Lords of the Var

THE PIRATE PRINCE

By

Michelle M Pillow

© copyright February 2006, Michelle M. Pillow

Cover art by Eliza Black, © copyright February 2006

ISBN 1-58608-821-1

New Concepts Publishing

Lake Park, GA 31636

www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

“A woman has the potential to be the ruination of men and kingdoms.

Only question is, my son, will you let one ruin you?”

-King Attor of the Var

Chapter One

Imperial Palace of the Zhang Dynasty, Honorable City, Muntong Territory, Planet of Línti
n

“You are with child.” The words were soft, carried as if on a gentle breeze.

Princess Zhang Mei blinked in shock, pausing in mid-action. She was in the process of setting down a jug of wine on the Sacred Chamber’s altar as an offering to her deceased ancestor. Out of all the things her dead great-grandmother could’ve told her, that was the least expected. Her great-grandmother made a small noise when she didn’t move to finish her task. Slowly Mei set the offering on the low round table and stepped back. For a long moment, she stared at the jug inlaid with gold thread in the blue glass. It was a pretty piece, one her great-grandmother would enjoy in her afterlife--but not so much as the wine it contained.

Mei wasn’t frightened to see her great-grandmother’s spirit. The ancestors were known to show themselves to those they wished to guide and, since her death, Zhang An had been residing in the sacred room hidden within the walls of the Hall of Infinite Wisdom located in their home, the Imperial Palace. The palace was protected by great surrounding walls. The complex behind the walls was referred to as Honorable City because the palace was in fact like a small city for the royal family. The family never needed to leave the palace and rarely did so.

The palace walls were surrounded on the outside by a thick moat with only two known entrances--one in the front and one in the back of the large rectangular complex. The Hall of Infinite Wisdom was only one of many buildings within the complex, located in the center. However, it was the largest structure, set high upon stone to tower over the surrounding courtyard and gardens.

Mei wished they left the city more often. Some of her best memories were from when she got to travel with her sister, Fen. They’d often go to Lady Hsin’s to see how the silk worms produced the luxurious silk for their clothing or to the countryside, just to fly over in the family’s tu di hang, a land craft that soared over the lush scenery like the ancient junk boats of old used to sail over the seas of planet Earth.

But those times were too far apart to suit Mei. She’d been born with the need for adventure, a need that burned inside her until she was forced to swallow down her abhorrence of the palace walls. Burying her wanderlust, she knew that first and foremost, she was a Zhang princess and so would honor her family and do her duty by her people, no matter the personal cost. Besides, the confinement only made the trips she took all the sweeter--like the foray across the Satlyun River she was going on with her oldest brother, Prince Haun.

Seeing her great-grandmother’s face, Mei whispered, “What? What did you say?”

“You are with child,” her great-grandmother repeated, smiling.

Mei stiffened. That’s what she thought the woman had said. Why was the spirit smiling? What did this mean? A baby? Her? Now? It didn’t sound right. How could this…?

Dazed, Mei looked around the room. The Sacred Chamber was ornate, yet barren of all but a few objects of great importance. Gold lined the walls in intricate design. The basin itself was carved with the revered phoenix of her people. Aside from the basin and offering table, there was the collection of the precious jade their ancestors had brought with them from Earth during the journey to Línti
n. Its green color was sacred, more so than the purple jade mined across the river by Emperor Song’s people. The artifacts were kept safe behind a plate of glass, the most precious being the powerful Jade Phoenix. The bronzed bird was surrounded by smaller pieces of the precious green stone. Its delicate feathers were worked in a way that they should’ve been impossible in metalwork. Jewels were inlaid into the bronze, but none were so stunning as the large green stone on the bird’s chest. To even look upon it was an honor, reserved for the royal family and a few honored souls.

“No, no I can’t be,” Mei insisted, feeling her flat stomach. “You are certain?”

“Yes. Very certain,” Zhang An answered. The spirit was dressed in the old style. Her long sleeves swept over the floor as she walked near her granddaughter. The delicate silk robe made even more so by the fact that it traveled on air. Every movement was silent, like the breeze. Her wrinkled, pale face was transparent, shading with each subtle movement, threatening to blow away completely. Long, dark hair streaked with white flowed around her shoulders. Tradition from her time of life would have had her put it up, but An was proud of her locks and, being dead, didn’t have to be dictated by such traditions. Besides, what could be done about it? She was already dead. “I consulted all the powers--the oracle bones, the divining basin, even the wind. Each say the same thing.”

Pregnant? Me?

“But, how…?” Mei could barely move.

Her great-grandmother laughed. “You should speak to your mother as to the how. I only foresee the future.”

Mei didn’t find the woman very funny. She knew how, just not how.

How could this happen? And with whom?

“When?” Mei asked, shaking. She followed her floating great-grandmother with her eyes, afraid if she moved her locked knees she’d collapse in shock.

“Within sixteen moons, give or take,” An answered, smiling.

Sixteen moons? That was only about eight months!

“Whose is it?” Mei pressed her hand tighter to her flat stomach and thought of all the men of the Muntong court. None of them appealed to her as a husband figure, but all of them would be willing to marry a Zhang princess. To deny her hand would be foolish indeed. She had the power of her family, money, land, and status.

“I see blood,” her great-grandmother answered ominously, as if going into a trance as the visions overtook her. Her dark brown eyes glazed over with white as she moved to a basin within the center of the sacred chamber. A cool breeze stirred the room as the woman asked the wind for answers. Her hair lifted all around her in a wild tangle of windswept fury.

Mei knew her great-grandmother listened to the elements, because the wind also whispered to her. It was her gift, her power, bestowed upon her at birth by the Jade Phoenix. Mei could hear the promptings of the wind and, though her own talent wasn’t as developed to feel more than instinct, she knew that it would whisper its secrets into her great-grandmother’s ear. Often, she thought that was why she felt the need to be free, to fly like the wind, because she had felt the presence in her since the cradle. As a child, she’d dream of flying, soaring high into the starry heavens. Mei wished the wind would take her now, right now, lifting her up and taking her past the palace walls to deep space where she could float for an eternity.

“Royal blood,” An added in a monotone, drawing her mind back to Línti
n. “The baby will be of royal blood.”

“But I am royal, Grandmother,” Mei said needlessly, trying to figure out the riddle seeing the future put before them. Sometimes Mei wished her family couldn’t see the pieces. Often it made more confusion than it clarified.

Mei’s stomach tightened and she was afraid she’d be sick. Or was her great-grandmother implying Prince Song Lok? He was the son of the only other Empire on Línti
n, the Song Dynasty located across the Satlyun River. The river flowed through the center of their planet, separating the territories of Muntong and Singhai. Lok was the only male heir to the throne, though he had three sisters--triplets. Mei had never met the Song daughters and she’d met Prince Lok only once, a long time ago.

Not that there was any reason she would be introduced to the triplets. The two Empires never really saw eye to eye. Emperor Song ruled the Singhai Empire in the west and Mei’s parents ruled the Muntong Empire to the east. In between the two territories was the Satlyun River, circling from north to south in the exact center of the planet of Línti
n. The giant river was a marvel of nature, so wide it was impossible to swim across. It was one of the main reasons that the two Empires did not fight. Though they didn’t agree on much, peace was something the Línti
nese cherished.

Was her marriage to Prince Lok going to ensure continued peace? Was that the real reason she was compelled to accompany her oldest brother, Haun, on his trip across the Satlyun? Was marriage talk in the works? What exactly was her great-grandmother not saying? Or was she saying it and Mei just didn’t want to hear the words?

“The blood I speak of is not of the Zhang line. It is foreign.” An gave her a pointed look.

Mei grimaced. Lok. She had to mean Lok.

“Married?” another voice intruded.

Instantly Mei stiffened as she turned at the sound of her father, the Emperor’s, voice. He wore a yellow robe decorated with red dragons and symbols. The red and yellow were the colors of royalty. It matched the buildings--all of which had yellow tiled roofs and dark red walls.

The Emperor stood in the doorway, a look of supreme happiness on his face. If this was true, Mei would be the first of his children to marry. Her older sister, Fen, and four brothers, Haun, Jin, Lian and Shen had yet to take that step. Mei was the youngest and by all rights she should be the last expected to marry. That was how it was traditionally done.

This isn’t fair.

“Yes,” her great-grandmother answered. “And with child.”

“You’re sure?” the Emperor asked, his smile widening as he looked down at his daughter’s waist. The news pleased him greatly.

Mei touched her stomach, gasping, “No! We’re not sure. Honored grandmother was just going to look again.”

“Yes,” her great-grandmother put forth. “We are sure.”

“No,” Mei repeated. “We. Are. Not.”

“This is a most happy day!” Emperor Zhang beamed. The two elders ignored her as they spoke to each other.

“A most happy day,” An agreed. “My granddaughter should be told at once. She will want to hear this blessed news.”

“Yes, the Empress will be most excited to hear of Mei’s wedding,” the Emperor agreed. “And most pleased by news of a grandchild!”

At his words, a secretive look passed over her great-grandmother’s face. Mei ignored it, unable to process anything else at the moment.

I’m going to have a child and get married? What?

She wasn’t sure which was worse news--marriage or a baby. The truth was, Mei hadn’t really considered either prospect seriously. Ever. To be married would be to remain tied to Línti
n, even more so than she was now.

“No, it’s wrong!” Mei protested. She clutched her hand against her stomach. Her entire body shook and she couldn’t get past the fact that she was to have a baby. She wasn’t ready for that. The husband she could deal with, if she had to, but the baby? Everything was happening too fast. “Do it again, grandmother. Please. Look again. I beg you.”

An sighed, but moved to the basin to oblige. Running her hand over the cool water, she rippled it with her ghostly finger. A soft glow covered the woman’s transparent features as her ethereal brown eyes again turned a milky white. “Positive. I see you large with child. A baby is to be conceived of royal blood. The next prince who is not of the Zhang bloodline whose path you cross will be both father and husband.”

“Lok,” the Emperor whispered, confirming her fears. Her father’s expression fell some at the news of Prince Lok, but when he caught her staring at him, dumbfounded, he hid the look and again smiled. “Prince Lok is a fine choice. You are to travel to the Mountain Palace with your brother to meet with the Song family. It will be the perfect time for you to get to know him.”

“But,” Mei swallowed nervously, “I don’t have to go. Am I really needed there? I just asked to go because--”

“You were compelled,” her father said softly.

Mei bit her lip and dutifully nodded, even as she thought, because I wanted to get out of this place for awhile.

“You cannot run from fate,” An said. “In the end, she will find you.”

“But--” Mei tried to protest. “Fate has been changed in the past. Father, you said so yourself. Fate has been altered by those brave enough to fight her. Let me stay here this time.”

“Those are merely stories, mèimei,” her father said. “Folktales. They are used to teach lessons, not to be taken literally. Besides, we already told the Songs that you would be joining your brother. To back out now would be an insult.”

“But, Father, aren’t all tales based in truth? You once told me that--”

“I see no more and am drained,” her great-grandmother interrupted. Mei opened her mouth to continue, but the breeze suddenly gusted around her and swept the old woman’s figure over the offering of wine before both she and the drink vanished, pitcher and all.

“Many congratulations, my daughter,” the Emperor said, lightly patting her shoulder when they were alone. “This is a very fine match.”

Mei’s mouth opened, hanging slack as she tried to find the right words of protest. When her great-grandmother had summonsed her to the Sacred Chamber, this was the last news she expected to hear. In fact, she’d hoped for quite the opposite--adventure and intrigue while visiting the Mountain Palace of Singhai. Instead, she got marriage and children.

“We don’t know for sure,” Mei whispered. “Great-grandmother could’ve read the future wrong. It’s hard to interpret.”

“Fate is just that, my daughter. Fate.” The Emperor gave her a smile of understanding. “And An has a great blessing. She would not speak if there was a chance she was wrong. You are to marry Prince Lok. Remember, these things do not happen without reason. Your marriage must be of great importance to our people and to theirs. It will seal the bond between us, a bond that could use sealing. Trust the fates to bless you with years of happiness and a joyous future.”

Mei again opened her mouth. Swaying on her feet, a sensation of numb weakness came over her. She felt her father’s arms around her as her body crumbled into a mindless heap, sucked into the blackness of denial.

* * * *

Shan Gung Din (Mountain Palace) of the Song Dynasty, Singhai Territory

Two weeks later…

Princess Zhang Mei kept her expression completely blank as she looked across the long table. It wasn’t hard. She’d been sitting on the floor for what felt like hours, when in fact it had only been about thirty minutes. Cupping the small bowl of tea before her, she lifted it to her lips and sipped the hot liquid. It was spiced differently than she was used to, but was good nonetheless. After being in Shan Gung Din, she found many things were like that--different, but tolerable. It wasn’t surprising, being as both ways of life were derived from the same Earth cultures long ago.

How long until different becomes intolerable? How long until the loneliness of being in a place where everyone thinks they’re culturally superior to me sets in? How long until I’m forced to marry Prince Song Lok?

Mei glanced down at her stomach, knowing it wouldn’t be very long at all if her great-grandmother’s prediction was true. Sad thing was, her great-grandmother wasn’t known for being wrong. When she dreamt of getting away from the palace, this wasn’t what she’d had in mind. Suddenly, the idea of living anywhere else scared her.

The table they sat at was low to the ground, perfect for kneeling to dine. Low cushions padded her knees as she rested back on her legs. She was losing feeling in them, but they were at Emperor Song’s palace of Shan Gung Din as guests and she didn’t dare insult him by wiggling in her seat.

Mei refused to think of her great-grandmother’s prediction. Fate may be fate, but surely seeing the future was not an exact art. It was possible her great-grandmother misread. Not very likely, but possible.

Wasn’t it?

Blessed ancestors! Please be wrong.

Mei gulped, glancing again to Lok who was across the table next to his father, Emperor Song. Every part of her wanted to put him off, to demand he stay away from her. Could she really be expected to have this man’s child? To live in this palace with his snob of a father?

There was no doubt in her mind that the Emperor was a snob. No, not just a snob. He was an elitist snob and his son was little better from what she could tell. Though her father would be disappointed that she didn’t want to marry Prince Lok, she knew he’d never force her. Forced and arranged marriages were a thing of the past, though all marriages had to be approved by the royal astrologers before a proper union could be made. Normally, it was just for ceremony, though what was discovered could give great insight into the couples’ future.

If not for her family’s desire to make a favorable impression on the neighboring family, she’d have walked out long ago. Duty had been bred into her very soul and she knew, that if fate truly had picked Prince Lok, then duty would demand she honor fate. However, if Lok didn’t honor fate, that wasn’t her fault. Was it? She didn’t have to make him want her. There was no reason she’d have to go out of her way to please him.

Prince Lok was her social equal, raised much like she was. He was skilled in the ancient martial arts. With their background, she’d have expected they would have much in common or at least something to discuss. However, when she was left alone with the prince, all he did was stare at her--his expression blank and his eyes probing. It was likely he didn’t think the youngest daughter of Emperor Zhang was good enough for him.

I wonder if he’d consider any woman good enough for him. Mei made a face into her tea cup so they couldn’t see.

Lok was the only male heir to the throne which would make him naturally picky. She would expect the same from Haun, though future Emperor or not, Mei would never think anyone was good enough for her brother. She had yet to be introduced to Lok’s triplet sisters. Since her stay was about over, she doubted she would be introduced to them at all. That in itself was a little rude of the Song family.

Mei turned her attention back to the Song men before her. Behind the two royals, a long row of pu ren waited to tend the table. The pu ren were handmaidens who came to the palace to wait on the royal family and hopefully attract a husband of consequence from the guards. They were usually from noble or well-to-do households.

The Zhang family had their fair share of pu ren over the centuries, though none were employed at the Muntong court at present. Each of the women wore a pien-fu, an ancient style two-piece silk garment that was often used in old ceremonies when their people had lived on Earth. They varied in color, but consisted of a tunic gown with long, square sleeves that extended to the knees and a skirt that fell to the floor. Even though some of the ancient Earth ways no longer applied to their modern culture, all of the Línti
nese people clung to the traditions of the past.

Mei sat next to her brother, Prince Zhang Haun, the oldest child and heir to the Zhang throne. Haun was ten years older than her, but they’d always been close. Mei would be lying if she didn’t admit that she had always idolized him. When she was a little girl, he’d been so strong and powerful. Now, as she was older, he was still those things, but she saw that he was also generous and kind. He would make a great ruler someday.

“Princess Mei,” the foreign Emperor said, his eyes roaming over her clothing.

Mei couldn’t tell if it was approval or displeasure on his blank, bored expression, though he did seem to look her over quite a bit. The Zhang were more modernized in style instead of the traditional fashions the people of Singhai preferred. Even so, her robe was belted tightly around her waist until it cut off her circulation. The pu ren had been sent to help her dress and they’d insisted on cinching it tight. Not wanting to refuse Emperor Song’s hospitality, she let them.

“You do not speak tonight,” Emperor Song continued.

“Why speak when I would hear one of your lovely pu ren sing?” Mei answered, her voice low and sweet.

She saw her brother stiffen next to her and knew him to be holding back his laughter. The little show she put on for the Song family was just that--a show. She was not meek or mild in her opinions or her convictions. However, she knew when to strike like a snake and when to be the timid, pretty flower. Mastering the art of both was what made her such a good negotiator. As the youngest and smallest of six children, negotiating had come in handy growing up. Otherwise, she’d have been in for it from her five siblings.

“Perhaps another time, sister,” Haun said, before the Emperor could answer, “but the boat waits for us.”

Mei hid her sigh of relief. Haun knew of the prophecy and was saving her from enduring the Song family any longer. His negotiations were done for the most part, though whether he was satisfied remained to be seen. However, if it wasn’t this negotiation, there would be something else with which he’d have to deal. Such was Haun’s life and responsibility. Though nothing was said officially, the Zhang siblings had seen their oldest brother slowly taking over more and more responsibilities.

Haun stood, prompting the other men to do the same. Mei was the last to her feet. The stinging sensation of blood returning to her legs made her stand completely still, though it took everything in her not to make a run for the docks. She’d made it through the ordeal without a proposal. The knot in her stomach began to lessen. This was it. Prince Lok had shown no interest. Her great-grandmother was wrong. She wouldn’t have to marry him.

“You have honored us with your visit, Prince Haun,” Lok said when his father didn’t speak. Mei folded her hands in front of her, itching to get into a pair of silk pants and stretch her legs. The robe’s thick belt only seemed to pull tighter against her ribs. “We will speak with the mining corporation about your family’s concerns--”

“I assure you, there is nothing to be concerned about,” the Emperor interrupted, giving his son a stern glance.

“I’m sorry to disagree with you, Emperor, but there is much to be concerned about,” said Haun. “The Zhang people--”

“The Lin Yao mines have supplied our people with the sacred purple jade for centuries. The trade is too valuable and profitable to our dynasty. Why would we need to resort to manufacturing chandoo?” The Emperor frowned, holding out his arms. “Do you presume to insult me? Do I look like a common intergalactic drug trader?”

“Not you, Emperor Song,” Haun answered, not backing down. Mei was proud of him. The Emperor was an intimidating man. “But maybe those within the Lin Yao Mining Company. When we analyzed the clothing taken from those on the ship, they were covered with traces of the mine dust. All we ask is that you look into it. Consider it a favor to the Zhang family.”

The Emperor’s frown deepened as he looked down his nose at Haun. “I owe no favors to the--”

Lok placed a hand on his father’s shoulder, but looked at the Zhang prince. “Please, we have been through this. We have heard your plea and will act. There is nothing further to discuss. I give you my word I will personally go to the mines and investigate these claims.”

Mei studied Lok’s hand on Emperor Song’s arm. True, she didn’t really know the Emperor or his family that well, but it seemed an odd gesture for the son to do. The Emperor didn’t say anything at the interruption, but merely nodded once. The idea that Lok was taking over for his Emperor as Haun was for their father struck her. In her head, she’d thought of marrying the Song Prince, not the Song Emperor. Lok’s father wasn’t an eligible husband so his hand was never considered in the prophecy, but Lok would someday be Emperor.

Empress Song Mei.

Mei trembled, as she thought of all her mother’s duties. She did not want to be her mother. Yes, she loved the Empress, but Mei had no desire to be the woman or to carry her royal burdens.

Haun bowed at the waist, his hands joined palm to fist in front of his chest. Mei dutifully nodded her head, though she wasn’t addressed. The blood rushing through her ears drowned out sound as the men took their leave of each other.

Haun stepped back from the low table and gestured for her to follow him. Mei did so without question, trailing properly behind him in respect. When they were alone, she hurried to her brother’s side. Taking a deep breath, she said in suspicion, “They hide something.”

Haun quirked a brow but didn’t answer.

“Prince Lok…there was something off about the way he was acting. I know we aren’t acquainted with the man, but there was something....”

Haun still didn’t respond.

“I know you think I’m crazy, but I sense that some--”

“The air has ears and the wall has eyes, mèimei.” Haun’s mouth drew into a faint smile even though his eyes stayed forward. “And right now my head is telling me you have no wish to marry the prince.”

Mei sighed, saying no more as she nodded in agreement. He was right. Her judgment of the situation would be off due to her desire not to be there, not to have such a fate. She slowed her step, falling behind her brother as she followed him toward the palace docks. He was right. It was possible she was just fighting destiny and trying to find fault where there was none.

“Zài-jiàn, Shan Gung Din,” she said under her breath, happy to be leaving the Mountain Palace. “Goodbye, Singhai Empire.”

Haun glanced over his shoulder with a smirk and she realized he’d heard her talking to herself. Without a word, he turned forward.

Mei smiled at his back as she continued on in silence.