Stardust And Shadows

by Janelle Taylor

  “Because I assumed Varian had given it to you.” “Now you know he didn’t. But this was a nice exchange,” she remarked as she fingered the gem-encrusted gold marriage bracelet.

  “I’m happy you think so. How did you learn to play laius?” Why hadn’t Ryker asked her that question the last time they played, if they had? “My father taught me chess when I was nine. Until his death,-we kept a running competition. On the Wanderlust,” she continued, not wanting to say Varian’s name again, “Nigel taught me your version. He was the ship champion, but I managed to beat him a few times.” Varian had been number two. Actually Tesla Rilke, the Wanderlust’s navigational and guidance officer, had played with her the first time. In her delusion, Tesla had been killed in a Spacer accident while transporting her to the ship to be revived from a state that was close to death. How could she learn if Tesla was still alive?

  He chuckled at her saucy grin. Being with Jana again was heaven, and it was hell. She was sunshine: warm, radiant, vital, and life-sustaining. She was moonlight: mysterious, intoxicating, romantic. She had more glittering facets than a precious stone beneath bright light. He had never dared to yield to the emotions called love and commitment, but his love for adventure had lessened since meeting her; now, he wanted to settle down and share a different kind of excitement and satisfaction. She was everything a man could desire in a woman, and she was his. Almost. “So, you’re better than I was led to believe? A trick, my cunning wife, to lure me into another game with higher stakes?”

  “If you want to play for stakes again, name one. Anything.” She noticed the beads of perspiration on his upper lip, the smoldering fire in his eyes, the sudden tautness of his body: she was getting to him!

  “I’m tempted to accept your challenge, but I’ll have to give it serious thought first. I wouldn’t want you to ask for something I cannot provide.”

  “I wouldn’t. I’ll let you select what’s at stake on your side, and I’ll let you select what’s at stake on my side. Is that fair enough for you, husband?”

  When she stood, his gaze roamed her figure. Her bosom was ample and firm. Her slim waist drifted into a flat stomach between seductively rounded hips. Her shapely legs were lithe and smooth. Her ankles appeared both dainty and strong. Her body was taut and supple. Many men must have been tempted by her magic and allure, yet none of them had possessed her the way he had, and would again! “That’s a dangerous offer, Dr. Triloni.”

  “Is it, Dr. Triloni?” You’re playing with fire, J. G. Remember the trouble you got into last time when you were in a similar situation. Varian had warned, “As surely as my eyes are blue, we’ll both live to regret this night.” He had disobeyed direct orders to possess her before any other man could do so. This time, it was an emerald gaze giving her that silent caution.

  “What prize of mine do you have in mind?” he asked.

  “Can I see my files and the tapes you had made of me?” From his expression, her request had taken him by surprise. And disappointment? What had he expected her to answer? The same way as on his ship?

  “That’s impossible. I destroyed them after studying them.”

  “Why?” Had any, she mused, ever existed?

  “They had private and revealing things about you on them that no one else should ever see. Besides, it wouldn’t be good for you anyway.”

  How could anyone get their hands on anything here on Darkar? For once, had his wits failed him? “What do you mean? Did I misbehave on them?”

  “No, but seeing the ruse Varian forced you to play would bring back bad memories, memories of times best forgotten. You were a slave then.”

  “You’re right. I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’m glad they’re gone. I was just curious about what impression I had made on you because of them.”

  “A good one, the best possible. That’s why you’re here with me.”

  “That’s very flattering.”

  “Only the truth.” Being with this sunny-haired angel brightened his gloomy heart, but having her so close and yet out of reach increased his agony. He had been lonely before he met and won her, something he hadn’trealized until almost losing her.

  He stood and summoned Ine to clear the table. The yellow-eyed, monotoned android obeyed.

  “I’ll set up the board while you take a break,” he said.

  “I’ll return shortly. Don’t run scared and change your mind,” she teased before leaving the dining dome.

  Jana sat at the game table that had been placed near a transascreen. Red pieces were on their appointed squares on her side, and blue on his. The large room suddenly seemed small and cozy, or was it the effect of the soft music and lighting? She glanced out the window into a lush garden. It was almost as if she could smell the flowers growing there, or was a floral scent being pumped into the room? Jana ignored the glass of wine nearby, as she wanted to keep her head clear for the game. The setting was charged with emotions, conducive to romance and seduction, yet her calm appearance concealed the turmoil raging within her, just as Varian’s stoic expression denied the turbulent winds storming his mind and body. With each passing minute, the chemistry between them, despite his disguise and alleged identity, heightened.

  He tried to lure her into a cunning trap. Instead, she captured one of the vital pieces he had failed to protect. With it out of circulation, she assumed the game would end soon. It did not. Her crafty opponent took the matching one from her. She looked at him and nodded her respect.

  “You’re a big distraction, woman, but I’m trying hard to concentrate.” He wanted her to forget the frightening experiences she had endured. He wanted her to smile and to relax. He needed to savor her company. He needed to see her, smell her, hear her, taste her, feel her.

  Jana became edgy from his engulfing stare and seductive mood. She yearned to escape this disquieting atmosphere, this intimidating creature. To accomplish her goal, she let him win.

  He threw back his head and filled the room with mocking laughter. “I never suspected you of being a cheater, Jana of Earth.”

  “What do you mean? I lost.”

  “I know, on purpose and unfairly. Your thoughts are elsewhere. Or is it that I offer too much distraction for my nervous wife? Besides, we forgot to make our wagers. It’s early. We must play another game, a serious one.”

  Jana’s astonished gaze locked with his challenging and taunting one. She struggled to control the tremors which swept over her body, as his words nearly matched those spoken by Varian months ago. “I’ve been very busy today, Ryker. I’m too weary to think clearly.”

  “Where are your sporting instincts, Jana of Earth? How can you refuse such a challenge? Don’t you have a secret desire?”

  A feeling of déjà vu flooded her dazed mind, but it wasn’t happening for the first time. Didn’t he realize … Go for proof if you dare, J. G. Months ago, those statements from Varian had enticed a fantasy which evoked her shocking wager. They were almost verbatim. Did twins truly have the capability of reading each other’s thoughts, of having the same feelings, of knowing what the other was doing? Yet, Varian and Ryker weren’t true twins, no matter how much they looked alike. Go for it, J. G. Play out his little game. That fated night in his quarters was burned indelibly into her brain. She repeated herself, too. “A secret desire? That’s quite tempting. What if you win? I have nothing of value to offer you, so what prize can you claim? The only thing I have is this bracelet you gave me.” She added for the new occasion, “Considering its meaning, surely you don’t want it returned.”

  “Having you as my wife is the best prize a man could win,” he replied. “I’ll think of something.”

  Jana watched his gaze fill with mystery and amusement. “All right. Shall we shake hands on it to seal our bargain? It’s an Earth custom.” She wondered if his hand had stretched across the table and grasped her extended one before she had finished her sentence explaining the gesture.

  The contact sent sparks of excitement through both of them. Their eyes mel
ded. Their knees rubbed together. Their breathing quickened.

  She asked in a near breathless voice, “Tell me, Ryker, what will you do if my prize is painful to honor? What if I have expensive tastes? Or dangerous ones? Are you certain you’ll allow me to collect my wager?”

  “I am a wealthy man, Jana. I can afford to indulge you. As for being painful, I do hope you aren’t considering a brutal beating for revenge.”

  Once more, matching words! Was he giving her clues to his real identity? On purpose? Was he testing to see if she would challenge him on his claim to be his half brother? Was he leading up to a confession and revelation? Or was it cruel coincidence? “For revenge? For what offense?”

  “For my vile behavior upon your arrival here. I am sorry.”

  “I know you are. Don’t you think I saw how you changed after Canissia left? I concluded it was only an act to dupe her. You did tell me you have to live up to your nefarious reputation to maintain power in the Tri-Galaxy. You see, I’m a very understanding, forgiving woman. If you do me wrong with valid motivation, then explain and apologize, I’ll accept. Besides,” she returned to the past talk again, “I have no intention of marring that handsome face. I warn you, sir: I will try my best to win this next time. I give you a last chance to back down.”

  “Never. I’ve lured you into my trap and I won’t free you.”

  The second game began with slowness and caution. Time passed without notice. Pieces were lost and won. Suspense mounted. The room’s size seemed to shrink even more. The game traveled at a snail’s pace as final moves were chosen and played. It looked headed for a stalemate.

  Varian observed her concentration and determination. As before, he wondered what reward she would demand. Should he, again, risk losing the game to make that discovery? Would she dare ask for the same glorious and soul-binding prize? Could she be that reckless, that vindictive?

  Jana watched him as he analyzed the board and pondered his next move. Would he … Her heart fluttered wildly. Are you my deceitful love? Where Varian’s eyes were like precious sapphires, this man’s were like priceless emeralds. They glittered with mystery, enticement, and vitality. His sensual smile, whenever he glanced up and sent one to her, caused her heart to pound. A flaxen lock fell casually over his left temple. She stared at the stubborn section. Despite a little variety in his hairstyle, that defiance was a noticeable trait of Varian’s, not Ryker’s, hair. At four inches over six feet, they were the same height and of the same build.

  Varian became apprehensive under her keen stare. He realized she was being assailed by doubts and suspicions again; they were as heavy in the air as the floral aromas were becoming. He had been stupid to play this game tonight. He had become so drugged by her that his wits were dulled and his tongue loosened. Time was passing as slowly as the summer sun around Rigel, capital planet of his star system, around which his Altair orbited. With ease and skill, she had woven a web of love around his heart and life. Only for a while and surely for tonight, he must cut those silky strands and free himself from her heady allure. It was safer for his mission if he remained distant. It was his duty to make Jana once more a pawn in his battle for victory, but his heart fiercely resisted that cruelty. He had better end this madness before his false mask burned away beneath the fires of desire burning brightly in her eyes. He cursed the events that made such a deed necessary.

  Varian captured her piece that terminated the game in a stalemate. “I hate to do that, Jana of Earth, but I must.”

  “I would have done the same.”

  “Perhaps our next game will end differently.”

  “Perhaps.” You hesitated far too long making your decision for a draw.

  “Does it trouble you that Varian and I favor each other so much?”

  “I haven’t thought about it. Different hair and eye colors take away some of the resemblance.”

  “So you don’t get us confused?”

  “How could I? Your personality and character are so unlike his. So is your voice, and there are other things …”

  “This scar?” he hinted and rubbed his jawline.

  “Not really. I hardly notice it anymore. You do look younger.”

  “By four months. I don’t remind you of him when you look at me?”

  “No, Ryker, you don’t. The longer I’m around you and the better I get to know you, the more you two differ.”

  “But any hint of resemblance interferes with you forgetting him.”

  “How does one forget somebody who had such an enormous impact on her life? He changed the course of my destiny. He almost destroyed me. Nothing can justify such cruelty. You make everything better for me. I never knew or thought about you two being kin or resembling until I saw—”

  “Saw what?” he probed, leaning back in his chair.

  She faked an embarrassed look as she answered. “Thought I saw your pictures overlaid and colorings matched while I was delirious.”

  “You did see such a demonstration, but from me, here in this room before you became ill. When you resisted what I was telling you, I proved my story. Come with me and watch.”

  In confusion and trepidation, she followed him to the other side of the room. He talked into what she thought was a music speaker.

  “Doors open.”

  Jana stared as a panel slid aside to reveal a forty-inch cathode-ray tube.

  He gave verbal commands to the computer, pausing between each one. “Screen on. Display images of Varian Saar and Ryker Triloni. Delete scar on right jawline of Ryker. Overlay. Match eye, hair, and skin coloring of Ryker to Varian.” He waited long enough for her to study the picture, then completed his point. “Separate images. Correct physical traits on each. See, Jana of Earth; that’s what you viewed and recall.”

  Jana looked at the monitor with astonishment. To the left was Ryker Triloni, as he appeared at their first meeting and in this room tonight. To the right was Commander Varian Saar in his dress uniform of dark wine with a gold sunburst over his left chest: Star Fleet insignia. His eyes were cornflower blue, his hair as dark and shiny as polished jet, his skin deeply tanned, and his teeth, revealed by a broad and sexy smile, white as snow. It was the image and expression of a man who felt he was invincible and savored that rank. His gaze shouted of power and passion. No doubt he could make the heavens tremble with the force of his iron will.

  Her eyes shifted to the image of Ryker Triloni, Prince of Androas. How could he not be handsome and just as potent when he so closely matched the other magnificent creature? The blond hair and green eyes were actually flattering to his skin color and strong features. His chiseled jawline bespoke strength of character and body. Unaware of her action, she reached out her hand toward the screen to trace the scar Varian had created long ago. The instant her fingers made contact with the monitor, she heard crackles and felt little shocks tingle her fingertips. “Ouch!” she squealed, and jerked her hand away. She rubbed the tingling digits with the palm of the same hand. “Look but don’t touch,” she joked with a laugh.

  Varian didn’t join in because he was miffed that it was Ryker’s image that enticed her touch. “Screen off. Doors close,” he said in a crisp tone.

  Then turned to her. “It’s late. You should go to bed. I have a few things to check on in my lab. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Jana couldn’t respond before he stalked from the room. He was playing a game of cat-and-mouse with her! He captured her, toyed with her, and released her to run free to be snared again by his sharp claws. Would he repeat his game over and over until she was worn down or he tired of it and … What? And who was this alien predator?

  Jana tossed and turned for what seemed like hours. She had not heard the man return to his adjoining room, as the slide wasn’t open. Even if he was Varian in disguise, he was using her again as he had so many times in the past. If he loved her, he couldn’t behave in this cruel way. She berated herself for acting like a fool. Why did she persist in trying to make Ryker into Varian? Persist in tryi
ng to make a clue out of anything and everything he said and did? Hadn’t the blond alien proven over and over he was the Androasian prince, matchless chemist, skilled researcher? Couldn’t she get it through her thick skull he wasn’t Varian? If she continued along this self-destructive path, she would turn Ryker against her. That was insane, for her safety and survival depended upon his goodwill.

  She must face the truth of Varian’s betrayal and loss. She curled into a ball on her side. The torment she was feeling was almost unbearable. It was as bad as when her parents were killed years ago, because another loved one was the same as dead to her. Worse, he had used, deceived, and discarded her. She had loved him. Now she must pay for her foolishness and ignorance that some would call naïveté. One of the captives on the ship, a vain and hateful bitch, had told her she didn’t have the courage and daring to reach out and take what she desired. In a way she had called the girl’s bluff, with dire consequences. She had herself to blame for part of her suffering.

  Hadn’t she been prepared for his dismissal? His last words to her before Canissia took her away were:” ‘I’ll have a surprise for you soon, a long trip. At last, we’ll both find peace and our lives can be settled.” She had overheard Kadim Tirol, Brec Sard, and Draco talking the day before she was hauled away into this bondage. “Are you sure it’s safe for Varian to go to Darkar?” one had asked. “Yes, it’s all been arranged,” another answered. And the conversation had continued, “You both know Jana Greyson increases the tension between them. What does Varian plan to exchange for the truth and his help?” “Varian’s determined. He’s willing to do whatever is necessary to end these conflicts.” On the tape Canissia had delighted in playing for her on the way to Ryker’s, Varian had said, “Jana’s a challenge to me. You know how I hate defeat on any level. I have some vital business with Ryker before I leave on my next assignment.” Varian had laughed when the redhead asked if he would like to marry the Earthling. He had scoffed, “Are you insane? She won’t be my mistress much longer. If all goes as Grandfather and I plan, I intend to make Ryker an offer he can’t refuse.” Then, her alleged friend Nigel had said as he drugged her to be sent here, “I’m sorry, Jana. Varian’s orders. You’re to be traded for peace.” And Ryker, he had told her upon arrival, “It looks as if he made me a wise offer after all. I must admit Varian’s timing and gift are perfect. I shall never forget this birthday.” How could she argue against so much evidence from so many sources? Varian had not stopped to think Ryker—if the terrible rumors about him were true— might hurt or kill her, if either action by his half brother had mattered to him.