The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2)

by Craig Gerttula

  “Yukie!” Sasha bellowed just before Yukie did the same to her, giggling as she skipped out of the room, her ever-present guards in tow.

  “Trent,” Tiana started as she and Vickie moved to their side. “Are you sure about this? That girl's appetite for knowledge is second only to...” Tiana froze as she looked at Regalia, smiling in understanding.

  “Regalia, I'm counting on you,” Sasha finished Tiana's sentence.

  “But don't try too hard, dear. I'd love to watch just as much as Yukie and I am positive the kind empress would allow me the pleasure,” Vickie said, placing her arms around both Trent and Sasha shoulders, squeezing them together with herself in the middle.

  “Regalia...I know how much you like Vickie but...but please...please,” Sasha pleaded, the honesty in her words touching Regalia's innocent heart. But it mattered little; I want to tease her too!

  “I'm sorry, Sasha. But I'd like to watch as well and I am sure Yukie will let me if I lose on purpose,” she said, forcing every ounce of honesty into her dainty voice while keeping her expression steady. All color drained from Sasha’s cheeks as Trent frowned, skin turning a rose red, similar to Sasha's gown. Vickie stared at her in disbelief, then fell back onto the couch in hysterical laughter. Regalia couldn't keep her own composure and joined in, laughing merrily.

  “Tiana, what have you been teaching her?” Sasha's question cut through her and Vickie's echoing laughter.

  “Don't look at me! She hangs out with her...Vickie all the time!” Tiana said, pointing desperately at Vickie, acting devastated at the accusation. But Regalia knew it was forced.

  “Oh yes...she is such a wonderful pupil. Just a little more time and she will exceed even my own expectations,” Vickie purred as Sasha dove on top of her, tickling her like crazy.

  “I'm sorry! Please...please stop!” Vickie stuttered. Regalia knew she was very ticklish, but regretted her own lack of attention as two hands started tickling her own sides.

  “How dare you cause distress to my wife!” Trent tickled her like crazy as Tiana jumped in and did the same to him, all three falling to the floor in laughter. Sasha and Vickie turned their attention to Trent as well, and suddenly the group of ladies were attacking him relentlessly.

  “Enough! I give up! please...” Trent begged through the tumbling laughter. Sasha climbed on top of him, blocking the others from their prey, eyes full of jealousy.

  “He's mine,” she growled as she kissed him fiercely, her long, jet black hair blocking both their faces. Hoots and squeaks escaped the assembled catillians as the ladies began untangling themselves. Regalia looked at the four smiling adults, her friends, her family, and couldn’t help but start crying.

  “Regalia, what's wrong?” Vickie crawled to her side.

  “I don't want you to leave,” she sobbed as she hugged Vickie tight.

  “It's ok, sweetie. We'll be back soon and you have a very important task,” Vickie whispered into her ear. Regalia sniffled, forcing back her tears and nodded, kissing Vickie on the cheek, then moved through the group, kissing each in turn.

  “Good luck,” she said with a curtsy, not trusting her voice enough to say anymore, then dashed out of the sitting room, Donnlie in tow. She quickly found her way back to the ladies apartments where her mother sat reading quietly.

  “Mother! Mother! They are counting on me! I need to study!” Belia looked up in surprise.

  “Oh, what is this about?” she asked cautiously.

  “Empress Yukie and I are having a noble competition while Trent and Sasha are away. If she wins she wants too...” her mother's eyes went wide and Regalia knew that if anyone could teach her how to win the noble competition, it was her mother.

  *********

  Sasha looked dazzling in the common clothing she adorned, being so very unlike the gowns, dresses, and formal attire she wore on almost every occasion. The nondescript uniform of white trousers with a blue vest over a white spandex undershirt, made to look like those of a common trading company, made her appear all the more exotic. Her long, silky black hair seemed even more radiant as it tumbled over her shoulders, being a striking contrast to the pure white of the uniform whose design showed off her feminine figure.

  He inched closer as Sasha talked quietly with her servant Gil'Da at the base of the shuttle's boarding ramp, providing instruction on the proper care of Yukie and Regalia while they were away. Trent felt a devious urge slither into his mind, telling that Sasha’s body was calling out to him, begging for his touch. So he obliged the urge, running his hand around her hips to gently caress her butt, which her trousers hugged perfectly. She didn't react, just continued her instruction as she ignored his roaming hands. He smirked, accepting her challenge with a mischievousness he rarely felt, a fresh exhilaration filling his every pore. Without thinking of the possibly consequences, he grasped fully the new feeling and forced open his bond with Sasha, letting this “new” sensation flow through, along with his insatiable yearning to ravish her where she stood.

  Sasha stuttered, twirling towards him, eyes scolding and cheeks burning. “Trent, stop it,” she admonished, elbowing his stomach, before turning back to Gil'Da, blushing furiously. “I'm sorry, Gil'Da, as I was saying...” then continued her instruction. Trent held back the desire to continue his antics, just tightened his grip on her hip to pull her closer.

  Once Sasha finished her instructions, Gil’Da glared in his direction. “Good luck, Your Grace...and Sir Trent, please remember your surroundings and try to control yourself in front of others,” Gil'Da said, her expression as readable as stone. He could only smile slyly in response. Gil’Da shook her head in resignation, bowing to Sasha before vanishing into the crowd bustling throughout the hanger bay.

  Sasha turned to him, an angled smirk on her lips. “What's with yo-,” she started to question before he stopped her lips with his own, passionately kissing the woman he loved. His heart raced, desire flowing through his veins as he tried to devour her. Sasha didn’t resist, allowing him to take control, but pushed him away when a polite cough touched his ears, born from the top of the shuttle's boarding ramp. The passion in Sasha’s eyes faded quickly and was replaced by confusion as she placed a concerned hand on his cheek.

  “Are you alright?” she asked. What a strange question, he thought, of course I’m alright, I feel fantastic. He leaned in to kiss her again. “Trent...” the kiss lasted only a second before she pulled away, the worry in her eyes becoming worse. Trent smiled, still feeling unbelievable and wanting to tell the world.

  “Sasha! I love you!” he shouted, letting everyone know his most joyous of feelings. The crew and guards hustling by stumbled in surprise at his unexpected outburst. Sasha blushed furiously and grasped his hand, dragging him into the shuttle, past the confused Sir Seb'Losh, who started following close behind.

  “Is there a place we can have some privacy?” Sasha asked. Sir Seb'Losh nodded, looking uncomfortable in the blue and white uniform he adorned.

  Trent placed a hand on the man's shoulder, to show his thanks. “You're doing a great job, Sir Seb'Loshhhh...” his words slurred and he laughed as the floating faces around him looked on with unease. “Wow...I feel good!” he shouted as he pulled Sasha close, the woman he loved, his woman.

  “In the back,” Sir Seb'Losh said as Trent kissed Sasha on the nape of the neck, in the way he knew would drive her wild.

  “Thank you. Could you call the medical officer before we launch?” Sasha asked. Trent wondered who was hurt, running his fingers over every inch of Sasha's luxurious body to check for wounds.

  “Of course...” Sir Seb'Losh response faded as Sasha pulled him through the passenger compartment, towards the back.

  “How's everyone doin’?” he asked, waving to the undercover Alutia Guards who sat on both sides of the aisle.

  Sir Illion stood near back. “Is Sir Trent-,” Sir Illion started to ask, but Trent interrupted him with a fierce hug, glad that he had saved Vickie.

  “You're a good man for.
..for saving Vickiesss...thank you, Illion!” he said honestly before he was pulled away from the startled man, and led out of the passenger compartment and through a door that slid shut behind him. Sasha forced him to sit on a large couch that appeared to grow from the wall. He gestured for her to join him. Her sweet aroma, like that of freshly picked roses, assailed his mind as she sat on his lap, letting him indulge himself freely in her body.

  “Vin, what is wrong with him?” Sasha questioned, her words fuzzy.

  “Biological nanites report increasing dopamine production in Grand Duke Trent Alutia's brain to utilize in the locating of any remaining injured brain tissue. Procedure will last for twelve hours,” Vin responded clearly, calling his attention away from his wandering.

  “Vin! Stop flirting with Sasha,” he slurred, “she's mine! Don't forget it,” he hugged Sasha close as he reminded Vin, and anyone else in earshot, that Sasha was his and his alone. But words aren't enough, he realized, he had to show them with his actions. So he rolled Sasha off his lap, pinning her to the couch, kissing her again and again as he began removing the uniform she adorned.

  “Oh, my duke, of course I am yours and you are mine!” Sasha's declaration made his heart leap and their bond open, allowing him to lose himself totally in the pleasure of her flesh.

  *********

  Sasha gently stroked Trent's curly brown locks while he slept peacefully within a private cabin on the NHA Shuttle ABF Fro'Tis, a light blanket covering his seminude body. Medical Officer Cin'Dye glanced up at her from Trent's side and smiled, deactivating the medical PDU which had been projecting Trent’s vitals and other pertinent health information.

  “He should be fine when he awakes. Medical Officer Ru’Lut should have warned you, Your Grace. It is one of the strange behaviors of biological nanites when dealing with brain injuries. They could easily choose a much less troublesome chemical, but they prefer dopamine, and the effects in such a high dosage are very similar to Noble's Delight mixed with Ethanol-B,” Sasha nodded as the medical officer stood and handed her a loaded injector, which she eyed warily. “Just in case...sometimes the nanites let the body recover naturally, so you may want to keep him sedated for a few days,” the thought sent a shiver up her spine. But if that was indeed the case, she would deal with him in a more “direct” manner.

  The medical officer noticed her blush and smiled. “That could work as well, Your Grace. As long as you have......privacy.” Medical Officer Cin'Dye winked as she started towards the door, then stopped. “He may be depressed for a few days after the brain reverts to normal dopamine production. So stay with him and try to keep his spirits up.” Sasha nodded thanks to the medical officer, who turned with a wave and left, the door sliding shut behind her.

  Sasha frowned as she considered how to handle Trent going forward, knowing in a few days time they would be on Don'Alutia, searching for Sir Georigi while trying to avoid Marquis Rostil, or whoever ruled in his stead. Knowing Trent, that wouldn't stop him, but she would definitely have to be on the lookout for fits of despair.

  A chime sounded from the door of the private cabin. “Enter,” Sasha instructed, pulling the blanket up to Trent's neck. Two heads popped through the door as it opened; dirty grins on faces she knew masked only thoughts of a lecherous nature.

  “Is he alright, Your Highness? Did your medicine fix him up?” Tiana teased with a laugh as she entered, Vickie at her side.

  “Yes, yes...it's the nanites again. They increased his dopamine production,” Sasha sighed as Vickie's gaze turned to the sleeping Trent; the gaze of a predator staring longingly at its prey.

  “In that case, he should be able to handle all three,” Vickie growled, lunging towards Trent, but Sasha moved first, blocking her with her body.

  “Vickie,” Sasha pushed her away. The woman smiled, then swayed, falling to the ground in laughter.

  Tiana stared down at Vickie, expression turning somber. “We need to talk Sasha,” Tiana said seriously, in the way Sasha knew meant it was important. Sasha nodded as Tiana helped the giggling Vickie back to her feet and started towards the door.

  “But I want to stay with Trent,” Vickie pouted like a little girl and Sasha noticed her eyes were glazed over.

  “Maybe later, for now let's get you to bed,” Tiana said soothingly, escorting Vickie across the short hallway and depositing her into a similar cabin. Sir Seb'Losh stood just outside, unable to fully mask his own curiosity.

  “Please keep her inside and do not let anyone but Sasha or I in,” Sir Seb'Losh nodded a salute. Tiana rejoined her in the cabin, sliding the door shut behind her.

  “Til'Ma informed me just before we left, it...it seems Vickie has been...been indulging in the condensed Ethanol-B almost constantly since she returned,” Sasha frowned. It was the same substance she tried to have Til'Ma slip into her drink the first night Trent was freed from the medical tube.

  “Does anyone else know?” Sasha asked, knowing rumors wouldn't be too serious onboard the starship, but if they found their way back to Alutia'Earth.

  Tiana shook her head, providing some semblance of relief. “But we need to watch her, Sasha. She's been good and hasn't accosted any crew members thanks to Til'Ma's constant attention, but....but Sasha, she's our friend and we didn't even know she was suffering,” Tiana broke down, crying into her hands. Sasha hugged her young friend close, feeling the same, but knowing she had to be strong.

  “Can you watch her for me? I'll be busy with Trent and unable to help you,” she asked kindly as Tiana's tears slowed. A nod was the only response. But she knew Tiana would be ok. She was strong, stronger then even she realized.

  After saying goodbye to Tiana, and informing Sir Seb'Losh that they were not to be disturbed, she slipped out of the too snug uniform and into the small bed next to Trent, pulling him close and losing herself in his warmth, forcing the fear of what was to come out of her heart.

  Chapter 18

  His mates howled joyfully as food once again emerged from the mysterious hole at the command of the creature once known as Daniel. They scurried by his feet, collecting the sustenance he provided and placing their offerings before him, leaving the choicest morsels for him, the prime male. He growled his favor, eating slowly while gazing contently over his many mates.

  They were all with child, causing his instincts to try to suppress his lust. But something else pushed them aside, kept his mind thinking that he needed to continue mating, especially with the one whose smell called forth the images; images from the time he was the creature known as Daniel.

  He moved amongst the feeding females, easily finding the one he sought, presenting her a choice morsel as a sign of his favor. She howled in joy while the other females groveled, whining discontent. He took her then, to her delight, she having also learned to ignore her instincts. His other mates cried for attention, pawing at his feet. But he ignored them, screeching his displeasure at those who came to close as the images of a past time flooded his primal mind.

  Knowledge forced the instinct aside as he released his preferred mate, marking her other cheek with his claw to show her status above the rest. He quickly bounded through the long tunnels that connected his domain, finding the cave he sought, slightly different from all the rest. The image in his mind telling him this cave was important.

  He slowly approached the mysterious object he now knew, its curved shape at odds with the rest of the surroundings. A floating orb appeared just above its surface. Carefully, he extended a claw, causing the orb to morph and a new image to appear before him. He studied it, ignoring the hoots for attention from his lonely mates who followed him within. He screeched his irritation, chasing them away, but his preferred mate came close and he let her, her scent calling forth memories from the time before, from the time when he was known as Daniel.

  An image stood out amongst the rest, and he grasped it, striking the display where it told as if it was second nature, letting the images guide him. A beep sounded, then something flashed slowly, fillin
g the room with a constant yellow glow.

  He was done, accomplishing what the image instructed. Satisfied, he called his preferred mate to follow and left the cave of spheres, to return to his primary den, obliging the desperate howls of the rest of his mates while waiting for the chance to expand his domain, as the images had told would occur, when the flashing light was born.

  *********

  Dueling suns assailed Trent's slowly opening eyes. A fresh, fragrant breeze caressed his exposed skin. He yawned, stretching his stiff limbs before climbing to his feet, his gaze drawn to the enormous castle towering high above him. The castle was unfamiliar, though appeared eerily similar to the ancient European style castles of old Earth. But this castle stood much taller, almost two kilometers in height, with no stones or mortar used in the construction of its walls and towers. Instead, it was grown from a tree with rainbow colored leaves and a furry, greenish moss-like bark. Around its perimeter stood a high wall of hardened roots, outside of which he stood, bordering a dense forest of colorful, leafy flora of such alien design he never recalled witnessing their like before.

  Trent's mind struggled to grasp the unfamiliar surroundings, he not fully comprehending where he was or how he got here, everything slightly hazy, like his mind was covered in a dense fog or his surroundings were born of a realistic dream.

  A hand brushed his. He spun in surprise, finding a child with jet black hair and the face of a doll gazing up at him, unshed tears in her innocent emerald eyes. Her face was vaguely familiar, akin to someone he should know, someone very important. But he couldn't place her, his mind still fuzzy.

  She moved towards the forest, away from the castle, urging him to follow. He stood reluctant; a milky white mist growing denser in the forest interior’s unnatural darkness. But a voice cried out in his heart, saying he must follow, an urgency permeating the air. With a deep breath, he started forward.