Dreams of a Wild Heart

by Danube Adele

  He stopped chuckling but his grin remained. “I’m fine right here, Tabron.”

  Tabron’s look was one of disdain. “That’s what I thought. The day is coming very soon...” The threat hung quietly on the air.

  Draxton’s smile faded and an eerie silence fell as they each held the other’s gaze. “I look forward to it.”

  Had they just agreed they would fight?

  “Is she a special order, then?” Draxton’s grin was back.

  Tabron didn’t spare him a look as we pushed by. “She’s none of your concern. Carry on with your duties.”

  The mean warrior barked a short laugh. “I’ll know soon enough, boy.” It was meant to be insulting, pointing out that he was older than Tabron, likely into his late forties, while Tabron didn’t look to be older than his mid-thirties. Yet another basic fact I didn’t know about him before I was thinking of inviting him to my house.

  So stupid.

  The large structure within the gate turned out to be some kind of palace. With half a dozen of the warrior surrounding me, the town’s people still lurking near the gate gawked in silence with varying degrees of suspicion. I felt like a terrorist. Maybe there was some satisfaction in that. I hadn’t been taken easily. This had been my first test of self-defense, and I’d done well. Next time, I’d do better.

  An enormous tree towered over everything within the square. Something high up in the limbs moved, and I stared, trying to get a better look as we got closer. It was a body. Holy shit. Hanging by the neck. Unconsciously, I tried to pull back and away.

  “Don’t look,” Tabron ordered.

  “Where the hell have you brought me?”

  It was a human body. Dead. Swaying in the breeze. They’d hung him in a public place. Who were these people? Where were the police? Would that end up being my fate? That’s when I realized the wheezing sound I heard so sharply in my ears was my own hyperventilation. How could they do that to someone? Right here in public where children and perfectly nice people could see? Innocent people. That wasn’t legal! No one in the U.S. was allowed to publically hang anyone...

  In a blistering tone, Tabron demanded, “Who the fuck ordered this! Why was Orsyn executed?”

  The mean warrior’s grin was malevolent and his dark eyes gleamed. “That would be the king’s doing after I shared with him that Orsyn was planning to lead a revolt.”

  They waited until I left to commit this torture. Only because he is not in his right mind would the king have made this choice!

  House of horrors. The commentary I heard in my mind did nothing to help me take a deep, even breath in. Was this Tabron? It sounded like him! It even felt like him?

  “He tried to steal food,” one of the warriors said, obviously enjoying my reaction.

  Tabron rounded on the warrior, snagging him by the throat. He gurgled, his eyes bulging as the pressure limited his breathing.

  “No one asked you to speak to the prisoner, runt,” Tabron snarled each word, inches away from the man’s face. “Clear the square, close the gates, report to your superior and pray that I don’t think of some unpleasant task for you to do.” He shoved the man away.

  The warrior seemed to want to protest, but instead, thinned his lips and moved on to do as he was told. Tabron turned to one of the other warriors standing with us, one that I’d injured, who’d been at the restaurant. “Watch him, Benson. Be sure he completes his duties before returning to the palace. Malfray has a tendency to do otherwise.”

  “Yes, Tabron.” That man left us immediately.

  “He’s a pup without a family,” a warrior with beat-up leather breeches and a belted tunic warned. He was a lean man with dirty blond hair, and he and Tabron appeared to have an easy relationship. “He’s been taking his guidance from Draxton and listens to no one else. There have been reports of violations while you were gone.”

  His words were sharp. “Where was Bruner during all this?”

  “He just returned from riding the perimeter with his men, or this would not have happened. He was gone for the length of time you were.”

  A cold fury built within Tabron’s eyes. “This was a well-orchestrated plan. I’m sure of it. Moves are being made. Orsyn wouldn’t have begun a revolt any more than a deer in the forest would have presented itself for target in the village.”

  “It was said food was missing.”

  “False evidence.”

  “We need to watch the king more closely. Will you speak with Bruner?”

  “Count on it. And the king wonders why the people are unhappy.” Tabron looked up at the tree one last time. His jaw clenched.

  “This will not happen once he’s been made well.” Redek’s words were fervent.

  “Bring the violation reports to me, Redek, and I will gladly see to it that harsh punishments are enforced. We have a code, and Malfray will follow it or suffer the consequences. Let’s go.”

  He pulled me up the stairs, and as I caught one more glimpse of the man hanging in the breeze I knew I was forever, irrevocably changed as a human being. The world had suddenly been painted an ugly shade of humanity. The dead body served as a warning, a nice PSA about the temporary nature of life, and the sick tendencies that twisted some humans.

  My stomach roiled in protest, and I forced myself to look away. At least there didn’t seem to be a plan to hurt me immediately, but I knew I needed to get my ass out of here at the first opportunity or risk joining the other “strange fruit.”

  I could never hurt you. Wasn’t that what he’d said at the restaurant? Such a damned liar. Fear over what was going to happen rode me hard. If he could kidnap me after being so charming, he was capable of anything. I was also absurdly hurt because I’d liked that guy, the one who showed up at the restaurant and flirted with me, was gentle with me, not this coldhearted jerk. I felt so completely stupid. Humiliated by my own desires. It was a low feeling.

  Wide stairs led to grand double doors carved out of a dark wood. The structure itself was a combination of carved wood inlaid with metal work and stone, and would likely have been magnificent if it didn’t have the feeling of sickness and decay to it, like it wasn’t being cared for properly. I didn’t have time to do more than notice that there were cracks in the wood, a window looked to be broken and there was a fissure in the stones that ran crookedly up the wall, as though they were slowly coming apart.

  Several rooms were off the large entryway. We walked through one that seemed to be a sitting room, its furniture embroidered with rich burgundy prints that were faded from the sun or were just plain old. Even the walls were dingy. The floor was made of a polished stone with a few throw rugs here and there matching the embroidery. It had probably been lovely at some point. It didn’t help that heavy curtains were drawn over each of the tall windows that ran the length of the room, making it even darker, gloomier.

  Then we were going through another archway into a dining area. A frail, elderly woman with long, silvery hair pulled away from her face in a thick braid was clearing debris from the table. She wore a dress that seemed to have fit at some point, and like the embroidery in the other room, was now old and worn. She looked too thin, and moved poorly. It was a painful shuffling she did across the room, carrying a platter of empty plates. They looked heavy. She needed help, but no one was offering.

  “Where is the king?” Tabron asked.

  “He’s gone to his offices.” She bowed her head.

  “Is he feeling ill?”

  “I don’t believe so.”

  Walking back through the sitting room, we reentered the main entryway and continued down the main hall until we got to a grand staircase made of the same smooth polished stone. I was becoming very aware of it because my feet were going numb. It was definitely chilly, and I wasn’t dressed for the occasion.

  How would one dress for their kidnap
ping to a strange location? My snark worked to keep my brain from freaking out, though mild shock had my body going through the shakes. But was he worried that I was cold and afraid? I could never hurt you, my inner voice mocked.

  Up the stairs and around to the left, we went down yet another wing of the palace and ended our journey in front of a door. Tabron gave a brief knock and opened the door when a gruff voice said to enter.

  “Tabron.” Sitting behind a massive desk, surrounded by overloaded bookshelves, was a large man, extremely heavyset, his hair pure white and long, as seemed to be the custom here. Though his look was fierce, confusion seemed to mark his face. His voice stabbed the air in an accusation. “You’ve come back.”

  “Of course I have, Sire.” A narrowing of the eyes was the only hint of reaction Tabron had to the heavy tone of aggression that was aimed toward him. “The mission is complete.”

  Sire? I would have rolled my eyes if I wasn’t so goddamn freaked.

  “Morten said... Never mind.” His words trailed off, but he continued to scowl.

  “You’ve brought us a guest?” The one other man in the room, sitting comfortably in a chair near the desk, stood and gave a friendly smile.

  “Krevier.” Tabron pulled me along as he shook hands with the man. Redek and the other guards who’d walked with us immediately stood in front of the door, barring it.

  “Are you now mated?” Krevier asked, stepping back. He was tall and lean, handsome enough with wheat colored hair.

  Tabron barked a laugh. “Bless the warrior spirits, no. Women are problems I enjoy one night at a time.”

  Krevier laughed good-naturedly.

  When his words registered, my cheeks radiated with angry humiliation. I’d just been throwing myself at him at the restaurant, nearly allowing myself to be one of his “problems” for a night. His own personal fun-timer. Who do you want me to be? he’d asked, and I’d stupidly admitted, Someone who doesn’t kiss and tell. Practically begging for it, like I was pathetic. The cold fury simmered in my guts, and I refused to even look at him at this point. Could he be any more demeaning?

  “I don’t agree with you, my friend.” Krevier’s words went soft and he looked kind of sad. “A good woman is worth all the wealth in the world.”

  “A rare and noble creature.” Tabron smirked, obviously believing there was no such thing. Pushing me toward the nearest chair, he finally let go, expecting me to sit without question. Yeah, right. He narrowed his eyes on me in brief warning before adding, “I’ve brought a doctor.”

  “This woman?” The man behind the desk looked to me and did a quick inventory, noting my dress, my bare legs, my breasts. There was nothing sexual about it, which was actually comforting. “Are you sure? Where did you take her from?”

  Tabron answered, “A party.”

  “How can you be so sure? Look at her! Bare legs, bare tits, and painted. What kind of party was she at?” The question had the finesse of a sledgehammer. I’d been comforted too soon.

  Patiently, Tabron replied, “She is dressed in the customary style of her people.”

  The silver-haired man turned to me with angry eyes that seemed to be somewhat unfocused. “What is your name?” There was a look of betrayal on his face. I was at the convention for looney tunes, and I was not going to participate.

  “Prisoner,” I answered sharply.

  The man’s eyes narrowed on me consideringly, but the man named Krevier laughed. Yeah, this was so damn funny. It was a laugh riot when you got a chance to take someone against their will.

  Tabron replied for me. “Her name is Cecilia Bradford. I first saw her at the hospital where she works.”

  “Please, have a seat, Cecilia. Let’s talk.”

  “This is kidnapping.” I was trying to stay calm, but who knew what these people would do to me next. “I’m going to make sure you’re all put in jail for the rest of your stupid lives!”

  The man behind the desk surprised me with his sudden laugh that shook the rolls on his body. “She doesn’t know?” he managed to ask after a few moments of merriment. Weren’t we all just having a good time.

  “She doesn’t believe,” Tabron corrected.

  “Cecilia, is it?” The man looked to me, still fighting his smile. “You are millions of light years away from Earth. There is no way you are ever going to be able to go home. Now sit!” It was a command, but I was stuck on what he’d just said.

  Never go home again? Never see my family again? The simple statement nearly froze my heart but then my cynicism reared its logical head. They were all crazy. Delusional. They weren’t just ’round the bend. They were ’round the bend, over the rainbow and finding pots of gold with leprechauns eating kid cereal with marshmallows. I just needed to bide my time, and I would find a way. Maybe it would help to play along. I sank into one of the upholstered chairs, trying to manage my own freak-out impulses.

  “Why did you bring me here?”

  “I’m King Ral’e of the Brausa. We live here on the planet Ter’e, and we need your services.” He steepled his fingers against his chest. “We’ve had ineffectual healers for quite some time now, and desperately need modern medicinal practices if we’re going to be able to thrive. I’ve been ill and need help to improve.”

  “You think I’m going to help you after all this?” The disbelief was evident in my voice, and I ignored the talk of other planets. I cast a glance at Tabron and noted that he was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his broad chest, an aloof expression in place, like he couldn’t care less about the havoc he’d caused. My anger gave a sudden blast of heat. Bastard. Bastard! Coldhearted fucking monster! His eyes suddenly narrowed on me analytically.

  “I think it’s in your best interest to work with us. Things will go better for you.” As a threat, it had teeth. The shakes came back. I thought of the tree with the body hanging from there. The chill lodged in my bones grew colder. That would be me. I knew it as sure as I was standing here, because I would do anything to leave, which would include things much worse than stealing food.

  “We had another in your place. Unfortunately, he didn’t last long.”

  “Another what? Doctor?”

  “Yes. Another doctor.” He said nothing else, and the silence itself spoke of what happened to him. He’d died, too. There were a lot of medical professionals to choose from, apparently, and if one didn’t work out, they could kill them and find another.

  “And if I don’t work out?” I asked quietly.

  The king chose not to answer my question. “I think the mistake was in not helping him to become part of our way of life here, to integrate. I won’t make that mistake with you. We have few women in Brausa. We have a number of able-bodied men who would be eager to have you for their mate. If you cooperate, I would allow you to choose one.”

  What was this? I cast a sudden glance at Tabron. A frown puckered his brows. Apparently he hadn’t been made aware of these particular details. What was he? Just a lap dog? Did as he was told? Tell him to fetch and that was just what he would do?

  At this point, I could feel the sharp look Tabron was lasering into me, like he had a right to be mad about anything, and though it had happened a few times already, it still gave me pause to hear what had to be his furious thoughts storming my mind. Times are desperate. I will do what I need to do without hesitation or remorse.

  Yeah, because he was a heartless bastard. I ignored him and turned back to the king.

  “If I don’t cooperate?”

  The king’s eyes turned cunning. “I will select someone for you. You might not like who I choose.”

  Better and better. Maybe I’d end up in the tree anyway? If the rope was long enough and the fall far enough, death would be instant, rather than suffocatingly slow and agonizing. My neck, the spinal cord, could snap from the weight of my body, and then I
wouldn’t feel anything. Instant death. Because one thing was for damn sure. I wasn’t going to become some barbaric warrior’s mate. Nightly rapes? Slowly becoming a shadow of myself. A beaten woman. A Darla Walton, or worse.

  “You’re saying I will never be able to go home?”

  Now his eyes were cold. There was no equivocation in his reply. “This is now going to be your home. Accustom yourself to this reality. To do otherwise is to give yourself false hope.”

  Don’t panic. Don’t panic. Don’t panic. I tried to keep my voice neutral. “Where am I supposed to stay?”

  “There are rooms ready for you. You can rest, have some help in cleaning up and my niece might be able to lend you some clothes. She has far more than she would ever need in two lifetimes.”

  “I have clothes in my bag. I’m not sure where it got left.”

  “It’ll be brought to you once it’s been searched.”

  I needed to keep the fear at bay and my wits sharp because there was no way in hell I was ever going to accept never seeing my family again. Play along and watch to see what would happen. Look for an opportunity. “Thank you. Can you please be sure that whoever looks through my bag is careful? I have important items that can’t be jostled.”

  “Of course. I suggest you take this night to settle in and get plenty of rest. Be ready to choose your mate tomorrow at the lunch hour. Then we’ll celebrate with food.” He gave Tabron an appraising eye. “Who would you put in charge of her, Tabron? She needs to be escorted to her room and kept watch over as she considers her new position in life.”

  “She’s familiar with me. My men and I will keep watch.”

  “I thought so. Take her then.” Rubbing his eyes, his words were edged with irritation. Seeing the wine on his table, the bottle less than half-filled, it was obvious he was not feeling well.

  “Water,” I muttered, before I could help myself.

  “What’s that?” Ral’e looked to me as though I were spouting national secrets.