It was early in the morning just as the sun was coming up. Iya stood at the end of her balcony, watching the morning unfold. She listened to the baby birds chirping and watched waves splash on to the beach line. Iya had the best bedroom in the whole palace. The long extended half oval shaped balcony was built out of a cliff. The bedroom patio was high up above the ground and it faced one of Sage’s biggest oceans, the Asha Ocean. The beach was her backyard.

Iya was wrapped in a crème colored sheet with nothing underneath. She was drinking her tea watching the sun rise. The red sun pierce the night sky turning the color from purple to dark red. Iya turned her head over her shoulder when she heard someone coming from behind. Kal walked up and grabbed the cup of tea from her hands. He took a sip while looking at Iya’s surprised face. He smiled as he placed the cup on a nearby small table. Kal was also naked with a sheet wrapping only his lower body.

Iya watched as he slowly walked behind her. He gently moved her hair from her neck with his hand and softly began kissing her. He took his time as he kissed the back of Iya’s neck down the right side, than down to her shoulders. The sensation made Iya close her eyes and tilt her head to the opposite side. Chills went all over Iya’s body as he continued kissing her. He took both of his hands from behind and untied Iya’s sheet. It unraveled falling straight to her feet. He turned her around by the waist as she looked down at her naked body. Kal smiled as he laid on his eyes on what he thought was perfection. He looked at Iya from head to toe and bit his lower lip.

Kal then lifted Iya’s chin with his hands and brought her face to his. They kissed passionately, fast and strong. Iya wrapped her arms around Kal’s neck as he picked her up by her thighs. He straddled her legs around his waist then carried her to the bedroom. Walking through a sheer light orange curtain, Kal playfully tossed Iya on the bed making them both laugh in the moment. He slowly crawled on top of kissing her lips before moving down to her neck and chest. Iya was in heaven, every kiss made her want to explode.

Kal’s kisses started to move down her body from her collar bone to her breast and stomach. Being naïve to this level of intimacy, Iya thought he was kissing her all over her body. That was part of his plan… Kal continued kissing her down to her hips and her thighs. He slowly spread her legs reaching his destination. Iya inhaled deeply and threw her head back into the pillow. She arched her back and grabbed on to her bed sheets. Resisting the urge to scream, Iya had never felt anything so… mind blowing.

Without saying a word Kal stood up and untied his sheet letting it fall to the floor. He climbed back on top and whispered in her ear and asked, “Are you ready?” Iya slightly nodded yes.

As Kal was just about to… Iya woke up springing straight up. She was covered in sweat and breathing heavy trying to process what just happened. She never had a dream like that before. Iya plopped back down on her pillows frustrated. The urge to act on her feelings with Kal was getting overwhelming. What about Cashius? She thought.

Iya looked to her right and standing by her bedside was Neta, her lead maid. She jumped a little from being startled. Neta was a kind older lady with long silky white hair and smooth dark brown skin. She liked braiding her curly hair in two long pigtails then twisted them up in a bun. Although she was short that never stopped her from doing her duties. The sixty year old maid has been taken care of Iya and Jayce since they were babies.

Neta could see something was different, but she knew Iya wouldn’t admit to it. She had her ways of getting information out of Iya and Jayce when needed to. Out of anyone really… Neta sat on Iya’s bed and placed her hand flat on Iya’s forehead. “My goodness dear, you’re covered in sweat. Are you ok?”

Iya looked up at Neta not sure what to say, “Yes, Neta I’m fine.” Iya smiled while grabbing Neta’s hand off of her forehead.

“You must’ve been having one wild dream… You feel fine though.” Neta looked concerned but took Iya’s word for it.

“You can say that… I need a long bath and I’ll feel better.”

“Well it can’t be too long since the trials are about to begin soon. You know your father wants all of his children to make an appearance. I’ll run your bath water but you gotta make it quick.” Neta walked into the laundry room to grab fresh towels and bath soap, “Oh I forgot to tell you that your sister wanted to have dinner with you this afternoon. Patrisha stopped by yesterday night but you weren’t in yet.”

Iya made her way out of her bed to get in her large circular tub that was built into the floor. She sat on the edge dressed in her robed dangling her feet inside as the water rose. Neta came back and sat Iya’s towels down on a table. When Iya got into the water she let out a huge sigh. Neta sat down in a chair next to the table. “I’ve been meaning to ask you… what’s going on between you and that Cashius boy? Isn’t he one of those star kids?”

Iya got into the warm water and rested her head back on the edge. She then sank down in the water until the water reached her chin. “He’s just a friend Neta…” She looked at Neta making sure she caught her drift.

She shrugged her shoulders and said, “You’re right, he’s just a friend and that’s ok.”

“I don’t know what to do really… he’s not a bad guy. He’s kind and funny and also handsome, it’s just…”

“Cashius doesn’t take your breath away. He doesn’t light up your soul when he’s around and when he’s away you’re not feening for his presence. Listen Iya, don’t force yourself to like someone. I’ve been alive for a long time to know a thing or two. Just because he’s laying it out thick to you doesn’t mean you have to match his feelings. You will know when it’s the one, trust me.”

Iya felt in her gut Neta knew her situation. “It’s that obvious huh?” Iya sat up listening to Neta’s every word, “What am I going to say to Cashius though. I don’t want to lose him as a friend. I guess I’d never thought he would want to cross that line. All of this makes me feel weak and confused. Too many rules and restrictions… I can date him but not allowed to date… him. I just want to get back to work already.”

“You’ll know what to say when the time is right. Just always remember to be true to yourself okay. Falling in love doesn’t make you weak Iya. Love is the strongest force in all creation. None of that will matter though if you’re not honest about how you feel, no matter who it is. Now hurry up and finish, I have to get you ready.”

There was a gentle knock on the door which made Neta spring up. She didn’t want anyone walking in Iya’s room while she was bathing. Neta let the person know on the other side that she was on her way to the door.

“It’s me mom, Surra. Open up, I’m here to walk with Iya down to the ceremony. The trials are about to begin soon.”

“Oh hold on! Surra good morning my dear…” Neta reached out after opening the door to her youngest child.

“Hey mom, no seriously the king is expecting everyone to be there soon. He personally told me to get you. The cognitive test was this morning and Trent got knocked out of the race. He had the lowest score. Next is the agility test and it’s nothing but a huge obstacle course. I mean it looks like one of our training courses… now that I think about it, it is.”

Iya thought about what Cashius had said, ‘everyone just wants to be entertained’. Surra walked inside Iya’s bedroom and plopped down on one of the couches. Iya got dressed quickly while Surra and her mother talked. As soon as Iya was dressed in her ceremonial military attire, they both ran down the hallways to get to the podium of the arena. They could hear the crowds cheering as the star children lined up for the next trial of the day.

Both sat down quickly. When Surra saw Jayce she got up and sat next to him. The podium held almost all of Iya’s family, the Sagen council and the priest who raised the star children. Everyone’s attention was King Jaron as he introduced the next trial. No one noticed really when Iya snuck away after her father began his speech. It didn’t matter to Iya who was going to be the next Star Lord. It mattered more to her that someone was sabotaging everything the Sagens worked hard to achieve.

As soon as Iya reached the Communication Quarters she looked for the tech Artemis was talking to. At first she couldn’t find him until she saw him returned back to his station. He looked a little surprised to see Iya. “Commander, you just missed Artemis. He left like ten minutes ago.” The news was a little upsetting to Iya, she wanted to know every detail as well. The tech noticed Iya’s reaction and told her, “I wouldn’t be too upset with Artemis. I know you feel like he’s keeping you out of the loop but he’s not. Literally that day you walked up on us was the same day we discovered the virus too. I kept telling Artemis there was no virus and it must have just been a glitch, but there was a virus. Coming from our end on top of that. Artemis was relentless in finding out what went wrong. He told me the story about what happened to his face and who did it. I think he blames himself for his friend’s death, Kahn or whatever.”

Iya knew what the tech was talking about. It made her also think about her first experience on Corra. “I could never be mad at Artemis, he has his reasons for everything.” Iya turned to the tech as he sat down at his computer desk. “I want to know the magnitude and what we’re up against. How many people or places were affected by this communication jam?”

“So far about eight planets. All ally planets. We can’t communicate with them. However, I think you would find this interesting as well. I found digital breadcrumbs or encrypted signals playing within the virus. It’s on a loop and it plays over and over again. I think its code for something, a hidden message to someone.”

“What does the message say? Iya walked around the desk and stood behind the tech. “Thanks for helping with this by the way. What’s your name? I should have asked a while ago.”

“Jamel, my name is Jamel and its cool. I know you guys have a lot going on. This can’t get out right away. We would lose any lead to trace to whoever is doing this.” Jamel turned around in his chair to look at Iya. “To answer your question about the breadcrumb, I don’t know what its saying but I do think it’s a song. Maybe even something like a signal for help of some sorts. I can’t put my finger on it just yet but I’m sure I’m right about it.”

“Thanks Jamel, I appreciate and won’t forget your help. Keep me updated, I think we’re leaving after the Warrior Solstice.” Iya started heading towards the exit of the Communication Quarters and back to the podium.

Jamel stood up and shouted, “That’s only a few days from now..!”

“I know…” Iya shouted back, “Get me what you can.”

By the time Iya returned to the arena, everyone was starting to leave. There were crowds of people moving through the arena hallways trying to make their exit. Iya knew it would be best to avoid her father just in case he noticed her absence. Instead Iya saw her sister Patrisha walking towards the Royal Quarters. She decided to quickly pretend she was with her the whole time.

Iya maneuvered through the crowd and was side by side with Patrisha. Her sister turned and began to giggle. “So you decided to join us again? I was wondering when you were going to sneak back in.”

“Did father notice I was gone? I had some business to take care of. I thought I’d be back in time.” Iya huffed from being out of breath trying to hustle.

“I don’t think Father noticed anything but the person he betted on lost.” Patrisha laughed to herself. She noticed her father’s reaction when the second running up Angel lost. Leaving the only two left for the last trial, The Trial by Combat. “Cashius and Kendle are the two left. Tomorrow should be interesting. Changing the subject, did Neta tell you I wanted to do dinner tonight?”

“Yea she did, Neta told me this morning. We can head to my room now if you’d like.” Iya smiled at her sister and Patrisha nodded agreeing to the invite.

Patrisha stood in front of the large windows Iya had in her room. She was enjoying the view of the ocean. Iya stared at her sister admiring how much she looked like their mother. Patrisha was tall just like her but wore her hair straight and long. Her gold halo kept her hair in place as it flowed down her back. Patrisha turned to look at Iya and said, “If I had your room, I’d never leave it. Your room is literally a house within a palace.” Iya laughed along with Patrisha. She was happy to see her older sister again, it had been a while.

“You’re wearing one of mom’s dresses… you look just like her. Father was probably tripping when he saw you wearing that, huh?” Iya was sitting down at the dining table as the servers brought in the food.

“Yea it is one of her dresses. It still smells like her… like honey and flowers. It probably did make Father go nuts. You know how he doesn’t like anyone touching her stuff.” Patrisha laughed as she twirled in the spaghetti strapped yellow sun dress. She than sat down at the table with Iya. “That was one of the main reasons I wanted to have dinner with you. I know with mom gone, Jaron is always busy with politics and well Jayce is… Jayce. I wanted to catch up with you, see how you’re doing. I was proud of you when I heard the story of how you saved Artemis. I know Mom would have been proud too.”

Iya smiled and put her hands together, thanking Patrisha for the compliment. “It has been too long since we last spoke like this. We need to catch up, so what’s been new with you?” Iya began sipping her water and took a bite to eat.

“Well… I’m getting married soon.” Patrisha held out her hand to show the engagement ring, “So you know what that means…”

“Babies…” Iya smiled while taking Patrisha’s hand to get a better look, “I’m so happy for you sis, Rex better know who he’s marrying. I can’t wait.”

“Thanks. Other than that everything the same ol’ same ol’. Trying to keep Sage fed and coming up with new ideas to make that possible. It’s exhausting really.”

Iya huffed at her sister being a farmer. She could never imagine Patrisha getting her hands dirty let alone running a whole moon of farm lands. Iya hesitated but she felt the urge to ask. She knew Patrisha wasn’t the type to judge so she had some comfort in that. Iya cling the fork on the table as she was trying to get this question out. She needed to know the real reason for this ‘law’.

“Ok Trish, I have a question but you have to promise not to ask why I’m asking it. Promise?”

Patrisha looked up at Iya while still chewing. She gave her a confused look but went along with it. “Ok… I’ll play along but let’s get the alcohol going if we’re switching to serious stuff.” Patrisha grabbed the wine bottle and poured two glasses. She handed the other glass to her sister then waved her hand in a motion for Iya to continue.

“Ok here it goes, why can’t the commander and captain be together? Why is it a law?”

Patrisha looked at Iya and slowly sipped her wine. “Ok… interesting. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard it. This is how I remember the story. About a hundred years ago there was this commander, I think her name was Sonya. Her and her captain Booker fell in love and everyone actually went along with it, some even loved it. Supposedly people thought their relationship made them stronger being together, like a power couple. Until one day, things went south between them and they broke up. According to the story the breakup was nasty and very public. Her captain spread around bedroom secrets of their relationship. He told all of Sonya secrets, stuff she told him in confidence. It got so bad with drama and lies that the army basically got split in two. Taking sides to those who were loyal to Booker and others to Sonya.”

Iya paid close attention to the story. She was trying to picture would it have been like to live through something like that. Patrisha continued, “To make a long story short Iya, things ended very badly for the two.”

“How bad? What happened? It had to be really bad if they made it into a law.” Iya stated.

“Oh it was bad. Rumor has it that Sonya kind of lost her mind from all the drama and burnt bridges the exposed secrets caused. One Warrior’s Solstice Sonya hunted down her captain and found him in bed with two other women. She murdered Booker and the two women but she didn’t stop there. She went to his family’s home and killed his parents and all of his siblings. When they found Sonya, she was covered in so much blood that they couldn’t recognize her. She was the first commander and the last to have ever gone to prison on Blackius. She spent the rest of her life there.” Patrisha poured herself and Iya another glass of wine.

Iya was not expecting that to be the reason. “Wow that was a really sad story. It’s tragic it ended that way.”

“Well yea, it scared the hell out of the Sagen council enough to make sure that never happened again. You know how it is here, anything to keep and maintain peace.” Patrisha took a drink of her wine.

“So we all have to be punished because the mess those two made? I mean I’m sorry it ended that…” Iya looked down at the table. The story didn’t change her mind about Kal but at least now she knows the reason for the law. She knew what she had to do now.

Patrisha noticed Iya’s irritation and let out a sigh, “You really like him don’t you? Kalvanius? I mean, he is really hot…” Patrisha grinned at Iya, knowing her comment would make her mad. “You can trust me sis.”

Iya looked up, “I do Trish, I do and I’ve been trying to do everything I can to get him off of my mind. It’s this law and I don’t want to lose him as a friend. I believe we’re both there, but when we’re together… it’s like fireworks being trapped in a bottle.” Iya looked back down at her lap, it was hard for her to make eye contact, “Trish I think I love him. I’ve never wanted someone so bad.”

“Look that happened a long time ago and I’m not saying that would happen between you two. It was a classic case of you don’t shit where you eat. If there’s anything to learn from Sonya and Booker, it’s keep people out of your business. I’m probably going to regret saying this, but if you do decide to go along with this relationship with Kal… keep it on the low. If he truly cares about you the way you care about him then he’ll keep you all to himself, trust me. The more people in your business, the worse situations become sometimes. You’re my baby sister Iya, I want you to be happy and to live the life you want but understand there are pros and cons to everything.” Patrisha reached across the table and placed her hand onto Iya’s. “Everything happens for a reason my love and there was a reason you fell for the one person you’re not allowed to be with. Maybe it’s a part of your destiny. Maybe if you guys do it the right way you can change all that.”

Patrisha smiled at Iya which made her feel a lot better. The two spent the rest of the evening into the night talking and catching up with old stories. Patrisha wanted to hear everything about what happened on Corra and how she killed the famous King Kahn. It was a perfect way to end the night.

The Warrior’s Solstice is in two days and Iya made up her mind. She knew she wasn’t Sonya and Kal wasn’t Booker. Iya needed to hear that tragic story but she knew deep down Cashius wasn’t the one. Iya was going to take keep that leap of faith with Kalvanius. The law meant nothing anymore…