Wray

  Kim’s head whipped around at the cold ruthlessness in Wray voice and found his eyes were just as hard and cold. Gone was the gentle, caring male she’d come to know, before her stood a ruthless Emperor.

  “You threaten me?” The General growled at him.

  “I promise you." Wray told him in a deadly quiet voice. "If you grant Kim sanctuary I will stop all food transports to the Kaliszian Empire.”

  A stunned silence filled the chamber at the Emperor’s declaration and even the luciferins seemed to go still in shock.

  “You can’t do that!” Rayner denied aghast.

  “I am Wray Vasteri, Emperor of the Tornian Empire, Protector of the civilized planets. I control what leaves my Empire. I control who we support.”

  “My people will starve…”

  “It is your choice.”

  Kim watched Rayner look from Wray to her. His eyes were filled with anger and regret and she knew what he was going to say.

  “I’m sorry, but I cannot offer you sanctuary. I cannot put you before the needs of my own people.”

  Looking into the General’s eyes Kim could see he truly did regret refusing her, but she also saw his resolve. He would not save her.

  “I see why the Goddess continues to withhold her blessing from the Kaliszians. You are no different than your ancestor, putting your own wants before that of an innocent.” Kim's quiet words had the General flinching, for their truth cut deeper than any Tornian blade.

  “Come, Kim.” Wray said, moving to take her arm.

  “Don’t touch me!” Kim jerked her arm away, rounding on him. "Ever! You, Emperor Wray Vasteri, deserve everything the Goddess has done to your people!” Turning, she went to move past him

  Wray's jaw tightened at her insult and every male expected him to lash out at her instead he stepped in front of her causing her to look up at him in surprise. "Perhaps we do, but I will not lose you, Kim." He told her in a low voice so full of pain that Kim felt it in her soul. "You mean too much to me." Slowly he stepped to the side and allowed her to walk past him.

  Rayner tensed when the Emperor stepped in front of the little female, stopping her. He knew her words had cut the Emperor just as deeply as they had him, for they were the truth. A truth, neither male could deny, but for her to say them to him was one thing, for her to say them to the Emperor... did she have a death wish? Yet she had shown no fear as she faced the most powerful male in the known universes, her only reaction was for her brilliant green eyes to darken before the Emperor let her pass. Rayner discovered he couldn't let her leave. Not like this.

  Wray turned and followed Kim because no matter what she said, no matter how much he deserved her disdain, she was his and he would make sure she was protected. When Rayner stepped out in front of her, causing her to stumble, he immediately steadied her.

  “I cannot let you leave,” Rayner stated his hand moving to the blade sheathed on his forearm, ignoring the Emperor’s low growl. “Not until I’ve done what I can to protect you.” His fingers quickly removed the sheath and presented it to her. “It is not much, but with it you may be able to protect yourself.” Rayner found it difficult to maintain eye contact with her as she just stared at him.

  To his surprise, instead of reaching for the blade, she slowly raised her arm and held it out to him. Carefully, he attached the sheath to her upper arm finding he had to wrap the straps around her arms several times before it would fit.

  “I wish I could do more.”

  Kim looked up Rayner. He was the first male, besides Wray, that had truly tried to help her. He didn’t have to. He didn’t know a thing about her. Didn’t need or want a thing from her. He wasn’t like his ancestor and it shamed her that she had said he was.

  “Thank you.” She said softly. “I will pray to the Goddess that she blesses you and your people.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Kim paused at the base of the cliffs as she looked across the valley to what she assumed was a shuttle. Next to it was the tangled wreckage of another ship, blackened and partially covered by sand and dirt. How had Wray been able to get her out of that? Looking over her shoulder, she found Wray directly behind her, his eyes on her, not the wreckage.

  “Let me carry you, Kim.” Wray asked again, his eyes pleading with hers.

  Instead of answering, she turned and started towards the ships. Growling his frustration, Wray followed watching helplessly as she carefully picked her way across the valley floor.

  As they neared, Wray moved to her side, ignoring her angry glare. He wanted his warriors to know she was under his protection, there would be no more males thinking she was available.

  Kim stiffened next to Wray as suddenly every male turned to look at her. Her hand twitched and she wanted to grip the blade on her arm, but she refused to let these males see they intimidated her. Returning their gazes, she saw shock in some eyes and curiosity in others, apparently they were unused to a female looking them in the eye.

  Wray watched his warriors carefully as Kim stood her ground before them. A Tornian female would have moved behind her male, hiding herself from so many stares… unless she was trying to attract a new male to Join with. Wray frowned darkly at the thought. While he knew this was not what Kim was doing, his warriors did not.

  “This is Kim Teel,” he announced loudly, “she is not trying to attract one of you.” He ignored Kim’s startled gasp and continued. “She is under my protection and will be treated as such or the offender will receive my judgment.” Wray gaze traveled over the group making sure they understood. “Come, Kim,” he put a hand on her lower back, “let’s get you in the shuttle.”

  Kim stiffened at Wray’s touch. She wanted to step away from him but somehow knew that if she did that it would shame him in the eyes of his males and even after all his lies she found she couldn’t do that to him. When they moved forward, the males parted, each putting a hand across his chest in some kind of salute as they passed.

  Near the shuttle’s entrance, Kim saw four males standing off to the side, each holding the corner of a rectangular black bag. Kim stopped in her tracks as she suddenly realized what… no, who, they were carrying.

  Wray frowned down at Kim when she suddenly stopped, wondering what was wrong. When his eyes followed to where her gaze had come to rest, he silently cursed himself. She shouldn’t have seen this. “Kim…”

  “That’s your warrior who died.” She said softly.

  “Yes, Warrior Damir.” He informed her. “Come, Kim,” he said, trying to guide her away, “you don’t need to concern yourself…” he trailed off when Kim moved away from him, but instead of entering the shuttle she walked towards the warriors carrying Warrior Damir’s body.

  Kim slowly approached the four males, but her eyes remained on the body of Warrior Damir. Here were the remains of a male that had given his life to save hers. Whether he had meant to or not didn’t matter, he died and he deserved her respect. Placing a reverent hand on the bag, Kim lowered her head and said a silent prayer for the fallen warrior. “Thank you.” She whispered quietly.

  The four males looked from one another to the Emperor, unsure how they were to respond as the female approached them. The Emperor had just stated that she was not looking to Join with one of them and her gaze was not on them, yet she still approached. Why?

  Then to their shock and the shock of every male there, she stopped and placed a hand on the bag carrying the remains of their fellow warrior and bowed her head.

  Wray moved with Kim as she approached the warriors. He saw their confusion as they looked to him for guidance, his barely discernible head movement told them to remain where they were.

  Wray knew Kim. He knew she was a caring female, but even he was shocked when she placed a hand on Damir's body and bowed her head acknowledging Damir’s sacrifice. For a female to do such a thing was unheard of. She was acknowledging Damir’s worth, for all to see, his name would now live on, even if his bloodline did not, in the stories that would be told about this day. Al
l because of her.

  “Kim,” Wray forced out through his suddenly tight throat. “Let us board.”

  “After Warrior Damir.” She said, turning to Wray and he saw her determination in this. Did she understand the additional honor she was giving Damir? A male she had never met. “He died saving us, Wray.” She said quietly. “He deserves our respect.”

  Wray just stared into Kim’s solemn green eyes, not because he didn’t agree with her, but because it was the first time since they’d left the cave that they had been open to him. They were not filled with anger or betrayal and he wanted to keep them that way.

  “He does.” Wray finally agreed and with a nod to the warriors, he put a hand at her waist, drawing her back against him and allowed Damir to enter before the Emperor and Empress.

  Wray guided Kim through the shuttle stopping her with a gentle hand on her waist when the warriors carried Damir to the rear of the shuttle. “They will make sure he is treated with the respect and honor he deserves Kim.” He told her directing her in the opposite direction.

  Kim hesitated when the corridor opened into an empty seating area. It wasn't that large, it reminded her of the first class section of the airplanes that she and her family would walk through when they'd go on a trip. She'd always wondered what it would feel like to sit in those wide seats. The gentle pressure on Wray's hand on her back had her moving, guiding her to the front row.

  "Sit, Kim, and I will show you how to work the harness."

  Turning to look at the device that was basically a seat belt, Kim was about to tell him she could handle it when a group of males entered the cabin room, including Fala and Gyula. She immediately stiffened.

  Wray frowned when Kim stiffened. She had finally started to soften towards him. She was letting him touch her again. What had changed that? Whipping his head around, he found Fala and Gyula moving to take their seats behind them.

  "Get out!" He roared.

  The Emperor's order along with his roar had every male freezing. What was going on? Who was he talking to?

  "Majesty..." Veron started, only to find himself shoved aside as Wray advanced on Gyula and Fala.

  "You will leave my sight. If I ever see you near the Empress again, I will end your lives. Law or no law. Do you understand me?"

  "But Majesty, we are part of your Guard!" Fala stupidly protested.

  "You are not! Only fit and worthy males serve the Emperor. Fit and worthy males never attack a female, Tornian or not! You will be escorted from the Searcher the minute we arrive at Vesta. Lord Reeve can decide how to handle the disgrace you have brought to his House. Now leave before I end you!"

  The Emperor's deep threatening growl had Fala and Gyula stumbling over each other as they rushed out of the cabin. Neither doubted that the Emperor would end their lives if they hesitated.

  Wray waited until the males were gone before he moved back to Kim. Putting a gentle hand on her cheek, he tipped her face up to his. "They will never harm you again, Kim, my vow."

  Kim slowly nodded, unable to speak. She couldn’t believe what Wray had just done. She didn’t understand it. Why would he punish them for upsetting her, but not for attacking her?

  "Come, Kim. Sit." He told her and carefully helped her sit, then secured her belt when he saw her fingers were trembling. "Tell the pilot, we are ready, Captain." Wray ordered Veron then took his seat.

  "Yes, Majesty." Veron responded. He notified the pilot then sat down next to his Emperor. He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. The Emperor had just dismissed two of his Guards because their presence upset a female. Granted, their previous actions played into it, but for him to state he considered them unfit and unworthy of their positions, in front of the other Guard... to return them to their House in disgrace... they would forever live in shame and no female would ever Join with them because of it.

  Kim closed her eyes and tightened her fingers around the armrests as the shuttle’s engines roared. It wasn’t that different from taking off in an airplane except here you went straight up before it blasted forward. She found herself wanting to take Wray’s hand. She knew his touch would comfort her, it always did and she nearly reached out for him before she remembered she was angry with him… that he’d lied to her.

  What did that mean? That she’d forgotten she was angry with him. He lied to her. He hadn’t punished Fala and Gyula for attacking her, but he had sent them away. She was so confused and suddenly so tired, leaning her head back she closed her eyes.

  Wray knew Veron wanted to speak with him, but he ignored him as he watched Kim close her eyes and tip her head back. He knew she’d never been on a shuttle before, at least not conscious and she had to be scared but she didn’t turn to him. She didn’t seek him out for comfort as she had in the cave. Could what that had started out as an innocent deception, destroyed her belief in him? It was something he hadn't considered before. He deceived himself into believing she would be so thrilled at being the Empress that she would not question the deception. A Tornian female wouldn’t... Kim was not Tornian.

  “Majesty.” Veron tried for the third time to draw the Emperor’s attention away from the female. What kind of control did she have over him that he would ignore his Captain? “Majesty!”

  “What is it, Captain?” Wray demanded his eyes still on Kim.

  “I thought you would want to know who attacked us and what we discovered on the Ganglian ship.”

  Knowing he needed to know what had happened if he was going to protect Kim, Wray pulled his eyes from her. “Tell me.” He demanded.

  "The second ship was Zaludian."

  "Zaludian? Why in the name of the Goddess would they come to the aid of the Ganglians?"

  “I do not know Majesty, but they did. They attacked both the Ganglian ship and the Searcher. The Searcher was able to defend against both while damaging the Zaludian ship. Once that happened, the Zaludians broke off their attack and fled. We did not pursue.”

  “Why not!” Wray demanded angrily.

  “Because of you.” Veron replied honestly. “I deemed the recovery of the Emperor to be more important than the Zaluds. I sent a message to Emperor Liron requesting his assistance in locating the Zaludians while we concentrated on retrieving you. General Rayner’s ship was one of two that responded to our call. He came to assist us while the other one went after the Zaludians.”

  “Did they find them?”

  “Yes, sire, but they resisted and the ship was destroyed.”

  “There were no survivors?”

  “No sire.”

  Wray was silent for several minutes thinking over what Veron had told him. The Zaluds were a race of scavengers that traveled the known universes looking for discarded resources they could use and sell. They assisted no one. “Was there any damage to the Searcher?”

  “Minor, sire. The only loss of life was Warrior Damir.” Veron paused before continuing. “The Zaludians seemed to be targeting the shuttle.”

  “That makes no sense. They couldn’t have known I was on it and even if they did, we have no grievance with them.”

  “No, sire.”

  “Were you able to get anything from the Ganglian navigational system?”

  “Only the last few days. It seems they only entered Tornian space because they intercepted a distress call sent out by a Jerboaian ship. It seems their engines had overheated. The Ganglians jammed their signal, captured the crew and destroyed the ship. The males stated they had been on the ship less than two days.”

  “Where were they intercepted?”

  “Along the outer edge of the Empire sire, not far from Luda.”

  “How many?”

  “Less than a dozen, sire.”

  Wray frowned. Jerboaians were a small, timid species who normally lived in tight knit communities underground. They only traveled when they were hired by planets with untapped mineral deposits to dig tunnels and in return, they were allowed to build their communities in the tunnels left behind.

  “You co
ntacted Grim.” When Veron didn’t immediately answer, Wray gave him a sharp look. “Captain.”

  “Not immediately, sire.”

  “Why not!” Wray demanded.

  “Sire… I knew once he was contacted he would be more concerned about you than the Jerboaian ship and demand answers I was unable to give him. When it became apparent the storm was not going to quickly dissipate, I notified him.”

  “And his response?”

  “He was furious… with me… for putting you in harm’s way.” Veron told him grudgingly and Wray found himself smiling.

  “He cursed you, didn’t he?”

  “Yes. He said he hopes I obtain a female that is as unconcerned with her own protection as I am with the Emperor's.” Veron said, shaking his head in disgust.

  “Yes, I can see him doing that.” Wray said, chuckling and thought of Kim. She was such a female in many ways. What he thought she should fear she did not and what she did fear she had the right to. His smile faded at the thought of those fears. It was his responsibility to make sure she had none and he couldn’t do that if she didn’t trust him.

  Adana had trusted him to protect her because he was the Emperor, but even he couldn’t protect her from a bird dropping a poisonous berry on her plate while she was on an outing. Kim had trusted him because he was Wray and the loss of that trust weighed heavily on him.

  Looking to her, he found her eyes on him as she listened intently to his and Veron’s conversation. The shuttle shook slightly when it fired its thrusters to land on the Searcher and Kim’s eyes widened.

  “It is alright, Kim.” He said putting a gentle hand on her arm. “We are just landing.”

  “Landing?” she asked softly, then stiffened and pulled her arm away when she realized every male on the shuttle was staring at her.

  “On the Searcher.” Wray told her glaring at his warriors who quickly lowered their eyes. “Once we have, I will take you to medical so Healer Yakar can examine you.”