Judged (8 page)

The older girl said, “We saw what you were playing, and it wasn’t personal.”

“It was to me. It was my first time in deep space and I was amazed at the march of light.”

Denitha appeared in the doorway, and she clapped her hands. “That is all for today. Ladies, your Alpha is needed elsewhere.”

The girls bowed and filed out. It finally struck Alice that she had just become den mother to a bunch of shifter girl scouts. Weird.

Denitha whispered, “The judge has arrived. As your testimony is all that is required, the judge is in Karoon’s office.”

Alice got to her feet and set the holochime back where she had found it.

Denitha laughed, “They will put the instruments away tomorrow. Quit stalling.”

Alice shrugged. “Well, the worst thing that will happen is that I get my savings back. I hate not being able to shop.”

“Would you spend all of Kadenz’s credit?”

Alice snorted as they walked through the halls. “No, I would use mine. I have quite a bit accumulated, more than enough to provide me with a wardrobe that would let me blend in.”

She couldn’t be sure, but she thought she saw Denitha’s cheeks colour with embarrassment.

The judge’s office was open and Alice sat down in the chair that was available and faced the shadow.

“Good morning, Judge.”

“And to you, Alice Pinkerton Horilian Roarcroft, Companion, Duchess Kalian and Alpha of the Oefric. Are you prepared for judgement?”

“If it will get my funds freed up so I can by a pair of pants, yes.”

The judge chuckled and the shadows went motionless.

Alice felt the lightest prickle on her mind. The judge didn’t move.

An hour ticked by as every inch of her mind was measured and weighed. When the judge was done, the prickle dissipated.

Slumping back into the chair, Alice waited for the verdict.

The judge activated a dictation transmitter. “The judge and jury find in favour of Duchess Kalian. She did not use subterfuge, guile or seduction to gain marriage to Hecor Horilian, and he acted in full awareness of what he was about to put her through. By my authority, I release her accounts and forward to her all entitlements of her station. The Kalians are ordered to cease and desist all actions against her.

“Any future actions will create a financial drain on the offending parties with all funds going to the Duchess Kalian’s designated heirs.”

Alice nearly wept with relief and rose to her feet.

“The case is concluded, registrations are filed.” The judge got to its feet and inclined its shadow.

“Thank you.” Alice gave the judge the most formal bow she could.

The shadow left the chamber, leaving Alice shaking with exhaustion. She took a few steps and slumped against the doorframe.

Kadenz was at her side seconds later, and he lifted her in his arms, carrying her through the halls until he reached their chamber.

When he tucked her into bed, he asked, “Do you need a medic?”

“No. I was just mind-fucked by a judge for an hour. Couldn’t you feel it?” She put her hand to her forehead.

“No, the judge must have been in your past. They are skilled at going around links.” He disappeared into the lav and came out with a cold cloth that he pressed to her forehead.

“The judge ruled in my favour. I get to keep the title.”

Kadenz stroked her cheek. “Do you want the title?”

“I like it, but I think I will return the house to the family. They all have money, so they can afford the upkeep. I want a fresh start for the future.”

Her head stopped throbbing when he kissed her. “Do that again.”

He raised his head and smiled. “Is it working?”

She grabbed his head and pulled him into contact with her, wrapping her leg around him to pull him down to the bed.

When she had him on his back, she pulled her head away and grinned. “How much time do we have to make a new start?”

“Five days. Shall we pace ourselves?” He ran his hands over her back and buttocks.

“I am thinking that we should just figure out what we can handle and then get a snack.” She nipped at his chin.

“Ah, but you are the tastiest thing in the room.”

She laughed as he rolled her over and she felt the touch of his mind inside hers. Soon, his body would join with hers or hers with his. She was up for some experimentation.

They had all the time in the world…and now she could shop.

We met one of their daughters in
Joined,
and it seems like Alice and Kadenz are just getting started.

The next book will be the final book in the Terran Times Series*.
Jury
is a tale of a gladiatorial coach/trainer who lives a dual life. When she is needed, she sits in a chair and becomes part of a psychic jury that reaches across the stars to advise one of the imperium judges.

Leaving her body leaves her vulnerable and her job is suffering. How is she going to balance both jobs and do each equally when her gladiator wants some personal time?

Thanks for reading,

Viola Grace

http://www.violagrace.com

[email protected]

*Oh, and I was just teasing. The K series begins the Terran Times Second Wave. We will see the women leave Earth and enter basic training where the stars are the limit.

Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No co-worker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales.

Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love.