Saving Verakko: The Clecanian Series Book 3

by Victoria Aveline

  “What’s on those floors?” Lily asked after seeing at least four floors go by that were blocked from view.

  “Those are our schools. Early education for all young Swadaeth is near the top, then trade schools are next, and the secondary schools are below.”

  Husbandry school, Lily recalled. “What did you learn in your school?” she asked while studying a recreation floor with a gym, a large portion of which was dedicated to people hurling spears at distant targets.

  They reached their floor, and Ziri stepped into a large conservatory filled with exotic flowers, bushy trees, and familiar hanging saplings. Lily felt an odd sense of joy at finally recognizing something.

  “Emotional professionalism, sexual education, advanced reproductive education, things of that nature.”

  Small birds flitted around the towering light-filled space, but Lily’s attention was drawn back to Ziri. Her voice had shifted, becoming tighter and reserved. Her features had hardened once again as well. Was that what she meant by emotional professionalism? Why? What was the point in hiding her sweet personality?

  Lily became momentarily distracted when a handsome man clothed in a translucent fitted shirt approached them.

  “Hello. Which floor is your appointment on today?”

  “We’ve reserved pool seven and have rooms booked on each floor, but we may not be using them all. My companion would like to see a menu. She’s a newly immigrated off-worlder.”

  The man grinned at Lily and bowed. “It’s my honor to assist such a lovely off-worlder. Welcome to Mithrandir.”

  Lily smiled back. “Thank you.”

  The man’s green brows rose.

  “Her language is rare and not among the typical uploads.”

  “Ah.” The man produced a small white pad from behind him and handed it to Ziri.

  He eyed Lily up and down with more interest than she was comfortable with after learning about some of the services provided at the spa.

  “Lead on,” Ziri demanded.

  The man glanced to Ziri. His grin remained in place, but Lily could tell it had transformed from something genuine to something forced. She’d used smiles like that many times over when speaking to unhappy customers.

  He nodded and led them through the artfully planted garden to the large green balcony she’d seen from above, only now Lily realized it wasn’t just green—it was in fact soft, spongy moss. This city sure liked to show off how much plant life it could grow in the desert. She remembered what Verakko had said about his people having a penchant for extravagance.

  The man leading them opened his mouth to speak, but Ziri spoke first. “Two turys, please. Also, can you see if Hetta is available? Tell her Ziritha is asking for her.”

  A surge of annoyance at the way Ziritha was treating this guy flared. Sure, he’d made her a little uncomfortable before when he’d ogled her, but he didn’t deserve the blunt tone. She shot him an apologetic smile, thinking he’d return it and leave, but he lingered, eyes glued to her.

  Ziri looked over her shoulder and caught his stare. She stepped between them while Lily tried to work out what exactly was happening. “She’s new to this city, and her home culture is very different. She’s not interested in you.”

  Lily held in a gasp, her cheeks growing hot. Was that what she’d made him think?

  Disappointment dimmed his bright gaze as he nodded and turned to leave.

  “What did I do? I don’t understand?”

  Ziri motioned to a set of chairs, and her features softened into a smile. “You’ll learn. Smiling like that at an unfamiliar unmarried male, as an unmarried female, will give the impression you’re interested in him opening negotiations with you.”

  Lily sunk into her chair, weighing her next words carefully so as not to offend. “The way you spoke to him seemed so cold. I was just trying to be nice.” She scrutinized Ziri’s warm, unguarded gaze. “Is that why you…change…when we’re not alone? Your personality, I mean?”

  Ziri frowned in thought for a moment. “It’s how most females are taught to act with unfamiliar males. I’m more relaxed around males who know me, but when it comes to strangers, it’s better to be reserved. Lessens the chances of giving anyone false hope.”

  Lily studied Ziri’s pinched expression and wondered if she didn’t dislike being “reserved.”

  After the spa attendant had returned with two glasses of what Lily learned was the alcoholic wanget beverage Verakko had told her about, Ziri explained all the treatments she could choose from.

  When their spa schedule was settled and full of couple’s treatments, since thankfully Ziri didn’t want to stray too far from her side, Lily began her interrogation. Questioning Ziri about marriage contracts, laws concerning broken contracts, the humans already found in Tremanta, and what Ziri expected to happen during her marriage to Verakko, if it occurred.

  Lily made sure to keep her queries curious, as if she simply wanted to know what would happen if Verakko recognized her. Ziri’s enthusiastic responses made it clear to Lily that if she found out Verakko had already recognized her, Ziri would report his marks herself. Lily got the feeling Ziri would even consider revealing Verakko’s marks without their permission a favor.

  Whenever Lily had hinted that not all humans would find the idea of being bound to a person they barely knew favorable, Ziri had repeated some variation of the phrase “But they’d be mated.” The idea of a human denying the bond appeared to be unthinkable to the future queen.

  They talked until Lily had run out of questions to ask. As it turned out, Verakko had told her the truth about everything, including that he and Ziri barely knew each other. To Lily’s frustration, every question about Verakko she asked was met with uncertainty. Ziritha knew off the top of her head what grades he had and how willing he’d been to concede on certain things during their negotiation, but she hardly knew anything about his personality. His fears. The things he enjoyed. His sense of humor. How he could be a little bit cranky in the morning.

  This woman, who’d be his wife, didn’t know Verakko at all. A smug heat radiated through Lily’s chest as she realized Verakko had let her see him in a way he hadn’t even let his future wife. It could very well be that Lily knew him better than anyone.

  After an hour of conversation and many glasses of tury shared on the reflected, sunlit balcony, Ziri’s friend Hetta had also stopped by. Ziri explained that Lily was a hairstylist back on her home planet and was considering becoming one again.

  The rest of the hour or so before their pool reservation was spent with Lily excitedly learning all she could about the glitter treatment from an enthusiastic Hetta, while Ziri sat sullenly translating.

  “Can we please speak about something else? At this rate, I’ll never want a glitter coat again,” Ziri complained, a hint of a playful whine in her voice.

  Hetta pursed her pouty maroon lips at Ziri. “Alright.” She focused on Lily again. “Think about which color you want for when I see you later, okay?”

  Lily nodded with a wide grin, but she already knew what she wanted—her highlights returned and a gold glitter coat.

  “Ziritha?” a deep male voice said from behind Hetta.

  Lily noticed both women instinctively stiffen, their masks of indifference sliding into place. Lily tried and failed to do the same.

  Hetta moved out of the way and revealed a muscled, tanned man who, with only a devilish grin and dark, piercing eyes, oozed charm. He wore a long white garment unbuttoned at the chest. On any other man, the getup might’ve looked feminine, but on his large frame it appeared fashionable and utterly masculine. The attendant leading him down to the pools peered between them. The handsome man quietly said something to the attendant and changed course, walking over to them instead.

  Ziri turned, and Lily was surprised to see her features soften. “Fejo,” she exclaimed warmly. “I thought you’d already left yesterday.”

  “The ship is ready and waiting in orbit, but you know I couldn’t join the crew
until I visited the famed basins one more time. I’ll be hopping on a jumper tonight.” Fejo’s eyes slid to Lily, and he cocked his head, narrowing his eyes.

  Lily smiled, then awkwardly scrunched her lips downward and turned away, recalling what Ziritha had said about interacting with men you weren’t familiar with.

  “May I join you?” The curiosity in his voice made Lily stiffen.

  Before she’d heard Ziri agree, a chair had been plopped down in front of them, and Fejo sat with one hand on his knee, staring curiously at her.

  “Fejo,” Ziri warned. “She’s not available.”

  Lily glanced up to him, forcing her gaze to remain stern.

  He shot her a dashing crooked grin and lifted a dark brow. “Too bad. I’m fascinated by Earthlings.”

  Lily’s head snapped to attention, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ziri’s do the same. “You know what I am?” She turned to Ziri, waiting for her to translate, but to her shock the man answered her.

  “I do. I’m a Tremantian, you see. I met a delightful human earlier this year.” He donned an expression of utter misery and shook his head at her. “Alas, she was also unavailable. But tell me, gorgeous—” his roguish smile returned in a flash, and he leaned further toward her, “—who has snapped you up? Have you elicited some kind of special response in someone?” His eyebrows lifted suggestively. “I mean other than the obvious.”

  Lily blushed and gave a what the fuck look to Ziri.

  “Behave, Fejo,” she said while hiding her own grin. “What do you know about the humans?”

  He reclined back into his chair with a mock sigh of resignation. “You know me, Ziri.” He slid his eyes toward her. “I know everything.”

  “I’m sure.” Ziritha pursed her lips and took a small sip of her wine. “Wait!” she said, her eyes lighting up. She glanced over to Lily, lips pursed as though trying to think of how to say what she wanted to say. “Fejo knows him,” she said, not using Verakko’s name.

  “Intriguing,” Fejo remarked, crossing an ankle over his knee.

  “Your pool is ready,” came a voice from behind them.

  Ziri held up a hand, indicating she’d heard the attendant who was now peering at Fejo with a frown. She leaned toward Lily. “He knows him well. He may be able to answer those questions that I couldn’t.”

  Lily scrutinized Fejo. He lifted his brows, amused curiosity shining in his eyes.

  “Will the male be joining you?” the attendant called from the edge of the balcony.

  “Possibly,” Ziri replied without looking.

  “I can only stay for a short while, but I’d be delighted to answer all your questions about…” he leaned forward with a lopsided grin, “Uzad? Bostu? Ooh, or maybe Matten? I know them all well.”

  Lily glanced between them. “How do you two know each other?”

  Ziri and Fejo exchanged meaningful looks, and Ziri gave a sad smile. “There’s a male I care about who’s worked with Fejo for a long time now.”

  A tense moment of silence passed before Fejo said in a voice free of bravado or humor, “He’s doing well, Ziri. He wanted to visit, but…it wasn’t his turn. There wasn’t anything I could do.”

  Ziritha nodded, schooling her features and taking a long drink.

  “I’m a trader,” Fejo explained. “I travel between the planets that are a part of the alliance and transport goods. I just finished my Clecanian deliveries and am heading back out for short trip tonight.” He glanced sidelong at Ziri. “But then we’ll be back.”

  “And you trust him?” Lily whispered to Ziri.

  “Very much,” she said seriously.

  Lily narrowed her eyes and stared hard, trying to see past his swagger. She’d let him hang around, but she’d make sure to be the one asking questions.

  Chapter 23

  “Verakko!” Fejo barked, the deep rumble of his chuckle vibrating the water around his chest.

  After Lily had agreed to let Fejo join them, they’d traveled to the lowest level of the old city, changed into their bathing clothes—which were really just stretchy opaque slips—and headed outside to the natural hot spring pools dotting the floor of the Well.

  Each pool had swathes of colorful fabric draped over them, creating private tents. Their pool, number seven, was positioned far away from the rest, ensuring a modicum more privacy.

  “Why are you laughing?” Lily asked, sipping on her tury.

  “Just the idea of that morose, unfriendly male being lucky enough to be engaged to you and potentially mated to you.” He laughed, shaking his head incredulously and gesturing between Ziri and Lily. “Am I missing something, or have females all of a sudden started to prefer males with low communications scores?” To himself, he muttered, “Gotta remember that at the next Ceremony.”

  Lily and Ziritha looked at each other, then back to him, their confusion clear.

  “Jade,” he said, gulping his dark-green beverage so unlike the bubbly pink liquid in their glasses. “Jade is mated to one of the most temperamental males I’ve ever met. And I believe she loves the brute.” He lifted his shoulders in exasperation. “I can’t get a female to marry me, but two sullen Clecanians have humans fawning over them?”

  Fejo’s relentless charm faded, and Lily thought she saw true envy etched in his features.

  Ziri must’ve seen the same because she said, “Maybe you’ll have more luck this year. You’re participating in a few months, right?”

  “My happy ceremony day will be upon me again in three short months, not that anything will come of it other than some fun during the testing phase. I have that cross-universe trip scheduled right afterward. No female is going to choose to marry me knowing that.”

  “Humans might choose to partake in the Ceremony. You never know. There could be a human interested in space travel.” She glanced at Lily. “Do you think humans would view Fejo as attractive?”

  Lily snorted at the ridiculousness of the question. “Yes,” she quickly confirmed, seeing the uncertainty that suddenly glinted in his eyes.

  “See?” Ziri said.

  Fejo grunted and focused on Lily, changing the subject. “What do you want to know about him?”

  “Does he lie a lot? He failed to mention Ziri to me in the forest, and I can’t decide if it was an abnormality or if he lies often.” Lily had made sure to describe only the bare minimum about the time she’d spent with Verakko, and she’d also chosen to keep Alex’s existence private.

  “Yes and no.” He smiled. “It’s in character for him to only say what he must to the people around him. Always thinking he’s the smartest person in the room and everyone else is just there to mess things up. I could see him thinking he knew best. But he isn’t a dishonorable male.”

  “How do you know him so well?”

  Fejo shrugged. “Well, I know him, but we aren’t close. My father used to bring me to Mithrandir often. He was friends with Verakko’s father. They’d force us to play together.” Fejo rolled his eyes. “All Verakko would ever do was tinker with these little electronics.”

  Lily smiled to herself as the image of Verakko doing the exact same thing that morning popped into her head.

  “Has he recognized you as a potential mate?” Fejo questioned, draping his large arms over the edge of the pool.

  “No,” she lied, making sure to school her features. She’d never been the best liar.

  Fejo tilted his head and narrowed his eyes on her. Lily’s heart pounded furiously, waiting to see if he’d caught on. His gaze slid to Ziri, who was distracted by a small piece of moss floating in the water, then back to her. Her nerves calmed when his features relaxed once again, and he took another sip of his drink.

  “Too bad,” Ziri said, flicking the moss out of their pool. “It would’ve been easy to claim you as his mivassi if the initial recognition had happened.”

  An electric zing shot through her body, now at full attention. “What do you mean ‘claim me as his mivassi’?” She leaned forward in the water
, eagerly glancing between her two pool mates. “He calls me that. Mivassi.”

  Ziri’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “He does?”

  Lily grunted impatiently. “What does it mean? In my ear it translates as alternative, but he told me that’s not right.”

  Fejo and Ziri glanced at each other, both smiling. “Technically the translation is ‘my alternative,’” Ziri explained. “It’s a very common, but also very outdated, clause in most marriage contracts.”

  Lily slid forward in the steaming water, perched at the edge of her bench.

  “The mivassi clause is meant for those times when someone already under contract recognizes a mate. Although it hasn’t happened in…I don’t even know how long. You were supposed to go to the queen or king at that time with your prospective partner and claim them as your mivassi, your alternative to your current wife or husband. If there was enough evidence to show that you could be mated, either marks or an account that your eyes had changed, your contract was voided without penalty.”

  Lily took in what she heard and recalled when he’d first called her the name. He’d told her from the beginning he’d thought she could be his mate. Did the use of that pet name confirm it? Her heart hammered in her chest. “Is it a common term of endearment here in Mithrandir?” she asked, wondering if it could be the equivalent of “baby” or “honey,” although their surprised expressions told her differently.

  “No.” Ziri laughed. “It’s a legalese term. I’ve never heard it used like that before. No wonder you found it strange.” She raised her delicate brows high, creating deep lines in her normally perfect forehead. “And after you learned about me? Ooh, that translation must’ve been infuriating, especially if he didn’t take the time to explain it.”

  Fejo shot them both an odd look. “I know why he used it.”

  “You do?” Ziri said, puzzled.

  “You remember Yerew and Vik?” he asked Ziri, making Lily’s irritation spike. I’m the one who needs to hear about it. Focus!