Wal snorted and raked his fingers through his mass of curls, making the cloud of hair stand out in crazy corkscrews. “I don’t know any such thing. I find you nice in many ways.”
“Wickedly nice,” Rolat added. “The kind of nice a horny Nobek enjoys very much.”
The three men chuckled. Cissy shook her head at them, though a smile played at her lips. She rolled her eyes at Diltan. “You know what I mean. Tasha is such a good person, so ladylike. I’ve always needed to stand up for her and make sure she’s not hurt, along with being tough for myself. What just happened here ... I had to give up control. I had to give myself over to you.”
Diltan nodded. “That had to have been scary. You had a moment or two of being uncomfortable.”
“A little. Surprisingly, it mostly felt like a relief. Even getting my rear beaten was – I don’t know. How can I explain it? It was all out of my hands. I didn’t have to think or worry or do anything but put up with you guys and your freaky urges.”
That brought another round of laughter, and they nodded their understanding.
Diltan said, “You got to go on a little holiday. No responsibilities except to do as you were told.”
“Exactly. I was free. I let you make the decisions for me, and nothing awful came of it.” She cocked a warning brow at him. “Don’t think I’m going to make it a steady diet though. I like being away from all those awful laws and rules of Earth telling me how to act and live my life. I’m not about to hand you control over everything I do.”
Rolat reached to stroke the back of her head. “Nor would we want you to.”
“Absolutely not,” Wal agreed in a firm tone. “I have enough trouble trying to keep these two in line. Corralling three of you would be way too much effort.”
Diltan and Rolat grinned at their Imdiko. The Dramok told Cissy, “We do our best to not let our domineering personalities interfere with each other, at least not where career and such is concerned. Believe it or not, I do let my clanmates have a vote in the things that concern us all.”
Rolat made a gruff sound in his throat. “Then he tries to do as he wants anyway.”
Diltan gave him a wry look. “When was the last time you let me get away with that?”
“Never.”
Cissy laughed, and the Dramok shrugged his shoulders. “In the realm of sex, however ... we do become assertive.”
She gave him a mock look of chagrin. “That’s one word for it.”
“How did you feel about submitting to us?”
Cissy frowned a little. She didn’t answer him right away, debating whether or not she should answer at all.
If they were to have a real go at making her the clan’s Matara, Diltan knew he needed to nip Cissy’s reticence in the bud right away. In a firm tone that managed to not be too demanding, he said, “Cecilia, we cannot have a relationship without the truth. We must be open to each other when it comes to such matters. Answer me right now; how did you feel about surrendering control to us?”
“Right.” Cissy’s mouth dropped open in shock, as if he’d surprised the answer out of her before she could stop it. Her stammering attempts verified that. “I mean – I don’t want – oh shit.”
Wal twirled a strand of her hair around one of his fingers as he strove to calm her with understanding. “It’s not something to be frightened of, you know. It’s apparent that you have a natural need to be able to give yourself up to men you feel safe with. You need that space where you know you will be cared for. We have provided that for you, and you responded.”
Rolat chimed in. “It got scary every now and again. Upsetting even. Keep in mind that though we can be demanding, you have nothing to fear from us. We just like making you a little nervous.”
His smirk made Cissy kick out at him. She gave him her patented scowl, and Diltan was glad to see it aimed at someone else for a change.
Cissy said, “Fine. It feels good to let everything go with you three. I guess something in me recognizes I can trust you.”
Her words reminded Diltan of how vulnerable she could be if things went bad in the Empire. Having visited the Matara Complex twice now, he thought of how it was well guarded against intruders who might try to sneak in. But would it withstand an angry mob bent on creating havoc?
Cissy’s impatient tone roused him from his thoughts. “There you go again with that look. Maybe it’s time you share a little truth too. What’s up with you, Diltan?”
He looked at her. Damn it, she was lovely. More importantly, she was smart. Cissy would keep him on his toes if she was his Matara. The idea that she might join his clan was no longer so farfetched. It scared Diltan.
He said, “There is trouble coming to Kalquor. It could be big and I’m certain the Imperial Family is going to suffer for it. As part of Empress Jessica’s life, you could be in danger.”
As Cissy’s eyes widened and his clanmates stared at him, Diltan addressed his Imdiko. “Wal, what I’m about to say could affect you as a judge and it’s unethical for me to share it with you in particular. However, for Cissy’s sake, it might be for the best if you know in advance what I should keep secret from you.”
His Imdiko stared at him in surprise. Then he looked at the woman between them, and his expression firmed. He raised his gaze to Diltan once more. “If it affects Cissy, I want to know. I can always recuse myself from any proceedings I have no business presiding over.”
Diltan took a deep breath. Let it out. And told them all about Zarl’s records, Maf’s reaction to their contents, and his own fears of how the news would rock the entire Empire.
Wal’s face became drawn, confirming Diltan’s fears of the legalities of what the Imperial Family would face. Rolat also looked grim.
Cissy’s expression hovered between concern and confusion. “Could the public finding out all this really bring on a full rebellion?”
Wal snapped a nod. “It is a possibility. At the very least, there will be protests, especially if a large portion of the Royal Council is called into question. Damn it, Diltan, this could get ugly.” He looked sick at the prospect.
Diltan nodded, feeling queasy himself. “I know. I wish I had kept it a secret.”
Wal shook his head and reached to squeeze the Dramok’s shoulder. “That would have ended with your reputation in shambles. Scholars would have gone over the documents and discovered the matter at some point anyway. It would only be a matter of time.”
It helped Diltan’s conscience a little to realize his Imdiko was right. Still, the impending trouble allowed little of the dread to be alleviated.
Wal offered a tight smile that was probably supposed to be comforting. “So much of historical significance happened at the end of Clan Zarl’s reign. No, you did the right thing.”
Rolat blew out a heavy breath. “There is little doubt the Empire will experience a tremendous upheaval, perhaps within a few days. The leaders of the would-be rebellion will make this their rallying cry.”
Cissy looked from one man to the next, worry clouding her pretty face. “Can it be avoided? I mean, you’re talking about the potential for civil war, aren’t you?”
Rolat considered. “A lot will depend on how the current Imperial Clan handles it. It’s going to be natural for Emperor Clajak to protect his surviving fathers. However, if the entirety of Clan Zarl ordered those abductions, then the surviving members have to stand trial both here and at the Galactic Council. It’s the only way to keep the peace.”
Diltan thought of the furious disbelief on Clajak’s face earlier that day. The Dramok Emperor had shown himself to be a man of honor since assuming the throne, devoted to the good of the Empire. Yet there could be little doubt he would want to protect Imperial Fathers Tidro and Yuder ... and if he did, all hell would break loose.
The safety of Kalquor and its people depended on whether Clajak’s loyalties lay most with his kingdom or his fathers. Diltan wondered which side would win ... or if there would be nothing but losers in the end.
Chapter 15
Feeling hung over from fatigue, Cissy walked down the corridor of the Government House’s Imperial Level. She’d commed ahead to make sure Jessica had time to see her. Her cousin’s Imdiko receptionist had responded with a warm, “The Empress always has time for her family.”
That might change in the near future if things get as bad as Diltan fears, Cissy thought when she got off the com. She had the feeling Jessica’s life, along with that of her clan, would be turned upside down by the coming revelations.
She was tired, though it only bothered her here and there. Mostly she basked in the sleepy feeling and wonderful aches that reminded her of the night before. After giving her a bath, Diltan’s clan had taken her to their bed and tucked her in between their magnificent bodies. Cissy had fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep that had ended all too soon with her companions waking early to prepare for their workdays. Wal had made a breakfast that was more like a feast. He’d also seen to it that her clothes had been laundered and pressed so she wasn’t forced to put on grubby things. Cissy had teased him that he made for a great wife.
She’d known about the strange Kalquorian tradition of men feeding the women. Cissy protested it of course, because she was an independent woman who didn’t need to be fed like a baby. Rolat laughingly put her in a headlock and Diltan used the opportunity to smear iced pastry over her lips and chin. Then Rolat licked her face clean, making sure he kissed her into arousal in the process. After that, Cissy didn’t argue about being given a food facial or what came of it afterward. She’d ended up making the men late for work that morning. She did not apologize and no one complained.
Wal had accompanied her back to the Matara Complex. “I hope to see you again soon,” he said in his quiet but intense voice.
Cissy grinned. “I think you can bet on that.”
Cissy had been sure Tasha would still be asleep. Guessing that Jessica would have to rise as early as other gainfully employed people on Kalquor, she’d made her appointment to see her cousin. The receptionist told her to come right over.
With the large breakfast in her belly reminding her of how displeased she’d been with her figure the night before, Cissy elected to walk. The morning air was cool, the skies were blue, and she set off with memories of Clan Diltan’s playroom in her head and a cup of coffee in her hand.
An hour later, she arrived at the Government House. The late night, early morning, and walk were telling on Cissy by then. She blinked tiredly as the in-house transport deposited her in the palatial corridor of the Royal Chambers.
The interior of the cliff’s rock had been polished to a high sheen from the floor to the arcing ceiling. A rich runner of soft carpet ran the length of the long hallway, which was lined with the red-uniformed Royal Guards. Had Cissy not indulged in Clan Diltan the night before, she might have viewed the muscled and armed Nobeks guarding the Imperial Clan like a buffet. As it was, she gave them an appreciative but passing glance once she let them confirm she was Jessica’s blood.
Emperor Clajak’s love for fine art was in evidence from the gorgeous paintings hanging on the walls to the exquisite statuary that dotted here and there. Cissy was impressed to see a couple of Earther pieces as well, rescued from her destroyed world. It made her smile while her eyes misted to see pieces from home.
Despite half a dozen other early birds waiting in Jessica’s reception room, the empress’ aide waved Cissy through to the inner chamber. Jessica greeted her with hugs and kisses. Cissy was just as fervently happy to see her cousin. After being apart for so many years, the joy of reuniting had not dimmed.
Jessica looked her over with a delighted smile. “Look at you! You seem relaxed and happy.”
Cissy shook her head in pretend humiliation. “For the most part. True to my contrary nature, I’m seeing a clan with a Dramok I could kick in the ass on a regular basis.”
Jessica pulled her over to a seating area consisting of a low, polished table and billowing seating cushions. “Why am I not surprised? So, Diltan drives you crazy, huh? No reflection on you because you’re wonderful, but I’m surprised he swapped out Tasha. He’s got a thing for appearances. I didn’t think he’d go for the jeans and tee-shirt type.”
Cissy stared at the younger woman as Jessica plopped indecorously on a cushion. “How did you know?”
Jessica poured herself a cup of coffee from the carafe sitting on the table. Cissy noted the room with its elegant pieces of furniture that belonged in a mansion was still arranged for comfort. The effect was cozy, far more warm and home-like than the corridor outside.
Jessica motioned for Cissy’s cup and refilled it. “You’re my cousin. That means your activities are scrutinized and gossiped over relentlessly. People are dying to know if Tasha and the rest of us are ready to disown you for stealing her clan.”
Cissy sank down next to Jessica with a groan. She’d never expected to be a subject of rumor, not over dating a clan. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Jessica gave her a wry smile. “Welcome to the Imperial Family, babe. So what’s up besides your incredible love life? There is an incredible love life, right?”
“Incredible would be one word for it.” Cissy thought about the playroom. A big, unselfconscious grin bloomed on her face. Once again, she felt all the aches from the night before, aches she thoroughly enjoyed at that moment.
Jessica laughed outright. “Being with three men who want to rule and serve you at once. It’s good stuff.”
“Damn right it is.”
“So did you come here to fill me in on all the dirty details? They’d better be dirty, cuz.”
Cissy shook her head at the roguish look on Jessica’s face. “I’m sure you have a few tales of your own, but no, I’m not here to brag on my love life. I wanted to check on you.”
Jessica sipped on her coffee, merriment leaking from her face. “I take it your pillow talk wasn’t all about future dates then.”
“Diltan told me about Imperial Father Zarl’s records and the trouble they could cause. Could it really erupt into a full-blown rebellion here on Kalquor?”
Jessica set her cup down and met Cissy’s eyes. The worry in her gaze was palpable, answering the question before her words did. “I think it could. We’re in a hell of a spot, Cissy.”
“Diltan says it could mean putting the Imperial Fathers on trial.”
Temper sparked in the younger woman’s face. “Clajak’s dead set against it, as am I. But how can we not allow it? On one hand, I’m not about to serve up Zarl’s legacy and Clajak’s other two fathers to those who would demand they pay for Armageddon. On the other, to not do so will invite the anger of those who want to blame them.”
Cissy pointed out what she thought was the best point of defense. “It’s not Kalquor’s fault Earth’s cities were rigged by our leaders to blow up in the event of an invasion.”
Jessica was just as quick to voice what Diltan and Wal had the night before. “No, no one could have ever predicted that. Still, it would never have happened if the Empire hadn’t abducted all those Earther women.”
Cissy rolled her eyes at the conundrum. “What was Kalquor to do? Roll over and die? You know if the shoe had been on the other foot, Earth would have felt justified doing the same thing.”
Jessica sighed. “It doesn’t change the fact that the kidnappings were, at their root, wrong. That can’t be denied.”
Cissy saw how it weighed on her cousin. “Others had to have been involved though. The emperors at the time couldn’t carry out such a thing on their own.”
If anything, Jessica turned paler. “The motives of the others would have been the same as Zarl’s: save the Empire. It’s what guides many of these men’s lives.”
Cissy hated to hear the pain in Jessica’s voice. “What do you do? Is there anything you can do?”
Jessica stopped pacing to look down at her. “I have an idea. It’s flimsy as hell, to be honest. It’s a defense tactic that has little to do with the truth of what the Empir
e did.”
“Then how can it miss?”
That made Jessica laugh a little. “I’m not going to get into it yet, because I haven’t figured everything out. Wish me luck. Maybe your sweetheart Diltan will help me.”
“Sweetheart,” Cissy snorted even though her being warmed at the thought of the Dramok. “How is Aunt Tara doing with this? Her lover is wearing a bulls-eye on this one.”
Jessica wrung her hands. “She’s being a good Buddhist, reminding us life is difficult and full of changes that we must accept. I know she’s hurting though.”
“No doubt.”
Jessica flicked away an escaping tear with impatience. “I wish I had half Mom’s strength. Despite everything, the Imperial Fathers are good men, Cissy. I loved Zarl as much as my own father. Yuder makes Mom happy. Tidro is too old to go to prison. Damn it, I can’t think badly of them no matter what they did. They felt they had to save Kalquor.”
Before Cissy could reply to that, the door to the reception area slid open. Prince Wayne and Princess Noelle dashed into the room with glad cries.
Cissy couldn’t help but chuckle as the children threw themselves at their mother. Five-year-old Wayne was a miniature version of Egilka with Asian-looking eyes and sharp features beneath his child-pudgy cheeks. His black hair was a wild tangle, his hugs exuberant enough to worry Cissy for Jessica’s well-being. The kid was physical, prompting Jessica to say, “Gently, Wayne!”
Noelle was more sedate, but still enthusiastic about greeting her mother. With Clajak’s steel-gray and an elfin face that seemed a darker version of Jessica’s, the three-year-old was a riveting sight.
An Imdiko followed the children in, moving to untangle the enthusiastic Wayne from Jessica. “Too rough, boy,” he said in a quiet tone. “Do you wish to hurt your mother?”
“I’m sorry, Ripua. I’m sorry, Mother,” Wayne said, going shamefaced. His purple cat’s eyes found Cissy sitting at the table. “Cousin!” he bellowed. He would have launched himself at her if not for Imdiko Ripua holding him back.
“Hello, Wayne,” she laughed. “If you promise not to tear my head off with those strong arms, I’ll have that hug.”
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