by Calista Skye
“Okay,” said Lana. “So, what’s the problem?”
“The problem is this: I need your help.”
“I don’t…what?”
“Princess Ellistra’s wedding to…” he gritted his teeth. “It will look suspicious if I’m there on my own. It’s a celebration. A ball. A…dance.”
“I don’t understand.”
Kira kicked her underneath the table. “He’s asking you to be his date!”
Lana’s felt her skin flush bright red. Her head spun. “What? I can’t…why?”
“Because this is going to be a delicate operation, and every single member of my crew already has a task assigned. If I were to infiltrate the wedding on my own, it becomes a significantly more complicated operation. I’d have to sneak in undetected. If you would accompany me, we can waltz right in the front door. So to speak.”
“Okay, but why? Why would I help?”
“You have no love for the Empire. Wouldn’t you love the chance to keep them from increasing their stranglehold on the Galaxy?”
“Sure. Of course I would. But what are you trying to accomplish, Adaar? What difference will it make in the grand scheme of things? And what’s in it for you?”
They always have an agenda, she reminded herself. Never trust a Kamaran.
Adaar met her gaze, his voice firm. “I have my reasons. But the fact remains that I need your help. And as for your other predicament…I can help you with that, too.”
“You’ll get me the serum?” she said, realizing immediately that she shouldn’t have said it out loud in front of the crew. But then, they probably already knew everything there was to know about her. There were no secrets among them. She realized that her personal business was all of their business the minute she stepped on board the Vendetta.
Adaar nodded. “Yes, Lana. If you help me sabotage the wedding, we will make sure you leave with the serum.”
“Why should I trust you?” said Lana. “What guarantee do I have that you’ll honor that promise?”
“You may not believe this, Lana, but I’m committed to protecting your wellbeing. You’re just going to have to trust me.”
Great. That should be easy, she thought.
“But if my word is not enough,” said Adaar, “then think about it this way: You’ll be doing something important for the common people of Anara. If they merge with the Empire, it won’t be long before that paradise becomes the same oppressive, totalitarian nightmare that Tarksis has become. Wouldn’t you save them the heartache, if you could?”
Lana swallowed hard. What kind of question was that? He was manipulating her. She was sure of it. She’d do anything she could to save the people from the scourge of Kamaran rule, and he knew it. She didn’t like it, but she couldn’t see any other options.
“Fine. I’m in.”
Adaar pulled his mouth into a grin and grabbed her shoulder. “Excellent, Lana. I knew I could count on you.” He drew a deep breath and turned to the crew. “Looks like we have another reason to celebrate tonight, folks.” He lifted his glass of glowing red ormalon from the table. “To the Raiders.”
Chapter 11
Adaar looked out over the training room from high atop the stack of boxes. The entire room had been reconfigured to match the Grand Anaran Ballroom. The floor had been cleared, leaving a large, open space in the center of the room. And with the help of the holographic projection of majestic tapestries and large open archways, the replica was convincing. It would be perfect to walk Lana through the basic footwork of the traditional Kamaran ceremonial waltz.
Satisfied with their work, he palmed the wall switch to lower the lighting. A perfect finishing touch that would complete the illusion.
When Lana entered the room, a wave of relief washed over him. He’d half expected her to back out when she learned that her part in the infiltration would involve learning to dance. Adaar imagined the scenario: Lana’s incredulity and initial resistance, followed by a tantrum. Then Kira persuading her that it was worth it.
Adaar smiled to himself, picturing the vivid red flush of her skin as she bit her lip and reasoned it out.
He stood for a moment atop his perch, watching as Lana wandered into the center of the room. She looked stunning in the long, black evening gown that the crew had salvaged. The way the fabric draped over the curves of her body so perfectly, it was as though the gown was designed just for her. Adaar smiled warmly as he watched her. As much as he detested formal events, seeing Lana like this filled him anticipation.
“Lana,” he called across the room as he hopped down from his perch, gracefully lowering himself to the ground. “So glad you could make it.”
“I almost didn’t,” she said. “No one told me I had to dance.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “I think there’s a huge flaw in your plan. There’s no way I’m going to pull this off.”
Adaar closed the distance between them in a series of long, smooth steps. He floated across the floor towards her as if their dance already begun. “I don’t think that’s true. You underestimate yourself, Lana Riley,” he said as he reached a hand out to her in greeting.
Her face flushed as she stared at him.
“The customary response,” he said, “would be to take my hand.”
Lana scowled and snatched his hand roughly from the air.
“It’s a start. But if the Anarans and their guests are going to believe that we’re a couple, we’ll have to do better than that. As beautiful as you look in that dress, there will be a lot of eyes on us.”
She failed to hide the hint of a smile on her lips. “That’s a little better,” he said.
“Let’s get this over with.”
He was relieved by her resistance. There was no deception in her, no hidden desire to use him for his position. Of course there was something she wanted from him, but her lack of duplicity put him at ease. Over the years, there had been more than a few who had tried to manipulate him. Her transparency was a refreshing change of pace.
“Right,” he said. “Let’s start at the beginning. Do you have any formal training in dance?”
“I’m a human cargo pilot from Tarksis,” she said.
“Yes, and I’m a Kamaran pirate. Answer the question.”
“No, Captain,” she said, the disdain thick in her voice. “I had more important things to do with my time.”
He nodded, undeterred by her brusque reply. “I understand, I assure you. Most of the wedding guests led easy, sheltered lives. They haven’t had to deal with the half the things you’ve dealt with. They fritter away their days and their credits on things that don’t matter.”
“Of course.”
“Nevertheless, we need to look like we belong. And that means you need to keep an open mind and at least try to look like you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Fine.” She drew her face into a half-hearted smile. “Let’s dance.”
“That’s the spirit,” he said. “Now, the Kamaran waltz is a simple dance. Learning the basic footwork should be a breeze. Even for you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“That you’ve had more important things to do with your time. Try to keep up.”
“Asshole.”
“Grace,” he said, “is what makes the difference in the way you appear to these people. Grace of your footwork, grace of your posture, and grace of your words. That means bickering and insults are off limits. Charming as your sharp tongue may be, we wouldn’t want to give ourselves away.”
“My, of course not. I wouldn’t dare lower myself in such a way to be confused with the commoners," she said with a playful lilt in her voice.
Adaar chuckled in spite of himself. “To be fair, Lana…of all the frivolity that the nobles engage in, I think you’ll find that dancing has a certain beauty to it. There’s a peace that sweeps over you when everything comes together in just the right way. Your body is carried away in the moment and the world falls away. Give it a chance. You’ll see.”
“The first thing to pay attention to,” he said, “is your posture. If you fail to carry yourself correctly, your footwork won’t matter.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and shifted her hips forward. He felt her body tense at his touch. “Try to relax. Straighten your back. Lower your shoulders.”
He stepped around behind her as Lana dropped her frame. He placed his hands on the bare skin of shoulders and felt her tense again. “Loosen,” he said, digging his thumbs into her body in a light massage. “Let go of the tension here. Release your arms and let your neck grow long.”
Her arms loosened at his touch as she dropped them behind her. “Like that?” she said, turning her head around to face him.
Adaar’s pulse quickened when he saw the long line of her neck, the profile of her face glowing in the soft light. He admired the curves of her body. Her hips. A natural beauty whether she realized it or not. He would be able to play his part convincingly.
“Yes, Lana. That’s perfect.” He stepped back around in front of her, taking her soft hands in his own as he pulled her body close. “Now, put your left hand here,” he positioned his hand on his hip. “And hold your right arm out. Like this,” he said as he lifted her arm into the air, keeping a light grasp on her fingers as he held her. “Keep yourself in this position. Firm, but relaxed,” he said.
“Okay,” she said. “Sounds easy enough,” as she smiled up at him. “I thought you said this was going to be difficult.”
“Hold your hips still,” he said. “Keep your feet planted where they are for now.” He pressed into her hand, rotating her body to the right.
Her arms went limp. “Hold your body rigid. Keep your position.” He felt the tension creep back into her arms as he pulled her forward, rotating her body the other way.
Lana stepped forward to catch her balance and crashed into him.
Adaar saw it coming. He caught her body gracefully and righted her.
“Close,” he said. “But let’s try not to run me over this time.”
Lana pursed her lips in a way he’d come to recognize, but her angry retort never came.
“Just relax, Lana. Let me guide you.” He took her arms again. “Keep your shoulders down, keep your posture firm, and turn with me.” He pushed into her hand and then pulled her the other way.
Lana managed to keep her balance, a genuine smile on her face.
“Good,” he said. “I knew you’d get the hang of this. You’re a natural.”
“Yes, holding my body still is impossibly hard.”
“Alright, Lana. Let’s see what your feet can do.”
She immediately looked down, bumping her head into his chest and laughing uproariously. “I’m sorry,” she said.
“Brilliant,” he said. “Truly deft.”
“Like you said, I’m a natural.”
In spite of himself, he appreciated her playfulness. She wore it with such ease. Was she stubborn? Brash? Of course. But in spite of everything that had happened to her, Lana was resilient, cheerful, and brave. There was a determination and a goodness in her that he admired. And he found himself drawn to it.
He smiled at her as he gripped her hands again. “We’re going to take three simple steps. Back, side, together. Start with your right foot and follow my lead.”
He pushed back into her hand as they lifted off the ground. “One, two, three,” he said as he dragged her along with him, tripping over his feet through the sequence.
“I know. It’s insanely complicated.”
She glared at him. “Try it again.”
He took her hands, aware of her soft skin beneath his fingers. “One,” he said as he guided her back. “Side. Together.”
Lana’s followed behind him, not quite familiar with the pattern. But she managed without crashing into his body this time.
“Good. And now, we reverse. Forward, side together.” He pulled her body forward with him, feeling her body relax into his lead.
“Well done.” He smiled at her warmly. “Now let’s put it together.”
He gestured off into the air as the lights dimmed further. The faint sound of strings sang from the comm speakers, sonorous music filling the air.
“What the hell?” said Lana. “What is this?”
“You’ve caught on quickly. And we don’t have time to waste. Let’s see if you can keep time.”
“I hate you,” she said.
“I know.” He pulled her in close to his body, noticing the scent of her hair as he held her close. He was conscious of their proximity. Of the curves of her body. And of the way she made him feel so unencumbered by the weight of what they were about to do. He found himself hoping that her growing relaxation was more than an act. That she would realize he was more than her assumptions.
Lana smiled as their eyes met. Her expression softened as she looked up at him, and he felt her body relax as he held her.
“Right,” he said, coming back to the room. “I’ll count us off. One, two, three.” He guided her back smoothly, holding her arms aloft as they moved in unison across the floor. He felt the hesitation in her first few steps, but he continued to lead her. Her feet quickened, adjusting to the tempo as she found her flow.
Lana’s body relaxed into his arms as he led her around the floor, and the music carried them along in unison. Until she closed her eyes and tripped over his feet, nearly knocking them both to the floor.
The sound of her laughter filled the air as he caught her.
“Gods, I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I just…I…”
“Don’t worry, Lana. You were doing fine.” He lifted her back into position, guiding her body into his arms.
She leaned into him and dropped her shoulders behind her. “Okay. I can do this.”
“Of course you can,” he said. “This time, I want you to keep your eyes focused on me. I’m going to lead you. Feel my hands on your body. Follow when I push. When I pull. Just relax and trust that I’ve got you.”
Lana looked up at him and nodded.
Their eyes locked. A surge of energy coursed through his body. His arms tensed as he looked at her. He wanted to give her a stable frame to hold onto. Something she could depend on. There was a hurt behind her eyes, despite her efforts to hide it. But there was a strength there, too. A commitment to acting in spite of her fear.
No, Adaar told himself. You’re reading too much into this. But no matter what he told himself, he couldn’t fight it. He admired her. Cared for her. She was more genuine than anyone he’d ever met.
He nodded to her. “Ready.”
“I’m ready,” she said.
He stepped forward in time with the strings as the melody swooped and soared, changing keys as it lifted. Guiding her body gently, she relaxed into his arms. He felt her let her guard down, her body moving gracefully in time with his. He kept his eyes locked on hers, holding her gaze as he led her into a circle around the back step.
And Lana followed him, their bodies moving in unison, flowing with the swell of the strings as he led her around the room. She kept her eyes on him as Adaar felt her release into his lead.
The steps didn’t matter anymore. She had learned what she needed. But he didn’t stop. He didn’t want the moment to end.
His eyes wandered to her soft lips. There was joy in her smile, and he wanted to see it continue. Wanted it more than he could stand. In that moment, wrapped in his arms, he knew she was safe. And he wanted to keep her there. To protect her from the world, from the Empire, from the realities of her life. In that moment, the two of them were all that mattered.
The music swelled and crescendoed as the world around them melted away. He pulled her in closer, their bodies touching as they stepped in a tight arc around the room. The lights flared around them as the tempo pushed to a climax before closing on the final cadence.
The pair spun to a halt
as silence filled the room.
But Adaar didn’t let go. And Lana didn’t pull away. She looked up at him, her eyes wide, her body inviting him in. He held her against him and stared down into her eyes.
This could never work, he told himself. You’re lying to yourself. She’s going to use you. Just like the rest. But his body wouldn’t listen. His heart raced in his chest as his fingers tighten around her.
He lifted his hand to her face, and he kissed her with a hunger he’d never felt.
Her body softened. She threw her arms around him. Her lips parted as he explored her mouth, holding her body to his chest
He felt the curves of her breasts against him as her hands traced down his neck. He wrapped an arm around her and drew his hand down the soft skin of her cheek.
And he froze. This could only end badly. There was no way she would have allowed it if she knew about his past. The man he truly was.
“I’m sorry,” he said, releasing her. “I should never have done that.” He turned and backed away.
“Adaar wait,” she called. “Please wait. It’s okay.”
“No,” he said. “I’m sorry, Lana.”
And he disappeared from the room without looking back.
Chapter 12
Lana entered the cabin to find Kira laying on her stomach, pouring over the pile of notes Ja’al and Tyrus had left. The look of exasperation on her face said it all. “How do they expect me to learn all this by tomorrow?”
“I’m not worried about you, Kira. You’re a genius.”
“Well, obviously. But I’m not familiar with any of this. I’m used to repairing ship systems, not sabotaging them.” She tossed her holo down onto the mattress with a groan.
“I’m sure Ja’al will help you.”
“You sound awfully happy. Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?” Kira looked up at her friend and her mouth dropped open. “Oh my gods, what happened?”
Lana shook her head, trying to contain her smile. She knew it was foolish to pretend that what happened with Adaar meant anything. But she didn’t need it to. The rush of the moment was enough.
