“Oh,” Kane and JB both replied.
According to Eva, they could multitask. While they dressed, she talked to them about the significance of the ceremony and taught them the chants that were meant to evoke the spirit of the Ancients to bless the union.
Eva talked nonstop and Jess hardly talked at all. Her nerves seemed to have gotten the better of her.
On the way to the ceremony, Eva made them repeat the chants over and over again. When JB tried to think of anything else, Eva was right there, asking him to recite alien words he didn’t know.
Jess had a fine sheen of sweat over her face. “Do you think he’s crazy for wanting to spend the rest of his life with me?” she nervously asked Kane.
“Calm down. He knows a good girl when he sees one.”
“No time for bullshit, Jess,” Eva said as she pushed her to the back and made everyone else line up in front of her.
Jess nodded. “Right, no bullshit.”
Wearing the white robe Eva had given him, JB entered the empty room behind Kane. Eva and Sa’Mya followed him.
As instructed, they took their seats on the pillows provided for them on the floor. He watched Jess take her designated seat on an oversized pillow. The anxiety and self-doubt that had plagued her for years now seemed replaced with hope. She grinned at him over her shoulder. Excitement and joy radiated across her face. She was a woman in love and JB couldn’t have been happier for her. He returned her grin. If anyone deserved a happy ending, it was Jess. She’d been through hell while enslaved at the brothel.
Turning around, Jess settled on her heels. She straightened her back and held her head high. Everyone came to attention as Queen Xochis, Saia, Taio and Jor’Dan—Sa’Mya’s head guard—entered the room through the door on the opposite side. Jess inhaled sharply as Rasha came through last. Rasha’s gaze immediately found Jess and his face melted into a smile.
JB watched as Saia made her way to the pillow across from his. She only had eyes for him. Her hair was twisted into a fat bun and she wore the slightest hint of makeup, a silver shimmering around her eyelashes bringing out the lavender in her eyes. Her lips were the softest shade of pink. He imagined the plumpness in them had been caused by the kisses he’d given her the night before.
She was one of a kind. He’d been right when he’d told her Ranuit Pi would take one look and not want to give her up, because JB certainly didn’t want to.
A pang started in his chest.
She wasn’t his. His heart squeezed as the thought crossed his mind.
When everyone was seated, Rasha and Jess lowered their heads and began the bonding chant. JB followed everyone’s suit and did the same.
He recited the words meant as a plea for the great Ancients to bless and join Rasha and Jess in mind, body and soul. Peeking through his lashes, he watched as Rasha and Jess’ pillows drew closer and closer by some unknown force. They stopped moving only after their pillows touched and their foreheads rested together.
Silver light came from out of nowhere and whizzed through the air. Then another light joined the first. While everyone else bowed and continued to chant, JB watched as the lights danced playfully around everyone’s heads.
One light stopped and hovered over Saia’s head. The other light found Jess and hovered over hers. The light over Saia’s head glimmered, and then jumped to hover over JB’s.
Raising a hand, he gently swiped through the anomaly. It moved and jumped back to hover over Saia’s head. As the chanting became louder and stronger, the wayward light finally made its way to Rasha’s head and stayed.
Jess and Rasha brought their hands together, palms up, and clasped fingers. Their chests pressed against each other and they spoke louder and faster, almost in a fever-pitch.
As instructed beforehand, Kane rose and retrieved the covering that had been in Rasha’s family for generations. Immediately after the blanket was spread over the couple, they dropped to the floor and their chanting ceased. The lights illuminated the blanket from beneath, casting alien shadows and designs against the walls of the room.
Silently, Taio stood and rang the gong, indicating the conclusion of the ceremony. As quietly as they’d all entered, they left, leaving the bonded couple where they lay. Once the guests were gone, Jess and Rasha would complete the ceremony by joining their bodies as one.
Rasha’s representatives left the way they’d come in and JB, along with Jess’ representatives, left through the opposite door.
Eva had explained earlier that if the bond was blessed, the spirits of the great Ancients would appear, indicating the couple was meant to be. JB knew those were the lights he’d witnessed. And the Ancients confirmed something he already felt in his heart—Saia was supposed to be his. Circumstances would keep them apart, though just because he couldn’t be with her, didn’t mean he’d turn his back on her. He had to think of a way to help. What if Taio couldn’t convince Ranuit Pi of anything, what would be the plan then? According to Saia, there was no plan B in place. As an ex-space pirate, Justin knew well that you had to have a plan B, C, D and E.
As they filed out of the room, he ran around to the other side to find Taio.
He turned the corner and saw Taio talking with his mother.
As he approached the pair, Taio broke off his conversation and scowled at JB. “Are you coming to tell me goodbye?”
Not yet. Not when he’d just found Saia. “I wanted to stay a while longer.” To make sure you’re able to reach a deal with Ranuit Pi.
Taio raised a brow. “You’ve witnessed the bonding ceremony. Why would you want to stay, if not to continue to break the rules?”
JB shook his head. “You can check with anyone. I’ve been on the straight and narrow since our last conversation.”
“You haven’t told me why you wish to stay.”
Justin searched his mind for an excuse. “I’m going to hitch a ride back to Laconia with Kane and Sa’Mya. They don’t plan on leaving until after the party.”
“And then you will leave?”
JB nodded. ”I’ll be out of your hair soon.”
“Humph, not soon enough.”
Chapter Thirteen
He loves me.
She repeated the sentence in her head over and over again. Each time she thought it, another tear dropped down her cheeks.
When he’d told her he was going to stay on Sonis to make sure Taio would be able to come to an agreement with Ranuit Pi, she’d been at a loss for words. He’d gone to her brother, the same one he tried to avoid at all costs, and asked to stay.
Why couldn’t the Ancients pair me with Justin?
She curled herself into a tight ball, wrapping her body around a pillow. Before, she had thought to just survive with Ranuit Pi. But now she had a taste of what it felt like to thrive with someone. How could she ever forget her time with Justin? She should never have spoken to him, agreed to meet with him…fallen in love with him. At least then she wouldn’t know what she was missing.
When she bonded with Ranuit Pi, there would be no life of love and happiness, not at all what she had glimpsed during her short time with Justin. She and Ranuit Pi would not share the same bond. She knew it in her heart, body and soul. She would feel alone for the rest of her life.
During dinner, Justin gave her looks of longing from across the room. More than once her mother nudged her in the side and whispered for Saia to turn her gaze away. She did—but it took all her strength. She knew her behavior was unacceptable, but luckily for her, Taio seemed to be in a happy mood. He enjoyed the company of Rasha and Kane. If he would have looked her way, he would’ve seen her barely able to keep her eyes off Justin.
She wasn’t surprised when Fainia planted a guard outside her balcony to keep her from “doing something stupid”. All night, the pain of loneliness seemed to weigh down her heart. She had tossed and turned, not able to find relief even in her dreams.
The following morning progressed to midday and she found herself in the same predicament. Unable to
bring herself to do anything but mourn the loss of a love she had just found.
“Saia.”
She startled at Ship’s voice.
“I am sorry to disturb you, but I thought you might want a warning that King Xochis has docked.”
She inhaled sharply and sprang to a sitting position. “Is he on his way here?” Her mind whirled frantically for possible hiding spots.
“He is still aboard the royal transporter. But I do suspect the royal apartments will be his first destination.”
She scrambled off the bed and to her feet. “Where is my mother?” she asked, her voice rising.
“She is with Eva and Josanis. She is safe.”
Which left Saia all alone. He wouldn’t be happy about their escape. He wouldn’t be happy about a lot of things.
She used the sleeve of her nightgown to wipe the tears from her cheeks. “I can’t stay here.”
“No, I would advise against it.”
That was all the confirmation she needed.
There was nothing graceful about the way she threw on her clothes and ran out of her room, down the stairs, out of the royal apartment and down the hall. She wasn’t going for grace. She was trying to save her life. She doubted the guard following close behind her would be able to protect her from Olo’s temper.
By the time she reached Taio’s office, her lungs burned. She hadn’t even thought to find out if he was there or not. Fear made her run the entire way.
She reached his doorway and tried to slow down, but her feet couldn’t stop on the shiny floors as fast as she needed them too. She hit the doorframe with a loud thump.
The impact sent her head reeling in pain. “Ouch.” She closed her eyes and covered her face with a hand.
“Saia! Are you all right?”
She nodded. “I’m fine,” she said, struggling to catch her breath.
She heard Taio approaching. “Why were you running?” He lowered her hands and inspected her face. Satisfied that she wasn’t injured, he peeked outside his office. “Was someone chasing her?” he asked her guard, who took his place outside Taio’s door.
“No, Taio.”
Saia maneuvered around Taio to step inside his office. A hologram of a section of Sonis was projected above his desk. “I was running because I was in a hurry to see you.”
He scrunched his brows in confusion. “In a hurry to see me? Why?”
She shrugged and walked calmly, trying to compose herself as she took the seat across from his. “We haven’t really spent time alone since I came. I wanted to talk with you.” She forced a smile on her face.
“Well…um…I’ve been meaning to visit with you.” He took his seat. “So, how are you doing?”
The smile she wore dropped from her face. “Do you really have to ask?”
“Saia, I’m trying to do everything in my power to get you out of this…this…bonding.”
“You are? Do you think it’s possible?” For a moment she allowed herself to hope.
“I’ve contacted the Galactic Council and our allies.” He ran a hand across his face. “But nobody can see a way out of it. I am sorry. King Xochis has promised the Zumagala an alliance. If there were some way to counter bargain with Ranuit Pi, I would, but I can’t offer him an alliance. I can’t tie Sonis to Syntorian. We would be entrenched in fighting their wars for lifetimes.”
She slumped against the chair. “I understand.”
He looked at her with an expression that pained her heart. She had never seen him look this way before—as though he had failed her. “Saia…if I could…”
She nodded. She knew he would have found a way if he could. She wouldn’t want anyone to go to war for her, least of all her brother.
“What about the agreement? What have you planned to offer him?”
“I’ve gathered as much information as I can. All Ranuit Pi’s interested in is weapons, technology, warriors. I can’t give him any of that; doing so would send a message to his enemies that we’re siding with him.”
“His enemies would become your enemies.”
“Unfortunately.”
“So there’s nothing you can do.” She tried to control the panic in her voice.
“I’m still going to speak with him. There has to be something he—”
“Isn’t this a surprise?”
King Xochis.
Her body went ridged.
“What, King Xochis?” Taio asked sarcastically. “That I am in my office? Or that I’m meeting with my sister?”
“I knew there had to be a reason why you didn’t meet me in the transport bay and receive me as you should have.”
Taio glared at their father. “I trusted you have been here enough times to see your way safely to your rooms without getting lost.”
Taio and Kiehle were perhaps the only people who could speak to their father with such contempt and not be hit with a flying fist.
Olo grunted. “Saia? Aren’t you going to give me a proper greeting? Just because Prince Taio has forgotten his upbringing, doesn’t mean you will be allowed to do the same.”
Taio didn’t correct him on his use of “prince”. He’d long since stopped caring what their father called him.
She stood but couldn’t bring her gaze to meet his. She didn’t know what to say.
It’s nice to see you? I’m glad you could make it? Too bad an asteroid didn’t hit your vessel? Too bad no one has thought to poison you yet? Why does your head still sit on your shoulders?
“Your Highness,” she said, nodding once.
“I was surprised to find you and my queen left Drazlan without my permission.”
Which translated to, “I will beat you when I get you alone.”
She twisted her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but we often travel to Sonis. We were unaware that you required permission this time.”
“I was equally surprised when my summons to return went ignored.”
Which translated to, “I will do my best to rupture your eardrums.”
She took a step back.
Taio stood.
“Eva told me she requested Mother and Saia to come early to approve the decorations. You may place the blame on her—if that is what you wish,” Taio said the last part slowly, as a challenge to the king.
“It won’t happen again,” she quickly interjected, trying to avoid an argument, or worse.
“No, I don’t believe it will—ever,” Olo said. He took a seat next to her and adjusted his robe. “Lord Ranuit Pi will be arriving shortly. I do expect you will give him a better greeting than you have given me.”
“I plan to meet him,” Taio said flatly.
“Saia, you will meet him at the gathering.” He flicked his hand through the air. Light danced off his rings and reflecting on the walls. She rubbed the side of her cheek, remembering the open gash that ring had once caused. “I see no reason for you to come to the transport bay.”
Relief washed over her. “I shall leave to ready myself then.”
* * * * *
Taio stood in the transport bay and watched as the Zumagala vessel docked and its engines grumbled to a halt. It was apparent their vessel had seen better days and was in grave disrepair.
He turned to Mazel. “How many vessels are scheduled to dock?”
Mazel refused to meet his gaze. “Just the one,” she said through pursed lips.
Saia would not travel in this heap of a mess. If the royal vessel was any indication of their credit account, the Zumagala were in desperate need of funds.
Taio growled. She will not leave in this.
Eva ran a soothing hand across his back and pressed herself against his body. She wasn’t required to meet the Zumagala. She was here because, as she’d said, “Someone needs to keep you from going bat-shit crazy.”
Taio had no idea what that meant, but if it had anything to do with her being a calming force to his soul, then she could accompany him anytime.
He closed his eyes and took a deep b
reath as she made circles on his back with her palm. When he felt better, he opened his eyes. He didn’t dare look at his father. If he did, he feared his fist would find its way to the king’s face.
He took more deep breaths and waited for the doors to finally open. The first male exited and looked around, weapon drawn. Taio instinctively pushed Eva behind him. From the corner of his eye he spotted Rasha doing the same to Jess. Mazel, on her own, stepped beside Eva.
A multitude of swooshes could be heard as the row of Sonis royal guards behind him unsheathed their jangos at the same time.
Rasha stepped forward. “If you wish to live, you will disengage your weapon.”
The Zumagala warrior smiled, revealing a mouth full of small, pointy brown teeth.
Taio’s heart sped up a beat. Adrenaline swept through his veins. This might work out better than he first thought. If he killed Saia’s soon-to-be mate now, it would free him of the trouble of doing it later.
Taio smiled back.
“Shit, I should have brought my weapon with me,” Eva mumbled.
“Don’t worry, mate. This will all be over soon.”
A voice came from inside the vessel. It wasn’t loud enough for Taio to understand what was being said, but it was clear that the Zumagala warrior had.
The warrior frowned but his weapon remained raised. Another set of barking orders was heard.
This time the warrior growled and lowered his weapon. He proceeded down the ramp, followed by another male, then another, then another, until there were a total of twelve.
As the males filed out, they made two rows of six. Each looked not much different than the next. They were dressed for battle, and since their planet had in fact been in battle for hundreds of generations, Taio didn’t expect they knew how to dress otherwise.
Their battle gear consisted of thick black leather outfits. He doubted a knife or sword would penetrate the material. Their boots looked heavy, with razor spikes protruding from the toes and heels. A swift kick in either direction would prove deadly.
Taio noticed the Zumagala weren’t as big as his guards, but their builds would be considered formidable in their own right. Their muscles seemed to strain under their clothes.
Dangerously His: 4 (Loving Dangerously) Page 12
