As the shuttle descended, Rixie could not help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

It had been just over a month ago that she’d taken a shuttle ride to a memorial reception for a member of the Ten Noble Families. Granted, that time she’d been heading for the palace instead of the Umbas estate, and it had been raining, not sunny as it was today.

And of course, her companion had changed.

“I still don’t believe it,” Pryvani said. “I know, I’ve said that a lot.”

“It’s okay,” Rixie replied. “She was one of the few members of the 79 you actually seemed to like.”

Pryvani chuckled. “I know genetically we weren’t that closely related, but Ljied was still a Tarsuss at heart. And I mean that in the good way – she was honorable and had a great sense of duty. It’s why she married Skor Aljansen even knowing his reputation – she knew that she needed to produce an heir for House Umbas, and that after several generations of marrying commoners and we horrid Aemets, she needed to find someone from the Ten Noble Families. Unfortunately, Skor was the only one around who fit the bill.”

“I’ve been…unimpressed with Sen. Aljansen the few times I’ve met him,” Rixie said. “He doesn’t seem to be the sharpest of axes.”

“He isn’t stupid, but he’s incurious and lazy. I don’t know where he got that from; certainly not from Luviisa Aljansen. But he can be charming when he wants to be. Which I know made it hard for Ljied. Unfortunately, he always loved your sister, and until recently, Luviisa wasn’t having it. Speaking of which, what did Aud say when she found out she was your sister?”

“As far as I know, she doesn’t know,” Rixie said. “I’m not sure why nobody’s told her yet. I mean, I know she’s expecting a child….”

“That’s not why,” Pryvani said. “You did research on her for me. You know what was turned up.”

“I know she appears to be friendly with some anti-human senators,” Rixie said. “As does Aljansen. But she isn’t overt about it.”

“The smart racists usually aren’t. You should talk with your husband or Eyrn about Earth when they were growing up. People learn what they should not say in polite company – and that’s not a bad thing. But it takes many generations to root out the evil hidden behind the polite masks, and at any moment enough of them can come together that they feel safe in taking the masks off. Of course, that’s just part of it. I’m not one to moralize about cheating – people can make their own decisions on that. But she’s been a party to ruining two marriages now; clearly Skor was unwilling to obey even the appearance of a boundary, and Aud was too happy to help him. I can understand if Kullervo would be hesitant to share the latest family secret with her. She seems quite willing to wreck the lives of others if it benefits her.”

“Rajenlif did say she liked Aud,” Rixie offered.

“You said. She also said she wouldn’t trust Aud as Dronung, and I think that’s the more important piece. As do you.”

Rixie sighed. “I don’t want to think I’m related to a bad person.”

“Trust me,” Pryvani said, “you get over it eventually.”

“You’re over Syon?” Rixie said, with a slight smile.

Pryvani’s control bobbled for just a tenth of a second; not because she was offended by Rixie’s joke, but because Rixie had dared to reply with a joke to her own sardonic observation. There were very few people who would have risked that. Indeed, Pryvani rather thought her husband, her sister, and Alex Carey were the only others.

It was not a coincidence that they were the four people Pryvani considered dearest to her, at least outside of her children. Her control had only wavered because she was momentarily aware of how much she loved Rixie, and how much Rixie loved her.

“Eventually, I will be,” Pryvani said, after that tiny hesitation. “And no matter what Aud does, you’ll never have to deal with that kind of family shame.”

“You’ve got me there,” Rixie said.

Fifteen minutes later, the two of them were being greeted by the Emperor and Empress, Rixie as representative of House Carey, Pryvani representing herself. They both had been annoyed by the timing; both wanted to be with Thyllia and Ryan and Lexie. But Thyllia and Ryan and Lexie were doing well, even if all three were exhausted, and Alex and Zhan had promised to do whatever running needed to be done for them.

“I can’t understand how this happened,” Pryvani said to the Dronung. “Ljied was healthy as anyone. How is Riggu handling it?”

“He’s having a hard time,” Rajenlif said. “He’s at the absolute worst age to have this fall on him.”

“Eighteen wasn’t fun either,” Pryvani said.

“True, but at least you were able to assume the primacy. Riggu has to deal with being Lord Umbas while others manage his affairs; he has to be the strong representative of his family while still being a child.”

Pryvani nodded. “At least he will have his Aunt Ljali at his side.”

“Oh, Ljali is not serving as Legate,” Rajenlif said. “That announcement is being made to families during the meeting, but Sen. Aljansen is going to serve in that role.”

“I thought Ljali was taking over the Senate seat,” Prvyani said, with a frown.

“She is,” Rajenlif replied. “Primarily as Skor cannot take a second seat in the Senate. Besides, Ljali lives on Archavia; Skor didn’t want to disrupt Riggu’s life by moving him offworld. Tromsø is much closer to Hlisdjalf than Tannhauser Gate.”

“Yes, I’m sure that was Luviisa’s thinking,” Pryvani said.

“Surely you don’t think that Lady Aljansen saw a potential advantage for her house?” Rajenlif said with an expression that clearly showed that this was the generally agreed-upon reason.

“Well,” Rixie said, “I suppose…it’s good that he doesn’t have to leave Jotnarherath,” Rixie said.

“It is,” Rajenlif replied. “Anyhow, I do understand congratulations are in order to you both; how are Ryan, Thyllia, and Lexie doing?”

A young woman in the corner stood impassively, sipping a drink, watching Lady Tarsuss and Magister-Imperator Carey talk with the Dronung. She sipped her Royal Berry Schapps and soda, feeling quite lost.

She didn’t know if she really loved Riggu, but she understood him; for most of their lives they’d lived apart, but they’d spent enough awkward weekends with their father that they both viewed the other as an ally, if not a true sibling. She wanted to help him, somehow – let him know that if he needed her, she’d help however she could. But he had been enveloped by the Aljansen family as soon as the funeral was complete, and Luviisa, Aud, and her father were spending an inordinate amount of time with him, getting the House of Umbas in order.

Siru couldn’t help feeling that the House of Umbas would be in better order if Riggu’s aunt Ljali was running it as Legate, but Skor was Riggu’s father, and Riggu had acceded to Skor serving as Legate. And Siru knew why; Skor was not a perfect man, and he didn’t know how to be a father, but he wasn’t evil or cruel. Just thoughtless and careless. Siru had always assumed that as she got older, she’d remain close with her mother, and Skor Aljansen would be someone she maintained a sort of business relationship with – preparing to succeed him when he died. But she’d never really wondered what it would be like to lose her mother and have her father be her only remaining parent. The thought gave her a mild panic attack, even though she was an adult now. What Riggu must be dealing with….

“You should mingle,” a voice hissed into her ear. “You are heir to the House of Aljansen, after all.”

Siru took in a deep breath, held it for a moment, and released it. “Of course, Aud. I just…Riggu’s my brother, it’s….”

“I know,” Aud said. “I’m not criticizing you, Siru. Just reminding you.”

“Right,” Siru said, downing the rest of her drink in one gulp. “Right.”

She turned, trying to put distance between herself and her stepmother, and nearly collided with Kullervo Throden.

“High-born Kullervo! I’m sorry, I….”

“No apologies necessary, Ms. Aljansen,” Kullervo said, with a slight nod. “I was thinking, not looking where I was going – I imagine you were doing the same. How is Riggu doing?”

“Honestly…buried,” Siru said with a shrug. “I’ve hardly seen him, there’s so much to deal with….”

“It’s too true,” Kullervo said. “And it’s a shame; your former stepmother was a fine person, and I know she loved Riggu very much. I’m sure he misses her terribly.”

“He does,” Siru said. “I know, he has our dad still….”

“Yes, he does, but Skor, as fine a man as he is, is not a substitute for Ljied. I know my sister will tell him this, but please, let Riggu know from me that I am at his disposal if he needs anything, including some space to grieve.”

“I will, High-born Kullervo. Thank you,” Siru said.

“Not at all.”

“And congratulations, Governor-Regent,” Siru added. Kullervo smiled slightly.

“Thank you, Ms. Aljansen. I am pleased to be able to serve the Dronung. And I hope I will be able to manage as well as Tursas did in the role. Now, I know that Luviisa will have told you to circulate like a good future primate, but between you and me, none of the rest of us want to ‘circulate’ either, so don’t feel like you have failed if you haven’t spent a half-hour chatting with Nyyriki Daiduson. You are here to honor your brother and his mother, and unlike too many in this room…your thoughts are on them. That tells me that your mother raised you well, and I’m unsurprised; Lady Rikhutsen was always wiser than she let on.”

Siru smiled at the reference to her mom’s old nom de plume; Venla was proud of the work she’d done under that name, and Siru appreciated it more and more as she grew older. “Thank you, High-born Kullervo. And I will tell Riggu what you told me.”

“Thank you, Ms. Aljansen,” Skor said, heading toward his daughter, who had been watching Siru intently. “Aud, she’s doing fine, and she’s not your daughter,” Kullervo grumbled as he drew close. “She’s processing this; let her do so.”

“She’s going to be Lady Aljansen someday, she….”

“Yes, she is, and when she is, she will have duties to attend to. For now, she’s a kid who came back from college to console her brother and who isn’t getting to do so, because your mother-in-law saw fit to grab control of the House of Umbas while she could. Oh, don’t act surprised; Namø and Gunvjer both were shocked when Skor asserted his claim as Legate, and from my understanding, Ljali wasn’t informed before he did. I don’t know what the House of Aljansen is playing at, but….”

“I assure you, Skor was motivated by a concern for Riggu, nothing else,” Aud said, crossing her arms. “Riggu is his son. Of course Skor took on the position of Legate! He’s already pledged that if he ends up succeeding Luviisa before Riggu is an adult, he’ll pass Legate to Ljali, which is more than he has to do….”

“No, it’s exactly what he has to do; the way Luviisa handled this almost roused the Ten Noble Families to adjudicate succession.”

“This was Skor’s decision, father,” Aud said.

“No it wasn’t. I’ve known him longer than you have, Aud, and I’ve known Luviisa longer than you’ve been alive. Let me give you a message to share with your mother-in-law: be careful. The House of Aljansen is a powerful and old house; this is why the other eight non-royal houses have always viewed it with suspicion. Whatever she thinks she’s doing, the House of Umbas needs to be transferred to Riggu’s control with nary a credit out of place. A legate is the representative of the house, not their own house.”

“Surely you don’t think Luviisa is trying to steal money from her grandchild,” Aud growled.

Kullervo leaned in and growled back. “I don’t know what Luviisa’s game is, but there’s a game afoot. And this is not the time for game-playing. Pass along my message; if you do not, the Dronung intends to deliver it in a much more direct manner.”

“You don’t control me, father.”

“No,” Kullervo said. “I don’t. Good day, Ms. Aljansen.”

While Kullervo warned his daughter, his son-in-law was talking with Sen. Tarsuss and Magister-Imperator Carey.

“It was a terrible shock,” Skor said, as Riggu stared at the table. “I saw Ljied just a few days before, and she seemed healthier than I do. I know, nobody knows when it’s their time, but still…I would have bet on her outliving me.”

Pryvani nodded in Skor’s direction, and said, “I’m sure, but the question was for Lord Umbas. How are you doing?”

Rixie couldn’t help but feel for the the sad boy at the head of the table, head facing down, hair short – save for the ragged stump of his braid, which was now wound around a tree on the family estate. At Pryvani’s prompt, he looked up, barely.

“I’m all right,” he said, his voice barely audible. He tried not to show how nervous he was on top of everything – she was famous, after all, and his stomach churned even though he’d met her a few times. It was silly, he tried to tell himself. She was his cousin – third cousin, maybe? He forgot. He would have to ask his mom….

He sighed. “The House of Umbas is strong, and despite…despite this sad event….”

“I’m not asking about your house,” Pryvani said, gently. “The House of Umbas is a proud house with a noble lineage, and in a few years, when you are ready to take charge of it, I am sure you will be a fine primate. I am asking about you.” She sighed, recognizing that he didn’t want to talk, and decided to talk instead. “I lost my father when I was but a few years older than you, young enough that I could have had a legate appointed to serve me, though I successfully argued against it. I remember that moment well, because I was so unprepared for it. It felt like the world was falling apart around me. I had friends to support me, including your grandmother, Lady Ástríður Umbas. But I didn’t realize until a great deal later how much I had lost, losing my father. And how deep a wound it had left. And it would be some time after that before I found people I could talk with about it.”

“Like who?” Riggu asked, looking up in her direction.

“My sister,” Pryvani said. “Not when she was little, but when she grew up, she understood. My husband. My best friends,” she said, glancing at Rixie. “There are people who love you, Riggu, and though I know that right now, you feel like you have to be Lord the Ninth Riggu Umbas in order to show respect for your mother…you’re also allowed to be a person who misses his mom. And you should miss her; Ljied was a good person, and she loved you very much. Don’t be ashamed of that, or feel it is anything but right. Our titles do not rob us of our personhood, Riggu. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that they should.”

“A fine and noble sentiment, Lady Tarsuss,” Luviisa Aljansen said. “I’m sure you know that we care quite a bit about Riggu’s welfare, and that we are already taking steps to get him the counseling he will need.”

Pryvani looked across the table to Ljali Umbas, Ljied’s sister. She rolled her eyes, and Pryvani mirrored the expression.

“Luviisa, that is lovely of you, and given the control the House of Aljansen has of the House of Umbas’s assets, I am quite certain you will be able to afford a good one,” Pryvani said. “Anyhow, Lord Umbas…know that the House of Tarsuss supports you and your house; your house once supported ours in our most desperate hour. If you ever need an ally, I will support you with all the power I have.”

“That is greatly appreciated, Lady Tarsuss,” Skor said.

“Thank you, Senator,” Pryvani said, not taking her gaze off of Riggu.

“The House of Carey,” Rixie added, “has in our short time in existence been a proud ally of the House of Tarsuss; a friend of the House of Tarsuss is a friend of ours. On behalf of my son, Lord Carey, I want you to know also are glad to help you however we can – and that Pryvani is right. Being an adult should never mean pretending you don’t miss those you’ve lost. If you cry, or yell, or hit the wall, or just want to go to your room and close the door for a while…you’re doing exactly what you need to do.”

“I know, really,” Riggu said. “I just…mom would want me to make a good impression.”

“You have,” said Rixie, smiling. “Your mother would be proud.”

“Thanks,” Riggu said, offering the first smile he had in a week.

“And?” Luviisa prompted.

“And the House of Umbas is grateful for your support,” Riggu added.

Pryvani smiled. “We appreciate both, in equal measure.”

Outside the meeting room, in the large gathering area, Siru was trying to avoid insulting her uncle. Or more accurately, she was debating whether to insult her uncle.

“You’re very concerned about their strength. Well, if that’s a problem, shouldn’t we also bar the Ler from the Empire? They’re a good deal stronger than I am,” Siru said, eyes narrow.

“It’s not that,” Lord Uđđi Lavra replied. “It’s just…unnatural, them being so strong. You have to admit, it’s strange.”

“It’s pretty strange that humans and titans look alike. And really strange that our DNA is so similar. Don’t you ever wonder about that?” Siru shot back. “I mean, the odds of that are ridiculous. Essentially impossible. My genetics professor has been working with the team of Drs. Selil and Frieden, and he says….”

“I’m not running down humans, okay? They’re fine!” Lord Lavra replied, waving his hands. “I know some people object to them being part of the Empire because of the whole pets thing, but it’s not their fault we were foolish. Earth has warp ships, they’re clearly class one, and we should be embarrassed we ever though different. But…hybrids…that’s unnatural, you know that, right?”

Siru took in a deep breath, and let it out. “As I was saying, according to Dr. Akylane, the team doing the research is leaning strongly toward recommending that humans and titans be classed as our closest relatives to each other. The only question is whether they class them as separate species or related subspecies. And that’s not a significant difference, if you know genetics. They think we’re probably just big humans when you boil it down, and tuppsekmas and gursekmas can cross-breed; if we’re that closely related, what’s unnatural about that? Gurtiseks are sold by dozens of breeders!”

“Yes, but they’re animals,” Lord Lavra sighed.

“And we aren’t?” said a woman who looked very much like Siru. “I’m with my daughter on this, Uđđi. And who cares about ‘natural’ anyhow? You’d look a lot older if you stopped getting lattice gel treatments.”

“And you wouldn’t, Ven?” Uđđi shot back.

“Never said I wouldn’t!” Venla retorted. “I get them every two months. And will until I die or admit that I’m not twenty anymore. But if I get a date with someone who thinks I look young and pretty, are they going to drop me when they discover I’m 42? I suppose they might, but if they don’t and we have a kid, that kid isn’t unnatural, just very unwise, as I get tired even thinking of having a new baby around.”

“So you’re saying if Siru married a human, and you had a hybrid grandchild, you’d be okay with it?”

Siru’s stomach did a summersault. She hadn’t realized until right now exactly why she couldn’t let her Uncle Uđđi’s crack about Sorcha Freeman’s strength go. She tried very hard not to stare desperately at her mother, but Venla only laughed.

“A hybrid grandchild? Of what kind? Human-titan? Ler-titan? Avartle-Drazari?! If Siru marries someone and they have kids, I don’t care what species they end up being, or what blend of species. Oh, you’re laughing,” she said, pointing at her brother, who was indeed rolling his eyes at the impossible creatures she’d listed. “You don’t think science will some day figure out how to make an Avartle-titan hybrid, and that when that happens, the Avartle-titan couples out there won’t want them? I think it’s wonderful that humans and titans can have children together. Given what they’ve had to go through, I think it’s the least that Otna can do for them. And to answer your question directly: our mother taught us that love is love, Uđđi, and I believe it. If Siru marries a Ler, I know Luviisa will be bearing baby klipkaers all on her own, but I’ll be shouting proudly at my new Ler child-in-law. If she marries a human, and gets to have children should she want them? So much the better! And I mean that, Siru,” she said, turning to her daughter. “If you find someone you love, whatever the House of Aljansen says, and whatever your uncle says, I will support you. You’re Karoli Lavra’s granddaughter, you’re not supposed to be ordinary.”

“I’m Venla Lavra’s daughter, I never had a hope of that,” Siru said, and though she didn’t do it often, she hugged her mother. “And I’m very glad of that.”

“I’m sorry,” Lord Lavra said, “I’m not saying that titans and humans can’t marry, or anything like that. But I just think it’s weird.”

“New things are always weird,” Venla said. “Dad’s sculptures were weird, until they were suddenly the talk of Naesavarna. Neoclassical music was weird people trying to bring back the ancient past until the trends changed, and if they hadn’t you wouldn’t have that haircut, and nobody would think you were cool.”

“Hybrids aren’t songs,” Uđđi said.

“No, they’re far more interesting than your compositions,” Venla said. “Now, Siru, come with me. I wanted to talk with you,” Venla said, dropping her voice a bit. “But first, good for you for standing up for hybrids. I worry sometimes about your father’s family rubbing off on you, I’m glad to see it isn’t.”

* * *

As Venla and Siru walked away, Pryvani and Rixie walked out of the meeting room.

“So what’s new?,” Pryvani said.

That sentence wouldn’t mean much to anyone who wasn’t Rixie, but she and Pryvani had worked together for a very long time, and both were fanatical about holding their cards close to the chest. Of course they had developed a code to discuss recent events while in public. Pryvani’s statement was a simple start — “What is your analysis of that meeting?”

“Did I mention that Ryan visited Rosetta? He bought some wine. It wasn’t very good,” Rixie replied.

The arrangement of Avalonian cities along the Atlantis river had become an easy way for them to talk about people when seated around a conference table. Rosetta was the person at the head of the table, and the people on their right were Minas, Atlantis, and East Atlantis. The ones to their left were New Akrotiri, Rabtes, and Tayas Mons. They could use other Avalonian cities to denote other positions, but in this case those seven were more than enough; Rosetta was Riggu (which Rixie had confirmed by noting Ryan – mentioning one of their children was a check to indicate that the person they were discussing was young). Skor was New Akrotiri, Luviisa was Minas, and Livja was Rabtes.

As for the part about wine – alcohol was a code for depression, and modifiers signaled how severe it was. Rixie was saying, simply, that Riggu had come across as deeply depressed.

“That’s how wine usually is in Rosetta, you know,” Pryvani said, agreeing and saying that Riggu’s depression was understandable. “But give it some time to age and it will mellow. As long as you care for it well.”

“That is always the question. Ryan said he was going to leave it with a friend in New Akrotiri, and I told him that was the worst possible place to put it.”

“Oh, I know that friend of his,” Pryvani said, “and I completely agree. He’ll probably drink the whole bottle before Ryan knew it.”

“That what I said,” Rixie replied. Yes, the metaphors were mixed, but they were both agreeing that they didn’t trust Skor Aljansen to look out for his son’s interests.

“You know, the Tarsuss Corporation made significant investments in Rosetta. Very significant.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. This was a long time ago, when I was young. The people there were very kind to us, and we repaid them for their help. This is something that hasn’t been commented on much, you know – if word got out, Minas and New Akrotiri would certainly complain, or worse, demand that Rosetta share it with them.”

“I assume that the government of Rosetta knows this?”

“It was safeguarded well, but not so well that if the mayor of New Akrotiri went snooping around, she couldn’t find it. Of course, she’s a buffoon; I worry more about the Mayor of Minas.”

“Yeah, he’s sharp,” Rixie said. “That’s certain. Anyhow, is Zhan going to go over to Rabtes anytime soon?”

“Certainly. It’s a lovely city, and we both have friends there. Alex should go too at some point.”

“I’m sure he will,” Rixie said with a nod.

“Did I mention that Prince Kullervo is going to come back with us on the Amaterasu?”

It took Rixie just a moment to realize that this was not a coded question. “I heard he had business on Avalon, I didn’t know you had made arrangements.”

“More of a vacation, before the Jotnardiggi goes back into session. Rajenlif is going to remain here for a couple of weeks in case something comes up. It will be a full ship, we’re picking up a businesswoman from Sininentavas; if I’m not mistaken, Taron should be getting her right now.”

Rixie paused, and turned back to Pryvani. “You…uh….”

“I do hope I haven’t spent too much on food for the trip,” Pryvani said, dropping back into a not-very-subtle code.

Rixie gave her an exasperated grin. “You never have been able to resist buying a bit more than people expected.”

“Only when I think they would like me to,” Pryvani said.

* * *

“Are these quarters acceptable?” Taron asked, as Vwokhu and Akwe looked around in shock.

“Uh….” Akwe said.

“We had enough money for a stateroom once,” Vwokhu said, “on a trip to Archavia. It was about a fifth the size of this. And not….”

“That’s a Melpoman driftwood bed frame, isn’t it?” Akwe said. “That must have cost a fortune.”

“I’m sure it did,” Taron said. “Technically, this ship was a gift to Zhan when he got his citizenship. It’s far and away the nicest of her three yachts. And the Pygmalion and Galatea are both fabulous.”

“Renting this would cost us…I mean, we can’t afford….” Vwokhu said.

“Anyone flying on the Amaterasu is doing so as a guest of Sen. Tarsuss,” Taron said. “She’d be insulted if you wanted to pay. I don’t know exactly how she knows you, but if we’re taking you to Avalon she’s doing so because she likes you. In other words, don’t worry about it, just enjoy the trip. And if this stateroom isn’t enough….”

“It’s fantastic,” Akwe said. “Thank you, Capt. Dande.”

“My pleasure,” Taron said. “Anyhow, get settled, we should leave for Jutuneim shortly.”

Taron left, and Vwokhu and Akwe looked at each other.

“I’m pretty sure,” Akwe said, “this would cost us the rest of our savings to book.”

“I’m pretty sure we couldn’t book it at any price,” Vwokhu said. “Rixie definitely chose her friends well.”

“That,” Akwe said, “is quite certain. So, should we rest now, so we’re awake when we get to Jutuneim?”

“Well,” Vwokhu said, with a coquettish smile, “we should definitely get into bed.”

Akwe grinned. “You are a very wise woman, and I married well.”

* * *

Siru and Venla were taking a walk outside the Umbas home; there was a small wooded area that was good for wandering and talking. And both of them had felt the need to get out of the reception area for a while.

“So I know you aren’t a bigot, because I raised you, but what caused you to stand up to your uncle?” Venla said. “Not that I’m complaining, you were right to. I’m just curious.”

“Well…they’re people,” Venla said. “Like anyone else. I’m in a study group with a hybrid in school, he’s just a guy. Well, okay, he’s Prince Ulysses, but still…he’s just a person. Doesn’t break things for show or anything like that.”

“Exactly right. Even if he did, I could hardly blame him – I’d break wooden beams with my bare hands if I could. You know, I’ve seen this cropping up more and more, and not just with Uđđi. People muttering about hybrids, talking about how strange they are. As you said, no more strange than a gurtisek, and in the case of Prince Ulysses, a good deal more cute.”

“Mom!”

“I’m not pushing you toward him! Though I would love to see Luviisa’s reaction. And if you ever do date a human or a hybrid, let me know, because the shock may kill her.”

“She’s my grandmother, mom….”

“Yes, yes, I know. I’m sorry. Luviisa is not a bad person, most of the time,” Venla sighed. “But you have to admit….”

“I am dating a human,” Siru said, very quietly, so quietly that Venla almost missed it.

“What?!”

Siru swallowed hard, and stopped walking. She had wanted to say it, for so long, and she’d been afraid to say it, for so long. And she briefly considered playing it off as if she hadn’t. But the longer she went without telling anyone in her family, the more it felt like a betrayal. She was increasingly convinced that she really loved Aleks, and if she did, she had to be brave enough to at least tell her mother. And so she took a deep breath, and said, with a bit more conviction. “I’m dating a human. He’s a law student. It’s been the last few months, he’s…I didn’t mean for it to happen, but….”

“Nobody ever means for these things to happen, they just do. Oh, Siru,” Venla said, suddenly sobering. “You must be terrified of them finding out. I’m sure you were worried about telling me, even knowing what I’ve said I believe. A lot of very tolerant people suddenly get worried when their child dates one of them, you know.”

“I’m mostly terrified because at some point, if this keeps going well…I’ll have to, mom. It’s why I had to tell you. If I can’t tell them, I’ll lose him, and…and….”

Venla smiled, and kissed her daughter’s head gently. “Yes, you will. And what I said to Uđđi wasn’t a boast or a challenge. My mother would rise from her grave and smack me if I didn’t tell you to follow the course your heart sets for you. Nothing you can do, and certainly nobody that you can love, can ever change my love or support for you. If you need me, I will be at your side. I promise.”

“Thanks,” Siru said. “I…I don’t want to alienate Dad, or Grandmother and Grandfather Aljansen. But….”

“Every one of us has a moment when we have to choose between what our parents want and what we want. And yes, being Skor’s daughter means that you have responsibilities, at least if you want to be Lady Aljansen someday. Honestly, if you decide against it, I wouldn’t blame you. Anyhow, you’re an adult now. And what matters isn’t what we want; it’s what you want. Okay?”

Siru smiled, and nodded, though she was a good deal less sure than she let on.

“What’s his name?” Venla asked.

“Aleks.”

“Like Senator Carey?”

“Different spelling. He’s Avalonian, his parents couldn’t read when he was growing up, so they got it as close as they could. He’s a bit embarrassed about that….”

Venla sighed. “Of course he is, because we value such foolish things. Goodness, his parents couldn’t read, and he was a human in an empire that saw him as a pet. Few people in this Empire have had it worse. Now he’s studying law at the College at Bozedami, one of the finest schools there is. Goodness me, I’m not sure you’re good enough for him, but I’m glad he’s willing to give you a chance.”

Siru grinned at that. “Thank you, mom.”

“For what? Making fun of you for not being as good as him?”

“No. For…for raising me to know that what you just said is true. That what he’s done is a lot more impressive than who my parents are.”

“It is. But Siru,” Venla said, putting her hand gently on her daughter’s shoulder, “what makes you worthy of him is that you know it. It may be hard, but if you are the woman I think you are growing to be…the decisions you make will be difficult, and at times wrenching – but if you make the right ones, you will deserve him just as much as he deserves you. Now, when can I meet him? I know you won’t introduce him to Luviisa quite yet, but can we get together when I’m next on Archavia?”

Siru looked down, and smiled shyly. “He…he’s currently hiding in my room at dad’s house. Second time I’ve brought him. Well…first time I planned on it. But….”

Venla grinned wide. “Oh, Siru, you are playing with fire. I am so delighted to see it. You’re coming over in two days to see me, bring him along! I promise, I won’t bring out any naked holos of you at age two. Well…not many.”

“I will,” Siru said. She took a deep breath, and looked back toward the house. “Thanks. And…also, thanks for helping me not worry about Riggu for a minute.”

“Uđđi will, I’m sure, tell him that the House of Lavra is supportive, blah blah blah. I’ve told Ljali that anything I can do, I will. Ljied and I were friends. Not close, but I was hoping it would work out for her and your father, I really was. And when it didn’t…well, we had some things in common. Riggu’s a good boy, but he’s a boy. And it’s hard enough losing your parent when you’re an adult. So if you can think of a way I can help him…I will. Promise.”

“I know, mom,” Siru said. “And I love you for it. Really.”

* * *

“I do apologize in advance,” Pryvani said, “for the food. It’s never as good as one would like. But given the timing….”

“Senator Tarsuss,” Prince Kullervo said, “I am quite certain that it will be excellent; I am a bit perplexed as to why you’re the one serving it; if Capt. Dande is too busy flying the ship we would be happy to help, all of us.”

Prvyani smiled, and looked over at Rixie, who was a light shade of green. It wasn’t entirely fair, arranging for both her parents to be there without warning her first – not to mention the partners of her parents – but Pryvani had wanted Rixie to get the full experience. The fact that Alex was looking back at Pryvani and chuckling made her feel better; at least Alex understood.

“Nonsense. Taron is, as you said, engaged with flying the ship, and this dinner is for family. That leaves one person who isn’t occupied, and that is me. Besides, I’ve been served enough dinners by Alex Carey that the least I can do is return the favor.”

“You were a paying customer,” Alex said. “And you tip well, even after Rixie’s went to a no-gratuity policy.”

“True, but I have to, as you have a tendency to forget to charge Zhan or me, darling,” Pryvani said, carefully setting a button-sized plate in front of him as she settled a normal-sized one for Rixie. “Now, this is an automated recipe, but it is based on the Chicken Avalonae from Rixie’s, which is one of my favorite dishes.”

“Chicken?” Vwokhu asked.

“It’s a flightless avian creature native to Earth,” Alex said. “And Avalon as well. Obviously, this is printed, but I am very fussy about printed meats, and I programmed the printer on Pryvani’s ships myself, so it should be about as good as you can do if you don’t have a real kitchen.”

“It’s excellent,” Akwe said, taking a bite. “Is this an Avalonian dish?”

“It is,” Alex said. “At least, mostly. I came up with this recipe for the reception we had prior to emancipation, when the Tarsuss Committee came to visit Avalon.”

“Was that the dinner where Forna Qorni pitched a fit?” Vallero said. “Oh, I remember watching that. Truly delightful. Whatever happened to the human guide she was angry at?”

“Teddy? Oh, he’s managing to get by,” Alex said.

“He’s President of Avalon, so yes, you could say that,” Rixie said. “I always remember that night because it was the night that I finally got to credit Alex with Rixie’s….”

Pryvani smiled as she snuck out of the meeting room, and grabbed a covered plate. She took the lift up to the top deck, and carried it to the bridge.

“I brought you dinner, Taron,” she said, opening the door.

“Thanks, boss. I appreciate it. I just switched over to autopilot.” He swung the chair around, and took the plate, setting it on a small table behind him. “Is this Chicken Avalonae?”

“It is, I made it for Rixie’s guests.”

Taron poked at it for a half second, and said, “So nobody’s told me anything, and I doubt anyone’s gonna…but the woman from Sininentavas…she’s a dead ringer for Rixie. A bit older, but if she isn’t related, I’d eat my hat.”

Pryvani smiled inscrutably, as she always did.

“Given the age difference, she probably isn’t a sister. She would have been young to be Rixie’s mother, but…well, that would explain Rixie being a Hoplite. And all the more reason if her father was Prince Kullervo.”

“You know, that’s not the kind of thing one should speculate about,” Pryvani said.

“Yeah, well, you know me. I’ve always had to figure out how the pieces fit together.”

“It makes you good at your many jobs,” Pryvani said. “Something I don’t tell you enough.”

Taron smiled. “You tell me gorram near every time you get a chance.”

“Exactly, darling.”

Taron leaned back. “Not the first secret of Rixie’s I’ve kept, won’t be the last. Glad for her, though; just hope she doesn’t feel like now that she’s got a real family she can’t come over and visit for family events.”

“There are many families on Tayas Mons,” Pryvani said. “Something I didn’t plan for, but something for which I’m extremely grateful. And out of those many families, there is one…and soon enough we will literally all be related in some way or another. At least we will if Manto and Odie will ever get on with it.”

Taron sighed. “Sophia thinks that Manto’s worried about dying during the war. And that if she does, she thinks it will be cleaner for Odin if he doesn’t have to mourn his wife – especially his human-sized wife. I don’t know if that’s accurate, but….”

“If Sophia says it, it’s accurate,” Pryvani said. “And while Manto is very wrong – if she were to die, Odin would mourn her as much as I’d mourn Zhan or you’d mourn Nick – she is wrong in a familiar way. If there is anything that I can say, either to Manto or Odin, to help, I will…and if not, I will remain silent.”

“Talk to Odin,” Taron said. “I’ll leave it at that.”

Pryvani raised an eyebrow, but said, “Very well, I will. Now, I should get back; they may need beverages refilled.”

Taron looked up at his boss. “You’re overqualified for a waiter.”

“I am glad to serve my friends,” Pryvani said.

“We know, Pryvani,” Taron said. “We know.”

* * *

Siru had dropped off to sleep, and Aleks had decided to go for a walk to clear his head.

He was not reckless, of course; Sen. Aljansen didn’t know that he was here, and Aleks doubted that he’d be thrilled to find any boy hiding in his daughter’s room, much less a human one. But while there was plenty of space to walk around Siru’s room, the fact that Siru was asleep on her bed, dominating the view, made it less than ideal for his purposes.

So he did what he’d done the last few times he’d gotten this urge; he went hiking through the ductwork.

It was, after all, an old house, with forced air heating and wide air ducts, perfect for a human to wander through. Aleks was careful not to tread too loudly – no reason to make anyone suspect a tupp was in the vents. But he went far enough that he could sit down and think about what Siru had told him.

She wanted him to meet her mom. And as much as he wanted her to want him to meet her mom…he wasn’t sure, now that it was happening, that he wanted to. He knew Siru had told him that her mom knew about his childhood, and was nothing but impressed – and he even almost believed it; Venla Lavra had gained notoriety for her writings trashing the nobility, and mocking the self-satisfied air of the Ten Noble Families. He didn’t doubt that the woman who created Lady Rikhutsen was not overly concerned about Siru marrying a poor human from Avalon. At least, not consciously so.

But he was quite concerned about it. As much as he’d tried to learn, as much as he wanted to fit in, he’d grown up without running water or electricity, for the Goddess’ sake. His mom could read now, and his dad technically could, but…not really. It wasn’t that they weren’t smart, and he loved them quite a bit, but still…he was embarrassingly countrified even by Avalonian standards. And here he was, dating a woman who was heir to the House of Aljansen. And he couldn’t help but fear that when Venla Lavra saw who he really was….

“…really do feel bad about Ljied, though. I wish there was any other way….”

“Unfortunately, it was the cleanest result for us. But I agree; Riggu loved his mother a great deal. I hope that it’s not an imposition….”

“Goodness, no! That’s not…I married Skor, Luviisa, I knew he had kids, and I want nothing but good for Riggu. There will be a baby along in a few months, nothing will ‘cramp our style’ more than that.”

Aleks froze in his tracks, listening to the voices of Lady Aljansen and Aud Aljansen drift through the ductwork. They weren’t loud – indeed, he thought they were taking pains to be quiet – but their discussion in the foyer still came through clearly.

“We do not want to move too quickly. It will look like you’re climbing over bodies to stake your claim,” Luviisa said.

“That’s true, but we don’t want to wait for too long, either,” Aud replied. “We’ve got Rajinvalt solid for now, but if he starts wondering….”

“True,” Luviisa said. She paused a moment, and added, “I do want you to realize, even if we pull this off, it’s not a done deal. One death or change of heart….”

“Oh, I expect them to reverse the decision at some point,” Aud said. “So much the better for the cause if they do. If the Ten Noble Houses has taken two different positions, then it falls to the Jotnardiggi to decide. And we can push my candidacy on two fronts there – and use that push to build opposition. Indeed, that is the best part of this. Rajenlif can always appeal to Tiernan to intervene, and she might even be able to get the Jotnardiggi on record supporting Vallero. But simply getting me coronated…it would be nice for me, and your son, and our House. But we are fighting for more than that.”

“Well-born Audara, you will be a fine Dronung with that attitude. And I promise…we can rally enough support in the Jotnardiggi to ensure that you will be. And Jotnarherath will be its own land again. Now, I must be going, but do give my love to Skor, and to Riggu.”

“And give mine to Ranu. Have you told him any of this?” Aud asked. Luviisa laughed.

“Dear, have you told Skor? I love my husband and my son, but….”

“…But they do not understand that we are at war. And yes, we are…Kulmkiwe.”

“Yes, we are. I will see you tomorrow, Aud my dear.”

“I look forward to it, Lady Aljansen.”

Aleks heard the door close, and heard Aud walk somewhere – heavy steps growing softer as she grew distant from whatever register had picked up her conversation.

He took a very long time to start moving again.