QueensQuest by Suz deMello Page A

away. Once Prince Storne
arrives, he will demand your attention.”
    Storne. There was something about the name that ruffled my
nerve endings. “Who is this Storne?”
    “His clan won the latest spate of warfare for the control of
Darkside. His father is the king, and Storne will inherit the throne upon his
death. If you choose him as King of Shadow, he will rule two-thirds of this
planet.” Parlous’ voice was dry.
    “ We will rule two-thirds of Janus.” I tried not to
sound huffy.
    “Thus upsetting the Balance,” Caducia said.
    “The Balance is upset whomever I choose.” I shifted
restlessly.
    “No,” Kloutt said. “If you choose a Shadowlander, Balance is
preserved.”
    “If you choose Prince-Scientist Kaldir, his people will
elect another leader,” Parlous said. “Balance will, again, be preserved.”
    “That has ever been true. Perhaps that is why there have
been so few royal marriages with the DarkDwellers,” Geoman said. “We have
feared to disrupt the Balance, but as we have said, mayhap new blood would be
beneficial.”
    “And Storne’s clan may not forever hold Darkside’s throne,”
Mercourie said.
    “What can Shadow gain from Light?” I asked, tapping my
fingernails on the Golden Throne’s right arm. “We can trade for their
technology.”
    “Perhaps the secret that Your Majesty believes Kaldir
conceals will be worth your hand in marriage.” Frayn eyed me. “But I doubt it.”
    “So nothing, really, has changed,” Caducia said. “I believe
we should wait for the advent of Darkness’ prince and reserve a decision until
all candidates can be thoroughly evaluated.”
    “Agreed?” I asked.
    “Agreed,” came a ragged chorus.
    Geoman and Frayn exchanged challenging grins, and I pressed
a hand over my mouth to stifle my laughter. I wished that I had started my
search for a mate earlier, as it was providing me with unexpected amusement, as
well as new partners for sex play.
    * * * * *
    Lord Geoman had not misread my flirtatious glances, and when
at midnight I heard a tap on my door, I knew ’twas him. I had asked Maia to
reject all other callers.
    I had been reluctant to tryst with Geoman, though we had
enjoyed each other occasionally before I ascended the throne and had always
been friendly. But now, with my seventeenth starturn approaching, I lost my
fear of misleading him about my intentions. Statecraft had its demands, and as queen,
I had to obey. As the Progenitors had said, ’twas a tough job, but someone had
to do it.
    When he entered, I said, “I think you understand why I
wanted you here tonight.”
    I wore a pink nightgown of flimsy silk, no impediment to his
keen green gaze. A wry smile twisted his lips, which were finely carved and firm.
“You’re trying out the available studs.”
    I smiled, twining my arms around his neck. We kissed. He
felt good, even though I was not truly needy due to my earlier romp in the
woods with Kaldir.
    I believe Geoman sensed my mood, for he moved his lips from
my mouth to my cheek and then to my eyes, gently stroking each closed lid. His
tenderness drew my tears. I blinked and looked at his kind, humorous, smiling
face.
    He kissed away the moisture and continued holding me,
caressing my back. “We would deal well together were I your choice.”
    After a short silence, I prompted, “But…”
    “But I should not be.”
    “You’re reluctant to share the Golden Throne with me? Why?”
    His hands tightened. “It’s not you. I have always cared for
you.”
    “And I for you.” I looked into his green eyes and sighed,
sensing a rejection.
    “More than the usual loyalty I owe Shadowland’s monarch.” We
smiled at each other, my heart happy. He continued, “But in council, I am
telling you the truth, Audryn. Consider Darkside’s prince.”
    “I will, when I meet him.” Even more impressed by Geoman, I
went to the sideboard. I poured a glass of warmed red wine and offered it to
him.
    “Darkside-carved crystal?” Geoman asked. The