The governor? Not Ran?
She looked at him and still he simply sat there. She had known she would be passed on to other S-species males for breeding, but he had promised her they would at least be together for the period of her pregnancy. “What is it you wish from me?” she asked boldly, doing her best to look composed when what she really wanted was to burst into tears.
"Actually, I suppose we were more curious than anything.” One of the others spoke out, his gray hair and regal bearing impressive. “I am told you insisted on helping after the wounded were brought back from Septinium. Tell us why if you will."
"I was hardly going to let anyone suffer if I could do something about it."
"But you are a slave,” another one said.
She looked directly at the speaker. “Quite frankly, I have never felt that way. Yes, you captured me, forced me into sexual servitude, and have even bred me, but there are some things you simply cannot own. In my heart, I am free. When I give, it is of my choice. You can take all you wish, but the only thing of value is what is given. If you choose to force me to go to someone other than Ran Kartel, I suppose I can do nothing about it. However, rest assured they will never enjoy me as he did, for I love him and right now his child grows inside me."
The older gray-haired opened his mouth as if to speak, but then lapsed into silence. The bearded man spoke instead. “I see. Thank you, Miss Aubrey."
It was a dismissal, but she didn't move. Instead, she looked at Ran, hoping he would see the emotion in her eyes. “You are not going to fight for me in any way?"
"I have."
The resignation in his voice made her furious. “That's it? You would let me go so easily? I am not your slave, and you well know it. We are lovers. It is an entirely different thing."
"I agree.” The ghost of a smile seemed to hover around his lips. “Entirely."
"I do not know who the governor is and I don't care. I will not be passed off—"
"Miss Aubrey, you are dismissed."
"I am not dismissed.” There was too much entirely at stake for her to care about their high-handed rules. She was shaking, her unhappiness tangible and all consuming, and she clenched her hands into fists. “Perhaps you think you are superior, but I will tell you that isn't true if you do not let love and compassion govern your actions. It isn't simple, believe me, because I know firsthand the difficulties of gaining affection for someone who has complete and utter control over your life. But being powerless physically does not make you powerless emotionally. I do not care what you all decide. I will not—"
"Jerra.” Ran stood up. “I am the new governor of Minoa."
His declaration stopped her rant. She stared at him. “What?"
"I am the new governor. I was just appointed. The Council is now trying to decide if the law needs to be changed so humans and S-species of either sex can marry legally upon my recommendation. So far, it is outlawed because your race is considered inferior.” His emerald eyes glimmered in amusement. “I think, however, you just made quite a point on the subject."
Her knees felt actually weak. “I did?"
He left his position at the table and came around toward her. “Yes, you did. I don't believe there is anyone here who is in question over your feelings."
"Ran.” She didn't even realize she'd moved until she felt his arms draw her close and she buried her face against his chest. “I have missed you so much."
He stroked her hair and laughed softly despite their audience. “I know. Believe it or not, as inferior as my passion might be to your human emotion, I do have a modicum of sentiment and I have missed you, too.” He glanced at the Council. “Well? Have you made a decision?"
Epilogue
It felt like their first night together.
Jerra laid her son gently in the cradle. His extraordinary beauty always amazed her, but then again, she felt the same way about his father. Thanks to Ran, she had even been able to communicate with her parents several times, and he'd proposed a trip so she could let them see their grandchild as soon as he was old enough to make the journey. She quietly eased the door to the nursery open and slipped out.
"Is he finally asleep?” Ran waited for her in bed, propped on one elbow, the soft starlight outside the window illuminating his thick shining hair and brilliant eyes.
She nodded. “He was hungry."
Her husband smiled. “As far as I can tell, he is a voracious eater for someone so small. I'm a bit jealous for he currently gets to spend more time with your breasts than I do."
"They are free at the moment.” She hadn't bothered to refasten her gown and saw his gaze glimmer as she walked toward the bed. Her breasts, heavier now since she gave birth, swayed as she moved. The doctor had confirmed it was fine now for her to resume normal sexual relations and she was more than anxious.
"I was rather hoping you might find a minute or two for me."
She shimmied out of her nightdress. “Are you really jealous?"
"Quite the contrary. Seeing you hold my child is the most moving experience I could ever imagine.” His brows lifted. “However, I won't bother to deny I want to make love to you. My erection kind of gives me away."
She teasingly lowered her lashes. “I think you will find me very cooperative and subservient, Governor Kartel."
He chuckled. “Subservient? That doesn't describe you, I'm afraid. From our very first meeting, I knew that. Now, come here and let's recall our initial introduction detail by detail. It seems to me we both enjoyed it very much."
Jerra slid into his arms. “You didn't give me much choice but to enjoy it as I remember it."
He rolled her to her back and settled his mouth against hers in a persuasive tender kiss. When he lifted his head, he whispered, “If there is one thing you've taught me, my love, is that there is always a choice. Lucky for me, I chose you."
She was the lucky one, she thought drowning in his next kiss, feeling his passion but also his love under the light of the pale stars.
PALE STARS IN HER EYES
The Starlight Chronicles
THE END
WWW.ANNABELWOLFE.COM
AUTHOR'S BIO
Annabel Wolfe/Kate Watterson/Emma Wildes is the author of numerous erotic novels and short stories. Reading has always been her passion and she finds that vibrant characters with strong personalities have a tendency to draw her straight into the story. History is her passion, and it reflects in her choice of wickedly dashing heroes and willful heroines. She lives in rural Indiana and is working on her next romance. Please stop by and visit at www.annabelwolfe.com or www.emmawildes.com. She would love to hear from you.
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Pale Stars in Her Eyes [The Starlight Chronicles] Page 10