound authoritative and in charge.

“Really?” Enty said, surprised. “How are you going to explain this to the Mistress?”

“Do I need to?” he asked. “I am the lord of this estate. Right?”

The three nodded in agreement, but he could see the doubt in their eyes. Everyone knew how much of a terror Maevin could be when she was in a rage.

“So,” Henry started as he stepped away from the door and made sure it was locked, “let us go find ourselves a ghost!”

***

For the amount of time Henry Patton had lived at Blue Blossom Estate, he was still surprised about how much he didn’t know about the place. There were entire portions of the south side they were walking towards down the hallway that he had no clue were there.

The three maids walked just ahead of him, their bare feet making soft slapping sounds on the wood floor as they whispered to each other. Stormlight flickered in through the tall windows, illuminating their forms in stuttering flashes.

The group followed the curve of the hallway which led to a portion of the estate that had no windows but a few doors spaced out. It did not hide the storm as Henry could still hear it hitting the roof above him. As they passed one of the doors, Henry paused.

“What is it?” Netu squeaked as the three maids came to a complete stop.

Henry stared at the door, a tingle of anxiety going up his spine. “I thought I heard something in here. What room is this?”

“That's the observatory and don't say that!” Minda said swallowing but they all were staring at the door now. Henry shook his head. “I'm not kidding. I heard a thump of some kind.”

Enty placed her ear gently against the door, her loose outfit slipping around her baring more of her figure. Henry stepped forward out of habit to keep it out of view.

“I don't hear anything.”

“Because there's nothing there,” Minda snapped, her voice barely above a whisper.

Then they all heard it. A thump of something hitting the ground.

Immediately, Henry found Enty's arms wrapped around his waist as she hugged him close screeching into his back. He could feel her entire figure pressed into his loose clothing.

“Enty!” Minda said horrified smacking at the girl to get her to back off. “Are you trying to get the altar?”

“Oh!” the girl shrieked letting go of Henry as if he was on fire. “I'm so sorry, my master!”

Henry waved her off, his heart beating fast though he was not sure if it was because of the girl or the sound they heard. The other reason could be that Netu had opened the door and gone in.

“Oh, no! The pale Lady has gotten her!” Entry shrieked again but Netu's voice came from inside amused. “No, I'm in here. Get in here!”

The observatory opened into an octagonal chamber, its walls lined with shelves heavy with books of every size and binding. Each wall section between the tall windows held another span of shelving, broken only by narrow ladders on rails that let one reach the higher tomes. How the hell did he not know this was here?

At the center, thick rugs softened the polished wood floor, and clusters of deep, velvet chairs circled a few low tables. A gentle glow bathed the room from the fireplace that crackled though Henry knew it was a heating coil with holographic flames. Its simulated flames flickered convincingly, orange light dancing against shelves and spines.

“This place is amazing!” Henry said in awe looking around.

“Seriously, you've never been in here?” Minda responded trying not to sound disbelieving.

“No. It's either my room or my office on the second floor,” Henry said with a shrug. “Never thought to go looking anywhere else.”

Henry stepped deeper into the observatory, the soft rugs muting his steps. The storm’s growl outside seemed muffled here, yet somehow heavier, like the weight of thunder was pressing down through the roof itself. The flicker of the false flames from the coil-fireplace painted the walls with restless shadows that darted across spines of ancient books.

“This place feels…” Netu trailed off, her voice too high and too fast. “Too quiet.”

Henry ran a hand along a shelf absently, his palm brushing along the fine grain. There was no dust so the place was being maintained.

The girls clustered together, but every time the storm cracked outside and the windows rattled, they jolted like startled rabbits. Henry wasn’t much better. His pulse was quick, and he swore he could hear faint breathing that wasn’t theirs.

Then Enty leaned closer to one of the tall windows, her loose gown slipping off one shoulder. She gasped softly at the lightning that illuminated the glass, but Henry caught himself staring at the bare shoulder before snapping his eyes away, annoyed with himself. Not the time.

“Did you see that?” she whispered sharply.

Henry’s mouth was dry. “What?”

“A face. In the glass.”

Netu whimpered. “Don’t say that!” She grabbed Enty’s arm, pressing herself close, and in the jittering glow Henry noticed how her short tunic pulled higher as she crouched. His nerves twisted—not just from fear, but from how aware he was of all of them. It was annoying that his heightened senses from the adrenalin also made him notice things Henry that thought he had gotten used to.

“Let’s… just look around,” Henry said, forcing his voice into something steadier. “If there’s a ghost, it’s not going to be waiting politely by the window.”

They moved toward the center of the room. The velvet chairs looked inviting, but the way their shadows pooled in strange, unnatural shapes made Henry uneasy. When the storm lit up again, he thought he saw someone seated in one, pale and long-limbed, watching. He blinked, and it was empty. His imagination was getting to him.

His stomach turned.

“Master?” Minda’s voice trembled. She was hugging herself, but her braids had loosened more, strands clinging to the sides of her face. Her thin nightshirt shifted when she folded her arms tighter, and Henry could see the outline of her against the firelight.

“I’m fine,” he lied, though his throat was tight.

Another thump echoed—closer this time, like something had fallen upstairs. Enty shrieked and stumbled against him again, her chest pressing into his arm as she clung instinctively. Henry almost cursed aloud, caught between terror and the heat of her sudden nearness.

“Don’t—don’t do that,” he hissed.

“I can’t help it!” she squeaked.

“Enty!” Minda said, pretense done. The higher ranking maid grabbed the girl by the hair and roughly pulled her away. “Know. Your. PLACE!”

Henry didn't have time to tell her to calm down as the four of them turned in unison when one of the ladders on rails creaked. Slowly, it began to roll along the shelf, though no one was near it.

Netu gasped, covering her mouth with both hands.

Henry’s skin prickled, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow. Part of him wanted to bolt out the door.

He swallowed hard. “We're letting this ghost story get to us. We need to calm down.”

There was another flash and this time a massive explosion as some tree on the estate was decimated by the lightening. The resounding crack caused all the girls to shriek and make a mad dash around looking for an escape.

It was Netu who fell against the book case, gropping wildly to keep herself from falling over. As she did, something clicked and the book case shifted as if released by some sort of lever.

The young maid stood there shivering and Henry moved over fascinated at what happened. It appeared that there were stone steps behind leading somewhere deep.

“Good job!” Henry turned to Netu but choked slightly. She stood there shivering only wearing the scared expression on her face having fallen out of her loose clothing in the mad dash to escape

Minda scooped up the girl's night gown and threw it at her. “Cover yourself!”

She's one to talk, Henry said to himself noting that Minda was still completely topless.

The stone steps sloped steeply down, the air growing colder with every step. Henry could smell damp stone, sharp with the tang of mold. It was like the walls themselves were exhaling on them. As they walked, there was a flicker and then dull illumination as slivers of glass lit up as they past. Henry's guess they were motion activated but with the struggle they were having, they probably hadn't been used in years. The layers of dirt on top gave them a sickly yellow glow.

They had entered a large, enclosed area and Henry swallowed again. There were stone crypts in neat rows down the open space.

Minda paused at one, brushing her fingertips over the dust-caked groove. “This is… old Xaltean,” she whispered, “I can’t read it all. Some of these symbols are archaic.”

Henry leaned close, though the marks seemed to writhe when the lantern light wavered. The edges blurred, then seemed to sharpen again. His pulse climbed. He swallowed hard, glancing away, but when he did he found his eyes catching on Enty’s silhouette as she leaned over a sarcophagus lid. Her thin gown was pulled tight, the curves beneath shifting as she braced herself. Henry snapped his gaze away, annoyed at his own distraction, but the flicker of heat mixed with his rising dread only made him more unsettled. Why was his senses on fire?

“Why are there so many of them?” Netu’s voice cracked, trembling as she pointed toward the rows of stone boxes. Their lids were carved with figures; faces weathered smooth, but their eyeless sockets seemed to follow.

“They’re sarcophagi,” Minda muttered. “Family crypts, most likely. Blue Blossom has been an important estate for over a thousand years. I think the history archives say it is where House Avernell began.”

The motion lights above had, for the most part, failed casting most of the area in shadow. As he looked at one of the carvings, Henry could have sworn he saw one of the carved figures lift its head. He blinked hard, and it was still stone. But the hairs on the back of his neck rose.

“I… I think something’s in here with us,” Netu whispered, her breath ragged.

“No,” Henry said, too quickly. “It’s just the storm. Just shadows.”

It had to be but his body didn't believe him. He could feel whatever it was moving about. But then a whisper coiled around his ear, low and breathy: Henry.

He spun, heart hammering. Nothing. Just the maids, wide-eyed, clinging to each other. Enty clutched at his sleeve, her whole body trembling against him, and he nearly leapt himself from the sudden contact.

“It’s close,” she whimpered.

The carved walls appeared to ripple, shapes bending in the corners of his vision. Shadows stretched too long. The sound of footsteps echoed behind them, perfectly in step with their own.

“Keep moving,” Minda urged, though her own voice shook. Her nightshirt clung to her in the damp air, translucent now against her skin. She must have been sweating something fierce.

They moved deeper. The air was heavy, almost wet, the further they went the more of the motion lights failed. Something moved at the edge of Henry’s vision—a tall, pale figure drifting just behind them. When he looked, it was gone.

Then the sound came: a low scrape, like stone dragging against stone. One of the sarcophagi shifted, just an inch.

Henry lost it.

“Run!” he shouted, not caring how childish it sounded.

The girls didn’t need telling twice. They bolted, shrieking, their bare feet slapping against the cold floor. Henry was right behind them, the weak overhead lights blinking wildly and randomly, throwing mad shadows across walls and carvings that twisted into screaming faces. The air seemed to laugh around them.

They burst through a narrow passage, their panic driving them forward, until the floor sloped up sharply. A final stone archway yawned open and they stumbled out into the storm.

Cold rain hit Henry like a wall, drenching him in seconds. He staggered forward, chest heaving, lightning flashing to reveal a vast stone dais ahead, its pedestal gleaming wet in the downpour. Trees loomed around them, and Henry realized with a jolt that they were at the far west edge of the forest.

Behind him, the maids leaned forward, using their knees for support gasping for breath. For a moment Henry thought he still saw the Pale Lady at the mouth of the passage, pale and watching—before another blinding flash erased the vision.

Henry wiped rain from his face, his heart hammering. They were outside, but the storm was no safer than the crypt.

The storm lashed down in heavy sheets, rain plastering Henry’s hair to his forehead as he tried to steady his breath. The dais loomed around them, the pedestal rising like a sentinel, and the forest beyond was alive with thunder.

Through the blur of downpour came light—lanterns and flashlights bobbing between the trees. Figures emerged, soaked but steady, their boots splashing through the mud. Maevin was at the front, her posture and stance seemingly incapable of being bent by the storm. Her hair was pulled back in a pony tail with segments of ribbon running down to keep it under control, Tox and Nish close behind, Abiva flanking with a squad of security.

“Oh, goddess,” Minda whispered, paling.

Henry’s stomach tightened. The girls were in no state to present themselves—drenched, clothing half-clinging, faces pale with fear. And Maevin’s expression, when she closed the distance, was glacial.

Her eyes swept the scene once, sharp as knives. “What,” she said, her voice icy and full of malice, “are you doing?”

All three girls froze, trembling under her gaze. Enty tried to speak, but only stammered. Netu shrank back. Even Minda, usually confident, bowed her head low.

“I have dealt with disobedient maids who do not know their place,” Maevin's voice cut through the storm, scaring even the thunder. “But this...in the middle of a summer maelstrom. This is wreckless beyond anything I have every seen.”

The trio shrank even more now scared of their mistress than the gale.

Henry swallowed, ready to say something to ease the weight, but Maevin turned to him—and her eyes softened, just enough. “My lord,” she said with a small bow of her head, “I regret that your evening was disturbed by such disobedience.”

Henry shook his head quickly. “No, I…” He glanced at the maids, shivering and silent. “It wasn’t entirely their fault. There was a passage behind the bookcase. We thought it worth investigating. I take full responsibility.”

“Do you?”

He could see the slightest of upturned chin. Henry had been here long enough to know what that meant. He knew that the maids had crossed a line even with his own behavior and right now, if he stopped the Mistress, he would make her look weak. This was her estate to run and the Xaltean woman expected supreme obedience of her maids.

“I chose to go in that strange crypt place and they accompanied me. Everything from that point is my fault.”

Henry opened his mouth to take the entire blame as he promised but Enty was the one who stepped forward. She stood tall as the young maid stepped forward and then immediately bowed in front of her mistress, ignoring the rain beating her senseless.

“The master is kind and covers for the disobedience of his maids,” Enty stared and Netu made a strangled sound in the back. “We were out of our rooms searching for the Pale Lady and snuck to the third floor. Colleague Minda tried to stop us but we disobeyed. She came along to try and keep us from causing more trouble.”

At that, Maevin's eyes grew even darker. “You entered the third floor...without permission.”

Enty nodded her head, eyes still faced down.

The young terran knew he couldn't get into any trouble but he could fear the palpable fear of the trio around him.

“And what do you two have to say for yourselves?” Maevin asked, those icy eyes locking on the other two. They stepped forward and also bowed their heads. “No excuses, Mistress.”

Mistress Maevin Maer turned to look at her master, her eyes cooly watching his face.

“Does my master wish anything?”

Henry looked at the trio. He nodded. “Maevin, I only ask that you absolve them of the ghost hunting and the crypt after they came to the third floor. I promised that I would take the blame for that.”

She nodded but he could see the irritation in her eyes. Maybe it was the weather or the fact it was in the middle of the night so she didn't hide it that well.

“But the initial infraction,” he continued. “I will leave to you to discipline as needed.”

Her eyes cut back to the three maids, who waited for their fates. “I understand that you three are new to life as a servant to this house and there are many things I could forgive as exuberance but violating the safety and security of the master's floor is one that I cannot let go lightly.”

“Yes, Mistress,” they chorused weakly, heads low.

“Netu and Enty, you will be placed on the pillar immediately for your transgressions and a negative mark to your records. At the height of the shift, you will also be switched in front of your colleagues as an example of what happens when you break the rules.”

The young Terran saw their faces pale even in the light. He knew what that meant. They would be stripped, have their hands tied above their heads at the marble pillar on the south side of the estate and left on display for the day to the elements. Siv had explained enough about nudity is a personal choice and having that choice removed was extremely embarressing and humiliating. Not to mention getting switched with a flexible rod against the back of their legs. Punishment here was designed to humiliate more than anything.

“Maid Minda. You also violated a most explicit rule even if it was a ill conceived attempt at stopping your juniors.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

“I will not be giving you a black mark but your choice is either take a reduction from 8th to 9th order and return to the fields as a Harvestor or you may join these maids on the pillar and share their punishment.”

Minda did not hesitate. “I am responsible for my juniors. I will share the punishment with them.”

Maevin did not say anything more, she roughly waved them off with her hand.

Abiva and Nish moved in fast, their fury not hidden on their face.

“Move!” Abiva snarled as Nish demanded they remove their clothes immediately. They would be marched back to the house with nothing on, their punishment beginning immediately.

“Maevin—”

“You need not explain yourself further,” she said softly. “This is your house. I will not tell you where you may or may not go.” A pause, her gaze tightening just a fraction. “But these girls are not you. And they will not be permitted such liberties again. I cannot.”

“They were just curious.”

Maevin stepped forward, her body cutting the rain as she spoke low so the security presence couldn't hear.

“My master. You still do not comprehend how important and how dangerous life among the house can be. It just takes one spy or treacherous maid to end your life.”

Of course. Maybe it was just a part of him that didn't want to accept that somebody would want to hurt him.

“Understood.”

Maevin stepped back but he gently reached out to stop her.

“I'm sorry, Maevin. I mean it.”

There was a softness in her eyes he had never seen before but in a flash it was gone and the Mistress of his estate was back.

“Let us return to the house before the full brunt of the storm arrives.”

***

The doors of the Blue Blossom Estate swung closed behind them, shutting out the howling wind and the relentless downpour. Water dripped from the girls’ hair as they had been brought in before him. The water formed little puddles on the polished stone floor. They were still naked but the two Arch Maids were pouring glasses of a strong smelling liquor that he could smell from where he was standing.

“Aeska,” Maevin explained. “It helps the constitution of those who drink it especially when one is about to be subjected to stress.”

“The storm?”

“I will order the energy shields activated in that area. It will protect them from lightening and any projectiles picked up by the wind but they will still face the cold and wind. It's the least they can do after breaking the rules.”

Henry followed, his boots splashing lightly, as the girls were herded back out the door. His mind still racing from the descent into the crypt.

Once out of the grand foyer and into the estate proper, the warmth of the estate beginning to chase the chill from their bones, Henry finally found a moment to breathe and to ask the questions that had been gnawing at him.

“Maevin… about the crypt,” he began carefully, “and… what we saw down there. The… things we thought we were seeing… hallucinations?”

Maevin’s expression softened briefly, though the edge in her posture remained. “Ah,” she said, “you are referring to the effects of the pollen.”

Henry blinked. “Pollen?”

“Yes,” Maevin continued, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. Another maid appeared with dry towels. She led Henry to a room to the side where he recognized the entryway of the rain rooms. When alone, Maevin stripped off everything and began to dry her hair.

“There are spores in the lower portions of the estate—harmless in themselves, but known to induce strong hallucinations. They cling to the air in enclosed, damp spaces. That is why the crypt appears… more lively, more frightening, than it is in reality.”

“So… the sarcophagi, the shadows, the… figures?” Henry asked, turning his back and trying to peel his own clothes off. If Maevin was comfortable, he was going to try and be. “All of that was just the pollen messing with our heads?”

Maevin inclined her head slightly. “Exactly. Harmless, but potent in its effect on perception. It is known to stir fear and exaggerate imagination, especially among the young and unprepared. It is also why the crypt has not been cleaned or disturbed. There is nothing of real interest there, and yet it remains preserved. No one risks going in unless it is necessary, for fear of accidents.”

Henry let out a low whistle. “So… it’s just a family crypt. It’s not off-limits, then?”

“Not truly,” Maevin replied, pulling a clean, gauzy nightgown over her head and shoulders and shimmying it down around her knees. She faced away letting him finish getting dressed. “It is simply… unremarkable. A repository for ancestors, nothing more. Yet its location and history lend themselves to the stories your maids were so eager to chase.”

“I see. I suppose that explains the… intensity of what we experienced.”

With his dry clothes on and the exhaustion finally catching up, the two stepped out again and made their way towards the stairs.

Maevin folded her hands in front of her and the quiet, proper lady appeared.

“Does the master wish anything before bed?”

The dark haired woman stood there as if the entire fiasco hadn't happened. How he envied how calm she was.

“No. I'm good. Thanks.”

With that, Maevin turned and walked off leaving him alone. Henry let out a long, shaky breath, finally feeling some of the tension drain from his shoulders. Just as he relaxed deciding to make his way to his room, a faint whisper drifted from somewhere deep in the estate—a soft, almost playful sigh that made the hairs on his neck stand on end.

Henry froze. Then blinked.

“You know… I’m gonna sleep in the lounge tonight.” he said and quickly made his way to the brightest room in the house.

Discuss...

The sun had only barely begun to force its beams through the curtains of Arch Maid Abiva’s room. The long slices of light cut through the deep blue of shadows since the Xaltean woman had not turned on any of the other lights.

Abiva had the room to herself. It was on the second floor of Blue Blossom Estate where the offices and other important rooms were like the Emissary Maid’s training rooms and the two libraries. Lord Henry Patton-Avernell’s private quarters and spaces were on the floor above. Only the Mistress had a room up there and it could only be accessed in the day. If one wanted access at night, you had to be the Mistress, Security Chief, or an Honored Maid who was specifically assigned to tend the master.

That did not mean the Arch Maid’s room was awful. It was big enough that it had her slumber bed, a low frame made of rare woods, the piles of blankets that made the base and her pillows. There was a small kitchenette where she could make her own food, a refrigeration unit, and only a small table and comfortable chair for her to read or enjoy the sunset. Further from her bed, the carpet became nistilian marble where the floor level bath was made available. Abiva could bathe, dress, and eat without leaving her room and be ready to command the Estate Legion of a hundred or so personnel. There was even a generous stipend at her rank that she could use to wear higher quality clothing and to buy what she wanted for her status. Most of it went to her personal savings account held the Maid Directorate.

At the moment, the red head was standing in front of the full body mirror wearing nothing but the water from the bath. She was letting the water drip off of her enjoying the breeze from the window and trying to decide what needed to be done today. Abiva wanted to make sure to pick out the right outfit. Today, was a special day. Today she was going to be Lord Henry’s personal maid. She wasn’t quite an Honored Maid nor an Apprentice who was learning how to become a Mistress themselves.

Siv was unavailable as she was handling the Winter Rose wine shipment in Belentine and Maevin had a Council of Servants to oversee. That meant Abiva had to step in as the Personal Maid. The young woman couldn’t imagine what Maevin Maer went through with the responsibility of being, not only a Mistress of an Estate, but the sector’s primary servant leader. Mistress Maer was responsible for all the other vassal estates to House Avernell.

Abiva’s lover, Nish, was going to handle both of the Legions today. Nish was normally in charge of the Reserve Legion that handled all their supplies but said she could manage both.

The young woman had finally noticed the time, grabbed a towel, dried herself off, and opened her small closet. She found the loose tvekel she loved to wear and a skirt to go around her waist. The medallion she always wore was still around her neck so within a few moments she looked like she always did when on duty. Something familiar was the best option here. She didn’t want to stand out. Abiva was pretty sure her master would not like that and she did not want to give Mistress Maer the wrong idea. Trust was hard to earn in this life but so easy to lose.

She did loosen the tie around her waist a bit so her shirt laid easily on her curves. The other thing Abiva was looking forward to was the fact that Lord Henry was cute. Nish teased her when they were alone about having a crush on him which always brought heat to Abiva’s cheeks.

‘Maybe I can get him to blush,’ she thought to herself as she let the cloth shift a breast slip out exposing it. Lord Henry was so adorable when his face would turn red and he desperately tried to look somewhere else. She never realized humans could be so fun.

The alarm hummed and grabbing the last bite of bread, slipping into her soft sandals and hurried out of her room towards the stairs. Skipping two at the time, Abive caught her breath, slowed her breathing and then tried to walk as dignified as possible to Lord Patton-Avernell’s office door. She gently knocked on it.

“Come in.”

Pushing the heavy wooden doors open, Arch Maid Abiva made her way in and bowed at the waist with hands folded politely in front of her.

“Arch Maid Abiva is here as your personal attendent today, my master,” she said trying to sound as dignified as she could.

“Good morning!”

Abiva looked up to find his blue eyes locked on her and that smile on his face. The human always seemed so happy. How could one not smile back?

“I appreciate it, Abiva. With Maevin and Siv gone, I’m feeling a bit at a loss,” Henry said motioning to the glass panel that displayed statistics while running the other hand through his hair.

“Anything in particular, Master?” she asked stepping closer to his side and looking at what was being displayed on the screens.

“I’m trying to arrange a meeting between the estates on Victory.”

“Which were you thinking?” Abiva asked, concern crossing her delicate face as she saw the map of the planet displayed.

“I’m wanting Black Forge, Silver Moonlight, and Emerald Hope Estates.”

“That would be the Houses Irisik, Nevakev, and Devenek.”

“Yeah.”

“And your purpose?” Abiva asked trying to figure out how to be helpful. Within the first few minutes of walking into his office, this job had already started to prove itself difficult. The realization that she had to advise him on decisions that could possibly affect the sector settling hard in her stomach like a bad piece of fruit.

“Well, the tekiasetel was pretty rough,” Henry continued flipping through the digital pages. “and I want something that’s more…homey? Safe? Something that people will feel a bit more open and not so…political.”

Abiva understood what he had meant but for the life of her, she did not know if it was even possible. All the houses, under the same roof, and not worried about being taken advantage of? Every house of the Empire was loyal to the Empress and to the protection and success of their people but anything more they fought over. No house wanted to be at the bottom and even with their shared traits, each house had their own culture which clashed with others.

“Have you spoken with an Emissary Maid yet?” Abiva offered.

“No. I wanted more of an idea before I got them involved,” Henry admitted with a sigh. “I know I want it here but I just don’t know how to make them feel safe.”

“They will come if you summon them.”

“I don’t want to summon them. I already tried to be mean. Almost got me killed.”

The Arch maid had heard rumors about what happened at the tekiasetel and the arrival of the Crown Princess. How much of it was true, the young woman had no idea. Abiva tapped the screen to turn it off.

“How about you tour your estate, my master? Maybe you’ll get some ideas.”

Henry leaned back in his chair and stretched, his blond hair catching the light streaming through the window. Abiva tried not to smile. He was so cute. If she didn’t prefer women…

“Shall we?”

---

Most of the morning was exploring the estate, checking on the workers in the field, listening to reports, and making decisions. For the half a year he had been here, Henry had picked up a lot. Abiva watched quietly at his side how he handled himself. He may not see it, but the Terran had the respect of those under him. The way he stood there listening, giving each person his complete attention, soliciting feedback and making decisions. The Arch maid knew a lot of the servants had been surprised used to being just commanded to do something, not actually giving advice.

It was about mid day when they found themselves at the technician’s complex. A very nervous young man was trying to explain the day to day operation of the construction batalion. Henry listened patiently as the the other stumbled over his words.

Abiva had given them room so it did not feel like she was hovering. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone approaching. He was dressed with a loose shirt and skirt around his waist though it was dark and rich material. His movement was perfect, head held high. His dark beard was trimmed neatly and his medium length hair had the ribbon marker of an Emissary maid.

“Arch maid,” he said coming to a stop by her, a slight bow of his head. He extended a computer tablet to her. “Arch Maid Tashak believes he found the best thing for Lord Henry. Based upon your explanation if it is correct.”

Abiva took the tablet and ignored the tone. She had gotten used to it.

“It is called the veehaneaset. It is the least formal gathering of estates that meet the master’s request though it has rarely been done with houses. It requires a level of comfort that foreign estates have never been comfortable with.”

Soft War. Abiva took a moment to be amused how many of their formal gatherings had the word war in it. It summarized their entire negotiation culture.

“Thanks, Colleague Kanesh,” Abiva said clicking it off and folding her hands in front of her to wait patiently.

Kanesh did not move but stood beside the Arch Maid folding his arms and watching the Lord of the Estate.

“He has surprised me,” Kanesh volunteered.

“He has surprised a lot of us.”

---

“I appreciate your help, Abiva,” Henry said as they made their way down the stone path towards the house. “I think I have a much better idea on how we should handle this.”

“I'm really glad to be able to help,” she said pleased with how everything was going. There was a bit of a skip in her walk, hands clasped behind her back, and she swayed back and forth like a child on her way to the candy shop.

“You did a really good job. I'll let Maevin know.” the young man said.

Wow. He was willing to provide a personal review to the Mistress? She had done that well? Abiva could feel the pride in her chest. She was doing well, wasn't she.

“You don't need to, Master. I'm simply happy being useful to you.”

Henry gave her a smile that brought one to her own face. This terran was so cute and adorable.

“You're amazing, Abiva.”

“And you're cute.”

Maybe it was how friendly and comfortable he was, or how Henry complimented her but before she could even register what she was doing, she gently booped his nose. He only froze for the barest second before breaking into a laugh. Abiva said with relief. That was stupid. Thank the goddess Mistress Maer did not see that.

Turning to look up towards the open veranda, Abiva's chest tightened in sheer terror. Standing within the door way, blue eyes locked on her was the Mistress herself.

“Maevin!” Henry called out picking up to a trot and waving at her. Mistress Maer eyes turned to the Lord of the estate and the terrifying expression had melted into a calm and mellow one. “You're back early.”

“It was postponed. Virdirin Flu. We didn't want to take the risk of spreading it. Did Abiva take care of you?”

Those eyes turned back towards the woman who was walking very submissively behind her master.

“She was amazing. Helped me out resolve a lot of problems. Thank you for assigning her.”

“It is good to see that she is able to remember her place and help you.”

The knot in Abiva's stomach twisted even tighter.

“I have something I want to talk to you about,” Henry said offering the computer tablet that Abiva had earlier. “You got time?”

“Of course, Master. Abiva—”

Abiva quickly dropped her head in polite bow. She was actually too scared to look at those eyes.

“You did well. You're dismissed for the day.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

She did not wait around.

---

For the rest of the day, Abiva took over her position from Nish who was quite frazzled running both Legions. The Arch Maid threw herself into her work trying not to think about the expression on Maevin's face. There was more in there than just disapproval. She had to have seen her boop her master's nose and how close she was standing too him. There was something else though. By the evening, when the sun had gone down, the realization had slowly sunk in.

That was why she was standing in front of the private office of the Mistress, the ornate wooden door between her. Abiva's heart raced, her stomach continuing to flip flop, and the feeling of being faint washing over her. What she was about to do could earn her a whipping or even the altar if her superior was so inclined.

Raising her hand and tapping lightly on the door, she heard Maevin's voice call to her.

“Enter.”

Walking in, she stood in front of Maevin's desk. It was a cozy, little room, the holographic projector lazily showing a scenic view of one of the many mountains on Victory. Book shelves lined the walls and there was a comfy looking sitting chair in the corner by a lamp table, a tea set sitting on a shelf ready to be used.

“Arch Maid Abiva requests an audience with the Mistress.” she said with her head bowed.

Maevin set down the stylus and folded her arms across her chest.

“Well.”

“I came to apologize for my actions. I believe I was too familiar with our lord.”

Abiva forced herself to look at the icy eyes boring into her. The hidden anger almost noticeable on her face.

“I asked. Lord Henry does not report any untoward behavior. I have nothing to discipline you for. You're dismissed.”

Maevin picked up the stylus again, her knuckles white from how hard she was gripping it.

Here I go getting myself a beating. “Mistress. I have angered you.”

Maevin's looked back up. her sleek brown hair tumbling down her shoulders. “The master was happy for your assistance. My opinon in this matter is moot.”

“Mistress,” Abiva pushed. “I...I do not want you to lose your faith in me. I have worked hard to earn your trust and I do not want you to starting doubting me now.”

Maevin Maer's eyes cooly watched her. This was it. This was the point that Abiva knew she was going to get her butt whipped.

“I am not trying to usurp you and be bedded by the Master.”

Those blue eyes. They turned cold and horrifying within seconds.

“I—”

“Be very careful with your next words, Arch Maid,” Maevin said, her voice coming out in a low hiss that would have frozen a summer lagoon. It was too late though. Abiva had crossed the point of no return.

“My mistress. I do not seek to steal his affection that he gives you. I am not a Vtedeega for you desire to be his Mbakihanxash.”

The sound of the stylus splintering shot through the room as Maevin snapped it. She flew to her feet, the rage escaping in a screech of fury. Maevin backhanded Abiva and the Arch Maid did not move her face and accepted the blow. Her head snapped to the side and she stumbled. Abiva forced herself to stand straight and resume her position and not wipe away the blood that trickled from her broken lip. She could feel the heat swelling in her cheek.

“How dare you,” Maevin's hissed. Abiva had never heard it so quiet and deadly. How could she blame her? The Arch Maid had just openly accused Mistress Maevin of trying to become Lord Henry Patton-Avernell's consort and lover while trying to say that she was not a rival.

The red head forced herself to stand her ground as Maevin came forward, the fury burning in her eyes and face.

“How dare you make such a claim,” Maevin choked out, the anger making it hard to speak. “If I did not have my master's trust, I would break every bone in your insolent body for such a disgusting accusation.”

Abiva could see in the Mistress' eyes that she had hit upon something. There was no way that Maevin would have even considered it though based on months of behavior, there was the dimmest hope and the Arch Maid had drug out that scandelous secret into the light.

“I would accept it a thousand times over, my mistress,” Abiva said dropped to one knee. “I only say it to make clear to you that I am not a threat, I am loyal to you, loyal to the master. I would rather face your fury than you to doubt my integrity and would give my life so that you know that I would never betray you or Blue Blossom.”

Maevin Maer towered over her like a shadow of death, silent and unrelenting.

“Stand,” the woman finally said.

Now only with inches separating them, Maevin's cold eyes studied the Arch Maid's face but there was something new there. Understanding and maybe just the smallest bit of respect.

“I accept, Arch Maid Abiva, that you have no intentions towards our master and that your transgression of touching him was a lapse in judgement.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

“You retain my confidence.”

Abiva's shoulders sagged in relief. The Mistress believed her.

“I am overjoyed to still have your confidence.”

Maevin gave her a slight nod but that coldness was back. “Your words though.”

“I understand.”

“Give me your left hand.”

The Arch maid's gut twisted again knowing full well what was coming. Of course there would be a consequences. Her insult had to be answered. She offered her non dominant hand to Maevin. Maevin pulled it towards her chest with both hands and in a sharp move, twisted and pulled. Abiva let out a stranged cry of agony as the loud pop echoed in the room. The Mistress had dislocated her wrist. Maevin held on to it with the pressure still applied.

“Don't you ever say anything like that to me again, Abiva.” Maevin said coldly. She add just a slight bit more pressure to get a strangled sob from the Arch Maid. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Mistress,” Abiva whimpered.

The woman released her hand which the red headed maid held to her chest, the pain radiating from it.

“Go see Doctor Torbet for treatment,” Maevin said dismissively as she returned to her desk.

“Yes, Mistress. I need to be more careful about running in the courtyard.”

Maevin's head shot up, the fury returning because of the planned lie.

“Abiva!”

“Please, Mistress,” the red head said quickly. “Allow me this lie. I do not wish Lord Henry to learn of your discipline and be cross with you. I could not let you be scolded for my sin.”

The two women kept eye contact before Maevin went back to her paperwork. Exiting the room, Abiva leaned across the wall clutchering her wrist and sighing with pained relief. She had survived. It could have been so much worse. The lines she crossed could have had her stripped of every right and privilege for such a statement. But Abiva had fixed it.

The Mistress still trusted her.

Discuss...

TW: Violence

The cold weather was the hardest for Kinah to get used to. She knew that House Klav preferred the colder worlds, the Emissary Maid of the 3rd Order did not realize what cold was. House Nevakev from where she had come loved the temperate. This was not temperate.

It was early morning when Kinah had gotten out of bed, combed her pale red hair and created the intricate single braid down the back of her head. Once that chore had been done, she quickly donned her under skirt, top, and then layered two pull over robes over her head and then cinched them with her belt that displayed the three kovek ribbons she had earned through her career. Mistress Ulia of the Mournful Song Estate had warned her early on to use layers as the weather on Valkis was finicky. Kina had learned the first day that she had not layered enough when she thought she had.

Quickly exiting her room (for she discovered 3rd Order maids of her cohort were given personal rooms here), she made her way down the stairs and out into the frigid morning. Kinah's breath escaped in cold puffs of white as her feet followed a deep red sandstone path that wound through the lush grass and under the heavy evergreen trees. The trees were fascinating as they were trimmed in such a way that their branches created a natural cover for those on the paths if the rain, wind, or goddess forbid, snow swept through. Unlike her previous estate where everything was kept close to each other, Mournful Song Estate was spread out among the land with paths connecting them together. The only people she ran into were the guards standing half asleep and only alerting when she got close. A quick nod between them was the only communication.

Once Kinah had made it to the main pathway which was much larger, she saw the 2nd Order maid Tuv with her head dress firmly clamped on her head with a bow around her chin to keep it on.

“Good morning, peer Kinah,” Tuv said as she motioned for her to walk with her. “Hopefully you slept well.”

“I did. I believe I've adjusted to the weather.”

Well, the sun does not come up for another two hours, so I want to show you the proper way we handle the torch lighting as per our lord's preference. Mournful Song Estate is famous for its ambience and respect for the ghosts that haunt her lands.”

Ghosts. Yes. That was something that Kinah had not expected. Though she did not truly believe in the spirits of the long lost, House Klav was very dedicated to finding a balance between the living and the dead. There were multiple temples on the property that she had to learn to properly maintain so not to disturb the spirits sleeping.

Tuv began her explanation of the torches and how they were supposed to be handled. Kinah tried to focus as the breeze tried to steal her breath. Kinah tightened her belt a bit more to keep the body heat in as she also tried to remember the pattern of lighting that she was being told. It was the words that seemed to change into a strange, strangled choke that caused Kinah to abruptly stop and turn to look at her peer.

“Peer Tuv, are you—–”

The chill and drop in Kinah's gut were not from the weather. Tuv stood there, gasping as deep red blood poured from her throat. The 3rd Order maid's brain barely registered the shadow standing behind the unfortunate maid keeping Tuv's wrists pinned to her hips letting her quickly bleed out. The shadow gently lowered the now dead maid into the pool of her own blood.

Kinah gasped and stepped back as the masked shadow moved into the light. It was humanoid because the lower portion of his face was covered with a metallic mask, his upper and lower body covered in metal on top of an inner armor weave. The person held a knife in his hand. The terror that shot through Kinah caused her to step back with a stumble.

“Ashkatula,” the hoarse whisper of a terrified girl escaped Kinah's mouth. ‘Assassin’.

The assassin stepped forward as the sound of running feet in the woods reached her ears. Kinah knew she was dead but there was a deep desire to run.

“Hold your ground, maid,” a voice behind the assassin said. It was female but synthesized. Another similar dressed person stepped forward though the dull golden belt told Kinah that she was the leader of the attacking party. The Emissary maid froze in place.

“What is your rank and position?” the assassin demanded.

“Emissary Maid of the 3rd order. Recently transferred from House Nevakev,” Kinah barely got out, her mouth dry from the terror.

“I see.”

There was silence that was palpable while the sound of screams began to reach her ears.
“Wha...what have I done to warrant death, arch-wraith?” Kinah ventured as she watched the woman's eyes study her.

“It is simple, Maid. You have been forsaken.”

Kinah did not know if she could have gotten colder but she did. Forsaken. The Estate had been Forsaken by the Empire. The maid fell to her knees unable to stand any longer.

“What has this estate done to offend the emperor?” Kinah cried, tears streaming down her face. Why she was still alive, she had no idea.

“It is not this estate,” the Arch-wraith continued with a hint of kindness in her voice. “The House Klav has been forsaken by Emperor Morek for treason against House Vaesh. All Estates have been struck. Your High Baron has already been executed by the Ashkatula. Now, your estate must pay for his crimes.”

Kinah slumped.

“But. You have an opportunity to live should you take it,” the Arch-Wraith offered.

The maid looked up, the tears now flowing freely, her mind thinking of her brother somewhere on the property. The reason she transferred.

“If you help me identify, locate, and access the estate so that the will of the emperor can be carried out, I will grant you one request that is within my power. You may use it to save your life. If you do not wish to accept, I shall end your life here as painlessly as I can.”

“I accept,” Kinah blurted quickly, a plan forming if she was fast enough.

“You swear your allegiance to the Ashkatula and carry out my orders?”

“I do.”

Silently, the assassin approached and tied a golden ribbon quickly around Kinah's left arm. “Wear this and no Ashkatula will touch you unless I say. Take me to the lord of the estate.”

***

What happened next was bloody. One of the instructions that was provided to Kinah was that if she saw anyone 2nd order or higher, she was to point them out. The first time she saw Yukin, the 2nd order technician and she pointed him out, she saw the betrayal in his eyes when an Ashkatula materialized behind him and slit his throat.

Kinah had become the specter of death to the house, but she dutifully carried out the instructions cause she needed it for her plan to work. Kinah became responsible for the deaths of those who had taken her in as a friend.

Closer to the manor they got, the more bodies they come across. Kinah tried to tip toe through the blood spilled and coating the once beautiful stones while the Arch-Wraith simply stepped through it as if it did not bother her. The 3rd order maid noted a tall stranger wearing dark robes but no armor following. His face fully covered in a smooth helmet with no features. She did not know who he was, nor did she want to know.

As they got through the side veranda into the main house itself, the stench of death and blood filled her nostrils. She immediately vomited on the floor and the Ashkatula patiently waited. It was the scream and a body come running around the corner that got Kinah's attention. It was Asa. The Estate maid and someone she became best friends with. She saw Kinah as she tripped over a body and fell into her arms. They both went to the ground on their knees as Kinah locked eyes with her soul mate.

“Kinah! What are you. We got to go—–” She was cut off as the Arch-wraith stepped forward.

“Kinah?”

“I'm right here, Asa,” Kinah said kindly holding her friend’s hands. “I'm right here.”

“They're killing everyone.”

“We've been forsaken.”
The look of astonishment and then horror told Kinah that Asa realized what she was doing.

“Kinah...no,” Asa begged.

“I'm right here. You're not going to be alone.”

The tears flowed freely from Kinah's eyes as she gripped her friend’s hands tight. Asa saw the gold ribbon and gripped tighter.

“Save me. Please! Give the gift to me,” Asa begged.

“I…I can’t.”

The realization sunk in and the anger and betrayal on her face.

“You choose your brother over your lover?” Asa demanded bitterly.

How was Kinah supposed to answer? It was only a moment, but the treacherous maid finally spoke to the Ashkatula who had been more patient than Kinah had ever expected.

“First Order.”

The look of betrayal was cut short as the sharp dagger pierced the side of Asa's throat. Her friend jerked instinctively from the attack, but Kinah just whispered softly to her friend as her eyes dulled slowly, the blood coating Kinah's hands. Blood that she had shed.

When the soul of her lover departed her body, Kinah laid her gently on the ground and placed her hands on her chest in respectful pose and then stood scrubbing the tears out of her eyes smearing the blood across her face.

“Let's go.” Kinah growled and the Arch-wraith said nothing else.

***

It was at the security field that stopped them but unfortunately for those who were hiding inside, Kinah knew the code. The look of show on Lord of the Blue Yisuf Klav told him that he thought the field was going to be up. The Arch-wraith strode in with her assassins with bloodied Kinah by her side. Mistress Ulia stepped forward to defend her master but saw Kinah and the ribbon, her eyes understood. Kinah saw her own brother, a 1st order Technician standing with the family shocked to see Kinah.

“I'm sorry,” Kinah said to the mistress.

“Do not be,” Ulia said with a sad smile. “You were offered a chance. the goddess must have a future for you.”

“Lord Yisuf,” the Arch-Wraith called and the man stood, his wife and three daughters cowering behind him. Only he and the desk separated the killers.

“How DARE you attack us, assassin,” Lord Yisuf demanded. “Your crimes will be punished.”

The silent robed man with the mask stepped forward and walked over. He was unarmed but he only approached enough to hand the scroll he produced to the Mistress.

“I am your inquisitor. By order of Emperor Morek. For treason, attempted sedition, and other crimes against the sovereign ruler of our great empire, House Klav has been forsaken. As required, all leadership will be terminated, your bonded servants of 4th order and below will be re-appropriated to other houses, and your lands will be given to those houses loyal to the emperor...except for Mourning Song Estate. She will be abandoned and deconsecrated, to stand as a decaying warning to any other house that thinks of rising up against his sovereign.”

Duke Yisuf shook as he fell into his seat, his wife and children beginning to cry knowing it was also their death warrant.
“Arch-wraith,” Kinah started, and the woman turned to look at her. “My Boon.”

“Speak.”

Before Kinah could, her brother shouted.

“Kinah! No!”

“That technician is my brother. I wish to use my boon to save his life.”

“Kinah! Don't.”

“Then—–”

Before the Arch-wraith could complete what, she was saying, Kinah's brother threw himself forward with a shout of rage and struck out at the Inquisitor. Before he could even connect, an assassin slipped in between them and plunged his dagger deep into his chest. Ruk fell back with a grunt and Kinah screamed running to her brother.

“Why? You could have lived.”

“Save yourself,” he choked out before passing away.

“Kill the family,” The Arch-Wraith said.

As the assassins stepped forward and Duke Yisuf reached for the paperweight, Kinah stared at the cowering children. If she remembered, an eighteen-year-old, a seventeen-year-old, and a thirteen-year-old. Kinah had no reason to live anymore.

“Arch-wraith.”

The assassin looked at her again as the assassins hesitated for a moment. Kinah had to decide and she pointed to the thirteen-year-old in her mother's skirt being held tight.

“My boon. I ask for the life of the youngest.”

The assassin seemed to be surprised by the request.

“Really? You have only been here for a few weeks. You have not had a chance for loyalty with this house. Would you not want to spare your own life?”

“She is thirteen. The age of accountability is fourteen. She should not die for sins she is not accountable for.”

The assassin looked to the inquisitor who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

“Lord Yisuf. This maid who has earned the kiss of the Shadow, is offering her boon to your youngest. Send her to this maid and she will be spared. You will be offered this only once.”

Yisuf did not hesitate. He ripped the daughter from her mother who was screaming and pushed her into the arms of the waiting maid.

“Close your eyes,” Kinah whispered then covered the girl's ears. The three assassins made quick work of the Mistress, Duke, and the rest of their family. Kinah did see the look of thanks from the lady of the house before her life was taken from her.

Scooping up, the girl, Kinah fled into the other room and curled up against the wall, so the poor child did not witness any of it. Kinah ran. She ran as hard as she could until the cold air ripped the energy from her lungs.

She found herself at the edge of the estate, within the meditation paths that the estate used to use. She had been clutching the girl tight to her chest and finally slumped onto a marble seat by the trickling creek.

Kinah looked at the girl, her face streaked with tears though none were flowing now. She looked up into the 3rd order maid’s eyes, searching for something.

“I’m sorry,” Kinah whispered not sure what else to say. The girl reached out and took the 3rd order maid’s hand and held it, both unsure of what to do next.

Silence and the sun. That was what came next. The warm rays made them both blink and painted the surrounding deep green with brilliant orange and yellow. The birds had begun to sing, filling the deathly silence, seemingly marking the end of the violence that was behind her.

“What happens to me now?” the young girl asked, speaking for the first time.

“I don’t know,” Kinah answered. “You live. You’ll need to find purpose for your life.”

“And you?”

Kinah tried to smile at the girl but they both knew her life was forfeit now. The maid felt a gloved hand gently lay on her shoulder. The Ashkatula had finally come.

The young maid looked at the figure passing her, the inquisitor had stepped forward holding his hand out to the only survivor of Mournful Song Estate.

“Come with me, child.”

The girl gingerly took the Inquisitor’s armored hand and took a few steps before looking back to Kinah.

“What’s your name?” the girl asked. “I want to remember you.”

“Kinah.” she answered, the tears starting to stream down her face. “Yours?”

“Abiva,” the thirteen-year-old responded before following the inquisitor away.

Being left alone with only the sun, the birds, and her executioners, Kinah sighed.

What else was there to do? She couldn’t run. She could barely fight, and she gave up her only chance to the one who had just left. The girl got off the seat and went to her knees removing the ribbon from her hair. Wordlessly she wrapped her wrists together in the ribbon in the ceremonial bow of the dead, preparing her body for the Rite of Dust so that the god of shadow, Erit, could take her to whatever fate she earned.

“I beg of you to please give me my rites,” Kinah said, her voice wavering as she sensed them surround her. “I deserve that much.”

She closed her eyes. Kinah hoped to take the blade to the heart and not have to bleed out like the rest, but it was not in her power anymore.

“Do you want to die?” the Arch-Wraith asked.

What type of question was that? Kinah wanted to snarl that at her murderer. No one wants to die.
“No.” she was able to get out.

“You are a 3rd order maid. The death warrant is clear that you are stripped of all your rights and that you must die.”

Yes. Kinah knew all of this. Why was the assassin still talking instead of just getting it over with.

“You… impressed me, Maid Kinah. That is not an easy feat.”

The girl’s eyes popped open and looked up at the assassin who had removed her lower face mask showing the weather, scarred expression of the Ashkatula leader. Kinah’s heart trilled for a second. Soldiers and assassins wore masks so that the gods would not know who was committing such heinous crimes or that was what they believed. If her mask was off, there was a chance she would live.

“It is a technicality but if you pledge yourself as a heshut to House Gijol and the Order of Ashkatula, I shall let you live. You will return to our estate to become one of ours.”

“The contract…”

“It says you must die at the hands of the Ashkatula. It doesn’t say when. You will die as one of our heshut… in essence by our hand one day. Do you accept?”

The sun brightened Kinah’s face, and she nodded with just a bit of hope.

“I accept, xixihanvash.”

Official Archivist Entry for Codex Xaltea

NOTICE: All measurements have been converted to Terran metric (imperial) measurements

Introduction

When House Avernell’s Blue Blossom Estate is mentioned, it can elicit many different responses from people. To the Historians, it’s known for the desperate holding action several hundred years ago against a massive Drull Incursion where Lady Vanata Avernell gave her life in the protection of the planet. To others, it is the home of the unique and highly valued Blue Wine produced through traditional methods, giving the beverage a refreshing and cool taste with only a hint of tart. For many though, it is mostly known for its recent entry into the history books as having the first ever Terran installed as Lord of the Manor.

This small report will answer the physical questions about the estate more than any political or historical significance.

Vital Statistics of the Estate

The Blue Blossom estate is 1,181 square kilometers (456 square miles) surrounded by a high-security stone wall with the inner Estate House sitting on 2.6 square kilometers (one square mile) of land near the center. It makes up a total of 721,152.3 hectares (291,840 acres) consisting of forest, lakes, and fields, as well as the land set aside for growing both Blue Blossom Wine and Winter Rose Wine.

It presently employs a total of 4,289 personnel, with 2,800 dedicated to the fields and the rest distributed among the estate personnel and the grounds personnel.

In the Spring and Summer months, the estate focuses on the production of Blue Wine, putting out an annual amount of 650,000 cases of wine—487,500 cases being Blue Wine and the last 162,500 being Winter Rose.

Prestige of Blue Blossom

Though many other houses have grown their own Vevet Blossom plants to make the wine, the traditional methods utilized and perfected are only known by the artisans of the estate. Eighty years ago, the Empire granted the Estate the rights to the name Blue Blossom Wine, blocking all others from using the term. The derivatives are mostly known as Vevet Wine.

The Estate boasts three imperial pennants from Emperor Shuvik Vaesh, Emperor Morek Vaesh, and the present Empress Cilia Vaesh. These pennants represent the favor of the ruling family towards the estate and add to the prestige of the House.

Present Leadership

The present leadership of the house is as follows:

• Lord of the Estate: Henry Patton-Avernell
  
• Mistress to her Lord: Maevin Maer
  
• Head Technician of the Ground Legion: Vindik Mal
  
• Head Maid of the Estate Legion: Abiva Etiv
  
• Head Maid of the Reserve Legion: Nish Kevet
  
• Master Vintner to His Lord: Ekulik Ral
  
• Security Chief to His Lord: Primal Tox Utivin
  

The Ground Legion

The Ground Legion is the segment of the estate that takes care of maintenance and vineyard work. It is broken into Battalions, then cohorts, and then teams. The list is as follows:

• Maintenance Battalion (Called Technicians)
  
  • Fields Cohort: Maintains all equipment related to the fields.
    
  • Construction Cohort: Handles construction and repair of all facilities.
    
  • Services Cohort: Repairs shuttles, computers, and other miscellaneous equipment.
    
• Harvest Battalion (Called Harvesters)
  
  • Vineyard Cohort: Works in the fields.
    
  • Lake Cohort: Maintains lakes, including fishing and stocking.
    
  • Forest Cohort: Oversees herbs and spices grown in the fields.
    

The Estate Legion

The Estate Legion is responsible for the Estate itself and its surrounding grounds, consisting of the personnel that the Lord of the Estate encounters most frequently.

• Estate Battalion (Called Maids)
  
  • Estate Cohort: Maintains the interior of the primary residence and surrounding grounds.
    
  • Scullery Cohort: Oversees all kitchens and food services on the estate.
    
  • Emissary Cohort: Handles guests and honored patronages, and acts as aides or secretaries during downtime.
    

The Reserve Legion

The Reserve Legion manages supplies coming in and out of the estate, from raw goods to processed products. All procurement, except weapons for security, goes through them.

• Reserve Battalion (Called Maids)
  
  • Stockpile Cohort: Manages resources within the estate grounds.
    
  • Inventory Cohort: Maintains stock levels, paperwork, and customs.
    
  • Acquisition Cohort: Handles purchasing, retrieval, and transport of resources outside the estate.
    

Security Cohort

The Security Cohort operates outside the social structure, with its soldiers and guards reporting directly to the Security Chief. The Chief, who is on the same level as the Mistress, defers to her in tradition while maintaining authority over all security matters.

The Master Vintner

The Master Vintner oversees wine production, quality control, and training. They operate outside the normal chain of command, directly supervising Wine Maids and wine technicians. Master Vintners wear a purple ribbon with gold trimming to signify their rank.

In Closing

This brief statistical analysis provides insight into the workings of a large estate like Blue Blossom. Most other houses use a similar system, though smaller estates, like House Neema, condense roles into fewer Legions. Hopefully, this offers an interesting glimpse into the active operations of a House Estate.

For Henry, the only time that he felt like he was able to comprehend and make good decisions for Blue Blossom Estate was tending to the temple and the manicured lawn about the estate. There was something soothing with walking around the inner courtyard and lawn and in the neatly kept woods that made him at peace.

Especially today, the summer heat had not fully hit per Mistress Maevin Maer’s advisement, and she felt it would be a good few days to make sure everything was the way he liked it. The sun was bright but there was enough clouds to make it easy to see. The heat wafted around him but it was cooled quickly when the breeze picked up. Red Truffets sung in the cheers that mixed with the swishing of the leaves and the Xaltean voices around him.

Now, he was supervising the cleaning and maintenance of the estate temple to the Goddess Ala with about a dozen maids of both genders. Henry was leaning on a rake watching everyone work since the last two times he tried to drag a fallen branch from the storm two days ago or try to wash the marble steps, a maid came chattering at him to admonish him that a lord should not stoop so low as to clean. The maids that he worked with the most had grown to understand him and were a lot more informal...especially when the Mistress wasn’t around. Henry had seen the softer side of the dark haired beauty who ruled the estate. He had seen her smile. In front of any of the other staff, she was cold and when there was impropriety or disrespect, she was ruthless. There were quite a few times that he walked in on Maevin chewing out Arch Maid Abiva or Arch Maid Nish who stood there and took the admonishment with a stoic presence. Henry was amazed. They took the tongue lashing but were also bold enough to push back for their maids when needed, even when it sparked a deeper hury in their mistress’ eyes. Those two defended their people and the human could see why they were in their positions. They spoke to power with confidence.

Henry Patton shook himself out of his thoughts when he heard him being called. He focused to see a very beautiful woman bouncing towards him waving her arm to get his attention.

Oh, god, Henry thought realizing it was Minda. Minda was a new addition to the estate after the releasing ceremony where bonded maids who had reached the end of their contracts were released from the house. With this woman, it was extremely difficult to keep one’s eyes above her collar bone. She was bubbly more than any Xaltean he met and was also prancing from one chore to the next. Her thick, red hair bounced about but the problem was that her hair was not the only thing that bounced.

Minda detested wearing her top and so when she moved, all eyes were drawn to a pair of breasts that were so captivating, Henry had even seen Xalteans stop to watch this masterpiece of beauty. And that masterpiece was coming right for him.

“Yes, Minda?” Henry asked desperately trying to keep eye contact.

“I spoke with Nizzie and she said I needed to come back, she was almost finished with clearing the brush from the trail to the lake.”

Nizzie, the blond haired maid with pigtails was slacking off again but at the moment, Henry could not think about anything more than not leering. His heartbeat in his chest as she stepped a bit closer since Minda wanted to whisper conspiratorially.

“I think she’s got some wine hidden around there.”

They...she was so close.

“Minda.”

Minda’s face went pale; she quickly stepped back and folded her hands in front of her bowing her head. Sweeping up beside him, in her blue skirt and top was his second in command.

“Mistress.”

“Do not enter your master’s space so freely,” Maevin said, her voice like ice. “Especially in your state of dress. You are aware of our master’s heritage, and you will not insult him by flaunting yourself in front of him. Cover them or I shall have them whipped.”

Henry remained silent knowing full well that if he opened his mouth, he would undermine her authority.

“See if Utena needs any help with polishing the marble,” Henry said gently giving the girl a way out.

The woman gave him a quick bow and retreated in almost a run towards the temple. Henry looked at Maevin and she was pinching the bridge of her nose.

“You okay?” Henry asked.

“Minda is...a bit much,” Maevin sighed looking over to him. “I have spent all this time trying to get you to adjust to our culture and then she shows up and even distracts our own people.”

Maevin sighed again as she watched Minda begin rocking on her heels while talking to a maid, oblivious that the dark-haired maid was not looking at her face but appeared to be hypnotized. “I find myself a bit jealous at times.”

“You shouldn’t!” Henry said quickly trying to keep his mistress from being hard on herself. “Your breasts are wonderful too!”

And that was when he choked. What did he just say? He did not just say that to the woman beside him. Maevin’s face was shocked for a moment and then a big smile crossed her face; the woman’s eyes sparkled mischievously.

“My master,” she said. “That is the first time you have complimented my body. I’m breathless.”

“I...uh...I didn’t mean to say...what I mean to say that you are very beautiful and perfect the way you are and—-”

“—-you think my breasts are wonderful.”

Henry groaned, his face exploding in color. It was his turn to pinch the bridge of his nose and wince.

“Anything else you’d like to tell me?” Maevin pressed with mirth in her voice.

“Your legs are really nice too,” Henry muttered.

Maevin giggled. The first time to hear it outside the privacy of his office. She turned to see Tox, their chief of security walking down the path from the estate.

“I shall not press you about what else you enjoy about me.”

“Thanks.”

“For now.”

Oh, this was going to be a rough few days.

“What is it?” Maevin asked, her official tone coming back. The dark skinned man bowed to both of them before speaking. His eyes roamed around checking everything like the security guard he was.

“Lord Henry has a guest.”

“There is no one on the list for today,” Maevin said, her voice becoming harder. “Who thinks they can just walk in without his or my approval?”

“They are Terran and they carry a Writ of Service from House Ukesa,” Tox responded. “I do not have the authority to refuse her.”

Maevin’s face was more puzzled than furious. “Please make them comfortable in the lounge. Tell them the Lord of the Estate will be there momentarily.”

Tox bowed again from the waist, turned to leave and stopped. His eyes were out near the temple and a big grin crossed his face. Maevin and Henry looked out and saw that Minda was now trying to jump up and grab a branch from one of the tiles of the temple.

“Amazing view today,” Tox commented.

“Yes. We know,” Maevin responded flatly.

---

As they walked back down the path, Henry was full of questions while Maevin was reading the information logged on the visitor.

“House Ukesa? That’s not on the registry of the Gray Council,” Henry started and Maevin nodded.

“House Ukesa is our religious caste. They practice and teach our religion, and they are responsible for making sure all temples and holy sites are taken care of. The House has a charter put in place over a thousand years ago by the imperial family and they have a right on any planet in the empire, regardless of house. It just needs to have holy site on it.”

“And this write of service?”

“House Ukesa can issue what is called a writ of service, usually to acolytes who are not yet members of the house or faithful members of opposing houses that want to visit a site under control of a hostile house. This is the first time I have heard of a Terran receiving one.” She waved the tablet in confusion. “I do not know what a Voltary is.”

Henry felt a jolt of anxiety at that word. The young man never went into detail about his upbringing but he knew what that was.

“I do.”

Maevin looked at him as they made a corner. “Is it an Earth Alliance thing?”

“Earth Alliance? Why do you say that?”

“Your Terran Confederacy, the paperwork that our master High Baron Avernell gave to me stated you were a citizen of the Earth Alliance, are you not?”

The Terran Confederacy was made up of four sovereign governments that were bound together by the Treaty of the Stars. It appeared that Avernell had either not known, or he fudged the fact for his ease in transition.

“No. I am a citizen of the Holy Innocentia.”

Maevin startled at that. He had never seen her that caught off guard.

“You’re...Innocentia.”

“Yes.”

“And the Voltary?”

“Female clergy of Celestianity.”

Maevin was silent. He had never seen the look on her face before. There was a mixture of surprise and trepidation.

“Maevin…”

She remained silent as they climbed up the steps to the large patio to head to the sliding glass door.

“Maevin!”

Henry gently grabbed her arm and stopped her. He gulped as she looked down at his hand around her forearm and back up to him, her eyes unreadable.

“We...we have offended you.”

“No!” Henry said vehemently. “You nor anyone here has offended me. You all have been wonderful to me and I would never think badly of you.”

“You are Innocentia. We did not take into consideration your beliefs and committed the highest of disrespect. Your people are the absolute opposite of us and do not like us.”

Henry felt like he was losing her. She was withdrawing into the shell from when they first met, the sheen of civility that he had only begun to crack. He had to do something to stop this. He knew that the Xalteans had an extreme distrust and issue with the Innocentia as they were polar opposite. He did not want to lose his friend now. The young Terran grasped at the first thing he did.

“Mistress Maer,” Henry said trying to sound official. “Are you doubting my word?”

She blinked at him, confusion filling her face. He turned her to face him fully. “You are my mistress of my estate, and you will act like it and not shut me out because of your preconceived opinions.”

“Lord Henry—”

“Or do I need to take you to my office to be disciplined for your behavior towards me.”

That woke her up. The trance that Maevin had been in broke. She blinked and the warmth came back to her voice.

“Did you just threaten to discipline me?” Maevin asked, her eyes sparkling again.

“I...uh...yes, I did,” He responded trying to maintain the authority he had. It just evaporated in front of her.

“I see. I assume you wish to bend me over your knee?” She said, her grin growing bigger. “I believe my legs are not the only thing you admire. You don’t have to come up with such a pretense if you wish me to show you.”

“Maevin!” Henry said blushing, giving up his air of authority. Henry let her go. “Please. I need you to keep me going. I can’t do this without you.”

That smile was genuine.

---

Tox met them in the grand hallway and informed them that the Voltary had insisted on waiting in Henry’s office which Tox made it clear he did not feel comfortable to argue with. Maevin smoothed her dress a few times before Henry stopped her.

“You’re fine,” he said with a smile.

“I wish to give your people a good impression,” Maevin added. “I do not want to make your return in the future to be difficult.”

Henry took a moment to pause, smooth down his clothes again and then push the door open trying to look as business like as he could. He only took three steps in before he froze, his blue eyes locking on a pair just like his. The woman sat there on the couch, hands folded in her lap. She wore the official garments of her position, the black skirt the fell all the way to the floor but slits on both sides so that her legs could move freely. Those legs were covered with gray leggings. The material was form fitting up her waist and a simple white segment covered her chest where the aquamarine necklace bearing the symbol of the Holy Innocentia lay catching the light from the sun. Her brown hair flowed down her back followed by the black habit trimmed in white.

“Divine Priestess, your light illuminates my path.” Henry said switching to English not realizing he had been holding a decent conversation with Maevin in Xaltean.

“Gentle soul. You honor me with your words,” she intoned standing and allowing the folds of her skirt to cascade to the floor.

Henry had repeated these lines enough in church and when encountering the clergy of Celestianity. His nation was quite religious being classified as a theocracy so it was quite common to have belief mixed in every day life.

“I am glad to see that you are well, Henry, “ her quiet voice said demure but he could see the confidence in her eyes.

“Thank you, Voltary,” Henry said with a slight bow. Maevin, once entering the room, had gone the opposite way near Siv’s desk and waited out of the way.

“Please, Henry, don’t treat me like this.” She said with a soft laugh.

“I wasn’t expecting you, Modesty,” the young man responded. “You know what mother would say if I forgot my manners.”

“My master,” Maevin spoke up in lightly accented English. “Do you wish me to prepare tea for your honored guest?”

“Yes, Maevin, please,” Henry said giving his Mistress a comforting smile. Rarely has he seen her unsure of herself. “You know my preference and please prepare a simple tea with no sweetener.”

Henry turned back to his guest. “Unless you have made your golden bands?”

“I have but still prefer no sweeteners,” the woman responded, the gentle smile not leaving her face.

“As my master wishes,” The mistress said with a bow.

As soon as she left, Henry noticed the drop in her shoulders as she relaxed.

“She’s beautiful.”

“Modesty,” Henry started but she waved her hand.

“I’m not here to offer penance, Henry, unless you ask. I wanted to see how you were hanging among these…people.”

Henry heard hesitation in her voice, and he felt the rile of anger he felt the last time someone insulted his people.

“They are good people who have worked hard and I am lucky to have earned their trust.”

There was talking outside his patio window as three maids, one man and two women walked by discussing a harvesting technique they wanted to try. All three were topless with two have their tvekel skirts wrapped around their waist while the other girl was completely naked.

“You appear to have quite an interesting view,” Modesty said flatly watching them go.

The door opened and Maevin came in followed by Abiva, her short black hair and intensely curious eyes. The Arch Maid set the tea tray down, bowed with hands folded in front of her ad exited while Meavin expertly set out the cups and poured it over the dry leaves in side. The rich bouquet filled the room.

“Don’t start with me,” Henry said with a sigh. “Mom has already been giving me a hard time.”

The only sign that Maevin had startled was the slight tremor in her hand as she poured the tea. Modesty smiled up at the Mistress. “Henry, would you introduce me?”

“Oh. Yeah,” Henry said realizing he hadn’t done that. He turned to Maevin. “Voltary, this is my Mistress, Maevin Maer of Blue Blossom Estate.”

“It is nice to meet you, “the priestess responded.

“Maevin, this is Modesty Patton. My twin sister.”

“Sister?” Maevin said with surprise barely hidden in her voice.

“That is correct,” Modesty continued. “May I have some time with my brother?”

The Mistress of the estate looked towards her master who nodded to her with a smile to make sure she knew everything was okay. When they were alone, the official façade of her position vanished and Modesty leaned back with her teacup and slowly swirled it.

“Have you truly been well, Henry?” she asked without looking up. Henry also leaned back and folded his arms across his chest trying to keep his calm. The young man had suspected something like this.

“I am fine. Mom and dad should have told you that. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“She has told me as much though she is very concerned about the temptation that you face every day. You know how she feels about it.”

“What do you mean?” Henry asked, taking a sip though he was confident of what it was.

“Take heed, for temptation cometh as a serpent in silk, slithering with whispers sweet and beguiling. It allureth thine heart with honeyed words, and weaveth snares unseen to ensnare the unwary. Therefore, be vigilant, and guard thy spirit with the armor of wisdom, lest thou be taken unawares and led astray from the path of righteousness,” Modesty responded.

Canticle of Wisdom chapter one verse twelve of the book of Harmonium, the holy book of his people. Henry knew a lot of those by heart thanks to the strict religious education he grew up with. He was not going to be outdone by his sister though.

“Judge not, I beseech thee, those who walk a path unlike thine own, for thou knowest not the burdens they bear, nor the trials they have endured. Seek first to understand with a heart full of grace and a spirit of humility, that ye may find wisdom in the differences and discern the common light that dwelleth in all. For in the eyes of the divine, every soul hath its worth, and understanding is the seed of harmony,” Henry responded.

The smile that crossed his sister’s face was a mix of impressed and cunning.

“Encouragements 10:10. You remember.”

“Dad drilled that one in my head enough times.”

“Then how about. And it is decreed, that one soul shall cleave unto another in sacred union, and thus shall they be bound, one to one, in the sight of the divine. Keep thyself pure and unblemished before this covenant, for such is the way ordained by the Creator. Let not thy heart be swayed nor thy body be defiled, but honor the sacred bond that bringeth forth harmony and blesseth the union of souls.’ Do you remember that one?”

“Concord 12:1. Mom’s favorite.” Henry leaned forward to make eye contact with his sister. “Stop beating around the bush, Modesty.”

“I am concerned for your purity and resolve in returning and marrying Bethany Müller. Our father and Shepherd Khan worked hard for this betrothal. The Müller family is very high ranked among the families being the descendent of an original founding family.”

“I’m not having sex with the women here,” Henry shot back, the anger slipping in his voice. “And I’m tired of everyone thinking I don’t have any self-control.”

“Do you?”

Whatever happiness he had for seeing his sister evaporated as her usual behavior crashed into his emotions. Modesty Patton had always been extremely religious even among his own family and though he knew she did not mean it as an accusation, he took it as that. Henry also did not need to be reminded that a rich girl among his people had taken an interest in a farmer boy. He felt himself lucky for that.

“I don’t appreciate the accusation, Voltary,” Henry warned. A swell of pride filling him. At this moment, in front of his sister, he could feel how much he had grown under the tutelage of his Mistress. He had always felt inferior around Modesty for how much people adored her knowledge and piety. “Furthermore, I do not need you or anyone else trying to tell me what I need to do. I am an adult; I am a recognized lord of an estate under House Avernell and I command an entire sector for her grace the Empress of Xaltea. Don’t you dare suggest I cannot control myself.”

How much he had changed was obvious on the face of his sister who was unable to show her surprise from how much he had changed. She blinked multiple times before trying to speak again.

“Henry, I wasn’t trying to demean you. I just wanted to advise you, so you don’t get lost among these people.”

“I am managing quite well on my own. I appreciate the concern but it’s not needed.”

There was a tone of dismissal in his voice that Modesty had picked up on. She set down her tea and gave him a smile though he could see something in her eyes. A concern that he hadn’t seen before.

“Then I shall take my leave. I must return to my convent before the White Roses. I am glad to see you again, Henry.”

The two stood and they walked to the door. He opened it and found across the room Maevin and two maids were waiting. They expertly came forward.

“I’m going to go with my sister to the port to see her off.” Henry said. “Can you prepare a vehicle to take us to Bellentine?”

“Yes, my master!” one maid said with a quick bow and hurried off.

“Let me grab my compu-pad,” Henry said stepping away. He hurried to his desk and made his way back. It was the murmur on the other side of the half-opened door that made him slow.

“I know what you’re trying to do,” Modesty’s voice said accusatory.

“You’ll need to clarify, Voltary,” Maevin’s voice came back cool though he knew her long enough to know she was attempting to maintain her temper.

“Trying to seduce him and get him to slip from the hallowed path.”

“A bold accusation.”

“I’ve been here long enough to see that this building is staffed with ninety percent women all in different states of undress. My brother is a good kid and doesn’t need you all try to seduce him. He has a fiancé at home.”

“Be careful with your assumption,” Maevin warned. Henry could feel the charge in the air and wanted to jump in and break them up but something kept him rooted at the other side of the door eavesdropping. “Henry Patton is an honorable man who has never taken advantage of any companionship that was freely offered and rejected by him. He has the loyalty of this estate and the admiration of the cities under our jurisdiction. You fail to give him the credit of strength that he has earned.”

Henry blushed at this.

“Furthermore, do not think I am a stupid woman. You pretend to be here to check in on your brother but I know that you are here on the behest of the Shepherds Council.” “What are you saying?” Modesty demanded but there was a tremor of unease in her voice.

“No voltary like you could ever convince House Ukesa to give a foreigner a Writ of Service unless she was backed by her organization. I have friends among our priest class. I can easily verify that you are here under diplomatic protections.”

The Shepherds had sent someone to check up on him? The ramifications of something like that hit hard. In a way, he could understand. He was not only the first human to be in charge of an estate, but he was also of the Innocentia so his actions would reflect on them.

“Fine,” Modesty huffed. “He is still my brother though. I will check on him when I see fit.”

“But the next time you come, I expect you to follow proper political channels, or I will inform our Master High Baron Hesh Avernell that you and your Innocentia caused a diplomatic incident. I sincerely believe that the Terran Confederacy wouldn't want to put our government’s tenuous relationship at risk.”

There was silence. No retort, no smart remark. In a few sentences, Maevin had cut her down to size. His mistress was terrifying.

“Ready?” Henry said coming through the door after putting a smile on his face. He did not know want to give away that he had been listening.

Modesty did not respond but refused to make eye contact. Maevin gave him her official nod and motioned down the hall.

“The vehicle will be waiting.”

---

When the shuttle bearing his sister lifted off and climbed into the sky towards the waiting ship above, Henry turned to Maevin.

“I apologize for my sister. My people are very religious as you know.”

“I actually should be the one apologizing,” Maevin responded. They made their way through the space port back to their vehicle.

“Why?”

“I know you were listening to our conversation,” Maevin said matter-a-fact. “I should have never spoken to your family in such a tone.”

“You made a good point. I didn’t even see the political angle on this. Still learning.”

“Still,” The mistress of Blue Blossoms said climbing up into the vehicle followed by Henry. They both sat across each other as the hatch was sealed. “I have a temper and my words were inappropriate.”

Maevin leaned forward, the smile that she reserved just for him when they were alone. “I may need to be disciplined for my actions. Would you like to do it now?”

Henry flushed.