Series: Story of Bue and Norena; this is a continuation of the story Tamere.
Theme: Drama/Romance
Characters: John Sheppard & Teyla Emmagan
Rating/Warning: PG-13/Mild Violence
Summary: Teyla receives a gift that sheds light on a disturbing mystery and sendsher on a journey of hope, love and retribution.
Note: Manipulations of Bue and Norena can be seen at devinem27 dot livejournal dot com .
A Gift of Meaning
Bue's rage was uncontrollable. He could feel Norena's nails clawing at his hands as they tightened around her neck. A burning pain spread through his side. He glanced down and saw a pool of his own blood.
John opened his eyes and stared down at the pillow clenched in his hands. He glanced over to see if he had disturbed Teyla's slumber and climbed out of the bed. John headed for the balcony, but the sounds coming from the connecting room changed his direction. He went into the nursery and smiled at his son who was happily playing with his feet. John Tagan Sheppard, also known as JT, lay contently in his crib. At the sight of his father, he cried out in excitement.
"Ssshhh."
John caressed JT's chubby cheek.
"We have to be quiet. Mommy's still sleeping."
He watched as the baby turned his attention back to his feet and continued to play.
John sighed. They were getting worse, the dreams. Actually, the dreams were always the same, but now he was beginning to act out the events. Last month, he'd awoken standing in the doorway while yelling for Norena. Two weeks ago, he'd awoken standing over Teyla while she slept and tonight….tonight it had nearly happened. Just a few more inches and it would have been Teyla's neck, instead of the pillow. John silently swore. It was too close.
Teyla gently paced a hand on John's shoulder. He was so deep in thought that he hadn't heard her enter the room.
"Are you okay?"
John looked over his shoulder.
"Yes, I heard the baby and came to check on him."
Teyla glanced into the crib and smiled.
"He appears to be fine. Are you coming back to bed?"
John nodded, but didn't answer. He was staring off into the darkness. Teyla sighed and rested her cheek on his shoulder. She knew that he'd had another dream, she could tell by the worry in his eyes. Her only hope was that soon the worry would be gone and that they would be free to enjoy their new family.
It had been nearly a year ago, their mission to Tamere, but the events that took place then carried heavy consequences even to this day. Being possessed by the spirits of King Bue and Queen Norena, the long journey home on the Daedelus, becoming pregnant, marrying John, it had all seamed like a dream; a dream that was quickly turning into a nightmare. During the possession, in a desperate attempt to reach John's consciousness, Dr. Kate Heightmeyer had unknowing triggered a suppressed memory of King Bue murdering Queen Norena. Why the king would do such a thing was a mystery to all; his love for his wife was well known. How to suppress or remove the violent memory was also a mystery. Nothing that Kate tried seemed to work and now she was taking them back to Tamere as part of John's treatment. Teyla had mixed feelings about returning to the planet. Instinct told her that the answer to their problem lay there, but not for the reasons that Kate believed. She'd also noticed that the closer the date came to anniversary of Bue and Norena's murder, the more frequently John had the dream and the more violent his actions became. Even being told that they would return to Tamere, seemed to aggravate the situation. Something was going to happen. She could feel it. Teyla knew that in three days time the anniversary would be upon them and she would do everything within her power to protect her family.
Their arrival into the city and settlement into their quarters were uneventful. Kane, the Keeper of Tamere and Erwin, his assistant, had ensured that all would be ready for their guests. John, Teyla, Ronon and Rodney were all familiar with the city and Manor, but Kate and Carson readily agreed when they were offered a tour. It was an hour or so after their arrival that Kane found Teyla with JT in the gardens. He listened as she told the infant the story of the king and queen who once lived in the Manor. Teyla's version of the story ended happily, but the expression on her face told quite a different tale. Kane chose that moment to make his presence known.
"Teyla."
She glanced up and smiled.
"My I?"
Kane gestured to the seat on the bench next to her. Teyla nodded.
"Of course."
Kane settled next to her and smiled at John Tagan.
"He is beautiful."
Teyla grinned.
"Thank you."
"There is much of John in his features, but he has your smile."
Kane looked at Teyla.
"Major Lorne told me of the birth of your son and I have thought, for some time, on what would be an appropriate gift to give."
Teyla's brow knotted.
"Kane, you don't have to give us a gift. We know that you wish us well and are happy for us. That is enough."
Kane nodded.
"I know, but it has been on my heart that I give you something. Not just any gift, but something of meaning, of value to both me and to you. That is why I have decided to give you this."
Kane held out something wrapped in purple silk. It was square in shape and a couple of inches thick. Teyla placed JT in his carrier, which sat on the ground and took Kane's offering.
"Thank you."
She removed the silk to reveal a diary. Teyla glanced at Kane in question. He smiled.
"It was Norena's."
Teyla's surprise and curiosity were evident, but she refused the gift.
"I can't take this. It belongs here with you and your people. It's apart of your history."
Kane shook his head.
"It does nothing, but sit and collect dust. At least in your care it will be read, cherished."
Teyla stared at the book. She very much wanted to know what was in it, but she knew that she couldn't accept the gift.
"I can not keep your gift, but while I am here it would please me very much to read it."
Kane smiled.
"That is acceptable."
Teyla returned to her room and put JT down for his nap. She spent the remainder of the morning reading about Norena's childhood, her family and her home planet. It was a good life, though somewhat sheltered, filled with love, happiness, and privilege. Norena, the child, was a bit of a tomboy; a wild and carefree spirit. Norena, the young woman, was a cultured, sensible and dutiful daughter, who shared a wry sense of humor with her sisters. Teyla moved into a more comfortable and turned to the next page. Her eyes widened as she read the words. Disjointed memories floated across her mind, but eluded her grasp. With an odd sense of déjà vu, she continued reading:
"I've attended many parties on Jensia, but this was to be my first 'official' ball in Commerce society. It was to take place on Southia, the capital planet of the Commerce, a place which I have never visited. Truthfully, I'm not very excited about this anniversary event, but as my father's youngest child and due to being 'ready' to be presented to society, I guess I can suffer through one week of boredom.
Why the Commerce felt a need to enforce a dress code, I would never understand. I much prefer the long flowing robes of my home planet, then the big bulky gowns of Southia. They were very pretty, but not very sensible. The gown I've chosen is very simple; white, strapless, with a rose detail angled down the front. This was something of a tradition, carried over from my mother's side of the family. When first presented to society, the Dor daughters wore white and very little makeup. It showcased their beauty, for which they were well known, and poked a little fun at the ridiculousness of all the hoopla that took place. So, as the daughter of a Dor daughter, I will do my duty….."
The Ball…..
It was the eve of the third full moon and all of the great houses of The Southurian Planetary Trading Commerce were gathered together for its annual celebration. Many had come from the farthest regions of the solar system to participate in this week long event. It was a time of great opportunity; where friends were met, alliances were made and contracts of marriage were negotiated. The families of royalty, statesmen and official representatives from over thirty planets mingled in the ballroom of Southia Hall; the Commerce's capital building. The crush was impressive; worthy of mention in the data burst that would be broadcasted early tomorrow morning. Many reveled in the finery, exotic foods and dancing, some in political debate or games of chance, while others enjoyed the more sensual entertainment provided by the celebration.
She was delicious. He sighed and deepened the kiss to further explore the contours of Ina's mouth. She tasted of strawberries and cream, with a hint of honey and something else that he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was a very pleasant surprise. When she had first approached him, he'd assumed that she was another spoiled debutante who enjoyed flirting with dangerous men to get attention from her parents, but the inexperience of the woman in his arms said otherwise. She'd been kissed before, that was obvious, but not enough to where she could immediately relax in a man's arms. Also, he'd had to hold her in place or she would have bolted; another sign of inexperience. Slowly, he pulled back, ending the kiss and gazed down into a pair of almond shaped eyes. Shifting to his right, he allowed the moonlight to caress her face. She was a petite little thing and she was exquisite, but she wasn't Ina.
She watched her assailant closely. He was handsome, he was even a good kisser, but that didn't give him the right to accost young ladies on the balcony. He grinned. "
Hello."
Clearing her voice, she replied.
"Hello."
The grinned grew wider.
"Are you going to scream?"
She arched a brow.
"Do you intend me any harm?"
He shook his head.
"No."
"Then why make an unnecessary commotion?"
He laughed.
"You're a wise little kitten."
Her eyes widened as he leaned in for another kiss. Suddenly, she pulled away and quickly ran through the balcony doors. She didn't look back, she didn't get a chance. In her rush to get indoors she nearly ran over her sister.
"Hey, watch where you're going!"
She sighed in relief.
"Sorry, were you looking for me?"
Lorene frowned.
"Yes, Mama wasn't feeling well, so she and Papa have retired. Sara and Alec left thirty minutes ago and Chan has just gone to fetch my wrap. It's time for you to go to bed little one, but first you have to take a picture. Moma would never forgive you if you forget to take a photo from your first official ball. Come on."
She pulled a face, but Lorene ignored her and led the way to the photographer.
Gazing out into the darkness, he recounted the last five minutes in his mind. There was nothing that he would have done differently, except perhaps to ask her name. He licked his lips, remembering the taste and feel of hers. She had surprised him, something anyone rarely did and he admitted to himself that he was curious. Who was she? Where had she come from? He smiled. Would she act differently when she found out who he was? Smothering another smile, he returned to the ballroom. A quick look around showed his friend Theo standing near the refreshment table. Snagging a glass of wine from a passing waiter, he stopped to see what so aptly held his friend's attention.
"Who is that?"
Theolus Vine, Price of the Lotimes turned to Bue Wylan, King of Tamera and grinned.
"That, my dear boy, is Norena Vature, the youngest daughter of Councilman Dell and Lady Ceola Vature of Jensia."
Both men turned to watch as the young woman sat for her picture. Theo sighed into his glass.
"Beautiful, isn't she?"
Bue studied her face intently; there was no doubt of her beauty. He slowly smiled as the almond shaped eyes suddenly shifted and locked with his own.
"Yes, she is."
"…….the odd thing was, that after a night of dealing with inept dance partners, spoiled debutantes and the overbearing sons of royalty and other diplomats, my kissing bandit was a pleasant surprise. What a shame, that I'll never know his identity…….."
The Games…..
Norena sat on the lower level of seats with her sisters; Sara and Lorene. Their husbands had escorted them to the Jensian seating area before going off to find entertainment elsewhere. Behind them sat their father and mother on the upper platform. They, like the other families, were gathered to enjoy the day's festivities. First, there would be a reenactment of the Battle of June, which had occurred some eight hundred years ago. It was said to have laid the foundation on which the Commerce was built. Second, would be a contest in which the best warriors of each planet would compete and lastly, general entertainment would be provided via music, magic, and dance.
"Rena."
Sara touched her arm.
"Do you see the man in the black leather? His helmet has a silver mane."
Norena nodded. She'd been watching the contest along with the others and the warrior of which her sister spoke was a favorite with the crowd and very skilled. He and his men were winning.
"That's King Bue of Tamera. His palace sits in the planet's capital city, Tamere."
Norena looked out at the arena as King Bue did away with another of his opponents. It appeared that his men would win this round as well, thus ending the games. Lorene leaned over Sara.
"Do you remember the scandal with Lady Pura? They say that he is the father, though she would never give a name. They also say he keeps a harem in his gigantic palace and that it's so large that one time, when a concubine tried to escape, she was lost for days and nearly died of hunger."
Sara turned to Lorene and frowned.
"Lori! Where did you hear such an outrageous story?"
Norena rolled her eyes. There were rumors and then there was the ridiculous, which Lorene tended to favor. Her thoughts were interrupted by the crowds cheer. King Bue and his men had won. She watched as they regrouped in the center of the arena. Once in formation, they waited as each of the other team captains congratulated King Bue. Sir Corren, Chairman of the Commerce, followed the last captain. After a quick speech, he awarded each of Bue's men with a golden medallion. Once completed, Sir Corren and King Bue led the men out of the arena. Norena had just excused herself and stood as they walked past the Jensian seating area. Her movement must have caught their attention because King Bue paused to remove the helmet that covered his head and upper face. He glanced up at Norena and gave her a smile and a wink, before exiting the field.
By the gods! The most notorious rogue of the Commerce had just smiled and winked at her in front of the whole world. Why? Why of all the people in this galaxy, did he have to be King Bue? Norena sighed. Well, that explained things. Why else would a man kiss a strange woman on a balcony unless he was a rake? And thank the gods she'd never mentioned it to Lorene. As it was her family was going to hound her with questions as soon as they had a moment of privacy. She'd taken one look at the surprise on their faces and had bolted. Her day was ruined. Norena had hoped to spend a relaxing day surrounded by her family, but now she'd have to avoid them like the plague. She leaned against the wall near the stairwell that led her back up to the seating platform. Norena knew she couldn't delay too much longer or her mother would send someone to look for her, but she just needed a few more minutes to herself.
"My lady, are you hiding from someone?"
Norena turned to briefly bow and glare at King Bue.
"Yes, my lord, from you. When you saw me in the stands I became afraid you might lose control of yourself and attack me again. Was I wrong?"
Bue looked at the sarcastic expression on her face and chuckled.
"Attack? I would never attack a woman. I merely entice, seduce…."
"Corece?"
Bue laughed.
"My lady, what you must think of me. I have come in peace. To apologize for any shock or fear that I may have caused you last night. That wasn't my intent."
He watched her eyes flare and her mouth curve at one end. She wasn't falling for it. Not one bit.
"My lord, are you apologizing for kissing me?"
Bue grinned.
"No, my lady, way would I do that?"
Norena huffed and turned to go up the stairs. He grabbed her hand.
"Are you saying you didn't like it, because for a moment there I thought I felt you respond?"
Norena whipped around to glare at him.
"Tell me, sire. Are the ladies of society so dull witted that they fall for these little games of yours?"
Bue sighed.
"Yes, it's hardly any sport any more, they are like lambs for the slaughter."
Norena stared.
"Then I would suggest you find another hobby. As it is, you've acquired quite the reputation from your current one."
King Bue shrugged.
"I don't care about a bunch of stupid rumors. I know who I am."
Norena tugged at her hand, but he wouldn't let go.
"Oh really, you don't mind being called a rake, a rogue, a wastrel, even a barbarian?"
Bue returned Norena's stare. For some odd reason it irritated him to hear her call him those things.
"My true friends know who I am. It's their opinion that matters to me. Besides, why do you care?"
Norena opened her mouth to reply, just as Sara appeared at the top of the stairwell.
"Norena, mother is asking for you."
She glanced up at her sister and then back to King Bue, who was still holding her hand. Bue smiled.
"It seems we'll have to finish our discussion another time."
He bowed.
"Lady Sara, Norena."
Before he turned and walked away.
Teyla felt the bed dip as John climbed in beside her.
"What you reading?"
She turned to accept his kiss.
"Kane has loaned me Norena's diary for the duration of our visit."
John smiled.
"Anything interesting?"
"Bue and Norena have just met."
John smiled.
"Ah, I remember some of those days quite well."
Teyla sat up in the bed.
"You do? I can only remember a few feelings or thoughts."
He nodded.
"Bue often thought of the months before his marriage. I remember him being very determined to marry her. I guess you could say it was a bit of an obsession."
John yawned.
"It's time for lunch, but I think I'm going to take a nap."
Teyla reached over and caressed the side of his face.
"Sweet dreams."
Later That Evening...
Norena was relieved when her parents decided to dine in their private quarters and invite their children to join them. It had been a rather long day of cat and mouse with King Bue, while at the same time trying to keep her family at a bit of a distance and Norena was tired. Facing her family hadn't been as difficult as she'd believed. She merely told the truth, leaving out any incriminating details. Luckily, Sara had held her tongue about the little run in with King Bue on the stairwell, for which Norena would be eternally grateful. Shortly after the inquisition, everyone retired to prepare for the evening meal. An hour or so later, Norena found herself quietly listening to the dinner conversation. Both of her brothers-in-law were from the planet Maulan, Sir Alec Ben, a successful entrepreneur and Councilman Chan Dore, a Commerce Representative. They, along with her father, discussed the two political parties of the Commerce; the Great Houses, planets ruled by royalty and the Commons, planets that used a democratic system to decide their Commerce representatives. It was always the same. Chan railing against the injustice of the 'iron fist' that the Great Houses had held over the Commerce, her father defending their hold of the majority vote, while Alec played the happy medium.
Dell Vature glanced down the table at the two young men.
"The Commerce has survived as it is for hundreds of years and to me that means a great deal. Now, I do agree that there is room for change, but it should come gradually. Sudden and extreme change causes nothing but confusion and fear. And people will always reject what they fear or do not understand. Experience has taught me that first you must show people what good can come from change. Open their eyes to possibility. Then, show them how to go about making that possibility a reality. Do it slowly. Don't overwhelm them. You must take things one step at a time."
Chan agreed.
"I see what you are saying Father Vature, but we've been trying for years to get the Great Houses to understand the Common planets' need to expand our borders of trade. They are content because they hold the most prosperous contracts in our solar system. If things continue as they are now, the Commons will soon begin to under bid each other to maintain contracts. Less money means less supplies, less supplies means less crops, less crops means less food and it will only get worse from there. Unrest in the Commons will eventually spread throughout the Commerce. It will be the beginning of the end. Surely, you see that."
Dell's brow knotted.
"Yes I do, but tell me this, why should the Great Houses feel compelled to expand our trade borders when we have planets, within our very own solar system, that suffer from lack of contracts?"
Alec laughed.
"He's got you there, brother. There are planets in dire need of the business that you would suggest we send elsewhere. Why not use them?"
Chan frowned.
"Criminals? You would have us trade with criminals?"
Dell's brows rose.
"You call them criminals, but what is their crime? Trading outside of the borders? What choice do they have? You're not going to trade with them."
Chan sighed.
"Father Vature, we all know that those planets have done a lot more than just trade outside of the border. If we traded with them, our planets would be seen as criminals as well. Who in their right mind would take such a risk?"
Dell grinned.
"King Bue."
Norena's ears perked at the sound of Bue's name and apparently so had everyone else's. The whole table now attentively listened to the conversation at hand. Chan's frown returned.
"He's a pirate."
Alec shrugged.
"He's a businessman."
Dell's smile grew.
"He's the richest man in the Commerce."
He glanced around the table.
"That's what this is all about isn't it? He did what was necessary to provide for his people and look at what he's accomplished. It was what, twelve years ago when his parents died in that fire. Bue was all of twenty years of age. He'd just returned home from school, with no experience ruling a planet. Not to mention the fact that Tamera was financially unstable at the time. Not one of the Great Houses would touch him. They sat around waiting for his complete and utter failure. So, what does he do?"
Dell ticked the events off on his fingers.
"First, he takes a look around the planet and talks to his elders. They come to the conclusion that the planet has prospered through farming for hundreds of years and that it should continue to do so. Second, he sees that the technologies of the Commerce conflict with the livelihood and culture of his people. Does he reject it completely? No, he takes only what is necessary; medicine, security, communications. It's a tropical planet all year round. There's no need for cooling and heating systems, so why waste the money? Third and most important, he does business and makes loyal friends by contracting with planets that no one else will touch. And look what happened; they prospered just as much as he did. You call him a pirate, a businessman, whatever. Some call him a barbarian because of the lack of technology on his planet. Others make up ridiculous stories about him being a skirt chaser and owning a harem."
Dell turned to Chan.
"You speak of change, of helping the Commerce grow into something more and yet you scoff when I mention King Bue's name. But you fail to see that this young man has done what no one else has. He's turned possibility into reality and he has shown us how. If you can't see that, how can you possibly hope to get the Commerce to see the need for change. If anything, I would have thought you would be on King Bue's side. He would be the perfect ally to help bring about change and he holds a great deal of influence in the Great Houses and the Commons."
"…...father's words about King Bue made me question my perception of him. If he wasn't what so many had often claimed, why did they bother to label him at all? If false, what had he done to deserve it? And why didn't he fight back……."
The Hunt...
Norena was exhausted. She'd spent a large part of the night tossing and turning, with very little rest. Why she couldn't get Bue Wylan off of her mind, she didn't know? Was he a womanizer, a criminal or a caring king who would do what was necessary to save his people? Norena had heard so many conflicting stories she didn't know what to believe, but she wanted, needed to know the truth.
It was just a few minutes before dawn, when the hunting party gathered at the rear of Southia Hall. No longer able to sleep, Norena had decided to join them. She had no intention of participating in the hunt, merely to enjoy a brisk ride through the forest, possibly catch a moment or two of solitude and hopefully clear her mind. Norena gently tugged on the reigns of her mount as the first rays of the sun appeared in the horizon. She along with the others enjoyed a light breakfast while waiting for the horn announcing that the hunt had begun.
"Good morrow, my lady."
Norena turned to find King Bue smiling down at her. He sat beside her astride one of the most beautiful stallions that she had ever seen.
"King Bue."
"I know this may sound a little presumptuous, but I didn't take you for the sportsman type. You know hunting, horseback and the wilderness."
Norena smiled.
"While it is true I am no fan of hunting, I do love to ride and the outdoors very much."
Bue smiled.
"I stand corrected."
Norena titled her head.
"My lord, are you well?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well, it's just that……no innuendos or smart remarks. No flirting or improper decorum. Have you worn yourself out from a night of excessive debauchery?"
Bue's laughter was deep and heartfelt.
"Have I disappointed you, Lady Norena?"
"No, I'm actually pleasantly surprised, but I must ask the cause of this joyous occasion?"
Bue glanced out at the horizon, before turning back to her.
"It's too beautiful a morning to waste on nonsense."
Norena had been riding with a small group of ladies for about an hour when she spotted a glen to her right. She veered off the main path and followed the long narrow valley for a short while before dismounting. She tied her reigns to a large tree and sat down by its roots. Norena leaned back, closed her eyes and enjoyed the warm rays of the sun against her skin. It was quite, peaceful, just what she'd been looking for.
"It's not safe to wonder too far from the main path. You could easily become lost."
Norena smiled, but didn't open her eyes.
"King Bue, the worry wart. You sound just like my father."
She heard him settle next to her in the grass. They sat together in silence for a few minutes before she turned to him and opened her eyes.
"Who are you?"
The side of his mouth curled.
"What do you mean?"
She gazed into his eyes, hoping to find the answer there.
"Are you the good for nothing, the cunning businessman, or the consciences king?"
Bue arched a brow.
"Who in the heavens have you been talking to?"
Norena shook her head.
"I've talked to no one, but I've heard many things and would like to know the truth."
Bue realized she was serious and smiled.
"I am many things, my lady. The man, the king, the warrior, the merchant and yes, on occasion, the rogue. All of these things make up who I am."
"But are the rumors true?"
Bue leaned forward, gently brushing his shoulder against hers.
"You're going to have to be a little more specific than that. There are many rumors circulating."
It wasn't until that moment that Norena realized how very improper their situation was; she alone with King Bue in a secluded location, their close proximity, their conversation. A conversation which she'd started and had every intention of finishing, even if it did get a little uncomfortable.
"The ones pertaining to your intimate relationships with women."
Bue laughed.
"If only."
"Are you saying they are not true?"
He smiled.
"I have a healthy ego, just as much as the next guy, but to have slept with all those women and then have to go home and satisfy a whole harem is a feat that no man can accomplish. Well, at least not all in one day."
Norena's brow knotted.
"So they aren't true?"
Bue glanced down at her.
"Norena, I'm not a saint. Like most men, I enjoy the company of a beautiful woman. I'm sorry if that disappoints you. Many of the rumors that you've heard about me are false. What's left is either highly over exaggerated or the details are incorrect."
Norena stared at King Bue's charming smile and intoxicating eyes and sighed. She still didn't know what to believe. He had no reason to lie, and yet he had no reason to tell the absolute truth. And even when she felt that he was telling the truth, there was always something in his voice or expression that said otherwise. Sighing in frustration, she rose from her spot under the tree and began to untie her mare's reigns. Bue also rose, he pulled the straps from her hands and turned her back around to face him.
"What's wrong? Didn't I tell you what you wanted to hear?"
Norena's brow knotted.
"Yes."
He caressed the worry lines from her forehead.
"But you still don't know what to believe. Do you, kitten?"
She shook her head.
"No."
Bue sighed.
"Nothing is ever as simple as it seems."
She stared at him, half expecting an outrageous remark or a scandalous act to cheer up the conversation. Instead, he simply stared off into the distance.
"Come on, I'll give you a hand."
Bue walked Norena to her mare and give her a leg up into the saddle. She waited for him to regain his seat before they went to catch up with the hunting party. It didn't take long and luckily their absence had gone unnoticed. They shared one last glance before Bue cut through forest to meet up with the other hunters, while Norena trailed slowly behind the ladies group. She felt oddly melancholy, now that he was gone and spent the remainder of her ride trying to figure out why. King Bue had been a complete gentleman all morning. Mind you, their time alone together had been somewhat improper, but other than that he'd neither said nor done anything of which she could complain. He hadn't even tried to kiss her. Norena frowned. That was a good thing, wasn't it? She sighed. She was confused by her emotions and wished she had someone to talk to. Normally, Norena could go to her sisters, but one mention of King Bue's name and they would run and tell their father. It seemed as if she would have to figure this one out on her own.