by Cara Carnes
“This is Rina.” She doubted that statement made sense to anyone here. What made him think they would know her by name?
“Kandos’ Rina?” The startled question came from all three of the men, their faces huddled together in the monitor. Heat crept to her cheeks and she looked away in embarrassment, unable to handle their perusal upon hearing his name. How did these men know of her?
The glimmering shield dissipated before her. “Where is Kandos?” A portly man walked toward Rina from around the corner. About six inches shorter than Rina, he paused before her, his green eyes roaming up and down her body.
“There was no need for him to be here—he has nothing to do with it.” She added whatever terseness to her voice she could muster, not wanting them to see the desperation she felt clambering inside her. She wished Kandos could hold her and keep the fear at bay, but that wasn’t possible.
The man held out a stubby hand—his mouth formed a disdainful sneer, “I see the almighty Protector of the Realm failed to keep you safe. I’m Malos, appointed by the League to serve as your counsel, even though I see no reason to justify such measures. I am not in favor of preferential treatment, Miss Daniels.”
The hateful tone shocked Rina, and she saw the other men looking around to avoid eye contact with her. Did they feel the same way? She had never meant to be treated any differently from the others. Why would she be?
Solvan stood in front of her. She could hear the anger in his voice. “Watch your tone, Malos, because I have no issue reporting you to Council myself. There is no deity strong enough to protect you if Kandos hears about this.”
Her head hurt. The pounding sensation emitting from her temples coursed its way down her neck and shoulders, adding to the already achy sensation in her weary body. This needed to be over already. She just wanted to lie down in a quiet, dark room and forget she existed.
The depression had set in. She had heard it was overwhelming and quickly followed by desperation and dire need for sexual gratification. She prayed that those last two would never come but knew better than hold out any hope.
The two men argued, it was clear history existed between these two, and it somehow centered around Kandos. She didn’t care—she just wanted to shut them up.
“Enough.” The command came from across the room. Rina watched as a progression of men in long, flowing white robes walked toward her. Solvan braced himself, his hand going to her shoulder. Malos squirmed in front of her.
One of the robed men paused before her, “I was not aware appointed counsel could render judgment on possible tagratis convertees.” He turned around, his attention now on the other men in his party. “It looks like we could have that vacation.” Laughter erupted.
“I meant no disrespect to the Council, my leader.” Malos’ voice cracked, high pitched with fear. He looked up at the speaker as he fell to his knees.
“It was not us that your insults were thrown at, but a dear friend of our most decorated and honored protector. Is that any way to treat the keeper of his heart?” The words threw Rina. How could these strangers know their feelings for each other?
“What I think of that traitor is of no concern to the Council.” Malos’ hate-laced words made her shudder as she saw a visible angry reaction on the face of the robed man in front of her. A collective gasp filled the room as the man tossed Malos against the wall behind them, his hand on the portly man’s jugular.
“You have one chance to learn this lesson. If you ever use the word traitor again when referring to him, I shall personally see to your demise myself. Believe me, I will find the slowest, most agonizing way to destroy you.” Who was this man? He watched her counsel cautiously attempt to nod his head. The moment his feet touched the ground he slithered away, fear etched on his face as he did. The robed man watched him run off, then turned his assessing perusal on her.
“It appears my temper prevented your appointment of counsel. I could not stand aside and allow that man’s poisonous venom to riddle your mind with garbage about a good friend of mine.” Rina looked around and saw the other robed men had left at some point. She knew she would see them all later during judgment.
“How do you know Kandos?”
“We go way back. Suffice it to say we were like brothers at one point.” Rina heard the sadness in his tone. “But that was a lifetime ago, and I fear the memories have all but faded in my mind. I am Brivant, leader of Cadari’s Council and head of the League.” Rina’s mind spun seeing the warm smile on his face and the extended hand before her. She shook it, knowing her face displayed her shock.
She never expected to meet the most important man in existence. His two critical positions made his opinions and approval the most sought after around. Rumor made him out to be much older, so the piercing green eyes and sensual smile were not expected, nor was the coal-black hair that reminded her so much of Kandos.
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Eminence. I was not aware of your personal connection to Kandos.” She bowed before him but quickly felt his hands bringing her back into an upright position.
“Please, call me Brivant. I detest titles. He probably suspects I remember very little of my past, which is true. When I took on this position it required me to go through a process that drains personal emotions, affiliations and memories. It is believed to make the person a better leader, more capable of rendering an unbiased decision. I somehow retained some of my past though, and he is what I remember. Him and one other.” The distance radiated in his voice.
She couldn’t imagine losing her memories and personal feelings for people, but discarding some of the sexual urges she felt wouldn’t be too bad. She had grown accustomed to the increased state of sexual awareness, but she still craved a man’s touch. It wasn’t as bad she had imagined, and she suspected she had the aquamarine stone to thank for that, combined with the medical expertise of Solvan. And Kandos. He had reacted so quickly.
She looked over at Solvan, who maintained a respectful distance while she conversed with Brivant. “So what happens now that I have turned myself in? What’s next?”
“Well, we need to get a representative appointed to you. He will serve on your behalf before the Council. If it pleases you, I would be honored to remove myself from the judgment process and serve as your guardian.” Rina was speechless. She heard the stammering coming from Solvan.
“Your Eminence, is such even possible?”
“But of course. There are seven of us and only five render judgment. I will merely be one of the two who sit out. Members have served as appointed counsel before in other matters. I see no difference in this situation.” His nonchalant tone held an authority few would question. He was used to having his way in all matters, something that came with his position. Rina was thankful for his assistance but knew it would not matter.
The amber lighting eased her sight, but the coolness of the room sent shivers up her spine. Tagratises craved cold. Why was she freezing? Rina knew how cold the retreat was in sections. Only the visiting area was kept at a moderate temperature. She looked around the holding area and saw glass encasements on each corner of the room.
The holding areas were filled with converted tagratises, and she watched in horror as they all scratched and slammed up against the glass. Their mouths were open, but she never heard the shrill cries. Soundproof. That was why this part was so quiet.
“That is unnecessary. I just want this to be over. I want to leave before…” She cut off her statement, her emotions too raw to expose to a mere stranger, but she didn’t want to see Kandos. She couldn’t handle seeing his reaction to her being processed and deported to exile. She felt the same as before her attack, except for the rising pangs of need that lapped at her core.
“Kandos will not see you unless you wish it to be so, Rina.” Brivant sat beside her, taking her hands in his. The pads of his thumbs kneaded the flesh of her palms, a shiver of anticipation sliding up her arm. “I do not agree with your decision though.”
“Nor do I
.” Solvan’s words cut through the air around her. Brivant looked up, the twitch in his jaw accentuated by the tendrils of hair falling on his cheeks.
“Then why did you expedite the stupidity by bringing her here?” Brivant asked.
Solvan came to stand before her and looked down on Brivant. “She had chosen her destiny. I merely ensured her safe journey.”
“Well, then it is my duty to see to her from this point forward. It would be best if you meet us at Council Hall and await our friend. He will surely be there.” Rina contemplated their words. She knew Council Hall sat facing the opposite direction and was where judgment was rendered.
“And it will take a legion to keep him from the interior.” Solvan’s matter-of-fact statement was met with Brivant’s amused laughter.
“That is why I shall be counsel and leave you to be that legion.” The sensual caress of his hand up her arm as they stood made her skin tingle, her breathing ragged. There was something about this man that reminded her of Kandos, but she knew she owed them the truth.
“He will not come.”
“Why would you say that?” they both asked at the same time. The sadness consumed her, the note she left him rewriting itself in her mind.
“Because I told him not to.”
Chapter Five
She left without saying goodbye. Kandos sat in the middle of his room, stunned. She had left. Shaking hands clung to the note she left, still unopened. His body was a bundle of raging anger. He wanted her back. He needed her.
Kandos hated the weakness pouring through him but knew no way to stop it. He had actually cried when he made love to her. Since being born to be a Protector of the Realm, emotions were foreign to Kandos. Tears were a sign of weakness and had never been shed by him. Not even his parents’ deaths brought the flood of emotion to him that he had experienced last night.
He looked around his quarters, everything reminded him of Rina. The scent of their joining still filled the room, the bedding crumpled on his too-small sleeping surface. Even the paintings he’d spent countless hours working on brought a sense of dread into his soul. They existed because of his desire to understand her.
He paced the small expanse of space, determined to block out the beautiful landscapes of Ancient Earth Rina had given to him. Never again would she see her home or share the hot summers together at the portal bed-and-breakfast. He kicked the canvas closest to him, the anger boiling in him.
Life without her was not an option. He stood and dressed quickly, determined to set things straight. Glancing at the note, he sighed heavily. He knew it would rip his heart into pieces. He opened it and read
My dearest Kandos,
We began our journey together as friends. The summers with you by my side were the most sacred moments of my life until last night.
I have every image, scent, sound, smell, taste and touch of you burned into my memory and shall hold it sacred. No matter what my future may hold, my heart will cling to those memories with all its might.
Do not come for me. Remember me how I was last night. Remember how we were last night.
I pray your heart will heal and that you will find a love worthy of you.
May you always be in my fantasies,
Rina
Crumpling it up, he tossed the note down on his bed and raced to the transporter. There must be time left. There had to be. Once again he wished he had chosen a closer home. The red, rocky, sloping mountains jutting up from the surface below him that normally calmed him added a sense of urgency. He put the personal jet on autopilot and wished it would go faster.
He didn’t even enjoy the sun’s colorful rays as they swept across the landscape. Instead, they angered him. He had planned to take Rina to see the sunrise—her artistic mind would have loved it. Only on Cadar could you see muted blue rays of light flood a red surface. The beauty was legendary.
When he arrived at Council Hall, it did not surprise him to find Solvan standing outside the entryway. Its back wall sat flush against the check-in facility. Despite his position, Kandos rarely entered the hall, he could not stomach the anguished loved ones of the tagratises, nor the victims’ shrill cries. A part of him battled the idea of seeing Rina, but he had to try to save her. Staring at the man before him, his best friend had seen the emotional havoc Rina’s conversion had on him yesterday.
“Solvan, stand out of my way.” He moved and stood in front of his friend, allowing his desperation to show, couldn’t stop his gaze from scanning the area just in case he could see her.
“I’m afraid I cannot do that. You are not thinking clearly.”
The rage flowed through his veins. “I know exactly what I am doing. Rina must remain here with me. She will harm no one and I vow I will see to her every need.” He would flee his world if necessary, knowing he would be content to spend his life with Rina in the safety of a desolate area. He clung to the hope rather than the despair creeping into his mind and the pained look on his friend’s face served as salt in his already tender wounds. They had to let him take her.
“It is not possible for any one person to see to the needs of a tagratis. It simply cannot be. They must lead a secluded life away from harm by others. It is the most viable and respectful treatment we can provide them.” His arms crossed, feet braced two feet apart, it was clear his friend intended to stop him. It had been years since Solvan had assumed the fighter stance of the Cadari, but he was positioning himself to do just that.
“No. We do not know the extent of the damage yet. What were the results?” Kandos needed to hear for himself because his heart refused to accept that she was a tagratis fully converted.
“My association with you rendered me biased, I’m afraid. I was not allowed to process her myself. They asked me to recommend another expert. When I had no name to give willingly, they called in some alien bitch from who knows where.” The hatred in Solvan’s voice surprised Kandos. It was not like him to despise anyone.
“Where is she?”
“Processing. She still has trials to go through before judgment is rendered. It will be a long day, and it is best spent away from here. Let me take you home. We will come back closer to judgment.”
“The fires of hell will stop burning before I leave this place. There is no man alive powerful enough to move me from here.” An amused look crossed Solvan’s face and he spun around to stare straight into the angry faces of Rina’s brothers.
Standing at over six feet, the two brothers were a formidable force known across the galaxies. Most knew them as the operators of the portal on Ancient Earth, but Kandos met them under much more dire circumstances. They were members of an elite secret tactical operations force and two of the only people in existence who gave him pause.
“Spoken with true conviction. I suggest if you wish your head to remain attached to your body you come with us back to your place. Our sister does not wish you to be here.” Dane’s curt tone spoke volumes within itself. That, combined with Tavis’ stance, told Kandos knew they had spoken with Rina.
“Does she have representation?” Kandos asked. Solvan’s laughter did little to calm his nerves.
“She has secured the best possible defender for herself, I believe. His Eminence.” Kandos looked at his friend in disbelief but saw the seriousness of his statement reflected in his face. Brivant’s actions stunned him. Why would he appoint himself as counsel? He had never intervened in matters such as these and rarely even sat on the judgment panel—at least that is what the rumor was among the other protectors.
“Is he referring to who I think he is?” asked Tavis. Kandos merely nodded, looking away as the memories of his childhood friend surrounded him.
“Apparently our friend here has a personal connection to him that goes way back to their diaper stages.” Kandos glared over at his chuckling friend. “Get that disapproving scowl off your face, man. I find it quite humbling to be in the presence of such a highly connected person. Should I bow?”
He knew his friend was trying t
o keep his mind off Rina, but the attempt failed. “We were not in diapers. What are those anyway?”
“Human reference for our benefit, no doubt. An Ancient Earth creation predating technological advances.” Tavis glanced over at his brother, who was also smiling. “It appears she is in good hands. There is no reason for you to remain here.”
“Where else would I belong?”
* * * * *
Rina breathed deeply, determined to force her body to accept the calming sensations of the aquamarine stone. Her pulse raced, and her heart stammered as she looked around the small, vacant, white, padded chamber.
