Chapter 18: 16: STATUS

Talitha shared a late dinner with the Khelots in their home that sat adjacent to the main temple. High Priestess Kazrut and Judge Khelot together bore seven children, five sisters and two brothers, who gathered that late hour at a large dining table made of cranberry-toned rosewood. Kalum, the youngest sister, sat opposite Ava, the eldest and fourteen years her senior. Between them sat their only brothers Kian and Kaleb, with Kian the pair to his twin sister Kadija. Both were seated next to second-eldest Marisa and second-youngest Janena. Kaleb, the eldest of the lot, sat beside their father.

Despite the family’s inclusion of Talitha into their discussion, Talitha found it hard to focus on anything besides Kalum, who did everything possible to distract her. Kalum’s hair flicked against her skin whenever they exchanged plates, and she was forced to ignore whispers meant only for her.

“You’re so soft, mitu. Feels nice.”

“—don’t you agree, Talitha?”

Talitha sparked to attention at the address and turned toward Judge Khelot on the opposite end. A flare of heat rushed to her face as she realized she had no clue what he was on about. However, she needed to hide that she’d been staring at his daughter.

“Oh, yeah.” Talitha bobbed her head. “That…sounds right. But I like to keep an open mind, you know. Explore the viewpoints before I make a decision.”

“Hm.” The judge’s mouth pressed tight. “Well, as a rule we don't support ritual child executions in tribal societies. Despite our great respect for esoteric beliefs—”

“Ritual child executions. Oh. Gotcha.” Talitha sighed as Kalum snickered, and she remained expressionless when Kalum’s fingers traced up her leg. “Of course I’m not open-minded about that. What I meant was, I’m open-minded about being against that.”

“Ah. I see. We’d never endorse extremism, and at some point, we have to draw basic lines.” The judge gestured at Kaleb with his glass full of aubergine-shaded liquor. “I told you, Kal, Union’s youths do pay attention. They’re not as lost as you say, even here in Altir. Two worlds can coexist. Raia’s participation at Ovadia’s gala, beyond his theatrics and controversy, proves that.”

Kian perked at the mention of Jackal’s civilian name and Kadija nodded along. “Can’t believe Jackal showed up there. That duet was legendary, and we saw it live.” Kian grinned at Kalum from his seat across the table. “You were half of it, bird. I guess I have to give you credit. Tadu, issuru. Nice work.”

“Aye. Another incredible display from my little warbler. Her talent grows each passing day.” Judge Khelot’s focus moved to Kalum. “I’m glad to see Raia’s settling his outlandish ways. That's what I hoped for from our past friendship—why we helped him before this Blood Fang business. As a Vangrali, he’s seen the brutal side of Sinum firsthand. He escaped that cocoon and spent years partnering with Union to repair global relations. I wonder if he’s interested in resuming his prior work.”

“My negativity was short-sighted. I admit it.” Kaleb’s dark stare pierced his father’s, his loose hair casting shadows onto his face. “We arrived to Ipir to save this planet. Raia may be another key to that end, and the issue of Vangral remains unresolved. I’ll join you to speak with him about what’s happening next for the temple. So should Mother. He might work with us again, praise God.”

“That’s right, Daddy.” Kalum spoke up, nudging her head toward Talitha. “Accepting Talitha as my disciple was a perfect decision. She stands between two worlds, just like Jackal, and carries the blood of Vangral inside her. It’s another sign. Dalalu. We’re blessed to be together.”

“We mean it, Talitha, that you’re welcome in our fold.” Kazrut offered Talitha a smile. “Isten Dar found new life through Unifaith. Souls like yours pave the way. I’ll personally approve your conversion so it’s speedy.”

“Thank you.” Talitha bowed her head. “As an outsider, your acceptance is an honor considering your lineage. Even I understand the gravity of the prophet’s prophecy.”

“Yes, beloved. I sense the spirit in your words. Thank you.” Kazrut glowed at the compliment, and broke into a prayer. The family closed their eyes as Talitha laid her hand over Kalum’s under the table. Kalum’s voice joined the others.

The meal came to a close and Kalum stretched her arms as the temple’s staff cleared the table, yawning to show her exhaustion. Kazrut smoothed Kalum’s hair as the family parted ways for the night, tutting in wildland tongue before speaking firmly in Unispeak.

“Kalum, the fitting’s at ten, so be ready by nine. I suppose Talitha will join us since you’re quartering together.” Kazrut gestured at Talitha standing to the side. “You two can pray after, when the grounds are quiet for Eve preparations.”

“Yes, Mama.”

Talitha turned to Kalum without emotion. “A fitting? What kind?”

“Ah.” Kazrut sighed as if she were tired. “Shame you couldn’t participate in the others. Kalum rejected every gown she’s seen, so you haven’t missed much. Turns out she’s picky.” Kazrut patted Kalum’s back. “This time we’ve made a private appointment with Kogo, the grand master of bridal design. You’ve heard of him, I’m sure. Just the one name. I’m sure with his expertise, Kalum will find something to please her and her prince.”

Kalum shrugged off her mother’s touch. Talitha remained unfettered.

“Gowns. Fittings.” A bright, cheerful edge lilted Talitha’s response. “Kalum’s been searching for the perfect dress to please her prince. You said there were others. So…how many? Like three, four?”

“Seventeen.”

“Seventeen!” A laugh burst from Talitha. “Seventeen fittings! Of course it’s sweet seventeen, and that’s how old we are. I love how the numbers match up. Really flare.” She tilted her head as Kalum turned away “Seventeen fittings so Kalum can find a gown fit for a queen. Who knows how many you’ve tried on each time? Dozens—no, a hundred.” She laughed at Kalum’s silence. “Glad you’re dedicated to making your king happy.”

“Well, friend.” Kalum faced Talitha again with a pressed smile, stressing the word friend. “I’m sure we can fit you for a dress, too. After that dance with Adam, you look ready for the altar yourself.”

“Adam?” Embarrassment warmed Talitha’s face. “You mean that dumb fu—I mean, that silly dance?”

“Right, mate. That dumb, silly dance with that dumb, silly dip that ended with a look of longing. It’s what the rags saw, anyway—and what I saw from the stage.” Kalum made an exaggerated show of checking her COM, raising her chin with prim attitude. “Four hours have passed. Your clip collected four hundred seventy-five thousand tags. Story’s exploding, and Adam’s flick caused more scandal. What a heartthrob he is—and what a precious doll you are. The public loves hearing about you.”

“Kala.” Talitha's response was firm. “I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

“It’s right there, Talitha. Look at the clips.”

“I’m sure you’re going to show me.”

“I am!”

“Don’t be nervous.” Kazrut interjected between them. “We’d welcome a Pendergast to Unifaith. That would be an unusual marriage, a pureblood with hunter's stock, but that’s another sign of our future. I’ll discuss this with Ovadia. I know her clan, the Blackmoors, run true with Earth beliefs. Unifaith covers those, too.”

Talitha giggled as Kalum stormed away to bid the others in the family good night. “Wow. Me and Adam, you said.” She clasped her hands together. “You'll also work out the messy details with Ovadia. What an offer. Thanks, Great Mother.”

Kazrut rested a hand on her shoulder with a calm, meaningful stare. “You’re welcome, Talitha. We’ll assist any way we can with an optimal plan for your future.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Kalum said nothing when Talitha found her waiting nearby. The pair separated from the family to head to Kalum’s quarter, and Kalum walked a few paces ahead while Talitha followed. Talitha groaned to herself under-breath. From the looks of it, an argument was about to spark.

“Kala,” Talitha muttered to herself, her lids narrowing as Kalum flicked back a length of hair. “Oh no, wait—Your Majesty. Fuck.”

They reached Kalum’s room and Kalum entered first, tapping the control panel to open the door. She marched inside as Talitha gathered the will to follow. The interior lights activated at Kalum’s presence.

Talitha entered a moment later, scanning Kalum’s library of spiritual texts lining the walls before glancing at Kalum’s cushioned bed in the center of the room. She’d been there often, more so lately, and the room felt like yet another home. The mood was always comforting and welcoming—though not at that particular moment. Blackout shutters concealed the floor-to-ceiling windows except for the partition where Kalum waited. Prayer robe tossed aside, Kalum’s simple black dress turned her into a slick of ink against the hazy sun.

Talitha closed the door and approached the huddled shadow. A flicker of movement from Kalum’s COM signaled that she’d summoned the looping clip of the dance from Social Society. Talitha soured as she listened to Kalum read the article with feigned excitement.

“Pendergast and Pender-Pal, a hidden romance for the new millennium.” Kalum touched her cheek as the visuals moved. “Handsome Cloverland senior Adam Pendergast has eyes for Talitha Morai, the sun-kissed Vangrali beauty who found residence in Altir through his family’s charity. This charming pair embraced poetically at Central Sector arbiter Ovadia Pendergast’s fundraiser, and delighed the crowd with a passionate dip that’d make a cryo-block quiver.” Kalum shivered for emphasis. “They were serenaded by the siren sounds of Unifaith priestess Kalum Khelot, who found herself in a surprise duet with wildland superstar Jackal—”

Talitha slapped her hand over Kalum’s COM, and the colorful visuals of Adam dipping her low played on repeat through her fingers.

“You’re joking.” Her voice stretched thin with strain. “I hope.”

“Ha. What should I think?” Kalum snatched her COM away and closed the projection. “Adam, the player. Adam, the wolf. New girl every other week and he’s making a move on you because Spencer’s gone. You’re allowing it too, and I have to wonder why.”

Talitha scowled. “Me and Adam? Are you mad? Aye, he’s popular, but he’s my friend. It’s not my business who he’s with. I thought you’d be on my side, anyway. That’s what I expected.”

“You saw the clip. Watch it close. Read what everyone’s saying. It’s the same story, like always.” Kalum tossed her hair another time. “The two of you looked like you were about to kiss. If the media hadn’t cut in—”

“We weren’t close to anything. We shared a special moment during your song which honored his father’s legacy. That was important to him. He wanted to share it with me, and I was glad to be there.” Talitha rested a hand on her hip. “You laughed at Spencer’s envy earlier—but you’re one to talk about making a move. Same night I split with Spencer, we hooked, and I don’t regret that.”

“I know I said there was nothing to be jealous about. After that dance, I’m not sure anymore.” Kalum’s expression drooped and she turned her face aside. “Look at how he’s looking at you. There’s something there for him. Maybe also for you. Wouldn’t surprise me, knowing how close you two get. How long your talks go, and who’s the first you call other than me. Sometimes before me.”

Talitha seized Kalum’s chin. She spotted a waver in Kalum’s force. “Listen,” she said, stroking Kalum’s cheek and lowering her animosity. “No need to get worked up over this, but I want to be clear. I don’t want to repeat myself with you like I do with everyone else.”

“What do you want to say?”

“When you asked me out, I said yes because it felt right. We’ve cared about each other for years. I always thought you were beautiful, and I found it flattering you saw me that way. I enjoyed what we did. It was different. Still good.”

“I enjoyed our time too.” Kalum’s voice sounded small as she retraced their recent past. “I’m happy you were my first. I always hoped—wished—you’d accept me.”

“I do accept you, and I’m glad I was your first. You’re special. You should be with someone who makes you happy.” Talitha’s thumb rested on Kalum’s lips. “The dance was just a dance. Adam and I appreciate each other because our bios are linked in an inseparable way. It’s hard—impossible—to find someone who understands carrying a darkness always tied to you. He handles his life, I handle mine, and that’s the end of it. I’m with you, not him or Spencer.”

A smile flashed from Kalum, faint but genuine.

“Sure. Sounds good.”

“Look at me.” Talitha gestured at herself. “It’s reached oh-two, I’m tired, but I’m ready for whatever you want.”

“Okay.”

She pecked Kalum on the mouth. “Good. Please stop obsessing over trash gossip. You lose your mind reading it, and I’m not going to fight every silly idea these reporters create.”

“Okay.”

Her grazing touch on Kalum slowed as she reared for another push. “You know, since we’re being open about what’s bothering us, let’s get back to you. This’ll be fun—for me.”

Kalum held up her hands in defeat, aware of Talitha’s direction. “All right, ace. Let’s go there, if you want.”

“That’s exactly what I want.” Talitha’s lingering smile dropped to a frown. “Like I said—you’ve got some damn nerve. Private fittings with the grand master of bridal design? Kogo, just the one name. Seventeen fittings, with the eighteenth this morning. Unbelievable.”

“Fittings are common for a wedding,” Kalum said flatly. “A wedding you knew about the minute you met me.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Fine.” Kalum shook away from Talitha’s hold and turned to the window with folded arms “I didn’t want to upset you, since you’ve always been against the marriage. Canceling would cause chaos that I can’t handle while trying to pass senior year. I do tastings, too. Lots of rehearsals for my part of the marital ritual.”

“You thought I couldn’t handle knowing that?”

“No.”

Talitha sniffed. “Wow. Thanks.”

“It’s why I like you, Li, because you don’t want to handle it.” Kalum shrugged. “I understand and even agree, but I couldn’t risk telling you. I can’t have anyone questioning my dedication to the prophecy.”

“I can handle it,” Talitha said, remaining forceful. “Don’t decide for me. I don’t like being surprised like this.”

“Fine. Got it.” Kalum’s chin rose with pride. Her attention settled on the temple grounds outside her window and the persistent rosy glow of Central Sector’s sun. “I had a life before you. Your life before me also pops up. I saw Spencer at the fundraiser. Clear he doesn’t accept your new status.”

“He accepted it last night when he told me to go fuck myself. I bet he’s just as upset as you over the dance. That’s not my problem.”

“How long will his anger last?” Kalum shook her head. “Be realistic. The two of you have history going back to childhood. I worry something’s still there.”

“There’s not.”

“If you say so. I’ll accept your word.”

“Thank you.”

“The fittings are scheduled by my mother.” Kalum turned back to her. “I have nothing to do with the planning of them. They’re meaningless anyway if I don’t marry Malek.”

Talitha met Kalum’s stony expression. “So you’ll waste everyone’s time by pretending to go through with it.”

“Aye. But lots of things are a waste in the end.” Kalum remained silent for a few moments, her face drawn as if lost in her thoughts. “You say you can handle it. Come to the fitting and handle yourself. Who knows—maybe this time it’ll be easier with you there.”

Talitha moved closer until they were a touch away. “Okay. I’ll watch you twirl around for the family that chiseled symbols into your skull when you were born. Sounds flare.”

“Li.” Kalum tugged on Talitha’s blouse to loosen the clasps, baring Talitha’s skin. “If you’re coming, you better behave.”

“I’ll behave.”

“Are you sure?”

Talitha glanced down as Kalum continued loosening her clothes. “I’m not an idiot.”

“I mean it.” Kalum turned stern. “No jokes. You’re not as clever at hiding them as you think you are.”

“Understood. You think I’m as clever as I am funny.” Talitha's lids lowered as Kalum lifted the hem of her top and delicate fingertips grazed her breasts. A thrill charged inside as she inhaled Kalum’s scent. “I’ll keep my mouth shut. Happy?”

“Yes,” Kalum said in a low murmur. “Be quiet. You talk too much.”

They kissed, and their faces remained close after they parted. Talitha’s hand grazed Kalum’s waist. “Sorry about that.”

“You’re not sorry.”

“Not really.”

Talitha loosened Kalum’s dress as full lips pressed against hers. She slipped the fabric away, revealing the priestess, and the bundle of cloth dropped to the carpet. She traced the tawny curves of Kalum’s body with her gaze, finding Kalum wearing a matching set, a white top and bottom pinned with bows on either side.

“Kala.” A smile crept to Talitha’s face as Kalum touched the garments.

“You like it?”

“Aye.” Talitha exhaled. “They’re…”

“Cute?”

“Aye.”

“I got them for you.”

“Amazing.”

Kalum giggled when Talitha dotted kisses against her. Talitha’s eyes closed as Kalum removed the rest of their clothing in gliding motions, and the dark head lingered below as Kalum pulled off Talitha's undergarments. Kalum dotted a kiss to Talitha’s hips, and they embraced once they were face to face, lingering for a while.

Talitha pulled Kalum to the bed, and a sharp tug brought them both to the sheets. Talitha dragged Kalum to her lap, and Kalum’s kiss moved from Talitha’s mouth to her face and throat. Talitha heard Kalum’s low mutter as their heat stirred.

“I miss having you close.” Kalum guided Talitha’s hands to caress her. “Gracie ruined our system, and my parents won’t hear anything about me staying in a replacement room. It’s hard to make excuses to stay in your quarter. You can’t schedule kispu here every week.”

“Can’t I?” Talitha gazed up at Kalum.

“No, silly. Mama would would start wondering how much intervention you need. You don’t want her to be that interested in you.” Kalum touched her forehead to Talitha’s. “After Gracie’s mess, you don’t stop by the temple as much as you did at the start. We’ve joined but barely share time.”

“I know.” Talitha’s steady stare broke away. “I have a lot on my mind. Thinking about the future and working on it alone. But I’m here now.”

“You are.”

“I’ll come back, too, if you tell me to. No matter what, I’ll find a way to reach you.”

“I want you to come back.”

“All right. It’s done.”

“Okay.”

Kalum fell over her. Silken hair trailed against Talitha’s skin. Talitha’s fingers sank into Kalum’s cushioned flesh, and she shifted their position so she was on top. Her lips traced Kalum’s body, and Kalum sighed as Talitha savored every angle.