Escape From Zulaire
Page 25
“An amazing tale altogether.” Rahuna set his wineglass on the table when Andi and Tom had finished. “I lived through most of it, and even I can hardly credit our good fortune. But much work remains to be done, my friends.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Lord Tonkiln agreed, clenching his fists. “Even if this one alien sentient has been eliminated, and we’re fortunate enough that there were no others, we have to clean out the pockets of rebellion. Rebuild trust between the three Clans. A divided Zulaire will fall to the enemy.”
“If there are any other Betang on Zulaire,” General Chang-Wilkins told them, “it’ll be a major operation to save the planet. Highest priority. We must work in unison on this. The Sectors can’t afford to cede a planet in this Sector to the Mawreg so you’ll have our full cooperation, Lord Tonkiln, I assure you.”
“Captain Deverane, I’m told you’re eligible for retirement now?” The ruler toyed with his wineglass, swirling the ruby liquid.
“I’ve served enough years to retire.” Tom raised his eyebrows as he shifted in his chair and drank some wine.
Startled by the turn the conversation was taking, Andi glanced from one man to the other. Why would Tonkiln care about Tom’s career decisions?
Steepling his fingers, the Planetary High Lord peered at the captain. “Zulaire isn’t open to outside settlement via veterans’ acres claims, but I can make an exception in your case. A substantial exception.” Rising and pacing in a tight circle, Tonkiln said, “Zulaire and I owe you much already, but I ask for more. We need someone with interstellar military experience and strong connections to the Sectors to take charge of the unified planetary defense force I’m going to establish. We must find a way to blend Obati, Shenti and Naranti in one strand and build on that, creating a military capable of protecting this world and my people.” He paused in front of Tom’s chair. “Would such a challenge interest you? Compensation would be commensurate to the task, I assure you.”
Setting his glass aside, Tom rose to his feet. “An incredible offer, sir. I’d definitely be interested. It’s an honor to be considered, but I’d have to discuss it with Andi.”
Smiling, she gazed at him. “There are so many things to commend that plan I can’t begin to list them. There can’t possibly be a better-qualified candidate for the job.”
Tonkiln nodded. He put one hand over his heart, fist clenched, and bowed slightly to Andi. “You’re welcome to return to my home to recuperate after your medical treatment. From this day forward you are a daughter of the Tonkiln House, a member of the Obati Clan, with all the rights and privileges that pertain.”
Lords of Space, he just made me a princess of Zulaire. Stunned, she was almost at a loss for words, stammering as she said, “I’m grateful, sir, and deeply honored. As far as tonight, though, I’d prefer to go on to my own home.” The mere idea of being in the busy Tonkiln household, even with my newly acquired status as daughter, isn’t appealing in any way. I want some peace and quiet.
And time alone with Tom.
Grinning, the captain winked at her.
Andi knew she was blushing as her cheeks grew warm. A lot of time.
Rahuna stepped forward. “Would you permit this much, Andi, that while you’re at the hospital on the base, the High Lord and I will direct our staffs to open your house, lay in supplies, make all ready for you?”
“Thank you, what a lovely idea,” Andi said, much relieved. Tactful Rahuna to the rescue yet again.
“All right then, now that’s settled,” Tom declared, “I’m getting her medical treatment without further delay.” Taking her tea cup, he set it on the table next to his wineglass. Crouching down so he could study her face, he asked quietly, “Can you walk, or would you like me to carry you?”
“I can walk.” Taking his outstretched hand, Andi stood, favoring her left side, which ached abominably. She was halfway across the room, heading to the exit, before Lord Tonkiln’s imperious voice stopped them. “Tomorrow, we have business to conduct, Andi.”
“Business?” Leaning heavily on Tom’s arm, she turned to face the ruler. “What business, sir?”
“I have ore piling up at the mines.” Tonkiln waved vaguely to the west.
Bewildered, Andi shook her head, holding up a hand to stop the flow of words. “Why are you talking to me about this? I’m not the resident Loxton agent.”
“Either you’re ratified as the Loxton planetary agent or Zulaire takes all of its considerable business to another company. Immediately.” Tonkiln’s tired smile softened the stern lines of his autocratic face. He shook a finger at her. “I know who really kept the office running smoothly, made sure all obligations were met and the terms were fair. None of this was accomplished by Mr. Flintmay. He would have been lost without you.”
She swallowed hard. “I’m honored by your confidence in me.”
Sipping his wine, Tonkiln waved a careless hand. “As long as I know you’re going to be in charge, I can wait a few days more. Yes, Captain, I see your impatience with this talk of commerce while the lady stands injured. Be gone then, off with you both.”
Other than Tonkiln’s impassive guards, the hall was empty. At the first turn in the corridor, safely out of sight, Tom pulled her into a fierce embrace, kissing her passionately.
Footsteps sounded behind them. Andi stepped back, Tom taking a defensive position in front of her, hand on the blaster at his side.
Dusty black robes flying, Rahuna was hurrying to catch up. “I have something of yours, something you’ll need, I’m sure.” When he reached them, he knelt, fumbling with the unfamiliar closures on the backpack he’d brought. Unsealing the flap, he withdrew the shimmering bride’s shawl. Clambering to his feet, the cleric made a little ceremony of holding the garment out to her.
Andi knew she was blushing again, afraid to look at Tom. He pulled the fabric from Rahuna’s fingers and wrapped the shawl’s gauzy folds tenderly around her shoulders. When she glanced up, happiness suffused her at the warm expression on his face.
Eyes bright with approval, Rahuna clapped his hands. “Yes, my children, I predicted you’d need this when I met you the first afternoon on the transportway, did I not? I prefer officiating at the early fall weddings, you know. Officiating at yours will give me great pleasure.” He beamed at them.
“I’d like to do my own proposing, if you don’t mind.” Tom put his arms around Andi and pulled her closer.
“Ah, I’ve been premature in my congratulations. I see.” Not the least bit embarrassed, Rahuna smiled, wagging a finger at him. “Or else you’ve been tardy in asking the question, Captain.” Chuckling, he walked away.
Andi looked at the floor. She could feel the heat in her cheeks.
“Hey.” Gently, Tom forced her to turn around, putting one finger under her chin so he could see her face. Shyly, she tilted her head and raised her eyebrows as his gaze locked onto hers.
Swaying, Andi let herself melt into his strong embrace.
Tom kissed her before asking, “You will marry me, won’t you? You’re my heart and my home, the only thing that matters to me in this life.”
“Put like that, how can I possibly refuse?” She smiled.
He crushed her to him as he claimed her in a kiss that left them both a bit shaken. Groaning in frustration, he took her hand. “We’ve got to get you through that rejuve treatment and find some privacy before we both go crazy. How far did you say your house is from the base?”
“All the way across the city.” She laughed. “Of course, now that I’m a Tonkiln daughter, I don’t have to pay attention to speed limits or traffic laws.”
“Good. We’ll set a record.”
They resumed their walk toward the spaceport exit, where the general had promised a vehicle and armed escort would be waiting. Mitch had gone awhile ago to ensure the arrangements were made.
“Does everything on this planet happen so fast?” Tom held the door open for her.
“What do you mean?” Andi strolled past him, emerging i
nto hot sunlight.
He followed, touching her elbow and pointing to the waiting military convoy. “I’m retiring. I’m cured of the incurable bhengola. There’s a new job.” He stopped and embraced her again, staring into her face. “I’m getting married.” Head resting comfortably against his hard chest, Andi could hear his heartbeat. “Ten days ago, you were only an obscure name in a pre-mission briefing.”
“And now?” She held her breath for his answer.
“And now—” He gave her that genuine smile, the one that reached and warmed his eyes. “I can’t live without you.”
“I can handle that. Try to remember one thing, though—I don’t take orders very well.”
He grinned. “Not a problem.”
She closed her eyes as he moved to kiss her, and for the last time she had a vision of the alpha urabu, gazing at her quizzically, head tilted. Thank you, my friend, she thought, addressing her legendary champion. My journey is complete. There’s nothing more I need or want.
The buck tossed its majestic antlers once in farewell and was gone.
***
For the rest of her years on Zulaire, Andrianda Deverane was the possessor of such good fortune that she became a legend herself. For it was said that the urabu of Sanenre had bestowed their blessing on her…once upon a time.
ABOUT VERONICA SCOTT
Best-selling, award-winning author Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library full of books as its heart, and when she ran out of things to read, she started writing her own stories. Married young to her high school sweetheart then widowed, Veronica has two grown daughters, one young grandson and cats. You can usually find Veronica on Twitter, at her blog or on Facebook. Check out Veronica's Website!
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
About the Author