Deciding not to wait any longer, she went to the wall and touched the communications panel. Her personal portable communications device had been stolen by the Gogath when they’d kidnapped her. She bit her lip, hoping that she reached Gaedrian.
The screen lit up, giving her a view of the inside of the palace. A servant stared back at her. He acknowledged her with a bow. “Hello? Can I speak with Gaedrian, please?”
“He is unavailable.”
The servant was nudged aside as Editha came into frame. Her eyes narrowed. “You! You abandoned my son and you have the audacity to call! How dare you? Do not try to contact my son ever again!” She reached forward and the link was abruptly broken.
“Well that truce was short-lived,” she groused. She wondered where Gaedrian was. She bit her lip. How would she be able to contact him without Editha intercepting the call? She stifled a yawn. It had been a long day.
She climbed into bed and fell instantly into a restless sleep.
Chapter Nineteen
Whimsy wasn’t quite sure what to expect of this meeting. Her father had met her at her bedroom. He’d embraced her and walked her to the meeting room. Their home was larger than other homes because of the hall that was used for public meetings and the occasional ball. The inquiries about her abduction would be private, but if she were found to be impure, her shame would become public knowledge.
King Raul squeezed her hand before placing his hand on the panel beside the wide metal doors. They opened obediently with a quiet swoosh. Her father took his seat in the middle of a curved table. To his left and to his right, he was flanked by his advisors. She was led to a chair behind a smaller table opposite the larger one. All the chairs and tables were made of metal. They could grow trees but only in limited quantities. Wood was expensive and considered extravagant. She thought back on the thick intricately carved doors that led to Gaedrian’s chambers. They would be worth a fortune here.
“Princess Whimsical,” began Advisor Temple, the only other female in the room, “we all sympathize with the horrors you must have experienced while away and we will try to keep this as brief and as relatively pain free as possible. Why don’t you start by telling us about your initial abduction from Colony 13? We understand you were there shopping for your trousseau?”
Whimsy took a deep breath and told them about the terrifying experience of being there during the Gogath raid. She ended her tale at the moment she was purchased at the flesh bazaar by Chaldor and Editha. She bit her lip, unsure of how to go on. She looked up and could see the fury in her father’s gaze.
He asked in a tight voice, “And why did these people wish to purchase you?”
She lowered her gaze. “I was purchased for their king, as a carnal gift.”
There were gasps of outrage and exclamations of anger. Finally her father banged his hand on the table. “Did they not realize who you were? That they could have ransomed you?”
“No. It did not matter who I was.”
“Were you….” He broke off, his lips trembling. He cleared his throat. “Were you defiled by their king?”
Defiled did not describe the beauty of what transpired between her and Gaedrian, but she knew they would not see it that way. So she simply nodded.
“Were you forced? Threatened?”
“Not by Gaedrian.” She couldn’t let them think that of him. He was almost as innocent in this as she.
“But you were forced?”
“They would not allow me to leave his chambers until…”
“I’ve heard enough,” her father declared. “I have made my decision.”
Whimsy stared up at the metal grating of the ceiling above her bed and sighed. Soft artificial light poured in through her window. She should be happy.
Instead she was plagued with melancholy. She had been unable to reach Gaedrian. Editha had intercepted each of her calls and had since blocked any further communications from her.
That last morning she had awakened enfolded in his warmth. He’d kissed her ear and whispered how beautiful she was in that deep voice of his that never failed to make her shiver with desire. His hard chest was molded to her back, his rigid length pressed against her buttocks. He’d stroked her from her neck to between her thighs, arousing her passions leisurely. The way he’d taken her had been slow and sweet.
It was nothing like what her father was convinced had happened to her. He thought that she’d been raped. He’d ruled that though she could not be considered pure she would not be banished or shunned due to the circumstances. After the hearing, they’d sent her to the doctor to tend to any injuries she may have suffered. The physician had been confused to find she had no bruises and was in good condition. She’d been too embarrassed to explain the pheromones and how very much she had wanted Gaedrian. They’d also drawn her blood for testing. Though sexually transmitted disease was a thing of the past on C7, they were unsure if the same could be said of C21.
Tonight they would hold a ball in her honor to welcome her back. It was a far cry from what she’d expected. She was grateful but felt guilty and undeserving. She loved Gaedrian and would give herself to him again given the chance. She bit her lip. She was unsure if she could find her way back to him alone. Her father would have an apoplexy if she suggested she’d like to return. She also doubted Serri wouldn’t help her on that front. He’d been waiting for her when she exited the hearing. His words had been kind and supportive. She couldn’t recall him being so tactile before. She didn’t like the change.
Whimsy blinked away tears, wondering where Gaedrian was right now and what he was doing.
****
The people here were of many hues, some as light as he and others very dark. Gaedrian saw that some were the rich caramel tone of his Whimsy. He and Dark had no hopes of blending in whatsoever. It was not only their skin tones that declared them to be foreigners. They were taller and broader than most of the inhabitants, too. Everywhere they went they had to duck beneath low door frames or turn sideways to sidle their way into a room. Once inside an establishment, he felt as though he were being enclosed in a metal box.
“You look uneasy,” Dark noted. “They may stare but we are safe enough.” His silver gaze flashed around at the other patrons of the restaurant. Many openly gawked at them.
Gaedrian smiled at his young charge. Dark was perfectly capable of reading his mind but he refrained from doing so. “I know.” He shifted in a futile attempt to become more comfortable on the thin metal chair. “I am worried that if I take a deep breath, I will inadvertently tear down a wall.”
“Just be careful when you stand.” He guffawed. His hair did brush the ceiling when he was standing. “So what is our plan of action?”
They had stopped specifically to eat and to go over his plan. But he was no longer hungry. He simply wanted to get Whimsy and go home. He stated as much to Dark.
“That may not be so easy.” He nodded his head to a screen built into the wall opposite them.
He narrowed his eyes as he watched what appeared to be a news program. The sound was muted but captions crawled across the lower half. “Princess Whimsical found to be innocent by her father King Raul.” Gaedrian scowled. As he read on he finally began to understand why Whimsy had been a virgin. She’d risked banishment by giving herself to him. He was awed anew at the gift she had given him.
The news showed film of her homecoming. He watched as her family embraced her. It looked to be a joyous family reunion. He ached at the sight of her. “This changes nothing. She is mine. But this information is helpful. It may not be as easy to see her as I first anticipated, but I will bring her home.”
“King Raul has announced a ball to held in honor of Princess Whimsical’s homecoming,” the announcer continued. “I think we can all agree….”
Gaedrian tuned out the rest of the man’s words as he turned and grinned at Dark. “Looks as though fate is on our side.”
Chapter Twenty
Whimsy smoothed the skirt of her cream go
wn and stared at her reflection in her mother’s mirror. The full skirt had an overlay of shimmering gold roses and vines. Her hair was piled upon her head in an intricate pattern of braids. It had taken their stylist an hour to complete it.
“You’re beautiful,” her mother said coming up to stand beside her. Faith was breathtaking in a pastel pink gown and a matching faux fur wrap. A glittering diamond necklace graced her neck.
“Thank you. You look wonderful.” She touched the wrap. It was as soft and lush as it appeared.
“How about me?” Veracity said, pushing her way to the front of the mirror. Her long hair was styled in a long braid down her back with lavender flowers interwoven to match her dress, a fluffy tulle creation.
Whimsy’s eyes met her mother’s and they smiled. “Gorgeous,” they intoned together and then burst into giggles. They’d been getting ready in her parent’s bedroom to save the hairdresser the trouble of rushing from room to room. Plus they could spend the time together gossiping.
King Raul entered his bedroom. “I’ve come to pick up my beautiful dates. I’ll be the most envied man there to have the three most beautiful women in the colony on my arm.”
They giggled. “Raul, that’s what you always say,” Faith pointed out, taking his elbow. Whimsy took his other arm and Veracity linked arms with her.
They entered the ball as a family. Their arrival was announced at the door.
Whimsy had been nervous about her reception. She felt sure everyone would think that she had benefited from nepotism. Anyone else in her position would have been banished. Her situation was unique. Nothing like this had happened in the past. Most banished or shunned individuals had willingly committed carnal acts. However, whatever anyone thought, they treated her with the same respect.
When the time came, her parents led off the dancing. Serri, dressed formally in a black suit, asked for her to partner him. Veracity gave her an excited smile as she was led off.
“You look beautiful this evening, Princess Whimsical,” Serri said as he pulled her into his arms.
She shifted to place some distance between them. “Thank you. You look very dashing yourself,” she said and meant it.
He nodded in acknowledgement of her compliment. “I envision you wearing a very similar gown on our wedding day.”
Her steps faltered. “Excuse me?”
He laughed. “Well, you’ve got to be thinking of it as well. Your time as a single woman is almost at an end. Of course, I understand if you want to postpone due to all the traumatic events of late.”
“Serri, you can’t want to continue the betrothal?”
“Of course I do.” He glanced down at her and then guided her to the edge of the floor. “Need I tell you again how much I love and admire you?” He held her hand in his and pressed it to his chest.
She tugged to free her hand. “I can’t marry you.”
Anger contorted his features for a second. He turned from her, his head held down. “Is it because you consider yourself sullied? Because if that’s the case, I assure you, I don’t care that you’re not a virgin. I still want you.”
The thought that she wasn’t good enough for him hadn’t occurred to her, but she knew that it would to him. She didn’t want to live with a man that she didn’t love first and foremost. But even if she never saw Gaedrian again, she would not marry a man who considered her to be beneath him.
Serri continued, “Or is it because of what that animal did to you?” He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Sex doesn’t have to be that way.” His lips twisted. “Violent and ugly. It can be beautiful.”
She wouldn’t comment on Gaedrian’s lovemaking. She only knew she never wanted to share herself with Serri or any other man. It was Gaedrian or no one for her. “I can’t be a wife to you.”
He whipped back around. “Don’t say things you may later regret. No other man will want you. Just think about it before you do anything drastic.”
She swallowed. She couldn’t brush off the feeling that Serri had just threatened her. What was going on with him? Why was he suddenly declaring his love for her when they’d never had anything but friendship between them?
Needing a moment alone to compose herself, she exited a side door. This hallway led to her bedroom. If this ball weren’t in her honor, she’d retire for the night. She knew it wouldn’t be long before her parents retreated to their bedroom.
She turned the corner and thought she heard a noise behind her. She increased her pace, hoping Serri had not followed her.
“Whimsy!”
Her knees grew weak and she drew to a halt. She knew that deep voice. Her heart was beating so fast she could feel it. She pivoted, moving slowly, almost afraid this was another of her dreams. “Gaedrian,” she whispered.
“You forgot to mention that you were a princess,” he said before grabbing her up in a hug that lifted her off her feet.
She buried her face in his neck and inhaled his scent. “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call but your mother blocked me.”
“I have been on a ship on my way to you. Why did you leave me?”
She withdrew enough so that she could look him in the eye. She disliked the hint of vulnerability she heard in his voice. She brushed his hair back from his handsome face. “They came for me and when they told me that my brother died, I knew I was needed at home. I planned to call you as soon as I arrived.”
“Oh, Dessert, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.”
“Thank you. I was too stunned from the news to think straight. I should have gotten off the ship to tell you where I was going.”
“I understand.”
“I’ve missed you so much.” She rained kisses over his face. He captured her lips. She would have gone on kissing him but she had an important task to complete. She grasped his hand in hers. She wanted to introduce him to her parents. There were still some points that she needed to straighten out with her father, but she was sure everything would work out. Her parents were reasonable people. “Come with me.”
They entered the ballroom. She scanned the room for her parents. The first thing she spotted was Dark, lounging against a wall. He had a grouping of young women surrounding him. None of them were tall enough to reach his shoulders. She was dismayed to note that her sister was among them. She shook her head. Her parents were on the opposite side of the room speaking with friends.
Heads turned as they made their way across the floor. She waited patiently for her parent’s conversation to end. Her father’s speech trailed off and stopped when he caught sight of them. “Father, Mother, I’d like to introduce you to King Gaedrian of C21.”
They gawked up at him. Her father’s gaze swept him from his feet to the top of his head. Fortunately, the ceiling in this room was higher than most, but she suspected Gaedrian could still touch it with his fingertips if he tried. King Raul started to speak, cleared his throat and started again. “Are you saying this is the man who defiled you?”
Whimsy winced. “It wasn’t that way…“
“Guards!”
Her eyes widened. “Daddy, no!”
Guards showed up immediately. “Seize him,” Raul ordered. The security officers stared at Gaedrian, obviously unsure of how to approach a man of his size, before taking hold of his wrists. He shook them off easily. Two more guards raced over, weapons drawn and ready. Before they could assist in detaining Gaedrian, Dark was suddenly there, materializing out of thin air in his usual manner. He stood before Gaedrian. He held his palms up and out to his sides. White light flamed from his hands. “Please, do,” he said to the guards, his lips curving upward. The smile did not reach his eyes where the unnatural fire was reflected. His incisors were abnormally sharp.
Whimsy recalled Gaedrian’s warning about Dark’s smile. “No, please, Dark. Don’t hurt anyone.” He arched a perfect brow at her, but he didn’t back down. “Gaedrian, do something!”
He rested his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Dark, we will handle this with words.”<
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“I didn’t hear any talking,” he said but relaxed his stance. The light in his hands vanished.
“Guards, seize him. Take him to the dungeon. We will transfer him to the prison tomorrow after his trial.”
This was out of control. Her father’s words left no doubt to the fact that he would find Gaedrian guilty. Gaedrian allowed himself to be led away. “I will fix this,” she called after him.
She was dragged from the room by her parents. Veracity trailed them at a run. “Oh, my! What was he, Whimsy?”
She whipped her head around to glare at her sister. She would focus on the most unimportant matter. They led her to their bedroom. Faith ordered Veracity to return to her own bedroom. Veracity groused but closed her mouth after one look at her mother’s serious expression.
“Whimsical, what were you thinking? This is what you do after I took a stance to keep you from being banished? If I hadn’t had him hauled away, it would bring your innocence into question.”
“You wouldn’t listen. I tried telling you that Gaedrian wasn’t responsible for what happened. He was unaware that they purchased me until later. He let me go.”
“He let you go? Then how is it that you lost your virginity?”
“Tradition demanded that they bring me back. He didn’t hurt me. For weeks, I waited for rescue, but no one came. He loves me and I love him.”
“He loves you, does he? Has he offered to marry you?”
“N-not yet, but he will.”
Her father sneered. “Why should he?”
She glanced at her mother before explaining fate and how Gaedrian came to choose her. Her parents seemed no more understanding than before. Instead, they seemed appalled. “And this is the type of man you would wish us to give you to in marriage? Supposing he ever proposes, that is. They are little more than barbarians,” her mother said. She shook her head. “No. We’ve heard you out on this one, Whimsical, but I agree with your father in this matter. He should be imprisoned for what he did to you.”
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