by Mary Auclair
I should have known.
She had been marked before she was even born. Minister Knut was right about her.
A specimen. A slave.
Sensations flooded Rose’s body and disappeared just as suddenly, bringing an inferno of revulsion-filled rage in their wake. She was branded like livestock.
“As you can see, Commander Karian’s claims are disproven,” Minister Knut said. “The specimen is indeed property of the Human Preservation Breeding Facility, and should be handed back immediately.”
A ruckus exploded in the crowd. Some shouted encouragement, some shouted their outrage at the idea of a mated pair being ripped apart. Most just argued with each other.
“I am not property.” Rose spoke for the first time, and was surprised to hear her voice steady and strong, reaching every ear. The ruckus stopped immediately and every eye settled on her. “It is true I was born inside the breeding facility, but that doesn’t make me a slave. I’m a person. I belong to no one. Not Minister Knut’s Breeding Facility, not even my mate. I am a free human.”
“You acknowledge that Commander Karian does not own you?” Minister Knut’s eyes shone with perverted glee. “You are but an escapee, and the safest place for you is to return to the care of the breeding facility.”
“NO!” Karian roared, and his hold on Rose became painfully tight. “Rose is going nowhere. Mating law supersedes any other, and you know it.”
“And yet, humans aren’t a recognized free species.” Minister Knut turned slightly to glance at Prime Councilor Aarv. “The mating law cannot apply.”
Prime Councilor Aarv held out her hand, silencing both the crowd and the people on the hovering devices. She turned her head to stare at Rose, her multi-faceted eyes fixed in cold assessment.
“Minister Knut has the truth of the law.” Prime Councilor Aarv nodded once. “Even if it is against my personal inclination, the human named Rose has to return to the care of the facility. You may proceed in reclaiming your property.”
A flash of teeth and talons surrounded Rose as Karian and Arlen stepped to her sides, turning their bodies into deadly walls. Prime Councilor Aarv’s mandibles clicked in outrage, and the giant creature stood up. Her size would make her a fearsome adversary, but Rose felt, deep inside her most primitive instincts, that that was just the surface of the creature’s formidable strength. This was an apex predator, something that would not tolerate a single one of its orders to be disobeyed. Images superimposed themselves over Rose’s vision. Images of death and violence for those who would put their lives in front of her own. Karian, as strong as he was, was only one warrior. Arlen, who was expecting a youngling.
Rose wouldn’t let them die.
“Prime Councilor Aarv, you are wrong.” Rose slipped through the protection of her mate and stood in front of the Prime Councilor. Black beady eyes set on her with deadly intent. “My father and forty others escaped that very facility twenty-three years ago, when I was but a small child. We have been living free of any help for all those years. Twenty-three years.”
Silence followed her statement. At her side, Karian appeared baffled, then understanding came over his face. He turned to Rose and smiled.
“We have achieved independence, in spite of all Minister Knut’s efforts to retrieve us. We have expanded, many children were born, and many more will be in the near future,” she continued, her voice even stronger, captivating the audience. “There is no need for the Genetic Preservation Board to protect humans anymore. What we need is protection from Trade Minister Knut.”
“Is there any proof of your saying? That the human village is indeed thriving?” Prime Councilor Aarv’s metallic voice was higher pitched, and Rose interpreted it as interest.
“Yes, Prime Councilor.” Karian stepped in. “My brother Khal located the human settlement this morning. He will give you any proof you need of the humans’ condition back on Earth.”
Prime Councilor Aarv nodded her assent, then looked back at Rose. “You will need a sponsoring species to ensure the humans’ safety until your people are strong enough to protect themselves.”
“The Eok nation will ensure their safety.” Arlen spoke for the first time. “I have a seal from all seven tribes’ leaders attesting to that.”
“Then it is agreed.” Prime Councilor turned to Minister Knut. “The human is no longer property of the Human Preservation Breeding Facility, nor is any other previous escapee.”
Silence followed. Minister Knut’s face contorted with hatred as he turned his gleaming purple eyes to Rose.
“The Knut family would like to put forward a temporary continuing motion.” Minister Knut wiped the corner of his mouth with his long fingers. “For those subjects still living in the facility, and the exploitation of the natural resources. After that period, if the humans prove to have enough strength to protect their own species, full freedom will be returned.”
“Granted for a period of five years.” Prime Councilor Aarv motioned to a hidden creature waiting in the shadows of the large arena. “If, after this period, humans no longer require assistance for their prosperity, then they shall gain total freedom. The human question is henceforth closed until the lifting of the temporary continuing protection order.”
And just like that, Rose was holding her freedom in her own hands.
CHAPTER 28
ROSE
Rose sat in a waiting room back on the Ring’s diplomatic main base. Incredulity and elation had filled her for the first few hours, but that had died down to a numbing emptiness with the passing of time. Karian and Arlen had both gone to meet with diplomats of other nations to secure as many trade and protection agreements as possible for Earth and the small human population, leaving her alone. She knew she was safe, but she couldn’t help wishing she had gone with Karian. However, he had assured her that while the other nation wouldn’t negotiate with her, they would gladly make an offer to an envoy of the Eok nation. It ruffled her feathers, but she knew better than to push. The humans didn’t have anything to offer, unlike the Eok nation. Still, what she had gained today was a masterpiece.
She had won.
A clicking sound made her jump in her seat and she turned, her heart racing at the idea of finally being alone with Karian.
Then a pearly white face and flowing purple gown emerged into the room.
Tension gathered into a puddle at her feet as Maral entered, followed by Willa, Illya and, finally, Elvira. The Avonies walked into the room, lining up behind Maral, keeping their surreal purple eyes on Rose. Smiles stretched their lips, but alarm bells rang everywhere inside Rose’s head. No matter what Maral had told her in front of Arlen, Rose knew she still wasn’t a friend. Far from it. Only Elvira seemed not to want to squash her like a bug. Rose had to remind herself that she was still not an ally, merely not overtly an enemy.
“So, you secured the humans’ freedom.” Maral lifted her perfect eyebrows. “Congratulations.”
Her face was twisted, and Rose knew she was fighting her desire to say something truly hurtful. Rose stifled a sigh. She didn’t want to fight. Maral’s temper tantrums were the last thing she needed.
“Thanks.” Rose scanned the closed off faces of the Avonies for signs of trouble, but found only ice walls. “Karian’s going to be here soon. You don’t have to wait with me.”
“Oh, you didn’t know?” Maral talked sweetly, and the smile that pursed her lips was chilling to the bone. “Karian left for the diplomatic vessel already.”
“He said he was coming back to get me.” Rose tried to blink the confusion away, but didn’t quite manage it. “The Ring’s main base is the safest place for me.”
“He’s gone.” Maral crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Rose with her bird of prey stare. “Looks like we’re going to go back to the diplomatic ship together. Get used to it, males forget about their mates fast outside the bedroom.”
Rose locked eyes with Maral, assessing her purple stare. Her usual distaste was there, mixed with a
good amount of annoyance, but Rose couldn’t find anything else. There was just this suspicion at the back of Rose’s throat, like an itch she couldn’t scratch. Reluctantly, her gaze left Maral and slid over Willa and Illya, who watched her with a mixture of disdain and excitement. When Rose’s eyes settled on Elvira, she saw pity and anger in her pretty face.
This wasn’t good. Maral was up to something, all right.
“I’m tired of waiting.” Maral rolled her eyes and shot a glance at Willa, whose lips twitched upward. “You either come with me or stay here. Your choice. Honestly, I don’t care.”
Rose glared at Maral. She was no easy prey, and the sooner the Avonie understood that, the better. Whatever unpleasantness she had planned, she could expect Rose to fight it all the way. Rose looked at Elvira again. Her face was set in stone, her features neutral, and her arms crossed over her breast. But her eyes were gleaming, the warning as plain as a bell.
“No, thanks.” Rose lifted her chin. “I’ll wait here for Karian to come back.”
Maral’s eyelids twitched under an angry tic, and she clicked her tongue with an impatient sound.
“Have it your way.” Maral slid a small device from the fold of her gown. “I wanted to make it easier for you, but it seems you like to go the hard way.”
The other Avonies glanced at each other, confusion spreading on their lovely faces. Confusion and fear. Whatever Maral had just decided, they weren’t in on it.
“The human is making a fuss. I told you she was difficult.” Maral spoke into the device. “You’re going to have to come get her.”
“Are you mad?” It was Elvira, shedding her indifferent façade and stepping closer to Maral. “We’re on the Ring’s main base. It’s strictly forbidden.”
“Shut up, Elvira.” Maral snapped. “I’m getting rid of this… this animal.” Maral jerked her chin in Rose’s direction, looking at her like she would a cockroach on her kitchen counter.
“This isn’t what you told us,” Elvira persisted, looking angrier by the second. “You said you wanted to play a trick on her. I figured you wanted to mess up her hair and have her walk around the Ring base looking silly.”
“Elvira’s right, Maral,” Willa said, her face uncertain as she kept glancing toward the door, like she was toying with the idea of running away. “I’m all for teaching the human a few lessons, but what you’re talking about is serious. It’s kidnapping. Our entire families will be killed if we’re found out.”
“Nobody will know it was us. We’re only females, remember?” Maral turned her angry face to her friend, ignoring Rose. “She’s going back where she belongs, as a slave.”
No.
Rose had to get out of there. She didn’t wait for the events to unfold, and ran towards the closest door. With a bit of luck, there would be people there, people who would recognize her as Karian’s mate. Someone who would help her.
An instant later, heels clacked on the stone floor behind her. Rose was a fast runner, and she was approaching the door quickly, but it wasn’t enough. A set of hands flattened on her shoulder blades, pushing her forward. Rose screamed as the stone floor rushed to meet her face, protecting her head in a reflexive gesture. A cracking sound resonated along her bone, and Rose knew her arm was broken even before the pain had a chance to settle.
A fluted voice rose behind her, high-pitched and trembling.
“She’s injured.” Rose recognized Illya’s voice. “Shit, I broke the arm of the mate of the Commander in Chief. What am I going to do?”
“Nothing.” Maral hissed at Rose’s back, and another set of hands closed on her shoulders. This time, the fingers curled and a sharp pain skittered across her skin as nails dug in. Rose was turned around without ceremony, and yelped in pain as her broken arm was moved. “Nobody’s going to hear about this, you understand? No one will know.”
“What have you gotten us into?” Now Illya’s eyes were overflowing with tears. “They’ll kill my younglings, my mate, even my parents.”
“We can still stop this.” Elvira appeared beside Illya. Her eyes were wide and scared, but when she locked eyes with Illya, her face was determined. She looked straight at Rose. “Rose will say it was an accident, won’t she?”
Rose nodded furiously, too afraid to talk.
“She’s lying,” Maral said to Illya, then looked straight at Willa and Elvira.
“I’m heavy with a youngling, Maral,” Willa whined, tears running freely down her cheeks. “Like you are.”
Maral laughed, the sound strangely distorted. “Of course I’m not,” she said. “I’m not allowing any youngling of a second in command inside my body.” Maral tilted her head to the side and met Rose’s eyes. “Surprised? You shouldn’t be.” She smiled, exposing her small, wicked teeth. “I only pretended so Arlen would allow me to come.”
“You betrayed him.” Anger flared inside Rose at the idea. “How could you do something like that to him? He’s a good male, and he loves you.”
“Love?” Maral spoke with disgust. “I don’t need his love. What I wanted was a strong mate. The strongest mate, and that’s not what he is. Not even after I organized Karian’s disappearance. All Arlen could think of was to find his brother. Not one single time did he consider this his opportunity to seize power. Arlen is nothing but a pathetic weakling.”
The revelation was too much to bear, and Rose screamed in anger and frustration. She couldn’t move, not an inch, and it only made Maral more gleeful.
“You’ve done all this for revenge,” Illya said in a trembling whisper, interrupting Rose and Maral’s confrontation. “Because Karian rejected you all those years ago. Now that he’s bloodmate with Rose, you figured you’ll be rid of them both if she disappears.”
“Shut up, or I’ll sell you all with her. There’s always a good price for an Avonie on the slavers’ black market, even one with a youngling. They might just rip it from you and throw it to the beasts.”
Willa straightened, then took a step back. Not long after that, both Elvira and Illya joined her, looking at their former friend with horror.
“You opened the gate of the house, didn’t you?” Rose said with tears in her throat. “You sent Maak outside.”
“And they were all so scared for you, they didn’t even stop to ask how you found a necklace just like Arlia’s outside.” Maral’s face split in an ugly grin, madness plain on her features, morphing the beautiful lines of her face into a parody of what she really was. “It was so easy. All I had to do was cut Arlia’s ridiculous pet and throw him out to attract the killkons. You were so predictable. Too bad you weren’t ripped to pieces then and there.”
Understanding infiltrated Rose’s mind as surely as the poison in Maral’s words. She had been waiting for a chance to destroy Karian for ten long years. Maral was mad, rotten to the core.
The door opened and heavy footsteps sounded in the room. Maral turned to welcome the newcomer. Rose stared, wide-eyed and loose jawed, as a tall, blue-skinned male strolled in. Her breath caught as she locked gazes with Karian’s cousin, Erlock. The glint in his eyes was unmistakable. There was cruelty in his expression, cruelty and lust.
“You took your time.” Maral’s fingers dug into Rose’s flesh, making her eyes well with tears, but she didn’t scream. She wasn’t going to give Maral the satisfaction. “She’s all yours.”
Rose was still pinned to the ground when Erlock came to stand over her and Maral. His cold stare traveled up the naked skin of her legs.
“She’s been damaged.” Erlock squatted down at her side. “I’ll have to get that arm repaired before delivering her.”
Rose tore her gaze from Erlock and stared at Maral. “Don’t do this,” she pleaded. “All the humans, back at my village, they’re depending on me.” Looking into Maral’s eyes, Rose realized that there was no pity to find there. She was full of bile and venom.
“Good,” Maral said softly, her voice a song on the air. “That’s what you all deserve.”
“We have c
hildren, old people too. You know no one will escape this. They’re going to either kill us or sell us.”
Maral smiled, her pupils reduced to slits in the purple ocean of her eyes. She glided up, graceful and beautiful like the poisonous snake she was. Rose stayed down on the floor, her eyes rapidly overflowing with bitter tears. She had lost. She gave up everything to save her family, her people, and she had still lost. The worst part was that she’d pulled Karian down with her.
Rose’s eyes left Maral and her self-satisfied expression, and went to the other Avonies. They were deserting the room, shooting furtive glances over their shoulders as they left. Elvira met Rose’s gaze, and genuine hurt answered Rose’s silent prayer. Then she left.
Erlock grabbed Rose’s arms and jerked her up. Rose screamed at the white flash of pain, burning a hole through her vision as her broken arm was twisted.
“That’s it, human,” Erlock whispered closed to her ear. “I like to hear you scream.”
Behind him, Maral watched, her purple eyes glinting with delight at the scene.
“You can go to your mate now.” Erlock turned his head to Maral. “I have her.”
“I think not,” Maral said, her voice soft and sweet. “I’ll wait for the payment with you. After that, she’s all yours.”
Erlock glared at Maral but didn’t answer. Rose was relieved the other female refused to leave, for she knew exactly how Erlock had wanted to spend his time alone with her. This gave her a bit more time to plot, to think of an escape. Anything.
Her mind raced, tried to think straight, to find a way to contact Karian or any other male in the family. Physical confrontation was not the answer. She was no match for Erlock, especially with her broken arm.
“You won’t get away with this.” Rose turned to the traitorous Eok. “Karian will know it was you. He’ll hunt you down, and then he’s going to make you wish he’d allow you to die.”
