Royal Recruit - Susan Grant Page 0,16

want you falling in love. That was it, she knew. No falling in love with an unsuitable man.

Is not the Terran prince unsuitable?

Somewhat, yes. He was from the frontier. A backwoodsman. An arrogant, ignorant ass.

Warmth spread into her lower belly at the thought of his eyes, the way he’d swept that hot gaze over her body…. Even now, with the event held in her imagination, she felt her breasts tingle, felt her body growing aroused. Only in her imagination had she ever felt such desire. In real life, sex was always so boring! She’d been with men a few times, suitors all; she’d let them touch her, explore her, just out of curiosity. The one man who’d dared to force himself on her before she’d been willing or ready was now a eunuch.

And not by his choice. Fortunately for him, the cauterizing effects of a smart-sword had kept him from bleeding to death. She knew rumors had spread far and wide after the incident, but he had deserved it. One did not assault the queen. Not a suitor—and not, she vowed, a husband.

She sashayed to the long table where Taye waited patiently. His small, delicate hands produced the most delicious massages. She stretched out on the table on her belly, sighing in anticipation as she did so. The scent of the oils filled her nose as he kneaded away the tightness from her body.

She entertained herself with sensual fantasies of the Terran prince chained in her bedchamber, until she found herself pushing her hips against the table. Until she’d grown so wet inside she gritted her teeth.

If she rolled onto her back, Taye would continue his massage to more intimate areas if she asked. She knew royals had used their servants in such ways in the past—the Sakkaran bloodline was noted for its sensuality and powerful sexual drive. The blood of the goddesses ran hot. Taye had been trained in ways to please her, and no doubt the leaders assumed she used her staff in such ways. But the thought of losing control at their asexual hands was so repugnant, she’d never done so, and never would.

“Go now,” she ordered the eunuch in a hoarse voice.

“As you wish.”

As you wish, as you wish. She was sick of hearing as you wish! No one actually cared what she really wished!

She pushed off the table and grabbed her robe, throwing it around her.

“Your Majesty.”

“What, Tibor?”

“Minister of Intelligence Vemekk begs a moment of your time.”

“Now? For what?”

“It is a private matter, she says.”

“Private matter.” Keira snorted. “Well, she is the holder of state secrets. Let her in.”

Briskly, the woman entered the room. “Thank you for agreeing to see me, Your Majesty. It is a matter most urgent.” She lowered her voice. “And of utmost discretion.”

“Have they not told you of my distaste for politics and policy? If after the first few words that exit your mouth, I am bored, you—”

Vemekk moved closer and whispered in her ear. “You do not have to marry him. The Terran prince. I can help you avoid having to do so.”

Keira jerked back. “What?” Shocked, she sought out Tibor’s eyes, hoping to find some guidance there. Some clarification. But, oddly, his gaze was downcast.

“I know you find him distasteful. He is a barbarian. Beneath you. Unschooled in our ways.”

“I don’t want to marry him. But what choice is there?”

“I can help you. My connections allow me access to methods known by very few.”

Keira’s brow pulled down in a frown. Or perhaps it was just because the woman had mentioned Zaafran by name.

This official was offering her a choice. When had she ever had a choice in the major events of her life? Her mind began to race with possibilities. You wouldn’t have to do this. You do not have to make a choice driven by your fear of the Drakken.

Keira shook her head. “It has been agreed that this treaty will go forward, and I understand the reason. Their prince as the price. Our peace as the reward.”

“You are a brave woman, Your Majesty. I can see the blood of the goddesses flows powerfully in you. I will say no more on the matter.”

Keira thought of herself as a lot of things. Brave was not one of them. Not that she’d ever admit to it. She acknowledged the woman’s offer with a nod.

“However…” Vemekk dropped her voice to a whisper. “If during the course of the marriage you change your mind, I will help you escape him. Even