Today Io will receive the drawing that is a snapshot in time. I try to picture what her facial expression will be like when she sees what it is. As I sit on this bench waiting for Huli I imagine that it would be shocked at first but turn into extreme joy. I wish I could be there to see it.
“Hello Draco” Huli greets as he takes a seat next to me.
“Hello Huli, how are you today?” I ask politely.
“I am well. Thanks, but I can see from the tapping of your fingers you are anxious to hear about the girl” he says with a smirk. I blush and rub my hands on my robe. “It is okay brother; your courted woman is doing well. She looks much like the day I met her and is in good health. She is always excited to receive her gifts. I did leave the last without talking to her first. My father was insistent that I come home right after studies” he admits.
I have never met either of his parents. He does not mention them much. I smile at the news of how Io is. “I am very appreciative of you doing this for me. If there comes a day I can return the favor let me know. Here is what I have for you today. If you can make sure you hand it to her directly. Tell her also that I miss her” I plead.
“This delivery will have to wait until supper time. I have a favor to do for my ba after studies.” He informs me.
“That is well. As long as she gets it.” I assure him
Before he can reply he stares behind me and goes pale. His shoulder stiffens and I feel him tense through the weight of the bench. I turn to follow his gaze and see my ba briskly approaching us. At the anger in his expression, I tense too. What have I done to anger him this time.
“Head to your studies at once, Huli” he commands my friend.
“Yes ba” Huli says. He quickly bows and rushes off.
“Ba?” I bellow. Is Huli my father’s son. He has to be he would have No there reason to call him that. My father’s face reddens under my gaze.
“I have a few things I must take care of. You may return home and wait for me there. I will answer your questions then.” He declares and then he turns his back. I want to chase after him and get answers now. However, there are people milling about and this is not a conversation to have with so many eyes. So, I head home to wait for his return.
I am awakened by a tap on my shoulder. I did not realize I had fallen asleep. I only remember being angry at my father and waiting for his return. As I sit up and look at him his face looks ashen. As if he has had an exhausting day. His hair is no longer elegantly styled but looks as if he went the full day running his hands through it. I stare at him waiting for him to speak.
“What I say here does not leave this room.” He commands. He waits for my nod before continuing. As you know I have one wife and seven partners. You all reside here in this home. You all have your exits and own schedules. I do this to protect you even if it angers you. “he says. His voice has paused. He looks as if he is trying to put his thoughts together. “I care for all of my partners. I will not burden you with all the details. From my mates I have a total of thirteen children. Only one does not live here. You are my firstborn son” he tells me.
“Why keep us all in the same place but separate? Why is it all such a big secret?” I plead to know.
“There has always been jealousy amongst my partners here. Especially when it comes to how I feel about your mother. I keep you all separate so that no one can come to harm, physically or other. When most of you were babes, everyone moved across the property freely. All the children knew and played with each other. Your mother never liked to see me with others and who can blame her. There was a time when they would purposefully do things to anger her. When she wouldn’t leave from that there was an attempt on her life” he says sighing heavily.
“I was unable to find out who would do such a thing. So, I thought it best to designate my time so that there could be no jealousy. So that your mother would no longer come to harm” he finishes.
“So Huli is my brother?” I ask. He nods in answer. “Do I know any of my other siblings?” He nods again in answer. “Am I allowed to know who they are?” He shakes his head denying my request.
“I ask you to keep things separate so no one becomes offended or jealous at how another is treated. All people are different and require different things. At my station and in this way of life everyone knowing the differences can cause chaos” he explains. He looks pleadingly into my eyes. I know my head bowing to honor his request.
I want to know who the rest of my siblings are. I just do not wish to cause anyone harm in trying to find out. Something he says worries me though.
“You said earlier that my mother is treated differently than the others. What did you mean?” I question.
“Your mother is the first choice I ever made for myself Draco. If I could have chosen my bride at the time it would be her. The others just come with my station as a reward for my services. I never hid this fact from them. I wish at the time that I would have for she would not have been a target then” he says.
He blushes as he admits his feelings for her. I saw him show some of them when we were at the table for breakfast a few days ago.
“She will be home soon so we must end this conversation. We will not speak of it again” He declares.
“Yes ba” I say agreeing. We make our way downstairs for supper. The rest of the evening is uneventful, but I feel like there is a weight now on my shoulders from this secret.