Wolfe, Annabel - Secrets of a Reckless Princess [The Starlight Chronicles 4] (Siren Publishing PolyAmour)

by Annabel Wolfe

  “Her Highness is likely to request an interview. Someone will escort you to her quarters.”

  Her Highness probably wanted to cut off his balls, Damon thought, but he didn’t envy Jayla that interview either.

  Looking effectively chastened, she glanced at him one last time before she nodded, adjusted her gown again and walked out of the room. It was hard to know what to read into that quick look, but he thought a small secret smile curved her lips for a moment.

  Kale stepped back to let her pass, inclining his head respectfully. Then he turned back to Damon and spoke less formally, with the ease of long acquaintance. “This isn’t going to make your father any happier, you know.”

  “If you ever figure out what does make him happy, could you let me know?” He was only half-joking. Then he said with a conviction that surprised even him, “I’ve been in love with her my whole life.”

  Kale sighed and rubbed his jaw. “I know.”

  He did? Until he’d said it right at that moment, Damon wasn’t aware of it himself. He thought about her all too often, she filled his dreams with erotic titillation, but he really hadn’t been aware of much more than the friendship they’d shared since they were children and the combustible attraction between male and female.

  Love.

  He walked over to the bed and sat down, his knees a little weak.

  Considering how much trouble he was in, the timing for this revelation wasn’t exactly perfect.

  “Up until now,” Kale said in that same even voice, “though we’ve kept a close eye on you, for someone who has a tendency to disregard the rules you’ve been circumspect in your relationship with Princess Jayla.”

  Of course he had. Whatever his flaws, and Damon was aware he had quite a few, he wasn’t stupid.

  “Now, that has all changed,” Kale informed him and, on that enigmatic note, left the room, the door ominously shutting behind him with a sound that signaled finality.

  Chapter Two

  Marc Kartel poured a cool glass of golden wine and tried to decide if he should be amused or furious. He said sardonically, “Well, at least I know she has nice tits.”

  His envoy, Chas, laughed, his dark eyes glimmering. “I agree. Very nice. I might even say spectacular—”

  “That’s enough, thanks.”

  “Touchy, aren’t we?”

  He wasn’t, at least to the extent he’d never even met the lovely Jayla yet, so it wasn’t personal, but then again, he’d come all the way from Minoa at the royal family’s request. “I think the queen failed to impart to my father the nature of the princess’s relationship with the son of Raphael Le Clerc. That was not a casual kiss.”

  “So you have a rival…you’re up for it.” Chas strolled over and poured a glass of wine for himself. “Besides, though it is ironic, you came here to meet the younger Le Clerc as much as the princess. Think of it this way, you now know you and he have two common interests. Your political views and one beautiful aristocratic female. Not a bad start to a possible political alliance.”

  “True enough.” Marc took a drink and looked at the monitor on the wall. It now showed the area outside the door of his quarters. Just what it was supposed to show, instead of a male and a female entwined in an erotic embrace. “It sounds like Le Clerc is in trouble up to his neck right now. He may be of no use.”

  “That article was inflammatory. It caused a major public protest in front of the palace and spurred on similar movements on other planets.” Chas, tall and wide-shouldered, dropped back into a chair in a careless masculine sprawl, wine glass in hand. “But damn, it was compelling. He has some ideas that have real merit, not just for Anasta, but applicable to quite a few other colonies if we can get the Universal Council to listen.”

  “He has three different degrees in Political Science, including a doctorate in military tactics.” Marc mused out loud, “If we can somehow direct that brilliance toward policies that involve compromise instead of anarchy, he’d make one hell of an advisor to people like my father.”

  “Or you,” his friend said with a lifted brow. “The only way to the throne of Anasta currently is inheritance. That’s why the queen extended you this invitation. Her sheltered young daughter is next in line but needs a strong male at her side, preferably one with dynastic ties to other powerful colonies.”

  It was true. Marc’s father, Ran Kartel, was Governor of the dominant colony in the Federation, Minoa. Like Anasta, Minoa had started out as an Earth colony, formed back when the human race expanded to a point they needed more room than Earth. Genetic engineering had enabled colonies to be settled because the enhanced humans, or Superhumans, generally known as S-species, had much better survival skills. They had superior intelligence, improved health, were taller, and better-looking than the race they evolved from, and as a result, Earth was now completely under S-species rule.

  “I wonder how ambitious he is, or if Le Clerc just has a rabble-rousing mentality.” Marc rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “I was hoping to ask to interview him right after my arrival, but then he and the princess put on that interesting show and the queen didn’t look any too inclined to discuss him in any way.”

  “I am not sure I’d like to be Princess Jayla right now. The queen looked ice cold and calm, but I sensed she was furious.”

  Marc had been dressed down by his own mother a time or two, and even though he towered over her and was twice her weight, he still didn’t care to stumble and incur a scathing lecture. He adored her, but she was a formidable force. “Yes, I imagine the princess isn’t enjoying herself too much at the moment.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “About Princess Jayla?” Marc shrugged. “Go on and continue my visit as planned, I suppose. Just because she has a relationship with Le Clerc doesn’t mean we can’t still contemplate an alliance. Actually, she might be able to give me more information on where his loyalties really lie. I’d bet from what we saw, she has some influence over him.”

  “You really want to court him for the diplomatic service? His recent article was anything but diplomatic, Marc.”

  “I know, but if he can be reined in, he’d be valuable. Have you read his dissertation on the exponential effects of military action on interstellar economics?”

  “No,” Chas admitted with interest flickering in his dark eyes. “Should I?”

  “It’s brilliant.”

  “I see.”

  “To answer the question, yes. If this alliance works out and I find myself consort of Anasta, I’d like to have someone like Le Clerc to help reform policy, and quite frankly, there is no one else with his qualifications and progressive insight. My father is interested, also, in presenting general universal reforms for some of the colonies that need it, including Minoa.”

  “Ambitious, but I agree, well-needed.” Chas quirked a brow. “The moment you accept and it’s recorded and communicated to Minoa and the Universal Council, you’ll have sexual rights to Princess Jayla. That’s not going to endear you to Le Clerc from what I saw.”

  “You know I’m not possessive of females.” It was true that as S-species evolved, the enhanced sex drive in the males made females more valued, and it was acceptable—encouraged even—for a woman to have more than one lover. Sexually satisfied males were in general less aggressive.

  “I know you aren’t. I wasn’t worried so much about you, but more so him. Did you see his face when she left the room?”

  He had. Marc prowled restlessly across the room, sipping his wine. When the first contact had been made from the royal family with his father, he’d been resistant, preferring to choose his own mate. But the more he’d thought about it, the more appealing it became. He’d been raised to govern—served in the military, undertaken diplomatic missions, administered in different cabinets on Minoa—and this was an opportunity of a lifetime. His father had told him to make his own decision, but he knew an ally as strong as Anasta appealed to not just the Minoan government, but the Universal Council wanted someone
they trusted ruling such a powerful planet.

  And it didn’t hurt either that he’d now seen the princess. All that shimmering pale hair and the slender grace of her form tantalized, and even if his first glimpse of her had been in another male’s arms, he wasn’t personally offended for he didn’t know her.

  Yet.

  He preferred passionate females and she certainly had looked as if she was enjoying that dramatic, public kiss. He gazed around the luxurious quarters he’d been assigned. The walls were a soft sheen of gold, the floor polished, strewn with woven rugs in muted shades, and low divans invited casual relaxation. The bed in the sleeping room was huge, soft and comfortable, the linens a fine material that caressed the skin. An enormous window overlooked the central courtyard of the palace, a glimmering fountain made of beryl in the middle, the jeweled effect of the flowing water soothing. Everywhere there were frescoes, inlays of precious materials in gorgeous patterns, exotic plants. The symbolic wealth wasn’t contained just to the royal residence either. The main city was prosperous and busy, the outlying colony villages supporting important agrarian products which were exported across the galaxy.

  And, no small thing, Anasta commanded one of the finest and fiercest military forces in the Interstellar Federation.

  He turned to Chas. “When Princess Jayla is done with the queen, arrange for me to see her.”

  * * * *

  The room was utterly quiet.

  Jayla stood and waited for the lecture she knew was coming—one she no doubt deserved, but if her reckless actions would free Damon, it was all to the good.

  To her surprise, when her mother finally did look up, her expression was more resigned than angry. Regal even in the setting of her personal office, her pale hair swept back in a sleek style, her fine-boned face showing only a few faint lines, she only said in a neutral tone, “That was quite a demonstration, darling.”

  It was against her scruples to lie, so Jayla didn’t protest she had no idea the monitor would broadcast that devastating kiss all over the palace. Instead she blushed, for she could still recall the feel of Damon cradling her bare breast. “Yes, I imagine it was.”

  “Are you aware Governor Kartel’s son and his envoy arrived just in time to see it?”

  Well, that was mortifying, but then again, having her own mother, bodyguards, and everyone from the cooks to the cleaning personnel see that embrace made two more seem rather insignificant. “No.”

  “Luckily, the ambassador has a sense of humor. I wasn’t nearly as amused.” Eyes a more subdued shade of jade rather her than her own brilliant green regarded her across the enormous desk made of stone quarried from one of the planet’s mica mines. The shimmering surface reflected the soft lighting, and rows of buttons commanded all kinds of communication devices.

  “But now you perhaps understand how I feel about Damon and will show some leniency for my sake.”

  “I understand he is an attractive young male and you are a female. I understand the two of you have a bond that extends from childhood, and I understand he is a romantic figure, not just to you, but to the people of Anasta who listen to his views and feel he can change our world for the better.”

  “But you don’t agree.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “Are you asking if I approve of you becoming involved with Damon? The answer is no. Your first responsibility is to Anasta. It makes not only myself, but others—including his own father—uneasy to think of him coming into that much power.”

  The archaic tradition of inherited throne and authority. It was one of the things Damon protested in his insurgent writings. The Earth tradition of dynastic monarchies had been adopted by only a few of its colonies, her home planet being one of them. Jayla lifted her chin. “I have always been ready to do my duty when it comes to Anasta, but surely my feelings matter to you, not as my queen, but as my only parent.”

  Her mother’s expression softened. “Yes, they do. As far as that goes, I am all too fond of that rebellious young male myself. But what would you have me do? He is causing trouble not only here, but on other colonies with his battle cries for reform. Imprisonment seems the logical course until his father and I agree on what to do with him. At least he is here with his fate under our control, not under arrest by the Universal Council’s edict. Had I not taken action, they would have, trust me. I had to punish him.”

  Jayla had to concede that was true, and she knew her mother would take her feelings into account—that had been the point of that kiss. It was a form of blackmail, but if it would save Damon, she wasn’t sorry to use it. It was all she could think of that might work.

  That overwhelming, passionate kiss. She hadn’t been the only one affected either, for she’d felt his arousal, the hard length of it unmistakable with their bodies pressed so tightly together. “I was afraid the repercussions of his recent article would send waves beyond our planet,” she admitted.

  Her mother lifted her brows. “If you truly want to help Damon, you might want to court the favor of the visiting ambassador, Jayla. He is young, ambitious, and progressive when it comes to interstellar politics. Marc Kartel has a keen mind, the ear of the most powerful leaders in our Universe, and in our earlier meeting he told me outright he was very interested in this possible alliance.”

  “You have ruled alone for several years now,” Jayla pointed out, the idea she must have a consort irritating.

  “Yes, and it is draining, though Raphael helps me.” Her mother looked away for a moment, her profile stern and regal. “I am tired. Raphael is also no longer as young. Between us we have kept Anasta a universal power, but things shift. There are rogue planets out there who defy laws, who hunger for our resources. The constant vigilance wears on us both and we want peace, but with it also that the security that all we have worked so hard for these past years will endure safely. We believe Marc Kartel can help you do that. For that matter, he can help Damon.”

  Together. Jayla had always wondered, since the death of her father many, many years ago, if her mother’s advisor hadn’t over time become a great deal more than a political consultant. Damon probably knew the truth, but she had never asked him if his father was her mother’s lover. “How can Kartel help Damon?”

  “He admires his ideals.”

  “He said so?”

  “How else would I know it to be true?” Her mother’s mouth curved in wry amusement but there was challenge in her straightforward gaze. “So tell me, daughter, how far are you willing to go to satisfy your duty and protect that subversive young male you just kissed so passionately? Should Kartel agree to all the marriage terms, you will be his by tonight. I understand from his envoy he wishes to meet with you as soon as our interview is over. What happens next, for all three of you and Anasta, is in your hands.”

  Chapter Three

  The princess received him alone in her private quarters, the sumptuous formal area done in pale greens and soft yellows. She’d changed out of the casual gown he’d seen her wearing on the monitor into a more elegant dress of a filmy gold material that draped her shapely figure but, in his opinion, didn’t rival her shining blonde hair, loose and straight in a lustrous fall down her back. Emerald green eyes, exotically shaped and framed by long lashes, regarded him in a straightforward way, and she rose as he entered and extended her hand in a polite gesture, a conciliatory smile on her soft lips.

  Marc felt it instantly. An affinity, an unusual rush of attraction that gave him pause because, though he’d known she was beautiful and intelligent, he hadn’t expected…this.

  He knew everything about her. Bloodlines, education, the activities she enjoyed when not fulfilling her role as her mother’s heir, the type of foods she preferred, her taste in music and art…he was meticulous when it came to gathering information and she was no exception. One thing he had learned was that Jayla had strong feelings about not making a life commitment based on political advantage.

  He took her hand and kissed it per Anasta protocol, and then sm
iled back. The difference was, his smile was sincere.

  Females normally liked his smile and her striking beauty made it easy.

  “It is my privilege to meet you, Princess.”

  “Ambassador,” she acknowledged, her tone neutral. “Welcome to Anasta.”

  “I hope I am welcome,” he said softly, still clasping her fingers, amused to see her lovely eyes widen at his forthright comment. “When alliances like ours are proposed, sometimes the parties involved are not consulted on their personal feelings. Please feel free to be honest with me.”

  For a moment she didn’t move, and then she laughed lightly. “I see your time in the diplomatic service for Minoa served you well. Would you like to sit?”

  “Whatever you wish.” He released her hand and watched as she sank gracefully into a soft chair. He took one nearby, but not the one next to her, choosing a distance he hoped would make her comfortable. A dominating male with superior height could make a female feel intimidated and it was the last thing he wanted. As her consort he would help her administer the affairs of her planet, and he hoped she would view him in the light of a wise advisor, a fellow ruler, and not as a male who wished to take over and overshadow her rights as sovereign.

  I wouldn’t mind ruling your body however…

  His senses were alert, tantalized by her presence, by the sweet scent of her, the luscious curves he could see under the thin material of her gown, the opulence of her allure palpable. Even if there were no political advantages to it, he would be attracted to her.

  Jayla murmured, “My mother said you wished to talk to me privately.”

  “Yes. Tell me about Le Clerc.”

  A delicate blush touched her face. “You saw us. I’m sorry.”

  “Everyone saw that kiss,” he said in a dry tone. “And there really is no need to apologize since I assume you didn’t wish an audience in the first place.”

  “Of course not,” she said quickly.

  Does he know?