“I was in the market for a mate. Fortunately, I found her and am deliriously happy with my choice.”
Their rudeness was really starting to irritate Emily, then Alanza smiled and stuck out her hand. “I’m so glad to meet you. And I’ll do anything I can to help win over Father.”
Emily shook the princess’s hand and let her irritation fade. They needed all the allies they could muster. “Thank you. We know it’s going to be an uphill battle.”
“Vox has always been the only one who could stand up to Father and survive. Get Mother on your side and you’ll be fine.” She turned back to her brother. “You’re in luck, by the way. Father is away from the palace right now, but Mother is in the library. Father is supposed to return tomorrow morning, so it’s now or never.”
Vox nodded, but didn’t reply.
Alanza looked at Emily again, her gaze moving rather rudely over Emily’s figure. “We’re about the same size. I’ll send over some gowns. You can’t be presented to Father like that.”
Vox had said something similar when Emily tried to pack a bag for this trip. He’d told her not to bother, that they’d both need new clothes before confronting his father. Now she realized that his “new” clothes would likely come from his own closet, while everything she owned was unacceptable in this setting.
“Thank you.” She tried not to let her embarrassment show, but the pity in Alanza’s eyes told her she’d failed.
Clearly more comfortable talking with her brother, Alanza turned back to him as she said, “I don’t mean to be rude, but she needs to change before you take her to Mother too. Her outfit sends the wrong message.”
“We both understand. Go get the gowns. I don’t want Mother to go to bed.”
Humiliated to the core, Emily walked to the window and stared out across the manicured garden and lush turquoise lawn. Tall, leafy trees created a majestic perimeter beyond the grass, but the leaves were orange and blue, more vivid than anything on Earth. It amazed her that Bilarri was so similar to Earth and yet so unique. Like the inhabitants. At first glance, most Bilarrians looked human, but a closer inspection revealed the shape of their eyes and the emotion-responsive phitons.
Vox came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Appearances are ridiculously important here. I hate it too, but Alanza is right. If we want my parents to accept you, we have to play the game.”
She turned around in a tight enough circle to remain within his arms. “I hate games and generally avoid people who insist on playing them. I want your family to accept me, but this sort of thing drives me crazy.”
“I’m sorry.” He sighed and frustration rippled across their link. “I’d change them if I could, but this is the life into which I was born.”
“I know, and I’m trying.”
Alanza returned a few minutes later followed by a small procession of servants. Emily stood back and watched as they deposited a mound of fancy clothes, footwear and undergarments. She’d borrowed garments from Lexie and friends, but she’d always cringed at the thought of wearing someone else’s underwear.
Noticing the direction of Emily’s troubled gaze, Alanza said, “All the foundation garments are new. I sent my assistant out for them. And these three dresses have never been worn either.” She pointed to a separate stack. “Why don’t you start there?”
Her thoughtfulness, and generosity, made Emily feel guilty for not being more excited. “Thank you, for all of this. It’s really sweet.”
“I love shopping, so when you’re ready to move on from these just let me know.” She gave Vox a quick hug then hurried the servants from the room. “I’ll go to the library and make sure Mother doesn’t leave.”
Vox thanked her, and then saw her to the door.
“Are you sure this can’t wait until morning?” Emily moved to the sofa, now buried beneath a mountain of clothes. “I’m really not in the mood.”
“We need my mother on our side and the easiest way to make that happen is to talk to her when Father isn’t around.”
“I know. I’m just tired.” And afraid. If he heard her thought, he didn’t react to it. She held up the new dresses one at a time. Two were sleeveless column dresses similar to the one Alanza had been wearing, but the third had short sleeves and peplum at the waist. The top was gray-blue while the narrow skirt was closer to navy. A wide belt with a gold buckle further accented the waist without distracting from the garments clean lines. “What do you think of this one?”
“Any of them will look beautiful on you. How can they not?”
She shot him an impatient glare. “That’s sweet, but not helpful.” Knowing they needed to get moving, she took off her clothes and put on the borrowed dress. There wasn’t a mirror in the living room, so she walked into the bedroom, and staggered to a stop just inside the door.
The bedroom was even more luxurious than the outer room. The ceiling was slightly domed with a lavish battle scene painted on the concave surface. And the focal point of the room was an oversized canopy bed. The monstrosity was draped in sapphire blue and sat on a two-step dais. Who the hell wanted to feel like they were on display while they slept?
“Unbelievable,” she whispered as she wandered farther into the room. Again, she felt as if she were touring a museum of some ancient king’s overblown ego trip.
Shaking away her disgust, she dragged her attention away from the bed and looked around for the mirror Vox had said was in here.
“It’s through there,” Vox told her from the doorway.
She moved to the door he’d indicated and walked into a closet larger than any bedroom she’d ever inhabited. Shelves, multi-level clothing racks, and built-in drawers lined the walls. One corner contained a cluster of mirrors arranged to display every conceivable angle.
Feeling horribly out of place, she went and stood in the middle of the mirror array. The dress flattered her figure and brought out the blue in her eyes. Her hair was a mess and she looked as exhausted as she felt, but she liked the dress.
“Give me a few minutes to do something with my hair and I’ll call it good.” She sighed and then looked at him. “If Your Royal Highness approves, of course.”
He moved up beside her with a playful growl. “His Royal Highness prefers you naked.”
“Well, I would rather be naked and in bed with you than where we’re going.”
He took her face between his hands and gently tilted her head back. “Mother would have loved whomever I chose because she loves me and wants me to be happy. But you’re so much more than some random female. You’re smart and ambitious, funny when you let yourself smile, and you’ve been brave and competent in some very dangerous situations. Mother will love you because you’re amazing.”
Warmed by his praise, and his touch, she nodded then kissed him.
Twenty minutes later they walked hand-in-hand down a column-lined hallway. The floors were polished marble, or whatever Bilarrian stone looked just like marble. Her borrowed shoes pinched her toes and the heels were higher than she would have chosen, but she was neat and presentable. Vox had changed into an outfit only slightly different than the one he’d been wearing. The front panel of the tunic was quilted as well as embroidered and he’d fastened a thin, looping belt around his lean hips.
“Do I need to bow or curtsy or what?” She felt less and less in control with each step she took.
“A proper Bilarrian greeting can take weeks to perfect. You’re human. Greet her as you would any human you just met. It’s not considered rude for an off-worlder.”
Guards snapped to attention as they approached and one of them opened the library door. Emily tried really hard not to react to the room, but it was impressive. Bookshelves, packed with books, lined every wall and the library was three stories tall. “Is this place open to the public?” she whispered and Vox shook his head. “This is my mother’s private collection.”
What a tragic waste. Knowledge should be shared.
“There you are,” Alanza c
alled from the far side of the large room. “I told Mother you were coming, but we’d just about given up.”
Emily looked from Alanza to the woman seated on her right. The woman slowly stood, her dark eyes locked on Emily. The queen’s phitons were gold and her hair was auburn. How strange. Emily had thought Bilarrians were all dark-headed like Rodytes. There was no denying the queen was beautiful, but Emily saw only suspicion and judgment in her eyes.
“What have you done?” She didn’t shift her piercing gaze from Emily, but the question was clearly meant for Vox.
“I’ve done what I said I would do.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and urged her nearer. “I’ve settled down and found a mate.”
That snapped her gaze to him and she did not look amused. “You cannot create an official joining without Loriet’s permission. All royal unions must be approved by the crown.”
“Well, he’ll have to approve our union after the fact, because I’ve already claimed her. And I will not give her up.”
Here they went again, talking about her like she wasn’t there. Emily twisted out of his embrace and approached the queen. “Emily Jenson, or Loriet. I’m not sure how Bilarrians deal with the last name thing.” Then she stuck out her hand and held her breath.
The queen looked at her, at Vox, then back at her. “Your connection to Vox is obvious. How was it accomplished? Did the Rodytes alter your DNA? How was my son able to claim you? Or is your appearance misleading? Are you human?”
Emily lowered her hand. Obviously she was going to be harder to win over than her middle daughter. “Yes, I’m human. My genetics have not been modified, except by my joining with Vox. Many humans are naturally compatible with other species. And Vox and I love each other, so the bond formed naturally.”
Her lips parted, then color drained from her face and she sank back onto her chair. “Your father will never forgive you for this.” She sounded so hurt that Emily felt tears burn her throat.
Vox knelt at his mother’s side and gathered her hands between his. “Did you hear what Emily told you? We are mates. I was genetically compatible with a human and it’s quite likely that some of our people who have been unable to find their mate could find one on Earth. This will be a second chance for so many. No one will speak of it, but we all know it gets harder with each generation.”
“This could be a second chance for me,” Alanza pointed out. “All Vox has done is bring hope back to Bilarri. How can anyone object to that?”
The queen took a deep breath and regained her composure, then she held out her hand toward Emily. “I apologize for my rudeness. If Vox had given me the smallest hint of what was happening, I would have been more gracious. My name is Cessa.”
Emily shook her hand and smiled. “Cessa is a beautiful name, but I suspect that is not how I’m supposed to address the Queen of the Fire Islands.”
“Then call me Mother.” Cessa finally smiled. “You’re Vox’s mate, so no one can object to that.” Emily started to pull her hand back when Cessa’s eyes widened. She drew Emily closer as wonder filled her expression. “You are with child.”
“She’s what?” Alanza was there in an instant. “You’re pregnant, already? How is that possible?” She looked at her brother as if he’d betrayed her. “When did you claim her?”
“Yesterday, or was it the day before? It’s all a blur.”
“This is extraordinary.” Very slowly, Cessa placed her hand on Emily’s abdomen. “There is no mistake. A life spark has taken root within your womb.”
“I think I’ll be visiting my brother often during his stay on Earth,” Alanza insisted.
Cessa snatched her hand back and looked at Vox. “You’re not back for good?”
“Not yet. There is much still to do. I just came to share the wonderful news.”
“Then sit and let’s strategize,” Cessa urged. “It will take all four of us working together if we hope to convince your father that this news is wonderful.”
Chapter Eleven
By ten the following morning, Vox and Emily were dressed and ready for battle, but they were both too anxious to eat. Someone, likely Queen Cessa, had arranged for a tray to be delivered but it sat untouched on the table.
“You look beautiful,” Vox told Emily as she emerged from the dressing room for the second time. “I like this dress even better than the other.”
She looked down at the ankle-length skirt as she moved from side to side, causing the colors to shift and shimmer. Red, blue, green and gold swirled across the fabric in abstract patterns. “The material is hypnotizing. Maybe that will help.” She’d paired the skirt with a simple ivory blouse and flat slip-on shoes. Both the understated style and the colorful fabric suited her perfectly.
When they learned that Vox had been summoned to appear before King Lotar and Master Fire, Emily had to choose a more formal gown. He’d warned her that the throne room was huge and echoey by design. The room was meant to intimidate those brought before the king, so they had to remember that they were going to speak with Uncle Lotar and Vox’s father, regardless of the setting.
“Your mother agreed not to say anything.” Emily smoothed down her skirt one last time then looked at him. “Do you think she kept her word? I’m not sure I could keep something this important from you.”
“She knows it will work to our advantage if we stick to the plan. And that requires us bringing them along one step at a time.”
“Do you think it will work?”
They’d discussed strategy after strategy the night before, dismissing each until they were all ready to scream. Finally, a simple, focused plan took shape that everyone agreed had the best chance of succeeding.
“Time will tell.” He gave her a quick, reassuring kiss then sat on the edge of the bed so he could pull on his boots.
They didn’t have long to wait. A few minutes later, a guard tapped on the door and announced that they were wanted in the throne room. They followed the guard, silent and tense. This time they didn’t hold hands. They didn’t want King Lotar or Awred, Vox’s father, to realize they were a couple until they’d been shown the wisdom of such a match.
Remember, neither of them can touch you. We can’t risk them sensing our bond until we’re ready to reveal it. Vox felt foolish reminding her. They’d gone over the plan a hundred times, but the ominous echo of their footfalls was driving him crazy.
I remember, love. Relax. We’ve got this.
How could she be so calm? He’d been trained by guild masters, and he’d fought in many battles, yet his mate was reassuring him. It was enough to shame Vox into composure and make him love his feisty little mate even more.
The massive doors were pulled open as they approached and Vox watched Emily react to her first look at the throne room. Long and narrow, with soaring ceilings and thick sculpted columns, the room had only one purpose, to make the walk toward the throne as uncomfortable as possible. Visitors out of favor with the king were often left standing in the antechamber for hours before they were brought to the throne room, so Vox supposed they were lucky.
Vox matched his strides to Emily’s shorter ones, but he didn’t dare touch her. Still, he sent affection and warmth across their link and she responded with the same. His uncle sat on the throne, looking haughty, as always, in his jeweled tunic and thigh-high boots. Vox’s father was less conspicuous, yet even more intimidating. He stood to the right of the throne, refusing to sit on the lesser throne traditionally reserved for the queen. Awred wore somber robes of charcoal gray, a heavy gold dreldorn his only show of wealth. The intricate amulet marked his position as guild master and was designed by the royal goldsmith for each new Master Fire.
With the help of Cessa and Alanza, Emily had learned a simplified version of the Bilarrian greeting for females. They reached the end of the walkway and Emily perfectly executed the graceful maneuver. Vox’s heart swelled with pride and hope. He had chosen well. “May I present Emily Jenson of Earth? She represents the human region of Rocky Mo
untains from the state of Colorado.”
Unfamiliar with such an unusual introduction, Lotar looked at his brother for guidance. Awred whispered something Vox couldn’t hear and then the king said, “Welcome to the Fire Islands. I am King Lotar and this is my brother Master Fire.”
“Thank you for allowing my visit. This is a great honor.”
Awred moved to the edge of the dais, towering over Vox. Apparently, he’d rather not spend the entire morning speaking through his brother. “You’ve returned earlier than I expected. Are you back for good?”
“I am not,” Vox stressed. He wanted that clear from the beginning. “There was a significant development on Earth and I felt it important enough to deliver the update in person.”
Awred looked at Emily suspiciously, but said only, “Proceed.”
“As we’re all well aware, it has become more difficult with each generation for our people to find potential mates.”
Awred dismissed the statement with an impatient wave. “Many have formed life-long relationships without the benefit of genetic compatibility. We choose our mates. We are not slaves to our genetics like Rodytes.” He spit out the enemy’s name as if it were poison.
“The concept is a deflection,” Vox argued. “We settle for less than we’re meant to have because so often there is no other choice. Bilarrians were—and still are—meant to be soul bonded with their mate.”
After subjecting Emily to another hostile look, Awred asked Vox, “What does this have to do with your trip to Earth? You told me you’re training battle born soldiers and their mates. Is this no longer true?”
“Training is still my primary purpose. However, I recently became aware of a phenomenon of which I had no knowledge when we last spoke. It’s this phenomenon that brought me home.”
“Then get to the point.” He meandered back to his original position beside the throne. “I have a busy schedule today.”
“I was under the impression that the Rodyte rebels were altering females, making them compatible with the battle born soldiers. I was wrong. The compatibility is natural. They’re finding potential mates at an extraordinary rate. Some of these females are compatible with multiple males, and I mean fifty or more not two or three. When is the last time that happened on Bilarri?” His father’s gaze narrowed. Vox had his full attention now.
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