Andromeda by Calliopenjo

Part 1

Bellona holds Clarissant's hand as they step through the portal, not knowing what to expect once on the other side.

"I hope you are sure about this!" the queen says as they step through the portal.

Once they land, they open their eyes to find themselves in the House of Andromeda, on their butts no less, which is not a dignified landing at all, landing on someone's butt, especially if one is of royal blood, but all are safe and sound. Everyone, including the sovereign, hopes that whatever she has planned will succeed. She stated the main purpose for their presence in the United States of America was to find her a consors.

The manor, a grand manor with a high iron gate out front with a long driveway leading up to the house, took three years of careful planning and construction, and is coming along nicely. Two very large front doors, with two large potted plants on either side, adorn the house. The entryway, large enough for three people to stand side by side, has a coat closet near the door. Once inside, there is a seating area with plush carpeting so soft and luxurious the queen could not help but to sink her toes into it. The queen does enjoy the luxuries life has to offer. There is a study, a laboratory, a bathing room, the archives, kitchen, and the dining room downstairs, with the sleeping chambers upstairs. Security is of the utmost importance, along with the idea that Andromeda's culture needs to stay intact. Andromeda does not have doors on any of the rooms, such as the sleeping chamber or the bathing room, they have draperies. Convincing the architect and the decorator that this is Andromeda's culture is not working, so the sovereign and the queen see to these details themselves, and that is why it took three years to create the manor. All that is needed now is the garden then all will be complete.

A year has now passed since that undignified entry into their new living establishment, with the day to day household chores running smoothly, the queen herself seeing to it that it does. Of the many duties the queen has is to see to the organization of social events, one of which is to ascertain that the sovereign remembers their dinner invitation on Saturday. The House of Andromeda is two houses down from the House of Avalon, and Prime Minister Ethelmona has invited Sovereign Bellona and Queen Clarissant over for the last meal on Saturday, to celebrate and welcome their arrival. Another of her duties is to organize a dinner, to be held at the House of Andromeda, to greet everyone and bid them welcome.

Making sure that the sovereign's office is as Bellona likes it to be is another of her duties. "Desdemona, have you sorted the archives yet?" Desdemona has been assigned the role of advisor to our sovereign, and though she has intelligence and integrity, Desdemona's coordination is slightly lacking.

The queen must see that all is well, and that any business to be had, the household will be prepared for it. Therefore, she must be sure that Desdemona has completed her orders as given to her by the sovereign, and that is to make sure that the archives are intact and neatly organized where they belong before Desdemona has any sort of accident.

Once the day's work is complete, the queen seeks out the sovereign, asking, "Sovereign, are you in the mood for a little walk, just around the neighborhood, to enjoy the daylight that is left?"

"Clarissant, my queen, of course I would be delighted in a little walk with you." As Bellona stands up from her desk, she stops for a moment "Clarissant, have I been looking in the wrong places to find a companion. To listen to Alarica tell her tale, it seems so easy. We have been here for a full year, and nothing, no one has inspired me to take them in as my consors." Bellona continues to dress herself with a cloak, and making sure she has her keys. Two guards follow at a discreet distance, not that she feels she needs them, but she would rather be too cautious than not at all.

"I cannot answer your question, my sovereign. I am sorry. I can only say that perhaps you are trying too hard in your search, instead of letting it happen." Bellona thinks about what her queen has said. She should just let it happen, stop trying. Bellona has come to America with the hope of finding someone, someone to confide in, someone to explore the world with, most of all, someone to chase away the loneliness she has always felt in her heart. Where are you, my consors? Are we not meant to be?

The sovereign and the queen leave the manor for a walk, to enjoy the sunset as much as they can through the smoggy haze. Neither is paying much attention, really, that is, until someone runs into them headlong without stopping to apologize. The last thing that is heard is a string of curses as the interloper runs away. Bellona stops the guards from giving chase, for a reason that only she knows, and has never explained the reason, only saying that sometimes things just happen.

==========

The week progresses what seems rather slowly, especially since the sovereign seems to be brooding over the matter of finding a consors. She constantly asks her queen the same question over and over again, if she should continue looking for her consors here in the United States. Her family fears that the sovereign will lose her heart if she does not find someone soon.

It is time to leave for Avalon's manor, everyone hoping the dinner with Prime Minister Ethelmona will cheer her spirits.

The House of Avalon is a short distance away, so a walk is decided as their mode of transportation. Once they arrive at the manor, they are shown to the front door, and as it opens, it smells of the spicy, clean scent of Avalon, not the awful polluted air of America, and it makes them miss their homeland that much more. America is not so bad, but it is not home. Nevertheless, the purpose of this trip is to find the sovereign's consors. Very well, the search shall continue.

Ethelmona introduces herself then leads Sovereign Bellona and Queen Clarissant to the dining table.

"Prime Minister Ethelmona, how long have you been here?" the queen asks.

"I have been here for two years, since Sovereign Cyan Alarica's sudden return to Avalon. Things have not progressed much since her departure, I am sorry to say." Ethelmona takes a sip of tea to think her next point. "Let us speak of business another time, how have you been getting along in America? I must say it is a lot to get used to. It helps me to appreciate Avalon that much more. The people here seem so busy, cold, and too cautious, and the air is awful." Prime Minister Ethelmona and Queen Clarissant carry on with the conversation, while Bellona eats her meal in silence, not saying a word.

She remains lost in her thoughts, even on their way back home.

==========

"Tobie, Tristan, be sure to be ready in five minutes. The bus will be here and you need to be on it."

"Okay, we will," Tristan, the older twin, yells out of his bedroom door.

Tristan is outgoing and adventurous, as well as having a knack for getting into trouble. Just as soon as he got out of trouble, he immediately got himself back into it. Finding friends is something he never has trouble with, or his schoolwork, the straight A's on his report card proving that.

"Cari, will you help me button dith up peath?" Tobie, the youngest of the twins, who is also the more introverted of the two, asks.

Tobias, or Tobie, is the complete opposite of his brother, shying away from people and never speaking to anyone. His lisp might be the influence in that, although it just does not seem to be in his nature to socialize with other kids. His family is all that he needs, is his thought. His grades are average, not horrible just average.

Carissa, or Cari, is in her senior year of high school, and in charge of the house and the boys. A troublemaker, according to her record, the fighting, delinquency, and lack of supervision adding up to create a lost and loveless child. She has mixed feelings about this being her last year of school. Yes, she wants to leave school because she feels it never did anything for her. No, she does not want to leave because school is the only safe haven she has.

Many have asked where the parents are. Why are they not doing anything? The answer to both questions is that Carissa and the boys are a product of society's ugly side of life, the side that is thought of as 'that only happens in the movies, not in real life. Who would believe it?' Little did anyone realize at the time, that Carissa and the boys are just what the sovereign needed.

==========

After much preparation, the royal couple was ready to have their party in the House of Andromeda to introduce themselves to the world. The prime ministers from Avalon, England, France, and Germany were to be in attendance. The sovereign was proud of her queen for planning this party, and was positive it would turn out to be a wonderful social gathering.

Everything was perfect, that is, until security came to report that someone had stolen the delivery van containing the wine. The driver had left the van for only a minute, thinking it would be safe to keep the motor running. The driver was proven wrong, evidenced by the stolen vehicle containing the party refreshments.

More refreshments were ordered, and the party that evening went on without any further mishaps. And as Bellona had predicted, it was an overall success. The van was found later in an abandoned parking lot near the residential district.

Everyone had a feeling that Bellona knew the person who had stolen the wine, though, even now, she insists that she did not know who the perpetrator was, and no one has proven otherwise. The accusation was only based on a suspicion, the queen's suspicion.

But what was even more remarkable that night…was that our sovereign found her heart, and was once again the sovereign that her queen remembered.

==========

With only an empty house to get back to, there is no one to answer to. The thief brings in the bottles of wine before abandoning the van. Then a non-emergency phone number is called to anonymously report the abandoned vehicle. With that having been done, relaxation is in order. "I'm gonna fuckin' drink this rich shit to see if it . . . it . . . it . . . aww, fush it."

Three bottles later, the thief passed out on their bed, another bottle still in hand.

==========

It is the weekend, which means that Carissa will be busy. Other children will be enjoying their day with their friends. Carissa, however, has a job, a job that always keeps her busy on the weekends, and always makes her rich. But it is also a job that causes her to be disgusted with herself.

Her mother was the one who introduced her into the business so Carissa could be another source of income, as people always told her how precious and adorable her daughter looked. Her mother used that to her advantage, and used her young daughter as another font to bring in money to support her habit of drugs and alcohol. The job would make her rich and expose her to the glamour that most people only dream about. The majority of the money that Carissa made for the services she provided went directly to her mother to pay for her mother's addiction. But Carissa kept some of the money, to pay for the daily cost of living. Whatever little was left over Carissa would keep, no matter how much her mother demanded.

The people in her neighborhood never knew what was going on, although they suspected it was nothing good. The boys stay at a prearranged location out of the way, out of the element, and out of danger.

"The ass-wipe fuckin' tried to give me only $100 for tonight's fuckin' service. That's bullshit. That's total bullshit. For what I do to that cunt-suckin' asshole, he owes me ten grand, and he fuckin' knows that. I don't go through this fuckin' shit for nothin'." Carissa leaves the office of the CEO of Neptune Incorporated, which has been on the list of Fortune's top 500 companies three years in a row. He does not have any intention of marrying anyone, liking the life of loveless relationships, a day in the Bahamas one day, and a day in Crete the next day. Carissa was a part of that life, a life that he liked as long as she was a part of it. He had a certain taste for young girls; the younger they are, the better he liked them.

There are other men that have a similar taste, a taste for the young. What nobody realizes is that there are certain government officials that share this lifestyle, and are willing to look the other way as long as they are rewarded. And rewarded they are, with sex, money, and drugs. If anybody ever finds out about this, well, it would change the confidence people place in their government.

==========

Carissa only just made it on time for school Monday morning, barely taking part in any of the lessons in her classes due to her hung-over state. The teachers did not seem to care, just another kid that has gone the wrong way, a product of parents failing to take responsibility for their own children. The teachers just shrugged their shoulders, letting her get by, just barely. As much as she would have liked to go home and sleep the rest of the day, she does not. When school was let out, she went straight home, the boys needed to be taken care of, as did the house. Maybe at the end of the day she would be able to take care of herself.

"Cari, can I go over to Tom's house for pizza?" Tristan asks, hoping she will be in a good mood and say yes, although the likelihood of that happening on a Monday is rare.

"No. Now get ready for supper. It'll be done in fifteen. Now go . . . get . . . ready," Carissa replies as she gets close to his face, pointing down the hallway.

Tristan had figured his sister would deny him permission, but felt he had to try. "Okay." He turns around and goes to his room, where he waits until supper is called.

==========

The weeks seem to go by as if through a haze for Carissa, remembering nothing and looking forward to just about nothing. One Friday night she is given the assignment of being an escort for an official, accompanying him to a party that is to be given at an embassy the following evening. She will be paid $15,000 for her services, so even if she does not want to go, the money earned for being an escort is a nice enticement to attend the party, with the so-called after-party celebration to follow. First thing Saturday morning, she is picked up at her house to go shopping for the appropriate dress to be worn that evening.

The limousine arrives right on time to take them to the embassy. Once there, she feels disgusted, with herself, with the guests, it did not matter, really, she only wants to be paid and leave.

==========

A month has passed since the mysterious disappearance of the wine from the party given by the sovereign and her queen at their home, and now, Sovereign Bellona and Queen Clarissant are in attendance at the English embassy at a party. Earlier that evening, as soon as Carissa walked in, she caught Bellona's eye. Bellona's gaze constantly followed Carissa and her escort, knowing where they were at all times. Neither the sovereign nor the queen knew Carissa was so young, since the way she was dressed and how her make-up was applied made her appear to be much older. That was the point, though, to appear to be something that is not real. That night Bellona noted that Carissa did not feel comfortable at the party, her actions being of someone playacting the part of an escort. Why though, why would she need to play a part? It is not until much later that all was revealed, and everyone was in shock to learn the truth.

Bellona and Clarissant are getting ready to leave the party, when Carissa's escort for the night approaches the royal couple, expecting a tête-à-tête. Sovereign Bellona is a woman of very few words, and that is where the queen comes in, relying upon her to carry the conversation. As the escort and Clarissant talk, Carissa intrigues Bellona. The sovereign may not say much, but once you learn how to read her emotions, she is an open book, and that is how the queen knows she is very interested in Carissa and keeps the escort occupied with their talk. Bellona is very interested in Carissa, so much so that she starts a conversation of her own with the young woman, surprising the queen.

"Good evening, I am Bellona. Who would you be?"

"Evening, my name is Carissa. Oh, it looks like we're going now, see you later, bye." Carissa puts her coat on immediately and practically runs out the door ahead of her escort.

Later that evening, Carissa strolls down the streets on the way back to her home, stumbling, really, not cognizant of her environment. Bellona is outside the iron gates, just standing there, saying she is taking in the atmosphere, when Carissa stumbles by. Bellona catches Carissa around the waist to help her keep from falling, and causes Carissa to panic. With the screaming and yelling, Bellona has no choice but to let go. There would be another time and another place, no matter how much time it took.

That night, Bellona announces she has found her consors. Now, all that is needed to be done is to convince Carissa she is the one. No one in the manor is sure of that, not even the queen. Of all the choices presented to her, a hooligan, she chose a hooligan, and far be it for anyone to question her judgment.

==========

"Tobie, Tristan, we're leaving now. We're not coming back here again. The fuckin' bitch is dead. I'm not her whore anymore. Fuck this shit, we are going to leave this rats' nest behind. I'm done doing things for the highest bidder. I'm fuckin' sick of it. It's time to go, come on." Carissa has saved up what money she could to rent a small apartment, and found a job working at the wharf during the midnight shift. She would not be rich with the new job, as not having a diploma narrowed the job opportunities, but it would put food on the table, and a roof over their heads. It would also hopefully provide her with a way to change her life.

At this time she does not realize that sometimes life comes full circle, with the past coming back to haunt a person.

Tobie and Tristan are doing well in their new home, with Tobie often spending time with the neighbor's children. It is not a lot, but he is socializing, at least. Tristan is reluctant to the change at first, not socializing and his grades falling. As time passes, however, he realizes that this change is for the better. His sister is happy, and he knows what time she will be getting home. This change might work after all.

==========

The old year left and a new one was welcomed since the party at the English embassy, with Bellona searching for Carissa during those short months with no success, but still, life has to go on. The sovereign ordered a piece of furniture to add to the house, to be placed in the main sleeping chamber. She had a need to be sure that what she needed done was done properly, and to be sure of that, she had to do it herself. The item is to arrive at the wharf, to be picked up either by a delivery service or the person who placed the order. Bellona rented a vehicle large enough to hold the piece and chose to drive it herself.

When the queen found out about these events, she was heard muttering, "The deity save us all." It is not that Bellona was a bad driver, it would just be better if she hired someone who knows how to navigate the streets of the city. After all, this was not Andromeda. She might get lost, and the streets are difficult to navigate. Who would help her? How can she do it by herself? "May the deity hear my prayers. Amen," the queen prayed.

The sovereign arrives at the wharf and searches for someone to help her find the furniture piece. Seeing someone, a very short man who only comes up to the sovereign's breast line, with short, pale blonde hair, and wearing a thick padded vest, as, being close to the ocean meant the air would be cool, a long sleeve shirt, denim pants, and those horrid work boots, Bellona calls to him to get his attention. As she did so, she is surprised to see it is not a man, but a woman. The face looks familiar to her, but does not recognize her immediately because the woman is wearing sunglasses, and the hair shorter in length, but still she seems familiar to Bellona.

Bellona realizes she has been recognized when the young woman makes a hasty retreat, but is still in a fog as to why the familiarity. The sovereign is disappointed, not because she cannot locate someone to help her find the furniture piece, but because she was not able to study the person that got away.

Later that day, as Bellona ponders the events at the wharf, her mind pictures the young woman at the wharf, and compares the image to the faces of people she has met since arriving in America. The fog in her mind seems to suddenly lift like a veil as the image finds its match. It is Carissa.

==========

Bellona returns to the wharf day after day trying to find her, searching for her, and not succeeding. One day on the way back to the car, a hoist is lifting a heavy crate that is not stable and starts slipping. Bellona is not paying attention, and as she passes underneath, someone shoots out from nowhere and tackles the sovereign out of the way of the crate, which crashes noisily not too far from them. Bellona gets her wish that day, because there, on top of the sovereign, is the one she has been seeking, looking down with her sky blue eyes. "Carissa, it is you. You must come with me. There is much to discuss."

"Look, lady, whoever you are, I don't go with just anyone, so just fuck off, okay. Go back to your own husband and play with him. I'm sure he would appreciate it."

"Carissa…that is not the language used by a lady, come back with me and there we will talk."

"Lady, I don't know who the fuck you are . . ." Carissa is not able to finish her sentence, as a hand is immediately placed on her mouth. Despite her attempts, the hand does not move.

"As I said, Carissa, that is not the language used by a lady." Bellona has always been a stickler for proper etiquette.

The hand finally lowers and Carissa tries again "And as I said, I don't know who the fuck you are, but I've got work to do, and I can't get to it with you here doing whatever it is you're doing." Carissa walks away, but would not leave well enough alone, adding, "And you're the fuck welcome!"

Now that Bellona has found Carissa again, it is only a matter of time before she will have Carissa.

Bellona works relentlessly to formulate a plan to lure Carissa back to the manor.

The sovereign does not know that in order for Carissa to have made it this far, Carissa needed to have a strong will, a very strong will. Nevertheless, Bellona believes that she has found her consors, and will do anything to achieve that goal. It is, after all, what she came here for.

=========

Bellona orders a piece of needless furniture with the intention of enticing Carissa, spending a while on the telephone speaking with someone from the wharf. Whatever was said brought her joy, as she left her office with a large smile. The following day finds the sovereign humming and singing, which is strange, because the sovereign does not hum or sing impulsively. There must be a purpose, and that purpose eludes everyone until about midday, when the doorbell rings, announcing someone's arrival. Low and behold, there stands Carissa, holding a clipboard with documents attached. The queen is amused, and eager, to see the outcome of this day. Would it work or would it not? That is the question.

Carissa stands in the entryway, tapping her foot as she stares at the clipboard, not bothering to look up as someone approaches. Bellona slowly and gently brings the chin up hoping the eyes will follow, which they do. "I knew it was you. I knew it. I don't know how you fuckin' got my asshole of a boss to agree to this, but . . ." The rest of the speech is thankfully muffled by the hand of the sovereign.

"Out there you may have jurisdiction, however, in the House of Andromeda, I have jurisdiction. Listen to me as I tell you that a lady must be wary of the words she speaks. Someone is always listening. I will remove my hand only with a promise from you that the vulgarities, which you speak, will be kept silent. All I need is a nod your head if you agree." Everyone knew she was in trouble due to the tone the sovereign was using. It is the tone that means the listener better be listening, or face the consequences. They stand there for quite a while, silently staring at one another. Carissa finally nods her head and gives Bellona the clipboard for her to sign.

"I will show you where to place it. Follow me, will you?"

Carissa leads a rather large male called Tiny, who carries the piece into the house then back to the laboratory. Bellona stands Carissa aside while she speaks to Tiny, who shortly after exits, leaving Carissa behind. "Hey, look, you rich bitch, I . . ."

"Carissa, you already promised you would not use any more vulgarities in your speech. Would you like me to believe you are a liar?"

"Look, bitch, I really don't fuckin' care what you think of me. Not only that, bitch, but you know fuckin' what?" The last sentence is said silently, but the following is said loud enough for everyone to hear. "My fuckin' ride left without me, and that asshole of an idiot can't find his way out of the fuckin' john! What do you fuckin' want me to do?" Carissa starts pushing Bellona and is astonished when Bellona does not act or react, she just stands there. "I fuckin' asked you a question." With that said, she leaves, with Bellona still standing there.

The captain of the guards is called to see to the matter personally, but Bellona waves off the captain, telling her, her presence is not necessary.

"Clarissant, my queen, may I speak with you a moment?" Bellona calls her queen into the study, who sits down in a chair facing the desk, waiting for her sovereign to say something. Instead, she sits there, just looking at the queen. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she begins. "Clarissant, I will leave you in charge of the manor until my return. I believe I finally found my consors. The problem is, though, convincing her she is worth more than working at the docks. I will call at night, so if you should be in need of anything of me, let me know then. I will leave tomorrow to find her. Keep in mind, Clarissant, sometimes the best way to convince someone to believe in themselves, is for you to believe in them first."

The queen wonders why she would need to know this, but refrained from asking.

==========

Bellona returned to the wharf to watch Carissa. Learning her schedule and her place of residence was the easy part, however, learning how to communicate with Carissa was the hard part, as she would not let anyone past the tough attitude. That is, except her brothers. Learning that gave Bellona an idea. The plan was to become friends with both Tristan and Tobias, and use their influence on Carissa to allow Bellona to get close. The initial investigation took approximately two weeks. However, no one could anticipate the amount of time it would take to gain their trust or for the plan to succeed. May the deity help our sovereign.

Bellona first rents an apartment in the same building as Carissa's, the room reeking of old odors of one type or another. The walls are so thin she will be able to hear the occupants in the next apartment snoring. Rodents, cockroaches, vermin of different species seem to provide the sovereign company. The neighbors are of ill repute, either ladies of the night, or drug dealers. Once the queen has her first glimpse of the apartment, she begs her to come back to the manor, it not being necessary for a sovereign to live in such conditions.

"Clarissant, I would not be able to understand Carissa if I lived in the safety of the manor. I must be here to understand her life, her mind, and maybe if I am lucky, her heart. That is why I am here."

"But, sire, surely there must be another way. Do you feel all of this is worth it for just one person? Bellona, I beg of you to reconsider the appointment."

"No, Clarissant, I will not reconsider. My decision is final," Bellona stated, turning to look out the window.

"She is my sovereign and I must obey, despite my own feelings on the matter," the queen whispers to no one.

Once the queen arrives back at the manor, she spots her diary laying upon the desk in the study. The queen picks up the scroll and begins to write.

I know of several people on Andromeda that would be very appreciative of the appointment of being her consors. Why did we come here? Why must we be here? Is she in that much need of a consors? If she were to ask me for my assistance in finding someone appropriate as her consors, we would still be in Andromeda, in the public arena, as I announce the perspective appointees. I am her wife! These were my immediate first thoughts as I arrived here in America. Time had passed, and slowly, I began to see my sovereign's spirits plummet the longer time went by.

Is there something I can do to bring about the Bellona that once was on Andromeda? I do love her, more as a close friend, yes, however, these would be times I would miss the Bellona I knew as a child. Supper had been had at the House of Avalon with Prime Minister Ethelmona, and nothing had changed, absolutely nothing.

Now she chooses to stay in squalor. She says to help her better understand her consors. She is a sovereign whose life must be protected, and that cannot be done under such conditions. Why must she insist? I pray the deity knows the answer, and that the deity protects her.

===========

Knowing that Carissa's work schedule was from eight o'clock at night to five o'clock in the morning was the first step. The next would be to learn what period during the day the boys would be alone. It would be during that time that Sovereign Bellona would take the opportunity to gain the boys' trust, though, that time would be inconsistent due to late arrivals, errands, the weather...anything. The sovereign was finding out that there were days when Carissa literally stumbled home reeking of sex, smoke, and alcohol, those being the days when Carissa brought home large sums of money. She did not know how much Carissa earned on those nights, as she only saw the large stack of bills the young woman would pull out of her pocket as she entered her apartment.

Bellona had been living in the apartment for three months now, and Clarissant, wondering if Carissa was really worth the sovereign risking her life for, had another discussion with Bellona, only to receive the declaration that the matter was closed, and therefore no longer open for discussion.

The queen is sitting underneath a tree in the back lot, speaking to a squirrel, it seems. "I need someone to help me understand why it is our sovereign feels this way. I dare not ask Queen Melisandra, for she is rather short sighted. Desdemona has a world of knowledge, however, only in relation to be able to find the facts in the scrolls. This leaves Sovereign Cyan Alarica to ask why it is. I need help to understand my sovereign. I am her queen, and in order to serve my sovereign, I must know why she is determined to live in squalor. We had a rather heated discussion, the sovereign and I. She is my sovereign, and while I do not love her, as two lovers should, she is still my wife, and I do care for her. I remember that conversation well."

"Sovereign Bellona, I protest you staying in all that squalor for whom you believe is your consors. I cannot believe that you have gone mad."

"Queen Clarissant, be careful of the words you speak and to whom you are addressing them to. My decisions are my decisions, therefore my consequences to pay. If you cannot stand by me then feel free to request a separation."

Though it was tempting, a separation is not something that the queen will do. Not only would she lose Bellona, she would lose the throne of the queen as well. She does not see herself as someone who lives for the throne, but she does feel the role of being queen to be her destiny.

The squirrel leaves, feeling his mission is done. As the squirrel leaves, so did the queen. Later that night, she calls Alarica.

"Sovereign Cyan Alarica, please help me to understand why it is that my sovereign feels it is necessary to stay in a place of squalor to approach who she calls her consors. This consors is nothing but a hooligan."

"Queen Clarissant, in order to understand the need, you must understand her heart. A consors cannot be chosen by anyone except your sovereign, as the consors will be her heart, her soul. You know as well as I that Bellona is in need of someone to share her heart with. The two of you are close, yes, but not so close as to say that she would not be able to live without you. You know that is so."

"I know, I just do not understand. Perhaps it is as you say, I must understand her heart. I cannot do that because she does not let me hold her heart. Thank you, Sovereign Cyan Alarica, for speaking with me. You have given me a lot to think about. May the deity protect you."

===========

It has been a month since they last spoke to one another. Finally, the sovereign calls with news to say that she is bringing Carissa and the boys back to the manor. The queen is to also see that extra bedding is prepared and placed in the main sleeping chamber. No one is informed as to what has happened; only to be sure everything is prepared. The sovereign will deal with the rest.

Bellona carries Carissa, who appears sickly, her skin pale, and bones protruding, into the laboratory. The boys appear healthy, although one of them seems to find comfort by sucking his thumb. The boys are escorted into the bathing chamber, to hopefully get rid of the filth and the odor of which they seem to carry with them. With that done, a platter of food has been ordered for each of them, which they devour very quickly. Were they starving?

"Queen Clarissant, may I speak with you in the bathing chamber for a moment, please?"

"Yes, Sovereign Bellona, I will join you. The boys have been taken care of, and they are now outside playing with a few of the guards."

"Thank you, my queen. It is good to be home in my manor once again." Bellona continues to bathe in silence. Even after she finishes, she says nothing.

It is not until she starts dressing that she begins speaking again. "Clarissant, I have found my consors at last. She is in trouble though, as she has become dependant on abusive substances. I have given her a potion to cleanse her body of these substances. I expect her not to awaken for three days. I need for you to attend to the boys. Tobias has a gentle nature about him; therefore, he will not react well to strong positioning. Be sure that everyone is aware of this. In fact, if there is any problem with the boys, I am to be notified at once. Do you hear my words, my queen?"

"Very well, Sovereign Bellona, I hear and obey. I will be happy to carry out your orders, my sovereign." The queen could only bow fully, with the hopes of swallowing back down the contents of her morning meal as she thought…Please, deity, help me with this.

===========

Just as the sovereign thought, Carissa does not awaken for three days. The boys have not been a problem, though Tobias is always the last one to react to anything, nor does he speak. The queen has wondered if he is capable of speech, but the sovereign assures her that he is, though he is quite shy.

Everyone in the manor knows when Carissa gains her senses about her. "Where the fuck am I? Who is the fuckin' shithead that kidnapped me? I want a fuckin' answer now!" she yells as she strolls around the house.

"Carissa, in answer to your questions, you are in the House of Andromeda. You were not kidnapped. I brought you here to cleanse your body of the abusive substances you had consumed. And there is no one in my manor that fits the description you have used," Bellona replies calmly to Carissa's outrage.

Carissa glares at Bellona as they stand in the doorway to the study in a standoff. Carissa breaks first, and is about to speak again, when Bellona grabs her arm and turns her away from the study, only to lead Carissa to the bathing chamber. "What is that? Why the fuck did you bring me here? You brought me for a good fuck, didn't you? Remember, I ain't cheap, and by looking at all of this shit, I'd say you're loaded. So I'll charge you, bitch, to pay up front $5000 and not a fuckin' penny less."

"Carissa, this is the bathing chamber. After you finish bathing, ring the bell, and I will return with garments for you. I will let both Tristan and Tobias know that you have awakened. I am sure both will be very pleased to hear the news. Is there anything else?" Bellona makes a mental note of all that Carissa has been saying, feeling that if she replies to the other inquiries as well, it would only add to the anger within Carissa. Space and time is what Carissa needs, and the sovereign is willing to provide both. No matter how much space Carissa needs, or how long it takes, the sovereign is willing to give both. "Very well, I will leave you in peace, and as for privacy, please note that we are a matriarchal society, so modesty is not an issue with us. I will give you privacy, however, to be kind. I do realize that this may not be a concept of which you are accustomed to." Bellona bows before turning around to leave the room, making sure of keeping her head down. Carissa just stands there, watching Bellona as she leaves the room.

After Carissa finishes her bath, she rings the bell as instructed. Bellona appears with a simple dress, appropriate undergarments, and a pair of boots in her arms. She starts to dress Carissa, as it is the sovereign's duty to be sure that anyone within their household is appropriately dressed. Carissa has her opinion about that however.

"So, you do want to fuck me. Well, you know my price." Carissa's hands start to venture into the nether region of the sovereign, but she is not able to get very far.

"I believe this dress will fit you. The boots, however, I am not so sure. If they do not fit, please let me know, and I will find you another pair of boots. I trust your bath went well?"

"Look, bitch, you either want to fuck me or . . ."

"A lady must always be wary of her surroundings. Proper language must be used at all times whether inside or outside the household. Am I making myself clear?" Bellona always has a calm voice when she replies to Carissa. Might against might, will not always work sometimes. Might is overtaken with tenderness, Bellona reasons.

Carissa makes a strange hand sign, which Bellona believes the American's call 'the bird', as she is saluted. "Yes, sir, aye-aye, sir, anything you say, sir."

"That goes for hand signs as well. Please sit down while I lace the boots. If the boots are not laced properly, they will not fit properly." Bellona finishes lacing the boots then stands Carissa in front of the mirror. Now that the filth has been washed off, all that is seen is what a truly beautiful lady Carissa really is. The problem, however, is convincing Carissa that it does not have to be only on the outside, but can be a reflection of what lies inside as well.

"All right, I'll play this game. I'll play by your rules, but just remember, I always get what I want in the end."

"This is not a game, Carissa. This is life, though what you make of it is your choice. By the way, what is it that you want? If you tell me, I will do the best I can to see that it is carried out, within reason, of course. The boys were happy to know that you have awakened. They are anxiously waiting for the last meal to tell you their tales."

"What do you mean what do I want? What do I want?! I already told you what I want?"

"Is that truly what you want, or is it something that you say to save yourself the heartbreak, the feeling of disgust in the end? Hoping that the other person will be appalled by the idea they would turn away. Which is it, Carissa?" Carissa starts to answer, only to have Bellona put her hand over her mouth again. "No, I do not require an answer. It is something that I feel you should ask yourself, however. The last meal will be served as the sun goes down. Listen for the bell, then walk to the room to the right and find a place to seat yourself. This is an informal occasion, so assigned seats are not necessary. Feel free to wander about if you wish, the boys are outside enjoying the day." Bellona bows to Carissa then leaves the room, leaving Carissa standing there, speechless. If someone looked close enough, they might have seen tears in Carissa's eyes.

==========

What?! I am to become the caretaker of children? She brought this hooligan into our manor and expects me to care for the children? They are boys, no less. We shall see how her so-called new consors turns out to be. I am only following her orders because it is my duty, if it were a princess that would be a different matter entirely. I must have patience and understanding, and the realization that these are young boys, not men that believe the only place for a woman is tending to the household. I will be able to mold them into true men who will honor and cherish their wife, a husband that any woman on Andromeda would be proud to marry. We do have a very small population of mixed marriages, and I believe they would be suitable. Please let the deity guide me through this.

==========

As expected, the boys delight the household with their adventures. Even Tobias, sorry, Tobie, was excited enough to tell his tablemates of his adventures. For the first time since they met so long ago, the queen saw a sparkle in the sovereign's eyes. Could it be? Could she have been wrong? She was laughing, enjoying herself, especially as she gazed at Carissa during the meal. Carissa was remarkably silent, not saying a word. Bellona had given her something to think about, so that might have been the cause.

Carissa was not aware of the custom with the draperies. If the draperies are closed, that means privacy is needed. If the draperies are open, that means anyone is welcome to enter. Bellona had closed the draperies to her study, wishing for privacy as she wrote the documents for the appointment of a consors. Bellona would explain the documents just before giving them to Carissa to do her part.

"Can I go now? I got shit to do. Oops, sorry, I got things to do."

Bellona rolls up a scroll, finishing the document for the time being, actions done as a stalling tactic. It is also a silent lesson that means one must mind their manners, and respect should be shown to others. Carissa stands there, tapping her foot with crossed arms, watching the sovereign go about her business. She becomes impatient and turns to leave. "Carissa, I realize you are not aware of our customs, so please remember, if the draperies are closed, it means privacy is to be given. Do not apologize unless the intent is true. You have nowhere to go with nothing to do. You were fired from the job due to multiple absences, as well as being evicted from the apartment."

"How the fuck did you find out? Mister asshole himself told you this shit, didn't he? Well, it ain't true."

"Did you ever wonder what happened to your previous boss?"

"Why the fuck would I care about that asshole?"

"Then, in answer to your inquiry, your previous boss quit the job. The company needed a new manager to take his place. After reviewing your records, there was no other choice but to let you go."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Speak fuckin' English, this is fuckin' America."

"What it means is that after your previous boss quit his position, I was employed in the interim until the company would be able to find a suitable replacement."

"You bitch! You're the one that fuckin' fired me? I have kids I have to fuckin' take care of! Don't you have a heart? Man what the fuck am I supposed to do now?"

"Remember, Carissa, a lady needs to be aware of her surroundings, therefore proper language is to be used at all times. In addition, for the time being, the three of you will stay here. There is more than enough room for all of us."

"I can't fuckin'. . . oops, sorry again. I can't believe this. You did this on purpose for the sole reason of having a threesome, didn't you? I knew it was all too good to be true. Why can't you just leave me alone?"

"I am not sure about the reference of having a threesome, and I will not leave you alone because as of today, you are now a part of this household."

"I am not a part of any household other than me, mine, and my own. That's it, that's all, nothin' else."

"How would you provide shelter for the children? Tobias' mental state is fragile, therefore he requires . . ."

"You leave them out of this. I don't even know how you got so close to them. Tobie hates everybody."

"I understand your anger, Carissa. And it is not hate, it is being wary of strangers, a necessary survival skill. The documents of the Appointment of the Sovereign's Consors have been completed. All that needs to be done is for you to complete the last page. Then they will be submitted to the council for final approval."

"What the fuck is a consort, and I won't sign any document."

"C-O-N-S-O-R-S not C-O-N-S-O-R-T... And the information is necessary for proper documentation in the archives."

Carissa turns to leave at this point, but Bellona stops her by placing her hand on Carissa's shoulder. A scuffle ensues, as Carissa attempts to throw Bellona. Bellona, being the skilled warrior, sees the movement and is able to avoid being thrown.

"It is good to see you have basic defensive skills, though they need improving. Shall we continue?"

They both stand there looking at each other, neither backing away. It is not until Tobie comes to remind the sovereign it is story time before slumbering down for the night. Bellona leaves with Tobie in hand to the sleeping chambers, leaving Carissa standing there, shocked. To look at Carissa standing there shocked in amazement that her brother had asked a stranger for a bedtime story, one would believe she was truly betrayed.

An hour passes, and Carissa is still standing there, too shocked to move. Bellona approaches. "Good, you are still here." Bellona sits down at her desk and sorts through the scrolls, the documents to be presented to the council versus the scrolls that need to be returned to the archives. She holds the appointment documents up for Carissa to take. "Fill out the last page, if you would, it is basic information and should not take too much time to complete. You may either sit here or in the archives, whichever is more comfortable for you. It will be lights out at ten o'clock. I believe in an early start in the morning."

Carissa takes the scrolls, but does not move, just stands there just holding them, staring at the sovereign. Bellona waits, watching Carissa. Is this the lesson she taught the queen, to never throw the first punch? "What is it, Carissa? I see you standing there with a puzzled expression."

Carissa continues to look at Bellona. Bellona rises from behind her desk and closes the draperies. Slowly, Carissa's confidence leaves her and she stands there, staring down at the floor with slumped shoulders, tears dripping to the floor from her eyes. Bellona does what she feels is the best thing to do. She envelops Carissa with her arms, giving Carissa all the love that she can while whispering words of love, not expecting anything in return.

==========

After her tears have dried and her composure returns, Carissa gives the scrolls back to the sovereign for her to take. "I don't know what you want, and I'm not doing that or anything else. I hate the clothes, and I'll take the kids now."

"I did not expect you to take the position immediately. Please remember, though, you are without a home and without food. The boys must be taken into consideration. The sovereign does the appointment of consors. Since I am the sovereign, I have appointed you in that position. The simplest definition I can give to you about the position would be that you would become my companion, my trusted companion. The consors is the only one that the sovereign confides in, in the matter of the heart and soul. As I train you, and as you study the Scrolls of Protocol, you will learn more about the position. I will give you a day to think about this. I need this completed as soon as possible to assure that the appointment is completed in a timely manner. The council tends to take their time. I will hold the scrolls until then."

"What if I don't take it? What then, huh, you gonna tie me to a chair and force me to sign?"

"No, I will not force you to sign. I will instead go back to Andromeda knowing that it is not in my destiny to have a consors. Sometimes, Carissa, even a sovereign's wishes are not granted." To return to Andromeda without a consors would shatter her very being, but she would rather leave than force the young woman into something she does not want. She did not come to America with the intention to form an alliance with America, only to find a consors. And to return without that, would not be good.

Carissa exits the office, leaving the sovereign standing with her head hanging. The queen enters the office a short time later with a goblet filled with wine, and finds a gloomy sovereign. She does not know what to do, but knows that something has to be done. Knowing the sovereign does not accept public displays of affection the queen closes the draperies then envelops her sovereign. The sovereign does not respond at all, just stands there. The queen drops her arms, turns, leaves the study, and heads back to the sleeping chamber feeling rejected.

==========

The following day seemed to be destined as the awful day it turned out to be. It started with the rain clouds and escalated from that point. It seems as though Carissa found some liquor somewhere, in either the manor or elsewhere, and ended up falling down drunk in the entryway. The sovereign woke up in a foul mood, and refused to discuss it with anyone. It also seems she did not notice Carissa passed out in the entryway, and if she did, she did not display any outward reaction. The queen thought other measures needed to be taken to release some of that anger and frustration, and asked the sovereign to write her thoughts of why she felt the way she did.

After I let go of Carissa last night, the realization that all my efforts may be in vain hurt me in a way that I have never felt before. I know that if I show her love and care, not only for her but for her boys as well, I know she will agree to be my consors. All I have ever wanted is a friend, someone to share my thoughts, someone to share my feelings with, and most of all, someone to share my heart. I cannot do that as yet, because she is not prepared to carry that burden. Her own heart is black with hatred, her soul torn and shattered. For what reason, I do not know. I only know that I must first mend her heart and soul before I let her heal mine. As I cautiously break away the barrier that encases what she tries so hard to protect, she reacts like an angry cat ready to strike. I take in all that she tells me. After the anger has gone, I cradled her as best I could. Now, I await her answer. I must wait for her to come to her senses. However, it seems she found solace in the consumption of intoxicants. Why does she do this? I do not understand. Are her pains so great that she feels that the consumption of intoxicants is the only release? Maybe the best thing to do would be to wait. To wait for her to realize that the world is not as black as she sees it to be.

Part 2

After Bellona finished writing her part of the scroll, she rolled it up and secured it to give it back to the historian. The historian was not sure, but she thought there were tearstains on the scroll, and a slight smile graced her face. Could this day turn out better than she had ever expected? The day may have started with the awful rainstorm, but could it be that this day would be better in the end, after all?

Carissa spent all day on the floor of the entryway. No one disturbed her, as per the sovereign's instructions. "If she wishes to be there then leave her there," Bellona ordered as she looked down at Carissa.

The following day, about midday, Carissa starts to awaken from her intoxication-induced coma, and is only able to stand by leaning against the wall. She appears almost fearful as she looks towards the sitting area.

The sovereign strolls past Carissa on her way to the study, and gives the queen a message to tell the head of security to ignore Carissa and to go about her daily duties. The sovereign is a kind but firm woman, and the staff believes that their sovereign is hoping that Carissa will learn from this experience. One of the staff members heard, while shopping, that someone said something about not helping someone until they reached rock bottom. She might be guessing, but they do not believe the sovereign's consors has reached rock bottom.

The boys left early in the morning for school, leaving the manor by taking the back entrance. It seems they have seen their sister in such a state prior to this day, but still left by the back entrance. After approximately ten minutes, Carissa emerges from the entryway, and as she rounds the corner, there stands Bellona, waiting for her with a cup in her hand. "Drink this before you do anything else. It will help to clear your head and settle your stomach. As for your eyes, they will have to wait until the intoxicant, which you consumed, has left your system completely. You remember where the bathing room is located? There will be clothing left for you right there. Should you need anything else, let me know. And, Carissa . . . this behavior will not be tolerated in this household. We will discuss that further when you are done."

Carissa's reply to all of that was a simple "Fuck you." She drank the tea and went into the bathing room. It was a good hour, by the clock, before Carissa emerges from the bathing room. She does not intend to confront the sovereign yet, but nevertheless; there is the sovereign, leading Carissa back into the study.

Bellona closes the draperies and stands there. "Carissa, why would you feel it necessary to put yourself in such a state as to render yourself unconscious for a day and a half?" Bellona finally turns around to face Carissa as she continues, "If something is bothering you that much to cause that much pain then release your pain. There is a house full of women for you to speak with. If that does not interest you then I will take you out to the yard for a sparring session with either me or one of the guards. You are now a member of this household, as is both Tobias and Tristan. Tristan was hesitant at first, and still is a little, but he, too, is learning that being a member of a household is a good thing because it brings stability and love. And Tobias, he has bonded with Desdemona. The first person he searches for when he returns from school is Desdemona. His grades have improved because of the time she spends with him. Carissa, while you may believe that the only reason I brought you here . . . all of you here . . . is for my personal gain that is far from the truth. I brought all of you here because as much as I am in need of a consors, you are in need of a household to show you love." The sovereign, a person of few words, seems as though all she needed was a little inspiration, because this was the longest speech she had ever spoken.

"Look, you mother fuckin' bitch, no one gave you the right to lecture me. As soon as the boys come back, I'm taking them with me."

"Carissa, it seems as though we need to work on your language a bit, and where are you going to take them?"

"Why the fuck do you care? You Miss High and Mighty or somethin'? Somebody name you God?"

"I care because you are my consors, as much as you try to deny that fact. In answer to the other questions, I am the sovereign of a forgotten country many miles away. I came here to search for you. You have yet to answer the other question."

"What other question? You have all the answers. Why do you need me to answer them, your royal highness?" Carissa mock bowed in front of the sovereign.

Is that a smile on the sovereign's face? Has she gone mad? "You are far more intelligent than what you make yourself out to be, Carissa. You know what question I am asking."

"No, I don't fuckin'. . ."

"That is enough of that. Perhaps we will continue this conversation at another time. When you return, I will ask you again to finish the scrolls."

Carissa is surprised to hear what Bellona has just said, the expression that says how does she know upon her face? The sovereign is an intelligent woman, as well as being able to predict the next move someone might make. Bellona is a student of human behavior, and prides herself for being as accurate as she is. As predicted, Carissa leaves the manor and does not return that evening.

==========

It is not until the following day when Carissa makes an appearance, and upon her arrival, Bellona instantly brings her into the study. "I trust you had a good day yesterday?" After closing the draperies, the sovereign turns right around to look into Carissa's eyes then drops her head to look at the floor. "You could not resist, could you?" Bellona takes hold of Carissa's arm and practically drags the resisting teen into the laboratory to have her lie down on the table, securing her onto it so she will not be able to move. It is anyone's guess what her reaction will be when she wakes up.

==========

"Who the fuckin' hell tied me to this fuckin' bed?! I want to know the mother fucker that did this!"

The queen peeks into the room out of curiosity, to see her struggling against the bindings, happy that the young woman does not see her, though she does wonder where the sovereign has gone. Carissa repeats the same questions multiple times for what seems an eternity, and Clarissant is about to research for a way to stuff cotton balls inside her ears and still be able to hear the goings on of the manor when the sovereign, her savior, finally enters the laboratory.

"All right, that is enough of that. I tied you to the table to prevent you from escaping before we are able to finish the business at hand. I need you to be able to think without intoxicants impeding your judgment," Bellona informs the young woman as she unties her.

"I told you before, I ain't signing nothin', now just leave me alone." Carissa starts to walk away, but finds that she cannot move, since the sovereign has placed a hand on her shoulder.

"The only place you will be going is my study, first, to complete the documents then a grammar lesson. However long that will take is dependent on you." Bellona pushes Carissa ahead of her to be sure that the teen will not wander off course.

No matter how much Carissa protests, Bellona accomplishes the task of leading Carissa to the study. The first thing the sovereign does is reach for the Appointment scrolls. They need to be completed, and the sovereign is becoming ever more impatient the longer she waits, confiding the previous night in Clarissant about this and that she knew Carissa was stalling, but for what purpose, she did not know. She does not want to push Carissa, but what must be done must be done, and the sooner it is completed, it will be that much sooner everyone will be able to return to Andromeda.

"Why do you keep giving this shit to me? You told me I was already your consort or consors, whatever, so what fuckin' difference does it make whether or not I fill this shit out?"

"Yes, I have already declared you my consors, but the completion of the Appointment scrolls must be done to be sure that the proper information be properly recorded into the archives. All documents must pass through the council. I always have the final word, however. With the council's approval, your appointment will not be called into question should something happen." Bellona's temper is starting to show at this time, her face turning red and her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides.

"Well, I'm not going to fill it out. You're just going to have to do without it. I'll be leaving as soon as the boys get back. Where I take them is my problem."

"It is not just your problem it is their problem as well, because it has to do with their well being. And you will fill out the documents." They stand there looking at each other.

Carissa is the first to look away, thinking, as she looked out the window. "You just don't get it do you, Miss High and Mighty, huh!" She turns to look at Bellona, with tears streaming down her cheek unhindered. "You can't just order someone to do something they can't do."

"What does that mean, Carissa?"

"What does that mean? What does that mean!? I'll tell you what that fuckin' means! It fuckin' means that I can't read! I can't write! It also means that I'm only good for one thing. Care to know what that is? I'm only good for a good fuck! That's what that means!"

"I am sure your mother saw to it that you had a good education. Where was she during all this?"

"My mother, you want to know about my mother?! Let me tell you about my mother. My mother was a whore. There's not a person in the good ol' U.S. of A. that she hasn't had sex with . . . every man, every woman, and most likely every beast in existence . . . pretty nasty, huh? I don't even know who my father is, or the boys' father. For all I know, it could very well be the crazies off the streets. The only thing she ever taught me was how to please a man. I never had a birthday, or Christmas, or a fuckin' Valentine's Day gift! I've had nothing! My mother started to arrange appointments for me ever since I was five years old. She had certain expectations of me, and if I didn't meet those expectations . . . I'll let you use your imagination. Most of the money I made went to her drinking or Razer, her dealer. If she wasn't fucking someone's brains out then she was drunk, if she wasn't drunk then she was stoned, if she wasn't doing any of those things then she was passed out until the next full moon. I guess there is a good side, though, because I don't have a mother anymore, she's dead, and it's good riddance, if you ask me. I left that house to move into the apartment. I wanted a new life for the boys, but I couldn't. The money is just so easy. You please a man, and you can get anything you want, any amount of money you want so long as you know what you're doing. The boys know what I do. I always left them at a neighbor's house with the promise of mum's the word. So there you have it . . . my life story. Any questions, did I leave anything out?"

"Last year you attended a party with a gentleman. If your mother arranged that then maybe she was not as bad as you would think." The beginnings of a smile appear and anyone who knows the sovereign knows she is formulating a plan, this question being a part of that plan.

"Figures you would remember that party, and for the record, I got $15,000 to attend that party. Yes, mommy dearest set that up. I wanted to stay home that weekend, but my mommy had other plans. That money went to mother to pay off Razer, she owed him. As for that guy I went to the party with being a gentleman, that is a matter of opinion."

"How old are you, Carissa? You have to be of legal age to drink as you do. Am I correct?"

"I'm eighteen, and my brother's are eight." Both stood there gazing at each other, less confrontational this time, though.

"That means you were seventeen years old when you attended the party last year. I should have realized when I saw you in that dress and the make-up artistry done that night that it was done so you would appear much older than your true age. It is a pity, really, to be so young to have the potential to learn anything and everything, yet all of that was robbed from you." Bellona looks through the bookcase, searching for something in particular. She pulls out a book and starts to read. "1The family is both the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of culture. It represents a child's initial source of unconditional love and acceptance, and provides lifelong connectedness with others. The family is the first setting in which socialization takes place and where children learn to live with mutual respect for one another. A family is where a child learns to display affection, control his temper, and pick up his toys. Finally, a family is a perpetual source of encouragement, advocacy, assurance, and emotional refueling that empowers a child to venture with confidence into the greater world and to become all that he can be."

"And what the fuck is that supposed to mean? What does that have to do with me?"

"That is the best definition of a family unit that I have found. It also means that although the family you started your life with provided nothing that was mentioned, the family you have now will provide you with that source of unconditional love, encouragement, and assurance, I promise. It does not matter the mistakes you make or that you are uneducated, all that matters to me is that you are here . . . safe and well. You are my consors, and not only is it my duty to train you, it is also my privilege to love you and to teach you what you need to know. We will proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you, however slow or long it will take does not matter. Due to the nature of your beginnings, I will file the Appointment scrolls with the council in conjunction with a letter stating that your origins are obscure. If you so choose, however, I will scribe for you what you just told me. The choice is yours."

The tears return to Carissa's eyes. Though her voice is shaky, Bellona is able to understand the words. "So what you're telling me is that you love me? I don't have to have sex with you? You don't expect anything of me or nothing? You just want to love me?"

"Let me clarify my point. I expect you to learn history, literature, writing, arithmetic, and the like. I also expect you to stop this nonsense with feeling the need to intoxicate yourself to the point that you do not awaken for a day and a half. I will provide everything for you and your family as long as you meet with the expectations that I have laid out for you to follow. Those are my expectations. Do we understand each other better now?" Bellona brought her hand up to Carissa's shoulder. What was amazing about the entire discussion was that Carissa accepted it, and for the first time she truly smiles, and what a beautiful smile it is.

"And . . . would you . . . um . . . please . . . write for me . . . I mean . . . oh hell. Write my history for me."

"Let us start with our first lesson. Repeat after me, would you please . . ."

Reluctantly, she replies, "Would you please . . ."

"Write my history for me."

"Write my history for me. There I said it, now, would you?"

"Yes, I will. If not myself then my historian will write your history."

"Your historian; what is a historian and who is it?"

"A historian, put simply, is an individual who writes, gathers, and narrates events of the past. The historian would be the lady sitting on the sofa writing furiously on the scrolls recording these events."

Carissa looks over towards the sofa mouthing an 'O' as she does, looking adorably embarrassed.

"But, do we have to . . . do that now . . . I mean?"

"Yes. We will start with the lessons now. It will take one hour to complete the scrolls, and we will start at that time. In the meanwhile, go to Sergasa and let her know that your defensive skills lessons will start immediately."

Carissa stands up straight to salute, "Aye, aye, sir, yes, sir, general sir, am I excused, sir?"

If the staff had not been there and seen it with their own eyes no one would not have believed it. Their beloved sovereign is actually laughing. It is not just a polite smile . . . it is a full and hearty, boisterous laugh. She does not do this, at least, not to anyone's knowledge. Maybe her consors can work miracles. The things, the events that have taken place up to this point are astonishing.

Carissa leaves to find Sergasa, while the sovereign assigns the task of completing the scrolls to the historian, since she has witnessed the events that have unfolded before her. While completing the Appointment scrolls, Bellona completes a scroll of her own.

I finally have my consors. It took much more time than I had expected. I know there is much more anger that lies beneath the surface, but now that she realizes she will not be judged, I hope she will be at ease as she feels the need to release her frustration.

I will need to be patient. It will take time to teach her the academics, etiquette, music, everything. She is young, and though willful, I believe she has the will to learn. It will be that willful pride that will be the key to her success in learning everything that she needs to know.

Tristan is learning to trust. I hope that I have made the right decision at the right time. He is talking to me now, and is a reflection of his sister. With time and patience, he will learn what is to be expected.

Tobias is a timid boy, brought on by his speech and Tristan's need to protect him. He has a lazy tongue, but with time and patience, I believe he will be as willful as his siblings. He has a good role model in Desdemona. She is his friend and his mentor.

The historian is completing the scrolls for me. She has witnessed the events up to this point. I will need my queen's assistance in educating my newfound family. With her help, I will have the family I have always wanted.

I can never forgive my mothers for what happened a long time ago. I have learned to live with the emptiness left after the betrayal. I know I, too, will need to learn how to forgive.

2To err is human, to forgive divine. I believe this is an appropriate quote to fit this situation. I also believe that many of us, especially me, have achieved the human part of the quote. As for the divine, well, all of us have something to work towards.

I have to admit I was worried about Carissa. Will she come back? Will she accept the appointment? These and many other questions I ask myself time and again without any answer. I did not know she is so young. Only eighteen years old and she has already experienced a lifetime of pain. I will keep my promise and help her to succeed in life, in health, and in love. If she chooses not to love me, I must accept that. She is young, therefore, the greater likelihood her heart will change. I realize there is a difference between acceptance and the pain it will cause. No one can prepare anyone for that, though. I know that from experience. The next step to take will be to move back to Andromeda. I have achieved my goal and no longer feel the need to stay. In the pure environment that is Andromeda, my new family will grow and flourish, as they should. I will take time to thank the deity properly tonight for the gift that has been given to me. The scrolls have been completed, and I must finish as well, for now.

==========

The Appointment scrolls take much longer than anyone thought, most probably due to the emotional impact of all of the information, the things that she, that Carissa, has gone through.

I am not certain, but I think that Bellona will need my help with this family that she has adopted, and I hope that I am able to serve her well.

Bellona confided in me Carissa's past. A little girl robbed of her childhood, all for monetary gain to pay for substances of intoxication. I was wrong, I was very wrong. Carissa is a child that needs to be loved, needs to be taught how to accept love. I know in my heart of hearts that my wife will love and tutor Carissa. I . . . well . . . it is a given, I believe, I will be given the responsibility of caring for the boys. I have only one thing left to say. May the teacher teach the student the lessons of life and love, and may the student teach the teacher the same. I believe in doing so will bond the two together as only two lovers can. Though different she and I, Carissa already holds my sovereign's heart in her hands. May the great deity watch over them and protect them all.

Continued in part 3