Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

I still do not understand why I cannot take a second husband, Yusra repeated irritably. Because, the Queen Mother Eniola sighed, fussing over her outfit, the Hyadeans don't. That has no impact on our customs, she argued, not for the first time. What sort of a message would it send to our people if I sublimated our customs to theirs? It would indicate that we lost , that there was no compromise, no peace, we lost and we are trying to save face. She looked at Eniola sharply. Is that what happened? Of course not, Queen Consort Belakane cooed, working a small amount of coconut oil into her daughter's edges. She sensed Yusra getting irritated with the two older women fussing over her, but things had to go well this evening. The scarification ritual was an important part of their marriage a poor ritual would be an inauspicious start, and tongues would wag. And I don't see why everyone else is so insistent upon our values and our customs bowing in supplication before the mzungu heathens. Because it is what your father would have wanted, Eniola insisted, ignoring her co-wife and trying a flower on Yusra's dress, then deciding against it. Her father would never have agreed to this false peace to begin with, Belakane snapped. It was rare when the women disagreed in front of their children, and always made all three siblings uncomfortable whenever it happened. It was like watching a grown man cry. Anyway, it does not matter. Maybe if you're subtle about it, nobody will care. I cannot imagine the Hydeans don't have affairs look at your brother-in-law. That cannot have been an anomaly in the entire history of their empire. Indeed. Look at your brother-in-law. The two exchanged looks and grins, and even Yusra had to giggle. They think it incest, she mentioned. Then it is a good thing we don't, her mother said pointedly, putting finishing touches on the princess's makeup. There. You're ready. Now go out there and remind them why you are worthy of being their queen. She tilted her head, giving her a meaningful look, and kissed her forehead. My girl. Eniola took a deep breath then let it out, smiling and putting her hands on Yusra's shoulders. May you have the strength of the thousand women before you. And remember, she leaned in, smiling, your father is the one who cried. Twice, Belakane added, laughing. The drums were hypnotic and the dancers seemed lost in a trance, not acknowledging their princess as she emerged from the palace , stepping across stones which seemed to float on top of a pool and crossing into a courtyard in a different corner of the palace. It was one of the more intimate, private courtyards, but the entire way was lined with revelers. Her intended, she knew, was approaching at the same time from another part of the palace, greeted by the same exaltation and flanked by two of his closest friends there for both moral support and jubilation in his good fortune. Following Yusra were Bomani and her mother. Finally, they approached one another from across the courtyard. You must be certain, Gatimu said auspiciously, acting as officiant while practiced shamen stood by silently and solemnly, that you are ready to commit to one another. Scarification is for life it symbolizes your eternal commitment, your eternal love. Yusra's fist clenched when she heard the mirth in his voice, but she said nothing. These marks will follow you for the rest of your lives. Princess Yusra? I am certain. Her eyes didn't leave her fiance's, her eyes hard and determined. Gatimu's speech was strictly ceremonial, as was their acceptance of this. Everyone was aware that neither of them were certain about this at all, but that they had no choice. The drums kept up their hypnotic tempo and the revelers continued dancing around the bonfires on either end of the courtyard. Prince John? The chief looked at the mzungu intruder, the likes of whom had not been seen on this planet in several generations. He waited for the prince's confirmation before nodding. Then take your places. Yusra untied the tie on her dress, letting it fall and disrobing completely before stepping into the fire pit between them. They would each sit on the edge of the pit with their bare feet in the ashes of the fires which had come before, rooting themselves in the love and dedication of the royal couples who had come before them, for more than a thousand years since the first colonizers had come to this planet. The princess sat straight-backed, her face painted in the traditional way as she all but stared John down. Once he had taken his place Gatimu offered him a drink which smelled almost like rocket fuel, 'to dull the pain' and provide a distraction. Regardless of his choice, Yusra gently refused to have her senses dulled. Instead she held out her hands to her fiance and worked hard not to squeeze too aggressively as the process began. Last edited Aug 27, 2018