An azure sky, thronged with white fleecy clouds, lit the room with various shades of pink and red. This special, almost magical time of the evening would soon depart. However, the evening’s closure would not be brought to an end without significantly changing the future of generations to come on the planet of Orion. As the sun sank lower, ushering in the close of twilight’s splendor, beautiful as it was the scene did not compare with the beauty that had entered his life.
He stood in the immense window, the King of an ancient race, watching the landscape as night fell. Waiting, struggling with his impatience, wanting to go to his wife to offer what little comfort and support he could in her struggle, but his brother had suggested he stay away. His open palms pressed against the glass, which overlooked his private garden, and he wondered what was taking so long. It had been two hours since he had been banished from her room but it seemed like days. He did not know how much more he could stand. He had never felt so alone and useless, not even when the future of his people was at stake.
Walking toward the door, he clasped his hands behind his back resisting the temptation to reach for the handle. He pressed his ear against the portal that held everything he loved, but could hear nothing. Then he walked to the couch he had spent sleepless nights on. Nights that seemed like a lifetime ago. Nights when he had struggled with his conscience and heart, concerning the judgement he alone was responsible for, regarding the woman in the next room. He sat. He stood. He paced, and in all of his wisdom, he thought he understood why this practice had been given up hundreds of years earlier. If he lost her, his life would be meaningless. Just as it had been before she had come to Orion and turned his world upside down. He had lived too many years without the comfort of a mate—without the comfort of anything except what she referred to as politics. His existence had gone from machine-like to human, and he did not care to return to the past. His people had a future now, but that future was tearing him apart.
He looked up when the door opened and his brother appeared. “Is she…” he felt his heart skip a beat as an invisible hand clutched it.
“She’s fine. Tired…but fine. Congratulations!”
The King’s feet moved almost before his brain sent the message to them. Brushing past his brother he entered the room and sat down on the bed, being careful, not to disturb its contents. Although he was cautious, the woman opened her eyes and smiled at him.
“How are you feeling?” he asked softly.
“I have something for you,” she said uncovering a bundle that lay on the side of her. “Meet your daughter.”
He knelt down beside her, took her hand, and kissed it. “I was so afraid…” A tear ran down his cheek as he picked up the baby.
His wife touched his cheek to wipe the wetness from his face. “It’s alright now, my love. We are fine. Your people will be proud of your creation.”
“Our creation.”
The King turned as someone touched his shoulder. It was his brother. “She needs rest…I think we all do.”
The King lay the baby down and kissed his wife. “I will never leave your side again, I promise,” he said, smiling. He kissed both her eyes and sat back down on the bed.
Watching her while she slept, he was confident, knowing this woman had saved him and his planet.
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Reviewed by Monette Bebow-Reinhard
2/23/2005
Beautiful - a message of hope mixed with reality in physical form. A truly special rendition and reflection of all of humankind's creation mythology. Thanks for sharing this.
Monette
Reviewed by Retardo Culo
9/27/2002
My Lady:
What desire spent could chase our fears away?
What promise stolen shows that dreams come true?
I bring none, but a humble 10 for you, to make this right. Great chapter for a book...
Yours,
E Culo
Reviewed by Claywoman
7/15/2002
so when is this to turn into a book? you got a good start here...
Reviewed by Mari Laureano
7/14/2002
gripping read and deft narration that kept me riveted to the text. I am all poet, but I enjoy well written prose...pleasure to read. **Mari**
Reviewed by chander keswani
4/14/2002
How a gently knitted/crafted story u have presented.The characters are well driven through the content.They are implied with great authority & command,such a skilled writer like u could only do so.Narration of the story is very communicative & wel connected to the central idea.This is complement to read this excerpt.
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