Celeste noted the presence of several large warriors flanking them but keeping their distance, and made out even more stalking along in front at intervals. She wondered if Bast needed bodyguards or if they were for both of them, but didn’t want to ask after only just meeting him. It would be something she would inquire about in the not so distant future because it had occurred to her this Ruler would make a prime target for those who disapproved of having humans as concubines. It had been his decision, after all.
“You like children?” The question yanked her from her thoughts.
“Excuse me?”
“Not to be indelicate, but you are here to procreate, Lady Celeste. I merely wished to confirm the fact you indicated in the interviews that you liked children.”
Sadness washed over her again but she squinted up at the suns and pretended the reddish light was making her eyes water. “I like children, as I told Cleros. I never thought to have any, though, until this happened.”
“So you didn’t leave someone behind then, not someone you cared about.”
She stopped and faced him. “If you’re aware of my feelings about children, then you know the rest. I was eking out an existence with little hope for the future. So you Meridians coming by wasn’t the worse thing. Although I fear even more for Earth’s recovery, now.”
Bast met her stare, then nodded gravely. She wondered if this was some kind of a test of her honesty when he inexplicably picked up the pace. She matched her steps to his, picking up on his anxiety. Her belly tightened. They continued on a few hundred more yards before turning into the courtyard of a huge dwelling with stark and simple lines. Separated from its neighbors, it had great appeal if it was a little intimidating, and she let Bast sweep her past the plantings and up the broad steps. They were ushered through two large double doors, their forward warrior escorts peeling off in opposite directions. When the heavy panels shut behind them, Celeste stood blinking in the cool dimness. It would have been nice to spend a few more minutes outside, taking in the place that might be her future home, but she felt safer inside.
Bast nodded to a warrior who placed himself in front of the entrance, and she noted how rigid he was, how alert. She turned to Bast, a query on her lips, but he spoke first.
“Your apartments are on the second level. This way.”
“Are there any females here?” She tried again to keep up but was a step behind.
He spoke over his shoulder. “No. Our excellent cook resides elsewhere and the meals delivered. We have several warriors, some male servants, and myself who live here.”
“And the Ruler?”
“He is usually occupied with governing, as I mentioned, and is rarely home. His residence is in the other half of this abode when he leaves his office. And he also works here, at times.” Bast turned right at the top of the stairs and threw open a door a few paces along. “Your quarters.”
It was a lovely place to stay. Celeste felt comfortable as soon as she walked into it. Numerous, narrow windows were set into the far wall, allowing diffused light through the gauzy fabric that draped them. One side of the space was set up as a sitting area, complete with a desk and comfortable chairs. The other end boasted a high bed, covered with thick, white linens. Cool tiles flowed beneath her feet, although there were small carpets scattered about.
“It’s lovely. I see it faces away from the street.” She crossed the room to peer out on a large yard with considerable vegetation. A fountain burbled below.
“It will be quieter.”
The streets were quiet, something all the women remarked on and she’d noted earlier. So there was another reason Bast wasn’t sharing. Impulsively, she asked, “Is it safe?”
He drew back, as though she’d threatened to strike him, before lifting a shoulder. “You are intelligent as well as beautiful, my lady. I expect you have heard and understand the concern that there are those who don’t approve of off-world joinings. It is something my master has anticipated and prepared for because your safety and that of your fellow human females is of the highest importance.”
“Thank you for being honest with me.”
A pained look twisted his features. “I will do my best to be forthright, Lady Celeste, as much as I am able, being the Ruler’s confidant. You’ll understand the need for some secrecy given my status.”
Likely he meant there were things that the Ruler didn’t want anyone to know. Least of all a concubine. She could understand his reticence. Her reason for being here was hardly that of a confidante, unlike the relationship her parents shared. “It’s fine.”
“Please explore and get comfortable. I have a few things to attend to and then I’ll return with a meal. We can begin your training.”
****
“Your impressions?” Lysett knew he should be meeting with this female and creating his own impressions. He should be making her acquaintance, aside from knowing only her name, and allowing her the opportunity to know him. But it betrayed Trosan. This was a … business arrangement. His duty.
Bast gave a short bow. “She is bright and learns quickly, Master. She appears to like our world and misses very little of her surroundings. In addition, Lady Celeste has already displayed empathy and likes children. I believe we—you—chose well.”
Lysett firmed his jaw and resolved not to inquire about the female’s physical appearance. That didn’t matter. Everything Bast shared thus far was important. “It’s better for a child to be reared by the mother so that’s a very good point. How do you know she is empathetic?”
Hearing of Celeste Raynor’s concern for her friend and for one of his warriors chipped away slightly at the shield he’d erected against her. “Did you assess the concern?”
“I did, Ruler. The Commander, Commander Adares, had no expectations, a retiring fellow in many ways despite his warrior status. He’d noticed this young woman and didn’t find it easy to think she would be matched with another, yet accepted it. As expected.”
“We don’t want others to see these females given as a reward, Bast, but in this case…”
“Not a reward, Master. Perhaps a recognition of two individuals being drawn to the other.”
He scoffed, refusing to give voice to the issue always in the back of his mind. “Love at first sight, Bast?”
“It once was, Master, as we know it from our historical archives.”
The quiet response nearly gutted him. Lysett paced to an end table and poured himself a refreshment, drinking the contents of the glass down rather than face his first servant. When he had himself under control he inquired, “So, they are a match?”
“It would appear that they are, one of the first that rings quite true. Others have been placed in the Houses to meet with the males who’ve offered, and a few appear to have been matched. It remains to be seen if those were made in haste or if there is a significant attraction beyond the physical. We Meridians aren’t known to allow our emotions to replace the voice of reason—or lust. Perhaps human females are different, and it is important that they have the right of refusal.”
The talk of love at first sight and that of emotional lack made Lysett uncomfortable and he had no intention of discussing them. Especially when he was about to enter into a duty match. He overlooked the reference to the right of refusal because his new concubine would have no call to refuse. Bast would have chosen the best match, and he’d convince her to sign the Ruler’s contract, and all would be well. “You say Lady Celeste is also bright as well as being warrior-like? That bodes well for offspring.”
“Indeed.” Bast’s tone was so dry, Lysett stared in suspicion at his servant, only to be met with a neutral gaze.
They discussed Bast’s impressions of his future concubine in greater detail and he thought he could like the female, and would respect her for granting him children. Duty and the elixir would carry him through during their couplings should his flesh fail him.
“I will begin her final training about your House and the royal expectations tomorro
w.”
“How long? I’m concerned about the xenophobes. The quicker she can be presented and calm any concerns the better.”
“I would think about another week will cover everything Lady Celeste needs to learn. At least from me. But speaking of xenophobes, we were followed today.”
Lysett forgot his softer thoughts and ignored the implication from Bast that he might be required to teach the female certain things as well. “The ones following you were those against the human females being here?”
“Unless they were merely curious, Ruler. But I took no chances. We had a full armed escort and I got her inside when one of them signaled closer contact. She is aware there is danger and—”
“It was a good move to educate the females then, and make the risk common knowledge. Celeste dealt with it?” He hoped she wasn’t traumatized, although her actions aboard the ship against his warriors would suggest she wasn’t easily frightened. Or at best, not immobilized by fear.
“The females are aware so they can better remain safe. A few are most anxious and some were vocal about the situation, but Lady Celeste is accepting. I fear her lot on Earth wasn’t kind, and she doesn’t expect much more here.”
Lysett liked the sound of this female more and more. He wasn’t pleased that she didn’t think she was deserving of safety and care, however. “She’ll be well protected and you’ll provide her with anything she requires.”
Bast nodded, his mouth trembling as if to smile, but he remained somber. “Of course, Master. I like her already.”
“Prepare her for the traditional joining.” Any smile he thought he’d witnessed vanished from his servant’s visage. “Alert me when she is ready.”
“The breeding pallet? Before you come to know her?”
Exasperated, Lysett threw his hands up. “I don’t care to know her personally, Bast. The information you’ve shared tells me she is brave, resourceful, intelligent, and caring. A warrior among a vanquished species. She is also fertile and willing to give me heirs. Prepare her as previously discussed, so I might complete the contract.”
“She’s pure. Untouched.”
“Another quality for the mother of my children. You have done well, Bast. Ensure she is provided with the elixir to avoid any unnecessary discomfort at our joining.”
Lysett was proud of covering all contingencies and ignored his servant’s censuring stare. Bast’s next comment annoyed him further.
“I will require more time then, Master. If you won’t meet with her yourself, I must talk with her about you, as she is understandably curious.”
“Then do so.” He knew his servant wouldn’t share anything with the concubine that wasn’t appropriate, and refused to consider the female’s probable interest in him.
He strode from the room, considering his plan of action against those who would threaten the human females and thus impede the repopulation of Meridia. Justice would be swift and deadly. He stopped to order another guard for Celeste’s door and directed yet another to the garden beneath her windows. Guarding against a real, if nebulous, threat was time-consuming and distracting, but nothing was more important than the safety of his concubine. He didn’t give another personal thought to the female in the rooms on the other side of his house, as far away from him as he’d been able to orchestrate. It was enough she met his specifications and would do her duty.
Liasion Ashtun’s familiar features filled the vid screen. “Greetings, Ruler.”
“And to you, my friend.” Ashtun didn’t report directly to him about the insurgents. He apprised Bast, who apprised his Master. But Lysett would personally convey his decision about addressing the danger. “When you locate those who plot against our plan, eradicate them.”
“Agreed. They deserve nothing less. And it will be done quietly and efficiently.”
If he could avoid public reaction to dispensing that justice, Lysett would be grateful. He didn’t need any martyrs to plague him during his rule. “Excellent. And Ashtun? Have you found a prospective concubine?”
The Liasion’s dark features lightened visibly. “I believe I have if the Goddess is gracious. A female with the most amazing red hair and green eyes, nearly like our own. I confess I was plagued with guilt at the thought of usurping another’s chances merely because of my rank, but that fell by the wayside when I first saw Belinda.”
“Buhlinda?”
“A different name, but one that fits my tongue.”
Lysett found himself mentally repeating his concubine’s name. Celeste. It too felt comfortable in his mouth. “I’m pleased for you.”
“Thank you, Sir. Time will tell, of course. But she hasn’t refused me. There have been some refusals by the females of those with a higher ranking, and the lottery system has given the warriors hope, though I suspect there will be many who will surrender their commissions if they aren’t refused.”
Another technicality Lysett hadn’t planned for, though he suspected Ashtun had done so. He nodded to the other man, satisfied that he had such an astute ally. “Deal with those opposed and willing to harm our latest addition to Meridian society, Liasion, and perhaps we can look forward to a full and happy life.”
“Your wishes, Ruler.”
“Once all the females have been placed, or at least as many as probable, you and this Belinda must attend me and my concubine, Lady Celeste.”
“Ah, the small warrior maiden. Her exploits precede her. Belinda was proud to follow her.” Ashtun grinned broadly. “Does she please you?”
“Bast has convinced me of her utter suitability,” he evaded, noting the way the other man’s smile faded, his brows lowering. “I long to see our species perpetuated.”
“As do we all.” Ashtun hesitated, then added, “Something about Belinda promises to gladden my heart. Perhaps I will feel healed.”
Not liking the turn of the conversation, Lysett forced himself to display approval and acceptance. “That is good news. Good luck and good hunting, Liasion.”
He closed the connection before anything further was exchanged and scrubbed a hand across his face. He was happy for his friend, but that didn’t translate into anything similar for him. Duty. That was his watchword.
Chapter Five
It had been nearly two weeks and she was bored. Bored with her own company, bored with the continual “training”, and annoyed that she had yet to even lay eyes on the Ruler. For someone who wanted a concubine in order to assist in repopulating his kingdom or whatever it was, he sure was missing in action. Other matches had a head start on him and were going to show him up. Celeste nearly laughed at how transparent her feelings were, even to herself. She was actually anticipating her debut as head broodmare. Maybe Bast and his training wasn’t so boring after all. Except, she could admit, if only to herself, it was the pictures of the incredibly handsome and virile Lysett and the tales of his exploits that piqued her interest. If he was even real!
She hadn’t been allowed outside, except for the garden area but once, and she hadn’t been granted any contact with Shirley or Belinda, or any of the others, either. She accepted the need to stay close to home. Bast had told her about a few attempts to approach human females and she doubted it was about merely approaching them. That sounded too civilized. But he assured her none had been harmed, and increasing numbers had been potentially matched.
While she was glad everyone was safe, she knew they had at least met the males who chose them to be their concubines. The highlight was the news that Shirley had been chosen by the Commander, something she knew Bast had orchestrated. She suspected warriors wouldn’t be given first choice, at least not until all the males in the political Houses received their opportunity. Politics were likely the same the universe over. Belinda had apparently been offered for, by someone high ranking, and she hoped the other woman’s cynicism didn’t mar the match.
It would be wonderful when the Ruler got the danger sorted, as Bast insisted was happening, and she could leave the house, though. Not that it wasn’t beaut
iful, and everyone treated her very well, but she needed to be outside and exploring. Celeste felt her palms itch at the thought of working in the soil and nurturing plants and was glad she could soon indulge in the garden. The farming was done by automated means, although some Meridians tended their own gardens and flowers, and Bast agreed that even a Ruler’s concubine could do so—once her studies were complete.
There was still so much to learn. Like the fact the planet teemed with wildlife, yet flesh wasn’t consumed here. Some of the other women had groaned at that news and weren’t reassured that the food provided would be sufficient enough to make up for the lack. She smiled when she thought of how that reassurance hadn’t been misplaced. No wonder these people looked so healthy and were so long lived. Their planet was well, their sustenance contained no chemicals and was both nourishing and healthful. Some of it tasted close enough to meat that even the biggest complainers were silenced. Not that she’d had any opportunity to socialize. At this rate, she’d be attending baby celebrations before she met her match. Did they have baby showers here like long ago on Earth?
“My lady?” Bast interrupted her musings. “We have further discussion today.”
With a sigh, she took her seat across from him and answered his questions. Yes, she understood the various Houses of Meridia held varying political beliefs but followed the House that ruled. Yes, she had educated herself on the workings and stance of the present House, and obligingly trotted out her knowledge for him.
The House she would be marrying into—well, not exactly marrying, but becoming a part of—was the House of Daboort, headed up by Lysett. She recited the number of followers and the names of the key members of the upper caste including his parents—who she hoped would like her if she ever got to meet them—but her thoughts kept returning to the Ruler. Her future… What did she call the father of her prospective child?
“What do I call him?”
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