Zandar had suggested a transmission meeting with the Mamaxon Councilman to inform them of the threat, but Korian had shot that idea down. They had no idea of who they could trust, and he didn’t want to clue the assassin in on the fact that they knew he was coming. That also meant that they had to allow Rox’Ana Ful’Tera to not only retain her freedom, but to attend the conference, as well. If all went according to plan, then he would be able to net both of the criminals at the same time, or as Jessica had phrased it, “catching two birds with one stone.”
At first, it had been difficult for Korian to come face-to-face with Zandar. Even knowing that what his spy had witnessed was a ruse, he still felt the boiling fury rise to the surface when he had arrived in the communications room onboard The Ax’Sandre and those hateful imaginings assaulted his mind. However, as soon as he encountered him, the lieutenant had stood to his feet, saluted his king, and had announced, “Mahoney has assured me that you have been briefed on the true reason for our presence in the noblewoman’s bedchamber. However, should you still wish to issue the Warrior Challenge, I will not dishonor either of us by refusing. You are a worthy king, and it is my privilege to serve you. Just know that Jessica MacGregor’s heart belongs to you alone, and I will swear my fealty to you both all my days.” Korian had allowed the silence to stretch between them for a long moment before he returned the salute and strode forward to clap the older man on the back in forgiveness. Even if the warrior had tasted the heaven of his thalia’s lips, the fact remained that Zandar was a loyal and worthy warrior and his actions that night may have saved Korian’s life. That was not a debt that he took lightly, and he would find a way to repay him in kind someday.
The evening before the arrival of the Council, Korian found himself ensconced in his office with Jessica, Mikael, and Mahoney as they finalized the logistical issues remaining for the T’Kalan exhibition, docking of the foreign airships, and the increased security detail and housing of the extra warriors that had arrived only hours before to report for duty. Though most of the plans were already in place, there were still the finer details to work out, and it took all four of them to ensure that the conference would proceed according to plan.
“When the exhibition and banquet have been completed, the Council members and I will be meeting together in a closed room right here,” Korian indicated with his finger on the projection of his compound’s blueprints.
Mikael stepped in seamlessly to continue, “We will have guards posted at the entrances and exits of all the rooms in the corridor, as well as two in the room with Korian. That will be me and Commander Andreus. Katsuko and Zandar Nic’Omar will be stationed right outside the room within easy hailing distance.”
Korian nodded his head in approval of the plan. “It is the general consensus that we expect the assassin to strike during the banquet when everyone is mixing and socializing. The opportunity for distraction and chaos to cover his actions is at its greatest during this time. We will have a total of 12 warriors patrolling the conference hall, and all focus should be on the Mamaxon party. Any signs of unusual activity should be reported to Mikael immediately.” When everyone nodded in understanding, he continued, “I know that we are all working hard to prevent the worst from happening, however, should the assassin succeed in his mission, I have prepared a plan of succession in order to protect our people.”
Jessica sucked in a breath and her jaw clenched. “That’s not going to happen, Korian. We have too many safeguards in place for them to be able to succeed.”
Korian’s heart gave a hard thump at the signs of her obvious concern. Reaching out to run his knuckles over her pale cheek, he replied, “I must not leave anything to chance, my thalia. There is too much at risk.” Turning back to include the others in his speech, he continued, “Again, should the assassin succeed against all odds, I have named Captain Mikael R’Varsel as Regent with full power and authority of the throne behind him until such a time as my youngling has been raised and trained to take their rightful place on the throne. He will continue to work with the Council in order to ensure their cooperation with protecting our home. Mikael has graciously agreed to this plan.”
Mahoney scowled and punched her lifemate in the arm. “You jackass! You didn’t tell me anything about this!”
The hulking warrior rubbed his bicep gingerly, but his lips were split with a wide grin. “It is only a contingency plan, little warrior. I saw no cause to provoke an argument with you over this plan when the likelihood of it proceeding to fruition was so small.”
Mahoney crossed her arms and frowned. “Yeah, well, you had better be on your game tomorrow, big guy. There’s no way that we’re babysitting the throne and the future king or queen for the next 20 years.”
Korian cleared his throat to regain control of the conversation. Casting a cautious glance at his temperamental thalia, he added, “I also believe that it would be safest for Jessica not to attend the function tomorrow night.”
“What?! There is no way I’m agreeing to that, Korian. Not after all the work we put into the exhibition!” she cried, her face heating with anger.
“I agree with Korian,” Mikael put his two cents in at the same time that Mahoney said, “I agree with Jessica.”
Everyone paused to regroup, the women shooting glares at the men, until Mikael threw his hands up in defeat. “Fine, I concede that the risk to Jessica is minimal tomorrow night. Very few people know that they have formed a personal relationship, and even fewer know that she carries his youngling. There is no reason for her to be targeted, but perhaps Katsuko would like to volunteer for guard duty since she is so insistent on her friend attending?”
He framed the statement as a question, but Mahoney heard it as a challenge. “You’re on, buddy. I’ll be the future queen’s personal bodyguard for the entire night if it will make Korian pull the wad out of his panties over her coming to the conference.”
Jessica snorted and Korian looked confused. “I do not understand this phrase, but I assure you that I do not wear panties, Mahoney. All that aside, I will agree to this compromise, but you must promise me that at the first sign of trouble, you will abandon me and ensure that Jessica is removed to a secure location and protected at all costs. That is your only mission on orders from your king. Do you accept, warrior?”
Mahoney clasped her fist to her heart and bowed her head. “I accept, King Korian. I will guard her with my life, as I would you.”
Jessica sighed heavily and exclaimed, “Honestly, you guys are so dramatic. No one will be paying a bit of attention to me with all the spectacle I have planned for the exhibition. Just keep your eyes peeled on those delegates, and we won’t have a problem.”
Korian clapped his hands together loudly and announced, “I believe we have everything under control. Everyone should retire to their rooms, and I will see you early in the morning.”
Mikael and Mahoney exited in order to head to the rooms they had been assigned at the king’s compound. When they were finally alone, Korian closed the short distance between him and Jessica and folded her into his arms. She melted into him willingly, the past week having eradicated all traces of hesitance to touch him. They stood like that for long minutes, just absorbing the comfort that they brought to each other.
Korian carded his fingers through her silky scarlet waves and said, “Jessica, this past week has meant more to me than you can ever know. Not only did I get to spend time with you, but you gave of your time and talents without complaint in order to help me impress the Council. I could ask for no better queen for my people than you. I know it is early days yet, but just know that I love you and our unborn babe, and I will protect you both with my life and even beyond death.”
Jessica sniffled against his shirt. “Dammit, Korian! Here go the waterworks again. I told you that my hormones are out of control,” she complained, wiping her wet cheek against his shirt. She took a shuddering breath and continued, “This has been the best week of my life, too. Your world and its people ar
e amazing, talented, gracious, and beautiful. I would be honored to be its queen, but even more than that, I would be honored to be your lifemate. I love you, too, Korian. I think I have for quite a while now.”
Korian’s chest swelled with emotion, but another part of him was swelling, too. “Does this mean that we may share our bodies with each other once more?” he asked, his tone hopeful.
Jessica pulled away from his chest and looped her arms around his neck. All traces of her tears were gone and she licked her bottom lip with invitation. “I’m done waiting, Korian. Take me to bed,” she purred as she ran her hand down his chest to trace to the dips and grooves of his muscles.
Korian wasted no more time. Bending at the waist, he scooped his woman into his arms as she squealed with laughter. He had been patient, he had made a good start on atoning for his mistakes, and he was beyond ready for his reward. If worse came to worse, this could be their last night together, and Korian planned to make every minute of it count with her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“Mahoney, stop it! For God’s sake, quit touching her. It’s creepy,” Jessica admonished her friend the next evening as she was getting dressed.
Mahoney snatched her hand away from the swirling orange designs in the alien female’s dark brown skin. “Crap. I didn’t realize I was doing it again. Sorry, Enahara.”
The Yeyolani female chuckled huskily and only smiled. “Tah, do not worry yourself, warrior. The spirit of the All Mother calls to you from within me. It is nothing to be ashamed about,” the heavily pregnant woman explained as she draped and pinned the fabric of Jessica’s gown. She continued to speak as she worked, “I find you humans endlessly fascinating. Two women of the same planet, and yet so very different. Within Jessica, I have sensed the blessing of the All Mother, yet within you, Mahoney, I sense the presence of Her daughter, the Fire Mother. You will be a fierce and protective mother to your young, much like Jessica’s companion, and will raise many strong daughters who will carry the Fire Mother’s blessings.”
Mahoney exchanged a bemused glance with Jessica who only grinned in reply. “Uh, thanks. I think,” the warrior female replied skeptically. She took a healthy step back from the alluring pregnant woman and asked, “Are you about done getting Jessica ready? The last foreign airship has docked and the delegates are making their way to the arena for the exhibition.”
Enahara gave a few last twitches to the shimmering black fabric that looked like the voids of space with stars twinkling brightly across the expanse. The bodice was tight and clinging, but the skirt flowed gently around her legs and seemed to float on an invisible wind. It was gorgeous on her, and made her flame-colored hair seem even more vibrant against its backdrop. Enahara studied her with a practiced eye and reached over to the bureau to retrieve the T’Kalan dagger hairpin. Pulling up one side of her heavy waves, the alien female clipped the pin in her hair and proclaimed her ready.
At Jessica’s feet, the sound of whining and yipping made all three females turn their gazes to the distraught bimbop clinging to her shoe. Jessica bent over and picked the animal up to cuddle against her chest while cooing and rubbing her fingertip along its nose.
Mahoney rolled her eyes and warned, “You’re going to get fur all over your dress, you big dork. Can’t you put that thing in its crate or something?”
Jessica looked scandalized. “Mahoney! That is cruel, even for you! She can’t help being over-protective. She cries and yowls anytime I’m away from her for more than an hour. I don’t know how I’m going to get through tonight without having her with me.”
Enahara looked thoughtful as she studied Jessica carefully. “Perhaps it will not be necessary to leave her behind, after all. Give me a moment, tah?”
The alien female gathered the scraps of the material for Jessica’s dress and began to fashion something with the help of her handheld material shaper. Within just moments, the seamstress handed Jessica a cloth bag that she could drape over her shoulder that was big enough for her pet to either lay in and sleep unseen, or poke her head out to see the action. Jessica was over the moon about it, but Mahoney was just plain over it and itching to go where the action was.
With effusive thanks to the talented Yeyolani female, Mahoney escorted Jessica to the hovercraft that waited to take them to the same arena where they had all stood a month prior when the crew of The Ax’Sandre had been feted for their bravery during combat. When they arrived, Jessica was impressed at the changes to the open-air stadium. Since it was well into dusk when the exhibition would begin, the whole place was lit with solar light panels that illuminated the giant T’Kalan flag depicted on the vidscreen that acted as the backdrop to the stage where the exhibition would take place. Jessica’s nerves were shot and she grabbed Mahoney’s arm and squeezed it tight as they walked inside to take their places next to Korian where he sat with the Council members.
“Have you seen the delegates from the other planets yet?” she whispered loudly to her friend as they dodged busy workers and chatting locals. “I’m dying to see what they all look like.”
Mahoney firmly pried Jessica’s fingers off her bicep and patted her gently on the shoulder. “I saw them all when we reviewed the guest list and matched faces with names, but I haven’t seen them in person yet. There are five planets that comprise the ruling Council for the Great Alliance of planets. The largest and most powerful is Mamaxon, of course. Their people are typically very tall and a variety of different shades of blue, so keep your eyes peeled for them. The next biggest planet is called Sinepax, and their people remind me of the elves from the LOTR movies. You know what I mean. They’re very pale, willowy, and have white hair, too. Kinda look washed out, if you ask me. Next is one that you’re already familiar with, the Harani. Like Officer Felonia and her brother Fallon, their people are feline in appearance, but with obvious humanoid characteristics.”
Jessica clapped her hands like a little girl. “Oh, I can’t wait to see more of them! It is so fascinating to see all the different races of aliens.”
Mahoney arched an eyebrow and made snorted. “Don’t get too excited. The people of Lugia-A, the fourth planet representatives of the Council, are hideous. I’m talking big-headed, bug-eyed, matte gray, Roswell types. Gives me a serious case of the heebie-jeebies, for real.”
Jessica counted up on her fingers as they walked. “So, that leaves one more. Who are the last ones?”
Mahoney’s eyes were darting around and her hand had settled on the hilt of her T’Kalan sword that was belted to the waist of her dress uniform. She sounded distracted when she replied, “That would be the rep from Pharganna. They’re very odd people. From what I could gather, they have some sort of sixth sense capabilities that allows them to detect deception and glean truth. I’m not really sure how it works, but they’re arguably the most valuable members of the Council because of it. Their appearance is pretty awesome, too. It’s almost like Lisa Frank threw up all over their planet. Their hair color ranges from bubblegum pink to purple to lime green and all over the spectrum of the rainbow, and their general dispositions are just as kooky and sunny. You’ll love them.”
By this point, they had reached the guarded entrance to the private box for the VIPs and Mahoney saluted the two warriors that guarded the entrance. They returned the greeting and nodded respectfully to Jessica as they held the door open for the ladies to walk inside. The box seats were spacious and were located front and center with the best view of the acts on stage. Jessica’s eyes took in the assortment of people milling around and chatting as they sampled the T’Kalan snacks provided for their enjoyment during the show. Like a lightning to a rod, her gaze met Korian’s and the relief and joy that lit up his face made her catch her breath at the sheer masculine beauty of the man. Korian excused himself from conversation with an extremely towering, slate blue-skinned alien and strode across the room to her.
Lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles, he murmured, “I did not think it possible, but you look even more beautif
ul than ever, my thalia.” To Mahoney, he added, “Keep a close eye on her tonight, warrior. I entrust my very heart into your care.”
Mahoney tipped her head with a smirk. “I’m leaving her in your capable hands for now, King Korian. I have to make my way to the staging area to prepare for the demonstration. After the show has concluded, I will return here to pick her up and take her to the dining hall for dinner.”
Korian clasped his fist to his heart and said, “I am most eager to see you in action in person, Lt. Cmdr. Mahoney. May the stars guide you to success.”
Mahoney returned his salute, reached over to tweak a lock of Jessica’s hair, and headed back out the door. Korian took Jessica’s hand and tucked it into his elbow and guided her toward the Council delegates. Her stomach fluttered nervously as they reached the first one and Korian paused to introduce them. Despite the familiar likeness from the little green men they envisioned on Earth, the representative from Lugia-A was a flat gray in color and there were no distinguishing characteristics that allowed her to determine the Council member’s sex. Even its voice was monotone and clipped and gave her no hints as to a gender. She managed to keep her Hollywood-ingrained fear of the alien well-hidden, but Korian still seemed to pick up on it and soon made their excuses to move on to the next ones.
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