by Delia Roan
“As often as I can.”
“Which isn't that often because you're a busy man?”
“It used to be more often when my father was alive,” he said. It drove his father mad that he'd avoid meetings and referendums during their trips to the capital city. “I practically lived here once my younger brother was born.”
“Arthon,” she said. “You have another brother after him, yes? No sisters?”
“My parents were not blessed with a daughter. They had to make do with three sons who lack common sense.”
Jenna laughed, and Kovos wanted to hear the sound again and again.
“What of you,” he asked. “Siblings?”
Jenna's smile faded. “A sister. Melissa. My older sister.” She tilted her head. “I drive her crazy, so I bet she has her own quiet nook somewhere.”
The fruit gone, Jenna tossed the pit into the bushes, and raised her sticky hand. She wiped it on the grass, and released more of the heady fragrance. The scent became overpowering, and Kovos rubbed his temple. Accursed headache.
“As much as my brothers annoy me, they are my everything. I'm sure it is the same with your sister.”
Jenna dropped her head, and her hair covered her face.
“I know I'm her everything. And she's mine.”
She looked up in time to catch Kovos rubbing his head with his hand. “Are you okay?”
“It's but a headache,” he replied. “It'll pass.”
A sudden rush of giddiness washed over him. He swayed, and Jenna grabbed his shoulder to stop him from pitching over. “Whoa! You don't look so good. Here, lie down.”
She pulled his head into her lap, and Kovos's objections melted away. Her legs were plump and soft, and from this nearness, he could smell the scent of her sex. It filled his mind, and thinking became difficult.
“Rest for a while,” she said.
“I'm fine.” Even to him, his voice sounded strained. Like the front of his pants. He rolled to his side, hiding the evidence of his arousal from Jenna. Like a male at his first heat. The thought shamed him. She did not ask to be here. He needed to control himself.
“Close your eyes,” Jenna commanded.
“If I refuse?”
“Then I will not tell you the heartbreaking story of Romeo and Juliet.” She ran her hand over his forehead, brushing his hair away. “I've been told Ennoi enjoy tragedy, and the story is just rife with drama.”
As her hands moved, Kovos found his eyes closed on their own accord.
“I shall comply,” he said.
“Good. Our story opens in the human city of Verona. That’s in Italy. Like Rome, which is a city. Italy is a country… You know what, let me start again…”
He didn’t understand all her words, but he listened to her voice, and enjoyed her cool touch against his skin, soothing away his headache. The story wasn't half bad, either. He could understand warring clans, though he wasn’t quite sure why the humans wore masks to parties. Ennoi couldn’t hide themselves by hiding their faces. Their markings were too distinct.
He sighed when Romeo and Juliet fell in love at first sight. Maybe humans and Ennoi aren’t so different after all.
He didn't even notice when he slipped into sleep.
***
When Kovos started awake, the pale light of the first sun’s rising filled the garden with golden light. He still lay on Jenna's lap. She watched the marketplace below, which buzzed with activity. At this hour, the merchants offloaded fresh produce from the farms outside the city, bringing in the fruits, vegetables, meats and grains which were required for the festival celebrations.
Her face was serene, and the sunlight caressed her skin, and hair, making her glow. She looked like the precious lumi gemstones they mined north of the city, polished and translucent, with pink and yellow swirls.
As she felt him stirring, she looked down and smiled. “Good morning,” she said.
“I slept,” he said, his voice thick.
“I did too. I think you needed it.”
“It has been a while,” he said. It had been weeks, really, since he'd slept so soundly. Dealing with the Council, traveling from clan to clan, planning the details of the festival. He'd worn himself down to the point where sitting and relaxing seemed like heaven.
So too did waking to the sight of Jenna's beauty. She's perfection.
Wry humor filled her smile. “You missed the ending of my story.”
He reached his hand up and cupped her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his hand. Her breath flicked against his skin, and he could feel the flutter of the pulse in her neck. With excruciating slowness, he urged her down toward him, and brought her mouth to his.
The second their lips met, he knew he was lost. He'd been cast adrift, his moorings unbound. His mouth moved against hers, their lips barely touching, but the contact burned like fire.
He knew that this kiss might be fleeting, but it held promises. Deep promises that bubbled in the base of his spine and all the way up his erect cock. He wanted her, and from the low moan in the back of her throat, she wanted him.
CHAPTER NINE
JENNA
When their lips parted, Jenna gasped. She missed him. She missed his warmth. The longing in her eyes spoke for her, because he reached up and brought her down to him. He rolled, until she was under him. For a moment, she worried he might crush her, but he bore his weight on his arm. The warmth from his body chased away the early morning chill.
What am I doing?
Her heart thundered, and where his body pressed against hers, she felt his pulse vibrating in response.
He’s an alien!
Then he kissed her again, letting his hand trail down her arm. All her apprehensions fled, leaving behind nothing but need. Where his skin met hers, she burned. Where his skin left hers, she ached.
Her hand trembled, but she needed to touch him. She skimmed her fingers over his shoulder, enjoying the textured sensation of his skin.
“So soft,” he murmured. His fingertips were rough, but they glided across her collarbones, flicking the thin straps of her nightgown down. His lips followed shortly, trailing across her neck.
Jenna moaned as Kovos’s breath washed over her skin. The flimsy nightgown suddenly became too much fabric. To her relief, Kovos tugged the fabric downward further, exposing her breasts to the air.
Kovos raised himself upwards and paused.
A flush crept across Jenna's face. “I'm sorry,” she mumbled, unsure why she apologized. Her hand found the beaded edge of her gown, but when she made to cover herself, Kovos seized her hand. His grip was gentle, but Jenna knew she could never break it.
“Please,” he whispered. “Don't do that. Don't fear.” He kissed her on the forehead. “You shall never have a reason to fear me.”
He trailed a finger along her cheek and down her neck, making her tremble. Tracing the lines of her clavicle, Kovos bent down to kiss her once more.
They were deep in their embrace when a cough from the bushes made Jenna scramble to her feet, gathering her clothes. Kovos shielded her with his body, as he directed a stream of obscenities at the interloper who dared to interrupt.
“Forgive me, Lord Kovos.” The Ennoi guard had his back to them, and he seemed intent on examining the foliage. Jenna searched her memory for a name as she tied the straps of her gown.
Kovos leaned in, and hissed through gritted teeth. “Do you need something, Yaldir?”
Yaldir tipped his head and studied a flying insect fluttering past. “I’m sorry to divide your attention, my lord, but the Council convenes this morning.”
Jenna suppressed a giggle, as Kovos’s face twisted between several emotions. He sighed, and ran a hand over his face. The weariness from last night had faded, but he didn’t seem as fresh-faced as Yaldir.
“Thank you, Yaldir. I will be along shortly.”
With a quick bow, Yaldir excused himself.
Kovos let
out a sound of frustration. Her lips quirked. There was something endearing about seeing a new side of Kovos. For years, she’d daydreamed about her alien protector, imagining him as brave and stoic in the face of danger. Yes, he’d been fierce and strong, but she’d never imagined his sense of humor or how easy it was to spend time with him.
“You are amused,” Kovos said. “Surely it cannot be the thought of the council which places that expression upon your face?”
Jenna laughed. “No, of course not.”
“Then…”
“I guess I’m just…”
How could she explain to him?
Since that night, she never simply sat with someone. She never let her guard down. She never let herself be herself. When she relaxed, words slipped out of her mouth, and no matter how close a friend she considered the other person, they never looked at her the same again.
She became The Girl With The Past.
The crazy girl.
Yet not with Kovos. With him, she could speak the truth, of her life, of her personality. It was freeing, in all the right ways.
Kovos waited patiently for a response, as if he had all the time in the world. It made Jenna feel important. A warm glow spread through her chest, and she placed her thumb on her wrist, feeling her heartbeat flutter.
“I guess,” she continued slowly, “I enjoyed myself.”
Kovos extended his hand, and she placed her fingers on his. He squeezed her hand with a grip like warm stone.
“I’m glad,” he replied. “I would not wish any unhappiness upon you.”
Jenna searched his face. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
His dark eyes held nothing but honesty.
The fire in her chest blazed. If she placed her hand on her chest, she might feel the heat radiating. She wanted to throw herself into his arms. She wanted to hitch up the hem of her gown and run from this terrifying emotion.
Happiness.
Instead, she let Kovos guide her from the garden.
He held her hand all the way back to her room. The palace staff were beginning their morning routines. Jenna ducked her head as they passed guards or servants. As Jenna expected, they stared, some in open curiosity, some in judgment, but they bowed as their prince strolled past. Kovos acknowledge them, even greeted a few by name, and his grip on her hand never wavered.
At her door, he hesitated, his fingers playing over hers. Jenna waited for him to say his goodbyes, but at the same time, she was content to let him touch her for as long as he liked.
“So delicate,” Kovos murmured, almost to himself. His voice echoed slightly in the empty hallway.
Maybe he doesn’t want to say goodbye either.
“You smell so good,” he whispered.
“I think that’s the flowers,” Jenna whispered back.
“The allea flowers,” he said. “Moonsong, in the common tongue. A delicate flower, but one which grows with tenacity.”
“I had fun,” Jenna blurted out.
Kovos met her eyes and smiled. “As did I.”
“Thank you for showing me the gardens and the city. It’s magical at night.”
“The view is different during the day, but no less magical.” Kovos paused. “Would you like to visit the gardens again? I will be busy with the Council all morning and afternoon, and my evenings will be filled with the festival events. Perhaps the midday meal? We could eat together?”
“I’d love to meet you for lunch.”
“It is settled.” Kovos brought her hand to his lips. “I shall call on you. Until then.”
Jenna watched him stride away, before slipping into her room. A grin slowly formed on her face. Lunch. It’s practically a date!
With a skip, she twirled, her gown flaring out.
“You seem pleased,” drawled a voice from across the room.
Jenna shrieked and spun to face the speaker.
Oh, crud.
Lithyon stood beside the troeben, her back straight and her face serene. Her pale green gown hung in neat pleats to the floor, studded with tiny baby blue gemstones. Cyndrae stood several steps behind her, her head bowed in respect.
“Lady Lithyon Ar’Haron,” Cyndrae announced. “Lady Jenna Harlock of Earth.”
“Hi,” said Jenna. “Uhm. Good morning, Lady Lithyon.”
“Call my Lithyon, please.” The Ennoi princess tilted her head. “Were you exploring the gardens? You appear to have…” She gestured at her neat braids with an elegant hand.
Running her fingers through her own hair, Jenna tugged out a twig. “Oh,” she said. She flushed, noticing the dirt and grass stains on her gown, and shoes. “Thanks. Uhm, I guess I walked under a tree, or something.”
Lithyon smiled. “The gardens are quite lovely in the morning. Did you enjoy them?”
Jenna’s face grew even warmer. “Yes, they are beautiful.”
“As is all of Cadam. It is a pleasant world.”
“I would love to see it someday.” She thought of Kovos’s pride when he spoke of his city, and his sadness when he spoke of his childhood home, Braddrak.
“It will be so,” replied Lithyon, with a decisive clap. “You should not be trapped within the city for the duration of your visit. I will make the arrangements, and come for you when the time is right.”
“Thank you, Lithyon! That would be amazing!”
She barely had the last syllable out before Lithyon spoke again. “Are the rooms to your liking?”
“Oh! Yes, they’re lovely! Thank you for-”
“Has Cyndrae been tending to you well?”
“Yes, she’s been-”
“Excellent! I am pleased. Cyndrae informs me you’ve been practicing the troeben.”
Jenna blinked rapidly at the change in conversation. “Er, yes, Cyndrae has been teaching-”
“She tells me you are quite advanced at playing.”
“Oh, I’m not-”
Lithyon waved her hand. “Nonsense. If Cyndrae says you are talented, then you are talented. She has steady judgment.” Lithyon bit her lip. “In fact, that is why I have come to see you.”
She leaned in, and Jenna found herself leaning forward as well.
“I have a favor to ask of you,” said Lithyon.
“Yes?” The familiar taste of disappointment filled her mouth. She was only nice because she wants something.
Jenna expected too much if she expected a refined lady like Lithyon to pay attention to her, let alone be her friend. Still, Lithyon had set her up in these rooms, and loaned her Cyndrae’s services to make Jenna comfortable, so the least Jenna could do was hear her out.
Lithyon cleared her throat. “You understand that you have arrived at a delicate time. At the moment, the Ennoi Cadam celebrate the annual Glorious Moons Festival. It is a happy event. It is traditionally a time for marriages and unions, both romantically and politically.” She smiled ruefully. “You have disrupted these events.”
Shame lanced through Jenna. She’d stolen Lithyon’s magical moment. No bride would be thrilled to have her special day interrupted.
“I’m sorry,” Jenna said. “This must be difficult for you.”
“It is a disappointment,” Lithyon said, “but I hold great affection for Kovos. He is dear to me like a brother. If you are his Avowed, then I would be overjoyed for his happiness.”
Man, she’s nice.
Jenna wasn’t sure that, if she’d found herself in Lithyon’s position, she could have acted with such grace or dignity.
“So what can I help you with?” Jenna said.
“Part of my duties for the festival include organizing a concert in honor of the host. This year, the host is Kovos. I have arranged for several musical acts to perform, yet I find myself short of a musician. You could fill in.”
Jenna started. “What? No. I’m not good enough.”
“That’s not what Cyndrae has told me.”
“I can barely move the string
s!”
Lithyon waved her hand. “It is not necessary. Cyndrae will teach you a simple song. You can skip the notes you cannot play.”
“But-”
“It is for Kovos. I do not wish to shame him.”
That changed matters. Jenna remained silent.
“I will not accept a refusal.” Lithyon fixed her gaze on Jenna’s face. “I do not organize events that fail. What I wish to occur, occurs.”
The twig in Jenna’s fingers snapped in two.
Lithyon has done so much for me.
“Now,” Lithyon continued, “say yes.”
Jenna’s voice was barely a whisper. “Yes. I’ll do it.”
For Kovos.
Lithyon beamed. “Excellent! I shall leave you in Cyndrae’s capable hands!” She patted Jenna’s face as she headed for the door. “I shall see you again at the concert!”
The door closed behind her with a solid click.
“You appear pale.” Cyndrae stepped forward. “Are you unwell, Lady Jenna?”
Jenna whirled to face Cyndrae. “She wants me to perform! On stage! In front of people!”
Cyndrae watched Jenna pace. “Pardon my insolence, but did you not claim performance arts were your profession back on Earth?”
Jenna stopped. “Yes,” she said slowly. “But this is different.”
“Different how?”
“Kovos will be watching…” Jenna’s voice trailed off.
Cyndrae studied her face. “You have developed feelings for Lord Kovos.”
“No! Yes. Maybe.”
Jenna wished the stone beneath her feet would swallow her whole. Cyndrae waited, but when Jenna said nothing further, she nodded. “You can tell me all about it while you bathe. You are quite filthy. After your bath, we will eat and then begin our troeben lessons.”
With sure hands, the maid helped Jenna out of her nightgown. “Don’t think for a second the lessons will be easy. We have less than five cycles before the concert. You shall honor both Lord Kovos and Lady Lithyon. Now, into the bath with you.”
As she entered the bathing chamber, Jenna hesitated. “Cyndrae?”