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11

In the weeks after the nearly disastrous family holiday with Craig, Ilen-Saa'an's life quietly settled into a new routine. Much of her free time was now spent with Craig, either at her family's home or at the Terran embassy. Having openly become a couple gave Saa'an's neighbors and co-workers plenty to gossip about, and she didn't care. If anything, Saa'an openly flaunted her relationship with Craig, as much as Mûr Tua'ansa society would allow. Craig and Bren-Khy'an had become something of a regular attraction at Saa'an's place of employment, and of course Tsel-Ami'an was often with them. The eatery's owner, Biea-Jal'an, quietly capitalized on having such a high ranking off-worlder (after all, he rated having one of the fearsome Che'maht Sahn'rah as a personal guard!) as a regular customer. Not only did business increase a tick or two, as word spread, customers from some of the mid to upper Third Circle Houses and even a few lower Second Circle Houses started patronizing the eatery. In turn, Biea-Jal'an had to start offering new items on her menu to accommodate the tastes of her better paying customers. Saa'an's employer didn't mind the extra business, and after the new trade agreement between the Sol Federation of Worlds, the Ganthoren Solidarity, and the Mûr Tua'ansa Star Empire was completed, resulting in an influx of new, exotic alien goods, Biea-Jal'an found new foodstuffs to offer.

In the early hours one morning, Craig and Khy'an sat on his couch, enjoying a hot cup of tea as had become their custom before retiring. Their friendship had grown over time and they had become quite comfortable with each other.

“Khy'an?"

“Yes?"

“I don't think I've ever thanked you properly for saving my hide…what, three times now?"

Khy'an smiled slightly.

“There is no need to do so, Craig, it is my duty."

“Just duty, huh?"

Khy'an looked away for a moment—when she returned her attention to Craig, she replied softly, “No."

It was Craig's turn to smile. He put his free arm across the back of the couch behind Khy'an and held her. In return, Khy'an snaked her tail across Craig's leg.

After a short while, Khy'an sent, “You…have not been the only one who has been…saved."

Puzzled, Craiglooked up at Khy'an and said, “Huh?"

“Your song. On the 'picnic', as you called it. It…spoke to me, and…something in me was awakened that I had forgotten. At the waters of nir-Tha'es_, I might have prevailed on my own, but…something gave me a strength I did not know I possessed. I…could not let them take you. If you had entered the water, I…would have gone after you_."

For once, Khy'an did not hide her own thoughts as carefully as she normally did, and Craig knew. It was quite a revelation for Craig to know with certainty just how Khy'an felt about him.

“Geez, Khy'an, I…I didn't know…"

Bren-Khy'an sighed and stared at her cup for several seconds.

“I…was not certain myself, until at nir-Tha'es."

Craig held Khy'an's hand and asked, “Uh, what do we do now?"

Khy'an swallowed the last of her tea.

“There is nothing that can be done. Saa'an has claimed you as her own—not even the Empress herself can change that."

Craig was speechless—this was a situation that he had never dreamed of being in.

“I suppose that it should be as it is. I shall remain as I have been, and you shall be with Saa'an."

Craig said nothing until he finished his tea. He asked Khy'an if she wanted a refill, and she accepted another. Craig refilled both their cups and returned to the couch, sitting close to Bren-Khy'an. They said nothing for a time, simply enjoying both the tea and each other's company.

Eventually, Craig asked, “What will you do when Mom and Dad's assignment here is done and we go back to Terra?"

Bren-Khy'an was about to take a sip of her tea when Craig asked the question. She paused a moment, and thought about that eventuality. After taking her sip, Bren-Khy'an switched her cup to her other hand so that she could stroke Craig's hair affectionately.

“I will return to my regiment, and continue serving the Empress as one of the Che'maht Sahn'rah."

“How long will that be?"

Bren-Khy'an quickly figured in her head a rough estimate.

“Perhaps at least another seventy sun-cycles."

“Geezers, that's…," Craig calculated how long it would be in Terran years, “…that's about three hundred and seventy of our years!"

Bren-Khy'an smiled wistfully and sent, “A long time, as your people count the nights."

“Yeah, a long time," Craig agreed quietly. After a moment, he looked up and met Khy'an's eyes. “I still mean what I said on nus-Sava'en."

Bren-Khy'an continued to stroke Craig's hair, though she said nothing for several seconds.

“I will come to your world, and find your relatives, if they still exist then. No doubt much will have changed by that time. If they will uphold your wishes, I will…be honored."

Craig smiled and asked, “You think you might be able to come for a visit before then?"

“I will attempt to, though since it takes some time to travel to your world, I am unsure if my superiors would allow me to be away that long. Still, I will try. And what will you do when it is time to return home?"

Craig shrugged his shoulders, “I don't know. I guess it'll depend on what's going on then." Craig chugged down the last of his tea and added, “When I do go home, I…I'll miss you."

Smiling wistfully, Bren-Khy'an lightly placed a hand on Craig's chest.

“Your absence will no doubt be…annoying, though…I will endure it."

Several cycles of nan-Raleen had passed, when one night Ilen-Jaa'an received an unusual message by courier. She viewed the message at least three times before asking her mate what he thought of it. Dnan-Mat'ta rubbed an ear in thought after viewing the message.

“This…is a…business person from Craig's homeworld?"

“If this message is to be believed, it would seem so. I do not understand why this odd Terran would wish to contact me."

“Perhaps this is something Craig's mother might be knowledgeable on."

Jaa'an thought on that for a moment and sent, “As close as our families seem to be becoming, I still hesitate to disturb his parents unnecessarily."

Mat'ta understood his mate's reluctance—theirs was a low ranking Third Circle House, and the Nicolinis belonged to the Diplomatic Circle, making House Nicolini quite lofty in Mûr Zhæn's social structure. Both Jaa'an and Mat'ta still found it amazing that the unassuming Nicolinis had simply accepted them—quite warmly in fact, and even despite Ilen-Ada'an's initial attitude toward Saa'an's daring to involve herself with Craig against the customs of their people.

“We still know little of Terran society, let alone the legalities involving their business practices," Mat'ta observed. “Would it not be prudent to ask how best to proceed with this?"

Jaa'an found that she had to agree with her mate.

“You are right, of course, my beloved. Do you know where Craig is at this moment?"

“He was entertaining our granddaughter when I left him. Little Ava'an seems to find him quite amusing, much to Kaa'an's joy," Mat'ta sent with a smile.

“That is well. Who among us would have thought that an off-worlder would make such a difference in our paths?" Jaa'an mused.

“Aside from Saa'an's sister-friend, Ami'an?" Mat'ta asked with a chuckle.

Jaa'an slowly shook her head and sent, “Indeed. Well, I shall ask Craig if he would be willing to facilitate a meeting with his parents concerning this matter."

A short while later Jaa'an quietly watched for a time as her granddaughter played a simple game with Craig. Kaa'an, Jaa'an's First Daughter and little Ava'an's mother, looked up from the cushion she sat on and smiled.

“Craig has taught my little one a new game from his homeworld. Already she has mastered its basics," Kaa'an sent to her mother, her eyes showing the pride she felt.

“Ava'an is a smart little cookie, aren't ya, kiddo?" Craig said, grasping the end of the child's tail with a finger and giving it a gentle tug.

Ava'an giggled and made a sound similar to “yah"—she had been making some progress at learning a little of Terran Standard English from Craig, along with her mother's native Tu'an.

Saa'an, who was sitting next to Craig, laughed and sent, “She agrees with you, my na-enwë."

Jaa'an watched her youngest daughter and Craig share a tender moment, and privately felt a certain level of satisfaction—not long ago, the action would have in the very least been unsettling. Now, however, seeing how close Saa'an and Craig had become, made Jaa'an think of their future together.

“Kaa'an has already ensured that my line will continue through Ava'an. I may yet find a suitable mate for Raa'an among our peers. Yet, my Lowest has surprised us all by throwing tradition out the door and finding her own happiness. As strange…no, different_…as Craig is from us, he is oddly an acceptable choice for Saa'an. If she wishes him to be hers, I will allow it. Getting my_ own Honored Mother to accept their pairing…that will not be easy, I think. Perhaps my sisters will see the wisdom in letting Saa'an be with Craig, and together we may convince our Honored Mother to accept it," Jaa'an thought to herself.

“Craig, would you have some tea with me?"

Saa'an and her sister Kaa'an looked up at their mother with surprise. The request was obvious—their mother wished to discuss some matter with Craig.

Casting a glance at Saa'an, Craig said, “Yes, Ma'am." Looking at Ava'an he sent, “Your Honored Grandmother wants to speak with me, kiddo. We can play later, okay?" Little Ava-an scrunched her face into a frown and grabbed Craig's finger. “I'll be back, Ava'an, I promise," Craig sent with a reassuring smile, gently extracting his finger from her grip.

Craig got up from the floor, touched Saa'an's cheek briefly, and proceeded to follow Jaa'an to her private office. She motioned for Craig to take a seat in one of the two chairs that had a small table between them with a tray containing a tea pot and two cups. The chairs were situated in a corner for relaxed discussions. Once they both had a few quiet sips of tea, Jaa'an turned slightly more towards Craig.

“I received a message crystal tonight by courier. Someone, apparently from your world, wished to contact me of all people. I…believe it to be a business proposition, though it is most unusual, and I am uncertain what to make of it. I do not wish to trouble your parents more than necessary; however, my mate has suggested that perhaps it would be appropriate to ask for their assistance in this matter."

Craig listened politely to Jaa'an. He had decided some time ago that Saa'an's mother really was a rather nice woman once he got to know her. Craig also had no doubt who Saa'an got her looks from, for Jaa'an was—as far as Craig was concerned—strikingly beautiful for a middle-aged woman, regardless of species.

“I don't think they have much going on tonight. I can find out for sure, though," Craig offered.

“That would be kind of you," Jaa'an sent with a smile.

Craig closed his eyes and reached out to his father.

“Hey Dad, um, Saa'an's mom got a message delivered to her tonight, from somebody back home, and she wants to know if you and Mom would mind helping her with it. It's some sort of business thing, and she doesn't know what to do."

“Business, you say?" William asked.

“Yeah. She's got no idea why someone from Terra would be contacting her about a business deal or such," Craig replied.

“Okay, well, other than working on some reports, there's not much going on tonight. Let me ask your mother something."

“Sure, Dad."

A short while later William sent, “Son? Ask Jaa'an if she and Mat'ta would like to have dinner with us tonight. You can bring Saa'an, too, if you'd like."

“Just a sec, Dad." Craig looked at Jaa'an and relayed his father's question to her.

“That is most gracious of your parents. We would, of course, be honored to dine with them," Jaa'an replied with a nod of her head.

Later that evening, after dinner, Jaa'an produced the data crystal with the message from Terra and handed it to Cassandra. Craig's mother put it into the crystal port for the large entertainment screen to make it easier for the seven of them to see, fro. Bren-Khy'an was, as always, with Craig. When the sender's face appeared with the company logo on the wall behind his head, Cassandra's jaw dropped in astonishment.

“Greetings, Ilen-Jaa'an, my name is Alexi Yarinov, and I am the Director of Talent Search at Trend Interstellar. One of our associates in the Photo Department learned of you while researching social media for potential new models for our publication. The corporate office is very interested in discussing generous terms for an exciting career opportunity with Trend Interstellar, including first class accommodations aboard the luxurious star liner, Diamond Royale, from—I hope I'm pronouncing it correctly—Mer Zhen, is it? I look forward to meeting you soon, Ilen-Jaa'an. Give my office a call, and we'll have an all-expense paid trip for you and your immediate family booked on the T.S.S. Diamond Royale to Terra, plus assist with entry visas. Contact info to follow. Sincerely, Alexi Yarinov, Director of Talent Search, Trend Interstellar."

When the recording finished, Jaa'an asked, “What, exactly, does this mean? I do not know this person, or how I could possibly be known to anyone from your world, other than you here at this embassy."

“I can guarantee that no one among the diplomatic staff would ever attempt to set up a business arrangement such as this. We may negotiate between governments, but not individuals," William stated firmly.

“Mr. Yarinov," Cassandra explained to Jaa'an, “works for a very popular and influential media corporation based on our homeworld. They have over sixty billion subscriptions to their publications across most of the Sol Federation of Worlds. It seems that they wish to hire you as a…model."

“What is that?" Jaa'an asked with a confused expression.

Before Cassandra could reply, William suggested, “Honey, maybe it would be better to show her. Doesn't Miss Cantori in Communications keep up with various magazines and such?"

“You know, that's not a bad idea, and I think she might have a copy of that one. I'll ask her."

While his mother was talking to the tech in the Comm Office, Craig got to thinking about the message.

“Dad, would you replay the message from the beginning?"

“Um, sure, just a sec…"

As William replayed the message, Craig watched it intently. Suddenly, he blurted out, “Pause it!" William pressed the Pause key, freezing the face in mid-sentence.

“What is it, son?"

“Back it up a little." When the message started again, Craig said, “Back it up a little more."

“What is it, Craig?" Saa'an asked, growing curious at what Craig thought he saw or heard.

“Right there! Replay that part!" Craig exclaimed, pointing at the screen.

“…researching social media…"

“Oh, geezers!" Craig cried out.

“What is it, son?" William asked with concern, when he paused the playback.

“I think I know how he got your name, shen-ma[[1]](#_ftn1) Ilen," Craig replied, looking at Saa'an's mother.

While it pleased Jaa'an for Craig to think of her as his “almost second mother", she gave a small wave of her hand and prompted, “Continue."

“That holo-photo of us when we went camping. One of my friends back home wanted to know what it was like here, so…I sent him some pictures. I bet he posted them on his Galacti-Comm account, and that person found them while trolling for anything of interest," Craig explained.

“That sounds plausible," William said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. “The thing is, though, is what you want to do about it, Jaa'an."

“I have never ventured away from our world—I would not know how to live on another world," Jaa'an sent, giving her tail a twitch.

The Comm Tech, Miss Cantori, arrived with an issue of Trend Magazine – Interstellar Edition.

“Is this what you needed, Mrs. Nicolini?" she asked, handing a print copy of the publication to Cassandra.

“Yes, thank you, it will do just fine. I'll make sure this finds its way back to your desk," Cassandra replied, taking the copy.

Miss Cantori gave a nod of acknowledgement and then went back to her work.

Cassandra showed Jaa'an, Mat'ta, Saa'an, and Khy'an the magazine, explaining what they saw as she went. It was quite an eye opener for the four Mûr Tua'ansa, seeing the different species represented and how they were dressed.

“These people are given compensation for appearing in this…what did you call it?"

“It's called a 'magazine', and yes, they are. Take this woman for example," Cassandra replied as she pointed to a particular model, “that's R'Hari, she's very popular, and she makes a lot of money."

“What is this…R'Hari?" Mat'ta asked, not quite sure what to make of the alien.

“She's a Keori, from Theta Magellus II," William replied, though when he saw the confused looks on the faces of their guests he added, “'Theta Magellus' is what our astronomers call the star the homeworld of the Keori orbits, and the 'two' means their world is the second planet—if you count from the planet closest to a star and go out from there."

“Ah, your people's designation and not theirs."

“It's easier to pronounce that their name for it, that's for sure," William agreed.

“Geez, Dad, it's not that hard, it's Se'lessis nes-Fasswé," Craig countered with a chuckle.

“Too many 'esses' for me," William said with a shake of his head.

“That is quite a name—do you have some fluency in that language, Craig?" Bren-Khy'an asked, impressed with how easily he seemed to pronounce the world's name.

“Not really," Craig replied. “Me and the guys back home were talking one day and somehow we got to talking about the Keori. Anyway, my friend Denni said that the Keori are related to Élendorians, and that there are some similarities in their languages."

“Denni? Which one is that, hon?" Cassandra asked.

“Yeah. You remember him, Mom—Be'na-sra Den'niwë, the guy who helped me get the ha'nureen," Craig replied.

“Oh, yes, that nice Élendorian musician."

“Yeah, well anyway, Khy'an, Denni taught me how to pronounce the name of the Keori homeworld. I suppose it helps if you speak some Élendi," Craig finished, giving his father a smirky grin.

Bren-Khy'an nodded her head once to Craig, acknowledging his answer, and then looked to Ilen-Jaa'an and asked, “What do you think of this…business offer, Madam Ilen?"

“I still know too little of this type of employment. Although it is an odd thing, if it should be a legitimate offer of employment that will serve to increase the status of House Ilen and sufficiently provide for my family, then it should be considered. Do you agree my beloved?" Jaa'an asked her mate.

“It will, no doubt, be a considerable challenge in unfamiliar lands, though at least the people and their ways are not wholly unfamiliar. Of course, it would be prudent to know more about it, as it would for any such endeavor. If it is found to have worth, then it should be considered," Mat'ta replied, twining his tail around his mate's.

“We can help you learn about modeling as a career field, and we can help you with placing a call back to Terra, if you wish," Cassandra offered.

“That would be acceptable. May we have a short time to embrace in thought on this?" Jaa'an asked, indicating that she and Mat'ta wanted to discuss things between them privately.

“Of course, dear," Cassandra agreed with a gentle smile. “We'll just be in the other room. C'mon, William—you, too, Craig—let's give them their privacy."

“What of me, Mother?" Saa'an inquired, wondering if Jaa'an wished to include her in the sharing, or if it was to be just between her parents.

Jaa'an looked at her youngest and weighed the choices. With a slight wave of her fingers, much as her own mother might, although much more warmly, Jaa'an dismissed Saa'an.

“In time, my child; for now this is still new, and for your father and I to discover our own thoughts together."

Saa'an closed her eyes and bowed in her seat.

“As my Honored Mother wishes."

Craig, Khy'an, and Saa'an went out on the balcony while Saa'an's parents were embraced in thought. They stood quietly looking out over the city.

“Geez, Saa'an…your mom, a model? That would be so weird!"

“That…business…wishes to make images of my mother wearing such clothing?"

“Well, if she decides to take 'em up on it, and if she ends up being good at it, your mom could easily earn way more than all of us and our families together."

Saa'an looked at Craig in surprise.

“You think my mother should do this?"

Craig shrugged his shoulders.

“If she wants to give it a go, then why not? Your mom certainly has the looks for it—I mean, she is kinda…um…hot."

“Craig!!"

“Well…she is! Geez, Saa'an, all of the gals in your family are lookers!" Seeing the way his sa-enwë[[2]](#_ftn2) was looking at him, Craig put his arms around Saa'an's waist and said, “Don't worry, Saa'an, I'm not gonna start chasing your sisters and cousins, geez."

“I will give you to Jnah-Lis'an if you do," Saa'an sent with a mixture of indignation and sarcasm, referring to one of her co-workers.

“Saa'an! She's…eew!" Craig shuddered at the thought.

Bren-Khy'an laughed out loud at Craig's reaction and sent, “Ah, so now we know of at least one female you would not wish to be alone with."

“Yeah, I'd rather wake up next to a K'ratori huntress and find an empty Cana'aran wine jug, than get stuck with Jnah-Lis'an!"

“No doubt due to her 'sweet' personality," Khy'an chuckled.

“Ugh, she's got a personality that could corrode ceramsteel!"

“I will remind you of that from time to time, my na-enwë," Saa'an sent with a little smirk.

“Aw geezers, Saa'an, how do you think I'm going to feel with tons of guys looking at you?"

“What do you mean?"

Craig gave Saa'an an exasperated look and said, “Duh, you look a lot like your mom! If she takes that job and ends up becoming a famous model, you're going to be mistaken for her, and guys are going to be gawking at you."

“How can anyone mistake me for my mother? Our markings are different."

“Saa'an, most people aren't going to pay that much attention—they'll just see the same kind of black markings. Besides, your facial markings are the same as all the gals on your mom's side of the family and you also have a nearly identical heart shaped marking right…there…," Craig explained, touching the spot for emphasis.

“He does have a point, Saa'an. You do have more than a passing resemblance to your mother, and you cannot assume that other races will see and process the meaning of our markings as we do," Khy'an pointed out.

Saa'an stood quietly looking out over the city, thinking about what Craig and Khy'an had said. After a minute or so, she looked up to the stars and contemplated what kind of life she and Craig might have until she felt Craig's touch on her arm.

“Saa'an?"

“Yes?"

“Um, time to go back in."

When Craig, Saa'an, and Khy'an walked into the sitting room, his parents were already seated. Craig and Saa'an took their previous seats with Khy'an remaining standing behind and between them. Saa'an, sitting straight and formal in her seat, looked expectantly to her mother.

Jaa'an smiled.

“With you father's help, I have decided—I will inquire into this offer of employment and hear what they have to say, though I will do so with a counselor from the Legal Circle in attendance."

“And if their offer is acceptable?" Saa'an asked.

“Then we shall have more to decide upon. I will not go into this haphazardly, my child, even if there should be a time limit imposed."

“If it ultimately comes to you accepting a position on Terra, then what of the rest of the family?"

“That will depend on many things, all of which will be dealt with in time. We do not yet know what the offer is, Saa'an—do you not have to first start your Tal'esna Je-mah before you can engage its drive?"

Saa'an hung her head and quietly said, “Yes."

“Then it is so with this, my child. The queth-sliat flows downstream, touching each stone in its turn along the way."

“As I am reminded, Honored Mother." Saa'an sent quietly.

Jaa'an watched her daughter for a moment and then smiled gently.

“I have made one decision, however, that I wish to announce—this time being as good as another," Jaa'an spoke aloud, which immediately go everyone's attention. She rose from her seat, as did her mate, and called Saa'an and Craig to her while holding her hands out to them.

Giving a quick glance to each other, Saa'an and Craig got up and stood before Jaa'an and Mat'ta. Jaa'an grasped the hands of both young adults.

“I have decided to give my blessing if it is your desire to be paired. Obtaining that of your Honored Grandmother, Saa'an, may take some effort on all our parts. However, I believe that my sisters will side with me, and with hope, your Honored Grandmother will allow your pairing."

Craig and Saa'an both broke into broad grins and hugged each other tightly.

Holding up one hand, Jaa'an asked, “Cassandra Nicolini, if it is the wish of my Fourth Daughter and your First Son to be paired, would you and your mate agree to it?"

Cassandra looked at William and gave a nod of her head; William, in turn, looked at his wife and nodded. They both stood.

“If our son and your daughter wish to be together, then they of course have our blessing!" Cassandra said joyfully.

“Then we are in agreement, pending final approval of Ilen-Ada'an, Head of House Ilen," Jaa'an announced. Turning to Craig, Jaa'an leaned down enough to take his hands into hers.

“Craig Nicolini of House Nicolini, I accept you as my Fourth Daughter's na'in-suanthë[[3]](#_ftn3).

* * * * *

It took some doing, but eventually Ilen-Jaa'an, her four older sisters, Cassandra and William, Tsel-Vsa'an—Ami'an's grandmother, and Tsal-Asa'an were able to persuade the elderly Ilen-Ada'an to allow Saa'an and Craig to become paired according to Mûr Tua'ansa customs and traditions. The ceremony was simple and short, mostly a formality, really. It was held in the embassy's garden at local midnight, on the third night of the third ærfa of the third cycle of nan-Raleen, of Imperial Year One Hundred Nineteen Thousand Five Hundred Six.

On another matter, Ilen-Jaa'an did call the office of Mr. Alexi Yarinov at Trend Interstellar, and after some negotiating she came to an agreement that was acceptable to both parties. Given the distance to Mûr Zhæn, it would take several weeks for the luxury starliner Diamond Royale to arrive. Dnan-Mat'ta secured a special extended leave of absence from his reserve duty post in the military so that he could accompany his mate to Terra. Ilen-Kaa'an elected to stay on Mû Zhæn with her family, which was understandable, given the tender age of little Ava'an.

Ilen-Saa'an moved in with Craig at the Terran embassy, and was given the proper clearances to use the landing pad and parking bay for her Tal'esna Je-mah. Tsel-Ami'an became a regular at the embassy, and would frequently bring her grandmother who was quite adept as a storyteller. Tsel-Vsa-an learned Terran Standard English, and then told the stories of the Khea so that they could be recorded for a media program. The program itself proved to be wildly popular among populations in the Sol Federation of Worlds that valued the art of storytelling.

* * * * *

The sun was coming up over the horizon when Craig poured Khy'an a second cup of tea. They continued their custom of relaxing and talking before bed after Craig and Saa'an were officially paired, all the way up to the time when the original embassy personnel finished their rotation and returned to Terra. Often Saa'an would join them for at least one cup of tea, though this morning she had retired early after having had a rather trying night at work.

“You are quiet this morning."

“Huh? Oh, just thinking."

“About…?"

Craig took a drink of his tea and let out a little sigh.

“Going home."

Khy'an gave Craig a sideways glance.

“That is still a ways off."

“Yeah, about a year or so, I guess."

“You are looking forward to it, yes?"

Craig thought on that for a bit.

“I…um…geez, I don't know. It's a lot more complicated now."

Khy'an leaned back and put her arm across the back of the couch, resting her hand on Craig's shoulder.

“You are divided between your world and ours, yes?"

“Yeah, something like that."

Khy'an easily sensed the conflict Craig felt—part of him wanted to go home, and part wanted to remain on Mûr Zhæn. She had heard from other members of the Imperial Guard who came from the colony worlds to serve on Mûr Zhæn that when it was time to rotate back home, they felt a similar conflict. Craig's birth world was Terra, and it would forever be his true home. However, he had fallen in love not only with Saa'an, but also with Mûr Zhæn itself. Khy'an pulled Craig towards her so that his shoulder as against her side.

“You have changed much since we first met."

“I suppose. You're changed some, too."

Khy'an looked down at Craig and smiled wryly.

“You have made me consider things that I had not thought possible."

Craig looked up and asked, “Such as?"

Khy'an glanced over at the bedroom door for a moment, and then closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she met Craig's gaze.

“If Saa'an had not marked you, I…," she trailed off, not wanting to admit what she felt.

Craig knew, though, and he reached up to touch Khy'an's cheek.

“I know. I…that would have been…acceptable," Craig said with a warm smile.

Khy'an smiled back and placed her hand on top of his that was touching her cheek, and after a moment, she moved his hand to her chest over her sternum.

“You will always be…here."

Craig understood what Khy'an was telling him, in her own way. It didn't make things any easier knowing what it had cost her to come to this point. Bren-Khy'an, Imperial Guard First Grade of the fearsome Che'maht Sahn'rah, elite warrior charged to protect the Empress at all costs, had—against all her conditioning—fallen in love with him. There was, sadly, nothing that could be done—Ilen-Saa'an had claimed Craig as her mate before Bren-Khy'an could in the manner of their people. No law or decree could overcome the biological imperative of the Mûr Tua'ansa mating drive. Among these people, there was no concept of divorce, or of multiple joinings. Once a female marked a male, he was hers until he died, and so Craig would be Saa'an's mate until death released him—only then could Saa'an take another male. It was the way of things, and Craig understood that, too. Being a Terran gave Craig the ability to share the love he felt. That he loved Ilen-Saa'an, there was no doubt, but he also loved Bren-Khy'an and Tsel-Ami'an, too.

Lifting Khy'an's other hand and placing it over his own heart, Craig opened up to Khy'an.

“Khy…"

Bren-Khy'an's eyes widened briefly at Craig's use of only the first part of her given name. That was allowed only by one's mate in private and was strictly taboo in all other circumstances, and Craig knew this. Khy'an, however, closed her eyes and held Craig close, choosing instead to accept it as Craig and intended—if things had been different, he would be hers.

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[[1]](#_ftnref1) Shen-ma – an honorific used by a young male to address his intended's mother.

[[2]](#_ftnref2) Sa-enwë – the female counterpart of na-enwë

[[3]](#_ftnref3) Na'in-suanthë – a daughter's mate; son-in-law.

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(On to Chapter 12 https://www.sofurry.com/view/1149221)