Stardancer Read online

  “You are fortunate you did not free them. They would have suffered greatly for it and, I fear, you with them. I will not have you endanger yourself for the sake of Tellaran slaves.” His eyes were black ice. “I would sooner kill each of them by my own sword than see you attempt such again.”

  Kinara swallowed hard. “No, I won’t. If you keep your promise.”

  “I will not break my word to you and I will have you keep your own.”

  She looked up startled. “I have kept my word. I’ve — I mean, we’ve . . .”

  “Yes, and I am pleased with that. But I do not speak only of bedsport. You promised to be an Az-kye mate. It is that promise I mean. I understand that you are ignorant of proper behavior but this must change. Your actions yesterday placed you in danger. You cannot behave as a Tellaran does. It is not safe and you will offend many this way.”

  “Okay, I promised.” She sighed. “I’ve got a lot to learn, I guess.”

  “In this you speak truly and that is another issue. Az-kye value honor above all. We do not play with the truth as Tellarans do. Do not lie to me again. On this I will have your promise.”

  She nodded. “All right, you have it.”

  “I have pledged the Tellarans to the Elders. We must both appear before them when we reach the Imperial world. The Council of Elders is very powerful and they will not brook any offense or ill-mannered behavior.” His gaze was measuring. “I will delay our meeting with the Elders as long as possible. You are very ignorant.”

  Her jaw hardened. “Yeah but I’m a fast learner. So why don’t you start with what happened yesterday? Why did you have to fight? Why couldn’t you just explain that I belonged to you and let him apologize?”

  He blinked. “Suffer a warrior to attack my bound mate and not fight for you?” He shook his head. “The offense was such that I could not accept other than challenge in the Circle. There is no apology great enough.” He paused, considering. “Unless Malm fell on his own sword.”

  Kinara threw her hands up. “It’s incredible how little your people think of life.”

  He looked at her in disbelief. “You are my bound mate. How could you fight such a warrior yourself? What if you had been with child?”

  Kinara’s opened her mouth opened then shut it.

  He had a point.

  “Even if you do not carry one now, you may one day. You cannot fight a warrior. It is my place to fight for you.”

  “Who would fight for me if I didn’t have a mate?”

  He shrugged. “A warrior of your clan.”

  “But what if I didn’t have a clan?”

  “Why do you ask this?”

  She was taken aback by the sharpness of his tone. “I’m just curious. Does everyone have a clan? I mean, a clan is a family right?”

  He blanched deeply and she frowned.

  “Are you feeling all right? Are your wounds hurting?”

  “My wounds do hurt,” he spat and she realized he’d gone pale with anger.

  “Oh,” she said weakly.

  A tiny frown touched his brow. “You mean no insult.”

  Insult? “No, of course not. I’m just trying to understand.”

  His face was guarded. “I have no family,” he said as if forcing the words out.

  An Az-kye woman would understand what he meant but the significance behind his words was beyond her limited knowledge.

  “You have me,” she said.

  A rush of softness filled his dark eyes and she ducked her head.

  How does he do that? Send my heart racing with just a look?

  “Well . . . well, then if Malm knew you would challenge him, why did he attack me?”

  “He could not have known you were mine. Found so close to the Tellarans he thought you a slave. Dressed as your status demands, even unescorted, he most likely would not have troubled you.”

  She looked up quickly. “Wait, the other women, they’re not–”

  He hesitated then shook his head. “My other Tellarans will not be touched.”

  Kinara let her breath out. “So I guess I looked like an Ornament in search of a night’s work.”

  His brow furrowed. “Or—nah-ment? I do not know this word.”

  “Oh, uh–” She spread her hands. “A woman — or man — who uh, offers favors in exchange for money.” He still looked at her blankly. “Intimate favors. Fracking.” Her face was hot. “Sex.”

  He blinked and a thousand questions were in his dark eyes. “The Az-kye have such. They are called ‘companions’.”

  She bit the inside of her cheek. Festering hell, I can’t not ask. “So, companions . . . I mean, did you ever—?”

  He looked amused. “No. But truly, companions are much higher thought of than slaves.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Especially Tellaran ones, right?”

  He touched her hair, letting his fingers slide through the strands. “Lemani stones are highly treasured in the Empire and they too come from Tellaran space. None doubt that Tellaran worlds can offer that which is beautiful and precious.”

  Her cheeks went hot and she cast about to cover her sudden shyness. “So why didn’t you tell me why you wanted me to stay here?”

  “I did not think you would break your vow to me,” he said, his voice reproving now.

  She looked away.

  “And, I confess," he continued his voice gentler. "I did not think you so artless as to leave without proper dress or escort.”

  “So, basically, I can’t go anywhere unless you come with me.”

  “Or a guard. I will choose some for you.”

  “I bet they’ll all look like Malm.”

  “No." His glance ran over her. “But they will have bound mates of their own. You will not go about unguarded, even in the upper city. I will see you safe.”

  She folded her arms. “And these guards, they’ll tell you where I go and what I do.”

  He gave a nod. “But you will tell me also, should I ask. There will be no secrets between us.”

  “And will you tell me where you go and what you do?”

  He inclined his head. “Of course.”

  “Because I’ll ask you, you know.” It didn’t come out nearly as acidly as she’d intended.

  “I am pleased that you care so for me.”

  “It’s not because I care! I just think it would be fair if you have to report in too.”

  “Ah, well, then it pleases me that you wish to be fair.”

  She scowled. “As long as we’re being so honest here, I want to see my crew.”

  He raised his eyebrows.

  “Okay, fine, I want to see the Tellarans.”

  “You will see them. But not today. If you suffer any punishment for your disobedience that will be it.”

  “You mean you would have taken me to see them if I hadn’t pulled that stunt yesterday.”

  “Yes. But not now. You have been seen at the Circle and others mark you as my mate. Your behavior must be proper and I do not think it will be so.”

  “But what if I promise to behave, will you take me then?”

  “No.”

  Kinara’s nostrils flared. “I guess you just like to hear me beg, huh?”

  He caught her chin, tilting her face to look at him. “I do not do this to hurt you. Cy’atta. I believe you would keep your promise. But you would behave well for a Tellaran, not an Az-kye. You know so little of our ways that you make mistakes that we cannot afford if I am to keep my word. The Elders can destroy a clan if they are affronted. You do not know even how to speak to others or whom to address or when. No Az-kye woman would have acted as you did at the Circle and begged her mate not to fight.”

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” she said tightly.

  “I did not feel shamed, Cy’atta.” His dark eyes were soft. He lightly touched her hair again. “You gave me more strength to fight for you than you can ever know.” He gave a half-smile. “I fear the Elders will not see in your ways what I do, my mate.”

  �
��But the Tellarans are yours, aren’t they? How does my behavior have anything to do with it?”

  “It has more to do with it than you understand.” He stood. “I must attend to the ship’s running. You are to remain in our quarters. When my duty allows I will visit the Tellarans and be sure they are well.”

  She shook her head, rising too. “What do you mean, ‘the ship’s running’? You’re injured. You can’t go on duty!”

  “I must. Malm commanded here but now another must be chosen. Until that is done, I command.”

  “He was the commander?”

  Aidar nodded.

  “He’s dead,” she whispered, clasping her hands together. Grim satisfaction swept through her. The man who ordered her brother’s death was dead. She’d seen it happen.

  Oh, stars, it was horrible.

  But it was done. It hadn’t been Aidar’s intention but he’d avenged her brother.

  “He’s dead,” she repeated. “My brother’s spirit can rest.”

  His brow creased.

  “Don’t you understand?” she whispered. “The man who destroyed the Reliant is dead. My brother’s murderer is dead. And I can go on now.”

  Her heart felt lighter than it had been in months. Suddenly she remembered the surprise in those beautiful dark eyes when she reached for him in the Circle. How since the moment they became mated he touched her as if she were as precious and fragile as Apovian crystal, how he held her, teased her, risked his life to protect her . . .

  She smiled and impulsively reached for his hand, wrapping her fingers around his.

  His hand felt clammy in hers and she frowned at his pallor. “You don’t look well, Aidar. You need to stay here and rest.”

  “No,” he said hoarsely, drawing his hand away. “We will arrive at the Imperial world tomorrow. I must attend to my duties.”

  “Okay.” She gave him a shy smile. “I’ll be here when you get back.”

  He searched her face then cupped her cheek in his broad palm and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I will return to you as soon as I am able, Cy’atta.”

  Their night arrival on the Imperial world was a quiet one.

  When their shuttle landed at Aidar’s estate it was too dark to see anything but the outline of the house.

  It had taken hours for Aidar to finish his duties on the Ty’pran and hand over command to another and Kinara had been stuck in their quarters with nothing to occupy her. It was so late when they arrived planetside she could do little more than look around, feeling irritable and tired as Aidar led her to their apartments, their footsteps echoing on the polished wood floors of the silent house.

  She had seen a few warriors here and there but otherwise the house seemed to be deserted. There was food waiting but Kinara was really too sleepy to eat. After Aidar had left to attend to more of his duties she fell asleep alone in the big bed.

  When next she opened her eyes it was morning and for a moment she didn’t know where she was. She turned her head and seeing Aidar sleeping beside her, she smiled. She hadn’t even heard him come in. She resisted the impulse to smooth his hair back lest she wake him.

  She glanced at the mark over his ribs. That healing salve was amazing. His wounds had healed remarkably and he seemed very proud of the scars he’d earned for her.

  Kinara slipped out of bed quietly and wrapped a robe around herself. She eased the door of the balcony open and stepped outside. The blue sky had a tinge of lavender to it and to the north snow capped mountains rose in the distance.

  The city itself made her eyes widen in wonder.

  Located near a river, the Empress’ City was ancient beyond written history. Every inch seemed covered with tile and glass and the morning light of Az-kye’s sun set the city to a blaze of sparkling colors. Beyond the golden spires of the Imperial Palace the powerful spray from the falls rose a half a kilometer high and split the sunlight into a curtain of constantly shifting rainbows.

  A high wall separated this estate from the city proper. On the grounds below were probably the loveliest gardens she had ever seen. Carefully tended and orderly, and the perfumes of many foreign flowers made her smile.

  She gasped as strong arms went around her.

  Aidar kissed her neck and pressed his cheek against hers, his body warm against her back. “Does it please you?”

  “Oh, Aidar, the city is beautiful! And the garden! Is it yours?”

  His arms tightened around her. “No, it is yours.”

  She smiled.

  “It pleases me when you look so at me.”

  Kinara blushed, turning her face away quickly. “Will you take me to see my crew today?”

  He pressed a kiss to her temple. “You will see them, Cy’atta,” he said, letting her go. “But not now. There is much I must attend to this day.”

  Kinara stood at the balcony looking out over the city as he dressed in warrior black. She was restless but she knew she didn’t dare go out by herself. She wanted to see the gardens, the city, everything.

  He lingered over kissing her goodbye and paused at the door. “I will send the gisel to you.”

  “Gisel? Wait, what’s a—?”

  But he was already gone.

  “Well, whatever it is, he’s sending me one,” she muttered. Kinara went back to the balcony, savoring the feel of sunlight on her face again.

  Looking out over the city her mood darkened. Was this going to be her life? Waiting around as a prisoner in these rooms until Aidar returned?

  She sighed. She made her promise. As long as Aidar kept his, she would keep her own.

  What Kyndan or her father would say about her accepting this man as a husband didn’t bear thinking about. Having been born and reared in the Fleet’s traditions they would both agree that the crew came first. Although she was no true Commander she was responsible for the people she had bullied, persuaded and browbeaten into coming with her.

  Secretly, she had hoped something would stop her. Something to prevent getting a crew, or maybe being caught at the shipyards, anything so she could have said to herself, I tried to do it, but it was wrong and someone stepped in before it was too late.

  But it was too late; her father hadn’t known of her plans, her brother was dead and Tedah had helped her.

  Kyndan would laugh at her when she would ask him, I knew all this beforehand, so why didn’t I know it was going to be a mistake?

  Because, little sister, that’s not how life works!

  The door opened. Several women entered.

  This must be the gisel that Aidar had sent. But what was it? She looked to see what the women carried, half-expecting them to reveal some barbaric device but they held only soft, dark bundles. The women’s clothing was brightly colored and sparkling with decoration, each gown finely crafted and embroidered.

  They approached gracefully on slippered feet to stand before Kinara. Her first thought was that they were lovely. Each was softly rounded, neither too thin nor too plump, their dark hair was shiny. Their skin, ranging from pale to golden brown, was smooth, unblemished and glowing with good health.

  Her second was wondering why Aidar would want her when he had women like these to choose from.

  They were looking back at her with open curiosity and some of them were out and out staring.

  It’s my starblasted hair. That’s what they’re looking at.

  One of the girls leaned forward, peering at Kinara’s face.

  Right, and my eyes. I wonder if any of them have seen a Tellaran up close before.

  Kinara cleared her throat but the women made no move.

  So, what are we supposed to do? Stand here all day?

  She smiled hesitantly and one of the younger women giggled.

  Kinara’s smile froze and one of the older women, gray streaking her hair, shot the girl a look to silence her.

  After an embarrassingly long time, the older woman stepped forward.

  “I am Laric. Our lord has sent us to you.”

  “But who
is your—” Kinara broke off, blushing. Good way to get them on your side, Kinara, show ‘em your smarts. “Of course. Aidar of the Az’anti.”

  “He thought our lady . . .” The woman trailed off, her expression mortified and Kinara realized the woman didn’t know her name.

  “Kinara of the Maere,” she supplied.

  Laric gave her a grateful look and continued, “Our lady Kinara of the Az’anti would prefer other clothing.”

  Kinara blinked at the casual dropping of her last name. Laric waved two of the women forward and opened the bundles they carried.

  Dresses! Richly decorated dresses in jewel colors. Laric held up one after the other and it slowly dawned on her that Laric was waiting for her to choose one.

  But Kinara knew nothing of dresses. She had spent all her life in coveralls.

  “I — Laric, which would you suggest?”

  The woman’s attentive gaze turned to her. “For what occasion, my lady?”

  Kinara shrugged, blushing. “To, uh, please Aidar of the Az’anti.”

  Laric nodded as if this were most serious thing in the universe. “I would suggest the blue to complement my lady’s eyes.”

  “All right.” Kinara reached for the offered dress but stopped at the look on Laric’s face.

  “My lady wishes to inspect the dress?”

  “Uh, no. I’m sure it’s fine.”

  “My lady wishes to wear this dress?”

  Kinara nodded, her cheeks hot. Is she making fun of me?

  “Yes, I wish to wear that dress,” Kinara said sharply. “And I’d like to wear it now!”

  Kinara started as the women instantly crowded around her. She drew her breath in sharply as one woman pulled her robe away but before she could cover herself or even protest another woman slid a fine blue shift over her head.

  Kinara hadn’t had someone dress her since she was a little girl and having strange Az-kye women handle her like this was utterly disconcerting. They worked quickly and efficiently but by the time the third layer had gone over her head Kinara was overwhelmed and shifting uncomfortably. The women responded by working faster and soon the woman who had giggled was standing before her to tie the blue ribbons at the bodice.

  At last they stepped away and Kinara let her breath out in relief. The folds of the dress reached to her ankles and felt strange, heavy and confining. She took a few experimental steps before she was sure she could manage it.