Three Square Meals Ch. 124

A warbling chime suddenly echoed around his quarters, the high-pitched notes signifying a priority call.

Tearing his eyes away from the Nymph, Athgiloi strode over to the comms interface and grunted as he saw who was calling. "Lord Rilosash... do you have an update on Shoal Commander Coholich's border fleet?"

The Brimorian Lord's fins vibrated in an uncharacteristic display of anxiety. "There is still no word, Deep Lord; the reserve fleet won't arrive at the border to begin their search until later tonight." Leaning forward he quickly added, "But that is not the purpose of this call. I have been contacted by Ambassador Circhoi about an urgent matter regarding the Maliri."

Athgiloi couldn't help lashing his tail with apprehension. "We submitted to their demands and granted their warfleet right of passage through Enclave territory. What do the Maliri want now?"

"I do not know; Queen Edraele insisted that she would only discuss the matter with you personally, Deep Lord."

"You're making the Maliri Queen wait?!" Athgiloi balked incredulously. "Route the call through, you imbecile!"

Rilosash bristled at the insult, his fins flaring with suppressed anger. With a curt bow, his image disappeared to be replaced by a pair of crossed blades... which quickly coalesced into Athgiloi's first glimpse of the undisputed leader of the Maliri Protectorate.

Queen Edraele was seated on a resplendent golden throne, her regal bearing radiating power and confidence. Athgiloi could not make out her face, concealed as it was behind an opaque faceplate, the helmet part of a jewel-encrusted suit of battle armour. Behind her was a huge window, providing a spectacular view of an enormous space station, dominated by gleaming spires and sparkling crystal domes. Floating motionless in space above that breathtaking vista were vast fleets of golden-hulled Maliri warships, their sleek angular profile that of a ferocious interstellar predator.

As shocking as that display of raw power was, something else drew Athgiloi's attention... a sight that sent a shiver of fear down his spine. Arrayed behind Edraele were an honour guard of Maliri soldiers standing at attention, which in and of itself would not have been so shocking. However, at the Maliri Queen's right hand side was a female figure wearing a distinctive suit of pristine white battle armour... the signature uniform of Admiral John Blake's Lionesses.

"Ah, Deep Lord Athgiloi, so good of you to speak with me... at last," Edraele said, her voice taut with barely-concealed irritation.

"My sincerest apologies, Queen Edraele," Athgiloi replied, bowing in contrition. "Unfortunately, I am surrounded by half-witted fools. Heads will roll for the indignity of making you wait... but I swear to you that no insult was intended."

The Maliri sat straight-backed, her hands resting lightly on the armrests of her throne. She made no verbal acknowledgement of his apology, only making a slight inclination of her head.

Athgiloi's black eyes flicked nervously to the Lioness, before focusing on the golden-armoured Queen again. "I was recently informed of your ascendancy amongst your people... and that the Maliri Regency was to be renamed the Maliri Protectorate." He hesitated for a second, then continued nervously, "Perhaps the name has a different meaning in your tongue, but doesn't that term usually imply a state is under the protection of another power?"

"That it does..." Queen Edraele replied, refusing to be drawn out on the subject.

Beside her, the Lioness folded her arms across her ample chest, her features similarly concealed behind an opaque faceplate.

Before Athgiloi could continue, Edraele abruptly changed the subject. "I am aware of your... adventures... along the border with the Terran Federation, Deep Lord. This recent episode of Enclave aggression is... troubling."

"We were simply reclaiming Brimorian territory stolen from us decades ago," Athgiloi said defiantly. "The Callopean Shoals was part of the Enclave for centuries before the Terran Federation began their unprovoked encroachment and annexation!"

"So you have no intention of further capitalising on your initial gains?" Edraele asked, the innocuous question carrying an ominous undertone that implied that was a very bad idea.

Tired of being on the back fin, Athgiloi paused to collect his thoughts. "I fail to see why a border dispute between the Enclave and the Federation is of any interest to the Maliri. The Regency has always remained aloof from any conflicts between your neighbours... why has this now become your concern?"

Edraele sat back in her throne, affecting an air of nonchalance. "Because as of this morning, the Maliri Protectorate signed a mutual protection pact with the Terran Federation."

"What?!" Athgiloi blurted out, gaping at her in shock. "That's impossible!"

"Hardly impossible, Deep Lord," Edraele noted with dry amusement. "Feel free to make enquiries with Fleet Admiral Devereux if you require further confirmation."

"But the Maliri have never made alliances before!" he protested, his scaly claws twitching nervously. "Why would you start now?!"

"Does it matter?" she asked, idly tapping her fingers on the armrest. "The only really important question is whether you intend to make further attacks against our ally? It would be beneath me to make crude threats, but I'm sure you understand that continued aggression against the Terran Federation would now provoke... repercussions."

Athgiloi swallowed, making a gulping noise deep in his throat. "Rest assured that the Enclave was simply reclaiming territory previously stolen from us. Now that the Callopean Shoals is back under Brimorian control and the occupying force eliminated, as far as the Enclave is concerned, our historic grievance with the Federation is settled."

"That's very reassuring to hear," Edraele said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

He nodded, still reeling from her shocking announcement. "Thank you for updating me on the changes to Maliri relations with the Terrans, Queen Edraele."

"You're quite welcome," she replied, with airy politeness. "Please accept my best wishes for your continued good health, Deep Lord Athgiloi."

As he was trying to decide if the Maliri Queen had just made a veiled threat, Edraele ended the call, leaving a pair of crossed blades on the holo-screen.

Athgiloi stared at the image in stunned silence for a long moment, then his clawed hands flicked over the shell-like glyphs on the holo-interface. He searched through archives of the Terran broadcasts featuring the Lion of the Federation until he found the one he was looking for... a bombastic propaganda piece focused on a Terran award ceremony. Fast forwarding through the preliminary commentary, he finally paused the recording on an image of John Blake standing alongside his crew of Lionesses. Sure enough, just as Athgiloi remembered, two of the women were wearing white armour with their features obscured behind shadowy faceplates. If those Lionesses were Terran, there would be no reason for them to hide their faces.

"They're Maliri!" the Brimorian hissed under his breath, appalled that he hadn't made the connection before.

He staggered backwards and leaned heavily against his desk, the ramifications of Blake having Maliri crewwomen becoming distressingly obvious. No wonder the Maliri Protectorate was now openly allying with the Terran Federation... Blake was obviously the diplomatic bridge between the two empires. Athgiloi could only pray that Larn'kelnar had dealt with his rival as he had confidently predicted.

Taking a deep breath to calm his pounding heart, Athgiloi glanced at his nubile companion. For only the second time in all the months he'd known Celphna, his concubine wasn't watching him for any sign of sexual interest. Instead, the Nymph was staring intently at the holo-screen, captivated by the sight of the Lion of the Federation.

***

The House Valaden comms specialist closed the communications channel, then looked up from the holographic panel on her vambrace. "The connection has been terminated, Matriarch."

Raising from her throne, Edraele removed her helmet, then gave the Maliri woman a warm smile. "Thank you for your assistance, Shaerra."

Returning the smile, the comms specialist followed the honour guard as they left the throne room.

There was a quiet hiss as Edraele's armoured companion removed her Paragon helmet. "That went perfectly, my Queen," Luna said, fluffing out her luxurious mane of white hair.

Edraele turned to face the yellow-eyed assassin, her full lips pursed in an anxious frown. "I hope I managed to intimidate Athgiloi enough to deter any further attacks. There's no way that John can intervene at the moment, so I don't want him worrying about an imminent Brimorian invasion."

Luna laughed and patted her lover on the shoulder. "Don't worry... you were suitably sinister. I've always wondered how you managed to make a quiet word in a glacial tone sound far more terrifying than screaming at someone in rage."

"It stimulates the imagination," Edraele murmured, turning to glance out of the window at the rows of House Naestina warships. "By being quiet and menacing, it makes the other person think about all the dreadful things I could do to them."

"What has you so distracted, my love?" the assassin whispered, standing closer and following her matriarch's gaze to the fleets awaiting refit at Genthalas.

"I was just wondering if a show of force along the Brimorian border might be called for," Edraele said, before clasping her lover's hand. "I wasn't ignoring you, I promise."

"You're forgiven. Now, I need to remove this armour... would you care to join me?" Luna asked, giving her a coy smile.

"I do need to change, but I must speak to Kali as a matter of urgency," the Maliri Queen said, reluctantly shaking her head. "Perhaps you and I could meet this evening when we can savour our time together?"

Luna's eyes twinkled as she nodded. "I live to serve, Matriarch."

It was such a simple phrase that effortlessly rolled off the assassin's tongue, having been repeated hundreds of times over the years. Luna was only teasing her lover about the dramatic change in their relationship over the last several months... but it still made Edraele pause. The Maliri Queen frowned and began to protest, only to be silenced with a gentle kiss.

"Hush..." Luna whispered, when they finally parted. "I know you consider us equals, but you will always be my Matriarch and I am content to be your humble bodyguard... at least in public. I have no desire to ever change that dynamic; protecting you from danger is a privilege... and it would become considerably harder if I was the focus of attention."

"I'm so lucky to have you," Edraele said softly, looking at the assassin under long lashes as they walked from the throne room. "I intend to show you the full extent of my appreciation this evening..."

They exchanged flirtatious glances as they returned to Edraele's quarters, then headed through the lounge and past the bedroom to reach the armoury. Luna was able to step into the armour-equipping frame to remove her Paragon suit, a process that took only a few seconds. As soon as she was freed from its confines, she joined Edraele in carefully dismantling her resplendent golden armour.

"We should have asked John for another Paragon suit for you," Luna said with a frown, lifting away the ornate breastplate. "If there is an attack on Genthalas, you should be wearing the best protection we have available. In an emergency I want you to take-"

This time it was Edraele who silenced her lover with a kiss. "Hush..." the Maliri Queen said with an affectionate smile. "You can't deny that wearing a Paragon suit would make you far more deadly in combat... which is exactly where I would expect you to be, eliminating anyone who threatened us."

Luna frowned, then sighed as she reluctantly nodded. "You're right. Being able to forgo the need for cover would allow me to be much more aggressive."

"You reminded me of John being overprotective..." Edraele said with a wistful smile. She gave the assassin a grateful kiss, then stretched, glad to be out of her armour. "Just give me a few minutes to shower and change, then I need to speak with Kali."

They parted company and Edraele retired to her bedroom, eager to enjoy her new shower facilities. Unlike the quick and efficient Maliri version that submerged the user in a cleansing liquid, she had insisted on having a Terran-style shower installed. Jets of water sprayed over her statuesque body from the nozzles concealed in the wall, the sensation making her skin tingle.

She felt soft fingers gliding over her back and smiled warmly at Luna over her shoulder. "Are you sure that's appropriate behaviour for my bodyguard?"

"I'm guarding your body very closely," the assassin whispered, pressing her luscious breasts against her lover's back.

After soaping each other down and making sure their limber azure bodies were exceptionally clean, they dried off and returned to the bedroom. Edraele slipped into one of her elegant dresses, then watched Luna put on a black bodysuit, holstering pistols and hiding blades in convenient to reach places.

"I look forward to a time when you can put this life of violence behind you, my love."

"I'll always be there to protect you," Luna said, walking over to join her.

"No, not always," Edraele murmured, reaching out to brush the backs of her fingers across the assassin's belly. "When John retires, you'll have a new job... one that will finally make us true equals."

The former-assassin's calm composure shifted, her eyes taking on a doe-eyed softness. "It's hard to imagine... but I want that future so much."

They enjoyed an intimate embrace, then separated to leave the quarters. Edraele could hear Kali's troubled thoughts, so knew exactly where to find the young House Loraleth Matriarch. The Maliri Queen glided along the corridors as they headed towards one of Genthalas' largest arboretums, Luna padding silently at her side.

*You seem much happier today,* the assassin observed, as they walked past Maliri personnel who nodded to Edraele respectfully. *I was concerned after last night.*

Edraele flushed as she remembered breaking down in her lover's arms, consumed with fear for her people in the advent of an apocalyptic Progenitor war.

*Truthfully, nothing has changed... but I can't allow myself to be paralysed by fear for the future.* She intertwined her fingers with Luna's and squeezed her hand. *I greatly appreciate you being there for me last night; being able to vent those emotions was such a relief. I can't afford to burden John with any more worries and I need to stay strong for him.*

Luna looked at her with admiration. *I don't know how you cope with the stress of command. Standing in for you as Matriarch was such a terrible burden of responsibility, I can't even imagine what it must be like being Queen.*

*I ruled House Valaden for over a century before John arrived and elevated me to Queen. The old version of me hungered for power, delighting in every opportunity to exert her dominance over others. When you care nothing for the welfare of your people, there is no burden to leadership.*

*But that was the old version of Edraele,* Luna said, catching her eye. *I know how much you care about all of us.*

Edraele nodded, then looked thoughtful. *I suppose all those years of experience have given me broad shoulders. When I think about the callous way my predecessor would have handled the problems we face, I feel eternally grateful that I'm here to make those decisions and not her.*

*I'm eternally grateful you're here as well...*

They shared a smile then reluctantly released each other's hand as they reached the arboretum. The verdant park was busiest in the evenings, when most of the Maliri personnel stationed at Genthalas had finished their day's work aboard the colossal space station. By contrast it was practically deserted in the morning, making it very easy to spot the solitary noblewoman sitting on a bench, her two bodyguards keeping a respectful distance. Luna followed suit, peeling away from Edraele to begin her vigilant watch for any potential threats to the Maliri Queen.

Edraele smiled at the two House Loraleth assassins as she passed them, the white-haired Maliri returning her friendly greeting in a similar fashion. She then swept around the bench to pause beside Kali and brushed her fingertips across the young woman's bare shoulder. "Kali, would I be intruding if I sat with you?"

Kali Loraleth had been lost in thought and she looked up at her in surprise. "Edraele! I-I didn't see you arrive!"

Edraele glanced at the space on the bench beside her, then raised an eyebrow. "I'm happy to leave you in peace if you prefer..."

Kali quickly shook her head. "No, I'd like for you to stay. Please feel free to join me."

Edraele sat demurely beside her, hands clasped in her lap. She looked out across the park, watching brightly-coloured song birds flitting around as they gathered twigs for their nests. "It's beautiful here... I should visit more often."

With a shy smile, Kali said, "It reminds me of the palace gardens on Loraleth... I spent a lot of time hiding from my sisters there. I've always enjoyed watching the birds, they lead such a simple and carefree existence."

Turning to face the young woman, Edraele asked quietly, "Is that why you've been coming here? To seek respite from the responsibilities of being a Matriarch?" She brushed her fingers through Kali's long white hair. "You're so young to have assumed the mantle of leadership, but I think you've been doing remarkably well. You rule the second largest House in the Protectorate, yet you've been leading your people with wisdom, compassion, and integrity."

Kali blushed at the effusive praise. "I'm so glad you think so. I try my best to remember everything you've taught me and imagine how you would make each decision."

Edraele smiled and slipped an arm around her. "I'm very proud of you, Kali. I hope you know that."

"Thank you, that's lovely to hear." The youthful leader of House Loraleth let out a quiet sigh and snuggled into her regal mentor. "You've helped make my transition to Matriarch as smooth as possible. I'm just really missing John..."

"I know... I think about him constantly too," the Maliri queen murmured, stroking the young woman's back. "But why are you spending time alone and keeping your distance from the Young Matriarchs?"

Kali was quiet for a long moment, then replied, "Valani and Nyrelle became a couple, then Tsarra got together with Leena; they've all grown very close and I didn't want them to feel like I was in their way."

Edraele laughed, the musical sound echoing around the arboretum. "Oh, Kali... they're all frantically worried about you! They think they've driven you off by being too affectionate with each other and are desperate to atone for making you feel unwelcome."

"Oh no!" she gasped, her rich blue eyes widening in alarm. "I never meant for them to feel like that!"

Leaning down to kiss the distraught young woman on top of her head, Edraele said, "Don't worry, my darling girl. I'll speak to them and explain what happened; they'll be tremendously relieved to hear that you aren't feeling rejected."

Kali's shoulders slumped and she said quietly, "That's the second foolish decision I've made recently... please tell them I'm very sorry."

"It wasn't foolish, you were being considerate... it was all just a simple miscommunication between close friends," Edraele said, giving her a supportive hug. "Now... will you tell me about this other decision you regret?"

There was a long moment of silence, then the Maliri girl began to tremble. "I should never have told John I wasn't ready to have a family... What was I thinking? What if he changes his mind and doesn't want to be with me again?! Oh, Edraele... I've made the worst mistake of my life!"