Wrexel’s laugh was merciless. “And how would you explain that to the people of Throm or the Yimmyrd council?”
“Wrexel, please.” Amber grasped his arm, and he allowed her to pull his hand from around Travis’s neck, leaving him to stagger backward.
“Have you lost your mind?” She went to aid Travis but Wrexel caught her and pulled her back. “If you touch him, I’ll carry on where I left off.”
Amber lost her temper. “You do not tell me who or what I can touch.” She yanked her arm from his hand. Amber remembered a feeling of being owned once again and didn’t like it!
“Take us to Rheese City,” Wrexel commanded and indicated that she should step inside the ship.
She glared at him but obeyed.
He exuded an air of authority on the vessel and those within stepped out of his path. Whoever he was in Thromian terms had them fearful and respectful.
Rheese, it seemed, owed Throm a huge debt for evacuating them from Earth, for establishing the city where they now lived, and Wrexel wasn’t letting them forget.
Two seats were made available for Amber and Wrexel to sit down.
“He was my fiancé,” she hissed at Wrexel.
“On Earth, nearly two years ago. He never got over you,” he responded, but then Travis boarded and Amber opted to ask no more. Travis still directed a glare of hatred at Wrexel. His gaze for her, however, remained filled with longing and pain. She looked away sadly, wishing she remembered when they were together and how they broke up.
* * *
Wrexel wound her fingers through his and she stared down at the firm but gentle grasp. She was still angry with him for holding her back from helping Travis but he was responsible for her being alive and despite her missing memory, she trusted him. She reminded herself that she had been unfaithful, and he had full right to have trust issues.
She could feel Travis’s eyes burning on the clasp of hands and her cheeks warmed. She must have left him for Wrexel.
Her misery increased.
What kind of woman went from man to man the way she had in two years? The gaze of sadness on Travis’s face made her sure that their relationship had not ended well, and she wondered what went wrong.
“Sir, our communications are down. Lord Whyle sent a message to say there may be a handover glitch. He is working on repairing it before the Rak arrival in three days.”
Travis nodded and then turned a knowing glare on Wrexel. “Odd that you arrive here undetected, and then when we pick you up, all Universal Comms go down.”
“There have been rumors that there is trouble on Throm, something about civil war, a Monarch too sick to address his people. Did you run here to hide?”
Wrexel kept his cold stare. “I never run, nor do I hide. If you’re experiencing trouble with the handover to Rak, then welcome to the future. Your desire to rid this city of Throm for Rak soldiers is going to be equally problematic. Then again, poor decision-making is your field of expertise.”
“Trusting Thromians is the only error in judgment I have ever made,” Travis cursed.
Amber frowned. Why did Travis have issues with Throm if they were the saviors of Earth and had provided everything for their survival?
The one piloting their vessel interrupted her question to Wrexel, announcing that they approached Rheese. She looked out the window to see the domed glass metropolis that stretched for miles. She gasped with amazement. An entire city walled and covered. They achieved this in less than two years! Their ship moved forward and hovered at the side of the city, waiting for a section of the large grey walls to complete their slow open and grant them entry.
* * *
Amber watched as they drew closer, eventually moving forward to land in a large indoor airport. The solid walls slid closed behind them and the craft gave a gentle nudge as it settled among a row of other crafts, some larger, others smaller.
One made her recoil with horror as Wrexel smiled with joy.
“Unmanned,” Travis said to him. “In need of repairs and left here. If you don’t remove it in three days, we will use it as scrap.”
Wrexel shrugged. “The thousands we have will not miss it.”
Amber stared in rapt attention; the black ship looked like a crab. Four long arms extended from the sides, with sharp edges that seemed to dig into the ground as it rested. It was almost animalistic. The green oval on the side, with the vicious bird symbol, was a replica of one of Wrexel’s back tattoos.
“It’s a Thromian warship,” Wrexel said proudly as she stared at it in shock.
“Same principal as the sketh,” he told her. “Firepower on ships evolved and so did the shields to protect them. The Thromian fighter ships that Staede leads do not hover in the distance and fire unless the enemy is unable to erect a shield. The fighter crafts land upon the enemies” crafts and tear the ships to threads. Throm is the strongest protector of the solar system in which you now live. These are the vessels that keep out invaders from the 104.”
“You were the strongest, but the Raks have been building crafts during their blockade.” Travis snickered. “The bully will soon have a new nemesis.”
Wrexel ignored his comment, clearly confident it wasn’t true as he gently put a hand on Amber’s back, leading her off the craft. The humans they encountered as they exited did a double take, disguising their obvious shock at seeing Wrexel by quickly lowering their eyes in respect. Some stared at Amber with a frown of confusion, some looked at her and then Wrexel with disgust, but the wide-eyed stares of recognition unnerved her the most.
How would they know her?
Wrexel’s hand did not release hers and she noticed that when he did make eye contact with a human, they shrank in their demeanor, quickly averting their eyes.
They had been under Thromian protection for so long, why would they survey him with fear and disdain? Amber hoped she would be alone with him soon so she could ask more questions, for nothing added up.
They arrived at well-guarded, arched scanners that were marked “VIP.’
Those who sat monitoring at the “computers” on the side also peered at Wrexel in wide-eyed surprise. Travis stepped through first.
“Welcome, President Travis Anders.” The female monotone reminded her of Shehin.
“Welcome, Wrexel of Throm, Son of the Monarch, First Lord, House of Green.”
Son of the Monarch.
Now Amber understood the arrogance.
He wasn’t just a Thromian… he was a royal Thromian and the father he hated was the king.
“Please step up.” The guards interrupted her thoughts.
“Will it recognize me?” Amber asked.
“Yes,” Wrexel said with a cunning smile as Travis regretfully replied, “Yes.”
“Welcome,” the scanner said, “Amber of Throm, Spouse to the First Lord Wrexel and Spouse to the Fourth Lord Whyle.”
7
Rheese City One
“What the…”
Wrexel flashed her a warning look. When she saw all the guards lift their heads to peer at her, she closed her mouth in embarrassment.
She followed both men in a trance as they proceeded through the customs area.
I was your fiancé.
Amber of Throm, Spouse to First Lord Wrexel and Spouse to the Lord Whyle.
And?
She grappled with the knowledge that she was Wrexel’s wife, struggled to remember her ex-fiancé, and remained wholly confused about Whyle.
Was he her former husband?
Why didn’t she remember him?
Had the announcement been in error?
He had to be her ex-husband, but why say and?
Her brain reeled as she tried to take in the futuristic city and cope with the questions that bombarded her racing mind.
The city was like a hybrid, hydroponic community. Within the huge enclosure were low grey buildings, either circular or square. They housed what appeared to be thousands of humans who went about their business as usual.
/> It was fully established, stretching into the beyond, enclosed on all sides by thick grey walls the height of skyscrapers and a glass ceiling that revealed a cloudless sky and four moons.
It was something to behold and if her brain hadn’t been racing with anxiety, she would have stopped to take it all in.
Everything was foreign, most especially her mind.
The roads were made out of a material she didn’t recognize.
Vehicles hovered.
Sidewalk signs were glazed in a hologram and she was a psychotic nymphomaniac who had trouble choosing a mate.
They entered a private hovering bus.
The two nervous guards still looked at Wrexel as if he would attack at any moment. Amber couldn’t get to Wrexel’s side fast enough and was pleased he sat at the rear and that Travis lingered near the front.
“Who is Whyle?” she whispered into his ear.
“My cousin.”
“I don’t care about his relation to you, I want to know when I was involved with him. Is he an ex-husband?” she demanded.
“Your ex… fiancé is very eager to hear the details of your new life. Do you want me to talk about it now or spare him further humiliation?” he whispered back when Travis made his way over to them.
Amber closed her mouth.
Patience.
She had to be patient.
Wrexel was right.
Travis was pained enough by her man-eating ways.
She turned her back on them and stared out the window at the large river that flowed through the center of the city. It was dotted with ships of different shapes and sizes. Amber thought of all the science fiction movies she had watched and how none of them had prepared her for this new reality. Wrexel saw her staring and began to explain that Rheese’s temperature dropped to a level that made human existence impossible for three months out of the year. Enclosing the city had been necessary. He spoke more about the buildings, why they had redirected the water, how the solar panels above regulated light.
Amber heard hardly a word.
She stared down at the walled parks where children played and fondly remembered that she used to have one too.
Somebody had pushed her on that Earth swing.
Somebody had laughed with her and played with her.
Somebody had loved her.
She just could not remember whom.
She turned her gaze to Travis and his blue eyes locked on hers. He gave her a small, wan smile that spoke volumes in regret. It was hard to remove her thoughts from her own dilemma despite the overwhelming surroundings.
Why had she left him and married Wrexel... and, dear God, Whyle?
Amber felt like a decent, quiet person on the inside and yet her memories defined her as wanton, moving from man to man.
Three in the last two years if she didn’t count Staede!
She feared the return of her memory.
Perhaps she would remember being everything she now loathed.
* * *
When they arrived at the city headquarters, security was tight and the looks Wrexel received continued to be alarming. The forced politeness remained intact. They welcomed him like a diplomat from a country everybody disliked but had to respect.
Travis directed them into a formal reception area with ill-at-ease dignitaries who looked obliged to greet him formally.
“The senior leadership of Rheese welcomes the son of the Thromian Monarch and heir to the throne.” Travis’s tone was once again sarcastic.
“My wife and I thank you.”
Travis clenched his jaw.
“Was the second spouse, the Lord Whyle, unable to join you on this trip?” Travis’s eyes glowered at Wrexel and stared at Amber with accusation.
Wrexel did not flinch. “Whyle enjoyed time with Amber last week. This break was my turn. Thank you for your concern.”
Amber’s mouth dropped open… what the hell!
Two current husbands.
No!
This was not possible.
She opened her mouth but Wrexel said, “Not the time,” under his breath.
Amber closed her mouth, nearly exploding.
“We have received no question regarding your whereabouts or a warning that you would be visiting Rheese. You also did not mention why you were in our air space.”
“My travel plans are not your concern.”
Travis continued to glare at his arrogance. “As you are aware, we currently have a Comms shutdown, so we can’t advise your planet of your safe arrival.”
Wrexel did not respond.
“We were not advised when we would be back on line by your cousin… or is he your husband too? I’m sorry, I don’t know what polyandry terms are appropriate to Thromians in a tri-marriage.”
Wrexel merely looked bemused as Travis coughed and continued. “I assume it will magically be resolved when the Rak army arrives in three days.”
“Whyle runs Communications, not me.” Wrexel seemed to enjoy Travis’s discomfort.
“Well, in that case, as we are also grounded with no incoming or exiting travel in the changeover week, you are our… guest.”
“How kind.” Wrexel folded his arms. “If your dignitary greetings are done, show me my room so my wife and I can rest.” He glared down at those who stood waiting for a formal greeting. One or two stepped back.
Travis looked at the group, hoping somebody would want to address Wrexel.
Silence.
Travis, although reluctant, had no choice but to lead them down the hallway to a quiet floor where open doors revealed empty rooms similar to a hotel.
They stopped outside one that was lavish and large. Amber peered in eagerly; the thought of a soft bed and no creatures was pure bliss.
Now, in private, she could demand answers for her insanity.
Before she walked in behind Wrexel, Travis grasped her arm. “You don’t love him, Amber. Don’t let him touch you until you remember everything.”
Amber gaped at Travis but Wrexel gave a mocking laugh. “Good night, Anders.” He cupped Amber’s elbow and propelled her into the room.
“Wait,” she demanded before the door closed. “I want to know what is going on. What does he mean, I don’t love you?”
“You haven’t spoken to him in years. He’s your bitter ex… he doesn’t know anything about you and me.”
“Tell her!” demanded Travis. “Tell her the start of this all, how you took her away from me forcibly and let her unravel the rest.”
The door slammed in Travis’s face.
* * *
Amber was relieved that he left, but she turned on Wrexel immediately. “You took me from him forcibly... what does he mean by that?
Wrexel sighed. “When you left Earth, we began cohabiting as spouses by mutual agreement and every encounter, every embrace has been consensual from your side. Have any of your memories shown me raping you? I’ve been alone with you for three days, Amber, without taking any liberties and you are my wife.”
“I was his fiancé?” She changed the subject, not wanting to consider how she regretted each time their embraces stopped.
“Yes, Amber, two years ago you left Travis and married me.”
“We’re married,” she repeated, for it was all she could think of at that moment as they stood alone in the room.
“But not just to each other?” She wrinkled her nose in dismay. “What about Whyle?”
“Polygamy and polyandry are accepted on Throm. Spousal agreements often come in three. A woman can have two husbands and a husband can have two wives.”
“So… I am with… both of you… I chose to have another husband?” Her voice cracked.
Not only had she lost her memory, she had clearly lost her mind.
“I left my fiancé on Earth and entered a marriage for three?” she moaned in horror when he continued to nod.
She took a step back from him. “No,” she said with conviction.
Memory or no memory this was not possible.
“I can’t believe I would agree to something like that.”
“You did.” He sat down on the bed and began removing his shoes.
“Why?” she cried out. “It’s not the human way, it’s not my way.”
Staede should take a number; clearly, she was a busy, busy girl.
“I’m sorry I don’t believe you, it’s not possible,” she said again.
“Amber, your union with Whyle was an important political move upon Throm to help us gain support against my father, the Monarch. You agreed to it willingly and your marriage to Whyle is fully consensual.”
“So it’s not a real marriage?” She experienced relief.
“I never said that.” He sounded exasperated.
“Oh my God.” She looked for the mini bar.
She needed a drink.
Several drinks!
And a head shrink!
“Don’t they have mini bars?” she demanded.
Wrexel frowned. “A what?”
“I need alcohol!”
He nodded and touched the wall beside their bed; it opened to reveal bottles she did not recognize. She chose the first one her hand fell on and swallowed it neat whilst he looked at her in confusion.
“Is this alcohol?” she demanded when she felt nothing.
“No.” He reached over for another bottle. “This one is, and you can drink as many as you like. It’s not going to change the fact that you’re married to me and Whyle.”
“How could you agree to that? You’re so possessive when it comes to Travis and Staede.” She drank the one he held out and sighed as the welcome warmth slid down her throat.
“Staede is my brother, your brother.” He picked up one of her bottles, but she snatched it out of his hand and drank it too.
“Whyle is my cousin, my trusted friend. It’s different.” He frowned. “You don’t drink like this, Amber.”
“Well, maybe I do now,” she snapped. “I do a lot of things that are shocking, apparently!”
Warmth began to seep through her limbs. Her mind, however, was still wound up and buzzing wildly. She blew the air out of her mouth and took another long sip. “So we live together, we what… we do it together?” She recoiled at the thought.
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