Queen's Ransom: The Golden Bulls of Minos

by Isabel Wroth

  It had been so long since Jalia had seen actual paper, she almost laughed.

  Everything was digital and automated these days, which only served as a reminder to how simple a people the Minoan's were in terms of the universe.

  "I was to deliver this to Antehe's sons, but they had no desire to speak to me of their mother.

  “She warned me it might be so, and if I could not enlist their help, it fell to me to take up the task of murder.

  “Novea is here with me to ensure I follow orders, to report to Antehe. If I fail, my son will be cast to the snow of the mountain."

  Dhega waved his fingers and Zavir moved forward to take the folded paper, who then turned pale as he read the words meant for him.

  "Antehe believes her sons will turn against king and brother, simply for the asking." Zavir rasped, his hand shaking as he visibly struggled not to crush the page in his fist, passing it to Dhega before returning to stand at his left side.

  The hurt and betrayal she had seen in his eyes before, now faded to emptiness. The last nail on the coffin to close his heart to his mother forever.

  "Our mother is mistaken if she believes us capable of such betrayal." Nivir spat, making Renaya flinch in response.

  "I have no mother." Zavir murmured fiercely, and Jalia winced at the ring of finality. "Our king spared her life in answer to our pledge of honest loyalty, and she repays it by holding babes hostage and asking for the death of our queen.

  “If it is your wish, your majesty, I will go to Myonaea and see Antehe brought to the Red Labyrinth myself."

  "We will speak of it later," Dhega replied firmly, his thumb once again taking up the rhythmic stroking of her hip. "I am pleased to hear you confess what we already know as truth, Renaya, but the thing you forgot was to address your queen properly."

  A smile of regret twisted Renaya's face, and she put her palms to her thighs in a respectful bow.

  "Forgive me, my lady. I meant no offense."

  "It's only my first day. I'm getting used to the title myself." Jalia answered, uncertain she would ever get used to being called queen or majesty.

  Dhega grunted, shifting his thigh beneath her to tilt her closer to his chest. Jalia raised her arm around his shoulders, pressing a kiss to his brow that seemed to soothe his ire.

  "I would know why you went to Myonaea in the first place, Renaya. I gave you and your sister the riches of Bull Island and freedom to return to your herd if you so chose."

  A flash of ugly emotion crossed Renaya's face before her eyes dropped to the floor.

  "Hyrmina and I shared the fear of whoever would take charge of the islands following our forced husbands.

  “I would run the labyrinths to take charge of the island myself but have no desire to risk leaving my son without a mother.

  "Our mother would have welcomed us home, but without my father or brothers to lead us, she would insist we marry again to someone of her choosing.

  “I thought Myonaea was home to all who would seek to be truly free, but upon arrival, I discovered there is no such thing. Antehe made her price known the morning after you left.

  “I do not know if my word bears weight, but I hoped for this. I hoped to be caught and brought before you to once again beg for the life of my son.

  “I will suffer whatever punishment you deem fit, do whatever I must if it means his life."

  Dhega made a sound of acknowledgment, looking to the red-faced attendant held in Tom's unkind hand.

  "And what of your part in this plot to see my queen dead?"

  Novea spit on the floor, her eyes wide with rage of her own.

  "My queen shivers with cold, banished to the mountain of tears, warmed only by the promise of vengeance for all that was taken from her."

  It had been a long time since anyone had so senselessly directed hate her way, but even in loving arms, protect by Dhega's strength and the men who stood with him, Jalia couldn't help but feel the sting. Dhega's hand stilled on her hip, his fingers spread wide, feeling how she shivered in reaction to Novea's deep-rooted dislike.

  "How do you communicate with Antehe, Renaya?" he asked softly, his gaze fixed on the wild-eyed attendant.

  "A strange device hidden in Novea's things. She claims only she can make it speak."

  Novea shrieked like a demon, twisting in Tom's hold. "You bitch! Your son will be left to die in the snow beside his cousin, on your sister's dead breast!"

  Jalia sighed softly, her first day on the job, and already she had enemies. Not that she had expected it to be all wine and gold, but still, it hadn't crossed her mind that her first order of business would be to deal with death threats and betrayal.

  She felt the weight of it settle on her shoulders, and she wondered if Dhega had been able to bear the pressure alone because his shoulders were so much broader, or because he was bred to be the strongest of the strong.

  "Zavir, find the device and bring it here," Dhega ordered, ignoring Novea's outburst.

  "Tom, please see Novea from my sight. I trust you have the skill to discover whether or not her claim is the truth?"

  Boudreaux had once told her seeing Tom in action was the most terrifying thing he'd ever seen, and Jalia hadn't doubted it, but neither had she ever witnessed Tom truly put on his assassin face.

  He stood like a demon behind Novea, his hand sliding almost gently around her throat, looking like a lover when he bent to whisper in her ear, something that made the woman turn gray with absolute horror.

  "It's the truth! It's the truth, I swear!"

  Even Dhega seemed impressed by the quick turn from wrath to fear.

  "When does Antehe expect word of your success?"

  Renaya pressed her hands to her thighs once more, "By the time you leave Iros, your majesty."

  "Very well. Present yourself tomorrow morning to hear my decision. A guard will be stationed outside your chambers. You may not leave it until you are summoned."

  "Yes, your majesty. Thank you." Renaya gasped, tears already flowing down her cheeks in relief.

  "Tyro has a wonderful dungeon, see Novea to it and return, Tom. Quickly. Nivir, escort Renaya to her quarters and ensure two of your men are stationed outside."

  When the door to their suite shut and left them alone, Dhega heaved a soul-deep sigh and wrapped both arms around her now. "Has this damaged your trust in Nivir or Zavir?"

  Dhega grunted, getting up to carry her out to the balcony, seating her on a large cushioned chair, throwing a blanket over her lap before turning to pace back and forth, that muscle in his jaw ticking.

  "No. It is not the first time Antehe has tried to use her sons against me. This will be the last."

  "What about Hyrmina and the children?"

  Dhega cast her a sidelong look as he turned on his heel to pace the other direction.

  "Short of creating an elaborate farce in which everyone is allowed to think you're dead—and Renaya somehow escapes on foot back to the mountain without getting caught—any force I send will ensure their deaths."

  "I happen to have a pair of mercenaries who specialize in stealing precious items at my disposal. Tom knows the palace. He can get in and out with no one being the wiser."

  Her agitated king paused with his back to her, digesting the offer she'd just made, "You would reward Renaya for her part in a plot to kill you?"

  Jalia pulled the corner of the soft blanket through her fingers, "Who would you kill if someone took your son and threatened him if you didn't obey?"

  "The person holding my son," he shot back instantly, turning to face her, his gaze narrowing when he found her smiling.

  Jalia got up and went to him, glad when he didn't hesitate to hug her close. "I'm exhausted, Dhega, but I'd like for my first day as queen to not involve death."

  "Even if I agree to send your mercenaries on a rescue mission, it would be days before they could even get to Myonaea."

  Jalia snorted, deciding she might have something to offer Minos after all. Some damn technological pro
gress.

  "Dhega? Those shuttles we bused around on are bound for the scrap heap. My LUX could drop into orbit within five minutes and travel to Myonaea in three without anyone seeing or hearing a thing.

  “Hyrmina and the babies could be here within two hours, maybe less depending on how well Tom mapped out the palace.

  “Later, when I'm not so damn tired, we should talk about some upgrades that can be made without ruining the simplicity of Minoan life."

  "I want you to help me make changes, upgrades, so I would gladly hear them. Two hours, you say?"

  "Mm-hm,"

  "Fine. I'll discuss it with Tom while you rest. I must see to some preparations for our departure."

  "Alright." Jalia couldn't bite back her yawn, or her sleepy hum of amusement when Dhega picked her up and headed back to the bedroom.

  "I was joking, you know. About my feet not touching the ground, I can walk."

  Dhega's deep voice turned to a coarse rumble, his lips brushing tenderly across her brow. "I will take as many opportunities as I can to hold you. Go back to sleep. I won't be gone long."

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Jalia had her own smaller throne this morning, she was feeling refreshed, ready to leave Iros, and had just been given some excellent news.

  She nodded when Dhega arched a questioning brow at her. Renaya sat across from them, twisting her hands in the already wrinkled skirt of her dress, waiting to hear their judgment.

  "Without Mecisistos as part of the equation, did you like Bull Island?" Jalia asked, holding her breath as the plans she and Dhega had made last night hinged on the princess's answer.

  Renaya shrugged, picking up another handful of her dress, looking back and forth from Dhega to her and back.

  "Very much. After having grown up in the desert, the island seemed like a perpetual oasis.

  “Had circumstances been different, I would have been pleased to spend my days there."

  "Good. Who was that man I saw you talking to at the feast the other night?"

  The question threw the princess off guard, so much so that she couldn’t hide the flash of longing and regret before lowering her eyes.

  "His name is, Isandros, your majesty." Renaya murmured, looking startled suddenly as it occurred to her why Jalia was asking. "He knew nothing of my purpose here, my lady. I swear it."

  "He seemed upset you wouldn't talk to him. How do you know one another?"

  Renaya shook her head and gave a shrug, her cheeks pink for reasons Jalia doubted had to do with fear.

  "He is from the nomad herd Hyrmina and I took refuge with. Isandros was very kind to us even though he believed we were outcast.

  “He made sure we always had enough food to eat, blankets, a dry place to sleep, given chores that wouldn't cause us undue stress.

  “I was helping to gather firewood for the herd when I began to labor. The camp was so far away, and the midwife had just died, her apprentice was at one of the villages nearby to help with someone else's birth.

  “Isandros didn't know what to do, but he put up his tent and made a fire. He was so calm.

  “He made me laugh even while I cried, gave Hyrmina tasks to keep her occupied and out of the way. His hands delivered my son." Renaya said it with such reverent softness, Jalia felt the power of the princess's emotion.

  "Hyrmina and I left as soon as I could walk. I didn't say goodbye. I never told him why we had taken refuge with his herd."

  Renaya's breath hitched on a soft sob, and she tried to keep it together, but her voice broke,

  "Isandros asked me about Kypris when I saw him the other night, and I was...I am so ashamed for taking advantage of his kindness.

  “For leaving the way I did, for so many things. I couldn't bear to tell him how I'd let Antehe take my son."

  "Yes, well, you should have. I would have helped you get him back." Isandros came in holding Kypris, having insisted on going to Myonaea with Tom and Croft after their meeting last night.

  Jalia couldn't help but think the fair-haired prince looked very much like a father, keeping the baby tucked safely against his shoulder while he opened his other arm to Renaya, catching her when she rushed to him.

  Jalia looked at Dhega with a waggle of her brows, getting a roll of his eyes. He lifted her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles,

  "It appears your scheme has born fruit."

  "Now you have an ally who will never stand against you,"

  "We have an ally, Jalia." Dhega corrected firmly.

  "Right. I forgot for a minute."

  Dhega huffed, loudly clearing his throat when it seemed Renaya was going to go on crying for a little while.

  "We still have terms to discuss as far as your punishment, Renaya."

  Jalia shot him such a dirty look, his tone having made Renaya turn gray again, her relief to be united with her son gone in a blink of her wet, spiky lashes.

  "Yes, your majesty. I submit to whatever you would have of me."

  "Excellent. There will be three new princes chosen to govern Bull Island. After the coronation celebration, you and your sister will return with your children to assist the prince of the northern palace in adjusting to his new position.

  “You will be under his protection, and while he has expressed the desire to marry you, the choice will be yours."

  It was hard not to laugh at the open-mouthed astonishment on Renaya's face.

  She had been expecting a fate worse than death, and when she stammered her thanks, Dhega gave her an evil look.

  "Give thanks to your queen. If not for her insistent scheming, I would have gone with my first instinct and sent Antehe your head in a box."

  Renaya's shoulders finally dropped from around her ears, and she nodded, wiping the last of her tears from her cheek,

  "Thank you, my queen."

  "You're very welcome."

  Isandros squeezed Renaya, taking her hand to draw her out, "Come on, I have questions about our new home."

  Jalia couldn't help but grin when just before the door shut, she heard Renaya squawk in surprise,

  "You? You've been given the northern palace?"

  "I don't know about given." Isandros chuckled, their voices fading away.

  Jalia got up and climbed onto Dhega's lap, pressing a kiss to his clenched jaw. He was trying so hard to keep hold of his stern, disapproving scowl,

  "Thank you for being so accommodating in regard to my insistent scheming. You made them very happy."

  "I could care less whether or not they are happy," Dhega growled, turning to take a proper kiss that left Jalia's head spinning.

  "Your happiness is all that matters. Are you ready to go home now?"

  "Home." Jalia sighed, the word sweet on her kiss stung lips. "Yeah. I'm ready."

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  "Dhega! Oh...oh yes! There, rightthereplease!"

  Jalia clung to his broad, sweat-slicked shoulders, her head flying back as he found the perfect spot and drilled his cock over and over it in time to her gasping cries.

  His hands gripped her hips tighter, yanking her to meet him as he drove inside her, rolling his hips in just the right way to make a tormented moan slide up her throat.

  "Dhega," she whispered, so close to giving him what he wanted. Her body still quaked from her previous, awesome orgasm, feeling like the next one he was steadily driving her toward might kill her.

  "Not yet," he growled, going faster, slamming harder, their bodies meeting with loud, erotic slaps.

  Jalia tossed her head back and forth on the padded lounge, nearly there,

  "I don't think I can—"

  "Not. Yet." Suddenly his hands weren't at her hips but reaching beneath her to jerk her up onto his lap, her body colliding with his as he slammed her down on his cock, driving the entire length inside her with such force Jalia saw stars.

  "Now,"

  Jalia obeyed his sexy snarl, her head falling back on a desperate cry, her nails digging deeply into his pelt as her body convulsed in ecstasy.<
br />
  His face dropped into the cradle of her shoulder, always so careful to keep from knocking her in the face with his horns, the vibration of his deeply satisfied groan adding another layer of debilitating pleasure to her overstimulated flesh.

  Even the feel of his gasping breaths on her throat as his shaft pulsed and flexed inside her was wonderful.

  He made a very male sound, reaching out behind her to brace himself before laying her back, his hips still pressed tight to hers, following her down with a roll that left her plastered on top of him.

  "I've decided," he stated firmly, his hand clenched on the cushion of her ass, pulling her forward and back, driving her up and down his shaft that never seemed to wilt so long as they were sharing the same skin.

  "We will begin every day just like this. Royal decree."

  Jalia smiled, her body continuing to give up little mini-orgasms.

  "I second the motion. Should we write it down?"

  "Yes. Then if someone interrupts us, it can be legally punishable by death."

  She couldn't help but laugh, which made Dhega hiss and tuck his hips forward to keep her from forcing his cock out of her before he was good and ready, which made one last cascade of pleasure tear up through her deliciously abused belly.

  She moaned his name, half in protest, half in bliss, gasping to catch her breath, loving the way it felt when he reached up to knead his hand deep into her hair.

  Time stretched on in a slow pull, the gentle breeze felt wonderful on her overheated body, the sound of his heart drumming beneath her ear and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore far below was almost a lullaby.

  Jalia could have stayed like this all day. She wanted to, she said so, but it wasn't to be.

  "As could I, but the entire council of princes meets today. I must elect two more to go to Bull Island with Renaya and Isandros, you and we have to discuss the purchase and necessities of technology, fortifying our security. So much to do," he sighed regretfully, his hand tracing a rhythmic pattern up and down the length of her spine

  "Croft told me he's ready to go back to his so-called life as a mercenary. He told me yesterday, Iscarion wants to go with him."