Introduction: In This Land
My name is Rini. The whole thing is Anosalim Inanodat Kuladin A Rini, but its a lot easier just
to say Rini. I live here, in Orina Anoris - - which just so happens to be the most ancient, most powerful,
and most prosperous nation in all of the world - - and Im an Anorian prince. 
Right now, were in the Dynasty of the Seven Siblings. That means that in each generation, the  pharaoh has seven children, and those seven children grow up to run the country. The gods bless them with the wisdom and skills that theyll need to fulfill their roles.  Its all about preordained destiny, and its
all about my family.
The youngest of the seven siblings always becomes the royal artist. Thats my brother Talin. His twin brother is Anosanim, whos going to be the royal architect.  They havent taken their positions yet,
 because theyre still only nineteen, but they work as hard as if they were already in charge. I keep telling
them to relax and enjoy their last months of freedom, but theyre too busy painting and planning and sketching to listen to me.
Talins rude and cynical; he always has a bad attitude. Anosanim is happy and friendly and
enthusiastic about everything, but hes always too dramatic.  Because theyre so different, I really think 
that if they werent twins, Talin wouldnt even like Anosanim, but they have this weird dynamic where
they always put each other first. Talins always looking out for Anosanim, and Anosanims always gushing about Talin, like they dont realize that they shouldnt even get along. 
My brother Desin is the royal agriculturist. Basically, hes a farmer - - and he looks like one, all big and muscular from working in the fields - - but everyone says that theres much more to his role than that,
like overseeing the countrys food resources, monitoring all of the crops and the animals and the rivers,
shipping and storing all of the food, importing and exporting, stuff like that. I still say: big ol farmer. 
The other two twins are Orinakin and Selorin. Orinakin was born first, so hes the royal diplomat; he
travels a lot, keeps the peace, makes sure that everythings running smoothly between Orina Anoris and the rest of the world, that sort of thing. Selorin is the royal high judge, so he hears the biggest cases,
interprets the laws, and says intelligent things. Talin and Anosanim are complete and total opposites, but
Selorin and Orinakin are the same person in two bodies.
The second-born child of the pharaoh is always the royal high priest. Thats Remin. All of my
 brothers are passionate people, in one way or another, but Remins more passionate than most people expect someone in his position to be. He used to spend all of his free time in the belams - - what you call
harems - - and you didnt want to get between him and any kind of food. Now he spends his free time in
the temples, but you still dont want to get too close to his plate. 
First-born is, of course, the pharaoh. His full name is Anosukinom Mutotanosa Situkabulanin
 
Anosukinom. Hes a pharaoh, hes a man, hes a god, hes my big brother, hes wealthy, hes powerful,
hes perfect. 
You probably noticed that I kept talking about the seven royal siblings, and then I listed seven people
without including myself. Thats what makes this generation special. There are eight of us.
Im the eighth brother, the youngest. I told you to call me Rini, but one of the other parts of my
name, Kuladin, means “one who is more.”  Im more, Im a blessing, a gift. A gift to my parents, a gift to
Orina Anoris, a gift to the world.
Youre welcome. 
The last pharaoh was my pharaoh mother, Anosadum. She stepped down from the throne almost four 
years ago when Kudorin turned twenty and took over. Thats what happens; as each person from the new generation comes of age, someone from the previous generation hands over the role. Were in the middle
of changing over right now, and in the new year, when Anosanim and Talin take their positions, the
transition from one generation to the next will be complete.
The pharaoh, while on the throne, cant leave the country, so Anosadum is taking advantage of her  new freedom and has been traveling all over the world with my king father and queen mother.
Its traditional for our pharaohs to marry both a man and a woman. Kudorin already has a wife,
Anikira. Shes our queen, and theyve known each other for almost their whole lives. He doesnt have a husband yet. One of Orinakins duties is to scour foreign countries looking for suitors and bringing them
here so that Kudorin can meet them, but Kudorin keeps rejecting them.
Ive met his suitors, and he is being way too picky. Those guys are hot.
Because the system is set up for seven siblings and Im the eighth, my career and life werent laid out
for me at birth. That means that while my brothers have to get up every morning and do their jobs and run
the country and bear an incredible burden of responsibility, I get to lounge around the palace all day. I can go wherever I want, do whatever I want, and wear whatever I want.
My main hobbies are having fun and having sex. My favorite pastime is to combine them and have
fun sex. I visit the belams, of course, but I also partner with palace guests, my brothers assistants,
servants, regular citizens, and athletes. A lot of athletes.
 
  Ive heard that other cultures in other countries have strange attitudes about sex; they attach a bunch
of guilt and shame to it. I dont understand that at all. In Orina Anoris, we like sex. Its natural, its
instinctive, it feels terrific, and it doesnt hurt anyone. Why sneak around and hide something that fantastic? Ive never had sex right in the middle of a crowd in the throne room or anything, but thats
 because of respect, not shame.
Well, its also kind of because my brothers would be completely outraged and act all offended and
indignant about it. As if theyre celibate.  Okay, Remin is, but he has to be; the royal high priest cant
have sex outside of marriage, and Remins still single. All of the rest of my brothers visit the belams all of  the time, and they have sex with other people, too. Especially Desin; hes always looking for someone
new to partner with. Talin always has a boyfriend, about two a year. Selorin always has a new boyfriend
- - he changes them every month - - and he goes through them even faster when Orinakins away. 
Even though Anosanims always fawning all over everyone, he never notices when guys are
interested in him. They can tell him how much they care about him and undress right in front of him, and
hell think that theyre just being friendly.  Even Im not that friendly! (Most of the time.)
I dont know why some of my brothers collect boyfriends. I could never do it. Commitment, to one
 person? There are so many different people out there, I couldnt possi bly limit myself to just one. I cant even keep the same hairstyle for too many days in a row.
Since Im a prince with a lot of freedom and a busy, fantastic sex life, youre going to think that my life is perfect. And it is, almost. My only problem is that all seven of my brothers outrank me - - not only
are they older, they run the country - - and they like to tell me what to do. Sometimes I even have to listen
to them. I think that theyre jealous, because our parents love me the most. Anosadum had to have my  brothers; she had me because she wanted me.
Kudorins only been pharaoh for four years now, but hes been ready for it since he was born. For as
long as I can remember, hes walked like hes owned everything within sight, and hes listened like every
words important.  (Trust me; a lot of words out of a lot of mouths arent.) All of my brothers work too hard; they put way too much thought and effort into it, for far too many hours. Anosanim and Talin
havent even completed their apprenticeships yet, so Id excuse their work habits as nervous
overcompensation, except that the older guys are almost worse than they are, and, besides, Talin never 
gets nervous.
Of all of my brothers, Desin and Anosanim are probably my best friends. Talins too rude; the others
are all too old. Whenever I feel like going out to flirt with guys, Desins the one I invite along.  Anosanims so dramatic that he usually pretends to be scandalized by whatever I want to do, but he
always realizes that its going to be a lot of fun and goes along with it anyway.  Since Desins employees
work in the fields, and Anosanims construct buildings, I like to loiter around when theyre working and flirt with all of the hot, muscular guys. I just have to be careful, or Desin will make me help, and Im not
really into gardening.
 
  Talin and Selorin dont want me to spend too much time hitting on their assistants and employees. 
Apparently, it “distracts them from their work.”  Its hard not to, though; the artists are all sexy and
creative, and the lawyers are all sexy and intellectual, and both of those things turn me on.
Its no fun visiting Remin when hes in the temples. Everyone he works with is a priest, and who
wants to hit on a priest?
A lot of important foreign leaders come to the palace to meet with Kudorin and Orinakin, so theres a
 pretty steady stream of people to flirt with. Most of the kings and presidents and prime ministers and whatever are too old for me, but usually they have assistants or sons or something.
Or daughters. Most of my brothers are only attracted to men, but I like women, too. Our belas are all
male, though, because thats something that we could all agree on. 
A bela is, I dont know what youd call it, a concubine or something.  A belas someone who lives in a belam, or harem. Orinakin and Selorin and Desin and Anosanim and Talin and I share three belams;
Remin used to before he became royal high priest. Kudorin has two, just for him and his wife, one male
and one female. There are two more, one male and one female, for the official palace guests. Kudorins, of course, are sexier and more talented than anyone elses, because hes the pharaoh, but ours are, um,
 pretty special.
 Now that Ive started talking about the belams, itll be easy for me to go on for the next several
hours, rambling about sex. Id better not, though.  Now that Im eighteen, Im supposed to “comport
myself with some semblance of decorum,” and its not “appropriate” for an Anorian prince to describe his intimate sex life to complete strangers.
Theres much more to talk about, a whole lot more that I want to tell you. Orina Anoris is a pretty
special place. There are thousands of stories to be told in this land...
A few minutes passed in baffled silence.
“The pharaoh,” Vade said. 
“Of Orina Anoris,” Bade said. 
A bug crawled across the granite step beneath their feet, taking its time in traveling behind Vades
 boots.
In search of a reassuring point, Bade offered, “Hes very wealthy.” 
“And very powerful,” Vade said somewhat dubiously, not sounding comforted at all. 
“Immensely powerful,” Bade agreed. He wanted to consider that to be a good thing, a selling
 point, but in his gut, it made him uneasy. Nosupolis was small and rather poor, all things considered,
while Orina Anoris was the oldest, wealthiest, most powerful nation in the world. Bade would only reach the throne if his older brother, Tiko, met with an unfortunate and sudden end, while Anosukinom, the
 pharaoh of Orina Anoris, was the most powerful man alive.
“Especially if he really can raise the sun,” Vade said. 
“That cant possibly be true.” Everyone knew that only a god could move the sun.
“To them, its reality,” Vade argued.  “Do you want to live in a country where all of the citizens  believe that their pharaoh makes the sun rise and set? They believe that their pharaoh is a god, that their 
 pharaohs siblings are children of gods, that-” 
“People here believe that stepping on three spiders before midnight is good luck,” Bade said.  “All
its ever given me is a mess to clean up.” 
“They think that he sets fires with his mind and breathes underwater,” Vade continued, ignor ing
his comments. “They say that when he cries, it rains.” 
“Hes powerful, wealthy, and beloved,” Bade said. He might as well defend the pharaoh now; he
 
irritating; normally, they both found what they knew of that country to be fascinating, if mysterious. “I
imagine that hes intelligent and well-educated. His brother is charming and very handsome.” 
“Prince Orinakin?” Vade asked.  “He has purple hair. Purple hair, Bade, he has purple hair. And
 purple eyes. Have you ever seen anyone with purple hair? Have you ever heard of anyone having purple
hair?” 
 No, but it was a captivating sight. “His aunt had purple hair,” Bade said. “And her uncle before
her.” 
“And that doesnt seem strange to you?” Vade asked. 
Of course it seemed strange. It seemed downright bizarre and somewhat creepy. The rich, silken,
varied purples of the princes hair were intriguing, though. The previous diplomat, the princes aunt, had
worn her hair in tightly braided coils pinned close to her head, but the new one, a young man near Bades age, wore his long and loose so that, caught on the wind, it shimmered in the sunlight and-
“Youll have to go,” Vade said. 
“Its an honor to be asked,” Bade said.  Hed never been invited to anything nearly so important in his life. Hed barely left his own country.  He didnt spend much time away from the castle. And now,
suddenly, to be whisked off to Orina Anoris? To meet the most powerful man alive? To be considered
for marriage?  Not that hed ever be chosen - - he had no idea how to court a pharaoh - - but it was a tremendous honor. He did, though, harbor many reservations about the entire enterprise, chief among
which was how to get there. “You dont think that well have to travel by balloon, do you?” 
“Thats how they go everywhere,” Vade said.  “Theyd be insulted if you refused.” 
Orina Anoriss diplomats always were very careful to respect local customs. It would only be correct of him to respect theirs in return. “But its a balloon.”  Hed watched the diplomat ascend and
descend. Those balloons went up so terribly, terribly high, they couldnt possibly be safe. 
Idly scratching his shin, Vade said, “I wonder how many accidents theyve had.” 
With a shudder, Bade asked, “Would you like to go in my place?” 
“Id like to visit Orina Anoris,” Vade admitted. “Im curious about what its really like there. But
they asked for you, not for me.” 
The lack of animosity, the complete absence of bitterness in Vades tone, eased Bades guilt.  “He only invited me because Im older.” Six minutes and thirty-two seconds older, to be precise, but it had
long been considered an important distinction. He and Vade looked so exactly alike, theyd often
switched places and easily fooled their tutors and guards. He was sure that if Vade took his place this time
as well, the deception would be simple. There was no real danger of either one of them making it through the elimination process and being chosen as the pharaohs husband, anyway, and Vade would enjoy the
adventure.
 
  “He said that he invited you because of your ethics, humility, and generous nature,” Vade said. 
Uncomfortable with the praise, Bade pushed it aside with the wave of one hand. “He had to say something nice. Im not a suitable candidate, and if they dont know it now, theyll figure it out soon
enough. He shouldve invited Tiko.” 
“And leave you to rule the kingdom?” Vade asked, almost offensively amused by the thought. 
“Thrones have been abandoned before,” Bade reminded him.  “Youre expected to leave behind
country and family to sit at the pharaohs side, and someone does exactly that in every generation. Tiko
would do it if he were called. Id be a better king here than a pharaohs husband there, anyway.” 
“Tiko would never leave Nosupolis,” Vade argued mildly.  “He was born to be our king.” 
Bade didnt know what he, himself, had been born for.  He deeply loved Nosupolis, but hed never 
 been given a role to fill. Tiko, destined to be king, had a place in the world. Bade was a prince, yearning
to give to his country and its people but lacking any real power or position. Quizzing his tutors and
shadowing his father had only resulted in irritated sighs. The important people who truly ran the country didnt want a sheltered and shallow prince pestering them with clumsy attempts to help.
“When is Prince Orinakin coming back for you?” Vade asked. 
“In two weeks,” Bade said, studying the worn toe of his boot.  “I may bring as many trunks as I think Ill need, but no people.  Its customary to come alone.” 
Vade was looking down at his own feet. “Its also customary for the one whos chosen not to come back, not for many years.” 
Taking a deep breath, Bade let it out. “Yes, he mentioned that.” 
Another period of silence.
Bade had never been away from Nosupolis, or away from Vade, for more than three days.
“He probably wont choose you, anyway,” Vade said.  “Anyone who tells people that he can move
the sun is too interested in himself to notice great things about you. Hell just look for who can bring him money and power.” 
“Yeah.”  Bade didnt look over, didnt want to meet Vades eyes.  “Ill probably be put out on a
 balloon coming home as soon as I get there.”
“Yeah,” Vade agreed, his voice so cool and calm that Bade knew he was a wreck inside.  “We
wont even have time to enjoy your absence.” 
 
Anosalim Inanodat Kuladin A Rini was on his way to the temples when he saw a few young men
loitering in an archway. He didnt remember their names, but their athletic, muscular builds and blue-and-
white uniforms gave them away as members of one of the soccer teams. Smiling, Rini slowed to an easy stroll, making eye contact.
One of them gave him a sexy little wave. The second made the sign to the gods; the third winked.
“Hello,” Rini said, casually veering in their direction. 
“Prince Rini,” they said, bowing. While Wave and Wink looked him up and down, the middle one
turned a flustered red.
“You must be on the Korigan team,” Rini said, standing too close to Red, smiling, licking his lips a
little. “Youre playing Gonoset at the festival.” 
“Yes, we are,” Wave said, stepping closer to his left side. Wave seemed to be having trouble
looking above Rinis neck, and was absent-mindedly rubbing his own thigh; definitely an ass-grabber.
“Weve come to the palace to ask for your blessing,” Wink said, closing in on his right, dark eyes
 burning with sexual intent.
“Id love to give you everything that youve come for,” Rini said.  “Gonosets a strong team,
though,” he added, toying with his silver necklace, which happened to be the onlything he wore above the waist. Swallowing hard, Red stared at his deft fingers and naked chest.
“Were strong,” Wink said. 
“Very strong,” Wave added, licking his lips, eyeing Rinis ass. 
“You do look fit,” Rini admitted, his other hand giving Reds muscular arm a few quick squeezes. 
 Nice. Leaving his hand there, stroking slowly, he turned his gaze on Wink. “Do you think that youre up to the challenge?” 
A few minutes later, Rini was plastered to Reds har d, muscular body, stealing fervent kisses and
moaning happily. Wave was behind him, squeezing his ass, kissing the back of his neck, rocking against him, thickening erection snug against him through his tight pants. Rinis dick hardened by the second, his
undulating body caught between their firm, athletic physiques, Winks hands snaking around and darting
in to tease his nipples and stroke his skin. As he broke away from Red to kiss Wink, his hands slid
 beneath the back of Reds shorts, gripping the muscular globes of Reds ass to-
“Ahem.” 
 
cousin was somehow better than being the pharaohs brother, the previous pharaohs son, a prince, and,
hey, a child of the gods.
“The pharaoh wishes me to inform you and your brothers of some news,” Lukil said. 
Reds hard-on no longer pressed against Rinis stomach as insistently, which was just irritating.  Rini gave Lukil a dark and impatient look, the kind that his brother Talin was always giving him. “What
news?” 
Lukil grinned at him. “Prince Orinakins coming home.” 
“Orinakin?”  Taking his hands off of Reds ass, Rini turned, easing Wink and Wave aside to
devote all of his interest to Lukil. He hadnt seen Orinakin in months! “Hes coming?  When?” 
“Five days,” Lukil said.  “Hes bringing home another round of suitors for Anosukinom. Once he  picks up the last one in Nosupolis, hell come here.” 
“Five days!” He turned back to the soccer players. “Do you want to meet me in my room tonight?” 
Red looked a little surprised, casting a nervous glance at Lukil, but Wink and Wave said, together,
firmly, “Yes.” 
“Great.”  He kissed them with a quick, “See you then.”  He didnt want to neglect the athletes, not
with the tournament so close, but Orinakin was coming home! Without wasting any more time, Rini took  off, running across the palace to the familys wing. It was almost time for dinner, and his brothers would
 be home from work. Rushing through an archway and around a corner, he skidded on his flimsy new sandals and collided with Desin. Cursing - - the guy was so muscular he was solid as a boulder - - Rini
hopped on one foot, then the other, pulling off his sandals, as he said, “Orinakins coming home in five
days! Lukil just told me.” 
“Orinakin?” Desin asked, grinning.  “Its about time.  Hes been gone for months.” 
“I know!” Rini exclaimed.  “I was never going to forgive him if he missed the festival!” 
“He has to be home by the fourteenth, anyway,” Desin said. 
“Yes, but I want him home for my festival,” Rini insisted.  “Do you know where Selorin is?” 
“He was talking to Talin.” 
“Great.”  Carrying his sandals, Rini hurried to Talins room.  Talin wasnt there, but Anosanim
was. Stuff like that was what irritated Rini about his brothers; the twins were always acting like they were interchangeable. Whenever he was looking for Talin, he ran into Anosanim; whenever he needed to find
Anosanim, he stumbled across Talin. Orinakin and Selorin were even worse, always talking over each
 
Orinakin and Selorin acted like they were the same person most of the time. Well, if anyone would know
where Talin was, it was Anosanim. “Wheres Talin?” 
“In Remins room.  Which one do you like better?” Anosanim asked, holding out two completely
identical red ribbons.
“It doesnt matter,” Rini said.  “Talins never going to let you put that in his hair.”  He didnt have
time to waste on Anosanims frills today; he wanted to be the first to break the news to Selorin.  “Did you
know that Orinakins coming home?” 
“Oh, Extra!” Anosanim hugged him, happy and excited. “I cant wait to see him!  How soon?” 
“Five days.  Hes bringing a bunch of new boyfriends for Kudorin.” 
“New suitors!” Anosanim exclaimed, walking with him to Remins rooms.  “He must have so
many new stories to tell! I hope that he hasnt been too homesick.  Weve missed him so much!  Selorins
 practically a wreck!” 
Calling Selorin a wreck was kind of an exaggeration - - Anosanim was the one whod cried like a
 baby when Orinakin had left - - but Rini knew what he meant. “Hey,” he said, interrupting whatever Talin and Remin had been talking about. “Have you heard?” 
“Heard what?” Talin asked. 
“Orinakins coming home!” Anosanim exclaimed.  “Oh, Talin, I cant wait to see him again. And
hes bringing suitors for Kudorin!” 
“Hell be here in five days,” Rini said. 
“Praise the gods,” Remin said, reflexively touching his fingertips to his chest, his lips, his
forehead, in the sign to the gods. “Just in time for Tilidohatuk.  Have you told Selorin?” 
“Im trying to,” Rini said.  “Do you know where he is?” 
“Hes in the belam,” Talin said. 
Right, like that was a lot of help. “Which one?” 
“Suitors from where?” Remin asked. 
“I dont know, somewhere,” Rini said.  “Nosupolis.” 
“The lesis belam,” Talin said. 
“The sulatim belam,” Remin said. 
 
  “He told me that he was going to the lesis belam,” Talin said. 
“I saw him walking into the sulatim belam,” Remin said.
If Selorin had just gone into a belam, he was undoubtedly busy, but news this good couldnt wait. 
Rini wanted to tell him right away, to make him happy, to make him smile. Theyd all missed Orinakin, had all strongly felt the difference when he was gone, but Selorin had missed him most of all.
Handing Anosanim his sandals, Rini went to check the belams. There were three of them in the
familys wing, and he tried the second one first. Opening the white door and stepping inside, he glanced
around. “Is Selorin in here?” 
“We havent seen him all day,” Tepeni said, rolling onto his back. 
“We havent seen you all day, either,” Kelano murmured, approaching with a smile. 
Rini grinned, enjoying the way Kelanos gaze rolled appreciatively over his body, checking out Kelanos attributes in return.  “Maybe Ill come back after dinner.” 
“Why leave for dinner?” Kelano murmured, running his hand down Rinis stomach and, oh, yeah,
that felt good. “You can eat right here.” 
“I have to,” Rini paused for a few burning kisses, his body going up in flames as Kelanos
experienced fingers unfastened his pants and slipped inside, “find Selorin.” His own fingers slid through
Kelanos thick, black hair as he moaned softly. 
“Prince Selorin,” Kelano murmured, licking that spot on his neck that always made his toes curl,
“will return here, sooner or later.”  A soft chuckle as he nuzzled behind Rinis ear, his palm warmly
cupping Rinis balls.  “Everyone always does.” 
“You can wait for him here,” Tepeni offered, as Kelano licked sweetly, wetly, hotly, up and down 
Rinis neck.  “Well help you to pass the time.” 
Groaning, throbbing in Kelanos knowing hand, Rini panted out, “Im sure that you will.” Oh, this
was too good to turn down. “Ill be back in ten seconds,” he promised, weakly prying at Kelanos fingers, trying to extricate himself. If he didnt tell Selorin right away, someone else would get there first, and he
liked breaking news too much to let that happen. “Five seconds,” he vowed, tucking himself back into his
 pants. “Go ahead and start without me. Ill be right back.” 
Kelano kissed him, licking at him gently. “Well be waiting,” he whispered, looking at Rini with
luscious dark eyes.
“Two seconds,” Rini said, and ran out, rushing down the hallway and into the lesis belam.
“Selorin? 
 
  “Selorin,” Rini said, picking his way through the assorted mats, pillows, and almost-naked bodies.
A thin curtain had been pulled around one of the beds for a bit of privacy; Rini stopped by the curtain, and
when Panori, lounging on the next bed, ran a hand up his thigh, Rini ran his fingers through Panoris hair.  “Selorin,” he said distinctly, impatiently. 
“Extra,” Selorin said, sounding tired but patient, “is this important?” 
“Yes.” Snatching the curtain aside, Rini opened his mouth to impart the news, then grinned. “Hi,
Jekari.” 
Jekari smiled at him, looking very comfortable on his back under Selorins naked body.  “Prince Rini.” 
Lifting his head from Jekaris shoulder, while Jekari caressed his chest and pressed loving,
attentive kisses to his jaw, Selorin gave Rini a deliberately patient look. “Is the palace under siege?” 
“Of course not.” He grinned. “Orinakins coming home.” 
“He is?” Selorin and about ten other guys asked. Jekari started laughing.
“In five days,” Rini said, loving the light that filled Selorins blue eyes.  “Hes bringing a bunch of 
suitors for Kudorin. Once they pick u p the guy from Nosupolis, hell come straight home.” 
“Five days,” Selorin repeated, like that was wonderfully close but not nearly soon enough. 
“Kudorin might know more,” Rini said.  “I came to you as soon as Lukil told me.” Now that hed
made Selorin light up, he could go back to Kelano. “Ill let you two get back to whatever you were
doing.” He winked at Jekari, who blew him a kiss, and let the curtain fall back into place.
“Where are you going in such a hurry?” Panori asked, slipping quick fingers into the waistband of 
his pants.
“To have sex,” he said, letting his gaze drift down Panoris perfect, slender, muscular body. 
“But you can do that here,” Panori reminded him with a smile, tugginghim closer.
Rini grinned. “Meet me in my room.  Theres someone I want you to get to know better.” 
Orinakin couldnt wait to get home. He did enjoy his work, and he couldnt imagine undertaking a different occupation, but he missed home with a dreadful ache. Hed only been the royal diplomat just
shy of two years now, and his predecessor, his aunt Riturihi, had assured him that hed grow accustomed
to long weeks and months of travel. The travel in and of itself didnt bother him; he was at ease in each country, comfortable with the different foods and languages, interested in the variety of cultures and the
variety of people. He didnt mind long hours in the balloons, either, going from one country to the next. 
 
language, the river. He missed his family, especially his brothers, especially Selorin. He constantly found
himself turning to Selorin, only to find the seat beside him empty, or occupied by someone else; he was
used to having Selorins familiar, constant presence at his side, and didnt know what to do with himself  when Selorin wasnt there.  He talked to his assistants, and he wrote letters home, but it wasnt the same. 
 Nothing could replace his brothers. He missed Anosanims enthusiasm and Talins dry sarcasm and
Desins comfortable, casual, normalcy.  He missed Remins even calm and Rinis energy and Kudorin, he
missed everything about Kudorin.
Hed found five suitors for Kudorin on this last trip. It was his responsibility, as the royal diplomat, to find the pharaoh a spouse of the same sex from a foreign land. Kudorin already had an
Anorian wife, Anikira. Kudorin had been on the throne now for almost four years, and Orinakin had been
on the hunt for two; so far, Kudorin hadnt been satisfied with anyone Orinakin had offered him. Orinakin
had consulted with his aunt Riturihi, who had found his mothers wife, and had prayed to the gods for  guidance.
This set of five suitors had turned out to be fairly diverse, but Kudorin was fairly diverse, himself. There was Trin, the first- born son of Ynalin, chief of the Kela. Tall, muscular, and tattooed with his
own accomplishments, Trin had a direct, predatory gaze. He spoke in fairly short, concise sentences, and
stood and walked with a great sense of inborn pride, his shaved skull gleaming. Like all Kelan men, he wore only a vest, loincloth, and low boots. His only bit of luggage was a small sack that seemed to
contain more of the same.
Dillane Naelt was the Mannillean ambassador. Very knowledgeable in international matters and
interested in foreign cultures, Dillane was one of the friendliest people Orinakin had ever met. He tended
to be rather chatty, but he also liked to listen and to learn, and had already befriended everyone in
Orinakins entourage only a few hours into the journey. He wore layers of colorful robes and had brought along several trunks full of belongings. Since whoever married the pharaoh didnt leave Orina Anoris
until the next pharaoh took the throne, and pharaohs tended to have at minimum a thirty-year reign, if 
Kudorin chose Dillane, hed have only what he brought with him or had sent to him, and Dillane was not a man who would be caught without his accustomed finery.
Commander Dranzhicthin Whzurchitz of the Grintzadiwtchian army was a tall, imposing man. His short, clipped brown hair was turning to gray at the temples, and his gaze was, at times, cutting and
severe. He wore his dark green uniform and had packed lightly. He and Trin seemed to have a mutual if 
tacit respect for each other; he had little interest in the other suitors. Dranz was a man who approached new tasks as if they were missions, and his current mission was to marry Kudorin. The other suitors were
merely competitors to him.
Aiae was the royal painter of Ilaeia under King Ouia. Having been born a country peasant, he
didnt know Anorian, which was a part of ever y proper formal education; as a result, he could speak only
with Orinakin and with Dillane, who had a basic understanding of Ilaeian. He was uncommonly
handsome, his glossy black hair always tied back neatly, his cheeks rosy, his gestures almost pretty. Famous for his remarkable landscapes, he spent many of his hours in the balloon gazing down at the land
 passing below or sketching the horizon.
 
The fifth and final suitor was Prince Bade of Nosupolis. King Mindos second son, he was not
heir to the throne. He had brought fewer trunks than either Dillane or Aiae, which immediately told
Orinakin that he didnt expect to be chosen. Bade was a prince, but Nosupolis was a poor and cold country, so he dressed in warm pants and sturdy boots. His short hair was both blond and curly, neither of 
which was common in Orina Anoris, where most people had straight hair of brown or black. His eyes
were a glittering dark blue that reminded Orinakin of Selorin. For a prince, he was remarkably
unpretentious, making no distinction between his rank and that of the other suitors; he possessed a natural curiosity and asked the other suitors about their countries and their cultures. He didnt ask Orinakin many
questions, although he did spend a fair amount of time glancing in Orinakins direction. Whenever 
Orinakin approached, he made polite and pleasant conversation but seemed relieved when Orinakin turned away again.
He was nervous. He wouldnt get past that anxiety until they reached Orina Anoris and he saw for  himself that he had nothing to fear.
Bade also seemed to have some trepidation about the balloons. Nosupolins did not journey by air, and Bade had never ascended before; he had grown very pale at first, and kept both hands on the side of 
the basket. Now, however, he seemed to have grown accustomed to the movement, although Orinakin
 predicted that his anxiety would return when it was time to descend.
The balloons were, of course, perfectly safe. Anorians had traveled by balloon for hundreds of 
years, and other countries had adopted the habit. Orina Anoris still sent out the largest baskets, and their   balloons went higher and faster than others. Each basket was inscribed with a prayer to Etanoda, the god
of air and flight, and the priests blessed each stage of the journey. Most of Orinakins trips were made
with one large balloon, but he had brought along a second this time, keeping one for himself and the
suitors, and using the other for the rest of his entourage. He wanted the suitors to have the space that  befitted their station, and the chance to grow comfortable around each other.
Orinakins entourage was fairly simple. Three assistants in purple, three priests in white and gold (one priest of Etanoda, the god of air and flight; one priest of Okanoti, the god of safety and travel; one
 priest of Setanoto, the god of peace and diplomacy), a small band of guards, and five servants in warm
shades of brown, light layered over dark. He had a few more servants along this time, to tend to the suitors. Aiae had yet to grow accustomed to being waited on, and watched the servants nervously, holding
still until they were finished. Dranz preferred to do things for himself and often dismissed his attendants,
shooing them away and tending to his own needs. Trin was used to people doing such things as bringing him food, because a Kelan chieftains son would never prepare his own meals, but he certainly didnt
require anyone to help him dress, and in two minutes of negotiation on his first day of the journey, he told
the servants how they could help him and when to leave him alone. Dillane took having servants for 
granted, but he also chatted with them as they worked, pleasantly discussing his own experiences and asking about theirs. Bade seemed used to being waited on but also was surprisingly capable of taking care
of himself. Apparently, like Orinakin, hed grown up with servants dressing and grooming him, but had
learned how to do those things for himself simply for the convenience of it, and preferred it that way.
Orinakin made a note that when they reached the palace, Bade wouldnt require personal attendants.  Hed never made that adjustment for a prince before. He wondered how many ways Bade would find to
surprise him.
 
  After two days in the balloon, Bade was dreaming about walking on stable ground, feeling grass
 between his toes, and running across hard-packed dirt. He missed the ground. He missed walking on something that didnt move. He was tired of trying to gauge the distance between the basket and the
ground to see if it was widening or narrowing, to figure out if they were drifting too high or beginning to
descend at a time that they shouldnt. 
What were they going to do if the balloon failed or the basket fell? Jump out? That wouldnt
exactly help. He asked Dillane, who simply laughed and told him that a basket from Orina Anoris that held Prince Orinakin would never, ever fall. Being in that basket with Orinakin, according to Dillane, was
even safer than sleeping in his bed at home.
Maybe the gods had taken special interest in Orinakin. That might explain the purple hair. And
 purple eyes. Vividly purple, lighter violet around the edges darkening to a deep plum color. His hair was
at least five kinds of purple, different shades all blending together. Bade knew that in some cultures,
 people dyed their hair to change its color, and if any country had that kind of ability, Orina Anoris would, so he suspected that Orinakins hair wasnt natural.  After all, no ones hair was actually purple. Although
his eyebrows were purple, and so were his long, thick lashes, light as lilac at the tips. Even the hair on his
forearms looked kind of purple, although his long sleeves tended to cover it, so Bade couldnt be sure. 
Everyone in Orinakins entourage was Anorian, and they had regular brown hair and brown eyes
like normal people, which was comforting. Still, Bade wondered about Orinakin. He wondered about a lot of things, and he had dozens and dozens of questions, but he didnt know how to ask.  He didnt know
where to start. He didnt know what would be insulting. Orinakin seemed like a kind and friendly person,
 but Bade couldnt risk offending an Anorian prince.
 Nosupolis was considered insignificant, so much so that all more powerful countries overlooked it
and other small countries dismissed it. Bades father had given up on trying to get other nations attention
and was simply working on conditions within his own borders with the countrys own tools, but Tiko had visions for the future that depended heavily on rejoining the international scene. This trip was Bades
chance to make a favorable impression on the pharaoh of Orina Anoris, whose ear was too distant even for 
Bades father, the king. Bade knew that he should take advantage of this incredible, unlooked-for  opportunity and ingratiate himself with Anorian royalty, beginning with his most immediate companion,
Prince Orinakin. But he was so aware of how important this chance was, he was too intimidated. He
wasnt sure how to begin.  He didnt even know why hed been selected for this trip in the first place.  Simply because he was a prince? Orinakin had said very nice things a bout him, but wasnt that merely
 pleasant flattery?
The other suitors had fine accomplishments. Dillane was well-educated and an experienced
ambassador who was used to moving in powerful circles; he would be an asset to anyone. Aiae was not
only a famous painter - - according to Dillane, he was the most celebrated artist outside of Orina Anoris - -
 but he was extremely handsome, with smoothly chiseled features and wide, darkly lashed eyes. Dranz was a hero credited with winning an entire war for his country. Trin was set to be a Kelan chief and had
his achievements tattooed across his muscular, lightly scarred body. Bade couldnt read them, but they
 
The closer they drew to Orina Anoris, the more Bade realized that his one great opportunity was
slipping from his grasp. This was his chance to do something for his country, to contribute something of 
value. Hed been waiting for this all of his life; he just hadnt expected it to be this big. 
He had to make a good impression on the pharaoh. On everyone that he met, on all of the princes
and advisors and priests. He had to win the pharaohs heart, or at least the pharaohs hand in marriage. If  he became the pharaohs husband, became King of Orina Anoris, it could be the best thing that had
happened to Nosupolis in hundreds of years. It would bring prestige to his country, would attract the
attention of not only the pharaoh but all leaders. It would give Tiko just the right edge to make great things happen. He trusted his brother, and Tiko was counting on him. His entire country was counting on
him.
Before he got there, he had to be prepared. He and Vade had, before hed left, sat down together 
and gone over everything that they remembered from their lessons, but hed already guessed that his
information was woefully lacking.
Taking a deep breath, he decided to speak with Prince Orinakin. Questioning Dillane would be
 productive, but if he wanted to convince the pharaoh to marry him, he was going to have to convince the
 pharaohs brothers that it would be a good idea. Avoiding Orinakin wouldnt get him anywhere. 
He waited until the others had gone to sleep, until Orinakin sat up alone on one of the couches, writing by flickering lamplight. Drawing his thick, long coat closer around himself in the cool air, Bade approached.
Looking up, Orinakin smiled. “Your Highness.” 
“Your Highness,” Bade said, returning the smile.  “Do you mind the intrusion?” 
“Not at all,” Orinakin said, setting aside his pen. “Please, have a seat.”
Sitting beside him, Bade privately admired the way his hair rippled in the breeze. Nosupolin men
hadnt worn their hair long in recent centuries, confining such styles to women, but Bade liked the way it
looked on Orinakin, whose hair was thick and healthy. It probably felt silky.
“We shall reach Orina Anoris tomorrow afternoon,” Orinakin said. 
“You must be looking forward to going home,” Bade said. 
“Im very eager to get there,” Orinakin admitted.  “Ive never been away for five months in a row
 before.” 
“Five months?” Bade asked. On the Anorian calendar, that would be, he thought, one hundred
forty days. He couldnt imagine being away for that long.  “Your family must miss you.” 
 
Bade thought of his own family, of Vade, and wondered how Orinakin could stand it. “I suppose
that comes with your position.” 
“And it shall come with yours,” Orinakin said softly, “should you marry the pharaoh.” 
Despite his inner pang, Bade lifted his chin, making himself smile. He wouldnt admit to any insecurity; he couldnt let them think that he wasnt up to the challenge. His homesickness wouldnt get
in the way; he wouldnt let it.  “It would be an honor to wed Anosukinom.” 
“Yes, it would,” Orinakin agreed with what looked like an amused smile. Was Orinakin laughing
at him? “Hes very special.” 
“Ive never before had the honor of meeting him,” Bade said, seeing his chance to work in a few of 
his questions. “Is there anything in particular that I should know?” 
“About Anosukinom?” Orinakin asked.  “I find that it is best to let people meet him for themselves
 before I explain too much about him. But I would be happy to answer any specific questions about Orina
Anoris.” 
Bade had plenty of those. “Do many Anorians have purple hair?” 
Orinakin burst into surprised laughter. Quickly composing himself and tucking his hair behind his
ears, he said, “No, there are only two of us, my aunt and I.” 
“Then most Anorians have dark hair,” Bade said.  “Brown and black.” 
“Yes,” Orinakin said.  “All native Anorians, except the pharaoh and the pharaohs children, have
 brown and black hair.” 
Bade wanted to ask if the purple was natural, but decided against it. Too likely to offend.
“Although,” Orinakin said, as if amused again, “my youngest brother does have some black in his
hair.”  Shaking his head, he said, “Id better start at the beginning, or Ill confuse us both. How much of 
our history are you familiar with?” 
“We studied the Dynasty of the True Rule, the Dynasty of the Scepter, and the Dynasty of the Twins,” Bade said.  “You are now in the Dynasty of the Seven Siblings?” 
“And have been for six thousand years,” Orinakin said.  “The details become more complicated,
 but the premise of it is simple. In each reign, there are seven siblings. Each of the seven is born with a divine purpose and an inherent position in our government. We each have a unique hair and eye color. A
mark on the back of each siblings hand marks his or her number in birth order.” 
When Orinakin raised his hand in the lamplight, Bade could make out the Anorian three. Hed
seen it there before, of course, but hed assumed that it was a tattoo.  “You were born with that?” It was
 purple.
 
  “Yes. I am Anosamim, child of the gods, third- born,” Orinakin said.  “Anosukinom is Anosarim,
child of the gods, first-born, and therefore is the pharaoh. His full name is Anosukinom Mutotanosa
Situkabulanin Elanilanulanori Banotuda Kudorin A Rituliti. Second is Anosatim Inanodat Anoremin A Hiti, the royal high priest. His hair and eyes are golden.” 
“Blond?” Bade asked. 
“No, not like yours,” Orinakin said.  “Not as light. Yours reminds me of sunlight. His is more like
gold itself, more…metallic.” 
“And he has a two on his hand,” Bade said. 
“Yes,” Orinakin said.  “My twin brother, Anosakim Inanodat Selorin A Diki, is the royal high
 judge. His hair and eyes are blue.” 
“You have a twin?”  Bade couldnt believe it.  “I had no idea.” 
“Oh, yes,” Orinakin said, with a smile apparently just at the thought.  “He and I are very close. 
Seeing you and Vade together made me miss him very much. The two of you have a strong bond.” 
“Hes my closest friend,” Bade admitted.  Frowning, he asked, “Your twin has blue hair? Then
you arent identical?” 
“We are, in every other way,” Orinakin said.  “Our hair color is unmistakable, but our faces are so
alike, we dont need mirrors.” 
Bade smiled; he knew what that was like.
“The fifth sibling of our generation is Anosabim Inanodat Ebutadesin A Rituriti,” Orinakin said. 
“The royal agriculturist.  His hair and eyes are green.” 
“Thats appropriate,” Bade said. Green hair? Blue hair? “You have a very colorful family.” 
“In more ways than one,” Orinakin said, laughing.  “Then theres another set of twins. Anosanim
Inanodat Hanibulatin A Ritusiri shall be the royal engineer, and his hair and eyes are orange. Anosadim
Inanodat Nisutalin A Lini shall be the royal artist, and his hair and eyes are red.” 
That made a second set of twins. “What if they were born out of order?” Bade asked.  “What if 
your twin had been born before you?” 
“Then he would have purple hair and a three on the back of his hand, and Id be the royal high
 judge,” Orinakin said.  “Throughout the generations, there have been many sets of twins among the seven
 
  Bade couldnt begin to form a reply to that, so he focused on something that hed noticed earlier. 
He considered himself fluent in Anorian; the siblings names seemed to be pieces of words he knew. 
“Your names are very musical. What do they mean?” 
“They are ancient Anorian.  Do you want me to go through all of them?” Orinakin asked. 
“What about your name, specifically?” Bade asked. 
“Anosamim Inanodat Orinakin A Nimi,” Orinakin said.  “Anosamim is „child of the gods, third-
 born.  Inanodat is „brother of the god among us.  Orinakin is „one who is the face of the land. A Nimi is
„the sixty-third, because Im the sixty-third male diplomat in the Dynasty of the Seven Siblings.” 
“Brother of the god among us,” Bade repeated.  “Your people consider the pharaoh to be a god.” 
Hed known that, but it was an odd thing to have confirmed.  He still wasnt sure that he liked the idea of 
treating a man like a god.
“Anosukinom is a god,” Orinakin said quietly. 
Bade nodded and changed the subject. “Your generation has eight siblings, doesnt it?” 
“Ah, yes.  It certainly does.” Orinakin smiled now, fondly. “Anosalim Inanodat Kuladin A Rini. 
His name, as hes eager to point out, means child of the gods, eighth-born, brother of the god among us,
one who is more, the sixteenth.” 
“One who is more?” Bade asked.  “Does he have a destined occupation?” 
“No,” Orinakin said.  “Prince Rini is a gift to our parents, according to them, and a blessing to the
world, according to him. It is traditional, after years of apprenticeship, to come of age at twenty and step
into an occupation. Hes still eighteen, so he has time to decide, but he doesnt have a god-given position in our government. He does have an eight on the back of his hand, and his hair is black and white. His
eyes are silver.” 
“Black and white?” Bade asked. Both? “Hes only the sixteenth eighth male?” 
“He is only the sixteenth eighth sibling in the dynasty,” Orinakin said.  “In six thousand years, we
have had only sixteen eighth siblings and three ninth siblings. It is very rare for the pharaoh to have more
than seven children.” 
“Then Prince Rini must be very special,” Bade said.  “Only one eighth sibling every three hundred
seventy-five years?” 
Orinakins eyes widened in pleased surprise.  “Did you just calculate that?” 
“Yes,” Bade said. 
 
  “Thats fantastic,” Orinakin said.  “Selorin and I are terrible at math.  Were so bad at it, our tutors
thought that we were faking it, because theyd never imagined that any of the royal siblings could ever be
that stupid.” 
Bade laughed. “Arithmetics always been easy for me and Vade,” he said.  “We raced right
through our lessons. Our history and language classes were harder, but math is mostly calculations, and those are simple.” 
“Simple?” Orinakin repeated.  “Five times seven plus two minus eight times twenty-one divided  by three is not simple, its impossible.” 
Bade grinned. “Its two hundred three.” 
Orinakins purple eyes narrowed.  “Youre making that up.” 
“Do it backwards,” Bade said.  “Two hundred three, times three, divided by twenty-one, plus eight,
minus two, divided by seven, is five.” 
“Is that what I said?” Orinakin asked, at a loss. 
Laughing, Bade said, “Yes.” 
“Its a series of simple calculations,” Bade said. 
“But math isnt simple,” Orinakin protested.  “Im going to make you do this in front of Selorin. 
Hed never believe me.” 
“Are your other brothers good at math?” Bade asked.
“Ebutadesin, Anosanim, and Nisutalin are,” Orinakin said.  “The three younger ones,” he
clarified. “But they need math more for their work, so I suspect that the gods had something to do with that. When we come of age, and go through the ceremonies to bring us fully into our destiny, the gods
 bless us with the experience and wisdom of those who came before us, and the skills necessary to perform
our duties. I spent years studying to prepare myself for this life, learning all about languages, geography, history, cultures, everything that I might need. But when I became, officially, the royal diplomat, and
Riturihi passed on her knowledge to me, and the gods blessed me, suddenly I could speak all languages
fluently, I had a much greater understanding of geography and distances - - theres information in my
mind that baffles and amazes me. And Im much better at understanding people than I used to be. I sense their moods, their needs, their interests.” 
“That must come in handy when youre dealing with temperamental rulers,” Bade said, not sure how much of that he believed.
“Youre skeptical,” Orinakin said. 
 
  “Your gods seem to work much more directly and obviously in your life than Im used to,” Bade
said. “They must be very…powerful,” he added, for lack of a better word. 
“The gods are very strong,” Orinakin said.  “They actively bless us every day, with health, with
 prosperity, with everything that we need.” 
Orina Anoris had lasted through wars, plagues, droughts, earthquakes, and famines. Disaster after 
disaster had rocked the ancient worlds, had arisen even more recently, and Orina Anoris had never fallen.
Bade couldnt help but wonder about their gods. 
“Orina Anoris is,” Orinakin said, “by far, the oldest nation there ever was. We have survived when others have not.” 
Was Orinakin reading his mind? Was this part of his “sense their moods, their needs, their 
interests” trick? 
“Your skepticism is all over your face,” Orinakin said with a small smile.  “Talk to me. Ask me
what you want to know.” 
“Is your hair truly purple?” Bade asked.  “How can you call a man a god? What makes your gods more powerful than anyone elses? What makes Orina Anoris so ancient and powerful and different?
What can I do to win the pharaohs heart?  Why am I here?” 
Laughing, Orinakin said, “Now we get down to it. Yes, my hair truly is purple. I dont know how
to prove it to you. You think that I dye it?” 
“Its possible,” Bade said carefully, surprised at Orinakins continued good nature. 
“Yes, it is possible,” Orinakin said. He frowned, as if honestly trying to figure out a way to prove himself. “Anorians arent very hairy people, and I dont grow facial hair,” he mused.  “If I-” 
“You dont grow facial hair?” Bade asked.  Wasnt Orinakin twenty-one?
“Were not very hairy by nature,” Orinakin said.  “My brothers and I, my mother and our aunts and uncles, we can, if we choose, exert control over the growth of our hair and nails. If we dont want to have
facial hair, its easier to decide not to grow it at all than bother with shaving every morning.” 
“You can control whether or  not your hair grows?” Bade asked.  This, he couldnt accept. 
“A test,” Orinakin said, pleased. “Well cut off my hair and you can see if its grown in the morning.” Raising his hands, he swiftly began to braid his hair.
 
“You dont believe me.” 
“You say such crazy things, people must fail to believe you a large percentage of the time,” Bade
said. “This one instance of it cant be much more of a problem.” 
Orinakin laughed so hard, Bade worried that hed waken the others.  “Im going to enjoy speaking with you.” 
“Because I insult you?” Bade asked, baffled. 
“Because youre honest,” Orinakin said, smiling.  “You say things and ask questions that other 
 people are too polite or too shy or too slick to attempt. Youve forgotten to impress me and are simply  being yourself and saying whats on your mind, and I miss that. My family does that with me, my
 brothers do it even when I wish that they wouldnt, but other people dont.” 
“Youre an Anorian prince,” Bade said.  “Everyone has to be on his best behavior with you. Your 
 brother rules the world.” 
“He doesnt rule the world,” Orinakin said. “He simply influences it. Your second question was,
how can I call a man a god? Because he is both man and god. Not half-man, half-god, but completely,
fully a man and completely, fully a god. Anosukinom is all men and all gods.” 
“That,” Bade said, “is impossible.  It also doesnt make sense.” 
“Gods dont make sense,” Orinakin said.  “Nothing has to make sense to be true. Anosukinom
means „living god among us.” 
“Our tutors made us memorize his name,” Bade said.  “Vade could manage the entire thing. I
always got lost somewhere in the middle and had to put ice on my tongue.” 
Laughing, Orinakin said, “Anosukinom Mutotanosa Situkabulanin Elanilanulanori Banotuda
Kudorin A Rituliti.” 
“Thats just showing off.” Bade tried to remember the correct translation. “Living god among us, highest child of the gods, ruler of all within…” Wincing, he went over it in his mind again, picturing his
tutors pinched little face.  “Ruler of all within our bor ders, most sacred, precious, divine, and holy gift to
all in this land. The one hundred eighty-second.” 
“I cant convince you that he is a god,” Orinakin said.  “You will have to see it for yourself. Or,
you may want to speak with Prince Anoremin. As royal high priest and Anosukinoms brother, he is very
qualified to speak on the subject.”  Looking amused again, he said, “I havent managed to convince you that my hair is purple or that Anosukinom is both a man and a god. What was your next question? What
makes our gods more powerful than anyone elses?” 
 
  “Something like that.” Bade mostly remembered blurting out a now-embarrassing blather of 
questions.
“I wouldnt say that our gods are more powerful,” Orinakin said.  “They are very present in our 
daily lives, but so are the gods of other people. We put a lot of emphasis on being grateful to the gods, on
serving them and praying to them and thanking them and offering tribute, but so do other people. I think  that weve been very blessed to have clear lines of communication between the people and the gods.
There seems to be a much more direct and obvious level of action and reaction, of question and answer, of 
 prayer and response. That doesnt make our gods more powerf ul, or even more attentive. That just demonstrates that our ways work well for us. And that, to answer your next question, may be what makes
Orina Anoris ancient, powerful, and different.” 
“Youve found systems that work for you, and youre following them,” Bade said. 
“Yes.  After six thousand years of the Dynasty of the Seven Siblings, weve worked out a lot of the details, and we stay with what produces good results. The gods are happy, and the people are happy, so
why make large changes?” Absentmindedly tugging at the long sleeves of his purple robes, Orinakin
tilted his head to one side. “As for how to win the pharaohs heart, I dont know what to say. I would
only want him to give his heart to someone who loves him, and you dont love him.” 
“Im sure that Ill love him once Ive met him,” Bade said. 
“Most people do,” Orinakin admitted with a brief smile.  “I can tell you,” he offered, “which
tactics have failed the other suitors. Do not court his brothers or his advisors. We are not the ones you must impress. Anosukinom is perfectly capable of making up his own mind. Were likely to appreciate
your company, and he will of course hope for his future husband to get along well with his brothers, but if 
you only flatter us for his sake and are insincere, well know.” 
“Im not very schooled in charm and flattery,” Bade said.  “I wish that I were, but its not one of 
my strengths.” 
“Dillane adores that about you, and I must admit that I do, too. I would like to have someone as
well-intentioned and candid as you at some of my meetings and dinners. It would be a nice change for  everyone there.” 
“Thank you,” Bade said.  Hed never guessed that he was well-suited for international relations.
“You may want to avoid spending too much time with Queen Anikira,” Orinakin said.  “Some
suitors try to ingratiate themselves to her, but she often doesnt appreciate it. She is, obviously, very important to Anosukinom, and he values her opinions, and hed prefer to marry someone she likes. 
However, his relationship with his wife and his relationship with his husband are, in essence, separate.
The king and queen often become quite good friends, but their marriages to Anosukinom are distinct from each other. Youre no more marrying Anikira than you are me.  Youre marrying Anosukinom, and hes
where all of your focus should be.” 
 
  “But we will see her,” Bade said. He was still trying to comprehend marrying someone who was
already married. Such a thing was unheard-of in Nosupolis.
“Yes,” Orinakin said.  “She wont judge you too harshly, because she wants Anosukinom to come
to his own conclusions.” 
That was a relief, he supposed.
“Your last question was, why are you here?” Orinakin asked.  “Youre here because you struck me
as a special, unique kind of person. Youre very generous. You have a strong sense of duty. You burn
with the desire to make yourself useful, to accomplish great things for your country, for your people, for  your king. I dont know what your destiny is any more than you do, but I sense that it will be a great one,
and I dont believe that it sought you in Nosupolis. I believe that you are meant to be out in the world.” 
“My destiny?” Bade asked. 
“Youre going to be someone,” Orinakin said.  “Someone larger than the second son youve been.” 
“King of Orina Anoris?” Bade suggested. 
“If so, it would be a blessing for you and for us,” Orinakin said.  “Hand me the knife in your boot.” 
What? “How did you know that I had a knife in my boot?” 
“You used it earlier.” 
Oh, yes. So much for Orinakins uncanny insight.  “Ive carried it for years. Vade and I used to sit
outside on the steps and whittle pieces of wood. We still do, sometimes, but were not any better at it now than we were as children.” Slipping his knife from his boot, he gave it to Orinakin. It was small and
simple, not as large or as deadly as the ones that Trin and Dranz carried.  “We seem to be a rather well-
armed group of suitors.” 
“You neednt be intimidated,” Orinakin said, turning the knife over in his hands, studying the
handle in the flickering light.
“By what?” Bade asked. 
“Trin and Commander Dranz.” 
“They remind me that I have no experience with life,” he said. “Or with death.” 
“Having experience with death is not always a good thing,” Orinakin said. “It is also not always a  bad thing. Experience with life is something that you have a lot of. Havent you been alive for twenty-
two years now?” 
 
  “Only in my small world,” Bade said.  “Ive barely been anywhere outside of Nosupolis.  Ive
never done anything.” 
“Youve lived,” Orinakin said.  “Youve loved.  Youve cried.  Youve laughed, shouted,
celebrated, defended, and sang. Youve played and fought and struggled.  Youve grieved.  Youve
hoped. Thats living. You had the chance to expand your world, and you took it, and now youre here.  So are they.” He rubbed his thumb over the letters inscribed on the blade. “This is your brothers.” 
“We traded a long time ago,” Bade said.  “His got a knick on the blade when he fell down the stairs, and since it was my fault that he fell, we traded.” 
“You dont fight often,” Orinakin said. 
“No,” Bade said.  “Its hard for anyone to stay mad at Vade. He has an infectious smile and an
even more infectious laugh.” 
Orinakin smiled at him. “You realize that they say the same of you.” 
He blinked. “Who?” 
“Everyone I talked to about you.  Your parents, your brothers, your old tutors.” 
“You did research on me?”  He shouldve guessed that, but no one had said a thing about it. 
Orinakin had talked to Vade about him? What had his old tutors said? Well, since he was here, they
mustve said good things, so Orinakin must not have spoken to his old history tutors. 
“I wanted to know that I was making the correct choice.” 
“Why did you choose me, and not Vade?” 
Orinakins eyes glittered like amethysts in the darkness.  “He didnt call to me the way that you did.” 
Bade suddenly realized how very close to each other they were sitting. And how very cold the air 
was, but how very warm he felt.
Lifting the knife, Orinakin reached back and, with a few quick flicks, severed his braid.
Oh, no. “You cut your hair,” Bade said senselessly.  Hed cut his hair. His gorgeous, gorgeous hair. Orinakin offered him the knife, but he took the braid instead, and of course it was gloriously soft and
silky against his skin. “You shouldnt have done that.” 
“Itll grow back,” Orinakin said, carelessly ruffling what remained. It fell just to his jaw now,
framing his beautiful face. “Maybe I should keep it short. Ebutadesin always has short hair, and he looks
 
Bade took the knife from him, tucking it safely away. “Whens the last time your hair was above
your shoulders?” 
“Years ago,” Orinakin said.  “Maybe when I was fifteen. Our older brothers had long hair, and
Selorin and I decided to grow ours out, too.” 
Orinakins hair had been the most captivating thing that Bade had ever seen on an actual human
 being. Now that half of it was gone, his eyes took the prize. Bade wished that there were more light, so
that he could get a better look, but, “Ive never seen so many different shades of purple.” 
For a moment, Orinakin looked puzzled; then he blinked self-consciously. He hesitated for so long that Bade realized: Orinakin didnt know what to say. 
Bade grinned, wanting to laugh. This was a priceless moment. Orinakins career was all about
speaking, conversing, communicating, and for once, he was speechless.
Seeing his humor snapped Orinakin out of it; he smiled back and said, “On behalf of the gods, I
thank you for your compliment.” 
“Youre welcome,” Bade said. 
“It is late,” Orinakin said, glancing around, tucking his hair behind his ears. The smooth, firm line
of his jaw was highlighted by the frame of his hair, and his long, elegant neck was exposed. Bade wondered if it could feel as satiny, silky-smooth as it looked. “It would be best for us to retire for the
night.” 
“It was a pleasure,” Orinakin said. 
It really had been. Rising, Bade bid him good night, then went to the back corner of the basket where a few small tents had been arranged. Crawling onto his, he realized that hestill held Orinakins
 braid. Deciding neither to toss it overboard nor hand it back, he tucked it under his pillow and went to
sleep.
Part 2 
Selorin had spent long hours in his office, studying the details of upcoming cases, going over his
schedule with his clerks and assistants, and meeting with lawyers. Hed returned to the palace late, and gone to the temples to kneel before the altar of Okanoti, the god of safety and travel, who would bring his
 brother safely home to him.
He didnt know how long hed been there when he felt a familiar hand on his shoulder and a calm,
low voice said, “Praying wont bring him home any faster. Have you eaten anything since this
afternoon?” 
Remin. Sighing, Selorin stood and turned to face his older brother. “I had lunch.” 
“In other words, no.  Starving yourself wont bring him home any faster, either,” Remin said,
 putting an arm around his waist and guiding him along. “Well have dinner, and then youre going to
 bed.” 
Sometimes he suspected that his brothers and assistants conferred with each other on how many hours he spent at work, how often he ate, and how he slept. It was true that he devoted a lot of time to the
office, to his cases and decisions, but that was necessary for the job. Besides, it kept his mind off of 
Orinakin, sometimes. “Havent you already had dinner?” 
“I was giving counsel,” Remin said.  “There are some Anorians who have distant relatives and
friends in Vafiance who have been affected by the drought there.” 
That would explain the lines around his eyes. “For how long?”  He didnt like how pale Remin
looked.
“A few hours.” 
Selorin translated that to mean roughly six hours, and likely more. “You could have let some of 
the other priests speak with them,” he said.  He slid his own arm around Remins waist and found, as hed
suspected, that Remin had lost weight again. One of Remins favorite activities was eating; he loved to eat, loved to try new dishes, loved sweet things, loved spiced treats, loved the most common foods and the
most exotic. Despite the amount of food he ingested when any was in sight, he was thin as a stick. He
invested so much of himself in his work, in honoring the gods, in bringing the gods and the people closer  together, in discerning divine will and bearing the peoples burdens and praying and interpreting, that his
 body couldnt sustain any kind of bulk, and he often missed meals in favor of work. His constant and
unwavering devotion to the priesthood took its toll, and after hed lost a dangerous amount of weight
during his first year, Kudorin had ordered him to spend time, at least occasionally, working with Desin. Desin took pleasure in ensuring that those days were filled with a great deal of physical labor, and now
Remin had a sleek layer of muscle over his slender body, although he still didnt like spending so much
time away from his own work.
 
  “There are times when the people wish to be as close to the gods as possible. They find comfort in
my presence that they dont find with the other priests. During times of tragedy, I cannot deny them any
solace that it is in my power to offer.” 
“Orinakins letter said that he pledged our help,” Selorin said.  “Kudorin will do whatever he can.” 
Remin murmured a few words of prayer and thanks, then said, as they stepped into the dining hall,
“You cut your hair.” 
“It looks terrible,” Selorin said, running his fingers through the blue strands. “Ill probably just
grow it back out.” 
“You miss Orinakin,” Remin said, servants entering with platters of food as the two of them seated
themselves.
“Of course I do,” Selorin said.  “We all do.” 
Remin nodded, waiting for the servant to fill the goblet at his hand. “The four -legged table does
not stand on three legs alone.” 
“A seven-legged table could stand on six,” Selorin pointed out. 
“Eight.” Rini sat on the edge of the table at Selorins elbow.  “An eight-legged table.” 
“Seven,” they said.  “You know,” Selorin told Remin, “that Orinakin wouldnt be doing his part to
steady the table if he stayed home.” 
“He could,” Rini said.  “He could stay here and let people come to him, instead of going to see
them. Kings, presidents, and prime ministers come here all of the time.” 
“Its important for him to see, first-hand, how other people live,” Selorin said.  “He needs to see
their conditions. He needs to judge them for himself, so that he can present Kudorin with an accurate description. And, its important for us to show respect and interest in other societies. We want to help
 people, Extra, and we cant do that properly or gener ously if we make them come to us. Sometimes we
have to go to them.” 
“It doesnt always have to be Orinakin,” Rini said.  “Talin could go sometimes.” 
“Youd miss Talin if he were gone,” Remin said, as the servants refilled his plate.
“No, I wouldnt,” Rini said, taking the fork from Selorins hand and feeding himself.  “Anosanim
would,” he decided. 
“We all would,” Remin said, as one of the servants stepped forward to hand Selorin another fork. 
“Would you like a plate?” 
 
  “No, Im fine,” Rini said, taking another forkful of potatoes.  “I cant wait to see Orinakin again. I
hope that the suitors are fun this time. That last set, those guys were boring. That governor was hot,
though. I wish that hed stayed longer.” 
“I dont envy Orinakin his task,” Remin said. 
“Finding men within Kudorins age range who not only are homosexual but also are willing to
leave their home countries, their families and duties, to travel here for the possibility of becoming the
 pharaohs husband, it is not a simple task,” Selorin said. 
“And even after that, Kudorin never marries any of them,” Rini said.  “He just sends them back  home.”  Shaking his head, he took a sip from Selorins goblet. “Its too bad that he cant at least have sex
with them first.” 
“You mean, its too bad that you cant have sex with them first,” Selorin said with a smile. 
“Well, sure,” Rini said.  “Id never have sex with anyone Kudorin was still considering, but if he
isnt going to marry them after all, why not - - I mean, theres no reason that we have to send them home without - - theyre hot!  Theyre good-looking, attractive guys. If Kudorin isnt going to have sex with
them, why cant we?” 
“Its disrespectful,” Selorin said.  “To them, to Kudorin, and to the process.” 
“The process?” Rini repeated.  “The process doesnt care.” 
“The process always cares,” Selorin said. 
Chewing and swallowing, Remin said, “If you wish to disgrace the honor of the pharaoh and the
ways through which he seeks love, the way through which your pharaoh mother found your queen mother, as pharaohs have done for generation upon generation through the ages, then do as you will. Only
remember,” he added, “that while the wind answers not to the rock, the-” 
“Youre just upset that you cant have sex with them, either,” Rini said. 
Reaching for his goblet, Remin sighed. “The things that I couldve done if Id only had five
minutes with that governor…” 
Despite having gone to bed late, Bade was still among the first to awaken. Once dressed, he joined
Trin and Orinakin at the breakfast table. Sitting, he stared at Orinakin as servants placed food before
him. “Your hairs long again.” 
“Good morning,” Orinakin said with a smile. 
 
  “Good morning,” Bade replied automatically, getting back up and walking around to stand behind
Orinakin. His hair was down below his shoulders again, a bit shorter than it had been yesterday morning,
 but much longer than last night. “How did you do that?” 
“I told you,” Orinakin said.  “I grew it back.” 
Taking Dillanes customary seat at Orinakins side, Bade leaned in, trying to see where the extra
length came from. It had to be a wig, or some of those braided-in hair extensions that the women of 
Linnere used.
“I cut my hair short last night,” Orinakin was explaining to Trin.  “To show Prince Bade how quickly it was capable of growing back.” 
“He still doesnt seem to believe you,” Trin commented. 
“No, he doesnt,” Orinakin agreed. Bade leaned closer, narrowing his eyes, trying to see if the
roots really were purple. They certainly looked purple, but an Anorian prince who dyed his hair wouldnt
do an inferior job of it.
“I find that people who dont believe their eyes will believe their hands,” Trin said.  “What one sees is not as real as what one touches.” 
“Very wise,” Orinakin said.  “Prince Bade, would you-” 
Hed been concentrating on locating the point where the real hair ended and the fake began, but
suddenly the meaning of their conversation caught up with him, and he realized what Orinakin was about to offer. “No, thank you,” he said quickly, sitting back. 
“I will say that people have stared at my hair for all of my life,” Orinakin said.  “I know that theyve wondered about it. Among some of the less advanced societies, Im referred to by the color of my
hair and the mark on my hand, not by my name.”  Trin nodded casually in confirmation.  “But no ones
ever outright asked me if the color was real before.” He smiled at Bade. “Thank you.” 
“The people talk and wonder,” Trin said.  “But you are understood to be marked by the gods, and
therefore you are accepted.” 
“I cant be the only person whos ever asked you,” Bade said.  “Someone must have said
something.” 
“Theyre all too polite,” Orinakin said. 
“You arent offended at the insult to your honor and your gods that he doesnt believe you?” Trin
asked.
“No,” Orinakin said.  “Theres no malice in it. Bade is simply curious, and he means no offense,
theref ore I take no offense.” 
 
  “Anyone who questioned my honor and the power of my gods would find his blood on my knife,”
Trin said. He paused to eat a slice of fruit. “If I took offense,” he added, swallowing. 
“Then I shall take great  pains not to offend you,” Bade said. 
Trin shrugged dismissively.  “You do not offend me. You are, as Prince Orinakin says, without malice. You are also not without intelligence, and so your questions are not dull. I do not choose to be
 plagued by the prattling of idiots.” 
“You may have trouble being King of Orina Anoris, then,” Orinakin said.  “One of your main
duties will be to host the pharaohs guests, and not all of them fascinate.” 
Trins gaze was direct.  “When I pledge myself to Anosukinom, I shall commit myself to
fulfilling any duty that he lays before me. If it falls to me to host and entertain the palaces guests, then I
shall do so.” 
Bade admired Trins confidence.  “Does your father entertain many official guests?” 
“Yes,” Trin said.  “More than yours.” 
Bade was so surprised by Trins boldness, he laughed. Beside him, Orinakin joined in, and the
corners of Trins mouth lifted.  “If you would like me to view you as a formidable opponent, you need
only say so,” Bade said.  “Or, perhaps no words are needed. The marks on your body speak for  themselves.” 
“That is their intent,” Trin said.  “You bear no tattoos, no scars?” 
“It isnt customary for Nosupolins to tattoo themselves,” Bade said.  “I do have a small scar on my
knee, from when I was very young. My older brother dropped a plate, and I was so little I crawled right over the shards of it.” 
Trin nodded.  “My first scar is from when my older sister dropped me and I cut my leg on a rock.” 
“Perhaps I should thank the gods that my older brothers did me no harm,” Orinakin said. 
“You have an older sister?” Bade asked Trin.  “But you, as the oldest male, will become chief?” 
“Yes.  Would not your brother become king, whether or not he had an older sister?” 
“Yes,” Bade admitted.  “Women only take the throne if there is no male heir.” He turned to
Orinakin. “But whoever is