by Leslie Chase
“A fire?” I suggested, lacking any better ideas. Gennafera shook her head.
“The drones would put that out as soon as it started. No, we need something much more dramatic. As soon as Prodrirs realizes the controls are missing, he’ll hit every alarm there is. We need to keep him from even thinking about it.”
“So we kill him,” Athazar said. It was a simple plan, probably too simple to work, but worth thinking about. Genna shook her head.
“He’s not stupid, he’s a vindictive bastard, and a lot of people want him dead. I hear he’s got the whole arena linked to his life-signs: if he dies, everything shuts down. None of the doors will open, the air will stop circulating, and we’d all suffocate. If we’re lucky.”
I shivered, huddling into Athazar. “What if we’re unlucky?”
“The animals are all kept penned in by forcefields,” she said as though that explained everything. Confused, I looked at Athazar and saw him wince.
“When he dies, they’ll be set loose,” he explained. “Half-starved monsters from all over the galaxy. If any of the doors are open, we’d be trapped in the dark with them.”
“Okay, you’ve convinced me. Bad idea.” I held onto Athazar tight, and he held me. “So what do we do?”
That was a question none of us had a good answer for. for a moment we waited in grim silence, and then Athazar chuckled.
“If we can’t come up with a good plan, we’ll have to go with a bad one,” he said. “I’m not going to let us be paralyzed by indecision, and if we can get all of the Greens together, we’d be a pretty formidable force. Get everyone on board, and we can grab Prodrirs and use him as a hostage while we fight our way out.”
“That’s an awful plan. Far too many things can go wrong, and we have to trust too many people,” Gennafera said. “I love it.”
I didn’t share her love for a doomed plan, but at least it was something we could try. That was better than anything that I could offer, so I nodded. “So far it’s just us,” I said. “We need to get the others to join us, Corven and Tybin and Mixal.”
“And Armax,” Gennafera added, an odd wistful smile on her face. I raised an eyebrow, and her green skin darkened in a blush.
“Really? Him?” I asked, and she shrugged awkwardly.
“Yeah, well, he’s hot,” she said, and I couldn’t help smiling. Maybe Gennafera didn’t have great taste in guys, but it was still nice that she was sharing her feelings. It made me feel like we had a real friendship, not just an alliance.
Maybe, once we’re out of here, we can spend some time together talking about something other than killing people. It felt strange to plan for the time after the arena, but it was also nice to have a friend.
Athazar rumbled something under his breath before speaking. “He hates us.”
“Sure,” Gennafera agreed. “You messed up his chance to move up the ranks and you embarrassed him, of course he holds a grudge. I reckon I can bring him on board, though. Don’t worry, I won’t tell him anything until we’re sure we can trust him.”
I nodded and a second later so did Athazar. It was a risk, but if we had the whole barracks on our side that would be worth it. Besides, I wanted to see my friend happy.
“We do need numbers,” Athazar conceded. “If you’re sure you can recruit him, okay, but be careful. And now we all need to get some sleep.”
When we rose the next morning, something had changed. I could feel it in the air, though it took me a moment to place it. There was a quiet hanging over the barracks, a tension in the faces of Prodrirs’s guards as we assembled for his morning speech. And when our owner came down from his office, he looked nervous. Falcar stood behind him, watching us carefully.
That was new, and I doubted it was good news for us. Does Prodrirs know about our plan?
He couldn’t. If he did, the guards would have seized us already. I told myself that over and over, hoping that eventually I’d believe it.
“We have a treat for you,” he declared after a pause that stretched longer than usual. “An honor that is rarely bestowed on scum such as yourselves. An Imperial Princess is coming to view our humble arena in person, and you will have the honor of fighting for a direct descendant of the Silent Empress herself.”
Around me the other gladiators muttered, shifting uneasily. All but Athazar, who tensed. I could feel the darkness closing over him again, and I took his hand, squeezing it.
I’d never felt him so angry.
“Who is it?” he asked, voice tight and controlled. Prodrirs looked down at him, frowning. He wasn’t used to questions from his gladiators and he didn’t look as though he liked the change.
“You’ll find out soon enough, Athazar,” he said. “Her Highness has requested you personally.”
“I will not speak to her.” The refusal was flat, unwavering, and Prodrirs’s face darkened at the challenge. His fingers brushed the controller attached to his belt, and I gasped as pain flashed through me. It was over in an instant, leaving me trembling and weak. Athazar caught me before I collapsed.
“You are perhaps the greatest fighter in my stable,” Prodrirs told him. “Don’t for a moment think that means you can refuse me. You will meet the lady, speak politely, and do as she asks, or Emma here will suffer.”
I felt Athazar tremble with a fury that threatened to burst out into a killing rage. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I squeezed and tried to calm him.
Flying off the handle now wouldn’t achieve anything, and he knew that even better than I did. Carefully steadying me, he let out a long slow breath.
“Very well,” he told Prodrirs, bowing his head. The murderous anger was only suppressed, not gone, but that was the best I could hope for.
“That’s what I like to hear,” a new voice said from behind us, bright and cheerful. “Sometimes even you can see the inevitable.”
I turned along with the rest of the gladiators, staring at the newcomer. A beautiful human woman stood watching us, flanked by heavily armed guards, her face set in a cruel grin that made me shiver. Long blonde hair floated behind her in an impossible hairstyle, and her dress shimmered and moved as I watched.
Nothing in Earth’s fashion could have compared. Even here in space, that looked impossibly expensive and fancy. And her deadly-looking guards couldn’t be cheap either.
Next to me, Athazar growled. As soon as I heard the sound, the anger and pain it carried, I knew who we were looking at.
“Tlaxanna,” he hissed, facing the woman who’d given him his scars.
18
Athazar
“How delightful to see you again, Athazar,” Princess Tlaxanna said, her eyes shining. “Especially under these conditions.”
I lunged forward. I couldn’t help myself, the urge was impossible to resist. My hatred burned deep, strong, unyielding.
Princess Tlaxanna didn’t flinch as my hand reached for her throat, claws extending. She didn’t need to — as soon as I got close my implanted agonizer fired, sending pain shooting through me and dropping me to the floor in a gasping heap.
No one with a slave implant could attack her. Her own implants made sure of that: they cost a fortune, more than most slave owners could afford, but they would strike down any slave who tried to raise a hand to her.
Without that protection one of her slaves would have killed her years ago. I’d certainly have tried it when I decided to escape, and I doubted I’d be the first.
Her eyes seemed almost gentle as she looked down at me and tutted. “You know that won’t work, Athazar. Why do you keep trying?”
“Might get lucky,” I gasped. “Never know if I don’t try.”
Her laugh was warm and happy, as though we were old friends sharing a joke. Every muscle my body tensed, and I almost tried again. Only the sound of Emma’s breath catching stopped me from the futile attempt.
I have to think of her, too, I reminded myself. It was all that stopped me hurling myself against Tlaxanna’s defenses until I either died or got
through.
“Sweet boy,” she chided, “you were always too impulsive. And see how little getting free of me helped you? You fell back into slavery soon enough, without me there to keep you safe.”
Managing to pull myself up to my feet, I glowered at her. “Why are you here?”
“Because you’re famous,” she said. Exactly what I’d feared when I saw Prodrirs’s adverts. “My palace-ship happened to be in the area, and once I knew that you were here, how could I stay away? I’ve missed you ever since you left so abruptly.”
I bit back a snarl, remembering the bloody fight to get free. Kadran and I had gone through so much to get out of her clutches, and now it seemed like it might all be for nothing. Worse, I’d brought Emma into her grasp.
With every ounce of my willpower, I focused on not thinking about Emma. If Tlaxanna didn’t realize how much she meant to me, perhaps I could keep my mate safe. It was a futile hope, I knew, but it was the only thing I could try.
“At least I’m free of you.” The words slipped out before I could restrain them, but at least they would serve to focus her attention on me. If they got me punished, I didn’t care. I’d suffer any pain I had to if it would keep Emma safe.
“Not in the least,” she said, her smile widening. I knew that look, hated it, even feared it. Tlaxanna happy was never a good sign. “I’m sure that, if I can be bothered, I can purchase you from Master Prodrirs.”
Behind me, Prodrirs took an unhappy breath. I heard him shift his weight nervously before he spoke. “Your Highness, that is, I—”
Laughing, Tlaxanna waved away his objections. “Silly man, I don’t want to buy him. He’s so much more fun here, fighting and dying in your arena. Hating every minute of it, no doubt, but what can he do? As ever, he’s a prisoner of his fate.”
Prodrirs produced a credible chuckle, no doubt glad that his new prize wasn’t being yanked away from him. If an Imperial Princess wanted me, he’d have little choice but to take whatever price she was willing to offer. Especially since I was no doubt still on her books as an escaped slave.
“Your Highness is as wise as she is beautiful,” he said, bowing low. Tlaxanna nodded, accepting the praise as her due.
“Of course, I do wish to make this trip worth my while,” she said. “It’s been decades since I set foot on a planet, and I must say that I don’t like it.”
Then why don’t you fuck off? I thought the words but kept my silence. There was nothing to be gained by angering her, not here and not now.
“You didn’t have to bother,” Emma said instead. “None of us wanted you here.”
Ice water ran through my veins and the room was silent. Everyone looked around at my mate, incredulous that she would dare speak to a princess that way.
It was Tlaxanna who broke the silence, laughing and clapping her hands as she stepped closer to Emma. I tensed, ready to act if I had to, though I didn’t have the slightest idea what I’d do.
“I see why he likes you,” Tlaxanna said, reaching out to brush the hair from Emma’s face. “You may not be much to look at, but you share his rebellious streak.”
Emma’s face darkened, and I prayed that she’d keep her temper. She opened her mouth, seemed to think better of speaking, and shut it again. Thank the Hungry Stars.
“I believe I shall enjoy sponsoring a tournament here,” the princess said after a moment, still looking Emma in the eyes as she addressed Prodrirs. “I have some ideas for a spectacular display match, and it might be amusing to set some of my own warriors against your gladiators.”
“Of course, Your Highness, of course,” Prodrirs said, and I could almost see the credit signs flickering in front of his eyes. “Visiting challengers are a welcome diversion, and I am certain that we can accommodate your desires.”
Waving her hand airily, Tlaxanna dismissed his words. Her attention was still focused on Emma, and I did not like the way she looked at my mate one bit. I’d seen that hunger before, and it never meant anything good for the subject of her interest.
My scars reminded me of that all too well.
“Come with me, my dear,” the princess said, linking arms with Emma and guiding her towards Prodrirs’ office. My mate looked back at me, helpless, and I met her gaze. All I could do was offer my wordless support and an unspoken promise that I would do all I could to rescue her.
She seemed to draw strength from that, at least, straightening up as the two of them vanished from sight followed by a pair of Tlaxanna’s guards. Prodrirs let out a relieved breath, and the gladiators around me exchanged glances. I kept my eyes fixed on the door Emma had stepped through and tried to think of a way out of this disaster.
19
Emma
Surrounded by holograms of Athazar, I looked into the cold eyes of his tormentor. I’d expected to be frightened of her, but somehow Athazar lent me the strength I needed to face her. Tlaxanna was the source of all his pain, all his scars, the bane of his life. I should have been terrified, knowing the monster that hid behind those perfect blue eyes.
Instead, I felt rage. This woman had hurt my man, nearly broken him. Would have broken anyone less strong than Athazar. The urge to simply punch her in the face was almost irresistible.
All that held me back was the certainty that I wouldn’t achieve anything. My slave implant would drop me to the floor before I touched her, and even if I somehow connected all I’d do was trade her bloody nose for my agonizing death. Not exactly a great bargain, Emma.
“So you’re the girl Athazar’s settled on,” Tlaxanna said, looking me up and down with an amused smile. “I suppose you have some rustic charm, but I confess to feeling a little disappointed. I was sure you’d be a barbarian beauty or something equally exotic. Instead, well, I could pick up ten of you in any market.”
I started to answer, then thought better of it. Nothing I could possibly say would go well, and if I was going to piss her off, I might as well go straight for the punch. Gritting my teeth, I stared straight ahead as she examined me in infuriating detail.
She clearly found me lacking.
The princess was, I had to admit, beautiful. I couldn’t compete with her on looks, and I wasn’t sure that anyone from Earth would be able to. Slender, delicate, perfectly built, she had looks a supermodel would be jealous of. But there was something subtly wrong about them.
It was as though the body wasn’t quite hers. Just a touch of artificiality, like she was wearing a work of art rather than a body. Or perhaps I was just jealous? I couldn’t tell for sure.
Her long blonde hair was done in a style that literally defied gravity, and the dress she wore was like something out of a fashion designer’s fever dream. I was a little surprised by how little jewelry she wore, but then I supposed that she never needed to make a statement about her wealth.
I couldn’t help wondering what she made of me, just a typical Earthgirl. I was in better shape than I’d ever been thanks to the gladiator training, but my figure could never compete with her sylph-like grace.
It’s not a competition, I told myself. Why do I feel like I have anything to prove to this woman?
“Nothing to say for yourself?” The princess smiled, a sly expression that I wanted to slap off her face right away. “That’s alright, dear. Don’t worry, you have nothing to fear from me. I expect us to be firm friends.”
Sure you do. But I couldn’t stay silent forever, so I tried for something neutral. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
A musical laugh. “There, that wasn’t so hard, was it? I knew that you’d be sensible.”
She turned and walked away, and lacking any choice in the matter I followed. Out of a second door to the office, into a lavishly decorated area that had to be for important guests. Nearby, I heard the roar of the crowd — a fight was starting, and I swallowed. This would be the first time I saw the arena from the perspective of the audience.
I’d almost rather be on the sands myself.
The two big alien guards watched me with impa
ssive faces, ready in case I tried anything — though what they were worried about I didn’t know. It wasn’t as though I could attack their mistress, after all. With nowhere to run, and no chance to fight back, all I could do was wait and watch.
Tlaxanna led us into one of the VIP boxes, and as soon as we were all aboard it detached from the stadium, floating over the arena. Below, I saw an animal match in progress and shuddered.
I’d never watched one, but the other gladiators had talked about them in hushed tones. Fights against animals were a punishment, a way for Prodrirs to get his last payday from a slave he didn’t want and couldn’t sell. A fight against impossible odds that would send the crowd wild.
More often he’d get a shipment of convicts and throw them to the monsters rather than waste a slave he’d paid money for, but the threat was always there. Rumor said that sometimes a fighter would survive one such fight, but never two.
“I do like these displays,” Tlaxanna said, lowering herself elegantly into a chair that looked more like a throne. Even lounging, she looked more regal than I had on my best day. Stop comparing yourself to her, idiot.
I looked down, afraid of what I would see. To my relief, the fighters were all strangers to me. It was still an awful sight. Three men with purple skin stood against a pack of spotted green predators, something like six-armed bears with long, lashing tails.
One of the convicts was bleeding heavily, his right arm hanging at his side. All of them were panting, exhausted. And while the monster bears were bloodied, that only seemed to make them angrier.
“I imagine Athazar would do better, don’t you?” Tlaxanna said, leaning forward to watch as a bear dashed forward, trying for the injured man. His companions managed to fend it off, but not before one of them took a swipe across the chest that left him bleeding. “On the other hand, you don’t look like you have the build for a fight like that. No reach.”