“Yes.”
Makar immediately responded. “You need to come to the flight pod. Something’s happening out here that you need to see.”
His gut tightened. “I’ll be right there.” Dressed, Lucien stepped out into the corridor and found his legati leaning against the wall.
“Good morning, Eryx. I see Makar called you, too.”
Eryx nodded. “Yes. He didn’t say much, but it sounded urgent.”
Lucien shook his head. “As crazy as this may sound, I’m looking forward to something new. Two days of drifting with no particular destination is taking its toll on me. I’m hoping I get to kill something.”
Eryx laughed. “I think we’re all of the same mindset. The others are in the cargo hold and basically beating the shit out of each other from sheer boredom.”
Chuckling, Lucien stepped inside the flight pod. “I tried that yesterday. Haemon almost cracked my ribs. The male is lethal.” One glance at the port viewer and he stopped moving.
“Is that what I think it is?”
Nodding, Makar pointed out two small objects in the distance. “We finally came into range to where I could confirm they were indeed transport ships instead of debris. They appear to be caught in the gravity pull as well. I haven’t tried communicating with them. It may not work, but I wanted your input.”
“Try it.”
Makar set communications to short range. “Insedi Athenian Genus Four to unidentified craft. Genus Four flanking at forty-five degrees aft. Please identify.”
Surprise lifted all eyebrows when a response filtered through the cabin. “Shastun Ei Farur. Crax. Tas’un?”
Lucien leaned closer to the viewer. “I’ve heard that language before. Can you make the image cleaner?”
Makar pushed the scan to the highest setting and Lucien stood upright. “It’s Nawien. I can tell by the half-bowl shape and the flanges extending out on the port side. The wings are sitting at thirty degrees which tells me they’re coasting along. Pull up the flight log on my last trip. There’s a code we can transmit that will identify us. They’ll be able to interpret and respond in kind. They’re harmless. They trade with Messor.”
With the code located, Makar submitted a data-stream communication to the Nawien vessels. Several tense minutes passed before a return message arrived.
“They’re reporting the same anomaly, except the coordinates where it occurred are not the same as ours. It wasn’t even close. There are a total of twelve Nawiens on board transporting a clerical delegation of eight Sitherns in the first one. They were heading to Messor and now think we’re here to rescue them. Too bad I can’t give them better news. How much do you want me to tell them?”
Lucien gestured to the communication grid. “Make another attempt at Messor and base command. Maybe we’re out of whatever was blocking long range.”
After five unsuccessful hails, Lucien shook his head. “Gods damn! Why is only short range working? This makes absolutely no sense.” He ran a frustrated hand through his hair and released a resigned sigh.
“Tell them that our predicament is the same, and make no mention of the cylinder launch. I’d hate to get their hopes up if we have none coming to rescue us. Let them know that whatever happens, we’ll do this together.”
* * * *
Kallon stood in front of the door to his quarters, pressed his forehead to the cool metal, and lost track of time. It wasn’t until he felt a slight tug to his braid that he realized he must look a fool. Glancing over his shoulder, he was happy to see it was Maxim that found him. He rolled his body until his back was flat against the wall and held his palm up before Maxim could speak.
“Don’t say it.”
“Say what?”
“You know.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Yes, you do.”
“Doc, you’re starting to scare me.”
“Go ahead. I’m ready.”
“Ready for what?”
“For you to tell me I look like an idiot.”
“You look like an idiot. Happy now?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Now let’s get something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Yes you are.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Anyone that falls asleep leaning on a door doesn’t have enough fuel traveling to their brain. A brilliant doctor told me that once.”
“I wasn’t asleep.”
“Yes you were.”
“Impossible.”
“You were snoring.”
“No I wasn’t.”
“Give it up already, doc. You’re busted.”
“Shit.”
“Yup.”
Ten minutes later, Kallon sat in the officer’s galley and stared at a plate full of food he wasn’t sure he could keep down. He could feel Maxim’s eyes boring into him. He knew if he didn’t start shoveling it into his mouth, the big male might do it for him. When the first spoonful passed his lips, Maxim spoke.
“I know you’re worried for Ulixes and the emperor, but you have to get some rest or you’ll do neither of them any good. The ship’s clinic doesn’t need you there at every moment. We’ve been out three days and this is the first time I’ve seen you anywhere close to your quarters. I’m surprised you made it that far without face-planting on the deck. You don’t have to treat every Insedi that comes in with a bellyache or a cut. The Prometheus carries over seven hundred warriors. They spar to ready themselves for war, so you’re never going to lack for a patient. Your staff is perfectly capable of handling things without you. I’ll come get you the moment we hear any news. No, don’t talk. Just eat.”
Kallon accepted the water Maxim offered and continued to chew.
“Look, doc. I’m only saying this because it’s what you’d do for me. I believe I remember a conversation not long ago about helping friends that couldn’t see they were hurting themselves while they searched for a loved one. Don’t look at me like that. I have a very good memory. You know that you grieve for the possibility of what may have happened to Ulixes. You have to quit thinking that way. I’m choosing to believe that he and our emperor are fine and we’ll rescue them shortly. I refuse to think otherwise. The finest warriors of our breed are with them.”
Kallon couldn’t bring himself to lift his eyes again to stare at a version of Maxim that wasn’t playing the jokester. This male in front of him now was solemn and concerned. Kallon fought the lump swelling in his throat and didn’t recognize his own voice as it fled from his lips.
“If I stop for even a second, I see his beautiful brown eyes and the shy smile he gave me before he left. Our good-bye was rushed and I was hesitant in my last words to him. I may never have the chance to say them now.” He sensed Maxim leaning closer. His words were soft.
“What would you have said if you could do it over again?”
Kallon glanced up into Maxim’s steel-gray eyes and wondered why he’d never noticed how observant and understanding Maxim could be.
“I would have said that I loved him. I would have told him I believed him to be my mate.”
Maxim leaned back and nodded. “Good. Those are fine words and you can tell him when he returns. I’m sure he’ll be very happy to hear them.”
Glancing back to his empty plate, Kallon let the air slowly release from his lungs and savored the loosening of his muscles. It felt good to relieve the nagging guilt from a lost moment. He would remain positive and be ready when he saw his mate again.
“Maxim?”
“Yes, amici?”
“Thank you. I mean it.” Glancing up, he was surprised by the slight flush to the big warrior’s cheeks.
“You’re welcome. Now finish the food. I’ll walk you back to your quarters to make sure you get on the other side of the door this time.”
Kallon smiled. “I was truly asleep?”
“Yes. You were drooling, too. I had to wipe your face like a baby.”
Snorting, Kallon shoved at
Maxim’s shoulder. “Now I know you jest.”
Maxim feigned innocence. “Serious. I thought you were going to suck on my thumb there for a moment.”
Kallon’s rush of laughter drew interested glances from a table full of flight officers sitting nearby. He lowered his voice and leaned closer.
“I knew you were in there.”
Maxim’s eyebrows rose. “Are you going to start talking strangely again? I can get you some juice.”
Leaning back, Kallon grinned. “No, I’m just glad to see the jokester again. I need the both of you, obviously.”
Maxim smirked and stood up. “Come on, doc. You’re getting too sentimental and skeeving me out.”
Kallon could see the slight lift to the big warrior’s shoulders and knew he was skirting over a seldom used and uncomfortable emotional spot. “Fair enough. I promise I won’t tell.”
“Tell what?”
“That you’re smart and sensitive.”
Maxim snorted and straightened his spine. “For Dii’s sake, keep that to yourself or I’ll leave you in the hallway next time.”
Laughing, Kallon rose and followed his friend from the galley. “You’re a worthy male, Maxim.” He smiled at the hushed whisper that drifted over his friend’s shoulder.
“You, too, amici.”
* * * *
Lucien stared at the black king for what felt like an eternity, touched the tip of its marbled crown, hesitated, and then moved his hand away. He repeated the motion several times before he heard an exaggerated sigh.
“You really don’t want to play, do you?”
Glancing up, Lucien stared into Ulixes’s questioning brown eyes and knew he was busted.
“Not really, amici. I’m deciding whether to move him so you can easily beat me, or to fling him across the room. I fear my love of chess has fled and will never return.”
Ulixes nodded and began packing the pieces back into a simple wooden box lined with silk. “I’m in accord with your thinking. Too much of a good thing will quickly sour one to its original draw. I may never play again. It will remind me too much of this incessant trip.”
Slumping back in his chair, Lucien glanced around his spacious quarters and sighed.
“I’ve run out of things to do, I fear. I’ve sparred with the others so many times that I’ve learned all their moves. The excitement is long gone. I know the training manual by heart and may actually teach a class if we ever get out of this mess. I even tire of staring at the endless stars that pass our windows. Three days and we’ve yet to see a different view. Do you have any suggestions?” Glancing back to Ulixes, he wasn’t expecting the contemplative expression while he rolled a chess piece between his fingers. It was the white queen.
Ulixes gently set the piece down on the table and sat back in his chair. He cocked his head to the side and a small furrow appeared between his brows.
“You’ve never spoken of your empress. I’ve often wondered what name she carried. I don’t know why, but it weighs heavily on my mind that I never knew. I was but a simple guard when Basilius did the unthinkable. I was not privy to his machinations. If I’ve overstepped my bounds, I’ll never mention it again. Just say the word.”
Lucien stared at the chess piece for a few moments, then looked up into Ulixes’s pain-filled eyes. He found himself amazed that just a short month ago he would have killed him on sight without a single word spoken or a moment of hesitation. What a loss that would have been. He measured his words carefully.
“Looking at you now, Ulixes, makes me realize the tenuous nature of our existence. I was just thinking that, had I met you under different circumstances, I would have taken your life as easily as Basilius took my mate’s. I wouldn’t have given you another thought as I walked away. Now? I’m thankful that I was given the chance to know that you and your race were oblivious to the mad king’s actions.”
Lucien reached out and lifted the white marble queen. It was cold to the touch, and a quiet sadness washed over him. He gently placed the piece next to the black king nestled in his silken bed and closed the lid. He sat back and released a heavy breath.
“You’re the only one that’s ever asked me about her since that day. Even my son has stepped away from that topic for fear I would descend into madness. All around me, the subject is avoided. It’s as if she never existed. But she lived and I did love her. Her name was Junia. I mated her at the age of nineteen. She wanted children not long into our relationship, but she had difficulties and we refrained for centuries after two never made it to their birth. Drusus was born a mere thirty-three years ago. He was a miracle to us.” Lucien smiled and looked up at Ulixes, who was now leaning forward in interest.
“It feels good to speak of her. I thank you for being brave enough to ask. This makes you a true friend to me.”
Ulixes looked relieved and returned the smile. “What was she like?”
Lucien paused for several moments before responding. “She was a quiet beauty and very shy. We were content in our pairing until my father and mother passed and drastically changed our lives. The reign of empress never really sat well with her. She was one of four that had shown signs of being a potential and I could never understand why my parents thought she would fit into that role.” Lucien tilted his head at the revelation. He hadn’t really thought about the consequences of his parents’ final choice. Deciding it felt good to actually speak the words he’d only run through his own mind, he continued.
“If she’d had her way, we would have abdicated and lived a simple existence in the country. Court life was difficult for her. The deceit and political maneuvering of the senate mates upset her, so she spent much of her time with her parents. She sent Drusus to live at the palace on his tenth year. He was in need of serious overlooking. His mind was strong and I think he grew bored of the rote existence. She visited when she could, but they began to grow further and further apart.” Drawing his brows together, Lucien looked away from Ulixes’s unwavering gaze.
“I hadn’t thought of that for some time. Perhaps from guilt? I don’t know. We were apart more than we were together. Had I only abdicated as she wished, I would have more memories to share other than of her being the mother of my child.” Movement from the corner of his eye brought his gaze back to Ulixes. His head was shaking and his eyes incredulous.
“No. It couldn’t have been any other way. Your mate knew full well the depth of your love for her. I can see it in your eyes. But, you were meant to lead your race. You were born to it and it’s a natural thing for you. It would have been tragic for your people not to have experienced your leadership. I could never imagine you finding satisfaction as a simple farmer. Eventually, you would have blamed her for your restlessness and unhappiness. You both got what you needed. Don’t think of what might have been, but remember what was good in the time you were together.”
Lucien laughed and leaned forward. “Ulixes! Your candor is refreshing. You have absolutely no fear in speaking your mind and making me see the truth of things. I thank you, amici. I will not wrap myself in pity a moment longer. The events have long passed and should be left there.” He was surprised at the instant lowering of Ulixes’s eyes and his saddened expression.
“I was not always this blunt, Lucien. I have only just recently learned to speak my mind. The more time I spend with your race, the greater understanding I have of what it truly feels like to live free. This is why I admire the empire you’ve built. You are adored by your people and they thrive under your reign.”
Ulixes lifted his head, and Lucien was taken aback by the intensity within the male’s eyes and the adamant set of his jaw before he spoke.
“This is why I wish I had been born Insedi.”
Lucien reached out and placed his hand over Ulixes’s trembling fingers, deeply moved by the sudden declaration. He knew in that exact moment what he must do. It was as inevitable as his next breath.
Chapter 4
Lucien stood and rounded the table. “I would be proud to ca
ll you brother. Rise, Ulixes.” He placed his hand upon the big male’s shoulder when he reached full height. Feeling the slight tremble of the muscles beneath his palm, he squeezed in reassurance.
“Do you speak the truth, Ulixes?”
“Aye. With all my heart.”
Lucien yelled out, “Eryx. I know you huddle like a shadow in the corridor. Enter and stand as witness.”
Eryx immediately slipped into the room, clasped his hands behind his back, and nodded. Lucien looked back to the wide-eyed Protonecian.
“Give me your full name.”
“Ulixes Memnon Dionysus.”
“Kneel before me.” Ulixes dropped to his knees as if his shoulders could no longer carry the weight of his sadness.
“Look into my eyes, Ulixes Memnon Dionysus. Do you publically renounce your allegiance to the Republic of Protonecis? Do you claim yourself free of any sovereign leadership?”
Ulixes’s voice was shaky with emotion.
“Yes, and I do so without hesitation or coercion.”
“Good. Then we shall claim you as our own. I, Lucien Rion Tarquinius, Sovereign Elite and Emperor of the Insedivertus Empire, hereby offer citizenship with all rights and privileges as if you were born to our world and its glorious race. Do you accept this gift with open heart and solemn fealty?”
“Aye.” Reverently, Ulixes lifted his palm to his heart and closed his eyes.
Lucien motioned for Eryx to approach.
“Eryx Crios Resta. Do you bear witness and affirm the acceptance of citizenship by Ulixes Memnon Dionysus as bestowed by your emperor?”
“Aye.”
“Rise, Ulixes. Be forever known as a son of Insedivertus.”
Ulixes bowed his head and clenched his fist against his heart. Moments later, he raised shining eyes and presented a glorious smile. “This is a momentous day. I am complete.”
Lucien reached forward, clasped the male’s fist, and pulled him up. “Yes. It’s a wondrous day for us all, amici.”
Eryx clapped him on the back. “Welcome, my Insedi brother. Let’s go tell the others. They crave a diversion and this will surely call for celebration. Sotarios may actually allow us sweet treats from the ration.
Fueled by Lust: Lucien (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 3