Starcrossed - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,28
carry out those immoral orders says much for the irrationality of my race on the whole.”
Ginny came up behind him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Then, why do you seem so perfectly reasonable, Tigh?”
She meant it as a little joke, perhaps as a compliment, but when he turned, she saw the fierce expression on his face. She drew back a little, alarmed at the sudden change, and he let her go.
“I can be just as irrational as the next jit’suku warrior, Ginny. You give me too much credit.” He sighed, and his expression changed, became weary somehow. “I’ve spent the past years meditating and honing my skills on the Zenai mountain. That training allows me to see a bit more clearly, perhaps, than others of the warrior class.”
“You were going to be a priest, but your brother’s death changed your plans. I’m sorry for you but glad the empire is in your hands now, Tigh. Your brother would have kept fighting until all of us were dead.”
“As many still wanted to do, sadly.” He turned away again, but she caught the look of utter defeat on his face as he turned. “Until the women started dying.” His tone was so bleak, she felt tears gather behind her eyes. “But the high priest wouldn’t allow me to take my final vows. He knew all along that the priesthood was not my path. But my training is something I will never forget. It guides me and grounds me.”
“I respect that, Tigh.” She moved to stand next to him at the window. “You’re a good man and a wise emperor.”
They remained silent for a long time, staring out at the human city below, thinking deep thoughts. Their silence was companionable, their moods meshing as they grew increasingly comfortable in each other’s presence. At length, Ginny sighed and turned toward Tigh, breaking the solemn spell.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to meet with my bridge crew and ask if they want to come with us. I think, tomorrow night, we should have dinner with them, with your men too, so they can all meet each other and get an idea what we’ll be in for. I think, if my ladies have a chance to meet your men, they’ll be better able to decide whether they really want to come with us or not.”
Tigh looped an arm around her shoulders and drew her to his chest. “A sound plan, sweetheart. My men will be on their best behavior. I’ll tell them to wear their dress uniforms.”
“Oh, no, Tigh.” She drew back and smiled up at him. “I want this to be a casual affair. Not formal. I want them to interact as naturally as possible. They need to see you and your men in your everyday mode so they can get an idea of what you’re really like.”
Tigh laughed, and she was warmed by the sound. “I can’t promise they won’t act like asses, trying to impress your ladies, but I’ll pass the word.”
“Good. I’ll make all the other arrangements through fleet command. Michael owes me a few favors.”
“Favors?” Tigh sounded jealous, and she liked the possessive squeeze of his arm around her waist. “And just what kind of favors would a Son of Amber owe to my bride?”
She shrugged. “Oh, nothing much. I just saved his life. Twice.”
Tigh laughed aloud. “The leader of the Atlantia fleet owes you not one, but two life debts? These are tales I’d love to hear.”
“Maybe when we know each other better. After all, a woman likes to keep some secrets.” Ginny smiled at him, and he just shook his head.
“I see I’m going to have to keep my wits about me in this partnership of ours,” Tigh said, his expression open and amused. “But that’s a good thing. Neither of us would do well with a passive partner, I think.”
“You could be right about that,” Ginny replied, nodding as she acknowledged the absolute truth of his words.
CHAPTER SIX
Sometime later, Ginny stopped in the hall just outside the briefing room. She spared a smile for her master-at-arms, Chief Henriette Sonata, who stood ready to announce her into the room. Tigh had escorted her this far, but Ginny wanted a chance to talk to her bridge crew first, before he met them.
“Just give me half a standard, okay?”
Tigh leaned down to plant a firm kiss on her lips. Ginny was very conscious of their audience, but she’d grown a bit more used to Tigh’s dominant ways over the past days. He