She’d changed from the earlier gown into a pair of loose fitting deep emerald trousers that slit up the sides to her upper thighs, and a short tunic that left a slice of her lean, muscled midriff visible. She’d draped a long, shimmering chain of pale blue ocean diamonds around her waist, a visible display of her Baladium winnings that Baladium protocol demanded.
He liked the way the end of the chain hung down over her inner hip, the large glowing blue diamond at the end of the chain swaying close to her pubic mound as she shifted her stance with a growl.
“I don’t care if they’re criminals, I’m not executing anyone,” Lacey said as she tried to stare down Orushel, something next to impossible to do.
“My Lady,” Orushel said in a reasonable voice, “surely you must agree that placing these monsters next to innocent people and letting them run amuck is not a good idea. Can you imagine what would happen if we resettled a Kromer next to a Viitti hamlet?”
Lacey went silent for a moment, no doubt accessing their crystal implant. A minute went by, then shock and disgust hit their bond as she learned the horror of what would happen if a Kromer was resettled next to a Viitti hamlet. Nausea started to ooze through their bond, and Gwarnon quickly shut his side down as Chel urged Lacey to put her hands on her knees and take a deep breath.
She waved Chel away with a frown, her skin as pale as Orushel’s. “Okay, that would be bad, but what do we do? Killing someone in battle is one thing, executing them is something else entirely. Isn’t there some way we can separate the criminals from the innocent? I mean, I know the Baladium receives these people as tribute from their members, and some of them are fucking psychopaths, but surely there are some good people as well, right? I mean, some of these people are kids. Hell, there are a few eggs as well—there are literally unborn babies as part of my winnings. That’s fucked up on so many levels. I want those kids returned to their parents as soon as possible. No mother should be without her baby.”
The anguish coming from Lacey was so strong in that moment that it pushed past his mental shields like they were sugar candy trying to dam up a raging ice river.
An instant later, the sensation was gone, and Lacey avoided his mental questions as she listened to Orushel’s reply.
“My Lady, you are right, no child should be without a proper parent. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as returning them to their home worlds. In some cases, the family willingly sold the child and do not want them back. Others have been raised from birth to be slaves and know no other life. And, in a few cases, their home worlds are currently at war and are unsafe for any living creature.”
Chel slipped his arm around Lacey’s shoulders, giving her comfort as she released a bitter sigh. “This is all so fucking complicated.”
“Doing the right thing often is.” Gwarnon sent reassurance to her through their bond.
“If you will permit it, my Lady.” Orushel gave a small bow in her direction. “My men and I would be honored to take on this task for you. If you will give us but a few hours, I am sure we will be able to come up with a plan of action that you will find acceptable.”
The bright smile she gave him had the older man blushing. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course,” Orushel blinked as if momentarily stunned. “Thank you for your trust.”
After Orushel left, Lacey gave a huge yawn, then rubbed her face. “This has been the longest day ever.”
Gwarnon could sense her exhaustion as he rose from the table to join them, drawing Lacey and Chel into the circle of his arms. Contentment, soul deep and powerful, rolled through him as they quietly embraced each other, the feeling of loving and being loved flowing between them like an endless river. He opened himself to that potent flow, his wounded soul soaking up the affection like it was a healing balm.
Cuddling into both of her men, Lacey made a satisfied sound that made him smile. “I love this. I love you.”
“We love you as well,” Gwarnon replied as Chel made an affirmative sound.
“I know,” she said in a warm, relaxed voice before yawning again. “Man, I need some coffee