The king sighed and rubbed his face wearily. “I am sure you are all too familiar with this feeling,” he conceded. “I knew Jessica MacGregor would be too tempting to resist, and I have been proven correct. It seems that my cockar guides my actions more than mind does these days.”
His friend laughed merrily and slapped his liege heartily on the shoulder. “Get used to it, my king. It will not change once you have taken her for your lifemate, but at least it does get easier to bear.”
Korian’s head shot up at Mikael’s words, and a flash of panic gripped his throat. “I cannot claim her for my lifemate, Mikael. Look at how divided my concentration is now at the time when I need it the most. I am being attacked from within by my own people and am anticipating another from enemies outside our skies. I cannot afford the time to properly woo and take care of another for longer than a month.” His voice was strained as he added, “Besides, most warriors do not take a lifemate until they are much older.”
Mikael’s eerily pale green eyes narrowed and he crossed his arms in defense across his massive chest. “I am only ten years older than you, Korian, and this old man just kicked your ass a week ago. Also, you are not like most warriors. You are the king, and it is expected for you marry and produce an heir or two. What difference if it is now or ten years from now?”
Korian pushed back from his desk and stood to his feet to pace. “I only met her for the first time a little over a month ago, and then that was only a glimpse as she walked out the door as I was walking in. It is true that I have come to care for her quickly in the ensuing weeks, but is that enough time to determine if we can spend the rest of our lives together in the same harmony? And what if Jessica does not wish to be a queen of an entire race of strangers? Do you not think that is too much to ask of anyone? How is that fair to her, to ask her to stay here, when I have already taken her from everything and everyone she knows and holds dear?” Korian shook his head in the negative. “No, Mikael. I cannot ask that of my thalia. I can only enjoy her company while she is here, and send her back home when it is time. It is what is best for her.”
His older friend shook his head in disgust. “You have no idea how much like Katsuko you sound right now. It is a good thing that I got to her first and helped her see the error of her thinking. Perhaps Jessica MacGregor will do the same for you. I hope, at least, that you are taking precautions to keep your seed from taking root in her womb if you are planning to make her return to Earth?”
Korian paled and he braced his weight against the desk when his legs suddenly turned to jelly. “I had not thought that far ahead, to be honest.” Shaking his thoughts clear, he shored up his spine with confidence. “It should not be a concern, though. Females only achieve fertility twice a year, and the odds of her conceiving in one month’s time are so low as to be negligible.”
An evil smile curled Mikael’s lips and his laughter was harsh and biting. “Did you not read the dossier I gave you on human biology before I agreed to the mission you assigned me? T’Kalan females may only be fertile twice a year, but human females have a fertility cycle every 28 to 31 days, Korian. There is a reason why humans on Earth number in the billions and struggle with overpopulation.”
Korian felt as if he had been sucker punched by his words. His knees trembled and he collapsed in his chair, all pretense at false bravado having dissipated. “I confess that I only skimmed your report as I did not think it pertinent at the time.” Korian tuned out his friend’s fierce growl of reprimand, his thoughts too consumed with the thought of Jessica’s stomach rounded with his child. “Did I not read in your ship’s logs that Mahoney has a device implanted in her uterus that prevents conception? Perhaps Jessica has one of these, as well,” he offered the thought as a lifeline.
“It is only because you are my king that I do not challenge you for daring to mention my lifemate’s reproductive organs,” his old friend glowered at him. “If you had read the entire medical log, just as you should have read my initial report, you would have seen that Jessica MacGregor had been taking an injected medication that some human females use to prevent seed from taking root. According to mina, the injection lasts for three cycles at a time before another one is required. However, the corrective treatment she received on the ship after her capture eradicated the drug from her system, along with any other foreign chemicals, in order to return her body to pristine condition. If you have not been taking precaution yourself by using an inhibitor, it is entirely possible that she already carries your heir.”
Korian felt lightheaded at his pronouncement and held his hand up to stay his captain from continuing on in this vein. It had simply not occurred to him to worry about such a thing, though it should have. He had been so swept up in his feelings of jealousy and lust that he hadn’t even paused to consider the consequences of his actions for both himself and Jessica. Her health and safety were his responsibility under T’Kalan law for the 30 days he claimed her as his captive, and he had played fast and loose with her body in neglecting to discuss the possibility of conception with her. It was his fault that she no longer had access to her own methods of prevention, therefore, the burden had fallen on him to ensure her wishes were respected and that she was protected from any unwanted pregnancy. He ignored the flash of pain that seared through his heart at the thought that she may not want his child, but now was not the time to reflect on that thought. He had failed his thalia, and he owed her recompense.
“What do I do now, Mikael?” he croaked, his throat having dried into dust. “How long do we wait until we know for sure whether she has conceived or not?”
His friend’s harsh expression softened into one of pity. “I am not altogether sure, my king. I can consult their human database for answers, but it may be better to ask Katsuko first.” The warrior and his king exchanged an uncertain look before Mikael added, “On second thought, perhaps it would be best to keep my lifemate out of this until we know for certain whether or not there is anything to be worried about. I will ask mina to research this subject and report her findings back to you. It also may not be a bad idea to have her perform a scan on Jessica to see if it can detect any changes in her hormonal structure.”
Korian thought he would pass out from lack of oxygen in his lungs. He ran his hands through his unruly black locks and heaved a defeated sigh. “Let me speak with Jessica first before you contact Officer Ax’Sandre. I am sure she still has her hands full with the repairs and restocking of her medical ward onboard the ship. I will see if Jessica will consent to a scan after I have explained our situation to her.”
Mikael grinned and rocked back on his heels, his glee at his king’s predicament obvious. “Whatever you say, my king. I can only imagine the panic you must feel right now, but just think on this as you wallow in your own guilt and fear. Imagine the thought of a small girl child with your black hair and her mother’s dark blue eyes or a tiny warrior with shocking red hair and pale lavender eyes.” Korian felt another punch to his guts as the image formed in his mind. Mikael continued, “I know that feeling, my king. I feel it every time I imagine the young that Katsuko and I will someday have together. I envy your anxiety in this moment, Korian. Do not screw this up.”
Korian simply nodded and watched in a daze as Mikael gathered up his warrior blade and stalked out the door. The whirlwind of chaos that was blowing through his mind would not allow him to order his thoughts, and he was still sitting at his desk two hours later. He tried to formulate a plan on how to broach the topic with her, but his treacherous mind just kept conjuring images of Jessica, her belly big with his youngling and her breasts full and swollen with milk.
He reached down to his crotch to adjust his swollen shaft into a more comfortable position and moaned, “The stars take me. I am in so much trouble.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The following evening, Jessica found herself engaged in another tedious gathering at the home of Rox’Ana Ful’Tera. The noblewoman had been relentless in her promise to squire her about
P’Hartha, but this was the first time that she had hosted a gathering in her own home. Jessica recognized many of the delegates from the contentious meeting a few weeks ago, but only the ones that she determined were sympathetic to Rox’Ana’s schemes to wrest control from the warrior king were present. The T’Kalan delegates were courteous and effusive in their praises of her, and it took all of Jessica’s acting skills to smile, laugh, and engage in the sly and cutting remarks the nobles aimed at their king. She despised the rich and elite nobles, and she wanted to throttle her hostess and her smug daughter with every word that dripped from their lips like venom.
It would have been easier to bear if she had been able to spend the last night wrapped around Korian’s body. She was disappointed when he had sent word via transmission that he was unable to return to the compound until the early morning hours, and didn’t wish to disturb her rest by visiting her room. She had consoled herself with his assertion that he would see her the next evening when she returned home, and indicated he had something important to discuss with her. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation, and she couldn’t help but to imagine increasingly unlikely scenarios for what he had to say. She ruthlessly squashed the stray thought that he might even confess to having feelings for her and ask her to stay on T’Kala for an extended amount of time. She refused to let herself even think of the possibility. Mostly.
Jessica excused herself from yet another grasping nobleman who had not so subtly propositioned her and headed toward the waiter that was offering goblets of zala berry wine. She accepted the offer of the drink gratefully and took a small sip. She blanched at the bittersweet taste against her tongue and regretfully returned it to the waiter and requested a glass of the fruit-infused water instead. Over the course of the last few weeks, she had lost her taste for the rich T’Kalan wine, and found herself parched for water, especially when a nasty headache began to brew in her skull much as it was doing now.
Just as the waiter returned to hand her a glass of the clear liquid, her erstwhile hostess showed up at her elbow. “Jessica, I trust you are enjoying yourself? I imagine that our gatherings are much closer to what you are used to on your home world than being in the midst of sweaty warriors who use their blades to do their talking for them.”
Jessica clenched her jaw, but forced her lips to stretch in an answering smile. “You have no idea how familiar this all seems to me,” she replied lightly, careful to keep the dripping sarcasm from her tone. Casting her gaze over the gathering, she searched for something to change the subject. Her eyes landed on Par’Nisis, the vain and shallow daughter of her hostess. The girl was indeed beautiful, but her lack of personality tarnished her appeal in Jessica’s eyes. “I see that your daughter seems to have recovered nicely from her disappointment over the failed marriage contract. I was sorry to hear that your attempts to see her settled into a prosperous and advantageous match were denied by the Council. It doesn’t seem fair that she should be punished for seeking a husband off-world when so many of the warriors do the same.”
She could tell that her veiled barb had hit home when the noblewoman’s pale pink eyes narrowed with rage. “Yes, my daughter is nothing if not resilient. I still don’t know how the king managed to catch wind of our plans, but I am sure he has his spies embedded everywhere,” she replied icily, her gaze riveted on the young Earthling actress. “I’m sure you hadn’t heard the full details of what transpired, but apparently the king went behind my back to paint me as a treasonous revolutionary to the Council, and used my marriage contract for Par’Nisis as his proof. He claimed I was bribing an official by offering my daughter as payment. The charges are absolutely absurd, and he has tarnished my good name before the Council. I will see him pay for his insults by any means necessary.”
Jessica fought back a shiver at the poison lacing her tone and the fury that burned in her eyes. For the first time since she had agreed to this scheme, she felt a frisson of fear skate up her spine. She cleared her throat and tried to bring their conversation to a more pleasant place. “Still, it doesn’t look like Par’Nisis will have any trouble securing another mate. She is quite beautiful, and any man would be lucky to have her for a lifemate,” she lied through her teeth.
Rox’Ana’s eyes sparkled with undisguised pride. “Oh, yes, we have already had to field many offers for her hand. However, we are holding out for the most advantageous match possible. Perhaps she will meet someone during the gathering to be held after the king’s big meeting with representatives from the Council at the end of the month.” At Jessica’s look of surprise, the noblewoman rushed to fill her in. “I see that the king has been too busy to keep his guest informed, so I will once again step in to fulfill his obligations. King Korian has invited representatives from the Council that govern all the planets in the Great Alliance to his home for a convention. I am told that he hopes to impress upon them the need for their help in preventing another attack by the Warfarers now that we have been made aware of their stolen cloaking tech. After the formalities are done, he has planned a huge gala for his guests to enjoy themselves. As the delegate from the capital city, I was of course invited to attend.”
Jessica tried not to let the hurt show on her face at the fact that Korian had neglected to mention this big event to her. Maybe that’s what he wanted to talk to her about later? That had to be it, and Jessica was both mollified and a bit disappointed that was all he wanted to discuss. “I wish you both the best of luck in securing her an excellent match,” she replied politely, desperately seeking a way to end their conversation. She was relieved and elated to see Zandar enter the room in answer to her prayers. “Oh, look!” she exclaimed, catching the attention of her hostess. “I see my friend has arrived. I didn’t realize that Zandar would be here this evening.”
Rox’Ana smirked. “Well, after seeing how you two hit it off at the movie premier at the king’s compound, I took it upon myself to invite him this evening. Zandar is definitely more civilized than most warriors, no doubt thanks to his connections to his brother-in-law, and it does not hurt that he is quite easy on the eyes.” Her gaze turned sly as she regarded her guest. “There is no reason that you shouldn’t enjoy all of T’Kala’s delights, Jessica. Warriors may be barbarians, but I am told that they are quite spectacular in bed.”
Jessica felt the heat of her blush creep up in her cheeks at her hostess’ bold words. She hoped that the clever woman didn’t realize that her embarrassment stemmed from first-hand knowledge of the claim, and instead assumed it was because of her supposed interest in Zandar. “I won’t deny being curious about that, Rox’Ana. There aren’t that many men that look like these warriors where I come from.”
Her hostess laughed and raised her hand to flag down the towering warrior. Zandar’s pale brown eyes zeroed in on where she stood and his face lit up with a pleased smile when he spotted Jessica standing next to her. “I’m sure the king does not give you the freedom needed to find out for yourself, so if you and Zandar were to disappear from the party for a time, I will ensure that word does not make it back to the king.”
Jessica had no time to reply to her scandalous offer before Zandar was standing before them. He barely spared a glance for his hostess as he offered her a formal greeting before picking Jessica’s hand up in his own and pressing a gallant kiss to her palm. “Jessica, I am happy that we could meet again. I was afraid that our lovely hostess would keep you all to herself for the duration of your stay here and that I would not have the opportunity to bask in your loveliness once more.”
Jessica’s heart melted at his sincere words, but Mahoney’s warning echoed in her ears. She would have to find the right moment to let the warrior down gently and confess to her relationship with the king before he said or did something they would both regret. “I’m so glad to see you again, too, Zandar. I’ll have to find a way to thank our hostess for being thoughtful enough to invite you. Rox’Ana has my best interests at heart, you know. She knows that we’re friends and hoped that inviting you tonight
would be a comfort to me in the midst of so many unfamiliar faces.”
Zandar’s eyebrow quirked at her careful phrasing, but he dutifully turned to offer a kiss to the noblewoman’s palm, as well. “Then I must offer you my sincere gratitude, Rox’Ana Ful’Tera. I am sure that your thoughtfulness in regards to the king’s guest will be repaid a hundredfold.”
The noblewoman’s laughter was throaty and flirtatious when she replied, “Oh, I am sure that it will. Please, make yourself at home and enjoy the refreshments, Zandar Nic’Omar. I must get back to my other guests, so I will leave the two of you to get better acquainted.”
Jessica avoided Zandar’s knowing gaze as their hostess sailed off with a sly laugh. Zandar liberated a glass of wine from the ever-present waiter who hovered nearby, and said dryly, “Not very subtle, is she?”
She almost choked on her sip of water and had to waive away the concerned waiter while she coughed and laughed at the same time. When she finally caught her breath, she wheezed, “I’m glad you saw through her scheme. She all but told me to sneak out of the party with you so we could hook up.”
Zandar cocked his head in confusion. “What do you mean by ‘hook up’? Is that an Earthling phrase for sharing our bodies with each other?”
Jessica blushed again and darted her eyes around to see who was listening. She gave the stink eye to the nosy waiter who didn’t seem too keen on circulating with his drink tray and grabbed Zandar’s arm to drag him to a quiet corner. “Not so loud, Zandar! The last thing we need is for Korian to hear gossip circulating about me and you ‘sharing our bodies.’”
Zandar nodded his head gravely. “I understand your fear of this reaching the king’s ears, but I believe that is what Rox’Ana is counting on. The Captive Law is sacred among the warriors, and for one warrior to court and seduce another warrior’s captive is the height of disrespect and would lead to a challenge by sword. It has not happened for generations, but it is not entirely unheard of. I suspect that Rox’Ana hopes that I would be foolish enough to cross the king this way, because it would force King Korian to defend his honor by issuing a challenge. I am older and a more seasoned warrior than our king, so it would not be boastful to claim that I would likely come out of such a battle victorious.”
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