Chapter 94: Kalani’s Goodbye

Wednesday, June 9, 1971

“Your Majesty,” I thought.

“Cut that out! I’m not in the mood,” she snapped.

I immediately scanned her deeper.

“So. You’re really leaving?” I asked, with sadness.

“Yes Michael. I don’t want to, but there is simply too much to do and not enough time,” she said.

I was silent.

“Say something, Michael,” she said. “I cannot read people like you do.”

“We need to talk,” I said.

“I suppose so,” she thought. “I’ll be right there.”

There was a soft knock, and the door opened slightly.

“May I come in?” she asked.

“Of course,” I replied, sitting up and putting my feet on the floor. They had left me in my boxers, I noted.

She stepped across the room and sat down beside me on the bed. But she said nothing, looking at the floor and not me.

“Okay. Spill it. You know I can’t read you when you go native,” I said, smiling.

“I should start by thanking you. The gift you gave our small nation today, is one of the greatest in our country’s history. The people of Tapato have much work ahead of us as we prepare for this. We’ll have new markets for our crops, and our pearls. In addition, the new air base will bring employment and improved infrastructure, with more schools and hospitals. And for the first time, real government with the capability of helping the people,” Kalani explained.

“I also owe you thanks as a mother, for the wonderful things you are doing for Mikeya and Ileana. I guess, I owe you thanks as a grandmother also. Though I hardly feel old enough to be one. Where does the time go? It seems like yesterday that I was excited about finding out I was pregnant with Mikeya.”

I saw her looking out from the balcony of a villa, with fields of crops, stretching as far as the eye could see. She lingered in the memory, as she stood there with her hand gently on her abdomen. I knew she was remembering, so I didn’t intrude.

Finally, she said, “I do not know what led us to you, Michael. But after what I experienced tonight, I’m sure it was the work of the gods, for I can scarcely remember a time, when my family and my people have been so blessed,” she said.

“Okay, you’ve covered the queen and mother stuff. Now tell me about Kalani,” I said.

“There’s not much to tell,” she replied with a sigh.

Why was she doing this? I actually became a little angry at her evasive response. So I challenged her, pulling rank on her for the first time.

“So you choose to tell lies to the Pele Solakanali? After all I’ve done for your daughters and your people,” I asked abruptly.

Kalani sat bolt upright, her spine straight, her eyes wide in terror as she realized what she had done. Quickly she went to a knee in front of me, her head bent in supplication.

“Please forgive the foolishness of one you have chosen to bless, Pele Solakanali. I am sorry, for I have fallen in love with Prince Michael, and for the first time in my life, I find myself dreading to return to Tapato. Alone. Even with all you have given me.”

It was interesting that she had referred to Prince Michael, as a different person, while addressing me as the Pele Solakanali. I raised her chin gently to look into her eyes.

“Do not the gods also give the gift of love?” I asked.

“Yes, but...” she started.

“But what?” I asked.

“The gifts. They seem ... contradictory to each other. You give my people the opportunity to have better lives, with peace, and prosperity. Yet you give my heart love for someone I cannot remain with,” she said sadly.

I could tell, this time, that it was about to happen. I felt the sensation, not really a tingle, more like a vibration. I realized that I was about to be used to deliver a message.

“You have served my people all your life, Kalani. For this, the gods are pleased. You are about to help them learn to become more independent, to learn to govern themselves. For this, the gods are also pleased. So, this night we give to you, that you may know the love that awaits you. Have patience, our daughter, for your time of this service, draws to a close. Your daughter will soon ascend to the mantle of authority on your islands. Do what you must, to make your nation secure and prosperous for daughter and granddaughters to follow. For we have an even greater task for you.”

“Yes, oh Pele Solakanali,” Kalani replied.

Rising, she looked at me before saying softly, “I’ll be right back.”

I remained still, unwilling to try to speak. I hadn’t actually said the words that had just come from my mouth. I recognized that they were from whoever was directing this pageant called my second life. And as before, they left more questions unanswered. What was this task for Kalani? Did it involve me, and my unclear mission. I could only wait and see.

I was coming out of the bathroom, when Kalani returned. I was naked, intending to put on a clean pair of boxers after my shower. But when she saw me, she stopped and stood staring. It was a silent appraisal, as if measuring me for whatever she had in mind for this night that the gods had promised her.

Then, untying her robe, she let it slide slowly from her shoulders, to pool at her feet. She posed there, in the heart-stopper from the lingerie shopping trip. A tremendously sexy leather and blue brocade strapless corset with a front busk and matching bikini panties, cut high on her leg. It was strapless, presenting her large breasts like an offering, on formed underwired supports. Her prominent nipples were stiff, and pointed to me as the recipient of this delightful repast.

“Do you like it?” she asked. “You bought it for me. And you are the only man who will ever see me in it,” she proclaimed.

“You know I do,” I replied. “You only have to look at me to see that I do.” For indeed, Little Mike had risen in salute to this royal treasure.

I began scanning her, to see what she wanted. Then, taking a step back, I sat down on the edge of the bed, bringing my face almost level with her succulent twin offerings. Her boobs jiggled in the formed half-cups as she stepped forward, presenting them for my inspection.