Pet's Pleasure (5 page)

“Or I can simply request you not be touched. Those who do so after the warning are at fault.”

She nodded. “Let’s go with that. Then I won’t have to wear out my teeth biting people obsessed with touching my breasts.”

Bekion glanced at her chest. Her small stature didn’t detract from her well-endowed state. If she were not his pet, he would think seriously of taking her to his bed.

He’d seen many humans before. Several of his nobles had brought their pets to court when attending him. Those humans had been slow and awkward, nothing like Starling. Looking at her, speaking with her, he yet again found himself wondering why his ancestors didn’t treat the humans as another sentient, sovereign race rather than as animals.

Their height and scientific infancy alone couldn’t have been the deciding factors. The Gorov Empire had a few underdeveloped planets in its ranks. Though their addition was so the empire could export natural resources without the annoyance of trade agreements and hostile inhabitants.

Starling said, “They don’t do tricks, so stop staring.”

Bekion smiled and turned his gaze to the path before him. “I was wondering how one so small could have such large breasts.”

“Genetics.”

“Ah.”

The throne room doors loomed before them. Bekion allowed himself a moment of fear. Only a moment. Just long enough for him to blink his eyes and inhale. That was all the fortification allowed to him because the guards stationed at the entrance swung open the doors.

Everyone within had already bowed. Bekion ignored the homage and went straight to his throne. He sat and settled Starling sideways on his lap with her legs between his. One arm, he propped on the armrest of his throne while the other he curved around Starling’s back, cupping her hip.

“Rise,” Bekion said loudly.

It didn’t take the people long to notice Starling. Murmurs erupted around the room as people whispered and pointed, probably surmising she was the reason why Bekion had left in the first place.

Starling shrank against Bekion. He rubbed his thumb over her thigh and smiled at her when she looked at him. She had nothing to fear. No one would hurt her but he couldn’t say that out loud. While in his throne room, people scrutinized his every word and action.

Regaining a bit of her composure, Starling straightened and returned the stares directed at her. None of the present nobles had brought their human pets. A shame since Bekion would have liked to show Starling the difference between her and them, not only in looks but also in treatment. She would better appreciate his generosity.

Bekion let the people gossip amongst themselves for a while before he called everyone to order so they could continue. As he listened to the matter being presented, he relaxed on his seat as was his habit and rubbed his fingers over the skin of Starling’s leg, left bare due to the slit of her dress. Her skin was soft. The light citrus scent of her soap soothed his senses.

She remained sitting with her back straight for the first fifteen minutes then her posture slowly deteriorated until she leaned her shoulder against his chest. She hid a yawn behind her hand then sighed. Bekion wished he could mirror her actions but royalty wasn’t allowed to be bored.

“Lady Nimag of Glerry province.”

The woman stepped forward at the same time Vieve entered the throne room. Vieve cut through the crowd, passed Lady Nimag and mounted the throne-dais steps.

Lady Nimag appeared a little annoyed at the interruption. Bekion sympathized with the woman but Vieve was a force that couldn’t be denied or made to wait.

Vieve said, holding out a thin chain, “As you requested, My King.”

Bekion took the chain from her. When she released it, Starling’s piece of emerald encased in amber dangled at the end. Both stones were faceted and polished. The emerald glistened bright green even through its amber shell. A feat made possible because of nanotechnology.

He nodded in appreciation. “Ah, very good, Vieve. It looks much better.” He held it for Starling to see. “Don’t you agree, pretty pet?”

Starling sat up and reached for the necklace. He released it to her and watched her reaction. She cupped the jewel in both hands as a sad smile curved her lips.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He started to pet her head then stopped himself. Instead, he rubbed her back. She looked at him and he nodded.

From Bekion’s left shoulder, Rois cleared his throat. The man had appointed himself Bekion’s advisor on all things proper whilst before the court even though Bekion knew the rules better than his friend. Still, he heeded the reminders on the few occasions Rois gave them.

Bekion resumed his earlier relaxed position and faced forward. “Thank you, Vieve.”

The woman bowed then descended two steps below the throne—her designated spot.

“Proceed, Lady Nimag.” Bekion lifted the chain of Starling’s pendant, gently pulling it from her. Her look of instant upset made him smile though he tried to hold it back.

Lady Nimag said, “Your human is lovely, King Bekion. The rumors of her origin must be true—that she’s from Earth.” A hint of annoyance colored her voice though she kept the emotion off her face. Fortunate for her because Bekion might have decided to take offense and dismiss her.

He wouldn’t though. If the scenario didn’t play out with Lady Nimag, another would start it. Bekion needed to deal with the matter and put it to rest for good.

“She is.” He undid the clasp on the chain, wrapped it around Starling’s neck then redid the clasp. Her anger faded and she looked grateful once more.

Lady Nimag said, “I wasn’t aware Supreme Emperor Udo had repealed the law concerning harvesting humans from Earth.”

“He hasn’t.” Bekion met Lady Nimag’s gaze and with his eyes dared her to voice her true question. He wouldn’t volunteer anything.

“And what will Your Majesty do once Supreme Emperor Udo is made aware of your new pet and her origins? Such a transgression will not be overlooked.”

The thinly veiled threat almost made Bekion laugh. The nobility were so predictable. Of course the woman would try to turn the situation to her advantage. She was doomed to disappointment though.

Bekion said, “If I had committed a crime against the Gorov Empire, I’m sure the supreme emperor would punish me accordingly. He may yet show me his displeasure since my attempt to capture the poachers met with failure.”

“Capture the poachers?”

As he suspected, Lady Nimag took the bait. He feigned an annoyed expression. “My agents didn’t allow for how quickly the poachers could absent themselves from the scene of their crime. In the time it took to bring my pretty pet back to the palace and confirm her true origins, the poachers had already fled. Thankfully, we have descriptions of three crewmembers, which we have shared with the other kingdoms. I’m confident we shall hear news of the poachers’ capture before too long. I am sad it will not be I who did it.”

“I see.”

“My efforts to gain proof of a crime have resulted in owning an Earth-origin human. I may be unfamiliar with methods of pet care but she could have no better owner than me.”

Starling mumbled something in her mother language and rolled her eyes. She watched him as she said it. Even if he had understood her, he wouldn’t have reacted. He smiled at her and patted her thigh then turned his attention to Lady Nimag.

“Was that all you wished to discuss with me, Lady Nimag? I can understand how you would be worried for me and the fate of Panagiota if I had committed such a crime as purchasing from a poacher, but it isn’t needed.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I was only worried…for you.”

“Of course.”

“The reason I have come before you today is to discuss my boon.”

Vieve moved to his side and whispered behind her hand, “Lady Nimag submitted a request to be allowed to accompany the survey team researching the galaxy to which Earth belongs. The team is staying the requisite three planets away at all times during the expedition, however Earth is listed as one of the five planets they plan to study.”

“Why three planets?” Starling asked in a whisper of her own.

Bekion said in a normal tone, “Our transport technology does not work at such a distance, thus the crew cannot be accused of poaching.” He waved Vieve away and looked at the woman awaiting his judgment. “I wonder why you didn’t consider your request more important than my pet and her origins.”

Lady Nimag gasped. “Your Majesty, I—”

“It would be best if I not decide on this matter now. Return next month. I shall give you a proper judgment then.”

“Your M ajesty, please. The survey team is scheduled to depart in four days.”

“Is it?” He looked at Vieve, who nodded. “Well, I’m sure they will make the trip again at a later date. Researching five planets takes time and multiple trips. I shall see you in a month’s time to discuss this matter again, Lady Nimag.”

The woman stared at him in disbelief for several breaths. She looked as though she wanted to argue. Ultimately, she curtsied and left the throne room.

Starling said in singsong under her breath, “Petty.”

Bekion gave her a gentle squeeze but gave no other indication he’d heard her. His decision had been petty and he admitted it. It also served a purpose. All others would think twice before broaching the subject of Starling and her origins again, especially if they wanted Bekion to rule upon their cases with favor.

The next person was announced. Bekion let go of his annoyance so he could give the case his proper attention. It was a simple dispute over an unclear border, which he solved by drawing a new border. Both parties left upset. In Bekion’s mind, that meant his decision had been fair.

Pleasing one at the expense of another had never felt right to him. His mother’s rule had set such precedence. Usually the one to gain was in Tinette’s favor at the time. Her favor had come at a high price, which didn’t always mean money. Bekion vowed long ago not to emulate her rule. He planned to keep that vow.

Starling’s head dropped to his shoulder, causing him to look down. She’d fallen asleep. A tiny shiver shook her body. She hugged her arms and burrowed into the crook between his arm and his chest.

For the first time, Bekion had done something that mirrored Tinette a little too much for his peace of mind. He’d lied to his people to save himself. It scared him how easily the lie had flowed from his lips and how readily everyone had accepted it. It wasn’t a habit he wanted to form.

Another shiver from Starling followed by a tiny sneeze made Bekion raise his hand. The man before him stopped talking and Vieve returned to his side.

Before he could say anything, Vieve whispered, “Would you like a blanket from your bed or another?”

“The smaller one.”

She nodded and left.

Bekion couldn’t help smiling at her retreating back. Vieve’s ability to predict his requests before he made them made her an asset he couldn’t do without. He overlooked her constant rudeness for that reason.

Signaling the man before him to continue, he rubbed his hand over Starling’s arm to generate a small measure of warmth. Until that moment, he’d never noticed the chilled air of the throne room. The amount of people it held at any given time necessitated the low temperature. He’d have to make sure Starling dressed more appropriately in the future or supply her with a cover.

Vieve returned with the blanket. He draped it over himself and Starling. She curled her legs so her knees rested against his chest and propped her feet against his thigh. A soft sigh left her lips and she relaxed into a peaceful slumber.

Bekion found his concentration returning. He shouldn’t be so affected by a woman he’d just met. And definitely not one that was his pet.

Chapter Four

Starling jerked awake with a scared gasp, clutching at Bekion’s shirt.

Bekion smoothed his hand over her back. She looked at him with wide eyes.

He asked, “Are you all right, my pet?”

She nodded quickly.

“You’re sure?”

The words wouldn’t come so she nodded again. Bekion covered her hands where they gripped his shirt. She pulled away with a mumbled apology.

“Nightmare?”

She whispered, “I’m fine.”

Someone cleared his throat.

“Shut up, Rois,” Bekion bit out with a quick glance over his shoulder. His features softened as he turned his attention back to Starling. “Perhaps I expected too much and should return you to my rooms for now.”

“Are you done?” She glanced at the two men and the woman who waited for Bekion to acknowledge them. The men didn’t appear happy, whereas their female companion seemed amused.

“I am if I say I am.”

One of the waiting men said, “Your Majesty! My lands—”

Bekion silenced the man with a single stern look that didn’t abate when he asked Starling, “Do you want to go back?”

“I can wait until you’re finished.”

“If you’re sure…”

It was slight but Starling could swear Bekion seemed as if he was pleading with her. She glanced at the waiting people once more then back to him. In a low voice, she said, “Stop using me as an excuse to get away from your work.”

Bekion stared at her for a little bit then laughed. “You think you know me so well after so little time?” He patted her back and laughed some more. “I needed that.” He settled against his throne. “Continue, Master Leidus.”

Leidus, the man who’d spoken out of turn before, bowed. “As I was saying earlier, Your Majesty, the will clearly states the land is bequeathed to me.”

The man beside him snapped, “Only because you convinced Uncle of a misdeed I didn’t do.” He turned his attention to Bekion. “Your Majesty, please. My cousin accused me of a crime I didn’t commit but our uncle believed him without proof. He changed his will and wrote me out of it.”

Bekion shrugged his indifference. “That is your uncle’s right no matter the reasons.”

Leidus nodded, making an affirmative noise.

Vieve held out a tablet to Bekion and whispered a few words to him. Starling didn’t catch all of it. She looked down at the tablet and was surprised to see she could read it. That shouldn’t surprise her since she could understand and speak their language. Reading and possibly writing it came with the territory, she guessed.

According to the tablet, there seemed to be some dispute over the land other than the one the men had presented. The second case belonged to the woman standing silent. Starling had thought she was with one of the men but the tablet said otherwise.

Bekion read over the tablet and then moved it aside. “Speak, Mistress Ebeun.” He signaled Vieve away.

Mistress Ebeun dropped into a deep curtsy then beckoned to the crowd.

A young boy raced forward and bowed. “Greetings, King Bekion. I am Mil. My mistress is unable to speak though she can hear, My King. If it pleases you, I will translate for her.”

Bekion said, “Continue then.”

Ebeun gestured with her hands quickly—sign language. Mil watched her while he translated, “The land these two men fight over was not their uncle’s to give. He rented it from my grandmother for a yearly sum.”

“He paid that debt in full,” Leidus said.

Bekion barked, “I didn’t give you leave to speak, Leidus.”

The man stepped back with his head bowed. “Sorry, Your Majesty. It won’t happen again.”

“And yet you continue.” Bekion drummed his fingers against Starling’s thigh.

The man nodded his head lower.

Bekion glared at the man for two more breaths. “Continue, Mistress Ebeun.”

Mil said for Mistress Ebeun, “Forgive my tone, Your Majesty—though my servant does not properly convey it—but the debt was never paid. Money is still owed to my family. The uncle of these two men stopped paying once my grandmother died. They thought her family had forgotten the debt when we did not.”

“Why wait until now to claim it?”

Ebeun’s lips curved into a calculating smile. “Interest, Your Majesty. My father wanted to pursue the family and make them finish the payments. My aunts convinced him otherwise. We would wait to see if our contract would be honored. It wasn’t.” She paused and glanced at the two men.

They looked at each other then at Bekion. Starling glanced up at Bekion as well. A smile very similar to Ebeun’s graced his lips. He’d even shifted on his seat so he sat a little forward with his chin resting on one hand.

Ebeun continued gesturing with Mil translating. “When I’d heard their uncle had died and there was a dispute over the land, I knew it was the proper time to step forward. My family wishes the return of the land or full payment of the remaining debt, along with the interest and late fees accrued over the last few years of nonpayment. Whoever you deem the victor between these two men shall be held accountable. Airing this grievance here and now guarantees they will pay.” Ebeun handed a tablet to Mil.

The little boy walked it to Vieve, who handed it to Bekion.

Starling caught a glimpse of the number. On Earth, it would be a few million dollars but she knew nothing about Panagiota’s monetary system.

She asked, “Is that a lot?”

Bekion turned the tablet so she could see it better and with his finger covered five of the zeros. “The outfit you wear costs roughly this much.”

Starling nodded. “And you said it’s very decadent and only a few could afford it.”

“Extremely decadent.” He moved his hand. “This amount is near what Mistress Ebeun would need to buy a small, uninhabitable moon on the outskirts of the Gorov Empire.” He looked at Ebeun. “Is that your goal?”

Mistress Ebeun shook her head. “I and my family do not want the money, Your Majesty, though it is rightfully owed to us. We want the land.”

Bekion held out both tablets to Vieve, who took them and resumed her spot. He gestured to Leidus. “It doesn’t matter by what means you gained it, Master Leidus, the land is rightfully yours along with the debt it has accrued.” He waved Vieve forward.

She tapped on one of the tablets and then walked it to Leidus. The man gaped at the amount listed.

Bekion said, “You now know your choices. You must either pay to keep the land or return it. Which will it be?”

Leidus’ hands shook as he stared at the tablet. “This…this…this is ridiculous, King Bekion. The land isn’t worth this much.”

Starling said with a snort, “It is if you don’t return it.” She hadn’t meant to say anything but there was no taking it back. Maybe this would be one of those times when people ignored her.

Bekion chuckled. “My pet has spoken my words for me.” He rubbed Starling’s thigh and sat back once more. “Make your choice, Master Leidus.”

Leidus glared at Ebeun, who awaited his answer with her smug expression. He mumbled, “I shall return the deed.”

“Now,” Bekion added. “You’ve brought it with you, I know. Sign it over to her and be done so I can call an end to this day and go to my dinner.”

The transition of ownership proceeded. Ebeun curtsied to Bekion. “I thank you for this return, Your Majesty.”

“And I thank you for making my last case so interesting.” Bekion stood with Starling sitting on the crook of his arm. He pulled the blanket from her shoulders and tossed it to Vieve.

Starling wished he’d let her keep it. Goose bumps rose all over her body as the cool air of the throne room surrounded her.

He whispered without moving his lips, “It’ll be warmer in my chambers.”

She nodded.

Everyone bowed or curtsied as Bekion and his entourage left. The people in the halls genuflected. Though their heads were bowed, the people’s gazes remained upon Starling. She continued to be the center of attention. She was happy when they reached the royal wing and left the crowds behind.

Vieve broke the silence. “Bekion, did you read the note I highlighted concerning the land Mistress Ebeun reacquired?”

Bekion said, “I noticed it.”

“Shouldn’t you have made it known the land is seventy percent prize soil? I doubt Master Leidus would have signed it over if he’d known. The land debt could have been paid after selling a few bags’ full.”

“Prize soil?” Starling asked.

Bekion said, “A naturally occurring substance on Panagiota that is highly coveted the universe over, even more so because we export only a small amount each year. The soil never loses its nutrients. Even if diluted over a large field, one bag can enrich the soil of the most barren of locales for a decade, if not more.”

“Wow.”

Vieve smiled at Starling. “Panagiota usually sells the products of the soil, not the soil itself. That means Mistress Ebeun will probably buy a title in a year, if not less.”

“Buy a title? Your nobility purchases their titles?”

Bekion said, “They can. As king, I can grant nobility to favored individuals and family members.”

“And bribery is the fastest way to being a favorite.”

Bekion clenched his teeth and made an annoyed noise. “It’s not bribery. I am simply rewarding those who donate to the welfare of their planet.”

Starling rolled her eyes then said in English, **You say to-may-to. I say to-mah-to.**

Bekion stopped walking and met her gaze. “I recognize the sound of that phrase from earlier. You will translate it.”

She pursed her lips and crossed her arms.

“Be stubborn then.” He put her on her feet and walked away.

She trailed after him. “You think making me walk is some kind of punishment?”

“Making you walk relieves the burden on my arm. I shall think of a worthy punishment for your uncooperative behavior later.” He stopped walking again and looked at Vieve. “How does one punish a human?”

Vieve said with a shrug, “From my understanding, the same way you would a child. Some spank them, some refuse to feed them and others isolate them from the attention they are used to receiving.”

“Hmm. I will have to think on that.” He continued walking.

Starling stayed in her spot, watching Bekion and the others leave. If he tried to spank her, she would break his fingers. Missing dinner didn’t matter much thanks to the big lunch she’d had. And if he put her in isolation, she…would think of home and everything else she missed.

She gripped her pendant. At the end of the day, she was still kidnapped and would never see home again. Everyone was an unknown and her situation was uncertain.

Did Bekion really plan to punish her for not translating what she’d said? What if he got sick of her attitude and gave her to Kuruk rather than deal with her?

Someone put his hand on her shoulder. She looked up and found Rois had stayed behind with her. He smiled down at her and rubbed her shoulder. “Don’t worry, little one. Bekion won’t hurt you.”

She wanted to ask if the man knew that for certain but kept the question to herself.

“Why not translate what you said? Is it so damaging?”

She shook her head.

“Then what is the harm?”

Why didn’t she translate for him? It was a simple enough phrase to explain. Some part of her rebelled though. Her language was the last thing that belonged to her. Not even the amber-encased emerald her father had given her was the same. English remained hers alone.

Rois urged her forward with a gentle nudge to her shoulder. “Come. We should catch up to the others.”

She nodded and let him guide her with his hand on her shoulder. He slowed his pace and glanced down at her every few steps as though he expected her not to be there.

They entered Bekion’s room and Starling found herself happy to see it. She’d only occupied the space for a little while but welcomed the familiarity. It felt safe.

Nausic stood speaking with Bekion, who frowned as he nodded.

Bekion faced her and Rois. “What took you two so long?”

“I didn’t want to rush her. And I wouldn’t carry your pet without your permission.”

“Granted,” he said in a dismissive manner.

Starling wanted to say they should ask her permission but held it back. No one needed her permission for anything anymore thanks to the poachers.

Everyone bustled around the room doing various tasks that didn’t concern her. Bekion was deep in conversation with Vieve about the tablet she held. Like at lunch, the guards conversed amongst themselves. There were even some new people she’d never seen before milling around.

She sighed.

“Welcome to your life,” she muttered to herself.

The open door to the bedroom caught her attention. Everyone was in the outer chamber so it should be quieter in there. No one said anything as she left the crowd, not that she expected it.

Quiet remained elusive. Furielle stood in the middle of a throng of men and women. She gestured as she gave them orders. Starling didn’t know what was going on and she didn’t care. They blocked the path to the bathroom, eliminating that locale as an escape.