They followed her inside and she looked from one to the other.
“I don’t suppose that you’re going to tell me what that was about?”
“No, my L’chka.”
“Hmph.” Her gaze traveled to him speculatively, and then she shook her head. “And I suspect you will be just as close mouthed.”
“You would not expect me to betray a confidence?” he asked, giving her his most innocent look.
“Not even if your queen demanded it?”
The question unsettled him. In his previous life, it would never have occurred to him to hesitate in complying with a queen’s request, but things seemed so different here on Earth. Everything about the situation was new. Was he behaving inappropriately, even though his instincts told him to follow T’kol’s lead?
Lissie must have recognized his distress because she stepped forward and reached up to put her hand on his cheek.
“Don’t worry, Hisst. I was teasing. I never want to set you two against each other.”
Yet another example of the difference between an Icluthian queen and a human queen. An Icluthian queen would frequently cause disruption amongst her brace, either to determine the strongest member or even simply for her amusement.
“Thank you, my queen,” he said sincerely. “I am the luckiest of all warriors.”
“We are both blessed,” T’kol agreed as he handed Hisst the container. “These are the initial outfits. Can you assist L’zabet? I wish to speak to T’lan.”
“Are you leaving again?” Lissie asked. “You are coming to see Queen Adorissa with us, aren’t you?”
“Of course, my L’chka.” T’kol smiled at her. “However, I suspect that it will take you longer to prepare than it will take me. I will return shortly.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Lizabet did a slow turn, admiring herself in the mirror. Hisst had helped her dress while T’kol went to discuss the situation with the two officers with T’lan.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” she said.
Her gown was made from an emerald green silk fabric that rose up behind her head in a stiffened ruff. Hisst had directed her to arrange her curls in a loose bun on top of her head so that her face was clearly framed by the stiff material. The front of the gown opened all the way from her neck to below her belly button, each side edged by a row of silver embroidery. The inside curve of her breasts was clearly visible, and even though she was used to wearing revealing clothing, this was a little bit more than she generally revealed. However, the look of appreciation in Hisst’s eyes did much to offset her self-consciousness.
“This is a traditional outfit for a queen?”
“Yes, my queen. But never have I seen it worn so well.”
She lifted her hand to the dargan stone dangling between her breasts.
“And the jewelry is acceptable?”
“Yes, of course.” He frowned. “I wish that I had a present to give you that would also enhance your beauty.”
Her throat ached. He really was so sweet. She stopped admiring herself in the mirror and moved over to put her arms around him.
“You’re the only present I need, Hisst,” she said softly.
The door monitor chimed softly and Hisst immediately tensed. It still astounded her how quickly he could switch from devoted lover to prepared warrior. But then his shoulders relaxed.
“It is your sire.”
“T’chok?” She cast a rueful look down at her garment. He was not going to approve. Taking a deep breath—which did interesting things to the neckline of her gown—she accompanied Hisst as he went to let him in.
T’chok took one look at her outfit and outrage filled his face.
“This is not acceptable,” he roared at Hisst.
Hisst looked remarkably calm. “She is properly dressed by our customs. Indeed, this outfit would only be worn by a queen of the highest rank.”
T’chok scowled. “I do not like it.”
“You never like my outfits,” she pointed out. “At least this one isn’t ripped, and for that matter, it reaches all the way to my ankles.”
“A small benefit,” he muttered.
“Did you just come here to give me a hard time about my clothing?” She grinned up at him, unfazed by his anger. T’chok had always been there for her and she had no doubt that despite his bluster, he was here for her now.
His horns lowered as concern crossed his face. “T’gana has informed me that Queen Adorissa is insisting on meeting with you alone.”
“Alone?” Her heart started to thump uncomfortably.
“Alone does not mean without your warriors,” Hisst said firmly.
T’chok nodded reluctantly. “That is correct. She merely stated that no other Yehrin could accompany you. I do not like it.”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” she said as reassuringly as possible, trying to hide her own doubts. “Maybe she just wants to have a little girl talk.”
“It is most common for queens to only speak with other queens,” Hisst agreed. “I was surprised to learn that she had even agreed to meet with Senior Commander T’lan.”
T’chok sighed. “I must admit that it was not successful visit. So as much as I dislike her request, I suppose we have no choice.”
“I’m sure it will be fine,” she said, and patted his arm. “We’re in the middle of New Haven. What is she going to do?”
“I suppose you are right.” T’chok fastened a burning blue gaze on Hisst. “You will ensure her safety.”
It was not a request, but Hisst nodded solemnly. “With my life.”
T’chok studied him, then dipped his own head. “Very well. I can at least accompany you to her residence, and I will wait outside until you return.”
The familiar lump filled her throat. After fifteen years with a father whose only interest in her was that she took care of the house and stayed out of his sight, T’chok’s kindness and concern still surprised and delighted her. She gave him a quick hug and then turned a watery smile on Hisst.
“Is there anything else I need to do to get ready?”
“The ceremonial belt.” He cast a somewhat nervous glance at T’chok, although it seemed an innocuous enough piece of clothing. “It is traditionally fastened by your brace.”
T’chok frowned, but he did not seem unduly upset. “I will wait here.” He sat cautiously on the low couch, a disgusted expression on his face. “I do not understand this desire for furniture designed to trap you in its embrace.”
She giggled. “Some of us like to be comfortable.”
His face softened. “If it makes you happy, then I can accept it, my daughter.”
“Please send T’kol to join us as soon as he returns,” Hisst said lightly as he urged her back towards the bedroom.
As soon as they were inside, she turned to him. “Do you know why she won’t let the Yehrin accompany us? Do you think something is wrong?”
“No, I do not believe so. I think perhaps it is a good sign Queen Adorissa is treating you as another queen.” Despite his words, he did not look quite as certain as she would have liked.
“Is this one of those occasions where there is something you’re not telling me because you think I’ll be worried?” she asked suspiciously.
He shook his head. “No, Lissie. I just suspect that this will be a new experience for all of us. I am not sure that Queen Adorissa has met with anyone outside of her own species prior to this visit.”
“But I thought…” She hesitated, trying to find a tactful way to state her question. “I thought that the Icluthians also… explored other planets.”
He raised a brow ridge. “Do you mean conquered?”
That was exactly what she had been trying not to say. The heat rose in her cheeks, and she shrugged.
“My understanding of Yehrin history is admittedly limited, but I was under the impression that both you and they were competing for planets.”
“To a certain extent that’s true, although the Icluthians hav
e always had a preference for uninhabited planets.” He looked out the window at the snowy landscape and shuddered. “And preferably ones with a more comfortable climate. However, that did not mean that we did not often challenge each other over a specific solar system. Some resources are always in demand.”
That made sense now that she thought about it. And of course, the Icluthians did not seem to suffer from the same need to find mates which troubled the Yehrin.
Hisst raised his head and his cheeks fluttered.
“Our mate approaches.”
T’kol walked into the bedroom, took one look at her and growled.
“That outfit is not appropriate.”
“Hisst says it is what a queen should wear,” she informed him.
T’kol gave Hisst an outraged glare. “You want to reveal our mate’s body to other males?”
Hisst sighed. “As I explained to T’chok, this outfit establishes her status. It also speaks highly of us as her warriors. Only a queen with a powerful brace would choose to wear the traditional gown.”
T’kol stopped scowling as he considered Hisst’s response. “The power of a brace is not determined by its size?”
Hisst shook his head. “Not at all. While it is true that some queens choose to enhance their status by collecting a large brace—my dam was one of those—the worth of the brace is in the worth of the individual members.”
“I still do not like it.” Despite his words, T’kol seemed somewhat appeased by Hisst’s statement. “But I suppose I have no choice. Are we ready to leave?”
“There is one more thing.” Hisst reached back into the box that had contained her outfit and pulled out a small case. He opened it to reveal two strands of sparkling silver metal inlaid with tiny stones. “This is her belt. Each strand represents a member of her brace. It is traditional that we place it around her together, weaving the strands together.”
With Hisst guiding T’kol, the two males intertwined the strands in a complicated pattern, the resulting belt resting low on her hips with the free ends falling down between her legs. The feel of their fingers caressing her through the thin silk as they constructed the belt caused an ache in her pussy and her nipples tightened. When they finished and she surveyed herself in the mirror, she realized how blatantly sexual the belt appeared, drawing the eye directly to her sex. Her cheeks flushed as Hisst stepped up to one side of her and T’kol to the other.
The three of them made a striking picture. T’kol in his severe black uniform, with his arms bare and his horns towering over his head, looked every inch a warrior. Hisst was equally as striking, completely covered in the tight black suit that accentuated his lean muscular build and made a distinct contrast to his golden green scales. Even with her curves, she looked tiny between the two tall figures, but the gown gave her a regal appearance despite its unabashed sensuality.
“We look good together,” she said softly.
“We are good together.” Surprisingly, T’kol had been the one to speak and she turned to him.
“Do you mean that, T’kol?”
He looked at her, and then at Hisst watching them both intently, and nodded firmly.
“Yes, my L’chka. While this is certainly not what I had envisioned for my future, I find that having two mates is a far more rewarding experience than I had anticipated.”
Tears threatened her carefully applied makeup and she blinked them back, smiling at both males.
“Then let’s go show Queen Adorissa what a worthy brace truly looks like.”
Her happiness supported her all the way to Queen Adorissa’s door.
Unfortunately, she immediately recognized the Icluthian warrior to open the door—it was the same unpleasant male who had visited them earlier. Once again, an acrid scent washed over her and Hisst snarled.
“I told you that she was not interested.”
The warrior smirked at him. “And I told you, it was her choice.”
Did he seriously think that he was going to attract her attention? She opened her mouth to tell him in no uncertain terms that she was not interested, when a low voice came from behind him.
“Rasster, move aside. My guests do not have time for your futile and embarrassing attempts to attract attention.” The male meekly bowed his head, however, she noticed that he appeared to be hiding anger rather than shame.
As they stepped into the building, her attention was diverted to the Icluthian queen coming towards her. Like Lizabet, she was dressed in a flowing gown, although hers was a rich gold that accented the pale green hue of her scales. The neckline of her gown descended even further than Lizabet’s, almost to the top of her pubic area, revealing a strip of pale pink scales down her front. Two smaller strips of pink scales also appeared on her cheeks. As she surveyed the queen’s coloring, she realized why Hisst had always seemed so interested in her blushes.
She let him remove the cloak that matched her gown before turning to the queen. According to Hisst’s instructions, she did not bow to her but merely inclined her head.
“Greetings, Queen Adorissa.”
“I am most pleased to present Queen Lissie,” Hisst said proudly.
Adorissa gave him a speculative look but nodded to Lizabet instead.
“I am delighted that you found time to join us for a meal.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“It is well that you have begun to collect your own brace.” Adorissa’s gaze flickered over the two males flanking Lizabet. “A promising beginning, but I do hope you intend to expand it further. Your status will only be enhanced by a larger brace.”
She felt, rather than heard, T’kol growl and knew Hisst stiffened.
“I couldn’t ask for a better brace,” she said quietly, remembering Hisst’s earlier words. “I’m quite satisfied with these two, Queen Adorissa.”
“Call me Adorissa.” The queen waved a hand. “A pity, but at least you had the sense to gather more than one male. I don’t understand how any female can be satisfied with a single mate.” She shuddered delicately, then indicated the low couch next to her. “Please be seated.”
“Thank you.” She took a seat on the low couch, uncomfortably aware that the opening to her gown spread even wider as she sat.
T’kol and Hisst moved into position behind her, mirroring the two warriors standing behind Adorissa’s couch. When Hisst had explained the expected behavior to her, she had protested. Why couldn’t they eat with her and the queen? He had assured her that to do so would lower her standing. Her brace was expected to keep watch over her at all times.
“I don’t see why you can’t watch over me and eat at the same time.”
He laughed and tucked her closer. “Or even watch over you and eat you at the same time.”
Now she hid a smile as she remembered his devilish grin and kept a neutral expression plastered on her face. An array of small dishes were scattered across the tables in front of her, each of them beautifully prepared and entirely unrecognizable. Hisst had assured her that they would be safe for human consumption and T’kol promised that he would scan them unobtrusively to confirm their safety.
Putting her faith in her warriors, she mirrored Adorissa and took small bites from the assortment of dishes. Thankfully, none of them were repulsive, although a few of them were not truly pleasant either. A thick golden wine accompanied the repast and that she enjoyed tremendously.
Adorissa made polite conversation, telling small stories of amusing incidents that had occurred on board the ship. She also probed delicately at Lizabet’s background.
For her part, she made no attempt to conceal anything. Instead, she discussed her studies, using the same light tone. The queen’s face remained as neutral as her own, but the meal passed pleasantly enough.
After the meal was completed, the dishes were cleared away by another silent Icluthian, and the two females contemplated each other. Lizabet decided to be blunt.
“Why did you refuse to meet with the Yehrin? It is our understanding th
at you wish to provide some information to assist in the war against the Saviji.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Queen Adorissa contemplated Lizabet, then sighed.
“You are correct that we journeyed here with the intention of discussing our information with the Yehrin. I was, perhaps, not fully prepared for the absence of a queen with whom to discuss these matters.”
“There are both human and Yehrin females here.”
The queen waved a dismissive hand.
“Females, yes. Queens, no.”
“Because they have no brace?”
“Exactly.” For the first time, some of Adorissa’s composure seemed to depart. “And I believe this is a matter which requires discussion with a queen.”
“I’m listening,” Lizabet said softly.
Adorissa studied her, then nodded at T’kol and Hisst still standing silently behind her couch. “I wish to speak to you privately.”
She heard T’kol growl, but she ignored him. Whatever the queen wanted to say, apparently, she was not going to say it in front of any males.
“Very well,” she said. “However, they will remain within a short distance.”
Queen Adorissa nodded, a look of relief briefly crossing her face. “Perhaps we could adjourn to my bedroom? Your warriors may remain here.” She gestured at the double doors behind them. “This is the only entrance into the room.”
Now Lizabet turned to look at Hisst. He gave a slight nod. T’kol did not look as convinced but he also nodded.
“I will inspect first,” he growled.
Both of the warriors behind Adorissa tensed, but she lifted a shoulder.
“If you wish. Nosstra will accompany you.”
“That is acceptable,” T’kol said shortly.
T’kol and the chosen Icluthian disappeared through the bedroom doors while Hisst remained at her back. Adorissa’s eyes traveled to him, wandering over his body in a way that Lizabet did not appreciate in the least.
“You did not ask my permission to leave the ship,” Adorissa said, her voice cool.
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