Stardancer Page 5
Kinara blew her breath out. “Okay, how about this? I’ll apologize for insulting your crew if you’ll admit that you’ve served with some pretty dumb warriors.”
His frown deepened. “I do not understand this that you say. You wish that we both admit to wrong, but we cannot both be wrong.”
“It’s called a compromise. Don’t your people do that?”
“No,” he said shortly. “One is wrong and the other right. That is simple enough for even for a Tellaran.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Wow, thanks.”
His very posture was imperious and arrogant. “Az-kye ways are better. We hold our honor and traditions as sacred.”
“Traditions like having to assemble a starship crew from only the strongest warriors?” She put her hand on her hip. “You know, I bet even you’d see Az-kye ships run more like Tellaran ships if you could.”
His dark eyes sharpened. “What is it that you wager?”
“What?”
“You wish to wager with me. What do you wager?”
“It’s just an expression.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Besides, I don’t have anything to wager.”
“You have your willingness.”
What he meant, what he wanted from her, was plain. He didn’t want her just to submit, he wanted a receptive, even eager, partner.
She wet her lips. “True,” she said slowly. “But what would you wager?”
“In return for you to open willingly to me?” His dark eyes ran over her and went hot. “What would you have?”
She swallowed against a sudden fluttering in her stomach. “How about sending us all back to Tellaran space?”
He stared at her then a smile touched his mouth. “You tease me, Cy’atta.”
“Worth a shot. Truth is, you probably know what I want.”
“You wish to converse with my other Tellarans. Do you win this wager, I will allow it.”
“You mean it? I can see them? I can talk to them?”
He gave a magnanimous nod.
Her eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute, this all hinges on me convincing you and you admitting it. What if you cheat?”
He looked amused. “Cheat in a wager with a slave? Think you I hold my honor so cheaply?”
She bit the inside of her cheek, considering. If she won, she would be able to talk to her crew. She might even be able to gather Intel to help them get to a shuttle or coordinate their escape.
Yeah but if I lose . . .
“Okay, you’ve got yourself a bet.” Kinara studied him. “How long have you served on Az-kye ships?”
He instantly looked suspicious. “We are required to offer our service to the Empress beginning at the age of seventeen summers.”
“So how long?”
“Twelve summers.”
“Have you served on board this ship for the entire time?”
“No, a warrior will serve as he is needed. I have served on this ship and others as well.”
“For twelve years?”
He looked mystified. “Only as I am ordered so by the Imperial House. I have spent perhaps five summers total on ships like this one in all that time.”
She frowned. “Off and on?” How starblasted inefficient!
“I had matters of my own house to attend to.”
“I forgot,” she said. “Clan leader, right?”
He looked annoyed. “I grow displeased, Tellaran. Think you to stall because you cannot win?”
She pushed her hair back. “Fine. In all that time, what was your greatest defeat?”
“Think you I should wear white?” His lip curled. “I have never been defeated.”
So much for the ‘let’s refight the battle’ approach. She pursed her lips. “Ever been onboard a ship during an accident? One bad enough to cause a ship-wide emergency?”
“Yes.”
Like pulling claws from a sercat! “Mind telling me about it?”
“I was on a ship patrolling near the settlement on Az-mek. Our commander ordered the engine manifolds purged. The warrior chosen to oversee the engineers’ task did not allow them to engage the safety valves before he hit the release.”
Kinara blinked. “Gods, you’re lucky to be standing here! That kind of build up could have blown half the ship away.”
“It did,” he said shortly. “And took many Az-kye with it.”
“So, this warrior, the one who was chosen to oversee that task — why was he put in charge?”
His brows rushed together.
Oh, I’ve got you, don’t I? “Come on, why was he chosen for the task? Was he an engineer? An equipment specialist? Why?”
“It was appropriate he be given the task. He had proven himself.”
“As an engine expert?” she asked. “Or just as exceptionally strong?”
His nostrils flared. “His skills were not in question, Tellaran.”
“You mean his engineering skills? Or his fighting skills?”
He glared and she raised her eyebrows.
“Fighting,” he ground out finally. “You have proved nothing. That warrior is dead.”
“And a lot of people with him. But you’ve seen things like that since, haven’t you? Where a warrior serves as an officer and it’s only luck that he doesn’t get everyone around him killed because, while physically strong, he’s dangerously incompetent?”
His eyes narrowed.
“Well?” she prompted.
He sure didn’t look happy but he gave a short nod.
“Have you thought about how much better, how much safer it would be to swap warriors like that out? Did you want to kick them off and get someone smarter even if they weren’t as great a fighter, but you couldn’t because your traditions won’t allow it?”
His mouth tightened. “At times.”
“So you’d have Az-kye ships run more like Tellaran ones if you could, wouldn’t you?”
He looked really annoyed now.
She folded her arms. “Whoa, you wouldn’t be thinking about cheating here, would you?”
A muscle in his jaw twitched. “Enough. You have won, Cy’atta. I will take you to see them when you are well.”
She couldn’t suppress a triumphant smile as she passed him on her way to the door. “You know, I bet a stroll would do me wonders.”
He gave an annoyed growl as they walked through the corridor together.
She glanced at him. “Am I doing something wrong, Ad -uh, my lord?”
“It is unseemly you walk at my side.”
Kinara, willing to observe any stupid Az-kye custom to keep from losing this chance, obediently slowed her steps so she was a little behind him. This, however, just seemed to bother him more.
“Do you anything for a worthless bunch of slaves, Cy’atta,” he grumbled. “Did I say, disrobe here and I will free one of them, would you?”
Kinara pulled up the hem of her smock, gripping it to pull the thing over her head. “Do you mean it?”
She didn’t have a halter or even underwear on under this thing. Her cheeks were already going hot with the idea of standing in front of him— and any warriors that happened to walk by—completely naked.
But if it means freedom for even one of them . . .
She lifted her chin. “Do you?”
His dark eyes became veiled. “No, I do not.”
Kinara dropped her hem and it swung around her knees. Apparently slaves weren’t allowed shoes but at least they were moving fast enough to keep her feet from getting too cold.
Tall and heavily muscled, the warriors they passed were indeed an intimidating bunch. Between the arrogance of their strides, the dark skins they wore and the obvious scars of battle hardened men, they seemed to be just spoiling for a fight.
They might be strong but she guessed if something blocked their way they would probably hammer at it for hours with a sword rather than simply walk around it.
The thought made her smile.
“That warrior pleases you?”
“Hu
h?” Kinara said, jolted out of her thoughts to find a warrior looking back at her intently as he passed.
“Perhaps pleases you enough to share a bed with him.”
She looked at Aidar to see that he was genuinely annoyed. “No, I was just thinking.”
“And looking on other warriors.”
“Is there something wrong with looking? I’m curious about your people too.”
“Do you look so boldly on them, they will think you wish to join with them.”
Kinara immediately dropped her eyes. She didn’t want any of these warriors thinking she was making offers and she didn’t want any trouble right now either. She watched her feet, looked at the walls, and tried to create a mental map to get back to her crew if any opportunities for escape came up.
The observation window he’d taken her to before was the other way and the curve of the floor was so steep she knew they were going down another level. Aidar nodded to the warriors at the door. One of the warriors stepped forward to follow them inside and the other opened the door.
The sight that greeted her was appalling. Her crew was here, barefoot and dressed in plain, white smocks, but if Barin’s slave quarters were bad these were atrocious.
They were herded together like animals and without so much as a heating unit or a blanket. Cold lights placed high on the walls gave a sickly greenish light and the room was freezing. Kinara suddenly realized they were huddled together mainly for warmth.
Tears stung her eyes at the enthusiastic greeting they gave her. Tedah rushed forward and pulled her into his arms.
The stubble of his beard scratched her cheek as he hugged her.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, hugging him back. “I'm sorry about all of this.”
“You’re limping,” he said, pulling away to look at her, frowning. “Did they hurt you?”
She shook her head. “An accident. They treated it though. I’ll be fine.”
“Kinna, I thought they’d . . . no, never mind.” He cupped her face, and briefly pressed a kiss to her mouth. He’d only done so a few times before and this one was just a brush against her lips. “You’re here now.”
“Tedah, is everyone—?” This was her fault, all of it, and the shame she felt wouldn’t let her finish.
“We’re all right. We haven’t been hurt and everyone else is here.”
All right for now. But in a place like this they wouldn’t be for long.
She let go of Tedah, motioning him to stay behind.
She stood before Aidar.
“My lord,” it took a moment before she could lift her eyes. “Please, my people are not used to this treatment. They will sicken and die in this cold. Please, some blankets and heating unit . . .”
His disbelief was evident. “They will not die. Even Tellarans cannot be so weak.”
“They will. Look at them.”
His glance ran over them with a mixture of contempt and calculation.
“Please, some comfort for them would—”
His lip curled. “Think you I care for the comfort of slaves? Come, does looking on them upset you so, we will leave.”
She put her hand on his arm. He went still and she could feel the muscle under her palm go taut.
“Please, Ad– my lord,” she said, her voice low and her eyes downcast. “I’d . . .” She swallowed. “I’d be grateful.”
He looked at her face, glanced at her body. “And in your gratitude, Cy’atta, what do you offer?”
She couldn’t leave them like this. Anything she’d hoped for, dreamed of, while watching all those sappy holodramas was wiped away by cold necessity of offering the only thing she had to bargain with.
She wet her lips. “You wanted to bed me. You wanted me willing. That is what I offer.”
Aidar’s dark gaze bored down at her. “You offer yourself in return for a few trifles for slaves?”
“I offer it for my people’s well being. Some blankets, a heater . . .” Kinara swallowed. “You have my word. I will come to your bed willingly.”
He held her eyes a heartbeat longer then stepped away to speak to the warrior waiting at the door. If the guard was surprised by his orders, he did not show it.
Tedah frowned. “What’s going on?”
“He’s going to have them bring in some supplies,” Kinara murmured.
She took a few moments to speak to each of the crew, to ask how they were doing, to offer some encouragement, some hope.
Aidar, for all his barbaric ways, did not stint her. Heavy blankets were distributed to her crew and the large heating unit set up was both cheerful and bright. He even had pillows for each crewmember. He must have given orders for the heat to be set at maximum because the floor was warmer under her feet. He also had food brought in. And while it wasn’t exactly festival fare, it was hot and there was plenty for everyone.
With her crew distracted, and the Az-kye busy distributing supplies, Kinara took the opportunity to draw Tedah aside.
“How are you holding up?” she asked.
“When we woke up here and I didn’t see you . . .” He shook his head, dropping his voice to a whisper. “We’ve got to get out of here.”
“This ship is like a damn fortress,” Kinara replied softly. “I don’t even know how many warriors are on board.”
“Any idea where they’re taking us?” Tedah asked. “What happens next?”
Aidar’s gaze was on her, hot but patient.
He could afford to wait.
“They’re taking us to their capital,” Kinara murmured. “They consider us slaves now. He’s going to give us to their Elders or something.”
“Fracking barbarians,” Tedah spat. “If they think we’re going to take that without a fight, they’re as stupid as they look.”
“We can’t do anything now,” she warned quietly. “And we’ll need a way off this ship.”
“If we can fight our way out of here, the Reliant–”
She touched his arm. “It’s been destroyed.”
Tedah went ashen. “What?”
“I know. We’ll think of something else.” She swallowed hard. “I’ll find a way, I promise.”
Her crew was happy for the improvements. She wanted to soak in the sight of them, sitting comfortably now, enjoying their meal, wanted to take the image of it with her.
She took one last look at them. Finally, she nodded to Aidar.
It was time to pay for all this.
Tedah caught her arm. “Where are you going?”
“I have to leave. I might not be able to come back. Take care of them for me. Don’t do anything that will get our people killed.” She wet her lips. “But if you see a chance — a good chance — grab it and get them the hell home. Don’t try to find me, that’s an order, Tedah.”
“What do you mean?” He shook his head. “You aren’t going anywhere!”
“I have to. Don’t cause any trouble, okay?”
He ignored her, blocking Aidar’s way and spoke to him directly. “She stays here!”
“Tedah, don’t—!”
But he threw off her arm, standing protectively in front of Kinara as Aidar reached for her. “I said, she stays here!”
“Listen to me,” she said quickly, raising her voice and speaking in Tellaran. “We are prisoners here and they make prisoners into servants.” She pointed at Aidar. “This man has picked me as a servant and right now, like it or not, he wants to leave. I have to go with him.” She looked directly at Tedah. “I’ll be all right. Please, just let me go peacefully, okay?”
“No! If he wants a servant, I’ll go with him.”
“Tellaran!” Aidar thundered.
She recognized the dangerous glint in his dark eyes.
“I am most displeased by this slave. You will tell him so.”
Kinara hesitated. She switched to the Az-kye language. “He volunteers to be your servant, my lord.”
Aidar looked at Tedah, his jaw tight. “He is my servant. And he displeases me greatly.”
“He doesn’t mean to,” Kinara said quickly. “He wants to take my place.”
Aidar blinked and Kinara saw the surprised glances of the other warriors.
Aidar’s eyes narrowed. “Thinks he I prefer men?”
Suddenly Kinara realized these warriors thought she was already attending to Aidar’s very personal needs. Under different circumstances this would really be funny and she almost drew blood biting the inside of her cheek to keep back a hysterical giggle.
It took her a moment before she could trust her voice.
“No, Ad— uh, my lord. He does not think that. He thinks I will be safer here.”
Aidar’s brows shot up just as Tedah said, “Tell this festering barbarian he’s not taking you anywhere.”
Kinara could only deal with one touchy male ego at a time and she glanced at Aidar to find his expression furious. “He is concerned about my treatment.”
“He questions my rights?”
“Starblasted savage,” Tedah spat.
“N-no,” Kinara hedged. “He is upset. He wants me to remain here.”
“I do not care for what he wants,” Aidar growled. “We will leave now. Does he block my way again, I will kill him.”
Tedah must have seen the blood drain from her face. “Kinna?”
She spoke through stiff lips. “Tedah, if you care about this crew . . . If you care about me at all, step aside and don’t interfere again.”
He looked at her, hesitating, and Kinara felt her control start to slip.
“Tedah,” she whispered. “Please.”
Aidar reached out to her and Tedah didn’t step forward again. She sought his green eyes just once more and she read in them helpless fury.
She followed Aidar through the icy corridors. He didn’t speak to her at all on the way back to his quarters and she knew he was enraged.
“Fetch me wine!”
She jumped at the sound of his voice and quickly poured it for him. She held the goblet out and he took it, glowering up at her from his seat on the couch.
“I am hungry.”
“Okay, what—?”
“Fetch you an Az-kye slave to serve me.”
Kinara was a little surprised that he would let her out of his sight. Of course with her crew so closely guarded he must know she wouldn’t try anything now. She plunged into the corridor and spying an elderly woman tersely demanded to know if the woman could bring him food. The woman stared up at her dumbly. Kinara rushed past her and found another woman, this one only a little older than herself and dressed in white, who replied that she could.