Heart Drop

Juliet

Meditating wasn't so bad, channeling every thought into subjection; it was all I could do, sitting on my bed the whole day. My father had not spoken to me all week—Liam was struggling something fierce. Inwardly, I laughed at him; he didn't know how to get Marcus to brand me if I was going to be the model of propriety. I had to give a little too much at certain times to make my point come across to my father, and with my mom backing me and putting her foot down, it had been even more challenging for him. He couldn't be a problem in the future; I didn't want to do this again; each one of them would only get one shot to make us work. I giggled at my silliness. Rana was my only opposition now. If Ahasuerus didn't like me, he would send for Marcus. Chris was already Married. I rolled my eyes—my thoughts were too busy; meditating was agonizing when you had so much to think about.

The knock came, and my mom opened my door, "Juliet, it's time."

I got up and bowed when I saw Marcus. Every time I did it, he would hold his breath. How would he cope? "You can get up, Juliet," my dad said. It was a new routine for everyone, even for me. I had to focus the whole time, bite my lips together under my veil so I didn't say something I shouldn't, and dig my nails into my palms when my hands itched to take a beer from the fridge.

Marcus headed for the front door and held out his hand for me to walk first. I didn't move. He did that neck thing that men do to display… I don't know, frustration. He turned and walked first, went around the car, and sat in the front with Kubra. I had to open my own door and close it myself; it was a small thing Marcus was adamant about when we were still on Earth, and he was irritatingly looking over his shoulder to see if I was in the car.

I'd seen the compound and all its hidden features so many times—knew the place better than any other—yet, I couldn't help appreciating it all over—so many memories were left behind there. All I had to do was think about Louis when I wanted to scream, and I had total control of myself. On the one hand, he was suffering, and on the other, I still had to hear him speak to me the way he did. 

It was quiet all the way to Qadir's estate. A servant opened the door. All the women were on the floor. I walked in behind the men. Qadir came out of a room, and I bowed down, face on the ground. "Get up." I did and kept my head down. Agatha was there; would it be the same day one of the maids would be caught stealing.

I was quiet the whole dinner. Qadir didn't say one word, and neither did anyone else. The servant came in; Marcus faltered and then hesitated. He looked over at me when Qadir gave his stupid speech about household management and got up. He ordered us to follow. It was the same process. I didn't even twitch, and Qadir turned to me afterward. He stepped closer and pulled off my veil. I had not manifested or cared; nonplus expression and eyes to the ground. He took my chin in his hand and turned my face this way and that. Marcus was cleaning his hands, eyes on us. The woman's arm was being seared, and she screamed and manifested and passed out. I didn't even blink. I was surely going to get my prize this time. Qadir spoke, "She's so docile… And a looker… How did your father manage to let go of his… scruples? Seems like Liam is finally coming around… I wonder if you would give her to me?"

Again, I didn't even flinch or swallow. Qadir let me go and stood staring down at me. I did what I had to—I fell to the floor. He had asked Marcus, it wasn't my test. Marcus calmly lodged the blade into the wood, "Yes, Sir. You do rule." Oh, Marcus, you're the better player. Don't let him rattle you because if he did choose to make me his wife—you'd rip him to pieces.

"You wouldn't mind if I took her upstairs right now and got it out of my system? Heard how you reacted the last time you were with her. She have some hold over you?"

"No, only a chit to curb my lust." Inwardly, I chuckled—at the insult. "Think it's time I took a wife. If you want to do all you want to do. I would need to be at my best."

Qadir chuckled, "I think this is an excellent thing. You finally have something to bend for." I heard something but couldn't make it out. Qadir said, "That is very good, Marcus. You waste a lot of time being locked up when you misbehave."

Qadir left the room, and I waited, "Get up, Juliet. Time to go home. Kubra, if you will." Unperturbed, I got up and saw Marcus coming up off his knees, my chest steady as a rock. Agatha was in the corner with her head on the floor—her heart—was going a million miles a minute. Marcus walked over and took her arm.

In the car, Kubra ignored me as he should have. I thought he would try to talk to me when we were alone. I felt terrible even considering this life as the way out of our current issues. Kubra would never know Charlene, and neither would he and I have the relationship we had. We would be giving up so much… In the end, I was sure it would be better than everyone dying. Michael going through all he had to go through. Chris would go home eventually; I would make it happen one way or another. I had so much to keep myself busy with.

***

Ahasuerus

"Can you imagine… if this girl was in one of our camps for a hundred years? How old is she?"

"Fifteen."

"A whole year! How will Marcus make it?"

The door opened, and Samuel and Qadir were on the threshold. Samuel walked right up to me and didn't scruple to greet me as the friends we were. I was not so angry at him anymore and hugged him back. Could not forget the way we grew up together. At camp. In the army and after taking wives and ruling the court for some time before I had to take over.

Qadir was on the floor waiting to be released, "Get up. Let's sit down."

Samuel smiled and waited, "You don't know why you're here."

"I know everything," I had to laugh, "My niece. She is not that beautiful for nothing. Give her a few years. Some children. She will be even more ravishing."

"Your brother onboard with this?"

"Yes… Liam likes Marcus. He knows she is not indifferent to the man. I think that is the only thing that could prevent us Furrows from taking—"

"Offence," we both laughed, "I have one problem, Samuel."

"Is it Avrio?"

"How do you know everything before I even say it."

"I've been here longer than you have," we both laughed again.

"By two days."

"If I have a solution," he ventured, "Will you permit my niece to first rights? She has her heart set on being a first wife."

"Aiming high here is an understatement. She does not even know who she's marrying. Will she be a good wife?"

"The Ahmeds never cared where their wives came from. You married solely not to have any political alliances. Why would you want Marcus to have to deal with Avrio and Ian for the rest of his life? It would be better if he had a wife from Earth."

"You're right, of course… I am done fighting, Sam. I'm tired. I want Marcus to come back. When he's done with all Qadir wants to do."

"And then you'll be one big happy family."

"Precisely. Unless—" I looked at my son. I still had anger towards the boy. He killed his brothers in his youth—two hundred is a challenging hundred years for us. "Unless you have changed your mind?"

"No, Father. I want Earth, and it is more than I deserve. I have raised Marcus for you, and I am sure he will only bring you honor."

"I still can't get over this... child! Jabin, play the files."

The last year is played out, and she plagues Marcus to send her to school. He allows her to walk over him. She talks to him like a man would. I stood up. She talks about periods, and her parents ask her about Marcus, telling her he is in love with her. My fingers dug into my hands. And then they talk about going into Qadir's house and how she would never even consider it. I looked over at my son to see his reaction; Qadir was fuming. And then she shows him her face like it was a game. She was nothing more than a spoilt human child wanting to get out of the compound. A few clips later, she wakes up and puts her veil on. A low growl escaped my lips, "Samuel! Explain!"

He waved his hands in the air, and the following clip played, "A dream. Samuel, you're going to stake the next Monarch of En-gannim on a dream."

Samuel got up, "Ahasuerus, I think it's time we talk in private."

"Out."

The room cleared, "Swatches."

"Bring her here immediately!"

"Easy now… we have a year. Marcus doesn't even know. If… if she came back. Don't you think there is f—ing good reason?"

I felt like I had to punch something, "How will we get it around Qadir?"

"I hoped you would've met with me first. Now we have to watch all of them."

"Stay on top of this. And put tech on my son… I'll have to bring him in on this."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Oh, get out of here," he was almost at the door, "Sam! How is Louis doing?"

The man's countenance fell, and his fingers played nervously with the little black tube in his hand. I held out my mine, and he placed it down, "I don't know if you want to see it."

Sam left and all the tube showed was Louis nesting. I looked at the door. What was wrong with that? He was two hundred years old; it was about time the two of them got on with their lives. Then the feed played of him sleeping with Jacklin. I tossed the thing against the wall, and the feed stopped. I walked out and didn't go back to work for a few days.

***

Marcus

The following year passed tolerably quickly. Juliet had asked very politely that I come more than once a month as was customary. She felt there were small details she needed help with, and Liam wasn't going to do it for her. I understood immediately. Liam's deplorable upbringing had put her at a disadvantage to the small things that could get her… maimed if she didn't know them. I was also afraid Juliet would make a mistake at one point, that the old Juliet would not be able to handle all she was expecting of herself. Regardless of my fears, Juliet mainly stayed in her room; she wasn't jumping or talking as much as she used to. Her reading room time had stopped, and even Soren had asked where she was. I had no idea where she was, but we were both committed. I had taken her books every month, and it seemed like the only thing that could bring a smile to her face. Soren and I were busy all the time trying to find something she would like. Juliet had also, a few days after my father gave his consent, asked if she could hand me something. I had no idea what it could be. I unrolled the papers and paused for a moment. I blushed again. There was a small laugh behind the veil, and I bit my lip between my teeth, "And this needs to be—"

"Glass."

"This is—"

"Big trees. The bigger, the better. I would need a place to… uhm walk… If that's okay with you."

I bobbed my head and stood up, leaving before I did something stupid. Of course, it was okay! She was planning her own confinement and making it still special in a way. It would really be only the two of us locked away and alone.

I was swamped finishing our house and had stocked my room with so many books she would have a hard time finishing them in her lifetime. Soren had helped me with all the tiny details of how to make a home more accessible for a woman. I think he had put more thought into it than her.

Juliet's auction was on her sixteenth birthday. It was common knowledge she was spoken for, and yet, I was nervous. How much money would my father pay for the chit? I had to laugh. Wondered what she had thought about me speaking like that about her. I had been a nervous wreck when the servant came in and told Qadir a maid had been caught stealing. Juliet handled the situation so well, while I had to reconcile—again—with who and what I saw was still the real Juliet. Every now and then, my mind would rebel against my wants. All Qadir had to ask was if I would mind if he slept with her. If he had so much as moved, I would've killed him.

My mother had been a mess of anticipation about what might happen. We couldn't speak to each other afterward, but she patted my hand and went to her room, "Mum," she turned, "Are you disappointed in my choice? In me?" She shook her head and slowly took the stairs up. I felt like a failure all around. Agatha probably thought Qadir had finally broken me. Liam had also changed, and there was a shift in the way they were around me after the day my father gave consent.

Liam had brought Juliet alone the night of the auction. I had prepared myself for what she would look like. Nothing could have prepared me for what she looked like. It had been the most painstaking thing I had ever done. Above the repeated waves of lust I had to curb for a whole year, Juliet handled everything the compound could throw at her better than me. She never once looked up from the floor. When Lucius came over, she was a stone statue of propriety and decorum. He had kissed her hand and even turned her wrist, but there was not even a flicker on her countenance—no disgust, thus no challenge for the man. Liam had offered her a glass of champagne, which she declined—so I also didn't drink. On the podium, she stood with her shoulders slumped, and the bidding wasn't what I thought it would be. She had played her part to perfection. Qadir had doubled down early on, and Lucius's father was rather upset, but it couldn't be helped. I wondered what had happened for Qadir to be so amenable to the whole affair and where he got the funds. Liam would have a pretty penny to invest or do with what he wanted.

The wedding was scheduled for three days later. It was nothing more than men gathering and drinking. That night, I couldn't say no, and I had to play the part of a man getting what he wanted. My skin crawled every moment, and for the first time, I doubted myself. Was this really what I wanted. How could I be okay with doing this to her?

I waited till late the night to walk back and up the lane. My heart was beating out of my chest; I didn't know what would happen. I fumbled to open the red gates and closed them again. I had not drunk anything since the night Liam, Cindy, and I got wasted years ago. It was a struggle to walk all the way to my room. It was empty. I looked back, and the door between our rooms stood open. Juliet was waiting on the edge of the bed. Even in my drunkenness, my heart dropped—thinking about her made my whole world stop. Juliet had sat there for hours, waiting for me.

I took in what she looked like. She sat dressed in some creation of underwear, all black. Her hair was down, and her eyes were smokey, capturing mine with an intensity I didn't think I would ever see. The old Juliet was back because we were alone, and I was okay again. I had to steady myself on the door pane, "I'm a little drunk."

Juliet laughed, got up, and helped me to her bed over the little bridge she wanted. It was pretty. I had enjoyed getting used to the place and fantasizing about making it easier on both of us.

We stood in front of the bed, our eyes fixed on the others. She was so young. Why could she not wait? A few more years. Make it at least humanly possible… "I feel like I'm violating you."

"Like I would let you."

It was all she had to say. She had to push up on her toes a bit to get to my lips, and I don't know if I was that drunk, but it didn't feel like it was her first time. Juliet pushed me on the bed and had me undressed and writhing in a few minutes. I had passed out after she had gone down on me with… uncanny precision of what I liked.

I slept for a while and woke up in an unfamiliar room, somewhat confused. Juliet was next to me naked, and I bolted up. Not a stranger's room… her room. I dared to touch her. She moaned, "You more sober now?"

"Uh hu."

"Am I that beautiful?"

"More than you'll ever know."

"I don't mind," she turned on her side and shoved her ass against my already-ready cock.

"Juliet."

"Mar… cus."

I wanted to say something. She turned around quickly and put her hand on my mouth, "I know you'll be gentle with me. I am ready for whatever might come. Please don't hold back because you think I am too young. You should enjoy me."

Her other hand closed around my hard length, stroking. I got on top of her. My lips lowered onto hers, and she kissed me so passionately. It felt like it had happened a million times already. She couldn't get enough of me; her body quivered at my touch until she was shaking. Her heart had not skipped a beat when my father cut off a woman's arm, but I made her unsettled, "Are you okay? Should I stop?"

"It will always be like this. You make me—" She took my hand and pushed it between her legs. I dared to enter her, watching myself slide into her too effortlessly. My eyes shot up to her face. Juliet's back arched—waiting.

In the morning, we woke up together and in each other's arms. I had watched her till she stirred and smiled at me. I wanted to say something, and she placed her hand on my mouth again and leaned in, "Manifest." I did, and her voice was barely a whisper, "I think… we need to be very careful. Regardless of being alone. In… moderation, of course."

I frowned—my mind racing. It was like I was the child, and Juliet had some knowledge of things I didn't even understand. There was no way it was her first time… All the little things that had happened during that year. Kubra knew about things even before I did. Qadir's sudden knowledge of my life made it seem as if I was watched all the time, and she knew. "Juliet"

"Please, Marcus." Juliet threw her leg over my hip, her arm around my chest, snuggling as close as she could get. If I tried to move, she would keep me there. When I wanted to speak, she tightened her hold on me. After an hour, my body relaxed against hers, and only after another could I get up and pretend, "Very well, come breakfast time."

Juliet jumped out of bed and wanted to get dressed, "Not necessary. It's quite safe."

She hesitated and, with reluctance, asked, "No one?"

I shook my head, "Not allowed." She smiled and reached out for my hand. I couldn't even ask her what was wrong. How could she think I would allow anyone near her.

Juliet was busy in front of the stove making us breakfast, and I was reading. I wanted to get up and help her so badly—all I could do was peek at her dressed in nothing but an apron. She served and waited. I smiled, "Sit down, please," she giggled and dove into her food as if it were her last meal.

"I didn't think you could cook. Thought we would need to get a servant."

The bite she was about to take stopped halfway to her mouth, and she paused. The old Juliet would have had a lot to say about my remark. I missed her in some ways. It was like I would never really see that vibrant creature lurking beneath the surface. Juliet put her fork down, and a tear rolled over her cheek. I got up and lifted her into my arms. She was so tiny. Only a child. What was I thinking? If I didn't watch my tongue, it would be harder for her to curb every retort, "I'm so sorry. It was in bad taste."

She shook her head and wanted to drag my mouth onto hers—a knock at the gate startled us both; our heads flung to the offending door. She jumped off and ran for the room. I shook my head and cursed whoever would interfere in our first two days. I pulled on some pants and walked down as is. Qadir had even said he didn't want to see me for a few days. I walked past Juliet's room, and she was seated at the edge, fully veiled. I shook my head again (looked like something I would do a lot), walking barefoot down the corridor. It was Kubra and Jessy. "We have takeout."

"Oh."

"Because she is so young… you know. Need to keep them fed, or they go off the rails."

Flashes of the previous night made me laugh. I kinda liked her hungry. "I had not even thought about it. Thank You."

"Compliments from your father and a note for the missus."

"Come in. Put them in the kitchen." I knocked on the door, "Juliet, come out and eat." She opened the door with her veil on, "Takeout."

Juliet froze in puzzled amazement when she saw Jessy. He was busy joking with Kubra. "Oh, don't worry. This is Jessy… Jessy, come introduce yourself."

"I don't know the procedure for guards," she whispered. I smiled. So that was her issue.

"A nod will do." Her heart was accelerating again. Jessy stood before her and went on a knee in front of me. "My wife." Juliet nodded and held her breath. Kubra looked at me, as baffled as I was. We had talked about it many times but couldn't come up with an explanation of Juliet's change in personality in the course of one day. Jessy held out the note to her. She looked at me, "Take it," she hesitated but took it. "Open it." Juliet's eyes quickly scanned the lines, and her hand covered her mouth. She burst out laughing. I held out my hand for the note; she pushed it against her breast, "Juliet. Give it here." She laughed some more and couldn't contain her glee; suddenly, she bolted across the yard and jumped into the pool. "Out!" The two men shuffled out quickly, looking at her drifting in the water. I stood at the edge, "Now the note is ruined. What did it say?"

"You'll have to catch me first." She flung the wet, drenched paper in her hand up in the air, "Come on. You have to indulge me. I am only a child. You wanted to get married to a young girl. What too much for you?"

I dove straight in and pulled her under the water, ripping off the veil.

It was strange over the next few years. She would let go and show me a tiny bit of that attitude I knew she had to overcome, and every time I reminded myself of the girl who called me an "ignorant ass."