((Another Vulshain/Azulcena joint post. Eegads, the length!))
Kabya thought for a moment. “Hm… Well, King Rainard will be bringing some CPGs, or Confederate Protection Guards. They are often called the Confederate Secret Service. However, His Majesty doesn’t like to be ‘babysat’ by so many security personnel. He may bring some of the Royal Protectors of the Anireptian Guard with him.” Continuing, she added, “To answer your question, it will be small, mainly because of his personal preference.”
Colonel Cazador nodded slightly. “I can understand the King’s sentiment, but I’m also not interested in a repeat of his coronation, if you catch my drift, General-Colonel,” she said matter-of-factly. “So how small is small? Because my Bersaliers will pick up the slack accordingly.”
Sharon Marronagua shifted subtly in her seat. “Joanna always pushes,” she thought.
Kabya nodded, not paying attention to Marronagua’s shifting in her seat. “There were some who criticized His Majesty’s self-defense against his attacker, especially the… um… well, annoying reporter who tried to pry into Samuil’s romantic life. Still, ‘small’ will probably mean about four or five CPGs and maybe three Royal Protectors.”
“It’s not that I disagree with how he defended himself, General-Colonel,” said Cazador. “I just think everyone on my side of the delegation here today would rather not give him a reason to defend himself in the first place. So if your nation’s only providing five guards, mine will provide another fifteen.”
Kabya smiled. “I like that idea. That way, it shows that King Rainard trusts your people to ensure his safety. If we brought in a lot of bodyguards ourselves, it might send the wrong message to your people that he doesn’t trust them. In fact, I plan to stay here until after His Majesty’s visit.”
The other Vulshainians quickly turned and looked at her before looking at each other. This was new to them; and it made the Defense Minister’s eyebrows arch upward. A few of the other Azulcenians exchanged curious looks, but nobody initially responded. Colonel Cazador kept the floor. “I agree, it does seem to send that message. Do you agree, Madam Defense Minister?”
Sharon sat forward. “I do. This meeting is all about image, as our Chancellor has said before. With our best troops defending your King, Azulcena can be seen as a friend to Vulshain and all vulpine nations from the very start.” She eyed Kabya a little penetratingly. “Poor girl,” she thought. “Wish I was that young and trusting still.”
Kabya noticed Sharon. “What does she know that I don’t?” The Colonel-General planned to find out.
Captain Ziemowit Herbert, who was sitting on Kabya’s left, spoke up, although he had a strong Polish accent. “There is something else that we need to take into account. His Majesty is a huge sports fan, and he will probably want to meet your nation’s sports teams.”
At this, someone new to the Vulshainians spoke up. It was a slim, tall fifty-something of a man with round glasses perched on the end of his beak nose. He smiled as he spoke. “Ah, alas, our National Football Team is away at the 41st Baptism of Fire in Queer Poco el Mono Ara. Sorry, I don’t think I’ve said hello. I’m Dr. Alan Maldly, Minister of Commerce. However, we can organize an invitational game between Cuizaza and Manaus the day the King arrives here in the city, if you wish.”
Captain Herbert nodded. “That would be good. His Majesty was a huge fan of Vekaiyu in the Fifth Summer Olympics last year, and if rumor is to be believed he hopes to meet the Eleven Sirens, the swimmers who represented Vekaiyu in the Olympics.”
Someone else spoke up. Major Daryna Lilya Oxana, a thirty-three-year-old female Lobo with reddish brown fur with gold markings. Her muzzle had a couple of small scars on it. In addition, her right arm was a robotic prosthesis arm. “King Rainard might also bring up the subject of assisting Vekaiyu in reconstruction, especially in the Vekaiyun city of Iruk. Much of the city was destroyed and many of its civilians were killed in the Great Tragedy when a concentration of suvavki, a highly toxic chemical used in some recent polymerization processes that inhibits cellular respiration, was released during the fighting. Even in small amounts suvavki is deadly. It is believed that the Maxists during Vekaiyu’s civil war were planning to use the chemicals against the Vekaiyun Loyalists. Anyhow, it might be a good idea for Azulcena to make some monetary donation to the people of Vekaiyu. You have to remember, King Rainard is half-Vekaiyun. In addition, Azulcena might be able to donate other supplies such as food, water, clothes, and medicine.” The other Vulshainians nodded in agreement.
Heads were nodding all around the table at what Major Oxana was describing. “Fortunately,” said Daniel Retecala, a Deputy Chancellor, “The King began the process of opening diplomatic relations with Vekaiyu at their request yesterday. We might be able to bring our new ambassador from Vekaiyu in on any discussions our two Kings will have when King Samuil is visiting.”
“Charity is an Azulcenian tradition at various holidays,” added Dr. Maldly. “We would be happy to start including a sort of ‘Vekaiyu Relief Effort’ in our public awareness campaigns. We’d need permission from Vekaiyu, of course.”
“If anyone knows the effects of war, it is our people,” Sharon concluded.
Major Oxana nodded. “The same goes for us as well.” She shows them her robotic arm. “I lost my real one after some psycho cut it off me using a butcher knife. A member of the RRAM’s Cannibal soldiers.”
Captain Herbert’s brows rose. “Isn’t one considered a cannibal if he eats his own kind? I wasn’t aware of there being any non-humans in the RRAM, a radical terrorist and racist group.”
Major Oxana glared at him and released a growl as she began to get out of her seat. “Captain Herbert…”
Helmuth calmed her down, saying something in Lobonese. Apparently, she calmed down. DIEIS agent Baxter gave Sharon a look that said, “This isn’t the first time the two of them have almost gotten into a fight.”
For a moment, Sharon wondered if the Vulshainians would be able to defuse the looming altercation between Oxana and Herbert, and when the Polkovnik stepped in, speaking that exotic language, she inwardly sighed. “Second time in as many days, and people say we Azulcenians have Latin tempers,” she thought ruefully. She caught Baxter’s sidelong look and nodded a little knowingly. If she told him about the many times she and Menendez had argued…
Dr. Maldly cleared his throat, taking the floor a moment. “Ah… heh… well. Anyway. I’m sure we can leave the official negotiations to our Kings.”
Kabya breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank St. Aiya for my brother,” she said, thanking the vulpine saint for her brother’s quick actions. “Is there anything else that needs to be brought forward?”
Sharon leaned forward a bit. “Well, now might be a good time for any member of your party to ask for any special services the King might need, or if you have any questions on our standard operations for protecting foreign leaders, now’s the time.”
Kabya thought for a moment then answered. “How will you conduct the state arrival ceremony and state dinner?”
“Thought you’d never ask,” said Daniel Retecala, touching a few controls on the smart table. A diagram of the main courtyard of the Palacio Azul came up. The space was shaped like a half-hexagon, facing west onto a main roadway, the Calle Palacio. The diagram showed where King Samuil’s limousine would arrive, the locations of Azulcenian military honor guards and the Combined Forces Honor Band, and space for members of the public. A long red carpet ran from the limo’s point of arrival to the top of a broad set of stairs at the entrance to the Palacio, atop which was a series of icons labeled for King Antonio and all the Ministers of the Royal Cabinet. Retecala described the whole ceremony from start to finish, telling the Vulshainians when the music would play, when the national anthems would be played one after the other, where the joint flags would fly, and when the two Kings would shake hands and face the crowd. When he was finished, Retecala sat back and waited for questions before going on to describe the dinner.
Kabya smiled. “What kind of limousine will you be using?”
Helmuth added. “What about protection, such as snipers and countersnipers?”
Colonel Cazador leaned over and touched a control on the map; immediately sniper and counter-sniper positions atop the Palacio were illuminated in gold. Sheriff Chenard pointed out where Royal Constables will be tasked with keeping the crowds away with barricades and bodies. And this was all in addition to the 5+15 guards being given to King Samuil. As for the limousine, Retecala touched another control, bringing up a picture not unlike the silver vehicle Kabya herself rode in to the Palacio.
Kabya nodded. “Now about the king’s dinner. He’s not very picky, but he will doesn’t have a sweet tooth. We vulpines doesn’t really like heavily rich sweets, as you probably noticed when I had to make a quick exit.” She weakly chuckled. “Ahem… The king would want to taste your traditional foods as he is also skilled cook. Not a 5-star world renowned chef, but a good cook nonetheless.”
Retecala arched an eyebrow and gave Kabya a curious look. “Does he like spicy food?” he asked.
Kabya grinned. “Of course! We vulpines just love spicy food.”
“Then have we got a treat in store for your King,” the Deputy Chancellor said, pulling up some pictures of food. “The main course will be a traditional Azulcenian mezclado, cooked for everyone in a huge temporary stone oven. It’s a commoner’s dish; King Antonio has made a point of that. He says that it would do the nation some good to see its leader and his new friend not dining too extravagantly.”
“A mezclado is sort of a baked mix of meat and grains,” Dr. Maldly said. “When spiced the right way, mm! Delicious!”
“We’ve provided room for a traditional Vulshainian appetizer, and for dessert we can certainly swap out King Samuil’s creme brulee for something else he might like,” Retecala finished.
Kabya nodded, trying not to drool over how the mezclado was prepared. Luckily she succeeded. “That’s very good. The king likes desserts that have honey.”
“Ah, thank you,” said Retecala, taking a note. “What do you think the appetizer should be, General-Colonel?” he then asked. “It’s my understanding that you and King Samuil are related?”
“Kikale,” Kabya said.
“Mm, sounds tasty,” said Dr. Maldly. “What is it?”
“Kikale consists of various herbs and spices, such as cloves, thyme, and sage, cooked in a thick sauce mixed in noodles with vegetables and or seafood or beef. For drinks, nothing too sweet now. Maybe jaku soda, which can be best described as a very sharp and slightly sour root beer. If not that, then clove soda will do. For alcoholic drinks, beer will do, although vodka, cognac, and whiskey will be fine too.”
“Hmm, I think vodka would be best,” said Retecala, making another note. “Water and clove soda would go well to cleanse the palate between courses.” He made some more notes. “And after the meal, I hope King Samuil can find a dance partner. We’ve arranged for a series of tempestad dances to be played on traditional commoner instruments.”
“It’s like a mix of flamenco and carnaval dances,” said Sharon. “It’s actually a hobby of mine. A lot of fun once you know how.”
Kabya nodded. “Now, there is one more thing. His Majesty will also want to review your soldiers.”
Sharon blinked a moment. “Honor guards from all our military branches will be present at the State Arrival Ceremony,” she offered.
“Wonderful! It seems that everything has been covered.” Just then, Agent Baxter said, “If possible, I would like to speak with Defense Minister Marronagua after the meeting here is adjourned. In private.”
Sharon nodded to Baxter, looking at Kabya. “Also, General-Colonel, I would like to meet with you at your next convenience?”
Kabya nodded, wondering what the two were going to talk about. “Very well.”
“Then, ladies and gentlemen, we are adjourned,” announced the Defense Minister. She immediately stood and took Baxter into an adjoining room, shutting the door behind them. “Agent?” she asked perfunctorily.
“When I was talking with you before before the General-Colonel arrived, I was going to say that your king has a reputation for being a skirt-chaser and womanizer.” Before Sharon could say anything, Baxter’s eyes narrowed as he said in a downright serious tone: “People. With. Those. Qualities. I. Despise.”
Sharon was about to speak when Agent Baxter interrupted her with his disparaging remarks. She stepped closer to the Vulshainian and stared deep into his eyes. “Well, Mr. Baxter, you’ve got two options while you’re here, then. Option One is to grin and bear it. Option Two is to throw caca over it and see how much trouble you can get in overseas. I suggest you not make my King’s personal life your business, and we’ll get along fine.”
Baxter smiled. “Oh? Let me show you something.” He took out a folder and opened it. Inside were pictures of Antonio, each one with a different woman. “I’m making your king’s personal life my businesses, but only to ensure the welfare of relations between our two nations because of this picture. And believe me, it wasn’t easy taking it.”
He shows her a picture. It is a picture of Kabya and Antonio kissing one another. The picture was taken using a long-ranged camera, and although the picture was a little fuzzy, it was no denying of who was in the picture. “I’m concerned that the other nobles in your nation will be outraged if they found out your king was sleeping with a foreigner. What would happen if he asked her hand in marriage? What would your nobles think? What would your country do and say? I’m trying to help, Defense Minister.”
Meanwhile, Kabya’s phone buzzed. It was a number different from the one she knew was Marisol’s. If she checked the card she’d been given, she’d see it was the King’s. <<Hello, bella,>> it simply read.
Kabya smiled. She dialed the number and said in a happy tone, “Hello my royal sweet. How are you?”
The party in the meeting room had not yet fully dispersed, so when Kabya spoke in that way, not a few eyebrows arched and gazes turned in her direction. Antonio’s slightly surprised voice came through her phone; obviously he hadn’t expected her to call. “I’m well, though I already miss you and that magic tail of yours,” he said quietly. “I’ve just got a tiny break here between functions. How did the meeting go?”
Kabya smiled as she walked away from the others. “I’m doing very well. The meeting went very well. Magic tail, you say? My, my. Aren’t you the sweet-talker? I miss you, too. Maybe later tonight, you and I can see each other again?”
“I’d love that, bella,” said Antonio, his voice soft and warm to her. “I was wondering… were you planning on sleeping at the Hotel for the rest of your stay? I know for a fact that I have room for you here…”
Kabya was surprised by his offer. “Thank you. I would love that. When can I move into the Palace?”
Antonio’s voice came over Kabya’s phone. “Ah, well, I think for appearance’s sake you should ‘officially’ still be staying at the Hotel. But if you want to bring some things over, like a change of clothes every night, I know Charlie can sneak you in.”
In the other room, Sharon bristled visibly when Baxter produced that file of pictures. Part of her wanted to lay the Vulshainian out on his back with one punch, but she controlled herself. As the pictures shuffled in Baxter’s hands, Sharon was only grateful that there weren’t certain photos included with them. But when he showed her the fuzzy picture of the King and the General-Colonel, she snatched it from his hand and tossed it aside. “I don’t know how you treat your leaders in Vulshain, Baxter, but here we respect people’s privacy. You had no right to take that photograph, and if you even think about undertaking any more surveillance of the King, or of anyone while you’re here, I will kick you out of my country so fast your ass will still be sore by the time you land back home.” She took a breath, speaking more evenly now, while still glaring in Baxter’s eyes. “But I do understand you want to help, in a way. Although it feels a hell of a lot more like blackmail. Why don’t you trust me to look after the welfare of my country? I don’t need your help.” She took the file from Baxter, holding it behind her.
Baxter nodded. “You misundertand. It was not my intention to invade your king’s privacy. I was taking pictures of all possible points that could be used by terrorists, insurgents, and assassins. My camera was on a timer, and it was after I developed the picture did I see what had occurred. I’m not trying to tell you how to protect your country, nor am I trying to blackmail anyone. I’m trying to protect King Antonio from General-Colonel Kenenttz. If she were to find him in the arms of another woman after falling madly in love with him… well, Hell has no fury like a woman with claws and fangs who has been cheated on. However, to answer your question: I plan to stand back and do nothing.”
“When it comes to the King and the General-Colonel, trust me, I’m one step ahead of you,” said Sharon, calming down a bit, her eyes studying Baxter calculatingly. “Wait until you see your superior officer when I get through with her. In the meantime, you need to trust the security we’ve provided for you and not undertake any more surveillance anywhere on the government campus.” She grit her teeth a moment, seeing Baxter preparing to go. “Is that all, Agent?”
“My only desire was to bring this to your attention. And yes, that is all.” He started to leave but paused to see if she would say anything, his hand on the doorknob. Sharon merely waved him out of the room. Baxter left. He knew that the Azulcenians would take certain things from them.
The moment he was gone and the door was shut, Sharon retrieved the photograph from the floor and stuffed it into the file, drawing out her cell phone and dialing a number. “Joanna? Some of the Vulshainians have been taking pictures. Yeah. Cameras, audio recorders, anything you find. Sure, notes will be nice. Thanks.” Sharon had been briefed by the Intelligence Minister on how some corrput DIEIS agents were turning up. Even though apparently the General-Colonel trusted the ones that were with her, Sharon was starting to doubt her judgement.
Within moments of Sharon placing that call, the quarters of every Vulshainian representative at the Hotel Azulcena were opened by Royal Bersaliers, who went through their belongings and confiscated all manner of recording devices and unauthorized prints and documents they found, leaving only small notes behind in their place, reading, “You may notice certain possessions of yours are missing for the time being. These are currently under the protection of the Royal Bersaliers for security purposes. They will be returned to you when your stay has concluded.”
Back in the Intelligence Ministry, Sharon poked her head out the door, looking for Kabya. “General-Colonel, I’m ready when you are,” she said politely.
Kabya smiled and told Antonio goodbye and that she would see him later. She went into the adjourning room with Sharon and noticed she looked angry. “Let me guess, Baxter was taking survillence photos?”
Sharon nodded. “Yeah. Pictures like this one.” She held out the photo of Kabya and Antonio for the General-Colonel to see.
“Oh, that. Let’s just say that certain things happened.” Kabya smiled and winked at Sharon. “I’m not surprised, but you shouldn’t let it get to you. It’s common routine DIEIS protocol. Samuil is trying to put DIEIS on a short and tight leash so they don’t do things like this.”
“He claims he was just taking routine pictures for security reasons, but you know, for some reason I find it hard to trust him. Might have to do with the looks he throws your way, General-Colonel.” Sharon let Kabya take a chair, and sat across from her, folding her arms.
Kabya sighed. “I told him not to take any photos while here, but I don’t have any authority over DIEIS agents. MMID doesn’t do things like that, unless you give us permission to do and only if one your people is standing right next to us to tell us what to photograph and not to. I can offer you some advice. You probably confiscated certain things from us. Did you check for things like water bottles, cigarette lighters, and other items that appear to be innocent?”
“I wasn’t planning on confiscating anything from your team until now,” Sharon said, responding to what Kabya said. “We didn’t even search your luggage when you came into the country; we just ran it through an x-ray machine. But yeah. Now we’re taking your cameras and other things. I didn’t tell my troops to look for anything innocent like that; why? Do you want me to?”
“You might want to look at DIEIS.”
Sharon held up a finger and took out her phone once more. She pushed a speed dial number, put the phone to her ear, and waited. “Me again, Joanna. See if you can stall the DIEIS agents from getting back to their rooms. Looks like they might have secret surveillance kits in water bottles, lighters, anything innocent-looking. Mm-hmm.” She hung up, nodding at Kabya. “Thanks. I’ll remember that.”
Kabya nodded. “You’re welcome. If you like, my people can help you stall them.”
Sharon nodded. “Whatever it takes.”
Kabya nodded and texted her comrades. <<Stall DIEIS>> They received their orders and did just that, carrying on conversations with the DIEIS agents while the Azulcenians searched the quarters of the DIEIS agents. “It’s done. These DIEIS agents aren’t evil, they’re just paranoid. You just have to be careful around them, that’s all. Now, what did you want to talk about?”
Sharon sighed a bit and took the photo back, tucking it away into the file. “General-Colonel… I’m going to call you Kabya for a bit here; it’s just easier. Kabya, I want to talk to you about you and the King. I wished you good luck with him yesterday before the party. I’m sure you’re happy as a schoolgirl now that you got to sleep with the most powerful man in Azulcena. And I believe in the King, I really do. I trust him, and I follow his commands. I think he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to my country, and I went through the war at his side as commander of his army. So I know him.” She sat up a bit and rested her elbows on her knees, leaning forward and looking into Kabya’s eyes. “So I’ve got to ask you to trust me, Kabya, okay? The King’s a great man in many ways. He’s done a lot for his people. But he’s still a young man. I don’t want you to be under any illusions, Kabya. You’re something new to him. Like a big shiny thing in front of a baby. You’re new and exotic. And I guess he is too, to you, in a way. Hell, you’re both young. You’ve got to be careful about something like that. Because once the novelty wears off, what do the two of you have left, hmm? Think about it hard.” She didn’t let Kabya speak, leaning back just a bit as she finished. “You’ve got your duty to your country to think about. So does he. I encouraged you because I know the King is lonely, and you seem to be too. But don’t go hearing wedding bells or seeing engagement rings, Kabya. I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to stay here until King Samuil arrives, from a personal or a professional standpoint. Be realistic, okay? Am I making myself clear?”
Kabya smiled. “The reason I’m staying here until King Samuil arrives is more professional than personal. Tell me, do you know what happened to his parents?”
Sharon’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t feel like she was getting through. “Prince Rodrigo died of a heart attack two weeks after making the Declaration at the Library to unite Azulcena. Princess Catalina died of colon cancer when the King was eight years old.”
Kabya’s eyes narrowed. “Sam’s parents were beatened and left for dead by the insurgents. For two whole days their only company were the 244 citizens of Sam’s hometown of Kieounava that were murdered. Sam’s parents had to fend off vultures and wild animals that wanted to have fresh meat to go with their carrion buffet.”
Sharon only listened, stoically, with narrow eyes.
Kabya went on. “They died in his arms. My cousin was powerless to save them. I lost a good friend during that war as well. Tell me, Sharon, if I may: have you ever seen your best friend, your high school sweetheart, hanging by a meat hook, calling out your name, and you couldn’t reach him because he’s hanging above a damn minefield!”
Sharon muttered, “Cabrones.” Cracking her knuckles, she answered, “No, Kabya, I haven’t. I’ve been through war and seen comrades suffer and die because of it, but I never saw that. What’s your point?”
Wiping the tears from her eyes, Kabya said, “Sorry, old war memories creeping up. Happens to us Civil War veterans from time to time.”
Sharon remained stoic. Sure, she knew the pain of loss, but she was relentless at bottling it up inside of her, unlike Kabya, it seemed.
“But, anyhow, I have thought about this. I have no illusion that it may last forever. I do know however, that Antonio wants to make his own choice of who he will marry. He picks me, I’ll be happy. If he picks someone else, well, I’ll feel a little hurt, but the important thing is that he’s happy. I’m not a naive schoolgirl, Sharon, but while he is indeed a powerful man, he’s just a man. A man with feelings, hopes, and dreams. I do believe that he is indeed the best thing that has happened to your nation. I hope nothing terrible happens to him. I pray to St. Aiya that she’ll watch over him.” She takes off her St. Aiya pendant. “And if it helps, I plan to give him this pendant of St. Aiya. Since meeting him, I have begun to care about him. I may even be falling in love with him.”
Sharon listened, coolly, to everything Kabya had to say. Her eyes studied every motion and gesture of the vulpine woman, and when she took off that pendant, she studied that closely as well. “Kabya, what he wants and what the country needs are two different things right now. Enjoy it while it lasts, but from my point of view, it probably won’t be long-lived.”
“I understand that there are those among your people who don’t like the fact that we met. My comrades have informed me that they overheard some of your nobles and soldiers talking about me last night. The words ‘slut’, ‘whore’, and ‘bitch’ came up quite a bit.”
Sharon shook her head. “You’re not only a foreigner, but a vulpine. Those of us who don’t understand are going to talk like that. It’ll take a few years and a couple million sexy vulpine tourists coming here for the summer to change those comments.” She managed a slight smirk, trying to lighten the mood despite her nature. “Listen, Kabya…” Sharon leaned close, heaving a deep sigh. She really didn’t think she ought to say the thing she was thinking of saying. “I think maybe you’re more mature than the King when it comes to what love is. Call it… experience. So be careful, and have fun with him. But don’t get in too deep.” She didn’t say it. Not outright. She leaned back, unsure of what to say next.
Kabya smiled and stood up. She placed her hand on Sharon’s shoulder and said, “I understand, and yes, I do have much more experience with love than he does. But, I do plan on staying here until after Sam’s visit. I want to help make sure his visit goes well. You just have to trust me now.” “Besides, I’m due for a vacation anyways.”
Sharon nodded, standing, placing a hand on Kabya’s opposite shoulder. “Then I’ll get the right arrangements made to keep your rooms open at the Hotel. By the way, does that mean just you, or your whole team, including Agent Snoopy?”
“I’m afraid… wait? Agent Snoopy? Agent Snoopy.” Kabya couldn’t contain. She burst out laughing. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Her sides started to hurt.
Sharon smiled; she was glad to have made Kabya laugh with that one, but she hadn’t expected that big of a reaction.
“Oh, my. I’ll remember that. But, I’m afraid that won’t include DIEIS. My MMID comrades will want to stay a little bit longer and work with your people in checking everything out. And don’t worry. If they want to take photos, they’ll ask first. If you say no, then that’s the end of it. No and’s, if’s, or but’s about it. And if any of my comrades give you any grief, just come to me and I’ll handle it.”
Sharon nodded. “I see. Well, as soon as your DIEIS friends want to leave I’ll be more than happy to arrange that. As for pictures, I’m not against your friends being tourists. Once the DIEIS agents leave I’ll return your cameras and other things.” She let her hand slide off Kabya’s shoulder. “Like always, you ever need anything, let me know.” She picked up the file on the table. “Now, excuse me, but I have some papers to burn.” She left the room, her clothing swishing softly.
And as she left, she thought, “Smart girl…”
Kabya sighed. “Well, that went well.” She then thought about something. Smiling, she texted Antonio, asking, <<Want to go shopping with me right now?>>
The text came back to Kabya: <<I just finished my last scheduled function, so I’m free. Shopping? What for, might I ask?>>
Baxter was waiting for Sharon. “Greetings, Defense Minister. I’m sorry if I startled you, but I know that you and the General-Colonel worked together to find my and my fellow agents’ secrets. I must admit that I didn’t think this would happen. I’m afraid that this is where we part ways now. My fellow agents and I will be leaving soon, but I’m giving you this.” He held up a coin-shaped disk. Pressing a button, a thin needle stuck out. “The poison of this needle will kill anyone and anything in six seconds, and quite painlessly I might add.” He pressed the button again and the needle withdrew into the disk. He placed it in her hand. “I’m leaving this with you. Use it only as a last resort.” He turned around and was about to leave, but he stopped. Looking over his shoulder, he said, “Listen, Sharon, I’m not a bad guy here. In my business, I’ve had to do a lot of dirty tricks and stunts to catch the real bad guys. The terrorists, the assassins, the serial killers, and the rapists. Those kind of people who hunger after innocent people. It’s my job to see to it that they get the chair. Which by the way, is my favorite form of execution.” He smiled. “Especially when you don’t use a wet sponge. I know your people don’t like executions, but sometimes, examples must be mad. Fear is a useful instrument to keep the bad guys trembling and thinking twice before doing naughty things. And that needle: if someone tried to harm you, the General-Colonel, either of our two kings, or even a small child, I would use it in a heartbeat. Take care, Defense Minister.” He walked away, humming Vulshain’s national anthem as he left.
Sharon slapped the file in her hand down on an end table and stepped around in front of Baxter. “Four things, Baxter,” she said forcefully, blocking his path. “Thing One: The last people I have any respect for are the snoops, backstabbers, and blackmailers that fill intelligence agencies around the world.” She held up the small disk. “Thing Two: If this thing had gone off accidentally in my hand you’d be a very dead man very soon. Thing Three: I know your kind, Baxter. Patriotic to the point of it being a disease. Vindictive, taking pleasure in the gruesome deaths of your enemies. You want my respect, you win a battle or two on an open field, eye-to-eye with your worst fears. Thing Four: Far as you’re concerned, I’m just the Defense Minister, or the Countess of Coria. No first names, Baxter. And it’s too late to get in my good graces with an empty promise to protect me. But I’ll be keeping this, thank you very much.” She stepped aside, letting Baxter into the elevator and pressing the “close” button for him.
Kabya thought she heard Sharon scolding Baxter. She decided to investigate at once. “Sharon, what was that about with Baxter?”
Sharon sighed and turned to look at Kabya, holding up the coin-shaped disk. “Pendejo took his life in his hands and put this poisoned thing in my hand without permission. Also tried to pass off his pleasure in butchering people as reassuring and protective of me.” She shook her head. “I don’t like snoops. Not sure if you could tell.”
Kabya crossed her arms. “The poison coin? Yeah, that’s common issue to DIEIS agents. Like I said, DIEIS has an ego the size of the sun. MMID would never even dreamed of giving its members things like that. I’ve always wondered why military intelligence agencies lack the cloak and dagger schemes of civilian intelligence agencies.”
“Because militaries have a respect for honor. Civilians don’t have to,” said Sharon matter-of-factly. “Anyway… hasta luego.” She took the next elevator, retrieving her file before descending.
Antonio texted Kabya again. <<Is it a secret or something?>>
Kabya cursed herself. <<Sorry just talking with Sharon. DIEIS is leaving now. My MMID comrades and I are staying a bit longer. But, the shopping: I need a bathing suit, and I want to look at some of your people dresses. Oh and one of the DIEIS agents suggested I wear… well, I won’t repeat it.>> Kabya sighed, remembering that one of the DIEIS agents had suggested to her that she wear one of the queen’s dresses. “Anti-monarchy buffoon.”
<<Does this mean I get to see you trying things on in front of me?>> came the quick reply.
Kabya grinned. <<Of course!>> She smiled. “I wonder if he is in love with me.”
After a moment, the text reply came back. <<Then I’m getting a car and an escort ready. Meet you at the Intel Min entrance in 5!>>
Kabya smiled, went to the entrance, and waited for Antonio.
Meanwhile, the DIEIS agents were preparing to leave. As they DIEIS agents booked their flight back to Vulshain, Royal Bersaliers met them at the airport, returning to them their cameras, recording devices, and other confiscated materials. A quick check revealed that their film had been removed and any SD cards or other storage devices had been thoroughly blanked. But otherwise, they got everything back. Baxter and the other agents boarded their plane without incident.
In a few moments, a silver limousine flying Azulcenian flags on its fenders pulled up to the entrance of the Intelligence Ministry, escorted by Royal Constables on motorcycles. A Royal Bersalier opened the door from inside and stepped out, letting Kabya into the back seat just as snow began to fall in a light flurry. In the back, Antonio was waiting. He swept up Kabya’s hand and kissed it as she sat down. “Hola, bella,” he murmured.
Kabya smiled. “Thank you, Antonio. You don’t mind me calling you that do you?”
“You had no problems with my name anoche,” the King whispered teasingly. “Of course you can call me that. I like hearing it.”
Kabya nodded and smiled. She then asked, “So what did you do today?”
Antonio leaned forward a moment and tapped on the glass separating the two halves of the limousine. The door shut, leaving the two of them alone in the rear compartment as the Royal Bersalier got into the front. The limo started off down the street, escorted by the motorcycles. Antonio stretched a moment and rested his hands over Kabya’s. “Meetings, meetings, functions, meetings…” he said with a smile. “Though, I did get an interesting invitation. To a wedding in Coxnord. Apparently two young dukes are getting married and the Empress sees this as a chance to open foreign relations. So I was curious if you had ever been to Coxnord yet, bella.” Antonio’s eye glinted and he grinned at her.
Kabya listened and shook her head. “No, I haven’t. Since you’re coming with me to shop, you can help me pick out an outfit to wear.”
The King’s smile gleamed. “So I take it I don’t even have to ask if you want to come. Bien.” He patted her hands softly.
“And what kind of meetings and functions did you have to attend?”
“Ah, so boring to someone in your line of work, no doubt. I met with Transportation Ministry officials to give final approval to a new motorway project. I met with the Council of Nobles to decide on an issue one of them brought up; he wanted to put loudspeakers in every public place, to broadcast propaganda, can you believe that?” Antonio shook his head. “Sometimes I wonder. I said no, not happening in a free Kingdom. Then I finalized plans to let an Ambassador from Vekaiyu visit here and open relations, and made a public appearance at a local elementary school to promote reading and literacy. Thrilling, no?” He eyed her with a wink.
She nodded. “I see. You had a busy day.” At the mention of Vekaiyu, she said, “Vekaiyu? We were discussing Vekaiyu in the meeting. You must have heard about the Great Tragedy of Iruk where many died when a deadly chemical got released. One of my comrades suggested Azulcena donated money and supplies to help the people of Vekaiyu.”
Antonio nodded softly. “I was briefed on that, yes. I like Minister Maldly’s idea of putting together a ‘Vekaiyu Aid Fund,’ or however he termed it, and listing it on the national charity registry. The people of Azulcena are very generous, you will find, Kabya.”
“Will I be meeting this Vekaiyun Foreign Officer, then?”
He blinked a moment at the question. “If you like, certainly! I can ask the Chancellor to work you in once all the formalities are out of the way. She should be landing tomorrow.”
“I would like that very much.”
He smiled. “Then I’ll make sure.” He then looked out the window and smiled more broadly. “I asked the owner of the most prestigious fashion boutique in town, Marco’s, to close up for just a couple hours so we could have it to ourselves.” He looked at her. “I hope you don’t mind.”
Kabya was surprised at this. “I… I see.” He was going out of his way for her. “You didn’t have to, now. But I appreciate it. Also, it will be problem because of my tail. I will say this: don’t pull on my tail like you did last night.” Kabya grinned at him.
Antonio smirked and leaned in close. “I thought you liked that,” he murmured teasingly.
“Yes, it was okay, but you did it a couple of times; tugged on it way too hard. Don’t do that.”
He frowned a bit. “Then for that, lo siento, bella,” he said quietly.
She put her arm around him. “Later tonight, I am meeting with Marisol. I plan to take her out to eat before I retire with you. Do you have any suggestions?”
He smiled and slipped his own arm around the small of her back. “Going out? If you want something special I can have the kitchen prepare something.”
“I think that would be good. We’ll need to ask what Marisol would like to eat. Then, later she and I will enjoy a nice bath togehter. I know that servants and nobles don’t often do things like that together, but Vulshain has a history of servants and the upper class becoming good friends. In fact, a few of our monarchs have even fallen in love and married one of their servants.”
Antonio blinked quite a bit, and the small blush - rapidly becoming his trademark around Kabya - returned to his cheeks. “Ah… perdóneme, Kabya… I could not help but imagine what you just described.” Inside his head he smacked himself, hard. “Grow the hell up, Antonio.”
The limo slowed and stopped, and the door was opened for them. Outside, the snow had intensified just a little. They were parked at the rear entrance to a tallish building in the city, gray and silver, detailed with green lights. A door led into a small hallway, which led into a vast open room lined with clothing racks and stalls. “After you, Kabya,” said the King, gesturing through the car door with a smile.
Kabya smiled. “I’ll need to tell him that I hope this doesn’t stop. I really like him, but I need to let him make his own decision.” She took his hand and got out of the car. “Now, let’s try some clothes on.”
Antonio exited the car after her, and led her through the snowfall and the open door into the boutique, where a slim man in his late thirties stood, leaning on one foot. He bowed a bit and smiled at them both. “Your Majesty, my lady,” he said loudly, with a bit of a lisp. “Welcome to Marco’s! I’m Chet, the owner, I’ll be glad to help you with anything.”
Antonio shook Chet’s hand and smiled. “Well, Chet, Kabya is looking for a bathing suit, first.”
“Aah, well, give me just a minute here…” said Chet, turning and looking at Kabya, framing her with his fingers. “Just got to eyeball your size here, my lady… think I’ve got it.” He led them both over to a section of the boutique. “Here we go, you two. My lady, make sure to pull suits with a number seven on them. I’m sure as the snow that’s you’re size.”
“Okay… what about my tail?”
“Oh, my lady, you find whatever you want to buy and I’ll tailor that up for you.” Chet wandered off to give them some distance and Antonio smiled again, watching Kabya browse.
Kabya nodded, relieved about her tail. “Hm…” She found two swimsuits: a violet one-piece swimsuit with red stripe on it, and a two-piece navy blue bikini. The bikini wasn’t that bad, but she wondered why she was getting it. “I’m a Vayan Catholic, and yet I’m trying on a bikini.”
Antonio watched her make her choices and smirked. “Those are very nice,” he said. “Want to try them on first?”
“Well, the bikini I’ll be able to try on, but the one-piece I’m not too sure about due to my tail.”
“Hmm… maybe leave it hanging out the side? Doesn’t have to look dignified just now.” Antonio gave her a wink.
Kabya rolled her eyes, but made sure that Antonio wasn’t looking when she did it. “All right then.” She went into the dressing room. A few moments later she came back out wearing the one-piece. “Fits perfectly, except for my tail problem.”
Antonio looked at her for a moment, smiling, that slight trace of a blush still on his cheeks. “You look stunning, Kabya. Purple is a good color on you.”
Kabya looked at herself in the mirror. She had never realized it before. “I do?”
Antonio came up beside her, looking at her in the mirror over her shoulder. “You do. I can’t wait to see what the bikini looks like on you.” He chuckled and his eyes twinkled at her in the mirror.
Kabya blushed. “Thank you. I will try it on now.” She went back into the dressing room. A few moments later, she came back out wearing the navy blue bikini.
The moment Kabya stepped out of the dressing room, Antonio’s eyes lit up and his jaw softly fell open. He rubbed his chin a little and gave a small laugh. “Kabya… bella, bella,” he murmured. “Blue is your color. It goes with your eyes… and… well… the rest of you.”
Kabya let him lead her to the mirror. He was right. “Thank you, Antonio.” She sighed. “Antonio, there’s been some talk, about me, among your people.”
Antonio gently turned her to face him, and touched her cheek. “What talk, Kabya?” he asked.
Sighing again, Kabya went on, “Among the nobles and soldiers, my comrades overheard them saying that I am nothing more than a fancy to you, and that when you grow tired of me, you will throw me away.”
The King’s face fell as his heart sank. He lowered his hand to his side and looked at the floor, silent and sullen. He said nothing.
Kabya held his hand and placed it against her cheek. “Don’t worry, Antonio, I don’t believe such talk. I care about you, and I… love you.”
Antonio’s face was dark as she spoke. The words stirred a small flicker in his eyes, but he could not lift them to look into hers. He couldn’t find the strength to speak for a long moment. “Kabya, I… I worry that what they say is true. I don’t want it to be. But what if it is?” He then lifted his eyes; they were pained. “I think I can return your feelings… but I am afraid of what I might really be.”
“Antonio, from what I’ve seen of you, you do have the potential to settle for one woman. Destiny works in mysterious ways. Maybe I was destined to meet you and help you become a great king. I had decided to stand here until after my cousin’s visit to your nation. Now, after this, I think I’ll stay here even longer and help you. You have to trust and believe in me… and yourself. It’ll be hard and rough, but don’t worry, I’ll be by your side. Besides, someone else is here to help us. Do you know who?”
His expression had not changed. “Who?” he asked in a whisper.
“St. Aiya. She watches over everyone, regardless if they are human or vulpine. With her as my witness, I will help you. I’m sorry I ruined this moment with you, but I don’t care what others say. I care about you, and…” She kissed him on the cheek. “And don’t worry, I’ll always be here for you… my love.”
A ghost of a smile flickered over the King’s features, but it was not a happy smile; it was wistful, bittersweet. “Kabya… you have a duty to your country to think of. I can’t take you away from that. Your parents, your grandparents… you fought to protect them, not me. I don’t deserve that kind of devotion from you, bella.” He shook his head. His eyes were watery and unsteady. “Kabya…” He kissed her cheek as well, and sighed, clasping her hands, feeling sad and ashamed.
“Antonio, listen to me. I did indeed fight for my country, but my loved ones and friends will understand that my duty also extends to others. I had someone I loved back home. We were going to get married.” The tears began to well up in her eyes. “The insurgents captured him and left him to die. They left him on a meathook above a minefield where I couldn’t reach him. I swore to help others. And you I’m swearing to help now. So please, let me help you. Let me be yours, and you mine. Please.” Her eyes spoke of love, compassion, and hope.
Antonio’s heart split open when Kabya told that story. He swallowed the tightness in his throat and blinked at the blurriness in his eyes. “Kabya, I…” He gasped and looked down at the floor once more, his eyes shutting. There was a long moment of silence. “My country could fall apart if we become serious, my love.” He caught himself. Without even thinking, he had used those words.
Kabya nodded. “I understand, but still we can make it work. You said before you wanted to bring change to your nation. It doesn’t have to be serious right now. I love you, and you love me. It’ll be a long road, but we can do it. We both survived wars, we can survive this. And I’m sorry I’m hurting you. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I… I… Tonight, I’ll make sure to make it up to you. Please, Antonio… please… don’t shut me out. I want to help you. Please… I beg you.” Her eyes were pleading to him.
The King of Azulcena was very quiet, for a very long time. He barely moved; he only breathed. Kabya could feel heat radiating from him as he fought himself. And then, suddenly, he lifted his head. His eyes were open and full of purpose. His expression was determined. He grasped Kabya by her shoulders and leaned against her, kissing her for a long, long time. Kabya closed her eyes. She thought she heard the whisper of the ghost of her first love, Michael, calling from Heaven to tell her, “You’ll find another to love.” Kabya kissed back. Her kiss was filled with passion and love. She embraced the King of Azulcena. For a long, long time.
When he broke the kiss, Antonio leaned against her still, and whispered, “I will be yours, Kabya.” He had to catch his breath.
Kabya smiled as she leaned against him and whispered. “And I will be yours, my Antonio.”
It took them a few moments to recover, and return to what they had been doing, but when they did, Antonio was smiling more broadly than before. He gestured at the blue bikini Kabya was still wearing. “So… is it this, the purple one, or both?” he asked with a wink.
“I like the blue one. I also like the purple one. Oh, dang it. I forgot my purse. I’ll get the blue one. I’ll tell Chet to put the purple one on hold for me, until I can return.”
Antonio cocked a brow at her. “Are you joking? I’m the King, bella. I’ve got you covered.” He smirked, drawing his wallet from his pocket. “Get both if you want both. And we still need to find you a dress for the Coxnord trip.”
She smiled. “I’ll have to ask you some questions about how the Monarch of Azulcena, errr… I mean King of Azulcena works. I’ll get both. We also need to get Chet to fix the purple one to fit my tail. Hm… what are some of the traditional noble dresses worn?”
Antonio grinned. “Well, first, let’s get him the purple one. He doesn’t need to do anything to the blue one?”
Kabya nodded. She went back to the dressing room, put on the purple swimsuit, and came back out.
Antonio led her to the front desk, where Chet was busy tallying something on his ledger. He looked up. “Have you made your choice?”
“I think we have,” said Antonio.
Chet looked Kabya over with approval. “Well, mee-yow, my lady! Or do your people say ‘woof?’ I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Now, I assume you’re wearing that because you want me to take measurements on the hole you need? You sure His Majesty here doesn’t mind me getting a little familiar with your culo?”
Kabya rolled her eyes but she chuckled a bit. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he doesn’t mind.” She prepared herself for the measurements. Chet obligingly stepped around the desk with a piece of chalk and a fabric measuring tape. “You know this is quite… unusual. Usually, there are holes already in the clothing and they can be resized easily to fit the wearer.”
Chet knelt behind Kabya and started to approximate the size and shape hole he needed. “Well, that’s one thing you’ve got to get used to in a country where most people don’t have tails, my lady,” he said as he worked. “I say ‘most’ because… sweet Jesus, some of those inbred nobles, I tell you…” He peeked up at the King. “No offense, of course, Your Majesty.”
“None taken, Chet,” Antonio said with a laugh.
“Hm… Vulshain doesn’t have many nobles left. In fact, you could say that the only nobles we have are wealthy CEOs and people like that. Some call them the ‘new breed nobles.’ Um… No offense. I’m not sure how ‘new breed nobles’ are viewed here.”
“None taken, either, amor,” said Antonio. “I did a lot of studying on ‘new nobility’ in university.”
“Okay, all set, my lady,” Chet announced, standing. “I’ll just need you to get out of it now so I can use the scissors and such.”
“All right. Let me go back and change into my uniform.” Kabya went back to the dressing room and returned with the swimsuits. She was now wearing her uniform. She handed the purple swimsuit to Chet. “So, what is your personal opinion on 'new nobility,” she asked Antonio.
Chet set to work on the swimsuit while Antonio led Kabya to the gowns and dresses section of the store, answering her along the way. “Well, the only real difference is the noble’s scope of authority. ‘New nobles’ don’t run a patch of land, they run a company, which can be far larger and more powerful than just a patch of land. ‘New nobles’ also aren’t constrained by things like codes of honor or chivalry, and if they run big enough companies, even the rule of law can’t pen them in.” He took Kabya close to a shimmering silver dress and concluded, “Personally, I’m more scared of new nobles than old ones.”
“I love it,” Kabya said of the dress as she ran her hands over it. “But tell me, why are you scared of new nobles? Is it because they are more concerned about money and profits than those who serve them?”
“That’s exactly it,” Antonio answered. “New nobles don’t answer to anyone but themselves. But nobles like ours answer to their people. New nobles remind me too much of Sebastián of Velasco.”
“That is true, but unfortunately, the modern world relies on corporations and new nobles, I’m afraid. Of course, not all such new nobles are like that. Our southern neighbor, the Veranian Conglomerate of Raedion-Lucari, is basically a nation controlled by an alliance of several corporations. However, Veranian deeply cares about its workers. I studied that nation when I was in school. Still, I’m a little uneasy around such big business.” Antonio took the dress off the rack and held it out for her; it was strapless, and backless, with a long skirt of shimmering cloth overlaid by sheer mesh. Taking it, Kabya smiled even more as she looked at it. “This dress is very lovely. Oh, I almost forgot to ask. I was wondering about how the monarchy works here. Do you mind if I ask?”