“Nonsense child. My sons will enjoy seeing you in a traditional Arenian courting gown. Kings or not, I’ll not tolerate my husband’s thinking. They can’t dictate my sons’ bonding when Looch and Leigh are clearly in love with you. The sooner they accept you as our sons’ ayah, the sooner you can be bonded.” Queen Maya beamed.
“I don’t know what Looch and Leigh told you, but I can’t marry two men, and besides that, they’re already promised to another woman.”
“Do you not care for my sons?”
Hesitantly Jessie said, “Um, with all due respect your majesty, I don’t think it’s any of your business.”
“Of course it’s my business. I’m the Queen of Arenia. When you came here, you became part of our kingdom, therefore, one of our people. Not only are you one of us now, but my sons believe you’re their ayah. Being their mother certainly makes this my business. Jessie, love is love no matter if it’s with one man or ten. In all my years of being Queen, I’ve never known any species to have a limit on their ability to love. Arenians are not blind to nor do we reject other culture’s way of life. Some planets reproduce asexually, some with one female and one male like your planet, and others have multiple females to one male. Our planet’s way of life has adapted to multiple partners due to circumstance, but I couldn’t imagine my life without Taavi and Raiden. They complete me, Jessie. Raiden is a take charge man but behind closed doors is such a tender lover. My Taavi is the voice of reason but ever so doting. Don’t let the number of men you bond with detour your love. Although it’s not the norm, there are some women with five bonded males. The Goddess seemed it fit to bless the females with their chosen and are extremely happy.” Queen Maya said as she sauntered to the door to leave Jessie alone.
Jessie thought about it. “Five males? Holy Cow.” “How does she keep up?” Once the words left her mouth, she was embarrassed and turned redder than a tomato.
With a small chuckle over her shoulder, Queen Maya stated, “As I said, Jessie, it doesn’t work for all females.”
~~~~~~~~
Leigh played the vid for the eighth time. His fathers were appalled and amazed at the sight before them. “I’ve looked at this vid numerous times, and I am still in wonderment over the female’s skills as a fighter. Do all Earth females possess fighting skills?” King Raiden asked.
Leigh’s pride shown through when he spoke of his Jessie. “No father. Jessie is special in that regard. The one characteristic the Earth females seem to share is determination. We saved many from the worst conditions possible. They survived even though all hope was lost.”
King Taavi finally spoke up and said “Be that as it may, we must resolve the issue with councilman Heloc. Although I’m extremely disturbed by what he did to her, my bigger concern lies with what he said to her. How could he even think about enslaving females? Do his feelings carry over to his brother? Are there others who feel as Councilman Heloc?”
“You are correct brother. We need to protect these females at all costs. They are the only females we have yet to find who are breeding compatible. We hope to be able to balance the female to male population a little better. Maybe we entertain the thought of our sons taking this Earth female as their bonded to help pave the way for many others. The Earth females come in so many different shapes and colors. If other Arenians feel as councilman Heloc did, we may have a coup d'état on our hands, and all females would be at risk.”
~~~~~~~~
Since Sloane was still in stasis, Lyon and Lian were taking care of her transport to the healing ward of the palace. Looch gathered Teagan, Riley, and Marie and took them to the palace. Looch noticed how Marie clung to Riley even though Aryn and Gade were at their side guarding them. Maybe it was because of the two huge males Marie was clinging to Riley for comfort. In the last two weeks, Looch observed the two warriors trying to get close to Marie every chance they could get. Although they were always in her vicinity, they were never close enough to talk to her. He had empathy for the two warriors. Warriors by nature were not the most eloquent with words. Nor were they the best at expressing their feelings. “Marie, you’re safe. Aryn and Gade will be your guards. I bestow them on you as they are my best warriors.”
Undoubtedly the look of pure horror was evident on Marie’s face because when she looked towards the two hulking men, their expressions went from what Marie thought was a smile to a frown. “C-c-commander, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine with Teagan, Riley, and Sloane when she wakes up.”
“Little one, you’ll all have separate rooms. The only reason you were together thus far is out of necessity. I understand you’re still shaken over what happened on Earth, and it’s why I’ve assigned Aryn and Gade to your care. You have nothing to fear here. Please trust me, Marie.”
“I do trust you Looch; it’s…it’s just…” Marie said looking back and forth from Looch to the two frowning men. “I-I-I” Marie straightened her shoulders and took in a deep breath. Exhaling she stated with confidence, “I appreciate the gesture, but I won’t need their services.”
“I insist Marie. Since I’m the royal commander and have your safety in mind, you’ll do as you are told. Teagan and Riley will be in separate rooms down the hall from you. Aryn and Gade will accompany you everywhere you go. They will be your bodyguards.”
Everyone could see the anger on Marie’s face, but she kept her mouth shut. Looch personally escorted Riley, then Teagan to their rooms introducing them to their servants and giving them many gowns to choose from. When they finally arrived at Marie’s room, she was extremely quiet. Looch could scent her fear. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ll be safe. No harm will come to you. Aryn and Gade are honorable males. There’s no one else I would trust your safety too. I’d even place Jessie’s life in their hands if it was ever needed.”
Marie looked at the two men, then to Looch and whispered, “It’s just…they’re so big. Don’t you have someone who’s smaller?”
With a small chuckle Looch explained, “Marie, I don’t want just anyone to guard you. I want the best. Aryn and Gade are the best.” Looch turned to the two warriors, “Aryn and Gade, please speak freely and meet Marie of Earth.”
Both men relaxed their military stance and looked down at the woman in front of them. The big brown eyes staring back at them were rimmed with unshed tears. Aryn slowly got down on one knee to make him seem less intimidating. Gade followed suit. Aryn gently lifted his hand and lightly caressed Marie’s cheek causing a tear to fall. “We scent your terror Marie of Earth. Gade and I would rather take our own life before letting any harm come to you. For us to hurt you is to hurt ourselves. You’re under our protection now, and we hope to gain your trust as Commander Looch has. Will you give us the honor of earning your trust?”
Marie was shocked. These two men knew she was terrified of them and yet they were ever so gentle with her and asked for a chance to earn her trust. She didn’t knowingly do it but found herself leaning into Aryn’s touch. His touch was strong, yet warm and gentle. While pulling away, Marie nodded, “Yes, I’ll give you a chance.”
~~~~~~~~
The Kings and Queen requested Looch and Leigh’s presence in the great hall with Jessie in tow. Looch and Leigh were excited to see how she fared with their mother. They both knew their mother instantly loved Jessie as they did. When she emerged from her room, Looch and Leigh were speechless. She was stunning. She stood there in an exquisite jewel-colored Arenian courting gown. Their mother spared no expense on the gown for Jessie. She was covered in jewels from their planet. Jessie began bowing to them.
Leigh swiftly walked to her, gently raised her back up and kissed the back of her hand. “Please Jessie, don’t bow. It’s us who should bow to you. Again, you amaze us with your beauty and grace.” Leigh bowed as he spoke and Looch bowed as well.
Leigh’s hand never left Jessie’s, and his thumb was still caressing the back of her hand. Her blush rose all the way from her toes. She couldn’t believe the princes of the
Arenia were bowing to her. As she tugged on Leigh’s hand to get up, she said, “Please don’t on my account. Your mother…I mean Queen Maya gave me this gown. Do you like it?”
Jessie heard a slow predatory growl come from Looch. “I agree with Looch. Like doesn’t even begin to describe the feelings it stirs in us. Hunger is more appropriate. Unfortunately, the Kings and Queen have requested our presence, and we must depart.” Leigh extended his left forearm, and with his right hand still caressing Jessie’s, he raised her forearm to cover his and began escorting her to the great hall.
Leigh, Looch, and Jessie walked in silence. What was a little odd to Jessie was Looch walking behind Leigh and herself. Every time she looked back at him his eyes were straight forward with a stoic expression on his face. Was he guarding them? Why was he walking behind them? Why wasn’t he joining them? Didn’t their planet do things altogether?
When they finally reached the great hall, she was in awe of how breathtaking it was. The soaring ceilings were painted in beautiful heavenly like depictions. Although she’d never seen the Sistine chapel personally, she’d seen pictures of it, and this is the only thing she could compare it too. At the end of the hall were stairs leading to a dais with three thrones upon it, which were filled with King Raiden, King Taavi and in between to the forefront of them was Queen Maya. Jessie also noticed two tables at the bottom of the stairs on each side of the hall. One of which had a man and a young woman sitting at it.
Leigh led Jessie down the aisle to his mother and fathers. Stopping at the end of the aisle and bowing. Jessie and Looch also bowed. King Taavi spoke first, “I want you to know Jessie of Earth you are not in trouble and no harm will come to you. You’re here in an informational capacity. Do you understand?”
Jessie’s smile and confidence fell in an instance. “I’m sorry, but no, I don’t understand. What’s going on here?”
Queen Maya spoke up, “Jessie, we’re here to sort out the issue with councilman Heloc. Councilman Cerin has come forth with his daughter Zara with a grievance against Prince Leigh for his actions in killing his brother, councilman Heloc.”
Jessie looked to Leigh for guidance, but he took on the same stoic nature as Looch did. “Heloc was going to kill me. Leigh saved me. He can’t help it if Heloc was bat shit crazy.”
Councilman Cerin stood so abruptly his chair fell over. “Do you hear the lies flowing from this female’s mouth? My brother and Zara’s father is the one who is dead. Not this weak female who is a stranger to our world and customs.”
Queen Maya stood from her throne. “I will remind you Councilman Cerin; her integrity isn’t in question here. I’ve watched the vid of what transpired between Jessie and Councilman Heloc. I am only granting your request to air a grievance due to the fact Zara was promised to my sons and her mother was my good friend. There will be no sanction against Prince Leigh for the termination of Councilman Heloc, not because he’s my son, but because he was justified in the killing. Councilman Heloc’s actions were disgraceful.”
Councilman Cerin seethed, “How do we know this Earth female doesn’t possess some mind control powers which drives perfectly sane males into raving lunatics? Look what happened to their planet. What if their powers emerged into something beyond their control? Maybe our whole existence is in jeopardy because Prince Looch and Prince Leigh brought these females to Arenia. I also recognize Prince Looch’s mating scent is upon this Earth female. From what I’ve learned she was pure, and Prince Looch did not wait for the proper courting ritual. I demand some restitution be assigned in the untimely death of my brother and the infidelity to my daughter. What’s our daughter to do now that she has no mother, only one of her fathers and apparently won’t be bonded to the Princes, not that she would want to be bonded to a killer?”
Jessie couldn’t believe what was going on. She looked to the good looking woman sitting at one of the tables next to Councilman Cerin with tears streaming down her face. Zara was indeed beautiful. Her gown didn’t have any jewels on it as Jessie’s gown did, but it was still elegant in a simplistic way. Jessie couldn’t help noticing the massive necklace around her neck. It had a huge black square jewel in it. It was lovely but seemed out of place with the simple gown. The one thing Jessie felt was odd about Zara was the way she carried herself. She was crying, but it didn’t seem to be out of loss of a loved one but out of fear or pain. If that were true, why couldn’t any of them smell her emotion?
Before Queen Maya could speak, Looch barked out, “Choose your words wisely Councilman Cerin. Don’t berate Jessie. She is not to blame in this. I’ll be your restitution for the crime. I’ll bond with Zara.”
The room went silent, and all eyes flew to Looch. Queen Maya and Jessie gasped at the same time. “No.”
Looch held his hand up to stop everyone speaking at once. “Councilman Cerin and Zara are due restitution for Councilman Heloc’s death. Leigh and I agreed to bond with Zara when we returned. I’ve failed to follow the courting ritual and to protect Jessie. Leigh was the one who killed Zara’s father, so it would make sense Zara won’t ever be comfortable with Leigh. I’m the oldest son so Zara would someday become queen.” Looch took a deep breath and continued. “My only request is Zara, and I take part in the courting ritual to try and invoke the mark. After such time, if she does not develop my mark, she must choose another.”
“Brother, no! We will find a way.” Leigh said in a hushed tone.
With a big sigh King Taavi spoke up, “Is this acceptable restitution Councilman Cerin?”
A gasp emanated from Queen Maya, “No Taavi; he has found his ayah. We cannot condemn him to a loveless bond.”
“He has made his choice Maya. I’ll only ask this one more time Councilman. Is this acceptable to you?” Taavi asked.
With some hesitance, Councilman Cerin finally answered, “Yes. I just want the best for my Zara.”
King Raiden finally stood and said, “Then it’s settled. Prince Looch will start the courting ritual with Zara. Leigh will continue courting Jessie.”
Chapter Twelve
Leigh left the great hall with a shocked and pained Jessie. Leigh knew Looch felt responsible for Jessie’s run-in with Councilman Heloc but was astonished by Looch’s declaration. His heart was heavy for his brother.
“Leigh, what the hell just happened? What does this mean?” Jessie pleaded with a lost look in her eyes.
“In his own way, he feels he’s protecting you by giving you to me. Knowing you’re our ayah, he knew Zara would never bond with me no matter what our fathers said. Don’t fret Jessie; all will be well. Come, we must depart.”
“I thought you said all marriages were in male-dominated groups? I just gave my virginity to Looch.” Once the screechy words passed Jessie’s lips, she instantly wanted to pull them back.
With Jessie’s sudden confession, Leigh stumbled. “Come, let’s go visit your friends, you must miss them. I’ll leave you in the care of Gade and Aryn during your visit. I have some matters to attend to.”
She was a little disappointed Leigh was avoiding the bombshell Looch dropped in the great hall just a bit ago but also understood he was a little in shock as well. “I would like that very much. Thank you for thinking of me.”
Leigh’s heart melted a little. He stopped their forward progress, turned and gently caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Of course, ayah.” Leigh then leaned down and ever so delicately kissed her. Ending the kiss then resting his forehead on hers, he looked deeply into her eyes and sighed. “I can’t promise a more favorable outcome, but I’ll speak with Looch about his decision. He has already vowed to Councilman Cerin he will start the courting ritual so he can’t break it. Although it’s highly unlikely Zara will develop Looch’s mark, we must pray to the Goddess it doesn’t.”
“What is this mark thing you’re talking about?”
Leigh pointed to his forearm and said, “You see this mark?”
“Of course. It looks like a small tribal tattoo of some kind.”
“All males are born with a mark. I am the only one who has this mark. Even Looch’s mark is different than mine. Arenian males know their mate by scent, but Arenian females will develop a mark somewhere on their body which combines the marks of however many males the Goddess has fated her too. We do not know if Earth females will develop the mark. Especially since you’re all so guarded and traumatized right now.”
“That’s why I am dressed like this isn’t it? You’re all watching to see if I’ll develop a mark.”
Sheepishly Leigh responded, “It was my mother’s doing, but yes, that’s the idea. Arenian women proudly display their marks. They want all other males to know she is taken and which males have claimed her. This is how traditional Arenians cans breed. Until a female possesses a mark, she is unable to bare offspring.”
“So if Looch knows I’m his ayah then, why would it matter if he just waits a month before telling Zara no?”
“In some rare cases, a mark can form if the individuals spend a lot of time together. It’s not likely, but is always a risk.”
“I still don’t get it, Leigh. If you never found me how was Zara supposed to get your mark if she’s not your ayah?”
Jessie (The Mark Series Book 1) Page 10
