Moondust And Madness

by Taylor, Janelle

  Two days later on Rigel, there was a large gathering of dignitaries for a dinner dance. When Draco was called away from her side for a lengthy time on business, Jana came face to face with Jurad. She didn’t know how to act or what to say.

  “I am pleased to see you have found a happy home with Councilman Procyon. I hope my quarrel with Commander Saar did not overly distress you. I must confess, little Earthling, I did all I could to purchase you, with or without an auction. Commander Saar made certain the Council refused my petitions. But it appears the fates were fair with you.”

  Jana stared at the man. “I find your words confusing, sir. Why are you and Commander Saar at war? Why did each of you think the other was trying to use me as a weapon?” she probed, hoping he might supply some answers to the questions she could not bring herself to ask Draco.

  Jurad stared at her oddly. “You do not know about our conflict?” he asked incredulously. “You know nothing of Shara and Ryker?” When Jana shook her head, he added, “Amaya and Galen? Kadim Maal Triloni?” When she shook her head twice more, his disbelief was obvious.

  “Who are they? How do they affect me? Affect how Varian treated me?” she specified. “I do know who Maal Triloni is, and I’ve heard the others’ names a time or two. What happened to create such hatred and bitterness between you two?”

  “Why did you not ask Commander Saar, or Councilman Procyon?” Jurad questioned skeptically. “He told you nothing about Shara after our quarrel?”

  “Commander Saar refused any explanation. And I was not in a position to demand one. Nor did I think it wise to ask my new owner about the man who abducted and sold me.” Jana didn’t trust Jurad, but she wanted answers.

  Jurad selected his words slyly. “Ryker Triloni is Varian Saar’s fiercest enemy; they would like nothing better than to slay each other, preferably with their bare hands. If Saar could, he would destroy all Trilonis. But Ryker Triloni is a powerful man. I was surprised Ryker Triloni did not attempt to purchase you, since Saar revealed such an odd interest in you,” he hinted evocatively, observing her reaction to Ryker’s name each time it was spoken.

  Jurad searched for and used words which he knew would mislead Jana. “Commander Varian Saar has loved no woman more than Amaya Trygue, the daughter of Kadim Tirol. Seven years past, Shara Triloni brutally murdered Amaya, then Galen Saar, then killed herself.”

  At Jana’s shocked and baffled expression, Jurad continued cleverly, “Perhaps I should explain who Shara is, or was. Shara was the daughter of Kadim Maal Triloni; she was to become my bride and our marriage was to seal the truce between the Androas Empire and the Pyropean Federation. We asked Kadim Tirol to select his most trusted and fearless officer to escort Shara across the Maffei Galaxy, as rival starships are not permitted to cross into another alliance’s territory, and a starship was required for her protection. Kadim Tirol selected Commander Saar.” Jurad waited to see if Jana knew he was talking about Galen Saar, not his son Varian. He must do all within his power to destroy all feelings this woman had for his bitter enemy, as his son Taemin had suggested. “Once Princess Shara Triloni met the illustrious Saar, treachery abounded. He bewitched her and she yielded to him while he was transporting her to become another man’s wife. She was enchanted by him and rejected me. When he refused her hand in marriage, Shara struck out vengefully. You favor Shara a great deal, little Earthling. Like her, you surrendered to the Saar magic. I do not understand how Saar brought himself to possess you, from spite or lust.”

  Jana blushed profusely, then asked, “How does Ryker fit in to this puzzle?”

  “Ryker and Shara are of the same royal bloodline, Kadim Maal’s. Shara wanted to murder Varian that same day, but he was away on some glorious mission. Until all Saar blood is spilled, Ryker and Maal will continue their battle, as will I. If it weren’t for the protection of Tirol, Saar would be dead this very moment. Rest assured, his defeat will come one day.”

  “If Ryker Triloni is an alien prince from the Androas Empire, how could he have bid on me? What would he hope to accomplish with my purchase?”

  “Ryker Triloni is an Androas prince and heir to Kadim Maal Triloni’s empire and personal estates, but he is also a Maffei citizen and ally. He owns a planetoid called Darkar which orbits Caguas. Like you, he is a chemist and research scientist. Many called Shara a witch because she knew and practiced ancient arts. Many claim she taught Ryker such powers. That is how Saar survived his treachery; he claimed she used magical potions on him.”

  When the cunning Jurad refused to speak further on the matter, Jana excused herself. More shadows surrounded her. Varian had lied to her. No wonder Tirol felt an alien mate was beneath the man who had loved his daughter Amaya and no doubt would have married her. Truly the man was a clever deceiver. Perhaps this Galen was Varian’s brother, one slain accidentally in his place. Now she could understand why Varian despised and mistrusted alien women. He must blame himself for those three deaths, just as Maal and Ryker and Jurad blamed him. More questions plagued Jana.

  Had Varian loved Amaya, or only viewed her as a perfect mate? Why had he risked his life, career, and marriage for a brief affair with Shara? Did he have a weakness for alien women, for helpless females in his charge? Had Princess Shara been too beautiful and bewitching to resist? Had she drugged him into submission? Did she actually favor Shara? If not, why did people keep saying she did? After having his choice of two kadims’ daughters, no doubt he felt an Earthling slave was beneath him.

  Why then hadn’t he allowed Jurad to buy her, to replace Shara, to end at least one bitter conflict? Had Varian feared Jurad would seek revenge on him by hurting her? It didn’t make sense!

  Before Draco returned, Moloch Shira cornered Jana. He lied sweetly, “Don’t be afraid, Jana, I won’t hurt you or embarrass you again. I wanted to apologize.”

  Jana gaped at him. “Why are you telling me this now?”

  “I wanted you to pass the word to Saar when he returns,” he replied calmly.

  “What? Why me? I hope I never see the vile beast again,” she alleged coldly.

  Moloch laughed. “Saar doesn’t often make errors, but he did in your case. Any fool can see he wants you, Jana. I fully expect him to correct it very soon.”

  Provoked, Jana snapped, “He’ll be wasting his time and energy! If you want to apologize to him and make peace, then do so yourself.”

  Jana prayed Draco would return soon. She wanted to get out of this grisly situation. Before another day passed, she had to make certain Varian Saar could never get to her again. There was only one way.

  Jana was too upset that night to carry out her daring plan to seduce Draco. The next day, back on Karnak, she was swimming in the large pool complete with rock islands and a small fountain, surrounded by lush greenery for privacy. When Draco came by to speak with her, Jana asked him to join her. He squatted near the pool edge and teased, “I have more important matters to deal with than chasing sexy mermaids. You are becoming far too spoiled, my beautiful siren.”

  “Really?” Jana playfully retorted. “You have only yourself to blame.” She seized his shirt and pulled him into the pool, then hugged him fiercely.

  “You are a mischievous vixen who needs lessons in respect.”

  Jana adapted a heavy Southern accent and purred, “Forgive me, sir. I felt so alone and miserable on this lovely morn that I forgot myself.” She fluttered her lashes and smiled flirtatiously. “You will join me, won’t you, sir?”

  Draco laughed as he stripped off his shoes and shirt. “Indeed, I will, vixen.”

  Jana hurriedly swam away as he came after her, a roguish gleam in his eye. She glided around several islands before he could catch her. “Now, what do I have here? A slippery eel or a sultry siren?”

  Jana kissed his nose and retorted, “Neither, just a female who adores you.” She kissed him on the lips, then quickly freed herself to swim off giggling. She climbed onto one of the flat islands and rested.

  Draco joined her. He mused alou
d, “How do we get some wine and towels? Shall I order Darvellia to bring them, or fetch them myself?”

  Jana laughed merrily “Your housekeeper is always the perfect image of neatness. She will be angry if she wets her hair, crossing to the island. You’d best go for them, my love.”

  “I was afraid you would say that.” He dove in and swam to the steps.

  While she waited for his return, Jana lay down and closed her eyes. She began to doze lightly and did not hear Draco’s return. She aroused to a kiss, one unlike the affectionate pecks on previous days. This kiss was deep and long and sweet, and full of promise. Jana’s arms instinctively encircled his neck and she responded to his lips. It was time for surrender.

  Draco suddenly ended the kiss and pulled away from her. His gaze was filled with remorse and anger. “Not yet, Jana. It’s too soon,” he murmured raggedly. “I’m sorry I enticed you so rashly.” Was he insane? This woman did not belong to him! He was simply her guardian. No, he legally owned her. But did he dare to refuse her return to Varian?

  Jana was touched by his concern even as she sensed his desire for her. Why was it too soon if he ached for her and she was willing? She whispered tenderly, “It’s all right, Draco. If you desire me, I am yours. If you but say the word, I will come to you without hesitation.”

  The look on his face perplexed her and his words confused her even more. “I can’t take you, Jana. Please leave matters as they are,” he stated sadly.

  Was he afraid to touch her? Was he a timid virgin? No, he had been wed. A homosexual? No, he was too full of passion. “Is it me, Draco?”

  “Don’t cry, little flower. It isn’t you; I swear it. There is something which must be settled before I can possess you,” he commented mysteriously.

  “What?” she inquired. Something to do with his deceased wife?

  “I need time, Jana,” was all he would say.

  In bed that night, Jana mused on the pool episode. Something was troubling him deeply. She must be patient until he revealed the problem. At least one mystery was solved; Draco found her desirable and he wanted her, out of bed and in bed. She was safe from a sale, from Varian.

  Far into that night, Draco sat at his desk and stared at Jana’s bill of sale. Yes, there was something crucial which he must settle very soon. From now on, he must be careful not to ignite her passions. Clearly she was attracted to him, possibly even falling in love with him. Those conclusions alarmed him yet pleased him. Varian had seemingly betrayed her and in doing so had lost her love. If ever there was a prize worth risking all to obtain, Jana Greyson was it. Varian had been a fool to sell her, even with the promise Draco would resell her to Varian upon his return. True, Draco had agreed to hold her for his friend, but could he keep that promise? If he dared to refuse her sale to Varian, there was nothing Varian could do about it. The paper in his grasp was official. Varian wouldn’t dare confess their illegal conduct at her auction. Varian could do nothing to prevent his retaining his exquisite mate.

  Yet, Draco preferred to win Jana honestly and fairly. He couldn’t betray his friend or his own word. If Varian were slain on this mission or by Ryker, Jana would be his without question. Or, if he could show Varian that he and Jana were in love, surely Varian would not demand her return. There was another facet to ponder: Kadim Tirol knew about the deal between Draco and Varian, and Tirol was his leader, friend, and Varian’s grandfather. But if all went as Draco hoped, a bright future was before him and Jana.

  Varian arrived on the planet Eire to confer with Kadim Tirol about Ryker’s new treachery with the chemicals. “I have to stop him, Grandfather. No one is safe around me anymore.”

  “Can Tristan prove the contamination was intentional?”

  “That’s the problem, sir; there’s no evidence we can use against him. But you and I know he’s guilty. Considering the Milky Way Galaxy doesn’t interest my evil half brother; killing me and gaining control of Maffei do inspire him. He’s mad, Grandfather, dangerously insane. Perhaps I should resign from the Alliance Force and confront him as a private citizen. That way, you and the Alliance can’t be held accountable for my actions.”

  “No, Varian!” Tirol protested sharply. “The Alliance needs you. Don’t let him provoke you. Be patient and alert; he’ll supply an opening.”

  Varian soon learned of other troubles. Baruch Tirana could not be found anywhere, and must be assumed dead. No clue or evidence had surfaced about the deaths of his two agents. How could they accuse Ryker without exposing that they planted the two spies in Trilabs? Nothing and no one could tie Ryker Triloni to any of the murders. Nor had any more Council secrets been leaked, allowing Canassia to still run free and wild. It seemed he could not get an edge on Ryker in any way.

  Varian also discovered that Jurad had been frequently visiting the Maffei planets of Lynrac and Rigel, but Ryker couldn’t be located anywhere. Nor could they obtain the crucial chemicals and laser gases they needed to replace the defective ones, because the combination of the vault on Darkar where they were stored existed solely in Ryker’s head. Tirol cautioned Varian against rash accusations and behavior. First, it must be proven that Ryker had knowledge of the mission, and second that he had intentionally an illegally undermined it. Varian cursed Ryker’s cunning, which always seemed to safeguard the snake.

  “Let the Alliance search for Ryker while you take leave here. You must clear your wits and cool your temper. I will be notified the moment he is sighted anywhere. Until then, you can do nothing. According to the most recent reports, there is time to settle other pressing matters. Martella has been working with the Earthlings on Anais. As soon as the last group of them is delivered and settled, she is to return to Eire. She and I will work together to rewrite the charl laws. She has presented her case well. If the Council and Assembly concur, the charls will be given their freedom within a year. Those owners who desire marriage with their charls can do so; others can release their charges, and Martella will see to their adjustments where best suited.”

  Varian and Tirol exchanged guarded looks. “Charls will be free in a year?” His heart began to drum wildly. There were plans to be made…

  Tirol nodded, then smiled. “All charls will become Maffei citizens at their release. Of course, we’ll send the charls whose owners refuse to marry them, or those who’ve been widowed and can’t be purchased by another under the new laws, to join their fellow Earthlings on Anais. I’m sure there will also be some who will not wish to marry their Maffeian owners. We cannot coerce any marriages. Taking the alien women who don’t marry Maffeian citizens to Anais will solve any problems which might arise for them and us. Too, it’ll add to the Earthling population there.”

  Varian eyed Tirol curiously. “Something troubles you, old man,” he said.

  Tirol frowned and nodded. “Rumors about Draco and Jana,” he hinted, then explained his knowledge of the brewing romance. “I suggest we take steps before this matter gets out of control. Jana will be as safe here with me as anywhere in the Universe. Perhaps it’s time you stake your claim on the woman you love. It could favorably affect the proposed changes in the charl laws. Let it be known you love her and wish to marry her.”

  The evening of the gala party which Draco and Jana had planned for weeks had arrived. The time passed swiftly as final preparations were made and carried out by the servants. Jana leisurely bathed and dressed for the occasion. Her dress was very feminine, as were her lacy midnight-black stockings and high heels. The lines of her garment were simple yet elegant. It was black silk which clung to her body just enough to be alluring, but not overly suggestive. It matched Draco’s ebony suit, which was trimmed in crimson braid, as was the zigzagged hem and neckline of her dress. They would make a striking pair tonight.

  A maid wove braided crimson and black ribbons into the silvery blond curls atop Jana’s head. Loose ends mingled with cascading ringlets which fell midway down her back. Jana worked until she had her makeup just right, innocence with a hint of allure. She scented herself w
ith the heady perfume which Draco had given to her last week. Her sole jewels were black pearls in her pierced earlobes. She critically eyed her image in the tall mirror. Perfect, she decided. Tonight, she was ready and eager to face anything.

  Varian stepped down from his shuttle and flexed his powerful body. His sapphire eyes sparkled with excitement and apprehension. He glanced down at his full-dress uniform in dove gray, a color which Jana loved on him. He checked the gold stripes, stars, and sunburst which proclaimed his lofty rank. The uniform fit him almost as snugly as a second skin, being only a notch or two above provocative immodesty. It did little to conceal the robust and manly physique beneath it, a stalwart frame which ignited lust in the women who gazed on him. Yet the only woman he wanted to seduce and inflame was Jana Greyson.

  White teeth gleamed as he smiled to himself, contemplating Jana’s surprise when he appeared unexpectedly at the party. He could hardly wait to see her and his blood and loins flamed at the thought. His ebony hair fell casually in the windblown style which made him appear the dashing pirate straight from the sea which Jana had so often called him. That stubborn lock dangled over his temple as usual, but she liked it that way. He checked to make sure his black knee boots were shiny. For the first time in his life, he was nervous about seeing a woman and worried over his looks! He approached the front entrance, then hesitated only a moment for a deep breath before walking into Draco’s home, to reclaim Jana.