In This Land

Part 204
Copyright September 29, 2006-September 3, 2010
by Matthew Haldeman-Time
I write about men having sex with other men. You must be eighteen or older to read my
fiction. This site is for consenting, responsible adults only.
If you enjoy this series, please recommend it to a friend.
Continued from part 203

Striding out of the water, the surf rushing past him, Xio Voe ignored the startled
citizens and stalked under the docks to retrieve his clothing.
Judging by the looks, exclamations, and whispers, his sudden appearance had not gone
unnoticed. While that would do nothing for the rest of his claims, at least witnesses could
verify that he had spent some time, presumably alone, out at sea this evening.
He was not certain how the number of hours hed spent underwater corresponded to
the number of hours which had passed here on land, but he suspected that hed experienced
being gone for much longer than the passage of time on land could account for. Unfortunate.
As he strode back towards the palace, his mind was busy trapping details. Colors,
angles, proportions, dimensions, behaviors. What had he noticed? What had he seen? Which
details had gone unobserved but lingered in his mind clearly enough to be added to the overall
picture?
Passing a messenger, Xio Voe said, You, listen carefully, and kept walking. The
messenger hastened to follow Xio Voe, keeping up with his long strides. Im going to bathe
and dress. When I reach my office, I want to see marine biologists, naval historians, naval
builders, imperial artists, and my personal secretaries waiting for me. Begin with Secretary
Voushaise Jereice, and she will provide you with the names and probable locations of the
rest.
Yes, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness. The messenger darted off.
Instead of continuing on to his private chambers, Xio Voe went through another door,
to another place.

Oh! Surprised, flooded with glorious, sparkling happiness, Kudorin dropped into the
hallway as Xio Voe strolled into the palace. Shiefa!
Anosukinom, Xio Voe said, and went down on one knee before him.
Youre here! I didnt know that you were coming here! Kudorin said, sitting in front
of him, hands fluttering greedily near Xio Voes handsome face, those broad shoulders, that,
Fuck! Kudorin shouted. Why cant I touch you?! He was so desperately in love with Xio
Voe that it seemed like he only breathed when they were together, and hed just given Xio Voe

a magnificent experience, and he wanted to hug Xio Voe, to kiss, to feel Xio Voe in this
moment of joy.
Your moods are as varied as ever, Xio Voe noted. Ive come to thank you for your
divine generosity.
You liked it, Kudorin said, so happy he wanted to chortle gleefully. Ive been
basking in the radiance of your soul. You loved it, all of it, every second of it.
It was like nothing anyones ever given to me. It was inspiring, illuminating,
instructive, and otherworldly. Youve given me an experience that broadened my
understanding of our world, jarouje, but in such a miraculous, unexpected way, Im as aware
of what I dont know as of what Ive learned.
Talk to me, Kudorin said, rubbing his hands over his own knees, needing to touch
something, anything, anyone. Tell me how it was, what you felt, what you thought, what
you experienced.
I regret that I have not time, Xio Voe said. Others await me. If you will be so kind
as to indulge me, I will discuss my experience in great detail before a select audience
momentarily, and you are, as always, welcome to listen. His voice quiet with respect, he
added, I am sorry, jarouje, I simply came here to thank you for your gift.
You never have to worry about time when youre with me. And you also came to me
to get cleaned up. Pleased, Kudorin quickly flashed Xio Voe clean and swapped his diving
outfit for more appropriate attire in a light green that sharpened the green in Xio Voes eyes.
The sprawling V of his shirts neckline plunged almost to his navel, nearly wide enough to
expose his nipples. Instead of employing overlapping panels of lace, Kudorin covered Xio
Voes bared skin with only one, leaving his handsome chest almost available to any wandering
hands. Youre welcome, Kudorin said, distracted by his handiwork. Mmm, he wanted to
kiss Xio Voes chest through that light, delicate lace, wanted to catch that fabric in his teeth
and drag it aside, exposing one hard, pink nipple toAnosukinom.
Biting his lip, Kudorin curled his fingers inward, struggling with his impulses, making
a hot, yearning sound.
Anosukinom, Xio Voe said firmly. Once we are married, you need only approach
me in the manner of a petulant child, complaining about how horny you are, and I shall make
every effort to satisfy your sexual desires. At the moment, however, I find not being able to
fuck you even more frustrating than not being able to bend people to my will, an inability
which has irritated me throughout my life. People refuse to behave precisely as I wish them
to, and you refuse you submit to my touch. I have been sexually distraught since I met you,
and I make that assertion with the admission that Ive also experienced the most complex,
satisfying, and urgent climaxes of my life with you. Yet I am rapidly approaching the point
where, if I cannot have you as I most assuredly need you, I would rather not begin at all.
You love fucking me, Kudorin said, leaning back across the pillows on his bed, his
clothes melting away as Xio Voe climbed over him. The burning green of Xio Voes eyes
made Kudorins heart pound. You love everything about me.
Yes, I do, Xio Voe agreed, leaning in close enough to make Kudorin tremble with
desire, Kudorins hands eagerly skimming his shoulders, Xio Voe lowering his head and
exhaling against Kudorins neck. Shuddering with pleasure at the puff of warm breath, at the
intimacy of it, Kudorin moaned with rising lust, helpless against the sweeping flame of Xio

Voes need for him. With a low growl that yanked on Kudorins hormones like a master
calling for his ever-obedient dog, Xio Voe said, his whisper rolling like distant thunder across
Kudorins skin, I tire of the touch of my own hand, jarouje. When will you provide me with
the luxurious, sensual pleasures your undulating body promises me?
Soon, Kudorin moaned, his nails dragging across his own chest, his breath coming
short and shallow. His desire for Xio Voe and Xio Voes desire for him were rioting within
him, a wild, sweaty tussle that left him delirious with sexual need. He didnt know how Xio
Voe could be tired of masturbating, because Kudorin couldnt ever get enough of Xio Voes
dick, the gorgeous length of it, the thrilling thickness, the tantalizingAh, unh, this, Xio Voe panted, groaning as Kudorins hand hovered between his
thighs, lingering, stroking the air, caressing the rising heat of Xio Voes erection. This is no
longer enough for me. You can only temporarily sate my body. This will never satisfy my
need for you.
Tell me, ah, ah, what you need, Kudorin panted, his fingers so close to tracing the
edges of Xio Voes erection, mapping its very pleasing dimensions. Mmm, yes, this was what
he needed, his beautiful shiefas handsome erection, his beloved Xio Voe over him, wanting
him, and kissing him, and holding him, and gripping him, and sliding pushing thrusting into
him, ah, ah, over andA threatening growl in his ear and Kudorin gasped, startled back to the moment, to
reality, to Xio Voes hips rocking steadily over his stroking, rubbing, cupping hand, to Xio
Voe braced on one elbow over his body, whispering in his ear.
So, unh, perfect, Xio Voe grunted, so beautiful. Every time were together you ask
me for it, beg me for it, you show me how much you need it.
Oh, shiefa, yes, please, Kudorin groaned, I do need it. That heavy, ridged glass
dildo was nothing like the real thing, nothing like the complete experience, but drizzled with
oil and pressing deep into his body, it made him cry out with pleasure nonetheless. Oh! Oh,
ah, yes! Xio-io-io Voe!
Cursing softly, Xio Voe came, sounding both taken by surprise and irritated. I could
come at the sight of your naked thigh, these days. I want you badly, jarouje. I need you to
give yourself to me. Reaching climax isnt enough anymore. I want to be able to experience
you.
I know, I know, Kudorin panted, sweating through Xio Voes lust, gasping through
the dildos plunging and pistoning, arousal shooting and threading through his body. Please,
just, ah, please, if you, unh, if you can wait, just, wait, its not much longer, were almost
there, almost, ah, almost, ah! Ah! Almost, ata, ata, oh! Its, its, I, oh! Oh, please, Xio Voe,
ah, Xio Vo, unh, Xio Xio Xio Voe! Ah! Convulsing, Kudorin bucked and groaned, striping
his own naked chest with white spurts of cum. Gasping as radiance soared through him,
shuddering through the ecstasy, his fingers fumbled between his legs, hooking a shimmering,
not-quite-there handle to the end of the dildo and nudging it into Xio Voes palm. He wanted
to feel Xio Voe tug the ridged dildo out of him, wanted to feel it not quite under his control, at
Xio Voes discretion.
He always came wonderfully, joyously hard with Xio Voe, as if the very fact that it
was Xio Voe evoked some mysterious, vibrant pleasure all by itself. Xio Voe was right, this
wasnt enough; they needed more of each other, and the longer they couldnt touch each other,
the higher Kudorins frustrations mounted. But he still needed this, he still needed to be with
Xio Voe when he found release, he still needed to be as close as possible, he still needed to

strive for physical intimacy. They couldnt have everything but they still needed something,
and for the moment, this was the best they could do.
He tried to explain that, moaning softly and undulating wantonly and masturbating
openly and writhing all over the bed as Xio Voe slowly, slowly fucked him with the glass
shaft. Xio Voe conceded his points and praised his beauty and murmured, almost absently,
The way you respond to sex is so nuanced and skilled and expert, yet so honest and guileless
and desperate, that you mate the proficiency and prowess of a bela with the wide-eyed awe
and hunger of a virgin, and I find myself seduced twice over. I would do anything to have
you, jarouje, and anything to please you.
You please me, Kudorin panted, facedown among the pillows, on his knees with his
ass in the air, masturbating fervidly and making the most urgent, primal, humiliating sounds
of sexual desperation possible. Oh, gods above, fuck, he groaned, pleasure spiking through
him and making his brain squeal for mercy. I need, I need, I need-
You need me, Xio Voe commanded him, doing something very nasty and
shatteringly pleasurable with the shaft that had Kudorins ass bouncing all over the dildo,
trying to keep up.
Oh, yes, Kudorin panted, groan after groan spilling out of his soul as he came,
spurting thick streams of cum across the mattress. I need you.

We are not calling it the Xio Voe anything, Desin said firmly. Theyd settled around
the conference table, and so far hadnt managed to agree fully on one simple thing. Where to
build it, how to structure it, how to fund it, what to call it.
Hes the reason we have the funds in the first place, Remin argued. Trace it back to
the beginning.
The gods are the reason we have anything, Desin said, especially if we trace
anything back to the beginning.
We could name it after Itanoka, Anosanim suggested. Its a learning center, after
all, and that would make it abundantly clear.
I dont think that Xio Voe cares what we call it, Rini said.
It matters very much that we name an Anorian building after a Jacacean Emperor,
Orinakin said. This is tremendously important.
Why cant we name it after Kudorin? Its his wedding, too, Rini said.
Im surprised that you dont want us to name it after you, Talin muttered.
I do, Rini said earnestly. Im just trying to think of a good reason.

Please, please, ah, shiefa, fuck me. Anosukinoms lashes fluttered wildly as he
bucked, hips working hungrily over the dildo, his hands caressing himself, pleasuring himself,
his-

Slamming shut that line of thought, Xio Voe inhaled sharply, frowning at Anosukinom
as if it were his fault Xio Voe was so distracted. I find it difficult to concentrate on anything
but you.
I love the way you frown, Anosukinom said dreamily, his hair flowing freely,
slowly, as if there were a romantic breeze in the room. You look so fiercely frightening, it
makes me want to caress your handsome, handsome face and watch you command an army.
Youre so strong and so forceful. I want you to become frustrated with me and yank me
against you and kiss me, roughly, the way they do in Ilaeian operas. Why is everything that
you do so arousing? Why does everything make me so hard?
Are you a child, to be confused by your own sexual impulses? Xio Voe asked. It is
a simple matter of human psychology. You wanted something, but were denied it, so now you
want it all the more. If you had free and open access to me, youd be less preoccupied with
wanting me.
I understand what you mean, but I dont think that Ill ever want you any less,
Anosukinom said. Did you mean what you said? That once were married, if I want it, all I
have to do is come to you, and youll sate me?
Yes, Xio Voe said.
No matter what youre doing?
I will require privacy, Xio Voe said. We will have to remove ourselves from the
situation.
I dont understand why youd make this promise. You know how important most of
your activities are. And how time-sensitive some of them may be. Youre not really going to
call a halt to an international conference because I feel a little randy.
I find you to be more important than anyone else, Xio Voe said. Your happiness is
worth more to me than anyone elses. And I trust your judgment. No matter how badly you
wanted me, if you thought that I had something important set before me, youd wait.
So youre counting on my perspective and generous good nature.
And Im admitting that most of what I do all day could be set aside in favor of sex.
Sex with you, at any rate.
Anosukinom laughed. Im surprised that you sincerely mean that.
It is an unfortunate signal of how greatly I care about you, and how much youve
come to mean to me, Xio Voe said. Youve tampered with my perspective.
A warm smile. Love does that to people.

But just think of what we could house there, Orinakin argued. Science labs of all
kinds! Biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, astronomy, so many others. Mathematics. We
could study our worlds changing geography. We could discuss history and languages and
foreign cultures.
So its a university, Desin said.
How would this be different? Talin asked.

People wouldnt be enrolled the same way, Selorin said. There would be some
structured classes, but also a lot of free-form hands-on activity. Tutoring. Self-guided
learning. Studies show that different people learn better in different environments. Some
people need one-on-one instruction, some people thrive in a busy classroom, and some people
require their own pace. We could accommodate peoples specific needs.
Itll be very science-oriented, Remin said. If we bring history and language and
culture into it, as Orinakin said, itll be foreign cultures. Foreign languages. Maybe with
exhibits of foreign clothing and foreign artwork, emphasizing a different culture every few
months.
Followed by organized trips! Rini exclaimed. So everyone whos been studying
about Swoven can go there and see it all in person! And practice what they learned!
Shit, Desin admitted. That would be kind of cool.
Youre getting ahead of yourselves, Talin said. We havent agreed to break the law
and accept the money yet.
What if we give the money back, and ask Xio Voe to fund it? Rini asked. He has
shitloads of money.
Who the fuck would go to a school Xio Voe set up? Desin asked.
Orinakin snorted. Besides every single foreigner in the world?
Um, most Anorians either like Xio Voe, or are waiting to learn more about him, Rini
said. Were the weird ones who act like we cant stand him.
A school Xio Voe set up, Selorin repeated. I say this with a great deal of
consideration, but there are few things Xio Voe is more qualified to do.
Okay, Talin said. His school, his money. Can we give our citizens their money
back?
There is no way Xio Voes going to invest his own funds into Orina Anoris, Desin
said. Hell just tell us to fund it ourselves.
But itll give him control over the project, Talin argued. Hell want that.
Hell have that regardless, Orinakin said. As Selorin said, Xio Voes impeccably
qualified. If were taking on this project, we should do it to our citizens best advantage, and
that means putting Xio Voe in charge.
Why cant we fund it ourselves? Desin asked. We have money. Why take money
from anyone else when we can do it ourselves?
Our private inheritances are not to be treated as government funds, Remin said.
Weve been over this. He nudged Anosanim under the table. Do you want to add
anything?
Anosanim frowned down at his hands. Hed been thinking about the money. The
money pouring into the temples, the money granted to Desin and Talin. I wonder why they
feel so moved to give it to us. And why the gods think its okay. I feel like were missing
something. Kudorin says to use it. Talin says to give it back. None of it feels right.
We are giving it back, Selorin said. By investing it in their futures.
How would you like to give it back to them? Orinakin asked, reaching over and
squeezing Anosanims hand.

Look, the Xio Voe Learning Center is happening, Rini said. I saw it. I had a
vision. Lets stop fighting over whether or not to build it and argue over reasons to name it
after me.
What had Remin said, earlier? Increased education, Remin murmured. We give
the money back to the people. We celebrate Xio Voe.
At least argue that we should name it after Selorin or Kudorin, Talin snapped.
What the fuck do you have to do with educating anyone?
I have taught a lot of people how to get in touch with their bodies, their desires, their
orgasms-
Why are you here?! Talin demanded.
Um, excuse me, like I said, I had a vision, Rini snapped. What have you
contributed to this conversation?
Give the money back to the people. Celebrate Xio Voe. Celebrating Xio Voe meant
celebrating who he was and where he was from and what he was most passionate about.
Followed by organized trips! Rini exclaimed.
They could get Xio Voe to fund the learning center, and they could use the peoples
money to, to
Followed by organized trips! Rini exclaimed.
Who he was. The Heir. Where he was from. The Jacacean Empire.
Anosanim? Orinakin asked.
How much does it cost to go to Jacacea?

Anosukinoms parted lips, so red, so tempting, so near. Anosukinoms face tilted up

towards his, lashes vivid and varicolored and low over those captivating, prismatic eyes.
With an aching groan, Anosukinom shuddered beneath him, breathing his name, and Xio Voe
lowered his face for a kiss, one burning kiss, he needed justone
Xio Voe glared down the hallway as he stormed towards his office. Anosukinom had
isolated them from time, so that he wasnt nearly as late for his meeting as he otherwise might
have been, but indulging his desires again only had him more acutely aware of how
unfulfilled he was. He needed to draw Anosukinoms perfect, responsive, eagerly yielding
body into his arms, to plunder Anosukinoms mouth, to ravish, fuck. Anosukinom hadnt left
him much room in these pants, and his arousal was going to be frankly visible to his guards,
his secretaries, and anyone who awaited him around the next corner.
I could help.
Good. Xio Voe found Anosukinoms offer welcome.
But I like it when you get turned on and your, mmm, big, delicious dick starts to, oh,
Xio Voe
Stopping in his tracks, Xio Voe took a slow, deep breath. His cialex of a fianc was
only exacerbating the problem. Sternly, he commanded, Stop thinking about my dick.

A light chuckle. Well, thats never going to happen. I can make sure that no one else
sees or notices a thing, thats a simple courtesy. But youre still going to experience it just the
same. I love it when youre aroused, I love the tension in your body, I love the hot, wicked
pulsing ofXio Voe growled in the back of his throat. Shut up.
Another chuckle, this one hovering right on the verge of being an outright giggle.
Cialex. Sorry, shiefa.
His big, delicious dick. Xio Voe sensed that was less an attempt at flattery and more
an accurate description of Anosukinoms opinion. The notion that Anosukinom considered it
particularly delicious only made him all the more eager to watch Anosukinom kneel down in
front of him and
A soft, sweet purr. I want you to cup the nape of my neck, gently, securely, and watch
me enjoy every luscious inch of you. I want you to want me, fiercely, and I want you to call
me Kudorin. I want to come, urgently, right there on the floor between your feet,
overwhelmed by my own desire for you. Oh, ata, show yourself to me.
For a moment, Xio Voe wasnt entirely certain what Anosukinom meant by that.
Then, realizing, he felt his eyebrows draw sharply together. If you think for one instant that
Im going to stand right here in an open hallway in the imperial palace and expose my sex for
anyone to seeMmm, I want it.
For one thing, Anosukinom had just seen his manhood, and been intimate with it,
nineteen minutes ago. For another, as a god, Anosukinom could see it this very moment
through his pants, could move to any point forward or backward in time and look at it, could
visit the night of their wedding and enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed. Xio Voe saw no
valid reason whyIll answer a question about what you saw underwater.
Pivoting, Xio Voe yanked open the nearest door.

Li kissed upward from Kudorins hip, leaving moist, loving kisses along his ribcage,
starting a meandering trail across his chest. Moaning incoherently, Kudorin feathered his
fingers through Lis hair, his toes in Kos mouth curling inward. Ah, ah, Xio Voe, Kudorin
panted, arching as he writhed, eyes squeezed shut to protect the vision. His ata, his akine,
halfway across the world, one hand splayed against a locked door, one hand pulling, rubbing,
fisting that mouthwatering erection, the shaft jutting up rigidly, the heavy head red with lust,
Xio Voes breath low and fast. Those long, talented fingers wrapped tightly around that
succulent shaft, Kudorin groaning at the sight of precum slicking the purpling head, Kudorins
own dick thrusting urgently down Tirs sucking throat. Oh, Xio Voe, Xio Voe! Moaning as
yearning lust sang through his body, crying out with need, Kudorin reached out blindly and
dragged Pems eager body close, gripping Pem around the waist and nuzzling upward and
wrapping his lips around, mmm, yes, it wasnt Xio Voe but Kudorin needed it.

We cant!

We have to!
We have to?!
I think we can.
Of course we can, but should we?
Why shouldnt we?
What do you mean, of course?
What?
Staring at each other, some with identical scowls, the seven of them fell silent.
Finally, Maybe we should take a break, Orinakin suggested. Mull things over. We
shouldnt make a final decision this rapidly, anyway. Lets take some time.
No one spends a cent, Remin said. It all goes into the vault. Every cent accounted
for.
Agreed, Selorin said.
Thanks for looking at me, Rini snapped. Like Im going to go on a fucking
shopping spree with government funds. Thanks.
Theyre not government funds, Talin shot back, theyre our citizens money!
You know, in other countries, the federal government accepts citizens money, Rini
said.
You know, in other countries, they drown the eighth-born for good luck, Talin said.
Fuck you! Rini was halfway across the table before Orinakin caught him.
Fuck me, fuck you! Talin shot back, reaching across the table. Youre trying to
fuck over our own people!
Youre the one fucking them over! Rini shouted, as Desin dragged Talin back.
Theyre giving you a gift and youre trying to throw it back in their faces! Accusing them of
breaking the law! Fuck you!
Stop it! Orinakin ordered.
Both of you, Selorin added. Were taking a break. Well reconvene later. Tonight,
tomorrow, next week, whenever you can conduct a reasonable conversation and come to
rational conclusions.
Separate, Remin ordered.
Desin almost literally passed Talin on to Anosanim, who hustled him out of the room
with hasty words.
Whatever, Rini muttered, and stomped out in another direction.
Looking over at the trunks, Orinakin sighed, dragging his hand through his hair.
Such a great blessing. I just wish we were sure of what to do with it.
If Rini really had a vision, maybe we should go with that, Desin said. If it makes
everybody else happy, I mean, if the gods want it He shrugged. He didnt even know
what was right anymore, he just wanted to get it over with so thered be one less reason for
his brothers to fight.

I believe that he did have a vision, Remin said. Im just not entirely certain how it
relates to these gifts.
But the gods want us to accept the money, Orinakin said. So well continue to do
so, I suppose.
Sending masses of people to the Jacacean Empire seems like a huge undertaking,
Selorin said. But it could become an established part of an Anorian education. At age
fifteen, or twenty-one, maybe. A voluntary rite of passage for some students.
It would be an amazing experience, Orinakin said. Incredibly broadening. And it
makes sense, doesnt it? While Anosukinom rules there? We share rulers. Our living god is
on their throne. More of us should have the opportunity to visit there.
Kind of weird, Desin said. Kudorin cant get over there, but all of his citizens are
visiting.
Hed love to see Jacacea through their eyes, Remin said. And hed love the idea of
the populations mingling. Our people learning about Xio Voes people, Xio Voes people
exposed to us in their own cities. Throwing people together and seeing what happens. It
sounds He frowned.
It sounds like exactly the sort of thing that Kudorin would enjoy most, Orinakin said
slowly.
Are we being set up? Selorin asked.
Desin didnt know whether to laugh or cry, so he laughed.

Striding towards his office, Xio Voe saw roughly two dozen people assembled in the
hallway. They bowed as he approached, and if theyd fallen from their beds at the alert and
dressed hastily, they showed no sign of it.
Enter, Xio Voe said, leading the way into his office. I have been given an
extraordinary experience. What follows next is that we will document it thoroughly, in
detailed accounts and diagrams. With which I will require your knowledgeable assistance,
he told the scientists, builders, and historians, as you are better acquainted with the subject
matter than am I. Then we will assemble all of the information we have, and extrapolate into
educated guesses about what we can best assume. Then we shall discuss what we dont know
and what we need most to understand before we can continue. Anosukinom has agreed
already to answer, directly and honestly, one question. I suspect that I will be able to
convince him to answer more. One way or another.

Hi, Kudorin said, sitting on a pile of white furs. Placing a low silver table in front of
himself, he gestured to the newly appearing cushions on the other side of the table. Come,
sit with me.
Murmuring polite obedience, Xio Kei sat across the table from him, perching carefully
atop the cushions.
Kudorin smiled at him. Is there anything that you want to ask me?

No, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness.

Nodding, Kudorin said, Okay. Then can I ask you some questions?
Kei was surprised, but he agreed.
Whats your favorite poem? What do you think of cheese? Do you sleep well? Do
you like wearing shoes? When are you going to tell Xio Voe that you want to be a priest?
Kei had been rigorously trained, so despite his vague and suppressed emotional
reaction, his first instinct was to answer the questions, one by one. Then he hesitated,
wondering if this were some trick. Your Highness?
Shoes, Kudorin said. Do you like wearing them? I cant tolerate them. Do you
like wearing them? And what about cheese, do you like cheese?
Shoes are fine, Kei said. Cheese is nutritious and often robustly flavored.
And its fun to eat when its melting and stretchy, Kudorin said. I love Anorian
cheese, of course, but some of the best cheese comes from Mograin. Dont you think?
The finest cheese in the world is golden jeswaise.
Of course you have to say that, youre Jacacean, Kudorin said, laughing. But,
mmm, melted over a slice of bread, any bread, its delicious. Did you know that the way
jeswaise is made changed drastically about five hundred years ago? What they called
jeswaise cheese then is more like aceixej. It all started when two little towns started
competing

Xio Voe stared at the artist until the man paled and lowered his head. Glaring at the
mans scalp, Xio Voe said, clearly, You need not believe me to complete the tasks set before
you. You may decide that I was in the midst of some feverish dream, if you like. But if you
cannot accept my word, if you do not trust me, if you do not believe that the gods, any gods,
would grant me such a unique experience, I do not expect your work with the imperial
government to last much longer. I would urge you to examine why it is that you do not trust
me. I will accept your apology, or your resignation, tomorrow morning. You are dismissed.
Red-faced, hands shaking, the man gathered his art supplies and left the room.
Looking around the silent office, Xio Voe waited.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
A few people werent breathing.
Does anyone else doubt my word? Xio Voe asked. Does anyone else think that I
am confused? Confused. As if he were addled. As if he were easily bewildered. As if he
couldnt discern the difference between his own lived experiences and divine visions and
fantastical dreams. He was the greatest scholar in the world, not an overwhelmed child.
No, Heir Xio Voe, they murmured, almost in unison.
Satisfactory. Then we shall continue. As I said, the-
Youre very sexy when youre indignant. I love your arrogance. Tell me again how
much better you are than everyone else.

Sighing, Xio Voe said, You will overlook my aberrant behavior. Anosukinom on
occasion decides to speak to me and, on occasion, demands replies. At the moment, he is
amusing himself at my expense. If I seem to speak to the air itself, you will forgive me for
addressing unseen presences.
Yes, Heir Xio Voe. Some of them looked around, curious; some of them eyed him,
wary.
I meant it! I find your arrogance very compelling. Oh, and when youre telling them
about the blue coral, remember to tell them about that little cave behind it.
I recall no cave, Xio Voe said.
The blue coral. Close your eyes. You saw the school of fish with silver-purple fins,
you looked to the left, you saw
Closing his eyes, Xio Voe recalled the memory. The school of fish. Past them, a lone
yellow fish. Then the jellyfish, and the red coral, and, what? There had been no blue coral
there. There had only been-been a fish swimming slowly out of the mouth of a cave. Directly out of it, but at
such a unique angle it seemed to be coming around from the side. And this coral was red.
What had happened to the blue coralThere was no cave behind the blue coral. I wanted to see if you would rely on your
own memory or rely on torn scraps of information from someone else. I am pleased that
misinformation, even from a trusted source, did not blur your memories. And I am pleased
that, when nudged, you remembered further details. I adore your mind.
Thank you, Anosukinom. Mining memories for missed details was always a risky
endeavor. The mind was easily misled and ever ready to trick itself. Xio Voes memory was
notoriously more reliable than the average, but he still preferred to be strict with himself about
what he absolutely recalled and what was slightly more murky.
You always hold yourself to such high standards. I admire you so much for it.
Xio Voe turned to his desk. Thank you, Anosukinom. If you will be considerate
enough to give me time to finish making note of what I do clearly rememberAnosukinom laughed. All right, Ill stop fawning over you and let you work. Xio Voe
heard a light kissing sound, then nothing but the rooms ambient noises.
Satisfactory. Xio Voe turned back to his waitingA few cheerfully hummed notes echoed across his mind.
Xio Voe counted to fifty.
Anosukinom remained quiet.
Satisfactory. Xio Voe opened his mouth to speak-and recognized the tune. And remembered the words. It was a lewd little song, the
kind sung in taverns and on the bawdier stages. It was sung from the perspective of a young
nobleman whod just noticed an attractive young man he desired to bed. The cleanest of the
five popular verses was about the appealing curves of the young mans ass, comparing it to
various melons, the two full moons, etc.
The chorus, which Anosukinom had so wittily hummed, consisted of bold
proclamations about how appealing the young man (addressed as you) would look on all

fours with his lush posterior penetrated and pounded by the young noblemans apparently
quite large erection.
While the song was often sung under ones breath at the sight of a handsome man, and
certain lines were commonly recited as a crude means of flirtation, no one had ever dared to
sing the song at Xio Voe before.
He supposed that he ought to be insulted at being addressed so crudely. And had it
come from any other source, he wouldve reacted swiftly. But the thought of Anosukinom
eyeing him lewdly with an interest in raw, raunchy sex was, if anything, more pleasing than
annoying.
Xio Voe looked forward to discussing other such crude ballads with Anosukinom.
Such as the one about the two men locked in the pantry, seeking a snack of sausage.

The snack of sausage. Kudorin almost laughed aloud. He loved that song. It was cute
and honest and undeniably obscene.
Im glad that you came here, he told Xio Kei. You seem to be enjoying your visit.
Yes, Your Majesty, Kei said. Ive learned a lot about your country.
Really? He grinned, sipping wine. Are we all the cialexes you expected us to be?
No, Your Majesty, Kei said quickly. Ive found many serious and thoughtful and
erudite people here.
Like Anoremin? Kudorin guessed. You spend a lot of time with him.
While I do enjoy Prince Anosatim Inanodat Anoremin A Hitis company, I did not
mean to-
I said a lot of, Kudorin said, not too much. If youre intruding on his time, hell let
you know. I love spending my time with Remin, too. Hes one of my favorite people in all of
this world. Is he like your priests from home?
He is much younger than our chief priests, Kei said. I find him as articulate and
learned as they, if not more so.
And hes very easy to talk to, Kudorin said. Very easy to listen to, sometimes, and
hard to listen to, sometimes, depending on what hes trying to say. Which priesthood would
you like to enter?
My role within the future administration doesnt-
Do you miss your weekly services? Kudorin asked. I constructed a small Soracic
space for your brother. As hes no longer using those rooms, I can have it moved by your
quarters.
A Soracic space? Kei repeated.
Hmm. Closing his eyes, Kudorin adjusted space within the palace. There.
Opening his eyes, he said, Youre a very blessed child. You will find great happiness in life.
But theres a personal fulfillment and a spiritual peace that will elude you unless you go to
Xio Voe and tell him of your priestly ambitions.
As I said, my role within-

Xio Voes a Soracic priest, Kudorin said. Hes also going to be an Anorian priest.
What about his strong religious beliefs and his love for you make you believe that hed
disapprove of your desire to be a priest? He probably wont allow you to be a priest and only
a priest, hell demand more of you than that. But he demands more of himself than that.
My rigorous education does not accommodate-
Oh, Kudorin waved that away, as if Xio Voe would hesitate to pile more work upon
you. As if youd hesitate to take it on. Youre too smart and dedicated and ambitious to
worry about that, and hes too merciless to worry about it. Besides, studying for the
priesthood is an entirely different kind of work.
I dont-
All right. If youre too much of a coward to approach your own brother with a plan
you know full well hed support, if youre too much of a coward to be honest about your
dedication to Soracism, then I suppose thats that. Well discuss something else, if it would be
easier for you.
With all due respect, Your Majesty, your attempts to taunt me are-
Lets play Rascins Evolution.
You turn to games? Keis coolly even tone was beginning to waver, emotion
cracking through the ice.
Ive never played, but I understand that Xio Voe created it, and youre quite good.
Will you play with me? Kudorin asked, watching the board unfold across the table.
Yes, Your Majesty, I would be honored.
Good. Kudorin studied the pieces, picking up a small horse. Will you explain the
rules?
Certainly, Your Majesty.
Kudorin watched Kei speak, noting the careful way he constructed his sentences, the
way he tried to be thorough in his explanation even though he didnt understand why he was
explaining a board game to an omniscient being, the way his hands barely strayed from his
lap. There was some unconscious effort being exerted, there, and Kudorin studied him with
curiosity. You talk with your hands. Naturally. But they trained you not to.
It is distracting and unnecessary. Ones words should express enough.
Laughing, Kudorin said, Id argue that we have tone of voice, facial expression, and
body language to help us communicate, but your family eschews those as well.
How do you expect me to respond?
Xio Kei, Kudorin said gently, reaching for his hand, and Rini was with them,
glancing with curiosity at Kudorin, tenderly gripping Keis hand and flashing him a
compassionate smile. Sweet boy, youre only fifteen. Youre closer to your priests than to
your family members. You feel trapped in a future you didnt ask for, you feel unable to
express what the gods call upon you to do, and I know that youre trying to make the best of
it, but this isnt the way. Be honest with Xio Voe. Hell be honest with you in return.
Flushing with heat, Kei stared down at Rinis smooth, pale hand. Rinis hand was
more openly manicured, glittered with more silver and more jewels, was undefinably prettier,
and was gloriously smooth, his skin sensually pleasing. Kei was entranced, almost baffled,
and-

Whoops. Kudorin chuckled to himself, sending Rini back again. Xio Voe had
suspected that Rini would be dangerous to Keis budding sexuality, and hed been right.
Kudorin couldnt resist wanting to push them together, wanting them to be friends, wanting
them to be close, but he had to remember to respect Xio Voes wishes. I like the idea of
Anorians and Jacaceans getting to know each other, he confessed. The idea of our very
different cultures learning from each other. For all of our differences, we have so much in
common. I love the idea of Anorians traveling to Jacacea, of seeing Seijaces for themselves,
of seeing the grand imperial palace, of seeing the canals, the hospitals, the universities.
It would be an educational experience.
It would, Kudorin agreed. Thats what I love so much about it. And itll make
Jacacea more accessible, less mysterious, more - - a lot of people are uneasy about things that
they dont know and dont understand. Strangers. Dark rooms. Whats around that corner.
But when they introduce themselves and light lanterns and take a simple look, they feel much
better, and their world is both bigger and more intimate all at once. I want to know Jacaceans,
I want to learn all about them. Ill be ruling over the Empire, its important for me to know
my new people. And Xio Voe will be ruling here. And while our governments wont be
united, it doesnt make sense for our people to remain so estranged. I want everyone to
become closer. I want us all to learn from each other and experience each other and make our
world so much larger and so much more intimate.
Then you will encourage Anorians to visit the Eternal Empire, Kei said.
I would simply encourage them, but you know the realities of it. Some people can
afford to make the trip every year for the rest of their lives, and some people cant afford to
get halfway there. So there will be a fund set up for graduating students. Its a good time.
Theyll be at a somewhat mature but still adventurous age, theyll be old enough to leave
home for a while, theyll have completed their basic Anorian educations but will be curious
about what else there is to learn, and the Jacacean Empire is an exciting place to visit.
Especially Seijaces. There are so many opportunities there, so many kinds of people, so much
to see and do and learn. A trip to Seijaces is a good step in learning how large and varied our
world is.
And if they prefer to stay?
Thats up to them. Ill miss them when they go, but Ill know always look out for
them.
Kei studied him. You would voluntarily and deliberately send curious young people
to the seat of your enemy. Not as part of a military force, but as part of their ongoing
education.
Yes. Dont you think theyll find it exciting? Itll be voluntary, of course, but for so
many young people, itll appeal to their curiosity, their sense of adventure, their interest in the
world. And of course since Ill be a ruler both here and there, theyll know that theyll be safe
and cared for. Their parents are much more likely to allow them to go, knowing that Xio Voe
and I will be in charge.
Their parents trust Heir Xio Voe?
Hes our king.
Kings are not always trustworthy.
Kudorin smiled. But our king is Xio Voe. Hes many things and has many strong
traits, but hes neither a traitor nor mendacious. Xio Voe is rigorously honest with himself,

deliberately honest with me, and as honest as any ruler can be with his citizens without
personally sharing state secrets.
Kei considered that. You seem excited to send your citizens to another capital.
Kudorin nodded cheerfully. I am. Im excited to send them to their kings beloved
home. My newly adopted second home. Just as Im excited to have you here. Im so glad
that youre with us, Xio Kei. I hope that you know that youre always, always welcome here
in my nation and my palace. This is Xio Voes home, and so it is yours.
Kei grasped that he was being sincere, but thought it foolish to extend such an open
invitation to someone from what had for so long been considered Orina Anoris most
fearsome enemy. I thank you for your generosity, he said.
Kind of you not to call me a cialex out loud to my face, Kudorin murmured,
smiling. All right, he waved a hand across the board, turning the colors into shades more
pleasing to his aesthetics, let us play. And if I win, you will tell me a pleasant memory from
your childhood.
And if I win? Kei asked innocently.
Kudorin grinned. I dont think that we need to make plans for something so unlikely,
do you?
Kei stared at him, respect for Kudorins divinity warring with Keis ambition and
pride.
Kudorin rolled the dice. Lets begin.

Continue on to part 205

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