TICEES (34 page)

Korba softened his voice even more. “I am not dismissing your concerns, but I am perplexed. Could it be because of his coloring? He is closer to a man of Earth; could that be what is affecting you so?”

Chelan looked away and chewed nervously at her lip. “I don’t know,” she whispered. “It’s just a feeling I have. He’s dangerous.”

Korba’s muscles tightened. He was all too familiar with all that a feeling could encompass, and he was not about to dismiss Chelan’s worries. But he had known Ticees a lifetime, and the man, though brash and at times a little too blunt, had always acted with exemplary decorum with all warriors, both the men and the women. “Chelan,” he whispered. “I will watch him for you, but I cannot act because he wishes your company as do others, or because he looks at your beauty with desirous eyes.”

Chelan remained motionless.

“If you were one of our women, he probably would have asked you outright to share his bed, and very few, if any, of our women would ever consider denying him. He is a very attractive and powerful man. But he has restrained himself with you because he knows your ways are different. But you cannot deny him his thoughts or his unspoken wishes. He is a normal man, taken by your obvious beauty.”

Chelan looked down, her stomach calming only marginally. Maybe she had read too much into the interaction, her perspective tainted by her experiences with the men of her world. And she understood Korba’s point of view. It would be more than a little difficult for him to implicate his friend for anything based simply on the gut reaction she had. Maybe she just needed more time to adjust to the whole situation, not just to Ticees.

Korba ran his hands down her slender arms. “What would you have me do, Chelan? What can I do to make you feel more secure? I will do anything you ask.”

Chelan still did not speak, and indeed, she could not. Her confusion ran too deep.

Korba straightened, his concern for her and her fears gnawing at him. “Chelan, there are going to be times when you may be alone for short periods of time, and unless you strike up other friendships within these walls, Ticees may be your only companion. You must try to accept him and put away your unfounded fears. He is my friend, Chelan, and I want him to be your friend also.”

Korba watched her a while longer, utterly perplexed and deeply frustrated by the whole odd scenario. He reached for her chin and raised her head up. “We will talk about this some more, but right now I really need to get some sleep, okay?”

Chelan nodded but did not move.

Korba stepped around her and began removing his uniform. He entered the shower and then looked at her, her body still inert, her back to him.

He continued to watch her from the shower until she finally receded into the shadows of the bedroom. He shook his head again. She just needed time, that was all. Everything was too new, too unfamiliar. As the time passed and she became more comfortable in her new world, her fears would fade. Besides, with all the laws that governed his society, she was safe.

Chelan moved to the bed and crawled under the blankets, curling up into a tight ball. She attempted to fortify herself, but her tears were defiant, and they flowed in silence. Though she knew Korba had attempted to understand, she felt desperately alone, her situation completely untenable. She appreciated Korba’s perspective, but that was of little conciliation. Ticees was trouble—she could feel it in the marrow of her bones—and right now she felt powerless to thwart him.

She closed her eyes as she felt Korba slip in beside her and coil around her. But she could not face him. Her stomach was in a knot again, but she chose to suffer in silence.

Korba could feel her subdued quivering. He pressed into her and stroked her arm. “You’ll be okay,” he whispered, kissing the back of her neck.

“I know,” she lied, suppressing a cry of anguish. She bit her lip so hard she tasted her blood. “I know,” she whispered again, as if trying to convince herself.

Korba wrapped himself about her in an impermeable shield and quietly went to sleep, but Chelan passed in and out of uneasy slumber. Morning came, and still she could not sleep. Then she thought of breakfast with Ticees. Suddenly she felt ill, and she slipped from the blankets and ran to the washroom. Chelan was sure she was going to be sick, falling to her knees and grasping at her convulsing stomach. She panted for air, her head spinning, her body cold.

Then she jumped as Korba touched her shaking shoulder. “Oh, my Lady,” he whispered as he cleared her hair from her face and turned her to him. “Are you okay?” But she did not have to answer him. Her face was ashen, and her lack of sleep was obvious.

“Do you wish to skip breakfast this morning?”

Chelan shook her head hurriedly. “No,” she blurted.

“Chelan,” he said sternly, startling her. “You do not have to attend if you do not feel well. Ticees issued no such order.”

“It’s okay,” she uttered, and she scurried to her feet, ran into the bedroom scooped up her gown, and dressed hurriedly.

Korba strode after her. He grabbed her arm, turning her to him. “Damn it, Chelan! I don’t know what to do for you. Please tell me what I can do to help you. Please.”

Chelan was struggling for air. Suddenly, she collapsed against him, her drained body weak and her emotions leaching out of her like blood from a punctured artery. “Please,” she began desperately, “please, I want to become pregnant. I want your child within me.” She clutched him frantically. “Please,” she begged.

Korba was dumbstruck. He swallowed, trying to wet his suddenly dry throat. “Chelan,” he whispered as he held her close. “It’s too soon.”

For reasons she could not explain, she had considered carrying Korba’s child to be her last defense against Ticees, and he had turned her down. She pushed away from him violently and ran from the room. She moved quickly down the connecting corridors and burst forcibly into Fremma’s quarters.

“Chelan!” Fremma exclaimed, startled by her unceremonious entry. “What’s wrong?”

Chelan slumped against the wall while she caught her breath, but before either of them could speak, Korba crashed through the doors, still doing up his jacket.

“What the hell is going on?” yelled Fremma.

Chelan pushed herself from the wall. “Nothing’s wrong,” she shouted. She began pacing while running her fingers through her disheveled hair. She lowered her voice. “Oh god, I’m losing it, I swear.”

Fremma looked at Korba; the Warlord’s features betrayed his helplessness. Fremma drew in a deep breath. “Ticees, I assume,” he began.

Chelan continued to pace, trying to gain control of herself while desperately trying to come up with a case against Ticees. Finally she gave up. “Okay, I submit,” she said weakly. “I’m sorry, Korba.” She turned and looked up at him through weary eyes. She hugged herself tightly. “I’m sorry,” she repeated.

Korba glanced at Fremma and then back to her. “We’ll watch him, Chelan. I promise you that. Please accept that. Fremma knows of your concerns. I know not what else to do.”

Chelan nodded as she straightened herself. “Okay,” she breathed.

Fremma’s eyes narrowed. “Has something else happened?”

Chelan rubbed and stretched her aching neck, her tension cinching her muscles tight.

Korba looked at Fremma. “What did Ticees say to you earlier?”

Fremma shrugged. “He wanted me to go over a list of warriors for the training fields from RIBUS 7, and he told me that although you had wanted me to speak to Chelan about the length of your meeting, he would do so during a brief break he was taking. That was it. Why? What happened?” His eyes darted between Chelan and Korba.

Korba spoke. “He did indeed deliver the message to Chelan, but she was rendered uneasy by his approach.”

Fremma smiled. “That would be expected. Ticees can be like a defective transport trying to maneuver among delicate jewels. He is not a subtle man.”

Chelan finally allowed a small smile to tweak the corners of her mouth.

Fremma then laughed. “Actually, I’m surprised he hasn’t stripped before you and offered you himself served up on a platter. He’s not beyond that.”

Chelan finally laughed. “That would be a picture.”

Fremma chuckled. “Depending on one’s mood and inclinations, it would either be a sexual feast for the eyes and the body, or it would be a bloody intimidating demand. I can understand where you might fit within that spectrum of extremes.”

Chelan’s eyes twinkled as she looked at the two men. “I may have overreacted.”

Korba shook his head. “It is always wise to heed one’s sixth sense, my Lady. We understand, and we will be wary, but as Fremma has pointed out, Ticees is not subtle. Add to the fact that he has probably never dealt with anyone as sensitive as you, and it’s simply a poor combination at best. Between us all, we’ll pound him into shape.”

Chelan’s cheeks pinked, and though she was tired, she felt a degree of rejuvenation. Fremma walked up to her and turned her from him. “While your man goes and finishes preparing for breakfast, I will tend to you. You’re a mess.” And gently he began to comb out the long tangles of her hair.

Chelan held still while Fremma struggled with her locks. “I’m sorry, Fremma, it was wet when I went to bed, and I forgot to braid it.” Then she looked up into Korba’s eyes. “Am I forgiven?” she whispered.

Korba gently touched her pretty cheek. “There is nothing to forgive.” And he leaned down and kissed her on the mouth. Then he returned to their suite for his shroud and weapons.

Fremma put the comb down and turned her to him. “Let’s not delay. I believe that breakfast is served.”

Korba returned and took Chelan by the arm, and the three of them walked into the breakfast area. Ticees rose and greeted Korba and Fremma warmly. Then he turned to Chelan. “Ah, my Lady. How delightful to see you this morning.”

Chelan nodded as he kissed her hand, and then he led her to her chair at his left.

“I’m afraid that Dar and Toran continued on after we left last night, and I strongly doubt that either of them is in any shape for breakfast.”

All three men chuckled, but Chelan could manage only a small smile. Just being in the same room as Ticees sent a chill down her spine. Soon, the mammoth breakfast was served, and though Chelan participated in the conversation, she barely touched her meal.

Finally Ticees stopped eating and looked at her. “Chelan,” he called, his voice causing her to flinch. “Are you all right, my Lady?”

Chelan looked directly at him for the first time in the morning. “Yes, my Lord,” she began. “It’s simply too early for me, I’m afraid.” He smiled at her, but she looked away and stared blankly at her unappetizing meal.

“Well, I’m glad you are okay, my Lady, because I have a special tour arranged for you.”

Chelan’s eyes shot to his, and her breath lodged in her throat.

“I know that Korba has some men to train this morning along with Fremma, and since Dar and Toran are incapacitated, I thought I might show you my personal gardens.”

Chelan stiffened, but she fought off the urge to turn away from him. She gallantly quelled the rising tide of panic. After all, Korba and Fremma were probably right. It was quite likely that her problems were the result of her Earthly perceptions of the man, and not actually Ticees himself. Besides, it was probably unwise to shun the Emperor, no matter what the cost to her initially. It would only take some time for her to adjust to the man, and if she warmed to him, maybe all of them would be better off in the long run.

He continued. “I have collected flowers and plants from all over the galaxy, and I keep a large number of people employed with their care. I’m sure you would enjoy the tour, if Korba would permit me to take you under my wing for a few hours.”

Chelan did not even look at Korba. She set her jaw, determined to take control and ignore her tumbling stomach. “That would be fine, my Lord,” she replied.

Ticees was obviously pleased, and he continued to look at her warmly as she returned her gaze to her plate. “Well, then. After Korba has taken off, you can meet me in my chambers, and we will take it from there.”

“Yes, my Lord,” she answered stiffly, glancing up at him.

Korba reached for her and squeezed her leg in reassurance. She smiled at him while feeling a lump form in her throat. Quickly, she resumed picking at her food in an effort to keep herself from dwelling on what she had just agreed to.

Finally, the meal was over, and she watched Ticees exchange pleasantries with Korba and Fremma and then disappear. The two men rose, and Chelan pushed her chair back, but her legs failed her, and she could not stand.

Korba offered her his hand. Chelan accepted silently and followed him back to their chambers, bidding Fremma a temporary good-bye. Chelan immediately headed for the washroom and splashed cool water on her face. She was numb and felt as though she had just received a death sentence complete with everyone’s blessings, including her own. Slowly, she patted her face dry and looked up into the mirror just as Korba walked up behind her.

“Are you okay?” he asked as his hands gently squeezed her shoulders.

Chelan simply nodded and left the washroom. She knew that if she opened her mouth to speak she would lose control, so she kept her jaw clamped tight.

Korba stood at the entrance, watching her as she straightened the bed, her movements heavy, her spark once again extinguished. “We have maids for that,” he reminded quietly.

Chelan ignored him and continued.

Korba hung his head temporarily, deep in thought. He looked up at her from under his brow. “You did not have to accept, Chelan,” he commented flatly.

Chelan froze at his words, her guts turning. She looked down, watching her hands turn white as she wrung the sheet with them. “I know,” she whispered, and her vision clouded. “But it was the right thing to do.” She saw him approach her, and she panicked. “I think I’ll go now,” she said hurriedly, and she rushed past him and through the main doors, leaving him standing in stunned silence.

Chelan walked the short corridor toward Ticees’ chambers. Taking several deep breaths, she smoothed her gown and straightened her shoulders. When she reached the doors she stopped, her heart pounding. She knocked, and the doors immediately swung open.