by Kat Brewer
Nall listened with interest before adding, “I have heard of a race of people in the far South who have skin the color of night. They are described as a peaceful, intelligent people who keep to themselves in a beautiful land. As I understand it, they keep no slaves and consider it a barbaric custom.” Cassie was surprised. It had occurred to her a few times, but she had never asked why she had yet to encounter anyone with skin tones darker than tan during her time on Jiva. Now, she knew.
Then again, my time thus far has been restricted solely to Erla, so it makes sense that other countries would have other races just as it is on Earth.
Nall broke through Cassie’s thoughts by asking, “Lady, in our country, gatherings like this often involve dancing to music. Is there no such custom here?”
“We have the same custom in my world, but I haven’t seen it here,” Cassie replied.
Here was another thing that has never occurred to her. Erla was so different from Earth, but she had adapted so much in such a short time that even dancing seemed almost foreign. She thought of how delightful it would be to glide across the dance floor in the arms of one of her men.
Cassie smiled at her last thought, and Nall mistook her smile as a desire to dance with him. He called to a number of Serlenn musicians before he turned to the Erlan slaves who were currently playing the music and asked them to stop for a while to allow his people to play music.
The Erlan slaves bowed respectfully and set down their instruments. They were interested to hear this new music and to see a dance for the first time.
When the Serlenn musicians began to play a sprightly tune, Nall took Cassie’s hand and led her to the cleared area in the middle of the large horseshoe-shaped table. All eyes turned to them as Nall demonstrated the steps quickly. He then pulled Cassie into his arms and began to twirl her about.
Cassie laughed joyfully. Nall was graceful and light on his feet, and his strong hands helped to guide her through the dance. There was something warm and comfortable about being in his arms.
Before long, other Serlenn dignitaries led the Erlan Ladies onto the floor and joined them.
Upon the dais, Cassie’s slaves saw her enjoyment and watched the steps carefully, wanting to please her by learning this new skill.
Nall kept Cassie in his arms for dance after dance, and Cassie caught a glimpse of Nera in the King’s arms. The older man was as graceful as his son, and he was certainly not lacking in endurance. Kara was also dancing and soon glided by her in the arms of a Serlenn Lord, flashing a smile.
When the music ended, Nall took Cassie to the refreshment table and handed her a frosty wine glass filled with pink liquid. Breathless, Cassie took a long drink. She half choked and looked quickly at Nall as he drained the glass he held.
“Lord Nall, be careful. This is Jul,” she explained quickly.
“Yes, made from the fruit of the Julala tree. It has very interesting effects when consumed in excess,” he slyly replied with a very wicked grin. "We also have Jul in Serlenn."
Cassie sipped lightly at her glass, vowing to be very careful, or she would do something she might regret with this man. He affected her in a way she wasn’t entirely comfortable with.
“I am far too familiar with the effects. I over-indulged when I first arrived and I have promised myself never to do it again.” She smiled, finding it so easy to flirt with him and to fall into those indigo eyes of his. Something about the Prince pulled at her.
“Hmm, I wish I could have seen that! The great Lady Cassandra under the influence of Jul…I am sure you were magnificent!” The grin was firmly fixed on his face as he imagined a very naughty scenario.
Cassie couldn’t help herself, so she laughed. “I was not so magnificent, My Lord. Indeed, I was just blessed to have had four slaves at the time!”
“Lady, I promise that had I been there, you would have needed only me.” The timbre of his voice dropped and his eyes were hot on hers.
“Well, you certainly don’t lack for confidence, My Lord,” she replied with an accompanying laugh.
She couldn’t help laughing as it seemed the Jul was working its magic, relaxing her and loosening her tongue.
“It was not an idle promise, I assure you.” His tongue swept across his lower lip, and Cassie watched it. She was hypnotized by visions of them entwined naked as his fingers reached out to trace her collar bone.
She took a couple of deep breaths to clear the haze of lust.
She inhaled deeply, and his eyes fell to caress her cleavage.
Just then, Nera and the King joined them, laughing and breathing hard. They both took a glass of Jul and drained it. Cassie recognized the looks being thrown between them, and she knew they would be lovers before the night was over.
“Cassie,” Nera whispered as the men talked. “I have agreed to ally our country with Serlenn.” Nera’s eyes searched hers for a reaction, and Cassie nodded and smiled, telling Nera that Nall had explained all to her.
“I am always with you, My Lady. You know that.”
Nera’s hand clasped Cassie’s shoulder, squeezing gently.
“Thank you for your loyalty, my friend.” The women smiled at each other in accord.
Nall was returning to Cassie’s side when the doors to the Banqueting Hall slammed open.
Cassie’s hand instinctively went to the dagger strapped to her thigh and placed herself, weapon drawn, between the Queen and the door. Glancing sideways, she saw Nall do the same with the King as Kara materialized beside her. The Queen’s Guard pulled close to their Monarch.
A group of five men stood in the doorway, having shoved the door slave aside. They were all tall and well-built with brawny arms and long, disheveled, jet-black hair.
“What is the meaning of this?” Nera’s voice angrily called out as she tried unsuccessfully, to get around Cassie and her Guard.
The men drew their swords, and Cassie’s hand tightened on her dagger. Her eyes flew to Kara, and they nodded to each other. Slowly, the men raised their blades flat and dropped them to the floor. As they hit, they loudly clattered across the marble.
Cassie and Kara, both brandishing their daggers, advanced slowly towards them. The room was deathly silent as one of the men spoke.
“We have come here in peace to negotiate a truce and treaty with the people of Erla. I am Darien, King of Destia.” His eyes locked with Cassie’s as she recovered his sword and hefted it, watching him closely as she moved the others out of reach with her foot.
“Queen Nera, I beg your forgiveness for our mode of arrival. It was unheralded and unforgivably rude. Your largesse is legendary, and I humbly request your permission to join you in your revelry.” His emerald eyes remained locked on Cassandra’s.
Nera walked forward to stand beside Cassie.
“I am Nera, Queen of Erla. You address my Commander, the Lady Cassandra.” The man’s eyes switched from Cassie to Nera and he bowed low. “Your arrival is indeed unexpected, but not necessarily unwelcome if you do indeed come in peace.” Nera decided to play this carefully as it would not do to offend a foreign monarch and bring unnecessary war down upon her Queendom.
“I thank you, Your Highness.” He bowed again and his eyes sought Cassie’s. “Lady Cassandra, I have a cadre of fifty soldiers who are all currently being held in front of the Palace by your very effective warriors. I would humbly ask that you quarter them appropriately.” His lips twisted into a tight smile.
“Indeed, Your Highness. Kara, would you be so kind as to speak to our warriors and see this is done immediately?” Cassie reached out and touched Kara’s arm. “Lady Kara, treat them as the special guests that they are.” Kara bowed, understanding her Commanders meaning, and she left the room with a quick step.
The Destian King knew she meant they would be watched carefully, and he looked at her speculatively. She was wise to show such caution, it seemed the rumors of her prowess were accurate.
Darien bowed to her.
King Nyles approached, and it was then
Cassie realized that Nall had taken up a position next to Kara when the Destians entered.
“Darien.” He nodded imperiously and King Darien returned the greeting coldly.
Cassie could have cut the tension with the sword she still held.
Darien smiled at Nera and offered his hand. She reciprocated, and he swept low and kissed her knuckles.
Such a courtly gesture from the powerful warrior King was almost comical.
Darien and his men were covered in dirt and sweat, indicating they had ridden hard to get to Erla. Nera looked them over and offered a suite of rooms and hot baths to the King and his men. She told them they would hold the banquet until they rejoined them. Her offer was graciously and rapidly accepted.
Cassie fell into step beside Darien as they followed the slave to the west wing of the Palace. She had motioned to Nall to remain behind. She had seen the look on his face and didn’t want to referee any fights.
Darien halted halfway down the hallway and faced her, his green eyes piercing hers.
“Lady, I wish to assure you that we mean no harm to your Queen, yourself, or your countrywomen. We came in such haste because we received intelligence that Serlenn intended to align itself with you in order to launch a war against Destia. They have claimed recently that we were encroaching upon their pasture lands, but such is untrue. We have ancient documents granting this land to Destia.” He seemed very sincere, and his eyes never left hers.
Cassie stood surrounded by his enormous personal guards with only her dagger and his sword, but she sensed no threat. She instinctively knew this man spoke what he believed was the truth.
“Lord Darien, don’t worry, we will come together and find a resolution. My Queen is wise, and I assure you some accord can be reached that will satisfy all parties involved.”
Some of the tension drained from his face and he nodded. He then bowed to her before turning to lead his men towards their chambers.
“Wait, My Lord,” Cassie called.
When he turned back to her, she grinned and tossed his sword to him, which he skillfully caught, quirking his brow at her with a broad smile.
Cassie spun on her heel and headed back to the banquet. Entering the Hall, she was met by Nera and she relayed what Darien had told her.
Nyles and Nall, coming up behind Nera, protested Darien’s words, saying that they had tried to settle things peacefully, but the Destians failed to respond each time.
“Gentlemen, we will have no war of any kind in my Banqueting Hall. Tonight, we will celebrate and at least behave as friends. Tomorrow, we will begin working on the problems that divide your countries. Agreed?”
The Serlenn monarch bowed, accepting Nera’s wisdom on the matter.
“Get his Highness another drink,” Nera called to a nearby slave. “Come. Let us enjoy ourselves.”
Slaves instantly rushed to bring everyone a glass, as Nera took Nyles’ arm and led him back to the dancing area. Cassie sipped at her drink, not wishing to lose control too early this night. It was vital she stay aware in order to protect Nera should the need arise. Eventually, she placed her drink on a slave’s tray and picked up a glass of juice instead.
Nall searched her eyes for a hint as to her feelings and she smiled at him, raising her glass in a silent toast that he returned with a tight smile. The musicians resumed playing. The crowd whispered and gossiped as they speculated about the events to come.
Cassie’s eyes searched out her slaves and found them still on the dais. Their faces were somewhat pale, so she excused herself from Nall and walked over to join them, eager to soothe the fear she saw on their faces.
Nall watched her walk away from him and quaffed his drink. He was irritated by the intrusion of the Destian King. It had broken the fragile connection he felt they were building.
Cassie came to her men and touched each one, talking softly and soothing away their remaining fear for her.
“I am well as you can see. Weren’t you excited at the prospect of seeing your Mistress in battle?” she joked.
They returned her smile and assured her that they never wanted to see her in danger.
“What will happen now, Mistress?” Aidan queried.
“I have no idea, my love, but it will definitely be interesting.”
The men from Destia returned to the Hall less than an hour from when they had left. They were clean and dressed in fresh clothing. Darien wore black leather pants and a white, long-sleeved shirt with a black vest. Cassie stared in awe. He was strong, handsome, and most definitely a primal male.
His eyes lit on her as she stood next to Nera and Nyles. He approached and bowed to them, and they returned the gesture.
“Once again, I thank you for your generous welcome upon our unannounced arrival, Queen Nera.” His voice was strong and deep, and it fit him perfectly.
Nera inclined her head and said, “You are very welcome here, King Darien. I look forward to helping your two countries to resolve this dispute and restore peace to your region.” She looked at both men with a polite smile, and they returned her smile along with words of agreement.
Cassie stood slightly apart from them, taking time to observe the newcomer.
He was younger than the Serlenn King but older than Nall. She would place him in his thirties, and he was terribly handsome, exuding confidence and strength.
Darien’s eyes turned towards Cassie and caught her studying him. He arched a sardonic brow, but before she could open her mouth, the dinner service was called, and they all adjourned to the massive table in the middle of the room.
Cassie headed to the seat that was one down from Nera, allowing the royal visitors access to the seats next to Her Highness. Darien smoothly placed himself between the Queen and Cassie, putting a frown on the face of the Prince of Serlenn. When the darker man caught his look of displeasure, he broke into a rakish grin. Darien clearly saw the other man’s attraction to Erla’s Commander and relished the chance to get under his skin.
Slaves moved quickly and easily amongst the diners, serving the royals first followed in quick succession by the dignitaries and courtiers. Kai and Garen moved to either side of her and placed food and drink before her. Kai remained standing between her and Darien, awaiting her pleasure. Not wishing to further complicate the situation, Cassie kissed Kai’s hand and sent him back to the others.
Darien watched as Garen settled a napkin on her lap and offered her choice tidbits. She smiled up at him while he tempted her with various delicious foods.
Darien ate quietly for a number of minutes before he leaned back in his chair, watching this interaction between Mistress and slave. After a few more moments, he lifted his goblet of Mull and sipped it before addressing Cassie.
“It amazes me,” he said as her head turned towards him, “that a man such as this, who has the looks and potential of a soldier, would stand beside you like a docile lapdog, feeding you sweetmeats.” There was no offense in his voice, only curiosity, but he was testing her and she knew it.
Cassie took a breath and smiled sweetly at the foreign monarch before replying.
“True enough, My Lord. But then there are some men who were born to a higher calling, such as my beloved Garen here.” Darien barked out a shout of laughter, and all eyes settled on them as they gazed at each other with looks of friendly challenge.
“Well met, My Lady.” He nodded to Garen, who inclined his head modestly.
Cassie lifted Garen’s hand to her lips while holding Darien’s eyes and then sent him to sit with the others.
Nall took in this encounter with irritation, but he knew he must control his feelings. There could be no future for him and the Commander of the Erlan Army.
She would not leave this land to go to his where she would not wield the power she did in Erla. Even so, his desire for her would not be denied. Nall was smitten, but he was not a fool. It stung him, however, to see the Destian King worming his way into her good graces.
Darien asked her about her world, and Cassi
e told him a great deal before he switched the conversation to fighting and strategy. They carried on a lively discussion for quite some time before the Serlenn musicians struck up their instruments again. She felt a touch on her shoulder as Nall held out his hand in invitation.
The music was slower this time, and Nall wrapped her in his strong arms, pulling her closely to him. They swayed and moved with the music as they were slowly joined by other couples.
Soon, Nera moved by in Darien’s arms, and his eyes fixed onto Cassie with a challenging look. She laughed softly, that caused Nall to pull back and look at her questioningly. She simply shook her head and asked him to tell her more about his home.
Nall’s hand gently moved up and down her spine as he inhaled her sweet fragrance, and Cassie smiled to herself.
She knew that he and Darien were engaged in silent warfare and she was the prize. They would quickly learn that she wouldn’t be a pawn in their little game, though.
She met Kara’s eyes as she danced with King Nyles and motioned with her eyebrows that she wished to speak with her. Kara nodded slightly.
When the music stopped, the women excused themselves from their partners and talked quietly amongst themselves, making plans for later in the evening as there was no apparent reason to mistrust their guests. The Queen’s Guard would remain with her constantly.
The night progressed, and everyone imbibed heavily of both the Jul and the Mull, and much like the last time, the behavior of some of the guests verged on lewdness if not outright carnality. Cassie and Kara mostly abstained, preferring to take their drink with their warriors later. Finally sitting down for a moment, Cassie motioned Mika over to her. He hurried to where she sat, kneeling before her.
“Mika, take the others and return home. It grows late, and both the women and men have had too much to drink. I don’t want any of you in harm’s way.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
“I may be out late tonight. Kara and I are going to the village to be with the warriors.”
“Yes, Mistress. You will have a care for your safety?”
