by Susan Kelley
“Heathen outpost?” Callie had enough. “This heathen outpost will soon be the leading exporter of crystallized iron and therefore one of the richest planets. And have you forgotten the Space Dope only we produce? How many of you used it to make this long trip? We don’t need you.”
“Without our military protection, pirates would soon overrun your little army,” the interrogator scoffed.
“They would not,” Joe answered. “Not while I’m here.”
“Let me make myself clear, in case I’ve been too subtle for some of you,” Callie said. “Joe stays with me or the exports stop.”
“You’re threatening us?” Cries of disbelief and anger rippled across the hall.
“No threats. I’m making a promise. I need Joe to protect my valuable ore and my person or the production of elixir may stop. You need us more than we need you. He’s mine now.”
The politicians fell to arguing among themselves for a few moments. The interrogator finally signaled them to silence and stepped forward. “We’ll leave the marine with you on a trial basis. A reevaluation will occur in….”
“No. Joe is staying with me on my terms and not yours.”
“What capacity would you have him serve?”
“As my husband and the father of my children.”
* * * *
Joe signaled the guards standing at strategic points around the hall. The bedlam that broke out after Callie’s pronouncement didn’t appear dangerous, but it was noisy.
“Silence!” Callie stood before them, her chin at a regal angle. They obeyed.
Unon! Joe had never seen her look more beautiful. He looked around at those watching her with anger, disbelief and some with amusement.
“I am the sovereign ruler of the planet and this entire solar system. I will break my connection to the Galactic Council of Planets and become an independent if I must to protect my king.”
“This man is property,” someone said.
“Property you misused and discarded. I claim him as mine. This meeting is over. Feel free to enjoy our hospitality or to take your leave. If you can’t accept my husband, then board your ships and depart. You have one hour to decide if you want Giroux as part of your union or not. I expect you understand how your trade dealings will suffer if we are no longer part of your alliance.”
Joe’s heart surged, making him feel full inside. It might really happen. He might stay with Callie and live as a normal man.
“This is blackmail!” a man shouted.
“I’m asking you for nothing beyond accepting my rights as supreme ruler of Giroux, a planet that believes in human rights. And I’m not blackmailing you, I’m making promises of what will happen if you disagree with me. Captain Sontu, in one hour either see our guests to the chambers prepared for them or see they depart our sovereign air space.”
General Drant worked his way to the front of the room and gave Callie a big smile. “Outstanding, your highness. I expected a less positive outcome when we arrived, but I didn’t know you were made of such steel.”
“Thank you, General, for all you’ve done for Joe.”
Drant shook Joe’s hand. “I’m glad for you, soldier. You’ve done your duty and deserve this chance. I’ll check in once and a while and see how you’re doing.”
Joe wondered if those periodic checks were because the general still had doubts.
An hour later, the visitors followed servants to the guest quarters and left the two of them alone.
“I’m exhausted.” Callie looked pale as she sank into her chair though the light of battle still gleamed in her eyes.
Joe swept her up into his arms and walked to her bedroom. Their bedroom. She snuggled against his chest, and the full feeling in his chest expanded again.
“I can’t believe it’s over.” He pushed the chamber door open with his shoulder and then eased Callie down to the bed.
She pulled him close for a deep kiss, her soft lips playing over his. Her hands slipped inside his shirt.
He stopped her, needing to say the things filling his thoughts. “Callie, you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met.”
“Compared to the battles you’ve fought, I’m only a spoiled princess fumbling her way through.”
“All my fighting skills, all my intelligence and superior senses, couldn’t have defeated those people tonight. You did and not with brute force or economic threats. You beat them with the force that is you.”
“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”
“When you stood before them, putting yourself between them and me, I thought I would burst with what swelled inside me. I’ve felt it around you before, but I always connected it to something else like fear or lust. I fought it back. But tonight I let it grow.”
Callie looked at him with soft eyes, patient with his struggle.
Joe wondered if he’d just butchered the most important conversation of his life. “I love you, Callie Adell.”
She smiled, soft in the way reserved for him. “I know you do.”
“You know?”
“I love you, Joe Adell, my husband.”
“I know you do.” Joe found he could smile.
Callie reached out and traced his curved lips. His body reacted as it always did at her tender touch.
Understanding entered her eyes. “Come to me, lover, husband, protector and father of my child.”
Shock rolled over Joe. He dropped his gaze to her middle and placed a trembling hand on her stomach.
“We’ll talk about it later.” Callie unbuttoned his shirt. “How you ever noticed how the thrill of victory affects your love life?”
Joe smiled again. “Only since I met you, my queen.”
The End
