Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Ella and the Emperor

Alien Abduction Book 5

Honey Phillips

Copyright © 2019 by Honey Phillips

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design by Melody Simmons (bookcoverscre8tive.com)

Edited by Nikki Groom @ Indie Hub Editing services (www.indiehub.co.uk)

Chapter One

Emperor Karthajin, Supreme Leader of the Kaisarian Empire, Defender of the Nine Gods, Chosen of Napisten, and Ruler of the Crystal Throne, was restless. He had dismissed the two courtesans assigned to pleasure him, gotten rid of the musicians playing soothing music in the courtyard outside his bedroom, and sent the rest of his personal staff scurrying off. His guards had been firmly instructed to stay outside the entrance to his suite. And then he did the one thing he was never supposed to do and went for a walk—by himself.

The Imperial Palace was riddled with secret passages, most of them known to his guards, but a select few that were known only to the Royal family. He followed one of them now, pausing occasionally to utilize the hidden viewpoints to observe the areas he passed. It wasn’t necessary, the entire palace was under surveillance and he had access to as many of the feeds as he cared to watch, but he found that he could pick up on subtleties through real-life observation that were missed on video. It was late at night and most of the palace was quiet but there were still some signs of activity.

He saw Lady Arkanta locked in an embrace with the much younger, and recently mated, Prince Csalo. Shaking his head, he moved on, hoping that Csalo would see through her advances before he lost both his new consort and a considerable amount of his inheritance. At the observation point overlooking the Water Gardens, he saw two of his commanders huddled together and talking intently. That was considerably more interesting since they took diametrically opposed positions in public. The fact that they had chosen a location where the noise of the water would muffle any attempts at audio surveillance indicated a desire for secrecy. He made a mental note to mention it to Fleet Admiral Gernagan, his chief military advisor.

Nothing further drew his interest and he was rather disgruntledly considering returning to his rooms when he heard a muffled cry. He checked the viewpoint and saw that he was bypassing one of the corridors outside the slave quarters. At first, all he could see was the horned head and heavily muscled, brown-furred back of one of his guards. The guard moved back, his hands going to his uniform pants, and Karthajin could see a second guard. The other man was holding a small figure who was struggling wildly, but to no avail, against the much larger guard. One hand was over his victim’s mouth and even as Karthajin watched, he dropped his hand and swore.

“The little bitch bit me.”

“Hold her legs,” the first guard demanded. “I don’t care if she screams, I don't want her kicking me again.” He grabbed for her pants with one hand and hauled out his cock with the other. The sight of the swollen appendage approaching the tiny female overcame Karthajin’s shock. His vision went red with rage. He had his hand on his knife and was through the panel in a fraction of a second. He slit the first guard’s throat before the guard even knew he was there, and he had his knife at the throat of the second guard while the man was still gaping at his companion.

“Drop her,” he ordered.

The guard’s eyes widened as he recognized Karthajin. “Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.” The guard dropped to one knee as he released his captive, but Karthajin kept his knife at his throat. The small female, surely little more than a child, scurried free. To his surprise, she didn’t immediately run away but huddled close to his side. At least she had the sense to choose the side not holding the knife.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he demanded of the man kneeling before him.

The guard’s eyes shifted and his massive horns atop his head twitched. “She’s only a slave and she’s outside the slave quarters. We were just having a little fun before we took her back.”

“Fun?” The red haze over his vision intensified. “By raping a child half your size?”

Before the guard could make any further attempt to defend himself, a portly man came running up. Karthajin vaguely recognized him as Gatarro, the master of the household slaves.

“Ella, are you all right?” Gatarro was so focused on the girl that he didn’t notice Karthajin at first. The girl didn’t respond, merely curling into Karthajin’s side and clasping his robe with small trembling fingers. Gatarro gave her a puzzled look, before frowning up at Karthajin. As soon as he recognized him, he paled and dropped into a deep bow.

“My humble apologies, Your Imperial Majesty. I was so busy searching for the girl that I didn’t see you.”

“Why is she out here alone and unprotected?” Karthajin demanded.

“She doesn’t mean any harm, Sire.” The man sighed and shook his head. “She just likes to go and visit the stables at night. I was making my final rounds when I noticed that her bed was empty.”

He gave the girl a half-exasperated, half-fond look and shook his head. “I think she’s a little… simple. She doesn’t seem to understand what could happen to her.”

The girl gave a watery little sniff and he looked down, seeing her fully for the first time. She was tiny, her head barely reaching his chest, and her small frame lost in the ill-fitting slave uniform. Beneath a short mop of curly blonde hair, she had a small, pretty face with a pointed little chin and a pink bow of a mouth. Enormous blue eyes looked up at him worshipfully, tears still sparkling on her lashes. The combination of her vulnerability and the trust in her eyes tugged at him, and he patted her hand soothingly.

“It’s all right, child. You’re safe now. But you can’t go wandering around the palace at night. Do you understand me?”

She made a distressed sound but didn’t protest. The guard kneeling before him shifted and he had to fight back another flare of rage at the reminder of what the bastard had intended. He used his communicator to send for his personal guard before turning his attention back to Gatarro.

“You will ensure that this does not happen again.”

“Yes, of course, Sire. It’s just…” The man hesitated.

“Well, what is it?”

“Ella is surprisingly capable of disappearing. This is fourth time it’s happened.”

Karthajin frowned down at the girl. “You must not do this again. I want your promise that you will not attempt to escape, or I will have you locked up.”

She gave another distressed sound and clutched his arm. He hated to see the fear in her eyes and would have preferred to reassure her but forced himself to keep a stern expression.

“You must promise—”

“If Your Imperial Majesty will forgive me,” Gatarro interrupted. “She can’t promise you because she doesn’t speak.”

“What?”

The man’s voice dropped, and he forgot himself enough to lean forward confidentially. “No, Sire. She hasn’t spoken since she arrived. Her former owners were killed rather, um, unpleasantly.”

The small figure at his side trembled, and driven by an impulse he didn’t entirely understand, he put his free arm around her and tucked her against him.

“As a result, we don’t know if she was ever capable of speaking. But she’s an excellent slave,” Gatarro added hastily. “Very obedient and willing. She’s no trouble at all.”

“When she’s not escaping,” Karthajin said dryly.

“She’s not trying to actually run away. She always comes back.”

Surprised that Gatarro would be so protective of a troublesome slave, he opened his mouth to question him further when the sudden clatter of hooves interrupted. His chief guard Warnax and two more of his personal guards rushed down the corridor. Like all his guards, they were Bukharan, and at the sight of their massive furred bodies approaching, Ella shrank even closer to him.

“Your Imperial Majesty, what happened?” Warnax’s nostrils flared as he saw the body of the dead guard and the second guard, still on his knees before him.

“Two of your guards attempted to rape this child.” The rage in his voice was clearly evident and Warnax cast an appalled look at the two guards.

“I am deeply ashamed, Sire. I will take care of this unworthy yujucado immediately.”

He hesitated, reluctant to give up his prey, but in the end he nodded. An emperor should not be seen exacting punishment on someone so far beneath him. “Very well.”

Stepping back, he waited while the two guards accompanying Warnax hauled the reprobate away. Warnax cleared his throat. “Sire, may I ask how you came to be involved in this unfortunate event? Without your personal guards?”

“No, you may not. Just thank Napisten that I was here.”

Ella was still clinging to his arm and he gently disengaged her hand, surprisingly reluctant to remove those small, delicate fingers. She didn’t move away, only stared up at him with enormous blue eyes.

“You must return with Gatarro, child.” He frowned at Gatarro and then Warnax. “She is not to be touched or harmed in any way, by my direct order. Make sure everyone in the palace is made aware. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Sire.” They both bowed, although he could see Warnax giving the child a puzzled look. Gatarro only looked relieved.

“Very well. Since I have no doubt you will insist on accompanying me, Warnax, let us return to my rooms.”

As they moved away, he couldn’t help but give a quick glance over his shoulder at Ella. She was staring after him, a pleading look on her face, and he had to fight down the impulse to go back to her. But Gatarro had already stepped up beside her, and he had duties to perform. He suppressed a sigh with the ease of long practice and returned to his role.

Chapter Two

Despite a restless night, Karthajin was awake before dawn as usual. His sleep had been haunted by dreams of big blue eyes and a pretty, innocent face. Pushing the memory aside, he sighed and stood up. A pot of cafir was waiting for him and his training uniform was laid out, but he was alone. His personal servants had long ago learned not to disturb him in the mornings.

With a soft knock, a door opened behind him and even before he turned, Karthajin knew that Tanaca had entered. Tanaca was the most senior of his personal advisors, and the least likely to approve of the events of the previous evening.

“You’re early, Tanaca,” he said tiredly. “We’re not scheduled to meet for another hour.”

“Yes, Sire. However, a problem seems to have arisen.”

He turned to face his advisor. Tanaca looked as cool and remote as usual, his tall, lean figure austerely clad in a plain black tunic and pants. The severe color suited him, setting off his pale blue skin and striking white hair. Tanaca had been his grandfather’s advisor, and his father’s, although he doubted his father had ever bothered to meet with him during his brief reign.

“What is this problem?”

“You seem to have acquired an unexpected… visitor.”

That was not the complaint he had expected. “And?”

“No one seems quite sure what to do with her. It appears that you have given orders regarding her treatment that prevent the usual methods.” A flicker of something that could have been distaste, or amusement, crossed Tanaca’s face.

His pulse gave an unexpected leap. “Ella?”

“I was not informed as to the young female’s name.”

“I don’t see who else it could be. Very well. Since I appear to have created the issue, I suppose I must resolve it.” He kept his voice light and amused but pulled on the training uniform with unusual haste before indicating to Tanaca to lead the way.

Ella was huddled in a corner of an anteroom leading to one of the private audience rooms. He was amazed that she had gotten that far without any interference. She looked scared but determined as she stared up at the ring of guards and servants gathered around her. Seeing her there, alone and surrounded by unsympathetic faces, he had a sudden memory of the day his father eliminated the First Consort’s rooms, moving his mother out of the rooms she had lived in ever since they had been joined. She had tilted her head just as defiantly, but her lips had trembled as well.

When Ella caught sight of him, she jumped up and ran to him. The servants were too startled to react and the guards too uncertain about touching her, so no one stopped her. As soon as she reached him, she flung herself into his arms. He found himself patting her back, enjoying the feel of her warm little body a little more than he should. He eased away a fraction. “Hush, child. Everything will be fine.”

“Has she been here all night?” he demanded of Warnax.

His chief guard gave him a rather helpless look. “You said she was not to be touched, Sire. How did you want us to remove her?”

Karthajin stared down at the small figure. It would be simple enough to rescind his order, but it seemed wrong somehow. By saving her, he had taken on responsibility for her, and he found it wasn’t something he was willing to relinquish. He hadn’t been able to help his mother, but he could help Ella. The slave quarters were obviously not suitable—he would just have to keep her with him until he could make other arrangements.

“I’ll handle it. You are dismissed. All of you,” he added when no one moved. At the tone of his voice, there was an immediate rush to the outer doors. Warnax took up position there with another guard, while Tanaca paused long enough to raise an eyebrow and confirm that he should leave. Karthajin gave him an impatient nod and he bowed and departed, as unruffled as ever. Once they were as alone as they were going to get, he gently held Ella away from him. She looked up at him trustfully, her eyes as wide and blue as he remembered. “Well, child. What am I going to do with you now?”

Ella stared up at the Emperor. In all the time she had spent on Kaisar, she had never seen such a handsome man. Short, dark hair curled around the small black horns on his forehead, a striking contrast to his deep red skin. A precisely cropped beard accentuated his strong jaw and sensual lips. Red sparks flared within black eyes, but she was used to Kaisarian eyes and took comfort in the familiarity. She barely reached his chest, but his size only made her feel safe and protected, so different from how she had felt surrounded by those hulking guards. She shuddered as the memories of the previous night surfaced once again and tried to dive back into his arms.

He sighed but let her nestle against him. He felt so good—big and warm and hard—and she felt safe, just as she had last night. It was that feeling which had led to her slipping out as soon as Gatarro had drifted off to sleep while he was supposed to be watching over her. Her previous night-time excursions served her well and she made it as far as this room undetected, before finding a pair of guards and a locked door. It had taken all of her courage to enter the antechamber and take up a position as far away for them as possible while she waited for him to appear.

She knew she was taking a chance. The alien couple who had purchased her had been historians, and once they realized that she was capable of learning, they had taught her to read and write basic Kaisarian—although she had extended her studies much further than they had ever realized. She had read enough Kaisarian history to know just how much power he wielded. He could easily have had her punished, or even killed, for her presumption, although she couldn’t believe that the man who had protected her last night would do such a thing.

Now he held her away again, his expression stern but not frightening. She bit her lip and waited for him to scold her. She knew she deserved it. Once again, she had acted impulsively. Her owners had admonished her about her rashness often enough, but Momi always gave her a hug afterwards and Popi always had a twinkle in his eyes, no matter how severely he lectured her. The thought of them brought more tears to her eyes.

“There’s no need to cry, Ella. But why are you here?”

She knew the words wouldn’t come out, but she tried her best. “Sss…”

It was the first time she’d tried to speak since those first dreadful days after her owners had died and she was appalled at how her voice sounded—low and hoarse and uncertain. Instead of growing impatient at her attempts as the others had, the emperor only nodded encouragingly. She cleared her throat and tried again but the word was still almost unintelligible. “Sssaff.”

“Safe?” he asked after a moment. “You feel safe with me?”

Thrilled that he understood, she nodded eagerly, but before she could try again, the sound of a quiet cough made them both look up.

A man was standing in the doorway, another one of the massive horned and furred beings who had attacked her. She shrank back against the emperor and he put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. Happy at the contact, she leaned closer. The emperor might not be as big the newcomer, but the tight black uniform he was wearing did nothing to conceal his lean, hard muscles. After seeing him in action last night, she had no doubt he could protect her.

“Your Imperial Majesty, forgive me for intruding. Did you wish to train this morning?”

Despite his forbidding appearance, the newcomer had a curiously soothing voice, low and deep, and she relaxed a little.

“No, Sendat. I’m afraid I won’t have time. Perhaps this afternoon…” Karthajin paused, then shook his head. “No. Unfortunately, my day is completely full.”

“I could return this evening, Sire, if that would be more convenient.”

“No. There is another banquet tonight. Please return tomorrow morning as usual.”

“Yes, Sire.” Sendat bowed and disappeared.

The emperor turned back to her. “You realize I should send you back to the slave quarters? Where is Gatarro, anyway? I told him to look after you.”

Putting her hands beneath her head she mimicked sleep and he laughed. “I suspect you’re enough to wear the poor man out. There’s a lot of mischief behind that sweet facade, isn’t there, pet?”

She gave him her best innocent look and blinked her eyes. He laughed again.

“Very well. You can come with me. For right now,” he cautioned. “I’ll decide what to do with you later.”

Excited and grateful, she picked up his hand and brought it to her mouth for a kiss. As soon as her lips touched his smooth, hot skin, a strange flutter started in her belly. He looked almost as startled but pulled his hand away gently.

“That’s not necessary, pet. Let’s go see what’s for breakfast.”

He led the way into the next chamber, a large room with gold shining from every surface. Engraved wall panels sparkled with jewels, and more precious stones were inlaid in the floor tiles. She looked around with wide eyes, then shrank closer. He laughed.

“Not to your taste, pet? I can’t say that’s it’s mine, either. It was one of my father’s rather unfortunate remodeling efforts. I’ve left it because it’s useful for certain types of audiences.” There were two sets of elaborate doors on either side of the room, but he ignored them and led the way behind the jeweled throne on a raised dais to a smaller door. “These rooms are more to my taste.”

They entered another large room, but this one was done in soothing tones with beautiful but simple wooden panels and low comfortable furniture. She started to stroke the soft looking fabric covering one of the couches and stopped when she recognized it as being covered in selyen. Momi had had a small chair covered in the luxury fabric. It was one of her most prized possessions and Ella had been forbidden to touch it, let alone sit in it. She drew her hand back quickly, but the emperor didn't seem to have noticed her mistake. One end of the room opened out onto a wide veranda with gardens beyond and he was looking in that direction.

“Ah, yes. I ordered breakfast in the garden. You'll like that.”

When they stepped out onto the porch, she saw a small table, exquisitely set for two. Two servants waited by the table, while a third approached and bowed. They were all dressed in pristine black palace uniforms with the Imperial crest embroidered on the breast. She was suddenly uneasily conscious of her own much more tattered uniform and plucked at her pants’ leg. Karthajin caught the movement.

“Yes, we’ll have to take care of that, won’t we?” He turned to the servant who had approached them. “Saban, tell my tailor to attend me after the meal.”

“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty,” Saban returned calmly. “Should I bring another place setting?”

“Another? Oh, yes, Tanaca will be joining us.”

Ella tugged his hand and shook her head frantically. She wasn’t allowed at the table.

“What’s the matter, pet? You must be hungry.”

“Nnn,” she managed, and smacked her hand. Sitting at the table was for the adults. Usually she ate in the kitchen, but on special occasions she had her own little stool next to Momi.

His gaze darkened. “You weren’t permitted to sit at the table?”

When she nodded, his frown deepened. “Well, I say you are. And my word is law.”

A complicated mixture of pleasure and uncertainty rushed through her and she shivered. His eyes softened. “I can see that this could be a challenge. Since Tanaca is due in a few minutes, perhaps we should address it again when we’re alone. For now, would you be more comfortable just sitting next to me instead?”

Relieved, she nodded and tightened her grip on his hand.

“Very well. Saban, bring me some cushions.”

A few minutes later, she was curled happily at his feet on a pile of silken cushions. While he reviewed a stack of papers, she looked out into the expanse of greenery with delight. Momi’s and Popi’s house had been designed around a small garden, and she loved spending time there whenever Momi put her out to get some fresh air. She had even been allowed to do some gardening of her own.

Here, a much larger area had been devoted to the garden, all of it designed to be pleasing both to the eye and to the other senses. The scent of flowers drifted through the air and she could hear a small stream trickling nearby. A bird trilled, the melodic note softened by the lush bushes. When she followed the sound, she saw the bird perched high in a tree inside an elaborate cage. She remembered her Popi telling her that the Imperial Palace was covered by a shield so that the weather was always perfect. Perhaps the bird couldn’t be allowed to fly free. Perhaps, like her, he wouldn’t know what to do if he was free. The thought saddened her, and she leaned closer to the emperor’s legs. He reached down and patted her head absently, but the caress comforted her and she let herself take consolation in his touch.

Chapter Three

When Tanaca appeared on the balcony, he took in the sight of Ella curled at Karthajin’s feet and raised a brow, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he bowed with his usual smooth courtesy.

“My apologies for being late, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“You’re not late and you know it, Tanaca,” Karthajin said dryly. “However, since I missed my morning training, I was reviewing the Alargan shipping contract while I was waiting. We will have to renegotiate. The interest rates are exorbitant.”

“Yes, Sire.” Tanaca’s face remained expressionless as he continued. “Your father chose to negotiate that contract himself.”

Karthajin had to force his own face to remain neutral. His father had ruled for less than six months but during that brief time frame, he had made a number of foolish decisions. A year into his own reign, he was still dealing with the repercussions. Small, cold fingers crept around his ankle, interrupting his annoyance with his father’s shortcomings, and he realized that Ella was trembling. He looked down and saw she was staring fearfully at Tanaca. He wasn’t sure why she was frightened but he patted her head again, enjoying the way her silky curls clung to his fingers.

“Don’t worry, pet. Tanaca won’t harm you—no one will harm you here.”

At his words, she looked up and gave him a shy smile. The expression turned her face from merely pretty into an innocent loveliness that made his breath catch. His body began to react as well, but he sternly suppressed the impulse. By Napisten’s knees, she was only a child.

Saban arrived with the meal at that point and he gratefully accepted the interruption. While Tanaca provided his usual morning update, Karthajin fed Ella, checking to see what she liked. Her favorites were the sulta fruit and the small sweet rolls. She made a disgusted face when he tried to give her a dried custra, then looked guilty. He laughed and took it back.

“You don’t have to eat anything you don’t like, pet.”

He handed her another sweet roll and looked up to find Tanaca watching him across the table. Karthajin raised an eyebrow but Tanaca didn’t respond to the unspoken challenge, continuing with the next order of business.

“A consortium of Gliese merchant houses have applied for primary trade rights in the new Havari system. This is their third request in under a year.”

“They’re determined to establish a monopoly in that sector.” He shook his head. “Has anyone else applied?”

“A small group of Free Traders and the Ceekats, of course.”

“Give it to the Free Traders for a period of five years. If they can establish a successful business during that time, they can keep the rights. If not, we’ll put it up for bid. Is there anything else?”

“There is one more thing, Sire. It’s about the matter that former Prince Rastrath brought to your attention.” Tanaca shot a glance at Ella, who had finished her small meal and was looking out into the garden. The extremely confidential matter he was referring to was a weapon capable of destroying a planet. One had already been deployed and Rastrath had discovered that a second was being constructed at a secret lab.

“Well?” he said impatiently, annoyed by the unnecessary hesitation. As if the child was a threat. “What have you found out?”

“Nothing. That’s the issue. One scout ship disappeared. Another one was found wrecked a considerable distance from the target. Neither of the two… investigators we attempted to insert have returned. We may be forced to go with Fleet Admiral Gernagan’s suggestion.”

Karthajin shook his head. “Taking it by force is too risky. If the weapon is triggered, we could lose another planet. Not to mention that I want more information. Who’s behind it and what are they planning? And what if there’s another site?”

He stared across the table at Tanaca, tapping his fingers as he thought. The original information about the secret lab had been gathered by the crew of an independent freighter. Perhaps they could be successful a second time.

“Send for Captain Athtar,” he ordered.

“Sire?” Tanaca raised a brow.

“He managed to get a man in and out of the facility before. Perhaps this time he can bring someone out with him.”

“Neither he nor his crew are trained operatives.”

“Your trained operatives aren’t succeeding.”

A flash of annoyance crossed Tanaca’s face before he inclined his head. “Yes, Sire. Very well. I will send for him.”

“Politely, Tanaca.”

“I am always polite, Sire.”

This time he really did look offended and Karthajin grinned. “I know. I’m sure you ask someone to please bow their head before you cut their throat.”

“Of course,” Tanaca said calmly, then let a small smile twist his lips.

“Exactly. Are you attending the Honors awards?”

“Not unless you wish me to be present. I have some additional information to compile before the banquet tonight. If we could meet for a few minutes prior to the start, I will give you my updates.”

“Very well. Thank you, Tanaca.”

His advisor bowed and departed. While his servants soundlessly cleared the remains of their breakfast, Karthajin contemplated his day. He had private audiences all morning, a diplomatic lunch, the Awards ceremony this afternoon, and a banquet in the evening. His only private time was the hour he dedicated each afternoon to continuing his studies. He sighed and felt Ella give his hand a tentative touch. He looked down to see her watching him, her brow furrowed.

“Don’t worry, pet. Just contemplating another exciting day in the life of an emperor.”

She curled her fingers around his and lifted them to her cheek, her skin softer than his finest silk robe. She did nothing else, made no demands on him, and he realized how rare that was. For a long moment, they sat in silence and he let the peace of the gardens and the comfort of her presence seep over him.

A discreet cough broke the quiet.

“Sire, your tailor has arrived. Shall I ask him to return later?”

With the ease of long practice, he bit back the urge to tell everyone to just leave him alone and forced a smile. The fact that the tailor was the one interrupting made it easier—he genuinely liked the other man. Kolga’s sly sense of humor made long fittings a lot more bearable.

“Kolga,” he said warmly.

“Your Imperial Majesty.” Kolga swept a deep bow. “How may I serve you?”

Short for a Kaisarian, Kolga was, as usual, impeccably dressed. Only the unusual buttons highlighting his tunic hinted at his more flamboyant side.

“This child needs some clothes.”

“She certainly does.” He studied Ella, still perched at Karthajin’s feet, and raised his brows. “Child?” Before Karthajin could respond, he moved on. “What type of attire would you like, Sire?”

He looked down at Ella, who returned his gaze innocently. “Something pretty. Blue, perhaps, to bring out her eyes. But let her choose. She doesn’t speak but she can show you what she likes.”

“Of course. Yes, blue might do very well. Or perhaps pink, to bring out the creaminess in her skin.” He clapped his hands. “I just received a shipment of Selengal silks that would be perfect. They’re too subtle for most Kaisarians but they would be perfect for her. Come along, um… child. This is going to be fun.”

Ella clutched Karthajin’s hand, her eyes pleading, and he patted it reassuringly.

“Don’t worry, Ella. Nothing is going to happen to you. You will take care of her, won’t you, Kolga?”

“Of course, Sire.” He swept another bow and then held out his hand to Ella. When she hesitated, his grin faded and he grew serious. “I promise, Ella, you’re safe with me.”

Blue eyes studied Kolga’s face, then she nodded and rose gracefully to her feet. She slipped her hand into Kolga’s and Karthajin had the sudden surprising urge to demand that he release her. With a last look back at him, Ella followed Kolga out of the room. Even next to Kolga’s more diminutive stature, she looked small and delicate and he had to fight the urge to go after her. Instead, he had just turned his attention back to his paperwork when another discreet cough sounded.

“Yes, Saban?”

“I beg your pardon, Sire, but Master Gatarro is here. He doesn’t have an appointment, but he seems most distressed. He assured me that Your Imperial Majesty would wish to see him.”

“Yes, I do. Send him in.”

Gatarro appeared immediately and fell to his knees. “Your Imperial Majesty. I have failed you. Ella has disappeared again. I was watching her personally, but I’m ashamed to admit that I fell asleep. My guards said that they saw her leave but because you had instructed that she was not to be touched, they made no attempt to stop her.” He paused and wiped his brow with a trembling hand. “It is, of course, my failure for not making sure they understood you would want her watched. I’ve checked the stables, the kennels, everywhere! I can’t find her.”

Karthajin studied the groveling man. He had, indeed, failed to obey his command but the failure was not due to malice. There were a number of harsher ways Gatarro could have secured Ella, but instead he had chosen a personal watch. He’d known when he appointed Gatarro to Slave Master for the household slaves that he was not a harsh master, and that was the very reason he had chosen him. He wasn’t going to punish him for it now. However, Gatarro had fallen asleep on duty so he let the man sweat for a few more minutes before he spoke.

“Ella is here with me. She is safe.”

Gatarro sagged with relief, then looked around in confusion. “Here, Sire?”

“Yes. She is being fitted for some new clothes currently.”

“Clothes? But… Oh, I see.” The look of relief was replaced with one of distress. Twisting his hands together, he took a deep breath. “I apologize if I offend Your Imperial Majesty, but I believe she would be better off with me. She may be of age, but she is a complete innocent—”

“Of age?” Karthajin hid his shock.

“Yes, Sire. Her paperwork was quite clear, even though it was a somewhat… unusual transaction.”

He forced his mind away from the revelation about Ella’s age. “What was unusual about it?”

“It was a private transaction and, I’m sorry to say, most probably illegal. Her owner was a relatively low-level bureaucrat, a government historian. I don’t know where he would have found the money to purchase such an expensive slave.”

“Did the paperwork say where she was from?”

“A planet called Earth. I believe it is a pre-spaceflight world which is why it would have been an illegal transaction.” He shook his head. “Shocking, really. But I understand that they were a childless couple. I’m sure it brought them great comfort to have a little pet instead.”

Earth? Once again, Karthajin hid his surprise. He had recently encountered another female from that planet, but the two were so different he would never have assumed that they came from the same location. Even now, he found it hard to believe that the lush, dark-haired female mated to his cousin Rastrath could be from the same planet as his delicate little Ella.

“What happened to her owners?”

Gatarro shook his head again, looking troubled. “A senseless crime. They were found murdered in their home. It appeared that they had been tortured. Ella was hiding in a closet, almost catatonic when they found her. Since they had no heirs, she was put up for auction.” He straightened his shoulders and looked Karthajin in the eye. “I bought her for the Imperial Palace because if I did not, she would have been sold to a brothel. I did not want to see that innocence ruined. Please, Your Imperial Majesty, let her return to me.”

A wave of outrage swept through Karthajin. This man thought that he would defile an innocent?

“You were not successful in protecting her the first time,” he said coolly. “She is better off with me. You are dismissed.”

Gatarro hesitated, then took one look at his face, nodded, and scrambled awkwardly to his feet. He bowed his way out of the room without another word.

Karthajin picked up his papers but his mind kept returning to Gatarro’s words. His Ella was human? He pictured her next to his cousin’s consort and shook his head. Even ignoring the other woman’s advanced pregnancy, there was no comparison between the two females. He couldn’t imagine Ella’s small body ripe with child, although the thought caused an unexpected rush of heat to his loins. Sternly suppressing the reaction, he focused on his paperwork.

However, despite his attempts to push the thoughts aside, they insisted on intruding throughout his next two meetings. That pretty little girl was an adult? Of course, it shouldn’t make any difference—Gatarro was quite right that she was obviously innocent. He thought he had finally dismissed the idea when the door opened and Ella rushed in. The shapeless black uniform was gone. In its place was a simple blue dress with a high waist. It was pretty and delicate and feminine—and left absolutely no doubt that she was not a child.

Chapter Four

Ella studied the man who was leading her away from the emperor from under her lashes. Although he was still tall, he was shorter than most Kaisarians, and that made her feel a little safer. In addition, she had seen only kindness in his face. He looked down and caught her peeping and laughed.

“Sizing me up, sweetie?”

Her cheeks heated and he laughed again. “Don’t worry. You have nothing to fear from me. And even if I had evil intentions, which I don’t, I’m quite sure the emperor would have my head if I harmed you.”

A warm glow filled her, and she ducked her head to hide her pleased smile.

“Can you really not talk?”

She shook her head.

“But you’re not a child, are you?”

After a brief hesitation, she shook her head again. Momi and Popi had never been happy when she showed any signs of growing up. They had preferred to ignore the obvious signs and, since she wanted to make them happy, she had learned to behave accordingly.

“I didn’t think so.” Kolga nodded and flashed her a grin. “You don’t spend four decades dressing people without learning what someone looks like under their clothes.”

Before she could decide how she felt about his comment, he stopped and flung open a pair of double doors. “This is where the magic happens.”

When she hesitated, he took her hand again and led her inside. It was an enormous space, with a wall of windows along one side. In front of the windows, a number of people were doing various types of handwork, while on the other side of the room, more people were working industriously on a variety of devices ranging from a familiar looking sewing machine to a complicated set of computer screens. A loft ran the full length of the room and she could see bolt after bolt of fabric in every color of the rainbow.

Kolga clapped. “Varrona, Zaba, attend me, please.”

Without waiting for a response, he led her up the stairs to the fabric loft. “Now, let’s see. What do we like? Blue, of course.” He started tagging bolts of fabric. “Pale pink would work. Or perhaps, yellow.”

Unable to help herself, she shook her head violently. She had been wearing yellow the night Momi and Popi had been killed. She couldn’t remember the events of the evening, but she had a very clear memory of looking down and seeing a spray of red on her yellow dress. The memory started to take over and she didn't even realize how quickly she was breathing until Kolga took her hand.

“It’s all right, sweetie. You’re safe here. No yellow, I promise.”

Clinging gratefully to his hand, she forced her breathing to slow. As it did, she realized that he had been joined by two women. All three of them were looking at her with concern but no one seemed angry or impatient. She gave them a tentative smile.

“That’s better. Ella, this is Varrona and Zaba. If you’ll go behind that screen over there with Varrona, she’ll get your measurements.”

The next few hours passed in a blur of fabric and color. Kolga sketched out designs with astonishing speed but he always made sure that she approved each one before passing it to the women. At first, she was hesitant to indicate that she didn’t like something, but her confidence grew as he accepted each rejection with unruffled aplomb. After the third time she shook her head at a dress edged with ruffles, he laughed.

“Ok, sweetie. I get the picture. Nothing too frilly.”

He turned back to his design pad as the realization swept over Ella. She was rejecting the type of clothes she had always worn. Momi liked her in frilly little outfits with ruffled skirts and lots of bows. They were always very pretty and she’d never really minded but now, now she found herself longing for something a little more grown up. Perhaps even something that would make Karthajin think of her as something more than a child. Perhaps even as a woman.

She shook her head. It was a ridiculous thought. Not only was he the emperor, he was so devastatingly handsome, he must have women flocking to him constantly. The thought caused an unexpected hollowness in her stomach and she scowled.

“Now what’s the matter, sweetie. Don’t you like it?” Kolga was rotating a floating image of a dress and she gasped with pleasure. It was beautiful—a simple column of pale blue silk, gathered under the breasts with an embroidered sash. More embroidery in the form of tiny blue flowers edged the neck and the small puff sleeves. Unthinkingly, she reached for the image, but it wavered at her touch.

“I take it that meets with your approval?” Kolga asked, and she nodded enthusiastically.

By the time she had approved a number of additional images, the blue dress was ready. She slipped it on behind the screen, along with a pair of matching blue slippers. The fabric floated lightly over her skin, clinging just enough to accentuate her slight curves. The neckline revealed the merest hint of cleavage, but it was the most daring thing she had ever worn. For a brief second, she thought of returning to her uniform, but then the thought of Karthajin seeing her made her reconsider. Would he like it? Would his eyes linger on the soft white flesh above the neckline?

At the thought, her nipples tingled and she was suddenly aware that they had tightened into stiff little peaks. Pressing her hands against them only made the ache increase, so she finally abandoned the attempt and left the privacy of the screen. Kolga and his attendants clapped enthusiastically and she blushed.

“You look beautiful, sweetie. I wonder, would a little makeup…” He studied her face, then shook his head. “No, you’re perfect as you are. Let’s return you to the emperor and see what he thinks.”

As Kolga led the way back through the palace, they passed several servants and a few elaborately dressed courtiers. They all paid far more attention to her than she was used to, and she found herself shrinking closer to Kolga. The last time she had attracted attention had been with the two guards. She had been in a hurry to get to the stables and check on her favorite tigren, when she’d run around a corner and straight into their grasp. Her breathing rate started to increase as the memories surfaced. Kolga noticed and tucked her hand into his arm.

“Don’t worry, sweetie. They are just admiring your new look. No one is going to hurt you.”

His words comforted her, but she was still anxious to get back to Karthajin. They halted outside a pair of double doors, flanked by two of the massive guards. Despite her trepidation, as soon as they saw her, they nodded and swung the doors open wide for her to enter. Inside was another chamber, this one occupied by one of the tall blue aliens. She had the same brief moment of panic that she’d experienced when she’d seen Karthajin’s advisor earlier that day, although she didn’t understand why she was scared. The Elginar were widely known as quiet, scholarly types.

The man rose to his feet and exchanged a few words with Kolga before opening yet another set of doors. Inside was a large office, overlooking more gardens. She had a fleeting delighted vision of a wall of books, but her attention was drawn immediately to Karthajin. He was seated at a large desk by the windows and there was a look of weariness on his handsome face that made her heart twist. Then he looked up and saw her.

Karthajin’s reaction was everything she could have wished. Although he quickly slipped into his usual careless mask, she saw the heat that flared in his eyes. She skipped over to him and twirled, her nipples tightening again when he cast a quick look down her body, lingering for a second on her breasts. His hand clenched on the arm of his chair, but his voice was casual.

“An excellent job, as always, Kolga.”

“Thank you, Sire. It’s easy when you have such a charming subject.”

Touched by Kolga’s words, she danced back over to him and reached up to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, the way she would have kissed Popi. He smiled down at her, then they both jumped when Karthajin made a harsh sound. Kolga immediately stepped back.

“There are other outfits being completed now, Your Imperial Majesty. Where would you like them delivered?”

Kolga’s voice was perfectly neutral but he seemed oddly tense. Ella looked at Karthajin anxiously. Would he think the gift of pretty clothes was sufficient, and send her back to the slave quarters? She held her breath until he shrugged.

“Send them here.”

She and Kolga both relaxed.

“Yes, Sire. I will arrange for it personally.” Kolga swept another bow, gave her a wink, and departed.

For a moment she wasn’t sure what to do. Karthajin was contemplating his hands, an odd look on his face, but then he looked up and smiled at her. Relieved that he was smiling again, she flew back over to him, intending to give him a thank you kiss as well, and already anticipating the way his short beard would feel against her lips. Instead, he held out his hand and brought her gently to a halt. Puzzled, she sank down at his feet instead, still clinging to his hand.

Since she couldn’t kiss him, she made her best effort to talk. “Th-tha...”

Frustrated that the words wouldn’t come, she scowled, but he gave her hand a comforting squeeze.

“Thank you? You’re quite welcome, pet. Although that dress does make it quite clear that you’re not a child, which could be problematic.”

She tilted her head.

“Anyone who sees a beautiful young girl at my side is going to make certain… assumptions.”

A little thrill of excitement went through her. Did that mean that people would think he liked her? She nodded eagerly and he laughed ruefully.

“I suspect you don’t understand. They would assume you were my sex slave.”

Her mouth dropped open. Her? She shivered with a complicated mixture of disbelief and longing. Despite Momi and Popi’s refusal to see it, she wasn’t a child anymore. Her nipples started to ache again, along with a new throbbing, low in her belly. The feelings that she had suppressed for so long were surfacing. Pushing them aside to examine later, she looked up at him and shrugged.

He was still frowning. “Perhaps it would be better to send you back to Gatarro.”

She tightened her grip on his hand and shook her head frantically.

“No, I don’t suppose I will. He didn’t take very good care of you, did he? Very well. You can stay with me until I can make more suitable arrangements.”

That comment didn’t please her at all, but then she’d had no real expectation of being allowed to stay forever so she forced a smile.

“Don’t worry, pet. I’ll find you a good home.”

Fighting down a sudden impulse to scowl at him, she masked her feelings behind the expression of wide-eyed innocence that served her so well. From the way he studied her face, she suspected he didn’t believe it as easily as Momi and Popi had, but he didn’t say anything.

There was a discreet knock, and the Elginar appeared. “Sire, the Hecusians are here.”

“Just a minute.” Karthajin looked back down at her. “What would you like to do now, pet? Take a nap, perhaps?”

It took more effort not to scowl this time. Momi had insisted on daily naps and Ella hated them. She clutched his hand pleadingly and shook her head.

“You want to stay here? It won’t be very exciting.”

“B-b-bo…” Frustrated, she gestured at the wall of bookcases.

“You can read?” He looked shocked.

There was no stopping her frown this time, but he only laughed at her expression.

“Sorry, pet. I just didn’t think your owners would have taught you. Very well, you can curl up over there with a book, as long as you promise not to interrupt.”

Before he could stop her, she dropped a quick kiss on his hand, then skipped over to the wall of old-fashioned books. While the memory of her life on Earth was even more of a blur than her actual kidnapping, she thought she must have always loved to read. Popi had owned a much smaller collection of physical books and she’d been drawn to them, even though the symbols made no sense to her. When Popi had seen her pick one up one day, he’d been delighted by her interest and taught her to read Kaisarian.

At first it was fun, and he would even have her read simple passages when they had friends over, both Momi and Popi beaming proudly. But as her skills advanced and she wanted to move on to more complicated books, he suddenly stopped teaching her. Since he looked distressed when she asked for more lessons, she let it drop.

Instead, she taught herself and started keeping a book hidden away for nap times. Once she had her own bed, she would sneak down during the night and read. By the time they’d… died, she’d been through every book in his collection at least once. Now she gave a sigh of delight and picked up an old favorite. When the servant returned with Karthajin’s visitors, she was happily ensconced in her book.

Chapter Five

Karthajin paid considerably less attention to his next visitors than he usually did. His eyes kept drifting over to Ella, curled in a corner with her book, while his mind kept replaying the vision of her twirling in front of him. The light from the window had turned her gown translucent and he could see each detail of her slender body, from her small pert breasts to the tiny patch of gold curls between softly curved thighs. His horns pulsed and his cock stirred, just from the memory, but he forced his body under control by concentrating on the two Hecusians arguing with each other.

In their anger, they had forgotten their place and their voices were beginning to rise. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ella’s head tilt and suspected that she was listening to the argument, even though she didn’t raise her eyes from her book. He was suddenly tired of the noise and the petty squabble.

“Enough,” he ordered. “I will take this matter under advisement. You are dismissed.”

Cut off in mid-sentence, the Hecusians exchanged startled looks, but rose immediately. “Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”

As they bowed and turned to leave, one of them caught sight of Ella. He paused long enough to give her an appreciative look. “A new pet, Sire? I’m not familiar with the species but she looks quite charming.”

He obviously thought he was ingratiating himself and Karthajin had to fight back the urge to order him to keep his eyes to himself. Instead, he kept his voice cold and disinterested. “I don’t believe I require your approval.”

The Hecusians might be loud and argumentative, but they were not stupid. They left without another word. He sighed and looked over to find Ella peeping at him, her eyes full of mischief.

“I told you that would happen. I also told you that the meeting would be boring.”

Eyes still laughing, she shook her head.

“Perhaps you’re right. They did get somewhat heated in their discussion.” For the first time, he noticed the red cover of the thick volume resting on her lap. “What are you reading, pet?”

She immediately jumped up and came to him with her quick, graceful steps, handing him the book.

“Turmoil and Tranquility?” He tried to hide his shock, but he must not have been entirely successful because she bit her lip. The book was a classic of Kaisarian literature from several centuries before. It was undeniably well-written, but it was also long, involved, and written in the formal elaborate style which had been popular at the time. He took another look at that innocent, youthful face and suspected that he had seriously underestimated her. “Have you read this before?”

After a long pause, she nodded, but she looked guilty.

“Were you supposed to?”

This time she shook her head, giving him an anxious look.

“Don’t worry, pet. Here, you can read anything you want.”

A brilliant smile lit her face and she flung herself into his arms. He knew he should reprimand her, but her spontaneous affection was oddly endearing. Instead, he settled back in his chair and gathered her close. She nestled against him with a contented little sound that reminded him of a linae cub.

“You’re an affectionate little thing, aren’t you? Did your owners snuggle with you?”

She nodded but didn't look up. After a minute, he realized she was trembling. When he gently raised her chin, he saw that she was crying, big silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Desiring only to comfort her, he leant down and gave her a gentle kiss. She gasped and her lips parted. Completely unable to resist, he ran his tongue across her luscious bottom lip and dipped inside. She tasted of fruit and tea, with an underlying sweetness that was completely her own and completely different from any other kiss he had ever had.

When she didn’t respond, he started to force himself to withdraw, but then she grabbed his head, accidentally brushing against the sensitive base of his horns. His shaft responded, but he ignored it and focused on her tentative attempts to return his kiss as her tongue shyly reached for his. He gently encouraged her, and she grew bolder, obviously inexperienced but making up for it with her enthusiasm. Completely uninhibited, she arched toward him, responding with an eager innocence that made the kiss seem as fresh and new for him as it obviously was for her. When he finally, regretfully, lifted his head, his cock was rock hard, his horns were throbbing, and he was as aroused as he’d ever been in his life.

“M-m-mo…” she whispered, and he had no difficulty understanding what she wanted.

With a self-control he couldn’t help but regret, he shook his head and lifted her gently off his lap. She brushed against his erection in the process and her eyes widened even more. When she was standing, she stared in fascination at his lap. Her avid gaze was entirely too enticing and his cock jerked. A look of startled delight crossed her face and she reached out her hand to touch him. He caught her fingers in his and shook his head again.

“W-whyy?”

Because it was completely impossible. Because he had no intention of taking advantage of her innocence. Because of a thousand different reasons starting with his careless bastard of a father and ending with the fact that he was the emperor.

Before he could decide how to convey any of that to her, Tikaren appeared at the door to let him know that his next visitors had arrived. Both relieved and sorry for the interruption, he sent Ella back to her chair and her book, forced his body under control, and returned to business.

The next two audiences went smoothly enough. Ella remained in her chair and none of his visitors commented on her presence. She kept her head bent over her book, but he suspected she was paying more attention than she let on. When the morning meetings concluded and it was time to dress for his luncheon, she proved it.

The two of them had returned to his rooms so he could change into more formal garments. He was standing in his dressing room while his dresser arranged the ornate robes and watching through the open doors as Ella wandered around exploring his sitting room, curious as a linae cub. After her initial survey, she’d gone straight to the wall lined with books. Tugging one from the stack, she searched through it until she found a specific section, then brought it to him where he was waiting patiently while the elaborate lacings on his sleeves were fastened. Watching her had relieved the usual tedium, but he gave her a puzzled look as she held out the book.

“What is it, pet? That’s one of the histories of Kaisar.”

She nodded impatiently and pointed to the page she had open.

“The Treaty of Almanta?” he asked, unable to conceal his surprise. During his third meeting, the Lord High Ruler of Mostur had requested imperial assistance on Almanta. Karthajin was quite sure that it wasn’t permitted under the treaty but had intended to verify the terms before responding to the request. Something on his face must have disturbed her because she bit her lip, then drew the book back.

“How did you know, Ella?”

She gave him her best innocent look and shrugged her shoulders, looking adorably helpless and confused. He would have laughed at the sudden change in her demeanor if he hadn’t been so shocked by her action. Not only had she understood the meeting, she had realized that the request shouldn’t be granted and brought him the rather obscure record to prove it. How was that possible? Then he remembered what Gatarro had said.

“Your owners…they were historians?”

After a quick look at him from under her lashes, she nodded reluctantly.

“So I imagine many of those books you weren’t supposed to read were histories?”

Biting her lip, she nodded again. He shook his head, still stunned, and her shoulders drew up defensively. His dresser had finished with one sleeve and moved on to the other, so he used his free arm to pull her close.

“Don’t look so scared, pet. I already told you that you could read whatever you wanted. I’m just impressed that you remembered the treaty.”

Sighing gratefully, she nestled closer. It wasn’t the first time she’d been in this position, but since the dress and their kiss, something had changed, and he was uneasily aware of just how soft and feminine she felt against him. Despite that, he was surprisingly reluctant to let her go, but both sleeves were finished now, and he had duties waiting, so he set her gently away from him.

“I will be gone for several hours and you can’t come with me this time.”

Her face fell, then she tilted her head and gave him a considering look.

“Don’t even think about following me, pet,” he said sternly, suppressing the desire to laugh. “Saban will bring lunch for you here, and you will stay in my rooms until I return. Do you promise?”

She studied his face, then nodded.

“That’s a good girl. I’ll be back to meet with one of my… advisors this afternoon.” Nokatan was actually one of his former tutors, but an emperor did not have tutors, he had advisors. “You can join us and then we’ll have dinner together before I attend this evening’s banquet.” He always ate before attending one of the long formal events so he could concentrate on not only the official happenings but the subtle interactions and politics that always surrounded him.

Ella smiled up at him, blue eyes sparkling at his words, and despite the presence of his servant, despite knowing it was a bad idea, he bent down and gave her a quick kiss before he tore himself away.

Chapter Six

As soon as the door closed behind Karthajin, Ella had to fight down the impulse to run after him. She knew it was silly to feel abandoned, the room suddenly seemed cold and empty. Either Momi or Popi had always been home with her and she wasn’t used to be being alone. Even here at the palace, there were other slaves around all day. One of the reasons she snuck out at night was because visiting the stables made her feel less lonely. But she had promised to stay here, so she sighed and tried to think of a way to occupy her time.

The dresser was eying her curiously as she gathered up some unused ribbons and Ella gave her a shy smile. Karthajin had barely even seemed to notice the other woman but she was a very attractive female, her warm red skin was accented by long black hair arranged in an elaborate style that gave Ella a little pang of jealousy. She’d always wanted long hair, but Momi said it was too hard to manage her curls when they were long and kept it cut short.

The dresser smiled back but didn’t speak, merely taking the leftover materials through a door in the far wall. Curious, Ella followed her, then gasped in amazement. Behind the door was a vast room filled with hundreds, possibly even thousands, of outfits, all stored in clear cases hanging three tiers high along the walls or laid neatly on the banks of shelves and drawers that lined the center of the room. The dresser put away her collection, dipped her head at Ella, then slipped through a small door in the rear of the room.

Once again, Ella followed her, only to find that the door opened into the network of servant’s corridors which ran behind the walls of the palace. One of the huge bull-like alien guards turned to look at her and she jumped back inside, closing the door as quickly as possible. Her heart pounded and she had to fight the urge to go after Karthajin. After a brief battle with herself, she decided to explore the rest of his rooms instead.

All of the rooms were large, with high ceilings and rich fabrics, but the decor was restrained, the colors were soothing, and she felt unexpectedly comfortable. Many of the rooms opened out into private courtyards or the interior gardens, and that, too, made her feel at ease. The bedroom was spectacular, with an enormous bed perched on a raised dais, surrounded by silk curtains flowing from the ceiling far above her head. She touched the elaborate coverlet cautiously, the embroidery soft beneath her fingers, and felt a curious little shiver of expectation. Would he let her sleep here with him?

The first few months after she’d arrived on Kaisar, she’d been so scared and sad that Momi and Popi had let her sleep with them. She’d cried when they moved her to a bed in the corner of their room instead, even though it had been soft and comfortable and decorated in her favorite shade of blue. Several years later, she’d been woken in the night by strange noises coming from their bed. When she asked about them, Popi had told her firmly that she wasn’t old enough to understand. A few days later, they had moved her to her own little nook at the top of the stairs, and she’d cried again. But she grew to enjoy having her own space—and the ability to sneak downstairs and read.

As her reading skills improved and she read more, she realized that Momi and Popi must have been having sex. She understood the basic mechanics involved, but most of the books were quite vague as to the details. Even so, picturing herself in that enormous bed with Karthajin had her nipples tightening again and the curious ache starting between her thighs. Then she shook her head. He was the emperor. She was only a human slave. There was no way he would ever be interested in her. But he kissed you, her mind whispered, and she gave a little shiver of pleasure.

Replaying that delightful memory, she continued to explore until Saban and another servant appeared in the doorway of the sitting room. To her relief, he didn’t lead her to either of the rather intimidating dining rooms she had discovered, but instead set up some cushions before a low table in front of one of the windows. The other servant knelt gracefully and placed a small flower arrangement on the table before he began covering the surface with small plates, each one a beautifully arranged composition of food and serving container. Her eyes widened with alarm at the number and variety. She looked up at Saban and shook her head frantically.

“Don’t be alarmed, miss. The emperor said to tell you that you may eat—or not eat—whatever you wish.” Her shoulders relaxed, but then he presented her with a large selection of small decorated canisters filled with fragrant leaves. “I understand you do not care for cafir. Which type of tea would you prefer?”

Ella stared at them in dismay. She was so rarely given a choice about anything and to be presented with so many at once… She bit her lip and looked up at Saban. He took pity on her distress.

“I believe you will enjoy the winter pearl, miss.”

When she nodded gratefully, he quickly and elegantly prepared the brew, handing her a small cup with a graceful bow. She gave it a cautious sip and sighed with pleasure—the soft floral notes with just a hint of underlying bitterness was perfect. Saban and his assistant withdrew and left her alone.

Ella settled down on the cushions. Her dress flared out around her and she stroked the blue silk with pleasure. Everything had changed so quickly. Yesterday she had been wearing an oversized black uniform, crouched in a corner of the slave dining hall, picking at an uninspiring bowl of stew. Food was always available to the slaves, but it was both plain and repetitive, nothing like the array in front of her now.

Picking a dish at random, she took a cautious bite of the small pink oval floating in a clear broth. It was delicious and she instinctively looked up to share her pleasure, but there was no one to share it with. The realization that she was completely alone hit her even harder this time. Without the comfort of Karthajin’s presence, the beautiful room suddenly just seemed too big and too empty. Tears sprang to her eyes, and for a moment she found herself longing for the noise and confusion of the slave quarters. She knew it was foolish and ungrateful, but if it hadn’t been for the memory of that tall, red figure, of those black eyes smiling at her, she would have run back to where she belonged.

After her owners had died, she had been hospitalized for a few days while the doctors had tried to determine why she couldn’t talk. She’d tried at first, but only garbled noises emerged and she’d stopped trying. After all, what did it matter? Momi and Popi were dead and she couldn’t remember anything else about that horrible night. Then she’d heard the whispers about being auctioned, and the next thing she knew, she was in a brief white gown in a small cell while strangers walked by, eying her in ways she didn’t entirely understand but definitely didn’t trust. Then Gatarro had come by and announced he was purchasing her for the Imperial Palace. He had a kind face and she went with him quite happily. After they arrived, he had shown her around the slave quarters, then escorted her to a small room and told her it was all hers. It was clean and white and… bare. There were no soft fluffy blankets, no stuffed animals, and worst of all, no books hidden under the pillow.

Gatarro had sighed, looking at her in the ugly oversized black uniform he’d provided. “That’s the best I can do to protect you, Ella. It’s a shame you’re such a pretty child. Try to stay with the others and if anyone bothers you, you come to me, all right?”

She’d nodded and he’d given her a kind smile and disappeared. That night had been terrible. She missed Momi and Popi fiercely and she felt terribly alone. The bed didn’t feel right, didn’t smell right, and after tossing restlessly for what seemed like hours, she’d finally slipped out of her room. People were still moving around in the slave quarters, but they were big and loud, strangers, and she avoided them. On one of the walls, she found a map of the palace and her eyes were instantly drawn to the stables. She’d seen pictures of the lovasts, the six-legged riding beasts restricted to the Royal family, and she wanted to see them in person.

Creeping through the servant’s corridors, mostly deserted at this time of night, had been easier than she expected, and gave her a pleasant little thrill. When she reached the stables, only a few small lights were on, but she could hear the lovasts moving around. Keeping to the shadows, she slipped into the building. A big white lovast had poked its head over the nearest stall. Huge white horns angled out from his brow, and his eyes glowed red, even in the dim light, but she didn’t feel threatened. They studied each other, and then he shook his head, his crest rippling, and stretched toward her. She stroked his nose, the fine white scales silky to the touch, and he made an odd purring growl, and nuzzled against her.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

The gruff voice interrupted the moment and the lovast flung up his head, then bared his teeth, not at her but the intruder.

“I’ll be damned.” A stranger approached, a short, heavily-built man with dark skin and heavy ridges spiraling up his brow. He was carrying a small lantern and he looked from her face to the lovast’s defensive posture. “Settle down, Patka. I’m not going to hurt the child. What’s your name, girl?”

She shook her head, rubbing her throat, and his eyes narrowed. “Can’t talk, eh? Not much for conversation myself. I’m Vradaz, the stable master.”

Patka butted his head against her, impatient with the conversation, and she giggled and rubbed his head again. When Vradaz approached, Patka eyed him suspiciously, but the stable master only gave Ella a small treat and showed her how to offer it to the lovast on her open palm. He lifted it from her hand with great delicacy, his fearsome teeth nowhere in sight. After Vradaz introduced her to the rest of the animals, he took her to his cozy rooms above the stable and fed her hot tea and cakes. He was right, he didn’t talk much, but he showed her how to mend the lovasts’ tack and she felt comfortable in the warm little room, the musty smell of animals and leather permeating the air.

After that, she snuck off almost every night, mostly to visit Vradaz and the stables, but occasionally to see some of the other intriguing destinations on the map. A few times, Gatarro caught her, but although he clucked his tongue, he never punished her. Instead, he’d tried to warn her about the dangers she faced alone. A warning she hadn’t really understood until her encounter with the two guards. The memory made her shiver and she had to take a few deep breaths to remind herself that she was safe here, in these beautiful rooms. If only she weren’t alone.

Chapter Seven

By the time Saban returned, she had only managed to pick at a few more dishes. He gave the full plates a concerned look, but true to his word, he didn’t press her on it. After he cleared the plates away, he returned with a pitcher containing an iced fruit drink and a plate of the small sweet rolls she had consumed so eagerly at breakfast. She gave him a grateful smile and he winked at her before bowing and departing.

The hours dragged on. Unable to face the increasingly oppressive feeling of isolation, she took a book and escaped to the garden where at least she had caged birds to keep her company. By the time she finished the book, she was feeling a little better, her head still lost in the dramatic tale of Princess Herchana at the time of the Second Kaisarian Revolution. Just as she was returning it to the bookcase, a man entered the room.

Equally startled, they stared at each other. The stranger was a slender man, taller than her, of course, but nowhere near Karthajin’s height. He had pale purple skin which was lined with age, and wide set tilted eyes of deep purple. His cloud of white hair swirled rapidly around his face, slowing as he recovered his composure. He scowled at her.

“You’re not exactly the emperor’s usual type. Did he finally decide to go after someone closer to his own age?”

Even if she had been able to speak, she had no idea how she would have responded. Karthajin had a type? And she wasn’t it? That hurt rather more than she expected, and her lip trembled.

“Nothing to say? Well, I don’t suppose he chose you for your brains. Go on now, girl. I’m sure he doesn't want you here when he returns. In fact, I’m surprised Saban hasn’t removed you already.” A sharp-eyed gaze traveled to her hand, still holding her book. “And you definitely shouldn’t be playing with that. Do you have any idea how valuable it is? Put it down at once.”

The combination of his disapproval and the harshness in his voice made her nervous and she fumbled with the book, only to have it slip to the floor. They both watched in dismay as it landed awkwardly and several pages fluttered free.

“Oh, you stupid girl,” he muttered as he approached, and crouched down to pick up the book. She went to help him, and he waved her away impatiently. “Don’t touch it. You’ll only make it worse.” He glanced up long enough to see her white face and trembling mouth and his face softened slightly. “I’ll take care of it. Just leave now. I won’t tell the emperor what happened. Go on with you.”

She had no idea what to do. She’d promised Karthajin that she wouldn’t leave but this man spoke so authoritatively. And perhaps… perhaps Karthajin had sent him to get rid of her. Perhaps he was already regretting having her stay with him, especially if she wasn’t his “type.” Tears falling in earnest now, she stumbled to her feet, trying to find her way to the door. Her headlong rush to depart came to an abrupt end when she ran into a warm, hard body.

“Ella? What’s the matter, pet?” Karthajin wrapped his arms around her and she nestled against him, letting his comforting musky scent soothe her. “What the fuck did you do to her, Nokatan?”

“I’m sorry, Karthajin.” Nokatan sighed. “I was trying to get rid of her before you returned. I’m sure—”

“You were trying to get rid of her?” Karthajin’s voice was so cold she shivered, but she couldn’t resist peeking back at the recipient of his anger.

“Of course. I naturally assumed…” Nokatan looked from Karthajin’s face, eyes sparking red, to his arms, wrapped so tightly around her. “However, I see that I was mistaken. My deepest apologies, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Ella is my guest and she is to be treated with every courtesy. Is that clear?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but looked down at her and smiled, the flames dying down in his eyes. “Are you all right, pet?”

She nodded, fighting back the urge to fling her arms around his neck and kiss him. The very thought made her lick her lips, remembering how delicious he had tasted. His eyes followed the movement, and she was suddenly conscious of his body responding where she was pressed against him, but before she could decide how to react, he set her gently away from him.

“I’m going to change. Ella doesn’t speak, Nokatan, but you’ll find that she has an extensive knowledge of Kaisarian history.” Karthajin turned toward the dressing room, then stopped as he noticed the torn book. “What happened?”

“An accident, Sire,” Nokatan said quietly, and she shot him a surprised, grateful look. “I’ll have it repaired.”

“An accident?” Karthajin looked at her and she couldn’t lie to him. She started to shake her head and he held up a hand. “Let’s leave it at that, pet. I’m sure it was an accident.”

He disappeared, and she and Nokatan stared at each other as his hair flipped back and forth.

“So you don’t speak?”

She shook her head, not about to attempt it in front of him.

“But you can read?” he asked, his voice skeptical. She nodded, glaring at him and he laughed.

“If you can read, can you also write?”

Once again, she nodded.

“Hmm.” He dug around in the rather bedraggled black robe he was wearing, pulling out a geode, two books, and what looked like a sandwich, before emerging with a tablet. “Let’s see what you can do.”

Leading her to the couch, he handed her the tablet and a stylus, ignoring her disgruntled expression. “What is your name?”

Ella

“Very good.” He nodded, the patronizing expression on his face reminding her of all the times Popi had showed off her skills the same way. “How old are you?”

Eighteen

“Really? I would have thought you were younger, but I was correct that you’re closer to the emperor’s age than his usual um, guests.”

Ignoring the pang that went through her at his words, she wrote quickly. How old?

“How old is he? Let’s see. Twenty-three. He’ll be twenty-four next month and there will be a huge celebration and he will hate every minute of it.”

Why?

He shot her a look and shook his head. “Never mind. So you have an extensive knowledge of Kaisarian history?”

She shrugged.

“I don’t appreciate false modesty, Ella. Either you do or you don’t. Who were the opponents in the First Battle of Carthalon?”

It wasn’t a difficult question, although she would never have answered it for one of Popi’s friends. Still, she wanted to wipe the mocking smile off his face.

Romalan and Remotan at the beginning. She hesitated, then added, Casican entered late in the day and saved the Romalans

“Very good.” He shot her a surprised look, his hair fluttering. “Let’s try a more challenging question. What were the basic tenets of the Convention of Lords?”

There were ten of them, all lengthy. She sighed and began writing, but he stopped her after the first three.

“Never mind. I’m convinced you know them. What about—”

Before he could continue, Karthajin reappeared. He had changed into loose pants and an open robe which showed a wide expanse of muscled chest, with a thin trail of dark hair that led down beneath his waistband. Her mouth went dry. He looked at her expression and his eyes flared. For a moment, they were the only two people in the room, then Nokatan coughed.

“I believe you may be correct, Sire. We’ve only covered a few questions, but her knowledge appears to be quite comprehensive.”

“Questions?” He saw the tablet. “Of course, why didn’t I think of that?”

Ella couldn’t resist. Didn’t think I could write?

“Oh, no, pet.” He laughed. “I’m not falling into that trap. I’m sure you’re quite capable of a number of things.”

“I know we were going to discuss the history of Ceekat trading policies today, Sire, but if you’ll permit me, I would like to discover the extent of Ella’s knowledge.”

“Ceekat trading policies can wait. Go ahead.” He seated himself next to her on the couch. She was so conscious of his big, warm body that she missed Nokatan’s next question.

“Pay attention, girl.”

Flustered, she gave Karthajin a helpless look, but he only nodded encouragingly. Overwhelmingly aware of his presence, she debated missing some of the questions deliberately. She couldn’t bear it if his expression dimmed and he took on the worried look that Popi always got when she revealed something she wasn’t supposed to know. In the end, she answered truthfully and was rewarded by a warm look of approval. Settling back against the cushions, she prepared to enjoy the challenge.

Karthajin watched approvingly as Ella answered Nokatan’s questions. He rapidly realized that her knowledge of Kaisarian history was as extensive as his own, although it ended about the time his grandfather had ascended to the throne. Nokatan started branching out into other subjects and he found that his little female was an intriguing combination of knowledge and ignorance. Her math skills were quite basic, and her scientific knowledge abysmal. However, she could name and describe a number of animals and had a passable understanding of botany.

Nokatan appeared equally as fascinated and would have continued the questioning if Karthajin hadn’t noticed that her little shoulders were drooping and her hand was beginning to shake.

“I think that’s enough, Nokatan. Tired, pet?”

She gave him a grateful look and leaned into him. He put his arm around her and let her snuggle against him, ignoring Nokatan’s expression.

“Shall we resume our discussions on trade next week?”

“Yes, Sire.” Nokatan hesitated. “I was wondering if perhaps Ella would like some additional lessons.”

“Would you like that, pet?”

Despite her drooping eyelids, she nodded eagerly.

“Very well. Tomorrow, at the same time?”

“Yes, Sire. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ella.”

She gave him a sleepy smile and Karthajin found to his surprise that he didn’t like her bestowing that soft, contented look on anyone else. Ignoring Nokatan’s departure, he put his hand on her cheek so that she looked up at him instead, the contented look turning into something a lot more expectant. His horns gave a gentle throb and she saw the movement. She reached up curiously and ran a finger slowly around the base of his right horn, his cock immediately responding to the touch.

Reluctantly, he pulled her hand away, tucking it against his chest instead. However, she took advantage of his gesture to stroke his chest, in a soft, almost innocent touch. He relaxed and let her small fingers stroke him, enjoying the petting until her hand drifted lower and she began following the line of hair running down his lower stomach. He snatched her hand away and sat up quickly. Her eyes widened with dismay and she reached for the tablet Nokatan had left behind.

What’s wrong?

“Nothing’s wrong, pet. It’s just not… appropriate for you to touch me that way.”

You don’t like me?

“I like you very much.” Too much. “But you’re very young—”

She scribbled quickly and thrust the tablet in his face. Not that young

“Young enough,” he said firmly, and changed the subject. “Now, let’s have something to eat before I have to get ready for the banquet. I heard you didn’t eat much lunch. Wasn’t it to your liking?”

She gave him a cautious glance, then shrugged a shoulder.

Lonely

“You don’t like eating by yourself?”

A vigorous head shake.

“Well, you won’t be alone this time. So I expect you to eat every bite.”

A happy smile lit up her face. Before he could stop her, she reached forward and hugged him. She drew back almost immediately, dropping a quick kiss on his cheek along the way, but as he went to summon Saban, he could still feel the sweet press of her body against his.

Chapter Eight

Tired and annoyed, Karthajin stepped into his rooms. The banquet had dragged on interminably. A princess of one the lower Houses had somehow managed to bribe or seduce her way into being seated next to him. Her efforts to exert those same seductive charms on him had been neither appreciated nor accepted. He found himself comparing her unfavorably to Ella and wondering if bringing his little human along would have deterred her. The thought made him frown. He’d been to one too many banquets where his mother had been forced to watch as women threw themselves at his father—and he’d responded.

As usual, Saban was waiting up for him.

“Good evening, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Good evening, Saban.” He headed for his wardrobe, already removing the uncomfortable ceremonial outfit. Fortunately, it was far easier to get it off than to put it on, since he no longer cared about the arrangement of his laces. He sighed as the weight slipped from his shoulders. The heavily embroidered pants were next, replaced by light silk sleep pants.

“Would you care for any entertainment this evening, Sire? Perhaps the trio of harfa musicians?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve had enough noise for one evening.”

Saban hesitated, an odd expression on his face. “Shall I send for Majarri?”

For a moment, he was almost tempted. Despite the annoying princess, his body still hummed with arousal from his earlier encounter with Ella. While he tried not to favor any of the courtesans who visited him, knowing only too well how quickly they would try and exert their influence, he did enjoy Majarri’s company. She was several years older than he, with a lush body but perhaps more importantly, a cynical wit that had always amused him. But then he thought of his innocent Ella sleeping nearby and found he had no desire to bring another woman into his rooms.

“No, Saban. That will be all.”

“Yes, Sire. Pleasant dreams.” Saban bowed and padded noiselessly away.

Giving in to temptation, Karthajin went to check on Ella. After their earlier meal, served informally on the table in front of the couch, Saban had found a moment to speak to him alone. With the faintest hint of disapproval underlying his usual deference, he had enquired as to what sleeping arrangements he should make for Miss Ella. Since his father had eliminated the First Consort’s suite, there were no other bedrooms within the private quarters.

The thought of her in his bed was undeniably tempting, but Saban’s disapproval notwithstanding, the closer he let her get, the harder it would be to let her go. After a brief discussion, they decided to set up a bed in the smaller dressing room that led to the baths. It had a big window overlooking a private courtyard and it was next to his bedroom so he could hear her if she got frightened during the night.

Now, he left his bedroom lights dimmed as he passed through. The dressing room was also in shadow, and he slipped silently inside the door. It wasn’t until he was close enough to see in the dim light that he realized she wasn’t sleeping peacefully in her bed. The coverlet was pulled back, the pillows were missing, and so was she.

Fear raced through him as he remembered their first encounter, her tiny body at the mercy of his guards. Anger followed just as swiftly, exacerbated by his concern. She had promised not to leave. Already debating the wisdom of looking for her himself versus having his guards search, he headed back through his bedroom, only to be caught up by the sight of a small bundle of pillows and furs on the floor next to the bed. Ella was curled in their midst, her blond curls in wild disarray and her cheeks pink from sleep, looking as innocent as the child she was not.

The anger rushed out of him as quickly as it had entered, replaced by relief that she was here and safe. Although... He frowned down at the small figure. Why would she have left her comfortable bed and come out here? But then he remembered her unhappiness when he left. Perhaps this was her way of trying to be close to him. Surprisingly gratified at the thought, he debated his options. If he returned her to her bed, he suspected she wouldn’t stay there, and he wasn’t about to let her sleep on the floor.

With a resigned sigh, and a quickly suppressed feeling of satisfaction, he bent down to pick her up and place her in his bed. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled sleepily up at him, her heavy lids and flushed cheeks unexpectedly seductive. Would she look like that after she came? His horns pulsed at the thought and his cock stirred but he ignored them.

“Go back to sleep, pet. I’m here.”

“Mmm,” she whispered, but her eyes were already closing. He tucked her in on one side of the bed, trying not to notice how the fine silk of her nightgown clung to her body, showing each enticing little dip and valley. Even her small pink nipples were visible through the thin material. Once she sighed and settled down, he moved, somewhat regretfully, to the other side of the bed. The mattress was so large there was no danger of them touching accidentally but he could hear the soft sound of her breathing and catch the faintest hint of her sweet scent. His mind kept flashing back to the sight of her body in the thin nightgown and his cock stiffened, throbbing insistently.

He rarely masturbated. If he had the urge, there was always someone easily available, although since he had become emperor, he only occasionally indulged. Even now, he could have someone sent to him, but he suspected that anyone would be a poor substitute for the person he really wanted, the girl sleeping on the other side of the big bed. It would be so easy to roll over and take her in his arms, to kiss those perfect little breasts, and slide deep inside what he had no doubt would be the sweetest, tightest cunt he’d ever experienced. He hardened even more at the thought.

After checking to make sure her breathing was still even, he slipped off his sleep pants and grasped his erection. The hard flesh felt hot against his hand as he took a long slow stroke. He repeated the motion, then slid his thumb across the head, the petals of his oris already opening, the exquisite sensation making him shudder. He repeated his strokes, keeping his movements slow and steady, but imagining her waking, imagining her turning to him and using her small soft fingers to repeat his actions, imagining her eager little tongue exploring his cock as thoroughly as she’d explored his mouth. His body tensed with anticipation… and then he heard her give a soft cry. Still caught in his fantasies, he turned eagerly in her direction. And realized she was crying.

Ella was dreaming. Part of her knew it was a dream, but she was trapped inside it, forced to relive the night when her life had changed completely. Her parents had gone out for the evening and Faith was babysitting. Faith was their neighbors’ daughter and had just returned from college with something her parents had called double doctorates. Ella didn’t care, she loved Faith. Faith was tall and brown-haired and clumsy, but she told the most wonderful stories and she knew absolutely everything.

That night they had gone out to look at the stars. Faith was pointing out the constellations and telling her their stories when two shadows appeared behind them. Just as she realized they were not shadows but strange looking men, something pricked her neck and the world went dark.

When she woke up, she and Faith were in a cage and there were tall, blue not-men bustling around. The trip had been long and terrifying, but she had Faith. Faith was always so brave and she still told Ella stories and comforted her and wouldn’t let any of the blue men near her until the very last day. The day when they pricked her neck again and she woke up with Momi and Popi smiling at her. The day when they very kindly, but quite implacably, told her that she belonged to them now.

She’d been so scared of the strange aliens who looked like devils, but they’d petted and hugged her and been so very nice. They’d given her little treats and brushed her hair and beamed when she used the bathroom. She was ten years old, she wasn’t a baby, but it was so much easier to do the things that pleased them, to let herself be comforted by them. Her memories of the horrible trip, of her real mother and father, were weirdly foggy and uncertain, and she’d pushed aside what little remained so the she could exist in this strange, new world. Even now, the memories were slipping away again with the dream, leaving her with wet cheeks and an aching sorrow she didn’t understand.

“Ssh, pet. I’m here.”

The words gradually penetrated and she realized that she was being held against a very hard, warm body. His subtle musky scent penetrated, and she realized it was Karthajin. With a muffled cry, she threw her arms around his neck and clung to him, relieved not be alone. He stroked her back, holding her tightly against him. As her sorrow eased, she became aware that there was something hard trapped between their bodies. The realization that it must be his manhood sent an odd little thrill through her body.

Once again, her nipples tingled, and she felt that strangle ache between her thighs. Curious, she wiggled her hips a little, delighted when he groaned and put one big warm hand across her bottom to hold her in place. By trying to prevent her from moving, he had also trapped her more tightly against him. His manhood was a big, hard ridge between her legs but despite the size, she didn’t feel the least bit scared. Instead, she tried to wiggle closer and his hand clamped down even harder. The pressure made her legs part and she could feel every inch of him against her private place, as if she had… opened around him, the sensation sending an electric thrill through her body.

“M-mo.” She tried to demand more, frustrated that the words wouldn’t come.

“Pet, I don’t think you know what you’re asking for.” Karthajin’s voice was strained.

“M-mor,” she repeated, a little more clearly, and tried to move again.

With what sounded like a growl, he lifted the restraining hand away, but she didn’t like that at all. It didn’t feel the same without him pressing her so tightly against him. She reached down for his hand and brought it back to her bottom, even that slight movement making the ache between her thighs intensify. With his hand once more a reassuring weight on her body, she tried to move again and realized that her nightgown was in the way.

Impatiently, she tugged the fabric aside and simultaneously realized two things: it felt even better to have his manhood touching her directly and her private place was damp and hot. Was that supposed to happen? She tried to remember if any of the books had ever mentioned it, but they had been very vague in their descriptions.

“W-wet?”

“Yes, pet, you’re very wet. That’s a good thing. Too good,” he groaned as she moved a little, exploring this new slippery feeling and deciding that she liked it. His manhood pulsed in response, sending more of those little thrills shooting through her body. The more she moved, the better it felt, her body alive with these new feelings. But even as her excitement grew, so did a feeling of frustration—she felt as if she were searching, reaching for something she couldn’t quite find. Karthajin was rigid beneath her, his muscles tense. Even though he had put his hand back on her bottom, he wasn’t guiding her.

“H-hep,” she whispered, pushing down on his hand.

“Ella, are you sure about this?”

In response, she wiggled impatiently. With a groan, he gave in. The hand on her bottom clamped down, increasing the delicious pressure between their bodies. His other hand went to her back, forcing her breasts tighter against his chest and creating a delightful throb in her nipples. He began to move her body, sliding her along the length of his manhood, the wide shaft leading to a bulbous head. When the tip of his cock reached a spot that made her cry out with excitement, it seemed to close down around it, pulsing and sucking in soft little waves. Her whole body was on fire with pleasure.

Rubbing her breasts frantically against the hard wall of his chest, she covered his neck with kisses. The pressure increased, her body tensing, expectant, and she was almost afraid, but this was Karthajin. He had her safe in his arms, and she gave in to the sensation, exploding with a startled cry as her body quivered and sparks of light flashed across her vision. Somewhere in the haze of pleasure, she realized that he was still moving her body up and down, faster now, and then she felt a gush of hot liquid across her stomach, the heated sensation against her sensitive flesh sending her into a second, smaller convulsion. When her body finally stopped trembling, his arms were wrapped tightly around her. Warm, content, and slightly sticky, she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Nine

When Ella awoke in the morning, she was still wrapped in Karthajin’s arms, but he must have taken care of her during the night because she was wearing a fresh nightgown and she no longer felt sticky. The memory of the previous night rushed through her and she felt a warm glow of happiness. She’d never known her body could be the source of so much pleasure. Would he be willing to do it again? She started to slide a tentative hand down his body, eager to explore.

“Oh no, you don’t, pet.” A big hand caught hers, then he rolled her over so she was trapped beneath him. She peeped up at him cautiously, but his eyes were smiling and he looked relaxed and happy. She smiled back and he dropped a quick kiss on her lips, his soft beard tickling. Ready for more, she reached for him, but he shook his head.

“No, Ella.”

Afraid that she’d done something wrong, she bit her lip. His eyes softened and he gave her another quick kiss before sitting up.

“I’m sorry to leave you, pet, but I have to bathe and get ready for the day.”

“B-baf?” she asked eagerly. She’d always loved spending time in the tub. In the beginning, Momi or Popi had bathed her every day. But there had come a day when Popi was bathing her, washing between her legs, and she had realized that it felt especially good. He had look horrified when she asked him to do it again and after that, she had to bathe herself. But the big tub, with the bubbles and her toys, had still been one of her favorite places.

“Yes, you can have a bath. I’ll call…” He frowned. “Never mind. I’ll run it myself.”

Jumping up eagerly, she followed him through the dressing room, giving the abandoned bed a triumphant look. She had not been happy when Saban showed it to her, even though it was a pretty little bed with a curved gold frame. After tossing restlessly, she had abandoned it for Karthajin’s bedroom. She hadn’t quite dared to get in the bed, but she’d been much happier on the floor next to it than in the lonely princess bed—and even happier in the big bed with him.

From her explorations the day before, she knew there were a variety of different bathing options, but Karthajin took her to one of the smaller rooms. A big white tub was set in an arched window embrasure and when he pressed a button, a stream of water poured down from the ceiling to fill it.

“B-bubb?” she asked hopefully.

He laughed. “I don’t think we have any bubbles, pet. But I can pour some of the bath gel into the water.” He added the liquid and clouds of bubbles began to appear.

Already anticipating, she stripped off her nightgown. When he shut off the water and turned around, his gaze heated, and she could see his manhood flex under his sleep pants. Remembering that long-ago time in the bath when she’d felt that strange little pleasure, she suspected it would feel even better if he were to bathe her. Picking up a cleansing cloth, she walked toward him, delightfully conscious of his eyes watching her, and offered it to him.

“B-baf?”

“You want me to…” Little red flames danced in his eyes before he shook his head. “Ella, do you expect me to believe you don’t know how to give yourself a bath?”

Giving him her wide-eyed look, she lifted a shoulder and gestured at the tub. “B-big.”

“Yes, it’s a big tub,” he said dryly. “However, I think you’ll be just fine by yourself. Go on now.” He turned her firmly toward the tub and gave her a little smack on her bottom. The little sting sent a tingle of excitement through her body and she looked over her shoulder at him hopefully.

“Go,” he groaned, and disappeared. Disappointed but resigned, she climbed into the tub and gave herself up to the joys of hot water and bubbles.

Abandoning Ella to her bath, Karthajin fled to the shower room where he brought himself to a swift, hard, unsatisfying climax, his mind still focused on Ella’s perfect little body. When he turned to find her standing there naked, the early morning light highlighting ripe little breasts and pretty pink nipples, he had been almost unbearably tempted. Especially when she walked towards him, her eyes sparkling with mischief, as uninhibited about her lack of clothing as she had been in her response to his touch the previous night.

There was something incredibly satisfying about her surprised delight in her pleasure. She had responded so fully, so naturally, that he had exploded like the untried boy he had never been. All of his experiences had been with someone trained to please him. What would it have been like to discover the act of love with someone who was as new to it as he was, to have learned together how to give and receive pleasure? In giving Ella her first kiss, bringing her to her first climax, he felt as if he were discovering all of those things for the first time as well. And there was so much more he wanted to show her.

For a fleeting moment, he wondered if it would be possible to keep her, to hide her away as his own little secret pleasure, safe from the machinations of the Court. It was a tempting thought, but he knew it was impossible. No aspect of his life was ever really secret. And no matter how well intentioned, it wouldn’t be fair to hide her away from the world. He remembered his mother retreating more and more until she reached the point where she rarely left her rooms. She had faded there. He wouldn’t subject Ella to the same fate. He couldn’t bear to see that innocent, curious nature crushed.

Walking back through the bathroom, he tried to avoid looking at her, but he couldn’t resist. She was splashing happily in the bath, her cheeks pink and glowing, the bubbles barely concealing her delightful little body. Duty, he reminded himself.

“I’m going to train with Sendat, pet.”

Disappointment covered her face.

“I’ll be back in an hour and we’ll have breakfast together. Would you like that?”

She nodded eagerly, and he dropped a kiss on the top of her head, sternly resisting the impulse to abandon his routine, climb into the bath with her, and show her more of the delights her body could experience. As it turned out, he might as well have stayed. His concentration was completely gone. After the third time Sendat dropped him to the mat, he helped Karthajin up and shook his head.

“Is there a problem, Sire?”

“No, Sendat. I’m just distracted.”

Sendat hesitated, and Karthajin remembered that he’d seen him with Ella the day before. He suspected that the other man knew exactly why he was unable to concentrate.

“There will always be… distractions, Sire. In order to protect yourself, and those you care about, you must be able to rise above them.”

At Sendat’s words he flashed back to the memory of Ella struggling against her attackers. He nodded and entered the next bout with renewed intensity, taking Sendat down in three moves. The older man nodded approvingly. As they worked through the rest of the day’s routine, his mind drifted back to the attack.

“Sendat, can someone small ever defend themselves successfully?”

“Of course, Sire, with the proper training. One of the deadliest assassins I ever encountered barely reached my waist.”

“You know that my… pet was attacked by two guards?”

“Yes, Sire.” His face darkened and his horns twitched. “Chief Warnax made sure that everyone knew when he performed the execution of the second man. It is shameful for any male to attack a female, but an imperial guard? Disgraceful.”

“Could she be taught to defend herself in such a situation?”

Sendat rubbed his chin. “Against two well-trained opponents? It would be difficult. But there are some things she could do to perhaps surprise someone, at least long enough to get away.”

“I’ll talk to her and see if she is willing for you to train her.” He saw Sendat’s surprise but ignored it. “She is scared of Bukharans, understandably, but I wouldn’t trust her to anyone else.”

“I am honored, Sire. She would come to no harm with me.”

“I know, Sendat. Thank you.”

Chapter Ten

At breakfast, he tried once again to get Ella to sit at the table. She perched on the edge of her chair, obviously uncomfortable, and ignored her food until he sighed and patted his lap.

“Very well, pet. Come sit with me.”

A look of relief crossed her face and she happily curled up in his lap and picked up a pastry. He tried—not very successfully—to ignore the way her sweet little bottom nestled against his cock. His horns pulsed but he managed to keep his body under control. He suspected she would have been only too eager to explore any sign of his interest. Pushing that distracting thought aside, he reviewed his schedule, then signed and turned to her.

“I have to perform troop inspections today, pet. I’ll be gone for most of the day.”

Her little face fell, and her lower lip poked out in the most adorable manner.

“You have lots of books to read and Nokatan will be here this afternoon.”

She nodded reluctantly. “L-lone.”

“You’ll be lonely?” He hesitated, reluctant to admit a stranger to his private quarters, but equally disturbed to think of her alone and unhappy all day. “Do you have any friends? Perhaps someone who could visit you?”

She started to shake her head, then jumped up and ran for her tablet.

Visit stables?

“You want to go to the stables? Why?”

I have a friend there. And the kittens.

“Kittens?” He wasn’t familiar with the word.

I can show you

She looked up at him, her face hopeful, and he mentally reviewed his schedule again. If he eliminated the first briefing, he could just manage it.

“Very well.”

After changing into his formal uniform, he called for Warnax and Sendat to accompany them. Ella shrank back against him when they appeared, but Warnax approached and bowed deeply.

“My deepest apologies, Miss Ella. I give you my word of honor that no guard will ever lay a finger on you again.”

Sendat also bowed. “We will protect you with our life.”

After studying both their faces, she gave an unexpectedly regal little nod.

“Thank you, gentlemen,” Karthajin said. “We will use the utility passageways to approach the barn.”

Both men were too well trained to betray any surprise at the change in his behavior. Aside from his night-time wanderings, he usually made a point to make himself visible to his people. However, he had no intention of exposing Ella to the pointed looks and inevitable gossip that would occur if she accompanied him through the more public portions of the palace. After Warnax notified the additional guards that were always concealed along his path, the four set off.

As they reached the stables, Ella skipped ahead and he let her go, amused by her excitement. A Torpak emerged from the nearest stable as she approached, carrying a bucket, which he promptly dropped as soon he saw her. She flung herself at him and he picked her up and swung her around. A noise astonishingly like a growl erupted from Karthajin’s throat. Who the fuck was this man to touch his little female?

“Ella! Where’ve you been, girl? I’ve been worried.”

Karthajin strode up and Ella rushed back to him and grabbed his hand, gesturing to the Torpak. Up close he could see that the Torpak was almost as broad as he was tall, not fat but thick with muscle, his broad, homely countenance marked with the thick spiral ridges that signified age. He relaxed a little but still drew Ella back against his side. The Torpak’s sharp little eyes took in the gesture, then looked at the fine silk pants and embroidered vest she was wearing and shook his head.

“So, it’s like that, is it?” The disapproval in his voice was obvious.

His back straightened and his guards tensed. “What it’s like is none of your business. Do you know who I am?”

“Aye. I’m your stable master, aren’t I? You’re the emperor.”

He still didn’t seem the slightest bit impressed. Karthajin had never met anyone who hadn’t at least given outward deference to his title, and he couldn’t decide if he was amused or offended. However, if he was the stable master, he must be Vradaz, one of his grandfather’s appointees, one he had chosen to retain because of his competence, and he supposed that skill was more important than veneration.

“F-fren…” Ella whispered, tugging his hand.

“He’s your friend, pet?”

“Aye, that I am,” the man interjected. “I’d have had her here to stay with me if that damned slave master of yours would have let me. She would’a been safe here.”

“She is perfectly safe with me,” he said coldly.

“Right.” The two stared at each other, Ella watching uneasily, until Vradaz sighed. “Look, begging Your Majesty’s pardon and all, but why don’t you just let her be? The palace is no place for her. Let her come and live with me. Treat her like my own daughter, I will. She likes the animals and she’s good with ‘em. She’ll be happy here.”

Every particle of his body rebelled at the idea, but would it be best for Ella? He looked down at her anxious little face and forced out the words. “Would you like that, pet?”

“No.”

The word rang out strong and clear and he didn’t know who was more shocked.

“Y-you.”

The second word was almost as clear and from the way she wrapped herself around his arm, her meaning was obvious. A surge of pleasure went through him and he hugged her, ignoring his body’s usual response to her closeness.

“The lady has made her choice.”

“Aye. Enough to speak at last.” The man shook his head. “Why’re you here, then?”

“Ella wanted to show me something.”

“That’d be the cubs. Go on then, girl. You know where they are.” Despite his words, he followed them into the cool dimness of the barn, as did the guards. Ella led the way past the lovast’s stalls, the giant six-legged beasts pressing against the bars at the sight of her. She hummed at them but kept going, tugging eagerly at his hand, until he heard a low snarl. Peering through the darkness, he saw a tigren, curled protectively around three cubs. There were Ella’s “kittens?”

The tigren were small, but fiercely territorial. Their long grey and black striped fur concealed vicious claws and a deadly spiked tail. They were popular as a way of keeping rodents under control, but they were neither friendly nor particularly domesticated.

“Wait, Ella.”

For the first time, she ignored him, running ahead to fall to her knees beside the tigren and stroke her head. To his shock, the tigren leaned into her hand, although she kept a suspicious eye on him. The cubs clambered out from under their mother, one heading immediately for Ella.

“K-kitten,” she said, picking up the cub and holding it up next to her face. Fluffy grey fur and blonde curls mingled and they both looked at up him with the same wide-eyed expression.

“I think you’re both kittens,” he laughed. He took a step closer and the tigren growled, her ruffled crest flaring around her neck. Vradaz came up behind him and chuckled. “That’s Slinka. She don’t like anybody. Barely even tolerates me. But she loves that little girl.”

The other cubs nudged Ella, demanding to be petted, and she gave them all some attention but the first one hadn’t budged from her lap. An idea struck him.

“Are they weaned?”

Vradaz gave him a considering look. “Aye. If you’re thinking what I think you are, you might want to reconsider. They’re not exactly palace pets.”

“They are if I say they are,” he said coldly. He wasn’t used to being questioned.

“Hmph.” Vradaz scowled. “You gonna blame the girl when the cub tears up your curtains and pisses on your pillows?”

A brief flare of anger was immediately succeeded by amusement. The man’s bluntness was almost refreshing in comparison to the usual insincere compliments and constant flattery that was showered upon him.

He suspected Vradaz’s warning was correct; however, he bent down next to Ella, keeping a cautious eye on the tigren. “Pet, would you like to take the kitten back with you? To keep you company?”

To his shock, she shook her head frantically.

“Nnuh, Nnuh.” She thrust the cub back against the tigren and moved in front of them, spreading her arms wide and still shaking her head. He realized she was crying, her sobs increasing as she tried to force out more words. “M-muh, m-muhfer.”

Disregarding his elaborate uniform, he dropped down in the straw next to her and lifted her into his lap. The tigren growled but he ignored her.

“Ssh, pet. Tell me what’s wrong. Are you worried about them leaving their mother?”

“M-muhfer.” She nodded her head and cried harder. He gave the stable master what he suspected was a helpless look.

“Now, don’t you be carrying on like that, girl.” Vradaz joined them, kneeling with an unexpected grace for a man of his bulk. “I told you about this, remember? Slinka won’t put up with them for much longer. It’s time for them to be on their own.”

“Ownn,” she echoed sadly and buried her head in his neck, but at least her sobs were dying down. It finally occurred to him that she was probably reacting to her own experience in being taken from her mother. Pity, and an unexpected feeling of anger, tore at him.

“She won’t be on her own if you take her, pet. She’ll have you to take care of her.” His words seemed to penetrate and she looked up at him, blue eyes still drenched with tears, before clutching his tunic.

“Y-you?”

“Yes, pet, she’ll have me, too.”

Her bottom lip still trembled, but she sniffed and gave a firm little nod. “T-tkk care.”

“I know you will, pet. You’ll take good care of her.”

He looked up to find the stable master eying him thoughtfully, while his guards hastily wiped their faces of all expression and looked away. Ignoring them all, he rose to his feet with Ella in his arms, then gently put her down. The smallest cub, the one who had spent so long on her lap, tried to climb her pants. She laughed a little shakily and bent to pick her up.

“Good choice, girl. She may be the smallest but she’s the fiercest. Do you want me to come and help you get her settled?”

Ella gave him a hopeful look and he sighed. When he’d asked if she had a friend, he’d envisioned another shy little girl, not a stocky, bad-tempered stable master. With a resigned nod, he turned to lead the way back to his rooms, wondering what other surprises she had in store.

Chapter Eleven

One week later, Karthajin walked into his bedroom and smiled. A small lamp cast a gentle glow over the room, revealing blond curls nestled amongst the pillows. As usual, Ella was asleep in his bed and the sight never failed to please him. After their first night together, she had never slept anywhere else. The bed in the dressing room remained, although he doubted that either Saban or any of his other servants had the slightest belief that she slept there.

A soft purr came from the basket at the end of the bed and he bent down to pick up the cub, now named Chika. After a tumultuous start to their relationship—during which the cub did just as Vradaz had predicted and climbed his curtains and pissed on his pillow, not to mention chewing his shoes, and stealing any sparkling object she could find—they had reached a state of detente, driven by their mutual lo… affection for Ella.

He scratched Chika’s crest while she purred and stretched, responding to his touch as enthusiastically as Ella did. The thought had him searching out his female again, her small body barely visible under the covers. Despite her eagerness, he had been trying to take things slowly, to let her explore her sexuality without any demands from him. They kissed and petted, and he inevitably brought her to climax, but he hadn’t let her touch him since that first night. It was both delightful and frustrating and it felt like he was discovering sex along with her. But tonight he was about to introduce her to a new experience.

Giving Chika a last little scratch, he set her back down in her basket, before climbing quietly into bed. Determined not to wake Ella yet, he carefully drew the covers down. She no longer bothered to wear any of the pretty little nightgowns that Kolga had designed and he couldn’t object, especially when it left her so delightfully exposed to him. Lying on her back, one hand flung carelessly over her head, her body glowed against the dark blue sheets he had chosen tonight to accent her beauty. He gently cupped her pert breasts, the small mounds barely filling his palms, but her nipples responded immediately, and she shifted restlessly in her sleep.

His mouth watered for a taste of those small pink nipples, but he knew that would awaken her and he had a different plan in mind. Regretfully leaving the tempting peaks, he let his hands slide slowly down her sides. He could easily span her waist and the sight of his big, dark hand splayed across her creamy flesh gave him the usual rush of pleasure. He liked seeing how small and helpless she appeared, liked knowing that she was his. For how long? He dismissed the uneasy question and concentrated on his target, gently spreading her legs. She was just as beautiful here as she was everywhere else, small but perfectly formed, fine golden curls barely covering her delicate pink flesh.

He stroked the inside of her thighs, then gently used his thumbs to part her lips, already flushed and beginning to glisten with arousal. Very gently, he licked the tiny entrance to her cunt, almost groaning with pleasure as her sweet taste exploded in his mouth. He probed very delicately at the small opening, barely able to slide his tongue inside at first but feeling her soften and begin to open as he repeated the gentle thrusts. Her legs shifted and he paused, but she didn’t move again. Once he was sure she was still sleeping, he returned to his explorations, licking his way up to the ripe little nub of her clit. It was already swollen, peeking through its hood, and he concentrated his attentions there, licking and sucking until it hardened, until her body tensed, until she came with a startled cry, jerking awake with the pleasure of her climax. As her body shuddered, he took another long, slow lick, delighting in the fresh flood of liquid that met his tongue.

“M-more.” Ella’s hands curled in his hair, before finding his horns and giving an impatient tug. She had rapidly discovered just how sensitive they were, but he ignored the corresponding pulse in his shaft and raised his head to smile at her.

“I’m sorry, kitten. Did I wake you?”

She rolled her eyes and tugged on his horns again. His cock throbbed impatiently, and he decided that perhaps she was ready for a little bit more.

Ella’s eyes widened as Karthajin stood up long enough to discard his sleep pants. Despite her best efforts, he refused to sleep naked and this was the first time she had seen all of him. Her eyes immediately traveled to his manhood, his… cock. Even thinking the word made her blush but it didn’t prevent her from taking an eager look. Flushed a darker red than his skin, it stood proudly away from his body. The surface wasn’t smooth but dipped and bulged in an intriguing fashion before ending in his oris, the wide petalled tip that was still tightly furled. He stroked his hand along the length and when he reached the head, the petals opened, then closed around his thumb in a sucking movement and she remembered the first night. The memory sent a fresh surge of arousal through her body, even though she was still tingling from the explosive climax. She reached for him, but he shook his head.

“No, kitten. You can look, but you can’t touch. Not yet.”

The dark promise in his voice sent a little shiver up her spine. He climbed back on the bed and knelt over her thighs, keeping most of his weight off of her but trapping her between his legs. His hand went back to his cock and he started stroking again, long hard pulls which set up an answering pulse between her legs. She stirred restlessly, and he smiled at her through heavy lids.

“You’re so beautiful, my Ella. From the top of your pretty little head to the tips of your tiny little feet. And now that I’ve discovered just how perfect your sweet little cunt is, I’m going to be spending a lot more time there.”

He shifted his weight, allowing her legs to part, and slowly dragged his cock along her slit, his oris spreading her open and then closing down to leave little sucking kisses along the way. When it reached her clit, it closed around the sensitive flesh and she jerked at the unexpected sensation. He groaned and she looked up to see him focused on the sight, his hand starting to move faster, and pushing his oris more tightly against her. Her swollen nub was surrounded by a pulsing suction that had every part of her body tingling and straining toward her climax. Unable to resist, she reached down and tried to grasp his cock, to pull him even closer. Her fingers couldn’t close around him, but as soon as she touched him, he covered her hand with his own, and the pulsating increased until her whole clit was engulfed in sensation. Her body arched just as he exploded, hot jets of liquid hitting her clit with sparks of fiery pleasure while she convulsed with rapture, a strangled cry erupting from her lips.

He collapsed down over her, his body covered with a fine sheen of sweat, and she hugged him and stoked his back as she waited for her own body to settle. As it did, she became aware of a slight ache remaining between her thighs, a feeling of emptiness. A feeling she suspected would remain unless he… entered her with his cock. The very thought made her shiver with excitement and he raised his head.

“What’s the matter, kitten? Are you cold?”

She smiled and shook her head. Even if she had been able to tell him what she wanted, she wasn’t sure that she would have the courage to disrupt what they already had between them. And she never wanted to lose this—this feeling of closeness, of happiness, when it was just the two of them together in his big bed.

“Let’s get you cleaned up before you do get cold.” He sat up, then looked down with a rueful expression. “I didn’t intend to go this far tonight.”

“G-glad.”

“I’m glad, too, but it’s still rushing things.”

She rolled her eyes and he flicked her nose. “Don’t roll your eyes at me, little girl.”

She crossed them instead and he laughed and went to get a warm cloth.

The next morning, Ella rushed through her bath so she could accompany Karthajin to training. He was as disciplined about maintaining his routine as he was about everything else he did, although he usually concealed his dedication behind a mask of casual ease. She suspected that the only time he truly relaxed was when he was alone with her. Or occasionally with someone like Sendat, who he had apparently known most of his life. He was laughing now as he slipped inside the big man’s guard and touched him with the tip of his knife.

The first time she had gone with him to a session, it had scared her, but there was a certain grace to it as well—a grace that was sadly missing from her own training sessions. After she had reluctantly agreed to give it a try, Karthajin had accompanied her to her first lesson. In his deep, reassuring voice, Sendat had explained what he was going to do. Checking at each step to make sure she wasn’t afraid, he had walked her through a move that ended with him dropping her, very carefully, to a mat.

The swoop through the air had made her giggle, but she’d looked up to see Karthajin standing over her, his hand on his knife, growling at Sendat. That had been the last time he came with her.

Now she watched them, studying their moves. Chika was curled in her lap and she petted her absently as she watched Sendat position himself. She had come across a book on Karthajin’s shelves outlining knife fighting techniques and she recognized the feint Sendat made with his left hand, as he brought his right around to touch Karthajin’s ribs. She laughed and clapped her hands.

Both men looked at her, Karthajin raising an eyebrow.

“You’re not supposed to celebrate my defeat, pet.”

“C-chronor t-technn…” She gave up and waved a hand. The movement disturbed Chika who huffed and slipped off her lap to stretch out in front of the windows instead.

“You’re quite right, Miss Ella.” Sendat nodded approvingly. “That is the Chronor Technique. Which you also should have recognized, Sire.”

“I believe I’m outnumbered.” Karthajin laughed, then checked his wrist com. “I am also out of time. Do you want to take over for me, kitten?”

Bouncing eagerly to her feet, she joined them on the mats. Karthajin looked from her to Sendat, towering over her, and shook his head. “At least wait until I leave, otherwise I suspect I will have my knife aimed at Sendat again.

“F-fine,” she assured him.

“I know you are.” He cupped her cheek and she nestled into his hand. “I’m traveling today but I’ll be back to join you and Nokatan this afternoon. And I thought tonight we could have dinner in the garden, just the two of us.” His eyes promised more than just food and her clit gave an eager little pulse, hoping that he intended to repeat last night’s actions.

“N-no b-banquet?”

“No. Or more precisely, there is a banquet, but I do not plan to attend.”

“Is p-problem?” she asked worriedly.

“No problem at all. I am the Emperor, remember?” He assumed his regal expression and she giggled. His face softened and he caught her up in his arms, kissing her until her head spun and Sendat coughed.

“I’m going, Sendat.” He flicked the tip of her nose and departed.

She watched him leave, then turned to Sendat eagerly. “S-show me.”

Chapter Twelve

“What the fuck? You drag me across the galaxy on urgent business and then you expect me to wait around until it’s fucking convenient?” The angry voice could be clearly heard from the outer office as Tanaca entered Karthajin’s office, closing the door discreetly behind him.

“Your Imperial Majesty, please forgive the interruption but Captain Athtar is here per your request. He was somewhat… reluctant to come.” Tanaca’s voice was as composed as usual, even though they both heard the sound of something hitting the wall.

Karthajin shook his head. “Perhaps you were not polite enough.”

“Perhaps.” Tanaca’s lips quirked. “Do you wish to see him now?”

There was another crash from the outer office, and he winced. “It would seem the wisest course of action if I want to have any palace left.”

“I could have the guards restrain him,” Tanaca offered.

“But that wouldn’t be very polite, would it? Send him in.”

Tanaca bowed and opened the door and Captain Athtar appeared, scowling furiously.

“Emperor Karthajin, Supreme Leader of the Kaisarian Empire, Defender of the Nine Gods, Chosen of Napisten, and Ruler of the Crystal Throne, will see you now,” Tanaca said smoothly, but Karthajin suspected he was enjoying the other man’s frustration.

The captain gave a reluctant bow.

“Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Please come in, Captain Athtar. This is my senior advisor, S’chen Tanaca. He will be joining us.”

The captain sneered at the other man. “He introduced himself when your fuc… when your battleship aimed its guns at my ship.”

Tanaca raised a brow. “I wished to get your attention.”

“You succeeded.”

While the two men eyed each other, Karthajin observed the newcomer. His records indicated that the captain had Elginar blood, and it could be seen in the pale blue skin and white hair he shared with Tanaca. However, the resemblance ended there. Athtar was a head taller than Tanaca and massively built, his hair and beard in wild disarray despite the small braids holding it back. A tattered fur coat and worn leather pants were a far cry from Tanaca’s usual neat black attire.

“Would you care to have a seat?” Karthajin asked, breaking the staring contest.

“I’ll stand. What’s this about?” Athtar’s tone was just shy of insolent but he supposed he would have reacted the same way. Besides, the man was a close friend of one of his cousins. That earned him a little latitude. A little.

“Sit down, Captain,” he ordered.

Athtar masked a scowl, not very successfully, and flung himself into a chair that creaked rather alarmingly with the movement.

“You provided us with some very useful information and the Empire is indebted to you for that.”

“But?” Athtar asked, raising an eyebrow.

“But we have not been able to utilize that information as well as we had hoped. We have tried the more subtle approach that King Rastrath suggested but we have not been able to uncover any additional information.”

“So, what now? You going to send in the fuc… the troops?”

“I would rather not. Which is where you come in.”

“Sorry. Already told you everything I know.” Athtar shot a derisive glance at Tanaca. “Surprised your fuc… spymaster hasn’t been able to find out anything else.”

A definite flash of annoyance crossed Tanaca’s voice, but before he could respond, all three men started as a streak of grey fur dashed in through the open door to the garden and dived under the couch.

“Chika, n-no.” Ella’s voice followed close behind the tigren and she appeared in the doorway. He fought back the desire to laugh, even as his body responded to her presence. Her hair was as disheveled as if they had been in bed together, the oversized shirt she was wearing—one of his, he suspected—was slipping down to reveal the top of one creamy breast, and her eyes were sparkling with laughter.

The laughter died as she surveyed the other occupants of the room. Despite how frequently Tanaca joined them for breakfast, she still treated him with a wary distrust. Even though her vocal skills were improving, she had never spoken in his presence, and his brows shot up at the sound of her voice. Her eyes traveled to Athtar, who was scowling furiously, and she edged closer to Karthajin. Before he could reassure her, Chika emerged from under the couch, sniffed the air cautiously, and then made a dive for Athtar’s chair. The tail of the big man’s coat reached the floor and the cub disappeared under it. A moment later, Athtar’s chest began to shake as growls and hisses erupted from under the coat.

“Ouch! Gods fucking damn it, stop that. Precious, behave yourself.” The big man tore his coat open to reveal Chika on one side, her claws clutching his chest, and an extraordinarily ugly animal with mottled brown skin clinging to the other side. Chika hissed and the other animal growled, mouth gaping wide open to reveal an impressive double row of teeth.

“Is that a Pardorian war beast?” Karthajin asked in surprise. The animals were incredibly rare.

“Aye,” Athtar said proudly.

“And you brought it to an audience with the emperor?” Tanaca asked.

Athtar glared at him. “She doesn’t like being left alone.”

Karthajin choked back a laugh, then realized that Ella had edged her way over to Athtar.

“P-puppy?” she asked hopefully.

“Kitten, don’t get too close. They have a reputation for being vicious…” Karthajin warned. He might as well have saved his breath. She was already stroking the ugly little creature’s head and cooing softly, even as she picked Chika up with her other hand. The tigren hissed again, then settled against Ella’s shoulder and contented herself with glaring at the other animal, who was wiggling happily under Ella’s touch. Athtar was staring at Ella, and Karthajin decided she was entirely too close to the other man’s bare chest for his liking.

“Ella, come here,” he said firmly.

With a last stroke of the war beast’s head, she returned to his side. He put his arm around her and drew her close. Athtar was petting his animal and frowning at him. “What’s she doing here?”

A number of responses rushed through his head, but in the end, he settled for simplicity. “She belongs to me.”

Ella smiled and snuggled closer. Athtar tracked the movement and shook his head.

“Perhaps we should return to business before there’s another interruption?” Tanaca said dryly. “Do you have any more surprises, Captain Athtar?”

“Could be. Looks like your scanners don’t pick up everything, do they, spymaster?”

“You will have the pleasure of explaining that to me before you leave.”

Athtar growled and the war beast echoed him with a miniature growl of her own.

“By Napisten’s elbow, enough.” He didn’t raise his voice, but his annoyance was quite obvious. The two men stopped glaring at each other and turned to him. Beneath his desk, Ella snuck her hand into his. Her touch calmed his anger.

“Captain Athtar, I want you to return to Hothrest and obtain one of the scientists from the lab for me.”

“You’ve gotta be shit—” Athtar took a deep breath. “I mean, I don’t believe that’s possible, Sire.”

“It’s true that Advisor Tanaca was unable to perform the task. I believe your more… unorthodox methods will be more successful.”

“Couldn’t get the job done, eh, spymaster?” Athtar sneered at Tanaca, then tugged on one of the braids in his beard and looked thoughtful. “Maybe there’s a way. But I need supplies.”

“What kind of supplies?” Tanaca asked.

“A container stocked with Foldaran liquor, another one of oishu furs, and a large quantity of untraceable credits.”

“How large?”

Athtar named a figure that had Tanaca shaking his head. “Impossible.”

“The Empire running out of money?” Athtar asked sardonically. “My taxes not going as far as they used to?”

“Done,” Karthajin said. “Tanaca, please make the arrangements.”

His advisor opened his mouth, then shut it and nodded. “Yes, Sire. Immediately.” He bowed and left the room.

He and Athtar looked at each other, then the other man’s gaze traveled to Ella, still standing quietly at his side.

“She’s human, isn’t she?”

A little annoyed that Athtar had picked up on it more quickly that he had, he nodded. Before he could continue, Ella tugged on his sleeve.

“P-play?” She looked hopefully at Athtar’s pet, now draped over his arm and panting softly.

“Is that animal safe?” Karthajin demanded.

“Just p-puppy,” Ella said indignantly, and Athtar grinned.

“Precious doesn’t take to everyone but she likes you, little girl. Do you want to hold her?”

She nodded eagerly, then looked at Karthajin with big, hopeful eyes.

He laughed and nodded. “It’s fine, kitten. As long as you can stop Chika from terrorizing her.”

She giggled and kissed his cheek. Her anxiety about Athtar seemed to have completely disappeared. She danced over to him and held out an imperious hand. Shaking his head, he handed over the animal.

“Be careful with her. She’s just a baby.”

Ella gave him a solemn nod, then carried both animals out onto the veranda. He could see her talking to them, her little face solemn, and suspected she was telling them to behave. They were watching her just as intently and he smiled, only to turn back and find Athtar scowling at him.

“Why’s she here?”

“I don’t believe that is any of your concern.” His voice would have frozen metal, but Athtar didn’t take the hint.

“Maybe not, but anyone can see she doesn’t belong in this fucking palace. She’s just a child.”

“She is most definitely not a child. And she is safer with me than anywhere else in the galaxy.”

“But is she happier?”

He bit back his immediate response. He knew she was happy here now, but it was a confined life and he wondered how long that would last. The memory of his mother’s pale face and sad eyes haunted him.

“She’s happy.” His voice was not as certain as he would have liked.

Athtar sighed. “Look, I know it’s not my fucking place and all that, but I like the girl.” He held up a hand when Karthajin couldn’t suppress a growl. “Not like that. But she seems like a sweet little thing. Why don’t you let me take her to Rast and his consort? Deb is human, too. She’ll make sure she’s happy.”

His first instinct was to reject the idea, but when he reluctantly gave it additional consideration, it did make a certain sense. She could be with someone of her own kind, on a pretty little planet where nothing bad was likely to happen to her—although he would, of course, send a full complement of guards along to protect her. His stomach felt hollow at the idea of her leaving but he had originally intended to make other arrangements for her. Those intentions had disappeared after her first night in his bed, but his original reasoning was still valid. His mother’s face flashed across his mind again. However much his heart protested, perhaps it was time to let Ella go.

Chapter Thirteen

Ella laughed as Chika pounced on Precious’s stubby little tail. The puppy whirled around but instead of snarling, she extended an extremely long tongue and licked Chika’s nose. The kitten jumped back so quickly she fell over backward, then mewled pitifully.

“P-poor thing.” She picked Chika up and cradled her while Precious gave her an apologetic lick with that snake-like tongue. It was a pointed reminder that Precious wasn’t a puppy, she was a Pardorian war beast, but she gave a mental shrug. Young animals were the same everywhere.

“Know you d-didn’t mean it,” she said, and petted the puppy’s oversized head. Why was it so much easier to talk to the animals? Perhaps because they didn’t rely on her words to understand what she meant. Karthajin was the same way; he always seemed to understand her, especially at night in the big bed. Her nipples stiffened under the soft fabric of his shirt and she wished she could rub them, or, even better, have Karthajin rub them, but when she looked back at the office, the big man was still there.

They both looked very serious and she decided to sneak a little closer, knowing there was a good chance the other man would dismiss her presence. Most people did. Whenever Karthajin let her, she would sit in her chair in the corner while he held audiences with a wide variety of people. She always kept her head buried in her book, but she paid attention and often scribbled notes to him afterwards. The fact that he took her input seriously and considered her opinion was just one of the many reasons she loved him.

The thought made her sigh. She wanted to tell him so badly, but she didn’t want to write it down; she wanted the words to come out of her mouth. If only she could be sure they would come out properly. Nokatan had been helping her with her speech and she knew it was improving, but it was a slow process and the words tended to disappear when she was anxious. Still, she supposed he understood her feelings, just like he understood so many other things about her.

Her quiet progress toward the study was brought to a halt when Precious fell over one of her oversized feet and yelped. Both men looked up and Karthajin beckoned her inside. He looked unusually solemn and her hands shook as she shooed the animals in ahead of her. She had a sudden sinking feeling that something was wrong.

“Come here, kitten,” he said softly, and she went to him with shaking knees. To her surprise, he pulled her onto his lap. He was very affectionate when they were alone, but he usually didn’t touch her in front of anyone other than a few trusted people. However, she wasn’t about to object and snuggled against him willingly, even though she could feel how stiffly he was poised.

“Ella, this is Captain Athtar. He has a… suggestion that I think you should consider.”

The sinking feeling returned.

Chika had curled up in her basket so Precious wandered back over to the captain. He picked her up and tucked her against his chest, before giving Ella a restrained smile. “Would you like to play with Precious some more?”

Not sure why he was speaking so slowly and carefully, she gave a cautious nod and he looked relieved. “Good. That’s good. You see, we’re going on a trip and she could use some company.”

Really? He thought she was some stupid kid to be lured away with the promise of a puppy. She rolled her eyes and turned to look at Karthajin. To her surprise, he wasn’t sharing her disgust. In fact, he looked… worried. Did he want her to go?

To her relief, he shook his head at Athtar but spoke before she could relax.

“Athtar, despite what you seem to think, Ella is not a child. She’s a very intelligent person. Just tell her what you’re proposing.”

“Fuck, you could’a said something instead of letting me make a fucking idiot of myself. All right, girl, this is the deal. I have a human friend.”

Human? The one memory she remained from when she was taken was her friend Faith. Surely there couldn’t be more than the two humans out here. It had to be her.

“F-f-fa?” she tried to ask, but in her excitement, the name wouldn’t come out and he only looked confused. She grabbed her tablet from Karthajin’s desk.

Who?

“Her name is Deb.”

Her excitement disappeared as quickly as it had arisen. She had no real interest in some human she’d never met. She frowned at him.

Why are you telling me?

“She’s mated to my friend, Rast. They live on Sherae. It’s a—”

Water planet. Exports Fru seed. I know.

He looked startled but kept going. “Anyway, I thought you might like it there. It’s a pretty enough place and you’ll have another human for company.”

Her immediate reaction was to shake her head but then she turned to look at Karthajin. Why hadn’t he objected? Why had he said she should consider it?

“W-want me to go?” she whispered, trying to keep the hurt out of her face.

His eyes closed. “No, kitten, I don’t want you to go.” He opened them again and studied her face, his completely serious. “But you need to think about the option. You would have company there. Human, female company. And you would be free to go wherever you wanted, not hidden away like you are here.”

The idea didn’t tempt her. She knew he worried about her, but she was perfectly happy in his rooms. She had the gardens and the books, Chika to amuse her, and Nokatan and Sendat to teach her. Saban spoiled her and even Vradaz begrudgingly visited her every few days. But she would have stayed with him without any of those things.

“D-don’t care.”

“You might not care now, but that will change.” The shadow on his face deepened. “My situation could change as well. I might not be able to keep you with me.”

That statement pierced her heart, but she reminded herself that she had never expected it to last. She raised her chin, refusing to let him see how much she dreaded that day. “B-but not now.”

“No, it’s not like that now.”

“S-stay,” she said firmly.

Expressions flashed across his face so fast she couldn’t decipher them, but she felt the tension leave his body. Picking up her tablet again, she wrote in large letters and flashed the words at Athtar. Thank you but I’m staying HERE!

“Women. Should’a known. I should just mind my own fucking business.” Athtar shook his head, then grimaced. “Sorry, girl. Still, the offer holds. If you change your mind, I reckon the emperor will let me know.”

“I will,” Karthajin said solemnly. The men exchanged a glance, then Athtar stood up, tucking Precious inside his coat once more.

“I’ll go check the ship, see if your little spymaster has delivered. If we’re successful, I’ll be back with your scientist as soon as I can.”

“Good. You do realize that if you’re not successful, I’ll have no choice but to deploy the Fleet.”

“Yeah, I got it.”

The captain had almost reached the door, when Karthajin called after him. “Captain Athtar, how did you get that animal through the scanners?”

Athtar turned and gave them a devastating grin and she was suddenly aware that despite his massive size and intimidating appearance, he was actually rather attractive in a way completely opposite to Karthajin’s refined elegance.

“Remember Precious is Pardorian—she has the same ability to camouflage herself. Deliberately as she gets older but for now, she is just tuned to me. Nothing shows on your fucking scanners except what looks like my body.”

Karthajin laughed and shook his head. “I’m sure Tanaca will be devastated to know that simple biology can beat his technology.”

“Biology is a motherfu— a hard thing to beat.” Sharp eyes darted between the two of them, then he dipped his head and disappeared through the door.

Karthajin turned to look down at her, his face serious. “Ella, are you sure about this?”

“S-stay with you,” she repeated firmly.

His eyes wandered down her body, lingering on where his shirt had slipped down again, revealing the upper swell of her breast. Little flames started to dance in his eyes and her nipples responded. She saw his horns pulse.

“If you stay with me, I’m going to make you mine. Completely.”

A pleased shiver traveled up her spine and she actually felt her clit throb.

“Yes. P-please.”

The flames intensified and he stood abruptly with her in his arms, then paused to press the communication panel.

“Tikaren, cancel everything on my schedule for the rest of the day.”

“S-sire?” The secretary actually stuttered as much as she did. “B-but the—”

“Everything, Tikaren. Unless the planet is about to explode.” He looked down at Ella, the hunger in his gaze so intense it felt as if he was touching her. “And perhaps not even then.”

Chapter Fourteen

As Karthajin carried Ella back to their bedroom, she realized she was trembling. It wasn’t fear, or only the tiniest amount, but rather a giddy mixture of expectation and excitement. She could feel her body dampening, softening, preparing for him. Her nipples were so hard they ached, and she rubbed them as she wanted to do earlier. He saw her action and increased his pace.

“Wait for me, kitten,” he ordered.

“H-hurry.”

As soon as they reached the bedroom, he placed her gently on her feet, letting her feel the rigid bar of his cock as she slid down his body. She rubbed against him, shivering again with anticipation, and the flames in his eyes intensified.

“Is that what you want, kitten? You want to feel my cock deep inside that sweet, innocent little cunt?”

Her eyes widened. He’d never talked that bluntly to her before but somehow the words just added to her arousal.

“Y-yes.”

“That’s my good girl.” His hand traced along the collar of the shirt. “Is this my shirt?”

“Y-yes.” Not that she’d intended for him to see it. She’d been feeling lonely after he left for his office and wearing something of his comforted her, the fabric wrapping around her along with his comforting musky scent. Since it was so large, she hadn’t bothered to put on anything else—a fact he discovered as he slowly pulled it up. She saw his horns pulse again at the discovery.

“And nothing underneath? Maybe you’re not such a good girl after all.”

She bit her lip and gave him her innocent look. He just laughed, scooped her up, and dropped her in the center of the bed, before stripping quickly and following her. She sighed with satisfaction as his warm heavy body settled over hers, her arms reaching up to wrap around his neck.

“You’re very beautiful, my Ella.” He cupped her cheek, holding her in place as he bent his head and kissed her with a sweet tenderness that rapidly turned carnal. Her lips felt swollen and tender, her whole body aching as she arched, trying to get closer to him. When he raised his head, the flames had taken over his eyes completely.

“I can’t wait, kitten.”

“D-don’t wait.”

“Once I do this, you’re mine. There’s no going back.”

“Y-yours,” she agreed, tugging at him impatiently.

He growled, and reached between their bodies, growling again when he discovered her private parts slick and wet. One thick finger probed at her entrance then slowly entered her. He’d never gone this far before and she gasped at the thrilling stretching sensation. A moment later, he added another digit. This time there was a little less thrill and a little more stretch and she wiggled uncertainly.

“Ssh, pet.” He adjusted his angle and brushed his thumb across her clit. Her body instinctively tightened around his fingers and sparks of light danced across her vision.

“O-oh.”

“Do you like that? Good girl. Let’s try another one.” The third finger was even more of a stretch and she panted as he worked it slowly inside, still doing a slow sweep across her clit and keeping her balanced on the edge of an explosion. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, then slid up to fasten around his horns.

“Are you ready?” he asked, voice strained.

“Yes.” The word came out clear and strong. She had never wanted anything more.

He removed his fingers, leaving her feeling empty and wanting, but before she could protest, she felt the thick head of his cock pushing against her. Her body resisted, but he maintained a slow, steady pressure until the tight ring of muscle loosened and he entered her. Her mouth opened in silent shock as her body opened around him.

“So tight,” he groaned. He tried to push forward, but her untried channel resisted his efforts. He had two fingers on her clit now, no longer gentle, but demanding.

“Come for me, kitten,” he ordered as his fingers clamped down, and she exploded, her body arching instinctively toward him as white light flashed across her vision. He used the movement to thrust through her resistance and bury himself completely. There was a flash of pain at the overwhelming stretch, but it only added to the ecstasy flooding her body. Her channel fluttered widely, trying to accommodate the intruder, and she actually felt his oris open, felt it pulsating inside her as she slipped from one climax directly into another.

When the convulsions finally stopped, she opened her eyes to find him watching her, his face tense and his body rigid, and she realized that he was waiting for her. She smiled up at him, and even though his muscles were still taut, he smiled back. Experimentally, she lifted her legs to wrap them around his hips, the position opening her even more, so his cock slipped impossibly deeper. He began to pull out, the withdrawal sending another shockwave of pleasure through her system.

“Your little cunt is holding me so tightly,” he rasped, pausing with the head still tucked inside, then thrusting forward. The devastating fullness returned, sending sparks of excitement through her body. He grasped her bottom, pulling her up and into him so that her swollen nub was pressed firmly against him. Her legs closed around his hips, seeking more of the delicious pressure and he groaned in approval, moving faster now as her body loosened and accepted him. She tightened her grip on his horns. His hips began thrusting wildly and he gathered her still closer, kissing her face, her neck, any part of her that he could reach, until she heard him call out her name and felt an explosion of hot liquid deep inside.

An overwhelming rush of love and happiness swept over her, and she hugged him close as the tears slipped down her cheeks. His body quivered and she kept her arms and legs wrapped tightly around him until he finally raised his head and looked at down at her. His soft smile disappeared and was replaced by horror as he saw her tears.

“Did I hurt you, kitten?”

“N-no. Just happy.”

His face relaxed. “So am I. Very happy.” Then he kissed her, so long and sweet and… loving, that she was crying again when he finished.

“No more tears, kitten.”

She gave him a watery smile and nodded. He kissed her nose, then slowly eased from her body, a faint sting accompanying his departure. He looked down and an odd expression crossed his face. “Your virgin blood is on my cock, on my sheets, kitten.”

She followed his gaze, the small patch of bright red shocking against the pale pink sheets, and shook her head and smiled at him.

“I’m f-fine.” She was a little sore, but only a little, and the soreness was far surpassed by satisfaction.

“You know, in ancient times they would display the sheet from the First Mating,” he continued thoughtfully. “I always thought it was a barbaric custom, but now I know why. I would do the same thing if I could, to show the world you’re mine.”

“I am y-yours,” she said firmly.

“Yes, you are. But I don’t want anyone else to know about you. I’m keeping you for myself.” He kissed her nose, then quickly stripped the sheet from the bed before getting a warm cloth and washing her gently. The damp heat felt wonderful and she sighed happily as he climbed back into bed and took her in his arms. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this happy.

Chapter Fifteen

Karthajin hugged Ella close as she made little contented purrs and snuggled against him. He felt as shaken as if he’d been the one to lose his virginity rather than her, although he still remembered that long-ago day when his had been taken. His grandfather had decreed it was time and sent one of his favorites to induct him into manhood. She had been beautiful, of course, and skilled, and it had been an exciting new experience. Yet, despite the physical pleasure, when she bowed gracefully and left him, her face serene and completely untouched by the encounter, he realized that something had been missing.

He had continued to use the palace courtesans—his body had needs and to do otherwise would have started unwelcome rumors—but he always had that same slightly hollow feeling afterwards. The one time he had thought he was making a true connection, with a charming little Anderan only a few years older than he, she had abandoned him for his father’s bed without a second thought. His father had quite deliberately arranged for him to encounter them together, then laughed when he couldn’t conceal his repulsion. He’d even offered to share her, but Karthajin had walked out and never called for her again. He knew with every particle of his being that Ella would never have betrayed him like that.

Now he didn’t feel hollow, he felt… complete, as if a missing part of him had just fallen into place. Once again, his thoughts turned to the possibilities of keeping her here with him forever. If she was truly content, if she could remain hidden away from the court, would it really be so bad?

Ella stirred and looked up at him, her face still glowing, then frowned at his serious expression. She tapped his forehead.

“Th-thinking?”

“Yes, I’m thinking too much.” He laughed and shook off his introspection. “What I should be doing is paying attention to my beautiful little kitten.”

She gave a firm little nod, then peeped at him speculatively from under her lashes.

“What mischief are you contemplating, pet?”

Instead of answering him, she pulled his head down for a kiss, her fingers running through his curls to stroke the base of his horns. They responded to her touch, throbbing as she increased the pressure, as her kiss became more urgent, but before he could roll her under him for a second encounter, she bit down on his lower lip. The sharp little sting went straight to his cock, even as he pulled his head back.

“You little imp. What did you do that for?”

She tried to give him her innocent look, but her eyes were sparkling with mischief. “C-catch me.”

Before he could respond, she jumped out of bed and darted away from him. So his kitten wanted to play, did she? With a mock growl, he took off after her as she squeaked happily. The chase lasted longer than he expected. She was little, but she was fast, and her size gave her an advantage when slipping through small spaces. As he chased her though the office, both of them completely naked, he had a fleeting image of what his staff would think if they could see him now. By the time he took her carefully to the ground on a patch of moss in the gardens, he was breathless with laughter and she was giggling just as hard.

He looked down at her. She had leaves in the wild tangle of her hair, a smear of dirt on her face, moss streaked across her breasts—and he wouldn’t have traded her for the most polished, skilled courtesan to have ever decorated his court.

“I love you, Ella,” he whispered.

Her eyes filled with tears and her hand came up to caress his cheek. She took a deep breath.

“I… love… you.”

Happiness overflowed in his chest. He had suspected that she returned his feelings, but he hadn’t realized how much he longed to hear her say it. The slow, careful words were the clearest thing she had ever said, and he suddenly wondered if she’d been practicing. His sweet little kitten. He gave her a long, slow kiss in reward, exploring her until she arched against him. His cock was still rock hard from the chase and her closeness, but he suddenly wanted to take her away from the garden, to tuck her back inside his rooms. He lifted his head and gave her a mock stern look.

“I seem to have a very dirty little girl on my hands.”

She giggled. “F-fun.”

The word hit him harder than he expected. Fun had been in short supply his entire life. For as long as he could remember, his days had been occupied by lessons, lectures, duties. His mother had tried, but their time together was so limited, and the sadness never quite left her eyes. He had loved her very much and he knew that she loved him, but he’d never been able to lift that veil of sadness. But Ella had brought fun into his life and he was determined to keep it there. Pushing aside his introspection, he lowered his head and pressed teasing kisses to Ella’s stomach, letting the short hair of his beard tickle her until she giggled and squealed.

“Come along, dirty girl.”

He threw her over his shoulder as he stood up and she giggled again, then slid her hands down his back to pinch his ass. He gave her bottom a little smack in retribution, but she only wiggled and did it again. By the time they made it to the bathroom, his cock was rigid, his horns were thrumming, and her sweet little cunt was dripping. While the tub was filling, he held her up against the wall so he could concentrate on her breasts, sucking each tempting little peak into his mouth and teasing it with lips, and tongue, and the faintest hint of teeth. When he finally dropped her in the tub, they were pink and swollen, the tips like ripe little berries.

“P-please,” she whispered.

“Not yet, kitten. We have to make sure you’re clean first.”

He used the cloth to wipe the dirt off her face, then more slowly to tease her ears and the sensitive skin of her neck. Then he dropped the cloth and used his hands to soap her breasts and wash them slowly, gently, and very, very thoroughly, as she arched into them.

“Mm, much better,” he said as he poured clear water over her. Her face was flushed with arousal, and she was panting softly. “Are you clean enough now?”

“N-no. Dirrty girrl.” She grabbed his hand and pushed it down between her legs. He could see she was still slightly swollen from before, so he stroked her very gently as he parted the delicate little folds. Her clit was already hard as he feathered a touch across it before moving away.

“M-more.” She grabbed his hand and tried to bring it back.

“You’re a demanding little thing, aren’t you?” He loved the way she never hesitated to let him know what she wanted. Of course, that didn’t mean he would give it to her right away. Instead, he moved on, picking up the cloth and stroking it down the outside of her thighs, before slowly dragging it up the inside of her leg. She squirmed impatiently but he only brushed the cloth lightly across her needy little cunt.

“Up on your hands and knees, kitten.”

She made a face but obeyed, shivering as he ran the cloth down her back. Her luscious little bottom was still slightly pink from his hands and he ran the soap slowly over each cheek before dipping between them.

“Do you need cleaning here, too, kitten?”

He pulled her cheeks apart and teased at the little pink pucker with a soapy finger. She squeaked but didn’t pull away and he pressed very carefully at the tiny hole as he brought his other hand back to her clit. She made little mewling sounds of excitement, pushing back and forth between his hand on her clit and his finger. Each movement sent his finger a little deeper into the hot, dark channel until he was buried to his knuckle and her whole body was quivering.

“That’s my good little girl,” he whispered, watching her tiny pucker stretching to take something even as small as his finger. “Do you like it when I play with your tight little bottom hole?”

“Y-yes.” Her hips jerked. “M-more.”

“What more do you want, pet?” He used his free hand to tweak her nipples. “Some attention to your pretty little breasts?”

“Y-you. Want you inside me,” she said impatiently.

“Are you sure you’re not too sore?” Her entrance was still pink and swollen, but she was slick and ready when he tested her, pushing back eagerly against his finger. Unable to resist, he climbed into the tub behind her where she was still on her hands and knees, and pressed his cock to her tiny entrance, slowly embedding himself in her tight, wet heat. She was whimpering, trying to force him deeper but he maintained the slow, steady pace until at last he was buried inside her. His oris was flowering, pulsing around her cervix and his balls were already tightening, but he refused to lose control this time. Instead, he continued the leisurely tempo, rocking them both into a slow, sensual climax.

Despite the unhurried movements, his heart was pounding as he cuddled her close to him afterward, his hold possessive. She was his and he never wanted to let her go. Even as the thought crossed his mind, he knew that he couldn’t keep her. In the end he would have to set her free before the court, or he, destroyed her.

Unaware of his dark thoughts, she looked up and gave him a sleepy, satisfied smile.

“Mm. L-like bath.”

He pushed aside his worries about the future and smiled back. “I do, too, kitten. I think you’re going to be a very clean little girl from now on. But perhaps, perhaps, we should get you dirty again first?”

She nodded eagerly and he laughed, picking her up out of the tub and ignoring the water that splashed everywhere as he carried her back to bed and proceeded to make sure she was thoroughly, completely dirty.

Chapter Sixteen

The next morning, reality intruded. He was still lying in bed, Ella curled tightly against him, her breath coming in soft little snuffles, when his com panel sounded. Knowing that she was exhausted, he slipped out of bed quietly and went into the sitting room to answer.

“Your Imperial Majesty, I apologize for disturbing you but His Eminence, High Priest Lekasar is here. He is… concerned that you canceled his audience yesterday and wishes to check on your health.”

Fuck. He had forgotten that he’d had a meeting scheduled with the priest yesterday. While he in no way regretted the day he had spent with Ella, he should have thought to handle Lekasar’s situation more diplomatically. As High Priest, he deserved at least the appearance of reverence. His advisory position was another one of his grandfather’s legacies, and while Karthajin appreciated his political knowledge as well as his power over the populace, he’d never warmed to the man.

“Very well. Ask him to join me for breakfast in the small dining room and send for my dresser. I will be there shortly.” Unlike Tanaca, Lekasar would be insulted by anything less than a formal meal, just as he would expect Karthajin to be formally attired.

He sighed and went back to his bedroom to tell Ella. She blinked up at him sleepily and he stopped long enough to kiss her, a kiss she returned with an enthusiasm that made him long to forget about Lekasar and spend another day with her. Instead, he reluctantly lifted his head.

“I’m sorry, kitten. I have to have breakfast with my High Priest, and you can’t join us.” Aside from the fact that he knew she would still be uncomfortable at a formal meal, he wasn’t about to subject her to Lekasar’s disapproval.

Her lower lip pouted out adorably and he laughed.

“Believe me, I would much rather stay here with you. Shall I tell Sendat you’ll come in my place or do you want to stay here in bed?”

She stretched and winced. Damn. He’d been unable to keep his hands off of her and she’d been just as enthusiastic, but he knew he shouldn’t have made love to her so many times.

“B-bed.” Then she shot him a seductive glance from under lashes. “C-come back?”

His feeling of guilt disappeared as his horns pulsed, but he shook his head. “I’m afraid not, pet. I can’t cancel another day of appointments. But eat your breakfast like a good girl and put on one of your pretty outfits and you can join me in my office later. I’ll send Saban for you.”

Seeming perfectly content to spend yet another morning curled up in his office, she gave him a sleepy smile, and he reluctantly tore himself away.

Lekasar was waiting for him, his thin ascetic face cast in its usual disapproving lines. Like all priests, his hair was fastened into a tight knot, and the severe style accentuated the rigid cast of his features, but he would have been quite attractive if he ever smiled. As always, he was magnificently dressed. He bowed to precisely the correct degree as Karthajin entered, his heavily embroidered gold robes flaring out around him.

“Your Imperial Majesty, Chosen of Napisten.”

“Your Eminence.” Karthajin dipped his head. “I’m delighted you could join me for breakfast.”

“I was most concerned about your sudden… illness yesterday.”

“I appreciate your concern.” Verifying that everything was in place, he waved his guest to a seat, then dismissed all of the servants except Saban. He was sure Lekasar would prefer to be waited on, but he was already suspicious about where the conversation might be heading.

The two men were seated and Saban prepared and served their tea before retiring to a corner of the room. Lekasar studied the array of dishes before picking up a morsel of svarga. It was the most expensive delicacy on the table and he lingered over it before returning to his questions.

“I trust there were no lasting effects?”

“No, I am quite myself today.” Was he? He suspected that being with Ella had already changed him.

“I was especially concerned since I heard that several other events over the past few days had been rearranged.”

“My schedule has always been flexible.” Tired of the game, he asked bluntly. “Why are you really here, Lekasar?”

The priest contemplated his nails. “My concern over your health reminded me of a matter I wished to discuss with you. I believe it is time for you to take a First Consort.”

A First Consort? The priest wanted him to arrange to be mated? He wasn’t sure he was as successful in hiding his shock as he would have wished but he forced a casual tone. “I disagree. My father didn’t take a consort until he was in his thirties.”

“Yes. I considered that most unfortunate. Perhaps if he had joined earlier, he would have had more than one child.” Before Karthajin could react to what he suspected was a veiled criticism of his mother, Lekasar continued. “As it stands, you have no direct heir. If something were to happen to you, the throne would go to Prince Orokoth. A fine man and a devout servant of the church, but not of Balmajin’s direct bloodline. Your grandfather was an excellent emperor, shedding the light of Napisten throughout the galaxy. His lineage should continue.”

His grandfather had been a brutal old bastard who had been far more concerned with enforcing Kaisarian dominance than religious evangelism; however, he wasn’t about to argue the subject with the priest. He was still trying to come to terms with the idea of taking a mate.

“I have every intention of providing a direct successor…” A vision of Ella’s body ripe with child forced its way into his consciousness, but he reluctantly dismissed it. “However, there is no immediate need to be concerned about such things.”

“What if your… illness had been of a more serious nature? I’m sure your father assumed he would rule for many years, yet he was only on the throne for six months. It would be such a shame if something similar would occur to you.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why, Lekasar, that almost sounds like a threat.”

“Oh, no, Chosen One.” The priest looked genuinely shocked. “But Napisten’s ways are never known to us. Which is why I believe that choosing a First Consort would reassure your people.”

Choose a First Consort? The image of blue eyes and a teasing smile flashed in front of him. If he truly had a choice, of course he would choose Ella. But even if he had been willing to subject her to the machinations of his court, the Kaisarians would never accept a human slave as a suitable mate.

“I have prepared a list of suitable princesses. They have all been raised in the appropriate seclusion to ensure that they are pure.” Lekasar hesitated and contemplated his nails again. “I understand that sometimes one’s… affections may be engaged outside of the formal mating bonds, but it seems cruel to encourage false expectations in one who can only be unsuitable. It might be best to terminate such associations. Perhaps, after an heir has been conceived, discreet arrangements could be made.”

If he hadn’t been so furious, he would have laughed. None of his father’s “arrangements” had been in any way discreet, from flaunting his latest lover at state banquets to eliminating the First Consort's rooms so that he could frolic with his favorites without fear of interruption. But beneath the anger was a very real concern that Lekasar was referring specifically to Ella. Had the rumors already spread so far? The suspicion only added to his fury, and he rose abruptly to his feet.

“I shall take the matter under advisement. And since you are so concerned for my health, I’m sure you won't mind if we cut this meal short so that I can rest before my other engagements.”

The priest’s eyes narrowed, annoyed at his dismissal, but he bowed his head gracefully. “Of course, Chosen One. I trust you will consider my suggestion.”

“Good day, Lekasar.”

As soon as Saban escorted the priest from the room, he began to pace. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t entirely discount Lekasar’s words. His grandfather had been always been very insistent on the importance of stability in the realm. He’d seen for himself how unsettled things were after his father's unexpected death and it was only now, a year later, that he finally felt as if the empire was running smoothly. But to take another as a mate, when his heart belonged to Ella?

Although he despised the very thought, he forced himself to consider Lekasar’s veiled suggestion—that he take a First Consort and keep Ella on the side. Political matings were not uncommon and with her knowledge of history, she would certainly understand that on an intellectual level, but in her heart? He remembered the way she had looked up at him, the way she had so carefully told him that she loved him. No, sharing him with another would break her.

When Saban returned from escorting the priest, his face was its usual smooth mask, but he thought he detected a hint of the same concern in his servant’s eyes.

“Is it so widely known, Saban?”

“Sire?”

“Don’t play coy. You know what I’m asking.”

“I suspect most of the palace is aware that you have a… pet.” He hesitated, then looked Karthajin directly in the eye. “I don’t believe they have any idea that she is more than that.”

“Yet, Lekasar felt compelled to visit me.”

“If he heard enough of the rumors to know that she was not Kaisarian, he might have felt that it was his duty.”

Karthajin winced but Saban’s point was well made. Under Lekasar, the Church had become even more dogmatic about the superiority of the Kaisarian race. His grandfather and father had been similarly convinced; however, his mother had gently encouraged him to consider the worth of other races. Yet, if Ella’s humanity was a driving factor, perhaps making her presence less visible would buy him some time. As much as he enjoyed her company—and her insightful observations—he would have to keep her out of his office. He would also have to forgo spending additional time with her and resume his usual workload. And perhaps he should even give the appearance of considering Lekasar’s suggestion.

“Saban, please tell Ella that she will not be able to join me this morning after all. I will see her… later,” he said with a regretful sigh.

Chapter Seventeen

“Ella. Ella!”

With a start, she looked up to see Nokatan shaking his head at her. “Am I wasting my time? Should we stop these lessons?”

Shaking her head emphatically, she reached for her tablet, but he held it away from her.

“Use your words. You need the practice.”

She glared at him, but he was right. Sometimes the fact that no one expected her to speak made life much easier. She could nod and smile and slip into the role of an adorable child, the same role she’d played since she came to Kaisar. And what did it matter as long as Karthajin understood her? If only she understood him as well.

Something was bothering him and had been ever since the morning after they made love for the first time. Since that night, he no longer allowed her in his office, or allowed her at any meals where he had company. His schedule was once more as full as it had been in those first few days, their time together limited to snatched moments during the day when he was alone.

At least they had the nights. She might have thought he was regretting what had happened if it weren’t for those nights. No matter how late he returned, he always woke her, apologizing even as he reached for her with a frantic hunger that she couldn’t resist. And once that initial urgency was appeased, he would spend hours touching her, pleasing her, before wrapping her tightly in his arms. But no matter how tightly he held her, he was always gone when she awoke. He even missed many of the training sessions she knew he enjoyed for more audiences, more official duties.

“I’m worried,” she said carefully. “About K-karth-th—” Damn. His name never wanted to come out.

Nokatan sighed. “I’m worried, too. He has canceled our last two sessions.”

That worried her, too, because she knew he considered them important.

Why tutors? She had asked him one day.

“I’ve been getting lessons all my life. I think my grandfather started training me to be the emperor when I was still in the cradle.” He had laughed ruefully. “Not that I ever particularly wanted the job. When my grandfather died and my father inherited the throne, I thought I had at least a few more years before I’d have to worry about it, always assuming he hadn’t driven the empire into rebellion by then. But then he died six months after ascending to the throne and it came to me. And I suddenly realized just how little I knew despite all of those lessons. So, every afternoon when I can manage it, one of my “advisors” comes to me for an hour and I learn a little bit more.”

Now she tried to excuse his actions. “H-he’s very t-tired.” She knew it was true; she could see the strain on his face when he forgot to mask it.

“If he canceled in order to rest, I would be delighted. But he’s not resting. Yesterday, he went boating with Princess Szuza and—” He stopped abruptly. “I’m sorry, girl.”

“It’s f-fine,” she managed to say. A vision danced in her head of Karthajin, her Karthajin, floating around under the sun with another woman while she was alone here, trapped in his rooms. His warning that she would regret her decision to stay with him came back to her. Chika had been curled next to her, but now she lifted her head and nudged Ella’s side.

“It’s not what you’re thinking,” Nokatan said hastily. “Half of the court was there, as well as her chaperones.”

“Ch-chaperones?” she asked, her lips going numb. There was only one reason a princess had chaperones—if her virginity was being guarded in anticipation of her making an advantageous union. Perhaps even a union with an emperor. The room spun and it was a long while before she realized that Nokatan was calling her name again.

“Ella, dammit. If you’re going to faint, do it on your own time.” Despite the words, his eyes were frantic with worry and his hair was dancing wildly around his face. Chika was butting her head against her, equally as concerned.

“N-no. No, I’m not going to faint.” She picked up Chika and buried her face in the kitten’s soft fur. She was just going to end up alone. Again.

Nokatan stared at her and it took a minute for her to realize why. She had spoken quite clearly.

“That was perfect. I knew you could do it. Say something else.”

“What do you want me to s-say? That I know Karthajin—” How easily the word came out now, now that she was going to lose him. “That I know he is looking for a c-consort.”

“That’s a lot to infer from one excursion…” He stopped abruptly.

“I take it that means that wasn’t the only one?” Her voice was still calm and clear, but her heart was crumbling inside her chest.

“I think I liked it better when you didn’t talk,” he muttered.

She managed a smile, barely. “It’s not your f-fault. I think he must have realized after our first… time, that it couldn’t last. I always knew it wouldn’t. I shouldn’t be surprised.”

Nokatan stood up and started pacing. “What are you going to do about it?”

“Do I have a choice?” The words came out with a bitterness that felt wrong on her tongue. She was used to being accommodating, of pushing things aside in order to appear happy. And most of the time, the happiness wasn’t an act. She was happy when the people she loved were happy. But this… She didn’t think she could push it aside if Karthajin took a First Consort.

He stopped pacing and glared at her. “Don’t play that game, girl. He may feel the need to put on a show for political reasons, but a blind man could tell he’s in love with you.”

Despite everything, his words caused a little warm glow inside her. She did believe that Karthajin loved her. Even now, she found it hard to imagine that he would ever abandon her. However, that didn’t mean he might not have to choose an official mate. He might not even regard it as unusual—many previous emperors had had both consorts and concubines, even a full harem. But for her, he was the only one. The rest of Nokatan’s words penetrated.

“What do you mean—for p-political reasons?”

Nokatan looked uncomfortable, his hair jumping wildly, but he shrugged. “The Church is pushing him to choose a First Consort. He’s the last of the direct line and he has no heir.”

“I see.” Her heart sank a little more. After their first night together, Karthajin had arranged for her to take a little pink pill that would prevent pregnancy until it was reversed. She had thought it was because he was concerned about her. Instead, it was because he didn’t want her child getting in the way of his rightful heir—an heir who would have to be of Kaisarian blood. She felt tears threaten and Nokatan took her hand.

“Ella, you musn’t be too hard on him. No matter what he wants personally, he was brought up as the future emperor. He’s been raised to fulfill those duties since the day he was born. I had a hard-enough time dealing with family expectations and they just wanted me to be a merchant.”

“A merchant?” Blunt, intellectual Nokatan selling hats to fat old ladies? She seized the opportunity to distract herself from her thoughts. “Why?”

“It’s what my family does—and has done for countless generations. When the Kaisarian Empire acquired the Gliese system, all my ancestors cared about was how to make a profit from it. My father expected me to succeed him and continue that tradition. I felt the weight of that expectation my whole life, but in the end, as hard as it was, I could choose to leave. Karthajin doesn’t have that choice.”

“But I have a choice,” she said slowly.

“You do,” he affirmed. “I know he doesn’t want to let you go, but I think he would if you asked him.”

Would she ask him? Or would she let him keep her as a beloved little pet, trapped as surely by her love as she had ever been by her slavery? Did she love him enough to stay, even if it meant sharing him with another woman? She wished she were more sure about her answer, but she found she really did not want to think about it. For right now, he was still hers. The decision could wait. Instead, she pulled her armor around her and gave Nokatan a wide-eyed look.

“You won’t tell him about my w-words coming back, will you?”

He studied her face, his hair swirling slowly, then nodded. “Not unless he asks me directly. He is my emperor and I will not lie to him.”

“Th-thank you.” It was all too easy to slip back into her previous speech patterns. Suddenly anxious to escape his penetrating gaze, she picked up Chika and headed to the garden where she could play with her kitten and pretend that nothing had changed.

Chapter Eighteen

If he had been his father, Karthajin reflected, he would undoubtedly have thrown a chair across the room by now. Perhaps even two. But since he’d spent most of his life endeavoring not to emulate his father, all he did was bring a hand down sharply across his desk.

“Enough.”

Both men jumped, then glared at the other. He knew the boat ride had been a mistake. Despite the chaperones, it had been a more intimate experience than he anticipated. However, by the time he’d arrived at the lake and realized the situation, it was impossible to escape without giving offense. Of course, no one would have protested but it would have been capricious, and being capricious did not encourage productive relationships with the Royal Houses.

As a result, he endured an hour with a princess who, while no doubt attractive, was also too shy to open her mouth, and with chaperones who seemed far more interested in abandoning their charge than they did in protecting her virtue. It also did not escape him that while Ella might not have much to say, either, he would have derived considerable enjoyment from the same outing if she had been there. He was wistfully considering the possibility of closing the entire lake to everyone else and taking her there, when Prince Gyenga cleared his throat.

“I apologize for this unseemly behavior, Your Imperial Majesty. I simply wanted to suggest that since you enjoyed my daughter’s company so much yesterday, you might wish to escort her to your birthday gala.”

“However, I noticed how much you enjoyed my daughter’s wit at the Summer Festival luncheon and wanted to suggest that you escort her,” Prince Leterit continued smoothly.

Wit? Princess Leterina tittered ceaselessly at her own jokes and seemed to have no knowledge of anything other than the latest hairstyle.

He hid his frustration with the ease of long practice and gave them a slight, icy smile.

“Thank you, gentleman. I already have a companion for the event.”

“B-but who?” Prince Leterit stuttered. “Surely you don’t mean Princess Belra? Why I know for a fact that she is most certainly not pure—” He stopped abruptly. “I mean, I have it on good authority.”

So Leterit had taken the virginity of his rival’s daughter, a girl half his age? Had she even been willing? He shook his head, disgusted but not surprised.

“If the princess willingly chose to give up her purity, then it is certainly her prerogative.” Did the man pale at his emphasis on the word willingly? He made a mental note to have discreet enquiries made about the girl. “However, as I said, my plans have been made. Good day, gentlemen.”

They bowed and left, Leterit elbowing Gyenga out of the way at the door. The door closed behind them and he finally relaxed, trying to enjoy his few uninterrupted moments. He missed Ella so fiercely it was like an ache in his side, but he had less than five minutes until his next audience and he was still determined to keep her out of public view. It would be even worse now that the entire court thought he was searching for a First Consort.

He had foolishly thought it would be simple to throw Lekasar off his tracks. He would not avoid any more state events, make a few discreet enquiries, and in a few weeks, it would have blown over and he could let Ella come back. Either he had seriously misjudged the court’s attention span, or someone has been encouraging the rumors. Lekasar was the obvious suspect; he just didn’t understand why the priest would be so insistent.

His com panel alerted him to a call from Tanaca. Despite the temptation to ignore it, he knew his advisor wouldn’t call without a reason.

“Yes?”

“Your captain has returned. With a guest,” Tanaca said begrudgingly.

“Excellent. Does he have any news?”

“He refused to say, Sire. He just said he wanted the, begging your pardon, the scum sucking son-of-a-whore off his ship.”

He bit back a laugh. “Have him bring the man here.”

“I already suggested that, Sire. He indicated that he was anxious to leave and wanted to just drop off the man.”

“Then he is doomed to disappointment. I want to see both of them at once.”

“Yes, Sire.” Tanaca sounded entirely too pleased.

“Politely, Tanaca. But now. Have Warnax escort them through the utility passages.”

“To your office?”

“Yes,” he said, after a brief hesitation. His office was screened against all surveillance and without Ella to interrupt, it was the most discreet setting in the palace. Ignoring the pang that thought gave him, he canceled his next audience and waited impatiently.

As soon as the concealed panel slid open, Athtar barged in, Warnax at his elbow.

“I did what you wanted. I brought you the fucking slimy bastard. Can I leave now?” He stopped abruptly, ducked his head and gave what might have passed for a bow, and added hastily. “Your Imperial Majesty.”

Since the man was bare chested except for a weapons harness that Warnax was watching warily, he appeared to have left his war beast behind.

“Precious is waiting?”

“Aye,” Athtar said, a surprised grin replacing the scowl. “She’s very precious.”

Before he could respond, two more guards appeared, dragging an Elginar scholar who hung limply between them. Like all scholars, his head was shaved and covered with tattoos signifying his accomplishments. Karthajin hid his surprise at the level of learning they revealed. How had a man of such high stature ended up in a secret lab on an ice planet?

Tanaca was the last to enter. He gave the scholar a disgusted look, then bowed deeply. “I must apologize, Your Imperial Majesty. I truly did not believe that any Elginar were actually involved.”

“Always easier to blame someone else, isn’t it, spymaster?” Athtar said.

“Captain Athtar,” Karthajin interrupted before Tanaca could respond. “How did you get him out?”

“I sent the man who went to the lab last time back in. He showed up, got everyone drunk as hell, and slipped away with him slicker than a Tardarian slime creature. Of course, it helped that the lights were out.”

“You disabled the lights in a military grade weapons lab?” Tanaca asked, clearly skeptical.

Athtar tugged on his beard and frowned at him. “Nah. Must have been the fucking storm. Just good timing.”

“Will they miss him?” Karthajin asked.

“Doubt it. We, I mean he, made it look like he got shitfaced drunk and wandered out into the storm.”

“If he’s too injured to talk, he’s not going to be of much help,” Tanaca said, surveying the man’s limp figure.

“He ain’t hurt. Just slipped and fell into my fist a few times. I don’t like him,” Athtar said with a shrug. “Can I go now?”

Karthajin suspected there was considerably more to the story than Athtar had let on, but he had his informant and that was the most important part.

“Very well.”

Athtar hesitated for a second. “What about the girl? Did she change her mind?”

“She most certainly did not.” At least he prayed to Napisten that she had not. He wasn’t ready to let her go.

The captain shot him an accessing look. “Yeah. Kind of addictive aren’t they, these little humans?”

Without waiting for a reply, he swept a bow worthy of a prince and headed for the panel.

“Wait a minute,” Tanaca said. “You mentioned the liquor. What about the furs? And the credits?”

“Expenses,” Athtar said with a roguish grin, and disappeared.

“Sire!”

“Let it go, Tanaca.” He studied the prisoner, who was beginning to twitch in the guard’s hands. “Can you bring him round?”

“Of course, Sire,” Tanaca said, looking mildly insulted. He started searching through a small satchel before withdrawing a syringe. “This should also make him more… amenable to the discussion.”

Two hours later, Karthajin was tired and frustrated. Despite Tanaca’s assortment of drugs, the interrogation had been only partially successful. They had discovered that the planet destroying weapon was only a few months away from completion; however, they hadn’t made any progress in determining who had ordered the construction or the ultimate goal. The only other useful piece of information that Tanaca had uncovered was the fact that there was a back way into the lab. The prisoner hadn’t revealed the exact location, but Tanaca had tracked his facial movements while the man was forced to watch vids of the surrounding area and he had narrowed down the parameters.

“I’m tired of your evasions, Zartan,” Tanaca said.

The prisoner ignored him. “My stomach hurts.”

“A lot more than your stomach is going to hurt shortly unless you can provide the information I want.”

“I don’t know anything else,” Zartan muttered.

Tanaca shook his head. “Why don’t I believe you? Who is funding your operation?”

Zartan’s face looked genuinely confused, and he swayed in his chair, despite the bonds holding him place. Tanaca leaned closer.

“You value your tattoos, don’t you? Your signs of scholarship?” A knife appeared in his hand and he scraped it delicately over the man’s cheek. “I would hate to see them removed.”

“No, no!” The threat finally seemed to penetrate the man’s abstraction and he tried to back away from the knife but Tanaca followed the movement.

The first bloody line had just appeared when there was a yowl from the garden, followed by a streak of grey fur. Chika came to a halt in front of the prisoner, her crest flaring, then attacked his leg with a sudden swipe of long sharp claws. There was a startled gasp behind him, and he closed his eyes in despair. Ella had been so obedient. Why had she picked today to disobey him? He’d never wanted her to see this.

He turned, expecting her to be running away or worse, giving him an accusing look. Instead, she was staring at the prisoner. Her mouth opened and then she was screaming, rushing toward the man with her own nails out.

“No, no! I don’t want to go. Take me home. Where’s Faith? I want Faith. Let her go. Let me go. Take me home!” She battered the man with her small fists, tears rolling down her face, while Chika yowled and attacked from below.

He shoved aside his shock and rushed over to her, picking her up in his arms despite her frantic struggles.

“Hush, kitten. You’re with me. You’re safe.” He jerked his head at Warnax. “Take him away. Put him in a private cell and make sure he’s guarded by your most discreet men.”

Warnax bowed and his men dragged the prisoner away.

“No, no.” Ella’s cries had died down to soft whimpers, but she was still moaning and clutching his shirt. Chika curled anxiously around his ankles.

“Would you like me to give her something to calm her, Sire?” Tanaca actually looked concerned. “Or call a medic?”

“Not now, Tanaca. Tell Tikaren to cancel the rest of the day’s events.” He didn’t give a fuck if half the palace showed up tomorrow to reprimand him. His Ella needed him, and he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Yes, Sire.” He hesitated. “I hope all is well with Miss Ella.”

Karthajin lifted her into his arms. “I will make sure that it is.”

Chapter Nineteen

As the panic started to recede, Ella realized that Karthajin was carrying her. Her arms instinctively went around his neck. “Don’t leave me.”

“I have no intention of leaving you.” He hugged her against him and she let his big, warm body and musky scent comfort her, despite the terrifying memories that threatened to swamp her.

“What happened back there, kitten?”

They had reached the bedroom and he sat back against the headboard, still cradling her in his arms.

“I remembered,” she whispered.

“Is that why you’ve remembered your voice, as well?” He traced a gentle hand down her cheek. “I’m happy to hear you speak so clearly.”

For a moment she considered telling him that it was the shock of his upcoming marriage which had brought back her voice, but she couldn’t handle talking about that just now. Her mind was still replaying the horror of the night she was taken.

“What do you remember, kitten?”

“I remember being taken from Earth. It’s all been a blur for so long. I would dream about it but when I woke up, I couldn’t remember any of the details. But just now, when I saw him, it all came rushing back.” She shuddered, the fear of that evening washing over her, and he rocked her soothingly. “That night—the night it happened—I was with Faith, the g-girl next door. I think, I think maybe they just w-wanted her but since I was there, they took me, too.” She took a deep breath, fighting the urge to cry. “The ones who t-took us… they were like that man. He’s Elginar, too, isn’t he? I think that’s why Tanaca scared me, but I d-didn’t understand because he looks so different with no tattoos and all of his hair.”

“Was that man one of the ones who actually took you?” he asked gently.

“I don’t know. I thought so, but m-maybe it was just the shock.” The tears still threatened as more of the memories rushed back. There was an awful cage and those blue men barked questions at Faith which Ella didn’t understand.

“Would you be able to handle looking at him again?” Karthajin asked, pulling her out of the past. “I wouldn’t ask but I think it’s important to know if he was there.”

She took a deep breath. “Yes, I think so. If you’re there.”

“That’s my brave girl.” He dropped a kiss on her head. “Is that all you remember?”

“No.” The whole trip had resurfaced now, but in some ways, the ending was the worst part. She played with the hem of her shirt. “There was another m-man, right at the end. He’s the one that brought me to my… owners. He was Kaisarian.”

“Would you recognize him again?” She could hear the urgency in his voice, even though he tried to suppress it.

“I don’t know. It was such a long time ago, but when I saw that man just now, it was like it just happened.” The tears welled up again. “I was so s-scared, but I always had Faith. And then they took me away from her.”

“Is that when you stopped remembering?”

“I think so. My first few days here were all such a blur. I think… I think Momi and Popi may have given me something to help me f-forget because I cried so much.” Anger and sorrow fought for dominance. “Why would they do that? Why would they take away my memories?”

“Perhaps so you could be happy with them?” he suggested.

“Is it happiness if it’s built on a lie? I loved them but I guess they didn’t l-love me enough to let me have the truth.”

Emotions in a wild tumult, she pulled away from him. He let her go, watching her face.

“It was always like that. Whenever I got upset, they just wanted it to go away. So I always pushed it aside, so I could be their h-happy little slave, so they would love me.”

She took a deep breath. “I don’t want to do that anymore. I don’t want to pretend I’m not unhappy when I am.” Her hands clenched. “I know you’re looking for a First Consort.”

His eyes closed, an expression close to despair on his face. “No, kitten, I’m not. I don’t want to be with anyone but you. The Church has been pushing me and I thought that if I met with a few candidates, it would appease them.”

“Is that why you wouldn’t let me come with you anymore?”

“Yes. There were rumors. I wanted to give them a chance to die down.”

“Because you’re ashamed of me?” He had never made her feel inferior for being human, but maybe that was why he didn’t want their relationship known.

“Never,” he said emphatically. “I just don’t want anyone talking about you. The palace is a hotbed of malicious gossip.”

His face was haunted, and she sighed. “Don’t you think that’s inevitable?”

“Kitten, you don’t understand. That constant barrage of whispers and rumors destroyed my mother.”

From what he’d told her, she suspected that his father had been the true cause of his mother’s unhappiness, but she wasn’t sure she could ever convince him. Rather than attempt it, she focused on the more important issue.

“How long do I have?”

He frowned. “How long?”

“Before… before you choose someone else.”

“Oh, kitten, I would never choose to be with anyone but you.” But they both knew that it might not be entirely his choice.

Karthajin held Ella until she calmed. He hated that she knew about the pressure on him to choose a First Consort, but he was relieved that it was in the open between them. As she snuggled against him and drifted off into a restless sleep, he closed his arms around her. If only he knew the best way to protect her. Athtar’s suggestion floated through his mind again, but he rejected it. He wanted her here with him, and unless she decided she wanted to leave, he wasn’t going to make her.

As her breathing gradually deepened, he reluctantly unwrapped her arms from around his neck and settled her in place. The informant might not have revealed much so far but there were still actions that needed to be taken. He didn’t want to go far while she was still so vulnerable, so he covered her with a blanket and headed for his sitting room to summon his chief military advisor.

Fleet Admiral Gernagan arrived rapidly. A grizzled older man, he had served the same advisory position under his grandfather. He was a blunt old warrior who had participated in enough battles to neither fear them nor seek them out, and Karthajin trusted him implicitly. He rapidly brought him up to date on the situation.

“I want access to the prisoner,” Gernagan said immediately.

Karthajin hesitated. He knew Tanaca wouldn’t like it, but answers were most important at this point.

“You may have it; however, if Tanaca wants to be present as well, he can be.”

“Hmph. He’s too soft.”

Karthajin thought of Tanaca’s knife slicing into the prisoner's face and shook his head. “I think he may surprise you.”

“In the meantime, what do you want to do about the lab?”

“I want you to take it. But discreetly. One ship, your troops in camouflage, using the back entrance.”

Gernagan frowned. “It might be risky. We could still just drop a bomb on it, take out the whole site.”

“And what if it sets off the planetary weapon?” Karthajin asked. “Hothrest may not be the most congenial place in the galaxy, but it doesn’t deserve to be destroyed. And, Gernagan, try not to start a war with the Hothians.”

“Hah. A war they’d lose.”

“Undoubtedly. But they would fight to their last man and it would be a senseless waste of life.”

“It would be a hell of a battle.” Gernagan said a little regretfully, but he nodded. “Agreed. I’ll send a ship out immediately.”

“And there’s something else—”

“Karthajin?” Ella’s voice came from the bedroom entrance and he looked up to see her standing there. She looked sleepy and adorable but her usual smile was missing, and her lips trembled. Without a word, he opened his arms, and she rushed over to him and buried her head in his neck. He looked over the soft blonde curls to see Gernagan studying him. The admiral shook his head, but he didn’t seem particularly offended.

“Ella, this is Fleet Admiral Gernagan. I was just about to tell him that you may have seen a Kaisarian who was involved in this plot.”

She raised her head and gave Gernagan a shy smile, then looked up at him. “You think my kidnapping was related to this weapon?”

“You said you thought they were after your friend. Do you have any idea why?”

A thoughtful look crossed her face. “Faith was awfully smart. She had degrees in two different things, and she wasn’t very old.”

“Do you remember what subjects she was trained in?”

She shook her head. “No. I always thought she knew everything.”

“Why do you think a Kaisarian was involved?” Gernagan demanded impatiently, and Karthajin filled him in on Ella’s memories.

“We should start by seeing if she can definitely identify your prisoner,” Gernagan said.

Ella shivered and nestled closer to him. Gernagan’s eyes softened a little.

“Don’t worry, girl. He can’t hurt you now. And if you do recognize him…”

“It would seem likely that there is a connection. And if a Kaisarian was involved back then, we know this extended beyond Ustrod,” Karthajin said grimly. The fortunately deceased Prince Ustrod had been behind the deployment of the first instance of the weapon.

“Why?”

“Because eight years ago, Ustrod was on Tronbard, trying to take over the planet before the Sardorans stopped him.”

“So, he couldn’t have been on the ship.”

“No. And it’s a reasonable assumption that whoever this person is, they are here at court. Ustrod thought everyone else was below him.”

“Hmm.” Gernagan’s eyes sharpened and he nodded at Ella. “The whole court’s going to be at your birthday gala. Why not take her and see if she recognizes anyone?”

His first delighted approval was followed by a reluctant head shake. “I’m afraid not.”

“Why not?” Ella piped up.

“My love, I’m sorry, but as much as I would like to escort you, I can’t,” he said gently, even as he envisioned her at his side. “The court would be in an uproar.”

“I understand,” she said softly, then looked thoughtful. Her eyes began to sparkle. “What if you took me as your kitten? As your… pet?”

“Absolutely not.”

“It’s not a bad idea,” Gernagan said. He ignored Karthajin’s outraged look. “Pretty little thing like that, everyone would want a chance to see her and she could be looking back. Since they don’t even think she can talk, I doubt anyone would consider her a threat.”

“Why would they think she couldn’t talk?”

Gernagan shook his head impatiently. “Your Imperial Majesty, do you really think there is anyone in the palace who doesn’t know that you’ve adopted a little pet who can’t talk, and you are keeping her in your rooms?”

Fuck. First Lekasar, then Gernagan. How could he have been so oblivious? Perhaps because he had wanted to be. “I suppose I should have realized.”

“I should also mention that if you take her out in public, it will be quite clear that you are in no hurry to choose a First Consort.” Gernagan smirked. “Might get some of those anxious fathers off your back.”

Ella giggled, and he frowned down at her. She obviously didn’t understand what it would mean.

“Kitten, I don’t think you understand. Everyone is going to think you’re just a slave, a sex slave.”

She tilted her head and looked up at him, her face growing serious. “I understand, but I don’t care. I know how you feel and that’s all that matters to me. Plus, I’ll be there with you.” The mischief reappeared. “And you know, in Turmoil and Tranquility, Lady Natashen played the part of a prostitute in order to get Prince Andraxi to betray himself. The emperor’s sex slave is a much more appealing role.” She snuggled closer, very deliberately letting the soft curves of her ass settle over his shaft and pressing her breasts into his chest. His horns gave a quick pulse.

Gernagan coughed. “Perhaps we should start by seeing if the girl recognizes the prisoner. Then you can decide.”

“Very well.” If she recognized him, he would consider taking her to the birthday gala. “Kitten, I think it would be best if I took you to his cell. You could observe him through the glass.”

She shivered but lifted her chin and echoed his words. “Very well.”

As he reached for the com panel to call Warnax, the guard called him instead.

“Yes, Warnax?”

“The prisoner is dead, Sire.”

“What?” He enabled the speaker function so that Gernagan could hear.

“The medic is examining the body now, but he appears to have been poisoned.” Warnax’s voice deepened. “He was, of course, searched thoroughly, but he apparently managed to conceal poison on his body. I apologize for my failure, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“There are many ways for a determined man to conceal poison, Chief Warnax,” Gernagan said. “Had anyone been allowed to visit him?”

“No, Sir. However, he was provided with food and water. I’m checking on that now.”

“Thank you, Warnax.” Giving Ella an encouraging hug, he continued. “I will be bringing Ella down to see if she can recognize him. Please make sure the medic doesn’t disturb his face before we get there.”

“Yes, Sire."

He disconnected and took Ella’s hand. “Come along, pet. Let’s see if you recognize this man.”

Chapter Twenty

A week later, Karthajin stood impatiently while his dresser laced his sleeves. He hated the birthday gala, hated the ridiculously expensive presents, and the insincere wishes, but most of all he hated the memory of how his mother had been excluded from every one. The only thing that made the whole ordeal a tiny bit more bearable was the fact that Ella would be with him. She had been fairly certain that she recognized the dead prisoner and he’d had to admit that it made sense for her to at least get a glimpse of the members of his court in person.

While Karthajin was dressing, Kolga was putting the finishing touches on Ella’s costume in the next room. He had instructed his tailor to spare no expense, but he wasn’t sure what his tailor had designed, and Ella only giggled when he asked. Her sunny nature had reasserted itself over the past week, even though he caught her looking at him occasionally with a longing expression. He suspected that she might have seen the same look on his face. It helped that they were spending more time together. Since the palace was apparently completely aware of her presence, he gave up on his attempts at discretion. She once again accompanied him to his office and joined him for any of the meals in his private quarters, although she maintained her silence around all but a select few.

Earlier that evening she had shyly presented him with a birthday present. A simple wooden frame, delicately hand-painted, surrounded a portrait of his mother. She was seated in a chair, the light shining over her shoulder as she looked down at the baby she held. He couldn’t have been more than a few months old in the picture, but he was watching her just as intently.

“She’s smiling,” he said softly. The shadows that crept over her in later years had yet to appear.

“Because she’s happy.” Ella replied just as softly. “Because she loves you.”

“I wish I could remember her like this,” he said wistfully.

“Well, now you can.”

“Where did you find it?”

“I asked Saban. He helped me go through everything that was available. I didn’t want an official portrait.”

“It’s beautiful, kitten. I love it.” He traced the delicate flowers that ornamented the frame, noticing the care that had gone into each line. “Did you do this?”

She blushed and bit her lip. “I did. I know it’s not perfect, but I wanted to give you something that came just from me.” Her blue eyes were anxious as they looked up at him. “But I understand if you would rather put it in a more expensive frame.”

“Kitten, I wouldn’t trade this frame for a solid gold frame encrusted with diamonds. It’s perfect.”

Then he kissed her, her sweet mouth as responsive and welcoming as always, and when she was breathless and panting, her hands clutching at his horns, he carried her off to the bed and showed her just how much he appreciated her present.

He wished he could have kept her there all evening, the two of them isolated from everyone else, but the birthday gala awaited. Tonight would be the first time she would be with him openly and he was simultaneously pleased with the prospect and unhappy about the role in which she would appear.

“Finished, Sire,” his dresser said quietly, and he realized that he was staring absently into space.

“Thank you.”

She bowed and disappeared, just as he heard Ella giggle and tell Kolga goodbye. He entered the room as she turned away from the door and he came to an abrupt halt, lust wiping his brain empty of all thought. For once in his life, his ability to guard his expression failed completely. Ella came prancing up to him wearing the most outrageous costume he’d ever seen. Little furry ears poked out of her blond curls, and more white fur circled her wrists and ankles. A while silk halter edged with diamonds barely covered her perfect little breasts and the matching triangle covering her luscious little cunt was just as minimal. A slim gold chain dotted with diamonds circled her slender waist and another chain led from the jewel encrusted collar circling her delicate neck.

“Do you like it?” she asked excitedly.

He liked it so much he could barely speak. The combination of innocent kitten and provocative sensuality had his horns throbbing and his cock pushing impatiently at his pants.

“You can’t possibly wear that,” he managed.

“You don’t like it.” Her face fell and her lower lip pouted out.

“I like it very much, kitten, but I don’t want anyone else seeing you in it.”

“We agreed on this, remember?” Putting her arms around him, she smiled up at him, the feel of her almost naked body against his fully clothed one doing nothing to eliminate his arousal. With a groan, he reached down to lift her into his arms and more fur brushed his fingers. A tail?

If Kolga had dared to insert anything into her body… Red rage colored his vision as he spun her around. To his relief, the tail was attached to the thin strip of cloth which disappeared between her buttocks. Kolga wouldn’t have to die today. Although considering just how realistic it looked and just how little of her luscious little bottom was actually covered, he might have to reconsider.

“Kitten, are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes. I’ll see if I can recognize the man. You’ll show the court you’re not yet ready to settle down. It will be fun.” She gave him a sunny smile and despite his arousal, despite his desire to keep her locked away forever, he picked up the other end of her chain and led her out of his rooms.

As they walked into the reception hall, he saw that true to her word, she was enjoying herself. She trailed behind him on the golden chain, looking around with a wide-eyed innocence that he was sure was only partially an act. A stunned silence fell, almost immediately replaced by hushed whispers. No one was quite rude enough to stare outright, but everyone was looking. He was torn between the desire to cover her up and whisk her away, and an overwhelming pride in her beauty.

He hadn’t escorted a woman to a formal event since he’d become emperor, the situation too fraught with unpleasant memories. His grandfather's mate, an intimidating woman in her own right, had always accompanied him, but then excused herself gracefully as the evening descended into drunken debauchery, to be rapidly replaced by one of his grandfather’s many favorites. His father had never bothered to wait, simply ignoring his mother in favor of his latest conquest when he was forced to have her present.

Ignoring the looks and the whispers, he led his beautiful little kitten to his chair as his courtiers parted before him in a wave of obeisance. The chair wasn’t quite a throne, but it was close enough, and he usually despised sitting here. Yet somehow, when he seated himself and Ella curled on the blue silk cushions at his feet, it didn’t seem as bad as it usually did. He waited with unusual patience as an endless procession of people came up to wish him well. Ella studied them from under her lashes and darted quick little looks around the room, as alert and curious as her tigren cub.

He knew that she was quite aware of his conversations, but they didn’t seem to bother her. When Lady Arkanta made an extremely explicit proposition right over her head, he saw her lips twitch and his anger turned to amusement. When Prince Leterit actually did give him a gold picture frame encrusted with diamonds—with a picture of his daughter—Ella had to muffle her giggles against his leg.

“I must admit I’m surprised by your choice of companion, Sire,” the man muttered, frowning down at her.

“Oh?” he asked icily, his hand dropping to Ella’s head.

The man ignored the tone of his voice and blundered on, licking his lips as he surveyed Ella. “Well, it’s one thing to have a pretty little fucktoy in the bedroom, but don’t you—”

“Prince Leterit, you will remove yourself from this room and from my palace immediately. If you choose to apologize, I might consider your plea, but I will not do so for at least a year.” Despite his anger, he managed to control his voice. He looked over his shoulder at Warnax. “Have Prince Leterit escorted from the premises. He has twenty-four hours to pack. And Prince Leterit, if you make the slightest objection, I will have you removed from the planet entirely.”

The prince’s expression had fluctuated from outraged to frightened. He took one look at Warnax’s imposing figure and nodded. Shoulders slumped, he headed for the door, and Karthajin watched him go, rage still coursing through his system. A warm hand curled around his and he looked down to find Ella watching him. She gave him a quick smile and pressed a kiss against his palm. He took a deep breath, relieved that she wasn’t upset and forced himself to let go of the anger as he turned to greet the next guest. When he finally rose and gave the signal to proceed to the banquet hall, he ignored the chain and took her hand.

“Still enjoying yourself, kitten?” he murmured as they led the way into the next room.

She nodded, her eyes shining, and he was very tempted to kiss her. Instead, he watched as she looked around. The banquet hall was the most impressive room in the palace outside of the throne room. Tall windows lined one entire side, overlooking a series of fountains that danced in the same rhythm as the music playing softly in the background. The ceiling was so high that it was lost in the darkness overhead, only illuminated by small scattered lights designed to resemble the galaxy with Kaisar at the center.

As he led the way to the table, he saw that another pile of cushions was waiting next to his chair. He didn’t want her at his feet, he wanted her with him—and it was his birthday after all. Ignoring the scandalized whispers, as soon as he sat down, he pulled her onto his lap. She gave a happy little sigh and snuggled against him.

The extended meal was an exercise in restraint. He made polite conversation, ignored any carefully worded questions about his kitten, and accepted birthday wishes with the best grace he could muster. In between, he fed Ella little bites of food, her soft lips closing around his fingers with a provocative little pout that went straight to his cock. From the way she wiggled her bottom and licked his fingers with her little pink tongue, he had no doubt she was doing it on purpose. Every man in the vicinity was watching her, their hungry expressions impossible to ignore, while the women were clearly jealous of either her beauty or her position. While Ella ignored them all, he just prayed to Napisten that his patience would hold out.

Chapter Twenty-One

By the time Karthajin finally brought the evening to an abrupt end and they returned to his rooms, his lust and frustration had reached a boiling point. Ella seemed completely oblivious, dancing ahead of him into their bedroom, and swooping to pick up Chika and dance the tigren around the room.

“See? I told you it would be fun. Although, I am sorry I didn’t recognize anyone as the man from the ship.”

The mysterious Kaisarian on the ship was the least of his concerns at the moment. “Fun? Didn’t you see the way those men looked at you?”

“Of course I did.” She kissed Chika’s nose and put her back in her basket. “But it didn’t bother me because you were there. You wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”

“Of course I wouldn’t. But I hate knowing what they were imagining.”

“What were they imagining?” She shot him an entirely too innocent look, then dropped to her hands and knees and crawled over to him, the little tail swaying provocatively. All the blood in his body headed straight for his cock and he could only watch as she wound herself around his legs and nuzzled her head against him.

“Something like this? Or perhaps this?” Still nuzzling, she worked her way up his legs until she reached his cock. His horns pulsed insistently. Her hot breath penetrated the fabric covering him as she purred at her discovery, then started taking teasing little sucks and nipping him lightly through the cloth. With an impatient growl, he freed his erection, brushing it across her sweet little mouth, his oris opening and sucking at her lips.

“Mm,” she whispered and sucked back, her little tongue diving eagerly between the petals and licking over his exposed glans. His hand went to her head, fingers twisting in the soft curls.

“Take me in your mouth, kitten,” he urged, restraining the impulse to thrust into the tempting little entrance. She obeyed willingly, and he groaned as her lips parted and she took him inside. Her mouth opened, small pink lips stretched wide around his dark red shaft in an erotic display of submission. She couldn’t take much of him, but she licked and sucked enthusiastically, and once again, it felt as new to him as it was to her, adding a surge of excitement he’d never felt before. His balls were already tightening, and his body tensing.

“I’m going to come, my Ella,” he warned, but she only looked up at him from under her lashes and sucked harder, her hands wrapped tightly around the lower part of his shaft. The seductive look, the innocent enthusiasm—most of all, the knowledge that she was doing this because she wanted to, because she loved him, rushed over him. His hands tightened in her hair, lightning shot down his spine, and he exploded into her mouth, his seed rushing from him in waves of pleasure that left him shaking.

Her lips released him with a soft pop, and she sat back on her knees, licking her lips experimentally before giving him a pleased smile.

“That was even more fun.”

He couldn’t help laughing. “You just about kill me, and you think it’s fun?”

A shadow fell over her face for a second before she realized he was joking, and then her smile grew even bigger. “So I’m a good kitten?”

“The best,” he said, lifting her into his arms and kissing her. He could taste himself mixed with her sweet essence and liked the sign of his possession. She responded to his kiss as she always did, rubbing her sweet little body against his until his horns pulsed again. He was already hard. He walked over to the bed and dropped her lightly onto the mattress. She bounced and squeaked, the minuscule scrap of fabric covering her breasts slipping to one side and revealing an impudent little nipple.

“I think we can dispense with your outfit now, pet,” he said, releasing the ties and letting the silk flutter free. Both nipples were tight little buds, and he rolled them gently between his fingers until her back arched.

“And I don’t believe you need this, either, although I did like that little tail.” He ran a finger over the scrap of cloth between her legs, delighted to find the silk damp with her excitement, outlining each tender little crevice. She purred as he circled her clit, the silk clinging to the swollen nub. It took a moment for him to wonder why the fabric was so revealing. He slid them down to find that the small patch of gold curls was gone, leaving her pink and bare. The rush of excited lust was immediately followed by outrage.

“Who did this?”

“Do you like it?” she asked anxiously. “Kolga did it.”

“He touched you?” he roared.

“No, no. Of course not.” She blushed. “But the bottom part of the outfit was so small. He gave me a cream to use. He said it would grow back if you didn’t like it.”

He traced a mesmerized finger over the vulnerable flesh. Oh, he liked it, liked seeing her so exposed to him.

“Mm, that feels good.” Her eyes had gone heavy with pleasure but she raised herself up on her elbows so she could watch him touching her. He stroked two fingers between her lips, spreading them apart so he could appreciate every perfect detail.

“Th-there’s one more part to the costume,” she whispered, her breath catching as he slowly circled her clit.

“Another part?” he murmured distractedly.

“Another tail.”

That brought his head up with a jerk. “What?”

“It’s in the box over there. Kolga told me not to look at it.”

“But you did, didn’t you, kitten?”

She tried for her innocent look, but blushed. “I didn’t understand why there was another one.” Her blush deepened. “I didn’t understand at first, how it would work, but it’s supposed to go in my bottom, isn’t it?”

“Yes, kitten.” Just the thought had his cock leaking drops of precum. “Would you like that?”

“I don’t know.” She tilted her head considering. “Would I?”

“You like it when I play with your little bottom hole, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She hesitated, then gave one of her decided little nods. “I want to do it.”

He’d ripped off the existing costume before she finished the sentence. The small blue box on the nightstand contained another soft strip of fur, this one attached to a small golden plug, the widest part barely the width of his finger. A small bottle of clear liquid was nestled next to it and there was a note from Kolga tucked under the tail. Happy Birthday. You can thank me later.

The man’s impudence knew no limits, but as he looked at his kitten, waiting so expectantly, he couldn’t summon any anger.

“On your hands and knees, kitten.”

She obeyed immediately, watching him curiously, until he climbed up behind her.

“We’re going to take this very slowly,” he said, reminding himself as much as her. “Let me know if you don’t like something.”

“I’ll like it,” she said firmly, and he smiled, her trust tugging at him as it always did.

He began with her neck, pressing soft, sucking little kisses to the tender flesh. As he kissed down her spine, he brought the tail beneath her, running the soft fur back and forth over her nipples until she was squirming. When he reached her bottom, he spent more time kissing and sucking the soft flesh, leaving little red marks on the creamy flesh before spreading her cheeks apart to reveal her delicate pink pucker.

One hand slipped beneath her, delighted to find her dripping and ready as he stroked her clit in teasing little circles.

“Oh, please.”

“Patience, pet.” He abandoned the needy nub and returned to her bottom hole, circling the sensitive flesh and teasing the tiny entrance until she was pressing back against him. Quickly applying the lube to the plug, he replaced his finger with the cool metal. The tiny ring of muscle resisted at first and he slid his cock between her legs until his oris clasped her clit, sucking gently.

She gasped, and as she exhaled, he slid the plug past the resistance, pausing to let her adjust while his oris maintained the pressure against her clit. Almost immediately, her body softened, and she pushed back against his hand while he slowly slid the entire plug inside. Her body closed down around it and she squirmed. The tail bounced against her ass and he was harder than he’d ever been in his life.

“That feels so strange.”

“Good strange?” he managed to ask, his voice strained.

“Oh, yes. Is there more?”

“Definitely.” Putting his fingers on her clit, he slid his cock back until he found her entrance. She was still small, still tight, and he always had to work his way inside. Tonight, with the added pressure of the plug, the grip of her sweet cunt was almost painfully tight. A fine sweat covered his body as he slowly, patiently, pressed deeper. With each inch he gained, soft little gasps of excitement came from Ella. By the time he was buried to the root, he was panting. He paused, trying for some semblance of control, even as she jerked her hips impatiently.

“Patience, pet. I want to look at you.” The sweet little curves of her body, the furry little tail, at once so innocent and so erotic, the jeweled collar marking his possession; the sight had him breathless with lust and anticipation, but it wasn’t until she turned her head, until blue eyes sparkled up at him with that same combination of innocence and lust that he could no longer restrain himself.

He pulled back, her tight sheath clinging to him just as much on the way out, as if desperate not to lose contact with his cock. He was just as desperate, thrusting back in immediately, faster now as she accepted his size. He could feel the hard ridge of the plug rubbing against him each time he plunged inside, the soft fur of the tail brushing against him as he withdrew. He was losing control, thrusting harder, his fingers playing frantically across her clit as he felt the streaks of fire down his spine.

“Come for me, kitten,” he demanded, knowing he couldn't last much longer, and he felt the sweet, impossibly tight convulsion around his cock as he thrust one last time, buried as deeply as he could go, and felt his body exploding in long liquid waves of heat as his heart hammered and lights danced across his vision. He dropped down over her back, his hand reaching instinctively for hers. She clasped it and turned her head to smile at him.

“I love you so much, Karthajin.”

“I love you, my Ella.”

When his breathing finally slowed, he eased reluctantly from her body, then removed the tail as she shivered. While he went to get a cleansing cloth, she curled into the pillow and by the time he returned, she was asleep. Her cheek was nestled against her palm, her face smooth and untroubled. He washed her quickly, then laid down next to her and drew her close. She truly did not seem bothered by the evening’s events, by the stares and whispers of the court. He didn’t believe that she was too innocent not to understand them. How could she be so unconcerned when his own mother would have been so devastated? Perhaps it was because she had not yet had a personal confrontation with the outright malice that ran rampant through his court. He prayed that she would avoid it as long as possible.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Two days later, Karthajin found that his prayers had gone unanswered. Since he had openly revealed his relationship with Ella, she came and went freely from his office. He had left her there reviewing vids of members of the various Royal Houses while he stepped away for a brief conversation with Gernagan about the status on Hothrest. The cloaked ship was in orbit and studying the coordinates that the prisoner had revealed. When he returned, Tikaren was pacing anxiously in front of the doors to his office.

“Your Imperial Majesty, I believe I may have made a mistake.”

“Yes?”

“Your next appointment was with Lord Balek, but Lady Majarri appeared instead. She said he had sent her, so I let her in. But then I remembered there had been rumors that she was… attracted to you.” The skin over Tikaren’s cheekbones was almost navy with embarrassment. Karthajin’s limited liaisons had been handled by his personal staff, not his secretary.

“She’s in there now? With my Ella?”

It was not perhaps what he would have wished, but Majarri was an intelligent, charming woman. No doubt she would conduct herself suitably. Curious to see how Ella would react, he silently opened the door a fraction in time to hear Majarri hiss.

“You little whore. He was mine first.”

His vision went red with anger and he pushed the door wide, already expecting to find Ella in tears. Instead, she was standing in front of the much taller Kaisarian woman looking completely unperturbed. Her lack of concern made him hesitate in his instinctive rush to defend her.

“Perhaps that’s why you have a slightly… aged look about you,” Ella said, and she said it so sweetly and innocently that it took Majarri a moment to react.

“Are you calling me old?”

“Oh, no. I would never be so rude. I was brought up to respect my elders.”

“Why you little bitch,” Majarri hissed again, and took a step forward. He decided it was time to intervene and stepped into the room.

At the sound of his entrance, Majarri whirled around, smoothing her furious expression into the seductive one he knew so well. Beautifully dressed as always, her heavily embroidered gown slit high up the sides in the latest fashion, she still couldn’t hold a candle to Ella in her simple blue silk.

“Your Imperial Majesty. I was just acquainting myself with your… ward. How nice of you to adopt the child.”

He ignored her and strode over to Ella, checking to make sure she was as calm as she appeared. Her eyes were sparkling, and he was quite certain the little imp was enjoying herself. He dropped a slow, thorough kiss on her lips, ignoring Majarri’s outraged gasp.

“I would hardly call our relationship parental,” he said calmly as he turned back toward the angry woman, keeping a possessive hand on Ella’s hip. “Although I can understand why you might think that since you’re almost old enough to be her mother.”

Majarri’s face paled, and he would almost have felt sorry for her if he hadn’t heard her insulting his kitten. Without waiting for her response, he continued.

“I understand you’re here for Lord Balek?”

Her hands clenched but she did an admirable job of recovering her composure. “Yes. He wishes to hold an event in your honor at his summer estate. He asked me to come in his place since I know you so well.”

There was a definite hint of venom in her last words and the triumphant little glance she cast at Ella.

“Old friends are like that, aren’t they?” Ella responded, with the slightest emphasis on old. “But sometimes those friendships fade when newer and more… satisfying relationships come along.”

He bit back a laugh. “My kitten is quite right, as always.” His voice turned cold. “Please tell Lord Balek that I decline his kind invitation. I trust that if he has any future proposals, he will present them to my secretary personally. I don’t believe you will need to return.”

“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.” Majarri was intelligent enough to accept her defeat. She bowed and exited without another word. Dismissing her from his thoughts, he turned to check on Ella again.

“What did she say to you, pet?”

“Hmm, let’s see.” She tapped her finger on her chin, looking impish. “That she was surprised I was still here. That no doubt others were waiting for my favors, however limited they might be.”

Anger rushed through him again. He’d let Majarri leave much too easily. But Ella kept going, shocking him out of his fury.

“So I told her that you didn’t seem to think my favors were too limited when I was sucking your cock.” She grinned up at him. “Was that too much? That’s when she called me a whore.”

“I’m so sorry that you had to put up with that. I never knew she could be so vicious.”

“Well, I don’t suppose she ever was to you.”

“Why aren’t you more upset? My moth—”

“My love, listen to me,” she interrupted. “Your mother was in a terrible situation and I know how much that hurt you. But it wasn’t because of the court, not really. It was because your father didn’t love her. I know you love me, so the rest doesn’t matter.”

The truth in her words almost knocked him over. He pulled Ella close in silent acknowledgement, but even as he did, he wondered if there wasn’t another reason. His mother had been a gentle person, brought up in seclusion in a convent run by the Sisters of Rakokh, and completely unprepared to face the realities of court life. But his Ella had faced so much already—ripped away from her family at such a young age, brought up by owners who, however kind, had tried their best to keep her a child—and she had not only found a way to be happy, she had educated herself. He suspected that there was a core of steel inside his kitten which gave her a strength his mother had simply never had. His Ella would face whatever life threw at her with that same determined, sunny spirit.

“I want you to be my First Consort,” he said slowly as the conviction swept over him that the position would never destroy her as it had his mother.

Her eyes lit with delight before her face fell.

“You can’t do that. I’m a slave. I’m human.”

“You’re not a slave if I say you’re not. You’re free.”

“Gee, thanks.” She rolled her eyes at him. “My freedom doesn’t matter. We both know I’m not going anywhere. But even if you freed me, I’d still be a former slave and you can’t make me Kaisarian by simply declaring it so.”

“There is nothing in the laws which specifically forbids it.”

“Except that fact that in two thousand years, it has never happened.”

“Times change, kitten, and so must we.”

She shook her head and gave him a tremulous smile. “Please don’t. I love that you want me, but we both know it won’t happen. It’s cruel to make me think otherwise.”

He started to protest, but she was right. It was cruel to bring it up now, not when he wasn’t sure how long it would take or what would be necessary to make it happen. But no matter what he had to do, who he had to convince, what customs he had to change, she was going to spend her life at his side.

“All right, my Ella. We won’t discuss it now.” Instead, he pulled her closer and relished the simple comfort of holding the woman he loved in his arms.

Despite her determination to forget that Karthajin had even suggested it, Ella spent most of the day falling into delightful little daydreams of becoming First Consort, of staying at Karthajin’s side forever. Although she suspected that he thought her naive, the Court really didn’t bother her. She had been well aware of the combination of disdain and lust with which she'd been regarded, of the cruel little comments and barbed insults, but they had no real impact on her. There was only one opinion she cared about.

The poisonous civility was far from the worst that could have happened. Less than five hundred years ago, the Kaisarian Court had been a much more dangerous place. It was quite likely that she would have been actually poisoned. And Karthajin would have been at risk as well. The heir to the throne often died “accidentally” if he was not outright challenged. In the Year of Reckoning, three heirs had died within six months. All of which made her rather curious about Karthajin’s successor.

“Karthajin, who’s next in line to the throne?” she asked later that night. He’d just made slow passionate love to her and her body was limp with satisfaction, but for once she hadn’t slipped into a state of sleepy contentment. Her mind was still considering the problem of the weapon.

“Prince Orokoth. Why?”

“I was just wondering if there is something more at stake than just the ability to destroy a planet. Especially since there was a Kaisarian involved. And your father died so suddenly.”

“I can’t believe this has anything to do with me personally, or with my family. And Orokoth is probably the best successor I could have—he would be a competent emperor but he’s completely uninterested in the job.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very. But if it will make you happy, I’ll ask him to join us for lunch tomorrow so you can meet him yourself.”

“Good.” she smiled up at him. He smiled back, then the little dancing flames appeared in his eyes.

“However, if you're still worrying about politics, apparently I need to distract you.” He bent his head and kissed the spot on her neck that always made her shiver. She could feel the answering throb in his horns, and she circled them with her fingers, tugging on them the way he liked. He groaned appreciatively, then began to kiss his way down her body until he very satisfactorily distracted her.

True to his word, Karthajin had Prince Orokoth join them for lunch, which gave her the opportunity to show off a little. During the banquet, Ella had noticed the intimidating array of eating implements in front of each guest. It hadn’t mattered then because Karthajin had been feeding her, but she found herself wishing that she knew the correct protocol. With the help of a book on palace etiquette and a few lessons from Saban, she now took her own seat at the table feeling quietly confident. Karthajin nodded approvingly and she beamed back at him, loving the proud look on his face.

“Ella, this is Prince Orokoth. He is the heir to the throne.”

“A duty I trust I will never have to fulfill, Chosen One.” Orokoth bowed deeply. He was a tall man, at least twice Karthajin’s age, and had an air of quiet dignity that was rather appealing. Unlike most of Karthajin’s visitors, he was simply dressed in plain black robes, with only a small crystal around his neck.

“You have a Tear of Napisten,” Ella said, surprised to see him wearing it. The rare crystals were highly valued and considered a sign of the God’s favor.

“You recognize it?”

“Of course.” A reminiscent smile crossed her face. “My… owners were quite devout. Momi had a small shrine in the house and she prayed every day. She told me often that I was a gift from Napisten.”

“As are all that we take in to our lives,” he said solemnly, and bowed his head to her. Yes, she definitely liked this man, and now she understood why Karthajin had dismissed her question about his motives.

The conversation turned to more general matters, and she concentrated on her food, content to listen. It wasn’t until the end of the meal that Orokoth became more personal.

“I am, of course, delighted to join you, Karthajin, and your charming companion, but why am I here?”

Karthajin hesitated, then sighed. “Because, cousin, someone has developed a weapon capable of destroying a planet. Originally, I thought it was an isolated act of selfish vengeance. Now I suspect that it may be more than that. And I know that there are other Kaisarians involved.”

“You think this is part of a plot to overthrow the throne?”

Karthajin shook his head. “I don’t know. It seems ridiculous, doesn’t it?”

Orokoth took a sip of his tea, then said slowly. “Perhaps not. Your father’s death was… unexpected.”

“It was hardly unexpected for him to be drunk.”

“But so drunk he couldn’t control a lovast? I’ve seen him ride one of them when he could barely stand. And that fence that so conveniently gave way? I was never convinced that it was an accident.”

Karthajin shook his head, but she thought it was more from shock than disbelief. “Why haven’t you said anything before?”

Orokoth shrugged. “At first because I wasn’t sure if you were involved. Oh, not because you were eager to gain the throne. If you had done it, I was sure it was because you thought it was in the best interests of the Empire. When nothing else happened, I didn’t see any benefit in raising the matter. As Napisten says, do not trouble a sleeping tigren.”

Karthajin was frowning at his plate. She knew he hadn’t liked his father, but it had to bother him to think he might have been murdered. Slipping out of her chair, she went to his side and put her hand on his arm. He covered it with his own, and she looked up to find Orokoth watching both them curiously.

“Does this bother you?” she asked.

“No. Why should it?”

“Most of Popi’s friends were other Kaisarian scholars but some of them were priests. I was always sent to bed when they came over. I thought maybe they didn’t approve of humans.”

He shook his head. “There is certainly a faction within the Church that are convinced that only Kaisarians have Napisten’s favor. However, I have studied his teachings my entire life and I believe that he values all races.”

“My grandfather went to war in his name at least twice,” Karthajin said dryly.

Orokoth shrugged. “Men choose to interpret the Gods in their own way. That does not mean they are always correct. And despite his faults, your grandfather established a long period of peace and prosperity.”

“That is one tradition I hope to continue.”

“Are you thinking of breaking other traditions?” Orokoth’s eyes darted from Karthajin’s face to hers, then back to where Karthajin’s hand still enclosed hers.

“Yes,” he said firmly, and her heart gave a foolish little flutter. “Do you have any objections?”

“Not at all. In fact, if you were to, um, produce a direct heir, then I would be free to commit my life to the Church.”

Ella knew she was blushing, but the idea of a child with Karthajin filled her with joy. Stop it, she told herself firmly. But when she looked at him, Karthajin had the same longing in his eyes.

“I will make one more suggestion before I leave,” Orokoth said quietly. “The Senate meets in just over a month. If you truly suspect that there is a plot against the Empire, you must consider the possibility that it comes from outside Kaisar. Perhaps it is time to reinstate the law of Sankin-Vetel while you investigate.”

Ella gasped but Karthajin nodded slowly. “That’s a very interesting suggestion. Thank you, cousin.”

“Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you—and be assured that you have my loyalty.” With a graceful bow, he departed.

“Karthajin, you can’t.” Tears sprang to her eyes. The law of Sankin-Vetel required that each member of the Senate spend a month in residence on Kaisar. In addition, they were required to bring their immediate family with them to the capital. The families would remain in residence until the emperor gave them leave to depart, in essence hostages to ensure that the Senators behaved appropriately when they returned to their home planets. The thought of families being separated was too close to her own ordeal.

He cupped her face gently. “Kitten, do you trust me?”

“Of course, I do,” she said immediately.

“Then please trust me on this. If I choose to enforce the law, I promise that it will be for a good reason.”

After a long moment, she nodded. He gave a sigh of relief and lifted her onto his lap. “Thank you, kitten. I feel like I’m playing a game of Jatek blindfolded against an unknown opponent. I have to be prepared to use every piece at my disposal. But I promise you, I’m an excellent player.”

She reached up and cupped his cheek, stroking his short, silky beard, then grinned. “As it happens, so am I.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Karthajin studied the Jatek board, then tipped his kiral over in defeat. “Kitten, you never fail to surprise me. How did you learn to play?”

“Books, of course. And Popi played with several of his friends. I watched their games.” She’d loved those evenings in his cozy study, curled in her chair, pretending not to watch as they played and talked, the smoky aroma of Popi’s weekly pipe filling the air.

“He never played with you?”

“No, he showed me the pieces once and told me little stories about them. But he would have been so dismayed if I actually wanted to learn to play.” That was the bitter edge to the sweet memory. “They were always so proud when I learned to do something, but only to a certain point. I still don’t understand it.”

“It’s very easy to look at you and just see an innocent little girl, kitten, and forget all about that sharp little mind of yours.”

She could feel her cheeks heating. No one ever praised her intelligence and it was both pleasing and oddly embarrassing. She rushed to change the subject.

“Perhaps you would play better blindfolded?” She pulled out the silk sash she had taken from his vast wardrobe. His eyes heated and she felt a corresponding heat between her legs.

“Oh, kitten, I can think of much better games to play with that.”

“What type of games?” Her innocent look was failing her, her body already responding to the promise in his eyes.

“Come over here and I’ll show you.”

Trying not to appear too eager, she climbed slowly to her feet and went to him, standing in front of him as he reclined on the couch. He just studied her for a long moment, taking in her flushed cheeks and the taut little peaks thrusting against her thin silk dress.

“What gave you this idea, pet?”

Her cheeks were on fire now. “There was a book—ancient love poems from the First Empire—and some of them were quite… suggestive.”

“I can see that I might have to expand your reading selections.” The red flames were dancing in his eyes and she could see his horns pulsing. “Take off your clothes, kitten.”

After a quick glance around, she pulled the dress over her head. They were in the tea house in the garden and all of the walls were open to their surroundings. While she knew Karthajin had given orders that they were not to be interrupted, she felt much more exposed outside. Exposed and excited.

“Mm. Very nice.” He leaned forward, but instead of pulling her into his arms, he traced a single finger delicately along her collarbone. The gentle touch left a fiery line of sensation behind it and she leaned forward, wanting more.

“No, kitten. Don’t move or I’ll stop.”

She pouted at him but stood still. He resumed his journey, still just using one finger to slowly trail down her front, circling her nipple lightly until it was aching, then moving on, teasing the dimple of her belly button, before finally tracing ever so lightly over the bare skin of her mound and dipping between her legs.

“You’re very wet, little girl.” He withdrew his wet finger and traced it over her lips, her tongue automatically following, the sweet taste of her arousal shocking, before placing it in his own mouth and sucking slowly. “Delicious.”

“Karthajin,” she pleaded.

He stood up, letting her feel the heat of his body, before he circled around behind her. Picking up the sash, he let it trail over her sensitized skin before bringing it up and wrapping it over her eyes. Darkness descended as the cool silk settled into place. The feeling of being exposed increased, but so did the sense of excitement.

Karthajin whispered in her ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine. “Do you like this, kitten?”

“Yes,” she breathed. Her senses seemed magnified. She could hear a slight breeze ruffling the leaves on a nearby bush and caught the drifting sweetness of a flowering plant.

His warmth disappeared from behind her, but before she had a chance to feel worried, he was back, closer now, and she could feel his naked body pressed up against hers. For a moment, he just stood there, the heat of his body at her back contrasting with the cool air wafting across her exposed front. Finally, he reached around to cup her breasts, not doing anything else but enclosing them in the heat of his big hands. She tried to lean forward, to press her aching nipples against his palms, and he pulled them away.

“Behave, little girl. Stay still.”

With a frustrated huff, she resumed her position.

“Good girl.” She could feel the hard length of his cock flex against her back, pleased with her obedience. His hands came back, and this time she forced herself to remain still. He rewarded her by taking her aching nipples between his fingers and rolling them gently as she gasped with delight. One hand slipped lower, parting her lips, and sliding first one, then two thick fingers between them. Again, he didn’t make any further moves, just let them rest there. Her clit was throbbing so hard, she felt as if it was actually reaching for him. Her patience disappeared and she tried to subtly press forward. The fingers immediately disappeared, and she could have cried with frustration.

“What a naughty little girl,” he whispered, and every part of her body was so alive with sensation that the touch of his breath was almost enough to bring her to completion.

“I’m sorry. Please don’t stop.”

With a sudden swoop, he lifted her into the air, then deposited her on the carpet. The embroidered silk was cool and slightly textured against her back, her front once more exposed to the open air.

“Karthajin?”

“I’m here, pet. Just admiring the view. You’re so beautiful. I love seeing you like this, so open to me.” His voice came closer until she could once again feel his warmth. He stroked down her arm then lifted it over her head, repeating the move with her other arm. “Can you keep your arms here?”

“Yes,” she said breathlessly. She felt even more exposed like this, her breasts lifted toward the unseen sky.

“If you move, I’ll stop.”

“I won’t move.”

“Good girl,” he said, and she caught the vibration of sound against her flesh before the sudden shocking wetness of his tongue across her nipple. It took all of her self-control not to arch into his touch. He hummed an approving murmur at her restraint. He sucked very gently on her nipples, teasing the throbbing peaks into tight little buds, moving back and forth between each breast, while she clenched her fists in a frantic effort not to move, then lifted his head.

“More,” she demanded.

“All in good time, pet. It’s like playing Jatek. You have to know when to strike.”

“Now. Now would be good.”

“I don’t think you’re quite ready yet.” He moved away again.

A moment later, a cool trickle of liquid dripped across her swollen nipples, then trailed down across her stomach. He parted her thighs and the unknown fluid landed on her exposed clit, the coolness making her gasp.

“What is that?”

“Honey.” He took a long, slow lick across her nipple. “Sweet. But not as sweet as you.”

He followed the line he’d made with the same slow pace. Her body tightened with anticipation. Every part of her body felt alive, open, and she wanted to move more than she’d ever wanted anything in her life. When he finally reached the swollen nub between her legs, a single lick across the oversensitive flesh was enough. Her back arched, and she exploded with a wordless cry as the sensation rushed over her.

“You moved, pet.” The words were chiding but she could hear the pleased satisfaction in his voice.

“You made me.”

“I’m sure you can do better.” He dropped a quick kiss on her nose, then repeated the whole process. This time she managed to hold out until he closed his mouth around her clit, until he sucked with gentle urgency, until he sank one thick finger into her empty channel and sent her flying.

“Shall we try again?” Even though she couldn’t see him, she could picture his teasing smile, and she was suddenly hungry for more than just teasing. She wanted to be surrounded by him.

“Please, Karthajin. I need you.”

The sweet plea went straight to Karthajin’s head. He’d been trying to ignore his pulsing horns, his throbbing cock, trying to concentrate on Ella’s pleasure in the new experience, but her words destroyed his restraint. With a muffled groan, he spread her legs further apart, his eager cock already sliding through her slick warmth. He nuzzled his oris against her clit, still pink and swollen from her earlier climaxes, before seeking the exquisite tightness of her perfect little cunt. As always, he had to work his way inside, forcing her body to soften and open, to accept his intrusion. Once he was buried as far as he could go, he paused to look at her. Her delicate labia stretched open around the dark red of his shaft, her creamy skin flushed pink, her nipples rosy, her mouth parted in ecstasy, the blindfold completing the erotic picture. But enticing as it was, he ripped it away, wanting to see her eyes, wanting to see them sparkling up at him with the love that was so much more arousing than mere eroticism.

Her lashes fluttered up as he removed the sash, and her mouth curved. “Hello, my love.”

He shuddered, and then he exploded, thrusting blindly as wave after wave of seed erupted from him, vaguely aware that her cunt was convulsing, her soft voice echoing his cry.

When his brain cleared enough to think, he realized that most of his weight was on her, but she didn’t seem to mind, her slender arms and legs wrapped tightly around him. He lifted his head and smiled at her.

“I think that was more fun than blindfolded Jatek.”

“I agree.” Then her bottom lip poked out and she gave him an impish look from under her lashes. “But now I’m all dirty.”

“Does my dirty little girl want a bath?”

He felt her little cunt flutter around him at his words and she licked her lips. “Oh, yes, please.”

His heart light, he gathered her up and carried her away.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Determined to proceed with his plan, Karthajin met with each of his three advisors the next morning about his intention to enforce the Sankin-Vetel law. He knew Ella was still troubled about the idea and didn’t allow her to attend.

Tanaca rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “It’s an interesting idea, Sire. Although if there is, in fact, a plot against the throne, do you really think it’s coming from outside Kaisar? So far, only Kaisarians and Elginar seem to be involved.”

“If Kaisarians are involved, then it would be beneficial to have support from the Senators.”

“Do you think holding their families hostage will cause them to support you?” Tanaca asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No. I have something else in mind for that.”

“May I ask what?”

Karthajin studied the older man. “I believe in the Empire. There is a need for law and order across the galaxy, and someone has to be strong enough to enforce it.”

“Agreed. However, I sense there is a caveat?”

“Almost every position of authority within the Empire is held by a Kaisarian. I wonder if perhaps we have become too insular.”

“That never seemed to trouble your grandfather.”

“Perhaps not. And yet, he was the one to bring in Elginar scholars and to choose one as one of his senior advisors.”

Tanaca nodded, conceding the point.

“He also brought in the Bukharan as palace guards,” Karthajin added.

“Because he didn’t trust his own people.”

“Perhaps, but as a result, I was exposed to a wider range of races and I realized that one doesn’t have to be Kaisarian to have value.”

“If you’ll forgive me, Sire, I suspect that it was your… exposure to one specific race which has made the most difference in your thinking.”

He had to fight to suppress a smile. “Perhaps. However, I intend to open positions in the government to other races.”

“Which will no doubt be supported by the Senators,” Tanaca said thoughtfully. “You’re playing the Royal House against the Senate. It’s a dangerous game.”

“Do you doubt me?”

Tanaca studied his face, then let his lips tip up.

“No, Sire.”

Lekasar, on the other hand, had no hesitation about his plan. “Excellent, Chosen One. It is long past time for you to assert your authority over the Senators, make sure they understand the proper order of things.”

His eyebrows lifted. “The proper order?”

“They will always fall beneath the feet of Napisten’s Chosen. He established the Kaisarians as the rightful rulers of the galaxy.” The priest’s eyes glowed with a fanatical light that Karthajin had never seen before.

“I certainly intend on talking to them about the—as you say—order of things.”

“Excellent. Perhaps this would also be an appropriate time to announce who you have selected as your First Consort?”

“I was considering that very idea.”

“Good, good.” Lekasar’s narrow lips stretched into something approximating a smile. “We all have these little flings you know. I’m glad to see it hasn’t blinded you to your duty. And while I can’t imagine that you would wish to repeat such an… unfortunate experiment, it would be permissible once your consort is with child.”

His vision was turning red, but he managed an icy nod. “Generous of you.”

“Not at all. I hope I haven’t completely forgotten the influence created by the pleasures of the flesh.”

Fortunately for Karthajin’s plans, the priest bowed and left without waiting for a response.

Admiral Gernagan was the bluntest.

“Why are you doing this? I don’t think for one moment that you have any intention of keeping hostages.”

“No. Although, if my grandfather taught me anything, it was that a show of strength frequently avoids the need to use that strength.”

“He was quite correct. But?”

“But I think it is time for some changes and it would be easier to have the support of the Senate.”

“What changes?”

Karthajin contemplated the Admiral, considering how best to present his case. This was the part that would be most difficult if Gernagan did not agree. “The Imperial Fleet is comprised solely of Kaisarians.”

“Aye.”

“Why is that?”

Gernagan was watching him closely, but his expression gave no clue as to his feelings. “Tradition, I suppose. Although, of course, it wasn’t always that way.”

“You knew?”

“Of course. I am a student of military history. After the First Expansion, the Fleet conscripted men from many of the conquered planets. When they attempted—and almost succeeded—in overthrowing the government, it was decided to accept only Kaisarians in the future.”

“I believe the key word there is conscripted. You cannot force someone into becoming a soldier and expect him to be happy about it.”

“Aye.”

“Would you consider accepting other races into the Fleet now, assuming they chose to join?”

The admiral scrubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. “Aye. There are many races that would be an asset to the Fleet. The Dhalgroll, your Bukharans, even the Hothians if any of them would ever leave that Gods forsaken planet—I would take them if they were willing to prove their loyalty.”

Karthajin tried to hide his relief but from the way Gernagan smiled at him, he suspected he was not entirely successful.

“You are most certainly a different man than your father,” the admiral said thoughtfully. It was clearly a compliment.

“Thank you.” He hesitated, then decided to bring up Orokoth’s suspicions. “Speaking of my father, I understand that there were some rumors that his death was not accidental.”

“Were there now?” Gernagan said casually.

He had expected an immediate denial, not this apparent lack of concern. His eyes narrowed. “It has been suggested that perhaps his death was related to this issue with the weapon.”

Gernagan shook his head. “No, it’s not.”

“Why don’t you think so?”

The admiral hesitated for a moment.

“Your grandfather was a good Emperor.” He held up a hand when Karthajin opened his mouth. “I did not say he was a good man. But he was a good emperor—strong, consistent, decisive. His actions were determined by what he considered to be best for the Empire. His tactics may have been somewhat… brutal, but they were driven by a desire to protect the Empire.”

After a reluctant moment, he nodded. Gernagan was right. His grandfather had tried to beat that same sense of responsibility into him.

“But what does this have to do with my father?”

“Your father was not a good emperor. He was capricious, undisciplined, and self-centered. During the six months he reigned, he sent one system into outright rebellion and had started rumblings in many more. For the good of the Empire, he had to be removed.” He looked unflinchingly at Karthajin.

“So you removed him.” It wasn’t a question.

Gernagan’s voice was perfectly composed. “Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Should I expect the same fate?” he asked, equally calm.

“No, Sire. You have many of the same traits as your grandfather. You may have a tendency to err on the side of compassion, but overall, you are an excellent ruler.”

“Thank you,” he said dryly. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I want you to know that the Fleet is behind you.”

Since he had spent the last year quietly placing men loyal to him in positions of authority within the Fleet, he was quite sure of that, but he appreciated both Gernagan’s candor and his vote of confidence.

“Excellent. I would hate to have to replace a Fleet Admiral during such interesting times.”

Gernagan acknowledged the threat with a dip of his head. “As you say, Sire. And I suspect that times are about to become even more interesting.”

“I believe you’re right.”

They parted without any additional discussion but Karthajin was confident they understood each other.

Later that evening, Karthajin was in his sitting room reviewing a proposed budget amendment. Or rather, he was supposed to be reviewing it. His attention kept being diverted to where Ella was playing on the floor with Chika. He wasn’t quite sure what the rules were to whatever game they were playing, but it seemed to involve Ella spending a lot of time on her hands and knees and the sight of her perfect little bottom swaying around provocatively was wreaking havoc with his concentration. His horns twitched, and when she cast him a deliberately innocent look over her shoulder, he decided to abandon the budget.

Waiting until her attention returned to the tigren, he quietly put the tablet aside, then pounced on her. He caught her completely by surprise, and she squeaked as he rolled her under him, capturing her flailing hands and holding them firmly over her head.

“I caught you, kitten,” he said, smiling down at her.

“You did that a long time ago.”

“And I thank Napisten that I did.” He bent towards her, just as the communication panel chimed.

“Yes?” he said impatiently.

“Your Imperial Majesty, Fleet Admiral Gernagan is here. He has urgent news.”

“Very well. Send him in.” He glanced down at the flimsy little shorts and top she was wearing. “If you want to stay, go put on a robe, kitten.”

She rolled her eyes, and he laughed as he helped her to her feet. “You are enough to tempt even a crusty old bastard like Gernagan in that outfit.”

“Indeed,” the admiral said dryly from the doorway. Apparently, he had been right outside when Saban called. Ella squeaked and scampered off, Chika chasing her heels.

Karthajin grinned at him, completely unrepentant. “That’s what you get for intruding at this late hour.”

“My apologies, Sire, but I have news from Hothrest.”

His amusement immediately vanished.

“Report.”

“We sent in troops through the back entrance per your instructions. However, we could have entered through the main gates just as easily. There was no resistance because the lab had already been destroyed.”

“Destroyed?”

“Yes, Sire,” he said grimly. “All of the equipment, data records, what we believe was the weapon itself—all of it melted beyond recognition.”

“And the personnel?”

“We found only bodies.” He hesitated. “They appear to have been poisoned.”

“Like our prisoner?”

“Yes, Sire.”

There was a soft cry from the bedroom door. Ella’s face was white, her eyes wide and horrified. “Not… not my Faith?”

Karthajin went to her immediately. He could feel her trembling as he tucked her against his side.

“There were no human bodies,” Gernagan said quickly. “Only Elginar, Bukharan, and Kaisarian.”

She sagged with relief, so he scooped her up and carried her back to the couch with him while he continued his questions.

“You said there were Kaisarian bodies?”

“Yes, Sire. A few of the scientists were Kaisarian.”

“Have we identified them?”

“Not yet. The team that Tanaca sent along are taking blood samples and working on that now.”

“But we’re quite certain that the weapon was destroyed?”

“Yes, Sire.” The admiral rubbed his chin. “However, I’m afraid that while my team will, of course, go through the facility thoroughly, we appear to have reached a dead end in our investigation.”

Karthajin frowned as he acknowledged the admiral’s words. Although he was relieved that the weapon had been destroyed, he was not happy that there still weren’t any answers as to who was behind the whole endeavor.

“There is one more thing I should mention,” Gernagan continued. “They found a communication blocker still running.”

“You mean no one has been able to communicate with the lab?”

“Correct.”

“Then whoever is behind this may not be aware of what has happened.”

“Exactly. I have ordered that it remain active.”

“Good. I want knowledge of the destruction kept completely confidential. The official word will be that the lab was completely empty when you arrived.”

“Yes, Sire.” He hesitated, then his eyes went to Ella’s face and his voice softened. “Have you had any luck identifying the man present at your kidnapping?”

“Not yet.” She sighed. “I’ve looked at pictures of every man of the right age in the Upper Houses and I’m halfway through the Lower Houses.”

“If it’s not a member of one of the Royal Houses, it could be anyone.” Gernagan voiced the same thought that had been troubling Karthajin.

“You mentioned a connection with Prince Ustrod,” Ella said softly. “Perhaps I should start with members of his household next?”

“That’s an excellent idea, kitten.”

The admiral nodded in agreement. After promising to keep Karthajin updated on the team’s findings, he bowed and left. Karthajin immediately turned his attention to Ella. She was paler than he liked, with a sad little droop to her mouth that tugged at his heart.

“I’m sorry about your friend, my love.”

“Do you think I’ll ever know what happened to her?”

“I don’t know. It’s a big galaxy. But you said she was smart. Maybe she figured out a way to escape long ago.”

“She’s very smart.” Her face lightened. “One time she gave Billy Martin diarrhea for a month because he called her four eyes.”

“Four eyes? I thought she was human?”

“She is but she wears glasses. It’s an insult.”

“Glasses?” He shook his head. “They are a very rare and valuable accessory. Why would wearing them lead to insult?”

“It’s complicated.” She reached up and stroked the line of his beard where it surrounded his lips, her touch having its usual effect on his body. “I will pray to Napisten that I will see her again.”

“You are a believer?”

“I don’t know. But we have something in common.”

“Oh?”

“You are my Chosen One, as well,” she whispered. He bent his head and kissed her and there was no more discussion that evening.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Three days later, Ella was working in the garden area outside their bedroom. Like all of the gardens, it was an elegant, carefully manicured space; however, she had found herself longing for some flowers to break up the soothing expanse of green. After a rather extensive discussion, during which she was not ashamed to admit that she had used big eyes and a pouting lip quite successfully, Karthajin had permitted her to meet with the head gardener, as long as Sendat was present.

The gardener had not been enthusiastic about her request but Sendat had finally told him bluntly that Karthajin had ordered him to cooperate. The poor man was even less enthusiastic about her plans to plant the flowers herself, but he was slowly coming around. He had even acknowledged on his last visit that, while not what he himself would have chosen, it was quite passable. She had thanked him solemnly and waited until he was out of sight before collapsing in a fit of giggles as Sendat shook his head at her.

Today she was trying for an artfully random placement of a group of small scented flowers, while Chika watched carefully, ready to pounce on any small insects disturbed by her digging.

“Ella? Where are you, kitten?”

She looked up eagerly at the sound of Karthajin’s voice and was stunned to see him accompanied by two strangers. The man could almost have passed for Kaisarian, except for his long red hair and blue eyes, but her gaze went immediately to the woman. She hadn’t seen another human in so long that the sight of skin as pale as her own was a shock. The woman was plump and pretty with long dark hair that gave her a jealous pang. Both of the strangers were immaculately dressed, and she was suddenly conscious of her own disheveled state.

Karthajin’s eyes were laughing but he kept his voice solemn. “Ella, this is my cousin, King Rastrath, and his Consort, the Lady Debra. I wanted to surprise you but…” His voice broke just a little. “But perhaps I should have warned you.”

“Of course you should have. No one wants visitors when they’re in the middle of gardening,” the woman said, as she studied Ella with dawning dismay. “Good Lord, she’s just a child.”

Ella’s eyes narrowed, not liking the Lady Debra’s horrified expression or her assumption about her age.

“No, I’m not,” she said indignantly as she stood up. She ignored her mud stained knees and torn shirt and assumed some of Karthajin’s haughtiness. “I am, of course, delighted to meet you both, but I would hate to keep you from some more pressing engagement.”

At the tone of her voice, Chika stood up as well, and gave a miniature growl, her crest flaring.

“Oh, you have a kitten,” the woman said, and the obvious delight in her voice made Ella soften a little.

“Sweetheart, remember that little discussion we had about the importance of tact?” King Rastrath said gently.

Lady Debra took a deep breath. “Yes. I’m sorry if I offended you, Ella. I would really like to stay. It’s been a long time since I’ve talked to another human.”

“We were just about to have tea,” Karthajin said quietly. “Why don’t you join us? Ella, you can take a break, can’t you?”

She still wasn’t entirely sure about this human, but she knew that Karthajin liked Rastrath, so she gave a somewhat reluctant nod. Her first defiant impulse was to go to tea exactly as she was but after a second look at the stunning red silk dress accenting the woman’s lush curves, she changed her mind.

“I’m going to change. I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Would you like me to go with you?” Lady Debra said eagerly.

For a moment, she thought the stupid woman assumed she wasn’t capable of changing by herself, but then she had a sudden distant flash of memory, of her friends giggling around her as they tried to decide what to wear. That memory, and Karthajin’s encouraging nod, made her give a reluctant assent.

Lady Debra followed her through the tall glass doors into the bedroom, then looked around with an awed expression. “This is impressive.”

Ella nodded but didn’t bother to respond. “I’m going to shower.”

“Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but you remind me of my youngest sister. She was only fourteen when I left.”

“I’m almost nineteen,” she said stiffly, trying to hide her outrage.

“Oops.” Lady Debra bit her lip. “I’m making this worse, aren’t I? Please, Ella. I really want to be friends with you. Don’t be mad at me.”

At that moment, Chika came over and curled around the woman’s legs, her earlier enmity forgotten. Lady Debra’s face lit up. “May I pet your kitten? I’ve been trying to convince Rast that we need a pet, but he thinks it’s too soon with the baby still so demanding.”

“You have a baby?” She wasn’t sure why that shocked her so much.

A soft, happy smile spread across her face and Ella felt an unexpected pang of envy. “Yes. His name is Athtren. I would have brought him but Rast wasn’t sure if this was a formal audience or not. And he’s very noisy.”

Chika butted Lady Debra’s leg, and after a look at Ella to make sure it was allowed, she picked the tigren up and snuggled her. Ella softened a little more when Chika purred and settled down in her arms.

“I would like to see your baby,” she said hesitantly.

“I’d like that, too,” Lady Debra said eagerly. “We should have lots of time. Rast says we’re going to be here for at least a month.” She didn’t appear concerned about the prospect and Ella wondered if the king had given her the complete story.

“You don’t mind?”

Lady Debra shrugged. “Well, it’s not my favorite place—everything is so big and dark. But your room is nice.” There was the faintest question to the word your, but before Ella could respond, she hurried on. “We were already on our way here when we found out. Athtar told us about you and I really wanted to meet you.”

She scratched behind Chika’s ears, sending the kitten into a state of ecstasy, while she looked doubtfully at Ella. Finally, she blurted out. “I just wanted to know if you’re all right. That no one is forcing you to… do things you don’t want to do.”

Ella sighed. “Look, Lady Debra—”

“Call me Deb.”

“Look, Deb. I’m fine. I don’t need your help.”

“I’m sorry. I know I’ve managed to make you mad again. It’s just that I didn’t have an easy time of it after I was taken. My first master was… cruel.” A shadow crossed her face and Ella found herself feeling an unwilling sympathy. Her life would have been very different without Momi and Popi.

“I’m sorry for that. You don’t need help now, do you?”

“Me? Oh, no. I love Rast. I’m very happy with him and our son.”

“And I am very happy with Karthajin. I love him, too,” she said firmly. “Now I’m going to get cleaned up.”

“Do you mind if I wait for you?” Deb asked.

“No,” she decided, then grinned. “I suspect Chika would protest if you tried to get up now anyway.”

After a rapid shower, she considered what to wear. She was almost tempted to wear her sex kitten outfit just to prove to Deb that she was not a child, but somehow, she didn’t think Karthajin would approve. Instead she settled on one of Kolga’s more daring outfits. Probably too daring for afternoon tea, but she felt a sudden need to show that while she might not have the other woman’s curves, she could be just as attractive. The dress was midnight blue, a much darker shade than she usually wore, with the high slits up each side that were currently in fashion. The silky top dipped low between her breasts and was held up by thin straps that crisscrossed her exposed back. Her hair was still too short to put up, but she pulled it back from her face with two jeweled clips that Karthajin had given her.

Deb’s reaction was everything she could have wished. The other woman was dangling her necklace for Chika to jump at, but she dropped it as soon as Ella waltzed in.

“Wow! You look amazing.”

“Thank you.” She felt her cheeks heat at the other woman’s obvious enthusiasm and she suddenly felt silly. Why was she trying to impress Deb? “It’s probably too much. I should go change.”

“No, you shouldn’t. It’s a beautiful dress and you look beautiful in it. I’m sure the emperor will agree.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” Deb studied her, then said hesitantly. “It really isn't necessary, but maybe just a touch of lip color would be nice.”

Her cheeks heated. “I’ve never worn any,” she said shyly.

“Like I said, you don’t need it, but if you have some, I’d be happy to show you how. If you wanted me to, of course.”

“I think I’d like that.” They smiled at each other, and Ella realized she had made a new friend.

Karthajin watched Deb disappear after Ella and hoped he hadn’t made a mistake. He liked Rastrath’s consort and he hoped his faith in her wasn’t misplaced.

“That’s your human?” Rastrath asked, in a surprised voice, instantly setting him on edge.

“Yes,” he said icily. “Are you going to inquire about her age, also?”

“No, Sire,” Rastrath said hastily. “I’m quite certain you would never take advantage of a child. She is just… different than I would have expected given your previous companions.” He grinned ruefully at Karthajin’s expression. “Gods, I’m being as awkward as Deb. I hope you know that we both mean well.”

“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have allowed you to meet her.”

Karthajin led the way to way to the tea room, already arranged for tea, and took a seat on one of the low couches.

“There is wine if you would prefer,” he offered.

“I’d better not. Athtren still keeps us up half the night and I’m afraid I might commit the grave insult of falling asleep on the emperor.”

Karthajin studied his companion. Rastrath did look tired, but he also looked remarkably contented.

“No regrets on giving up your Royal House?”

Rastrath had chosen to give up his birthright as Kaisarian prince in order to keep his human. Instead, he had embraced the other half of his heritage and become King of Sherae.

“None. Although I didn’t expect to be summoned into duty as a Senator quite so quickly. Why did you invoke Sankin-Vetel?”

“Why, to show that you are all subject to the will of Napisten’s Chosen One,” he said lightly.

Rastrath stared at him for a minute, then burst out laughing. “Now, why don’t I believe that?”

“His Eminence has assured me that it is true.”

“I never cared for Lekasar myself. Do you know that he tried to get my grandfather to disinherit me because I’m not of pure Kaisarian blood?”

“Unfortunately, I find I am no longer surprised by that. However, the real reason I called everyone here was because I plan to make some changes. The Kaisarian Empire needs to be become more integrated. One shouldn’t have to be Kaisarian in order to join the fleet, or even to collect taxes.”

“Or to mate with a Kaisarian?” Rastrath asked dryly, but he continued without waiting for a response. “You don’t have to convince me—and I see no reason why the rest of the Senate wouldn’t go along. But what about the Royal Houses?”

“Let’s just say I’m making progress.” With a combination of threats and rewards more than logic, but at least it was working. He sighed and changed the subject.

“Have you spoken to Captain Athtar?”

“Not recently.” Rastrath frowned. “I know he retrieved an informant from the lab for you but that’s the last I heard from him. I assumed he had business elsewhere after spending so much time on Sherae.”

“Perhaps he did. He was anxious to leave. Unfortunately, the informant was not as useful as I had hoped.” He filled Rastrath in on the situation with the lab, including the fact that it had been destroyed.

“I admit I’m relieved to know that the weapon is no longer a threat.”

“As am I. I just wish I knew what—”

A slight noise made him look up and his voice disappeared. Ella was standing there, slim and regal in a sensual, sophisticated dress that was unlike anything she’d ever worn before. Even her face looked different, her lips a deeper, darker shade of rose, her eyes faintly shadowed and even more enormous than usual. She was undeniably beautiful, and his horns pulsed in approval but for a moment, he wondered where his Ella had gone. Then she peeped at him from under her lashes, a shy smile curving her lips, and his kitten was back.

“You look beautiful, kitten.”

“Do you like it?” She danced over to him with her quick graceful step and he hid a grin where he noticed that despite the elegant dress, her little feet were bare.

“Very much, my love.” He kissed her much too quickly, feeling a fleeting pang of regret that they weren’t alone. When he looked up, Deb was beaming happily, looking entirely too satisfied. She bowed her head when he looked at her, but he could still see the smile playing around her mouth.

Ella prepared the tea, as gracefully as Saban would have done, and the two couples chatted amiably until Deb looked at Rastrath. He immediately rose to his feet.

“Will you excuse us, Sire? It is time for Athtren’s feeding.”

“He’s very demanding,” Deb laughed. “And I want to spend some time with him before I have to prepare for the ball this evening. What are you wearing, Ella?”

He had to fight to keep his expression neutral, although he could cheerfully have strangled the woman.

“Ella won’t be attending,” he said firmly, but he could see his kitten’s face fall and felt compelled to explain. “I don’t like exposing her to the Court.”

Rastrath frowned. “If you will forgive me, Karthajin, if you truly wish to integrate Kaisarian society, there is no better place to begin than with the Court. It would be just as well if they became more acquainted with your… companion.”

“I went before and it was fine,” Ella said eagerly.

“And I still haven’t recovered from that experience.”

“I don’t have to dress like that this time. Do I?” She apparently misread his expression because she hurried on. “Of course, I will if you want me to, because it was kind of fun, but I would like to wear a dress like this, and maybe… maybe we could dance?”

He sighed. Rastrath had made an excellent point, one he had been avoiding, but in the end, it was the anxious blue eyes looking up into his that swayed his decision.

“Very well, kitten. We will go to the ball.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Once again Karthajin and Ella walked into a crowded hall and once again, conversation halted. He ignored the silence and led Ella through the crowd as it parted before them, her hand firmly tucked in his. He checked her face surreptitiously, but even though her face was carefully made up and she was wearing a much more sophisticated outfit, she still had that same air of wide-eyed enjoyment.

Once he’d decided they would attend the ball, he’d sent for Kolga. His tailor had not been pleased to find out that he was expected to conjure up an appropriate ball gown in an afternoon. He’d whisked Ella off, muttering curses that were rather too audible. But he’d worked a miracle. Ella was clad in sparkling pale gold silk, the same color as the soft curls arranged artfully on her head. Small sleeves framed her delicate neck and shoulders, then the gown hugged her breasts and slender waist before flaring out into a full skirt that floated around her. Diamonds sparkled around her neck and in her hair. She looked every inch a princess—or a First Consort.

Instead of moving immediately to his chair, he circulated, formally introducing Ella to a few of the friendlier members of his court. She was her usual sunny, engaging self and he could see that more than one of his courtiers was charmed. Despite that, he could see the pointed looks and muffled conversations aimed in their direction. While it went against every instinct he possessed, he deliberately left her with Rastrath and Deb when he took his seat at last.

The move was the result of a conversation with Tanaca while Ella was with Kolga. His advisor had quite strongly urged him to let her face the court on her own and the sooner he allowed her to do so, the better. Tanaca had reminded him that they were much more likely to accept her if they had a chance to encounter her directly. So now he held court alone, responding with the ease of long practice to the shallow conversations, his face a mask of calm, even though he was constantly aware of her location.

When Ella and Deb stopped to talk to Admiral Gernagan, Rastrath temporarily abandoned the two women and came back to report.

“Your Ella is astonishing,” he said softly, a smile on his face. “She says the most outrageous things in the sweetest, most innocent way.”

“Outrageous?”

“Only when it’s deserved, of course. But I’ve never seen anyone handle insults so well.”

“Insults?” His vision started to turn red. “Who is insulting her?”

“It’s just the usual court conversation,” Rastrath said hastily. “All very subtle. But I promise you, it’s not bothering her.”

His temper cooled but only slightly. “Perhaps not, but it bothers me. Please escort her back to my side.”

“Of course, Sire.”

Rastrath bowed and disappeared, to return a short time later with Ella and Deb. True to his word, Ella didn’t seem at all uncomfortable. She danced up to him with a happy smile on her face and took her seat at his side in the chair he’d had prepared for her.

“Are you enjoying yourself, kitten?”

“Oh, yes.” She giggled. “Everyone always seems so shocked that I’m actually capable of carrying on a conversation.”

“Has anyone been rude to you?”

She tilted her head to one side, considering, then smiled softly at him. “Nothing that bothered me.” Before he could press her for details, she changed the subject. “I thought this was a ball. Why isn’t anyone dancing?”

“They are waiting for me to begin. Would you like to dance, kitten?”

“I’d love to.”

He signaled the musicians, and they started a slow waltz. The crowd moved back, and he led her out into the center of the great room and took her in his arms. He kept the moves simple, but she followed him with same easy grace that marked all of her movements. They circled the center of the grand ballroom, Ella a delicate warmth in his arms, her skirts flaring out around them and her eyes sparkling, and he felt as if he were truly dancing for the first time.

A week after the ball, Ella sat in her sitting room, watching as Deb’s son nursed hungrily. Deb had followed up on her promise and brought Athtren to visit several times. She had been quite correct that he was both noisy and demanding but Ella loved having him.

“I think you’re winning them over,” Deb said.

Ella rolled her eyes. In the past week she had attended two more banquets, a luncheon, and, with Karthajin’s very reluctant consent, a female only fashion show. Since the fashion show was focused on lingerie, and since Warnax and Sendat stayed within a foot of her at all times, she wouldn’t have called it a success.

“I heard Lady Aranta and Lady Bulmin agreeing that ‘animals’ shouldn’t be allowed in the palace and Princess Valsa called me a degenerate whore.”

Deb gasped. “What did you do?”

“Nothing.” She shrugged. “If they say it to my face, I insult them back in the politest possible way. But if it’s behind my back, I let it go. I’m not going to change their minds.”

“Well, I know Princess Belra likes you.”

Ella giggled. “That’s because she lost her virginity to Prince Leterit after he fed her a bunch of lies and then Karthajin banished him when he insulted me.”

“Good for him.”

A reminiscent smile played around her lips. “He’s very protective. But it upsets him a lot more than it upsets me.”

“Why doesn’t it bother you? I get so angry when I hear them make derogatory remarks about humans.”

“It’s just words. A hundred years from now, even ten years from now, who will remember?” She smiled a little ruefully. “Reading too much history gives you a different perspective on things. But most importantly, Karthajin loves me—and as long as I know I’m loved, I can face anything.”

Deb looked down at her son, biting her lip. “Your first… owners? They really were good to you?”

“Oh, yes. Other than the fact that they didn’t want me to grow up, they acted more like parents than owners.”

“Do you remember your real parents?”

“Yes and no.” She stood up and headed for the open window, suddenly restless. “It’s still very blurry, even though I remember being taken now. I just have these occasional flashes of memory.”

“I still miss my family every day.” Deb looked down at her son, asleep now. “Rast and Athtren make me so happy, and I know I can never go back. Still, I think that ache will always be there.” Then she smiled at Ella, the sadness disappearing. “Did you know there are other human females out here? We should have a reunion.”

“Others?” Her heart started to thump.

“Well, at least one. Rast told me that she’s mated to some station keeper.”

“Has she been here a long time?”

“I don’t think so.” Deb frowned. “I think Rast said it had only been a couple of months. Why?”

Her excitement died. Perhaps because she’d been on Kaisar for so long, she wasn’t interested in a stranger just because she was human. “There was another girl with me when I was taken. My babysitter. I remember her more clearly than anyone else; I think because she was on the ship with me and she tried to comfort me. I wish I knew what happened to her.”

“Maybe it’s better not to know.” A shadow fell across Deb’s face. “Most slaves aren’t treated well.

“There are laws for their protection,” Ella said hopefully.

“Which get ignored. Doesn’t it bother you?”

“Of course it does.” She sighed. “But it’s a huge economic force in the empire. The last time they tried to eliminate it, there was a rebellion.”

“They tried to eliminate slavery?” Deb’s eyes widened.

“Yes. And the resulting war lasted for almost a hundred years. In the end, they reached a compromise which let each planet decide for itself. That’s why Dhalgroll doesn’t recognize slavery and why Sherae can let slaves work their way to freedom.”

“I still hate it.”

“I know.”

A troubled silence fell. She wished she knew how to make her friend feel better, even though she knew there were no easy answers. With a little sigh, she changed the subject. “Can I hold Athtren?”

“Now that he’s asleep, you mean?” Deb shook off her sorrow and smiled. “You were anxious to get rid of him earlier.”

“What he wanted, I didn’t have,” Ella laughed, waving from her own modest breasts to Deb’s abundant curves.

“He is demanding when he’s hungry, isn’t he?” Deb smiled fondly at her son, then passed him over to Ella. She cradled the baby, loving the way his face crinkled in his sleep, his sweet milky smell. He didn’t look like either of his parents, with the exception of Deb’s big brown eyes, but he was a beautiful baby.

A slight noise made her look up to see Karthajin standing in the doorway. He looked from her to the baby in her arms and his face softened as he smiled at her. One day. She could see the promise in his eyes.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Ella stood in the anteroom to one side of the stage and looked out over the Senate through the elaborate panel that screened it from view. It was an impressive space, designed in a deliberately old-fashioned, ornate style. Massive black columns were draped with gold silk, in striking contrast to heavily embossed dark red walls. Each representative had a separate box with room for one or two assistants or guards. The boxes were carved out of a rare black wood with the Kaisarian crest prominently displayed next to their planetary symbol. The representatives from the Royal Houses ringed the area closest to the stage, while the senators’ boxes rose in a sweeping arc towards a faceted crystal ceiling. Every box was full, and the variety of alien life forms overwhelmed her. She could just make out Rastrath, in a box on one of the upper tiers since Sherae had been a later addition to the empire.

After High Priest Lekasar gave the traditional blessing, Karthajin was announced. He strode to the center of the stage to the sound of enthusiastic applause. A single man, alone in the center of that vast space—he should have appeared insignificant. He didn’t. Even though he was clothed in magnificent dark robes, heavily embroidered and laced with red, it wasn’t the clothing that made the difference. He simply carried himself with a quiet assurance which completely dominated the room.

When he began to speak, his voice filled the room with that same power. As he outlined his plans to involve more of the other races in the government, including opening the military to non Kaisarians, Ella studied the audience. Most of the princes from the Royal Houses were at least neutral, although several frowned and shook their heads. There were even a few who nodded enthusiastically—generally the younger and less powerful princes. The rest of the audience were more receptive, although she could see doubt and suspicion on many of the faces that were human enough for her to read.

“Finally,” Karthajin concluded, and she recognized her cue. “I am proud to announce that I have chosen a First Consort. Please welcome Lady Ella of the House of Perrault.”

Her palms were damp, but she lifted her head and walked out to meet him. Her gown was a deliberate reflection of his attire; a heavy fall of black silk, the neck and waist ringed with red silk appliques of the Kaisarian crest. She heard an outraged gasp from the High Priest, but she kept her eyes on Karthajin, taking a deep breath when she reached him, and he enclosed her trembling fingers in his big, warm grasp.

Turning to face the audience, she braced herself for the reactions. There was disapproval certainly, especially amongst the representatives from the Royal Houses, but no outright anger, while the senators ranged from shocked to admiring. A round of applause broke out from the upper corner where Rastrath’s box was located and gradually spread throughout the room. Even most of the princes gave at least a reluctant clap. Her cheeks were flaming, but she held tight to Karthajin’s hand and kept her chin high.

Once the noise died down, Karthajin escorted her back to the anteroom where Tanaca and Warnax were waiting. Behind him, the stage was being rearranged to accommodate the Imperial box and boxes for assorted committee members. He kissed her—not too quickly—his eyes shining with love and approval, before returning to preside over the remaining business.

“That went well,” Tanaca murmured. “Better than I expected.”

“I’m glad. I don’t want to be a problem for him.”

“No. I think…” He paused and surveyed her face, his softer than she’d ever seen it before. “I think you are very good for him.”

Before she could respond, he bowed and went to join Karthajin in the Imperial box, leaving her with Warnax and two of his men.

“There is a private room behind the stage where you could observe the proceedings. It would be more comfortable,” Warnax suggested.

“And easier to secure?” The anteroom was crowded with government officials and representatives from several other planets. Warnax kept a constant eye on their surroundings but he was obviously uncomfortable with the exposure.

“Yes, miss.”

“Very well, Warnax.” Since she couldn’t curl up here and watch, she might as well be comfortable. The shoes Kolga had designed—little clear sparkling heels—were very pretty but not particularly comfortable. “Let’s go watch history being made.”

Karthajin walked off the stage, the familiar weight of the ceremonial robes dragging at him. It had been a grueling four hours, questions and arguments breaking out over every detail of his plans. He rather suspected his grandfather would have lost patience hours ago and simply told them that it was done; however, while he was more than willing to exert his authority, he believed that cooperation would be more effective in the long run.

“Your Imperial Majesty.” His chief guard bowed.

“Warnax? Where is Ella?”

“She fell asleep in the observation room an hour ago. I have two guards on duty outside the room. Are you ready to return to the palace?”

“Yes, I—”

“Your Imperial Majesty.”

He sighed, recognizing Lekasar’s voice. The priest had tried to see him twice over the past week and he had refused. Although he knew the confrontation was inevitable, he wanted to make the official announcement first. Now that it was done, he at least owed it to the priest to hear him out. Gesturing for Lekasar to follow him, he led the way to a secluded alcove, out of the way of the throng of people in the antechamber. Once they were in relative privacy, he turned to the priest.

“Yes, Lekasar?”

“You can’t do this.” Lekasar’s normal tight control had failed; he was visibly angry, cheeks flushed dark, and red dominating his eyes.

“Can’t do what?” he asked coolly.

“Any of this. Allowing other races into the military, into the Church. I won’t allow it.”

“You have no choice.” Knowing that it was most probably hopeless, he remembered his musing on cooperation and tried for a positive note. “Can’t you see that that this could be good for the Church, expanding your reach to more people?”

“No. The Kaisarians are Napisten’s Chosen. There is no reason to spread his message any further.” The fanatical light was back, no hint of compromise in the priest’s features. “Which is why you cannot take a… a human as First Consort.”

His voice turned to ice. “I most certainly can.”

“To corrupt the Royal line with impure blood? It’s unthinkable! Why, you cannot even verify her purity.”

“As a matter of fact, I can.” The possessive instinct which had led him to keep the sheet had apparently not been misplaced. “I could even fly it from the palace walls as they used to do.”

Lekasar dismissed his words. “It doesn’t matter. I will not permit it.”

“You? Just how do you intend to stop it?”

Lekasar straightened, the rage disappearing behind his usual controlled facade, and gave him a chilling smile. “I think you’re forgetting the planetary weapon.” Karthajin tensed, even as the priest continued. “You found an empty lab, remember? Where do you think the weapon is? My people have it and I will deploy it unless you give up these ridiculous notions.”

Although Lekasar’s revelation stunned him, he concealed his shock, determined to get more information. “Deploy it where?”

“If I have to, if you won’t give up these insane ideas, then I will deploy it here on Kaisar.” The fanatical light had returned to his face. “Napisten will provide for his people, his true people, just as he always has in the past.”

“Was that your plan all along? To destroy Kaisar?”

“Of course not. I am the steward of Napisten’s will. It is my job to remove any threats to the Kaisarian Empire. The Sardorans were the first—they were becoming too strong, too respected, even while they were praying to some heathen Goddess. It was easy enough to convince that fool Ustrod that they were a threat to his petty little plans. Why, he even financed much of the operation.” Lekasar laughed, the sound sending a chill up Karthajin’s spine. “And it was a success. The Sardorans have been too busy saving their own necks to worry about anyone else’s problems. When Ustrod wanted to try again, I encouraged it, even though I hadn’t quite decided on the next target. But, by Napisten’s Crown, it will be Kaisar unless you abandon this foolishness.”

Warnax was standing outside the alcove. From the tension in his back, Karthajin suspected that he had heard the priest’s confession, but he used his communicator to put the guard on alert.

“No, Lekasar, Kaisar won’t be destroyed.” The shock on the man’s face would have made him smile if he hadn’t been so angry. “I’m afraid you have been misinformed.”

“What do you mean?”

“The lab wasn’t abandoned; it was destroyed. The weapon, the data, even the scientists—all of them are gone.”

“That’s not possible,” Lekasar whispered.

“I have the evidence, but let me put it in a way you will understand. I swear on Napisten’s Crown that it is true.”

“No.”

“Yes.” He raised his voice enough for the guard to hear. “Warnax, put Lekasar under arrest.” The big guard nodded and stepped forward. Lekasar backed away.

“You can’t arrest me. I’m the head of the Church.” His voice rose. “Brothers, to me.”

There were a number of other priests present in the crowd and they all turned at his cry, immediately heading in their direction. Warnax instinctively stepped in front of Karthajin, even as he summoned additional guards. When he moved, Lekasar slipped past him, and disappeared into the group of priests.

“They seek to overthrow the Church,” Lekasar yelled. “You must defend it with your lives.”

The room erupted into confusion. Not only the guards and the priests, but many of the other people in the room, tired and frustrated over the long session, joined the fray. Karthajin watched from the alcove, Warnax and a small squad forming a protective circle. He was annoyed but not particularly dismayed by the battle. He had no doubt that the guards would prevail. Until he took a second look and realized that Lekasar had disappeared. The high priest’s distinctive gold robes were no longer in sight.

“Where’s Lekasar?”

“There, Sire. He discarded his robes.” Warnax pointed at a figure dressed in black on the opposite side of the room, just as he disappeared behind a curtain. “But there’s nothing back there but some offices and—”

“And the observation room,” Karthajin finished grimly. With an enraged roar, he prepared to fight his way to Ella’s side.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Stop fighting and come with me.” As the priest dragged Ella along, his fingers dug painfully into her arm and bruised the tender flesh. Her uneven gait made her stumble as he turned a corner and she kicked off her other shoe. She had lost the first one when he had burst into the observation room. She’d had a brief, horrified glimpse of a guard lying in a pool of blood before he’d closed and locked the door. His knife was still in his hand, dripping blood, and she’d been convinced that he was going to kill her.

Instead, he sneered. “Unworthy slut.”

Then he’d snatched her up and dragged her through a concealed panel into a narrow tunnel. Without her shoes, the ground has hard and rough on her bare feet, but it was better than falling. She suspected he would simply drag her along.

“Why are you taking me?”

“Because that imbecile is foolish enough to think he cares for you.” He gave her a cold smile. “He won’t take any chances with your life.”

“He’s not an imbecile.”

“Of course he is. I never thought I’d see the day when Napisten’s Chosen One would betray him so badly. Taking a mongrel from a primitive planet as First Consort. Your planet doesn’t even have spaceflight. His grandfather would have disowned him on the spot.”

“What do you know about Earth?” she panted, trying to keep up.

“You foolish girl, how do you think you ended up here? Those Elginar imbeciles brought you along with our real target.” The shock brought her to a halt, and he yanked her arm impatiently.

“You weren’t the one on the ship.”

“No. That man had an unfortunate accident not long ago.” His smile sent ice down her spine. “You know, you should really be grateful to me.”

“G-grateful?”

“I could have had you sold on the open market. It would undoubtedly have been much more profitable.”

Her head was whirling with the revelation, but she forced herself to think. “You c-couldn’t have done that because you didn’t want anyone to know what you’d done. That you’d t-taken us from a forbidden planet.”

He shot her an irritated glance, but shrugged. “Your owners wanted you enough to assure me that you would never cause any problems. They said you were just a child.”

The words struck a familiar chord. Had that been why they were always so dismayed when she showed any signs of growing up? Of knowledge about the world? Not because they wanted to keep her as a child but because they wanted to protect her? The knowledge settled over her with a calm certainty.

“They really did love me.”

“Fools. I thought they were too devoted to Napisten to waste that kind of emotion on a mongrel.”

He came to an abrupt halt as the corridor branched, checking both directions before taking the right fork. Knowing with every fiber of her being that Karthajin would be coming for her, she deliberately tripped, dragging her foot across the rough flooring. The resulting sting left her sure that she had scraped her foot enough to leave a trace of blood.

Desperate to distract his attention, she kept talking. “They were devoted. You took advantage of them.”

“Not at all. They were happy enough to allow their house to be used for my initial meetings with the Elginar scholars. And happy enough to take you as a payment. If only they hadn’t decided to betray me.”

Her teeth started to chatter, as a memory suddenly surfaced.

“Y-you were there that night. The night they d-died.” Her throat was locking up, but she forced the words out.

“So you do remember. I wondered.”

“I didn’t until j-just now. You s-said the same thing. That… that they’d b-betrayed you.”

“It was rather foolish of Tudos to think that he could manage an audience with the emperor without my finding out about it.”

“W-what?” Popi had tried to go to the emperor?

“I suppose he heard the rumors about the planet destroyer and made the connection. Tudos was always a little too intelligent to be a truly worthy son of the church.”

“But M-momi, she n-never did anything to you.” The image flashed in her mind. The two bodies sprawled on the floor. The blood…

“She knew too much. You would have been next if the neighbors hadn’t called for the city guards.”

The memories were surfacing faster now. She remembered the terror of being crouched in the tiny space under the stairs. Popi had tied a scarf across her mouth before he thrust her inside, warning her sternly not to make a sound, and then locked the door. She’d been so scared, sure that she had done something terribly wrong. And then she heard the cries. She’d started wrestling with the scarf, but she couldn’t free it, couldn’t call for help. When the city guard searched the house and let her out, she’d seen their bodies and fallen to the floor next to them, their blood flowering all over her yellow dress.

The guards had removed the gag but how could she speak then? When it was too late to help the two people she’d loved. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and Lekasar gave her a disgusted look.

“Weak little human.”

“Napisten cried,” she said defiantly, and he slapped her. Her cheek exploded with pain and she stumbled again, unintentionally this time.

“You are unworthy to even speak his name.” Lekasar said furiously.

She opened her mouth but before she could speak, he tilted his head, obviously hearing something she could not. He whirled and began running, half carrying, half dragging her. The ground bit into her feet and she saw streaks of red appearing behind her.

A sudden clatter of hooves announced the arrival of the guards. Sendat and four of his men blocked the corridor in front of Lekasar. The priest stopped abruptly and hauled her in front of him, one arm around her waist and a knife at her throat.

“Let me go, or I will slit her throat.”

Sendat shrugged, the fur rippling across one massive shoulder. “Go ahead. Why should I care about a human?”

She stared at him in appalled horror, then saw him give a very slight flick of his fingers. Relief washed over her as she recognized the signal from their training sessions. She adjusted her feet slightly.

“Although, my men do deserve something for their efforts. Toss her to me and I’ll give them a chance to enjoy themselves before they eliminate her.”

Lekasar hesitated and she held her breath, hoping that he would take the offer. One of the guards shifted, casually rubbing his groin, and she prayed that she wasn't wrong about Sendat’s plan.

“I don’t believe you,” Lekasar snarled, and his arm tightened. She grabbed his wrist, then twisted and dropped. The tip of his knife scraped across her throat, but then she was free, falling to the ground as an explosion reverberated in the confined space. Lekasar’s body fell next to her, his head replaced by a featureless red blob, and she could see his blood spreading around her. There was a cry in the distance, and she recognized Karthajin’s voice. She tried to smile but everything was turning black and floating away. The last thing she saw before her eyes closed was his panic-stricken face.

Karthajin fell to his knees beside Ella just as her eyes closed. Her lips curled up in a faint smile but there was blood dripping from her neck. He snatched her up in his arms, cradling her against him.

“No! Ella, Ella, wake up. You can’t leave me. Get a doctor!”

Warnax dropped down next to him. “It’s just a flesh wound, Sire. Let me apply a bandage.”

Karthajin stared at him, the words not penetrating. The guard repeated softly, “Sire, I need to apply a bandage to stop the bleeding.”

He couldn’t let her go, but he relaxed his grip enough to let Warnax wipe the blood away from her neck. The wound was shockingly bright against her pale skin and he flinched at the sight. The guard quickly applied a coat of healing gel, then covered the wound. Karthajin finally calmed down enough to notice that her breathing was steady and even. He cradled her closer and surveyed the rest of the damage, his vision going red with anger. Dark bruises covered her arm, her cheek was red and swollen, her feet scraped raw and bleeding. His poor kitten. If Lekasar wasn’t already dead, he would have derived a great deal of pleasure from performing the task himself. Slowly.

“Warnax, I want every priest in the capital brought in for questioning. I need to know how far this corruption has spread.”

“Yes, Sire,” Warnax said grimly. Sendat was at his shoulder, equally forbidding.

“And thank you both. Thank you for finding her.” When they had broken through the door into the observation room, he had panicked at the sight of the empty room. The shoe by the wall had led them to the concealed entrance to the utility tunnel. Warnax had immediately ordered Sendat to circle around with his men to cut off the exits while they had followed the trail from the observation room, finding the second shoe at the first junction, and then, heart-stoppingly, the traces of blood at the second. But his clever little kitten had paid the price, he thought, his worried gaze on her bleeding feet.

Ella’s lids fluttered and her eyes opened.

“I knew you’d come for me.” Her voice was a hoarse rasp.

“I will always come for you, kitten,” he vowed.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Karthajin stood at the front of the great cathedral, waiting impatiently. Every inch of the vast space was adorned with white flowers, their lush fragrance filling the air. Sparkling lights twinkled, their soft glow reflecting off the marble columns and jewel encrusted mosaics. The throng of guests from across the galaxy were arrayed in their glittering finest. He didn’t see any of it, his eyes fixed on the entrance.

At last, the music swelled and the doors opened. Ella stood framed in the opening, a small figure in a cloud of sparkling white. As she moved down the aisle, the dress floated around her, the dozens of sheer layers edged with flowered lace and dotted with tiny jewels that caught the light as she moved. A long train of matching lace streamed out behind her. Vradaz and Sendat escorted her, one on either side. The gruff stable master had actually been rendered speechless at her request.

“Aye,” he said finally, but Karthajin had seen him blow his nose as he turned away. Sendat had simply bowed as deeply as he would have bowed to Karthajin.

“I would be honored,” he said, in his low, deep voice.

A human mate, accompanied by a Bukharan guard and a Torpak stable master. It was a clear statement of his political intentions, but today he didn’t care about politics, he only cared that soon Ella would be his forever.

When she finally reached his side, her cheeks were pink and her eyes were shining. She slipped her small hand into his and happiness filled him. Together they turned to face the priest. Orokoth had taken his vows in time to perform the ceremony. He had chosen to keep his simple black robes, shunning the elaborate robes in which Lekasar had delighted.

“Chosen of Napisten,” Orokoth said. “Are you prepared to take this woman as your own, to protect and love for the rest of your life?”

“I am.”

Orokoth turned to Ella. “Chosen of Napisten.” There was a low murmur from the crowd. “Are you prepared to take this man as your own, to nurture and love for the rest of your life?”

“I am.” Her voice rang clear and sweet throughout the cathedral.

“Then let us begin.”

Ella sagged against Karthajin’s arm. The mating ceremony, which Deb insisted on calling a wedding, had been wonderful, but she was exhausted. She had been awake before first light, full of excited anticipation. Karthajin had laughed at her as she fluttered around their room and told her he had a suggestion as to how she could work off her nervous energy. Unfortunately, before she could take advantage of the enticing promise in his eyes, Saban had announced that Kolga was waiting. The morning disappeared in a haze of last-minute adjustments as every inch of her was polished, adorned, and perfected. She didn’t catch her breath until she was standing outside of the cathedral doors with her two escorts.

“You’ll do, girl,” Vradaz said gruffly, and she kissed his rough scaled cheek.

“You will be a worthy Consort,” Sendat said solemnly. She had made him bend down so she could kiss the soft fur of his cheek as well and caught the pleased twist of his lips on his normally stoic countenance.

But then the doors opened and all she could see, all she could think about, was Karthajin waiting for her at the end of the long aisle. He looked impossibly handsome, strong and commanding and hers. Like her, he was dressed in white, the color highlighting the dark red of his skin, and she knew he had chosen it after Deb insisted that white was the appropriate color for a wedding, a symbol of new beginnings. Her heart fluttered and she had to fight to maintain a measured pace. All she wanted to do was to run to him.

The ceremony itself was a blur, her concentration not on the words but on his hand enclosing hers, on his eyes watching her with all the love she could ever want.

“Tired, my love?” Karthajin asked, and she looked up to find him watching her.

“A little,” she admitted. The ceremony had been followed by an enormous party that had lasted most of the afternoon. They had been besieged by an endless parade of well-wishers, although she suspected that a good percentage of them had been less than sincere. Still, it was easy to be gracious and smile when she had Karthajin beside her. Dusk was falling now but the party showed no sign of slowing down.

“Then we will leave. I’m anxious to be alone with my beautiful consort.” Her body immediately responded to the heat in his gaze.

“We don’t have to stay?”

“I am the emperor, pet. Is anyone going to object?”

She giggled. “I suppose not.” She took a quick glance around to see if there was anyone she wished to speak to, but Deb and Rastrath had left several hours ago to return to Athtren. They were also watching Chika for the evening. Vradaz had only lasted long enough for a single toast. Sendat was in close conversation with Admiral Gernagan and Tanaca was nowhere in sight. “Let’s go.”

When he helped her to her feet, she swayed. Even though the train had been removed and the dress was comprised of layers of floating gauze, it was still heavier than anything she was used to wearing.

“Kitten, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I guess I’m just more tired than I thought.”

Without giving her a chance to protest, he swept her up in his arms. She could hear the shocked murmurs, but she paid no attention, smiling into his eyes instead.

“Now that I’m First Consort, should I expect to be carried everywhere?”

“If that’s what you wish.” He smiled back, eyes dancing.

“I only wish to be with you.”

“Then that works out well.” They had reached the door where Warnax was on duty. The guard had refused to join the wedding celebration, still horrified that Lekasar had been able to take Ella, even though they had both assured him that he wasn’t to blame.

“The carriage is ready, Sire.”

“Carriage?” she asked, then squealed happily when she peeked over Karthajin’s shoulder. An open gold carriage, drawn by six snow-white lovasts, was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. One of the lovasts tossed his head, his crest rippling, and she recognized him from the stables. “That’s Patka.”

“Vradaz said he was one of your favorites.”

“He is. Thank you.”

People were beginning to accumulate behind them now, so he carried her down the steps and into the carriage. Warnax and another guard stepped up behind them, the driver clicked to the lovasts, and they drove off along the avenue, the sound of cheers accompanying them. The setting sun highlighted the buildings they passed, turning the massive back walls to molten gold. They were still within the palace grounds, but she had never been in this section. After a short drive, they passed through a set of ornate gates into an expanse of green.

“What is this place?” she asked. Huge trees arched overhead, bigger than anything she had seen on Kaisar.

“It used to be the Royal Hunting Preserve.”

“Isn’t this where your father died?”

“Yes,” he said quietly. “I’ve never been interested in hunting and I closed it off after his death. Now part of it is used as a different type of preserve—one to breed rare and exotic animals and prevent their extinction.”

“Can we go see them?” she asked eagerly, and he laughed.

“Yes, I have made arrangements for tomorrow. Tonight you are all mine.”

“Here?” The park was pretty, but it didn’t really seem like a place to spend the night. Then they turned a corner. A low wooden pavilion curved along one side of an open meadow. Only a few paper screens and some long white curtains separated the inside from the surroundings. Lanterns hung from the rafters, casting a warm golden glow against the encroaching darkness.

“Do you like it, kitten? I had it built just for us, for our First Mating.”

Tears threatened but she forced them back. “It’s beautiful. And it’s really just for us?”

“Yes. The driver is going to leave us here. The gates will be closed behind him and guarded. The fence is reinforced and monitored.”

“How long can we stay?” she asked eagerly.

“Only a few days, I’m afraid. But right now, I’m all yours.”

“I love the sound of that.” His eyes held an answering heat but he only kissed her hand.

The driver pulled up in front of the structure. While Karthajin had a quick conversation with Warnax, Ella went to the lovasts’ heads, petting each one and lingering over Patka. All of them were restless, their six legs prancing, their crests flaring.

“Come along, kitten. I find I’m not even willing to share you with an animal today.”

With a last stroke of Patka’s nose, she turned to him. “I’m ready.”

The pavilion had appeared deceptively small against the massive trees. Once they entered, Karthajin paused to use a control panel to check on their security while Ella skipped ahead, exploring the surprisingly spacious rooms. She found a large sitting area and an even larger bedroom, even a small pool open to the night. All of their needs had been anticipated from a wardrobe filled with their clothes to a kitchen area filled with prepared delicacies. Everything was clean and simple and luxurious—golden woods that glowed in the lamp light, white silk and furs that called out to be touched. The fresh smell of the nearby forest filled the rooms and mingled with the subtle fragrance coming from the lanterns.

When she returned to the main sitting room, Karthajin was waiting. She walked straight into his arms and hugged him, then lifted her face for his kiss. His mouth descended, soft at first then more demanding as she responded, the passion flaring between them as it always did. She could feel his shaft lengthening and thickening, and when he finally lifted his head, she could see his horns pulsing. She stroked the precise line of his short beard, then reached up to clasp his horns. She felt his body respond, but he gently pulled her hand away and laughed at her pout.

“First, I wish to unwrap my Consort.” He kissed her nose, then circled around behind her to start removing her dress. He didn’t make it very far down the row of tiny buttons before his patience gave out and he ripped the rest of them apart.

“Oh.” An excited shiver rippled up her spine at the reminder of his strength. He pushed the dress down over her hips, leaving her naked and expectant.

“I have a very nice outfit for tonight,” she whispered. “It’s in the wardrobe.”

“No.” His hands were in her hair, unfastening the jeweled combs and casting them carelessly aside as he ran his fingers through the soft curls. He walked around and studied her face. “Wait here.”

She stood in the tattered remnants of her dress, her nipples tingling, her clit aching, her pulse racing, and didn’t move. He returned almost immediately, carrying a cleansing cloth. With slow, careful strikes, he removed the subtle makeup from her face, then studied her again.

“That’s better. There’s my kitten.”

“But you’re still dressed,” she pouted.

“Do you want to undress me?”

“Oh, yes.” She stepped carefully out of the remains of her dress and went to him.

The white tunic was fastened by a row of ornate gold buttons, much larger than her own buttons, but her fingers trembled and she struggled to open each one. As she brushed her fingers across his chest while she worked the buttons, she could feel his heart pounding. The knowledge that he was just as excited as she was helped calm her nerves. By the time she reached his waistband her fingers had stopped trembling.

Even the stiffly embroidered material of his pants couldn’t hide the size of his erection. She brushed her fingers along the massive bulge, still amazed that they fit together so well. But instead of continuing her attentions, she returned to his tunic, slipping it carefully off his shoulders. She wandered around to his back, dropping a line of kisses down his spine and then, more daringly, across the upper swell of his buttocks at the edge of his waistband. She followed the line of fabric around to his front, nipping at that trail of dark curls leading down from his stomach, and licked just the under the edge where his oris was already opening.

Once again, she abandoned the tempting target, kissing her way up his chest, and fastening on one hard nipple, sucking as enthusiastically as a tiny cub. The little nub of flesh responded to her mouth, hardening and swelling, and his musky scent increased.

“Kitten,” he warmed. “I’m about to take over.”

For a moment she considered it—she loved the way he took control—but then she shook her head and nipped his nipple. “No, I’m undressing you.”

“Then you’d better hurry.” The dark promise in his voice turned her own nipples diamond hard, and when she rubbed them against the solid, smooth wall of his chest, they both groaned.

More impatiently now, she freed his erection. It reared toward her, his oris flaring, and she ran a finger across the petals. They immediately closed around her finger, sucking with that familiar gentle pulsation. The ache between her thighs intensified, her clit pulsing to the same beat.

“Mm.” She gently pulled her finger free and bent towards him, intending to lick the glistening surface. Instead, his oris closed around her nipple, sending a spark of heat straight to her needy clit.

“That’s a beautiful sight, kitten. But I think you’d be more comfortable over here.” He scooped her up and carried her over to one of the wide couches.

“I was enjoying myself,” she protested.

“You’ll enjoy this, too.” He knelt over her, using his cock to tease her breasts, until his oris closed around one nipple. A long moan escaped her lips as she gave in to the exquisite sensation. Her clit was a demanding ache between her legs, and she reached for the swollen nub, but Karthajin caught her hand. “Do little girls touch themselves?”

“Yes,” she said, pouting up at him.

“No, you don’t, kitten. You’re mine now. Your pleasure belongs to me.”

She widened her eyes, and raised their joined hands to her lips, then sucked on his finger. “Please?”

The familiar flames were dancing in his eyes, but he pulled his finger away.

“No. I’m going to take my time and worship every inch of you.”

And he did just that. He began by simply kissing her, long slow kisses that swept her into a world of sensual pleasure. Then he moved on to her breasts, licking and sucking and nipping until they were pink and swollen and she was rocking against his mouth. He spent the most time between her legs, using his tongue to explore her as thoroughly as if it were the first time. He delved into her entrance, using his tongue like he would his cock, plunging in and out in a steady rhythm that had her reaching for her clit again. He caught her hand and shook his head.

“My time.”

He kept hold of her hand, the sweet comfort of the gesture contrasting with the blaze of excitement as he finally, finally moved to the throbbing, pulsing ache of her clit. She was so taut with anticipation that she exploded with the first stroke of his tongue. He only laughed and kept going, making her come three more times, until she was completely limp and spent, sprawled across the white silk of the couch, her hand still tucked in his.

“Now you’re ready,” he said.

“Ready?” She opened an exhausted eye and saw him rising over her. His cock looked even more enormous than usual, dark red and swollen, his oris pulsing and dripping pearls of fluid. Despite her exhaustion, her body reacted, her oversensitive clit tingling in anticipation.

“Yes, my love. Keep your eyes on me.”

He never looked away from her, not as he knelt between her legs, not as his cock sank deep inside her swollen channel, not as he groaned and flooded her with his seed. Tears blurred her own vision, but she held his gaze, and let him see the love that filled her heart. When he gave a final shudder, and dropped down over her, she wrapped her arms and legs around him, holding on to him as tightly as she could. He buried his head in her neck, kissing the sensitive skin, and murmuring softly.

“What did you say?”

He lifted his head and smiled at her. “I was praising Napisten. He gave me you, and for the first time, I truly feel like his Chosen One.”

Epilogue

Two years later

Ella stepped into their bedroom and immediately began stripping off her state robes. Although she and Kolga had made considerable progress on changing the Kaisarian ideas of what was suitable for formal occasions to lighter and less ostentatious garments, they were still stiffer and less comfortable than she would have wished. She sighed with relief when she was down to the light silk shift and started to take down her hair.

As she dropped one of the jeweled combs on the bed, she saw Chika pounce on it. The tigren, now full size, had never quite outgrown her attraction to sparkly objects.

“Don’t you dare,” she said sternly. “I still can’t find that diamond bracelet you took last week.”

Chika gave her an innocent look very similar to the one that Ella still used on occasion, and she laughed, dropping down on the bed to wrestle playfully with her pet. When Karthajin walked in a few minutes later, she was flushed and breathless, the sheer undergarment twisted around her body. His eyes heated with instant appreciation.

“I much prefer that look on you, kitten.”

“Yet, somehow I doubt you would approve of my wearing it in public,” she said, standing and giving a little twirl.

“You are quite correct. I don’t think I will ever recover from your kitten outfit.”

“You seemed to like it a lot last night,” she purred, and headed for her wardrobe, letting her hips swing just a little, knowing his eyes would be fixed to her bottom. He was very fond of her little tails and she had quite a collection of them now. A little shiver skated up her spine at the memory. She was quite fond of them herself.

“Put on something comfortable, pet. I have a surprise for you.”

She loved his surprises, and the timing was perfect. “Private comfortable or public comfortable?”

“Perhaps both.”

A short time later, she danced happily along next to him down one of the private corridors. Now clad in a short little dress embroidered with tiny flowers, she shot an admiring glance at Karthajin from under her lashes. He was wearing loose silk pants, leaving his chest bare, and the sight of that wide muscled expanse still made her quiver. He saw her looking and lifted her hand to his lips, an answering heat in his own eyes.

“Soon, kitten.”

“Mm.” The touch of his lips made her nipples tighten and added to the low thrum of arousal, but if she’d learned nothing else over the past few years, she had learned patience. She was teasing Warnax about the fact that she had gotten under his guard that morning—he had taken over as her trainer when Sendat had accepted a position in the Imperial Fleet—when they emerged into the sunlight.

In front of them was a serene expanse of blue, surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and paths, but there wasn’t another person in sight. A single elegant little boat with a gaily striped canopy waited at the dock.

“Is this the surprise?”

“One of them. I’ve wanted to bring you here ever since that horrible excursion with Princess Szuza, but I never found the perfect time.”

“It’s beautiful. Are we going out on the water? Can I drive the boat?” Casting a quick glance back over her shoulder at Warnax and the other guards, she whispered. “Are we going to be alone?”

“Yes, kitten, to all of your questions. Warnax has consented to protect us from a reasonable distance.”

“Sorry, Warnax, no boat ride for you,” she said gaily. His horns twitched and one corner of his mouth curled up. For the stoic guard, that was almost a full-fledged laugh.

“Please endeavor not to fall out of the boat, Consort. I am not a good swimmer,” he said solemnly. Looking at that massive furred body and sturdy hooves, she rather suspected that he would sink like a stone. However, she had no doubt that if something did happen, he would dive in anyway and die trying to save her.

“Karthajin would never let that happen, would you?”

“I’ll keep you safe, my love,” he promised, and the look in his eyes still took her breath away.

“Then let’s go.” She tugged his hand impatiently, and he laughed.

“Come along then. Warnax, I expect we will be… occupied for several hours.”

“Yes, Sire.” The guard bowed and turned away.

“Are they really leaving us alone?” she whispered.

“Kitten, do you suppose for one minute that he doesn’t have guards surrounding the perimeter of the lake, heat monitors covering the entire area, and probably a diver stationed in the lake?”

“So we’re not really alone?”

“There is no visual or auditory surveillance. That means no one can see that gorgeous little body or hear your sweet little noises when I have my wicked way with you.”

“Mm. How wicked?” She shot him a teasing glance and saw his horns pulse.

“You’ll just have to wait and see. Climb aboard, my lady.”

The boat was just as delightful up close. The front part of the boat was open to the sky, the back covered by the canopy. A padded banquette accented with brightly colored cushions filled the rear of the boat, with another wedge shaped one at the front. A little table in the shade of the canopy was already covered with a tempting array of treats.

“This is so beautiful.”

“I thought you’d like it. Do you want to drive?”

With Karthajin’s assistance, she drove the boat out to the very center of the lake. While he anchored, she wandered around exploring, touching the soft silk of the cushions, then bending over to watch the colorful fish flitting through the clear water.

“That’s a very tempting pose, kitten,” he growled from behind her. She gave him an innocent look over her shoulder, and let the short dress rise up a little higher over her bottom. The little red flames danced in his eyes, and he knelt behind her, running one big, warm hand up her leg and over her bottom. She knew the minute he saw the little jeweled plug winking at him from between her cheeks. His hand clamped down hard on her bottom.

“Do you have a new toy, pet?”

“Do you like it?”

“You know I love seeing your pretty little bottom suitably decorated.” He grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it up over her head, brushing his fingers up her sides in the process, and humming in appreciation when he found nothing beneath the dress. “Naked, kitten?”

“I know you like me that way.” She knew it was true. While he appreciated the countless elegant gowns, and certainly enjoyed the kitten outfit, he always liked her best this way, naked and unadorned.

“That’s because all I really need is you.”

“You have me, my love,” she said softly. In reward, he kissed her until they were both breathless.

“Hold on to the railing, kitten,” he said, lifting her easily back into her original position. He knelt behind her, kissing her neck and shoulders while he teased her nipples into stiff little peaks. Usually, he loved keeping her on the edge, but this afternoon he seemed more impatient. As soon as he checked and found her wet and ready for him, he began working his way into her channel. The plug made her even tighter than usual and she shivered as he pressed deeper. His hand went to her clit, circling the swollen flesh until she loosened enough to take him. “That’s my good girl.”

His cock was buried deep inside her, his oris already pulsing in the soft rhythm that never failed to escalate her excitement. Without pulling out, he began to play with the plug, first twisting it, then pulling it in and out. His other hand was still on her clit and the combination of sensations, his cock stretching her open, his finger circling her clit, the plug slowly moving in and out, firing every sensitive nerve ending, had her gasping with pleasure. Her body started to shake, anticipating her climax.

Instead, he lifted her up until her back was pressed against his chest, then brought her hands up to circle his neck. “Hold on to me, kitten.”

The position made her back arch, burying his cock even deeper, and thrusting her small breasts into greater prominence. He cupped them, then began rolling the tight little peaks between his fingers. As he teased her nipples, she squirmed, trying to force him to move. He chuckled and moved a hand down to cup her mons, holding her in place but also spreading his fingers so he could see every detail. Her clit was pink and swollen, protruding from its hood and he massaged it until she was quivering with excitement, her body tense and straining for her climax.

“More,” she demanded, and moved her hands to the base of his horns, squeezing the sensitive tissue. His control disintegrated. He clamped down on her clit, sending her flying into her climax. As soon as he felt her cunt convulsing, he grabbed her hips, raising and lowering her faster and faster until he was slamming her down, until her hands were digging into his horns, until his seed erupted inside her in a burst of white-hot flames.

He shuddered and wrapped his arms around her, and her hands came down to cover his. He kissed the side of her neck and she turned her head seeking his mouth. He gave her a long sweet kiss, then gently pulled out. Together they sprawled across the cushions and listened to the waves lapping against the boat.

Although still under the climate barrier which covered the entire palace grounds, the area was less controlled and the sun shone a little hotter, the breeze blew a little more. She stretched lazily, enjoying the heat of the sun on her naked body.

“This is like we are actually outside,” she murmured happily.

“I’m sorry we haven’t been able to leave the palace more often.” Although they had managed an occasional night at the pavilion in the Royal Preserve, they had been few and far between. With the announcement of a more integrated Kaisarian Empire, Karthajin’s workload had increased tenfold. There had been a short, but bloody, revolt in one of the Northern provinces. The Delta Quadrant had tried to leave the Empire entirely and had only been convinced to stay after long, tedious negotiations—and an influx of battleships. Although Admiral Gernagan kept a firm hand on the integration of the military, the Fleet had taken some time to adjust to the new conditions, and many of the other areas of his government had struggled as well. She had been at his side through all of it.

“I understand, my love,” she said softly. “Although that does remind me, Prince Bajos kindly offered us the use of his country estate.”

“Is that why he spent so long talking to you today?” he growled.

“He thinks if he ingratiates himself with me, I’ll convince you to lift the trade ban with Uzara,” she giggled, then continued thoughtfully. “It’s actually not a bad idea. The Uzarans could use an influx of credits to help with—”

“I don’t like it.”

Startled, she turned to him. He was usually very receptive to her ideas. But then she saw the frown on his face and realized the source of his objection. “Because Prince Bajos suggested it?” she teased.

“I don’t want to encourage him to keep ogling my mate,” he growled.

“Why, Karthajin, are you jealous?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.

“I’m jealous of anyone that even looks at you. Sometimes, I wish I could just keep you locked up in our rooms forever.”

“You did try that, you know.”

“And I enjoyed it very much.”

It was the perfect opening. She took a deep breath. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“About our rooms?”

“Yes.” She peeped at him from under her lashes, wishing she was a little more sure about his reaction. While they had discussed it in the past, it had been a long and difficult two years and things had only just settled down. “I was thinking about the First Consort’s quarters.”

“If you think for one second that I will ever permit you to move into a separate set of rooms, you are entirely mistaken,” he roared. “You will be in our bed every night for the rest of our lives.”

Her mouth dropped open. He was always so calm and even-tempered. Even when he was most enraged, it was masked by an icy control.

“My love, I have no intention of ever leaving you,” she said quietly.

“And I will never put you aside,” he said in a hoarse whisper, and she suddenly realized why he was so upset. The memory of his mother’s unhappiness still haunted him.

“Karthajin, I know that. I went about this all wrong. I was just going to suggest that maybe we could use that space to set up a nursery.”

“A nursery?” he asked, his voice dazed. “Are you…”

“No, not yet. I wouldn’t do that without talking to you first—although I did bring the pill to reverse my birth control. But it just seems like things are finally calm again, and Orokoth would really like not to be next in line, and as much as I despise Lekasar, he was probably right about your people wanting an heir and—”

He pressed his fingers gently across her mouth, stemming the flow of words.

“Our people, Ella. And those are all very good reasons. But is this what you want?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, yes, my love. I want this very much.”

Karthajin looked down at his consort, his mate, his love. She never ceased to amaze him. Over the past two years, she had proven time after time that she could handle the never-ending politics of the Royal Court, her sharp little mind seeing far more than most of them ever realized, yet she hadn’t lost her sunny, happy disposition. She could go from regal consort to playful kitten in the blink of an eye. He had no doubt she would turn into a fierce mother tigren if their child was ever threatened.

Their child. He caressed her slender stomach, trying to imagine it ripe and swollen with his son or daughter. Even though he had just come so intensely, his shaft responded to the image, stiffening and throbbing. Her eyes widened at the sight, then sparkled up at him.

“I guess you approve of the idea?”

“Very much so.”

“It might not happen right away,” she warned him, then her face fell. “Or at all. We still don’t know that all humans are able to breed successfully with other species.”

“Yes, Rastrath was worried about that, too, when they decided to try for another child—and Deb was pregnant a week later,” he said dryly.

“Not exactly,” she giggled. “But you’re right. I shouldn’t anticipate trouble.”

“My love, I am quite confident that you will carry our child, a child who will be loved and protected by both his parents from the day he is born.”

“Yes.” She put her hand over his where it still covered her stomach. “I like to think that your mother would be happy about that.”

“She would be. I wish that I could have saved her, but I can only be grateful that she loved me enough that I recognized it when it came along. Because you did save me, Ella. You gave me my first real experiences in so many things. Real because they happened with love.”

Her eyes filled with happy tears. “I love you, too.”

He wrapped his arms around her and held for a long moment, thanking Napisten once again for bringing this woman to him. Then he replayed her words and sat up abruptly.

“Where is it?” he demanded.

Ella stared at him. “Where is what?”

“The pill to reverse your birth control.”

Her eyes softened. “In the pocket of my dress. You want me to take it now?”

He didn’t bother to answer, already searching the discarded dress for the small pink pill. As soon as he found it, he brought it to her with a glass of water.

“Now, kitten.”

With a sultry smile, she swallowed the pill and laid back across the cushions, lifting her arms to him.

“I’m ready, my emperor. Let’s make a baby.”

And with a happy heart and an eager cock, he proceeded to do just that.

Author’s Note

Thank you for reading Ella and the Emperor! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I love the way Ella grows over the course of the book.

Whether you loved the book or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon. Word of mouth is incredibly helpful for authors and I’d love to know your thoughts!

The science fiction romance community is amazing! I’m truly grateful for the love and support I have received both from readers and my fellow authors. I’m especially thankful for Bex McLynn and Tiffany Roberts – and if you haven’t already read their books, I highly recommend them! Plus, a special shout out to Janet S. and Kate B. for their unending support - and for always making me smile!

Coming up next – Faith and the Fighter

A rogue spaceship captain. A human scientist.

Can they overcome evil and find a future together?

And in case you missed them, the previous books in the Alien Abduction series are:

Anna and the Alien

Beth and the Barbarian

Cam and the Conqueror

Deb and the Demon

Ella and the Emperor

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Epilogue

Author’s Note