DangerouslyHis (13 page)

She wasn’t his. His heart squeezed as the thought crossed
his mind.

When everyone was seated, Rasha and Jess lowered their heads
and began the bonding chant. JB followed everyone’s suit and did the same.

He recited the words meant as a plea for the great Ancients
to bless and join Rasha and Jess in mind, body and soul. Peeking through his
lashes, he watched as Rasha and Jess’ pillows drew closer and closer by some
unknown force. They stopped moving only after their pillows touched and their
foreheads rested together.

Silver light came from out of nowhere and whizzed through
the air. Then another light joined the first. While everyone else bowed and
continued to chant, JB watched as the lights danced playfully around everyone’s
heads.

One light stopped and hovered over Saia’s head. The other
light found Jess and hovered over hers. The light over Saia’s head glimmered,
and then jumped to hover over JB’s.

Raising a hand, he gently swiped through the anomaly. It
moved and jumped back to hover over Saia’s head. As the chanting became louder
and stronger, the wayward light finally made its way to Rasha’s head and
stayed.

Jess and Rasha brought their hands together, palms up, and
clasped fingers. Their chests pressed against each other and they spoke louder
and faster, almost in a fever-pitch.

As instructed beforehand, Kane rose and retrieved the
covering that had been in Rasha’s family for generations. Immediately after the
blanket was spread over the couple, they dropped to the floor and their
chanting ceased. The lights illuminated the blanket from beneath, casting alien
shadows and designs against the walls of the room.

Silently, Taio stood and rang the gong, indicating the
conclusion of the ceremony. As quietly as they’d all entered, they left,
leaving the bonded couple where they lay. Once the guests were gone, Jess and
Rasha would complete the ceremony by joining their bodies as one.

Rasha’s representatives left the way they’d come in and JB,
along with Jess’ representatives, left through the opposite door.

Eva had explained earlier that if the bond was blessed, the
spirits of the great Ancients would appear, indicating the couple was meant to
be. JB knew those were the lights he’d witnessed. And the Ancients confirmed
something he already felt in his heart—Saia was supposed to be his.
Circumstances would keep them apart, though just because he couldn’t be with
her, didn’t mean he’d turn his back on her. He had to think of a way to help.
What if Taio couldn’t convince Ranuit Pi of anything, what would be the plan
then? According to Saia, there was no plan B in place. As an ex-space pirate,
Justin knew well that you had to have a plan B, C, D and E.

As they filed out of the room, he ran around to the other
side to find Taio.

He turned the corner and saw Taio talking with his mother.

As he approached the pair, Taio broke off his conversation
and scowled at JB. “Are you coming to tell me goodbye?”

Not yet. Not when he’d just found Saia. “I wanted to stay a
while longer.”
To make sure you’re able to reach a deal with Ranuit Pi.

Taio raised a brow. “You’ve witnessed the bonding ceremony.
Why would you want to stay, if not to continue to break the rules?”

JB shook his head. “You can check with anyone. I’ve been on
the straight and narrow since our last conversation.”

“You haven’t told me why you wish to stay.”

Justin searched his mind for an excuse. “I’m going to hitch
a ride back to Laconia with Kane and Sa’Mya. They don’t plan on leaving until
after the party.”

“And then you will leave?”

JB nodded. ”I’ll be out of your hair soon.”

“Humph, not soon enough.”

He loves me.

She repeated the sentence in her head over and over again.
Each time she thought it, another tear dropped down her cheeks.

When he’d told her he was going to stay on Sonis to make
sure Taio would be able to come to an agreement with Ranuit Pi, she’d been at a
loss for words. He’d gone to her brother, the same one he tried to avoid at all
costs, and asked to stay.

Why couldn’t the Ancients pair me with Justin?

She curled herself into a tight ball, wrapping her body
around a pillow. Before, she had thought to just survive with Ranuit Pi. But
now she had a taste of what it felt like to
thrive
with someone. How
could she ever forget her time with Justin? She should never have spoken to
him, agreed to meet with him…fallen in love with him. At least then she
wouldn’t know what she was missing.

When she bonded with Ranuit Pi, there would be no life of
love and happiness, not at all what she had glimpsed during her short time with
Justin. She and Ranuit Pi would not share the same bond. She knew it in her
heart, body and soul. She would feel alone for the rest of her life.

During dinner, Justin gave her looks of longing from across
the room. More than once her mother nudged her in the side and whispered for
Saia to turn her gaze away. She did—but it took all her strength. She knew her
behavior was unacceptable, but luckily for her, Taio seemed to be in a happy
mood. He enjoyed the company of Rasha and Kane. If he would have looked her
way, he would’ve seen her barely able to keep her eyes off Justin.

She wasn’t surprised when Fainia planted a guard outside her
balcony to keep her from “doing something stupid”. All night, the pain of
loneliness seemed to weigh down her heart. She had tossed and turned, not able
to find relief even in her dreams.

The following morning progressed to midday and she found
herself in the same predicament. Unable to bring herself to do anything but
mourn the loss of a love she had just found.

“Saia.”

She startled at Ship’s voice.

“I am sorry to disturb you, but I thought you might want a
warning that King Xochis has docked.”

She inhaled sharply and sprang to a sitting position. “Is he
on his way here?” Her mind whirled frantically for possible hiding spots.

“He is still aboard the royal transporter. But I do suspect
the royal apartments will be his first destination.”

She scrambled off the bed and to her feet. “Where is my
mother?” she asked, her voice rising.

“She is with Eva and Josanis. She is safe.”

Which left Saia all alone. He wouldn’t be happy about their
escape. He wouldn’t be happy about a lot of things.

She used the sleeve of her nightgown to wipe the tears from
her cheeks. “I can’t stay here.”

“No, I would advise against it.”

That was all the confirmation she needed.

There was nothing graceful about the way she threw on her
clothes and ran out of her room, down the stairs, out of the royal apartment
and down the hall. She wasn’t going for grace. She was trying to save her life.
She doubted the guard following close behind her would be able to protect her
from Olo’s temper.

By the time she reached Taio’s office, her lungs burned. She
hadn’t even thought to find out if he was there or not. Fear made her run the
entire way.

She reached his doorway and tried to slow down, but her feet
couldn’t stop on the shiny floors as fast as she needed them too. She hit the
doorframe with a loud thump.

The impact sent her head reeling in pain. “Ouch.” She closed
her eyes and covered her face with a hand.

“Saia! Are you all right?”

She nodded. “I’m fine,” she said, struggling to catch her
breath.

She heard Taio approaching. “Why were you running?” He
lowered her hands and inspected her face. Satisfied that she wasn’t injured, he
peeked outside his office. “Was someone chasing her?” he asked her guard, who
took his place outside Taio’s door.

“No, Taio.”

Saia maneuvered around Taio to step inside his office. A
hologram of a section of Sonis was projected above his desk. “I was running
because I was in a hurry to see you.”

He scrunched his brows in confusion. “In a hurry to see me?
Why?”

She shrugged and walked calmly, trying to compose herself as
she took the seat across from his. “We haven’t really spent time alone since I
came. I wanted to talk with you.” She forced a smile on her face.

“Well…um…I’ve been meaning to visit with you.” He took his
seat. “So, how are you doing?”

The smile she wore dropped from her face. “Do you really
have to ask?”

“Saia, I’m trying to do everything in my power to get you
out of this…this…
bonding
.”

“You are? Do you think it’s possible?” For a moment she
allowed herself to hope.

“I’ve contacted the Galactic Council and our allies.” He ran
a hand across his face. “But nobody can see a way out of it. I am sorry. King
Xochis has promised the Zumagala an alliance. If there were some way to counter
bargain with Ranuit Pi, I would, but I can’t offer him an alliance. I can’t tie
Sonis to Syntorian. We would be entrenched in fighting their wars for
lifetimes.”

She slumped against the chair. “I understand.”

He looked at her with an expression that pained her heart.
She had never seen him look this way before—as though he had failed her.
“Saia…if I could…”

She nodded. She knew he would have found a way if he could.
She wouldn’t want anyone to go to war for her, least of all her brother.

“What about the agreement? What have you planned to offer
him?”

“I’ve gathered as much information as I can. All Ranuit Pi’s
interested in is weapons, technology, warriors. I can’t give him any of that;
doing so would send a message to his enemies that we’re siding with him.”

“
His
enemies would become
your
enemies.”

“Unfortunately.”

“So there’s nothing you can do.” She tried to control the
panic in her voice.

“I’m still going to speak with him. There has to be
something he—”

“Isn’t this a surprise?”

King Xochis.

Her body went ridged.

“What, King Xochis?” Taio asked sarcastically. “That I am in
my office? Or that I’m meeting with my sister?”

“I knew there had to be a reason why you didn’t meet me in
the transport bay and receive me as you should have.”

Taio glared at their father. “I trusted you have been here
enough times to see your way safely to your rooms without getting lost.”

Taio and Kiehle were perhaps the only people who could speak
to their father with such contempt and not be hit with a flying fist.

Olo grunted. “Saia? Aren’t you going to give me a proper
greeting? Just because
Prince
Taio has forgotten his upbringing, doesn’t
mean you will be allowed to do the same.”

Taio didn’t correct him on his use of “prince”. He’d long
since stopped caring what their father called him.

She stood but couldn’t bring her gaze to meet his. She
didn’t know what to say.

It’s nice to see you? I’m glad you could make it? Too bad
an asteroid didn’t hit your vessel? Too bad no one has thought to poison you
yet? Why does your head still sit on your shoulders?

“Your Highness,” she said, nodding once.

“I was surprised to find you and my queen left Drazlan
without my permission.”

Which translated to, “I will beat you when I get you alone.”

She twisted her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry, Your
Highness, but we often travel to Sonis. We were unaware that you required
permission this time.”

“I was equally surprised when my summons to return went
ignored.”

Which translated to, “I will do my best to rupture your
eardrums.”

She took a step back.

Taio stood.

“Eva told me she requested Mother and Saia to come early to
approve the decorations. You may place the blame on her—if that is what you
wish,” Taio said the last part slowly, as a challenge to the king.

“It won’t happen again,” she quickly interjected, trying to
avoid an argument, or worse.

“No, I don’t believe it will—ever,” Olo said. He took a seat
next to her and adjusted his robe. “Lord Ranuit Pi will be arriving shortly. I
do expect you will give him a better greeting than you have given me.”

“I plan to meet him,” Taio said flatly.

“Saia, you will meet him at the gathering.” He flicked his
hand through the air. Light danced off his rings and reflecting on the walls.
She rubbed the side of her cheek, remembering the open gash that ring had once
caused. “I see no reason for you to come to the transport bay.”

Relief washed over her. “I shall leave to ready myself
then.”

* * * * *

Taio stood in the transport bay and watched as the Zumagala
vessel docked and its engines grumbled to a halt. It was apparent their vessel
had seen better days and was in grave disrepair.

He turned to Mazel. “How many vessels are scheduled to
dock?”

Mazel refused to meet his gaze. “Just the one,” she said
through pursed lips.

Saia would not travel in this heap of a mess. If the royal
vessel was any indication of their credit account, the Zumagala were in
desperate need of funds.

Taio growled.
She will not leave in this.

Eva ran a soothing hand across his back and pressed herself
against his body. She wasn’t required to meet the Zumagala. She was here
because, as she’d said, “Someone needs to keep you from going bat-shit crazy.”

Taio had no idea what that meant, but if it had anything to
do with her being a calming force to his soul, then she could accompany him
anytime.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as she made
circles on his back with her palm. When he felt better, he opened his eyes. He
didn’t dare look at his father. If he did, he feared his fist would find its
way to the king’s face.

He took more deep breaths and waited for the doors to
finally open. The first male exited and looked around, weapon drawn. Taio
instinctively pushed Eva behind him. From the corner of his eye he spotted
Rasha doing the same to Jess. Mazel, on her own, stepped beside Eva.

A multitude of swooshes could be heard as the row of Sonis
royal guards behind him unsheathed their
jangos
at the same time.

Rasha stepped forward. “If you wish to live, you will
disengage your weapon.”

The Zumagala warrior smiled, revealing a mouth full of
small, pointy brown teeth.

Taio’s heart sped up a beat. Adrenaline swept through his
veins. This might work out better than he first thought. If he killed Saia’s
soon-to-be mate now, it would free him of the trouble of doing it later.

Taio smiled back.

“Shit, I should have brought my weapon with me,” Eva
mumbled.

“Don’t worry, mate. This will all be over soon.”

A voice came from inside the vessel. It wasn’t loud enough
for Taio to understand what was being said, but it was clear that the Zumagala
warrior had.

The warrior frowned but his weapon remained raised. Another
set of barking orders was heard.

This time the warrior growled and lowered his weapon. He
proceeded down the ramp, followed by another male, then another, then another,
until there were a total of twelve.

As the males filed out, they made two rows of six. Each
looked not much different than the next. They were dressed for battle, and
since their planet had in fact been in battle for hundreds of generations, Taio
didn’t expect they knew how to dress otherwise.

Their battle gear consisted of thick black leather outfits.
He doubted a knife or sword would penetrate the material. Their boots looked
heavy, with razor spikes protruding from the toes and heels. A swift kick in
either direction would prove deadly.

Taio noticed the Zumagala weren’t as big as his guards, but
their builds would be considered formidable in their own right. Their muscles
seemed to strain under their clothes.

Pride and care in personal appearance was not something the
Zumagala seemed to bother with. All the guards had matted silver hair with
various lengths of braids protruding from the mass. Colorful beads decorated
the ends of each one. Their foreheads were wide and flat, with large, bushy
eyebrows. Their eyes were black as night and small.

All of the Zumagala warriors bent down on one knee as
another male came out of the vessel and looked around.

Ranuit Pi.

Through years of fighting, Ranuit Pi had earned the respect
of those under him and this was their world’s way of showing it.

Taio waited patiently for the warrior who would bond with
his innocent sister to descend the ramp.

Ranuit Pi displayed all the characteristics Taio had
expected of a warring leader. He walked with his chest out and head held high.
He had more braids and beads than the other warriors, probably signifying his
wealth.

His warriors had stepped to the side, one half to the right
and the other half to the left, leaving a path for Ranuit Pi. He walked through
and stopped in front of the royal party.

Taio dipped his head. “King Taio Xochis.”

Ranuit Pi puffed out his chest. “Lord Ranuit Pi of Syntorian.
Home of the Zumagala.”

King Xochis stepped forward. “Ranuit Pi, welcome to Prince
Taio’s little moon.” He chuckled. “It isn’t much, but he is quite proud of it.”

Taio clenched his fists, resisting the urge to send his
father flying across the transport bay. He let his lips form a tight smile.
“Don’t let King Xochis give you the wrong assumption of Sonis. It could
prove…dangerous.”

Ranuit Pi looked from Taio to his father before he broke
into laughter. “I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

His warriors rose and roared. Each beat their chest, as if
expecting a rousing fight to commence on the ramp.