Seven Sisters

by Eileen Troemel

  “Is the assistant director available,” Lydia said frowning. “Mycos, does the council really need to know?”

  “This concern has not been addressed,” Mycos growled.

  “He is but not until the morning,” the woman said. “I can send you to his assistant to schedule…”

  “This woman is useless,” Mycos said. “The council will make a speedy decision. There will be none of this political maneuvering.”

  “But they will sentence him to d…” Lydia stopped short as if realizing they weren’t alone. She looked at the woman. “We should discuss this later.”

  “Let me contact the assistant director’s assistant,” she said. Quietly she spoke into her headset, looked furtively at the angry alien standing at her desk. “The assistant director is booked as well but his assistant will fit you in right now. You need to go down three floors and go to room 641B.”

  Lydia stepped nearer to Mycos. “At least we will speak to someone,” she said. “We can press upon this person how important this issue is.”

  Mycos spoke to her is his language, soft enough if they were recording, they wouldn’t know what he said. “This play acting is annoying. I would rather be making love to you.”

  They left the secretary’s office and went to the office to find a harassed looking woman. She stood when they entered her office. “Lord Mycos,” she said doing a half bow half curtsey. Lydia bit the inside of her mouth to keep from laughing. “I’m Angela Brooks, assistant to the assistant director. I apologize for the delay. Come this way so we can discuss the issue.”

  She indicated they needed to follow her down a narrow hall. Dull white walls with doors leading off, they followed as she went to the end of the hall.

  “May I get you coffee or tea,” Angela asked.

  “No, you can get me the director or assistant director so this issue can be resolved expeditiously,” Mycos said as he followed her into a small, poorly lit conference room. It looked like a converted storage closet. “This is a horrid room.”

  “Yes, I’m afraid our funding is tight,” Angela said. She walked around the small round table and took a seat. “Please tell me exactly what the problem is.”

  “The problem,” Mycos said. “The problem is your senator touched my mate. This is against one of our oldest decrees. Punishment must occur.”

  “You are talking about Senator Grant Weatherton,” she said.

  “Of course I am talking about him,” Mycos said. “He came into our home. He made lascivious and lecherous advances on my mate for which he needs to face our decrees. My mate prevented me from administering the punishment while he was a guest. She’s confident you people will address the issue.”

  “Now Mycos,” Lydia said. “I know this is hard for you.”

  “You are mine,” he said taking her hand tenderly. “He bruised you. He touched you. This is forbidden.”

  “I know,” Lydia said. “Let’s try to be calm and work out a solution.”

  “I’m sorry you had to deal with these alleged advances,” Angela said.

  “Alleged,” Mycos said. “Alleged?”

  “Are you sure your mate didn’t enjoy…” Angela stopped speaking as Mycos rose angrily, pushing his chair back forcefully.

  “I have video,” Mycos said. “I have a record of the bruises he put on my mate.”

  “A little harmless flirting I’m sure,” Angela said.

  “Families have been wiped out for this offense,” Mycos said leaning his hands on the table. He leaned forward. Angela backed away from his anger. “The decree is there to protect the families and the clan by punishing the perpetrator. Are you telling me this will not be addressed? It appears you are attempting to blame my mate. Are you besmirching her character?”

  “Of… of course not Lord Mycos. In terms of our legal system we are required,” Angela stumbled over an apology she obviously did not mean.

  “What exactly will you do about this,” Mycos demanded.

  “We will have to investigate,” Angela said.

  “Will you stop him from harassing my mate and our family,” Mycos asked scowling as he sat back down.

  “We do not have control over what he says to the press,” Angela said.

  “You will do nothing,” Mycos said. “When will I see the director?”

  “I believe he is out of the …” Angela said.

  At a fast clip, Mycos said a spurt of uncomplimentary things in his language. Lydia cringed at some of the things he said loud enough for them to translate. “I will speak to our high council,” Mycos said switching back to their language again.

  “Mycos what about the girls,” Lydia said. “You know what the council will want to do.”

  “We will do what we need to,” he said raising her hand to his lips. “I am sorry, mo chroin, I know they disappoint you.”

  “Now, just a moment,” Angela said. “Please allow me a day to see if we can clear a spot on the director’s schedule. I’m sure he will take this seriously.”

  “It does not appear your world is interested in the assistance we offer or in working cooperatively with us,” Lord Mycos said. “I will schedule a communication with the high council. If the director does not have time for me before I speak with them, we will make our decision.”

  “Lord Mycos,” Angela said placating. “Perhaps you could sit down and calmly tell me why this slight misstep is such a serious offense.”

  “Slight misstep,” Mycos said. Mycos pulled out his handheld. He brought up the vid of what Grant did. This showed what happened in miniature. The holographic function of the handheld showed the scene as if it played out with mini people on the desk. “Do you call this a slight misstep?” He let her get a good look of Grant pulling Lydia’s hair, attempting to grab her breast. With a quick swipe, he showed a list of bruises Lydia suffered. These also showed in virtual reality with Lydia appearing on the desktop above the handheld device. “My mate required healing from his slight misstep,” he said sneering at her choice of words.

  “I understand you’re upset,” Angela said reading the list of injuries. “I’ll make this my top priority. I give you my word.”

  “How soon,” Mycos demanded picking up his handheld.

  “Both the director and assistant director are in high level meetings at the Capitol,” Angela said. “I will send a message over as soon as we are done. I’m sure they will understand how important this issue is to you.”

  “And to your world,” Mycos said.

  “Please give me through tomorrow,” Angela said. “I’m sure we can work something out.”

  ***

  “Maneuvering,” Mycos complained as he shifted closer to Lydia. “You are quiet. What are you thinking?”

  “We should move ahead,” Lydia said. She smoothed the skirt of her dress down and slipped out of the high heeled shoes. “We have to be seen tonight. I just want to get out of my shoes and these clothes.”

  “I want you out of those clothes,” Mycos said running his hand up her thigh.

  She smiled, leaned in to kiss him. Flashes of light made her jerk. “They will not get anything,” Mycos assured her. “These are security windows which do not allow any pictures.”

  “I know,” she said resting her head on his shoulder. Her com device chimed. “Oh.” She covered her mouth, surprised by the message.

  “What is it,” Mycos said.

  “They’re showing pictures of the girls on the television,” Lydia said. “They’re talking about the guardianship. Nic had to turn it off because Abby got very upset. Apparently we’re trending.”

  “Lovely,” Mycos said. “All right. Let us go to a toy store and then out to dinner.”

  “Abby wants softies,” Lydia said, blinking back tears. “I hate him. I wish I’d let you bash his skull in.”

  “I know,” he said. “He had not attacked the girls so you were willing to take the damage.”

  “Maybe,” she said.

  “I am going to spoil them,” he said. �
��No limits.”

  “Not too much,” Lydia said. “Abby’s birthday is coming up. She’s never had a party.”

  “We will look for something impractical and ridiculous,” he said. “Did you have parties?”

  “Yes but only a big bash every few years,” Lydia said. “We always had a family party.”

  “What was your favorite,” he asked.

  “Mom always made a cake,” she said. “There was always cake and ice cream no matter how expensive it was.”

  “Our little one has a sweet tooth,” Mycos said. “Here we are. Let’s go buy some fun for them.”

  ***

  Mycos’ men pushed back the media as Lydia and Mycos made their way to the transport to go out for supper. The media swarmed them. Mycos kept his arm tight around her as the flashes blinded them and the media flung questions at them like arrows.

  “Keep walking,” Mycos said in her ear as the questions became insulting and derogatory.

  “What are you doing with the girls,” one woman reporter demanded. “Will they be sent back as child brides?”

  Lydia stopped as her anger flared. Mycos tried to urge her forward but she stared at the reporter. “We’re giving them a loving home in which they can learn and grow. Mycos has done more for them than anything this government ever did. Until Senator Weatherton decided to use them for media fodder in his political maneuvering, we were throwaway children. No one knew where we were and no one cared. Mycos and the Hylatians have shown more love – not sexual love you perverts – love towards these girls than anyone on this world,” Lydia said before she stepped into the transport.

  “Lydia,” Mycos said settling next to her.

  “Fuckers,” she said anger radiated off her like waves of heat.

  “They are but you were quite eloquent,” Mycos said. “If it were up to me, we would go back to our suite and I would feed you in private.”

  She pulled him to her, kissed him deeply, long slow mind-numbing kisses. “Turn the transport around,” she murmured against his lips. “Damn the PR.”

  “Temptress,” he said. “Too late. We are already here.”

  “So are they,” she said seeing media crowding around the door to the restaurant.

  “Can you handle it,” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said. “Promise me we’ll have a short meal and go back to get naked.”

  “All the stars in heaven, yes,” he murmured.

  He and their squad got her through the media and into the restaurant. Lydia looked at the chandeliers, the fancy dresses, the men in suits. “I don’t belong here,” she said.

  “You are better than all of these people,” Mycos murmured in her ear.

  Smiling she turned towards him, “You're sweet.”

  “Lord Mycos,” John the maitre d’ said. “Who is your guest tonight?’

  “This is Lady Lydia, my mate,” Mycos said.

  “Congratulations,” John said.

  “Thank you,” Lydia said.

  “The table I requested,” Mycos asked.

  “Ready for you,” John showed them a table tucked away from the noisy main room. “If you need anything, let me know.”

  “You can make sure the media stays out,” Mycos said.

  “Animals,” John said as he handed over menus. “You have my word.”

  Lydia scowled at the menu. “I don’t have a clue what any of this is,” she finally said.

  “What are you in the mood for,” Mycos asked putting his hand on hers.

  “What’s simple,” she said.

  “Cassoulet is duck with white beans,” Mycos said leaning towards her.

  “What does duck taste like,” Lydia asked frowning.

  He wasn’t sure how to describe it. “Good evening, sir, madam. I’m Jacques, and I’ll be your server tonight,” he said.

  “What is particularly good tonight, Jacques,” Mycos asked.

  “The coq au vin is particularly good,” Jacques said.

  “What is that,” Lydia asked flushing.

  “Chicken,” Jacques said. “With vegetables.”

  “I’ll have that,” Lydia said nerves had her swallowing.

  “And you sir,” Jacques asked.

  “The Cassoulet,” Mycos said.

  “Very good, sir,” Jacques said. “Would you like to start the meal with cheese and wine? Or perhaps…”

  “Jacques, do you see this beautiful woman sitting next to me,” Mycos said. Lydia flushed again and leaned into him.

  “Oui,” Jacques said charmed by her blush.

  “I promised her a meal out at a fancy restaurant. I brought her to the best one in this city,” Mycos said. “Can you bring us our food as fast as possible so I may spend the rest of my evening worshipping her in private?”

  “Oui, monsieur,” Jacques said. “I will do my best.”

  “Thank you,” Mycos said. He scooted closer to Lydia.

  “You know he thinks we’re going back to our hotel to make love,” she said giving him a stern look.

  “Are we not,” Mycos said. She touched his cheek. He turned his face into her hand, kissed it, licked her palm and nipped at her wrist.

  “Mycos,” she said. He couldn’t resist. His lips dipped down to nibble across hers. He pushed her hair away from her neck and nibbled.

  “You are my appetizer and my dessert,” he grinned against her warm skin.

  “Why did we come out,” Lydia asked pulling his mouth back to hers.

  “A quick meal and back for some private time,” Mycos said.

  ***

  “How are the feet,” Mycos asked as they rode the elevator up to their floor.

  “I hate these shoes,” she said. Shifting from one foot to the next, she leaned against him.

  “Want me to carry you,” Mycos asked.

  “No,” she said pulled him tight against her. She kissed him, slipped her arms around his waist and held him close to her.

  He nipped her jaw, tipped her head to taste her neck. “I am going to devour you,” he murmured.

  “Yes,” she said as he cupped her bottom and pressed her hard against him.

  “I love you,” he said.

  “Mycos, I need you,” she moaned as she rubbed against him. “I love you.”

  The elevator stopped on their floor. Their security met them on the floor. “You will make sure the men switch out,” Mycos said to Aniton as he rushed her down the hall.

  “Yes, sir,” Aniton said. “You will be secure.”

  “We do not want to be disturbed,” Mycos said.

  “No, you will not be, sir,” Aniton said smiling at the couple.

  Mycos looked up and down the hall. “You are taking too long,” Mycos said as he bent over and lifted her over his shoulder.

  “Ooooh, Mycos,” she exclaimed as he lifted. She laughed down into his face, put her hands on his cheeks. “Patience?”

  “Duck,” he warned as he pushed through the door Aniton held open. “I have none left,” he said letting her slide down through his arms. The door closed firmly behind them. He slipped the zipper down, pealed her out of the form-fitting dress to reveal simple white bra and underwear. “Beautiful,” he murmured. He shrugged out of his jacket as she pushed it off his shoulder.

  “I want you naked,” she said. “I want you.”

  “I completely agree,” Mycos said. “Here or in bed?”

  “Everywhere,” she said pulling his mouth to hers so he stopped talking and kissed her. “All night.”

  “Yes, mo chroin,” he said.

  ***

  “It is too early,” Lydia said as he fed her a strawberry. She sucked his fingers into her mouth, teased them.

  “You wanted all night,” he said. They curled next to each other in bed. Breakfast arrived and he brought it to her.

  “It was lovely,” she leaned against him. “I don’t know how I feel about eating in the nude.”

  Mycos got a wicked gleam in his gray eyes. “I like it,” he said smearing a raspberry alon
g the curve of her breast and licking it up.

  “Oh,” she gasped.

  In interplanetary news, Lord Mycos and Lady Lydia are in the capitol this week, the news interrupted. “Oh bother,” Lydia said. “Can we turn it off?”

  “Ignore it,” Mycos said nibbling along her breast.

  “Mycos,” she gasped. “That’s… that’s here…”

  Mycos looked up to see him picking her up in the hall last night. “Bastards,” Mycos said.

  “They have cameras in the rooms,” Lydia said clutching the sheet to her. “Do you think..”

  “No,” he soothed her.

  We have heard in the past Lord Mycos was a demanding lover. Marjorie Linn, the singer Andromeda, and several other women have been linked to Lord Mycos.

  “Lydia,” Mycos said as he saw some of his former lovers splashed across the screen.

  “You were only here three months,” she said.

  “None of them satisfied me,” he said.

  “Do I,” she asked frowning as more women showed on the screen.

  “Look at me,” Mycos said. Slowly she turned away from the screen. “You are my mate. We are destined to be together for eternity.”

  Lydia leaned into him. She crawled into his lap, pulled him towards her, met his grey eyes with her stormy green ones. “You’re mine,” she claimed him.

  “Yes,” he said leaning back as she joined their bodies. He moaned and growled as she took him.

  ***

  Two hours later, the hotel manager stood in their lounge. “I’m very sorry, sir,” Frank Overton said. “We’re looking into this matter.”

  “Our privacy has been violated,” Mycos said. “How are we to be certain the cameras in these rooms were not used to get footage of even more private moments?”

  “I can assure you,” Frank said. “Our security are actively addressing this issue.”

  “My mate is upset and embarrassed,” Mycos said. Lydia came out of the bedroom, walked to him.

  “Lady Lydia,” Frank said. “My deepest apologies. The footage from the hall cameras are in a separate location. It has fewer protections than the rooms.”