Cassandra Goddess of Harmony

by Debbie Behan

  ‘I’ll only have the physician Lepius touch her, so get the hell out of my face and go get him,’ he growled loudly at the doctor.

  Lepius could see he was holding a female who had blood dripping from her arm and shoulder. Conom was an old friend but not one who had an ounce of patience when it came to something he wanted. He was more powerful than any warlord he knew and Lepius wondered how this young one had him so wound up. They both had the same taste in women so it certainly couldn’t be sexual, that was for sure! He had no relatives either, so what was causing him to act so freaked out?

  Lepius saw the doctor look in his direction and Conom swung around. ‘Lepius, you have to help me. She’s hurt,’ he said, walking over to him. His whole body was shaking and his eyes held more fear than he had ever seen in them. He was in love with her but shook his head, not believing what he was seeing in his face. He was ready to crumble.

  ‘It’s fine, Conom. Come, let me take a look.’ Lepius gestured and made Conom follow him into one of the operating theatres. He patted the table. ‘Here,’ he said, turning to get some sutures and a needle loaded with painkillers. He was in so much of a mood that Lepius decided to keep his questions to himself until later and just kept working quietly. Lepius watched as he laid her so carefully on the table and kissed her forehead.

  ‘Lepius is the best there is, sweetie. He’ll make you feel better in no time,’ he said, holding her hand and still shaking.

  She amazingly enough had no fear of him, just concern. ‘Conom, you are sweet to save me but the others will be worried. Just let them know I’m safe, please,’ she said so sweetly and quietly he almost had to strain to hear her.

  Conom kissed her gently on the hand and nodded. ‘Can I use the NAVcom?’ he asked the doctor. His voice was irritated yet she still just smiled at him, unperturbed.

  ‘Just through the door there,’ he said.

  Conom looked back at her, not wanting to leave and she smiled at him so beautifully, Lepius could almost see him melt. He walked out of the room, unable to do anything but what she wanted.

  ‘You have him quite rattled, young lady. Do you have a name?’ Lepius asked as he pulled up a chair next to her and examined the wounds, cleaning them up.

  ‘Cassie,’ she groaned out as he moved her. ‘Mrs Cassie Hunter. I’m a Cloud Rider and found myself in a bit of bother extinguishing a Supernova that exploded as we were putting it out. Conom intervened and saved me from being totalled by a big portion of it. He’s very angry with my boss at the minute, who happens to be my husband. So I have just asked him to at least let them know I’m okay.’

  ‘Yes, I got that. Nevertheless, I would be very careful how you handle this, Cassie Hunter. He is a very powerful man and is obviously much taken by you.’

  Lepius watched her expression as she nodded. She already knew how he felt and even though this woman seemed young and vulnerable, there was insight and strength in her that even he could feel. There was a lot more to Cassie than his first impressions had told him and he realised she was no one’s fool.

  Lepius could barely hear what Conom said on the phone but the rumbling of his angry tone shook the walls as he spoke, so he assumed Conom hadn’t patched anything up with whomever he spoke to.

  Conom pulled up a chair, trying to compose his rage. With those dark pits for eyes, he would frighten the best of them and yet at the touch of her hand, his mood eased. ‘Everything’s fine,’ he lied to her.

  Lepius could tell she also knew he was being a little evasive but seemed happy her friends at least knew she was alive. ‘Conom, my knight in shining armour. Thank you, my friend.’ She smiled and his face softened under her gaze. She was playing a deadly game with a man she should not be mucking about with. Could she not see his temper? That alone should warn her about him. At least he had stopped shaking with anger now so Lepius at least felt better she was able to calm him.

  He put the needle in her arm and one in her shoulder. He wished he could also jab one in Conom to calm the cranky bastard but thought better of it. He didn’t feel like running at the minute. He sniggered and hoped they couldn’t read minds. ‘I just need a second to let that take effect, Conom. She’s losing a lot of blood so with the pain easing she’ll most likely go to sleep. So don’t go freaking out. Just trust me that she’ll be fine.’

  With that, her eyes started to flutter and she closed them. ‘Lepius, do something,’ he growled, and started getting upset again.

  ‘She’s better being out to it. She’ll feel no pain or sensations now while I stitch her,’ he reassured Conom.

  He moved restlessly, agitated, but let him stitch both wounds. You could have cut the silence with a knife. He watched her face and then looked back at what Lepius was doing. Seeing she felt nothing and that her breathing was steady, he settled down.

  Bloody hell, he’s like a damned time bomb, touchy as all hell. After he bandaged her up, he removed her bloodstained shirt and a new one just magically appeared. She must have been cold as this one had sleeves and a bit of white fur trimmed around it. Lepius jumped back when it happened. It was the first time he saw Conom smile.

  ‘She rides the magical horse outside and it can feel she’s cold. Her clothes change with the temperature and mood of the moment.’

  ‘Well I’ll be,’ Lepius smiled. ‘Never seen that before.’

  Conom scooped her up in his arms and sat holding her so gently it amazed him. He could easily see he wouldn’t hurt her in a fit, although he wondered if the ones he stole her from knew that.

  ‘I think we both need a drink, man. Come back to the palace and I’ll fix us one while we wait for her to come around. It’s okay, she’s not hurting, just sleeping.’

  He stood up with her and Lepius transported them back to the palace. Covin was still outside the ward waiting and came back with them. Even though Conom was an old friend, Covin would trust no one around his king, especially one so twitchy. They both watched with interest as Conom carefully sat with her in the armchair and brushed the hair from her face.

  ‘She’s very beautiful, Conom,’ Covin said. ‘Not your type at all or am I missing something?’

  Conom looked up and frowned. ‘She’s taken and very happy but he’s a bloody idiot and does not deserve her.’ He started to get angry again.

  Lepius passed him a few stiff shots of whisky in a glass that he drank down in one quick gulp. He was sure it hardly even touched the sides. Conom passed him back the glass. ‘Man, I needed that. Thanks, doc,’ he said, sounding a little more human. ‘She’s a fast healer, doc. It’ll only take a couple of days. I wonder if I could stay here with her just until she gets well. I need some time to work through some issues and need a safe haven to do so.’

  Lepius knew it wasn’t right what he was doing, but she looked no fool and it was better he were here with her where he could control any dangerous outcomes and at least give her some form of protection rather than send them to God knew where, then worry himself sick what he might do to her if she woke and wanted to go home. That was going to be an interesting scenario. Would he be so easily swayed by her demands then? The way he acted, he doubted if God himself could prise her from his hands in the emotional state he was in.

  ‘Not a problem. I’ll have a couple of the guest quarters upstairs made up for you both,’ he said, already making up his mind that he would organise for her to have the room next to his. At least he would hear if Conom did get a bit frisky with her. He took Covin aside and explained his plan. Covin went out to organise it with the servants and Lepius watched as they hustled double-time up the stairs to get the rooms ready.

  ‘Are you awake, princess?’ he heard Conom ask.

  Cassie opened her eyes, groaned, and seeing who had her, happily wiggled back into Conom like a helpless little kitten and went back to sleep. Conom grinned so elatedly when she cuddled back into him. He could not help but feel for the guy: in lo
ve with another man’s wife and a damned Cloud Rider for God’s sake. Man, this isn’t something I wanted tossed in my lap. But here he was and so was she.

  ‘She will most likely sleep now for the rest of the night. Why not go and lay her on the bed upstairs so she can stretch out and be more comfortable? That way you can come and join us for supper. You look beat,’ Lepius suggested.

  Conom sat looking at her for a long time as if he didn’t want to put her down. Then with a sigh, knowing Lepius was right, he stood up. ‘You’re the doc and I guess you know better than me. I just don’t want her scared when she wakes up.’

  ‘If it makes you feel better I’ll have a maid sit in her room. She can come and get you the minute she stirs and wakes.’

  He nodded and followed Lepius up to the suite that had been made up for her. The chambermaid was still fussing when they arrived in the room so Lepius told her to stay. She pulled the covers back while Conom laid her on the bed and Lepius smiled as her outfit changed to silk pyjamas. Conom hardly even seem to notice he fussed so much making sure she didn’t hurt herself if she moved around in her sleep. He lay her on her good side and put pillows along her back to prevent her rolling over. Then when he was happy, he pulled the covers over her and kissed her gently on the cheek. ‘Sleep safe, sweetie,’ he whispered and turned to face the maid. ‘Even if she groans you must tell me so I can come up and get her comfortable again. Do not disobey me or I’ll make the rest of your life miserable,’ he warned in a low and dangerous voice.

  All Lepius’s staff were used to being threatened and yelled at so Conom didn’t frighten her at all. The maid just curtseyed and promised to do as he asked before sitting in the chair next to the bed as instructed.

  Chapter Fourty-Eight

  The Princess Kidnapped

  Kayden was frantic. Cassie was in so much trouble and death was imminent if they did not get to her on time. He was freaking out as Cassie screamed and then ducked. He ordered his men to forget every other order and just grab Cassie. He could see that she had another slice across her shoulder as well and his guts twisted that she had been put in so much danger.

  He’d had no idea that this nova was this far gone. Zoren’s people were getting sloppy with their reporting and heads were going to roll this time. Where Cassie was concerned there could be no margin for error like this.

  No more Mr Nice Guy, no bloody way.

  He grimaced as he heard the men suck in their breaths, realising that a portion of it was going to slam directly into Cassie and her horse. Waiting for the impact seemed to take forever as their adrenalin kicked in and everything around them seemed to go into slow motion. Kayden used every ounce of power to speed up the horses to reach her and as his hands went to grab her a shadow fell over her and she and Starburst disappeared.

  Unable to think past cleaning up the rest of the mess, they formed a star shape around the rest of the Supernova crust disintegrating what was left. They all sat, shocked at what had happened, glad she was safe but wondering if she was alright and mystified about where she had been taken. Kayden was sure Covin was responsible but it had happened so quickly that he couldn’t be sure.

  He instructed the horses to head for Aldebaran. As they landed the butler raced out. ‘Quick! The Lord!’ was all he said and scurried back inside, forcing them to dismount quickly and follow him. Inside they found the butler who was leaning over someone. ‘Lord Aldebaran!’ he was calling, trying to get a response.

  The wall had been smashed so Kayden realised that Aldebaran had been slammed into it and was still unconscious on the floor. A nurse was now at his side, checking his vitals and waking him up. Kayden bent down beside him to listen to what he was trying to say.

  ‘Conom, he sounded more angry than hurt! She was injured. I tried to stop him but he was too angry with you for letting her get harmed. I don’t know where he’s taken her.’

  Kayden felt sick to the stomach already and it wasn’t helping. ‘Please calm yourself, Ald. Let the nurse check you out. Conom won’t hurt her, she’ll calm him.’

  He looked pained. ‘But he’s in love with her.’

  Kayden nodded. ‘I know.’

  ‘But I don’t know what he’ll do! He’s so powerful, Kayden.’

  ‘He won’t hurt her. I’ve been watching. Give her time to sort it out.’

  Aldebaran groaned as his head was being wrapped to stop the bleeding. ‘How are you staying so calm?’ he moaned again.

  ‘I trust my wife,’ he confided as he helped him up and to the armchair. ‘Now, tell me everything that happened.’

  He seemed a bit embarrassed. ‘We couldn’t help it, we were watching. Conom was angry enough when she had her arm cut the first time and I tried to switch off the communication then but he wouldn’t have it and argued with me. Cassie was hit again and this time her shoulder was sliced. He just freaked out, swearing at both of us and saying neither of us deserves her. He said we were reckless for letting her do what she does. I had just about settled him when that last portion of nova headed for her. That’s when he literally picked me up in a fury and flung me off him. I don’t think he realised his own strength: so much mixed passion and protective concern. He damned near threw me through the stone wall, the mongrel bastard.’

  ‘I’m grateful she’s safe, Aldebaran and as much as I’m twisted with guilt for what I had to put Cassie through, our job is to prevent any damage to the stars when under attack. Cassie is a soldier and in battle as you are well aware, there are sometimes unavoidable injuries. She was coping and yes it was touch and go but hell or high water I would have made it to her in time.’ He sighed. ‘I’m damned annoyed at Conom for taking it upon himself to have such little faith in me that he felt it necessary to abduct my wife from the tyrant he thinks I am. He stood abruptly, putting all emotion aside. ‘Sorry to leave you like this, Aldebaran but we have to get back to the mission and the mess it has become. Keep me informed with any news you find out about my wife.’

  Aldebaran sat up, holding his head that was aching. ‘She was hurt and I tried to let her be. I have to admit though, Kayden, I was terribly relieved when I came round just now and found she was alive, even if the traitorous bastard has taken her from us. He’ll have her at a hospital somewhere. I’ll make inquires while you’re gone and try to find out where,’ he offered.

  Kayden thanked him and left with his team to finish what they had started. His men quietly followed him out and Kayden injected a feeling of calm through them and instructed them to keep their minds on the mission until it was completed. The last thing he needed was for them to freak out as well. He linked with the men and sent Cassie some healing once they all mounted their horses before heading off to Pyxis, after which he would make a quick stop at Hydra to assess any damage, before heading to Alpha site where he hoped Zoren’s team had monitored it and had a fix on where Cassie had been taken.

  They arrived at Pyxis and landed on the star Velorum, the home world of Captain Rogers. After greeting the Captain, they followed him inside his ship. The ship had been dug out underneath and he had built a mansion underground. The walls were of a sandy appearance, giving them an authentic look. Magnificent handmade ships and boats where displayed in glass cases around the room.

  The one he was working on sat prominently on his workbench. ‘Just a bit of a hobby of mine,’ he chatted as he poured them a drink.

  Normally Kayden would have refused alcohol as they still had a lot to do but he was too annoyed with how this had all gone down and needed something a bit stronger to drink. Woody had resumed control with the men and was holding it together for Kayden’s sake. His composed authority was helping him keep his mood in check.

  Captain Rogers grinned as he handed the drinks around. ‘That girl of yours is a little powerhouse. I watched you on satellite and noticed her injuries. I hope she’s well.’

  ‘Yes, Cassie received a slight injury and i
s having it attended to. I’ll pass on your kind words,’ Kayden said, not wishing to discuss private issues with the stars. ‘The danger is over for now. If you wish to put in a personal complaint towards the Raven or Leon, I’ll send Woody back later with some papers for you to sign. Otherwise it will be in my report and as normal, be dealt with by the authorities at Alpha site.’

  ‘Kayden, it’s not the first time you’ve helped me out and I trust you to proceed as usual. You are so much better with detail than an old seadog like me. My days of keeping logs are well over.’ He sat back in his chair, lighting his pipe.

  He motioned to Woody to hand around the cigars and sat back comfortably, giving them the details of what he knew of the argument between the perpetrators. Woody could see Kayden was in no mood to deal with petty bitching so he engaged with the captain and left the boss to his thoughts of Cassie and Conom.

  Woody nudged Kayden when they’d finished the cigars and the drink, letting him know they were itching to move on. Kayden stood up, taking his glass over and placing it on the tray. ‘I’m glad your world is safe, Captain Rogers and when we’re not so time-poor we’ll pop in for a more enjoyable chat. I’ll draw up papers and have them dropped off for your signature. This wasn’t a direct hit on you; nevertheless the nova could have caused you much damage the way it was so out of control. You’ll be asked to testify when the perpetrators are asked to answer to the charges if that’s not too much of a bother.’

  He was a jolly old soul. ‘It’ll be a pleasure. I’d expect it out of the cunning Raven but was shocked Leon was involved. He definitely needs to rethink his friends or he’ll make more enemies up here than just me,’ he croaked out with annoyance.

  Next stop was Hydra, the home of the water snake that may have received some slight damage after Cassie had been snatched from them. His men cleaned up all but a couple of chunks and those he had seen head for Hydra. He needed to check out the damage, if any.