by Crystal Dawn
Whatever crime they were concerned that Cretia might have committed, she had paid for in full. Not that Romo felt being bullied and threatened into helping an evil family member was a crime. Cretia knew Dannia best and had felt the weight of her threats realizing they were not empty ones. The horror of what Dannia had ordered those males to do was captured in the pictures taken after the fact.
Romo was completely certain that those males had every intention of raping and brutally beating Cretia to death had they not been stopped. They might regret their actions and even say they would have stopped, but what they had already done would have killed a weaker female. Even Cretia might have succumbed to her injuries had Betty not given her aid right away. This was something he had seen on Earth on the news nightly, but no one from Earth was involved.
He had no way to explain the breakdown of two males raised among other dragons of good moral standing. How was it so easy for Dannia to corrupt a lifetime where they’d been taught proper ethics? Why had they gone from the norm on Draconis straight to the darkest behavior possible?
“Eat your breakfast, Mate. You will need your strength to get through today.” Bree instructed. Romo knew she was right.
“I know I need to oversee this. Regret would appear if I refused, but seeing the worst our planet has to offer will change me.”
“It will, but it will make you stronger and you will know you made this world better for our dragonlet by dealing with this evil.”
“You always know the right thing to say.” Romo pulled his mate into his embrace and one hand gently rubbed her stomach which was just starting to show a bump. Judging by how most mate’s pregnancies went, the bump would grow quickly.
Romo finished eating and it was time to go but he dreaded showing the horrible pictures. It had caught Cretia’s terrible injuries and shown her so near death, it was hard to tell she still breathed. The pictures would stir the hearts of any decent dragon and a need to bring her justice and see that she was taken care of would follow. It was the nature of dragons to be protective of those weaker than themselves. At least it was the nature of most dragons.
He went outside changing and lifting into the air in seconds. There was no point in putting this off any longer. The pouch was clasped in his claws, it was instinctive to pick it up when he took off. The pictures would be kept confidential and seen only on an as needed basis. If they got out, there would be an outcry to kill the rogues responsible and any others involved.
Landing on the castle roof was easy. He dropped the pouch and reclaimed it as soon as the shift to man was done. Guarding his pouch carefully, he made his way to the emperor’s office where everyone involved, including the Emperor and the King, but not Niku, already waited for him even though he was early.
“Glad you could make it.” Gazo said sarcastically. Why was he even here?
“I’m ten minutes early.”
“I’ve been here an hour.” Gazo shot back.
“Why are you even here?”
“I’m Niku’s assistant.” Gazo declared.
Right after that, Niku came through the door. “I’m sorry I’m early, but I couldn’t wait any longer. Gazo, why are you here? I’ve left paperwork on your desk that I need you to start on right away.”
“Yes. Sir.” Gazo said as he glared at Romo and slipped out of the room. Dirk came in precisely on time and just before the meeting got started.
“I see everyone is now present. Due to the nature of the crime, no one extra needs to be involved.” Niku suggested, as he shut the door. The room was sound proof and now they would have complete secrecy.
“Aren’t you overreacting?” The emperor asked.
Niku nodded at Romo. He pulled the pictures out of the pouch and laid them on the emperor’s desk.
“By the gods. I’ve never seen such a thing. She survived this?” The emperor asked.
“Betty, my mate is talented in herbs and other medical things. It helped that Cretia seems to have a strong will to live.”
“Had we arrived later, even a second, they were about to force themselves on her sexually.” Romo added.
“Ruffians, they should be put to death, every one of them.” The king decided.
“This is an opportunity to punish the guilty and give mercy to those that had no knowledge of this.” Niku said.
“Won’t that make us look weak, especially considering the pure evil of what these pictures show?” The king asked.
“Justice should always be tempered with mercy.” Niku recited. It was one of the ancient rules passed down to all dragons. “It is easy to kill and destroy, especially for fire breathing dragons. Holding back your power to show mercy, that’s much harder.”
The truth of his words rang clearly through the room. These males would understand it better than anyone. Only Romo and Dirk were not a fire breather but they worked closely with those that were. They had seen the power unleashed and knew how hard it was for those who breathed fire to restrain their dragons when they were angry.
“You are right. Is this your new assistant?” The king asked.
“Gazo is still my personal assistant. Dirk will be in charge of investigations starting with this one.” Niku said.
“I’m glad you’re finally taking my advice and getting some help. Now I suppose we should discuss the clemency offer to the four rogues who requested it. We are in a now or never situation. I say four less enemies are a good idea. Any objections?” The emperor asked but he looked at the king.
No one spoke but Romo was sure if the king had objected, that would be the end of the clemency. “Let’s get this done quickly, and Romo, when the four arrive, question them on what happened to Cretia. You and Dirk can work as a team, but you are in charge in the field and Niku is in charge of the investigation.” The emperor added. “Everyone can go now and I expect the king and I to be updated regularly.”
Niku left followed by Dirk with Romo bringing up the rear. They followed Niku to his office to get any instructions that were needed. Romo had left the pictures with the emperor because if he wanted them, he would have had to pry them from his hands.
Niku opened his office door and let Dirk and Romo in under the glare of his personal assistant. Gazo was clearly unhappy and didn’t like Romo at all. “Let’s get started. I need to send a missive to Kenley setting up a meeting where the four males who wish to get clemency have the opportunity to do so. Once we get back here, you can divide them up and question them, but only about Cretia’s attack and anyone who might have been involved in it. Once that is done, we will help them get back into regular lives. Kenley’s brother will be staying with me. I plan to help him get a job and back on his feet. He’s not a warrior, he’s a nurturer and Kenley finally saw there was no place for him in his group. I don’t know anything about the other three.”
“Okay, that takes care of one and he’ll be where we can keep an eye on him. It’s for his own good too. Some of the other rogues may not be happy he left.” Romo explained.
“You’re right. They are a volatile group and as we can see, some are monstrous.” Niku agreed pointing at the spare pictures Romo had laid on his desk. “We must keep those secure.” Niku said indicating the pictures.
“I will.”Romo assured. “I still need them to shock the males I question. No decent male can see this and not spill all he knows.”
“I have to agree with that. Those two are ruffians of the worst caliber yet they seem normal and even say they regret their action.” Dirk added.
“Regret won’t fix this. They need an appropriate punishment and they need to make restitution, not that money can ever repair the damage.” Niku suggested.
“There’s something in our laws, it’s just never been applied to nearly killing someone before.” Romo observed. “We’ll have to think about it. Maybe the money they pay her will give her a fresh start?”
“I hope so.” Niku offered. ”Meanwhile, I’ll write the letter to Kenley and set up the meeting. Messages are usually left
at that old treehouse we all played in. Any volunteers to drop it off?”
“I will.” Dirk volunteered. Niku wrote it out on the computer and printed it. He placed it in the leather bag they’d been using and handed it to Dirk. Romo wisely waited sensing Niku wanted to talk to him and stayed after Dirk left.
“Betty and I are getting along better. She’s considering mating.”
“I hope things work out for you. She needs you more than she realizes.”
“I need her too. She calms my dragon and right now he’s pretty worked up.”
“Mine is too. Attacking a female like that is atrocious and now they act as if they can hardly remember it.”
“Is it a convenient memory or are we missing something?” Niku asked.
“I can’t imagine what we could have missed. You were there, we caught them in the act. They were caught up in lust. It was all they cared about. Had they killed her, they would have continued abusing her dead body. Of that, I have no doubt.” Romo observed.
“I have to agree with you. Those males are completely disgusting. Had Cretia died, they would have been put to death by fire.” Niku commented.
“You should watch Gazo. He has something going on we don’t know about.”
“Now you understand why I needed Dirk for investigations. Gazo is too opinionated and will not look out for what’s best for our people.”
“You are right. What do we do now?”
“You and Dirk need to question the males that we get from Kenley, but I don’t know what we have left to do other than that. Are you covering your regular duties too?”
“Yes, but this takes precedence. Jarel will cover everything else when I am needed elsewhere.”
“He’s a good male."
“He is and he will do whatever is needed to get the job done. Someday I suspect he will have my position if I move on.”
“Is that something you are considering?” Niku asked.
“Only if the right offer comes along. Perhaps if you move up and your job is open, huh?”
“I’ve had no offers and unless my mating is solid, I couldn’t take one anyway.”
“Unless it is here.”
“Yes, unless it is local. Do you know something I don’t?”
“Just rumors, nothing substantial but persistent enough to make me wonder.”
“Rumors will get you nowhere.”
“Unless they are based on facts that haven’t been shared with us yet.”
“True. Now get back to work old friend and I will get to this pile of paper work.”
“You are a tough boss.” Romo said with a laugh as he exited the office only to stare right at Gazo who was scrambling to get into his chair. It made him wonder if Romo’s room was sound proofed too or if a nosy assistant could listen in.
Romo continued to his office where he dealt with all the usual things. Jarel had kept everything in line so he wasn’t overwhelmed. He was a good male and deserved a promotion but long lives made it unlikely he would get one. The few openings for leadership positions were in King Esco’s kingdom. The kingdom was based on a meteor he had turned into a home for those that had to live in the mining community.
It was the most likely place were the two males who had attacked Cretia would go. It was the only place available for hard labor. Esco ran a tight meteor so even though he paid well, he was always shorthanded. At least thirty percent of his laborers were convicts from Draconis and other worlds. The ones from Draconis were military, convicted of disrespecting an officer, rowdy brawls with fellow soldiers, or failure to follow orders. Dragons were powerful and many were dominant making it hard for them to follow orders.
Romo was relieved when it was finally time to go home. When he dropped down in front of his home, Bree was waiting for him with a smile. Warmth rolled over him as he saw his mate had a table set with a pitcher of cold limeade.
“I’m glad your home.” She said with a kiss.
“Is anything wrong?”
“No, I just missed you.”
With just a few words, she had made his day perfect. He rubbed her stomach a second before leading her to the table where they sat down. She poured him a glass of the limeade and handed it to him before pouring her own.
“How was your day?” She asked.
“Could have been better, but it could have been worse. I think I made an enemy today.”
“Who?”
“Niku’s assistant.”
“How did you do that?”
“He came to a confidential meeting uninvited. When I asked him why he was there, he hinted he was invited. When Niku got there, he told him to leave. I think he blames me.”
“The meeting was about Cretia?”
“Yes.”
“It needs to be kept to as few people as possible. She’s a victim and she would be mortified if word got out.”
“That was my thinking and I was sure Niku would agree and he did. It doesn’t make Gazo understand or like me any better.”
“You’ll always have those who are your biggest fans and that will be your family, but there will always be someone who disagrees with you or just doesn’t like you. At least you know how he feels and you can watch for anything bad he might try to do.”
“You know I’m your biggest fan, right?” Romo asked.
“There you are. We have supper ready if you’re hungry.” Dori said.
“Dragons are always hungry.” Romo replied.
Dori hurried back into the house. “I’m not sure she’ll be with us much longer.”
Romo was stunned. “Is she ill?”
“Oh God no. She’s not been sleeping here at night. I think she’s involved.”
“That’s a relief. I hope she finds someone wonderful who will make her happy.”
“I do too. It just seems weird that my mom is sneaking out at night.”
“She’s a smart and strong female and will make a good decision. You just have to trust her with those decisions.”
“I know your right. Let’s go in and eat before they come looking for us.”
Romo followed Bree. He’d been happy to have a full house but now it looked as if Betty and Selia as well as Dori would be leaving soon. He wanted them to be happy but it was hard letting go. Harder than he’d made it sound to Bree earlier.
Everyone sat in the dining room around the larger table. They were teasing and talking about everything and nothing. It was just what a family meal should be like with only Betty missing. “Is Betty still caring for Cretia?” Romo asked.
“Yes, and Selia is going over there right after the meal to spend some time with her mom. Niku has plenty of room.” Dori mentioned.
“He does. His house is even bigger than ours.” Romo observed. “I can fly her over there if you want? I need to go anyway to check on Cretia.”
“Can I go too?” Bree asked.
“Of course. I can carry both you lovely ladies.”
Selia giggled. “He called me a lady again.”
“You are a lady, a young one.” Dori said.
“Let’s eat so we can go.” Bree pressed.
“These are some tasty ribs and I’ve never had wings fixed this way before.” Romo noted.
“You never had wings on Earth?” Dori asked.
“No, I wasn’t there long enough to try much.”
“You missed out. Mine aren’t as good as some.”
“I find that hard to believe. These are delicious.” Romo complimented. Dori flushed with pleasure.
“You are a charmer. I’m glad Bree found you and I can’t wait to see my new grandbaby.” Dori assured.
“Me neither.” Selia agreed.
“I think we can all agree on that.” Bree chimed in.
Once they were done eating, everyone got up to help clean, but Dori ran them out. “Tomi and I can finish cleaning. You guys get going.”
“Thank you.” Romo, Bree, and Selia chorused.
Romo changed and dropped down to the ground next to a bench. Bre
e used it to get on his back and then pulled Selia up into her arms. “I like riding dragons.” Selia said. Romo huffed, he was laughing. He enjoyed just being around the little girl.
It was only a few minutes before they set down at NIku’s house. Selia slid off easily with Bree following. Once they were off, Romo changed and caught up with them. He knocked on the door and Betty answered. She hoisted Selia into the air kissing her like crazy.
“Stop, Mama. That’s too much.” Selia screeched.
“I’ve missed Silly.” Betty replied.
“I’ve missed you too, but I’m here now.” Selia said.
Niku had come into the room as Betty had led them inside the house. “I have news from Dirk.” He informed.
“Good news, I hope.” Romo said.
“Neither good nor bad. Nothing unexpected except by mid-morning we’ll be meeting with Kenley to offer clemency to four of his group.”
“It will be good to get that done.” Romo pointed out.
“You’re right. It will move things forward. I wonder if this female will be there.”
“Dannia? I doubt it, it’s not to her benefit. She’ll hide in the dark so we don’t know she’s involved with the rogues.”
“I hope so. It would hurt my dragon to see such evil and not burn it to ashes.” Niku admitted.
“But you would hold back, right? That’s not the way to deal with things if she’s there.”
“I know and yes, I would keep control. Even my dragon knows we can’t behave the way we want to.”
“I wanted to see Cretia for a second.” Bree mentioned.
“I’ll take you up there while the guys talk.” Betty offered and they left.
“We don’t really have anything else to discuss do we?” Romo asked.
“Not really. Do you think Bree is alright to see Cretia in her condition?”
“How bad is she?”
“Her bruises are black that is starting to turn green around the edges. She still has swelling everywhere. Cretia does wake up, but she sleeps more than she is alert. Betty has been giving her sponge baths, but she could still use a shower. Betty says it’s too soon. I don’t have any experience with healing. Betty has been in charge of that. It hurts to look at her.”
