The Rogue Prince

by Michelle M. Pillow

  “It used to aggravate me at first,” Ulyssa admitted, absently rubbing her stomach. “Kirill would get so bossy and protective. He locked me in his quarters as punishment a few times until I learned to just listen to him. It sounds domineering, but they do know what they’re doing, and they never act dishonorably toward us.”

  “Still,” Jasmine frowned. “Doesn’t it bother you that they just decide and don’t ask your opinion?”

  “They do ask our opinions,” Ulyssa said, smiling. “Or at least they do now after we proved we could be reasonable. It took adjusting on all our parts, but it was worth it. Now, when Kirill asks me to do something with a certain serious look on his face, I know it’s important, and I should listen. And he knows he can trust me and doesn’t have to worry.”

  Jasmine still wasn’t so sure.

  “I know we’re explaining this badly,” Sam said. “You have to understand. Since they were born Var, these men can never take another life mate. Since we weren’t, we could conceivably go on to love again, but who would want to? It is said that many Vars have died of broken hearts because they lost their mates. It’s one of the reasons our husbands’ father, King Attor, taught his sons never to life mate. He’d seen what it could do. Lucky for us, they didn’t listen to the old fool.”

  “Anyway,” Tori said, giving Sam a stern look as she insulted the dead king. Sam looked properly chastised, and suddenly both women burst into laughter.

  “Well, he was,” Sam mumbled, grinning. Ulyssa and Tori instantly nodded in agreement. “Should something happen to us, they’d be alone for hundreds of years.”

  “That’s why they tend to be overprotective,” Ulyssa said. All three women studied Jasmine as if willing her to understand. “But once they know they can trust you, they ease up a little on the whole domineering thing. It takes them awhile to get over the fear that they might lose you.”

  “And with their father’s teachings drummed into their heads, it’s especially difficult.” Tori leaned over and took Jasmine’s hand.

  Jasmine didn’t move for a long time. Slowly, she drew her hand away and placed it in her lap. “You came here tonight with the sole purpose of telling me all this, didn’t you?”

  All three women gave her a guilty look.

  “We wanted to see you, as well,” Ulyssa assured her.

  Jasmine nodded, her mouth tight. “You think by telling me this that Reid and I will magically get together?”

  “Well, we thought…” Tori began, making a weak noise.

  “Yeah, that pretty much sums it up,” Sam broke in.

  “We thought it might help you be more patient with Reid,” Ulyssa explained.

  “These Var men are a handful, but I promise their brains do eventually catch up to their hearts.”

  “It’s aggravating, I know, believe me,” Sam said.

  “Believe us,” Ulyssa amended.

  “Do try to have patience,” Tori said, her eyes shining with hope. “And just be blunt about how you feel. I swear, they can run a kingdom, but they can be so dense when it comes to their feelings.”

  “And, if that doesn’t work, do what I told Tori to try when she was having trouble with Quinn. Hit him over the head until he sees reason or blacks out.” Ulyssa grinned.

  “Besides, if anything, slugging Reid a few times will definitely make you feel better.” Tori giggled. “That one might be the most aggravating of the bunch. I know I’ve felt like smacking him upside the head a few times myself.”

  “He’s tough. He can take it,” Sam assured Jasmine, nodding. Jasmine laughed, despite herself.

  “Don’t get us wrong, Reid’s a good man. He may joke around, but deep inside, he does have feelings. If you demand he tells you the truth, he’ll tell it to you straight. It’s a matter of honor with the Var. They don’t lie unless it’s a life or death situation, or if it can’t be helped.”

  “They never lie to their women,” Tori said.

  “I don’t doubt that all the princes are honorable.” Tears came to Jasmine’s eyes. The women were so sweet. Strangely, she felt close to them, closer than she’d ever felt to anyone, besides Reid. The problem with Reid was that she couldn’t talk to him like this. “But I think you’re misunderstanding what’s going on with Reid and me. You’re assuming I’m his woman. I’m not.”

  The women exchanged a look.

  Tori’s face fell in sympathy. “So you already asked him straight out then?”

  “I didn’t have to,” Jasmine answered. “I already know.”

  The women exchanged another look. Slowly, they all nodded and said no more about it as they changed the subject.

  33

  Kirill’s royal office was much like the rest of the palace, with the same beautiful tile work on the walls and the same medieval castle feel to the structure. Opposite the king’s desk, a large fireplace was dwarfed by the even larger sidewall. Long banners hung on either side of it. A large woven rug of red and blue lay on the floor. Its intricate pattern was perhaps the loveliest in the palace. Next to the rug were large chairs, so deep they’d nearly swallow a person whole.

  Reid stood in the middle of the room, looking between Falke and Kirill, his brow arched in question. “Well?”

  “The Mafia ship is in orbit. They’ve contacted the palace and wish to send someone down to negotiate the return of their property,” Kirill said, standing from behind his desk.

  Reid tensed. His whole body shook. “Jasmine is not their property.”

  “Knowing what we do about the Mafia, we will not send her back with them. Honor forbids it,” Falke said.

  Reid didn’t care about his personal honor. He cared about Jasmine. Nothing else mattered.

  “You know, I always thought that when you finally found out you had another half to your heart, we’d all have a good laugh,” Kirill said. “But, I find nothing funny about your situation.”

  Reid looked at him.

  “Do you remember what you told me, Reid? We do not live our father’s life. It is up to us to make our own destiny,” Kirill said. “King Attor was—”

  “Do you think I’m being stubborn over some nonsense our father said?” Reid asked in disbelief. “I knew he was wrong the first moment I saw her. I didn’t want to admit it, but I knew. She’s been in my head with just one look at her. I’ve dreamed of her. She completes me somehow. I’ve been obsessed with her.”

  “Then?” Kirill asked.

  “She’s not obsessed with me,” Reid answered quietly. He turned his back, unable to meet his brothers’ eyes.

  “Have you asked her?” Kirill’s voice was quiet, gauging.

  “I didn’t have to. She told me how she felt,” Reid laughed, a low, sad sound that held no pleasure. “And, fool that I was, I mated her life to mine. I suppose it is some kind of poetic justice. The one who would never fall mates to a woman who would not have him.”

  “You didn’t tell her?” Falke asked. “She doesn’t know, does she?”

  “What’s to tell?” Reid lifted his chin. “There’s no point in embarrassing myself further and making her uncomfortable in the process. If she wants me, she’ll stay when the time comes to make that choice.”

  “Reid, no.” Kirill shook his head. “Women are not like us. They need to be told. They’re not Var. Don’t make the mistake of—”

  “What’s the plan?” Reid interrupted, unable to discuss it further. He’d spent several glorious days with Jasmine, watching her every move for a sign that she cared for him more than a friend, more than just a lover. That sign never came.

  “Quinn is talking with them now in the communications room,” Kirill said. “He’s stalling, waiting for our decision. Our wives are with Jasmine, keeping her occupied and safe. If she tries to leave, they will restrain her by any means necessary. Jarek took his crew back on his ship, and they are watching things from the sky.”

  “She’s your wife, Reid,” Falke said. “The decision is yours. Should you ask us, we will fight them.”
/>   Reid nodded his thanks, but he could not ask his brothers to fight. They had their own wives and children on the way. If there were another way, he’d find it. Fighting would be the last option. “Let their man come down. Maybe we can convince him that Jasmine’s not here. Or, maybe we can negotiate with them for her. They’re businessmen, seedy ones, but businessmen nonetheless.”

  “I’m sure we’d all like to get that Doctor St. Claire within punching distance,” Kirill said.

  Reid nodded. A fire burned in him. He would give anything to avenge Jasmine and give her peace.

  “It is most likely they know she’s here,” Falke said. “Denying that will only create further distrust.”

  Reid nodded, forcing all emotion aside. “Very well. We’ll say nothing, just let them make their proposal first. Tell Quinn to arrange it.”

  “I’ll alert the soldiers,” Falke added.

  Kirill nodded. “We’ll meet them outside on the landing dock. I don’t want them in the palace. We’ll have Siren on high alert.”

  Reid nodded. “Very well. Let’s do it.”

  34

  Jasmine looked around the table, eyeing the three suddenly very guilty looking women. They’d been chatting nonstop for nearly an hour. It became apparent that their minds were preoccupied elsewhere. But when Tori mumbled, “I hate this part,” Jasmine knew for sure something was up.

  “There’s something going on, isn’t there?” Jasmine demanded, standing up. The women instantly pushed up from the table. Jasmine made a move for the door.

  “Siren,” Ulyssa said. “Lock us in until I give the order.”

  “Yes, my queen,” Siren answered.

  Jasmine ran for the door, pulling at it. It was locked. “Siren, let me out.”

  The computer didn’t answer.

  “Siren,” Jasmine ordered. “Do you hear me? I said let me out of here.”

  “I’m sorry, Princess Jasmine, but I’m just a slut and can’t understand you,” the computer answered.

  “Did she just say she was a slut?” Jasmine demanded, facing the women who stood behind her. “And did she just call me a princess?”

  “Oh, no,” Ulyssa said, rubbing her belly. “You didn’t happen to insult Siren, did you? She’s really touchy.”

  “Siren,” Tori warned. “Jasmine didn’t mean anything she said. Don’t zap her.”

  “Zap me?” Jasmine gasped, looking around the room. Nothing had changed.

  “Apologize to her, quick,” Tori said. “I made her mad, and she zapped my backside, making me pass out.”

  “I heard she locked Reid in the weapons chamber for calling her an overpriced piece of junk,” Sam whispered.

  “I thought he said she was ugly,” Ulyssa said, furrowing her brow.

  “It doesn’t matter,” Tori insisted in a rush. “Trust me. Apologize.”

  Feeling like an idiot, Jasmine apologized to the computer. “I’m sorry, Siren. I didn’t mean it. I was just trying to make Reid mad and I…I apologize.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” Siren said, the voice cheerful. “Apology logged.”

  “Will you please unlock the door, now?” Jasmine asked sweetly.

  “I’m sorry, my lady, but access to such commands is denied to level eight security clearance.”

  Jasmine opened her mouth, about ready to call the computer a few other choice names when Tori rushed to her and covered her mouth. “Trust me on this one, Jasmine. Let it go.”

  “Oh,” Ulyssa moaned. “I’m not feeling so well.”

  Jasmine frowned, thinking the queen was just trying to distract her from leaving.

  “Oh, my…” Sam said.

  “Ulyssa?” Tori asked.

  There was a sound of water raining on stone. Ulyssa’s gown was soaked from the waist down. She looked up from where a puddle gathered around her feet, her eyes wide. “I think I’m having a baby. I’ve been having cramps all day. I thought it was indigestion again from eating all that chocolate last night before bed.”

  “No,” Sam said. “It’s too early yet. You can’t have this baby.”

  “I don’t think that matters,” Jasmine put forth. “Her water’s broken. Go and get her husband.”

  “No, you can’t,” Ulyssa said. “He’s with Reid, they’re…”

  The queen grabbed her stomach and moaned. Sam paled, reaching for her and then backing away.

  “You were married to a doctor, Jasmine, is this…?” Ulyssa said, her eyes tearing in fright.

  Jasmine shook her head, trying to clear it. Ulyssa misread the action and swayed on her feet. Instantly, Jasmine’s mind took over with what had to be done. “Tori, tell Siren to monitor her life functions or whatever the command for this computer is. I’m assuming she can do that?”

  Tori nodded and gave Siren the order.

  “Do you have a medic?” Jasmine asked.

  Sam nodded. “Yes, but he’s making his rounds in the village today. The palace is on high alert until after…”

  “You might as well tell me so we can get past it,” Jasmine said.

  “Argh!” Ulyssa screamed, her knees buckling as she grabbed her stomach. Near breathless, she said, “The guys have gone to meet with the Medical Mafia to see what they want. Aside from that, we don’t know what’s happening. We’re just waiting to get word that it’s all right to come out.”

  Jasmine tensed. “So you were sent to babysit me?”

  “Yes,” Ulyssa rushed. “Now, could you hate me for this later?”

  “Get her on the bed.” Jasmine shook, keeping focused. Tori and Sam helped the pregnant woman to lie down. “Tori, does Siren have any medical functions such as for injections or anything at all?”

  Tori asked the computer. It wasn’t fully operational as a medic, but it did have some uses. It monitored the contractions, and they were able to sanitize their hands in the bathroom. Sam rigged the food simulator to materialize something to help ease Ulyssa’s pain. Ulyssa refused to drink it, worried it might hurt the baby. Jasmine knew it wouldn’t, but she didn’t press the issue.

  Jasmine took a deep breath. Because Tori was a scientist, she was a big help. Between the two of them they managed to set forth a game plan. Sam held Ulyssa’s hand, talking her through it and giving encouragement.

  “Okay,” Jasmine said, sitting on the end of the bed and taking a deep breath. Her fingers shook, but she tried not to let Ulyssa see her worry. “I think we’re ready.”

  “Ahhh!” Ulyssa screamed. “That’s good, cause ready or not, here he comes.”

  35

  Reid glanced at Kirill. His brother’s face paled slightly. Quietly, he asked, “What is it?”

  They stood on the walkway outside the palace. None of them liked the Mafia being so close to their home, but the Var guards were inside prepared for battle should anything happen. Besides, none of the brothers wanted to leave the palace or their women unattended while they met the men elsewhere.

  “It’s nothing,” Kirill said, his jaw stiff. “I just felt Ulyssa for a second.”

  “If you need…” Reid began.

  “No, I trust her. She can take care of herself. I’ll feel it if she needs me to come to her,” Kirill said.

  Reid nodded as he looked toward the end of the platform, wishing he could have such trust between him and Jasmine. The large ship had docked and three men in dark, form-fitting suit jackets that reached to their knees and buttoned all the way down the front, approached them. Their pants were loose around their legs. One of the men carried a small, square suitcase. Reid wasn’t fooled. Even with their refined appearance, they were still criminals.

  “Ambassador Reid,” one of the men said, eyeing him. “Or are you Ambassador Jarek?”

  “I’m Prince Reid,” Reid said, lifting his chin. He didn’t recognize the man who spoke but assumed he’d seen his speech at the medical conference on Nozando. The man with the suitcase stood a few paces behind the other two.

  “I’m sorry, you highness. I didn’t realize you were r
oyalty.” The man bowed, but he didn’t look any more respectful.

  Reid said nothing. The men eyed his brothers.

  “I’m Doctor Ellington,” the man who’d spoken said. Then, motioning to the man at his side, he introduced him. “This is Doc Francis. We’ve come to negotiate the return of our property.”

  Doc Francis was an older gentleman. He didn’t speak, merely stared. Reid glanced behind him to the man with the suitcase. Was that Doctor St. Claire? He’d never seen the man so he couldn’t be sure. The guy wasn’t acting like a man who’d lost his wife.”

  “I wasn’t aware we were in possession of your property,” Reid said.

  “Don’t play games,” Doctor Ellington snapped. “Your friend already talked.”

  Reid tensed. Friend? Did he mean Jarek or perhaps a member of Jarek’s crew?

  Doctor Ellington waved his hand. The man with the suitcase came forward and opened it. With a jerk, he dumped the contents on the ground. A severed head rolled toward Reid’s feet. Reid took a deep, slow breath, forcing his nerves to be calm. Slowly, as if he hadn’t a concern in the galaxy, he looked down. The head’s face was pointed toward his feet. Whoever it had been, he’d had short black hair with graying temples. By the looks of the laceration on his face, he’d been tortured. His eyes were missing from his head. Reid didn’t recognize him.

  “Who’s this?”

  “You don’t know him?” Doctor Ellington asked, surprised. “Perhaps you just don’t recognize Doctor St. Claire. He has lost a little weight, hasn’t he?”

  Reid glanced down again. This was Doctor St. Claire? He took a deep breath, wondering how Jasmine would take the news if and when he told her. Reid couldn’t say he was sorry for it.

  “This is St. Claire?” Reid asked. “You’ve done me a favor. Now I can keep his wife.”

  The men exchanged looks. “This isn’t a joke. I assure you, we’re very serious.”

  “And I assure you,” Kirill said. “We are as well.”