Free Love and Robotics by Rachael Eyre

towards Alfred. “Langton, you’re an anthrowotsit. Settle an argument, will you?”
    “What about?”
    They were an ill matched pair: Jerry short and fat, looking like he’d got dressed in his filing cabinet, the Prince tall and cadaverous like the world’s wrinkliest nutcracker.
    “Poof spotting. We always play it at these dos.” As Wulfric coughed, “Keep your wig on. He says you can tell if someone’s an arse bandit. I say not -”
    “Poppycock,” the Prince blurted. “They’ve got queer eyes.”
    There was no malice in Jerry’s elastic face. Even that despicable old earwig was only taking a scientific interest.
    Alfred ran a hand through his hair. “Can’t say it’s a talent I possess. Yes, some are blatant, but others are more reserved. Depends on their culture.”
    Jerry turned to Wulfric. “See? If he’s known benders around the world -”
    Somebody touched Alfred’s shoulder. He wondered what now, this evening could hardly get worse, and was relieved to see Josh.
    “Come at the right time?” the artificial whispered.
    “You have no idea.”
    “The bell’s about to go. Good luck.”
     
    The China Room was one of the Palace’s marvels: a delicate blend of mother of pearl and fine lines. Now the beauty of the mouldings was ruined by a chunky stage and twenty foot screen. A digital Gussy loomed, patting her hair. Alfred mounted the steps and approached the soundtube.
    Faces beyond the footlights, expecting him to cock up. He heard Prince Wulfric’s loud whisper: “Is he going to catch flies all night?” 
    “My sister and I had a ritual -” Had he gone deaf? He adjusted the soundtube. “My sister and I had a ritual every year on our birthday. Once the presents were opened, the cake cut, we’d make a toast. Nothing alcoholic - we weren’t that precocious.” Laughter. “We vowed we’d be famous; she as a scientist, I as ... whatever I wanted to be. A pirate, I think. Gussy’s no longer here, but her work is immortal.”
    He expanded on what he and Josh had discussed. Gussy as big sister and best friend, Lady Augusta the powerhouse. He was enjoying himself, an unfamiliar feeling.
    “Gussy loved her work. She wanted to make robots an integral part of our society. I used to be sceptical; now I’m sure it’ll happen. On this, our fiftieth birthday, would you join me in toasting Josh? He is the future.”
    Five hundred of the City’s worthies - politicians, press, anyone who liked a gawk and free grub - followed suit. “To Josh!”
    Josh bowed in his seat. “Thank you, Lord Langton. Thank you, everyone.”
    Alfred took the steps down into the audience. All the breath was knocked from him; Josh had thrown his arms around his neck.
    “You were wonderful!” he exclaimed. “Didn’t I say you had nothing to worry about?”
    “Thanks,” he muttered.
    “You’re wonky.” Josh patted the orchid. “There. You’ll be fighting them off.”
    “They’re too busy drooling over you.”
    “You think so?”
    “Have you seen you?”
    Alfred knew he shouldn’t mind, but it stuck in his craw. Society mares introducing themselves, rubbing up against Josh like bitches on heat. The older ones were the worst, thinking that because he was a robot it didn’t count. Just because the lad was good looking –
    No, that was inadequate. Anybody could be good looking. He’d been, once upon a time. It was something in the eyes, something pure. Josh was beautiful.
    “What now?” Alfred hissed.
    “You should’ve come to rehearsals! A slideshow.”
    He prepared to be bored. The Palace chairs were wretchedly uncomfortable and designed for midgets. He worried he’d get stuck and wander around looking like a hermit crab.
    Pseudo classical music started to play, ‘ The Life of Lady Augusta Wilding’ scrolled across the screen. He leaned forward, forgetting the seat’s limitations, and caught his thigh.
    The early years. The pair of them in identical outfits, hair the same length. Their mum