Tasha lives her life as a consort to a Romulan, trying to impress his society. Later, she makes a discovery which could change things for her and her new husband. What ramifications will it have on her life on Romulus?

Yesterday's Tasha Part 10

Several months had passed since the wedding. In that time, Tasha had learned one dialect of Rhiannsu almost fluently. Rejan was very pleased with her progress, so he had decided to take her to a state function where she would be exposed to quite a few heads of the Romulan government, members of the Senate, and top military leaders. He had no doubt that members of the Tal Shiar would also be present. So far, they had not hounded him as he had feared, but that could change any time. He had givenTasha a level of trust, and he hoped she would be worthy of that trust.

Tasha accepted that she would be on parade, once he told her who all would be at the reception. With the help of Suralin, she learned all she could on Romulan protocol. She expected to be ready for anything.

When the night of the reception arrived, Rejan was made breathless by his wife's beauty. She had dressed in a gown unparalleled for its creativity. Tasha found a dress maker, again with Suralin's help. She intended to shine this night. When she saw the look on Rejan's face, she knew she had succeeded. She went into his arms, and kissed him. "I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

"You will do well, Tasha. I'm proud of how far you've come." He noticed the brief look that came across her face and was gone. "What is it?"

"Nothing," she said.

He lifted her chin, eyed her and said, "Nothing. I know you well enough by now to know that is a lie."

Tasha sighed. "Do they see me as your wife or your prisoner?"

Rejan placed his hands on her shoulders, and said, "You are my wife. Anyone who dares question that will answer to me. Tasha, you are a member of my family clan. You are the mistress of my home. It's about time you started acting like it."

"Yes, of course," she replied. "Well, then, let's go." She turned and went outside, Rejan following behind.

Later, at the reception, Rejan introduced his wife to the many important personages in attendance. Some were already aware of Rejan's taking the Star Fleet woman prisoner as his wife. Others tried not to show surprise, if not abject shock, at the blonde woman before them. They were somewhat pleased at her grasp of their language, as she greeted each person, making small talk. Rejan had coached her on what to say to those who warranted special attention.

There were a few, however, who did not feel surprised or pleased. They regarded Tasha with hidden suspicion. Wasn't she a member of the Federation? The Romulan Empire had no treaty with the Federation, even if there had been an informal truce. Still, this did not keep any of these people from looking at her with guarded interest.

Tasha sensed some of the animosity around her, but didn't let it show that it bothered her. She held her head high, and when Rejan came to stand next to her, she gave him a smile that belied her tenseness. Inside, she wondered when the reception would be over and they could go home.

Home. The word had slipped into her consciousness unbidden, but there it was. The house she lived in was her home. This handsome Romulan who stood beside her was her husband. He had taken her into his clan, when he could have raped her, and even had her killed. Fortunately, he had proven an honorable man.

Tasha was not unhappy when, after what seemed like an interminable evening, Rejan whispered to her that they were leaving. He knew that the smile she displayed was genuine. They arrived at the house, which was dark and silent. The servitors had obviously already gone to bed.

Tasha went to change out of her dress, and placed it in the closet. She looked at it, pleased at how it had turned out. She could read envy in the eyes of some of the woman at the reception. She went to the bedroom, to find Rejan already undressed. She snuck up behind him and slipped her arms around his torso.

He grabbed her hands and held them to him. When he felt her kiss his back, he turned around, wrapping his arms around her. He kissed her neck, and nibbled on her ear. This sent shivers through Tasha's body, who taking his hand, led him to their bed.

"You're not too tired?" he asked.

She smiled at him, raising an eyebrow. "Let me show you how tired I am."

They made passionate love, and later talked about the reception. Tasha fell asleep first, as they lay in each others arms. Rejan had told Tasha how proud he was of her. He knew some regarded her as the enemy, but he didn't care. He was actually feeling that he loved her. He had always lusted for her, since he had first seen her. And had he taken a Romulan wife, it would have been for family honor, more than for himself. But now, when he regarded this human wife lying beside him, he knew that he loved her.

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For the next few weeks, life was calm for both Rejan and Tasha. The only thing marring that peace was the boredom that crept into Tasha's mind. She needed something to do. Now that she knew the language so well, her daily lessons had lessened until Suralin told her there was no more left to teach her.

One morning, Tasha awoke, feeling slightly nauseated. She got up and made her way to the bathroom, barely making it before a bout of vomiting hit her. When the nausea had passed, she washed up and went back to bed. She didn't know if she'd be able to get up for awhile yet. Although no longer feeling ill, her stomach still felt somewhat upset.

Suralin came in to find Tasha in bed and ill. She went to get her a glass of water, then sat on the bed. "Are you alright? You look rather pale."

"My stomach was not happy this morning. Maybe something I ate last night. I'll rest a bit, then get up soon. Thank you for being so helpful, Suralin."

"You have been kind to me since you arrived here. I don't forget a kindness. Perhaps you should sleep awhile longer. I'll be near if you have need of me." After Suralin left Tasha to rest, she went and notified Rejan that Tasha was very ill.

He told the young girl that he would tell his aide that he was needed at home, and would be there soon. When he arrived, he went to Tasha's side. He touched her forehead as she slept. It felt cool, and he knew that, from what Tasha had explained about human sickness, if it had been hot, she was ill. So why had she become so sick that Suralin would feel it necessary to call him?

Tasha awoke to see her husband sitting next to her, worry etched on his face. "What are you doing home so early?"

"Suralin called to let me know you were ill." He held Tasha's hand, rubbing the palm with his thumb.

"Diel, I don't think you have to worry. But maybe we should talk to that friend of yours who specializes in genetics and interbreeding. I think I might be pregnant."