Jasmine of Draga

by Emma Dean

  Sirus rolled, turning into her until his face was pressed against her stomach. He stayed like that for a few moments and then sat up on his knees, raking his hand through his hair. “There is nothing. I left most of my forces on the border. No doubt there are Neprijat ships we don’t know about. With their stealth tech they can avoid the outposts and all the patrols with ease. There is no way to detect them.”

  “Then what is the plan?” she demanded. What had been the point of such a showy War Council if nothing would be solved?

  “Raena gathered numbers from all leaders of armies, and all nobles will be required to supply a percentage of their warriors and those soldiers will be delegated to guard certain sections of space. There will be another meeting later tomorrow with all ruling nobles to go over this, and to select where each evacuated planet will go.” Sirus shrugged. “With so little information all we can do is defend. Prince Nash is holding the border with his soldiers, aiding our own forces. He was headed to Seprilles after setting up his forces on Treon. We only saw him for a day before returning to Draga Terra.”

  There was that at least. She trusted Prince Nash not to leave them stranded. “Someone will have to warn him about the evacuation,” she mused.

  Sirus had that strange look again. “I’m not sure he’s planning to pull back from the border,” he said quietly.

  “You’re not sure, or you already know he’s not?” Joslynn snapped. “Stop playing games with me Sirus. I understand your position, but I have my people to worry about.”

  “Our people,” he reminded her sharply.

  Joslynn sighed and cupped his cheek gently. “Yes, our people. We have a meeting with Adelina somewhere in the city in a few hours. I’m going home to Pedranus. Our people need my help with the evacuation. In four days I hope to be on the starship with Adelina and headed towards the outer rim.”

  Sirus pulled her forward and into his lap. He said nothing for a while, content to just hold her. “I’d like to know what she has planned. My instincts are telling me that one is up to something.”

  “I agree,” Joslynn murmured, enjoying the feel of his hard muscles against her soft curves. “Come with me?” she asked, adjusting until she straddled him. Her arms went around his neck and her breasts pressed into his chest.

  His breathing hitched and Sirus gripped her hips hard enough to bruise. “You’ll never have to ask me twice,” he growled before gripping the back of her neck.

  The kiss wasn’t sweet or gentle, it was hard and desperate. Sirus bit her bottom lip and then shoved his tongue in her mouth before stroking it gently with his. It made Joslynn shudder as warmth spread throughout her body. Her fingers tingled as she held onto him. She returned the same fierce possession he’d given her, dragging her tongue over his canines.

  Sirus shuddered and then growled, flipping her over in one smooth motion. He pushed up her skirts hard and tore her undergarments with his nails. “I need you,” he bit out, his voice dark and guttural.

  “Yes,” she whispered. Joslynn arched her back and parted her knees. She needed him so badly it hurt. They both had to be reminded Sirus made it back, that he was indeed alive and well.

  Thankfully the dreadful menstruation had been less than a day. The pain was gone and she needed her fiancé, her soon-to-be husband to remind her he was hers, and she his in the most physical, visceral way possible.

  “Don’t be gentle with me,” she demanded when she felt the head of his cock at her entrance.

  Sirus stared into her eyes and pushed inside. He wasn’t slow, but he took his time burying himself inside of her until his hips met hers and she was full to the hilt. The feeling of his cock stretching her was exquisite. She wanted to close her eyes and throw her head back as the pleasure built so quickly.

  Joslynn kept her eyes on his, meeting his gaze as he thrust inside of her, pulling out only to sink right back in – faster and harder with every drive of his cock inside her. She felt her entire body tighten as the pressure built and Joslynn knew she couldn’t hold back for long. Her nails ran down his shoulders to his back and she grabbed his ass, pushing him into her even harder. She sobbed his name as he followed her silent command.

  Sirus roared as he came, bursting inside of her. There was so much of it his seed spilled out, dripping down her thighs as she came with him, convulsing and shuddering. Joslynn milked his length with every clench of her muscles and Sirus groaned at the sensation.

  He pulsed inside of her and the sensation made her eyes flutter closed. Sirus collapsed on top of her, kissing her neck, her lips, and all over her face. Joslynn held on tight, refusing to let him go.

  “I love you, Sirus,” she whispered against his ear.

  He kissed her slow and sweet, taking his time to properly worship the taste of her lips. His hips moved against her and she felt him harden again. Joslynn gasped as Sirus started a slow, torturous rhythm inside her, hitting her clit just right.

  “Again?” she teased, gasping when he rolled his hips tight against hers.

  “As many times as you’ll let me,” he growled against her throat, licking a trail down to the top of her dress. He sucked on her nipple through the thin fabric and Joslynn couldn’t help the way her back arched up to meet his hot, wet mouth.

  “Give me everything you can,” she said as she felt another orgasm start to build, so sensitive after the last one. “Take everything you need.”

  Sirus couldn’t keep it slow as his cock hardened and stretched her even further. He pounded into her and she screamed his name. More of his hot seed filled her and her hips rose up to meet his, crashing together until Sirus lifted her up, still stroking his half hard cock into her.

  On his knees he held her up and off the bed with such ease and strength it astounded her. Joslynn’s breathing was hard and fast and she could barely function let alone think when he felt ready for more even now.

  Sirus pulled out and then slammed into her, sliding out so slowly and then practically dropping her on his cock so he hit deep and hard. “I plan to give you everything.” His words were barely understandable they were so guttural and raw. “I will give you the universe Joslynn, anything you want is yours.”

  She whimpered as another orgasm started to build with his vicious strategy, so wild and delicious she had to rely on his strength to keep her upright. Joslynn held him close, knowing there was a very real possibility he could be taken from her permanently.

  “You, Sirus, are all I want.”

  Then he indeed took her as many times as she’d let him, until Joslynn was limp and sated as he held her close. Vowing to never forget what it was like to be loved by him, no matter what happened.

  Chapter Twenty

  Varan

  Stella di Draga

  Planet Draga Terra

  Varan watched the princess across from him. Nadyah sat next to her and despite everything it wasn’t awkward between the three of them. Nadyah seemed engrossed in her simulcast and Adelina simply stared out the window of the hov-carriage as they traveled through Stella di Draga.

  Roxy didn’t know they were on their way, but it was imperative they got out of the palace before something triggered Adelina’s panic attacks again. Varan never would have guessed in a million cycles that the princess had such terrible anxiety.

  She hid it well, and her control and strength had to be bottomless in such a place where she was constantly tested. Varan didn’t think it was because she was submissive, although there was some truth to that when a sub was shoved into a situation that made them uncomfortable. They were rather introverted people.

  Adelina had been born in a world where everyone stared at her. She’d gotten control of what made her afraid and fought back with an inner strength that very few possessed.

  Somehow Varan had fallen hard for her.

  He’d known it the moment she’d said she wanted him, the moment his lips touched hers. His love for her as a friend had turned on him, so quickly and easily he’d barely had time to breathe. It sh
ocked him. He wanted her as his wife, badly. Adelina was going to be his.

  But then he would have to share her. And as he watched her he knew that he could, if only because it would make her happy. Varan was not unused to the idea. Many people married or loved multiple partners just as many people loved only one.

  If he were to convince Nash this could work Varan knew he had to train harder, and make sure his dominance was strong enough to bring the male in line; for Adelina.

  The hov-carriage swayed as they went through another set of gates into the third-circle. They were close. It wouldn’t be much longer before they reached his warehouse along the docks.

  The kiss they’d shared, the one he’d asked for, had surprised him. Varan hadn’t expected to feel anything at all. Instead it was as though everything he knew about her came together when he’d closed his eyes and let the scent and taste of her fill him. He knew her scent as well as he knew his own. It was unique and special – as Adelina and Lina. She was both, as she’d said.

  Varan glanced out the back window again. “We have a tail,” he murmured. He’d expected something of the sort from Raena.

  Nadyah looked up, alarmed. “What do you propose?”

  Adelina finally turned from the window and her gaze met his. Her eyes were still so blank. It gutted him. When she shrugged he had to blink away the vision of the way she’d trembled, barely breathing in his arms.

  It was up to him then. Varan tapped his implant to signal the driver. “Take us around the long way, and cut through the second-circle again. Then take us to the House of Kismet.” They’d be able to walk the rest of the way easily enough.

  “Do you have lists of what you need from your rooms?” Varan asked the two of them. It wouldn’t be difficult to have his spies pack up their belongings. If he could keep Adelina away from the palace until they left – he would.

  “I just sent them over,” Nadyah said. She didn’t once question him or his reasons. Her focus immediately went back to her simulcast.

  “What are you so engrossed in?” Varan asked, leaning forward to look.

  Nadyah snatched her device away and glared at him. “None of your damn business.”

  Adelina looked at her courtesan in question, no other emotion visible on her face. Cula, she could be hard to read.

  “If you must know, I’m speaking with Taj,” Nadyah sniffed. “He has sent a delivery of food and supplies through his contacts to your warehouse, Varan. I’m trying to gather the protein cubes and documentation, among all the other millions of things I was supposed to have two weeks to do. If I’m lucky, Jael will assist and we’ll just be able to make it in time for our departure. If Roxy can do the repairs in such a short time frame.” Nadyah threw her hair over her shoulder and tapped out another message.

  There was something else the courtesan didn’t want to share, but Varan didn’t have the energy to press the matter.

  “I need to stop at the Jeweler’s guild tonight,” Adelina said. It was the first time she’d spoken since they left the palace. “And I wondered if you knew of a place I could stay until our departure. I don’t want to risk my own apartment if we are being so closely watched. I need to be away from Raena for a while.”

  “Of course,” Varan said, leaning forward. He resisted the urge to take her hand. Adelina didn’t look interested in being touched at the moment. “But you can stay at my place. It’s large enough for the both of you if you wish.” And it was well protected thanks to his rogues. He looked over at Nadyah and she nodded.

  “I’ll be wherever Adelina is,” Nadyah said.

  “The warehouse would be a good place to have our base of operations,” Adelina murmured. “It’s where I told the Master Sealer to meet us, as well as Countess Joslynn. She’s going to beg a ride to her planet and I decided I wanted to tell her everything. If she can’t handle what she sees, then we are not truly friends and never were.”

  Varan flinched at the brutal words. This war had already changed Adelina and it was only beginning. It wasn’t really the war though; it was the people around her who failed her. Varan vowed not to let her down. He’d sworn an oath and it was his job to protect her on this journey.

  “The Master Sealer?” Nadyah asked. She set her simulcast down and focused completely on the princess. “Whatever for?”

  “I plan to receive the mark on my back, plus one more,” Adelina answered, looking out the window again. “To help remind me of who I am, and what I’m fighting for – to ground me.”

  “Does anyone know?” Nadyah asked in concern.

  Adelina shook her head. “I’m of age now, old enough to wed. I should be old enough to make my own decisions about my own body.”

  Nadyah sighed and looked to Varan for assistance. He shrugged. It wasn’t like he knew what to do about it. A new seal could be the perfect solution. The only other royal with the Draga seal on the back was Asher. It was a beautiful mark and Adelina wanted that reminder – but more likely to remind others of what she was when she showed it off.

  “A princess covered in gold,” Varan chuckled. “The dragons will welcome you into their borders with open arms.”

  Adelina quirked her lip up, amusement flashed in her eyes and there was life in her face once more. Varan felt relief wash through him at the expression. “One can only hope, Prince. Be careful around them and don’t steal anything, no matter how precious, valuable, or rare.”

  He scoffed, keeping the tone light and playful. She needed a reminder that there was still fun in the world. “I would never. Borrowing isn’t stealing.”

  Adelina’s smile widened and Varan counted his lucky stars.

  The hov-carriage finally stopped outside the House of Kismet and Jael was already there, waiting in front of the main door. Varan had never officially met the female in any capacity, but knowing she was also the Spider impressed him. Her spies were the best in the galaxy. He’d trained his own as a tribute to her work, and then sent them far and wide.

  Adelina didn’t wait for the driver to open the door. She was up and out with that strange case in her hands before Varan realized the carriage had stopped. “Mistress,” Adelina said with a slight bow of her head.

  “What can I do for you?” Jael asked, glancing from the princess to Nadyah, and then finally to Varan.

  He helped Nadyah out of the hov-carriage and then sent the taxi on his way. The male always gave him some of the best gossip and had been on his payroll for cycles now.

  Nadyah curtseyed before her Mistress. “I need to pack a few things, and then speak with you on certain matters.”

  Jael’s sharp gaze never moved from Varan and he grinned at her, slipping his hands into his pockets. The female always rubbed him the wrong way when he had seen her. She was a cunning bitch, but he had to admire her skill as a fellow colleague.

  “Won’t you bow, Prince?” Jael snapped.

  Varan inclined his head only slightly. “Well, I do outrank you,” he teased.

  The Spider sputtered in outrage and Adelina flicked him a look. They had only so much time.

  “How dare you?” Jael hissed as he followed Nadyah into the House.

  Varan had never taken a courtesan, or paid for the service of one. “As a lower prince of the people I’d say I’m about equal to a noble and a courtesan in rank, and I also happen to be more dominant than you, if only by a smidge,” he said, looking at all the various fixtures and paintings. “This place really is lovely.”

  Jael growled but she didn’t argue with him. “As if you’ve never seen the inside,” she muttered, implying he’d stolen something of hers of course.

  Varan ignored her and stayed close to the princess. He didn’t know the interior from personal experience but he’d studied the blueprints enough, plus he’d gone through the secret passage in Nadyah’s closet more than once.

  “I suppose you’re going to tell me there’s nothing I can do to keep you on Draga Terra,” Jael said to Nadyah with more emotion than Varan had thought possible.
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  He watched the way she looked at the other courtesan – a wistful longing. The two had been intimate before.

  “No Jael, I have to do this. You know as well as I how important it is.”

  Jael stopped before the back wall of the House, wide windows from floor to ceiling with a fantastic view of the ocean. She turned and pulled Nadyah into a fierce hug. “I know we’ve had our differences, but I want you to stay safe and come back to me.”

  Nadyah kissed the Mistress of the House on the lips and it was tender. Varan had to look away. He felt like he was intruding on a private moment. Varan stared out the massive windows to the balcony with the statues of the gods and goddesses. Ladra wasn’t present, but rarely was she represented properly.

  “Then send me a list of what you still need, and I’ll do what I can,” Jael said, looking at the princess as well. “I serve the Crown and this is more important than the Crown Princess believes it is.”

  “Thank you,” Adelina told her. “I appreciate your loyalty. Nadyah will also send the coordinates and timeframe.”

  “Come Varan, let’s be on our way.” Nadyah pulled him along.

  He turned from the view and followed with his eyes on all the nooks and crannies. Adelina pressed into his side and it took more effort than he cared to admit to stay casual. He wanted to wrap an arm around her and keep her close, but it wasn’t what she needed. She needed to stand on her own two feet, even if she did need the reminder she wasn’t alone.

  Nadyah let them into her room and she ran about, gathering what she could with impressive speed. It hadn’t been very long ago Varan had been in that same room, tempting the courtesan.

  “All right, let’s go,” Nadyah said, ushering them into her closet.

  The panel slid open and she handed Adelina a cloak. Varan ducked under the small door and led the way through the House of Kismet grounds and back into the city. No one should know about the passage except Jael so the tail would be sitting, waiting for them to leave the House for hours, maybe even a whole day before realizing they were no longer there.