The Spider Queen (The Space Merchants Book 5)

by Wendie Nordgren

  Shocked, I said, “I’ll never let Zared go, ever.”

  “You were going to let Quaid go,” Zared said quietly as he looked out the transport window at the waving crowds.

  I didn’t bother explaining why. He and everyone else knew what had occurred. Our lines of transports arrived at the military base and parked in front its convention center. Inside, it had been transformed into a ballroom. Tables and chairs were along the walls. The tables had been draped with tablecloths and decorated with flower arrangements. Ambassador Stine, Director Sapor, and Dr. Fotri had travelled to Ephors with Papa and greeted the children and me fondly.

  “Teagan, I have been eager to meet the newest addition to you family,” Ryan Fotri, my first cousin once removed, said.

  “I’m glad to introduce you. He is going to need all of the help we can give him.”

  “Teagan, our table is in the left corner. There is a room behind it for our personal use,” Papa said.

  Seeing the guards stationed at the door of the room, I went in that direction. I sighed in relief when I entered it and found it to be sound proof. It was a large meeting room that now had the addition of three portable baby beds, a changing table, large playpen, and a small buffet area where soldiers stood prepared to serve us. Thunderdrop made himself at home, as did Pierce and Lorca. I sat in a soft arm chair and nursed Peter while Neema complained.

  “Daddy, go,” she said as she tugged him to the door.

  Papa had Niklos out in the ballroom where he strutted around proudly with his grandson. Neema wanted to see all of the ladies in their pretty dresses and show them hers. I laughed at her.

  “Lady wife, Princess Neema and I are going to socialize. We will return to you shortly,” Yukihyo said.

  Dr. Fotri and Dr. Savelli sat with me and discussed Peter’s care, growth, and inoculations. Apparently, my instinct to nurse my adopted son met with their professional approval. Through my milk, I shared my immunities with the baby. Phillip popped in to say hello, but he had plenty to keep him occupied in the ballroom. When Peter had a full tummy and was sound asleep, I left him in Pierce and Lorca’s care.

  All of the ladies formerly of Malta were in attendance and had missed me. After briefly visiting with them, I made my way into the ballroom. I saw Yukihyo dancing with Neema in his arms. I was on my way to them when Papa caught my hand.

  “Yukihyo is not the only one who wants to dance with his beautiful daughter,” Papa said. “May I have this dance?”

  “I would love to dance with you.”

  Papa swirled me over to the center of the dance floor. “House Braga is astir. The other Houses rush to align themselves with Lucius Braga. Tomorrow, I will host a ceremony in which I will award commendations and medals to those who were instrumental in the success of your mission. I trust you will attend.”

  “Yes, sir. Papa, Kane is responsible for our peaceful relations. I shared my opinions, but did as he asked. I’m the one who ordered the Eloneave ships destroyed.”

  “Darling, I am fully aware of everything that transpired, including the divorce document you sent to Quaid.” I looked up at Papa. I knew he saw my pain, because it was reflected in his own eyes. “Teagan, married couples argue. At least the two of you worked it out.”

  “Did you and mother ever argue?”

  Papa was strong and dashing in his uniform, his chest covered in sparkling medals and ribbons. His brown eyes had gone distant. “Yes, what a fool I was to waste what little time we had together. I regret those arguments. I should have held her and loved her instead.”

  “What were they about?”

  Papa looked at me sadly. “They were about my jealousy and possessiveness. I refused to share Neema with anyone else, and she so desperately wanted a child. Neema wanted Corvan Gideon, and I should have let her have him. I allowed my pride and that of my father to control me. Traditionally, an emperor’s wife has only one husband. Your grandmother believed in strict adherence to tradition.”

  “Was Corvan Inquisitor Cormac Gideon’s father?”

  “He is.”

  “Papa, have you considered marrying again?”

  Sadly, he looked down at me. “I could never love another woman as I loved your mother. Now, we are supposed to be celebrating, my darling. Thinking of the past does nothing to change it.”

  Lifting up on my toes, I kissed Papa’s cheek as the song ended.

  “Princess Probus, may I cut in?” The woman asking wore a slinky, low cut dress in a sparkling orange fabric, and her black hair, with natural silver highlights, was piled seductively on top of her head. I guessed her age to be around sixty. The man upon whose arm she rested her hand rivalled her own seductive beauty.

  “Lady Braga, you are more stunning each time I have the pleasure of seeing you,” Papa said.

  She reminded me of Sue just prior to pouncing on a clam. Then, I realized that she was my new mother-in-law, and I curtsied deeply to hide my embarrassment.

  “Princess Probus, you have overjoyed our son. I have never before seen him so happy,” Lady Braga said.

  At the mention of Luca, I rose to my full height, which wasn’t much. “Lady Braga, your son is one of the bravest and most steadfast men who I have ever known. He has won my heart not with gifts or silly words, but with his character and loyalty.”

  Lady Braga’s seductive air disappeared as her eyes began to swell with tears, and she stood speechless.

  “I would love a dance,” Papa said, as he placed a hand to her waist and spun her away.

  From the uniform he wore, I knew that Lucius Braga was a general but of a significantly higher rank than Luca. He offered me his hand, and I took it. “You speak highly of Luca.”

  I could see where Luca got his good looks and strength. “At first, I thought he only saw me as another woman in some contest of seduction, but on Talpa, he came to my defense while my heart was breaking. He was willing to sacrifice himself and hoped for nothing in return. I believe he prevented a massacre that day and saved my new son’s life. Luca will have my loyalty until the day I die,” I said as I stared up into his eyes with conviction.

  “Father, may I cut in?” Luca asked as he tapped his father’s shoulder halting our steps.

  Releasing me, Lucius took a step back, saluted me holding it for a few seconds, and then bowed low to me while holding my eyes. “You bring great honor upon House Braga.”

  “I disagree, sir. It is your son who brings great honor to House Probus by joining it.” I curtsied deeply to him in return with my head bowed.

  Lucius stared proudly into Luca’s eyes before sharing a salute with him and walking away. He didn’t get very far before a woman grabbed him to dance. I recognized the sweet face of Ms. Laura and winked at her. When only I could see it, she leered openly at Lucius Braga’s backside and grinned at me.

  “I don’t know what you said to my father, but I intend to thank you for it. How about now? We could slip outside into a transport, or I could post guards at one of the bathrooms.” Luca had the excited look of a naughty child ready to open a wrapped gift.

  I threw my head back and laughed hard. Luca spun me around and kissed my neck. The devilishly charming Luca had returned having left the professional Luca behind somewhere at the land port.

  “No, Luca. I have something else in mind.” He frowned. “Don’t be sad. Trust me.”

  Luca became the serious man who I had met in the jungles of Talpa. “I trust you, Teagan. I trust you.” He focused with intent on my eyes. “A woman who would risk her personal safety to save reckless aliens surrounding a military transport, and who has so much love within herself as to love a child not of her own body as though he were, is a woman who I can trust with my soul.”

  My nose began to tingle, and my breath hitched. “Luca.”

  He stopped our dance and kissed me sweetly.

  “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” Neema said as she ran to me. Luca smiled at me. I wiped at the tears his words had evoked and picked her up. “Neema wants kisses,
too,” she said as she puckered up. I kissed her all over her face, making her giggle. “Mommy,” she said with a frown.

  “Yes, baby?”

  “I gots to potty.”

  “Me, too. Let’s go. Please, excuse us,” I said as I carried her off.

  While we were in the restroom, I called Ira, my domestic assistant, and asked him to put together a little surprise for me. I was determined not to make the same mistake twice. After Neema and I had washed and dried our hands, we returned to the ball.

  “Neema, may I have this dance?” I asked.

  Neema giggled. “I love you, Mommy.”

  “I love you, too.” With her little arms around my neck, I carried Neema out to the dance floor, where we spun around and giggled. “Daddy has all kinds of attention,” I observed. It seemed everyone in command of a starship wanted a power upgrade.

  “He feels he must compete against far wealthier and more prominent men and doesn’t want to lose you,” Quaid said from behind me.

  “He knows he can never lose me. I thought I had made my heart and mind clear to the three of you on Sinope.”

  “That was before I damaged your trust and put fear in your mind.”

  Neema pushed her heels into my stomach and back, held out her arms, and said, “Cade!”

  I moved closer, so he could take her. Neema put her head on his shoulder and yawned. Quaid and I smiled at each other and took her to Pierce and Lorca, who were watching live coverage of the event on a vid-screen. Someone tugged on my elbow.

  “Teagan, Momma is tired. You don’t mind if my parents stay at the house, do you?” Phillip asked.

  “No, of course not. Your parents can stay as long as they like.”

  “Great. Thanks, Cupcake.”

  Neema had a cup of milk, kicked off her shoes so that I could rub her feet, and went to sleep in her bed. Nico carried Niklos, who was passed out on his shoulder, into the room, and put him down in his bed. I looked from bed to bed at my three babies and was overjoyed.

  “Teagan, will you walk with me among the Militia officers?” Quaid asked.

  “Sure.”

  I kept my hand on Quaid’s arm as he introduced me to some of the captains I hadn’t met. Eric was dancing slowly and carefully with Kahra, formerly one of Ms. Laura’s ladies on Malta. After I had played the role of submissive wife to Quaid’s satisfaction, he led me into a dance.

  “Thank you. I fear I made a bit of an ass of myself on Talpa and allowed the power go to my head.”

  His words shocked me. How anyone could think him an ass, I had no idea, but he had frightened me. Also, it had hurt. I knew I would never come first with Quaid. The Militia was his first love.

  “Just as Yukihyo is yours,” Quaid said, having read my thoughts.

  “There is enough love in my heart for each of you.”

  Quaid’s lips were at my temple. His hand held mine while his other rested at my waist. I rested my left hand on his shoulder.

  “My loyalty belongs unquestioningly to the Militia. That is why you accepted Braga. You command his complete loyalty.”

  I listened to Quaid and realized that he knew my mind better than I did. “Are you angry?” Fear began eroding my happiness.

  “No, I want the two of us to practice forgiving one another from now on. We won’t always agree. However, we can always choose to understand and forgive.”

  I closed my eyes and melted against Quaid’s chest. “You are wise, Lord Bosh.”

  “My darling,” Papa said. “I have a surprise for you, only just arrived.” I stopped dancing with Quaid. “Look there,” he said as he pointed.

  Craning my neck to see around uniformed officers and ballgown clad women, I saw him. “Hiroshi!” I picked up my skirt and ran. When I threw my arms around his neck, he laughed and spun me around. I gave him kisses all over his face. “Oh, how I’ve missed you!”

  “And I have missed you, baby sister. Tora has been lonely.”

  “Even with Ling?”

  “Ling does not care for space travel, and it is in my blood. Thankfully, she is pleased to welcome her wandering husband home whenever I appear on her doorstep.”

  “Are you saying your beautiful wife sees you as she might a tomcat?” Yukihyo asked with a laugh. Grinning, I released Hiroshi so Yukihyo could greet him. “I have just the thing to shorten your journeys, brother.” Yukihyo pressed his forehead to Hiroshi’s and strengthened the bond they shared.

  It was late when we loaded into our transports and drove home. Peter watched my face and the play of light each time a lamp broke the darkness. Once we were home, Papa helped Pierce, Lorca, and me put the babies to bed in their nursery. Thunderdrop chittered angrily that his web had been removed and began constructing a new one.

  Papa, deciding that I needed more space, had purchased additional land, and had built barracks for my Omnes Videntes. Now, they had their own training room and firing range. The extra space had allowed us all to spread out and had freed a room for Dr. and Mrs. Svenson.

  Even though it was late, Yukihyo and Hiroshi had decided to check in on Carl Inger’s management of Ponidi Propulsions before leaving the military base. Hiroshi was eager to increase Tora’s speeds and decrease her fuel consumption. Hiroshi would be moved forward as the next to have his ship outfitted since he was family.

  Luca had not returned with us to my estate which concerned me. He had been pursuing me relentlessly. Now that he had caught me, had he lost interest? I began to pace. “Ira, did you manage to set things up as I had asked?”

  “Yes, Teagan. I am certain you will be pleased,” Ira assured me.

  Annoyed, I was about to call Luca when transport lights shined briefly through the entryway windows. Nico, Fitz, and Quaid sat in the living room pretending not to pay attention. Zared had been wanting to beat Luca senseless all evening and had gone to the barracks to spar with his brothers. My guards allowed Luca entrance. When I realized what he had been doing, I smiled and forgave his tardiness.

  “Luca, what’s all of this?” I asked as I walked to him. I had changed into an Arachnean Silk gown and robe of light-blue and some slippers. I had taken my hair down for which my scalp thanked me profusely.

  Cradled in his arm, Luca had a bouquet of flowers longer than I was tall. I reached out to touch a few of the vibrant blooms of purple, pink, blue, and orange. The bow holding the arrangement was white and trailed the floor.

  “These are gorgeous.”

  Luca Braga, for the first time since I had known him, seemed nervous and unsure of himself. “I had to convince a florist to open his shop.” Luca went down on one knee and held out a purple silk-covered box to me.

  I blushed at the romantic gesture, but then I started thinking about his hairy chest and legs which were now mine. I feared that I might look predatory. “Luca Braga, I didn’t realize you were so romantic.” He looked up at me with big brown eyes, as though his heart were in them. “Luca,” I said softly.

  I knew how to handle the Luca Braga who tried to seduce me at every opportunity, but this one had me melting. I opened the box, and my eyes almost fell out. Inside of the box was a diamond the size of an egg, with a simple vale through which a simple platinum wire-style necklace fed through. Luca passed my flowers to Ira and stood. He took the necklace with its diamond pendant from my hands and stepped behind me. The necklace rested on my clavicle with the diamond resting right above the swell of my breasts.

  “I had the original necklace taken to a jeweler and redesigned. Before, the diamond was suspended from a heavy collar of gold and gems. I didn’t think you would like it. You seem to choose simple pieces. Do you like it?”

  “I love it. It’s perfect. I may never take it off.” Luca actually blushed. “I have a surprise for you. Will you come with me on a short walk?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  I held my hand out. Luca’s hand dwarfed mine. Nico started reminiscing with Quaid about the time Luca and Dario had visited us on Arachne. I walked faster and led Luc
a through the house and out to the path where the children and I had our morning walks. Tonight, miniature lanterns lit our way past the servants’ apartments and Phillip’s infirmary to a secluded area hidden by trees and flowers. For me, Ira had set up a tent in which large, decorative, velvet pillows and silk blankets made a romantic nest. Lanterns provided a muted light.

  “I thought we might spend some time alone together,” I said quietly.

  I heard a large bird flap its wings and leave. Stepping inside of the tent, I removed my slippers. The dim lights flickered creating shadows and the illusion of warmth. Ducking his head, Luca entered. Following my lead, he removed his shoes. I let my robe slip from my shoulders, and Luca’s hesitancy vanished. He was on me in a single stride, tasting of my mouth hungrily. With a shrug of his strong shoulders, his uniform jacket fell from him. Luca was a tsunami wave of male eagerness. I began helping him to disrobe, but I seemed only to slow his efforts.

  With me, he was more careful. Gently, he pushed the gown from my shoulders and let it pool at my feet. Again, his lips found mine as he pulled me close. The thick hair of his chest tickled my breasts. I rubbed against him as I had often longed to do. I was off of my feet, suspended in Luca’s strong arms, before he lowered me back against the pillows. Luca sat beside me, drinking me with his eyes.

  Then, he surprised me. Luca brought his large hands down to my body and proceeded to give me the frontal massage which he had offered me many times in the past. Aside from sounds of encouragement, I remained silent and allowed Luca to do as he wished. While an expert at using his sexual appeal to his advantage, Luca had never before lain with a woman. Not wanting to hasten our first time together, I didn’t roll pleasure through him. He had experienced that once before on Daphoene. Instead, I relaxed and enjoyed the feel of his lips and limbs against my skin. I realized that Luca was an even bigger man than I had thought. His arms and legs were thickly muscled, which he took pride in showing off. He had spread my legs wide. Staring at me as though to memorize me, he slowly sank himself within me.

  Now, he was like a hairy ravaging beast, plunging himself in and out of me in a hard, steady rhythm. My breath caught once and then twice. My eyelids seemed to tingle and squeeze shut. Then, of its own accord, my back arched from the nest of pillows as a strong, hard orgasm tore through me. I tried to catch my breath, but Luca kept pumping himself into me with the same speed and intensity.