Blue Blossom Adventures

Henry Patton needed a break, at least from his office. The spring rains that had been pummeling the estate had slowed down, and Henry found that he could finally sit on the stone patio at the back of the estate house without ending up in a foot of water. Much of the grounds around Blue Blossom were still waterlogged, which gave the green grass a strange glitter. At the moment, the skies were still sprinkling rain, but the delicate umbrella covering most of the table kept him dry.

He was puzzling over a pile of small computer pads in front of him, the smoky green crystal displays flickering with reports for him to read. Many were in Xaltean, though he had a few translated into English—the complicated ones with big words he hadn’t yet figured out. Something about the reports was bothering him.

“These are all the reports since I’ve gotten here?” Henry asked, looking up from them at Nish, who was standing nearby. Nish Kevet was the Arch Maid of the Reserve Legion and Abiva’s lover. Like Abiva a week ago, it was Nish’s turn to babysit him while Maevin was away at the rescheduled Council of Servants; Siv had gone with her this time. Nish had a reserved but calm personality, almost the opposite of the bouncy Abiva. The girl was under the awning that extended over the door back into the living room, also out of the drizzle.

“Yes, Master,” she said with a simple but firm nod. “This is everything from Serene Vale Estate since you took residence, as requested.”

Henry stared at the paperwork as the wet breeze ruffled his hair and caught some of the rain on the side of his head. These reports had been filed by a Mistress Eena of Serene Vale Estate and, though he was still new to many of the subtleties of the culture, he was sure he’d found what was off. The young Terran made a decision.

“Nish, can you have Maela or one of the other Emissary maids come see me? I have some questions.”

“Of course, my Master,” she said, swiftly tapping the thin gauntlet she wore on her left arm. Within a few minutes, Maela appeared.

She was a medium-sized young woman with an athletic build, but unlike the colorful nature of the other maids, she wore a black outfit trimmed in silver with the same midriff cut and short tvekel skirt. It was quite fancy and rich in appearance. Her hair was cut short and asymmetrical around her head, while two long braids ran down the back to her waist, each tied with a silver bow. The maid bowed with an elegance Henry hadn’t known was possible.

“Emissary Maid Maela, my Master,” the maid said, identifying herself. “How may I serve?”

Henry motioned her over, which seemed to catch the girl off guard for just a moment, but she approached as he pushed the computer pads toward her.

“I need to check something. You see these reports?” Henry asked, holding one out. “This one was filed three days late. This one refers to Mistress Maer without her proper title, while this one omits it completely. These two were addressed to the Arch Maids instead of directly to Maevin. And there are quite a few other things—like referring to Maevin as eemodaema instead of xikihanma, which is her title. These are protocol mistakes, right?”

Maela took a few moments to check, pushing some of her dark hair out of her eyes. “Yes. They’re simple mistakes, usually seen from people who haven’t filled them out before or are new to their position.”

Henry’s eyes narrowed. “How long has Mistress Eena been in her position again, Nish?”

“Six years,” the other maid answered.

Henry nodded, frustration growing. “She’s doing this on purpose, isn’t she? This woman is insulting my Mistress.”

Maela’s eyes flicked over to Nish. “I understand I’m putting you on the spot,” Henry continued, “but I need to know.”

“She’s doing it on purpose.”

“I knew it. Who the hell does she think she is, insulting the woman who runs this planet, this estate—and is my friend?” Henry asked. “Who is House Medekin? They’re not even on the registry or listed with a royal charter I can find.”

“House Medekin is a small, unregistered house that has been part of House Avernell for several hundred years,” Maela explained. This subject seemed more comfortable for her. “They control three estates through this star system and a nearby one. Serene Vale Estate on the continent of Teratha is their primary.”

“So how do they fit into the reporting structure with their Mistress and…is it a Lord of the Green or something?”

“No, a shivxihanxa, or Lord of Honor. Lord Ruxsh is not royalty like you but is not a servant either. The shivxihanxa have many of the same powers over their estate that you do, but cannot claim a title. He is referred to as a Lord only in name, not power,” Maela explained. “His house is subservient to yours.”

Henry sat back, folding his arms, finally letting the anger edge into his voice. “They’re being rude.”

“Yes.” Maela didn’t have to add anything else. It was a fact.

“And Maevin hasn’t said or done anything about it?” Henry asked, looking toward Nish.

The young woman shook her head, causing her blond hair to bounce. “She has never said anything to me, nor have I heard Siv mention it.”

Henry Patton sat there staring at the reports, his face running through a gamut of emotions—none of them happy. He could feel the anger boiling inside him. The same anger that had almost gotten him in serious trouble at the tieseketel a few weeks ago.

I can’t make the same mistake again, he thought to himself.

As if some deity was listening, the patio door slid open and a tall, dark-skinned man with a metal eyepatch and scars all over his face walked out. The wet wind caught his cape, which billowed about him, adding to his already impressive stature. Tox Utivin bowed.

“Yes?” Henry asked, knowing he wouldn’t speak until prompted.

“The monthly sweep of the estate walls is complete. Nothing untoward found,” Tox said in his raspy voice.

“Thank you.”

Tox moved to leave when Henry stood, making a decision. He wasn’t going to do this on a whim, but with a plan. The Terran had to stand up for the honor of his Mistress.

“Tox, can you get me a security team together?”

That got the man’s attention. His eyebrow went up, causing wrinkles to cascade up his bald head. “Is there a security issue we need to address?”

“No. I’m going to the Serene Vale Estate and I need a security team.”

“Master?” Nish said, her voice trembling, her beautiful eyes wide with nervousness. “Shouldn’t we wait for Mistress Maer to return? She should be back in a few hours.”

“No,” Henry said with a shake of his head as he picked up the computer pad and slid it into his jacket pocket. “Maevin is my Mistress, and I’m not going to let this stand.”

***

The continent of Teretha was across the ocean, but with a sub-orbital shuttle from Blue Blossom, it was only a three-hour journey. Throughout the trip, Tox and Henry exchanged only a few words. After the Terran explained what he was going to do, to Henry’s relief, his Security Officer did not try to persuade him otherwise. In fact, Tox had adjusted the armament of his security team to create the impact Henry wanted.

“We’ve got clearance to land,” the shuttle pilot called over the intercom as the small ship shuddered through the air currents. Henry looked out the window, the anger now replaced with trepidation, as the landing pad for Serene Vale Estate, a small but sprawling collection of buildings, grew closer.

After the soft bump of landing, they made their way to the hatch, followed by the six-man security team who were armored well above what was necessary. Tox placed a hand on Henry’s shoulder.

“You are in charge. Make them understand that,” was all he said.

The hatch hissed and opened while the ramp automatically extended. The first three soldiers stepped out, followed by Henry and Tox, with the remaining three taking up the rear.

Standing at the edge of the pad was a young man with two women behind him. He wore a full robe with a belt around his waist, the edges of the cuffs and the collar trimmed with white lace. His violet eyes flicked between Tox and Henry with nervous energy. He immediately bowed low while the women behind him curtseyed.

“My Lord Avernell,” he said smoothly, though a tremor laced his voice. “I am Maid Kelshar, Arch Maid of the Estate Maids. I profusely apologize that we were not prepared for your visit, as it was unexpected.”

“Where is Lord Ruxsh?” Tox demanded, his voice sharp enough to startle Henry.

“He is en route as we speak. He was at a meeting with the shivxihanxa of the Azure Mist Estate, about an hour from here.”

“And your Mistress?” Henry added, trying to match the bite in Tox’s tone. It did not sound as intimidating, but it had the desired effect.

“Mistress Eena is coming in from the fields and—” he glanced down at the thin screen wrapped around his forearm with visible relief “—has entered the estate and will be here momentarily.”

“I’m not waiting out here in the wet,” Henry said, striding past him. His gut tightened as he did so, half expecting someone to tell him to stop and wait. That did not happen; instead, they scrambled out of his way and followed quickly behind.

Henry glanced at Tox, who gave him a subtle nod and whispered, “You are the Lord. Make them understand.”

The young Terran lord found the estate similar to Blue Blossom with its wooden floors and soft palette of colors, though it was smaller and less opulent than some areas of his own home. Arch Maid Kelshar kept up but dared not move too close to the security team. They reached what appeared to be the center of the estate, a large round room from which hallways branched in several directions. That was when Henry saw her. Mistress Eena.

She stood calm yet confident, her long blue-silver hair falling over her shoulders in loose waves, a few strands catching the light from the skylight above. A thin crown rested neatly on her head, its simple design speaking of Eena’s position within the house.

The dress she wore was fitted, the fabric tracing her shape to reveal but not flaunt. Fine stitching lined the edges of the bodice and sleeves, trimmed with the same lace, though more modest than many of the outfits Henry had seen. A small pendant hung at her throat, matching the delicate jewelry on her arms and ears, and another piece adorned the bridge of her nose.

“My Master Patton-Avernell,” Eena began, her voice high-pitched yet smooth in pronunciation. “I am honored you have—”

Henry cut her off. “Mistress Eena?”

“Yes, my Master.”

“Tox. Seize her.”

The nervousness in her eyes turned into abject fear as Tox gestured, and two of the guards immediately stepped forward to seize her arms. The other maids around them gasped and backed away.

“My Lord!” Eena cried, terror stealing the breath from her voice.

“Be silent until your Lord arrives,” Henry said, trying to sound harsh and authoritative. His adrenaline was pumping, his stomach twisted in anxiety. At that moment, he wished he had brought Nish with him, but someone had to stay behind to manage things and inform Maevin if she returned before him.

They did not have to wait long before the young Terran lord heard running footsteps. An older, wiry man with a receding hairline appeared, followed by two guards. He came to an abrupt halt as he saw Henry standing with his arms crossed and his Mistress being held.

“Lord Patton-Avernell!” Ruxsh managed, shocked. “I apologize for my forwardness, but why have you arrested my Mistress?”

“I’d rather not have this conversation out here,” Henry said, working to keep his voice steady and authoritative. He made sure his Xaltean came across clean and clear, just as Yil had taught him.

“Please! My office is right here. I am happy to help smooth over any misunderstanding.”

Ruxsh quickly led the way, his robe billowing behind him. They soon entered a small room with a bay window overlooking the valley behind the estate. Without being told, the guards forced Mistress Eena to her knees, where she shook, eyes wide with fear.

“My Lord,” Ruxsh began carefully, standing near his desk. His eyes dropped to Eena’s, which were pleading. “May I ask what we have done to offend you?”

Henry pulled the computer pad from his pocket and handed it to the man. “Your Mistress has been insulting mine.”

“No,” Ruxsh said, horrified. “Mistress Eena would not do anything—” His voice trailed off as he read the condensed report of protocol violations Maela had prepared. His eyes shot to Eena, filled with both horror and anger.

“I will not tolerate a maid or servant in a position of authority insulting or demeaning the woman who commands the Servant Legions of this planet and sector,” Henry said, working hard to add the proper emotional prefixes to convey his anger. “Mistress Maevin is due honor and deference, which your Mistress has failed to give. This is unacceptable.”

At those last three words, Eena’s knees gave out and she sank down into a seated position.

“Is this how you train your staff?” Henry demanded.

It was Ruxsh’s turn to look nervous, but he did not falter. He lowered his head. “I offer my apologies that my servants have insulted you and yours. There is no excuse for such behavior.”

“No, there isn’t.”

“If you will allow me,” Ruxsh said, “I will discipline the Mistress for her actions and do whatever is needed to make amends. Our treasury, though small, is willing to pay a Penance Levy for her offense.”

Henry had no idea what a Penance Levy was, but he was not about to admit that.

“Do you have someone who can maintain your estate for you?” Henry asked. That was when Eena whimpered, realizing what was coming.

“I do, but—” Ruxsh began.

Henry hesitated, unsure what to do next. His original intent had been to scare them, but now, standing here, he felt the gravity of the situation settle over him.

“The Lord of Blue Blossom has instructed me to return Mistress Eena to our estate so that proper discipline can be administered,” Tox said smoothly, stepping in. “She has not only insulted the primary house but also set a poor example for the other estates under our authority.”

“My Master,” Eena whimpered, looking desperately to Ruxsh for help, but Henry could see resignation in the man’s eyes.

“Your will is law,” Ruxsh said with a bow. “If I may be bold, my Lord,”

“Yes?” Henry asked as the guards pulled Eena to her feet.

“Mistress Eena has committed an egregious infraction, but I ask that you please consider some leniency, if only because she means a great deal to me.”

“We will see,” Henry said, turning away and hoping no one noticed his knees shaking from the adrenaline coursing through his system.

***

If Henry had thought the flight to Serene Vale Estate had been quiet, the return flight proved him wrong. The entire shuttle was silent, with Tox sitting beside him while Mistress Eena looked as though she was barely holding herself together. Though she feigned interest in the view outside the window, a shiver escaped her every so often.

What was he going to do? As the shuttle drew closer to home, Henry realized he didn’t actually have a plan beyond bringing the offender back. He had made it all up as he went along and was probably as anxious as the person in front of him.

By the time they landed, the rain had become a steady drizzle. With efficiency, they moved along the colonnade from the estate port to the estate proper, the mistress flanked by guards. As Henry entered the large courtyard at the back of Blue Blossom, he saw the flowing blue hair of his mistress stepping out to greet him. The way Maevin Maer visibly started at the sight of Eena between the guards told Henry she had been completely caught off guard.

“My master?” Maevin asked, her voice full of confusion and concern.

“Can we go to my office?” Henry asked. He wanted to make it a command, as he had been doing, to show he was in charge. But he could never raise his voice or order the woman around. There was something so regal and beautiful about her. Maevin nodded silently and swept ahead as the other maids moved out of the way. The entire mood of the estate had shifted, sensing that something major was happening. All that could be heard was the sound of boots, sandals, and the clink of jewelry as they made their way to his downstairs office. Once inside, the lush carpet deadened the sound. The door slid closed, leaving only Maevin, Henry, and Eena.

Immediately, whatever poise Eena had been holding melted, and she began to sink to the floor. To Henry’s surprise, Maevin quickly gripped her arm and gently led her to a chair.

“Peer Eena?”

“Peer Maevin!” Eena squeaked desperately, fear plain in her voice. “I beg your forgiveness. Please! I know I shouldn’t have. You understand though, right?”

Confusion filled Maevin’s blue eyes, and she glanced at Henry, who sat trying not to shake himself. The fact that Maevin had used a term of equal footing made him regret his decision. The Mistress of Blue Blossom turned to Henry and, with the most elegant curtsey he had ever seen, spoke.

“My master. May I ask why Peer Eena has been brought here from her estate?”

“Because of what she did to you,” Henry said, though the anger and bravado had left his voice.

“Did to me?”

The young man handed his tablet to Maevin, who took it. As realization dawned across her face, she clicked the device off and set it down on the side table beside the chair where Eena cowered. Taking a slow breath, she met Henry’s eyes. He could see she wanted to speak, but the decorum he had established with his act had tied her hands. Thinking quickly, the Terran spoke.

“I was going through the reports on my own, trying to understand how the Legions were handling business,” he explained carefully. “I found Mistress Eena’s reports and the improper behavior.”

“And my master felt that a personal visit was needed?” Oh, how she phrased that. He knew Maevin well enough to know she was asking why he had decided to charge off to the other side of the planet. Right now, he wanted to know that himself.

“I found such insulting behavior toward my mistress, the one I and the planet rely on, too much to leave unanswered.”

“And how do you wish to punish her for this action?”

Henry had no answer.

“I… I want Eena to understand the gravity of the situation and how I expect the people of my house to be treated with the respect they deserve.”

“Before the master makes a decision,” Maevin continued carefully, her voice controlled and submissive, “would he be willing to discuss this with his own mistress?”

“Yes.” Thank god she asked. Relief flooded through him.

“Nish,” Maevin said, and the blonde-haired maid opened the door and quickly stepped inside. Authority had returned to Maevin’s voice. “Please take Mistress Eena to the lounge. Get her some food and drink if she wishes.”

Eena stood but quickly gripped Maevin’s hands, which the other woman gave just the gentlest squeeze before walking out. When the door closed, Henry’s shoulders slumped, and that pristine image melted away. Maevin’s face was a mixture of confusion and irritation. He probably would not have noticed before that irritation lived in the gentle creases at the corners of her mouth.

“My lord,” she said in her accented English. She had switched to his native tongue, which meant Maevin was making sure there was no misunderstanding.

“Stop,” Henry said, raising a hand in defeat. “I realize that I screwed up badly. I just… everything you’ve done for me, for this estate. I’ve seen you staying up late at night finishing the reports, taking the stress and responsibility of keeping things going. I just couldn’t bear to see someone insult you like that.”

The young man looked up and, for a moment, saw the softest smile she had ever given him. It vanished as she controlled her expression.

“You did not screw up as you said,” Maevin began carefully. “Yes, Eena was out of line, but I was not going to do anything about it unless she started acting out further. There were reasons I was letting it go.”

“Ah.”

Maevin stepped forward, and he tried to hide his smile as she went into teaching mode. “You had a right to challenge her behavior, but normally that’s done through me or others. Maid issues are to stay maid issues. In your case, you terrified an entire minor house with your arrival and arrest.”

“Ohhh,” the Terran said as realization began to sink in.

“Yes. The Serene Vale Estate is probably expecting to face the full might of House Avernell, and Eena thinks she is going to take most of the brunt of it.”

“I just wanted her to be respectful.”

Was that a giggle from his mistress?

“You honor me in ways I cannot put into words,” Maevin said with a hitch in her voice.

“Look. You’re my friend, and I cannot imagine doing all this without you,” Henry said with a stupid grin. “I need you to help me stop causing these massive diplomatic incidents. What do we do? I don’t want to hurt her or anything. Can we let her off the hook now?”

Maevin shook her head, amused. “No. We’re well past that. What we need to do is make sure she is disciplined but in a way that also lets House Medekin know there won’t be future repercussions.”

“Is there a way I can apologize without undermining us?” Henry offered.

Maevin thought for a moment. “I have a thought.”

***

When Eena was brought in, the woman no longer looked pale, but her eyes were still full of fear. Henry had put back on his “official” persona, with Maevin standing beside him at his desk. Eena bowed low.

“Mistress Eena,” Henry began, and she grimaced. “I want to first extend my apologies to you for the way you were treated.”

Eena made no effort to hide the look of shock on her pretty face.

“As you know, I am Terran. Mistress Maer has kindly explained to me that, though you did disrespect her, I was unaware of other avenues to address this. Your estate and house will not be affected.”

Eena’s shoulders sagged as if releasing a massive weight.

“I... I thank the Master for an apology he does not have to give,” she said, her voice exhausted.

Maevin stepped forward as Eena pulled herself to her feet. “Peer Eena, though I have been forgiving, Lord Patton-Avernell is right, and correction is necessary. I believe it is important that we all remember where we came from. To that end, will you accept, as discipline, a temporary change in position? You will serve Blue Blossom as a Harvester for two weeks as penance and a learning experience, and then return to your estate with your original title.”

“I accept!” she said quickly.

With the formalities out of the way and evening finally setting in, Henry found himself sitting in his chair, exhausted and feeling like an idiot. Maevin had returned after finding Eena a place to stay. She updated him on the meetings and how the day had gone, as if he hadn’t nearly caused an entire estate to think it was going to be wiped out.

“Maevin,” Henry said as she was about to get up and leave.

“Yes, Master?”

“Why were you letting her get away with it?”

Maevin Maer thought for a few moments, then sighed. “I guess it’s because I felt she deserved some leeway.”

“Oh? No offense, but you give no one here leeway. Ever. Even me.” Henry made sure to smile so she knew he was joking.

“Mistress Eena was destined for Blue Blossom, not me,” she began, settling into the lounge chair in front of his desk. “She had worked hard to earn the spot, but High Baron Avernell overrode the decision and placed me here instead. Peer Eena had to spend three months training me, knowing that the position she had worked hard to earn was being given to someone else. It’s part of the job, but it’s never easy when it happens. I suppose I let her get away with it because she had a right to be bitter toward me.”

“I see.”

“I just didn’t expect you to fly down there and drag her back for it,” Maevin said with a chuckle. “You almost gave all of us a heart attack. Rumor has it that all the estates on the planet are talking about it.”

“Is it going to be an issue?”

“I don’t think so. The rest may just be a lot more careful around you now.”

Maybe that was a win. Henry wasn’t sure, but at least this time, he hadn't caused a war.