City Of Tears

by Cyndi Friberg

  She dragged her curious gaze away from their visitors and looked at Lyrik. “I know you were teasing before, but what’s keeping us from taking this fight to him?”

  “In many ways the day moon is its own world and Cyrus is king,” Lyrik told her. “If we launched a direct attack against the overlord, we would be declaring war on the City of Tears.”

  “Not if we had the backing of someone equally powerful.” Saebin watched Lyrik’s eyes. He was used to giving orders and devising strategies. Would he consider her idea or did the plan have to come from him?

  “You mean the High Queen,” Krysta interjected.

  Saebin nodded. “I’m a symptom of a much larger problem. Why would Cyrus need ships undetectable to his own defenses unless he’s plotting an attack on his own people?”

  “What you’re describing is high treason.” Tal tucked his hands inside the loose sleeves of his robe as his gaze assessed her expression. “I have no doubt Cyrus is up to something, but his exact motivation is unclear. We need facts and indisputable evidence before we move against the overlord.”

  Lyrik shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His fingers flexed against her ribs, revealing his tension. This had to be hard on him. His father was at the center of the conflict. “The warlords will support the overlord unless they have a damn good reason to turn on him,” he said. “It’s their support we need to foster, not the High Queen’s.”

  “We don’t have time for a political coup.” Saebin eased away from him and moved in front of the chair. “The moment Cyrus realizes how close we are to exposing him, he’ll destroy all the evidence. My handler will disappear and that’s not acceptable.”

  “What are you suggesting?” Tal asked.

  “We tell the High Queen what we’ve learned and what we suspect. Then we snatch Cyrus right out from under the noses of the warlords. We’ll make it appear as if we’ve gone rogue. Stealing the Gale set us up beautifully for this.”

  “And once we have him?” Lyrik asked. “What do you intend to do with him?”

  “Sabotage his micryte and turn D-159 loose on him.” She crossed her arms over her chest, glancing from Lyrik to Krysta. Tal might not understand the significance of that suggestion but the others did. “You said it in jest last night, but it’s a good idea. Cyrus knows the full extent of D-159’s capabilities. If he thinks Saebin is—”

  Thunder shook the bungalow, cutting off Saebin’s words. Lyrik kicked the chair aside and reached for her. She clenched her hands into tight fists, searching the room for a target. Wind erupted with a mighty roar, whipping her hair about her face. Her mind scrambled for an explanation as her heart lurched within her breast. Six bolts of lightning struck simultaneously. Saebin gasped, instinctively dropping into a fighting stance. Lyrik remained close behind her, his weapon now in his hand.

  “Be calm,” Tal called out over the wind.

  The fabric of space parted, revealing a transport conduit. Saebin squinted into the pulsing light as a figure emerged. The woman closed the conduit with a wave of her hand and Saebin’s eyes finally focused. Golden cords had been woven through the woman’s brown hair. The wavy strands cascaded down her back. Her features were delicate, her bearing noble. Her elegant turquoise pantsuit perfectly matched the color of her eyes.

  “This is a pleasant surprise.” Tal drew her hand to his lips.

  “I wish it were a social call.” She turned to Lyrik, her gaze swirling rapidly. “The Tempest just exploded, all hands lost.”

  “What?” He staggered back a step, his eyes wide with disbelief.

  The woman crossed to Saebin, her expression remained grim. “I’m your Aunt Charlotte. I wish we could have met under more pleasant circumstances.”

  “I agree,” Saebin whispered, torn between worry for Lyrik and Charlotte’s awe-inspiring entrance.

  “Do you know what caused the explosion?” Lyrik asked. Despite his calm expression, horror haunted his eyes. “Was there any forewarning?”

  She turned back to him and shook her head. “The explosion was reported by a Linusian frigate. According to their captain, the Tempest didn’t respond to the standard identification page and before they could execute a single scan, the ship blew up. They transmitted the snippet they were able to record.”

  “That’s my ship.” His voice broke and color drained from his face. “I should have been on that ship.”

  Saebin placed her hand on his back, unsure how to comfort him.

  “It gets worse,” Charlotte warned. “We know the Tempest was dispatched out from under you but not everyone is seeing it that way.”

  “What are you talking about?” His shock turned to anger in the blink of an eye. “I’m being accused of this atrocity?”

  “Without the information we possess, it makes a certain sense. As you said, the Tempest is your ship.” Charlotte paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Your father has responded with shock and outrage. He is acting as if he is tortured by your betrayal.”

  “But why would I blow up the Tempest? Why the hell did he?”

  “The first four hundred Bilarrian females were aboard, all of whom had Mystic abilities,” Charlotte reminded him. “The obvious conclusion is you’re the head of the NRS. This has utterly abolished the alliance and set us up for civil war.”

  Chapter Ten

  Pern walked into the laboratory and desire rolled through Ensley. She’d hardly seen him since their arrival at the compound. It was irrational, ridiculous and dangerous. Jaden was younger, better-looking and far more interested in her. So why did she long for Pern?

  “How are you progressing?” Pern asked Jaden after sweeping her body with a dispassionate glance.

  “Not as quickly as I’d hoped.” Jaden stepped back from the worktable and stretched his back. “The differences between Ontarian and Bilarrian physiology seem miniscule on the surface, yet the Bilarrian test subjects continue to reject the implants.”

  “We encountered many of the same complications when we first began on Earth.” Ensley wasn’t supposed to speak unless they asked her a question but the comment was out before she could stop herself. She wanted Pern to look at her, see her—touch her.

  “And how did you overcome these complications?” Pern stalked toward her, the blue ring in his eyes glowing.

  “Trial and error mostly.” She met his gaze, beyond caring if he reacted in anger. She just needed him to react. “There is no precedent then or now. Nothing like this has ever been done before.”

  “Does the prototype work with Ontarian physiology?” Pern glanced at Jaden then returned his gaze to Ensley.

  She paused, waiting to see if Jaden would answer before she provided the information. “The prototype is completely operational with our Ontarian test subjects. It is only the Bilarrians who are rejecting the implants.”

  “Interesting.” He walked to the worktable and examined the latest modification while Jaden glared at her.

  You are my bed slave. Jaden’s thoughts lashed through her mind. If he were not Stirate, I would beat you for lusting after him.

  She didn’t deny the charge nor cower beneath his angry stare.

  “The first demonstration went off as planned, which leaves us no choice but to proceed with the second.” Pern turned around and braced his hands against the edge of the worktable. “We cannot afford complications at this point. Focus entirely on the Ontarians. Once we have this situation stabilized, we’ll worry about the next.”

  Ensley’s heart lurched and her mouth went dry. Did he mean what she thought he meant? Did these two have ambitions beyond Ontariese? Did Cyrus know—

  You don’t need to worry about Cyrus. We are your masters now.

  Cyrus was never my master, she responded automatically.

  If you say so.

  Pern turned toward the door. Ensley shoved her hands into the pockets of her lab coat, scrambling for a legitimate reason to detain him. “I never had the opportunity to examine our only successful Level Four.”


  A smile curved Pern’s mouth as he turned to face her. “Are you so desperate for my attention that you risk your master’s wrath?”

  She swallowed hard and lowered her gaze. “No, sire. Everything we learned back on Earth, all our successes were implemented in one final subject.”

  “Why have I heard nothing of this Level Four subject before now?”

  “I didn’t understand your true interest in my designs. I thought I was here because of the firestone converter.”

  His fingers curved around her chin and he raised her head until she looked into his eyes. “Is there a Level Four subject or do you just want me inside you?”

  She licked her lips, her heart beating so frantically she feared he would hear the pounding. “There is a Level Four subject but he is continually guarded by the Mystics.”

  “Why should that be a problem for us?” He cupped her breast with his other hand, his thumb abrading her nipple. “Do you know his exact location?”

  “I did when I left, but it’s likely they’ve moved him to the Conservatory.”

  “I’ll have Cyrus find out. Are our new soldiers ready for a field test or not?”

  “They are.” She parted her lips, craving his kiss, not caring that Jaden watched every move she made. She ached for Pern, desired him with every fiber of her being. Yet even as she acknowledged the desire, she knew it didn’t make sense. What was wrong with her?

  “We will combine the two objectives,” he said casually. “The purpose of the field test will be to retrieve the Level Four subject. How long will it take you to prepare the team?”

  “We can depart in the morning.”

  “Good.” He stepped back and lowered his hands to his sides. His gaze focused on her mouth. “Jaden, I will require the services of your bed slave tonight. See that she is ready for me.”

  * * *

  Saebin tried to concentrate on the crisis but Tal and Charlotte made such a striking couple it was hard not to stare. Charlotte sat beside him, his arm resting lightly on her shoulders. Every glance, every touch revealed their deep devotion.

  “I guess we don’t have to speculate on Cyrus’ motivation any longer,” Krysta said. “He was out to destroy the Bilarrian alliance.”

  “What does he gain by destroying the alliance?” Saebin asked.

  “Every Bilarrian has some form of Mystic ability. Cyrus saw this alliance as one more step toward denigrating people without such power.” Tal sounded rather distracted.

  “The NRS has many silent supporters,” Lyrik said. “People without Mystic abilities are starting to feel persecuted. Prefect Aune, who had no Mystic abilities, was replaced by a High Queen with vast power. When the Joint Council was formed the ratio became even more disproportionate.”

  “Each great house elected its own representative,” Charlotte objected. “This is not a conspiracy to subjugate anyone without Mystic abilities.”

  “I know that, but there have been grumblings ever since the Council formed.” Lyrik fidgeted beside her, radiating anxiety.

  “The grumblings began long before the formation of the Joint Council,” Tal countered.

  “This is beside the point.” Krysta scooted to the edge of her chair. “What do we do now? How do we expose Cyrus without inciting the warlords? How do we find Saebin’s handler and defuse the NRS?”

  “We kidnap the overlord and let D-159 interrogate him,” Saebin repeated.

  Tal looked at Charlotte, his expression tense with worry. “Who knows you’re here?”

  “My personal assistant, but he only knows that I came to inform you of what had happened.”

  “As far as the rest of the world is concerned, we are acting without your knowledge,” Lyrik told her.

  “You need to reselect your crew,” Krysta suggested.

  Lyrik nodded. “No one with any ties to the COT.”

  “My apprentice is a remarkable navigator,” Tal volunteered.

  Krysta laughed. “Lor is also a pyrokin. I think this mission is going to be combustible enough.”

  “Lor hasn’t had an uncontrolled outburst in many cycles.”

  “I don’t have a lot of options,” Lyrik said. “I’ll keep Hermlin, Zane and Dro Tar, but everyone else disembarks before we head back to the day moon.”

  “Hermlin has ties to the COT,” Saebin reminded him.

  “I’ve known Hermlin since I was a brash cadet. I trust him implicitly.”

  “What about Zane?” she persisted.

  “Zane did everything he could to save your life.”

  “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but—”

  “I’ll scan them both before we depart,” Krysta said.

  “No way.” Lyrik stood and crossed to stand directly in front of her. “There is no way you are joining my crew.”

  “You need me and you know it. You wouldn’t even have the Gale if it weren’t for me.”

  He couldn’t argue with that. “You may join my crew as soon as I hear your life mate agree to your going.”

  “Done.” She strode from the bungalow as Charlotte and Tal shook their heads.

  “She may be the most stubborn female on Ontariese,” Tal said.

  “Trey will never agree so it’s a moot point,” Lyrik predicted.

  Charlotte arched her brow and pushed to her feet. “I think you underestimate Krysta’s persuasiveness.” Saebin stood as the High Queen approached. “This was a horrible introduction. We will do better. I promise.”

  “I look forward to knowing you.” After an awkward pause, Charlotte carefully drew Saebin into a light embrace.

  “Cover Lyrik’s back,” Charlotte whispered as she released Saebin. “He’s a keeper.”

  Tal took Charlotte’s hand and opened a transport conduit. They stepped into the vortex together. Moments after they departed Krysta returned.

  “Trey would like to speak with you.”

  Annoyance flashed in Lyrik’s eyes as he tapped his audiocom. “Go ahead.” His gaze widened then darted to Krysta and she smiled. “You understand what we intend to do?” A long pause and then he said, “Copy.”

  “You can’t do this without me,” Krysta said firmly.

  “I think your life mate is crazy but welcome to my crew.”

  * * *

  Naked and trembling with anticipation, Ensley knelt in the middle of Jaden’s bed.

  “If I whip you now, he will be displeased by the marks on your skin,” Jaden sneered. “You will feel the sting of my lash, make no mistake about that.”

  She didn’t care. Her love would be here soon. They would join as they were meant to join. Berk. The name echoed through her mind and her spirit quivered.

  “Who the hell is Berk?”

  Blinking repeatedly, she tried to clear the sensual haze from her mind. Pern was about to arrive, not Berk. Why had… Her thoughts trailed away as the door to the bedroom slid open and Pern strode in.

  “Why is she not bound?” He moved to the foot of the bed, his gaze sharp and assessing.

  “It won’t be necessary,” Jaden muttered. “She’s been wet and waiting since you requested her services.”

  Pern raised his chin and arrogance gleamed in his eyes. “Are you really so eager? Has Jaden been too gentle with you?”

  She licked her lips, debating what to say. If she admitted how much she wanted Pern, it would infuriate Jaden. Yet hesitating at this point would anger Pern. “I ache.”

  “As you should.” Pern motioned toward the door. “That will be all, Jaden. I want to see how much your slave has learned.”

  She saw fury in Jaden’s eyes as he turned and left the bedchamber. There was a sitting room beyond. She doubted that he’d go far.

  It didn’t matter what Jaden did or didn’t do. Her love was here with her. Berk! There was that name again. Who the hell was Berk? She trembled as desire slammed through her body. She needed him inside her—now!

  Ensley stared at Pern, willing him to meet her gaze, needing him to see her as more than a random
female, a willing vessel for his lust. He licked his lips and she whimpered. Would he tease her with his mouth and taste her passion?

  Look at me. She sent the thought into Pern’s mind. See me!

  He can’t hear you, but I can, Jaden responded from the outer room.

  Damn him! Why must Jaden intrude on this intimacy?

  Pern discarded his robe and joined her on the bed. The rings in his eyes burned like the heart of a flame. “Is this what you want?” He stroked his erect length with one hand while he trailed his fingers across her slick flesh. “Do you burn for me?”

  “Yes,” she whispered, not understanding the urgency. “Please.”

  He pushed in just far enough so she could feel herself stretch around him. “Are you sure? I won’t be gentle. Are you ready to be a Stirate’s whore?”

  She whimpered. Why did they persist in using that term? She wasn’t a whore. “I will be whatever you want, just don’t leave me.”

  He pulled out, his gaze narrowed and disapproving.

  “Please!” She arched her back, canting her hips in brazen invitation. “I want you inside me. I need you there.”

  “Better, but not good enough.” He grabbed her wrists and dragged her arms above her head. “Pleasure or pain?”

  It was a familiar game. Jaden asked her each time he took her, though he seldom adhered to her preference. “Pleasure,” she replied without hesitation, staring deeply into his eyes. Take me, my love. Take me now. She didn’t care if Jaden heard her pleading thoughts. Any punishment he might deliver was worth one moment in Berk’s arms. She’d thought he was gone, lost to her forever.

  Currents of prickling awareness flowed all around her, beckoning him into the flames. His lips parted as if he would protest then his breath released in a harsh rush. He positioned himself at her entrance, his gaze unfocused and wild.

  “Gema?”

  Her heart leapt at the sound of her name. “Berk, my love.” Her spirit soared as he filled her again and again. Reality narrowed and Gema took control. She searched Pern’s gaze, longing for a glimpse of her beloved. He thrust harder. Her body opened, accepting all of him. Gripping her wrists, he drove deeper and deeper still.