“Shhhh baby, what is it? Bad dream?” Lisa rocks a sobbing Carly in her arms. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”
“It’s daddy…” Her sobbing increases. “He’s gone…” Lisa closes her eyes, searching for the words.
“I know baby…I know…but…”
“No mommy.” Carly looks at her earnestly. “He told me he was leaving for good this time, that it was the deal he made.”
“What?” Lisa frowns at her. “Carly Marie what are you talking about?”
“Daddy, mommy, he wouldn’t leave, not when he was supposed to. He told her he wouldn’t leave his three beautiful angels unprotected.” Lisa’s breathe catches, her eyes fill, that’s what Mark had always called them, his three beautiful angels. “So he and the Goddess, they made a deal. If she sent her best and most worthy warrior then he would leave, letting him protect his angels.” Her little eyes plead with hers. “Grim, mommy. Daddy had her send us Grim.”
“Oh baby…” Tucking her under her chin, tears stream down Lisa’s face. What is she supposed to say? Looking up, she sees Grim is just as stunned.
“But mommy there’s more.” Carly pulls back to look up at her.
“What baby?” Lisa wonders if she can take anymore.
“The Goddess wants us to protect Grim too.”
“She does?”
“She told me. After daddy left.” Carly snuggles deeply into her arms, yawning. “I’ll miss daddy, mommy.”
“I will too baby.” Lisa rocks her oldest, wondering at the forces of the universe, soon she feels Carly go lax.
“Let me take her.” Kneeling, Grim carefully takes this precious little one into his arms. Standing, she curls trustingly into him, he can’t pull his eyes away from her.
“She is so beautiful Lisa.” His tone is low and reverent.
“She is.” She pulls back the blankets. “She’s my little warrior. She’s always looking out for Miki…and me.” She tucks the covers around her as Grim steps back. “She had the hardest time with Mark’s illness. She was nearly three before he got really sick.” She gently brushes the hair from her forehead. "He dotted on her, would make sure they did special things together, just the two of them."
“Where were you?” He asks quietly looking from Carly to her.
“Home, pregnant with Miki, I was so sick.” Turning she sees panic cross Grim’s face.
“Sick? What do you mean sick?” He nearly shouts.
“Shhhh, you’ll wake them.” Suddenly she finds herself being pulled into the bedroom.
“Grim…” She looks at him confused.
“You will explain, now!” He orders.
“Explain what?” She pulls out of her grip. “What is wrong with you?”
“I will not allow you to be harmed.” He pulls her back.
“Harmed? What are you talking about?”
“You become ill when you conceive, I will not allow that.” His tone earnest.
“Well I really don’t think you’ll have any control over it.” Lisa can’t help but give him a gentle smile.
“You will have no more offspring! That is how I will control it.”
“Grim…” He can’t mean that. “You need offspring to secure your throne.”
“Not if it makes you ill! I need you. We have the girls.”
“Grim…” On shaky knees, she moves to sit on the bed.
“Look at me my Lisa.” He drops to his knees in front of her, his hands encircling her waist. “I spoke truth, your offspring…your girls…are mine. I accepted and will protect them, not as if they were mine but because they are mine. Your Mark and the Goddess have entrusted them to me but more importantly you have and what we need is you, not more offspring.” By the time he’s finished, tears again stream down her face.
“Grim…” She cups his face. “It’s not what you think…females, Earth females…conceiving can make them sick…ill…we call it morning sickness.” She sees he is listening. “With Carly I wasn’t sick, not once, tired for the first few months but never sick. Miki was entirely different. I was throwing up almost from the day she was conceived until I was through the first trimester….third month. After that I was fine.”
“It is a temporary sickness?” He gently wipes her cheeks with his thumbs.
“Yes, it’s part of being pregnant, at least for Earth females. I don’t know about Tornian, that wasn’t in the educator.”
“I do not want you sick, my Lisa.” Gently he kisses her palm.
“It’s just part of the process Grim.” She rubs her thumb across his lips. “I’ll be fine.” Before he can say more, she softly kisses him. “It’s late, let’s rest, we can talk more tomorrow.”
Helping her up Grim loosens the tie pushing the robe off her shoulders. “Do you want your nightgown?” His fingers lightly caress her shoulders.
“No.” She runs her hands up his chest. Lifting her, he lays her carefully on the bed. Removing his pants, he slides in next to her, pulling her close.
“Sleep my Lisa.” Enfolded in his arms she lets his heartbeat lull her to sleep.
Waking Grim looks down at the female resting trustingly in his arms. Her lush body pressed against his, her thick hair caressing his chest. He’d never known such a thing was possible…that seeing her when he woke, could give him such a sense of happiness. To wake this way…everyday…it is something he will fight for, kill for. Lisa is his, the girls are his, and they will not be taken from him.
Carefully, he eases out of the bed tucking the covers close, making sure not to disturb her. Dressing he heads to the common area to make sure make sure no can.
Luda, Lisa watches the planet grow larger. It looks similar to Earth, she can make out water and land, but the colors are slightly different, more greens and browns then blues.
“Is that it Mommy?” Miki asks. Looking down she sees her daughters are captivated by the approaching planet. Grim’s brought them to the control room so they could get their first look at their new home. He cleared all non-essential personnel taking no chances with their safety.
“Yes sweetie, that’s Luda.”
“Will we be there soon?” Carly looks to her. Lisa knows her daughters have been going a little stir crazy with Grim not wanting to let them out of his quarters. She looks to Grim.
“We will be at the docking station Unical shortly.” Grim tells them. “There we will get on a smaller ship that will transport us to the surface.” Grim is tense, he wants his females surrounded by his men. Luuken has been too quiet since his failed attempt to take them. All Grim’s instincts are screaming danger.
“King Grim.” Veron walks up, speaking low. Grim knows he's concerned.
“I know my friend, but I am within my rights.”
“You’ll be challenged.” He informs him.
“Yes but it will have to be brought before Wray first. That will take time and my Queen and offspring will be safer on Luda then Tornian. I need your support in getting us on the Unical.”
“You are expecting trouble.” Veron gives him a sharp look.
“You wouldn’t?” Looking at the three females still gazing out the viewing window he nods.
“If they were mine…yes, when you’re at your most vulnerable.”
“Yes.” Grim agrees.
“What do you need?” Veron offers his assistance.
“My forces allowed on board escorting us.”
“Armed?”
“Yes. Korin’s attack is justification for the exception.”
“It will be done. Good luck my friend, may the goddess bless you.”
“She already has my friend.” Grim looks to his family.
Lisa looks up as Grim enters, he’s dressed differently, the black base suit is now covered with a wide violet sash, and there's a sword at his side. However, it’s his overall demeanor that has her pausing. He’s radiating power, strength, and danger. He is not the male that had loved her so gently that morning. He is a warrior ready for battle, ready to protect what is hi
s.
“You’ve gathered your things?” He asks.
“Yes.”
“Lisa…” A knock at the door cuts him off, turning he unseals the door. Lisa gasps as a dozen large dangerous looking males enter the room all wearing black and purple similar to Grim.
“My King.” One of them puts a hand across his chest giving him a slight bow. “All is prepared per your instructions.”
“Good.” Turning he holds his hand out to Lisa. “It is time my Queen.” She’s sees the surprise cross the males faces before it disappears. Taking Grim’s hand, she’s ready to start her new life.
The King’s security force fills the corridors of the Searcher, moving all aside, as they move towards the Unical. Heads turn, trying to see the females that everyone is talking about but no one dares interfere. Not with the King of Luda for he is feared warrior, not until they reach the transfer port where a group led by Luuken stands blocking their exit.
“You will stand aside for the King of Luda.” One of Grim's men steps towards Luuken.
“Gladly.” Luuken says with an oily smile. “But the females will remain.”
“The Queen of Luda is not under your authority Minor Luuken.” Grim replies, signaling, Alger, and his men pull their weapons. “You will stand aside or I will make you.”
“You dare to bring weapons on board the Emperor's ship!” Luuken’s rage is easily heard.
“A warrior from your House has already threatened the Queen, Minor Luuken.” Veron steps forward. “King Grim is within his rights to secure her and her offspring by force if necessary. Do you challenge his right of protection?”
“No! But he has no right to the females!” He argues. “They are to go to Tornian.”
“That challenge must be presented before the Emperor, now move aside.” Veron orders and with one last hate filled look, Luuken signals his men to move.
“You have her…for now…King Grim.” Luuken taunts. “But she’ll never be your Queen.”
Lisa settles the girls in their seats as Grim speaks to one of the males. “Tell Hires to depart.” He orders.
“Yes my King.” The silence that ensues has Lisa looking up to find them under the scrutiny every male in the room.
“Lisa.” Grim motions for them to join him. “This is Alger. He is the Captain of my Elite Guard.”
“It’s nice to meet you Alger.” She nods, remember at the last minute that males and females don’t touch. Alger looks to Grim and seeing his nod, responds.
“My Queen.” He gives her a slight bow.
“And these are our offspring.” Grim makes sure all the guards understand he has claimed them. “Carly and Miki.”
“Mommy…he’s so pretty.” Miki pipes in staring up mesmerized by the dark blue male. Chuckles, quickly covered by the other males, have Alger’s cheeks darkening.
“Miki! You need to apologize to Captain Alger.” Miki’s eyes go from her to Alger.
“But why mommy?” She gives her a confused look. “He is. He’s even a prettier blue then Callen.” This has Alger’s mouth hanging open and a chuckle escapes Grim.
“Miki boys aren’t pretty their handsome.” Carly informs her in a put out older sister voice.
“But he isn’t, he’s pretty.” She insists.
“Girls, that’s enough!” Lisa works hard to sound stern. “You will both apologize. Now!”
“Sorry Alger.” Carly promptly does as she’s told, but Miki remains stubbornly silent.
“Miki Renee….”
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry I said you were pretty Alger.” Lisa gives her a little swat on her butt.
“Go. Sit. Now.”
“Yes mommy.” However, she’s grinning the entire way.
“Captain Alger, I apologize for my youngest, she means no offense.”
Alger stands for several seconds unable to respond. He is a male of nearly fifty years, a warrior, never in all that time has he been involved in or witnessed such a conversation. Something in his universe shifts.
“Alger.” Grim’s sharp tone snaps him back.
“Of course, my Queen, no offense taken.” However, the chuckles behind him, lets him know his men will never let him forget this.
“Thank you Alger. Once she gets to know you, I’m sure her fascination will wear off.” She misses his shocked expression as she looks to Grim.
“Do I get to meet the rest?” With a nod, he introduces her to the members of his Elite Guard. By the time introductions are done Lisa realizes she has her work cut out for her. How did they ever expect to attract a female, when they can barely talk to one? They’re like bashful, overgrown little boys. She’ll have to talk to Grim about it. Feeling the ship land brings her back to the present.
“Are you ready my Lisa?” Grim looks down at her, only she sees the trepidation in his eyes, reaching out she cups his cheek.
“We’re ready aren’t we girls.” She looks to them.
“Yes mommy.” They respond.
The guards watch the interaction between their King and the female he has declared their Queen in fascination. Not only does she touch the King’s scars but he allows it. They realize their world will never be the same.
Lisa’s first look at their new home shocks her. It’s a castle. Holy crap! Grim hadn’t told her that.
“My Lisa?” Grim waits, pulling her gaze from their new home. “Welcome to Luda.” Smiling she walks to him, to her daughters, to their future.
Guards surround them as they cross rapidly darkening grounds to the massive doors of the castle. As they approach, they open, revealing a dimly lit interior filled with even more males.
“Mommy?” Both girls quickly move closer to her.
“It’s okay babies.” She just hopes it is as silence greets them.
“Have the rooms been prepared?” Grim demands.
“Yes my King.” An older green male approaches. “The room for your female has been prepared.”
“My Queen, Montfort.” Grim corrects.
“Sire?”
“My Queen. Queen Lisa and our offspring Carly and Miki.” All eyes turn to the three females.
“Grim, the girls are tired and hungry.” She softly informs him. Looking at them, he sees their fatigue. He hadn’t considered how tiring the day would be for them. His only concern was getting them to Luda but they hadn’t complained, not once. Now they were here and he needs to care for them.
“Montfort, have food sent to my Chambers.” He orders and the males part as they pass.
Grim leads them deeper into the dimly lit castle to another set of large doors.
“This is the Royal Wing of Luanda.” He informs them.
“Luanda?” Lisa questions.
“It is what this place is called, Castle Luanda. All who rule Luda have done so from here.” Grim nods to the guards and they open the doors. Entering, Lisa finds a large room filled with furniture.
“This floor is a living area. I will show it to you later.” He leads them deeper into the dark room to stairs. “Our resting areas are on the next level.” Starting up, he stops when Lisa leans down, whispering to the girls.
“What is wrong?” One look tells him something is bothering the girls.
“It’s nothing.” Lisa lifts Miki into her arms, the little girl looking at him with scared eyes.
“It is something.” He sees the same look in Carly’s eyes. “Tell me.” He says gently, squatting down to Carly.
“It’s dark.” She whispers, pressing tightly against her mother. “And scary.” Grim frowns looking at the stairway then the room. He never paid any attention to the dimness before, it’s as it’s always been. Moving to touch a small bowl, the stairway is immediately brightly lit.
“Is that better?” The girls, picking up Carly, he leads them up the wide winding staircase. At the top, Lisa realizes the guards haven’t followed.
“The guards?” She questions.
“Are not allowed on this or the next level without permission.” Nodding she lo
oks at the ‘private’ space.
It’s a large, open living area, sparsely furnished with two doors on each side and another at the far end.
Grim assesses the room, comparing it to their dwelling on Earth and finds it lacking. He doesn’t spend much time here, preferring the company of his warriors but Lisa and the girls will spend a great deal of time here, changes will need to be made.
“The room closest to ours will be the girls.” Grim pushes the door open revealing another dimly lit sparsely furnished room. Shifting Carly, he allows her to increase the light, revealing dust and grimy windows.
“Mommy…” Miki turns disappointed eyes to her.
“It will be fine baby. We’ll make it a home okay?” Hesitantly she nods.
“Sire, you meal has arrived.” Montfort says behind them. Turning, Lisa sees the male and several others carrying platters of food.
“In my chamber Montfort.” Grim orders harshly. He ordered rooms prepared for his offspring and it appears nothing has been done. He’s own quarters had better at least been cleaned.
“Yes sire.” Bowing Montfort backs out of the room.
Lisa is pleasantly surprised walking into Grim’s bedroom, their bedroom. It’s large, taking up this entire end of the wing. Thick rugs cover the stone floor, several large comfortable chairs and couches are placed around the room, most in front of the massive fireplace. The largest bed Lisa has ever seen, takes up one end of the room, covered in a brown material that looked like suede. Large windows try to display the night sky but the streaked glass makes it nearly impossible. Servants quickly place the trays of food on a table before bowing to leave.
Setting Miki in a chair, she turns for Carly. “I’ll take her.” Instead, Grim walks over, putting her next to her sister.
“Montfort, I will speak with you outside.” He turns to Lisa. “See to girls, I won’t be long.” Nodding she starts to fill plates.
Montfort waits as Grim closes the door.
“Why were my orders not followed?” He growls threateningly.