Page 4 of Varro's Human Bride
Julie gulped. Today was her wedding day. In minutes, she would meet Varro and they would receive a blessing from the elderly Tarrkuan priests in a massive building in the center of Ashorr. The guards had explained all this to the women several times already, but even though she knew exactly what was about to happen, the nervousness in the pit of her stomach still deepened. She’d never felt more anxious in her life.
The women formed a line and filed out of the common room. Julie and Beth ended up near the middle, each holding a suitcase as they disembarked the huge spaceship on which they’d spent the last six weeks.
“I’m glad we landed during daylight,” Beth whispered as they emerged into the open air.
“Me too. Holy…wow.” Julie felt her eyes grow wide and she paused on the ramp to stare open-mouthed at the most beautiful landscape she’d ever seen. The capital city itself was magnificent, with tall, sleek buildings, as well as smaller houses, many with rooftop gardens. The city was almost as lush as the surrounding forest, with trees and other vegetation growing thickly between structures. Most of the houses were painted a vivid green shade, though some were constructed of gray stone.
Beyond the city rested an endless expanse of rolling green hills, deep lush valleys, and towering mountains that kissed the bright blue sky. She spotted several lakes as well and wondered what it might be like to dip her toes in the water. Excitement spiraled through her.
She resumed walking after a gentle prompt from Beth and took in every detail of the wonderous world she’d just landed on as she traveled further down the ramp. Finally, they reached a walkway that descended into the city.
Please let my plan work, she prayed.
Please don’t let this be a terrible mistake.
Chapter 4
Varro’s entire family stood at the gates, ready to see him off. TheZenalliahad landed only moments ago, the large ship circling Ashorr several times in a show of Tarrkuan strength before finally landing on a platform outside the city.
“Is it true your new wife will be completely human?” Yossa asked, rushing up to Varro’s side.
Varro placed a hand on his little nephew’s shoulder and smiled down at the boy. “It is true.”
“I have never spoken to a full human from Earth before,” the boy said, “though I’ve glimpsed some of them when Father takes me into town with him. Do you think she could teach me some of the Earth tongues? I would like to learn to speak as many Earth languages as I can.” Yossa puffed up with pride. “I also want to go to the asteroid mines just like you, Uncle, and earn my human bride.”
Varro couldn’t help but smile down at his nephew. Though he knew he shouldn’t choose favorites from amongst his nephews and nieces, he enjoyed Yossa’s company very much and the child had been his constant shadow ever since Varro had returned from the mining operation.
“Perhaps you could help my bride become more fluent in our dialect of Tarrkuan and in return she can help you learn the Earth tongues she knows.” Though Varro hadn’t met Caylee yet, he sincerely hoped she liked children and would be amiable to such an exchange of knowledge. And while he supposed she was probably already fluent in all dialects of Tarrkuan, as the human females selected to become Tarrkuan brides were taught his tongue before leaving Earth, he did not wish to dampen Yossa’s enthusiasm by pointing out that fact.
“I would like that, Uncle. I cannot wait to meet her.”
Yossa’s parents stepped up behind him. His mother, a half-human half-Tarrkuan named Erriss, ruffled his hair with a grin. Though she wasn’t completely human, she looked like a full-blooded Tarrkuan with dark blue skin and pitch-black hair. The only hint that she might not be a full blood was her petite stature, though it wasn’t unheard of for a full blooded Tarrkuan female to only reach her height. Yossa’s father, Kallem—Varro’s youngest brother—placed an arm around Erriss and grinned down at the boy.
“I am certain Varro’s human female will enjoy getting to know you, Yossa, but you must allow your uncle and his new bride time alone for several days after he brings her home. They are complete strangers and will need adequate time to get to know one another. You must promise not to show up at their house uninvited,” Kallem said.
“I promise,” the boy said with a disappointed sigh.
“In a few days, Caylee and I will meet all of you at the celebration feast for our marriage at your grandparents’ house,” Varro said, his gaze sweeping over both his brothers, their wives, his four nephews and three nieces, as well as his parents.
Yossa brightened at the prospect and nodded eagerly in approval.
“Good luck, Varro,heirto House Rantholl,” Araggos said in a formal tone, putting an emphasis on the word heir.
As if Varro didn’t already know he was the oldest son and the eventual Head of House Rantholl. He swallowed hard and met his father’s cold stare. Varro’s mother stood beside Araggos, her head lowered slightly, a sign of respect while in the presence of her husband, though there was a kindness in her eyes and a softness in her countenance that bespoke her support for Varro as their gazes met. Though she would never undermine Araggos and voice her acceptance of Varro’s decision to go off to the asteroid mines, Varro sensed her approval and he appreciated her support.
Varro’s younger brother, Gnoss, stepped forward with his wife, Remani, who also happened to be Erriss’s younger sister, and the couple wished him good luck while their children stood in the background watching with eager faces. No doubt they were curious about the human Varro was about to bring back to the compound, but they had more self-control than their talkative and energetic cousin, Yossa. Varro walked down the line of his gathered family members, making sure to pat each of his nephews and nieces on the shoulder as he strolled by.
Once he reached the end of the line, he headed for the gates, which opened upon his approach. He exited the compound and heard the gates close behind him with a gentle thud. A servant was waiting a short walk away in a hover transport. Varro approached the craft and stepped inside. Though he much preferred walking or running to the capital city, the hover transport would be a more acceptable mode of transport for his bride. From what he knew of humans, they couldn’t run as fast or for as long as Tarrkuans. He had no desire to exhaust his new wife before they even arrived at the compound.
At the thought of exhausting Caylee, his blood heated unexpectedly. Though he still felt he was rushing to take a bride too soon—he could not help but continue to grieve over the loss of Bersenna—he found himself looking forward to meeting his human and taking her into his bedroom. The customs of his people dictated he must claim her immediately after the marriage blessing. A Tarrkuan male did not wait to claim his bride. It simply was unheard of. Despite Varro not feeling completely ready to move on after Bersenna’s betrayal, he would not allow Caylee to sleep tonight until he’d claimed her at least twice.
She was to be his wife. As the oldest son of House Rantholl, Varro had an obligation to get her with child as quickly as possible. If Varro failed to have a son, the line of succession would pass to Gnoss. Varro would still be permitted to live in the family compound, but he would live in shame for the rest of his life. He would no longer hold a vote in Parliament and his entire existence would become fleeting and meaningless.
Fluxx.
Though he would never dare voice such thoughts aloud, he despised the pressure that was placed upon him as an eldest son. His father had always been harder on him than Kallem and Gnoss. And, while Varro had claimed that he joined an asteroid mining operation, rather than marry Bersenna the moment he reached adulthood, because he’d felt it was the honorable thing to do, the truth was much more complicated than that. There was a part of him that had left Tarrkua for the asteroid mines because he’d been angry.
Angry at his father.
