by Anna Carven
Humans were a fascinating species, indeed.
Xal vowed then and there to do whatever it took to keep her from harm. It would be a difficult balancing act, trying to ensure the success of their mission, while at the same time keeping her close. But he had spent enough time in the Palace of Arches to know the minds of the Kordolian Nobles, and one such as Luron Alerak could be easily manipulated.
The Nobles on Kythia were so caught up in the belief of their own superiority that they responded to flattery and ego-stroking with almost childlike naiveté at times. They responded even better to cruelty and a firm hand.
And even though he had attained the rank of General, Daegan had spent very little time in the field.
Xal suppressed a grim smile. If he wasn’t so concerned about Sera’s safety and in turn, his own sanity should anything happen to her, then this little escapade might even turn out to be fun.
CHAPTER TWELVE
They were sitting in a small, two-person transport, gliding soundlessly through space. The stars became a blur as they sped up, heading towards the enemy Kordolian warship, the Ristval V.
Xal had told her disdainfully that it was named after a long-dead Kordolian Emperor.
The transport was automatically piloted, since neither of them knew how to fly. Sera felt a bit like a lamb being led to the slaughter.
But she had chosen to do this, and she trusted Xal.
It was strange. They had known each other for such a short time, and yet she felt so comfortable around him, even though he was from another planet. She felt more comfortable with him than she did with most Humans. People on Earth always acted differently around her once they found out who her family were.
As they moved further away from Silence, a blue bolt of plasma shot past them at an impossible speed, sending shock waves through the cabin. An alert sounded, and the tiny transport veered, changing trajectory and speeding off at a different angle.
“What the actual fuck?” Sera spluttered, her heart in her mouth.
Another bolt shot past them, this one grazing the body of the transport. The craft shook, and Xal grabbed Sera’s shoulders as they dropped to the floor.
“What the hell is going on?” Out here in open space, they were practically defenseless.
“Relax.” Xal was inappropriately calm. “It’s a ruse. I told Tarak to fire a few distraction shots at us, to make them think we’re escaping. The transport’s defensive avoidance system has kicked in. Even if they were serious, the further we get from Silence, the harder it is to hit us. We’re such a small target, after all, and this thing’s avoidance system is one of the most advanced in the Universe.”
“A little warning next time,” Sera gasped, as Xal helped her up from the floor. The transport had stabilized and increased its speed, the stars turning into an endless stream of white as they shot towards the enemy cruiser. A few more streaks of blue light shot past, disappearing into the vastness of space as their craft dodged a stream of asteroids.
She glanced at Xal, taking in his appearance. He had ditched his casual robes for a regal black uniform. He wore a fitted jacket with a high collar and long coat-tails over a pair of simple black trousers that were tucked into knee-high black boots. The collar was embroidered with intricate red motifs, the largest an image of an eye, reminding her of an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph.
His long, wild hair was neatly tied back into a high topknot, accentuating his obsidian horns. At his side, a long, wickedly curved black sword was sheathed.
Sera wondered if Xal really knew how to use the weapon, or whether it was just a ceremonial thing. She suspected he was deadly with it.
The outfit was severe and intimidating, but Xal wore it comfortably, as if he were accustomed to it.
“What?” He noticed her staring at him.
“I like a man in uniform,” Sera grinned, raking her gaze over his tall figure, checking him out.
Xal gave her a flat look. “I fucking hate this uniform,” he grumbled. “It’s stiff, uncomfortable, and ridiculous. It’s got Kordolian Empire written all over it. But one has to keep up appearances.” He returned her appraising gaze with a heated look of his own. “I’d imagine yours is a little more comfortable.”
“It’s okay.” Sera shrugged. She was wearing what apparently passed for a slave’s uniform. It consisted of a stretchy, form-fitting white top with long sleeves and hidden pockets, over a pair of white leggings. The clothes were seamless and designed for ease of movement. Unfortunately, they didn’t leave much to the imagination. Small, soft shoes covered her feet, made from a flexible but durable synthetic material.
She’d left the Kordolian translating device in her ear. It was hidden discreetly beneath her hair, which was left out, a mass of wild curls cascading over her shoulders.
Tarak and Xal had gone over what to expect and explained how she was supposed to behave.
She was supposed to pretend to be terrified of Xal, and do whatever he said.
Xal had looked rather uncomfortable when Tarak had explained that part.
“Do all Kordolians have slaves?” The enemy warship came into view, looming larger in their line of sight. Like Silence, it look as if it was capable of massive destruction.
Xal nodded. “Any non-Kordolian species on Kythia is considered subservient. Aliens that are brought to Kythia are sorted and sent to different households based on their perceived value and overall physical grade. The Noble Houses get the pick of the slaves, and the rest go to the ordinary folk.”
Sera shuddered. The thought of intelligent life-forms being sorted like cattle chilled her to the bone. “So basically that’s it,” she concluded. “They’re then forced to live their lives out as slaves.”
“Generally, yes. However those who demonstrate particular value or trustworthiness may receive a small stipend, to spend as they wish, and brief periods of leisure time. They are then classed as Servants. Only the most liberal households grant Servant status to slaves. Many Nobles disapprove of the practice.”
“And you, Xal?” Sera asked quietly. “What do you think of your people’s culture of slavery?”
“I abhor it,” he said vehemently. “I grew up in the Palace, where the worst abuse of slaves takes place. I’ve seen everything my people are capable of, Sera.”
“So what makes you think differently, Xal? I mean, you don’t just grow up in a culture like that and change your mind overnight.”
“My opinions formed over time.” He took her hand into his and started absently running his fingers over her grazed knuckles, which were healing. “I’ll admit, I was like them at first. But things happened to me.” He uncurled her fingers, entwining his with hers. His hand engulfed hers, and his palms, just like hers, were callused. “Though you don’t need to know about all that. Just know that I would never enslave a Human, or any other race, no matter how I’m about to behave. I want you to remember that, Sera.”
“I know that, Xal.” A warm feeling suffused her as he kissed her battered knuckles, one by one. “You’re too much of a big old sweetie to do anything like that.”
His laughter was bright and clear, like a bell, his fangs flashing in the starlight. “I’m glad you think that, Sera. No-one else would say such a thing. I’ve certainly never thought of myself that way.”
Sera grinned. “So don’t be shy and do what you have to do. I won’t hate you for it. You’ll just have to make it up to me afterwards.”
“Aren’t you afraid, Sera?”
“I”m shit scared,” she admitted. “But reminding myself how scared I am isn’t going to change anything. The way I deal with my fear is to ignore it. That’s what I’ve always done, ever since an accident I had as a kid. It’s a character flaw, but it’s who I am.”
Xal kissed the back of her hand, inhaling the scent of her skin. “Thank you,” he said softly, “for being brave, and understanding. And sorry, for what I’m about to do to you.”
Sera didn’t have time to say anything in response, for
the giant docking bay of the Ristval V had just started to open, and they were about to step into the enemy’s lair.
Xal produced a set of black metal restraints. “Hands behind your back,” he whispered. “They’re just for show. I’ll leave them unlocked.”
Xal’s gentle hands caressed her wrists briefly, followed by the sensation of cold, hard metal. He snapped the restraints on her, and Sera tested her bonds.
“They will come apart if you pull hard enough,” he murmured. His hands came to rest on her shoulders. “I’m going to place something around your neck now.” His voice was tinged with disgust. “It’s a punishment collar. I’ve put it on the lowest possible setting, so you should feel only a gentle buzz against your neck if I activate it. When that happens, you need to act as if you’re in pain. Again, I’m not going to lock it.”
The collar went around her neck, and Sera froze. Even though it was only pretend, it still felt strange to be restrained like a Kythian slave. She spared a thought for the poor aliens who suffered at the hands of their Kordolian masters and decided she never wanted to set foot on Kythia.
For once in her life, she was speechless.
Xal seemed to sense her nervousness, because he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and kissed her on the cheek. “Don’t worry,” he said, staring straight ahead as the transport floated into the docking bay. “I’ll take care of you, Sera.”
Then he moved away, a cold expression settling across his features.
A light, lingering touch on her thigh was the only hint of his true feelings as they crossed the threshold into enemy territory.
~~~
Sera followed Xal down the ramp, walking behind him and keeping her eyes downcast. From the corner of her vision she could see a row of Kordolian guards, all dressed in black. She tried to keep her shoulders loose and relaxed, because having her arms restrained behind her was proving to be quite uncomfortable.
The guards stood to attention, stamping their boots in unison as Xal passed.
“For the Eternal Imperium!” Their low voices echoed in the vast docking station as they shouted some kind of traditional Empire salute. Sera was grateful for the translator clipped to her ear. She would have felt a hell of a lot more vulnerable if she didn’t understand what was going on.
Xal strode arrogantly across the walkway as if he owned the entire ship, and she struggled to keep up with him. They were met by a small entourage of Kordolians who greeted Xal by bowing in a ridiculous manner, making funny, swirling gestures with their hands.
“Prince Kazharan.” One of the Kordolians, a male wearing long orange robes, greeted him. Sera recognized him as the psycho guy called Alerak. “We are most grateful that you have found enlightenment and returned to the embrace of the Infinite Mother. She has yearned for the return of her most favored son, and she hopes you will return to your rightful place at her side.”
“The Imperium is wise, Councilor Alerak,” Xal replied, his voice ringing throughout the cavernous space. “She is ever-merciful and all-powerful, and I have had time to see the error of my ways. I will return to her, and the Court. I understand now that mother was only acting in the best interests of the Empire when she sent my unfortunate child into the cold, everlasting embrace of the abyss. For in death, comes mercy.” His voice was bland, almost nonchalant, revealing no hint of his true feelings.
Sera froze, horror spreading through her. Xal had mentioned something before about his mother killing children.
No way. Could it be? Xal’s own child?
She couldn’t imagine anything so monstrous.
If her suspicions were correct, then Xal was being incredibly composed to stand up in front of these Kordolians and speak so coldly, as if he had seen the error of his ways.
“I see you have brought the Human,” Alerak continued. “This is Akkadian’s creature?” He walked over to Sera and took her chin into his fingers, tilting it upwards so she was looking into his yellow eyes. She did her best to appear afraid, casting her eyes downwards. His fingernails were sharp, and they dug slightly into her skin, causing small pinpricks of pain. He laughed. “This is the thing Akkadian fought the High Council for? The former General has gone mad. Ugly little thing. We shall take it and process it so it is fit to present to Empress Vionn.”
“Take your hands off my property, Alerak.” Xal put a possessive hand on Sera’s neck, pushing her away from the other Kordolian. The movement looked brutal, but he was ever so gentle. “I have claimed it as the property of House Kazharan. I will be the one to present it to mother, as penance for my wrongdoing. You will not touch what is mine.”
“But I was ordered to bring the Human to her directly,” Alerak protested, his voice going up an octave.
“I’ve seen what you do to your slaves,” Xal snarled, looming over Alerak with real hatred in his eyes. “I am aware that mother wants to punish Akkadian, but I would have the Human transported to her in one piece. The General shows affection towards it. I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes. We will devise a suitable torture once we reach Kythia, one specifically designed to enrage and humiliate both Akkadian and the Human. In the meantime, I want the Human to be presented to mother intact. Therefore, I will keep it and take this opportunity to break it in. By the time it reaches Kythia, it will be the perfect submissive slave. Do you have a problem with that, Luron?” He used Alerak’s first name, and Sera got the sense that he was somehow being disrespectful.
If she didn’t know better, she would have thought Xal was the most terrifying thing in the Universe right now. His transformation was so convincing that she shivered, glad that underneath all the theatrics, he was on her side.
“Fine.” Alerak sniffed, waving one ring-encrusted hand. “The Human can be your responsibility. But you will have to accept the inconvenience of it staying in your quarters. The holding cells are full.”
“I don’t have a problem with that. It can sleep on the floor. Unlike you, Luron, I know how to discipline my slaves. I don’t beat them to death.” Xal curled his lip in disgust. “Besides, I have been without slaves for so long that I will enjoy having it attend to me for the duration of our journey.”
“It’s not as if there’s a shortage of slaves,” Alerak grumbled, looking sullen.
There was a loud crack as Xal backhanded him across the face, savage satisfaction crossing his features. The Councilor blinked at him in shock. “Wha-?”
“We do not waste, Luron. Even slaves aren’t to be wasted. Senseless waste is frivolous and unbecoming. How do you think I tamed this one so quickly? Not too long ago it was given too much freedom. Akkadian was indulgent with it. But now it understands what will happen if it defies me. A little well placed fear is a lot more effective than excessive force, Luron.”
“Y-yes, my Prince.” To Sera’s astonishment, Alerak looked up at Xal with something like adulation. It was almost as if the Councilor had enjoyed the slap. Faint scratches had appeared on his left cheek where Xal’s sharp nails had torn the skin, a tiny trickle of black blood marking his cheek.
Weird.
These Kordolians were incredibly weird, and the atmosphere on this ship was oppressive.
It was different to Silence.
Silence felt like paradise compared to this madhouse. It was amazing what a bit of free spirit could do to a place. She was beginning to understand why Xal and General Tarak had left their home planet.
Xal regarded Alerak with a dark look. All the Kordolians were on average taller than Humans, but Xal towered over the Councilor, his horns adding to his impressive height. He looked so deliciously intimidating in his black Imperial uniform that Sera felt the faint stirrings of arousal.
Not again! This was happening far too often these days.
She stole an appreciative glance at Xal when she was sure no-one was looking, then reminded herself she was supposed to be playing the role of a terrified slave.
The Kordolian soldiers, who reminded her of henchmen, stared at her blankly as they conti
nued on down the walkway. Their eyes, which were colored in varying shades of fire from yellow to deep crimson, but often a combination of the two, had the glazed look of rusted-on fanatics.
They believed in the greatness of their Empire, and everyone else was dirt.
That was the vibe she was getting.
Scary, indeed.
“So now,” Alerak rubbed his hands together, scurrying up beside Xal, who walked at the front of the pack. “You will tell us the location of the Fleet Station, and we shall reclaim it in the name of the Empire.”
Xal stopped dead in his tracks, turning to face the other Kordolian. “You would presume to rush me in my business like some common merchant?” His tone was soft and full of menace. “Have Court standards slipped in my absence?”
Alerak’s shoulders slumped. Xal pressed home his advantage. “You will show me to my quarters, I will take my fucking time to settle in, and then I will summon you and General Daegan, to discuss our plans. Just because I have been in exile does not mean you can treat me like a commoner, Luron. And we do not discuss matters of the Empire in corridors like thieves.”
Oh, he was playing this role magnificently. Sera stood in quiet admiration of Xal’s acting skills, all the while wondering how much suffering he had gone through to become the person he was now.
Because so far, he had treated her with nothing but respect.
Even when he was pretending to be her cruel Kordolian master.
Alerak bowed his head in apology. “Of course, my Prince. I did not think. Forgive my haste. I will have you shown to your quarters.”
“Make sure you remember your manners when I am onboard, Councilor,” Xal hissed, his amber eyes narrowed dangerously. “Otherwise you may find out the hard way just how much I take after my mother.”
The soldiers surrounding them made no effort to raise their weapons. Alerak paled.
He was afraid of Xal, but he was also staring at him with reverence.
Xal turned and looked at Sera, pinning her with his intense gaze. In the middle of this strange scenario, on an enemy ship surrounded by Imperial guards, he somehow managed to share a sliver of intimacy with her.
