Free On The Imperium’s Secret Service (Imperium Cicernus) by Christopher Nuttall Page B

forgave everything, up to and including incest. 
     
    But the Lady had gone on: “I trust that they are...suitable retainers?”
     
    “Very suitable,” Fitz assured her.  “Now, I understand that you gave me the same cabin...?”
     
    “That I did,” Lady Mary said.  “And I also arranged for you to have an invite to the Welcome Ball.  The Gossamer Twins are here and I believe that they are still in need of someone to escort them to the ball.”
     
    “They don’t have a single brain cell between them,” he protested, looking quite put out.  “Look, Auntie, I honestly don’t want someone else choosing my dates.”
     
    Lady Mary cackled.
     
    “And vetting your shags?”  she asked, with a crudeness that shocked Mariko.  “But you should know better by now.  It is your duty to start producing the next generation of your family.  Even if you are the reincarnation of the Duke of Doncaster, you still need to produce children.  Close your eyes and think of your father.”
     
    Her cronies laughed again. 
     
    “I will certainly take your advice into consideration,” Fitz said, tightly.  “When do you intend to start the safaris properly?”
     
    “In two days,” Lady Mary said.  “I had a message from Lord Luther on the last courier boat – he’s been delayed at Sumter and won’t be here for another day.  I’m leaving him an additional day to be sure.”
     
    “He probably wanted to miss the party,” Fitz said, mildly.  “Quite understandable, isn't it?”
     
    Lady Mary snorted. 
     
    “You always were a funny one, Fitz,” she cackled.  “Now go and see to your rooms, and then prepare for the dance.  Even if you won’t escort the twins, there are plenty of other women out there who would be interested in getting to know you a little better.  You’re quite the man of mystery.”
     
    She stood up and winked at Mariko.  “And you make sure that he goes to the ball,” she added.  It was unmistakably an order.  “I want everyone to enjoy their first night on the planet.”
     
    “Yes, Milady,” Mariko said, quickly.
     
    “Now go ,” Lady Mary ordered.  “I’ll see you all tonight.”
     
    ***
    “I'm sorry about Lady Mary,” Fitz said, when they settled into the cabin.  Outside the walls, the heat was stronger and seemed to pervade the entire room.  The air conditioning was fighting a losing battle to keep the room liveable.  “She’s always trying to influence us all from a distance.”
     
    Mariko nodded in understanding.  “Who was the Duke of Doncaster?”
     
    “Planetary governor from two hundred years ago,” Fitz said, as he started to unpack.  “He was famous for being a predatory homosexual – he had a string of lovers as long as my ship.  Not actually a bad administrator until he tried to seduce the Crown Prince, who didn't approve and made his attitude clear to the Grand Senate.  Doncaster was sent into exile and someone else took over his position.”
     
    Mai looked up at him, her bright eyes wide and innocent.  “Do you like men?”
     
    “I don’t really have time for romance,” Fitz said.  There was something...awkward in his tone, something that suggested that he didn't want to talk about it any further.  “And besides, five minutes spent in the company of the twins is enough to turn anyone into a raving madman.  The thought of having children with them...”
     
    Mariko snickered.  “Would they allow you to marry them both?”
     
    “Right now, they just want heirs,” Fitz said, rolling his eyes.  “Far too many of us are suffering the effects of too much inbreeding.  We need new blood.”
     
    He shook his head.  “Wear your dresses tonight, but keep your guns where you can get to them easily,” he added.  “There are dangerous creatures out there – and some of them walk on two legs.  They even look human.”

Chapter Seven
     
    “I feel strange in this outfit,” Mariko muttered.  The heat seemed to have