She froze.
He wouldn’t.
She turned to look at the hoard of Zumagala warriors. They had a table all to themselves. They rotated between shoveling food into their mouths and smiling at her. They shouldered each other as if they were arguing over who would have her first.
He would.
“Let me go!” she screamed with renewed fear.
None of this had turned out as she’d hoped. Taio wouldn’t be able to strike an agreement with Ranuit Pi. And now she wouldn’t dare ask him to bring Fainia with them. She felt the room swim. This was all wrong. She would be stuck with Ranuit Pi for the rest of her life.
“King Xochis, stop this madness!” her mother pleaded as Saia tried to wiggle away.
“Saia, cease your struggles! You belong to Ranuit Pi,” Olo seethed.
She didn’t know which to fear most, the warrior squeezing her, the impending group rape or Olo’s displeasure.
I don’t belong to him yet.
The more she struggled, the more her mind clouded. Fear and panic coursed through her veins and seemed to smother her.
Her head swam.
“Saia? Saia, what’s wrong?”
“Mother?” The word was slurred and mumbled.
She tried to open her eyes wider but they seemed so heavy.
“Is she defective?” Ranuit Pi asked.
Yes, I’m defective.
She fell to her side as darkness overwhelmed her.
Chapter Fifteen
“Saia.”
She fought through the fog that clouded her mind to heed the distant call of her name.
“Saia, baby, answer me.”
Yawning, she stretched and stirred from her sleep.
Justin?
She opened her heavy lids. She looked around to find that she lay on a raised metal bed in the medical center. She was also the only person in the room.
“Hello?” she called. Had she dreamed of hearing Justin?
“Saia, can you hear me?” Justin’s voice came in hushed tones from her com-link.
She sat up, ignoring the throbbing in her skull. “Justin, is that you?”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “It’s good to hear your voice. I was worried. I thought they took your com-link away.”
She swung her legs around, letting them hang off the side of the bed. “What happened?” she asked. “Why am I in the medical center?”
“You passed out at dinner and Taio had you rushed there. Ship said Eva gave you something to help calm your nerves.”
She slumped. “I’m afraid nothing could calm me. Especially since I have to go back to dinner and face Ranuit Pi.”
“Don’t worry about that. She told everyone you needed rest and couldn’t return to dinner.”
A wave of relief escaped on a breath. “I’ll have to thank her when I see her.” She had to face Ranuit Pi eventually, but at least not right now.
“That may have to wait.”
“Why? Did Eva leave the palace?”
“Saia, do you love me?”
She didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
“I love you too. I can’t let you go through with this bonding. I have to stop it.”
She smiled and ran a finger across her com-link. “I wish there was something you could do. I won’t ever forget about you.”
“I’m taking you away from here.”
“I…don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll let me.”
“We’ll be hunted. And that’s only if we can figure out how to escape Sonis’ atmosphere.”
“I have a plan. It’s crazy, but then again, I’m used to crazy plans.”
She clutched her hands together. What she wouldn’t give to run away with Justin. To be free from Olo…from Ranuit Pi.
No. She couldn’t endanger his life.
She shook her head. “I can’t let you risk your life for me. Even if I did escape my father, I’d be hunted down to no end.” Her heart seemed to split into multiple pieces. Her fate was sealed. “There’s no way out of it.”
“There is. Saia Xochis—will you bond with me?”
“J-Justin. I can’t.”
“That’s not the answer I was looking for,” he said, sounding dejected.
That’s not the answer she wanted to give. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t want for anything else, but I don’t see a way out of this.”
“Okay, I’ll try this again. Saia Xochis, will you spend the rest of your life with me?”
“If I said yes, then what? You expect us to go back to the party and say, ‘Guess what, King Xochis and Ranuit Pi, the contract you had has been voided—by me, because I’ve bonded with another’? You’d be dead before I finished the sentence.”
“Didn’t I tell you that I have a plan?”
“Yes, but—”
“Who are you talking too?”
She stared at her com-link, trying to figure out exactly how he wanted her to answer. “I’m talking to Justin.”
“There’s more…”
She smiled. “I’m talking to Justin the space pirate.”
“Now, if I ask you to bond with me a third time it’ll seem like I’m begging. I mean, I will if you want me to, but I really didn’t think I’d have to beg my future wife for her hand in marriage. My grandmother and mother are probably rolling in their graves. Wait. Do they even still have graves? Hmmm…”
“Yes.”
“Yes what?”
She covered a giggle with her hand, unable to believe that she really had said the word. “Yes, I will bond with you, Justin the space pirate.”
“I knew you couldn’t resist me. Now for the hard part of the plan.”
“Getting me to agree was the easy part?”
“I’m not saying you’re easy or anything. I was just confident that you’d eventually want me to kiss you down there again.”
She felt heat rise up her cheeks. “Justin!”
He chuckled.
Saia slid off the bed, letting her bare feet hit the cold floor. “Where did they put my shoes?” she asked as she crouched to look under the bed.
“Find them quickly and then meet me in the transport bay.”
She froze in place. “But…how will I get there without anyone stopping me? What will I tell the guard? I don’t see one in here, but surely there’s one outside the door. And most importantly, how will I get the guard to not tell Olo that I’m trying to leave? Olo will kill me if he catches me.”
“He’ll never get his hands on you again,” JB growled.
She dropped to her knees. Her hair fell around her face. “What about my mother? Can she come too? I can’t leave her behind with him. I’ll never forgive myself.”
“Who do you think is helping us escape?”
She pushed a lock of hair away from her face. “Mother? Really?”
“Yes, Ship is working on getting her away from King Xochis. She’s going to meet us in the transport bay.”
“I’m glad you still have some space pirate left in you.”
“You and me both.” He blew out a breath.
“What’s the plan? How will we get away from Sonis? Taio’s guards track every ship that comes and leaves. He’ll catch us.
“I have a plan around that,” he said. “We’re not going to leave Sonis.”
“What? Why wouldn’t we leave? It would be crazy to stay here.”
“Exactly.”
“I-I don’t understand.”
“We’re going to Rasha and Jess’ beach house. They aren’t planning on going there anytime soon. Once the vessels and transporters are dispatched to go look for you, we’ll leave too. We’ll be right under their noses and they won’t even know it.”
“Will that work?” she asked.
“I’ve done it before. Grab your shoes and when you get here, I’ll tell you all about it.”
She pulled her shoes from underneath the bed and stood to slip them on her feet. “I’m ready.”
“That’s my girl. If
you run into any guards, tell them you’re meeting your mother and assistant in the kitchens to decide on the breakfast menu for Ranuit Pi.”
I can do this.
She ran her sweaty palms down her dress. “Won’t the guards call ahead to verify?”
“No, Ship promised to reroute all communication from any guards you encounter.”
She clasped her hands, attempting to stop their shaking. “Ship is helping so much. I don’t want him to get into trouble.”
“Don’t worry about Ship. He can take care of himself.”
“I don’t know how I’ll ever repay him.”
“You can think about that once we escape. Get going. If I know Eva like I do, she’s due to check on you soon. That doesn’t leave us a lot of time.”
“I’m leaving now,” she whispered.
“Keep your com-link on so I can hear your progress.”
“Okay.”
Saia walked to the door and held her breath as it slid open. Deru stood on the other side. Startled, he moved out of the way as she walked past.
“Princess, I was told the medicine you received would allow you to sleep for a little while longer. Are you still ill? Shall I contact your mother and Eva for you?”
Saia smiled, hoping it would cover up the trembling she felt inside. “No need. I’ve already spoken to my mother. I’m on my way to the kitchens to meet her.”
Deru nodded and let her pass. “Very well. I will accompany you.”
She dipped her head. “Your presence would be greatly appreciated,” she said, a little louder than necessary.
Please let Justin hear me.
As she passed people in the hallways, she nodded and thanked passersby who offered well-wishes for a fast recovery. As she neared the kitchens, her heart thumped erratically and her breathing pained her with each labored breath. She struggled to appear calm even as a bead of sweat trailed down her forehead to the side of her face.
Ship’s voice filled the hallway. “Deru, there’s a problem with the console in the equipment storage room. The one located on the far end of the training field.”
Deru’s body instantly became alert. “What’s wrong?”
“For some odd reason, it keeps sending out an error signal. I have tried to fix it but I’m not sure exactly how you corrected it before. I’m afraid if it isn’t taken care of in time, the anomaly will corrupt the entire system.”
Deru slowed his steps. “You’re right. I need to fix it right away. But it will have to wait. I’m escorting the princess to the kitchens to meet her mother.”
Ship sighed. “I was hoping to finally learn how you were able to bypass the system and fix the anomaly. I’ll have to learn some other time. I will escort the princess.”
“But—”
Saia placed a hand on his arm. “Thank you for your company, Deru, but I’m sure Ship will be an adequate replacement.”
Deru bowed slightly. “Very well, Princess.”
She dipped her head in return. After he left, she released the breath she’d been holding. Her legs almost buckled underneath her.
“What will happen if Deru reaches the storage room and there’s nothing to fix?”
“I assure you, Deru will find a very broken control panel. Since he’s fixed it before and is knowledgeable in that area, the fact that I’ve sent him to complete the task will not be questioned.”
Saia passed the kitchens and made her way toward the transport bay. “Thank you, Ship. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
“Do not mention it.”
“Taio will be so upset when he finds out you’ve helped me escape.”
“He will be upset at first. I imagine he will yell and throw things, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”
“But won’t you get into trouble? You’re helping me break a contract. It’s against the law.”
“I am accountable for myself. Taio and I have had many discussions about his customs and traditions, some I agree with and others I do not. While Taio and I are friends, I am still not a subject in his or Olo’s kingdoms. I stay with Taio because I enjoy his company and I’ve grown fond of Eva and little Josanis.”
“What about the Galactic Council? Aren’t you afraid of what they’ll do?”
Ship actually laughed. “What sanctions would they impose on me?”
Saia tilted her head in thought. “I guess none.”
“Stop worrying about me. I’ll be fine. Let’s get you to safety.”
They rounded the corner to the transport bay. There, she expected more guards but was surprised to find none. “How did you get the guards to leave?” She looked around. “As a matter of fact, how did you get everyone to leave?” Rows of transporters in all sizes sat docked, the bay devoid of others. Another feat that only Ship could have accomplished.
“I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”
“Exactly how much time do you spend with Eva?”
Ship sighed. “That’s the same question Taio has asked.”
The opening of a door pulled her attention away. Justin hopped out of a small transporter and waved to her.
“Where’s my mother?” she asked. “Is she on her way?”
“I was able to get her away from Olo and her guard,” Ship explained. “When I spoke with her last, she had returned to the apartment to retrieve clothes for you and her.”
“Find her, Ship. Tell her we’re ready.”
“I’ll contact her. In the meantime, ready the transporter.”
He didn’t have to tell her twice. Her heart lurched forward as she ran to Justin.
He caught her as she launched herself into his arms. “You did good.”
She held tight to his neck. “I was so afraid. I thought Olo would catch me at every turn.”
Justin thrust his hand in her hair. “You’re safe now.”
She pulled back. “Ship is finding what’s taking my mother so long. He said to ready the transporter.”
He released her and helped her through the door. “Hurry, strap in.”
Saia scrambled inside and took the copilot’s seat. “I’ve never been in a transporter this small before,” she said. She grabbed her safety harness and clicked it into place.
After settling into the pilot’s seat, Justin pushed a button and turned some of the nobs on the control panel. The transporter hummed to life. “Sorry I couldn’t get anything better for you. This was the best I could do on such short notice.”
She smiled. It didn’t matter what kind of vessel she rode in, just as long as she was by his side. “This is perfect.”
He reached over and checked her harness, making sure it fit securely across her chest. “We’ll be moving fast.” Satisfied that her harness was secured, he adjusted his own. “Ship, we’re ready. Where’s the queen?”
Saia closed her eyes. We’re getting away from Olo.
“I’m afraid she has refused to leave,” he said. His voice came loud and clear through the speaker.
Her eyes flew open.
“What?” JB asked in disbelief.
Saia’s heart lurched. All the air seemed to leave her lungs. “That can’t be right. She can’t stay here! She knows what will happen if she stays.” She fumbled with her harness. “I can’t leave her here. I can’t go—”
“Saia?” Fainia’s voice came through.
She froze. “Mother!” she cried. “Where are you? I don’t understand.” Tears poured down her cheeks.
“Saia, listen to me. When you leave, Olo may send a vessel or two to look for you. After a while, he will call those vessels home and post notices for your return, offering a bounty with large sums of credit. Eventually, he will stop looking. Oh, he’ll still be mad, but he will give up. But if I leave,” she said, her voice becoming hard and cold, “Olo will hunt me down to the ends of the universe. He will never stop. His hatred for me is so great, the only thing that would ease him is spilling my blood.”
She shook her head. “Mother, no. I won’t le
ave without you.”
“You will and you must. This is your only opportunity for freedom. For love and happiness.”
She reached out, her fingertips resting on one of the speakers. “I c-can’t leave you behind.”
Fainia cleared her throat. “Justin, if you love Saia, you will leave now.”
“No!” She snatched her hand back and grabbed at the lock of her harness.
“Saia, I have to,” Justin said softly, stopping her from disengaging the lock.
She looked at him. He had tears in his eyes as well. “She’s my mother!” Saia cried.
“Please, Justin,” Fainia begged.
While Saia cried uncontrollably, Justin activated a switch and the transporter door closed. The vessel edged away from the dock. She sobbed and clenched her hands on the armrests as they made a slow path toward the exit.
“Saia, listen to me. Your mother knows what she’s talking about.”
She turned away from him.
“She’s giving you a life of freedom. Don’t make all her efforts be for nothing.”
Justin was right. Her mother was making the ultimate sacrifice so that she could escape.
Saia sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes. She stared at the controls. “Tell me what I have to do.”
He nodded toward the center of the panel. “You see that red lever?”
She followed his direction. “Yes.”
“Grab it, but don’t move it yet.”
She did as instructed. The transporter exited the bay and eased into the darkened night.
“Pull the lever down as hard as you can on my mark.”
She nodded. “What does it do?”
“It’s going to free you from Olo.”
Free.
Noise roared within the transporter as the engines became louder.
“Ready?” he asked, raising his voice.
“Yes!” she said, yelling over the rumble.
“One, two, three—mark!”
Saia pulled the lever with such force, she thought it would break clean off.
Chapter Sixteen
JB watched her from the corner of his eye, clutching the throttle. She didn’t let up as the vessel cut through the night, shaking as the rush of air surrounded it.
“I can’t believe it. I’m finally going to be free,” she said, her eyes trained on the window.
Dangerously His: 4 (Loving Dangerously) Page 14
