Aud checked her pad, and sighed. She was expecting this call; she was mildly surprised that it was coming from this particular member of the Royal family. She had thought Rajenlif would make the call when the news got back to her. There was part of her, a part that she had buried very far …

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“You do not seem particularly excited to meet your wife,” the Empress said, with a wry smile. “I am still not sure that I should be,” the young man said. He was wearing Imperial Military dress uniform in a pilot’s blue, with two brass squares on his collar. He had six ribbons pinned to his …

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As is not uncommon, two classmates sat at a techou shop in Bozedami, working on a class project. “I never should have left this class until my third year,” Siru said. “Whole class is first-years.” “Should I be insulted?” her partner asked. “No, no, when you’re in your first year, you’re still fired up and …

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Karral looked down at his notes. “Overall, the subject was intelligent, friendly, and extremely capable. Very interested in Avalon and humans here.” “Oh?” Pryvani said. “Not in a bad way,” Liss added. “More curious and impressed. After she made us, she asked a lot of questions of Nest and me; just wanted to know what …

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As long as they were here on Archavia, Rixie had to make this stop. They were not on Archavia to visit Rajenlif; indeed, they were not on Archavia for any reason of Rixie’s. They were visiting the world so that Alex could check on preparations for the 25th Anniversary. This year had seen many, many …

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“Skor, I have had it. How many times do I have to tell you that I will not support you in marrying a commoner? Even one who is known by the Royal Family? The House of Aljansen has standards, and you know that. Marry Aud? You should cut ties with her immediately. No offense, Audara.” …

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Sheets of rain fell on Naesavarna, and Dronung Throdr – she would one day be Dronung the First Throdr, but at that time she was simply Throdr, the first of her name to sit on the Carba Throne – stared disconsolately out on the day. She was in the Palace of the Three Shaars, but …

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“You’ve done a nice job here, Aneu,” Alex said, nodding with approval. “I’m most impressed with your employees.” Aneu Rythal smiled. “Ms. Tolemtra said it when I first bid for the rights here. ‘Rixie’s is a celebration of togetherness,’ she said. ‘People come here because from the time they walk in to the time they …

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“Okay, Akwe, what are you doing?” Vwokhu said, hands on hips, as she looked up at her husband. “This panel’s been reading offline for a month now. Figured I’d test the line, and I was right, it needed to be replaced, and I’m almost done.” Vwokhu shook her head. “I’m not asking why you felt …

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Alex had become very adept at reading his wife’s moods; he had done so for over a hundred years before she had become his wife. He was less adept at dealing with her when she was down, and helping her through it. Not that Rixie spent much time down – but those were the times …

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