by S. E. Smith
Over the last several months, Jar had put together the defense system Jazin had designed and was testing it on a series of scale model warships. They were ready for the final tests. If the tests were successful, the Kassis warships would be virtually impregnable. No one knew where Jar’s hidden base was but Jazin. He would be taking a specially modified fighter to the small planet alone.
Rolling out of the bed, Jazin’s eyes softened as Star reached out seeking him in her sleep. He pulled his still warm pillow closer to her and chuckle silently when she sighed and buried her face in it. His heart wrenched at the idea of leaving her now but he had no choice. The Intel on Tai Tek could prove devastating if he was successful at arming the Elpidios with information about the Kassis defenses. The protection of the power crystals they used and his people came before his own happiness. He could only hope that Star would understand. He also knew she would never let him go alone. That was another reason why he felt the guilt. He was sneaking away like a thief.
A curse froze on his lips as he forced himself away from her side. He quickly showered and packed. He stopped only long enough to brush a soft kiss across Star’s forehead and slip a video disk he quickly recorded onto the pillow next to her. With one last glance, he walked out of the room.
“You will protect her with your life,” Jazin told Armet as he strode down the long corridor and out onto the steps leading out of his House. He paused to look at his Captain of the Guard. “I have claimed her. She is Lady Star Ja Kel Coradon now. Do not let her leave the West House alone.”
Armet looked at the determination on his young Lord’s face. “I will protect her with my life. Good luck on your mission, my lord,” Armet said pressing his fist against his chest in respect.
Jazin glanced back at the house one last time before he nodded his head in acknowledgement. He quickly ran down the last of the steps and disappeared through the garden. He had a mission to complete so he could return to the warm arms of his mate.
If she would have him when he got back, he thought with a grimace knowing full well that Star was not going to be happy when she discovered he had left her behind.
*.*.*
“I’m going to roast his balls over an open fire,” Star growled as she paced back and forth. “I need that cage Madas told me about, the one that hangs over boiling water. I’ll put him in it and let him sweat his ass out wondering if I’ll come along to claim it,” she continued as she stomped back and forth in frustration.
It had been two long, long weeks since she had woken to find herself all alone. Two weeks of watching the video disk where Jazin begged her to forgive him for not telling her he had to leave on a mission. Two weeks of silence, wondering if he was safe. Tears of frustration filled her eyes and she brushed them away impatiently.
“Star, I’m sure he will be alright,” River said biting her lower lip as she watched her friend. “Torak hasn’t said anything. I’m sure he would have told me if something had happened.”
Star stopped and scowled at River. “Are you kidding me? The men here don’t tell us women anything! I’m lucky I can go to the bathroom without Armet or one of his guards being with me,” she growled out in frustration. “I’ve had it! If I had known that Jo was leaving yesterday for Earth, I would have been on that warship with her. I’m done with this! I just want to go home.”
River rose up to grip Star’s arm. She was beginning to show a little now and had a glow about her. She held Star’s arm tightly until Star looked at her.
“You don’t really mean that, do you?” River asked looking deeply into Star’s eyes. “I don’t want to be here alone. If it wasn’t for you and Jo,” River’s voice faded as tears filled her own eyes. “Damn, now I’m getting emotional.”
Star sighed. “No, I don’t really mean it. It’s just…. I love the big oaf and he treats me like I’m this fragile piece of glass. It is driving me nuts,” Star said sitting down on the couch.
River gave her a watery grin. “I know what you mean. I think I butt heads with Torak daily. He thinks I should just be sitting around and planning how the servants should clean the North House. Personally, I could care less.” A mischievous grin suddenly curved her lips. “How about we break out of this joint and go explore the city?”
Star’s eyes widened in excitement before they dropped to the small rounded bump in River’s stomach. “What about boogerbutt?” She asked, nodding to River.
River laid a protective hand over her stomach before she grinned really big. “He likes high places. I’ve been taking him up almost daily. How do you think I get here?”
Star’s lips formed an ‘O’. She giggled in excitement. “I just need to change into something more appropriate.”
*.*.*
Three hours later, Star leaned back in the chair at the small restaurant they had discovered. They had escaped by going out the third floor window to the roof. Long, decorative beams connected the four Houses. It had been a piece of cake to walk them. They had then scaled one of the columns that had the fragrant vines climbing all over it near the South House. Once inside, they simply blended in with a group of visitors leaving.
They had visited the market place where they purchased different types of fruits, breads, and jams and several clothing shops. Star was excited about several sets of pants and shirts she had found. She casually rested her newly purchased boots onto the railing overlooking the crystal clear water slapping up against the seawall.
“Now, this is the life,” Star giggled as she took a long drink of the fruity ice drink the waitress had brought her. “I am so glad Jazin has a credit line everywhere. Just mentioning his name was better than having a Visa Black card.”
River leaned back and propped her feet up next to Star’s. “I agree,” she said sleepily. “I love those shirts you bought and those boots you are wearing are gorgeous.”
“The man in the shop said yours should be ready in a couple of days,” Star said with a yawn.
She hadn’t been sleeping well since Jazin had left. Right now, she felt like she could curl up in a happy little ball and doze like a cat in a window box. River’s yawn drew a chuckle from her. River looked like she felt. Her friend’s eyes were drooping even as she took another sip of her drink.
“What do you think my folks are going to think when Jo tells them what happened to us?” Star asked quietly looking at the sparkles reflecting off the water.
“Knowing your folks, they will welcome Manota, Jazin, and Torak with open arms,” River said with a sleepy grin. “They love everyone and everyone loves them.”
Star’s lips curved into a smile. River was right. Alan and Tami Strauss opened their hearts and their homes to anyone and everyone. Both of them were very active in the community, sharing their skills and love of aerial acrobatics at the local community center and working with disabled children. They were both accomplished photographers as well and worked freelance selling their pictures to magazines and other online sites.
“Lady Star,” Armet’s harsh voice broke through her musings.
Star groaned out loud in frustration. Busted! He would probably put her in the dungeon until Jazin returned now. River’s groan echoed Star’s when she heard Dakar’s voice.
“Kev’s replacement is as bad as he is,” River whispered as she put a bright smile on her face. “I have to admit that I love driving him nuts, though.”
Star watched as Armet and Dakar wove their way through the tables toward them. Both men had a deep scowl of worry on their face. Star rolled her eyes at River and stood up.
“Hi Armet,” Star said cheerfully. “What brings you here?”
Armet’s mouth tightened in frustration. When the servant who cleaned Jazin and Star's living area didn't receive an answer to her request for entrance she became concerned and notified the guard. A quick search revealed the apartment was empty. The guard on duty swore that only Lady River had entered and neither she nor Lady Star had left. Armet contacted Dakar and discovered neither he nor any of T
orak's guards were aware that Lady River had left the North House. That left one conclusion, they had snuck out.
He and Dakar, along with a small army of North and West House guards, had scoured the city looking for the two women. Their unusual coloring and the fact that they were moderately famous helped in the search. After following their trail of visits to local merchants who had not only been fascinated with the two females but utterly entranced by their friendliness and unusual beauty, they had finally located them. Armet ground his teeth when he saw them relaxing back, totally oblivious to the fact that a small crowd of onlookers had gathered to see the unusual species that had captured not only the hearts of the royal family but the imagination of the Kassisan people.
“Would you like a drink?” Star asked with a grin. “They make the most incredible fruity drink here. I bet they could even put some liquor in it to help you loosen up a little. You know being all doom and gloom all the time can't be good for your blood pressure,” she teased.
“Make that two,” River said, tilting her head back and looking at Dakar's tightly controlled face. “Hi Dakar.”
“Lady River,” Dakar acknowledged stiffly.
River rolled her eyes and looked at Star. “I think we need to request a bottle of the good stuff. Do you think Torak would be upset when that shows up on his credit?” She asked mischievously.
Star's light, husky laughter drew the attention of all the males in the establishment and a frustrated groan out of Armet. He knew the tiny female had no clue as to the effect she had on the Kassisan males. Even he wasn't immune to her delicate looks and husky voice. She was like the small, fragile imaginary creatures told to all Kassisan children when they were little. Her long, sun kissed hair sparkled when the sun touched it, her rosy cheeks, dancing eyes, and tiny, perfectly proportioned figure pulled at a warrior's need to protect. Her husky voice pulled at the male's need to possess and claim. Armet ground his teeth together as he felt both responses to her.
“My ladies, I think it would be best if we returned to the royal Houses,” Dakar said in a cool voice. “Lord Torak will not be happy that you left without protection.”
River's eyebrow rose at Dakar's tone. “No offense, Dakar, but I happened to be over the age of having to ask permission if I want to go out for a while.”
Dakar flushed as River's unusual, dark blue eyes stared at him steadily in challenge. A muscle ticked in his jaw before he bowed his head in respect. River refused to back down. Dakar needed to learn that she wasn't going to be intimidated by him or anyone else. Besides, she wasn’t stupid. She had enough blades on her to handle just about anything.
“My lady, I promised Lord Jazin that I would protect you with my life,” Armet said quietly, stepping closer to Star. “For now on if you wish to visit the markets or shops in the city, I will make arrangements for it. I just ask that you not leave the West House without proper protection,” he added reluctantly.
Star's mouth twisted in remorse when she noticed the strained look on Armet's face. “I’m not used to asking for permission to do things,” she responded with a rueful grin. “I can’t promise, but I’ll try. I will tell you, and I’ll tell Jazin when I see him again, that I will not be kept in a gilded cage.”
Armet bowed his head briefly to show he heard the steel behind her words. A reluctant smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He had heard the rumors that the three females were the prophesied warriors spoken of in a recently discovered temple in the ruins of Karazdin, the ancient city of knowledge. If he had not fought during the battle several weeks ago and saw the dead warriors in the garden for himself, he would never have believed it possible for females to be warriors. The fact that the two females could also escape the Royal Houses without being seen proved their skills at moving unseen through a highly secured area. A feat an experienced warrior would have difficulty doing.
“I do not believe there is a cage in all the known galaxies that could hold you for long, my lady,” Armet admitted reluctantly.
“Armet,” Dakar’s voice called out. “We need to return immediately.”
Star looked at Dakar’s face. He had been listening into the com attached to his ear intently for the past several minutes. His eyes had grown colder the longer he listened and his eyes had focused on her face. A feeling of unease rolled through her stomach. Something was wrong. She could feel it as a shiver coursed through her body. Something had happened to….
“Jazin,” Star breathed out looking at Dakar’s face intently as she said the name of the man who meant everything to her.
The flicker in his eyes told her the feeling of unease had been correct. Star reached down and grabbed the bags at her feet. River rose immediately, a look of concern on her face as she stared at Star. No words were necessary. River had sensed the same thing she had. Something bad had happened to the man she loved.
Armet reached over and took the bags from Star and River, stepping back so the two women could move ahead of him. Star numbly followed Dakar’s lethal figure through the crowded room and out into the street. A transport pulled up and he opened the door. Neither woman said a word as they quickly slid into it. Star stared blindly out the window as the transport rose and did a U-turn in the middle of the busy street. They wove through the streets at a fast pace heading back to the palace. Star jerked in surprise when she felt River curl her fingers around her cold ones.
“Everything will be alright,” River whispered compassionately.
Star opened her mouth before closing it. She nodded once before turning to look back out the window at the blurred images of buildings and people going about their daily life. She saw none of that. The only image she had in mind was of Jazin’s beautiful smile as he looked down on her after he had claimed her. A single tear escaped and coursed silently down her cheek. She refused to believe that would be her last image of him.
Chapter 6
The transport slowed as it pulled up in front of the steps to the South House. Dakar slid out quickly once it stopped. He scanned the area carefully before he stepped back far enough for River, Star and Armet to slide out. Armet took Star by the elbow while Dakar escorted River toward the steps leading to the front entrance. Torak and Ajaska were standing at the top, waiting. Torak immediately descended the steps when he saw River. He drew her into his arms, holding her tightly against him. Ajaska looked sadly down at Star. He opened his huge arms for her without saying a word. Star shook her head in denial even as she slowly climbed the steps. Her heart beat erratically as she stopped in front of him and looked up. She stared at Ajaska for a brief moment before stepping into his embrace as uncontrollable shivers began coursing through her.
“Please tell me he is okay,” she begged in a voice thick with tears. “Please tell me he isn’t…. he isn’t….” She turned her face into the warm muscular chest and fought unsuccessfully to control the sob that was trying to escape.
Grief pulled at Ajaska as he held the tiny mate of his youngest son in his arms. Pain and sorrow poured through him as he felt her fear and disbelief. He and Torak had just received word that Jazin’s fighter had been destroyed while returning from the Uri Spaceport. Initial reports say that it had exploded shortly after leaving the popular refueling station. The unofficial report states the fighter was believed to have been damaged when a short-haul freighter came in to quickly and struck it.
“I’m so sorry, my daughter,” Ajaska murmured as he ran his hand over the silky, blond strands. “He did not suffer,” Ajaska reassured her even as his eyes closed as pain swept through him.
“NO!” Star’s muffled cry of pain and grief poured out from the center of her soul.
Ajaska caught her as she collapsed, sobs tearing at her tiny body until he feared she would harm herself as she shook. He picked her up in his arms and turned to enter the South House, heading toward medical. Star’s wretched sobs echoed as he moved through the silent corridors. Torak followed, holding River’s weeping figure protectively against his body. His own face
twisted with grief as he followed his father.
*.*.*
Star sat in the chair by the window, staring out at the gardens with unseeing eyes. It had been a little over a week since Ajaska told her that Jazin had been killed. She remembered very little of the first few days. A numbness had settled around her. She knew what was going on but she was more of a ghost observing everything from the outside instead of being a participant. She didn’t remember eating, drinking, or sleeping. She knew who came and who went but that was all. She didn’t respond to anyone; not even to River who came daily to spend time with her.
“Star, try to drink some of this,” River was saying as she held a cup out to her. “It is a broth that will help you keep your strength up.”
Star fought down the bile that rose at the smell of the liquid. She turned her head slightly away from the smell. She heard River’s sigh and the sound of the cup being set down on the table. In the background, she heard someone knocking on the outer doors. The knocking became more persistent until River finally released a muttered oath and stood up to answer it.
Star heard muffled voices from the other room before footsteps echoed quietly against the tiled floors. She didn’t know who had come to visit. She didn’t care. She was waiting. For what, she didn’t know for sure. Perhaps for the numbness to wear off. Perhaps for someone to say there was a mistake and Jazin hadn’t been killed. Perhaps for death so she couldn’t feel the mind-numbing pain that was eating away at her. She didn’t know and really didn’t care. She would sit here and wait.
