Starcrossed - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,70

escorted Ginny and Tigh back to his private suite. Tigh left the rest of the men at the door but asked Xeer, Hansa and Tolo to come inside for a nightcap.

After the men settled that while Xeer was in charge of the palace guard, Hansa would resume his leadership of the imperial guard. It was the imperial guard that would work with Tolo, who was heading up a special group put together by Jurdan, in order to provide close bodyguard coverage for the imperial couple. Hansa seemed glad of the help and not at all put out that the Zenai priesthood was going to be more active in this imperial household than they had been in the past.

The division of labor was easy to sort out. Xeer would secure the buildings and grounds with his forces. Hansa’s group would be providing the visible deterrent while Tolo and those priests assigned to the special group would be guarding Tigh and Ginny from the shadows. It was during this discussion that Xeer revealed that Elius had run the palace guard down to a skeleton crew both by his policies and his actions.

“I didn’t mention it before,” Xeer admitted, “because we’re recruiting as fast as we can, but our current numbers aren’t anywhere near what they should be. And, with new recruits, it will take time to be certain of their abilities and assign them where they’re best suited.”

“Good. Keep doing that,” Tigh told him approvingly. “You must see to the rebuilding of the palace guard as quickly and securely as possible. With Ginny and her ladies living here, protecting the palace is vital. Hansa and Tolo can worry about babysitting me and my bride, but perhaps they can lend you some personnel until everything is as it should be.” Tigh clapped Xeer on the shoulder. “I hope the three of you can work together on this. I didn’t expect the Zenai would step forward with such an offer, but I am happy to accept it. It sounds like, right now, we can use all the help we can get. Protecting the women is imperative to the future of our race.”

A significant glance passed between the men that Ginny let pass. They probably were still thinking of her and her ladies as helpless, but if push came to shove, they’d all be fighting, not sitting back, waiting to be rescued. Still, she wasn’t about to disabuse them of the notion that she might need a little extra looking after. She could handle herself in most situations, but she knew the men wouldn’t see it that way.

Plus, she was pregnant. She’d promised Tigh not to do anything too risky in her condition. If having Zenai priests as bodyguards made him happy, she’d do it. At least while she was pregnant. After that, they’d renegotiate.

Tigh, Hansa, and Tolo got into detailed discussion about how they would work the bodyguard schedule and duties, so Ginny took the opportunity to speak somewhat privately with Xeer. She’d noticed the way he’d been looking at Krysta throughout the dinner, and while Ginny wasn’t usually much of a meddler, Krysta was special. Most of the crew thought of her as a shy little sister, and Ginny wanted to make sure Xeer understood that Krysta was somewhat…not exactly fragile, but her feelings could be delicate.

“I noticed you were talking with my friend, Krysta,” she said to Xeer, watching his reaction closely.

“She is a very intelligent and interesting woman,” he replied, without missing a beat. Ginny liked that response.

“I’m glad you think so. The thing is, she’s usually very shy, but she didn’t seem to have any problems chatting with you. I’m curious. Do you have any interest in her? Because I think she has one in you, and I’d hate to see her disappointed if you’re not serious.” Ginny decided to just lay it on the line since these warriors seemed to respond well to plain speaking.

“My lady.” Xeer looked insulted. “I would never hurt her in any way. I believe she is my mate. I only wait for her to get more comfortable with me before I prove that belief to her. I didn’t want to scare her off, for I sensed she was not used to dealing with men and particularly not a male who was interested in her as a woman.”

Ginny was surprised by his astute evaluation. “You’re very observant. I’m glad to know you’ve figured her out and won’t rush her. Krysta is…” Ginny struggled with a