“I didn’t ask to be dressed in this,” she said in a soft voice.
“It’s my whim, Starling. Like interceding to keep you from my brother is a whim.”
“Is that a threat?”
“A reminder.”
Starling said something in a different language.
He frowned. “What did you say?”
“You didn’t understand me?”
“No. What did you say?”
She said more, watching him closely. A slow smile curved her lips. “You really didn’t understand a word I just said.”
“I’ve already said I did not. Knowing that, you’ll need to translate or speak in a language I can understand.”
The mischievous glint in her eyes let him know she wouldn’t heed his command.
“Fine. Keep your secrets. I have duties to which I must return. I also require the company of my new pet.”
“It’s not like I have much choice in the matter.”
Fear made her voice quiver. He slid his finger down her cheek. “Once you grow accustomed to this life, you’ll stop fearing it. Besides, bringing you before the court and introducing you as my pet is not something I look forward to either.”
A light rap at the door brought Rois to Bekion’s attention. Both men nodded to one another. It was time to return.
Starling said, “If you don’t want to do it, don’t.”
“I must. To do anything else would be to admit I’m ashamed of owning you.” Bekion lifted Starling onto the crook of his arm and exited the room. The waiting guards followed him without being told.
Starling said, “I don’t care. Be ashamed. Then you can hide me away.”
“Such an admission is equal to declaring myself guilty of a crime. I have done nothing wrong.”
“Just your mother, right?”
“As to that, there is no solid proof.”
“I saw her.”
“You have never met Dowager Queen Tinette. My mother has doubles to fool her would-be assassins. One of them could have easily attended the auction, pretending to be her. Even if it was my mother you saw, you are a pet and cannot act as a complainant or witness in court.”
“Isn’t that convenient?”
“Pets are privy to the most intimate parts of their owners’ lives. It makes sense they be exempt to the proceedings of the legal system. Otherwise pets would be kidnapped and forced to testify against their owners.”
“You sound as though that’s happened before.”
“Shortly after humans were made pets, many kidnappings occurred and they were forced to bear witness against their owners. Two supreme emperors later, pets were outlawed as witnesses in court. At the same time, pets were declared unable to bring charges in court or have charges lodged against them. In all disputes, the owner is held responsible.”
“So if I bite someone because they can’t keep their hands to themselves, you’ll be in trouble.”
“Or I can simply request you not be touched. Those who do so after the warning are at fault.”
She nodded. “Let’s go with that. Then I won’t have to wear out my teeth biting people obsessed with touching my breasts.”
Bekion glanced at her chest. Her small stature didn’t detract from her well-endowed state. If she were not his pet, he would think seriously of taking her to his bed.
He’d seen many humans before. Several of his nobles had brought their pets to court when attending him. Those humans had been slow and awkward, nothing like Starling. Looking at her, speaking with her, he yet again found himself wondering why his ancestors didn’t treat the humans as another sentient, sovereign race rather than as animals.
Their height and scientific infancy alone couldn’t have been the deciding factors. The Gorov Empire had a few underdeveloped planets in its ranks. Though their addition was so the empire could export natural resources without the annoyance of trade agreements and hostile inhabitants.
Starling said, “They don’t do tricks, so stop staring.”
Bekion smiled and turned his gaze to the path before him. “I was wondering how one so small could have such large breasts.”
“Genetics.”
“Ah.”
The throne room doors loomed before them. Bekion allowed himself a moment of fear. Only a moment. Just long enough for him to blink his eyes and inhale. That was all the fortification allowed to him because the guards stationed at the entrance swung open the doors.
Everyone within had already bowed. Bekion ignored the homage and went straight to his throne. He sat and settled Starling sideways on his lap with her legs between his. One arm, he propped on the armrest of his throne while the other he curved around Starling’s back, cupping her hip.
“Rise,” Bekion said loudly.
It didn’t take the people long to notice Starling. Murmurs erupted around the room as people whispered and pointed, probably surmising she was the reason why Bekion had left in the first place.
Starling shrank against Bekion. He rubbed his thumb over her thigh and smiled at her when she looked at him. She had nothing to fear. No one would hurt her but he couldn’t say that out loud. While in his throne room, people scrutinized his every word and action.
Regaining a bit of her composure, Starling straightened and returned the stares directed at her. None of the present nobles had brought their human pets. A shame since Bekion would have liked to show Starling the difference between her and them, not only in looks but also in treatment. She would better appreciate his generosity.
Bekion let the people gossip amongst themselves for a while before he called everyone to order so they could continue. As he listened to the matter being presented, he relaxed on his seat as was his habit and rubbed his fingers over the skin of Starling’s leg, left bare due to the slit of her dress. Her skin was soft. The light citrus scent of her soap soothed his senses.
She remained sitting with her back straight for the first fifteen minutes then her posture slowly deteriorated until she leaned her shoulder against his chest. She hid a yawn behind her hand then sighed. Bekion wished he could mirror her actions but royalty wasn’t allowed to be bored.
“Lady Nimag of Glerry province.”
The woman stepped forward at the same time Vieve entered the throne room. Vieve cut through the crowd, passed Lady Nimag and mounted the throne-dais steps.
Lady Nimag appeared a little annoyed at the interruption. Bekion sympathized with the woman but Vieve was a force that couldn’t be denied or made to wait.
Vieve said, holding out a thin chain, “As you requested, My King.”
Bekion took the chain from her. When she released it, Starling’s piece of emerald encased in amber dangled at the end. Both stones were faceted and polished. The emerald glistened bright green even through its amber shell. A feat made possible because of nanotechnology.
He nodded in appreciation. “Ah, very good, Vieve. It looks much better.” He held it for Starling to see. “Don’t you agree, pretty pet?”
Starling sat up and reached for the necklace. He released it to her and watched her reaction. She cupped the jewel in both hands as a sad smile curved her lips.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He started to pet her head then stopped himself. Instead, he rubbed her back. She looked at him and he nodded.
From Bekion’s left shoulder, Rois cleared his throat. The man had appointed himself Bekion’s advisor on all things proper whilst before the court even though Bekion knew the rules better than his friend. Still, he heeded the reminders on the few occasions Rois gave them.
Bekion resumed his earlier relaxed position and faced forward. “Thank you, Vieve.”
The woman bowed then descended two steps below the throne—her designated spot.
“Proceed, Lady Nimag.” Bekion lifted the chain of Starling’s pendant, gently pulling it from her. Her look of instant upset made him smile though he tried to hold it back.
Lady Nimag said, “Your human is lovely, King Bekion. Th
e rumors of her origin must be true—that she’s from Earth.” A hint of annoyance colored her voice though she kept the emotion off her face. Fortunate for her because Bekion might have decided to take offense and dismiss her.
He wouldn’t though. If the scenario didn’t play out with Lady Nimag, another would start it. Bekion needed to deal with the matter and put it to rest for good.
“She is.” He undid the clasp on the chain, wrapped it around Starling’s neck then redid the clasp. Her anger faded and she looked grateful once more.
Lady Nimag said, “I wasn’t aware Supreme Emperor Udo had repealed the law concerning harvesting humans from Earth.”
“He hasn’t.” Bekion met Lady Nimag’s gaze and with his eyes dared her to voice her true question. He wouldn’t volunteer anything.
“And what will Your Majesty do once Supreme Emperor Udo is made aware of your new pet and her origins? Such a transgression will not be overlooked.”
The thinly veiled threat almost made Bekion laugh. The nobility were so predictable. Of course the woman would try to turn the situation to her advantage. She was doomed to disappointment though.
Bekion said, “If I had committed a crime against the Gorov Empire, I’m sure the supreme emperor would punish me accordingly. He may yet show me his displeasure since my attempt to capture the poachers met with failure.”
“Capture the poachers?”
As he suspected, Lady Nimag took the bait. He feigned an annoyed expression. “My agents didn’t allow for how quickly the poachers could absent themselves from the scene of their crime. In the time it took to bring my pretty pet back to the palace and confirm her true origins, the poachers had already fled. Thankfully, we have descriptions of three crewmembers, which we have shared with the other kingdoms. I’m confident we shall hear news of the poachers’ capture before too long. I am sad it will not be I who did it.”
“I see.”
“My efforts to gain proof of a crime have resulted in owning an Earth-origin human. I may be unfamiliar with methods of pet care but she could have no better owner than me.”
Starling mumbled something in her mother language and rolled her eyes. She watched him as she said it. Even if he had understood her, he wouldn’t have reacted. He smiled at her and patted her thigh then turned his attention to Lady Nimag.
“Was that all you wished to discuss with me, Lady Nimag? I can understand how you would be worried for me and the fate of Panagiota if I had committed such a crime as purchasing from a poacher, but it isn’t needed.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. I was only worried…for you.”
“Of course.”
“The reason I have come before you today is to discuss my boon.”
Vieve moved to his side and whispered behind her hand, “Lady Nimag submitted a request to be allowed to accompany the survey team researching the galaxy to which Earth belongs. The team is staying the requisite three planets away at all times during the expedition, however Earth is listed as one of the five planets they plan to study.”
“Why three planets?” Starling asked in a whisper of her own.
Bekion said in a normal tone, “Our transport technology does not work at such a distance, thus the crew cannot be accused of poaching.” He waved Vieve away and looked at the woman awaiting his judgment. “I wonder why you didn’t consider your request more important than my pet and her origins.”
Lady Nimag gasped. “Your Majesty, I—”
“It would be best if I not decide on this matter now. Return next month. I shall give you a proper judgment then.”
“Your M ajesty, please. The survey team is scheduled to depart in four days.”
“Is it?” He looked at Vieve, who nodded. “Well, I’m sure they will make the trip again at a later date. Researching five planets takes time and multiple trips. I shall see you in a month’s time to discuss this matter again, Lady Nimag.”
The woman stared at him in disbelief for several breaths. She looked as though she wanted to argue. Ultimately, she curtsied and left the throne room.
Starling said in singsong under her breath, “Petty.”
Bekion gave her a gentle squeeze but gave no other indication he’d heard her. His decision had been petty and he admitted it. It also served a purpose. All others would think twice before broaching the subject of Starling and her origins again, especially if they wanted Bekion to rule upon their cases with favor.
The next person was announced. Bekion let go of his annoyance so he could give the case his proper attention. It was a simple dispute over an unclear border, which he solved by drawing a new border. Both parties left upset. In Bekion’s mind, that meant his decision had been fair.
Pleasing one at the expense of another had never felt right to him. His mother’s rule had set such precedence. Usually the one to gain was in Tinette’s favor at the time. Her favor had come at a high price, which didn’t always mean money. Bekion vowed long ago not to emulate her rule. He planned to keep that vow.
Starling’s head dropped to his shoulder, causing him to look down. She’d fallen asleep. A tiny shiver shook her body. She hugged her arms and burrowed into the crook between his arm and his chest.
For the first time, Bekion had done something that mirrored Tinette a little too much for his peace of mind. He’d lied to his people to save himself. It scared him how easily the lie had flowed from his lips and how readily everyone had accepted it. It wasn’t a habit he wanted to form.
Another shiver from Starling followed by a tiny sneeze made Bekion raise his hand. The man before him stopped talking and Vieve returned to his side.
Before he could say anything, Vieve whispered, “Would you like a blanket from your bed or another?”
“The smaller one.”
She nodded and left.
Bekion couldn’t help smiling at her retreating back. Vieve’s ability to predict his requests before he made them made her an asset he couldn’t do without. He overlooked her constant rudeness for that reason.
Signaling the man before him to continue, he rubbed his hand over Starling’s arm to generate a small measure of warmth. Until that moment, he’d never noticed the chilled air of the throne room. The amount of people it held at any given time necessitated the low temperature. He’d have to make sure Starling dressed more appropriately in the future or supply her with a cover.
Vieve returned with the blanket. He draped it over himself and Starling. She curled her legs so her knees rested against his chest and propped her feet against his thigh. A soft sigh left her lips and she relaxed into a peaceful slumber.
Bekion found his concentration returning. He shouldn’t be so affected by a woman he’d just met. And definitely not one that was his pet.
Chapter Four
Starling jerked awake with a scared gasp, clutching at Bekion’s shirt.
Bekion smoothed his hand over her back. She looked at him with wide eyes.
He asked, “Are you all right, my pet?”
She nodded quickly.
“You’re sure?”
The words wouldn’t come so she nodded again. Bekion covered her hands where they gripped his shirt. She pulled away with a mumbled apology.
“Nightmare?”
She whispered, “I’m fine.”
Someone cleared his throat.
“Shut up, Rois,” Bekion bit out with a quick glance over his shoulder. His features softened as he turned his attention back to Starling. “Perhaps I expected too much and should return you to my rooms for now.”
“Are you done?” She glanced at the two men and the woman who waited for Bekion to acknowledge them. The men didn’t appear happy, whereas their female companion seemed amused.
“I am if I say I am.”
One of the waiting men said, “Your Majesty! My lands—”
Bekion silenced the man with a single stern look that didn’t abate when he asked Starling, “Do you want to go back?”
“I can wait until you’re finished.”
It was slight but Starling could swear Bekion seemed as if he was pleading with her. She glanced at the waiting people once more then back to him. In a low voice, she said, “Stop using me as an excuse to get away from your work.”
Bekion stared at her for a little bit then laughed. “You think you know me so well after so little time?” He patted her back and laughed some more. “I needed that.” He settled against his throne. “Continue, Master Leidus.”
Leidus, the man who’d spoken out of turn before, bowed. “As I was saying earlier, Your Majesty, the will clearly states the land is bequeathed to me.”
The man beside him snapped, “Only because you convinced Uncle of a misdeed I didn’t do.” He turned his attention to Bekion. “Your Majesty, please. My cousin accused me of a crime I didn’t commit but our uncle believed him without proof. He changed his will and wrote me out of it.”
Bekion shrugged his indifference. “That is your uncle’s right no matter the reasons.”
Leidus nodded, making an affirmative noise.
Vieve held out a tablet to Bekion and whispered a few words to him. Starling didn’t catch all of it. She looked down at the tablet and was surprised to see she could read it. That shouldn’t surprise her since she could understand and speak their language. Reading and possibly writing it came with the territory, she guessed.
According to the tablet, there seemed to be some dispute over the land other than the one the men had presented. The second case belonged to the woman standing silent. Starling had thought she was with one of the men but the tablet said otherwise.
Bekion read over the tablet and then moved it aside. “Speak, Mistress Ebeun.” He signaled Vieve away.
Mistress Ebeun dropped into a deep curtsy then beckoned to the crowd.
A young boy raced forward and bowed. “Greetings, King Bekion. I am Mil. My mistress is unable to speak though she can hear, My King. If it pleases you, I will translate for her.”
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