A dictionary, tools to learn the Alvan language, and information on the Alvan culture. With nothing else to do, I dive in. Maybe I can get a better idea of what could be going on. I learn more about the House system, the Major and Minor Houses, the general power structure of the society, along with the dangers that lurk out in the dark.
Not something I want to see in real life, thanks.
I spend some time on the language as well, not wanting to be dependent on the translation device forever. Assuming I live passed the next couple of days anyway.
I'm deep into practicing pronunciation when there’s the sound of a key being inserted into the lock. I stand immediately, the chair moving back with a loud scrape across the floor.
The door opens to reveal a tall but slight young woman. She looks at me, but then quickly looks down again, hurrying inside, pushing a small rolling table with a tray of what looks like food set on top.
A guard is posted out in the hall through the partially open door. So even if I were to be able to figure out how to get out, I'd then have to figure out a way to skirt the guard as well.
I look back over at the maid who has pushed the cart farther into the room and who now looks like she's about to bolt.
"Excuse me, how far is House Viir?" I ask quickly, having practiced the sentence in case I saw someone who might answer.
She glances at me. "I cannot speak to you," she whispers.
And then she's gone, her light skirt swirling behind her as she practically runs out of the room. The door slams shut and locks once again.
If I was her mother, I'd tell her to get a new job.
Hmm.
Well, that didn't help at all. If I do manage to escape, I have no idea where House Viir is or if I can even figure out a way to get there. What I've read so far supports my suspicion that I've run away from one politically based problem and jumped right into another one on another planet.
What luck.
Shaking my head, I get up and walk over to the tray of food that was left for me. Some kind of stew and a flat bread. Simple.
My stomach growls, it smells appetizing enough. I haven't had anything to eat in a while, since, well before I left Earth.
However, they might have put something in the food...
But I also can't be weak in case I have a chance to make a break for it, and I have no idea how long such a chance will take to present itself.
"Hope for the best," I mutter to myself as I break off a piece of the flatbread and dunk it into the stew. There aren't any utensils.
I take a bite.
Flavor explodes in my mouth.
It tastes how it looks, some kind of hearty stew, but the spices are somehow flavorful and also mellow. I don't know how else to describe it. The bread is soft, dissolving easily in my mouth. I finish the meal and down the water quickly. I'll find out if there was anything in it soon enough, in the meantime, at least my stomach is full.
That's what does it. The final straw. The anxiety of the last couple of days has drained me of energy, and now that my belly is actually full, my eyes grow heavy.
At least, that's what I hope it is. Otherwise there was some kind of sleeping drug in the food. Too tired to care at this point, I climb onto the bed and lie down. A nap sounds like a great idea. As soon as I close my eyes, I'm out.
I don't know how long I sleep, but the sound of the door opening again is what wakes me. Immediately I sit up as another maid comes in, this one older, her walk much more self-assured. She meets my eyes as she rolls the cart to a stop in front of the bed.
The one from earlier is already gone. The thought that someone came in and removed it while I was asleep doesn't bear thinking about.
I frown as I realize I'm still quite full. Are they trying to fatten me up?
The maid lets go of the cart and walks around the bed to my side. Reaching into her apron pocket, she glances at the open door before handing me a folded up piece of thick paper.
I look at her questioningly.
"Take it," she whispers.
Why not? I take the paper and quickly open it.
Follow the maid. She'll lead you to me.
-Naefaren Viir
Well, that's to the point, isn't it?
When I look up, the maid is already hurrying to the cart. Bending over, she reaches into the bottom and comes up with a royal blue length of silky looking cloth.
"Put this on," she urges, handing it to me as she glances out at the hall again.
I look out too this time. No guard to be found.
Alright. I don't really have any other choice.
Hopping to my feet, I shake out the cloth to find it's a hooded cape. Tossing it over my shoulders, I tie it and quickly pack my things. I only have a few and I definitely don't want to leave the information Celestial Mates gave me. Bag in hand, I pull the hood over my face.
"Come," the maid says in a low voice, taking my hand.
I follow her out of the room and into the hall, my heart pounding.
What a wake up call.
She leads us down the hall, but then pulls me into an alcove abruptly enough that I let out a gasp. After a few seconds, voices and footsteps sound closer and closer. She must have ears like a bat.
We stare at each other, holding our breaths as a couple of large men walk past, less than a few feet away. If they even glance in this direction, we're done. My heart almost stops as one starts to turn his head, but his companion distracts him with a comment and he looks back over, chuckling.
Man. I don't know if I'm built for this kind of thing.
We wait until they’re out of earshot and then the maid leads us straight to the front door, not stopping or faltering for a moment. But once we reach it, she holds a finger up to her lips and puts her ear to the door, listening. We wait for maybe twenty seconds before she's satisfied. My rescuer nods and then opens the door just enough so we can slip through, closing it behind us.
We're out in the courtyard, nobody else in sight. I don't know how she timed this so perfectly. I almost want to applaud her but there's no time. She moves forward at a rapid clip.
I follow her lead, hurrying through the courtyard and feeling pretty exposed out in the open like this so I pull my hood lower, trying to hide my face better. As soon as we leave the courtyard, she throws an arm across my chest to stop me as a carriage comes to a rough stop in front of us.
The guy sitting with the reins in hand only glances down before looking up and away, his sharp eyes scanning the area.
"Get in," the maid whispers, opening the door to the carriage.
I look in the dim interior, the sides covered in the same glowing plant. I wonder if I should start counting the number of risky moves I've made in the last couple of days.
Taking a deep breath, I climb inside. The maid closes the door behind me and taps on it. The carriage immediately lurches into motion as I move to scoot lower so I can't be seen from the open windows on either side. The sounds and smells of the marketplace go by, but I don't dare lift my hood enough to look. My pale face might give me away.
So far so good.
And, as soon as I think it, the carriage comes to a halt.
"Where are you going?" A deep voice asks from outside.
"House Caffaan," the driver replies smoothly. "To visit family."
A pregnant pause where I wonder if this is it. Game over.
"Fine. Go."
Guess not. I let out a shaky breath as the carriage lurches into motion once again. I take a risk and quickly peek out the window moving my hood just enough so I can see. Those were the front gates. We've left the walled compound but I still don't feel safe. We have quite an exposed, flat area to cross, and then the tunnel.
I look out at the passing scenery as the driver goes at a steady speed, not too fast and not too slow, trying not to attract attention. The bright lights of the tunnel come up, flashing across the open windows as we cross.
Almost there.
The tunnel spits
us out into the dimmer outer tunnels. I let out a silent sigh of relief, though I know there's probably still a ways to go.
"Stop," a deep voice commands.
The carriage comes to an abrupt stop.
Shit.
Maybe I let out that sigh just a tad bit too early. Swallowing, I don't move, hoping this will pass too. but the carriage door opens.
I freeze, not expecting it.
"Ling Richards?" says the same deep voice that commanded we stop.
I blink and look more closely at the face leaning in. It's familiar.
"Yes," I say, my voice low.
He smiles at me gently, his handsome face even more attractive in person.
"Come," he says, holding out a large, calloused hand. His eyes are impossibly gold as they hold mine, the lashes thick and luxurious. "I am Naefaren Viir. I apologize for my tardiness."
I let out a startled laugh and his smile widens, flashing his fangs.
The sight of them sends a bolt of lust right through me.
Wow.
Didn't know I felt that way about fangs.
Licking my lips, I place my much smaller hand in his.
The skin to skin contact sends another shiver of sensation through me.
I shake my head at myself. I need to calm down.
Grabbing my bag with my other hand, I step out of the carriage with Naefaren's help. Once my feet are on the ground, I realize just how large our size difference is.
He isn't just taller.
Which he is.
By a lot.
But he's also much more massive. The impact of him in person is much greater than any picture or hologram could ever capture. His violet hair gleams as he takes my bag and turns to place it into another carriage.
Turning back to me, his eyes go to the tunnel before meeting mine.
"Again, I am quite sorry for the circumstances of our meeting. But I am afraid we must leave now. We are still not in a safe area."
I nod. "I understand." I turn to the driver. "Thank you," I say sincerely.
He bows. "Of course. It was my honor."
"Well done, Borraf," Naefaren says as he helps me up into the new carriage. "Remind me to increase your wages."
"I will indeed, my Prince," Borraf says, humor clear in his voice. "I will indeed."
Naefaren is smiling as he hops up next to me, his turquoise blue robe moving smoothly with him. This close, I can make out its embroidery, done in the same color. More subtle than most of the other Alvan clothing so far.
"Ready?" he asks, looking over at me.
I've never been this attracted to anyone in my life, it can't be normal. What did they put in that food?
"Yes," I say, the pause way too long. Totally blaming the translator, not his mind-blowing good looks.
Naefaren simply nods, making a clicking sound and flicking the reins just as everyone else has done, but this juntta definitely goes faster than I expected. I suck in a breath and grab on to the side of the carriage as we rapidly pick up speed. It must be too fast for Naefaren to be in control, but he seems relaxed enough, the reins held loosely in his competent hands.
Mmm, big hands.
I have no idea what’s going to happen next. The best thing I can say for my life right now is that at least it isn't boring.
8
Naefaren
I glance over at Ling as I urge the juntta to go faster. She is even more beautiful than in the picture. Her skin is pale and smooth, perfect. Small, adorable spots are speckled across her nose and her eyes are an unusual shape, tilted up at the corners. Her hair is a shining sheet of black. Her voice is just as arresting as her appearance. Lower than I would have expected, strong and confident.
And her accent. I always thought it was charming on Margot and Clara. but I could listen to Ling all day.
"Are you...fine?" I ask as we near House Viir. "Did they hurt you in any way?"
She does not look physically hurt, but many hurts are not so obvious.
She says something in the human females’ language and then slowly speaks in Alvan. I have heard Margot and Clara converse enough that Ling's words sounds vaguely familiar, but I suddenly wish I had taken the time to learn more.
"No," she says, looking over at me. "I was not hurt."
I nod, some of my tension easing. I do not know if I would have been able to stop myself from doing something rash if she had been.
"How have you learned Alvan so quickly?" I ask, curious at her grasp of the language, though her speech is still slow.
She says something in her language and then replies in Alvan. "Celestial Mates gave me a translation device," she explains, turning her head and pushing her hair back to point at a small object in her ear. "It translates Alvan for me. And if I speak in my language, it tells me how to say the same in Alvan." She lets her hair fall back into place. "So that’s why I sound like I’m talking to myself," she adds wryly.
I chuckle. "Interesting. And very useful. I am certain Margot and Clara would have greatly appreciated such a device when they first arrived."
Her face lights up. "Margot and Clara? There are more people from Earth here?"
"Yes," I say, happy that she will have other females to speak to. "I am sure you will meet them soon."
"Oh, I would really love to," she agrees. After a slight pause, she continues. "Are we going to House Viir?"
"Yes," I confirm.
"Hmm. But Malathin will know where we are. Is that a good idea?"
I look over at her with a slight smile, knowing it has no warmth. "If Malathin would like to attack me in my stronghold for taking my female back after he kidnapped her, I welcome him to try."
In fact, I almost hope does attempt such a foolhardy move. I would like to grind him down under my boot.
"Why did he take me anyway?" she asks, frowning. "Did you do something to him? What did he want?"
I sigh. "I have helped bring about many changes recently. Not all of them could be seen as...traditional. And Malathin Saren is a traditional kind of Prince."
Her face clears somewhat. "I see. I can understand that. I’m guessing he was using me as leverage against you, what did he want in exchange?" she probes.
She is a quick study. Not the first topic of conversation I would have chosen to have upon meeting my possible Pari, but I appreciate her curiosity and intelligence.
"He wanted me to step down as Prince of House Viir," I say, wanting to be truthful. "I would have done so if left with no other choice," I add, not wanting her to think I do not value her. "But there are many people depending upon me. I thought exploring other possibilities first would be a more practical solution."
I am half afraid she will be offended that I did not step down immediately, but she only nods thoughtfully.
"I get it. I’m glad you didn’t step down." She smiles at me. "I don’t like it when people like Malathin get what they want after sinking so low. I almost wish I could see his face when he realizes I’m not there anymore."
I chuckle, surprised at her view of the situation. "Yes. I would have liked to see his face as well. It would be most satisfying."
We turn the corner and the lights of the tunnel leading to our rakennus are up ahead. "We have arrived at House Viir," I say and the juntta immediately increases its speed without any urging on my part. It recognizes home.
As we pass through the intricately painted tunnel, all done in warm colors, I find myself looking at everything with new eyes. Will Ling like her new home?
"The art is beautiful," she says as we reach the end of the tunnel.
"It was painted in generations past by a very well known artist," I say with pride. "It is coveted by many other Major Houses."
"I can imagine."
I glance over and there is a small smile on her tiny, beautiful mouth. My chest expands and a surge of blood rushes to my cock. I empathize with the juntta as I find myself eager to reach home with my new mate.
As we travel across the flat rock betwee
n the tunnel and the border wall, Ling's eyes land on the Celestial Mates structure.
"Oh," she exclaims. "Is that another Celestial Mates office?" she asks, leaning forward.
For the first time since it was built here, I almost wish it was not so close to House Viir. What if Ling decides she would rather go home after all?
"Yes," I say shortly. "This was the office that you were meant to come to. I do not know what Malathin did to have you arrive at the other one, but rest assured that I will not forget. The representative does not know yet what occurred, but he will be looking into the matter."
Ling nods, her attention turning to the border wall as we draw near. Our walls are made of the same tan stone that many of the Major Houses use. It is prettier than the gray rock the Minor Houses utilize, though not quite as strong. I always thought it quite symbolic of the Major Houses to put appearance over practical function.
The gates are already open and I blink as we pass by the bright lights. The guards hail in greeting, though their attention is very firmly on my pretty passenger. I look over to and she is fiddling with her cape nervously as the people we pass stop to stare, bowing, their eyes firmly locked on Ling.
"They are simply curious," I reassure her, smiling and waving at my people. "I did not inform them ahead of time for fear the news of my actions would reach Malathin before I could safely remove you from House Saren."
She nods, smiling back at everyone tentatively. "I don’t know what my role here is meant to be," she murmurs, as she continues to behave graciously.
I do not know either. She is not yet my Pari.
Though the more time I spend in her company, the more I hope she is.
We pass through the busy marketplace, Ling's eyes wide as she takes in all of the wares and the variety of people assembled.
"Can I come out here later?" she asks, her head turning from side to side as she attempts to take it all in at once.
Rescued by the Alien Prince: Celestial Mates (The Alva) Page 5
