“While I appreciate the brevity of your speech, you will be required to make appropriate conversation with those invited to such events.”
“Okay.” She went back to crumbling the bread.
The heat of his gaze became tangible and she couldn’t help lifting her own to meet it. Those green eyes were blazing and she flinched.
Instantly, the Ruler blanked his features and stared back impassively. “I understand you are unhappy with me, but we must move past that. I have asked my parents to join us for the evening meal. You should have met them before, but I…”
Celeste desperately wanted to know what he didn’t say. But I wanted to get you pregnant first? I wanted to see if you were worth it first? I wanted— Whatever. For a guy who needed kids, he sure wasn’t going about this in the right way. But of course, he was, because who had all the power here?
“If you think there’s a need to meet your parents.”
He stared down his aristocratic nose at her. “My mother will welcome another—that is, she’ll welcome a female into our family. And she will be most helpful when you deliver.”
Right. Sons. “Okay.”
Clearly annoyed with her minimal engagement, he huffed, then pushed back from the table. “I will see you this evening.”
It all became too much. She couldn’t maintain the farce, and was desperate to get it over with. He’d do her. She’d get pregnant then he’d leave her alone until the next time. The coldness of the arrangement made her lips numb, but she spoke up. Better to get it over and done with, rather than fret and lose her mind.
“We should do the breeding pallet thing sooner than later.”
The Ruler froze as he levered to his feet, his big chest hovering over the table edge, his face far too close to her own. The proximity choked the breath from her lungs, and not in a bad way. “Excuse me?”
She blinked and he sank back down. “You’re going to get your own way anyhow, so I think we should get it done.”
“Get it done.”
He was going to make her say it, spell it out. Maybe not a real bright guy either. “Have sex, get me pregnant. I’m fertile right now, apparently, and time’s a-wasting. If I catch right away, you and I won’t have to see one another for a long time.”
****
He’d faced all imaginable adversaries during his rule, and seen things others would never have the fortune—or misfortune—to see. And he’d heard things too, all manner of things. But those words emerging from his concubine’s mouth slew him and he gritted his teeth against an unmeasured response. Part of him simply wanted to take her up on the offer, lift her from her perch on the chair, and carry her off to his rooms, where he’d introduce her to the means of getting her with child.
The cooler part of him, the one that ruled as he carried out his royal duties, warred to gain supremacy and won—marginally. He reined in his oh-so-male lust and need and regarded her dispassionately.
“That time will come, but of my choosing.”
Those huge, azure eyes widened, then became awash with moisture, and her lashes dropped to hide an emotion he didn’t care to decipher. The drooping of her shoulders signaled defeat and it cut him, as did her whispered response. “Okay.”
He was used to the ubiquitous as you wish, Master. He’d noted Celeste’s lack of respect in failing to append any of his titles in her conversation, of course, but had let it go in an effort to mend their differences. Okay and as you wish deferred to his will in much the same way. So why did he feel the loser?
“Celeste, if you would but open yourself to the possibility we will come to know one another and make our … joining more palatable, as well as providing a pleasant environ for my sons, I’m certain it will be for the best.”
“Sure.”
“See you at the evening meal, then. And Celeste? Custom requires you refer to me as Ruler. Or Master.”
“Sure. Ruler.”
His day was full, and he forced the memorized sight of his clearly despondent concubine to the back of his mind while he carried out his political duties. When he wasn’t shifting uncomfortably in his seat as his body reminded him of the way she’d looked on the breeding pallet. And when all the information Bast had shared with such admiration wasn’t popping into his head at inopportune times because he now had an actual person to apply it to.
He missed Bast. No number of assistants could replace his first servant, but his concubine required the man’s support and service. Bast had been influenced by the female as well—the man hadn’t been able to hide his disapproval of the way Lysett had treated her. He hoped Celeste would forgive Bast and consider him her first servant, if not a friend.
His mother was delighted to learn of the meeting with his chosen concubine, though she’d accepted his earlier edict of consummating the relationship first. That time was of his choosing for certain, and it was flowing through his fingers like sand, but his instinct dictated that he wait for his concubine to warm to him and accept her role with grace and not glum acceptance. He could afford a week, perhaps a little better.
In the interim, he would review the reports coming in from his agents on Celeste’s home world. The hints and nuggets of information had been analyzed already by Ashtun and it appeared the evidence was pointing to the heads of one or two of the opposing Houses. The why was curious, but not nearly as important as determining who, in order to snuff out the risk to his concubine and the others. The damage was already done on Earth, and for that he was sorry. There were still troops there, infiltrating the governments and endeavoring to mitigate the politics toward females, and perhaps there would be more positive social discourse between the planets in the future.
It registered that Meridia had had a great influence on that world’s development, the first fairly benign as the population was left to rebuild. The second … well, that planet was now confronted with the same risk of extinction Meridia faced until infused with the hope of procreation via Earth’s female inhabitants. The universe certainly worked in interesting ways.
The smaller ships tasked with delivering compatible specimens of male humans would be arriving at Meridia in several days’ time. The decision had been made to keep the genders separate, and the mother ship had transported the females, leaving the slower fighters to bring the males. The numbers were shockingly low, with the majority of Earth men refusing to relocate outright, something to do with not wishing to see their women “married off” or “whoring” to aliens. He could only hope those who did accept the offer were of a caliber suited to the remaining Meridian females.
Ashtun believed it to be true, citing open-mindedness and a lack of bigotry in those males who signed on, the self-serving males culled at the outset. He pondered the difference between the human sexes and found it fortuitous that Meridia had been blessed with locating so many human females, and that such a large number had accepted the contracts in direct contrast to the males. It hinted that Lady Celeste might soften toward him, though he might be indulging in wishful thinking. Perhaps life had been so difficult on Earth that his world was impossible to resist despite the role the females would be expected to play.
“You honor us, Celeste!” His mother was as effusive as he’d ever seen her, and even his father had unbent to welcome the new royal concubine. He’d been somewhat anxious, and thought that presenting a pregnant concubine would have more easily smoothed over the loss of Trosan, but that didn’t appear to be the case. His parents welcomed her most sincerely. He struggled with the idea, the memory of his childhood friend overshadowing his earlier determination to woo Celeste.
“Uh, thank you.” His concubine smiled tremulously, but she looked confused and worried.
His mother persisted, citing how fortunate Meridia was to contract with Earth’s females in order to continue their species. Reference was made to how kind and thoughtful the females were to agree to intermarry, and Celeste slowly relaxed and conversed. Except she didn’t look his way, not once. Not even when he addressed her directly. She tur
ned her head and answered, but he caught only a glimpse of long, lowered lashes and a reserved demeanor. His parents noted it too and cast him concerned looks. He cursed his own ambivalence and attempted to add to the conversation.
Ensuring his voice conveyed nothing but sincere admiration, he offered, “Celeste has applied herself with considerable diligence to her studies with Bast.”
His first servant nodded and spoke to her. “You have accomplished much, Lady Celeste, and have my admiration.”
“Thank you.” She spoke politely to Bast but without the warmth Lysett understood she’d displayed before the breeding pallet debacle.
Now annoyed with her attitude, he spoke without thinking, he who never did so, even amongst friends and family. “My concubine has also agreed to pursue the task of begetting sons immediately, as I’ve made her aware of the time constraints.”
Aside from a sharp gasp, Celeste made no response and his mother was too well bred to comment on his tasteless remark. Her glare more than made up for it and his father’s eyes flared dark green. Bast abruptly begged for leave and exited the room without waiting to obtain it. What was wrong with him to speak thus?
“R … Ruler is correct,” his concubine murmured, studying her plate. “I agreed to come to Meridia and I signed a contract. It’s not as if I had a brilliant future on Earth. And I like children.”
“And you agreed to honor our son with your acceptance,” his mother said brightly, clearly making an effort to smooth things over.
He cursed inwardly at his mother’s inadvertent offer of a possible avenue of escape and moved to quash it. “I have chosen, Mother, evoking the royal prerogative. The matter is closed.”
She raised her eyebrows and her glare softened. He recognized that look. He recalled it from his childhood when he’d fought strenuously for something he believed in and his parent supported his belief. Patting Celeste’s hand, Ellyce said, “The royal prerogative. I see. I look forward to being a grandparent, Celeste. I hope we can spend considerable time together. I’d be happy to show you around the city.”
His parent’s sprightly tone was an obvious attempt to lift the spirit of the room, and he once again spoiled the goodwill. How could his mother forget the risks so easily? “Celeste is confined to my home, Mother. There are dangers…”
“Of course. I’d forgotten in the excitement. I’ll come here then. When I’m invited,” she added hurriedly in response to Lysett’s stare.
“Certainly.” He forced lightness into his voice.
“I’d like that.” His concubine was looking at his parents, a certain desperation tightening her lovely features. It was obvious she couldn’t cope with the idea of being isolated—alone with him and without her friend, Bast.
“In the interest of me spending time with my concubine, perhaps we can close the evening,” he suggested, wanting to end the awkwardness.
His parents obligingly sorted themselves and bade Celeste farewell. He resigned himself to a familial lecture and a number of questions in the future, but neither questioned him in front of his concubine. After he saw them out of the door, accompanied by their guards, he squared his shoulders and marched back to the dining area. His father’s final glare and his mother’s worried face pricked his conscience.
The room was vacant, the only sign of Celeste a crumpled napkin beside her empty chair. Perhaps she hadn’t assimilated the rules and customs of his House as well as Bast conveyed. He strode upstairs and stopped outside the closed door to her rooms. His sense of humor, long denied, made his lips twitch. Foiled by a scrap of Earther.
Two guards merged with the shadows on either end of the hall and he composed his features before rapping sharply, wondering what he’d do if she refused to open up. Already his household was in turmoil and he’d only laid eyes on her a night ago!
The panel inched wider and Celeste’s pale face came into view. She stared up at him and his hands itched to reach out, pull her close, and stroke those glorious pale tresses.
“I apologize. Sir. Ruler. I should have waited for you to dismiss me.”
“Attend me.”
He paced downstairs, certain she would follow, yet listening for the faint fall of her footsteps. The stuff of her dress rustled faintly and he reflected how the silvery blue material had set off her eyes and hair. So very different than the females of his planet, so different from Trosan. He was startled by the lessening of his grief as he thought about his lifelong friend and concluded she would be happy for him and his line. Guilt then pricked him as he considered he was merely seeking an excuse to forget his friend.
Taking a seat in the lounge, he watched Celeste cautiously enter the room and pause to stare at him.
“Come here.” His thoughts churned and his emotions were in turmoil, but he was determined to make an effort. No goals were reached without completing objectives, after all.
She took measured steps until fetching up nearly at his feet. Reaching out, he grasped her hand and drew her down beside him. “What would you know about me?”
“Pardon?” Celeste perched on the edge of the seating, as far from him as their connected hands would allow.
“I know much about you, at least as much as you have shared in your file and your time with Bast. He believes you have been open and honest. I know your age, that you are without family, yet someone cared for yourself and survived. I know you fought bravely against odds even a seasoned warrior would avoid, that you were a leader among the other females.” He went on to speak of everything he could recall. She listened, nodding and making a minute grimace on occasion but didn’t voice anything. “And I wonder how it is that you weren’t taken by a male on your planet.”
“I didn’t choose to be taken. There was no one there I wanted.”
“So the necklace you wear wasn’t a gift from a male courting you?”
Her little fingers flitted to caress the jewelry. “No, this was my mother’s. It’s all I have of her. One of your troopers was kind enough to mend the chain for me.”
He knew he should respond to her loss and soothe her somehow, but was irrationally distracted by her casual reference to one of his men touching something that meant so much to her.
“Who might that have been?” He’d have Bast make inquiries…
“Janler. I forget his House. He was the male who kidnapped me, and he was kind.”
There was nothing other than sweet appreciation in her tone and Lysett forced down the reaction—that he wasn’t going to identify—to another male being near his concubine. Before he’d even known of her existence.
“I’m glad he was … kind. And pleased he kidnapped you.”
She blinked, surprise flickering in the depths of her eyes, and smiled tremulously. “You’re likely pleased there were so many of us. Not that most wanted the men who wanted them, to my understanding.”
“Do females make the choice then?” His recent reports disputed that.
“Sometimes. Sometimes not. I was fortunate to avoid having to make the choice, or concede. Until your … troopers landed.”
Stroking his thumb over the soft skin of her wrist, he noted how her pulse sped up. Perhaps it wouldn’t be as difficult as he thought to seduce this young female. It would definitely be kinder and set a precedent for their future. Goddess knew it would be no hard task for him personally, and he knew he was capable of keeping his distance emotionally. “And yet you accepted our offer. You didn’t choose to return.”
“I didn’t want to—at the time.”
“You wound me, Celeste. I have apologized for last night. And I offer an additional apology for my less than honorable comments this evening.”
He watched her digest his words, her feelings written clearly across her face. Disbelief, caution, and tentative hope were smothered by regret. “But I have no choice.”
“You do not.” He hardened his heart against how autocratic he sounded. Bast touted her suitability, and he, himself, desired her physically. That was enough. Arbitraril
y, the thought that he might meet another concubine surfaced, and it gave him pause. His first servant would not have left anything to chance, so why was he set on this particular female?
“So how does that make it right? Or fair?” Celeste’s sad, quiet voice interrupted his musings.
Carefully placing her small hand in her lap, he shifted to fully face her. “We all do things we don’t always want to do or choose to do. You are aware of our females’ difficulty with procreation. Bast has been most forthcoming with you in that regard?”
“Yes.”
“He will not have mentioned that my first concubine died as a result of conceiving my child. Neither survived.”
He wouldn’t have believed Celeste’s eyes could have grown any larger. He was unprepared for the sympathy that filled them and washed across her features.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“My grief is private and Bast will have left it for me to share. Her name was Trosan and she was of a neighboring, high-ranking House. She was my best friend, my lifelong friend, and she did her duty as I did mine. Only it cost her life.”
She swallowed and all vestiges of color leached from her face. “It’s difficult to lose loved ones.”
Of course, she would know the pain. She’d lost everyone and everything. Now that he’d perused her entire file, he was fully aware. He regretted his selfishness. “I see you understand. I am sorry for your losses.”
“Is that why you didn’t want to see me before last night? Why you had Bast teach me, and avoided me until the last minute?”
“Yes.” Curious how she came to such a quick understanding, but then he understood her to be highly intelligent. “I wasn’t prepared, apparently.”
“So it wasn’t me. The way I looked or anything.” A flush of pink inched upward from her throat and tinted her ivory cheeks.
“It wasn’t about your appearance at all. In fact, I believe we are well suited. I admired the female presented before actually meeting you, and in addition, I find you … attractive. I’m pleased Bast chose you.”
“Then I think we should go through with it right away.” Her small face was set in determined lines, different from her earlier challenge that they conclude the contract. He wouldn’t tolerate defiance.
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