Stathix laughed. “Yeah, I know.” He turned back to Faith and spoke very slowly. “We are going to take you back to the slave quarters now. It’s not safe to wander around on your own.”
As he spoke, he stepped forward and stretched out his hand. Faith shrank back, even though there was nowhere to go.
Precious had been hiding behind Faith’s legs but when the guard touched Faith’s arm, she growled and shook herself. The chubby little body grew, becoming long and sleek, while her mottled brown coat turned jet black. Her eyes glowed yellow, while her tail lengthened and thickened before ending in a cluster of deadly spikes. A ridge of matching spikes appeared on her head and stretched down her spine. The two guards stumbled back.
“That’s a fucking Iqune. Where the hell did it come from?”
The tail on the new animal’s body lifted, and Faith saw the spikes quiver.
“Fuck. Those things are venomous.” The guards scrambled away but the only refuge in the long corridor was the storeroom from which Faith had just emerged. They jumped through and slammed the door just as two spikes hit the surface, embedding themselves in the metal. Faith emerged from her shock long enough to grab her tablet and quickly program the lock closed again, adding an override to keep it shut.
Precious wound around her thighs, still sleek and black, and Faith dropped down to hug her. The yellow eyes flashed back to black as she did.
“What a clever girl you are.” She scratched behind the odd shaped ears and murmured praise while she regained her composure. “Okay, Precious. Now let’s go find your daddy.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Athtar paced his cell again, cursing in a low, continuous stream. He’d been locked in this fucking cell for a day and a half now and he was ready to murder the next person he saw. Tanaca had appeared once and asked him if was willing to talk or if he still insisted on waiting for the emperor. When Athtar refused to talk to him, he shrugged and left, once more refusing to let Athtar send a message to the ship. Gods only knew what Faith was up to while he was gone. During his brief attempt at sleep the previous night, he’d had nightmares of her charging up to the guards and demanding to be taken to him. Or blurting out a confession about her part on Hothrest. He couldn’t decide which would be worse—if they decided they believed her and threw her into a cell or if they just laughed and hauled her off to the slave quarters. Fuck. He didn’t care how many guards Tanaca had with him, next time he was going to wring the scrawny bastard’s neck.
As if in answer to his thought, the door swung open. He froze when instead of Tanaca’s smug face, an Iqune came slinking into the room. The beasts were as rare as they were deadly, and it was the last thing he expected to see in the emperor’s palace. He shook his head, wondering if lack of sleep was making him fucking hallucinate. Before he could decide, Faith tripped across the threshold, then flung herself at him. He had enough presence of mind to pick her up and put his body between her and the Iqune.
“Keep still,” he warned. “Those fucking things are lethal.”
To his shock, she threw back her head and laughed. “Don’t worry, my love. It’s just Precious.”
“What?” A purring sound came from below and he looked down to see the Iqune winding itself around his legs and purring madly.
“It’s Precious.” Faith repeated. “Go on. Pet her or you’ll hurt her feelings.”
“Precious?” The purring increased and he cautiously extended a hand. The Iqune rubbed her head against it and he stroked the soft fur, carefully avoiding the line of spikes crowning her head. “Well, I’ll be a three-legged son of a Braxian morloc. How the fuck did that happen?”
“I don’t know. She wouldn’t let me come after you without her. Then when the guard touched me—”
“A fucking guard fucking touched you?” he roared. “I’ll kill the son of a bitch.”
“No, no,” she said quickly. “He just touched my arm. He seemed to think I was a slave and he was going to take me back to the slave quarters.”
That statement didn’t help his anger but the fact that she wasn’t upset did. He shook his head and sat down on the bed with her in his lap. “And Precious stopped him by turning into an Iqune?” he asked more quietly, as the pup jumped up next to them and rested a large, sleek, black head on his thigh. He carefully shifted Faith away from the spikes.
“Yes, she did. It was amazing! Did you know she could do that?”
“I’ve heard rumors about Pardorians being able to camouflage themselves, but I never knew it extended to the war beasts—and that’s not fucking important right now. What the fuck are you doing here?”
“I came to rescue you,” she said cheerfully.
“Fuck, no. You just go back to the fucking ship right fucking now.”
Her face fell. “Aren’t you happy to see me?”
Happy? Having her in his arms again was an enormous fucking relief, but he wasn’t about to take any chances with her safety. “Of course I am. But you were supposed to stay on the fucking ship and fucking wait for me.”
Her chin lifted. “But you were in trouble.”
“I’m not in fucking trouble. I told that asshole Tanaca I would only talk to the emperor and instead of sending a message to him, he threw me in this fucking cell and told me I’d have to wait until he returned from his fucking First Mating trip.”
“First Mating trip? Does that mean they got married already? I mean, Ella is his First Consort now?”
“Yeah, I reckon so.”
“Damn. I really wanted to get here in time to make sure she was willing.”
“I know, baby, but like I told you, when I saw them together, I thought they were in love.” He hugged her and then very reluctantly put her on her feet. “Now you need to get back out of here.”
“I’m not leaving without you,” she said defiantly, and he could tell by the stubborn tilt to her chin that she meant every word. For the first time he noticed what she was wearing—a skintight bodysuit that showcased every inch of her perfect body. His dick gave an approving thrum but he forced himself to concentrate. He needed to convince her to leave.
“Faith, if you stay here, they’ll want to fucking question you, too. That’s what I fucking tried to avoid, remember?”
“I know, but I have an idea.”
He groaned. “Of course you do. All right. What is it?”
“I didn’t know that Ella and the emperor were on their honeymoon. I thought we would just go directly to their quarters and talk to them.” She held up her hand before he could speak. “You just told me you agreed to talk to him, and you know I want to talk to her.”
“But they’re not here and I don’t want you anywhere near that fucking bastard Tanaca.”
“I don’t want to talk to him, either, especially after he locked you up. But don’t you see? It still works. We can go hide out there until they return. If they’re not there, no one else would be, either, right?”
He hated to admit it, but it made a certain kind of sense. And the emperor’s quarters would be a hell of a lot more comfortable than this room. The thought of Tanaca’s face when he found Athtar missing pushed him over the edge. “All right, baby. You win. Do you know how to get there?”
“Sort of—it’s based more on what’s not showing up than what is. I have a path mapped out, but it’s kind of convoluted.”
“Both times before they took me through some fucking secret passage that led right to his office. It was guarded but if we can find that…”
“I have a schematic of the palace if that would help.” She brought out her tablet and he showed her where he thought the entrance was hidden.
“Hmm.” She traced a line on the map. “This is marked as a utility conduit but it’s much larger than it needs to be. I’m sure that must be it. This panel is marked as a vent, but I bet it’s an entrance and it’s not far away. Let’s go.”
“Just a fucking minute,” he growled, and hauled her back against him, kissing her until she was limp and clinging to him.
“What was that for?”
“Because you’re an infuriatingly brilliant woman who has definitely earned a fucking spanking, and I fucking love you.”
Tears sprang to her eyes and she gave him a misty smile. “I love you, too.”
Precious butted her head against his leg and he laughed and ruffled her fur. “Yeah, Precious, we love you, too. You’re a good girl for taking care of Faith.”
When they came to the spot indicated on the schematic, there was no sign of an entrance. He swore under his breath, but Faith pulled out her tablet and a few minutes later, part of the wall slid silently to one side.
“Fuck, baby.” After a quick check of the hidden passage, he pulled her through and she closed the panel behind them.
“They really should do something about their security.” Faith frowned at him. “I hate to think that Ella could be in danger if someone else got in this way.”
“I doubt that there are a lot of fucking genius assassins running around,” he said dryly. “But if it makes you feel better, you can let Karthajin know about all the holes in his security. Or even better, tell his fucking spymaster.”
“Why do you dislike him so much?” she asked as they began heading for the emperor’s office.
He shrugged. “He’s a fucking scholar with his fucking nose in the air for one thing. He has a reputation for being underhanded.”
“You don’t think we can trust him?”
It hurt to admit it, but he finally said. “Nah. I think he’s trustworthy. Everything that I heard about was done to protect the emperor and the Empire.”
“That’s good. Ella was always kind of… innocent.” A wry smile twisted her lips. “Of course, I was pretty innocent eight years ago as well.”
The inside of the corridor was as featureless as the outside had been, but once again, a vent marked on the plan indicated the entrance to Karthajin’s office. Faith worked her magic and they stepped forward into the huge space. The room was dark and quiet but a soft glow from a single desk lamp provided enough light to reveal their surroundings.
“Oh, this is nice,” Faith said, looking around. “Look at all of those books.”
He was more interested in the fact that the outer door was closed and locked, as was the set of windows that opened onto an interior garden.
“How long do you think we’ll have to wait?” she asked.
“Tanaca said two or three days, and that was what…a day and a half ago? It shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Okay,” she said, before a yawn split her face. “Do you think we could try and find a bed?”
The word conjured up a mental picture of her naked and ready in their own bed, and his dick stirred, but this wasn’t the right time or place.
“Nah,” he said reluctantly. “You said you couldn't see this section and we don’t know what other alarms might be set. Best to stay here.”
She yawned again and nodded. “The couch looks pretty comfortable.”
“Let’s find out.” He picked her up and carried her over, settling them so that she was tucked against the back and he was between her and the rest of the room. Precious followed them and circled twice before settling down on the floor in front of him, still looking like an Iqune.
“I wonder how long she’ll keep up the illusion,” he said thoughtfully.
“I’m not sure it’s an illusion,” Faith said around another yawn. “When she threw her spikes at the guards, they actually penetrated the metal.”
The hand he had extended to pet Precious stopped in mid-air, but then he shrugged and stroked her fur anyway. He didn’t believe that she’d ever hurt either one of them. Faith’s soft weight settled more heavily against his side and he realized that she was asleep. Now that she was back with him, the worry of the past two days lifted, and exhaustion replaced it. He drifted off into a contented sleep.
He awoke to find Precious growling and four guards standing over them, weapons drawn.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Faith. Wake up.” Athtar’s voice reached her from a long way off but she was warm and comfortable and she didn’t want to wake up. Then she heard the sound of Precious growling and her eyes flew open. Four of the massive guards surrounded them, two with their eyes on her and Athtar, the other two pointing their weapons at Precious.
“Don’t you hurt her,” she cried, and made a flying leap for the puppy. Her knee caught Athtar between his legs and she fell over him to land almost on top of Precious. The war beast had reverted to her previous form during the night, and Faith gathered her close. Athtar groaned from behind her and she shot him a worried look.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Did I hurt you?”
“I fucking hope you weren’t planning on us having any fucking children,” he growled as he hunched over. There was a choked sound from above her and she looked up to see one of the guard’s shoulders shaking. The one next to him just shook his head.
“Who are you and why are you here?” he demanded.
“I’m Faith Whittaker and I’m here to see Ella,” she said with as much dignity as she could manage from her sprawled position.
“And you know who the fuck I am, Warnax, since you’ve hauled me in here twice before,” Athtar said. He’d apparently recovered enough to sit up and he pulled her and Precious up next to him, putting a protective arm around her shoulders. The guard ignored him, staring at Faith.
“Did you say Faith?” he repeated.
“Yes. Why?”
“The Consort has been most anxious to find out what happened to you.”
“You know about me?”
“Oh yes, Miss.” Warnax nodded at the other guards and they holstered their weapons and stepped back. “But why are you here?”
“Because fucking Tanaca hijacked my fucking ship,” Athtar growled, and Precious echoed him.
The guard frowned. “I was not informed of this.”
“I have some information they fucking want but I told him that I would only give it to Emperor Karthajin. Apparently, the emperor didn’t think it was fucking important enough to interrupt his precious First Mating trip.”
“Would you wish to be interrupted on your First Mating trip?” Warnax responded.
“Fuck, no. But I wouldn’t send for someone and make him fucking wait for me while I was gone, either.”
Warnax sighed, then made a quick gesture with his hand and the other three guards departed.
“I suppose this is in reference to the matter on Hothrest?” he asked once they were alone. “I believe Advisor Tanaca may have acted on his own authority.”
“Fucking bastard. Does that mean we can go?”
“Unfortunately not. However, I will send a message immediately to let His Imperial Majesty know that you are here. That both of you are here.”
Athtar hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you.”
Warnax cast a look around the office. “I do not know how long it will be before Emperor Karthajin checks his messages. You may wait here but you will be guarded.” His face hardened. “And after the emperor is through with you, you will tell me how you managed to make it this far.”
“That was me,” Faith piped up, ignoring Athtar’s muffled curse. “And I want to talk to you about your security. I really don’t think it’s adequate.”
“Indeed.” He frowned, then shook his head, his horns twitching. “Have you been here all night?”
“Most of it.”
“Would you like some breakfast? We can talk after you eat.”
“Yes, please. And a sanitary facility?”
He hesitated. “You would need to be escorted.”
“Like fuck,” Athtar growled.
“By a female guard, obviously. I will send for one.”
“Better make it quick,” she said as her bladder protested the delay.
An hour later, Faith felt much better. The female guard had arrived in time to escort her to the bathroom before any unpleasant accidents occurred. Afterwards, they had been f
ed a delicious meal by a very pleasant Kaisarian. Precious had eaten until her stomach was a round little ball and she was now stretched out at Faith’s feet; however, Faith noticed that one eye opened whenever anyone approached.
“Now, about your security,” she said to Warnax, and Athtar groaned.
The chief guard had not joined the meal but remained quietly in the background. She found his presence oddly soothing, more protective than threatening. He stepped forward when she spoke.
“Don’t say another fucking word, Faith,” Athtar interrupted. “Warnax, I want your fucking word of honor that she will not be punished for outsmarting your security.”
Warnax nodded. “You have it. I do not believe that she intended any harm and she is willing to disclose her methods. I will consider her a… consultant.”
Athtar relaxed and grinned at the other man. “In that case, she oughta be paid.”
The guard’s lips quirked. “Perhaps. I will leave you to argue that point with Tanaca.”
“She is sitting right here, and she is not asking for payment,” Faith said tartly.
“Never overlook an opportunity to get some credits, baby,” Athtar said. Having received Warnax’s assurance, he relaxed back into his chair and grinned at her. She rolled her eyes and turned to the guard.
“The first thing you should do is stop using the Imperial Fleet’s algorithms as a basis for the palace encryption.”
They were still discussing approaches to security when the office door opened and a Kaisarian entered. He had the typical red skin and small black horns poking through curly dark hair, but he was the most strikingly handsome Kaisarian she had ever seen. Even before Warnax rose to his feet and bowed, she knew this was the Emperor. Despite his obvious youth, he carried himself with an air of absolute authority. She stood up as well and tried an awkward curtsy. Fortunately, Athtar caught her before she fell at the emperor’s feet. She saw his lips twitch and, although her cheeks flamed, she relaxed a little. Knowing that he had a sense of humor made it easier. She searched eagerly behind him, but he was alone.
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