From her new room in Thelios Arakna’s stately home, Starlex had watched the single moon go through its monthly cycle as she felt the child within her grow. For now, her slender frame and loose gowns Thelios had generously bought her, hid the truth of her condition. But she would not be able to hide it for long.

  Each day, as she and Thelios became closer, and he showed her more of his world, from the special herbs he grew in his garden to treat almost any ailment, to the books and scrolls in his large private library, Starlex absorbed all of it with the thirst of a pupil.

  “I want to know more about you,” Thelios said.

  “But I’ve told you everything,” Starlex said, sipping the tea made of spicy cloves and saffron. Her gaze shifted to the carpet with its geometric patterns woven with colorful silk threads.

  Thelios stared at her until she was forced to meet his dark gaze. “You haven’t told me about the child you are carrying.”

  Starlex’s felt the color rise in her cheeks.

  “Do not be ashamed,” Thelios said with a sigh. “You are not responsible for what happened to you in that infernal brothel. I am sorry if this is the result, my dear.” His cool large hand folded over hers in a gesture of pity. “I do have herbs that will take care of it.”

  “You don’t understand,” Starlex said with a sudden surge of pride. “No one violated me in that brothel. I am fortunate that every man who entered there found me repulsive.”

  “Indeed,” said Thelios. His dark eyes bore into her with skepticism. “Go on.”

  “This child,” she said, cradling her belly though the pleats in her linen gown, “is mine and Bonn Skaard’s.”

  Thelios arched a white eyebrow. “And who is Bonn Skaard?”

  Starlex sighed sadly. “My husband.” She stood and walked across the library to a brass spyglass and absently rotated it on its pedestal. “I heard him call my name as I passed through the God Gate. I know he has to be here on the Blue Planet.”

  “Blue Planet?” laughed Thelios. “Is that what they call it in Ardelym?”

  “Yes, why? What do you call it?”

  He sighed and placed down the empty cup. Moving slowly toward her, his white robes trailing on the tiled floor, he said, “We call it the world because we know no other, especially the citizens of Hépnisha, most of whom never traveled beyond her gates. Ignorance is a comfort, Starlex.” He was behind her now. She felt the heat from his body, but no lust which gave her comfort. “You are a very special lady,” he said. “But most, if not all, of the citizens of this world will not see you in that light. And I...” Holding her by the shoulders, he turned her to face him. “I can’t protect you forever. Eventually, they will come for you,” his gaze ran down her body and then returned to her face, “and your child.”

  She made a quick intake of breath. “I know that,” she said, nodding. “But there has to be some way.” Her hand found his forearm and gripped tightly. “Please help me find my husband. Together he and I will leave this city, eke out some existence in the wilderness if that’s possible. I know I can’t make it alone, but with him—“

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Thelios sighed. “When I first saw you standing in my garden, I thought now there is a woman I could fall in love with. And I didn’t think I could ever feel that way again. But I now see you could never love me.”

  “Please,” she whispered.

  He lifted a long finger and pressed it cooly against her lips. “Do not worry. Despite my bruised pride, I will help you, only because you fascinate me. Perhaps, if we are unable to locate your husband, you will find a way to love me, but—” he shrugged and turned away, “that is an old fool’s hope. But now,” his tone of voice shifted from romantic to analytical, “we must come up with a plan.” He gently brushed past her to gaze step out on the balcony facing the garden. Chimes tinkled in the soft morning breeze; a perfumed cloud of herbs and florals wafted up to greet them. He leaned on the iron railing and gazed out at the sunny garden lost in thought.

  A ray of insight lit his forehead as he turned to her and said, “Hiding you is a mistake.”

  Starlex stepped out of the shaded room to enter the warm sunlight. “But you said the people will tear me apart if they have the chance.”

  “The people, yes. The king, no.”

  “The King?” she gasped. She had known enough rulers in her life to feel awe and fear. Her mind flashed instantly to his sister Hyperia and shuddered.

  “You’re not fond of royalty I assume?” asked Thelios with a raised eyebrow.

  “Not exactly,” replied Starlex honestly. “But why do you think the King would accept me?”

  “Because King Sabium Saganuh is dying, frankly,” Thelios announced, blinking in the bright sunlight. “As his personal magician, I’ve been able to keep him alive for many years despite his incurable ailments. He’s a difficult and eccentric man, and a desperate one I’m afraid.

  “What is wrong with him?” asked Starlex. She could only imagine rulers as healthy and strong as Scipio Davadas had been.

  “An inherited illness, I’m afraid. Royal family lines are particularly susceptible because they’d had, throughout history, an unfortunate habit of marrying their sisters.”

  “Oh,” Starlex said with a shudder. “Is King Sabium married to his sister?”

  Thelios laughed and said, “No. But she is another character.”

  “The sister?”

  “Yes, the beautiful Esmeralda Saganah. While her older brother falters, she remains the picture of health in her sister city, Madárah. That’s a fortnight's journey away, but even at a distance, she is counting each of her brother’s breaths. When he dies she will be the queen of what we call our world.” Thelios spread his arms wide so that the sleeves of his white robe appeared like wings. “I think his hatred of her is the only thing keeping the king alive.”

  “She sounds dreadful,” said Starlex, thinking suddenly of her own sister, Hyperia.

  “Dreadful and very beautiful,” said Thelios. “And also a very powerful witch.” He turned his back on the sunlight and his face darkened. “I taught her everything she knows. And after I had shown all the mysteries I possessed she tried to have me murdered.”

  Starlex’s violet eyes widened.

  “The king protected me and here I am,” he smiled sadly.

  Starlex gazed at him intently. “But there is more to the story. I think, if you forgive my boldness, I think you were in love with this Esmeralda.”

  Thelios sighed deeply. “You guessed correctly, my intuitive Ardelymian princess. I couldn’t resist that bountiful body nor those emerald eyes. I guess I have a weakness for beautiful witches.”

  He turned and took Starlex in his arms. His gesture was warm and fatherly.

  “But I am no witch, sir,” Starlex said.

  “Ah, but you only see yourself as a simple and kind, a loving being. Perhaps you will let me teach you that you are so much more.”

  Thelios reluctantly let Starlex's silver strands slip through his fingers. The hem of his long robe cut the air as he turned and ducked into the library. He seemed renewed with a surge of energy suddenly. “We’ve been stuck inside for weeks. What do you say about going on an adventure today?”

  Starlex followed him inside the library. Her skin instantly cooled from the absence of sun and also fear. “But won’t the citizens want to kill me?”

  “Perhaps,” he said, with a shrug, “But I will hide you well. Your education is not complete and I must prepare you if you are to meet the king. Come along,” he said with a cold snap of his long fingers.

  Starlex felt she had no choice but to agree.