Red Planet: The Slave Queen (Tamarians Book 1)

by Jessica Snow

  There's a cheer from the crowd, and I let the cheers continue a little bit before I hold up my hands, and the crowd quiets. “Next... humans and Tamarians, you have been lied to for far too long. You've been told that we are different, when the truth is far different, and that truth makes the current system even more abhorrent. The details of this lie will be released in the upcoming days, but that lie is the basis for so much of our social structure, and I cannot let that continue. So, as of this moment, I am declaring full and total abolition of slavery in all lands and territory planet wide, or under the control of the Tamarian government. With that, I plead with you all.... enough violence. I understand your anger. I too have been subjected to the hypnotic torture. I have had friends die, and people I care for abused. Enough. We must be better than the anger that is within us, we must be what our ancestors desired us to be.”

  There is a muffled roar of approval, and suddenly applause fills the square, as I see humans, Tamarians, Lancers and civilians clapping. I hold up my hand one more time, and wait for quiet. “My fellow Tamarians, there is one more thing. Some out there might be skeptical, they might say that I am doing this just to get a peaceful night's sleep, or to let the military gain control of the rioting. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, I would like to invite some people up to you now. First.... Jensen, leader of the Resistance.”

  There are cheers for Jensen, who comes up the steps, a confused look on his face. “What is this, Tauren?”

  I give him a wink, then smile. “After tonight's tragedy and violence, Jensen has worked tirelessly, as he always has for years, to limit the death and destruction. Starting ten years ago when he volunteered to go to the Arena for the Blood Moon Games to spare other slaves the fate of death on the sands, he's given every bit of his being to make Tamaria a better place for both humans and Tamarians.”

  I pause in reflection before shaking my head. “Humans and Tamarians, tonight, someone very important to me told me something, something that you will come to see is truer than I ever could have imagined until recently. We are all Tamarians. So Jensen has worked for all Tamarians, risking his life countless times for us all. As such, I am granting Jensen the rank of Lord, and granting him the former estate and holdings of Neyton and Neyilla. Lord Jensen, do you accept this title?”

  Jensen blinks, stunned. “I... I do, sire.”

  I offer my hand, and we clasp like gladiators, like brothers. “Good, I need some good advisors. At the same time, I am restoring the title of Lord to Mogar, who created the antidote to the hypnotic that has freed hundreds of thousands tonight. Lord Mogar, if you would join me?”

  Mogar comes up the steps, and I embrace him as a brother as well. Leaning in, Mogar whispers in my ear. “Does this mean I need to start taking the life extenders?”

  “Only if you wish, my friend,” I reply, chuckling. The crowd is cheering, and I glance over at Audra, who is openly weeping in happiness for her brother's good fortune, and I make my final decision.

  I turn back to the crowd, and hold up my hands one last time. “Finally, I have an admission to make. People of Tamaria, for a long time, I was pressured to marry, to find a Tamarian noblewoman who would be my bride, and eventually become Queen. I refused each and every time, for I felt deep inside me that I would only marry a woman who I can trust, who I can have next to me for the rest of my life, but more importantly, a woman I can love. I am happy to say... that search is over. Audra, would you join me?”

  Audra looks shocked, and when she comes into the camera shot, her face is filled with wonder as the crowd cheers again. Audra looks at me, her eyes filled with questions, and I take her hand, smiling at her and whispering in her ear. “It's okay. Trust me.”

  I turn back, and speak over the crowd that quiets. “A King needs a Queen. And in Audra, I have found a woman who is filled with grace, who has the intelligence of a scholar, the courage of a heroine and the heart of a warrior. I have looked my whole life, and in this woman I have found the best person to help me, to be the one and only woman who will help me carry the crown. But it is her choice. So Audra.... would you marry me, and become my Queen?”

  Audra nods, unable to form a sound as she mouths the word yes, and silence falls over the crowd as I look to Mogar. “Lord Mogar, would you be willing to do the ceremony?”

  Mogar nods, then rubs at his head. “Uh... does anyone have rings?”

  A new sound comes from the crowd, one that fills me with hope. Despite all the words of my speech, despite all the things I did to reassure my people and to bring them to me, it took his single comment to bring total success. The master gamesman, always two steps ahead of everyone, causing laughter to fill the capital even as the bells of the royal clock tower ring out midnight and the start of a new day.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Audra

  “So this is what a King's bedroom looks like,” I ponder as I take off the crown that's been resting on my head for only four hours, but already hurts. I'm not wearing that on a daily basis, I don't care what else happens. A tiara, maybe. But this thing is for ceremonial duties only. I set it down on the ornate table that is next to the door, looking around as Tauren comes up behind me, hugging me before he takes off his own crown and sets it down next to mine.

  “Nope,” he murmurs, kissing my neck and sending thrills through my body. Who needs libido enhancers when I have Tauren's lips on my skin? “This is the Crown Prince's bedroom. But.... well, it'll do for tonight. We'll figure out the rest as time goes on.”

  Tauren reaches up, cupping my breasts through my tunic and I moan, loving the feeling on top of my silky tunic. After our courtyard wedding, I'd changed from the armor and slaver uniform I'd been wearing into pants and a tunic that nearly mirrored what I wore in the Resistance, just like Tauren's except that where his dual seams of decoration are in gold, mine are in silver. It's been what I've worn for most of the past two days, two days of hectic action as our group works night and day to quell the riots and bring peace to the capital, along with dealing with the never ending line of visitors and well-wishers, those who brave the unrest in the city in order to try and give their genuine good wishes, or to cozy up to the new royal family. That's going to be a duty that I think I'm not going to like, dealing with ass kissers. Finally, as the sun sets on the third day, we think that things just might be getting better.

  “Mmmmm, my Tauren,” I groan, arching into his touch. “Are you sure?”

  “I've spent the first three days of our marriage doing nothing but work and catching catnaps,” Tauren replies, licking my ear and sending ripples through me, making me push my hips back into him, gasping when I feel his hard cock pressed against me. “I think that answers it for you.”

  “I want you too,” I admit, turning and kissing him. Tauren picks me up and carries me to his... no, our bed, laying me down on the amazingly soft surface.

  Tauren sits up, and starts undoing his tunic, smiling at me the whole time while I follow. “So, what do you think of our bed?”

  “I think I'm wearing too many clothes,” I reply, peeling open my tunic. Tauren blinks, surprised at the lacy, sexy underwear that I'm wearing underneath. “A gift from Rebbie, she stopped by today in order to drop off our gifts before she went back out to try and make sure things stay quiet in the western regions.”

  “No more talk of duties or work, not for tonight,” Tauren says, reaching down to take off my boots. They're sexier than the standard military boot, another gift from a fashion designer who scrambled quickly to try and put something together that the new Queen would like. They go all the way up to my knees, hugging my calves over top of my tighter than normal pants, and while I won't wear this every day, it felt nice to be both functional and sexy for my new husband.

  Husband... the word repeats over and over in my head as Tauren takes off my boots and then reaches for the waistband of my pants, easing them off of my legs before dropping them over the edge of the bed, leaving me totally nude in front of him.
“I... you are beautiful,” he whispers, stroking my thigh. “I love you.”

  “And I love you,” I reply, sitting up to help him out of his clothing. I take my time, cherishing each centimeter of skin as I expose him, until he's naked in front of me. Since taking the crown he's even refused to wear any of his Neyla crystals, and as he takes me in his arms, there's nothing different between us at all. “My husband.”

  Tauren kisses me, his lips warm and arousing as his hands stroke my body, tingles following every caress. We don't lay down but just sit on the bed, side my side as he strokes my body, teasing my nipples with his fingertips and kissing my lips and throat. I feel... luxurious. Tauren moves behind me, letting him use both hands on my skin, the pleasure doubling as his hands move up and down my body.

  I tremble as Tauren hooks his left leg around mine, urging me to open my legs to him until I can feel the whisper softness of the bed coverings against my pussy. They're like a cloud, and I turn to look Tauren in the eyes, needing reassurance. “Tauren...”

  “I love you, my Audra. This... I know that the time ahead will not always be easy. But I love you, and even if it's just for one night, I want to serve you totally, to show you how much you mean to me.”

  The tender passion in Tauren's eyes reassure me, and I nod, kissing him. “But this won't be the only time, my King. And I want to serve you, too.”

  “Then we shall serve each other.... after this,” Tauren says, his fingers reaching down to lightly stroke the inside of my thighs. His caress is feather-light, barely more than enough to send sparks up my thighs to my brain, my mouth dropping open in amazement as Tauren's fingers slowly make their way to my pussy.

  “Tauren.....” I moan lightly, smiling in utter happiness as he starts massaging the lips of my pussy, warmth building slowly. He takes his time, exploring every stroke, and when I tense as he dips a finger towards my ass, he doesn't question, he just brings his fingers back up to the areas that feel amazing. Still, I owe him an explanation, and I don't want to be reminded of the pain Neyilla inflicted on me, just the pleasure of being with Tauren. “I'm sorry, my love. In time, if you want.”

  “If you want,” Tauren says, nodding. He strokes a finger in between my pussy lips while his other hand cups my left breast, teasing my nipple as he slides up, gathering my moisture and swirling it around. His eyes are deep, intense with emotion as waves of pleasure ripple through my body, a gasp tearing from me when his fingertip slides deeper, curling to find my g-spot and rubbing it slowly, not rushing at all.

  “Audra... you are my heart and soul. The mother of my child, the other half to my spirit. I swear I will always protect you and love you,” Tauren whispers, his vow carrying more depth and intensity than even when we married on the steps of the palace. “My Audra.”

  “My Tauren,” I reply, cupping his cheek even as my hips surge against the maddening pleasure of his finger curling inside my pussy, rubbing me so well I can barely form words. “My love... my, my.... oh stars above....”

  The orgasm surprises me, it seems to come out of nowhere and make all my muscles clench at once, my eyes rolling back as waves roll through me, my words disappearing into a long, gasping moan that rises until I sag into the bed, amazed and joyful.... but not yet satisfied. “I don't have the words to tell you what you mean to me. So instead, my Tauren.... take me instead.”

  I get up on my hands and knees, looking back as Tauren studies my hips and ass, his cock standing nearly straight in the air as he lounges, and I growl. “Come, my warrior King. Show your slave Queen who is the most powerful.”

  Tauren's eyes gleam at the taunting challenge, and he grabs my waist in his strong hands, thrusting deep into me with one single surge of his hips, burying his cock deep inside me. It's electric, on the border of painful it's been so long since he's been in me, but I love it, pushing back into him with desire, passion, and love.

  No words pass between us as Tauren's cock hammers my pussy, driving me chest first into the bed, my thoughts shredded like wet tissue paper with each slamming thrust of his cock. I moan and cry out, pushing back into him as best I can but this is the strong Tauren, all vestiges of courtly nobility cast away to show me that yes, he is the strongest, the best, and that I am his woman, tonight and forever.

  His heavy balls slap into my clit over and over, sparks added to the driving heat of his cock inside me, and I'm on the edge of coming again, my fingers gripping the footboard on the bed and pushing back, urging him on. Heaven and stars, he's so big, so hard and fast, my brain is overloading, my body can't take any more....

  Tauren's cock swells, and I feel filled, nearly torn open he's so big it seems, and I'm screaming as I come again, turning my face to the cover to muffle my cries as Tauren dominates me, drives me over the edge to the point that black sparks shoot across my vision and I can taste blood on my lips, I've bitten them in an attempt to hold back my cries.

  “AUDRA!” Tauren cries out, thrusting one more time before his fingers tighten painfully on my hip bones and he comes, thick and heavy, more than I've ever felt him come before. I feel flooded out, my pussy filled to overflowing with his cock and his seed, and I collapse, giving way totally to him and letting him have my body in any way he wants.

  Tauren lays on top of me, his cock still buried inside me as he rolls us to our right sides, wrapping an arm around my stomach and kissing my neck. “Are you okay?”

  I touch my bloodied lip, nodding and smiling. “Yeah.... we might need to keep a med kit in here if you're going to drive me that wild though.”

  Tauren studies my bloodied fingertips and takes them, licking them clean and sucking them gently. “Next time, you can make me bleed.”

  I chuckle, and snuggle into his arm. “I don't need to. But thank you.”

  Tauren and I drift, readjusting when his cock softens and slips out of me, and the two of us get under the covers. It's warm and comfortable, and while I'm sure we'll make love later, we can both use some sleep. I sigh, and just as Tauren starts to breathe deeply, I let myself relax, surprised when Tauren's arms tighten and he kisses me again. “Audra?”

  “Yes, my love?”

  “Will it always be like this? This close, this amazing?”

  I chuckle, and take his hand, kissing it. “No... it'll be better.”

  Tauren hums, and I can hear his smile in his voice. “It's good to be the King.”

  “It's even better to be the Queen.”

  “It's not over yet,” Mogar advises us as the three of us eat breakfast together. It's a late breakfast, after making love twice more last night my body was in no mood to wake up at seven in the morning, so I instead woke up at nine to find Tauren already exercised and dressed, greeting me with a kiss when I come out of the bedroom. Now, after my own shower and change of clothes, Mogar's joined us for what might best be called brunch, a meal I've never had the luxury of having before. I like it.

  “You know Mogar, that's why I'm glad you came at breakfast,” I grumble with a smile. “I know whatever stress you give me can be worked off later when I get to do my own physical training. I assume this palace has a room for that?”

  “It has three,” Tauren notes, winking. “What was my mine, one for the Tamarian staff, and one for the slaves. We're going to have to re-name that one.”

  “Actually, I think I'll check that one out,” I reply. “If I'm going to be the Slave Queen, then I should remind myself where I came from. But that's for another time. What do you mean, Mogar?”

  Mogar takes a bite of his eggs and gives me a polite, supportive smile. “Slave Queen, hmmm? I like it. It will make sure the regular people continue to identify with you. Where did you come up with that idea?”

  “Ah....” Tauren says, blushing. “Last night. Kind of came to us.”

  “I'll say,” I tease, and Tauren blushes an even deeper, cuter salmon pink. I like this side of him. “Okay, I'll behave.”

  “I think it's a wise maneuver, my Queen,” Mogar says. “As to my point of it no
t being over, I have heard from some of the outer territories contacts, not everyone is pleased with Tauren taking the crown or with the spate of new decrees that you've put out so soon after taking over. There will be some who will not want to see change, or might see this as an opportunity for them to seize their own share of power.”

  “They will find that I'm not quite as lax as Joren when it comes to corruption, or for taking advantage of the crown,” Tauren replies. “And any noble who thinks they can lead better than I..... well, they'll have to prove it first.”

  Mogar nods in approval, sipping before setting down his cup of tea. “By the way Highness, I appreciate you having young Lady Kelbara stay with me, but I suspect she would rather be somewhere else.”

  “What do you mean, Mogar?” Tauren asks, and Mogar gives us a small smile, cryptic. “Speak, games master.”

  Mogar chuckles, folding his long fingers under his chin. “I rather like that title... Games master. Do you think we can call me that instead of Lord?”

  Tauren glares at Mogar before shaking his head, laughing. “Okay, Mogar, I'll let you have your fun. I have far too much to get done today to worry about your little puzzles when they're innocent like this. I need to meet with Jensen, as well as the military commanders to discuss the opening of the Tamarian military to humans. I wanted to start by mixing in volunteers who have experience in the Resistance, but we'll need to work out details.”

  “I shall be meeting with Joren,” I tell Tauren and Mogar, to Mogar's surprise. I reach over and take Tauren's hand, squeezing it. “The first steps for unity come from forgiveness. Don't forget, but forgive.”

  Tauren nods, smiling in support before he looks back at Mogar. “Did I pick a fine Queen or what?”

  “A fine Queen indeed, sire.”

  After breakfast, Mogar and Tauren leave, while I stay behind, going to what was previously the King's wing of the palace. Along the way I see Pretton, who we've promoted to Majordomo of the palace, and agree to sit down with him to arrange the palace finances after I finish my visit with Joren. With no slaves now, budgeting is going to have to change, but that is something that we can discuss this afternoon.