by LW Browning
Everything about her brought out his most primal protective instincts. She had been drugged and misused all of her life. They ruled her by instilling fear. He wanted to treat her better than what she had known.
"You were angry with me," she whispered.
"Yes, I was. I am. You offered yourself to Veck." Did she equate sex with him to sex with Veck? That hurt.
"I tried to help," she whispered as though she did not trust her voice.
"You are my mate. I am the Warlord Leader. Others have defied me. I punished them, severely. You defied me and yet I did not punish you. I am lenient because you are not accustomed to our ways. Be warned, my mated and claimed. I expect your obedience."
"You make my place very clear, Warlord Leader." He had to admire the defiance on her face.
"Explain."
"I have always been bound by a thousand rules. My abilities are a threat to everyone until they need them. Then I am allowed to use them, but only to do what I am directed to do. The rest of the time, I am kept locked away. You have chosen a very effective way to control me."
"Claire. I did not realize the mate bite and ceremony caused you to lose your empath abilities. Do you think me a monster?"
"The world is cruel, Warlord Leader. I know better than most that life is not fair. You are no more or less a monster than any other man I have known."
"I am not a man."
"No, you are not. You are the Warlord Leader," she whispered.
"Claire, what is it that really upsets you?" She must have heard some very bad things about barbarians, Koda decided.
"They will end me for this. You will use me, and when I go back with Calks, they will end me for all the rules I have broken. They will probably make Calks do it since he is my handler. You have paid for my service to you with danon. I will pay for my service to you with my life. Yes. I think you are a monster and..." Tears spilled over and trickled down her cheeks. He wiped them away with his thumbs.
"No harm will come to you. I vow it." So now he understood the real problem. She expected the MX Facility to execute her as soon as they took her back. Did she really think he would not protect her? He touched her arms. Seated in the chair with him on his knees in front of her, she was trapped. "Pita, I am honored that you trusted me enough to confide in me. I am hurt that you have carried such a burden alone. I promise you, I will not harm you, nor will I allow Calks or anyone else to harm you. You are my mate. My laws are the only ones you need ever be concerned with in the future."
Moments went by. Koda spoke again. "I do not like you to heal others. It must cause you pain. Are you alright now?"
"I am fine," Claire assured him. "I am sorry I defied you," she whispered. "I just keep messing up." The sobs came then. Gut wrenching sobs that tore at his heart. She was his. He had vowed to protect her. She needed the cleansing tears as much as he needed to hold her. He picked her up and took her to the bed. They lay beside each other while he stroked her hair and breathed in her vanilla and honeysuckle scent.
Soon he must tell her that she was going to stay here. He wanted her to want to stay here with him. He needed time, but time was running out.
***
As Claire dressed, she checked her puffy eyes in the mirror. She did not know how Koda planned to keep her safe although she believed he would try. She wondered if she saw only what she wanted to see in Koda. It dawned on Claire that the strange emotion she experienced was hope. She hoped Koda was everything she wanted and needed him to be. Claire had been taught to please. It was how she stayed alive. She always did a good job and pleased Calks and the Facility, but she had to be realistic now. Koda would not be able to protect her, no matter how much he tried, no matter how much she hoped. She had to find a way to force herself to accept that reality. But, what if he could? Hope turned out to be a two edged sword.
Osiria was in the sitting room when Claire came out of the bed chamber. "Good morning. Koda attends to business today. I will take you on a tour of the castle. We can begin with the morning meal."
Claire nodded and followed Osiria downstairs to a small room with windows overlooking the garden. After they ate, Osiria began a tour of the castle.
The floors were paved with white tiles of a material Claire had never seen. The interior walls were wooden and had been painted different colors. Many of them had some fabric cover on them with different patterns and colors. The doors were huge wooden things, thick and heavy when Osiria opened them to show her the rooms. All the doorways and entryways were arched at the top.
In the halls that held apartments, the floors were covered in thick fabric.
Osiria pointed out which rooms were for what and the extra bedrooms that were in this wing of the castle. Claire was surprised to learn that all the warlords had rooms within the massive building, as did Reaf and Osiria. They went downstairs again and Osiria pointed out the area across the road in front of the castle. "That is our campground. Twice a year the tribes gather here. Soon it will be time for the gathering."
She continued the tour and pointed out the general direction of the warlord rooms. She explained that they had both an indoor and outdoor area where they trained.
"Where does this hall lead?" Claire asked.
"Pleasure females stay in those quarters," Osiria replied.
"They are not of your race," Claire said. She felt Osiria's surprise. They were not accustomed to being around an empath. "I read people," Claire explained, “sometimes it just happens.”
"Those females were brought back from raids. They cannot produce offspring with our race. Some of them decide to become pleasure females. It is a great honor and they are well compensated."
"Are they held here against their will?"
"They are taken when we raid foreign groups, most were stolen by the groups we raid. Frequently, they were sold into slavery by their own societies. They are given a choice to go home or stay with us. They are free to go whenever they want," Osiria assured.
At least someone was free to leave. For a moment Claire worried she had said that out loud, but Osiria gave no notice of it.
She continued the tour with a brief walk through the downstairs area before she led Claire into the kitchen which sat in the back of the castle. It was a huge room with many stoves and ovens. Most of the appliances were things Claire had seen on vids and were from other societies. These people must do very well with their black market trade. They did not appear to be suffering from lack of goods. Claire wondered why Koda consented to negotiate with the Conglomeration for the right to trade with their members.
Osiria introduced Claire to the chief cook. The kitchen was a place of mystery and wonderful smells. The cooks and others she met on the tour were friendly.
As they passed the staircase in the grand hall, Claire noticed a door almost hidden under the stairs on the right. "What is that door?"
"That is the basement. It is always locked. No one is allowed down there except the warlords."
Claire looked at the opposite staircase to see a similar door under it. Before she could ask, Osiria led her outside and showed her the path to the stables. They went into a beautiful and well-tended garden between the castle and the mountain behind it. There was a small waterfall fed by a stream from the mountain. The stream continued through the garden. They sat on stone benches beneath the small trees and enjoyed the beautiful flowers.
Claire surveyed the garden. It might be the best place she had ever been. "I will miss this," she whispered.
Osiria frowned. "I am told you healed Mardalane."
Claire took a deep breath and filled her lungs with the heady fragrance of the flowers. "When my empath abilities were returned, I did heal her, yes."
"I am sorry that it stopped. None of us realized you had lost your powers," Osiria said. "We know this has been difficult for you, we all want you to be happy here. You have been a blessing to us. You saved my son's life."
"Yes, I did, and your next action was to blind me."
C
laire looked away from Osiria's hurt. She wanted to believe that they had not muted her on purpose. "I have never been able to understand the actions of normals. I should not have expected to be treated better here."
"Koda cares for you. We want what is best for you," Osiria said.
"Yes, as long as you get to decide what is best for me." Claire did not keep the bite from her words.
"We have a prophecy," Osiria began. "We believe that the prophecy concerns you. The claiming ceremony and the mating bond the male and female together. Some thought part of the process might make Koda immune to your empath abilities for a short while. In time, you should become stronger because of it. You and Koda will become closer. It is an old prophecy. Understanding has faded with time. Dren is a holy man as well as a warlord. Only certain warlords can read the words of the Prophecy. As Koda's mated and claimed, you are exalted among females here. I promise you, no one meant you harm."
"Prophecy. What prophecy?"
Osiria looked away. "You need to discuss that with Koda."
Claire frowned. They sat in silence a long time while Claire looked out over the garden and considered Osiria's words.
"Osiria, there is something I need to ask you."
"I will help you if I can."
"The brand Var put on Koda’s arm, what does it mean?"
"That binds Koda to you. He is now yours and wears your brand just as you wear his lavaliere because you are his. The mate bite alters the chemistry of the male and the female that it binds."
Could it be true? Was it possible that Koda was not being cruel when her empath ability was muted? She wanted it to be true and she felt guilt from him when he learned her abilities had been stopped. She felt guilt from Osiria even now.
She wanted to be with Koda, but she suspected the MX Facility planned to end her. Did Koda want to keep her here always? Did she want to stay with the warlord forever? It served no purpose to think about things that could never be.
How would Koda react when he realized the Conglomerate planned to cheat him and take what he had? Koda might very well think she had a part in it. Actually, she did, but no one went against the Conglomerate. It was not done.
"Osiria – am I – are you – my friend?"
Osiria's expression softened. "Of course I am your friend."
Claire did not move, just continued to stare at the garden. "I am glad for that."
She sat for long moments before she changed the subject. "Does everyone come here to eat together every night?"
Osiria smiled, "No, last night was a celebration feast Koda likes to have when he returns from being away. He receives updates from those left in charge in his absence. And, of course, he wanted everyone to meet you. The warlords do eat together every day. After we eat the last meal, the males go to a separate room. We go into a small parlor. Last night was different."
"What does this binding mean?"
"The binding is evidence to all that you are Koda's mate and under his protection."
"What does that mean? What do I have to do?"
Osiria smiled. "All you have to do is please him. Obey him. Koda is a warlord. They expect strict obedience."
"What of Koda's family?" She changed the subject again.
"Koda has been alone for a long time," Osiria answered. "His mother and father were killed in a rockslide in the mountains just north of here. They were on their way to visit Veck. Koda’s mother was my sister. Koda was spared because he sustained a minor injury in sword practice the day before. He stayed behind. After his parents were lost, Koda lived with Veck for a time. As soon as I was able, I got Koda and raised him as my own son."
"I am sorry," Claire said. Osiria's sense of loss made her uncomfortable.
"Veck wanted to raise Koda. There was an ugly scene. He still resents that I did not allow it. Veck had no wife at the time and I was Koda's aunt. Reaf and I became his surrogate parents. Veck has never forgiven us. Over the years, he has become bitter." Osiria shook her head.
They sat in silence and listened to the sounds of the garden. The fragrance of many flowers filled the air. The sunshine was warm, the air crisp and clear, but Claire's heart was heavy.
Osiria left. Alone at last, Claire closed her eyes. After her meditation, she opened her mind and found Revi and Vix close by, though she had not seen them.
She was always watched by the protective warlords, and felt they invaded her privacy. Claire had never known privacy, yet she now thought of it as her right. She felt very different since she came here. Was it all due to Koda? She thought not, but the only other explanation was that The Facility had suppressed her ability as well as her sense of self.
Koda moved his hand across the hidden electronic eye to unlock the door under the main stairway. He led the way down the steps into their communications room. He sat on his bench behind his large wooden desk. The warlords filed in and took their places.
Lars stood alone as usual, arms crossed in front of his huge chest, his back to the wall.
Revi and Vix each grabbed a straight-backed wooden chair and straddled it. Revi blew a bubble. Vix gave him a lethal look after the bubble popped. Revi laughed. Vix rested his arms across the top of his chair.
Dren sat on top of a table that was pressed against a wall and held several books.
Var took a seat close to Koda.
Dare slouched in a chair, a crystal cube on the table in front of him. At a nod from Koda, he opened a com channel to the commerce group of the black market foreigners.
Harvidy came on screen. "Greetings, gentle males. I trust you are well. I can report that the council has approved the treaty with your people and it has been signed."
"Good," Koda replied. "Mack will be available to you for any mercenary needs you may have. Reaf will be in charge of the Krystile trade. Let him know when you are ready for the next shipment."
"That sounds good," Harvidy said.
"We require some assurance that your society is stable enough to accept our next group of students before we send them," Koda said.
"There has been some unrest among our population, however, the Krystiles have allowed us to begin to restore energy and we are sure that the dissidents will quiet down. We are ready to provide your next group of students a superior and safe educational environment." Harvidy smiled.
"We have become aware that the MX project has come up for vote and will be terminated," Koda said.
Harvidy frowned. "Yes."
"The MX are now a valuable commodity on the black market. I want them. We will reimburse any expenses you incur for the MX during our regular trades. If they are not offered voluntarily, we will come and get them," Koda said.
"Of course, Warlord Koda. We will comply and will help in any way we can."
"We have warriors to assist you with the MX. We will not be pleased with anything less than all the MX in your society. This is a good deal for you and your people.”
“Agreed,” Harvarty said.
“Signing off." Koda nodded to Dare.
Dare ended the com link. Harvidy's face disappeared from the viewer.
"I think Harvidy is not excited to help you," Mack said.
"He probably fears violence," Reaf said from the back of the room. "His society was once robust. They have always placed emphasis on learning and academic achievements. After the Conglomerate refused to renew their trade status, they were not equipped to deal with what they had to do to survive."
Ache sat cross-legged on the floor and re-laced his boots. "Desperate people do not make good business partners," he said.
"I do not trust them," Mack said around the matchstick in his mouth as he squatted in the corner.
Dare spoke up. "If we did not trade with them on the black market, they would be in dire circumstances."
"They do alright with their slave trade," Foord said from his usual wooden bench before returning his attention to the edge on his knife. He studied it as if it held secrets.
"They have no choice except to h
elp us," Revi added.
Var looked at Koda. "Harvidy will do whatever he has to do so that he can stay in your good graces."
"How are they since we have traded them some Krystiles?" Koda asked Dare.
"Their society is more stable," Dare answered. “They have made an almost full recovery since their exile from Trade Central.”
***
Claire followed Mardalane and Osiria to the small parlor after the last meal. They sat together and drank hot chocolate. The temperature outside had dropped and they had a cheery fire in the fireplace. Claire had only seen fireplaces in vids. She was entranced by the flames.
"You seem to be better," Mardalane said. "I want to thank you again for healing me. I know it cost you to do it."
"I am fine," Claire said. "Are you staying here?"
"Yes, I requested protection and it was granted." Mardalane smiled.
"It is a warlord's duty to grant protection to any female who asks it," Osiria explained.
Claire read Mardalane. It was an accident, she did not intend to pry. The girl had strong feelings for Lodi.
"You barely touched your food tonight, Claire," Osiria said.
"I will be in the garden. I need to be alone." Claire forced herself to walk out of the room.
The emotions from Osiria and Mardalane were anxious. Their anxiety put her on edge. In the garden, she sat on a bench and shivered while the sky darkened. The meteor shower began. It was remarkable that they had a meteor shower every night.
Claire thought about Koda. The burden of his race lay on him. He had made a mistake to claim her and mate with her, but he tried to do the honorable thing. The reputation of the MX Facility for ruthlessness was well deserved. Even though she wanted to stay here with Koda and his people, she must come to terms with the fact that she had to leave this place. The Conglomerate would never allow an MX to be out of their control. It would be much worse for Koda's people if he tried to keep her here. The Conglomerate could send the Special Threat Squads, STS after her. Koda could not protect her.
After the meteor shower, she went inside.
