The Spider Queen (The Space Merchants Book 5)

by Wendie Nordgren

  “Okay. Neema stinky. Brother stinky,” Neema said.

  “Oh, I see. We won’t be letting go of each other. Will we?”

  “No, Mommy,” Neema said. Then, she whispered. “Brother won’t let go.”

  Guilt washed over me at her words. “I’m sorry, babies. Mommy will do better. I’m sure your daddies will make certain of it.” I carried them into my bedroom.

  “Lady wife, you are very correct. Lift your foot.” Yukihyo helped me out of my ice bear boots.

  Fitz helped me by removing my tiara, emerald necklace, wrap, and jumper.

  “Don’t recycle that. We can use it as a pattern and make some to use for trades. We’re going to need our own translation box,” I said.

  Nico sighed and said, “The shower is going.”

  I put Neema down. She started undressing. Her mouth was pursed together in concentration as she pulled at the tabs holding her diaper together.

  Yukihyo kneeled down in front of her. “Here. Daddy will get that for you.”

  She held still while he unfastened one side. Then, she grabbed his olive-green shirt and slid out of it. She gave her diaper a little kick with her foot. Niklos remained in my arms, shuddering and crying quietly. He broke my heart. Nico pulled off Niklos’ socks and the rest of his clothes while I held him.

  “I’m sorry, baby. Mommy won’t leave you again. I promise. Uncle Kane can deal with all of this crap,” I whispered as I kissed his wisps of blonde hair.

  “You mean it. You wish to leave for Parvac,” Zared said from where he sat on one of the bedroom chairs. He wore the same shade of green as Yukihyo.

  “Yes, I see our ships are all up from the surface.”

  Through the large viewport along the wall behind our bed, I could see our ship was surrounded by Parvac warships. I carried Niklos on my hip into the bathroom and sat on the waste unit. Neema was already enjoying the shower. She sat in the bottom of it watching her toes as she wiggled them.

  “Yes, the Militia ships are up and have closed ranks as well,” Nico said from where he stood by the sink.

  I pushed the button and then stood. Niklos and I joined Neema.

  “Oh, that feels good.” Water jets massaged my skin along with my sore muscles. Holding Niklos on my left hip to wash my hair wasn’t going to work. Nico took him, even though he cried, while I quickly scrubbed my scalp. “Close your eyes while I rinse, Neema.”

  “Okay, Mommy.”

  As soon as I was no longer slippery, I took Niklos back and wiped his nose with my wet hand. I kissed his forehead. “I won’t put you through anything like this again,” I vowed to him.

  A few minutes later, we were wrapped in towels and in bed. Once I had nursed Niklos, all was forgiven. However, that didn’t mean that I could put him down. When Fitz brought me a tray of dinner in bed, I began to suspect that something was wrong. However, that feeling of suspicion didn’t keep Neema and me from eating while Niklos watched. He didn’t want any potatoes. He just wanted me.

  Taking notice of my thoughts, Zared said, “We will enjoy having you returned to us, and you will not ask.” He said it so firmly that I let it go. Looking at Neema and Niklos, I didn’t push it. Zared was right.

  After we had eaten, Neema and I decided to spend the day in pink nightgowns, robes, and socks. She helped me dress Niklos in a blue T-shirt and socks. In the sitting room, I sat on the floor, closed my eyes in contentment, and enjoyed the sounds of crinkling diapers. Fitz answered the signaling of the large vid-screen. It was Quaid calling from the bridge of the Hadrian.

  “Lady Bosh, I am relieved to see you safely liberated from the Eloneave.”

  “Oh, Quaid. I’m very glad to be back. When can we return to Parvac space? Will you travel with us?” I was glad our ships were safe and in orbit.

  Quaid’s solid black eyes were brimming with what I feared might be anger. I had only seen that expression once before. It had been when he had learned of my accidental bonding with a band of hybrid Laconian mercenaries. Cuddling Niklos closer, I sat up straighter.

  “Quaid?”

  The sexy line of Quaid’s jawline had a sharper edge than usual. “I won’t be able to travel back with you at this time, Teagan. I will join you on Parvac as soon as I am able.”

  “Why? There are plenty of other ships here. Let someone else negotiate between the Talpa and Eloneave. Put Eric on. I’ll convince him.”

  “Teagan, Eric is in the infirmary. He is doing his best to fight an infection.”

  “An infection? From the wound? How bad is it?” I asked as I stood with Niklos and walked closer to the vid-screen.

  “It’s bad enough that Phillip came aboard to help our chief medical officer cure him.”

  Horrified tears streamed down my cheeks. I had never imagined any scenario where Eric wasn’t well into his recovery.

  “Don’t cry, Teagan. We won’t let our Captain down, and I won’t rest until my Captain receives justice.”

  “Justice?”

  “I know how much Eric means to you. Eric is my captain, my friend, and through you, he is my clan. The Eloneave viciously struck him down while he was on a rescue mission. They attempted to kill a Galaxic Militia Captain. They imprisoned and threatened our crews and have attempted a hostile invasion of a world protected by the Parvac and Galaxic Coalition. As acting Captain of the Hadrian, I must inform you that we are at war with the Eloneave.”

  “No, Quaid. No. It was Nyronyn, the King’s other son, who is responsible. The Eloneave settlement where I stayed is peaceful. It’s full of women and children.”

  Thoughts of the tiny Eloneave baby that I had held filled my mind. I did my best to send the image to Quaid and felt Zared helping me. When Quaid’s eyes softened, I knew it had worked.

  “Quaid, they want a peaceful home. Hard work and community are integral to who they are as a people. Farowyn and the others have spent years preparing and studying how to survive in hostile alien environments. They have learned to set traps, cook, and build shelters. They attacked because they thought we had shot down their life ship.”

  “Princess Probus, as acting Captain of the Hadrian, it would be ill advised for me to engage further in this line of discourse.”

  “But, Quaid….”

  Quietly, he said, “Teagan, go home. Bosh out.”

  In shock, I stared at the black empty screen. Niklos found my open mouth to be interesting and grabbed my bottom lip. Nico remained still and silent as he observed my every expression. I cuddled Niklos. Fear for the tiny infant whose mother struggled to survive just as Eric did tore at me. Yukihyo put in a call to Phillip for me without even bothering to ask.

  “How is he?” Yukihyo asked Phillip.

  “We have the fever under control with intravenous antibiotics, but he’s still on the ventilator. Bosh Technologies came through yet again with their nanites. Eric will keep the leg. Look, I gotta go. You know why.” Phillip ended the call but not before showing me Eric in the background. Sweat dampened the hair on his forehead, a breathing mask covered his nose and mouth, needles and tubes were taped to his arms, monitors surrounded him, and he was deathly pale.

  I sobbed. Thunderdrop jumped to my shoulder and nuzzled my cheek. Niklos grabbed my boob and squeezed. “Ow. No,” I said softly as I pried his fingers open as gently as I could.

  The lift doors opened, and Kane strode in with Inquisitor Drex Licinius and General Luca Braga. Neema ran to Kane. Smiling, he picked her up and gave her kisses. “Well, Neema, what has Mommy decided?” he asked her.

  “Mommy sad.”

  “Yes, I can see that.” Kane walked over to the couch and sat with Neema. He put her up on his shoulders which had her giggling. Kane growled and bit at her toes with his lips. I had no idea where her socks were.

  “No, bad ice bear,” Neema said as she whacked him on the head.

  Kane whimpered so she patted and hugged him.

  “Please, be seated,” Fitz said to Drex and Luca.

  Kane said, “We flew over
so I could hear your decision in person and in private.”

  “What decision?” I asked my cousin.

  “On the Talpa issue, we stand firm with the Militia. We protect them and offer assistance. The Eloneave are a different subject. The Militia is ready to either run them out of this sector, back the way they came, or annihilate them. Their captains await orders from their superiors. However, you and I don’t have to wait. As soon as you give me an order, I have a fleet at my command, and our generals have ground troops prepared,” Kane said. His green and gold eyes observed mine. He smiled at Niklos. “You look more handsome every time I see you.”

  “That’s because he looks like us,” I whispered. “Kane, there are women and children down there. Eloneave babies are so tiny. I held an infant whose mother was injured in the crash. Farowyn was just trying to protect the civilians in his care. He was encouraged to believe that we attacked his ship. However….”

  “However?” Kane interrupted. “Yes, I know about his brother, Nyronyn. I take it you don’t want to attack,” he said sounding disappointed.

  “No! Definitely not.”

  “Even after what they did to Eric?” Kane asked.

  My eyes spilled over. I stood with Niklos and walked over to Sue’s tank. Thunderdrop climbed into his tree sculpture to watch her as she undulated through the water. Her tentacles came together and then spread out as she clung to her rock. Sue had grown a little but had remained small. All she needed was a safe habitat and food to thrive. Eric had been against violent shows of strength and the termination of alien life.

  “Well, Teagan?” Kane asked.

  I kissed Niklos’ forehead. “I think the Eloneave must settle their own differences. If they war among themselves, we must protect the Talpa and their planet. We should meet with Queen Spectra and ask if she and her people are willing to share their home world. If they are not, I think we should help the Eloneave to relocate.”

  Kane looked at me with undeniable shock. “I thought you’d be out for blood.”

  Kane’s words made me ashamed of myself. Heat rose up my neck to my cheeks, and I shook my head. “Kane, I trust you. I’ve told you what I think, but I know I’m out of my depth. I’ve taken a few classes. However, you, Nico, Luca, Drex, and the captains have prepared for situations like this your entire lives. Haven’t you?”

  Kane nodded which had Neema laughing and holding onto his head.

  “Tell me what to order you to do, and I’ll do it.” I took a deep breath and wiped tiredly at my eyes and the tears falling along the sides of my nose. “Although, Kane, I beg you. Please, please, don’t let any harm come to that little Eloneave infant. He may already have lost his mother. The females were so kind, so curious. They just want a safe home. They want their children to be safe.”

  Yukihyo came to my side and moved my hair behind my ear before handing me a silk square. He took Niklos from me and handed him a stuffed cloth doll that looked like me.

  Turning back toward Sue, I wiped my eyes and blew my nose.

  Kane spoke. “The Eloneave need to settle their differences. They need somewhere to settle, preferably Talpa, and they may need protection from the Militia, whose captains here are thirsty for battle. They can’t act until they receive orders unless the Talpa are at imminent risk. That gives us some time to get this all worked out. Queen Spectra is the key. If she were to accept the Eloneave as citizens, they would be protected by treaty. Okay, tiny cousin, order your big, strong, handsome and most attractive male relative to sort out this political nightmare.”

  Holding the right corner of my bottom lip between my teeth, I looked hopefully at Kane. “Vice Admiral Kane Valen, please do your best to establish peaceful relations amongst the Talpa and Eloneave. However, you are not to put yourself or our people at risk. If it’s down to us or them, it has to be us.”

  Standing, Kane grinned at me, scooped Neema from his shoulders and into his arms, and kissed my cheek. “Grandmother is going to be so proud of you, so be sure to share your cookies with me.”

  “Why would she be proud of me? You’re the one who is going to try to fix everything.”

  “Because, you have the fire power and the men to destroy the Eloneave, defeat the Militia, and take over the Sector. However, you want us all to share and play nice,” Kane said as he kissed my nose.

  “Kane, promise me you’ll be careful.”

  “I’ll be fine. Eric will be fine. He may walk with a limp for a few weeks, but knowing him, he’ll tell the ladies it’s because his dick is so heavy.”

  “Kane!”

  “What?”

  I pointed at Neema.

  Kane grimaced. “Sorry.”

  Yukihyo narrowed his eyes at Kane.

  “Can I borrow some of your men?” Kane asked.

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Stay onboard the Empress. Do not speak of any of this to anyone, not Quaid or even Phillip. They may receive orders similar to those you have given me, but we don’t know.”

  “Alright,” I promised.

  Kane kissed my forehead and handed Neema over to me. “Eli, gather a team and report to my ship.”

  “Yes, sir.” Eli motioned to Jazon, Zared, Xavier, and Izaac to remain with me.

  Relief they were staying flooded my emotions. Eric had seemed gravely ill. To fear for Zared’s life would be more than I could handle. Neema yawned, so I carried her into the nursery and rocked her to sleep. Nico had followed and continued his silent observations of me. Gently, he took Neema from me and placed her in her crib. Yukihyo filled my empty arms with Niklos. My son fell asleep while nursing. Carefully, I stood and carried him over to his bed where I put him down on his mattress. Then, I watched them both as they slept. Nico stood to my left, and Yukihyo stood to my right. Each of the men put an arm around my back.

  In a soft, quiet rumble, Yukihyo said, “Their mother also needs her sleep. There is nothing more for you to do today.” Tiredly, I nodded. In our bedroom, I laid with my head on Yukihyo’s chest and my feet pressed against Nico’s legs. “Everything is as it should be. All that we set out to do with this journey has been accomplished,” Yukihyo said. His warm, large, strong hand covered my forearm, and I fell asleep to the beating of his heart.

  Happiness trickled through me. Soft laughter and deep distant voices drifted to my ears on the fresh gentle breeze. Clean air filled my lungs as I spun in a circle so my skirt would flair out. The toe of my sandal caught against the white stone of a fountain that I hadn’t noticed. Its spray of water spilled along a white pillar and then splashed into the shallow circular pool below. Sue reached and crawled along the bottom, reaching out with her tentacles as though she searched for something, but only clear clean water filled the white stone pool. Sue tried to climb the pillar. Laughing at her, I lost my balance. Strong hands caught me and held onto my elbows to steady me.

  From his hands, I followed the dark-blue sleeves of his Galaxic Militia uniform up to his blue eyes, so much like the clean water of the fountain. Love filled my heart as he smiled charmingly at me. Reaching up, I smoothed Eric’s shiny black hair from his forehead, but it was wet, and his forehead was hot. Concerned, I looked at his eyes, now filled with pain.

  “Teagan,” Eric pleaded.

  The water from the fountain splashed on my foot. I moved it and looked down, but the splatters weren’t from the fountain, they were from Eric’s leg as he bled. Eric vanished leaving a pool of blood behind.

  “Eric!” I screamed as I turned around and around searching for him.

  Slipping in his blood, I fell to my knees. Catching myself with my hands, my fingers were spread before me in the red bloody pool that grew larger as I watched in horror. The glistening dark-red pool spread until it was another three feet in front of me. Something reflected against its surface. Crawling closer, I tried to see what it was, but couldn’t. I focused with all of my might and saw pale flesh. Cold fear froze me as the blood beneath me began to ice and crack. Laying before me with blank staring ey
es was the tiny, helpless Eloneave infant who had drunk my milk. I tried to reach him but grabbed nothing. I screamed and screamed, but no sound came out. I screamed harder.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Teagan, Teagan, it was just a dream. Be still. Hush,” Zared said as he held me to his chest.

  My screams had been real and transformed into loud, broken sobs that I couldn’t control. “No, no, no,” I moaned, unable to banish the baby from my sight.

  “It was just a dream,” Zared said as he soothed my jagged emotions.

  “She was trapped in it, almost like a mental construct,” Yukihyo said.

  I realized that Nico and Yukihyo were in bed to either side of me. Zared had rushed into the room in pajama bottoms. “Your terror woke me,” Zared said.

  “I have to go back. I have to find him and hold him and know he’s safe. Please, Zared. Please, take me to him.” Fear and grief choked me like a strong hand to my throat. I got away from Zared, scooted off of my bed, and grabbed my vid-screen. I called Phillip. When he didn’t answer immediately, fear for Eric clawed at me leaving cold chills on my arms.

  When the screen activated and a sleepy Phillip saw my terrified expression, he mirrored my emotions. “What’s wrong? Is it one of the kids?”

  “It’s Eric. Oh, Phillip,” I sobbed.

  Phillip jumped up, threw on a robe, and ran for the infirmary with his vid-screen, giving me a blurry view of the Hadrian’s corridors. Phillip slowed at the infirmary’s doors.

  “Dr. Svenson, what’s wrong?”

  “How’s Eric?” Phillip asked as he strode toward a room with plasti-glass walls. I could see glimpses of Eric tucked into his medical berth. He seemed to be resting comfortably.

  “Elevated levels of synaptic activity leveled out moments ago. Patient remains in medically induced coma. Infectious bacterial levels continue to decrease. Nanites have repaired the femoral artery. Low grade fever persists,” the doctor reported.