by Shae Mills
When he was nearly finished, she spoke. “I have three days. That is what Braedon and I settled on.”
“And then you go home?”
Chelan nodded. “Can you handle me that long?”
Korba looked at his food and smiled. “Not if you keep feeding me like this.”
Chelan finally laughed and then caught herself. It had been so long since she had laughed that it felt odd.
Korba watched her and then set the tray aside. “I love it when you are happy.”
Chelan blushed and looked away. Korba shuffled around and then sat on the edge of the bed next to her. “I have something for you. Earlier I was worried that you had already left and that I wouldn’t get this to you.” He reached under one of the many large pillows that surrounded the bed and brought out a piece of white fabric.
Chelan took it from him and then let it unravel. Her eyes widened.
Korba watched her and held his breath. “After you left for the caverns, I had Lethiason retrieve this for me. I know it is from Dar, and I know how much you loved it. I hope you are not offended.”
Chelan’s eyes watered. It was her beautiful, white gown, completely cleansed of the ravages of war. She clutched it to her chest. “Of course, I am not offended. In fact, I am honored.”
Korba smiled with relief. “You do not have to wear it here. I know you used to feel terribly exposed in it at times. You can save it for the caverns, if you wish.”
Chelan was beside herself, a myriad of old memories flooding in on her. She looked down at the dress. Then, standing up, she moved over to the end of the bed. She turned her back to him and took off her jacket. She slid the gown over her head and pulled it down over her breasts. Letting it slither over her hips, she then stepped out of her boots and pants. She turned back to him and smoothed her hands over the lustrous fabric. Shyly, she looked up at him as he stood. “It is beautiful,” she whispered.
He approached her, his eyes alight. Stopping just in front of her, he stared at the gown. “It is you that makes it so beautiful,” he said, and hesitated before reaching for a strand of her golden brown hair.
Chelan watched as he held it in his fingers, drawing it forward and then tracing its length. When he let it go, it just touched the top of her breast. Chelan’s eyes darted to his. “It will grow back,” she said apologetically.
But Korba’s serious expression did not change. “I have caused you so much suffering.”
Chelan looked away. “No more than I have caused you.”
He went to speak, but she turned away and scooped up her uniform. “You should rest and let the food settle. Then I will come back, and maybe we can take another swim together.”
Korba finally smiled. “I would enjoy that, my Lady.”
Chelan nodded. “And thank you for the gown. To have thought about saving it… for that to have even crossed your mind, through it all—” Her voice cracked, and she turned away quickly.
Korba stared at her as she left. Then he sat down heavily. There would be only three short days of heaven, and then he would be cast back into the depths of hell. He took a much-needed breath. He would have to spend the time enjoying her to the fullest, for he knew deep down that this could very well be his last three days with his lady, his last three days of happiness.
*****
Chelan entered her chambers and tried to rest, but she could not. After only a few minutes, she was unable to resist returning to him. But when she entered the blue room, she was shocked to find him gone. It was as though he had vanished. As she hastened into the Command Center, the main doors opened and in walked Lethiason. “Oh, Lethiason!” Chelan cried. “Thank heavens. Do you know where Korba is?”
The Commander stopped. “Yes, my Lady. Why?”
Chelan breathed a sigh of relief. “It is just that I left him to rest only a few minutes ago, and when I returned, he was gone.”
Lethiason smiled. “He is not an invalid, my Lady.”
Chelan wrung her hands. “I know that—I just didn’t expect him to disappear so quickly. I worry about him. He is still so weak.”
“Only relatively, my Lady.” Then he studied her. “You look beautiful.”
Chelan peered down at the gown and smiled. “Thank you.” She looked back up at him. “So, now—what brings you here?”
“Just checking on you. I know that Braedon has left.”
Chelan sighed. “Well, it is probably for the best for now. I am a bit of a mess at the moment.”
Lethiason smiled. “He is a wise man, Chelan, and he wants what is best for you.”
Chelan had no desire to get into her relationship with Braedon right now, so she returned to her quest. “Where can I find his Lordship?”
Lethiason’s smile thinned. “He is where he spends a great deal of time, my Lady.”
Chelan waited expectantly, but Lethiason remained maddeningly mute. She shook her head at him. “And, yes, where might that be? Or do I have to use the scanners?”
Lethiason stiffened. “You should ask him that yourself, Chelan. It is a deeply personal place.”
“I don’t understand.”
Lethiason straightened. “You will, my Lady, someday, if he chooses to inform you.”
Chelan set her jaw. “You speak in riddles again.”
“No, my Lady. I reveal too much yet again. Anyway, I see that you are well, so I will return to my command.”
Chelan nodded to him. “I will see you later.” And she watched as he bowed and left. Then she resumed her pacing, for what turned out to be hours.
*****
When finally Korba reappeared, Chelan ran to him. “Where have you been?”
Korba smiled. “Oh, just visiting.”
Chelan skipped along beside him as he walked to his room. “You were gone a long time.”
“I am sorry, Chelan. I lost track of time.”
Chelan followed him into the blue room and helped him with his shroud. “There is nothing to be sorry about. You just surprised me. Lethiason said you had gone to a place that is special.”
“He is right. It is a place that sets my mind and heart at ease.”
Chelan watched as he undid his jacket and lay down upon the bed. She sat down on the edge. “But you just said that you were ‘visiting.’”
Korba chuckled. “Right again.”
Chelan felt like punching him, but she couldn’t help smiling. “Do I get to see this secret place and visit these secret people some time?”
Korba took a deep and contented breath. “Yes—how about tomorrow?”
Chelan felt her heart race but knew not why. “Okay. That will be great.”
Korba smiled and then shut his eyes. Chelan stood suddenly. “I am sorry—you need to rest.” She went to leave, but his hand reached for hers, her skin burning at his touch.
She looked down at him. His azure eyes were serene, and his breathing was easy. “Please stay,” he whispered.
Chelan sat down and watched his eyes close once again. She looked at her hand, her slender fingers dwarfed by his. When she looked back up at him, she could tell that he slept, his heart at peace with her presence.
She slipped her hand from his and pondered her next move. She had already postponed his meal. Then Stose’s words filtered into her head, that her simple presence would heal him.
She closed her eyes momentarily, past memories of happiness trickling through her armor. Then an inner tranquility flowed over her. She eased herself down and lay beside him, her head resting in the hollow of his shoulder. Then, instinctively, as if she had been in his embrace all his life, his arms went around her, pressing her close to him.
Chelan listened to his strong heartbeat, his familiar, masculine scent infusing her being like a soothing drug. Maybe she was home, after all, she thought, and she closed her eyes and slept.
Chapter 30
Korba awoke with a start to the sound of the intercom. He glanced at the sleeping woman in his arms as he hit the switch. “Yes.”
“Oh, my Lord. I am so sorry to disturb you. It is Zeta, Sire. I seek the Lady Chelan.”
Korba grinned at Chelan as she pushed herself up from him and tried to focus her eyes.
She was blinking away, still attempting to orient herself and surface from her sleep-induced fog when she answered Zeta. “Yes, my Lady, this is Chelan. I mean, yes, Chelan, this is my Lady.” Chelan winced. “I mean, Zeta, this is Chelan.”
Korba chuckled. Chelan glanced down at him and mouthed, “Shut up.”
“My Lady,” Zeta said. “Sorry to disturb you. But your orders were for meals every three hours. We have already missed one, and I feared missing the second.”
Chelan ground at her eyes with her fists. “Thank you, Zeta. I will be right out.”
Korba hit the off switch, his amusement lighting the whole room. Chelan groaned and ran her hands through her tousled hair. “I was sleeping so soundly,” she said. She looked down at him. “Wipe that grin off your face or I will beat you.”
Korba’s brows rose. “A fate to die for, my Lady.”
Chelan finally shook the cobwebs from her head and stood up. “I will be right back,” she whispered as she teetered from the room.
Korba relaxed back into the pillows, a long-lost warmth coating his body. She had lain with him, and he closed his eyes, reveling in divine contentment.
Chelan approached the anxious woman at the door and watched as she bowed her head low.
“My Lady. So sorry to—”
“No, no, Zeta. Don’t apologize. It is I who has slipped. And please, you do not have to bow before me.”
Zeta nodded as Chelan took the tray from her. Chelan looked at the lighting. “What time is it, Zeta?”
“It is the dinner hour, my Lady.”
Chelan smiled. “Good. In three hours, please bring the evening snack we agreed upon.”
“Of course.”
“Then at first light, we can begin again.”
Zeta nodded and smiled. “My Lady?”
“Yes?”
“Is he getting better?”
Chelan felt a warmth flow over her. “Yes, Zeta. I think he is.”
“Oh, you are so good for him, my Lady! The moment you stepped foot in the Palace, we all knew you would be the elixir that healed him.”
Chelan hesitated. “You know of my life in the caverns.”
Zeta’s smile did not falter. “Of course, my Lady. The people of Iceanea are a warrior nation. Your people are not. No one here questions your desire for peace and tranquility, not even his Lordship. But if you were to return here for visits, we all know he would be the better for it.”
“You are so very forgiving.”
“So are you, my Lady. Many injustices have been levied upon you over the years, yet you are still so kind and generous.”
Chelan faltered; Zeta’s full appreciation was plainly etched on her ancient face. “Thank you, Zeta,” Chelan whispered.
Zeta nodded. “I will take my leave now, if you permit. I have a kitchen to run for a very special person.”
“Yes, you do,” Chelan uttered, and she watched as Zeta left and the doors closed. Feeling as though crushing weights had been lifted from her shoulders, she headed back to the blue room. She stepped in and found Korba just as she had left him. Chelan sat on the bed and put the tray between them. Korba propped himself up on the pillows as Chelan began opening the containers. His eyes were vibrant when Chelan peered up at him. “Left hand only, my Lord,” she said, and she handed him a fork.
Korba stared at her, taking the fork almost absently. Then he looked down at the Sana fruit, its rose pink color that of her cheeks. “And what of you?” he asked.
His deep, familiar voice caused her heart to jump. “I…” Chelan thought for a moment. It had been a long time since she had eaten. “I can get something later.”
Korba shook his head at her as he set the fork down. Then he raised his knee and reached for one of his knives. Carefully, he cut a piece of the succulent fruit and leaned forward. Slowly, he offered it to her, his fingers holding the fruit, his azure eyes luring her.
Chelan opened her mouth and bit the Sana, closing her eyes as the soft fruit tantalized her senses. She looked at him again, and he smiled, placing the remaining piece in his mouth, and eating it slowly. Then he reached for her chin and gently brushed away a small drip of juice.
Chelan felt her entire body quiver at his solicitous gesture, and she glanced down at the tray, her flesh pinking.
Korba’s eyes narrowed as his heart took off. Then he pointed at the fine fillet of meat drenched in a thick, wine sauce. “Will you share it with me?”
Chelan shook her head and cleared her throat. “No, my Lord, you must eat all of it.” Then she gazed at his hand and the knife that called it home. He deftly sliced off another piece of fruit, his eyes never leaving her face. Chelan watched as the morsel approached her, and she opened her mouth once again to accept it. But he stopped just short, teasing her with it. She clasped his hand in hers to hold the fruit steady and went to bite it, but he did not release it to her. Instead, he painted her lips with the Sana nectar, and then he placed the fruit delicately in her mouth, his fingers just brushing her soft tongue. Her lips surrounded his fingers, sucking the juices from his flesh as he released the morsel to her. Slowly, he slid his fingers out of her mouth and over her lips. She looked down, her blush deepening as she swallowed the fruit, her body heat taking off. Then she peered up into his eyes as a familiar, blue flame ignited within them.
Chelan withdrew her hands from his, feeling the scorch of his touch right down to the depths of her soul. She stood quickly and wiped her palms nervously down her gown. Then she looked to him shyly. “I will leave you to eat in peace. But when I return, I want to find it all gone.”
He chuckled again and leaned back, shoving his knife into his boot. “As you order, my Lady.” And he bit seductively into the Sana.
Chelan felt her cheeks redden further, and she turned away swiftly and left. In the Command Center, she resumed her pacing. Flashes of Braedon in the caverns arced through her mind, but she could not concentrate on him. In a way, she felt like a fly trapped in a spider’s web. Long ago, Korba’s reputation as a lover had been almost as notorious as his reputation as a Warlord. He had been the galaxy’s most potent killer and its most potent lover. His ability to kill was still as finely honed, and now his dynamic ability to lure a woman into his arms was becoming just as clear to Chelan. He had not lost his touch in either arena.
She whirled around and held her head as she struggled with her thoughts and desires. Then she gave up. She no longer felt like fighting. Immediately, she sat down in the large command chair and began typing in orders. Within moments, a small army of men and women stood before her.
Chelan took them into her chambers. She looked about the room; then her eyes settled on the tradesmen and designers. “Tomorrow, I will be gone most of the day. I want everything changed.” She hesitated, noting the intensity on the faces before her. “The walls will be a beautiful blue, the same as his Majesty’s private room. Then I want a new bed, new furnishings, and new tapestries.”
The man closest to her stepped forward. “The furnishings and the tapestries—”
Chelan held her hand up and shook her head. “I have chosen you because I know you have worked with his Lordship before. You know his tastes as well as I. I, therefore, leave the choices in your capable hands. But the overall flavor of the room must be one of tranquility. I want him to be immersed in a sea of calm. I want you to spare no expense.”
The foreman nodded to her. “Will the room be exclusively for him, my Lady?”
Chelan faltered. “Ah, yes. I will possibly be leaving soon, so whatever you chose must befit his Majesty. It must be worthy of an Emperor.”
The man smiled. “You will not be disappointed.”
Chelan nodded graciously. “Thank you. I know you are the best. Time is of the essence, though. Hire as many people as you need to
do this quickly.”
“That is not a problem, my Lady.”
After the people set to work, Chelan walked back to the blue room. There she found Korba sitting on the edge of the bed, his tray empty. He looked up at her. “I followed your orders.”
Chelan clasped her hands together. “Thank you.”
Korba nodded and stood. “Would you take a walk with me?”
“Sure. Where?”
“You will see.” And he did up his jacket and slipped into his shroud. Concealing several weapons under it, he ushered her out. Guards were everywhere about them as they walked a relatively short distance, and then Chelan almost melted. He led her into her beautiful gardens, but they were so much more than when she had left them so long ago.
Korba looked down at her. “I know you loved it here. During the takeover, my men had explicit orders that, if at all possible, this was not to be destroyed or harmed in any way. Luckily, none of Talon’s men took sanctuary here.”
Chelan cast her gaze over the expanse. “I have always loved it here. It had suffered from neglect, but I had begun to resurrect it.”
Korba raised his hand and gestured. Everywhere, staring gardeners scrambled back to work. “I hope you do not mind, my Lady,” Korba said. “I have taken the liberty of expanding upon your beautiful work.”
Chelan looked over the vast conservatory, its vaulted ceiling reaching high into the blue Iceanean sky. “Of course, I don’t mind.” And she began to wander.
Korba followed her silently for a long time before she finally stopped in front of a proliferation of pink roses. Images of Dar caused her eyes to prick, but she held fast. She glanced up at him. “I had them brought from Earth.”
Korba raised his brows in surprise. “With or without Talon’s permission?”