Chapter Forty Three

This chapter is dedicated to pocketfullofposies!  I enjoy reading your comments on the chapters and one day soon I'll make sure Anthony meets his Jasmine.

Newly Improved Yellow District - Royal Yellow Spa and Teahouse

Xara shifted uncomfortably on the cedar wood planked floor that she'd draped her pink cotton towel on before she'd laid down.  She opened her eyes and stared at the 23 kt gold ceiling of the pyramid shaped room of the sauna her and Bethany were currently sweating in.  

"Can you explain to me again the benefits of this sauna," mumbled Xara. Xara hand wiped at the sweat that ran down her face as she shifted again and tried to get comfortable.

Bethany cracked open a blue eye and turned to stare at Xara with an exasperated face.  "This room channels the metaphysical energies to help cleanse and purify the body," sighed Bethany.  Bethany frowned at Xara, "And plus you were nauseous this morning so I thought you'd enjoy it here."

"Thank you," mumbled Xara as she wrapped the towel around her naked body.  "But this heat is only making me feel worse."

"Oh," responded Bethany as she quickly scrambled to her feet and hurried after Xara as she exited the 120° sauna.  "Maybe we should go to the dining room and grab something cold to drink?"

"That sounds like a good idea," sighed Xara.  "Still I can't believe how big this place is on the inside," smiled Xara as she looked around the large open area that housed twelve different saunas.  "After we get something to eat and drink we should try the ice sauna."

"Burr," laughed Bethany with a delicate fake shiver.  They entered the female lockers to put on the manditory pink shorts and t-shirts handed out at the entrance.  They dressed in compatible silence, lost in their own thoughts, before they exited the female only section and entered the mixed group area.

"Out here," explained Bethany is a series of did stations, a cine, a sitting area and a quiet area where people can nap."  Bethany pointed toward different rooms and stairs as she spoke.

Xara nodded and followed Bethany over to one of the many food stations. She stared at the large picture menu with small print and grimaced, "I know I'm hungry but the smells from the fresh seafood station are turning my stomach."  Xara pointed toward a different station, "Let's go over there instead."

"I don't know if I want any of that," pouted Bethany as she took in the large colored pictures.  Bethany  tossed her blonde braided ponytail over her shoulder and pointed toward the raw seafood.  "I want the soy sesame salmon tartare with diced avocado on cucumber."

Xara grimaced as she took in the pink and white raw salmon dish that Bethany was eager to sample.  "I can't stomach the smell of that so why don't we grab our foods and meet up after we've eaten."

"Oh pooh," sighed Bethany dejectedly, "I don't want to separate." Bethany looked around the crowded area and the even more crowded tables in the sitting area and shook her head.  "I guess I can try it another time when you're feeling better."

Xara nodded her head as she walked away from the line they'd stood in and headed to another station with an even longer line.  "I want that," pointed Xara with a sigh as she took in the warm homey looking dishes.

"Oh," frowned Bethany as she took in the thick lentil and bean soup unimpressed. "That looks like something you or Jael Quin can make at home."  She pointed around the at the different stations were serving gourmet and exotic foods with a sullen pout, "There are so many different foods from around the universe and you want to eat something you can make at home."

"You don't have to eat it," snapped Xara irritated.  "I said we could meet up after we've eaten."

Bethany rolled her eyes.  "And why should I pay for something like that and eat it by myself," grumbled Bethany.

Xara frowned at Bethany in disbelief.  "Did you drag me here because you wanted to spend my royals and not your own?"

"Of course not!" Bethany dismissed Xara's statement with a nonchalant wave of her hand.  "I've been here several times," ended Bethany with an amused nod.

Xara was about to respond when the small green haired woman waved and called for her to step forward.  The woman spoke in thickly accented  Ah'Tarian as she directed that Xara should place her hand on the reader and point to her order.  Xara cut her eye toward Bethany with a distrustful frown.

"Did you need me to pay for your food," bit out Xara as she placed her hand on the reader.

Bethany flushed crimson before she shook her head. "I didn't mean it the way you've taken it," she hurried.  "When I normally go out my friends they can't afford to splurge on things like watercress and squash nut soup ," she ended crestfallen.  "So I end up having to get something simple as not to seem as if I am showing off."

Xara considered Bethany's words as she placed her hand on the reader.  "I believe I understand," nodded Xara sadly. "I think Kayla and Ebony feel like that when they are out with me."  She turned and smiled sadly at Bethany, "To them royals are not an object."

"Nonsense," laughed Bethany hesitant as she took in Xara crestfallen face. "I'm sure they are over the moon happy to have your company."

Xara smiled weakly before she turned to the woman, "May I have the dal makhani and a small naan.*"  Xara turned back to Bethany, "Since my stomach is so queasy I believe this will help a lot."

Bethany nodded, her eyes flickered to the area Xara's stood rubbing, "If that doesn't settle your stomach we can go to my cousin's new medic center!"

Bethany smiled excited as she grabbed both their bowls and pointed with her head toward a small black and red square table that was available.

Xara hurried to the empty table before a pink and green haired woman and her friend could take it from them.  Xara smiled victoriously at both woman before she plopped in the black leather armchair.  "Your cousin has a medic center here," asked Xara as she took the warm stone plate from Bethany.

Bethany nodded excited, "Yeah!  He moved his small center here from the Silver District by personal request of the King and Duke."

"Ah," nodded Xara unsure who the king and duke where that Bethany spoke of.  Xara picked up the hot stone bowl with a smile and what she hoped was a reassuring nod.  "This is so good," she exclaimed before she quickly ate two bites.

Bethany nodded as she tore into a piece of naan, "This is the best I've had in years."

Xara quickly demolished the soup and sat back with a burp, "I'm so full!"

Bethany laughed as she stood up.  "You ate that like you haven't eaten in days."

"Technically I haven't eating since last night," laughed Xara.  They placed their plates on a tray for the staff and started back toward the lockers.  "So now we are going to the ice saun-."  Xara eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand as she threw up the food she'd just eaten.

"Oh gods," exclaimed Bethany as she helped Xara away from her puke.  "You are obviously sick!  I'll contact my cousin so you can see him immediately."

Xara nodded, teary eyed as she used the back of her hand to wipe at her mouth.  "I'm supposed to see Kevin later tonight," she gasped.

"But you are sick now," admonished Bethany as she dragged her into the locker room.  "You need to take care of your health if you plan to be a good paramour."

Xara flinched slightly at the offhanded comment but quickly recovered with a polite, but tight, smile.  "Fine," sighed Xara tiredly as Bethany pulled their clothes out of the lockers.  "Let me shower first and then I'll see your cousin."

***

Newly Improved Yellow District - Visitor Medic Center

Xara mouth fell open as she stared at the smiling man in front of her.  Forty minutes ago Xara and Bethany had arrived at the newly opened center and were greated by a friendly male receptionist with emerald green hair and eerie purple eyes.

"He was kind of cute in that just out of secondary school, but failed to get in the Academy way;" sighed Bethany dreamily.

Xara giggled and sat down in the yellow cushioned seat next to her.  She stared blankly at the form before she leaned over and whispered to Bethany, "Do I need to answer all these personal questions?"

Bethany grabbed the device and laughed, "No!  You don't plan for this to be your primary care center and since this place is really meant for visitors they don't expect people to fill this stuff out."

"Oh okay," frowned Xara as she watched Bethany fill out the bare minimum on the form.

"Plus, Benjamin knows you're my friend.  He'll let this pass without saying much."   Bethany smiled confidently before she flipped her blonde hair, stood and sashayed the form back to the young man behind the desk.  With a wink she handed him the device along with her contact information.  "Send me a message one of these days," she flirted.  "My husband and I are always looking for a third."  She waved prettily before she walked away to sit back down.

Xara stared at her in shock, "I can't believe you just did that."

Bethany scrunched up her face and shook her head.  "Soon Master Kaelen will be married and he may expect for you and Ruby -."

"Stop that thought," scowled Xara with a shiver of disgust.  "Just stop right there."

Bethany laughed before she flipped through the articles on her hand held.  "You shouldn't have to wait long," mumbled Bethany as she zoomed in on an article.

20 minutes later....

"I'm s-sorry can you repeat that for me again." Xara skin paled as she stared from Benjamin to the black device he held against his chest.  

"Yes," smiled Benjamin.  His cornflower blue eyes crinkled at the corner and his fair blond ringlet curled hair bounced around his head.  "You are currently eight weeks pregnant."

"I'm pregnant," repeated Xara her voice amazed.  "Are you sure?"

Benjamin smiled politely as he turned his hand held around for Xara to see.  "I am positive," he responded as he pointed to the results of the examining stones.  "Did you want me to run the test again?"

"Yes," exclaimed Xara anxiously.  At his puzzled frown she shook her head and tried to appear contrite.  "I meant to say no.  It's just....," Xara searched for the right words, "a surprise."

"Uh huh," Benjamin responded as he put the device in his oversized blue tunic pocket.

Xara quickly stood and reached into her brown handbag that laid on the floor, "Can I pay for this visit without using the reader?"  Xara pulled out twelve small bronze coins and sighed as she counted them, "I was trying to save up but I guess this is a worthwhile cause."  She smiled as she held her hand out toward him.

Benjamin whistled under his breathe, "I haven't seen coins like those in years." He slowly took three out of her hand and held them up to the artifical light.  "I might frame these as artifacts," he chuckled.

Xara giggled nervously as she put the rest back into a hidden pocket in her bag.  "Those aren't that old."

"I know," he chuckled.  "I just need a few more things before I send you on your way though."

Xara expression went blank as she stood, waiting for him to continue. 

"I show you registered as X. Mace," he looked up in time to see Xara nod.  "I was wondering if you'd like to have your full name, and Alliance issued identification number listed on the record so that other medics can pull this file?"

"No thank you," smiled Xara tightly.  "I filled the form out the way I did for a reason and do not wish to add anything else."  Xara tried to soften her words by giving him a warm smile.

Benjamin frowned slightly as he reviewed the screen.  "And you are a friend of Bethany's," he stated his blue eyes gazed sadly at Xara full of misunderstanding.  "I am opposed to it but I fully understand.  I've been a medic long enough to have seen this happen to other servants in the employ of off-world nobility.  If you need further medical treatment please feel free to come to me again." 

Xara nodded slowly as the medic guided her to the big shiny metal door of the examine room .  "Here is a bottle of vitamins, you should take one in the morning every day at the same time."

Xara took the large bottle, arched an eyebrow at the size of the pills than dropped it into her handbag with a smile.  She wiped her clammy hands on her tan and cream sundress to cover her nervousness. "Thank you," she mumbled as they walked back into the waiting room.  

"Also make sure you eat small meals until the nausea passes.  It should pass in the next few weeks," smiled the medic as they entered the almost empty waiting room

"Thank you again," mumbled Xara with a distracted smile as she nodded.  Xara's smile quickly fell when she glanced toward the swoosh of the sliding glass doors that indicated a new arrival.  She quickly recoverd from her momentary shock and raised her chin  toward the women before she turned to shake the doctor's outstretched hand.  "Thank you again for your assistance.  Bethany was so faint at the spa and I just knew we needed to see someone!"

Bethany frowned confused as she looked between Xara and her cousin.  "Um, Xara?  What are you -?"

"Of all the places to see Kaelen's whore," spat a nasally and irritated Ruby.  "Wouldn't you agree mother?"  Ruby placed her hands on her red and black laced corseted hips as she glared at Xara.  Ruby stood defensively, her black leather clad legs spread wide apart, with a condescending sneer.

Xara ignored Ruby's cattiness  and nodded politely to her mother before she turned to smile widely at the medic, "Thank you again , Benjamin, for your assistance with Bethany."

"You are most welcomed," chuckled Benjamin with a smile and nod to Xara and Bethany .  "Bethany," he smiled at his younger cousin, "Please remember to follow up and that all medic services are confidential."

Bethany cut her eyes toward the avidly listening Ruby with a smirked.  She batted her eyes innocently before she answered too sweetly, "I'll definitely remember to follow up."

Ruby frowned darkly at them her voice full of acid she snarled.  "Bethany why were you here?  Do you have some type of illness?"

"Madame Ruby," smiled Bethany with a small mocking bow.  "I am not required to divulge information of this nature to you especially being that you are not my employer."  Bethany continued to smile as she folded Xara's arm into her, "I would request that you respect my privacy and not ask me again."

"W-w-what," sputtrered Ruby angrily.  "How dare you speak to me that way," screeched Ruby.

Bethany smiled wider, showing her even white teeth, "If at any time I am unable to continue my employment in his lordship's residence I will let Lord Anthony know."

"Y-you dare," screetched Ruby her face turned a blotchy red as she took a threatening step toward Bethany.

"I am a servant of the Lawson family," responded Bethany arrogantly, "not of the Wards."  She paused and let her words sink in before she pulled Xara toward the door.  "Please have a good day," nodded Bethany to Martha Hand.  She paused to nod at her cousin before she quickly pulled Xara out of the clinic.

Ruby fumed as she watched Bethany and Xara exit out of the facility.  She turned with a sly grin toward the blonde haired medic. "I will pay you good royals to know why Xara and Bethany were here."

Benjamin arched an eyebrow and his blue eyes went frigid as he stared at the red haired woman with her simpering, idiotic smile.  "I apologize," he bit out coldly as he added an intricate password to Xara's file before he shook his head and deleted it, "but I am not allowed to disclose medical information without the expressed permission of the client."

Ruby lips curled into a sneer, "Do you know who I am?"

"Yes," nodded Benjamin airily as he looked down his nose at her.  "You are mine and my colleagues 15:25."

Ruby opened her mouth to respond but quickly closed it as Madame Hand patted her on the back and growled, "Shut it you idiot!  You need his and Medic Nelson's assistance if you wish to get pregnant by Kaelen.  Don't be a dolt and ruin your chances."

Benjamin stared with contempt at Ruby before he turned on his heel and walked to the reception desk.  "Remi," sighed Benjamin quietly, "please tell Tron that I am not available for this consultation.   I've somehow gotten a headache that no amount of medicine will help."

Remi looked up from his screen and nodded briskly as he pressed buttons on his hand held.  "I will let him know."

Ruby's mouth opened and closed in shock as she watched the medic walk away from them down a dimly lit corridor.  "Mother," cried Ruby as she stumped her black stiletto encased foot.  "I can't believe he spoke to me like that!  And to have the nerve to say he didn't want to see me!"

Martha patted Ruby's shoulder in sympathy, her beady green eyes narrowed on the man behind the reception desk.  "I am sure there is someone else who could benefit more from the royals you were willing to pay that medic."

Ruby followed her mother's gaze and her lips curled up into an eager smile,  "I believe you are right.  Didn't that medic all him Reni or Remon or something?"

"I'm not sure," whispered Martha as she pulled Ruby to one of the many empty yellow seats in the waiting room. "But I can tell you to butter that fellow up as you come for your appointments.   Make sure you line his pockets with a few royals every once and a while.  Within a few weeks you will know why Bethany was here."

Ruby eyes narrowed on the busy man, her lips curled down into a frown full of hate, "I don't believe for one second that Bethany was his patient."

Martha sent a jaunty wave toward the receptionist and a overly-bright smile.  "Neither do I," she whispered back.  "But that medic isn't going to tell you so your best bet is to get the underling to."