No Words Alone

Chapter 16



Ryven had little time to think of his wife. With his ship so badlydamaged he had his hands full directing his crew. Thankfully, Shizahad loaned him extra men to make up for his casualties. Some of thosemen he put to making repairs. Others went with him to explore theremains of the Khun’tat craft.

Hewas grateful his wife would hear about this exploit later; if at all.Women were touchy about that kind of thing. The reconnaissance had tobe done, however, and he wanted to be a part of the exploration teamthat tried to discover why the Khun’tat had behaved so erraticallyand gotten so deep in Scorpio territory. None of them wanted a repeatof the situation.

Thesecond-in-command of the other Scorpio battleship joined him as hedocked his troop transport with the Khun’tat vessel. Scans showedlife forms inside the ship, some of which were humanoid; probablysome survivors from the space station. Getting to them would be achallenge, though. Even after they forced the docking hatch open,they were faced with bigger challenges. The Khun’tat ship was aseries of honeycombs; layers of phosphorescent orange cells stackedon top of each other, formed around a hollow core. Each comb led to awarren of tunnels organized in an obscure way known only to Khun’tat.Stairs linked the different levels, but there was precious littlecover while they climbed them. Any enemy who wanted to take a shot atthem would have easy pickings.

Thehumanoid readings were all coming from the third level; the broodarea. Mouth set in a grim line, Ryven led his troops in. Oddly, theyencountered no resistance. Apparently the remaining Khun’tat werecontent to guard their queen, deep in the center of the ship, theirmost protected location. He almost wished he’d had more to shootwhen they finally entered the brood chamber.

Stunnedand helpless, a few people lay piled on the floor, awaitingattention. Others hadn’t been as lucky. Several had already beensealed up in brood chambers. They’d had no defense when larvae hadattached to them and began to suck their blood. Some of the grotesqueworms had attached to legs or engulfed hands. Others had chosenstomachs. One was sucking greedily on an eye socket. And if Ryven andthe others hadn’t come, the adult Khun’tat would have beenfeasting on the drained bodies by suppertime.

Ryvenswallowed to settle his gorge and ordered those who couldn’t besaved to be shot, mercy deaths being preferable to being savaged. Therest of the victims were taken to the transports for evacuation. Onlywhen the last had vanished did they proceed with phase two.

Theirgoal was to take the Queen alive for questioning. Interrogating adrone would be useless, as they were little more than puppets, but tosucceed they first had to get past the twenty or thirty dronesguarding her. They couldn’t get a more accurate body count, as theroom was heavily shielded.

They shot a spike through the door with a high-powered gun that alsowas loaded with a special gas to incapacitate the Khun’tat nervoussystem. Ryven gave the signal, and everyone moved back as a magneticcharge was affixed to the door. Specially designed to spend itsenergy in one direction, it emitted a sonic blast that shivered thedoor to hot molten pieces.

Thanksto the nerve gas, the aliens inside reeled as if they were roaringdrunk. A few got off shots, but the battle was hopelessly lop-sided.Ryven’s men captured a few and shot the rest. The captiveswould be used for experiments, to develop things like the nerve gas.The Scorpio had no qualms on treating these prisoners like animals,either. An eye for an eye, blood for blood….

Thequeen snarled at them. She was much larger than the males, withfeatures set in a broader head. She had no hands or feet, just aworm-like body covered in rounded, glassy blue plates. Her head hoseswere harder looking, almost like horns trailing down her neck. Shehad no purpose other than to eat and breed, but she was revered byher race.

Ryventook satisfaction in knowing that he’d just killed and captured allof her favorite drones and breeding partners. This monster fed on thebodies of his people. This queen had probably eaten hundreds of hiskind, for the queens were always given the best food. For Khun’tat,the best food was always Scorpio.

Heturned and casually fired on the slimy green eggs piled next to her.There was an explosion and a horrendous stench of burned goo.

Thequeen roared.

Ryvencasually looked at her. “A lovely smell, no? I know you canunderstand me. I want to know why you chose here and now to attack.If you deny me, I will destroy your eggs one by one; then I will seeto you.”

Thequeen gave a guttural snarl. She looked behind her.

Ryven’smen all tensed and aimed their guns. Were there more Khun’tathiding back there?

Whatemerged next was a surprise. A slender young woman appeared frombehind the queen. Unmistakably humanoid, she was as pale as a corpseand dressed all in burnt yellow. The garment’s bright color madeher pallor even more ghastly.

Ryven’smen looked to him for an explanation. He had none. Khun’tat atepeople; they didn’t let them run loose in the queen’s egg room.

Notthat the girl looked capable of running. If anything, she seemed liketo faint at any moment. Nevertheless, she parted her lips and saidfaintly, “The queen says, ‘I will not speak the language offood.’”

Ryven’slip curled, though his disgust was not for the girl. She did not lookScorpio, not with that hair the color of toasted sugar tipped withblack. She couldn’t be human, either, unless they came with pointedears and cat eyes. Where had she come from?

“Isthat what you are, her food?” he asked.

Thegirl’s eyes were so old, so weary. “I am of the Leo-Ahni. Weare...allies with the Khun’tat.”

Thepause in her voice made him wonder. “Yet they feed on you.” Thathad to be the source of her pallor. He’d lay odds that the girl wasblooded, and often. “It would seem to make you their slaves, nottheir equals.”

Thegirl was silent.

Ryvenstudied the queen. Perhaps he didn’t need her after all. “I havenever seen your kind, girl, yet you speak our language. Why?”

“Weare taught. The queen does not speak the language of food, though sheunderstands all things. You are food.”

Helaughed. “Is that so?” Before she could blink, he’d grabbed herand pulled her out of the reach of the queen, who roared angrily. TheKhun’tat monarch started to charge, but quickly drew back as laserfire scorched her hide.

Ryventhrust the girl at a medic. “Do a med-scan, quick. I don’t wanther dying on us.” He looked back at the angry queen. “Now we willtalk; without your mouthpiece this time. You have things to tell me.”



Thegirl lay in sickbay, barely conscious and severely anemic. TheKhun’tat had installed a shunt in her arm and bled her quite often,judging by her condition. She was dehydrated, her hair coarse and herheartbeat patchy. There was no doubt they’d saved her life bytaking her from captivity.

Ryvenwas fatigued from questioning the queen. Her answers had not comeeasily or without pain, but she’d told them enough in the end. Thequeens had used the Leo-Ahni to study the Scorpio, taking a few ofthem on as slaves and translators. While ostensibly an honor, veryoften those servants ended up as food. The Khun’tat truly couldn’tcontrol their appetite, which made Ryven speculate on the conditionof the Leo people. Had the Khun’tat tried to be farmers and foundthemselves unsuited to the task? Unable to keep from consuming theirstock?

Whateverthe case, the Leo were behind the Khun’tat’s recent change intactics. It did not bode well for their relationship.

Unfortunately,the only one of the Leo Ryven had met now lay in his sickbay on theverge of a coma. The doctors were working to replicate her blood fora transfusion, but it was going slowly. He could hardly interrogateher in her current state. There was no telling what damage may havebeen done to her mind, either. It couldn’t have been easy servingon that ship, watching the queen feed on the captured. The girl mightnot be quite sane.

Reportsof similar attacks were now coming in, including one on Toosun’sship. Toosun acquitted himself well, but another battleship wasdestroyed. The captain had self-destructed his ship when it wasobvious all was lost. Unlike Ryven, he’d had no last-minute rescue.

Communicationswith several outposts and smaller ships had been lost. All were in astate of emergency. Already demands had come back from the LordGovernor’s emergency assemblyto do everything possible to heal theLeo girl, and now. Further escort and more doctors were beingsent to make sure she reached safety. Survival depended on it. TheScorpio wanted to know where her homeworld was, fast. Her peoplewould be given a chance to talk, to cease hostilities. After that,there would be no mercy.

Knowingit was useless to wait around sickbay, Ryven went to see the ship’sstatus on repairs. The sooner they were patched, the sooner he couldget home.



Xera’sship had arrived on Rsik the previous day. She didn’t feel muchlike company. Ryven’s family was grimly focused on news of theKhun’tat’s surprise attacks that were now occurring with alarmingfrequency. Xera had thought about it until her mind began to chaseround and round, and she was done.

She’dgotten Lord Atarus to send a message to her people concerning the newdangers. Thanks to the new relay station he’d agreed to help set upduring their talks with the GE and IC, the message wouldn’t take asmuch effort as the initial contact had. She was grateful: as long asthe two sides maintained a truce, she had a real chance of sendingoccasional messages to her family. And that benefit paled incomparison to the importance of informing her people about theKhun’tat threat. She didn’t see how a moon base could possiblyprosper in her intended location now, as she didn’t wantresponsibility for innocent people being hurt.

Shewas a little worried about the GE heeding the warnings. If theycontinued their pattern of sneakiness, they might use the Scorpio’spreoccupation with the Khun’tat to continue snooping around, maybeeven on the planet she’d been marooned on. That might makecontinued communication with her family difficult, for although theScorpio relay station was powerful, it relied on other stations inhuman space to bounce her messages home. If her signal wasintentionally interrupted because the GE started a war…

Shesighed. She’d mention her concerns to Ryven, but that was reallyall she could do.

Thestress had driven her out of her rooms and to explore. She’d sentNamae on an errand, accepted that she couldn’t do the same with herbodyguards and chosen to tune out their silent presence; except whenshe had to ask directions, of course. Happily, the guards were verylike well-trained department store clerks: they had a gift forshowing up only when she needed them; the rest of the time they wereremarkably unobtrusive. As a result, she got to tour the marketplacevirtually carefree.

Itwas surprising what a low-tech, cheerful place the food market was,with open stalls of vegetables lining the main road. Many eatingestablishments were just a short walk away, and all took fulladvantage of the abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetablesavailable in the market. She chose one at random and ended up havinga lovely meal. The waiter, who introduced himself as Apal, listenedcarefully to her list of allergies and recommended a dish. It turnedout to be a lovely braised meat in some kind of savory purple sauce.She’d been so pleased she’d let him choose dessert, too, and wasrewarded with an incredibly light yet crispy cookie filled with adelectable cream that oozed out with every bite.

Shegrinned at him and licked her fingers; a compliment in the Scorpioculinary world. “I can’t wait to tell my family about this place!Your chef is a magician.”

Hebowed slightly. “You honor our humble establishment, dear lady.”There was a twinkle in his eye. She wondered how often newsworthyguests came in and whether she’d start a trend.

Afterwardshe went shopping; Ryven had set her up an impressively stocked bankaccount, though she was shy about spending anything. She didn’tmake a purchase from the hopeful vendors. Children were not givengifts on their birthdays here. Instead, a child was expected to givehis mother a flower and to prepare a special tea or drink for theirfather. If their parents were deceased, that honor was transferred toanother near relative, such as an aunt or uncle, grandmother orgrandfather. Adult children might prepare a special meal. Spouses andfriends did not give each other gifts to mark the day.It was a rathernice custom, but she still planned to celebrate Ryven’s birthday inher own way, with a gift; whenever it was. She’d have to find outthe date. He could adapt to her customs, too.

She wasn’t sure what he would like: a hazard of knowing him forsuch a short time. She had seen his collection of weapons (of coursehe had one) but she didn’t know much about Scorpio blades or thelike. Toosun might be helpful there, might have further suggestions.She wasn’t opposed to going with a simple gift, either. There mightbe a favorite dish she could learn to prepare, or she could give hima massage. She smiled, considering what fun that might be. If only hewould return!

She’dbeen thinking and walking, and her feet had taken her to the front ofan elaborate building made of polished black tiles. Silver-tiledsteps led up to an impressively carved crystal door. “What isthis?” she asked her escort.

“Anart museum. Some of the Lady Tessla’s paintings are displayedhere.”

“Really?”she asked with interest. Of course she had to check it out. There wasnothing like being related to a famous artist, after all.

Shepaid the admission for herself and her escort, and entered themuseum. The place was huge, and set up as a box within a box, sothere was plenty to see. She’d gotten about a third of the waythrough and was admiring a sculpture of a creature so alien, shewasn’t sure if it was real or a fantasy of the artist’s mind,when a harsh laugh caught her attention.

Herbodyguards closed rank before she could even identify the origin ofthe mockery. “Leave and you will not be hurt,” said Xtal, herchief of security.

“Thisis a public place,” a broken, harsh voice insisted. “And I havesomething to say to the woman.”

Curious,Xera tried to see around her bodyguards, but was stymied by theirtall frames. Where did Ryven find these guys? She’d swear half ofthem were a hand over six feet. Sighing, she gently touched thebiceps of the two in front and pushed slightly. “Two inches,please, guys.”

Shewas reluctantly accorded six. Xtal explained tersely, “This is LadyNamae’s ex-husband, my lady. Your husband would not approve of yourspeaking to him.”

Andno wonder. The man before her was a wreck. His face appearedbattered, one cheekbone sunken deeper than the other. His nose hadbeen badly broken and healed with a twist that suggested sinusproblems. It had been slit between the nostrils, too, and the upperlip bore a wide scar in the middle. He had a collar-like device onhis neck that allowed him to speak and breathe, judging from thegrill in front. When he spoke, his lips didn’t move. He opened hismouth and showed her his forked tongue. “Your husband’s brand ofjustice, lady.”

Sheblinked. Ryven had done this? When he’d spoken of breakingTovark, it had sounded political. Now she saw it had been physical,too. She wondered if he’d been trying to spare her the gruesomedetails. She knew he wasn’t a man to boast about things like this.She also knew he was ruthless enough to exact this kind of revenge,but she couldn’t imagine the kind of beating it would have taken tocause such lasting damage.

Herstomach clenched as she tried, and failed, to visualize herselfdelivering such punishment. The knife work alone…she suppressed ashiver What Tovark had done was bad, but did he deserve this kind ofpunishment? She had no good answer.

Shespoke coolly to Tovark, knowing this was no time for pity. “Thenyou are unwise to speak to me. He may wish to finish the job.”

Theman blinked. Perhaps he hadn’t expected such a reply. “I wish tospeak to you alone,” he suggested.

“Absolutelynot,” she said without hesitation. Even if she’d been inclined(and she was decidedly not) her bodyguards would never permit suchfoolishness. They weren’t the kind of pansies to be talked intowhims that compromised security. One look at Tovark would remind themof the follies of displeasing their lord. Not that Ryven would dosuch a thing to his own men….

“Apity,” Tovark said. “I had heard you were forced to become hisbride. That cannot sit well with you.”

Sheraised her brows at his strategy. He really thought he could createfellow feeling in her? “You believed I would become your ally?”She shook her head at his folly. “You overreach yourself. I don’tapprove of what happened to Namae, either.”

Hisface twisted. “She was a whoring little….” His speech was endedabruptly; Xtal had stepped forward and flattened him with one strike.

Thesecurity man now stared down at his unconscious victim and grunted indisgust. “Come, lady. Doubtless you wish to retire now.” It wasan accurate statement, and something of a command.

Blinkingat the speed with which he’d defended Namae, and with which hewould have defended her as well, Xera let him escort her away.Scorpio bodyguards didn’t put up with much, apparently.

Sheasked him about it.

Xtalglanced briefly at her. “I’m charged with defending all that mylord holds dear. That includes you and his family. This is what hewould have done if anyone spoke in such a manner in his presence.”

Shethought about that and decided she liked the sentiment, even if ithad been a bit rough and ready. “That’s heartwarming, Xtal. Thankyou.” She thought he colored a little, though he stoically avoidedher gaze. To tease him, she added, “I’ll have to tell your bosshe chose well.” Now the man was definitely blushing.

Shesobered, thinking of Ryven. He’d sent her nightly communiqués, andsometimes over the past few days he’d had the time to establish areal-time link and exchange a few words. The situation didn’tpermit much more, but at least she knew he was thinking of her. She’dsend him an electronic message, tell him about her day, commend Xtaland ask him about Tovark. He’d be bound to have something to sayabout all that. The odds were good he’d call in person.

Smiling,she started composing the message in her head.



Namae was horrified when she heard that Xera had eaten at a publicplace without her husband or family. Apparently it was consideredextremely bold, though common women did it all the time.

“Why?”Xera asked mildly. “My family owned a tavern, remember? And severalinns.”

Namaescowled. “You’re not on your world. People will think you’retoo daring to be ladylike if you do that here.”

Xerashrugged. “Then I’ll have to be on my best behavior the rest ofthe time. Maybe they’ll come to think of me as merely eccentric.Alien, you know?”

Namaeactually rolled her eyes heavenward and mouthed a prayer.

Xerasmiled, picturing Ryven’s face when he saw this recording. She hadbeen in the middle of her message when Namae entered, and had leftthe recorder going. Namae didn’t know. Though she was taking thegirl’s words into consideration, she couldn’t help provoking herhusband’s sister. “My bodyguards didn’t say anything.”

“Ofcourse not! It’s not their place to correct their lady.”

“Hm.Well, no harm done. I’ll try to have you along in the future; ifyou have time to spare. Shiza seems determined to have you tohimself.”

Namaeblushed. “He asked my opinion on choosing a gift for my brother, ifyou must know. Toosun’s first successful voyage as a commander of astarship must be celebrated. We are very proud of him.”

Xerasmiled to herself. “So he took you and Lady Tessla shopping? Howstrange. Most men would rather cut off their right hand than subjectthemselves to that.”

Namaegave her a droll look that would have been out of character beforelast week. “Maybe his foster mother is pestering him to marryagain. If he appears to be courting an eligible woman, she relentsfor a time.”

Xeraclapped in delight. “You just called yourself an eligible woman!I’m impressed. My work here is done.”

Namaemerely sniffed. “Since you’re settled, I have some things to do.Good evening to you.”

“Andto you,” Xera called fondly at Namae’s retreating back. She letherself smile for a moment and then returned to reporting on her day.Namae didn’t have to hear the serious parts.

Lessthan an hour later, Ryven called. He glowered at her. “Youshouldn’t have spoken to him.”

Xerasighed. She’d been sampling a glass of excellent spirits and feltrelaxed. “My love. Have I told you how handsome you are?”

“Iwill not be distracted,” he said, though he visibly mellowed. “Atleast Xtal kept the interview short.”

“I’dhardly call it an interview. Heaven only knows what Namae saw in theman.” There was a short silence. “You certainly left your mark onhim.”

Ryvenstudied her. “The slit nose and forked tongue is a mark ofdisgrace. The rest was retribution.”

“Isee. I’ll have to avoid making you angry, then.”

Hisfrown darkened. “You could do nothing, nothing, to earn thatkind of punishment. Consider what the man did.”

Shedid, and sighed. Maybe there was more to the story she didn’t know.Asking Namae was out of the question, and she knew her husband didn’thave time for a long discussion. There were other people she couldask. For now, she said, “I understand. I suppose I’m moresqueamish than you are.”

Herelaxed a fraction. “You are a woman. That’s to be expected.”

Shechoked slightly. “Those are fighting words, buddy!”

Thatmade him smirk. “Then I’m lucky you are squeamish, aren’t I?”

Sheopened her mouth then shut it. Sometimes a hasty reply was the wrongapproach. Instead she said mildly, “So, tell me about the Leo girl.Did she tell you anything today?”

Ryvenlooked frustrated. “She stares at us vacantly, as if she’smind-damaged. If she is faking, it is an excellent ploy. I can’tstomach it for long.”

Xeralooked at him sideways. “Is she pretty?”

Hismouth dropped open a fraction. “Are you jealous at a time likethis? She is pale and...limp. I could never desire such a; areyou laughing?”

Shesmirked, amused and pleased that they’d developed such acomfortable rapport so easily. “Sorry. I’m just missing you. I’lltry to tease you about something else.”

“Please.”He paused and seemed to reorder his thoughts. “The repairs aregoing well. We should return in the next hand of days.”

Sheperked up. “Really? That’s great! I can’t wait to see you, andall joking aside, I’d really like to meet that alien girl.”

“We’llsee. I have to go. Keep yourself well. I’m looking forward toseeing you, too.” The heated look in his eyes told her how much. Heclosed the connection.

Sheblinked at his abruptness. Well, what had she expected? He wasn’tgoing to get sentimental over a communication line, as it were. She’djust have to coax his feelings out of him in person…though she didfeel a dash inpatient with him. Was it really so hard to tell a womanthat he cared?



That night she had a nightmare about the Khun’tat. She woke in asweat and couldn’t get back to sleep, so she settled for watchingentertainment programs and thinking about the day. Knowing someonewould be awake, she called her security team. After assuring them shewas fine, just having bad dreams, she requested a report on Tovark,starting with the time just before his marriage dissolved. If theywere surprised, the men showed no sign. They said it was possible andwould look into it. She thanked them and went back to watching moviesuntil she fell asleep on the couch.

Shestaggered blearily through dance class the next morning and spentsome time in the flight simulators, grateful that Ryven had forwardedpermission. She was making a tiny bit of progress on the navigationand weapons systems. Sometimes she wondered if engineers made shipssystems complicated on purpose, but learning kept her busy. She wassteadily making her way through the flight manuals.

She’dtold Namae about her studies, but the young woman was uninterested.She’d taken one look at the amount of information there was tolearn and winced. “There are pilots for that sort of thing,”she’d said.

“Whatif you’re in a shuttle and there’s a problem? Wouldn’t it benice to know what to do?”

Namaefrowned at her. “I’d do the sensible thing and call for help. Itcould be remote-flown to safety for me.”

“Whatif there wasn’t time?” Xera persisted.

“Youcan’t know everything,” Namae had said placidly, and that hadbeen the end of the conversation.

Xeratold herself she’d be able to talk to the guys she knew about it.After all, several them were pilots. She’d have to be delicateabout it, though. Surely they’d share Ryven’s suspicions abouther hobby, even if they were polite about it.

Maybethey were right to worry. In the back of her mind, there was stillthe question of what if.

Theironic thing was that she truly did love to fly. There was a freedomto be found in the exercise that existed nowhere else. Maybe Ryvencould share that with her someday…if he had enough trust in her.

Hehadn’t said anything about her joining the martial arts class. Asthe lone woman in the group of men, she was often frustrated. Theguys were reluctant to hurt her and were gentler than they should be.She understood their confusion; after all, she’d never be as fastor strong as they were. From their point of view, she was wasting hertime. She’d heard that before, and it just made her moredetermined. She knew when she was right. All she had to do was thinkof Captain Khan and push harder. The guys would adapt in time.

Maybeit had been thoughts of Khan that had prompted Ryven to give herpermission. Despite the risks, he wasn’t the sort of man to deny awoman the right to defend herself. As the battle with the Khun’tatproved, things happened.

Whenshe’d finished with the simulator for the day, Xtal informed her hehad the report she’d requested.

Shetried to suppress a yawn as she cradled a hot cup of tea.Unfortunately, it didn’t have quite the rejuvenating powers ofcoffee. “Hold on to it for me, please. I’m not feeling asparanoid as I was in the middle of the night. I think it will keepfor a couple more hours. I’d hate to ruin a perfectly good nap overhim.”

Xtalactually smiled. “As you wish.”

Unfortunately,her plans for a nap were derailed. Her father-in-law and Ryven’ssisters invited her to share lunch with them. It was too early intheir relationship for Xera to feel comfortable about not going, soshe let Namae help her dress for the occasion.

“Areyou well? You don’t seem rested,” Namae asked with concern as shebrushed Xera’s hair. “Perhaps you should sleep instead.”

Xeragrunted. “I’d probably just dream about the Khun’tat again.”

“Oh!I admit I’ve had a bad dream or two since the attack. At least theyhave faded for me. I find listening to soothing music during my restto be helpful. It keeps me grounded.”

“Goodidea, but I’ve made it this long without nightmares, so maybe lastnight was an aberration. Maybe I’ll walk myself through somepositive visualizations about slaying them. Sometimes that helps.”

Namaeseemed taken aback. “How…interesting. Perhaps you can tell me howthat’s done as we walk.”

Xerawas surprised to see Shiza present at the lunch. Though he spent mostof the time speaking with Lord Atarus about manly things, he did takethe time to answer the ladies’ questions about the recent attacks.When he noticed Xera’s unease at the subject, he told the others,“Let’s choose another subject than the Khun’tat. Xera hassuffered evil dreams over this and still doesn’t look recovered.”

Xerablinked, surprised by his perception. “How did you know?”

Itwas Lord Atarus who answered. “Your security team told Ryven. Hespoke to us about it. We’d be amiss if we didn’t look after youin his place.”

Shesmiled. “That’s kind of you, but don’t leave the subject for mysake. I’m a big girl.” In spite of her words, that line ofdiscussion was closed for the rest of the meal.

Whenher yawns finally became too hard to contain, her amusedfather-in-law dismissed her. “Go, sleep. Play some sweet music asyou rest; it often banishes ill dreams.”

“Thankyou,” Xera said. As if in afterthought, she asked Shiza, “Willyou walk me to the door? I need your opinion about something.” Sheglanced at Namae and smiled at the girl’s scowl. It was fun teasingher, and fine if she thought the conversation concerned her. In away, it did.

Shizablinked slowly but rose from his cushion. “Of course.”

Oncethey’d turned into the entrance hall, she paused. “I have aquestion about Ryven. I would have asked Namae, but I don’t want toupset her.”

“AboutTovark?”

Xeranodded.

Shizalooked grave. “You should ask your husband these things.”

Shesighed. “I’d love to, but he’s a little busy right now. I trynot to worry, but I can’t help it about things like this. I don’twant any more sleepless nights.”

Shizainclined his head. “What was your question?”

Xeralooked at the wall while she gathered her thoughts. “When I askedhim about Tovark, Ryven said he broke him financially and socially.He made the whole thing seem very bloodless, but when I saw Tovarkyesterday...” She looked at Shiza.

Heappeared disapproving. “You think Ryven lied to you?”

“Ithink he omitted a few details.” They had a silent standoff for amoment.

Shizawatched her with crossed arms, as if calculating his answer. “Thesocial retribution was for what Tovark did to Namae. The physicalpunishment concerned what he did to her maid.”

Xerafelt her stomach clench. “What was that?”

Hislook chastened her. “Doubtless he wished to spare you, but it seemstoo late for that now. Tovark couldn’t reach Namae; her familywould no longer permit it. It angered him, so he sought a lesswell-guarded target. He took her maid and savaged her instead….Since he didn’t rape her, he was not sentenced to death, but as amember of the family who employed her, Ryven was given permission toexecute justice, short of maiming and blinding. You’ve seen theresults.”

Shetook a breath. “So Ryven hunted him down and...”

“Foughthim, though Tovark has little skill to boast of. Did you think he wasrestrained for Ryven’s pleasure? That isn’t how we servejustice.”

“Ididn’t know what to think, which is why I asked,” Xera said,feeling sick. “Thank you, I understand now. What happened to themaid?”

Shizalooked pensive. “Namae’s family paid for the recovery, but thegirl wanted nothing more to do with serving great houses. Shereturned home and eventually married.”

Atleast there was that. “I can see why Xtal punched him. Ugh!” Xerashook her head as if to dislodge the thought. “Okay, I needsomething more pleasant to think about, and there was one more thing.When is Ryven’s birthday?”

Shizalooked puzzled by the question, but after a long pause he told her.She thanked him and said goodbye.

Ofcourse, she wasn’t really able to shake the story of the maid fromher mind so quickly; that sort of thing took a while to process. Itwas better knowing the truth than doubting her husband’s restraint,though. She had enough problems on her plate without adding that.





Chapter17



Eachday, Xera added an entry to a journal. She’d found the tome in ashop that sold handmade paper and bound books. She’d been charmedby some flower petal paper and amused by a selection of scented inks,but it was the tooled leather notebook with creamy, faintly speckledpaper that caught her eye. She hadn’t kept a journal in years, butknew the practice was therapeutic. Figuring she could use a littletherapy, she bought the book. Now she used it to keep track of herthoughts. It provided a useful sounding board, and she would consultthe entries to fill out messages she would send to her sisters.

Ryvenhad told her she could send one message a week, and he was generousat that. The cost of pinbeam over such distances was prohibitive, tosay the least, but she was grateful for everything she could get. Itwas fortunate he was such a wealthy man, and even more so that herfamily could afford the bill. It was an expensive way to communicate,but she certainly felt the money was well spent.

Shewas starting to settle into a routine; one she knew she’d useoften, if this separation were usual with Ryven’s job. She missedhim, but also realized that even if he were there she couldn’t ownevery minute of his day. She was thinking of getting a part-time job,something that wouldn’t interfere with her studies. The wholeambassador gig was all good and well, but it made for some slow dayswhen the people she was supposed to represent were light years away.

Shesmiled, thinking ruefully that she was a true working-class girl.She’d landed in the lap of luxury with few demands on her time, andsuddenly the idea of owning her own tavern and busting her tailwaiting tables sounded appealing. Not that she really wanted to goback to that, specifically; nor did she want to run a staff of maidsas she had done. Being in charge had been an interesting challenge,even though she’d worked as hard at scrubbing as any of the othersand been forced to deal with the staff, too. She wasn’t sure whatshe wanted; she just felt restless. Maybe she needed to own her ownbusiness.

Thenagain, maybe it was more her sisters and less the inn that shemissed. Even that was changing now, with Gem married and reproducing,and Brandy’s on-again-off-again relationship. Xera wondered whatthe status was on that now. She supposed it didn’t really matter;her sisters’ world was closed to her. It was just that she missedher siblings, wondered how they were.

Itdidn’t help that she didn’t really feel accepted by Ryven’sfamily. Oh, it had started off well enough, but things were hardlyideal. The Lord Governor welcomed her, but he just wanted a wife forhis son. Tessla was determined to mold Xera into her idea of a lady,because that’s what clan matriarchs did. Namae was all right, butRyven’s other sisters and wider family made her feel excluded. Theywere polite, but they had nothing in common with Xera. She had seena faint look of horror on one lady’s face when she said how muchshe enjoyed martial arts, and another woman had looked at her as ifpained and begun another topic when Xera mentioned how she used tohelp toss the drunks out of the taproom. They didn’t say anythingnegative to her face, but she’d seen her sisters-in-law exchangespeaking looks. They never said anything hurtful, but they neverwarmed up, either. Their husbands studied Xera as if they didn’tknow what to make of her. Everywhere she went she got second glances.She was different. Alien.

Ruthlesslyshe shook off the melancholy. Perhaps it was time to assess what herstrengths and skills were, maybe do a little research into Scorpiobusiness practices. It might even be worth her while to take a classor two. It would give her something to do.

Shementioned as much to Ryven in an electronic letter.

No,was his one word reply.

Shestared in disbelief at the terse message. What did he mean, no?She wrote in response, I hope you didn’t mean to sound rude,boy. I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt, though I admit I’mrather annoyed. After some thought, she deleted boy andput in Atarus. She went on, I think I would make a greatbusiness owner, and it would keep me occupied while you are away onlong trips. You’d rather have me busy than moping about after you,wouldn’t you? She thought about adding more, but decided therewas no need to rant.

Hisreply arrived twenty minutes after she sent her message. It read,You’re bored. I will give you something to do.

Shehuffed. Bored? What was he planning to do, have her knit socks? Shewasn’t the type of woman who enjoyed sitting at home doinghandicrafts. She was itching to be productive. She’d worked herselfinto a fine state, in fact, when the door chime sounded. Stillscowling, she went to answer.

LadyTessla looked amused. “I see the bridal days are over. Ready totake the mantle of a real wife, are you?”

Nonplussed,Xera stepped aside as the lady swept into the room. “I’m franklygrateful you’re the industrious sort. Try as I might, I could notcoax my nieces to assume the role of family hostess. Coercion didn’twork any better on them than it did on my daughters. Spoiled, really.Too used to their amusements and projects. Well.” She looked Xeraover with almost avaricious glee. “And here you are, bored, trainedto run a staff and host entertainments, with nothing else to do.”

Xeracoughed on her astonished amusement. “Ryven contacted you, didn’the?”

Thelady raised a brow. “If a two sentence note counts as contact. ‘Mywife is bored. She’d make a great hostess, wouldn’t she?’ Butnaturally, he had to say no more.”

“Isee,” Xera said. Sort of. Still, Tessla’s enthusiasm wascontagious. Perhaps this is what she needed. “What did you have inmind?”

Whatthe woman had in mind turned out to be exhausting. She was giving alittle party for three hundred close family members and friends.Everything from the selection of music for the dance, diningarrangements and menu planning would have to be arranged. Xera wouldbe required to meet with the head chef, decorators, musicians andflorists and help plan the menu. In addition to that, she was togreet the guests at the door with Ryven, who would be standing in forhis father as was customary at these functions. Tessla declared itwould now be her privilege to join her brother, whom she said hadbeen allowed to enjoy himself alone for far too long.

“Youthmust be trained to replace experience,” the lady declared. “Andone day you will be experienced and training youth. It’s avery tidy circle, you see.”

Xerafrowned, her head already buzzing with endless lists of details.“You’re not planning to kick off anytime soon, are you? Imentioned I’d been in charge of cleaning maids, not the whole inn.My sister Gem could likely do the whole thing without losing sleepbut….”

Tesslawaved her hand. “You admit the skill is in your blood. You willadapt.” She smiled. “You’ll have to. We have events of thismagnitude at least once a month, with smaller dinners weekly. Nowthat Ryven is married, he can finally set up a proper household andentertain.”

Xerasighed. So, she’d become a hostess of what was essentially arotating dining hall. She supposed there were worse fates. It didthrow a damper on her plans for a part-time job. Apparently beingmarried to Ryven was employment in itself.

“Yourfriends will want to reciprocate, too,” continued Lady Tessla. “Iimagine you’ll find yourself with more invitations than you canaccept. You begin to see why I exercise diligently.”

Xerashook her head, smiling. “You’re turning me in a politician’swife.”

Tesslasmiled in return. “Only showing you the path, dear. You’vealready arrived at the door, you see.” She patted Xera’s arm.“You’ll be wonderful. Now, about this menu....”



ToXera’s surprise, her sisters-in-law privately confided their thanksfor taking on their terror of an aunt. When she just smiled and saidshe didn’t mind a bit, that it was actually enjoyable at times,they were even more impressed. Her status rose within the familyhierarchy.

Fromher point of view, she was doing nothing to advance it. But Xera soonobserved that those in charge of social activities were greatlyrespected; provided they did a good job, of course. Nobody esteemed amiserly or awkward hostess. Xera had never been shy, however, andunderstood that adequate portion size and an abundance of good drinksmade for good business. It was the same when planning a party: treatthe guests much like valued customers, remain formal with staff andrake in the admiration. She had to be satisfied with that, since theycertainly weren’t raking in coin. She was staggered by the amountof money these functions cost.

“I’mamazed that you’re spending so much on entertainment,” sheadmitted to Tessla. “How does the family keep from going bankrupt?”

Tesslalooked surprised then laughed. “Have you no idea of your husband’sincome? What has he given you for allowance?”

Xeratold her and then added, “He’s been generous, and there’s noway I can spend it all. I like to go out and shop now and then, but Ijust can’t see throwing money away on frivolous stuff all the time.Value for dollars and all that. It’s a business class thing,” shefinished wryly.

Tesslastudied her thoughtfully. “This is not such a bad thing. Itrequires no apology.

“Regardingthe entertainments…my daughter, you’ve married into a wealthyhouse. These gatherings cost no more for us to give than if you’dinvited one or two friends to share your own dinner; perhaps evenless. Once you have become familiar with the process, it takes only acouple of hours to plan. Staff handles the rest, though of course youmust oversee their work, for any flaws in the engagements will beattributed to you. From conception to the moment you farewell thelast guest, all eyes are on you.”

Xeranodded. That, too, was just like running an inn. If the staff made amistake, management took the heat.

“Asfor your concern about money, I think it will be well for yourhusband to sit with you and discuss his finances and businessaffairs, since you are competent with such things. Many women are notand could care less where the money comes from, as long as there isplenty of it. Be assured that Ryven has an astute financial mind andwill not impoverish his household.

“Asfor your allowance, I suggest you learn to enjoy it. If you don’twish to spend it all on yourself, then use a portion to supportcharitable endeavors. I favor those that train the poor in profitableskills, but there are many to choose from.” Lady Tessla smiled andsqueezed Xera’s hand. “Yours is a new life, but it can be richand full. That is what I want for you.” She patted Xera’s handand leaned back. “Besides, it will benefit Ryven if you are happy,and I do like my family taken care of.”

Xeralaughed, touched by Tessla’s concern. “I’ve noticed.” She wassilent for a moment as she considered whether she’d enjoy the roleTessla offered. At length she decided to give it a fair trial. Whileit wasn’t the life she’d thought she’d lead when she’d lefthome to start her career with the GE, it had its challenges. If shetried it and didn’t like it, she could always find something moreinteresting to do. Besides, the things she’d learn in this rolewere bound to help when she put on her ambassador hat…when therewere actually humans to represent, that was.

Shefrowned. There had been no pinbeams from the GE or IC for her. HadRyven known how little she’d be called on to do her job? Sheremembered his comment about her moving into an “advisory position”and wondered. At the time she’d had other things on her mind andthought he’d meant one day in the future, but perhaps she’dmisunderstood. Had he known all along, even from the beginning, howlittle she’d be called on to perform her duties? But that made nosense. Why would he have wanted the position for her, if that werethe case? They were going to have to talk about it very soon, but itwould have to wait until he got home. This was not the sort ofconversation she wanted to have over email.

She dreamt of autumn. Leaves fell all around. Bright and beautifulshades of bronze and gold, they evaded her fingers and fluttered tothe ground, forming a soft carpet under the trees. Xera spun withdelight and fell into a pile. The leaves felt as soft as thistledown.

Shewas not alone. The sun blinded her to the man above, but she knew hisvoice. Ryven had come home. His lips caressed her neck and praisedher softly scented skin. His fingers slid into her hair, enjoying thesilk of it. His body settled over hers….

Sheawoke with a start, and froze. There was a man in bed with her.“Ryven?” she whispered, spooked.

Helaughed, his breath a soft puff against her mouth. “Did you thinkthey would let anyone else in?”

Shepushed him back so she could breathe. She sat up. “You scared me!”

“I’msorry,” he murmured, and stroked her back. “I meant to surpriseyou.”

“Youdid. I’m not used to men crawling into my bed at all hours.”

Hisvoice held a smile. “Saints be praised for that.” He reached overand turned on the bedside light. “Is that better?”

Shelet out a sigh, surprised at how tense she was. “Yes, thanks.”The reality of his presence hit her. “You’re really home!”

Hesmiled. “Yes.”

Shelaughed. “Well, then…” She tackled him. He went down easily, awilling victim, and laughed at his surrender.



Ryvenglanced ruefully over his shoulder the next morning as he was gettingdressed. His first attempt at rising hadn’t been successful; they’dended up back in bed before he’d had his shirt fastened. Not thathe minded; his wife had a delightful way of making a man feelwelcome. They had business to attend this morning, however.

Assoon as Xera was up and dressed, he led her into the next room to eatbreakfast. After she had caught him up on the family doings, he gaveher an overview of their finances. And his aunt had been right; heshould have done so sooner. Xera seemed amazed and reassured by whatshe learned. He hadn’t realized what a source of concern it hadbeen for her until he saw her shoulders relax. He was also pleasantlysurprised by her astute questions. Her intelligence was pleasing…buthe was not as thrilled when she mentioned running a business again.

“Whywould you want that? We don’t lack for money, and my aunt hasensured you have plenty to do.”

Shestudied him. “Arranging a couple of parties a month is hardly adrain on my time. I’m used to doing a lot of work, Ryven.I’ve got a lot of energy.”

Hescowled. “Tell that to my sisters. For years they’ve complainedthat the burden would crush them.”

Xerashrugged. “They just don’t have the knack, is all. It’s notthat different from running an inn. You just have a differentcustomer base.”

Hestared at her. “You’ve forgotten what will happen when we havechildren. Raising them properly is very time consuming. I won’thave them brought up by servants.”

Sheconsidered that. “They could always go into the family businesswhen they’re old enough. I was helping in the kitchen when I wasfive. It builds work ethic.”

Thosebrimstone eyes of his heated ominously. “I won’t have my childworking like a servant.”

“Notlike a servant; like a member of the family.”

Hetook a breath, calming himself. “I understand your point of view onthis. I know you were raised to see things differently. I also knowwe are not relocating to apartments above a business so that you canspend your waking hours directing it.” He watched her blink, sawthe frown start between her eyes. “As interested as I am in yourhappiness, you will have to find another way to pursue yourinterests. I am not an innkeeper. I command a starship and am anoble. My father is the Lord Governor of Rsik.” And that was that.



Xerapursed her lips and willed herself not to comment on her husband’shaughtiness. It was an integral part of him, and unlikely to be curedin a morning, if ever. Besides, he was unwittingly playing into thereal argument she had coming. It would be interesting to see how heacted when she brought up the ambassador thing. She could be deviouswhen necessary. She took a breath herself. “Okay. No lowbrowestablishment for you. Do you have a more genteel option in mind?”Helooked off to the side as if searching for patience. “Let me sharewith you my dream of family, instead. I had envisioned myself cominghome from work to find my family content and happy to see me. I workhard so that my wife can spend her time making our home pleasant andseeing that our children are raised right. I have no objection to herhaving hobbies, but I don’t want to see her so consumed that shehas nothing left for her family. I would hope to see her put herfamily first, yet find a way to fulfill her own needs as well. Ican’t see how running a business would leave room for this.” Helooked up, clearly watching how she reacted.

Sheconsidered him. “Do you feel the same about my ambassadorialduties? After all, you arranged for me to have them. Went to a greatdeal of trouble, in fact.”

“Theywere not intended to last longer than our wedding,” Ryven said,frustrated, then froze as he realized what he’d revealed.

Toolate. She pounced on his words. “Of course, being an ambassador isa highly respectable and genteel occupation. If only it took up moreof my day, I’m sure I could be content.” When he remained mute,she added sweetly, “Of course, it would help if the IC and GE wouldcommunicate a bit more often. There haven’t been any pinbeams fromthem, have there?”

Hestudied her a long moment, his expression a mix of frustration andstubbornness. At last he admitted, “As I said, your duties were notarranged for the purpose of supplying you with an occupation.I could not wed you if your rank was not closer to my own.”

Thiswas interesting. She digested that, then said slowly, “Let me seeif I understand what you’re saying. You planned to marry me allalong, and went to a great deal of trouble to make it happen. Why?What was I to you but an alien?”

Herefused to answer, simply tapped one hand on the table in silentaggravation.

Shecould hardly contain her glee. He might not admit it, but he wasneatly trapped. Just to torment him, she said, “Well, now that I aman ambassador, I find I like it. I would like to see anycommunication from the GE and IC, please. I can’t do my job if I’mnot informed.”



Hewas silent for a time. Finally he said, “Have you ever run anestate?”

Shecocked her head, wondering at his change of subject . “My sisterhas one, but I don’t know much about it. I don’t see what thishas to do with our discussion.”

Henodded. “We have one with several dozen tenants. Many of them growproduce for the fresh market: flowers, spices, fruit. A few of themproduce livestock or farm crafts. Do you know how to judge superiorproduce?”

Shefrowned. “Are you really that desperate to change the subject?”

“Youdidn’t answer my question,” he said doggedly. It was clear he wasdetermined to ignore anything he had no wish to discuss.

Howannoying. Well, she could circle back to her point later. She, too,could be stubborn. Just to show that she, at least, was cooperative,she said, “I didn’t work in the kitchen much, but sure, I couldtell good stuff from bad. We couldn’t accept goods from badvendors.”

“Excellent.And your knowledge of farming?”

Shelooked at him suspiciously. “I have none. Are you suggesting Imight want to…what? Oversee this business? I don’t see how I’llhave time. An ambassador is a busy women…when she’s allowed toread her mail.” She’d thought about it after her talk with Tesslaand decided there must have been communication between the twogroups. If nothing else, the IC would be very curious about theScorpio. When word got out, the people back home would want to knoweverything they could about the “mysterious” race. She’d tellthem for nothing that they were uncommonly stubborn.

Hereached for a piece of fruit from the display on the table and toyedwith it . “You wanted to be productive.”

Shecould only bang her head against a brick wall for so long withoutdeveloping a headache. If he thought they were done, however, he wasdead wrong. She’d give ground now and come back at him when hedidn’t expect it. It was easier than keeping track of twoconversations. “Who runs it now?”

“Ihave a manager. You can train with him, and with myself when I havetime.”

“Itdoesn’t sound like something I’m going to enjoy for long, and Iget grouchy when I’m bored. You might live to regret this.”

Ryvenraised a brow. “Then you agree?”

Shesnorted. “You are so manipulative.”

“Thenit’s settled. I’ve already had a shuttle prepared for us. We’llleave to tour the estate immediately.” He looked pleased.

Hereyes narrowed. “You had this all planned?” Granted, it was beforeshe’d brought up her arguments, but as a distraction, it worked inhis favor.

Heshrugged a shoulder. “It’s traditional for wives to have a handin running family estates. Ours has been part of the family for sixgenerations. You’ll be carrying on a legacy.” He offered her anapologetic look. “I hadn’t mentioned it before because I wantedyou to be more settled before we discussed such things. We’ve hadan unconventional courtship.”

Ryven,apologetic? Unlikely. He was just trying to soften her. She wastempted to argue just because her blood was up. It annoyed her thathe’d outmaneuvered her.

Therewas nothing she could say, however, so she forced a toothy smile.“Great.”

Howeverannoyed she was with his stubbornness, she liked his plan to take ascenic flight in his personal aircraft before heading for the estate.She hadn’t known he had a personal aircraft, let alone one withcomfortable seats and plenty of legroom. It came equipped with asmall galley, lavatory and bedroom. “Nice,” she told him. “CanI fly it?”

Hesmiled ruefully. “I knew you would ask.Of course you may, sinceI’ll be here to act as your flight instructor. I’ve heard someencouraging things about your simulator training. I’m eager to seeyou in action.”

Theflight went as smooth as Xera could have hoped, and Ryven soonrelaxed with her at the controls. They traveled at a leisurely speedso she could admire the snow-covered mountains and expanses offarmland between towns. After they’d traveled for nearly an hour,he took over and piloted them down to a neatly terraced hill farm. Agenerously proportioned but welcoming mansion of brown stone trimmedin white granite occupied the side of a gentle southern slope.

Theylanded on a private shuttle pad and Ryven shut down the engines.“Welcome home.”

Xerablinked at him. “Home? I thought that was your palace.”

Ryvenshook his head. “Not really. Put your gloves on. I want to show youthe grounds first.”

Hewas justly proud of the place, she thought as she walked the freshlyshoveled pathways and admired the snow-cloaked gardens and stonewalls. There was even a fountain close to the house that was flankedby backless benches. A current kept the shallow water ice free forthe bright fish that darted through it.

Lavendersnow might cover the hedges and orchards, but Xera could see thebones of very lovely garden. The setting was tranquil, far differentfrom the hustle and bustle of palace life. She could see why such aplace would appeal to Ryven, but....

“That’san odd smile,” he commented as they walked arm in arm. Apparently aprivate garden didn’t forestall that kind of touching. She wasstill learning what was considered appropriate and when it was okayto bend the rules.

“Ofall the places I’ve seen you, this is the first time you... Well,I’d just never have imagined you on a farm.”

Hesmiled. “There’s more to me than war. Come and see the house, andyou’ll see how much.”

Theentryway had a bench to one side for removing winter boots, and awalk-in closet to the side for their coats. Xera was pleasantlysurprised to find slippers waiting in her size. She sent Ryven aquestioning look.

“Ihad the caretaker prepare the place for us,” he said.

Sheglanced around at the gleaming staircase in front of them, then atthe hallways leading left and right. She chose to investigate theliving room first. A copper-tiled fireplace warmed the far wall, andshe thought the picture over the mantel looked like one of Tessla’s.The floors were tiled in earth tones, and the walls were a lovelyshade of cream. Some of the sitting pillows were made of animal hidewith large black and white patches. Others were brown leatherembroidered with gold thread. The accessories were tasteful andelegant. It looked like the work of a professional decorator andprobably was.

“Nice,”she said.

Theroom on the other side of the hallway was a dining area with a viewof the kitchen. There were more floor pillows here, and the absentcook had thoughtfully left the table set for two. A pair of covereddishes and a plate of sweet dumplings sat on the table.

“I’mimpressed,” Xera said when they sat down and pulled the covers offthe pots. “They’re still steaming.”

Ryvensmiled. “Timing is everything.”

Shesmiled in return and accepted a serving of rich vegetable soup. Shedidn’t know how it was done, but she’d never had a broth that wasso incredibly rich and satisfying, without a trace of cream. She wasabout to ask if Ryven knew how it was prepared when she caught himlooking at her expectantly. “What? It’s very good, if that’swhat you’re wondering.”

Hegrimaced. “I’m trying to be patient, but you’re making itdifficult.”

“Aboutwhat?” she asked, all at sea.

Heseemed about to speak, then sighed and asked, “How do you like thehouse?”

Wasthat all he wanted? His look had seemed to ask more. She said slowly,“Well, it’s beautiful, of course. I haven’t seen all of it, butif the rest of it looks like this, I’ll love it. Did you think Iwouldn’t?”

“No.”He shut his mouth firmly and applied himself to his soup.

Wonderingwhat had gotten into him, she finished her broth and the spicedvegetables in the other dish. She was hungry! Must be the winter air.A gusty sigh blew over her as she was reaching for a second dumpling.They were filled with a delightful brown cheese with a crunchytexture. The filling practically danced in her mouth, and she wasreluctant to take her attention from it. She shot her husband aninquiring look.

“Whatare you waiting for?” he asked.

What?This was starting to bug her. Why couldn’t he just speak his mind?“What do you mean?” she snapped.

Helooked exasperated. “The baby! I thought you’d tell me by now.”

“Whatbaby? I haven’t been around any babies lately.” She thought abouthis family, his nephews and nieces. All of them were well out ofdiapers. “Is one of your sisters pregnant again? Nobody told me.”

Hestared hard at her, then blinked. “You don’t know.”

“Knowwhat? What are you...?” She trailed off as a thought came over her.“Wait a minute. You don’t think I’m....” She laughed, but herhumor was short-lived. The expression on his face was too serious.The hairs on her neck stood straight up. “Not funny, Ryven.”

Hiseyes moved to her middle and lingered. It was almost as if he couldsee…. It hit her: “You can see in infrared. But…there should benothing to see yet. I-I mean, there’s nothing to see. Ihaven’t even felt anything.” She was stammering, his intentexpression throwing her off. She frantically reworked her mentalmath, calculating dates. Her birth control must have worn off. Well,it was a good product, but not infallible. Still…“Look, I wouldknow if something was up, okay?”

“Apparentlynot.” He sat back, his eyes beginning to heat with amusement. “Ithought you were only teasing me by not saying anything.”

Shetook a deep breath. “Only a doctor would know this early in thegame. I can’t be pregnant!” She realized she’d been dependingon the supposed differences in their physiology to keep her frombecoming pregnant; it had allowed her to nod and smile when he’dtalked of family planning. Apparently there weren’t any ofsignificance in the matter of fertility. That’s what she got formaking assumptions.

“Youare. I can see the color markers. I noticed it this morning, but allyou wanted to do was argue. Why do you think I was so vexed?”

“Becauseyou’re a…” She bit off her retort and stood up. This washorrible news! She wasn’t ready for something like this. She felttrapped, confused.

Hestood also. “You don’t like it?”

Herangry arm gesture was meant to convey extreme agitation. “No, Idon’t like it! I don’t like these sorts of surprises. I’m notready to be a mother.”

“Wetalked about this.” His expression was stern, a touch cold.

“Youmentioned it. I never agreed,” she said vehemently. “Do I looklike a mother to you? Do you look like a father?” Her throat closedup as she saw him flinch. Whatever she felt, it wasn’t the need tohurt him. “That wasn’t fair. I’m sure you’d make a greatfather. It’s just...I’m not....” She turned away, unable toexplain what she felt, not to him. She was trapped. If she was havinghis baby, then she was truly trapped. Had he known that?

Shefelt Ryven settle a hand on her shoulder. He couldn’t miss hertension, but she didn’t want to relax just to spare his feelings.

“I’msorry,” he said sincerely. “If I’d known what a shock it wouldbe to you, we could have taken more care.”

Shedrew a ragged breath. “It’s my fault; I assumed I had itcovered.”

“You’renot alone,” he murmured. He waited, his touch drawing away herresistance. Eventually, she turned and buried her face in his chest.But her hands rested on his stomach, ready to push him away.

“I’m so not ready for this. This happened too fast.” Being cutoff from her family, the crash, him. Maybe she’d never really dealtwith all of it, had been too busy surviving. Funny, how a thing likea baby could shatter all the walls. A wave of panic rose up andthreatened to engulf her.

“Breathe,”he commanded, taking her face in his hands. “Xera, listen to me.Breathe!”

Shetried to obey, but it was a struggle. She’d never hyperventilatedbefore.

Hemuttered something, then carried her into the living area and settledthem on a floor cushion. “Breathe,” he coached her, and began tomassage her feet.

“Whatare you doing?” she demanded, and tried to jerk her foot away.

“Givingyour mind something to focus on.” It was weird, but it worked. In afew minutes, her breathing was mostly back to normal. She began tofeel tired. Worse, she began to cry.

Ryveninstantly stopped rubbing her feet and moved up to hold her. “Easy,wife. Hush.” He held her while she blubbered and babbled, then roseto fetch her some tissues. When the storm finally calmed, he strokedher hair. “Some better?”

“No,”she groused, though she did feel somewhat improved. “I hate that Icried.”

Hethought about that. “I understand that’s not abnormal.”

Shesniffed. “If you tell me that pregnant women cry all the time I’llhave to hit you.”

Helaughed. “Have mercy! I’d have to let you win.”

Shegrowled. “It’d serve you right if I had triplets.”

Therewas a pause. “Is that a possibility?” He had the nerve to soundeager.

“Idoubt it. Oh, I hope not!” The idea of babies in triplicate wasdaunting. She had an appalling vision of herself as large as ashuttle. “Do you know how helpless pregnant women are? I’ll looklike I swallowed a moon!”

Hesat up and took her by the shoulders. Sternly, he said, “My wifewill look regal and lovely carrying my children. I will not acceptyou holding any backward beliefs about this. It’s a proud moment ina man’s life. I’ll be pleased to see you change with the lifethat’s within you.”

Xeratook a breath. No, she couldn’t take this man’s child away, andcouldn’t talk about her feelings. Even if he’d trapped her onpurpose, she couldn’t hurt him, not about this. “Change scaresme.”

Hekissed her. “Change brought me you.”





Chapter18



Theydidn’t go home that night. Ryven let Xera nap. He woke her justbefore dinner to show her the rest of the house. He distracted herwith a board game and joined her for a hot bath when she began toyawn. Most importantly, he didn’t try to make love to her thatnight, sensing that what she needed was to be held. When they woke inthe morning, he was very gentle in his lovemaking, careful that itheld the reassurance she craved.

Itwas different, seeing her so vulnerable. After everything she’dbeen through, he wouldn’t have thought it would be the news of herimpending motherhood that would bring her low. Women were strangecreatures, he mused as he escorted her back to the shuttle. Sometimeshe thought his was stranger than most. Still, he liked her. It was anovel sensation, being friends with a woman who wasn’t a relative.It was especially refreshing having that relationship with a wife.

Hegrinned, thinking of his children to be. He made sure Xera wasn’tlooking. It wouldn’t do to have her catch him at it when she wasfeeling so low; she’d probably try to damage him. But, whyshouldn’t he be happy? This moment had been a long time coming.

Heneeded to find a sufficiently distracting matter for Xera. She didn’tneed to be brooding about this, and he suspected she’d become usedto it in time. With luck, she’d soon take her situation in strideand treat it with her accustomed practicality.

Ofcourse, he would never admit that he knew pregnancy would hobble her.As happy as he was about the baby, he was even happier to know thathis wife was now welded to him. She missed her family, yes, but therewas nothing like carrying a child to create stronger ties. He’dseen it many times before. He understood Xera well enough to know itwould be the same with her.

Andhe was fiercely glad. Her strong will had given him pause in theearly days, when he had first began to desire her, until he’drealized that will would probably be inherited by any children theymight have. It had pleased him enough that he’d decided it would beworth it to have a wife who was a bit beyond his control. She was theonly woman who had ever made him happy, and that’s all he reallywanted in a wife.

Notthat he would tell her now. He wasn’t ready to give up that finalbit of reserve, not until he was certain she would stay with him,even if given the chance to leave. Since he wouldn’t willingprovide that chance…the words would have to wait.

Hekept his thoughts hidden behind a pleasant manner. “We should senda message to your family. Our first child is news worth passing on.”

Shelooked at him with interest for a moment then settled back into herfunk. “Yes. That would be good.” She looked a little less gloomythan before.

Thatwasn’t good enough. Determined to lift his wife’s spirits, hetold her in more detail about taking over the Khun’tat queen’sship, leaving out the goriest parts. But she was most interested theLeo-Ahni, whom had been brought back into her thoughts.

“Whereis she now?”

“I’dforgotten. I had other things on my mind; most notably, my wife.”

Xerafrowned in irritation, which Ryven still felt was an infiniteimprovement over moping. “Didn’t you think I would feel for thegirl? We’re exactly alike!”

Surprised,he said, “You’re not even of the same race! You’re married;she’s not. You’ve got rank and family and….”

“Onlylately!” Xera interrupted. “We’re both translators who’ve hadsticky assignments; why are you frowning? You try translating for abunch of hostile aliens! She’s lost and alone. I was like that fora little while. Maybe I can help her.”

“Idon’t want you anywhere near her. She was on the same ship as theKhun’tat, helping them.” His face darkened. “Men died becauseof her.”

“Shedidn’t have a choice, though, right? She was stuck. Has she saidanything new?”

Thiswas sore spot. His crew had managed to speed the girl toward healing,but her mind was another matter. She barely ate, still sat in a roomand stared blankly at a wall. She wouldn’t talk to psychiatrists.They were afraid she’d try to take her own life, so they’dremoved everything from her chamber and watched her carefully. Therewas no progress, which they badly wanted.

“No.She doesn’t speak. Everyone who has tried to talk with her gives upin frustration.”

“Well,were they all guys?” Xera asked.

Helooked at her askance. “Why would it matter?”

Shesighed. “Think of it from her perspective. Strange men, soldiers,keep invading her space, demanding answers. She’s already beentrapped in a nightmare, kept isolated, just as she is now. Why shouldshe trust you?”

Heconsidered for a moment. Some of his wife’s comments dovetailedwith what the doctors had said. But, “How could you know what’sin her mind?”

Xerascoffed. “I have two sisters, don’t I? And I keep trying to tellyou, I was in her position. All kinds of horrible things gothrough your mind when you’re trapped like that.” Her lipstightened as memories obviously stirred in her mind. “She needs toknow who the good guys are. I can help.”

Hethought about that for quite a while. Xera glanced at him from timeto time, but otherwise held her peace. At last he said, “We can tryyou talking to her.”

Shegrinned at him. “Thanks.” She was smart enough not to sayanything else until they reached home.



Thegirl sat on a mat with her eyes fixed on the wall. Hercaramel-colored hair hung limp to her shoulders, the black-tippedends partly screening her face. The tips of pointed ears poked out ofher locks, proving she was neither human nor Scorpio. Her lids werehalf closed over dulled, catlike green eyes. She looked like thesurvivor of some horrific event.

Xeradidn’t try to talk to her at first; she just plopped downcross-legged in the girl’s line of sight and began a staringcontest. It was a full minute before the girl’s eyes began tofocus, as if she had to pull out of a deep, dark trance. At first sheblinked, clearly surprised. Then her eyes widened.

“You’rea woman! Drarfiquex!”

“Well,of course I’m a woman. I don’t know what a drra-fix is, though. Ihope it’s complimentary,” Xera replied calmly. She’d decided totreat the girl as she would one of her sisters. Hopefully that wouldbe a good start. “My name is Xera.”

Thegirl stared for a moment then spat out a rapid stream of words.

“I’mafraid I don’t speak anything but Scorpio. Well, that’s not true;I speak about half a dozen languages, but none you’d know. I cancurse in nine, but I’ll spare you a recital.”

“Areyou trapped here, too?” The girl looked around furtively, as if sheguessed they were being watched.

“Notanymore. Ryven rescued me from my crew. I was a translator for a shipthat crashed. We were a long way from home and my captain hated me,”Xera said darkly.

“Justlike me,” the girl whispered. She looked barely younger than Xerachronologically, maybe in her late teens, but with her vulnerabilityshe seemed younger.

“Yes,”Xera replied. “Say, I’m hungry. Would you mind if I called forsomething to snack on? What do you like to eat?”

Thegirl looked wary. Maybe she was afraid. She said, “Food is strangehere. They bury it with spices that burn. They put thick liquids onit that smell strange.”

“Huh.I guess everyone likes to eat different stuff,” Xera remarked.“What kind of food is best for you? I’d feel rude if I served yousomething you didn’t like.” She could see the girl was thin, andshe really wanted her to eat. Besides, Xera herself was reallyhungry, thanks to the baby.

TheLeo-Ahni looked uncomfortable. “Fish and meats without...I don’tknow the words.”

“Sauces?How about some cooked meat and vegetables? Or do you like yourveggies raw?”

“Whatare veggies? Do you speak of plants? I’ve seen no edible plantshere.”

Xeraheld up a hand. “I have an idea. Give me a minute.” She wentoutside the door and asked Ryven, who was watching through a screen,“Favor, please. Could you send for some plain cooked food and aplatter of raw fruits and vegetables? Maybe some bread and crackers,and that kind of stuff? Thanks.”

“Fine.But stay on your guard. You’re too relaxed with her.”

“Sure,”she said to placate him, and went back inside.

Thegirl looked wary. “You work with them.”

“Iam one of them,” Xera admitted, leaning on one hand. “I marriedthe Scorpio who rescued me. When I heard about you, I wanted to meetyou. I thought we were a little alike.”

Thegirl’s eyes dulled. “Were you forced into service? Did yourfamily make you a slave to the flesh eaters? We are not alike.”A light like hatred blazed in her eyes. It was an improvement overapathy, but Xera went on alert. She didn’t want the girl taking anyrage out on her.

“So,you were forced to help the Khun’tat? The Scorpio fear that yourpeople are allies with them, that you want war.”

Thegirl’s jaw clenched. “That’s not what I want.” Xera waited,but she didn’t say anything else.

“So,you want to go home?”

“No!”The girl sat bolt upright. “Don’t send me! They’ll only make meserve again. Once a person is marked, they can never go home.”

Xeraheld up her hands, palm out. “Okay, calm down. I’m just trying tofigure out what you want. I can tell you what the Scorpio want:information. They want to know everything they can about their enemy,and whatever they can about your people. There’s a chance for peaceif you can work out a compromise.” That wasn’t the whole truth,but the stark facts weren’t going to help right now. “How did youbecome allies with the flesh eaters, anyway? They didn’t treat youvery well.”

Thegirl’s lip curled. “We are not allies so much as slaves, thoughsome people refuse to see it. In the beginning there was a treaty; wewould give animals, blood tribute, the bodies of our dead and livingcriminals to the flesh eaters. In return they would not invade us.Our leaders said this would buy us time to find a way to destroythem. Instead it made us weak. Everyone gave blood each month. Meatbecame expensive, and women especially became anemic. Birth ratesdropped. People began to disappear out of hospitals. People died athome rather than risk disappearing. Even minor crimes became causesto be handed over to the blood wagons. Our world is dying, and thereare signs that the flesh eaters are becoming impatient. There aresome who think they will attack.”

“Areyou one of them?” Xera asked gravely.

“Yes,”the girl whispered. “But our leaders won’t listen to reason. Theycall us rebels.”

“Isthat why you were sent to work on the Khun’tat ship?”

TheLeo-Ahni’s mouth twisted. “No. Someone has to serve. I waschosen.”

Thetwo women were both silent for a moment. Finally Xera asked, “What’syour name?”

“Rysing.”

“Well,Rysing, I think our food is finally here. Look.” The door hadopened to show Ryven himself bearing a huge platter. He set it on thefloor between them and sat down.

Xerafrowned at him.

Helooked at her urbanely. “I’m hungry, too.”

Shesighed. “Oh, all right. Ryven, this is Rysing. I guess you’vemet.”

Rysingstared.

Whenit was clear the girl wasn’t going to say anything, Xera pointed tothe platter and started naming things. “This is a fish, and whoeverleft the head on is just gross. This is a kind of bird, that’s afour-legged beast, and this is....” As she named things, Ryvensampled them and then gestured for Rysing to try. After a moment ofwary contemplation, the girl did, eating only the things he had.

Watchingthem both, Xera had a disturbing thought. “You did test her forallergies, didn’t you?”

“Ofcourse.”

“Whatare ‘allergies?’” Rysing asked. She eyed the food withdistrust.

Xerasighed and ate a piece of crunchy brown cheese. She loved the stickysweetness. “When I first boarded a Scorpio ship, I ate a piece ofpurple root that made me sick. Sometimes the foods that others eatmake me sick, so I don’t eat them. In the case of the yur root, Idon’t mind; it tastes terrible to me.” She pointed to thecriminal foodstuff in question.

Ryvenpromptly ate a chunk. “You’re not allergic,” he told Rysing.

TheLeo-Ahni looked at him warily, but sampled a small piece. Her facelit up. “Why, it’s delicious! The best thing I’ve had since Icame here.” She promptly finished off the entire pile.

Xeragrimaced. “To each their own, I guess.”

Thethree of them ate in a friendly little silence, and when Rysing hadsampled almost everything, Xera asked, “Find anything you wouldn’tmind eating again?”

Thegirl nodded happily. “The yur root is especially good, and all ofthe meats. I think I could eat most everything; except for these andthese.” She waved her hand over the fruits and the cheese Xerafavored. “They are very foul.”

Xeragrinned and shot a look at Ryven. “She’d be an easy houseguest.I’d never have to hide my favorite things.”

Hefrowned at her, but then his face took on a subtly calculating air.He regarded Rysing with the faintest of smiles. “My wife has aninteresting idea. Would you like to leave this room?”

Rysing’sface lit with a terrible hope. She immediately tried to hide it witha coolly spoken, “Perhaps.”

Henodded. “Very well. There is a garden I think you would enjoy. Wewill go for a walk after we discuss the flesh eaters. Tell me aboutthese rebels you spoke of...the ones who’d like to see youralliance broken.”

Xeralooked at the floor. She didn’t like to see the girl manipulatedafter all she’d been through, but she understood his reasoning. Sheraised her eyes to see Rysing looking searchingly at her. Xera gave areassuring nod.

TheLeo-Ahni took a shaky breath, and then told him everything she knew.



“It’salmost painful to watch her,” Xera said. They stood in the gardens,a little apart from Rysing. The girl stood as if transfixed, staringat the sky. There was a heartbreaking pleasure in her face.

Ryven just nodded. His attention didn’t waver for a moment. Xeramight have been jealous if it weren’t obvious that he mistrustedthe girl. She started to say something when the entrance of afamiliar face distracted her.

Toosuncaught sight of them and grinned. “Hello! How fare the newlyweds? Iwas beginning to think I’d never find you.”

Xeragrinned and readily accepted his brotherly arm-clasp. Ryven receivedthe same and a slap on the shoulder, too. He bore it with good graceand commented, “Heroism has made you bold.”

“Hah!I hear you have some stories of your own. Destroying Khun’tatships, rescuing the odd damsel.” He noticed Rysing and staredintently. “And this must be the damsel.”

Rysingstiffened as Toosun approached her. She looked scared.

Xeracaught up with her brother-in-law and touched his shoulder, a silentsignal for caution. She stopped next to Rysing. “You haven’t beenproperly introduced. This is my husband’s brother, Commander ToosunAtarus, of the High Family. He’s recently returned from his firstcommand.”

“KillingKhun’tat,” Toosun put in. His gaze was hard. Obviously Rysing’sreputation had preceded her.

Xerawent on, slightly annoyed, “And this is Rysing, of the planet Akanin the Xhozon sector.” This had come out in the talk after lunch.

Somethingin Toosun’s manner must have triggered Rysing’s annoyance, forshe added coolly, “Of the family Naktoon, rulers of the MountainDistrict.”

“Andwill Daddy be suing for peace when he finds we hold his daughter?”Toosun asked. He’d clearly felt the snub.

“Hardly,since he sent me to the flesh eaters in the first place.”

Xeraheld up her hands. “Children, please! I’m too young for an ulcer.Play nice, wouldn’t you? It’s been a long time since Rysing sawthe outdoors, and I’d hate to ruin that for her.” She gesturedfor the girl to walk deeper into the gardens.

Witha last nasty look at Toosun, the Leo-Ahni complied.

Xeralooked her rebuke at her husband’s brother.

Heshook his head. “Don’t be taken in by her. We don’t know enoughto trust her.”

“Norenough to condemn her,” she replied pointedly. “Are youforgetting how you met me?”

“Youwere not found on a Khun’tat ship.”

“Justa GE one,” she said tartly. “And I’m alien, too.”

“Humansare occasionally acceptable,” he remarked, with a reasonablenessthat bordered on patronizing. “But that is not who we’rediscussing.”

Ryvenhad been silently during the exchange, but he raised his hand when itwas clear the argument would continue. “You are both too stubbornto win with words alone, and you are both right. Besides, we were inthe middle of welcoming you home, brother.”

Toosunlooked a little nonplussed. Maybe he wasn’t used to his brotherpracticing diplomacy. “Hm. Yes.” He glanced down at Xera’smiddle and smiled. “And I was here to offer my congratulations.”

Xerafrowned at him. “Does everybody know?”

“Ofcourse.” Toosun studied her face. “You are happy, aren’t you?Our family is ecstatic.”

Shegrunted and looked away.

Ryvenanswered his brother’s sharp glance with a look that promised morespeech later. “She doesn’t like surprises.”

Toosunhad nothing to say to that.



Toosunwaited impatiently until they’d “put away the pet,” and thenjoined Ryven on a short walk to his private rooms. Toosun took outhis best liquor and joined his brother at the kitchen table. Heseemed surprised to see how quickly Ryven drained his glass. “Thisis troubling you?”

“Thewoman is maddening! I had no idea how emotional she could be.” Hefelt harried, drained. He had to be if he was confiding in hisyounger brother, but whom else could he tell? He couldn’t stand itif his brothers-in-law knew he’d joined their circle. He’d alwaysimagined he’d dominate his wife’s moods, not suffer them.

Toosunrelaxed and served them both drinks. “This sounds like a familiarcomplaint. Men agonize because of women. I’ve often listened to myfriends complain. She hasn’t left your bed, has she?”

Ryvenshot him an incredulous look. “Of course not!”

“Thenyou’ve got nothing to fear. She’ll come around.”

Ryvenpeered at him. Perhaps he was seeing double, since he was on histhird drink. Generally sober, he hadn’t built up a tolerance foralcohol. He asked Toosun, “How can you have that many sisters andremain so ignorant of women?”

“Whodo you think councils our brothers-in-law when they have wifetrouble?” His brother shrugged. “Be understanding, I tell them.Charm them out of their hackled state. The worst is when the wifewants something that is not possible. Then they have to be charmingand firm. I pity them.” He grimaced and took a drink. “Womentroubles. They make a sally against hostile Khun’tat soundappetizing.”

“Charmingand firm? How does that work? Why can’t she just be reasonable likea man?” Ryven snapped. “Then I could duel with her and work outour differences. Afterward we’d both go out for a drink.” Henoticed his voice was beginning to slur.

Hisbrother smirked. “There must be something you can bribe her with.Let her send a message to her family.”

“Offered.Didn’t help.”

“Well,what does she want?”

“Ajob. She wants to own a tavern like her sister.” Or she wanted toremain an ambassador. He was so frazzled at the moment, he wasn’tsure which.

Toosunchoked on his drink. “What?”

Ryvengrunted. He knew his brother’s thoughts. Toosun couldn’t imagineany woman in his family doing such a thing. Scandalous, even for analien! He was likely wondering that Ryven had been as patient as hehad.

“Youtold her no, right?”

“Itold her she could help manage the estate.”

Toosunjust stared at him. Then, surprisingly, he changed topics. “Whatabout the alien? Are you going to let her roam free?”

Ryvensat up and frowned. He pushed his glass aside. “Today was....” Hefrowned in concentration. “Today was an experiment.”

“Inwhat? Need I point out that your wife is becoming attached to your‘experiment?’ That’s not good for her. If the Leo-Ahni isfalse, Xera could suffer. I know you’re protective, and I don’tunderstand why you take the risk.”

“Ourworld is a lure. The girl claims she doesn’t want to go home, thatthey’ll send her back to a Khun’tat ship. If she wants to stayhere bad enough....”

“Ah.But this assumes she tells the truth.”

“Yes.”

“Andif she’s lying?”

Ryven’seyes hardened. “Then she will regret it. I’m not required toallow her out of her room. She would discover it soon enough.”Harsh, his wife would say, but their need was desperate. He frownedas her imagined opinion popped into his head. His wife was not thekeeper of his conscience. He would reward the girl for cooperation;that would have to be enough.





Chapter19



Ryven wasn’t the only one who had plans for the Leo girl. In ashadowy corner of the palace, others were making plans.

“Theytook her out of her cell today.” The voice was cold, calculating.

“Iknow, but I still don’t see what use she’ll be. They don’ttrust her. She doesn’t have access to anything important.”

Tovarksmiled. His teeth showed through his split upper lip. “She knowsmuch about the Khun’tat and her race. She’s more valuable thanplatinum to them. If she disappeared, they’d be very upset. Imagineif he lost an asset like that and a wife at the same time.”

He studied the guardsman he’d bribed. The man felt it wasdistasteful associating with him, but money spoke loudly. The traitorwanted a smooth path to a better life. What he’d get was a knife inthe back when the job was done…but he needn’t know that.

“I don’t like it. It’s dangerous,” the guard said.

“This should boost your courage. Think of the things it will buy.”Tovark flipped the man a coin, watched him weigh it in his hand.“Now, this is what I want you to do.”



Threehundred and thirty-one people attended Tessla’s party . By Xera’scount, three-quarters of them were women.

Herhusband was quick to disagree. “Tessla always invites even numbersof males and females. You should know. Didn’t you see guest list?”

“Thenwhy do I count nine women hovering around your brother? Where aretheir escorts, their husbands?”

Ryvenlooked amused. “You’re protective of his honor? He’d nevershame himself by dallying with a married woman.”

“Andit’s okay to ‘shame himself” with a nice unmarried woman?”she replied tartly.

“No,that presents a problem, too,” he said, laughter in his eyes. “Ifhe asked me, I would suggest he find some who are not so nice. Sadly,he has not asked.”

Xera’seyes narrowed, but good sense kept her from starting a fight. Afterall, he was behaving himself. Unlike his brother.

Shewas crabby and she knew it. That morning she’d nearly bitten offRyven’s head over a trivial matter; only his even stare had broughther back from the brink of a tantrum. She knew the cause of hermoodiness and resented it. One thing after another would slide out ofher control because of this baby. How long before she could no longerexercise? Would she start throwing up everything she ate? She’dalways been taller than her sisters, the big strong one. Now onelittle infant was going to turn her into an emotional wreck unableeven to touch her toes.

Notthat she wanted harm to come to the baby or anything. She just didn’twant...this.

Ryvensaw her dark look and gently touched her arm. “It will pass.”

Sheexhaled moodily and subtly shook him off. “I’m going to go talkto your sisters. They’ve been full of advice lately.” They’dalso assured her that the broodiness would pass. One of themhad even shared a story where she locked her husband out of herbedroom one night then tore into him when he didn’t make a greatereffort to break down her door. His protests that he didn’t want toalarm her and perhaps harm the babe had earned him another nightlocked out; or would have, if he hadn’t kicked down the door thesecond time. He’d refused to have it repaired until after the babywas born.

Thinkingabout that made her smile.

Namaejoined her in slowly threading a path through knots of people. It wasa trick to nod and smile politely to avoid conversations, and Namaemade everything easier.

“It’sgood to see you smile,” Ryven’s sister said. “The broodinesshas hit you hard.”

“I’mfinding it difficult to believe I can be this moody,” Xera agreed.“I just want to hit someone all the time.” It didn’t help thatshe’d been forced to quit her martial arts exercises. Dancinghadn’t been forbidden yet, but right now that wasn’t nearly assatisfying as pounding a punching bag.

Namaenodded in sympathy. “Let me take your mind off it. Aunt Tessla hasbeen spreading it about that you are her new protégée. You’d besurprised at the number of women who want to meet you. Some havealready expressed interest on your opinion of their own party plans.”

Surprised,Xera said, “Why? Your aunt really directed most of the event. Ididn’t do much.”

“That’snot what she’s saying, and when our aunt speaks, others listen.You’ll find yourself in high demand as a party organizer if youdon’t take care.”

Xerastopped in her tracks. “Really?” She let the idea percolate andthen smiled. “This wouldn’t happen to be a socially acceptableoccupation, would it?” It sounded more appealing than the estatemanager option her husband had offered, if only because it wassomething she’d found herself. She had a feeling he’d grumbleabout it, which only made it more enticing. The man got his way fartoo often, and just then she really wanted to spike his tire.Besides, she’d enjoyed organizing this.

Namaelooked at her curiously. “Well, yes. It would raise your socialstatus immensely. Of course, Aunt Tessla has never needed such athing. She’s occasionally given advice to close friends, butnothing more. You’ll see after you’ve attended a few gatheringsthat ours are something special.”

Xerafelt like the cat that’d discovered a vat of cream. “Do tell.Could I be paid for something like this? If I set up formally, thatis.”

NowNamae looked perplexed. “Well, of course. Why would you want to,though? Surely Ryven is generous.”

Xerapatted her hand. “Let me tell you about a wonderful thing calledcapitalism, my friend, and the little girl who teethed on it.”



Ryvenhad taken a moment to answer an urgent message and found himself in aquiet corner, away from the crowd. His business hadn’t taken long,but already he was anxious to return to his wife. He told himself shecouldn’t get into trouble in this kind of crowd, not with Namae ather side, but he had an eerie feeling that she was making mischief.Of course, that was a normal feeling where she was concerned.

Heturned to exit the small sitting room and saw one of the women who’dbeen circling his brother this evening; a woman he knew.

“Hello,Commander.” Her blood red eyes were framed with thick dark lashes,and her lips curved. “It’s been too long,” she said, and therewas obvious flirtation in the glance she gave him.

“Ithink not,” he said coldly. Whatever they’d shared in the past,he was married now. She knew that. If she had any sense, she wouldn’tbe here.

Herlips formed the slightest pout. “I’m disappointed. I’d thoughtyou might have tired of those hard blue eyes by now.”

“Itshows you haven’t been thinking,” he said callously. “Do notapproach me again.”

Hermouth opened in surprise, but she made no sound as he brushed past.There was nothing she could say.

Hewas surprised at his own fury. Women like her had peppered his past,and he knew no regrets. Had they met under casual circumstances, he’dhave been polite. He was angry that she would dare approach him now,however, would try to tempt him away from his wife. He was not a manwho swayed with the wind. Now that he’d chosen his woman, it wasforever. If anyone couldn’t see that, he’d have to make it plain.

Thebest place to start was with his wife.

Hefound Xera speaking with a knot of women. He smiled just for her andplaced a hand at her back. He looked at the ladies. “Excuse us. Ineed my wife alone for a while.” His words won a blush fromher and smiles from the others.

Xerachastised him when they were out of earshot. “Isn’t thatrather…obvious? You’ve been coaching me in the art of not showingaffection so long that all that seemed rather risqué.”

Hesmiled down at her. “Perhaps I’ve been too conservative. We arenewly married.” He felt a pang at her confusion. He’d gatheredher culture was far more demonstrative, and wondered if she doubtedhis affection. He’d never wanted that.

Heled her to a quiet receiving room and shut the door. He put his armsaround her. “You’re beautiful, do you know that? I’ve been afool not to tell you.”

Hereyes misted up, and she swallowed hard. It took her a moment tospeak. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Hisheart ached. He should have told her sooner. “However you came intomy life, I’m glad you’re here. You’re the best part of me. I’venever found a woman as special, as memorable, as you.” She wascrying in earnest now. He was afraid to compliment her more, as shedidn’t seem capable of taking it. Instead, he held her and tried toignore the tears soaking his shirt. He couldn’t remember the lasttime he’d felt such a sense of peace. He’d been right to tellher. Perhaps one day soon, she’d be able to speak of her feelingsfor him. Strange, how he hadn’t even realized he’d been waitingfor her to speak first.

Therewas one other thing. “You said that I had been teaching you ‘theart of not showing affection.’ I hadn’t realized you’d viewedmy actions that way. In my culture, a man proves his feelings by thethings he does, not the words he says. Words can be false, butactions seldom are.”

Shesighed. “It’s been difficult. I never know when it’s okay totouch you. Even looking at you warmly feels wrong. You’re veryreserved.”

“Iregret that you feel uncomfortable. Perhaps in time we will find acompromise.” Her tears were beginning to worry him. Perhaps anapology would help. “Forgive me, hiri’ami. I regretcausing you pain.”

“Ithink we should go home. These parties are exhausting, aren’t they?Wait here while I say goodbye; it won’t take long.”

Shenodded and dabbed at her eyes. She did look peaked.

Gratefulfor the excuse of her pregnancy, he went in search of his father. Hewas more than ready to be home.



Ryvendidn’t wholly understand the change in his wife, but he was pleasednonetheless. It seemed his declaration of affection had moved her tounexpected heights. She laughed, she smiled. Best of all, she nolonger seemed dismayed about the baby. He was perplexed, but he likedit.

AScorpio woman would assume that her man loved her. No declaration ofsentiment would be expected, only a demonstration. His own womanseemed to be the opposite. Only now that he’d spoken of hisaffection did she finally seem able to accept the little things hedid for her as the romantic gifts they were. He hadn’t evenrealized how resistant she’d been to them until he saw her recentpleasure. She even showed joy in discussing the arrangements for thebaby’s arrival; a thing he wouldn’t have dared to bring upbefore.

Itmade him wonder what would have happened if he had brought himself tosay he loved her.

Hisfather remarked on the change as well. “I hadn’t realized hervibrancy was muted until I saw her today. What has her so happy?”

Ryvenactually blushed. “I declared my affection.” There were somethings that were embarrassing to admit to one’s father.

TheLord Governor smiled. “I see. Well done. I am pleased to see her soalive.”

Xera’snewly bubbly attitude even coaxed a smile from the Leo girl, who hadwon a more comfortable room and daily walks through the garden bycooperation. On this day she’d just finished a long run down one ofthe many tracks around the park. She smiled at Xera as she dried herhair. “Life leaves you sweet today.”

Xera,who’d jogged a little with permission from her doctor, grinned. “Itwould be even sweeter if I could keep up with you. How do you do it?You run like a cheetah; that’s a very fast Earth mammal,” sheexplained. It was true; Rysing ran like she was born to it, as if shehad four legs instead of two. She was incredibly graceful, movingwith a kind of lope that left her guards in the dust.

Rysingsnorted. “I am badly out of shape. It’s been forever since Icould run anywhere. Given time, I might be something to see.”

Ryven,who’d joined them that morning after seeing his father, raised abrow. “I think we’ll ban you from any footraces, then. There’ssimply no competition.”

Rysinggrinned. “I will have to find a pet to run with, then. Surely youhave something fast enough on this planet.” There followed a livelydiscussion on what might be able to keep up.

Ryvenlooked at his wife and wondered if she would enjoy a pet. Her recentsweet temper had left him feeling indulgent. Anything that would keepthat smile on her lips would be all right with him.

Herealized what he was thinking and shook his head. He’d better becareful not to let her know just how much she’d affected him, lesthe give in on something he’d regret.



Xerawas still feeling the inner glow of happiness a few days later as sheshopped in the market. All the colors seemed especially bright andvivid; or maybe it was her mood. She smiled ruefully at herself.She’d have sworn she wasn’t a romantic, but look what Ryven’sadmission had done for her. She was even starting to think about babynames! Not that they’d been able to come up with anything they bothliked. He wanted unpronounceable things like “Urjub” and “Werq”,and her choices sounded equally bizarre to him. At the rate they weregoing, the kid wouldn’t have a name until he was five.

Adisplay of bright scarves caught her eye, and she thought of Namae.Shiza’s circling had taken on a new intensity, and Ryven’s sisterwas getting nervous. Maybe a gift would help to take the youngwoman’s mind off her nerves.

Xerawas looking over the offerings when a conversation caught herattention. A woman dressed like a shopkeeper was gossiping to aplain-faced man. She said, “Hear they found a human woman likeAtarus’s wife. Got her down in the bay.”

Xerafroze and looked at the pair out of the corner of her eye. Had sheheard right?

Theman looked intrigued. “Human! Are you sure? How do you know?”

“Myhusband works the space docks. He hears things. Guess her name isHarris-something. They’re keeping it hush-hush.”

Xera’sblood began to pound in her ears, nearly drowning out theconversation. Done with pretending indifference, she interrupted thepair. “I overheard what you’re saying. What is your husband’sname, and where exactly does he work?” she asked the woman. “I’llreward you for the information.”

Thewoman looked startled, then uneasy. “I didn’t mean any offence,great lady. Just a little gossip.”

“I’mnot offended,” Xera insisted. She handed over a coin. “Pleasetell me.”

Momentslater Xera hurried toward a transport that would take her to thedocking bay. While she acknowledged her security detail’s concernsabout the lead, she would not be swayed. If there was the slightestpossibility that her sister could be there, she wanted to check on itpersonally.

Herbodyguards contacted Xtal, her chief of security, who asked her towait. A clever man, he pointed out it would take eight months for anyof her sisters to reach her, and it had only been weeks since she hadcontacted them. It was physically impossible for them to have arrivedalready, even if they were prepared to take such a costly, periloustrip.

“You’reright,” she admitted into her communications link. “But I have tosee for myself. It’s not as if I’m alone.”

Hedid not look happy in the viewscreen. “I’ll send backup.”

Xerareached the dock and took a deep breath. She knew to temper her hope,but just the thought of seeing her sisters again made her unbearablytense. Could one of them really be here?

Theyfound the workstation the woman had told them about, but there was noone in sight. One of her two bodyguards moved off to check the farside of the shuttle…and was shot to the ground like a dog.

Xerashouted as her other guard took her to the ground, but it was toolate. A man grabbed his limp body off her and drew Xera roughly toher feet.

“Tovark,”she said grimly. He stood boldly in front of her, a sardonic smile onhis ruined face.

“Women,”he said deliberately, “are very stupid.” He opened theshuttlecraft door in illustration. Rysing was lying there, unmoving.He smiled slightly at Xera’s aborted attempt to get to her. “Don’tworry, you’ll have plenty of time to visit. This shuttle isscheduled to leave here in two minutes, and you’ll jump tohyperdrive in another two. Of course, any craft unlucky enough to betoo close to you will be damaged, but that’s the cost of traveltoday.” He gestured for Xera’s captor to load her aboard.

Xerafelt Rysing’s neck and was relieved to find a steady pulse. Thegirl had a bruised jaw, but didn’t look too banged up otherwise.Hopefully he hadn’t had time to extract a more complete revenge.She couldn’t think what the girl could have done to anger him.

Sheglanced at Tovark as he continued to speak.

“Isuggest you strap in. I wouldn’t want you to be damaged for yourmeeting with the Khun’tat. You’ll come out of hyperdrive in asystem where they’ve been particularly active. Think of me fondlywhen you arrive.” He smiled and started to shut the door, thenpaused. “Of course, there’s the chance that they won’t be thereto meet you. One can never know about these things. In that case, youmight make it to a little planet on the border. You’ve been there,Xera. You remember the biters.”

Hesealed the door.

Xerafelt a moment of cold terror. Biters! He was sending them back tothat desert hell? Thankfully, she didn’t have time to waste time inthought. She dragged the barely conscious Rysing to the cockpit andstrapped her in as the autopilot fired the engines. She’d barelyfastened her own bindings before they cleared the shuttle bay doors.

Theshuttle controls were locked. Xera slammed her hand on the consoleand looked out at the rapidly thinning atmosphere. They broke outinto true space and her stomach clenched. Next stop: hell.



Theattacker had covered his tracks well. The shuttle bay surveillancecameras showed the bodyguards being murdered in a different locationand the bodies were found in that different place, to collaborate thestory. It wasn’t until the forensic examination that anyone knewfor sure the bodies had been moved.

Fortunately,Xera’s bodyguards had kept in touch with Xtal, so it was knownwhere her last reported location was. Ryven knew the guards were toowell trained to have claimed to be in a different spot.

Whathe and his crew didn’t know was what had happened to the women; forthe Leo-Ahni was missing, too, and one could only speculate that theywere together. The pair might be held somewhere on the planet or havebeen sneaked off world. But Ryven and his family didn’t know whohad taken them or why. An exhaustive search commenced.

Ryvenknew he might only have hours. If it took them too long to locate hiswife and Rysing, they might find only bodies. He tried not to thinkabout it, but it affected all his decisions, which is why he let Xtallead the search. He was too involved, his choices potentially blurredby rage and fear. His wife and child were in danger, and he’d neverfelt less in control.