Caught up in a tight embrace, it took him several seconds before he realized it was the emperor. After receiving four resounding claps to the back, he was staring into piercing green eyes, now narrowed and assessing. He expected nothing less and waited patiently until Lucien finished his analysis.
“You saved my family, Baruch. I’ll find a way to repay you in kind.”
Shaking his head, Baruch smiled and patted his beloved emperor and friend on the shoulder. “No need, Lucien. The moment you drove my sword into the sands of Glaxon-8 and blew the hell out of that damn shed, I was in your debt. We’re even.”
Lucien smiled and gave a quick nod. “So be it. You and your mate will stay in the palace tonight. Don’t argue. It’s done.”
“We’d be honored.”
Calling for Makar, Baruch followed Lucien to the palace. They watched the two Protonecians from the other craft fuss over Bellator as he took his time walking from the crash site. Perhaps his adrenaline was wearing off. He looked a little wobbly. Lucien spoke up.
“The one with the white hair on Bellator’s right is Senator Milonius. The younger one is Senator Vibius. They insisted on accompanying their king. I bet they’re regretting that now.”
Baruch’s chuckle immediately died when Senator Vibius spotted Lucien and quickly approached with a drawn brow and clenched jaw. Eryx broke away from the crowd, but Lucien shook his head as he kept an eye on the approaching senator now spitting with rage.
“This is unacceptable, Emperor Lucien. King Bellator’s safety is paramount. The transport driver tried to kill him. You must immediately arrest him.”
Lucien cocked an eyebrow, stared at the senator for a few beats, and then walked past him. Vibius’s eyes widened before he scurried ahead and hovered close to Bellator when Lucien approached. The two rulers nodded to each other and then clasped forearms.
“How are you feeling, Bellator? I’ve called for our physician.”
Chuckling, Bellator sat heavily on the steps. “A little shaken, but I’ll live. That’s what I like about this place, my friend. There’s never a dull moment.”
Vibius leaned down to Bellator, his voice low and urgent.
“My king, I have demanded that the transport driver be arrested, yet the emperor is not heeding my request.”
Bellator frowned and glanced up to respond, yet Senator Milonius snatched the other senator’s arm and pulled him away. His voice was deep and chastising.
“Enough Vibius. This is not the emperor’s fault, nor the driver’s. I saw him struggling at the controls. The same occurred with ours. I spoke with both pilots and they affirm that the transports were being purposefully directed toward the Insedivertus royal family by another’s hand. Something else is afoot.”
Vibius’s brows rose. He blinked a few times and then executed a deep bow. “My apologies, emperor. I hope you recognize the concern for my king was paramount within my actions.”
Lucien nodded. “I understand and accept, Senator Vibius. We’ll not dwell on it any longer.” He turned when Drusus and Severus approached.
“Father, I’ve called for the transports to be retrieved and taken back to the hangar. Severus and I will accompany them. Two elite guards and an engineer are posted and awaiting our arrival. Keos told us of the issue he experienced. We’ll not let the vehicles out of our sight. As soon as we receive word on the cause of the failure, we’ll let you know. We’ve sent the females inside with the others.” He reached out and touched Lucien’s arm.
“I spoke with Altair. None of the Corvus left the rooms since their arrival.”
Baruch could tell they were sharing a mind link. What in the name of Dii would ever cause a Corvus to hang out in the palace? He definitely needed to catch up on this latest mystery.
Lucien gave a quick nod. “Very good, son. Thank you.”
Senator Vibius turned to his guard. “Selnan. Go with them. Help as needed. We’ll tend to Argus.”
Baruch turned when he sensed his mate approaching. He was happy to see Keely ensconced solidly under his arm. Her eyes were darting all over, taking in the chaotic scene. Lucien smiled when he spotted them. Before he could open his mouth to speak, the sound of boots pounding down the stairs caught his attention. It was Stephano, brow furrowed and lips set in a tight line.
Baruch shrugged when Makar gave him a quizzical look. Stephano halted in front of Lucien, after giving Bellator a passing glance.
“Emperor, I just heard. I know what you may be thinking, but this has nothing to do with my family. I assure you. We’ve been together since their arrival. They’re not happy with our discussion, but none has alluded to plotting against the empire. They’re shocked, not stupid.” He glanced over when Bellator stood and snorted.
Stephano’s brow cocked. “You have something to share, Bellator?”
Leaning against a column balustrade, Bellator’s lips twisted with disgust. “I’ve plenty. Being king has certain privileges. I learned of the conversations your father had with Basilius in the past. So enamored of acquiring the title of emperor, he consorted with your sworn enemy to assist in his quest. Why should Lucien take your word of honor?”
Stephano drew up to his full height, obviously pissed. “That was before Basilius did the unthinkable and killed our females, my mother being one among them. My father immediately stepped away from that alliance. He’s no longer with us, either. So, be cautious of how you speak of our dead.” He narrowed his eyes, lips twisting with disgust. He stepped closer, far from finished.
“Perhaps the emperor should focus his efforts in your direction, Bellator. You’ve not been gone long from Messor. Your activities are well-known there. I question anyone that becomes as prolific as you did with your many brothels. Perhaps the knowledge of the Messorian’s proclivities has come back to haunt you. Many hold high office and are firmly pressed below your thumb.”
Bellator chuckled and tipped his head toward Stephano. “I should feel honored that you took so much time to learn about me. However, it’s obvious you haven’t completed your study. I still keep their secrets. They are of no concern or value to me. Be realistic, little Corvus. I was more dangerous when I plied my trade. If I had ever planned to leverage that knowledge, it would have happened long ago. I’m an even greater asset to them now. No, there is no logical gain for Messor to take my life.” Moving closer, Bellator leaned forward and dropped his voice to silky unpleasantness.
“You want to be an emperor, yet you cannot see the simplest truth…just like your father.”
Lucien stepped in between them before Stephano could get his fist lifted from his side.
“Enough! We don’t need innuendos, wild accusations, or theory. The truth will be revealed in time. Is this ended, or do I need to post guards to dog your every step? We either move forward peacefully, or I’ll have to ask you both to leave.”
Bellator stepped back and raised his palms in surrender. A little smile crossed his face. “Non. You’ve no worries from me, Lucien. I’ve had my say.”
“Stephano?” Lucien stared at the Insedi fighting to keep his composure.
“Agreed.”
“Good. Attend to your uncles. You’ve much to discuss, and time is running out on my offer.”
Nodding, Stephano turned on his heel and walked proudly back into the castle.
Bellator called out for him to have a restful night. His voice sweetly pleasant.
Baruch watched Lucien give an unrepentant Bellator a firm expression before he turned around and looked Keely right in the eye. His features softened, and an inviting smile crossed his face.
“You must be Dr. Anderson. Welcome to Insedivertus.”
Chapter 22
Despite the craziness of the last few minutes, Keely was immediately impressed with Emperor Lucien Tarquinius. The man was in his element. One look into those intense emerald eyes, and she knew he was beyond wise. He couldn’t be any older than his mid-thirties, but she could tell that the mantle of emperor sat easily on his broad shou
lders, as if he’d worn it for centuries. She let him take her hand and place a soft kiss to her knuckles. If anything, the Insedi were gallant and total gentlemen, even when they were arguing.
“Nice to meet you. Call me Keely.”
“Of course. Now, please accept my sincerest apologies, Keely. What just occurred is out of the norm. I’m sure you’re also confused as to why the warriors felt it necessary to bring you here, but let me assure you—”
Keely held up her hand. “No, please. Don’t apologize. The guys have been extremely forthcoming. I think I have the picture now. Their last step at convincing me to keep my mouth shut was to show me your lovely world. Trust me. Everything I know is in the vault. I’ll never reveal this to anyone. Hell, I don’t think they’d believe me anyway.”
Lucien chuckled and gestured toward the stairs. “That’s very gracious of you, Keely. Thank you for your discretion. Come. I’m sure you’re exhausted from your travels and would like to rest.” Turning to Bellator and the senators, he motioned for them to follow.
“Your guest quarters are ready. Kallon will visit shortly, Bellator. He’s tending to Keos, and you and Argus are next on his list.”
Keely glanced to Bellator as he nodded and pushed away from the railing. The sun cast a bright sheen across his ebony hair and glinted off his earring. She was surprised to see a tiny jewel attached to his nostril as well. He reminded her of the big biker she’d treated for post-traumatic stress. Intimidating on the outside, but a total sweetheart at the center. Despite knowing he was a king, Keely figured Bellator was just as engaging as Lucien was. Neither one of them carried a superior attitude. When his beautiful gray eyes slid her way, she returned his sweet smile.
They all took their time scaling the stairs. The higher they ascended, the lower Bellator’s shoulders slumped. He was struggling to lift his left leg each time. Despite his obvious pain, he chuckled and leaned against the wall once they entered the expansive foyer.
“Lucien, it appears I may have acquired more damage than I first thought. If your warriors don’t mind, do you think I could use their broad shoulders to carry me the remainder of the way?”
Baruch and Makar immediately broke away and slipped under his arms. The worried senators stuck close to him. Within minutes, they had him up the tall, winding staircase and turning into a wide corridor. Keely looked up to see a beautiful redhead standing in the middle. Her big green eyes widened when she saw the king being carried slowly in her direction. Reaching over, she swung open a door and stepped back.
“In here. The bedroom’s on the left.” She clasped Lucien’s hand when he sought her out. “I’ve called for Kallon to bring the larger healing unit.”
Lucien placed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Thank you, my love.”
Ah, this must be Tana. Happy to see another human, Keely followed the couple into the large, formal living room. Peering into the bedroom, she saw that Bellator was already collapsed on the bed and favoring his left hip. A fine bead of sweat coated his forehead. Makar and Baruch stepped away and joined her. It felt completely normal when they snagged her hands and pulled her close.
Moments later, another gorgeous Insedi flew through the doorway clutching a very familiar black case, his long, blond braid swinging behind him. He gave a quick nod to the royal couple, entered the bedroom, shoved the two senators out the way, and closed the door.
Silence commanded the room for many moments before Tana spoke up.
“Well, I guess we’re done here. Kallon to the rescue.”
Lucien laughed and pulled her out into the hallway. Minutes later, the senators were joining them. Obviously the doctor didn’t think any uninjured parties needed to be present. They looked around for a few beats before the white-haired one spoke up.
“Vibius. My memory is returning. I have visited this area of the palace before. Prior to Basilius’s father passing, there was peace between the Insedi and our people. We attended many festivities. Do you remember those days?”
Vibius nodded and smiled politely. “Yes, my father was in the senate then and regaled our family upon his return. He told me of the wonders of the palace. I am very glad to see that the easiness has returned.” He looked up to the emperor.
“Calpion speaks highly of you from his time on Glaxon-8. You have garnered his deepest respect.”
Lucien smiled. “How does he fare?”
“He has retired to his estate, now. I believe he finds contentment from tending to his gardens. He also pursues finding a way to rejuvenate our world. Bellator is supportive.”
“Ah, this is an honorable endeavor. I wish him good fortune.”
Tana stepped to the side and gestured to the next two rooms. “Gentleman, I’m sure the shock of everything that’s happened is going to hit in a few minutes. Please, choose a room so you can rest. I’ll have some refreshments brought up in a bit. Let the staff know if you need anything else.”
Both gave her winning smiles, bowed, and chose their rooms. Tana swirled around, snapped Keely up into a hard embrace, and then released her. Her beautiful green eyes were glowing.
“You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here. One more woman joining our little group doesn’t hurt my feelings in the least. The girls are going to love you. I’ll introduce you the first chance we get.”
Keely blinked a few times and bit her cheek. There wasn’t any reason to start blabbing that she wasn’t planning on staying long. “Uh, thank you for having me.” Before she could think, Tana snatched her hand and pulled her across the corridor.
“This is your room.” She pushed the door open and gestured for Makar and Baruch to follow them. Lucien stepped inside and leaned against the wall. His face was peaceful as his eyes tracked Tana’s movements. Keely recognized the look for what it was—pure, unadulterated love. It was if he knew she was the one providing the air for his lungs. Without her, he’d die.
Caught up in the beauty of the moment, Keely shivered when she felt Makar’s palm slide down her back, and Baruch pushed a stray hair from her face. She looked up to them, startled to see the same look that Lucien carried, but it was directed at her. Tana’s husky voice snagged their attention, giving her time to swallow the lump in her throat and collect herself.
“Guys, all the other rooms are full, so you’re going to have to help me move that damn cabinet in the dining room. I’ve bumped my hip on the thing twice already. No reason Keely has to suffer the same. It sticks out too far. Plus, it’s ugly. You can just place it out there until I can have it moved tomorrow.”
Staring at the monstrous piece of furniture taking up half the wall, Keely’s mouth parted when Makar and Baruch lifted the thing like it was a small table. They had it out in the hallway and were back in the room before she could make sense of it.
Lucien pushed away from the wall and tapped both of them on the arm. “Altair just contacted me. All the Nawiens have arrived. We can release them now. They’ve set up in the gardens. Come on, let’s get this over with.”
“What about Keos?”
“He’s ready. Kallon had him fixed up in under ten minutes. It was just a cut along his hairline.”
Lucien strode across the room, captured Tana in his arms, and planted a kiss on her mouth that could melt paint. Keely got the same treatment from Makar. As soon as he released her, Baruch’s warm lips were covering hers, and she grabbed his biceps before her legs gave out. He nipped her lower lip and backed away, leaving her to brace her arm on the wall before she tilted over. They both carried satisfied smiles as they followed Lucien to the door.
Makar threw her a wink. “We’ll be back as soon as we can, Keely.”
Nodding, she turned and looked at Tana. “I know my cheeks are red, so let’s pretend they’re not, okay?”
Tana chuckled. “You’re fine. Come with me. I’m sure you’ll want something to eat. Makar told me that you guys just finished trekking across a state park and then hoofed it all the way to Presidio. He asked if I’d get you something to e
at before you settled in for your bath and a nap.”
Keely followed the little dynamo out into the hallway. “Ah, that cool mind thing. What else did he tell you?”
Tana smiled and waited for her to catch up. “That you’re very brave after everything you’ve been through. The poor guys were sent away to get some rest and ended right back in a forest fighting for their lives again. I’m glad you all made it out of there okay.”
“Yeah, me too. Hey, what exactly are they doing with the Nawiens? I know about them being held hostage together on Glaxon-8, but I’m not sure what this releasing thing is all about.”
“Oh, that was something. I still get chills when I think about it. Did they tell you about the monster?”
“Yes. It sounded awful. They used that story to make me realize that whatever was scurrying around the forest was lightweight compared to that thing.”
“Girl, you have no idea. I’d tell you about the bug birds, but I don’t want to give you nightmares. Anyway, they’re going to be part of a ritual to release them from their obligation. When the guys killed that damn thing, the Nawiens gave their lives over to them in thanks. At the time, it would’ve seemed extremely rude to decline their offer, so Lucien’s finally convinced them that they need to go live their lives without being tied to them any longer.”
“Ah. Makes sense. Thanks.”
Keely enjoyed the walk with Tana. She tried to explain the palace as they made their way to the kitchens, but admitted she was still trying to figure it out herself. Fascinated, she listened intently to the nutty incident on board the cargo ship that resulted in Tana’s capture by the Dar Kan. Keely explained what she did for a living and the nosiness that landed her here.”
“Oh, yes. I’ve heard the names of those patients and the cop from the girls. They clued me in on what happened. Our guys will do whatever they have to in order to protect us. I’m sure you’ve figured that out already.”
Fueled by Lust: Makar and Baruch (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 20