Confiscated Bride - BBW SciFi Romance Page 3

  Half their time here would be good. She would be extremely comfortable in such a home. Janel felt giddy. If they’d arrived to a small apartment she would have been just fine with it. Still, Ansella was correct, a bit of wealth didn’t hurt matters.

  They landed in a private strip just in front of the main entrance. Short stairs led to crystal glass doors. Several wooden pillars with carved reliefs decorating them held up the domed eave above the portico leading in.

  Two Haraden, one elderly the other the same height as Janel and rotund, stood before the doors. Both wore stiff suits with flared cuffs. Raggator brought her up the steps to them.

  “This is Gortum,” he said, gesturing to the rotund man, “and Laythan,” he gestured to the elder. “This is Madam Janel, General Kordan’s guest during his break.”

  They both bowed.

  “Welcome,” Laythan said, “I am the housemaster. If you lack any comfort I will seek to remedy it.”

  “I am General Kordan’s yeoman,” Gortum said. “I am at your disposal.”

  Janel found herself at a loss. She’d never been fawned over by servants. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

  Once inside she saw there were still more servants, many looked younger than Raggator. The entry room was massive with a ribbed domed ceiling. The wall with the door had high crystal windows that flowed in light. There was expansive floor before her with clumps of angular furniture, a large musical instrument or two, and cubbies along the walls with light fixtures.

  It was elegant, but drab. Janel noted very little color. She had no doubt this was the home of someone extremely prominent and wealthy, but it was devoid of any vibrancy. The white walls and pale rugs gave the same impression as her utilitarian chamber on the ship.

  This place could use a woman’s touch.

  Raggator turned to her. “I will hand you off to Gortum now.” He pointed to a large wide staircase sweeping into the floor space from across the room. “My office is up those stairs, and my dwelling is in the back courtyard. If I can provide you anything please come see me.”

  “She’s in good hands,” Gortum said. Janel liked his warm smile. “Come, I shall take you to the guest suite.”

  This time she had a whole apartment in one wing of the house. It made her dwelling in Malakeeza look like a hovel. There was a tailoring machine built into the wall, a cooking machine with an impressive menu, and a rest station with a tub large enough to swim in. Gortum showed her one of the ubiquitous panels on the wall that would allow her to summon him. She was told the entire cottage was at her disposal.

  Once alone she ordered a swimming suit and found her way outside to the pool. It was even grander than she’d fathomed from the air. She conjured a drink from a dispenser in a sleek outdoor sitting area and then reclined on a long chair to sun herself.

  I could get used to this.

  And yet, after a few hours she grew restless. The luxury she’d encountered wasn’t as enjoyable alone. How much longer would her sexy host keep her waiting?

  She took out her tablet to check the news on Malakeeza. The plasma mine grid the Haraden had promised had already gone up around the planet. Janel was amazed at the speed. That was it then—the war between Malakeeza and the Hax-Rah was officially over.

  She sighed. So many lives lost and so much devastation when there was such an easy answer. Her world finally had peace. It still seemed unreal to her. She felt as though she couldn’t take peace for granted yet. Her mind had been conditioned by a lifetime of war.

  There were reports about disruptions in space travel due to new security protocols. Only the Malakeezans and Haraden would have the codes needed to pass through the grid. A minor inconvenience to end decades of devastation. She was sure no one complained.

  “How do you like my home?”

  Janel glanced back. Kordan stood in the arcade leading to the pool. She’d heard footfalls a short while ago, but assumed it was a servant. Now she knew he’d been watching her.

  She stood. “I love it.”

  She went to him and took both his hands in hers. Kordan tipped his head and gave her a brief, sensuous kiss. It was fleeting enough for her legs to stay strong beneath her.

  His hand moved to her bare shoulder. “I’m sorry I was delayed. There was a great deal for me to see to.”

  “Of course. I understand.”

  “It was difficult to see to my duties when my mind was fixed on the lovely creature waiting for me. Will you join me for dinner?”

  “That sounds wonderful. Just let me change.”

  His eyes swept down her. Her thin blue swimsuit covered only her breasts and crotch.

  “I prefer you in this.”

  One side of her mouth lifted in a sardonic half-smile. “You’ve been very forthright with your desire. I suppose I appreciate the candor, but we do need to get to know each other first.”

  He grinned and bowed his head in acquiescence.

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  * Chapter 5 *

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  Kordan waited in an intimate dining room for Janel to be escorted to him. She’d changed from the breathtaking bathing suit in a slinky dress that articulated all her curves. He stood at once at greet her.

  “Stunning.”

  “It was your machines that made it.”

  “It’s almost perfect.” He moved to slide in her seat.

  “Almost?” she said.

  Kordan took a small black box from his placemat. He opened it to reveal a jeweled necklace to her. Janel placed a hand to her chest and gasped. The reflection of the gems made her eyes glimmer. She was cultivated enough to recognize several of the rare blue gems.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  She could scarcely draw breath. It was just the reaction he wanted. He moved behind her to fasten it around her lovely throat.

  “I plan to lavish you with gifts. This is but the first.”

  “You can’t. It’s already too much.”

  Kordan glided a hand over her supple bare shoulder and leaned close to her ear. “Indulge me. I need to do this.”

  She gave him a curious look, as though she didn’t understand. Kordan wondered if she feigned her ignorance. He’d been a tyrant to her. He’d forced himself to be cruel, when he ached to be kind to her. His mission was clear, and he never compromised his duties, but what an ordeal it was to combat her.

  At first he thought himself foolishly smitten because she was the only women he’d ever spent much time with. Of course he’d visited brothels on various worlds. There was no hope of a connection in such transactions. Now he swore he felt something, an enigmatic bolt of chemistry. He told himself to see her as an enemy, but each day it grew more difficult. She was charming, beautiful, patient and yet still cunning. After a while he didn’t care if his infatuation was merely due to a lack of exposure. All he knew was he wanted her. This was the mate he could bind with for the rest of his days.

  He took his seat across from her at the small table. A deep breath helped shirk some of the emotion the memories brought up.

  “I want you to experience our delicacies. I’ve seven small plates coming.”

  Janel gleamed with a smile. “I’m excited.”

  How could she be so gracious? She had ever right to make him suffer. Janel was forgiving, compassionate, and without even an ounce of pettiness.

  Gods…how he loved her.

  “I would like to get to know you better,” she said, as his servant delivered their drinks and the first course.

  “And I need to know everything about you,” he said.

  “You first. I understand that Haraden are artificially gestated and reared in massive nurseries until they’re old enough to attend one of the academies. There’s no class divisions in your society, other than that of soldier and civilian. Since all soldiers start at an equ
al status, how is it that you were able to achieve such a high rank?”

  He sipped his wine with a grin. “You’ve done your research.”

  “For the negotiations of course.”

  He cringed as she mentioned them, but hid all outward signs of his discomfort. “Of course.” For a moment he searched for his thoughts. “You’re correct. We all begin as equals. We’re all reared in the same way. And yet, still, some of us excel more than others. I was always a top specimen, but that alone wouldn’t have caused me to ascend to such a rank. I think it’s the pursuits of our free time that individualized us. For me, I was obsessed with the writings of kings and emperors. The ancient Haraden Emperor Maun had a book of philosophy that I found helpful in combat. My squadron leader was destroyed once, and two ships were trapped in a mine web. I took command, despite being of no higher rank than any of the others. I’d read once about a man caught in unbreakable scallo web in a jungle. It couldn’t be cut, so the king ordered the web to be stretched until it strained too much to hold the man. I had my fellow soldiers use beams to stretch the mine web until our ships were able to escape. I mention this because it’s the first time I proved myself in battle, and I’ve my reading to thank for it. There were many other instances. In the end, there is no one incident that propelled me to my rank, but a lifetime of them. I am known as an intellectual commander, that’s why I take charge on many negotiations. It’s always been due to a love of reading.”

  Her eyes glimmered. “That’s what we have in common. I’m a voracious reader. I was always engrossed with the biographies of female pioneers. They lived in an ancient time in our history when women were repressed. I saw how they were able to assert themselves and do great things. And I knew I had to do the same, since so few men were left. I think it was that inspiration that got me to eventually become an ambassador.”

  Kordan felt a surge of excitement. His demeanor remained cool, but he did reach over to squeeze her hand. “Janel, you must read the work of Empress Chinor. She was a female ruler in ancient Haraden society, a queen in a time when women with children were forbidden from leaving their homes.”

  “I would find that absolutely fascinating.”

  Now he smiled. What was this giddiness inside him? His former nemesis was revealing layers that just endeared her to him all the more.

  They continued the vibrant discussion through every course. He learned more of what the Hax-Rah war had done to her people, and how she too had not had much engagement with men. She hinted that he might be her first serious relationship. Certainly she was the same to him. Though neither of them were that young, they were both experiencing the newness of love together. The knowledge made him feel warm inside.

  “What do you want for the future, Kordan?” She asked it with her eyes fixed on him. There was no coyness or fear for what he might answer. They’d already connected so much that she asked with hope and confidence.

  “Janel, if we were to count time on Arkzin the same as Malakeeza then my age would be 48 years. Our life spans are comparable. I’m no longer a young man.”

  “That doesn’t bother me,” she said, with a sweet smile.

  “I’ve reached all the goals I sought in my career. I’m no longer seeking a higher rank, or more influence. My focus now is on personal matters. I wish to petition for the right to rear off-spring. Two or three, I would hope.”

  “You have to petition for such a thing?”

  “We’re bred in gestation clinics. Having offspring in the older, traditional manner is something once again growing popular, but our masters grant the right to us. I assure you, I will be approved without trouble. It’s only the poor or criminal who are denied.”

  “Oh. Well, that’s wonderful, because I want children also. I’d just like to know what will become of them. If we have male children will they all be soldiers? Will they have to go off to one of your academies at a young age?”

  “There’s the Honor Academy here on planet Arkzin, and it’s a fine one. I think you’ll approve of it. If we have a male child he will be expected to become a soldier. That’s what’s best for him. Our society revolves around our military, so even if he wished to be a doctor or an engineer he would do those jobs in conjunction with the Haraden army.”

  “Ah.” She gave an enlightened nod. “I just worry that he would be killed in combat.”

  Kordan turned up his hand. “Our problem is that few of us ever succumb in battle. That’s why we’ve a surplus of men.”

  “That’s true.”

  “If we have two sons, one of them is not required to be a soldier, but if that’s his wish he should immigrate to Malakeeza. The work outside the military in is for the dregs of our society. It’s not something one of our children should aspire to.”

  “Well, that would be a nice option, if he went to live on my world.”

  “If we have a daughter she should be a soldier also, since again, that’s how she’ll thrive in Haraden society. But, just as with our second son, she could also immigrate. I’ve only a duty to provide one male child to our army.”

  She soothed his hand. “Our children will have options then. I like that.”

  ‘Our children.’ Kordan felt a surge of effervescent joy. She seemed as invested as he was in making this work.

  When was the last time he’d been this happy?

  They continued talking long after the last dish was cleared. Kordan held her hand in his as they spoke and their eyes never wandered from each others. This was love for him, clear and simple. They would court for whatever period she felt suitable, but without a doubt he believed they would bond as mates. Kordan now framed his future with her beside him.

  Such a lovely thing, and he’d almost destroyed it before it began. Janel had incredible strength of character to grant him another chance. He felt the gods had blessed him.

  Someone buzzed the door to their private dining room. Kordan’s brows pinched. The servants had been dismissed and he’d asked they not be disturbed. (He had a hope the mood would turn sultry.)

  “Come in.”

  Raggamor entered. His blue face had darkened. Kordan’s posture immediately tensed. He had a sickening thud in his middle. Raggamor would not have disturbed him for something trivial.

  “My lord, forgive me for interrupting.”

  “What is it?”

  He looked at Janel, and then back at him. “An urgent matter. I’m afraid you will be tied up for the rest of the night with it.”

  A thread of disappointment broke through his dread. All he wanted was to take Janel in his arms. He rose to his feet with a sigh.

  “I must say goodnight, my dear.”

  She stood, still holding his hand. “A pity, but it sounds serious. I hope everything’s fine.”

  “I’ll remedy whatever the trouble is as quick as I can. Until tomorrow?”

  She rose on her tiptoes to give him a warm kiss.

  “Until tomorrow.”

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  * Chapter 6 *

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  Janel went back to her suite on cloud of pure bliss. She was grinning and laughing to herself now and then while replaying bits of their conversation in her mind. She almost passed her door due to her silliness. It continued in bed. She felt euphoria over the whole of her body. They were well matched. He was a fantastic candidate to consider for a husband. It took hours for her to come down from her high and fall asleep.

  In the morning she was still aglow, but had returned to her senses. She wished she was waking up in Kordan’s bed after a bout of exquisite lovemaking. What had Raggamor come to bother him about? Wasn’t he on vacation?

  She picked up her tablet absently. There were two missed calls, both from Ansella. Janel laughed through her nostrils. No doubt her friend wanted an update. She called her.

  “Janel? Tell
me you’re not on Arkzin!”

  The panicked voice of her superior snapped her brutally from her haze of joy.

  “Janel, Janel, are you there?”

  “I’m here.”

  “You’re not on Arkzin are you? Did you go with him? Please tell me you didn’t go with him!”

  “Sella…I’m here now. Yes, I went with him. Things are fine. What’s going—”

  “Oh dear God! Alright, look, Confederation emissaries are coming. I’ll see if I can negotiate for your release.”

  “What?”

  A voice in the background was yelling. The sound became muffled as Ansella yelled in return.

  “I’ll call you back!” The communication ended.

  Janel’s chest felt prickly and her shoulders tense. She forced her fingers to bring up the news reports. Several headlines appeared on a list.

  MALAKEEZA HARRADEN GO TO WAR

  Janel’s hand began to tremble.

  HARRADEN IMPRISONS PLANET

  ALLIANCE BROKEN – WAR DECLARED

  She went to the earliest report to try and piece together what happened. The grid had gone up. Malakeeza ships were equipped with encoded neutralizers that would let them pass through unharmed. An unmanned cargo transport attempted to pass through the grid and was destroyed. Probes confirmed none of the neutralizers worked. The Malakeezan’s had been cut off from space travel.

  It’s a mistake. Just a malfunction.

  Malakeeza reported the failures to the Haraden. The Haraden High Command accused Malakeeza of sabotaging their own grid, violating the alliance, and committing an act of war. They demanded Malakeeza’s surrender. The planet would become one of their slave worlds.

  Janel felt the color drain out of her face.

  It…can’t be.

  An editorial from the Capital’s main news agency attempted to explain everything. Janel forced herself to read. She had to hold the tablet tight to keep her hands from shaking.

  THE DISHONORABLE HARADEN

  When planet Malakeeza went to the Haraden Empire for an alliance we unwittingly revealed a resource we had and they lacked: women. We had millions of eligible mates for them, and they had a dire need.