by Evelyn Marks
“Rea—”
“I don’t want to hear anything you have to say Darion. Unless it involves the subject of you taking me back to Mars,” I said, beyond heated. I was pretty sure I was seeing red.
“You cannot go back to Mars nor Earth,” he said, his tone was surprisingly measured and sure. I looked him up and down and realized he was about to get into bed for the night. He was wearing a knee length sleeveless hooded silk robe and seemingly nothing else. I hoped, for his sake, that he was wearing shorts under there.
“Yes I can, and I am. I don’t care who you have to wake up. I’m going back home,” I said adamantly. I pushed the blankets back and scooted out of bed. Only as soon as I stood up, the room spun and tilted. Darion was there to catch me, though as soon as I had my feet under me I shoved him away. He barely budged. The big muscly jackass.
“Rea, you need medical attention. I have to let your nurses know that you’ve woken,” he said.
“I don’t need medical attention. You do. In what universe could you have thought this would be okay with me?” I asked, still yelling.
“One we both live in, this one. I took you here to live with me because you’re mine.” His tone was final, but the discussion was far from over.
“We had sex a few times Darion. It doesn’t mean I’m ‘yours’! We’re not married!” It was infuriating to try and talk to a lunatic.
“Actually...” he gestured to my left hand.
Horrified I lifted it and saw for the first time, the ring on my finger. It was a sparkly wedding ring with a trio of diamonds on a white gold band.
“What is this?” I asked numbly. My lips and the rest of my body had gone cold and numb with renewed shock.
“It is a wedding ring. Your wedding ring. The one I gave you. I claimed you as my wife in order to get you here on Radon,” he said. It felt as if I was hearing him from down a very long tunnel. All I could do was stare at the ring. “Of course the documents were forged to a certain degree. You were unconscious during the process of getting you from Mars,” he continued.
“No...stop. This is—this has to be a nightmare,” I breathed.
“Being married to me is a nightmare?” he asked, finally affronted.
“Yes! Being assaulted, abducted and unknowingly married to someone I hardly know is a nightmare! Especially when that person is refusing to let me go back home!” I yelled. The room started spinning again and I pressed my hand to my head.
“Rea, calm down. It’s for your own good. Your head needs to be assessed,” he said firmly. He then pressed on my shoulders so that I’d sit down on the bed. I took deep breaths while I watched him walk around the bed to pick up his phone. It was on the little coffee table in the seating area. He made a short call, then walked back to me. “I know it is a lot to take in all at once. But you’ll find that Radon isn’t so different from Earth’s other colonies. You will like it here I assure you,” he said.
I stared at him without saying a word. Then I slapped him across the face. He was shocked. I knew that because he didn’t move or react before I hit him. He did grab my wrists after I’d slapped him and held them down by my waist.
“You will not do that again,” he said and it was the first time I’d heard menace in his voice.
Someone knocked on the door then and he slowly let my hands go before walking away to open it. The nurse walked in, wearing scrubs. Radonians called all their healthcare professionals nurses, surgeons included.
“Ms Norwood, it’s good that you’re awake so soon. How do you feel?” the nurse asked. I glanced at Darion briefly before deciding to play nice for the sake of the innocent nurse.
Chapter 3
Darion
REA SAT SILENTLY AT the table as we ate. She was still saying nothing. Since our first encounter when she regained consciousness, she’d not spoken to me for the entirety of two days. She hardly even looked in my direction. Frustrating, was hardly the term for it.
“Enough of this Rea,” I said in exasperation. She of course simply continued to eat her vegetables. Or pretend to eat. She merely moved the food around on her plate. “Perhaps I’ll send you to an isolated estate so that you continue the life of solitude that you’ve taken up,” I added.
“You’ll do no such thing,” she said in a derisive tone. Her eyes cut to mine and held nothing but contempt. But at least she finally spoke. “Don’t you understand? I hate you. I hate you for uprooting me from my life. I just want to go back home,” she said. I dismissed her words as being that out of her temporary upset with me.
“Why won’t you let this be your home?” I asked.
“How would you feel? If some alien just stole you away from your life and essentially took ownership of you?” she demanded.
I took a moment to consider her words. Of course, she has a right to be angry with me and yes, hate me. But it was time she moved on and started accepting her new life with me on Radon.
“Rea...I am sorry for doing this to you. For hurting you, abducting you and forging our marriage with you unawares,” I said sincerely. She studied my face for a moment before she took a deep breath.
“Why did you do it?” she asked.
“Because...I felt—I feel something for you that I have never felt for another before. I have always been sure of myself and others around me. When it comes to you that is all different. I did not want to let you go, nor be without you for any length of time. So I took you. Yes, it was a selfish thing to do, but I would do it again. So long as you’re mine and no one else’s.”
Rea opened her mouth to speak, but seemed unsure and closed it. “Are you serious?” she asked skeptically, almost incredulously, after taking a breath.
“You would not be here if I wasn’t,” I told her.
“You could have just talked to me you know! Back on Mars...I mean I was sad that you were leaving too. You should’ve just come over and we could’ve talked like level-headed adults and figured something out!” she exclaimed.
I said, “Perhaps when it comes to you I am not such a level-headed adult. I did not want a solar system length’s distance between us. I did not want you to be able to see and be with others romantically without my knowing.” She blinked at me a few times, speechless. “I’d like it if you can at least attempt to get used to life on Radon—”
“There is nothing for me here. You’re keeping me kept up in this place like a hothouse flower,” she said, interrupting me.
“Well, what would make you happy?” I asked.
“Going back to Mars immediately,” she said.
“Aside from that,” I said. “Think.”
“I don’t know...” she began after a short pause. “To work at least.”
I told her, “Earth’s embassy is near here. You can work there if you’d like. I do know that they currently have an opening for another Capital Palace liaison. You would work with me in any activities or decisions pertaining to the humans on Radon or human-Radonian interrelations. There is ample opportunity there for you to become Earth’s ambassador here.”
Rea stared at me with a cautiously curious expression. “That...that sounds like a dream job of mine,” she murmured in admittance.
“Consider the position yours then,” I said. I took out my phone to summon Nye.
“Just like that? I don’t have to interview for the job?” she asked incredulously.
“You can speak with the current ambassador if you’d like. I am sure he will have no objections since you had a related job on the Mars Colony,” I said.
“Okay...” Her expression was pensive. She chewed on her bottom lip and tapped her finger absently on the dining room table.
“I’d like for you to want to be here Rea,” I said in a low voice. Her eyes slid back to mine and she nodded, though it was hesitant.
“We’ll just see how this goes first maybe,” she murmured. “I’ll take the job but it doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you for kidnapping me.”
She went back to pushing the food around
on the table. I looked on.
“Can you at least attempt to actually eat food while you’re here? I believe you’ve lost weight,” I told her. She looked up at me again and rolled her eyes. But she did take a bite of the food and afterwards ate with purpose. When I had a server bring more food, Rea did not object. I glanced down when I received an alert to Nye’s presence in my private study.
“I will return shortly. Perhaps we can take a walk around the grounds when you’re done,” I said. I’d hoped that she had finally softened towards me.
“Maybe another time,” she said. I took a deep breath and figured that as long as she was speaking with me, we were making progress. I excused myself and went to work with Nye on ensuring Rea got a job at the embassy.
Chapter 4
Rea
I COULDN’T BELIEVE how readily Darion got me a job. Maybe he really did want me to be happy on Radon. I mean, I had no reason not to believe him. He had me knocked out and kidnapped me, but he’d never lied to me. Then again, that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to be on guard. He could do anything he wanted. He’d demonstrated that.
After I finished eating. I slowly made my way to one of the spare bedrooms I chose to sleep in. There was no way I was going to sleep next to Darion after what he had done.
“Rea?” I almost jumped when I heard Darion’s voice. He’d come from behind me. I turned around, stopped in the doorway of my room.
“Yes?” I quirked my brow at him and I could tell he stifled a sigh.
“My clerk and I have arranged for you to start working tomorrow. You’ll be expected by Ambassador Burton in the morning,” he said.
“That was fast...” I said. I couldn’t help but be a little impressed.
“I assured I’d have this done for you. So, it is done,” he said, his tone slightly boastful. I almost rolled my eyes at him.
“Thank you,” I said instead of going for my snarky option. He inclined his head and then glanced around the room.
“I do not like it that you sleep apart from me,” he said.
“You don’t get that privilege anymore, Darion,” I shot back. He took a few steps towards me and came as close as a breath. I tried to ignore it, I really did. But that magnetism I felt so acutely when we were together on Mars returned in full force. Half of me wanted to put aside what he’d done and just lean against him and let whatever would follow happen. But with a tremendous effort, I put my hand on his chest and pushed him out of the room. Then I closed the door and went to sit on the bed with a sigh. The day coming would certainly be an interesting one.
I hardly slept all night. I kept waiting for the sun to rise so I could get ready for...well, work. I was beyond curious about what it’d be like. Not to mention if Darion would actually let me go. After all, I could simply tell anyone inside the embassy that I’d been abducted and our marriage documents had been forged, and claim asylum in the embassy. I’d be protected there and brought back home. I’d be brought back to Earth and I’d no doubt have my father to deal with. He’d throw it in my face that I’d gotten myself abducted because I chose to cut myself off from the family and his protection.
As soon as the sun broke past the horizon I jumped out of bed and went to get ready. I tiptoed into Darion’s bedroom and went to find an outfit to wear. I didn’t even check to see if he was in bed or not. I should have though. When he came up behind me, out of the dark, he scared the life out of me.
“I thought you were a thief,” he said, a hand at the small of my back. He was wearing nothing but a snug pair of underwear.
“Ah...um, I could say the same about you. You scared me half to death!” I said, trying to put some accusation or heat in my voice. It didn’t work out. Being mad at him drained a lot of energy.
“Thieves should be alert at all times,” he said.
“I’m not a thief...unlike others I know,” I murmured.
“I wonder who you could be referring to,” he said sarcastically. “You wouldn’t be a thief if you lived in here with me and your things,” he added.
“How’d you even get these clothes? How did you know my size?” I asked. I picked a pair of slacks off the lower rack, followed by a nice blouse and appropriate for work heels. I was beginning to see what Darion meant about Radon being very similar to Earth. The fashions were in line with that of the colonies and what I was used to.
“The feats of a ruler are virtually boundless,” he said.
“Okay. I only asked about clothes, but if that’s the response you want to go with...” I shrugged and turned away from him to grab some underwear so I could go ahead and shower.
“Ambassador Burton won’t be in for another three hours Rea,” he said.
“I’ll need three hours to get ready,” I said. He chuckled at me.
“If you insist...”
He let me pass him and I went back to my room. It only took me an hour to get ready, and I knew breakfast wouldn’t be out in the dining room for another hour. I sat on my bed and thought about walking around the palace a little until breakfast was ready. But then there was a knock on the door and Darion came striding in. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a light sweater over a button down. His hair was pulled up into a bun and I think he went without shaving for the day. He looked like he could pose for the cover of GQ at any moment.
“What if I were naked and you’d barged in like that?” I asked him, making him laugh though I didn’t mean to.
“Then I would have seen you naked for the fourth time,” he said. I stuck my tongue out at him and he simply grinned. “I figured you would be bored while waiting for breakfast. So, I am here to keep you company,” he added.
“I’m not bored...” I lied.
“Rea...” his tone was almost a warning. With a sigh and rolling my eyes, I gave in.
“Fine, what can we do?” I asked.
“I would like to show you something,” he took my hand and pulled me up from the bed.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“You will see...” he led me towards the stairway that I knew led to outside.
“Are you kidnapping me again?” I asked.
“No Rea, I am not kidnapping you,” he sighed. Eventually he led me down to a little hidden alcove that had a door cut into it, like the outside entrance to a basement. Inside it was huge, brightly lit, and reminded me of a workshop of some sort. Then I spotted the furnace, which led me to notice the huge serpentine structure made from a polished metal next to it.
“What’s that going to be?” I asked, walking towards it.
“A dragon...” he said.
“You do this yourself?” I asked and he nodded.
“It is a hobby of mine,” he admitted. I bit my lip and then stepped towards the body of the dragon. It was surprisingly intricate. It looked like each scale had been welded together piece by piece. Then along the spine were thicker triangular sheets of metal that made up the dragon’s spikes. The belly was made up of even larger sheets of metal.
“Wow, this is...dedication,” I said. I couldn’t help but be impressed.
“The very reason I like metal sculpting. It takes a level of devotion not many other hobbies require. It draws on creativity, strength, logic, and skill,” he said.
“I can see that...” I glanced over at him with a wry smile. “Did you bring me here to impress me?” He chuckled.
“Perhaps a little. Aren’t I allowed to impress my wife?” he asked in good humor. I still wasn’t over what he’d done though, so I didn’t smile.
“Do you only do large sculptures?” I asked instead.
“I’ve done smaller ones that are showcased in the palace,” he said and held his hand out for me to take. “I can show you.” I took his hand and went with him to see what else he’d made. Each sculpture was impressive and intricate. When he spoke about them I could really see he was passionate about sculpting. It was nice to see that he wasn’t just the rotten thug I’d made him out to be after he abducted me.
Chapt
er 5
Darion
“I THINK IT’S TIME FOR me to head over to the embassy,” Rea said. She was looking at the clock over the serving table in the dining room.
“I have transportation arranged for you. Your driver, Saphia, is also a guard should you need her,” I told Rea. She looked at me with a furrowed brow.
“But I don’t need a guard...”
“You do when you are the Chief of Radon’s wife. Normally you’d have multiple guards surrounding you at all times. But I know you would not have liked that. This is a compromise...” I said, selective with the truth. Technically she would only have a swarm of guards if she were to leave the capital city, and the embassy was in the capital. Regardless, I knew having someone to watch over her would be best. Rea could still choose to tell those at the embassy that she had been taken to Radon against her will. I needed to be notified if she did begin making plans to leave behind my back.
“Alright...” she said, though hesitant still. I stood up with her from the table to lead her out. Saphia was waiting with a sleek black cruiser in front of the entrance to the private wing.
“Rea, this is Saphia, she’s your protection,” I said when we were close enough. Saphia smiled politely to Rea and bowed out of respect.
“It is an honor to meet you Ms Norwood,” Saphia said as she straightened. Rea seemed embarrassed by the gesture though.
“It’s nice to meet you too Saphia, I promise not to be any trouble. Your job might actually be quite boring,” Rea said.
“Either way I am at your service Ms Norwood,” Saphia said dutifully. After the greetings they were off. As soon as they drove away a small sliver of uncertainty entered my chest. I would simply have to wait and see what came of her day.
“ARE YOU CERTAIN?” I asked Saphia, who had called to give a report on Rea’s progress at the embassy.
“Yes. Ambassador Burton is pleased to have her as his chief assistant. He has briefed her at length on the business of the embassy, but that was all that was discussed. She will soon return for transportation home,” she said.