“Daagiis, over here,” called a lilting voice, as if the face-changer had not already started towards the speaker.
They traveled over the woven rugs scattered artistically over the marble floor that gleamed in the soft golden light. Others watched their passage. Raven heard Daagiis’ name spoken in shocked undertones a few times as she followed him and Laaruu to the smiling Paatiin reclining on the marvelous couch.
Most of the Paatiin Raven had seen thus far had seemed much like her and Vendeen. However, this one was markedly different in appearance. He almost seemed elongated, with his head, body, and limbs stretched into elegant lines. He did not appear human at all.
This astounding creature’s smile stretched wide as they neared. “By the suns, Daagiis. I thought Saazeer must have had you killed years ago.”
“Hello, Maaguum.”
Maaguum’s white hair seemed made of wispy spider webs, and it wafted lazily about his head. His eyes were a surprise as well; they were silver-tinged smoke, the irises roiling as if the color was caused by a fierce fire. His face was unlined and a delicious chocolate brown. His robes parted at the chest to show muscular definition that was somewhat at odds with his long, lithe frame.
A male slave draped across Maaguum’s lap. The Paatiin fed his pet small unidentifiable morsels from the tray next to them with one hand. The delicate tapered fingers of the other hand played lazily with the slave’s erect penis. The Gilothean, too bulky to look right lying over the lissome legs of Maaguum, hummed with pleasure from the attention he received from his master. His sea of deep brown hair, almost an exact match to Maaguum’s skin, contrasted with the rainbow-hued robes it spread over.
Daagiis didn’t spare the slave a single glance. He smiled with real pleasure at the other Paatiin. “Maaguum, I am delighted to surprise you. As you see, I am very much alive.”
Maaguum’s gaze looked over Vendeen with obvious appreciation. “And with such lovely property too. I see this one has been a very bad boy. No, no, naughty darling, don’t kneel yet. Oh Daagiis, do have him turn around, and let me see how well he’s been chastised.”
Raven went ahead and kneeled at Daagiis’ feet since Maaguum seemed to have no interest in her at all. Meanwhile, Daagiis nodded to Vendeen, who was half-crouched in his aborted attempt to kneel too.
Vendeen straightened and turned to present his welted back for Maaguum’s perusal. The Paatiin hissed. “Oh, you poor darling. That’s no way to correct a Gilothean, even if he’s been biting. Do let me borrow him tonight, Daagiis. I can soothe whatever nasty tempers he might have.”
As he said this, he stroked his slave’s cock quite hard. The slave had begun to frown at Maaguum’s overt interest in Vendeen, but with the added stimulation, his eyes went glassy. He moaned throatily and jerked helplessly in Maaguum’s grip.
Daagiis still seemed oblivious to the fact he was speaking to a man who was jerking off another man. Conversationally, he told Maaguum, “I am extremely selfish with my property, given I have so little left.”
The other Paatiin snorted. “Foolish creature that you are. As delightful as they may be, you must never give your heart to these creatures. No slave is worth that kind of power and pain.” His gaze turned at last to Raven. “And this one? Is it really an Alt-Earth woman?”
“She is.”
“So stunning,” Maaguum said with real appreciation. “She almost makes me wish I preferred her type. Maybe I will commission the Lurers to bring me a young man from that place. Saazeer said all that was available here were females, which that horrid Hanos is selling to him.”
“Be warned. They can be as difficult as this one.” Daagiis jerked his head to indicate the now kneeling Vendeen.
Maaguum snickered. “I love a challenge.”
“I know. So the esteemed Saazeer is buying Alt-Earthlings from Drek Hanos? He does know they were stolen against their will, doesn’t he? Word is Hanos is going to start forcibly breeding some too to build up his stock.”
Maaguum’s breath caught, and he looked at Daagiis with horror. “Oh, don’t tell me that, you awful creature! I so want one of the males, and Hanos gets hold of them much faster than the Lurers do. Has he really brought them here against their will? And to breed? Ugh!”
“I have it on good authority.” Daagiis looked at Raven.
Maaguum did as well. Raven suddenly realized her head had come up during their conversation, as she paid close attention to what they were saying. She felt from the tightness of her jaw that she was displaying her anger over the horror of the kidnappings done by Taambaa and sanctioned by Hanos. She hurriedly ducked her head.
However, her inadvertent display of temper seemed to have convinced Maaguum. He didn’t even take offense that she had reacted in such a non-slave fashion.
“Damn!” he swore. “We were told otherwise, that they came of their own free will. The bastard probably has them hopped up on drugs to get them to say what he wants, too. Esteemed Saazeer should be informed.”
Daagiis nodded, his expression grave. “Had I known he was here for such bargaining, I would have told him myself. Hopefully, he has not yet exchanged payment for the poor wretches Hanos has kidnapped.” He sighed with real despair and bowed to his friend. “I beg your forgiveness, Maaguum, but I am quite tired after my flight.”
“Of course you are. Will you be at the dinner?”
“Esteemed Saazeer insisted.”
“Bring your darlings. They are so much nicer to look at than that hideous brute Hanos. You can sit with me if Saazeer doesn’t keep you all to himself.” Maaguum grinned, his smoky eyes gleaming with mischief. “You know I have the best gossip and you have much to catch up on.”
“I look forward to it,” Daagiis said, sounding as if he meant it. “If I cannot sup with you, we will meet later in my quarters unless you prefer yours.”
“You know me, Daagiis. The universe is my playground and I am happy anywhere in it.”
Chuckling, Daagiis indicated to Laaruu he was ready to take his leave. That meant running the gauntlet of stares and whispers once more, but Raven consoled herself that at least they might finally be going to their quarters. At last they re-entered the corridor, where no one but their party roamed. It was a relief to get away from all those evaluating looks.
They turned into another hallway and Laaruu snorted. “That Maaguum. He makes it so easy to forget just how dangerous he really is.”
Raven could hear the smile in Daagiis’ tone. “Many have made that mistake. I think that’s why he acts so precious. It keeps everyone off guard.”
“Indeed.” Laaruu abruptly stopped in front of a closed door. “Here we are. I hope you will be comfortable.”
Daagiis bowed to him. “Thank you, Laaruu. Please express my sincere gratitude to the esteemed Saazeer for his patience and understanding.”
Laaruu snorted again, whether over Daagiis’ expression of gratitude or the idea of Saazeer’s patience and understanding, Raven wasn’t sure. He jerked a nod to his security team, and the lot turned and left her, Daagiis, and Vendeen on their own.
Daagiis pressed a button next to the door and it obediently slid open. Daagiis swept in and immediately began checking the quarters for trouble. Raven waited until Vendeen was also inside the room and the door shut behind them before she followed suit.
It was a spacious and comfortable, if not luxurious room. Though it smelled floral, there was no sign of flowers anywhere. It held a bed big enough for the three of them, a closet for a few changes of clothes, a couple of bedside tables and one chair at a tiny desk. The one thing that really captured Raven’s interest, and even a sense of desire, was the deep bathing basin in one corner of the room. She could imagine herself sitting up to her chin in warm, relaxing water for hours.
Vendeen leaned over the desk, his head hanging down as he propped himself on his elbows. He made no sound or complaint, but Raven thought he was in pain.
Daagiis clenched his teeth as he finished his sweep. He hurried to Vendeen
’s side. “Let me get that damned muzzle off you, then I’ll treat those welts.”
Raven hovered near as the face-changer unstrapped the hideous mask off Vendeen’s face. Her master drew a deep breath of relief as Daagiis removed the muzzle.
Daagiis tossed it to the floor. “Better?”
Vendeen nodded. “Much.”
“Hold on just a second. I’ll grab the medical kit.”
Daagiis turned into Raven’s swinging fist. She caught him right in the mouth, splashing it into a funhouse grin with the force of the blow. He cried out and fell back a couple of steps, his eyes wide.
Chapter 18
Raven stood glaring at Daagiis’ stunned face, her legs planted wide and her fists clenched. She snarled, “You let them beat Vendeen.”
Daagiis rubbed his swelling lip, rage sparking in his eyes. “It was the beating or enslavement to Saazeer. There was no other choice!”
Raven didn’t flinch. “I don’t like your plan so far, Daagiis.”
He took a step forward, his attitude aggressive. However, she noted he stayed out of her reach. “You may not like it, but you couldn’t miss how he enjoyed it. Your master does have the capacity to like pain.”
“Fuck that. You know that’s not the point.”
Behind her, Vendeen sounded amused. “Raven, it’s all right. The wounds are easily healed, and we have achieved our objective. We are near Hanos and he doesn’t know it.”
He stalked past her and threw himself face down on the bed. His fists pounded silently against the padded surface. “By all the gods of creation, he was right there in front of me!”
Daagiis’ glare never left Raven. “As was Taambaa. Have you gotten the rage out of your system, Protector?”
She glared back. She was still mad, but done with hitting the face-changer. “For now.”
Vendeen turned his head to gaze at her with pride. “Do not worry, my sweet warrior. Daagiis will receive punishment when we leave this place.”
Daagiis finally took his bald gaze from Raven to turn it on Vendeen. He sneered, “I could so easily change our roles right now. The means to do so are within my grasp.”
Vendeen grinned, but his look was cold. “You could, but you won’t. Even if you did manage it, my misery would be too much for you to bear. Saazeer would eventually figure out I was the one you left him for.”
They glared at one another, a matching of wills. Raven folded her arms over her chest and waited for them to be done with it.
Daagiis finally gave up the battle. He stormed over to the closet to pull out the bin containing their belongings. “I need to treat you and myself. There will be too many questions if I show up at dinner with a swollen lip.”
As he passed Raven, he paused to stare down at her. Now that she wasn’t worried so much as to his intentions regarding Vendeen, fear jolted her from that livid glare.
In a low but menacing voice, Daagiis told her, “Don’t think this will pass without proper discipline. You are out of line.”
Despite the stab of terror at his threat, Raven lifted her chin. “Just remember, I won’t lightly accept Vendeen being abused. Not even by you, not even for this mission.”
He looked at her for a long beat before answering. “I will not forget. I will not forget anything.”
With one last chilling look, Daagiis went to Vendeen and began treating his welts. Raven had no doubt she was in for it later. He would have his revenge, with interest.
Daagiis sterilized Vendeen’s injuries and gave him an injection for the pain. “I can’t heal any of this, just numb it out,” he told Raven. “Saazeer would be offended if he knew I’d done this much. Make sure you act like you’re in pain,” he reminded Vendeen.
“As long as I can move fast and lethally if I get a real opportunity to get my hands on Hanos,” the Gilothean said, standing up straight and carefully stretching to test his mobility. He nodded. “I can handle this.”
At a chime from the door, Daagiis hastily went to the chair and sat down. Raven and Vendeen arranged themselves at his feet, their faces ducked and hiding behind long spills of hair.
“Come,” Daagiis ordered in an imperious and irritated tone once they were all in place.
Raven peered to see several Paatiin enter with trays of food. “A small repast ordered for you by esteemed Saazeer, as there will be entertainment before dinner,” one said with a bow.
They swiftly set out a place setting for one on the nearby table, doling out whatever it was they’d brought for Raven and Vendeen’s ‘master’ to eat. When they indicated it was ready, Daagiis stood.
“Come, my darlings,” he invited as he moved forward.
Raven almost got to her feet but noticed just in time that Vendeen crawled on all fours after Daagiis. She did the same, and they went back to kneeling once they were on either side of the chair he sat upon.
Daagiis ate while the servants who’d brought his meal waited nearby to refill his glass or replenish whatever he indicated he wanted in his dish. After a few bites of food, the smell of which made Raven’s stomach tighten with want, Daagiis picked a morsel off his plate with his fingers and pressed it to Vendeen’s lips.
“Eat, my darling. You’ll enjoy this.”
Raven’s initial grouchiness that the Paatiin had not provided food for her and Vendeen eased off. It now made sense why they’d brought so much food in even though they’d only set one place. It also made her breathe easier that Daagiis was getting to test the food for poison before Vendeen had a chance to eat anything. Her real master remained safe in that respect, at least.
She couldn’t figure out what it was that Daagiis offered her, but it smelled too savory to worry over. She let him press a morsel of something in her mouth that was so buttery and rich, she nearly moaned in orgasmic joy. Raven closed her eyes in delight as she slowly chewed and savored the bite. So she was being fed like a dog getting table scraps. She could live with it until they got the hell out of Hanos’ den, especially since it involved food like this.
It was the only joy she’d gotten out of this mission so far, so she lost herself in it. She ate until her stomach complained of being overfull and Daagiis laughingly teased her for greed.
The attendants that had brought the meal in cleaned up quickly. They had no sooner finished and were on their way out when another group of attendants arrived with their arms full of boxes.
The first one in the door bowed to Daagiis. “The esteemed Saazeer has graciously provided you and your darlings with raiment for tonight’s dinner and entertainment.”
Daagiis smiled from his seat. Raven noticed the expression looked strained. “I am most grateful for the esteemed Saazeer’s kindness. Let me muzzle my male before you get started. His temper is not much improved yet, and even with him tagged I do not take chances.”
He spoke something in his own language. Raven tensed, but nothing happened to her. Vendeen continued to kneel, unmoving, as Daagiis retrieved the awful muzzle and hid the Gilothean’s face with it once more.
“That’s better. Raven, you may stand there.” Daagiis pointed to an area of open floor.
He’d said for her to stand, so Raven got to her feet and walked to the indicated spot. She wondered what was going to happen next.
Daagiis spoke his language again and placed a hand on Vendeen’s shoulder. “Abnet, you remain here, but stand so you may be prepared.”
Apparently released, Vendeen rose. Daagiis patted his arm and stood back. “Legs apart, my darlings. Arms slightly out to your sides. Chins up, though you may keep your eyes lowered. Excellent.”
He spoke once more and this time Raven froze in place, her legs wide. She knew she couldn’t move, but she tried to anyway. Not one muscle would budge.
Daagiis turned back to the attendants, most of whom were busy unpacking the boxes they’d brought in. The one who had addressed him earlier stood by the deep basin Raven had lusted after upon arriving. The Paatiin watched it fill with water and occasionally checked the tempe
rature with one hand.
Daagiis said, “The slaves are set and at your disposal. Where would you like me?”
The attendant by the tub indicated it with a sweep of his hand. “To the pool, if you please. We will begin by bathing.”
Daagiis stepped over and the attendant assisted him with removing his belt of knives, his robe, and his boots. Daagiis stepped down in the huge basin and sat. He sank down with obvious pleasure, his sigh making Raven pout with jealousy. She sure would like to soak in that deep tub.
The lead attendant and another also disrobed and stepped into the basin, though they didn’t sit. Instead, they busied themselves bathing Daagiis. Raven was wide-eyed at how he allowed them great familiarity as they scrubbed him clean.
The others finished setting clothing and other items on the bed. Raven wasn’t facing the bed, so she couldn’t get a good look at what had been put out. It made her nervous for Vendeen. Was Daagiis paying attention? His weapons looked too far away for him to mount a quick defense if something went wrong.
She watched three attendants approach the muzzled Gilothean with concern. However, they seemed quite intimidated by Vendeen. The big man really did look quite fearsome with that muzzle over his face, robbing him of much of his humanity. As if to capitalize on the Paatiin’s obvious discomfort, he made low noises in his throat, almost growling at them. They circled him carefully before finally overcoming their nerves.
Another three converged on Raven. They weren’t nearly as worried about her, making her wish for an instant that she too wore a muzzle so she could look as scary. Then again, she was so damned short that any effort to appear intimidating might not impress them.
A wide-toothed comb appeared in the hand of one androgynous-looking Paatiin, and he quickly but carefully started messing about with her mass of curls, picking through them to contain their tendency to frizz.
Vendeen’s growls got much louder. This time he sounded seriously pissed off to Raven, rather than putting on a show. She looked to see him staring at the Paatiin holding a container with what appeared to be a long, flexible neck with a tapered tip.
Ravenous Virtue Page 24
