Moondust And Madness

by Taylor, Janelle

  Varian gazed at the paper which proclaimed his love to be the legal mate of his friend Draco. He couldn’t wait for the day when Draco pretended to sell Jana back to him. There was one other advantage to this ruse of Draco’s ownership; if anything happened to him on this voyage or before he could settle his war with Ryker, Jana would have a good home and owner. For all intents and purposes, she was Draco’s mate until Draco legally signed the paper to release her. Varian carefully folded the document, then placed it inside another pocket.

  Varian approached Jana. “This is where we part company, moonbeam. I’m going to miss you. I hope you’ll be very happy here.”

  Jana flushed at his amorous words. When Varian gently grasped her arm to pull her to him for a farewell embrace, she thought she would break down. She jerked free and stepped out of his reach. She warned, “Get your hands off me! Nothing pleases me more than to get away from you. The charade is over!”

  “Jana, you will cease this rude conduct immediately. I will not tolerate such behavior to my friend in our home,” Draco stated.

  Her new owner’s authoritative tone silenced her instantly. She had not been prepared for Varian’s words, nor for Draco’s stern reaction. The man possessed a stronger character than she had realized. Draco could be just as strong as he could be gentle! But, she had alertly caught his words “our home.”

  Varian quickly spoke up in her defense. “It’s all right, Draco. She has good reasons to despise me and to want her freedom from me.”

  Jana faced Draco and said, “I’m sorry, sir. My behavior was impolite, but this whole affair has been extremely difficult for me.”

  Draco smiled. “Perhaps you should retire to your room to rest for a while. I’ll come for you later and show you around your new home.” He pressed a buzzer on his desk, to which a servant responded quickly. “Show Jana to her suite and provide whatever she needs. I’ll speak with you later, Jana.”

  “Thank you, sir. I am truly sorry.” Jana headed for the door to follow the servant. She was struggling hard not to cry.

  “Good-bye, Jana,” came the timbre voice of the man she loved. “Be happy.”

  Jana halted, her posture stiff, but did not turn to look at Varian or return his farewell. She inhaled deeply, then left the room. The door closed behind her.

  “I think she loathes me, old friend, and is glad to be rid of me.”

  Draco watched Varian intently. “I think you’re right this time. Like you said, she has plenty of good reason. Not the lowest of which has to do with your tardiness today; it is four o’clock. Accept it for now, she’s mine.”

  Varian winced. “Only on paper and in public eyes. You and Karnak will be good for Jana. Take care of her, Draco, especially if I don’t return.”

  They shook hands before parting. Draco dropped wearily into his desk chair. He stared at the legal document in his grasp. For once, Varian Saar was a damn fool, a blind one! Didn’t the illustrious commander realize this sale could drive an immovable wedge between him and Jana? By the time Varian returned, if he did, it might be too late to recover Jana. She could hate Varian, and be in love with her new owner, or the man whom she believed was her owner. Money had been paid for her in Draco Procyon’s name. And Draco Procyon was the name listed as owner on the bill of sale. Yes, legally Jana Greyson belonged to him…Varian should be glad they were old and dear friends! Any other man might refuse to return Jana at a later date, and Varian’s lips would be sealed by law and his hands bound to stay off Jana!

  Varian returned to his ship alone, more alone than he had ever been in his life. He stood at his window until Karnak was lost from sight.

  PART III

  Moondust and Magic

  As the playful Gods gather to watch mortals below, The helpless Fates warn sadly, for only they know Beware, ye men with foolish dreams and false prides; Dangers abound for loves lost from your sides. On wings of magic, passion and victory wish to ride; But how can they conquer a Universe so wide…

  Chapter Sixteen

  Jana’s life on Karnak began under difficult circumstances. She followed Draco’s servant to her private suite, but found it impossible to relax as instructed, or perhaps as ordered. She could not decide if her existence was ending or beginning so great was the agony in her heart. Only her bitter resentment made it endurable.

  She strolled onto a teardrop-shaped patio which was surrounded by exotic flowers in full radiance and sat on a stone bench near a small fish pond. She was reminded of midspring in the South. A light breeze which played through her hair and across her skin was warm and fresh. She inhaled deeply and lifted her face skyward while confusion flooded her. How could she feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the breeze when the enclosed garden was covered with a bulbous dome? Evidently nature’s effects were nothing more than perfect reproductions. No sound from the outside world reached her ears. She had total privacy. For pleasure or security?

  “You appear calmer, Jana,” stated a gentle voice from behind her.

  She turned and smiled faintly. “Your home is exceptionally lovely.” She shivered with apprehension. They were alone for the first time. What did she know about this man? What would she do if he desired to bed her right now? Or tonight? It was too soon after their meeting. Too soon after Varian.

  Jana’s heart screamed, Why have you done this wicked thing to me, my love? She forced a brave smile to surface. She must act normally. What was normal behavior under these conditions? Slavery was so unreal to her; and it was as if she were a guest here. She had to depend on her wits to get her new life started on the right road. Without a doubt, there were fates worse than this man and this place.

  “I am very proud of my home. However, I didn’t build her or buy her. It was all inherited, even my businesses,” Draco said.

  “But you have the skill and knowledge to keep them and to increase your good fortune. Your reputation has preceded you, Draco. I am honored you chose to bid on me, and lucky you succeeded.” My, how she and her life had changed since June 14! Today was August 15; she should be starting the first day of her new job at Johns Hopkins medical research complex, not starting a new life on a distant world with a kind stranger.

  Draco warmed to her and returned her smile. “No more than I am honored to share all of it with you. We’re both very lucky people, Jana Greyson of Earth.”

  Jana flushed. “You are far too generous. Thank you.”

  “Varian told me you left your belongings on his ship. I can understand your reluctance to wear them again.” He observed her reaction.

  “I hope it wasn’t presumptuous of me, but I didn’t feel they were mine to keep. They also carried memories of days I would like to forget. I doubt they would be appropriate garments for the…your charl. Do you object?”

  “Not in the least. In fact, there is a complete wardrobe awaiting you here, one which, I suspect, better suits your personality and new position. At your leisure, you may examine it. Feel free to ask for anything else you need. You will have an ample allowance to spend as you wish.” Jana was speechless at his generosity.

  Draco added, “I hope you will view my house as your home and me as your family. You may come and go as you please here on Karnak, but trips to Rigel are not allowed unless you are accompanied by me or my guards. I’m a wealthy and powerful man, so I do have rivals and a few enemies. Besides the inducements of kidnapping you for money or favors or revenge, you are an exceedingly beautiful woman. You must be careful even when you travel with me.

  “You may take, or use, or do as you wish within taste and reason. If I have not misjudged you, you’re trustworthy, responsible, intelligent, and well bred. I want you to be happy and safe here.” Draco understood his responsibility to Jana, and he did what was necessary to carry it out. After all, if anything happened to Varian, he could keep Jana and truly make her his mate. His tone altered as he continued, “Your duty lies with me. My wife was killed years ago, and I have no mistress. I expect you to conduct yourself as the
lady of this house. You will attend all functions with me. When the occasion arises, you will serve as hostess here. I shall be proud to have you at my side and in my home. Your position here is an honorable one, a coveted one. Never allow anyone to treat you otherwise. Be yourself, Jana Greyson. Let no one and nothing humiliate or harm you,” he stressed. “Do you understand my expectations?” he inquired.

  Jana nodded yes, but she was puzzled. This wasn’t the kind of existence she had imagined! Her life here sounded more like a job than the role of purchased mate. He had not mentioned their intimate relationship, but it wasn’t necessary. “I don’t know what to say, Draco. I hadn’t expected…”

  Draco grinned and finished her sentence, “A home and a family? Partial freedom? Pride? Respect? Total acceptance? You’ll have them all here, Jana.”

  When tears filled her eyes and escaped down her cheeks, Draco comforted her. “Be at peace, Jana,” he said. “I’ll leave you alone to sort out your feelings. I’ll see you at dinner shortly. If you need anything, call one of the servants. Oh, yes,” he added. “You aren’t a servant here, Jana, you’re the mistress.”

  Jana watched him depart. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion. Later, as if perceiving her fatigue, Draco made sure dinner passed swiftly. Afterward she had been astounded to learn they would not be sharing the same bedroom. She had her own suite: a luxurious bedroom, a splendid bathroom, a lovely dressing room, a tranquil garden, and several enormous closets. Her clothes and accessories were beautiful. There were jewels in every color, and style. There was nothing more she could want or need. Clearly Draco had provided a wardrobe for the mate of one of the galaxy’s richest, most prominent, and renowned men. But how had he obtained these items so swiftly? It looked as if he had never once doubted his victory at her auction and had prepared for it!

  Jana examined her plush surroundings. She was back in the familiar world of wealth, respect, and eminence. She must never behave as a pathetic, helpless slave! When she realized what she could be facing this very moment, Jana admitted she was fortunate beyond her wildest dreams. She could not alter this new destiny, so she ordered herself to deal with it. She must not allow anything to cause her to disappoint Draco.

  Varian had used her, then jettisoned her. He had tantalized her for weeks, until she was tricked into urging his possession of her! Varian Saar was unreachable, immovable. Guilt filled her, for those accusations were untrue, except for the last one. He had warned her from the beginning that their affair was fleeting. She had foolishly believed he would change his mind and keep her. Yet, unlike a regular love affair when a man severs a relationship, he had literally sold her into bondage to another man. Could she forgive him? Never.

  Draco was different. He was sensitive and understanding. She must make certain he never regretted her purchase. Draco must become her sole concern.

  A week passed on Karnak as Jana adjusted to a tranquil existence. Each day Draco and Jana ate together; they talked for hours, and they toured the grounds or rode together. They laughed and joked; they enjoyed sports or games. She warmed to Draco’s easygoing and charming manner. She savored the respect of his servants and friends and she resolved to find happiness once more. Perhaps in time she would forget Varian, who hovered over her like an oppressive shadow of Evil.

  Varian wasn’t faring as well as his lost love. After his departure from Karnak, he had secluded himself in his quarters in the starship Wanderlust. The full brunt of his betrayal of Jana had struck home. He had been so busy seeking a clever ruse to protect her while he carried out his duties that he really hadn’t stopped to analyze their situation. Knowing her sale was a farce, he had ignored the fact that it was a real sale and a terrible ordeal for Jana. Until those last minutes on Draco’s private world, the reality of this charl matter and her anguish had eluded him. As a Star Fleet officer assigned to a grave mission, he had been forced to continue the charade. He had placed Nigel in charge of the bridge, as he needed time alone.

  The Wanderlust was on course to the edge of their galaxy to check on the meteor’s course and speed, then it was on to Earth for their rescue mission. This time, his abductions would be different. His last voyage to Earth had been to abduct females to be sold as charls, captives who had been used as a cover for his real mission. This voyage, both males and females would be abducted. This time no one would be enslaved or sold. It was a pure and simple rescue mission. The Earthlings would live free and happy on Anais.

  Excitement ran heavy among the crew. But as they carried on the normal procedures for a new mission, many minds lingered on the alien girl left behind on Karnak, the one who made their commander so moody. She had wormed her way into their hearts, lives, and minds too. Many missed Jana, and comprehended the effect of her loss on Varian Saar.

  It was fifteen hours before Varian roused himself to take a shower and shave. He opened his desk drawer and stared at an odd collection: a farewell ring, a floral necklace with his initials and special pictures of them, a gold birthday bracelet, an oil painting of a rare Talia flower, a copy of a legal bill of sale of Jana to Draco, a bank transfer slip from his account to Draco’s for almost nine million katoogas, and three color pictures of him and Jana given to him from a fierce enemy who seemed to be winning their life-long battle.

  Varian contacted the ship’s historical officer and asked him to research the significance of the gold ring which so upset Jana. He sighed and rubbed his stinging eyes. Jana had left everything behind, as if wanting no reminders of their brief liaison. He grimaced at the meaning beneath her actions. Kahala, he missed her!

  The historian responded to his ring query; the answer was self-explanatory. Varian wished he had selected a different gift.

  Five long, miserable days crawled by as Varian struggled to banish Jana from his mind. He needed to concentrate on his assignment, his duty. He needed to be prepared for the current mission. But there was little to occupy his thoughts during this uneventful journey through an endless void of space. Sometimes he would stand for hours staring out the bridge transascreen. If there was a hell out there, there was also one within him!

  Three more days went by and no relief or release came to him. He craved Jana’s smile, her passionate response, her laughter. No kiss had ever been sweeter than hers. No hands had ever stirred him so intensely. No body had given him such great pleasure and contentment. No woman had taken or given as she had. He was as much a prisoner of her love as she had been of his power.

  Varian’s dejection worried his friends and crew. Finally he realized he needed to spend less time alone in his quarters. He chose to submerge himself in work or exercise, and plotted new strategies to entrap Ryker, to make a truce with Maal and Jurad, for only then could he publicly claim Jana Greyson and marry her. As soon as it was safe for him to claim Jana, he would join Martella and speak out against the enthralling custom. Now, Martella was helping the rescued and relocated Earthlings to adjust to life on their new world of Anais. From what Tristan Zarcoff had confided to him, Martella and Tristan, too, would marry soon.

  Varian’s troubled mind pondered another mysterious subject: Baruch Tirana’s disappearance. He had seemingly vanished from a hotel on Rigel while on leave. The surveillance team assigned to watch Baruch had seen nothing and no one suspicious. As yet there was no concrete evidence which connected him with Ryker, Moloch, or Canissia. Yet if Baruch had fled in fear, someone must have aided his escape. As far as Varian knew, the Alliance Force was still searching for the missing officer. Varian was anxious to hear why one of his best officers had betrayed him to Ryker, for Baruch had to be the guilty one. A damning microcamera had been found in his quarters. This episode had proven to him that Jana wasn’t safe even on his ship, under his guard.

  Varian had spoken privately with Vaiden Chaz and Daxley Prada to settle those matters involving them. Without realizing they had briefly fallen under suspicion of spying, both men accepted Varian’s words and dropped the subjects completely.

  Finally, V
arian forced himself to spend as much time as possible with his crew. But nothing seemed to appease him. If he and the Council had believed Jana would distract him with her presence, they were all wrong; her absence was far more detrimental. The past ten days had seemed like eons to him and something had to give.

  * * *

  Prince Taemin of the Pyropean Federation met with one of his most trusted officers who reported on what he had learned from his spies about Jana’s auction. “Commander Saar sold her as scheduled. It would seem she meant nothing to him,” Captain Koch said.

  Taemin laughed coldly. “It would seem, my naive friend, that she meant far more than Father and I realized. I will be patient for a time. But I must and will have Jana Greyson, and Varian Saar’s blood.”

  “What of this meeting with Prince Ryker Triloni to form an alliance to conquer the Maffei Galaxy?” the captain inquired.

  The ruggedly handsome prince grinned. “Very soon, my friend. I shall allow Prince Ryker to help me take over the Maffei Alliance, then I shall slay him and his grandfather and lay claim to the Androas Empire. Then, my friend, you shall be the supreme commander of my new federation forces.”

  “Prince Ryker Triloni is sly and powerful, my liege. He possesses many evil secrets. You must be careful in your dealings with him.”