by Julia Sexton
They both cried out at once. Ac'von pulled her up as he slid onto the bed. He lay beneath her as his shaft pushed inside her wet walls.
Swiftly they reached a steady rhythm as Mary rode up and down his member. Then she pushed down so that it went as high as it could. Waves of pleasure brought her to an ecstasy she didn't think possible. Her body was centered in her sex.
Ac'von responded by pushing harder. His hands gripped her arms as spasms took his body to ultimate pleasure. At one last push, Mary felt his hot juice spurt inside her as her body surrendered to the waves again.
She collapsed on to of him, feeling the length of his body beneath her. She moved her hips up off his soft member and rolled to the side.
Mary snuggled against him. "There is much to consider."
Ac'von touched her face. "You are the most magnificent queen Rama has ever known."
"I'm not queen yet."
CHAPTER SIX
The next morning Mary awoke alone…in her room. Ac’von was gone. The walls had come back together separating her from him. Her body still tingled from their mating last night. Ah! She was beginning to think in his words. Well, mating was what it was. S
he was emotionally exhausted. How could she care about a man who had abducted her, taken her from everything she knew, and then transplanted her in a very strange environment…a different planet!
In her half-awake state her body tingled with the remembrance of their passion. The physical part was more than she would have dreamed.
Ac’von. She heard a light tapping on the door in the moveable wall.
“Breakfast is ready here when you are, my queen.”
Mary sighed. She really wasn’t ready for this queen role. “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
His scent was on her body. Last night’s encounter returned vividly in her mind. She luxuriated in the memories of all they had done. She had never known sex could be so intensely exciting. Still, it was just sex.
She was certainly not ready to be queen of a planet she’d known less than 24 hours. Then all of yesterday’s events swirled together: finding herself abducted to a new place, Tu’ver, The Combat and all of it’s gore, the late night conference.
Bits and pieces of images flashed through her mind, in no logical order. That was definitely the most event-filled day of her life.
A quick shower cleansed her of yesterday and Ac’von’s scent. Her auburn curls tightened in the water. Mary was very, very relieved that showers and other bathroom functions mirrored Earth.
Apprehensive as she was, she felt refreshed and ready to face her second day on Rama. Please, don’t let it be as full as yesterday.
In the closet, she sorted through the black garments until she found a pair of pants that fit like leggings and a tunic, much like the on Ac’von wore yesterday.
She slipped on a pair of short boots, fluffed her drying hair, strode across the room, and opened the connecting door.
“Ah, Ac’ver. Good morning. I am so hungry after last night.” Ac’von gave her a significant and pleased look.
“Good morning,” Mary said. Alert and en guarde. “Last night was quite spectacular…but all of yesterday everything was new. To you, you are home. For me I am on another planet far from everyone and everything I know.”
“I understand. After breakfast, we will go out among the people so everyone will see that you are even more beautiful close up than at a distance on a platform at The Combat. Then we will…”
“Wait!” Mary said. This one needed some serious training in how to talk to her. “Try again. Even though I am at a disadvantage in new circumstances, I am not your puppet. I will not be ordered around. If you want me to “be your queen,” talk to me as an equal. Make a suggestion. Ask if I would like to…”
Ac’von suddenly looked sheepish. His dark, almond eyes looked down. “You are right. I don’t have experience with women.”
Mary thought about last night and wondered at that statement. Was it all natural? Did he just know what to do? And, oh, he did it so well.
Ac’von cleared his throat. “Would you like to meet Our People after we have breakfast?” He paused. “Is that what I say?”
Mary had to smile. He really didn’t know. “Much better,” she said, giving him a genuine smile.
“I do want to learn about your planet, your people, your government, the food, how everything works…” She trailed off. She knew nothing, the list was endless.
“Can we start with what these food items are here on the table?”
She picked up what looked like an apple from a large bowl of fruit. “What is this?”
Ac’von smiled like a kid who had just done a good job. “That is azra.”
“Azra,” Mary said. She took a tiny bite. It tasted somewhere between an apple and a pear. “It’s good.”
She spent breakfast eating and learning the names of things. Then Ac’von taught her the names of furniture: bed, table, chair, window. Mary felt like a two-year-old. Well, she was a two-day-old on this planet.
Ac’von said, “Now some basic greetings for meeting people. Even a small attempt will make you popular.”
“I want to be popular?”
“Ah, yes,” Ac’von chortled. “A popular queen strengthens the entire planet.”
Mary thought about the Queen Mum in England and nodded her head. She got it. If she was going to be here on Rama and going to be a leader she understood the responsibility to inspire people.
So he taught her the Raman greeting which meant Have you seen the sky today? And, the polite reply, Yes, it is beautiful.
“Long ago, so far back that it is legend now, the planet was torn apart by factions, many tribes vying to rule. Everywhere, war and destruction, smoke and dust clouded the air. For several years, there was so much debris in the atmosphere people did not see the sky.
When people finally saw the sky it meant peace. That is why we treasure our Way. It keeps us from descending into destruction and fear. Ri’son’s challenge is a threat to that peace.”
“I’m glad you told me. It is like a puzzle. Pieces are beginning to fit together. What The Arbiter told me is making more sense. All right, let’s go. I want to meet the people of Rama. Oh, am I wearing the right clothes?”
Ac’von chuckled and reached out to touch her drying red curls. “Yes, everything in your closet is for a queen. Yesterday was a special occasion. Any other time follow your inclination…or ask Tu’ver. She loves clothes.”
Mary envisioned walking with Ac’von along the streets meeting and greeting. And, it was like that and yet, not, because an entire retinue of servants who bought things and bodyguards who kept a watchful eye surrounded them.
Ac’von told her she could have anything she saw. Mary said she didn’t know enough about Rama to make a decision.
The flowing mass of people and entertainers reminded her of the Renaissance Faire at home. Juggler troops performed on the corners or in small parks.
The porticoes along the streets were lined with vendors selling everything from clothing, to dolls, to basic food. The rivers of people recognized Ac’von and most of them Mary. She heard people whisper Ac’ver and look at her with approval.
When they came to a large park Ac’von raised her hand and they walked among the crowd. Every few paces they stopped. Mary said, “Have you seen the sky today?”
People nodded and clapped their hands as they responded, “Yes, it is beautiful.”
Children brought flowers and other small gifts. Mary thanked them. The servants put them in large sacks which they carried.
The people obviously liked Ac’von. They shouted greetings or threw handfuls of flowers.
“It’s the way Our People are,” he said. “Are you enjoying the morning?”
Mary could only say, “Yes.” She was. Her second day on Rama was proving more enjoyable. “But I feel as though I am on a holiday. I don’t feel like I live here.”
“It’s your second
day,” Ac’von said with a grin on his chiseled face. The big smile somehow softened all the angles. He took her hand and pulled her against him.
“Ac’ver. You are Ac’ver in every way.” He bent his head, put his hands on her waist, and lifted her up, twirling her around. People clapped and cheered.
Mary was sure the startled look on her face was not queenly, but the People loved it. Then he set her gently on the ground. His lips touched hers and a great cheer went up.
Mary’s body responded in some kinetic memory of the night. Her breasts tightened and her groin tingled. Surely this was not queenly.
But, then, Mary Smith, unemployed microbiologist had no idea what being an almost queen on another planet was like. If the morning and the kiss were signs, she liked them.
“So, this is how you prepare for The Combat,” a voice growled.
Ac’von broke away. “The Combat is two weeks away, Ri’son. Meet your new queen, Ac’ver.”
Mary looked at the big, brawny, blond. He was dressed in red from head to toe. As big as Ac’von was, Ri’son dwarfed him. He was like a giant from a folk tale. Big.
Mary, tempted to call him Dr. Riesen, hesitated for a moment and then in her best Raman said, “Have you seen the sky today?”
Ri’son hesitated for a split second. “Yes, and it is beautiful.” Then he switched to English. “Miss Smith, what a change. Little Mary Smith, future queen. You are the cause of it all. It was your reports that set Ac’von on his cleansing mission. If I had known, I would have challenged you.”
“What?…What?…I…” Mary stammered.
Ac’von stepped in front of her. “Ac’ver is protected.”
“Until The Combat,” Ri’son sneered in disdain. “Then you will be unmarried and untouchable.” The crowd let out a collective gasp and drew back. “When I think about it, I couldn’t wish for a better recompense for shutting down the research center and destroying my experiments on earth.”
Mary suddenly had a sinking feeling in her stomach. All the people at the lab. She’d been so selfish. Her big challenge was learning how to be a queen on a strange planet. What had happened to everyone else? Was she really the cause of all the turmoil?
CHAPTER SEVEN
Back at the palace, Ac’von took her to his room and settled her in one of the big, soft chairs facing the window. He sat in the other. He reached out his hand and took hers. They sat in silence looking out the window.
Mary turned toward Ac’von. “Is it true, what Ri’son said? Am I the cause of all those people being transported here?”
She looked at him. The black clothes revealed his musculature. His powerful arms, his massive chest with defined pectorals. Last night she had seen the six-pack of muscles in his abdomen. His impressive thighs rippled under the fabric when they walked this morning.
“Indirectly. Not the way Ri’son put it. He needs someone to blame. He was the one creating false results to get more money and to experiment in a way that could possibly harm hundreds, if not thousands, of people. I noticed your reports and then started digging deeper. You are blameless.”
“I don’t feel blameless.”
“That’s his way, putting guilt on others so he will remain in control.”
“Ac’von, I must see the others. I couldn’t be your queen, even in name. I can’t go through your Raman ceremony, whatever it is, until I know that everyone is safe.”
He squeezed her hand and nodded. “When I first saw you in the hallway at Universal Research, I thought you were the most beautiful woman. But it was your reports and your unwillingness to stop sending them that made me realize you were my future queen. Honesty is a treasured quality in our family, with The Blacks. I felt we were meant to be together.”
“That’s all very complimentary, but it’s not a reason to kidnap the other people at the lab or me. You are skirting around my request.”
He turned his dark, almond eyes toward her with a frank stare. Mary realized she was all alone here. No friends. She wouldn’t even know where to go outside the palace. For a moment, she felt truly lost.
“Ac’ver,” he replied. “The other participants are scattered around the planet. Would it help if you met the one here in the city?”
“Thank you for asking and not commanding. Yes, I would feel so much better. You have to understand that I am alone in a strange place.”
“But you are not alone. You have me, and my family, and the entire Black clan to support your every desire. That is why it will be a simple thing to have someone take you. I must add daily arms practice to my daily routine…much of my routine in preparation for The Combat.”
He clapped his hands. Immediately a retainer entered. “Find Zu’ver,” he commanded.
Three minutes later a beautiful young woman, about Mary’s age, entered dressed in black. “Your mistress,” Ac’von said, gesturing toward Mary.
He turned to Mary. “Zu'ver is your personal whatever you want her to be. Her assignment is to help you in everything.”
Mary felt uncomfortable. She had never been in charge of someone before…like this. “Tu’von, have you seen the sky today?”
The young woman gave a very friendly smile. “Yes, and it is beautiful. Oh, queen, Ac’ver, I am so honored to serve you. I am trained in your language. In no time at all you will feel comfortable. Ac’von wishes me to take you to the laboratory. I am happy to lead the way.”
Ac’von stood. “My queen, your request is fulfilled.” He strode over, planted his lips on hers with a firm kiss, and left.
“It’s not very far, my queen,” Zu’ver said. “Come, I’ll show you the way. The palace complex is so large even I get confused sometimes, but I will help you learn your way around. I was born here…”
Zu’ver chatted the entire way, leading Mary down hallways and down elevators until they came to a far section of the palace. “…And my mother said, knowing The Way is the best course in life. Whenever you are in a dilemma consult The Way. The answer is always there. Oh, here we are.”
They stood in front of two enormous double doors. Zu'ver opened one and gestured for Mary to follow. Immediately the scents and sounds of a laboratory made Mary feel she was in familiar surroundings for the first time on Rama. Zu'ver spoke into a communication device. They waited in an anti-room. A door opened. A man of about 35, small and dark, wearing huge black-framed glasses entered. He waited.
Mary said, “Peter! Peter, you are here.”
The man looked at her with auburn curls flowing over her shoulders and down the back of her black tunic. “Mary? Is that you?”
“Yes, Peter, it’s me, Mary Smith. Oh, I am so happy to see you!” She rushed over and gave him a big hug.
Peter mumbled from within the hug, “I almost didn’t recognize you in those clothes.”
Mary let go and held his diminutive shoulders. “Are you alright? I was so worried about everyone.”
“Yes, I’m fine. It all takes a little getting used to, but I suppose it is no different than working in another country. As long as I am working I am fine. But, where are you? What are you doing?”
They had a long conversation. Mary was so relieved to find Peter more or less happy. He told her that once the group had arrived they had been separated and sent to different research centers depending on their specialty.
No, he didn’t know where the others were, but he was happy in his work. They parted and agreed to meet again as the two from Earth.
When they left Mary asked Zu’ver to take her to Ac’von.
“Oh, he is training. It is very big, very dangerous, especially for someone not from Rama.”
Mary said, “Take me.”
The gymnasium was on the opposite side of the palace. Zu’ver led Mary through the hallways and elevators chatting the entire time. Mary liked her. She was cheerful and at ease. She put Mary at ease. They finally came to the gymnasium. When they entered Mary was certain that she had never seen such a vast training center.
The main gym was huge
with a very high ceiling, but Zu’ver led her on through connecting spaces. Men and women were training in gymnastics and sports of every kind.
Finally, they came to another huge hall filled mainly with pairs of men fighting with swords. The sounds of metal clanging and the shouts of the men filled the vast space.
Mary spotted Ac’von straight away. She realized that she would know the form of his body anywhere. She ran along the side of the room until she came to where he was practicing. He signaled his opponent and stopped. Mary ran to him and threw her arms around him. Everyone cheered.
“Oh, Ac’von, thank you. Peter seems at ease. Thank you. I feel so much better.”
Ac’von looked down at her and smiled. “Did you doubt me?”
Mary flushed. “Yes. I was so worried. I don’t know you. I mean…”
He smiled and took her arms that wrapped around his strong chest. “Ac’ver do not doubt me. There is no need. I keep my word. I am not cruel. But now,” he gestured around the room, “I am practicing. We will meet later.”
“I’ll watch,” Mary said. Ac’von gestured and two men hurriedly brought cushions to a bench in a long line of benches lining the sides of the room. For the next hour, she studied his swordsmanship noting his strong thrusts and his ability to respond quickly to his opponent’s moves.
When he finished, they all went back up to the top room. Zu’ver told Mary that her room was just across the hall and showed her the gold button that called her. “Use it anytime, day or night,” she said and left with a big smile.
Ac’von said, “I like the large space.” He paused, then asked, “Would you like to open the wall so we can enjoy the space?”
Mary realized that he had consciously asked her rather than just doing what he wanted. She felt a little skip in her heart. It was true, everything that he had told her was true.
Was honor part of the Raman Way? She thought about the men she had known, not one of them would have made such a conscious effort. Or, even Brad back in Cherryvale?