Note: As you can see, I haven't forgotten about this story – good grief, has it really been over two YEARS? Eek! – and while I had every intention to continue with "Times Present, Times Past" first, this is what my Idiot Muse® decided on. A big thank you to cmar for the beta! Hope you'll enjoy, and please pass by the feedback box on your way out? DB, Fall 2005
Damsels And Dragons
Chapter 2: Meet The Families
Katherine felt her heart skip a beat at the stranger's words. -Destiny?- It seemed such a big, fateful word … and yet, deep within, she realized immediately that it was the only word that fit. Her dreams had never given her a precise image of the One who would be her soul's mate, but in this instant, she knew that everything she'd ever hoped for was embodied in the man before her. For as sure as she was his destiny, so was he hers. She gave the only answer she could.
"As you are mine."
His slow smile was dazzling. "Yes."
It seemed the most natural thing in the world that the hand cupping her cheek would stray into her hair and draw her face forward with tender strength. She offered no resistance as he lowered his head until their mouths met in the gentlest of kisses. The rush of sensation at that first contact was overwhelming, and with a small moan, Kat surrendered herself.
Their lips clung for a small eternity, only separating when lack of oxygen compelled them to.
"You are my life," he murmured huskily. "My love."
"Yes," she whispered back, her arms gliding around the muscular shoulders as he kissed her again, more deeply this time. As his arms closed around her and drew her against his chest, Kat fliched just a little because his skin was cool and still wet from the sea, a shock to her own sun-warmed state, but she didn't care. This just was right, on every level imaginable.
They lost themselves in each other, and Katherine hardly noticed that 'her' stranger scooped her up as if she weighed nothing at all – which she knew she didn't; she was by no means 'big', just tall and, while slender, built accordingly – and carried her towards the shore where they sank onto the soft, warm sand. It should have been strange, or shocking; after all, they'd never even laid eyes on each other before, and here they were, clinging together like lovers of long standing … but somehow it was perfectly all right – no, it was perfect, period – to be in each other's arms like this, skin to skin, lips to lips.
At last, they had to separate. She slowly looked upwards, to find herself nearly drowning in the tender, dark eyes. The expression in them, full of passion and promise, took her breath away. Again.
"Who are you?" Kat wondered at last, even as her heart sang the answer. -Love of my life.- "I don't even know your name … I just know I love you …" she whispered.
He laughed softly, a deep, husky rumble that sent shivers down her spine and made her press herself closer to the strong body so intimately entwined with hers.
"I love you too. Very much." Softly, he caressed her cheek." My name is Jason. Who are you, pretty lady?"
"Katherine," she purred, glad that she now had a name to call him by. "My friends call me Kat," she added dreamily. The slightly dazed sound of her voice made him smile.
"Beautiful. Just like you yourself." The stranger – Jason – kissed her again. "It fits you, little kitten."
The blue eyes snapped open. "I hate that nickname," she pouted. "I'm not a cat."
"Really? But you remind me of one."
"I do? How?"
Jason gently ran the fingers of one hand through her long, golden tresses, then down her neck, shoulders and bare body while continuing to hold her with the other. "Because you're as sleek and soft as a cat. Everywhere." His lips followed his hand, making her moan deep in her throat and she clenched her own hands into the hard flesh of his back. He stopped his mouth's delightful journey and winced. "And you have claws like a kitten, too."
"I … oh! I'm sorry!" Panic-stricken that she'd hurt him, Kat instantly soothed the scratches she'd involuntarily made with her nails. Already tiny welts, barely perceptible to her fingertips, were forming where she'd scratched him. To her relief, Jason smiled again.
"It's okay," he comforted her. "I kind of like it that you're not defenseless."
"Oh." She mulled that over, still caressing Jason's back. Would he mind learning that she'd practiced self defense with Tom's companions, as Lady Rita had warned her some men might when she'd been found out? Somehow, his words seemed to say the opposite. She promised herself she'd find out … then, Kat raised suddenly-serious blue eyes towards his. "But … I am."
For some reason, Jason doubted that. Yes, his mermaid was lying all soft and pliant in his arms, but he could sense a steel core within her nonetheless. The thought was pleasing; the one thing he'd never wanted was a damsel in distress, unable to function without help or guidance.
"How so?"
She relaxed all over, molding her body instinctively against his. "With you … I have no defenses. None at all."
Jason's breath caught at the admission, and he had to swallow hard lest he choke with emotion. "Nor I against you."
Her lips curved into a happy smile, and this time it was Kat who kissed Jason, losing herself all too willingly in the increasingly heated encounter. Lips and hands roamed freely, and the two young, healthy people blissfully wandered further on the path to fulfillment.
However, just as Katherine offered herself mutely to the man she knew she was destined for, Jason halted. He was panting and taut with barely-checked excitement, but the dark eyes suddenly blazed with something other than desire.
"No," Jason groaned. Carefully, he released her, laying her back onto the soft, sun-warmed sand. The action left Kat bewildered, aching with need. He sat back and dragged deep breaths into his lungs, reluctance evident in every line of his body.
"What's wrong?" she asked dazedly, wanting nothing more than have those wonderfully warm and exciting lips and hands back on her.
"I can't! I won't!"
"Wh-what?" Kat gasped, feeling suddenly cold and as bereft as when her parents had died. "What do you mean?"
"This isn't the right place," he groaned, "nor the right time. I can't go on," he repeated, shaking his head before burying his face in her hair. She could feel shudders racking him as he fought for control.
Hurt, she lifted a hand to tilt up his head so she could look into his eyes. "Why not? Don't you w-want me?" To her surprise, she realized she was blushing – something she hadn't done until now, despite meeting him completely nude and what they'd almost shared.
Instantly, he bent forward again and cupped her cheek. "Oh, love – I want you so much, it hurts. You know I do." Indeed, a quick peek at him proved the truth of that beyond any doubt. Kat couldn't help a small, infinitely smug smile even as she.felt herself relax and blush more fiercely at the same time. Jason noticed and tugged playfully at one long curl, not bothering to hide his own faint blush at being caught. "When you look at me like that, you are a kitten," he chided her softly. "One that's just found the cream pot." He grinned at her pouty expression. "And that look says you want the canary, too."
"Do not!"
"Yes, you do," he laughed, and much to her relief embraced her again. However, the small interlude had broken their passionate mood; now they were just holding each other close.
-Like … like lovers after it's over,- Kat thought hazily as she responded to his tender kiss. -Not like we're about to make love.- In a way, that felt much more comfortable, although she knew she wouldn't resist – or even mind – if they went back to pleasuring each other. -It was so wonderful … so right,- she mused. -I didn't want it to end!-
"Whyis it not the right time?" she wondered when she could speak again. "You know I want you too …" -Strange how easy it is to admit; I'd have thought I'd die of embarrassment!- It went against every rule of conduct she'd ever been taught; 'proper' ladies might feel passion, but they certainly didn't say they did! But apparently, different rules applied to one's True Love.
The smiling, handsome face grew serious. "Because you mean more to me than just a quick roll in the hay. Well, on the beach," he amended with a tiny, rueful grin. "It would be glorious, for sure, but it would also be …" He hesitated briefly, searching for the right words. "Not wrong, but …"
"Nothing we share could ever be 'wrong'," she protested immediately.
"I know. I'm not saying it is. Kat … we may have met only a very short time ago, but I know, at the very core of my heart and soul, that you are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I will not treat you like a girl I just happened to pick up at … oh, say the county fair."
Crystalline eyes flew up to Jason's, the expression in them suddenly alarmed and a little dismayed. Despite her own virgin status, Kat somehow sensed that he'd gained experience from someone before her. "Have you done that before? Often?" She dreaded the answer, but had to know.
Jason actually blushed. "A few times," he admitted sheepishly. "But not all that often, and never someone who was unwilling."
Kat mulled that over for a minute, then nodded. She didn't particularly like the idea, but at the same time, it was somehow reassuring. At least one of them would know what to do when the time came. "Okay. Go on?"
He cleared his throat. "What I'm getting at is this – you and I will make love one day, and when we do, I'll forget about anyone before you. I'm sure of that much. But – Kat, I want that time to be our wedding night – when nobody can stop us, or call it wrong when we become one forever. In all ways."
Kat felt her insides grow hot at the thought. At the same time, she became aware of a sense of relief and gratitude filling her; while she truly believed that their love, however fresh, could not be wrong in whatever way they chose to express it, she had also been brought up with certain morals. Her parents' attitude had been much the same as Lord Zaed and Lady Rita's in that regard – while sharing one's body with a man not her husband wasn't inherently 'bad', it should, however, be reserved to one's lawful life partner. -Which we're going to be eventually, but … we're not. Not yet.-
"I see," she said slowly. "You're right … I'd like that. Thank you." The waiting wouldn't be easy, she realized, but it would be worth it.
Jason nodded, guessing – correctly – at her thoughts. "Besides, what if someone happened to come by? You deserve better than a public place like this beach, our skin itchy with salt water and sand everywhere," he murmured. Now that Jason mentioned it, Kat could notice a slight abrasiveness in places that should be anything but scratchy … and where it definitely was going to be uncomfortable if she didn't get to a bath soon. "I want our first time to be on a proper bed, both of us clean and comfortable, and to fall asleep afterwards with you in my arms … only to wake up and love you all over again until we're too exhausted to move."
Katherine shivered and moaned as her imagination conjured up soft draperies, glowing candles, a starlit night sky and a warm, scented bath ready for them, complete with perfectly-chilled wine and a small feast to replenish their strength.
"Mmmm …"
Her throaty purr earned her a kiss. "Stop that," Jason murmured. "I'm not made of stone, and you're making it almost too hard to resist."
"Good," Kat whispered, giggling as he scowled only half-playfully. "Don't be such a grouch," she soothed Jason. "I'll be good, I promise."
"We both better be," he sighed, sinking back into their embrace. "I feel so content right now, I'd like nothing more than hold you close and fall asleep."
-What a nice, tempting thought!- "Why don't we? I didn't get much sleep tonight, I'm pretty exhausted from the walk here, from swimming earlier … and meeting you was rather exciting, too," she coaxed teasingly.
Reluctantly, he shook his head. "This is no place to sleep," he declined. "Especially not the way we are." A large hand briefly covered her bottom, then wandered briefly upwards, to a smaller, but more sensitive roundness. "What if somebody walks in on us?"
-Eek!-
"Oh," she mumbled sheepishly. How could she have overlooked such a detail?
"Yeah, oh." He grinned. "I wouldn't mind so much for myself, but … I don't want anyone to see you like this."
Kat cast him a sideways glance, secretly pleased at the hint of possessiveness she detected. "Why not? Do you think I have something to hide?"
"No," he replied quickly. "You're perfect the way you are. But I don't care that others – other men – should look at all your beauty. You're mine."
-Definitely possessive. Good. Because it's mutual,- Kat decided in that instant. "Yes. And you are mine, too. And so … no more showing. To anyone!" That gorgeous body would be hers alone to fantasize over from now on, and she'd scratch the eyes out of every woman who dared to interlope. -Guess I've got more of a cat in me than I thought, after all.- For once, the thought was definitely pleasing, and she fought the temptation to utter a feline hiss.
"Agreed," he smiled, then sighed. "But I guess we'd better leave now – I left my clothes across the bay, and I'm afraid I have things to do … more now when I need to make plans to see you again as soon as possible."
She looked up into the sky. The morning sun had risen well above the horizon by now, and she realized with a tiny shock that her guardian would send out a search party soon if she didn't hurry back.
"Me, too," Kat murmured. Reluctantly, she sat up. "I kind of snuck out of the house this morning before first light, and if I'm not back in time for breakfast …"
"…you'll be in trouble?"
"Not really. But I'll surely get a scolding, and I hate being made to feel guilty."
Jason grinned. "I know the feeling," he said, his mouth quirking in a rueful grin. Lord Zordon was the kindest foster father imagineable, but he'd given him certain duties Jason had to fulfill if he didn't want to provoke one of the disappointed looks that always made him feel like a naughty five-year-old again. Drawing a deep breath, he released her fully, rose to his feet and reached out to give Kat a helping hand as she, too, stood.
For the first time, he could look at her in all her glory – much better than a scant hour ago when his eyes had still stung from the sea water and he'd caught his first glimpse of her.
"God, you're beautiful," he breathed, letting his eyes roam freely from her tousled golden hair to her feet.
She returned his appreciative gaze without hesitation. It was her first opportunity to really look at him – and she found she liked what she saw. A handsome face, short dark hair, impossibly broad shoulders on top of a narrow waist that tapered into powerful thighs. No question about it, Jason was strong; his sculpted muscles bore testimony of that. As did his character, she was sure. -If he weren't strong, he would never have been able to let me go.-
"So are you," Kat replied quietly. Jason snorted, amused and yet flattered that she found him as attractive as he thought her.
"I'm hardly 'beautiful'."
She shrugged. "Good-looking, then. Whatever you want to call it." Up until now, Thomas had been the most handsome young man she'd known, but not even his dashing looks could compare to Jason.
To her surprise, he blushed fiercely … and she loved him all the more for it.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The two stared at each other, eyes full of wonder. Shyly, they smiled, then, as if drawn together by invisible strings, they moved back into a gentle embrace and kissed. It was a kiss equally filled with tenderness and passion, both a promise … and good-bye.
"When can I see you again?" Jason asked huskily. "Tomorrow? Here, at the same time?"
It couldn't be soon enough, as far as Kat was concerned. She was about to answer yes, when she reconsidered. Tonight, she was expected to attend the Grand Ball someone was giving in honor of Lord Zaed and Lady Rita and their wards; it was going to be a long night, she'd not gotten much sleep today, and the servants would be about at all times. There wasn't going to be a chance to sneak away like she'd done today – not without it coming to her guardian's notice right away at least. And some instinct told her that Zaed would not be pleased with her newfound independence.
"I wish I could," she sighed. "But my family has a … well, a social obligation tonight, and I have to be there. It'll likely get very late, and …" For some reason, she didn't want to reveal who she was quite yet. Jason seemed to be of the upper classes, like herself – not only was his speech and manner cultured, but the callouses on his hands were the same as Thomas, Adam and Rocky sported, indicating intensive weapons training. Only the upper echelons of Earth's society were allowed to bear arms. It made no sense to her; shouldn't everyone be able to defend themselves and their home world in case of attack? But it wasn't her decision to make, so she reluctantly accepted the status quo. There would be time to talk about their backgrounds later, when they learned more about each other. Now, it was enough to know they had found love.
He groaned sympathetically, suddenly remembering the evening's planned festivities. It wasn't just the governor's Grand Banquet Lord Zordon had told him about; there were any number of parties being thrown in the neighborhood. As Kat clearly was gently-bred – her hands were smooth and clean, she spoke and acted like she'd gotten a good education, and only the rich and/or socially-prominent offered as much to their daughters unless they were training for a career of sorts – her family probably would be at one of them. -I'll have to find out which ones she'll be attending; I can't wait to dance with her!- Which was odd in and of itself; normally, dancing bored him. -It won't be boring with Kat. When we dance, I can hold her in public, and nobody will argue!-
"Right – me, too. I almost forgot." He was going to tell her about his status as Zordon the Wizard's fosterling the next time they spoke; time was running out, and he didn't want her to think he was bragging.
Kat thought briefly. Usually, Zaed and Rita made an early night of it after a big party, and she knew that Zaed had planned several meetings for the next day. Maybe she could get away from the big house after sunset.
"What about tomorrow night an hour after moonrise?" she suggested. "I think it'd be just as lovely here then …"
Jason considered his schedule. He'd have to beg out of an impromptu concert Zack and one of his foster sisters had planned, but he was fairly sure he could make them understand.
"Sounds good to me. Tomorrow night then." It would be easier to leave the mansion after dark, anyway; he'd just ride most of the way, or take a boat; swimming the bay in the darkness would be foolhardy, and Jason was anything but a fool. Not even for love. Even if it was going to be one hell of a long wait!
"It'll be so hard to wait, though," Katherine murmured, her eyes wistful. -I'll just have to pretend I'm dressing up for him tonight. That may even be fun …-
"Yes. But I'll be thinking of you every hour," Jason promised. -I'll just have to be careful that daydreaming – okay, fantasizing! – about Kat doesn't get me into trouble during my lessons!-
"Me, too."
They kissed again, but didn't linger. With a muffled curse, Jason tore himself away at last and strode back into the water, out of temptation's way. Hopefully, the arduous swim would cool him down enough to let him function all day. Kat watched him dive into the water, giggling as his buttocks flashed once in the sunlight as he hurled himself over the reeflet before powerful swimstrokes propelled him out of the cove with surprising speed until the dark head was nearly invisible in the shallow waves. Then, a quick glance at the sun made her scramble for her borrowed clothes.
-If I hurry, I can just make it back on time!-
Although she wanted to, she didn't stop to turn and search for Jason as she climbed the almost-hidden path back up to the beach and quickly returned to her guardian's house.
- - -
Back at the fisherman's house, Jason retrieved his mount and galloped back to Zordon's mansion, deliberately turning his thoughts away from what had happened to him. On the one hand, he wanted to shout from the rooftops that he'd found the woman of his dreams; on the other, he had absolutely no idea when and how to tell that very thing to his friends and foster siblings. -Not to mention Zordon; I wish I knew what kind of reaction I can expect from him!- That conversation wasn't exactly an experience he was looking forward to; his foster father was usually easygoing and indulgent to most of his fosterlings' wishes, but only to a degree. Somehow, Jason couldn't help a niggling doubt that the choice of his bride wouldn't be left entirely in his own hands. -Not without me doing some very fast talking, anyway!-
As for his companions and friends …Zack was sure to tease him mercilessly when he found out exactly how and where he'd met Katherine; Will would smile that slow smile of his and offer sincere congratulations – and the girls would likely squeal to bring the roof down, then burst with a million questions. Jason grinned as he pictured the scenario. Trini would want to know all the mundane, practical things like Kat's background, family and so on, because she genuinely wished him to be happy and that they were truly suited to each other; and Kimberly, inveterate romantic that she was, would want a detailed description of how his love looked, moved, talked … all the things he couldn't tell her without giving away too much information unsuited to an almost-sister.
So, he resolved to keep his secret a little longer; the day would be full enough for all of them, what with lessons, meals and tonight's gala affair. There'd be time enough after he'd met Kat again the following night.
- - -
Katherine made it back to her guardian's rented villa with scant minutes to spare; there were a few hairy moments when she almost ran into tradesmen delivering goods, but she managed to slip unseen past the servants, into her room. However, when she closed the wooden door as silently as she could and stood panting from her dash along the not-so-quiet-anymore back roads, she nearly shrieked with shock when Aisha unexpectedly jumped up from her still-unmade bed.
"Kat, where you've been? We've been looking all over for you, you nearly missed breakfa- oh my God, what are you wearing?"
Grinning with slight embarrassment, the blonde girl let go of the doorframe she'd clutched instinctively and walked into the middle of her pastel-furnished room. With a few deep breaths, she tried to calm her pounding heart. As she approached the pillow-strewn bed, she shrugged.
"A suit," she said as nonchalantly as possible, proceeding immediately to unclasp the belt of her borrowed garments.
"I can see that," Aisha grumbled, dark eyes laughing. "Not that you don't look great in pants, but where'd you get it? And why are you wearing them, anyway? You know Lady Rita would throw a fit if she saw you like that."
"I, um, took it from the laundry room."
"Right. And why?" her friend repeated.
Kat stepped out of the trousers. "I wanted to explore the area some, and I couldn't do that very well in my skirts, could I?"
"Hmph." Her companion started to help her without being asked. "I guess not. Just hope that nobody saw you; if someone finds out you've been out in public dressed like that …" Her voice trailed off ominously. "The very least we could expect is a headache." Aisha emphasized the word with a melodramatic gesture to her forehead
Kat shuddered even as she couldn't quite suppress a giggle. Lady Rita's headaches were infamous in the entire household.
"She won't, if you don't tell her."
"As if I would!"
Relieved, Kat smiled as she hugged her friend. "I know you won't." Shoes, shirt and underwear joined the pants in a heap on the floor and were quickly scooped up and stowed in a handy chest. She'd dispose of them later.
"I need to wash up quickly. Be a dear and lay a dress out for me, please?" What she really longed for was a leisurely bath, both to rid herself of the remaining itchy stickiness from her earlier dip in the sea, and to daydream about Jason. Alas, there was no time for either. Grabbing some underwear, Kat hurried into the ensuite bathroom. Lord Zaed and his wife might have a few rather archaic ideas about proper dress, but they did love their creature comforts; thus, all the houses they stayed in were sure to have the best plumbing.
The dark-skinned girl chattered with her friend over the sounds of running water as she raided the well-stocked closet. All of the garments were in Kat's favorite color, some shade of pink, so the choice was easy. Carefully, she spread a flower-printed muslin gown onto the bed.
Within minutes, Kat emerged from her bathroom with glowing skin and her sunny hair in a long braid. The hairdo wasn't Kat's favorite, but it had the advantage of being neat, fast and it hid the fact that her hair was still matted from her swim. Hurriedly, she slipped into the lightweight gown Aisha had picked.
"You're a lifesaver! Thanks!"
"Hey, I'm just hungry," her companion/friend smiled impishly. "You can pay me later by telling Tanya and me everything about your adventure."
Katherine barely suppressed her startlement. Not daring to meet Aisha's knowing gaze, she covered her surprise by leading the way into the hallway.
"What makes you think I even had an adventure?"
Now Aisha was chuckling openly. "Because if you hadn't, you'd say so. Besides, you have that look about you." Her emphasis didn't go unnoticed, and inwardly, Kat groaned. Was she really that transparent? What if her guardian or one of the boys noticed?
"What look?" she asked as innocently as possible.
"The one you're wearing right now. The one that says you've seen, heard, said or did something Lord Zaed or Lady Rita would definitely disapprove of. And I want to know everything about it!"
Kat was saved from having to answer by a servant opening the dining room door. She entered quickly, her snickering friend trailing behind. Tanya, Thomas and his two companions were already waiting around the table, and she smiled a greeting at the three young men. To her relief, her guardian and his wife were just about to take their seats, and she hurried towards her own, waiting to sit until the older couple shook out their napkins. Lord Zaed demanded a good deal of formality from his household at all times, but never more than at mealtimes. Those were nearly sacrosanct, and one ignored his strictures at one's peril. For a few minutes, all that could be heard was the clinking and clatter of cutlery on china as eight people helped themselves to food and beverages.
"Why were you late, Katherine?" Zaed enquired after he'd finished his first cup of morning tea. Nobody spoke until the Lord of the house gave the signal.
"I'm sorry," the girl apologized. "I didn't mean to make anyone wait for me, but" – she thought quickly, hitting on a hopefully plausible excuse that wouldn't get anyone in trouble – "I've had a weird dream tonight that I wanted to tell Aisha about before it faded completely, and I forgot to watch the time. It won't happen again." She didn't dare glance at Aisha, not even covertly, in case Zaed or Lady Rita caught her. She could only hope fervently that her friend would take the hint and play along.
"See that it doesn't," Rita admonished her, sternly but not unkindly. "It would be very inconsiderate."
"Yes, Milady," Kat murmured, blushing.
"Must've been some dream," Rocky teased her from across the table. "Care to share?" His brown eyes shone with merriment.
"You wouldn't be interested, Rocky," Thankfully, Aisha came to Kat's rescue. Her tone made him grimace comically.
"Let me guess, then – girl stuff?"
"Exactly."
"After breakfast, on your own time, if you please, Ricardo."
"Yes, sir."
Zaed's cool eyes rested with slight disapprovement on the young man, who ducked a little. He sometimes thought that he'd made a mistake by taking the often exuberant boy into his household, but Thomas seemed to prefer his company to the quieter Adam's, and as long as his Heir didn't mind the occasional tactlessness, Zaed supposed he could live with it, too. After all, except for mealtimes, they hardly connected anymore now that his wards were nearly adults. He signalled for a refill of his tea.
Conversation became more general after that as each finished their meal. When everybody was done, Lady Rita was about to get up, but stayed at her seat at her husband's signal.
"As you all know, the Province Governor is holding a banquet tonight to officially open the conference between Lord Zordon and myself. The original plan was for Lady Rita, Thomas and Katherine to accompany myself. However, I have been informed just this morning that Lord Zordon will not only bring his own Heir, but all of his companions as well. A group of youngsters about your age, I think." Zaed smiled briefly at his wards, then turned towards his wife. "I would therefore like Katherine and Thomas to be accompanied by their companions as well, if it is possible?"
It was phrased as a question, but Lady Rita knew that 'command' was closer to the mark. Luckily, she had made a few plans for just such a contingency.
"Certainly."
"Very well, then. Thank you for a lovely meal, my dear. Thomas, a word with you." Bowing politely to his wife, Zaed summoned Thomas to his side with a curt gesture, and the two men strode out, towards Zaed's study.
"Very well," Rita said. "Adam, Rocky, may I suggest that you check your formal uniforms; they should do for tonight until we can procure more festive suits for you. Girls, come with me, please." She, too, swept regally out of the room, three lovely young women in tow.
Rocky turned towards Adam, his best friend. "Oh great," he groaned. "I thought we could have a nice, quiet evening for once, with no lessons, no small talk, nothing. And now we're being paraded like prize horses!"
"It won't be that bad," Adam soothed his friend. "You heard Lord Zaed, we're invited because Lord Zordon is bringing his wards. Maybe we can swap experiences, or something; that might be interesting. And remember, it's a banquet – I'm sure that at least the food will be excellent." He winked, a slight smile quirking his mouth. He knew how to soothe the hungry beast that was Rocky.
As expected, the other brightened considerably. "Hmm, yes."
"Just remember not to step on anyone's feet at the Grand Ball afterwards," Adam remarked innocently as the two strolled outside, towards their rooms. They'd have to postpone their planned morning ride until they'd sorted out their wardrobe. Lucky for them, there wasn't much they needed to do to their Household Guard uniforms except make sure everything was neat, polished and shiny. He was quietly chuckling to himself as, predictably, Rocky started to grumble again.
"Nobody told my mother that I'd have to sing for my supper when she made Lord Zaed my guardian after Papa's death!"
"You won't be singing. Just dancing."
Their voices trailed off as they climbed the stairs, finally leaving the servants free to smile.
- - -
Jason went directly to the bathhouse after stabling his horse; he left the stallion munching on fresh oats after his rubdown, and his own stomach was growling loudly by the time he was done with his shower. Over in the dining hall, the remains of a buffet breakfast were kept fresh in chafing dishes, and he helped himself liberally from everything offered. The day was quite advanced by now, and he didn't really expect company as he went for some fruit and a refill for his coffee, but to his surprise Zack sauntered in just as Jason bit into a succulent peach.
"Hey, you're back!"
"Obviously," Jason grinned. "Finished your session with Will?"
Zack groaned, poured himself some orange juice and flopped into a chair next to Jason. "Yeah, thank heaven. Agricultural logistics has to be the most tedious subject ever; how Will can stand the stuff, I have no idea.What a way to spoil an otherwise perfectly fine morning!"
"You'll live," Jason said drily. "I did."
"Yeah, well, you kinda have to learn all that, oh mighty Heir," his friend teased. "Why bore us lesser mortals, anyway?" Before Jason could get annoyed – the dark eyes suddenly flashed ominously; he did not appreciate reminders of his status, not even from his friends or in jest – Zack deftly changed the subject.
"Enjoy your swim?"
To Zack's surprise, Jason's features relaxed into a warm smile that immediately set off a bell in his mind. -Whoa!-
"Oh yes."
At the deepened tone in Jason's voice, the bell rang louder.
"Found any mermaids?"
Jason's smile changed slightly – to what, Zack wasn't sure, but combined with the indefinable expression he could detect in the dark eyes, the carillon playing in his mind was joined by a bank of flashing lights.
"Maybe."
-Uh-oh. Fireworks. Where are the girls when you need them?- Suddenly feeling as if he was treading on very thin ice – something had clearly happened to Jason, but what was anyone's guess; mermaids weren't real, were they? – Zack debated briefly with himself whether to dig deeper or leave it to someone more experienced at ferreting out secrets. Like their youngest foster sister, Kimberly. But she wasn't here, he was dying to know more, and …
His train of thoughts was derailed by Jason draining his mug and getting up. -Damn!-
Jason turned towards the majordomo.
"Thanks for keeping breakfast for me, Ernest," he smiled. "I'll try not to be so late next time."
"You're quite welcome, Master Jason," the rotund man said jovially. "It was no bother."
"Thanks anyway." Zordon had instilled politeness and appreciation towards his staff in all of his fosterlings; they were rewarded by willing and cheerful service. "I'm off to the office then; paperwork calls," he sighed.
"Master Jason; Lord Zordon asked me to tell you he's expecting you in his study after breakfast; maybe you'd better check in with him first?" Ernest suggested gently. He was genuinely fond of his master's charges; they were a nice, cheerful group of youngsters – full of promise, the lot of them. And Jason most of all, in his opinion. Which was quite possibly strongly colored by the fact that Ernest knew the Heir's family; they lived in the same town as his own – good, decent folk who had hated to give their son into fosterage, but wouldn't deny him the chance of a lifetime when the obligatory testing of all children showed his potential.
"Right. Any idea what about?" Jason snatched another morsel from the buffet; the tiny muffins were just too tempting!
"No. But I do know Lord Zordon went to his study about an hour ago …"
"Oops. Better hurry then. See you later, Zack!" With a wave, Jason disappeared into the hallway, leaving Zack wondering what was going on.
- - -
"You wanted to see me, sir?" Jason asked cheerfully as he was bidden entry after his polite knock on the heavy wooden door.
"Yes, Jason. Please sit down."
Zordon the Wizard was a balding elderly man, heavyset in the way once muscular warriors aged, but he still retained a powerful aura that had nothing to do with his more esoteric abilities – something he preferred to keep under strictest control. His charges knew, of course, that he had means of supervising his realm that owed little to mere technology, but as these powers were never used irresponsibly or blatantly, they were generally regarded as just some part of his personality … just like an ordinary man might keep his volatile temper under wraps. His voice was deep and booming, usually gentle, but stern and almost terrifying when someone or something roused his wrath.
Jason sat, making himself comfortable in the heavy, leather-upholstered chair. From the atmosphere in the book-lined study he could surmise – justly – that he was not being called on the carpet for some infraction, or that he'd been summoned to deal with a crisis.
"Is anything the matter, Zordon? Do you need me to take care of something?"
"Not particularly," the Western Lord smiled. "Tell me, is everything ready for tonight?"
Jason frowned. "Tonight? What about ton- oh, you mean the Governor's banquet?"
"Yes. I trust you and your friends are prepared?"
The young man grinned. "Well, Zack, Will and I are; I'm not so sure about the girls. The way they've been fretting about their clothes and hairdos …" He rolled his eyes.
Zordon allowed a hint of an answering smile to show. "Business as usual, then?"
"I guess," Jason was laughing now. Trini and Kimberly generally made quite a fuss about their outfits for any social gathering … and still managed to outshine any other lady. "They'll be fine. I think they just enjoy driving the rest of us crazy with their worrying about things."
"Quite likely." The jovial features sobered. "I trust all of you will remember to display a somewhat less … colorful … language tonight? Lord Zaed puts great store in decorum."
Jason blushed slightly; he knew that remark was aimed primarily at himself and Zack, with Kimberly a distant third. They did tend to let their mouths run away with them into slang on occasion. "Of course," he replied more formally. "I don't think I'll have to, but I'll remind everybody again later, just in case. We won't disgrace you."
"I'm sure you won't." Zordon smiled to himself. He'd had a feeling about this young man from the first day he'd come into his care. Jason would make an excellent successor to his position once his time on this beautiful planet came to an end. It wouldn't be for a few planetary rotations yet, but he felt confident that by that time, Jason would be ready to rule. Which led him to the main reason he'd summoned him.
"Jason … I am sure you are aware, as I am, that within little more than a year you'll attain your majority."
That certainly came out of nowhere. "Yes, why?"
His foster father cleared his throat a bit awkwardly; if Jason didn't know better, he'd think Zordon was almost embarrassed. -Zordon? Nah!-
"With that comes a much greater amount of responsibilities, and I should like it if you had trustworthy, competent help."
Jason shrugged. "Thanks, but I do – I have every intention of keeping Will and the others around, if they're agreeable. I couldn't wish for more competence than theirs combined. You had us trained well," he smiled, grateful for the education and other numerous opportunities this kindly being had given all of them.
"True. But I was thinking about more than friends or employees."
Bewildered, Jason waited for Zordon to continue. What more could he ask for than his friends? Especially now that he'd found the woman of his dreams …
"There isn't a really easy way to say it, so I'll come directly to the point. A wife of suitable upbringing will be much better equipped to help you than even the best of friends. Jason – I'd like to see you married by the end of next year."
"What?" Even though it dovetailed nicely with his own brand-new plans, Jason was still shocked into the inelegant exclamation. "A wife?"
"Yes. As you know, I've never married; that doesn't mean that I haven't felt the absence of a life's companion most keenly at times. I do not think that my kind of life would suit you in the long run, so I would prefer if you were to choose a bride sometime in the near future." It would also serve to bolster Jason's standing, both in earthly society and in Zaed's perception – especially if a child were to come from that union as quickly as possible. -It's not that I don't trust Zaed and Rita to keep our covenant with the Council, but …I don't know what kind of man his Heir is, and if he won't get ambitious beyond his sphere.- Such were the thoughts of Zordon the Wizard, always cautious and prepared for every eventuality. But he deemed it better not to divulge them to his foster son; it was enough to urge him into marriage without adding politics to the matter. Jason would not like being treated almost like a pawn in the game of planetary rule.
Inwardly reeling, Jason tried to come to terms with this unexpected development. He certainly didn't mind marrying his newfound love quickly, but he'd hoped to bring up his plans more gradually. -There goes our courtship …- A sudden suspicion, caused by a certain uneasiness in Zordon's manner, made him sit up. -Oh no!-
"Did you have someone specific in mind, sir?" he asked as neutrally as he could, trying to still the sudden triphammer beat of his heart. -No way! It's either Katherine, or no-one!-
The older man smiled somewhat uncertainly. "Well … I was hoping that either Trini or Kimberly would suit you … "
Jason couldn't help himself, he had to laugh at that notion. "Good heavens, no!"
"Why not? They're both pretty, intelligent young ladies, quite capable, and I was under the impression that you were quite fond of them."
Jason was still chuckling as he leaned back in his chair once more. "Oh, I love them to bits."
"Then what is the problem? Can't you make a choice?"
He shook his head, rather helplessly. "Zordon … I've grown up with them! They're more like my sisters than anything else. I couldn't possibly marry either one!"
"Feelings like that have been known to change with time. And they would make an excellent basis for marriage."
"Maybe for someone else, but not for me," the young man declared calmly. "Look, Zordon … Kim is a wonderful, kind, warm-hearted girl and as pretty as they come, but I can't forget that she used to push me in the lake every chance she got, that she loved showing me up in class, that sometimes she chatters about nothing but clothes … for crying out loud, she once tied pink ribbons around my weapons!"
That drew a chuckle from his foster father. "Ah – the ultimate offense. And you didn't retaliate in kind at all?"
"Well … there might've been some frogs in Kim's sewing basket once," Jason admitted with a grin and devilish twinkle in his eyes. If Zordon only knew the kinds of pranks he and Kim used to play on each other! -Better not!- "Which is exactly my point – we used to tease each other like siblings, nothing more. I'm sorry, but I simply can't see myself married to her."
-Fair enough,- Zordon thought. "What about Trini, though? Surely she didn't resort to pranks as well?"
-If you only knew! Trini always gave as good as she got; she never got mad, she got even!-
"I could see myself married to her sooner than to Kim …" Jason mused out loud. In truth, before today he had sometimes toyed with the notion, and it hadn't been entirely unpleasant.
"So?"
"So I like her well enough, but I couldn't ask her to be my wife anymore than I could ask Kimberly," Jason explained. "Basically for most of the same reasons, but …" he hesitated. It wasn't his secret to share, especially as the parties involved hadn't spoken to each other yet, but how else could he convince Zordon?
"But what, Jason? I sense there is something you're not telling me."
-Busted.- "True. I'm just not sure how much I should tell you," he admitted.
"Tell me what? Since when have you been keeping secrets from me?"
"Since it's not about me," Jason said sombrely. "Zordon … it's not that I don't trust you, but I think this is a rather sensitive matter that I really would rather not touch."
"I think you had better say it regardless, Jason."
Jason recognized a command, however gently phrased, when he heard one. Zordon didn't often take this kind of voice with him, but when he did it was better to obey. He thought quickly.
"Zordon … let me put it this way: Trini might say yes if I asked her to marry me, especially if she saw it as some kind of obligation to our people. The greater good, and all that. I'm fairly sure that we could make a go of it, too, but …"
"But what?"
"It'd break her heart. And Will's," Jason said quietly.
Surprised, Zordon sat back in his own chair and stared at Jason. He did not doubt the young man's observation; too many tiny details suddenly clicked into place for it to be untrue. But how could he have missed such a development under his very eyes? -I must meditate on this. Later.-
"I … see."
And he did see. Well, that took care of his plans to marry his Heir to one of his fosterlings. He cared about all of them too much to force them into unions against their own hearts. If either Jason or Trini's feelings had been unattached, things might've been different, but as things stood, he'd have to look elsewhere for a bride for Jason. There was time yet.
"Very well. We shall forget this plan then."
"Thanks," Jason said with more than a hint of relief. Crisis averted for the moment, and now that he knew that Zordon wanted him married in the first place, it might actually be easier to bring his lovely Kat into the picture. When the time was right.
"Is that all, sir?" he asked next when his foster father seemed lost in thought for several minutes. "I really ought to talk to the stablemaster before I begin preparations for tonight. He mentioned trouble with one of the new studs …"
"What? Oh, yes, by all means see to it," Zordon murmured, drawn out of his reverie. Inadvertently, his conversation with Jason had reminded him of his own long-lost love, the lovely, spirited Dulcea. How he and Zaed had wooed her … only to both lose out to the call of the Ancient Mysteries. Now Dulcea guarded the Ninjetti temple in a remote area of this continent's highest mountains; Zaed had eventually chosen another wife – although why in the universe it had to be Rita the Witch, he had no idea. After all, it wasn't as if Zaed didn't have abilities of his own! – and he, Zordon, had remained single, finding companionship in his fosterlings … and on occasion with an accommodating dark-haired lady now residing an hour's ride from here. -Maybe I should have asked Dee to be my escort tonight … but no; she and Rita can't stand each other. Better to go alone than risk an evening of sly remarks and veiled insults!-
Shaking off his gloomy mood, he told Jason good-bye and watched him leave, wishing for a second to be so young, strong and full of promise himself once more.
-As soon as the meetings with Zaed are over, I will find a wife for Jason,- Zordon resolved and with a weary, slightly disgusted sigh turned back to the neverending paperwork of his governorship. He'd better finish this now; it wouldn't be easy to juggle the meeting with his old friendly rival and keep a watchful eye on his young charges.
To Be Continued …