Dejah Thoris

Dejah enjoyed her morning briefings with Jedwar Kan, far more than some thought appropriate.  There were many who wondered why they had not married in the last few decades, wondered why she had not given the cloak to him, but she had her reasons.  The Jeddak would be respected as a ruler in her own right.  And she still had the metal to back up that position.

Instead, she preferred his easy manner and his companionship as a friend and adviser.  Also, he was a damned fine chess player.  He knew her, knew her life.  He knew who she was and what she wanted for Helium.  For Barsoom.  He was brilliant, in his own way.  Despite the vague air of intoxication he cultivated.

She felt at ease with him.  That was a rare privilege for a Jeddak.