“Humans would listen to you if they were able to see what I’ve seen.”
“Exactly, but they don’t know me yet. What you can do, when the time comes, when others will seek you out; rebels, sympathizers, people who believe as you do—make them trust you so that you can better protect humanity by understanding all the sides of this issue. The galaxy is a dangerous place for humans without protection. The current system is deeply flawed, but it does grant structure. But what Terra Ka calls ‘freedom’ is simply abandonment dressed up as righteousness. Eve, I protect my human employees, and I will protect you. And as for humanity’s current cage, I will tear it down, but it must be done one bar at a time.”
“Sovereign, respectfully, what about Denise?”
Eve is too clever, I think as I answer her question. “She is with Lord Kamos now.” I pull up a recent image. Denise reclining on silks, with jewels at her throat and small furry pets fawning at her feet. Her smile is vacant, but her body is unmarked. “Pampered, cherished, and pregnant. And safe,” I add. “Not free.”
“You sold her.”
“No. It was a misunderstanding. Lorian transferred her, and then Kamos came to own her. There are rumors she wanted to be with Kamos, and judging by this picture, those rumors were correct.”
“I’ve heard different stories.”
“Eve, what I’ve told you is the truth. Lorian transferred her to a private hotel we own on the Imperial Capital Planet. From there, somehow, she left and ended up with Kamos. The Ascendant Alliance tried to get her back, but she said she didn’t want to come. We didn’t believe her so we cited her contract, but Kamos doesn’t care much for laws. Sadly, we’re not powerful enough militarily or financially to take on Kamos and his horde. So, I want to believe that she’s happy with Kamos, andthatis the goddesses truth.” I put two fingers over my heart to show that I’m speaking the truth.
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“I did, but maybe not in so many words.”
Eve looks at the picture again. I can’t tell if she believes me, but it is the truth.
“Say what’s on your mind.”
“The Lyran Ambassador said…”
“Ambassador Tiro,” I supply.
“Yes, that’s the one. He said, ‘It’s a shame what’s happened to Denise.’ Why would he say that if this,” she points to the image, “is true?”
“Because Lyrans don’t understand what’s so intoxicating about having a human woman as a lover.” I rise and circle her chair, laying my hand lightly on her shoulder.
“What I want from you is simple,” I say. “Loyalty, trust, and obedience. Lorian and I are trying to gradually build humanity a road to freedom.” I stop and lift her chin up to look at me. “You do believe me, don't you? We want humans to be equal, eventually.”
“I have no reason not to believe you, Sovereign.”
I smile faintly. “Good.” Then, move to the window and gesture for her to kneel at my side.
She obeys, falling to the polished floor and then looking up at me with her big brown eyes.
“You have been brave this morning,” I tell her. “Watching such truths requires courage. And courage deserves recognition, but first you need to show your devotion.” I rest my hand on the crown of her head.
“Kiss the floor.”
She blinks up at me, startled, but I wait. Seconds tick in silence.
Then she bends low, pressing her lips to the cold glassine tiles. Her warm breath fogs against them.
“Again.”
She repeats it, slower this time, her lips leaving a faint mark. And it shouldn’t be erotic watching her do this, but it is.
“Now thank me.”
“Thank you, Sovereign.”
I tighten my grip in her hair, forcing her head back until her throat arches bare to me. “Louder. Let the Spire hear you.”
“Thank you, Sovereign!” The sound rings through the office, raw and desperate.
