by Viola Grace
They looked to each other and then inclined their heads. Xeero spoke, “It is good to see you, Ambassador Leoraki.”
She got to her feet and turned to her employer. She blushed. “I apologize for my dereliction of duty. I will return to my desk.”
She tried to pass him, but he caught her arm. He whispered in Gaian. “You have done nothing wrong. You are hostess here, and that is what comes first at all times.”
Daphne paused and nodded with a slight smile. “Then, I will return to work and leave you to greet these hard-working contractors.”
He released her arm with a slow slide of his fingers. “They are quite the artists. I will indeed compliment their work.”
A knock at the front hall got her attention. With a small nod, she said, “Time to earn my keep.”
Chapter Five
“Mayor Tetra, while I appreciate the horrible imposition of you coming up two floors, the ambassador is otherwise occupied this afternoon.” It was day three of Daphne’s odyssey as the assistant to the ambassador and this was, by far, the most satisfying moment to date.
The mayor scowled at her. “I wish to speak with him.”
“I can schedule an appointment for tomorrow afternoon, but today is out of the question.” It was the truth. Ambassador Leoraki was in meetings with some of the Shadow folk who were asking him about the likelihood of finding matches with some of the Gaian women from the reception.
As she was about to get verbally blasted by the mayor, the ambassador in question poked his head around the corner. “Daphne, come in here please.”
The mayor fluffed himself up. “Ambassador Leoraki, I am happy to see you are adjusting to your surroundings. I was wondering if you would have time—”
Leoraki cut him off. “Not today, Mayor Tetra. I will be happy to meet with you tomorrow afternoon. Today, I am involved in a matter of urgency. Daphne, now please.”
The guards on the interior of the door stepped inward, blocking the mayor from following and herding him out.
Daphne got to her feet and followed the ambassador into his office. As he had instructed her, she stood at his right hand and looked from one Shadow to the next.
“Gentlemen, please explain to my assistant what you require.”
The Shadows shifted in their seats. One spoke, “I saw a woman at the reception, and I wish to court her, but I am unsure where to start.”
Smiling, Daphne ran through all of the protocols that Gaian’s enjoyed clinging to. She started with the first meeting, then getting the name and address of the lady or gentlemen of their choice and arranging the second meeting. After that, it was a series of progressively intimate meetings the culminated in one of two ways. Proposing a permanent connection or physical intimacy. Either one was acceptable.
The Shadows shifted violently while she explained the methods standard to Gaians. “That said, there is nothing wrong with carrying out the rituals of the Nine and seeing if the woman is willing. If she is, proceed as you would with a woman of your own kind.”
Apolan reached out and took her hand, rubbing his thumb along her knuckles. It was an intimate gesture in front of the strangers, but the Shadow folk seemed pleased by her acceptance of the touch.
“Daphne.”
Something in his voice made her turn her head to look down at him, and his deep green eyes held a wealth of emotion. The motion exposed her earpiece to the Shadow folk, and she heard a small gasp.
“Thank you for your help, Ms. Harrow. You may resume your duties.” He stroked her hand again and smiled.
Dismissed, she returned to her desk and continued her research on the eating habits of the Nine. The earpiece was so comfortable, she didn’t even need to remove it in the shower. It held to her ear as if designed to be there.
She wouldn’t need it in a few days. Her subliminal lessons in the common language of the Nine were coming along. Each night, she put the unit in her ears, and she was slowly taught how to speak the words that her earpiece simply translated for her.
It would be handy if she was every caught without her jewellery, but she couldn’t imagine a day when she didn’t want to wear it. Aside from the curious glances she got when she went into town, she truly enjoyed the piece and the workmanship on it.
Her account was full. She had been paid for her first quarter of service up front, and it enabled her to get her pantry back to standard levels. The shopkeepers eyed her speculatively when she was able to pay without checking her balance first, but she was able to get what she needed.
It felt so strange to finally have the funds when she needed them that she wasn’t sure what to do first.
She spent her time as his assistant answering the com, checking his schedule and making sure that requests for specialty items were filed with the warship. It wasn’t a hard job, but she wasn’t sure how long she was going to be able to do it.
Her attraction for Apolan grew with every passing day. He picked her up in the morning and brought her home every evening. Each day, he made excuses to touch her hand or arm, and she felt an ache for him when more than three hours passed and she hadn’t seen him.
Falling head over heels for the alien ambassador wasn’t precisely a good career move.
Her com unit chirped, and she smiled as images of the new embassy came in. The Nine were sending the building down in complete chunks. The sole delay of the opening of the embassy was the landscaping necessary to create suitable environments for the members of the Nine who decided to visit.
She got to her feet and knocked on the doorframe of Ambassador Leoraki’s office. “Ambassador, the construction update is in.”
He inclined his head and smiled. “Thank you, Ms. Harrow.”
There were intercoms in the office, but he preferred to have her announce the markers of the day. She was beginning to suspect that he enjoyed seeing her and that was the sole reason for the announcements.
With a short nod of her head, she returned to her desk and continued her education in the ways of the Nine. There was a ton of information to absorb, and she did love to learn.
Apolan watched Daphne disappear around the corner once again. Moryk and Devokian watched her as well. He cleared his throat.
“Now, you were saying that you have both chosen Gaians to pursue?” He brought their attention back to him.
Moryk nodded, the shadows that cloaked his body shifted. “I have seen her, but I am unsure how to proceed. I am not fond of the idea of seducing her first and wedding her second. It is not our way, as you know.”
Apolan grimaced. “Try to think of it as an extended courtship but draw the line at physical intimacy. From what I have been able to ascertain, the Gaians take to the courtship easily, and you do not need to tell them what your intent is.”
“Your courtship seems to be coming along.”
“I plan to take her as my bride the night of the embassy opening.”
Moryk whistled quietly. “That is a week away. Can you hold out that long?”
Apolan looked to the wall that hid his view of Daphne. “I will have to. She does not know where the new embassy is to be located, and I am sure that she will be a little upset when she finds out.”
Devokian cocked his head, “How can she not have seen it? It is right in her back yard.”
Apolan smiled, “I keep myself between her and the construction site at all times. There is a reason that she does not know where I sleep, but I have to admit that the proximity is tempting.”
The men laughed at the shared amusement, and Devokian asked, “Will there be a bonding garden?”
“That is the delay. The construction is almost complete. It is the gardening that is taking the time.” Apolan kept his gaze on the wall. “It is almost complete.”
Moryk chuckled. “I hope so, for your sake.”
“Invite your Gaian to the opening gala. It will let you get close enough to mark her.”
“Our marks are not as obvious as yours, Apolan. I am not sure that I can convince a Gaia
n to take a piece of me inside her on a dance floor.”
Apolan laughed, “Don’t put it to her like that. They will think it is something sexual, and she might balk. Suggest that she absorb a piece of the shadow. It might sound better.”
“We can’t all simply give our beloved jewellery that links her mind to ours.”
“You know it only works if we are compatible. I have to tell you, it is exhausting to keep up with her mind. She has gone through all of our food requirements, clothing, planets of settlement and, tomorrow, she is going to work on courtship. It will be difficult to concentrate.”
“Isn’t tomorrow a rest day for the colonists?” Devokian asked.
Apolan smiled, “I believe you are correct. I think I will ask my assistant to show me the sights.”
The men chuckled, and Apolan leaned back. A day off was just what Daphne needed. She was way too tense. A day of picnics and walks in the green might just help her breathe again.
Chapter Six
Spending her first worry-free day off with her boss was peculiar to say the least.
“Are you sure that you want to spend a whole day with me?” Daphne bit her lip.
“There is no one else I would rather spend the day with. Besides, you are here to help me integrate into the Gaian culture. The best way to do it is to immerse myself with your assistance. Lead the way, Daphne. I am yours for the day.”
She looked at his casual clothing, the brown leather and woven vest. His skin’s greenish brown colour glowed in the morning light, and he held another basket of food.
“Well, if you are mine, I have just the spot to show you. I think the Stone folk would like it, but I am not sure about your people.”
“Show me, and I will let you know.” He gestured for her to join him on the platform.
She snickered as he carefully positioned himself the same way he had for the last three days. “I will have to see the embassy sooner or later. Despite your efforts, I am well aware that my skyline has changed.”
He drew upright in shock. “You know?”
“Since the first disk thudded down onto Gaian soil. I am in tune with my environment. It is key to my survival.” Daphne smiled.
“Well, since you are aware of it. Are you up for a tour? They are working on the bonding garden today. We can see any area except that one.”
“It sounds like you are taking control of this outing. Good. I didn’t have anything planned.”
He smiled, “We can see your spot later.”
She grinned. “Good. It really is beautiful. A natural garden underground.”
Daphne could tell that she had gotten his curiosity up, but he controlled the platform and took them to the build site half a mile from her home.
She laughed as they approached. She would have had to be blind to miss the five stories of building that spiked into the sky. The building had a surprisingly organic look, as if it had grown from the stone beneath it.
“That is quite something. It matches the surroundings quite well.”
Apolan inclined his head. “We try not to stand out on any world we put an embassy on. Our worlds are far away, but we bring pieces of them with us.”
She blinked. “Thathonic?”
He nodded. “That is the home of my parents, yes. You really have studied the Nine.”
She blushed. “I can’t help it. I have to learn. It is a compulsion.”
“I don’t mind. At least you are taking an interest. It is better for both of us if you understand my society and I yours.” He smiled and brought the platform down in the centre of a manicured courtyard.
The tour was extensive, and she was ravenous by the time they entered the gardens at the rear of the new facility.
The grass had the standard purplish tinge of Gaia, but the rest of the flowers and trees were carefully potted and contained. Apolan took a small square out of the basket he had been carrying and flicked it out to provide them with a charming picnic area of layered silk.
They ate, chatted and simply enjoyed the bright newness of the area around them.
“How many of these buildings do the Nine have waiting?”
“None. They have a fabrication department that crafted the layers over the last few weeks.” He packed away the remnants of their meal.
“I have something to show you that was crafted way before last week. Can I pilot the platform?” Daphne’s tone was bright and eager. For years she had wanted to show someone her find, but since she had no social circle, there was no one to call.
Apolan’s hands covered hers on the controls, his body was pressed against her back, and she was having a hard time focussing on their destination.
“We are approaching your home.” With his chest pressed against her back, she could feel his speech more than hear it.
“Sort of. A little further north and we are there.” She shivered against him before she stiffened her back and reduced the contact.
With his help, she set them down neatly in a tiny glade within the ring of trees that surrounded her home. It was at the far north of the forest, a small green glade filled with some of the flowers native to Gaia. Daphne always felt calm when she was here. Serene, clean and right were the feelings that came over her in this place.
“Daphne, where are we?”
She could hear the wonder in his tone.
“The expanse north of my home. This is my place to run and hide when the world grows dark. It relaxes me from the inside out.” She smiled and grabbed his hand, pulling him along.
“Where are we going?”
She laughed. Joy was spilling through her as it always did when she was here. “You can’t see it from here. You have to walk to it straight on or the trees won’t let you see it.”
The grasses were soft, the flowers bright sparkling white, stars against their deeply coloured bases. She tugged her bemused employer through the glade as he tried to look at everything.
“This looks just like our…”
She stopped and raised her brows, “Just like what?”
“Never mind. What were you going to show me?”
Daphne laughed. “This way.”
She used the small stones in the ground to line herself up, and she hauled him toward the woods one step at a time.
They moved together and the moment that the optical illusion faded, she heard Apolan gasp.
He kept moving forward with her, his footfalls eager.
The crevice in the rock was invisible to anyone who didn’t know how to approach it. Daphne had been to the glade dozens of times before the hidden cavern had called to her.
The crystals that lined the cavern walls lit as they walked between the trees and into what Daphne privately called the heart of Gaia.
“I am guessing that the walls sense the electromagnetic field of living things. They wake when we enter, and they darken when we leave.” She kept her words quiet. He was too busy exploring the interior of the cave.
The white flowers that marked the clearing above also grew in the darkness of the cavern. The scent here was heady. It woke parts of her that she didn’t know she had.
With Apolan exploring the walls, she walked to the stone that took centre stage and watched him as he caressed the walls, stroked the crystals and murmured to himself.
The large crystal in the middle of the stone tablet drew her attention. Idly, she stroked the flat panel before she delicately drew her fingers down one sharp side.
“Daphne, what do you think this is?”
His loud words in the silence startled her. She drew her fingers back, and the edge of the crystal drew blood. “Ow.” She put her bleeding fingers to her lips and sighed. “That has never happened before.”
Apolan looked at the stone, and his eyes widened. “Oh, goddess.”
The crystal that had tasted her blood was bright blue with light and power. It hummed.
“Daphne, I believe that you have stumbled upon the original bonding chamber of the Nine.” Apolan looked at her finge
rs and the blood that still welled there.
She looked around her in wonder as she realized where she was standing. Generations of the Nine had come to this place and joined together as one.
The joy and warmth spilled through her over and over, and as she turned to imagine the couples that had stood in that place, searing pain ran through her hand.
Apolan looked from her to the stone and back again. “This is coming on much faster than I anticipated, but since you started the ritual, I must complete it or you will suffer.”
Her knees buckled as the pain coursed through her, and it radiated from her fingertips down her arm.
“What do you have to do?”
He smiled and kissed the back of her hand, helping her to her feet. “I have to marry you.”
Chapter Seven
“What?” She wasn’t sure she had heard what she thought she heard.
“You started the bonding ritual. We exchange blood, and it bonds us on a cellular level.”
She blinked and clung to him with the unwounded hand. “Can’t I just get some medical treatment?”
He sighed. “Does it feel like it is getting better?”
Fire was spreading through her in waves. “I am sure I will be fine.” She gasped and held onto him, her nails gripping his shirt.
“I have intended this all along. I was hoping that things could move at your pace, but it seems that you have taken matters out of my hands.” He supported her with one arm and focussed his attention on the crystal.
He grazed his fingertips along the edge of the crystal, and it parted his skin as easily as it had hers. He turned his hand to hers, and his wounds matched against her fingers.
She felt heat, but not the burning of earlier. They held their fingers together palm to palm, the wounds lining up on their hands.
“Daphne Harrow of Gaia, I take you.”
She blinked and remembered her late-night reading. “Apolan Leoraki of the Forest folk of the Nine, I take you.”
The crystal sent streamers of light into the room, bringing Apolan’s face into bright relief. He was grinning a foolish, happy grin.
