Chapter 37
It was two days later. Starfire had only regained consciousness long enough to satisfy the healers that she hadn't slipped into a coma during the operation, then she was sedated to keep her from moving. Since then she lay still, face down to prevent pressure on the injury site, and to allow the healing lamps to bathe the area in their soft light. According to what they told Robin, some time in the next hour she would wake up. He looked up as someone entered the room. Robin quickly stood and saluted, "Shavota, Vidok'an Galfore."
"I thank you for the courtesy, Robin, but I am no longer Grand Ruler. Koriand'r is Vidak'an now." He was silent for a moment. "There is something I must ask and discuss with you. It directly concerns yourself and the Empress."
Robin hadn't been pleased with what Galfore had to say, but, in accordance with Tamaranean law, Blackfire, as a condemned prisoner, was allowed one last request before the SOMON'R left Earth orbit for Tamaran. Some prisoners in her position had asked for a particular meal, others had asked to be able to walk on a planet with a pleasant atmosphere and climate. Blackfire, being. . . .well Blackfire, surprised the captain of the SOMON'R and Galfore, by asking to speak to Robin, and see Starfire one last time, and despite his not liking it, Galfore had no choice but to agree. Robin discovered that he didn't like the idea any better, but told Galfore that he'd allow it.
Now she stood in the doorway to the healing room that her sister had been taken to, and wondered who the Tamaranean warrior was that was at her bedside. It wasn't until she noticed that the warrior was gently stroking Starfire's hair with one hand while holding her hand with the other that she realized it was Robin. The sound of his voice confirmed it, and she found that she was still surprised to hear him speaking Tamaranean. A lump formed in her throat as she listened.
"Koriand'r, I wish you would wake up." Robin said, his voice husky with the emotions he was feeling, "I wish there was some way I could take your place," he was silent for a moment and Blackfire felt an unusual pang of regret. As much as for what had happened to her sister, as for what it had done to Robin. Despite his being such a goody two shoes, she thought he was attractive, which was one of the reasons she had flirted with him so much when she had visited Earth trying to evade the Orion police.
"Kori," Robin began again, "About a month ago, while you were in the hospital, you offered something to me and I almost hurt you by rejecting it. The reasons I gave you then were real reasons, but not my reason for turning you down. I was scared, my love, scared of opening myself up to you that much," he paused for a moment, then took a deep breath and continued, "Koriand'r, Vidi'an du Tamaran, shu vata ne mathad e genthalas du penefa, shu vata nevento che genthalas du corino," he said, completing his half of the Oath of Bonding..
Blackfire gasped in astonishment, not just at Robin's speaking the Oath, but that her sister had tried to get him to take it with her before, 'X'Hal, what have I done?' she wondered to herself.
Hearing Blackfire's gasp, Robin spun around, his hand gripping the hilt of the dagger that Kor'mel had given him, half drawing it from it's sheath, "Who's there!" he demanded in Tamaranean.
Even as she flinched from the anger on Robin's face, Blackfire admired his quick reflexes and reactions. She noticed that he wasn't wearing his usual utility belt, but even without those weapons she wouldn't have wagered much on anybody getting past him to harm her sister.
"How long have you been there?" he demanded, taking a menacing step toward her.
"Long enough to learn I've made a terrible mistake," she answered, then looked past Robin to where Starfire lay, "Long enough to learn that my sister found someone who she cherishes above everything else, and has that devotion returned," she added softly.
"If you're here for the Vana du Shepah, I have bad news for you," Robin growled in Tamaranean.
"No, I'm not here for the Death Watch," Blackfire replied in English, "and I'm happy that what you said means that my sister will recover."
"Why? So you can gloat and watch her pain at what we have done?"
"We, Robin? Surely you don't think you had anything to do with this."
"Just as much as you did," he said softly. "I could have gone on keeping my feelings for her to myself. She would have been better prepared for things."
"Robin, no," she began, and went to raise her hand in a comforting gesture, but growled in frustration when she remembered that her hands were shackled. "Robin, I haven't been out of touch the last few weeks, as you probably know. I've heard about how Koriand'r has been since you declared yourselves to each other." She looked away knowing what she was about to say would anger him. "Young Sher'l had run into me shortly before her death, and she begged me to leave Kor and you alone. She told me how happy my sister was with you, and I didn't believe her until just a moment ago. Robin, I know you're going to find this hard to believe, but I never wanted or intended for this to happen."
Without realizing it, Robin had reached back with his left hand and was absently tracing his fingers over Starfire's back. "Actually, Blackfire, what I find hard to believe is that I believe you. What I'm about to tell you, you aren't going to believe, but I'm going to talk to Galfore to see what can be done to remove your death sentence."
"You're what!"
"Shu vata che shalama du ne mathad."
"I'm the sister of your beloved? You've got to be kidding, Robin. That rule hasn't been invoked for almost a century."
"I don't know about any rule, but you are Starfire's sister, and I know she wouldn't want you killed. Don't get me wrong, if I had my choice, you would be locked away on Death Row right now.
Blackfire glared defiantly at Robin for a moment then lowered her eyes when Starfire moaned softly. "I guess I deserve that," she said as Robin checked to see if she was regaining consciousness. "You said that she's not going to die; how complete will her recovery be?"
"They're not certain, but from what they can tell so far, it should be complete, but they won't know for sure until she's awake."
"I know I'm not on your good side, but would you please inform me about her?"
"As if you really care."
"She's my sister for X'Hal's sake!"
"And you told people like Teranc'r that you would do anything to keep her from the throne! Well they took it to heart, Komand'r, and where he failed because of Sher'l's sacrifice, Brend'r almost succeeded if not for my spoiling her aim!" He stood there a moment struggling to get his anger back under control, and was stunned to see tears trickling down her face.
"I'll go back to my cell now."
Robin sighed as Blackfire turned toward the door. "Blackfire, would you like to sit with her for a while?" he almost blushed at the look of gratitude she gave him as he realized it was an echo of the ones Starfire would give him from time to time when he explained something to her. As she moved to Star's bedside, he poked his head out into the corridor and saw Stev'n standing beside the doorway. "I take it you have the key sequencer to Komand'r's shackles?"
"Why do you ask, Commander?"
Stev'n followed Robin into the room. "I give you my word that she will cause no trouble or try to escape."
"And you have mine as well, Robin."
"Very well, Commander. I do this on your authority. I will be waiting just outside, however."
"Of course, Lieutenant, I expect no less," Robin said as he took the disk from Stev'n. He walked over to Blackfire, and placed the disk on the plate between the shackles. With a soft beep and a click they came free of her lower arms and hands.
"Robin, I don't know how to thank you enough for this. I only just now realized that this is the first time in years that I have touched her in friendship. X'Hal! I've been so unfair to her."
"You'll get no argument from me on that. The worst thing about it is that after the Okarran Trials she got all the attention, except from the one person she wanted it from the most. You."
Blackfire sighed softly, realizing that although she had Robin's sympathy and pity, she was far from earning his trust. 'The only reason he unlocked my shackles is because of his feelings for Kor,' she thought to herself. She jumped slightly as Starfire moaned again, this time with a little more strength. She jumped again when she felt Robin's hand on her shoulder as he came up behind her.
"Star? Come on, my love, it's time to wake up."
Starfire moaned again and her eyes opened, and Blackfire could feel Robin's relief as he relaxed slightly. She was surprised at how much her first words hurt her.
"Sister? Why are you not confined to a cell?"
Robin reached over and gently trailed his finger tips over Starfire's cheek. "Her request before the SOMON'R left Earth was to see you one more time."
"She is not restrained!" Star said and she started to try to get up, but a wave of pain washed over here and she sank back down to the bed. "Robin, why is she not shackled?"
"Because she has given me her word that she won't cause trouble or try to escape, but mostly because she is your sister."
"Kor, I'm sorry for what was done to you in my name, but you must believe me that I never meant for any harm to come to you. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me, sister? My Empress."
Whatever reply Starfire was going to make was cut off as Vern'a and two other healers entered the room, shooing the two from her bedside, as they checked her over.
Robin glanced over at Blackfire and saw the dejected look on her face. "What did you expect, for her to welcome you with open arms?"
"Let me guess, you're happy she's treating me like this."
"I'd say it's about time. Blackfire, the first time I met you, you were on the run from the Centarui Police, and tried to trick them into thinking Starfire was you. The second time you tried to marry her off to the Grand Sklerch of Drenthax four, and to top it all off you're the one responsible for her being sent into the hands of the Gordanians, and who knows what else."
"Komand'r, I have a question for you," Galfore said as he walked up with Vern'a. "Due to her injury, Koriand'r is currently unable to carry out the duties of Grand Ruler. As the only other member of the Royal Family I am required to ask if you wish to take the throne?"
Robin saw the flash in Blackfire's eyes as her deepest, fondest wish was before her. He was surprised to see that glow dim when she glanced over where Starfire lay.
"No. I will not take the throne. Much as I may want to, it would reopen the division in our people, and as Robin reminded me two days ago, it's time I started thinking of them instead of myself. I believe it would be best if you took the throne until she is well enough."
"Alas, there we have a problem. When Koriand'r took the throne from me, I denounced any future claim on it."
"Robin?" Starfire called, "May I speak with you?"
"Sure Star, what is it?"
"I know that you told me, while I was in the hospital, that you would take the Oath of Bonding with me, and you have told Galfore of our desire to do so."
"Yes."
"I wish to know if you still feel the same way. Will you take the Oath with me?"
Robin looked at her, stunned by her question. Then it dawned on him. Tamaran was at peace, she was Grand Ruler, and could choose her own husband.
"She's waiting, Robin," Raven's voice came from behind him. He turned and saw that the rest of the Titans were in the room as was Kor'mel, who kept looking over at Blackfire, and Shel'b.
He looked down at Starfire's face and saw that she was indeed waiting for his answer. "Koriand'r, Vidak'an du Tamaran, shu vata ne mathad e genthalas du penefa. Shu vata nevento che genthalas du corino. Starfire, Empress of Tamaran, you are my beloved, and the keeper of my heart. You are also the keeper of my soul," he said softly gazing into her eyes.
"Robin, ne Shalocfa, shu vata ne mathad, e genthalas du penefa. Shu vata nevento che genthalas du corino, Robin, my Shalocfa, you are my beloved, and the keeper of my heart. You are also the keeper of my soul."
The two continued to gaze into each other's eyes, and Robin noticed that Starfire's expression indicated that she was expecting him to say something else. It was Mik'l who came to his rescue by leaning in and whispering something into his ear. "Koriand'r, shu vata ne itera, Starfire, you are my life."
Starfire suppressed her nervous giggle, her hand reaching up and cupping his cheek, "Robin, shu vata ne itera."
"The Oath has been given and returned in front of proper witnesses," Galfore said, and Robin watched in shock as the Tamaraneans in the room dropped to one knee. "Congratulations, Highness."
"Highness?"
"Yes, my love, when we bonded, you became what in your language is called the heir apparent, but we term Prince."
"You can't be serious!" Cyborg and Blackfire said together.
"What?" Robin asked, feeling as though there was something he should be catching onto, but was missing.
"Galfore, you cunning old. . . " Blackfire began.
"Do not make of our oath something it is not, sister!" Starfire protested, then Galfore, Blackfire, Cyborg, Mik'l all started talking at once, and all Robin could understand was that some of them thought that Star had decided to take the oath with him so he could take the throne while she recovered.
"SILENCE!" Kim'r bellowed in her best parade ground voice. Until she spoke again you could have heard a pin drop in the room. "Galfore, Komand'r, Raven and Robin remain, everyone else, clear this room!" she ordered and the room quickly emptied except for the ones she said should stay, and ,of course, Starfire who could not leave. "What in X'Hal's name is going on in here? This is a healing room, not the Hall of Debate."
"Well, among other things, Koriand'r and I have taken the Oath of Bonding."
Kim'r's scowl changed to a brilliant smile. "Thank X'Hal that is done. Congratulations, Highness," she added, saluting Robin, then shaking his hand enthusiastically. "That would, or should, be a happy occasion, not the cause for an argument like I heard."
"That is the fault of my sister. She is making of Robin's and my bonding, something it is not."
"Sorry Starfire, but she's not the only one who has their suspicions."
"Suspicions of what, Rae?"
"Before I answer, Robin, I need some more information. Kim'r, am I correct in saying that Robin and Starfire are now married under Tamaranean law?"
"Yes, the Oath of Bonding would be the equivalent of going to what you call the Justice of the Peace."
"And that makes Robin, what we would call an Heir Apparent, but you call Prince?" Again Kim'r nodded.
Suddenly Robin gasped as he finally made the connection. "Kori, you didn't. . . "
"No, my love, I truly did not. Do not think that I would dishonor your feelings for me in that manner."
To his credit, Robin didn't have to think long over that statement. "No. No you wouldn't. You've wanted to take the Oath with me since right after we told each other about our feelings. Is what Cyborg and Blackfire think correct, Galfore?"
To his surprise, Galfore didn't give him an immediate no for an answer, but looked at him with an apologetic look. "It is not quite what you think, Robin," he said softly. "I could not have asked the Empress to provide a better time to take the Oath with you, but it was her own time of choice."
"So the question remains, Robin. Will you take the throne?"
Robin gaped at Blackfire as if she had suddenly sprouted three heads. "You can't be serious. Those who were following you would revolt. To them I'm ruthasha, and for them that is just a small step above troq."
"In one way of thinking, you are correct, Highness, but even amongst them you are respected as a warrior, and your loyalty to her is without question," Kim'r explained then rubbed her chin. "You just might be acceptable to them, especially seeing as it is only on a temporary basis."
"Robin, what about your being the leader of the Titans?"
Robin looked over at Raven, then closed his eyes and took a deep breath and blew it out. "Right now I want a few moments alone with Starfire."
"Of course, Highness," Kim'r said. "Lets go."
"Robin, your answer? We need to. . . ."
"It can wait, Galfore. I know a certain nine year old who has probably gotten into more than he should."
"Not likely, Commander. At least I know Nie'l will not be pilfering pastries from the kitchens, like a young lady I know."
Kim'r chuckled softly and closed the door behind her as she was the last to leave.
"Do you regret bonding with me?" Starfire asked as she rolled so she was on her back.
Robin leaned down and kissed her cheek, then gently touched foreheads with her. "Never, Kori. I would do it again without hesitation. I love you."
"You are undecided about what to do," she said voicing what she was getting through their bond.
"Do you think I can do this? Do you honestly think I can rule your home world in your place, and that I should?"
Starfire was silent for a moment, then spoke so softly that he almost didn't hear her. "Robin, have you not ever wondered why I chose you to learn your language from? Why I did not choose Cyborg, or Beast Boy, or for that matter anyone else on the street?"
"No I haven't. I guess it was because I happened to be closest when your hands were freed."
Starfire chuckled softly. "No, my love, it was because I saw in you a brave and powerful warrior. One who, with only human strength, faced me, and was able to keep pace with me while I was in that rage. I also saw that you are a natural leader. Both Beast Boy and Cyborg saw that as well, in their own way. Robin, if you decide to hold my throne, I know I can be content in the knowledge that my people will have a just and fair ruler. You have told me in the past that I was born to one day rule Tamaran, and I am telling you now, my husband, that you are as much, if not more of a ruler than I."
"It's going to take me some time to get used to you calling me that," he said with a nervous chuckle. "Well, if Galfore and Kim'r believe in me half as much as you do, I guess it'll be alright. I still don't see why they need me to fill in for only a couple of days."
"Does not the President have someone to take his place when he undergoes a medical procedure, even if it is only for a few hours?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right. It's not like I'm going to actually make any decisions, right?" he said as he crossed over to the door and opened it.
"Actually, that is why you will be so acceptable. You are conspicuously neutral. You will not stand for any trouble from those who were set against Galfore, and you have shown the wisdom not to go in the other direction either."
"What Kim'r says is true, Robin. Besides, you will have me and her advising you in any decisions you may have to make."
"One last question. What happens if I decide not to do this?"
"The throne would be vacant, and there would be a struggle to determine who would fill it."
"The struggle Galfore speaks of, would brook on civil war for Tamaran. I would end up having to challenge whoever would end up on the throne to reclaim it."
Starfire almost giggled when she felt Robin switch into what she called fast thinking mode. A moment later she did allow herself a soft smile when she knew the decision he had reached.
"Much as I think I'm going to regret this decision, I agree, I'll stand in until Koriand'r is able to take the throne herself."
"Where is my sister?"
"She has returned to her cell, but will remain aboard the VELANCE'R, rather than the SOMON'R."
"Galfore, has there been times in the past when a persons sentence has been reduced?"
"You wish to do that with Komand'r?"
"I told her I would discuss it with you. To change her sentence from death to life imprisonment." Robin softly trailed his fingers over Starfire's upper arm. "I don't really think you want her dead either, Kori."
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
The next three day went by in a blur for Robin, as he found that even though he didn't make any decisions, there were meetings, and other things he had to do. But on this, the fourth day, he was once again in his dress armor, waiting outside Starfire's room with Raven and the others for the healers decision on her condition.
Robin was speaking with Raven and had his back to the door when it hissed open. He was surprised to see Raven's mouth flicker in a smile, then return to it's normal position. Turning around he saw the reason.
"I am honored that you visit me in your dress armor, my Lord."
"Star, I. . . " he began but trailed off as he realized that he was still Emperor, as he had not given the throne over to her yet. "The honor is mine, Princess. Would you care to walk with me?" he asked, offering his arm.
Starfire replied with a broad smile and linked her arm with his and they headed down the corridor. "Friends, please join us," she called to the rest of the Titans. 'Patience, my love. There will be time enough for us to be alone,' she added to Robin through their bond.
The ceremony where Robin took the Grand Ruler's crown off himself and placed it on Starfire was quite short, and he was surprised when Starfire placed what Robin had always termed a princess's crown on him. 'So I guess it's the same crown, Prince or Princess,' he thought to himself as he knelt to her along with the rest of the assembled representatives from the other ships in the fleet.
A short time later, Robin and Starfire were just finishing up receiving the congratulations of the more senior officers that had gathered. As the last one was leaving, she turned to him, her face serious. "Robin, I know there are may ways of my people that you find strange, but I wish to thank you for what you have done for my home world."
"I've learned that there is a lot you didn't teach me, and I'm glad that I've had the chance to see how your people live their lives."
"Highness, we are here to be released from our oaths."
Robin turned and saw that Mik'l, and the rest of his Guard were standing there. "Released? But I still can use the help to protect her."
"As I am now Empress, I am protected by the Palace Guard, as are you."
Robin noticed that Mik'l was keeping his face impassive, but he could still tell that he didn't want to be released from being part of Robin's Shalocfa Guard. He turned to Starfire. "Am I allowed a personal guard?"
"Do you feel so unsafe among us that you need so many, Highness?"
It's not that, Kim'r, but we've worked so hard to become a team that I hate to break it up."
"If you have no objection, I would take Shar'n and Shel'b into my Guard."
Knowing that those two would be working with Kim'r to protect Starfire somehow felt right to him, so he nodded. Pet'r and Diet'r asked to be released, as they had been offered promotions and positions aboard the NUMEN'R, which left Robin with Mik'l and Stev'n remaining with him.
"One more thing to take care of, then we can relax." Starfire said as she led the way from the landing bay.
"We're visiting your sister, aren't we?"
"There is something I must discuss with her, that you have not been told about. I apologize for the lack of trust, my husband, but I believe you are over protective concerning her." Robin didn't reply, but she could feel that he grudgingly agreed with her assessment of his feelings toward Blackfire. "Jemidar, I am pleased to see that you are here."
"I will await her decision out here," Kor'mel said after saluting them.
"Decision?" Robin whispered to Starfire as the walked through the open door of Blackfire's cell.
"Remove her shackles and leave us," Starfire ordered the guard who promptly complied. "I have a offer to make you, sister."
"And why should I listen to any deal you may make for me?"
"Because it is this choice, Komand'r. You can remain a traitor and prisoner of Tamaran, or become the Jemara, of the Salvainian Empire."
Robin watched Blackfire's reaction. Her eyes narrowed in anger, and glowed softly, then her expression changed to one of pain as the collar she was wearing gave a small crackling noise of electricity.
"Is there any chance of my being freed of this?" she asked, indicating the collar.
"It is no different than what Teranc'r had in store for me, with your approval, Sister. That Gordanian control collar and this were found in his room, as were several communications between him and you. You will not get the opportunity to use one of his electro lashes on me. Starfire stood there a moment and Robin could feel her struggling with her anger at her sister as he knuckles almost turned white as her fist tightened around the electro lash she held. "I have learned that you and Kor'mel have developed a relationship, and I am asking if you wish to follow up on it."
"I see you brought Robin along, what are his feelings on this?"
"You know perfectly well, Blackfire. I would probably sleep better at night knowing you were safely locked away in a nice secure cell."
"Robin, you have told me of your feelings for my sister to the point of sounding like the damaged recording. May I ask what it was that moved you to remove her shackles when she visited my healing room? Does she not deserve another chance?"
Realizing he wasn't going to even come close to winning the discussion with Starfire, he relented. "As you wish, my love. Well, Blackfire, would you rather be a prisoner of Tamaran, or an Empress of Salvainia?"
"How much has he told you, Kor?"
"Just that this is something you both wish, or have you been deceiving him?"
Blackfire held Starfire's gaze for a moment, then sighed softly as she lowered her eyes. "No I haven't been lying to him. I don't believe I have to explain to you how my feelings for him have formed in only a few months, and my feelings when I found that he returned them."
Starfire almost jumped ins surprise as she felt Robin's arm slip around her waist as he spoke. "No, Blackfire, you don't. I hope you find the same happiness as we have."
"I just hope that you can hold on to that over a long distance," Blackfire said softly, then realized that Starfire hadn't told him yet.
"For a while at least, I must return with the fleet to Tamaran to ensure the unrest is truly over," Starfire said softly in response to his questioning look.