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with me.
Did you convince Thrax to hide you or was he the aggressor?
Xyell stood back while the prince asked the questions. She kept her attention
focused on Tarhee. He claimed to be an agent of Venus and I told him he was full of
shit. The prince smiled, clearly approving of her spirit. He asked for my assistance
with the orientations and I came to the conclusion that assisting him was the best thing
for my people.
Your people? Xyell challenged. I believe the people of New Pompeii belong to
us.
She didn t argue. Her first priority had to be securing a place within the new
community. She had to prove herself valuable without posing too much of a threat.
Aiden had realized her presence gave instant credibility to his claims and Xyell had
proposed a similar arrangement. I have been called to serve these people. I am a true
emissary of Venus.
Do you still believe in the gods? The prince moved closer, his gaze searching
hers. We allowed a few of the gladiators to see Fedoros and it shook their belief system
to its foundation.
I am not so easily shaken. I know Venus is real. How else do you explain my
abilities? She met his gaze directly, allowing him to see nothing but determination.
If you are a true emissary of Venus, then you know we are not acting on her
behalf. What is to keep you from spreading dissent among your people?
It is better that they believe they have been whisked away to a safe haven by a
loving deity than to know that they are being manipulated by greedy men.
Another peal of laughter escaped Tarhee. You are delightful. So fierce and feisty in
the face of death.
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The subtle threat didn t go unnoticed. I can help you. Aiden understood the
advantage of my support. I can offer you the same.
Aiden understood the advantage of your tight little pussy, Xyell countered. Will
you offer us the same?
Lust heated the prince s gaze as they waited for her answer. She had to stand up to
them or she would be their puppet for the rest of her life. More than her life hung in the
balance. She couldn t leave her people unprotected. They had to have an ambassador,
someone to champion their cause and warn them of danger. And there was nobody
else.
If you take me, it will be rape, and if you rape me, I will not help you.
Tarhee grasped her chin, tilting her face up to his. I think you re dangerous. I say
we enjoy you tonight and dispose of you in the morning.
Your success depends upon the inadvertent cooperation of your captives. She
spoke calmly, despite the frantic pounding of her heart. They will obey you if they
believe you are carrying out the will of their goddess. I can reinforce this concept.
Or you could start a war.
Then we must give her a damn good reason not to betray us, Xyell suggested.
Releasing her chin, Tarhee looked at his partner and asked, Such as?
The handsome doctor of course. He offered to join our staff so he could be with her
in New Pompeii. I say we let him.
He agreed to the ten-year commitment?
You don t need to coerce me, Felicia insisted. I m freely offering my services.
We understand your offer, the prince told her. We re not convinced of your
sincerity.
Muffled shouts and crashes sounded in another part of the palace. Footfalls echoed
down the corridor and then Aiden and Quade flew through the archway, followed
immediately by Laetif. Palace guards ran after them, armor rattling and swords drawn.
Halt, Tarhee called. Do not hurt them.
The uniformed guards slid to a halt then took up posts on either side of the
archway.
What are you doing here? Xyell asked his wife.
I have a message from my father, she sneered, holding out a datapad.
Xyell snatched it from her hand, his eyes narrowed and hostile. This has nothing to
do with you.
I disagree. And so does my father.
Silence feel over the room as Xyell read the message. You can t be serious.
What does it say? Tarhee asked.
Our silent partner has decided to step out of the shadows and exert his authority.
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