Rafe leans over and says, for my ears only, “Clumsy. But it’s sweet in a way, as you’ve clearly never donethatbefore.”
“No, Sovereign. I’ve only read about it in books. The reality was a bit too hands-on.”
The silence that follows is worse than laughter.
“Romance novels,” Lorian says from behind me. “Oh, how I’m going to enjoy teaching you the proper technique.”
“Books or not, you made him last longer than usual, but don’t ever think to experiment without permission my again,” Rafe says.
“Oh, Rafe. I like her little rebellions. Just imagine what else she’s read about in those little romantic books of hers. And how we could reenact so many of those scenes.”
Before I can reply, the trainer Marath is addressing me. "Show me again, with the female this time."
I look at the human woman at my feet and drop to my knees. But before I can touch her with my finger and the medicine, Rafe is forcing me back up.
“Unfortunately, our liaison has to make the rounds and meet the other trainers. Perhaps later she can impress you with her skills,” Rafe says and then, to me, adds, "Come.” Then, he places a hand on my shoulder. "Aefre is here with his champion from last year. We should say hello."
He guides me away, Lorian following. As we walk, I catch glimpses of other humans in various states of display and distress. Some dance, some pose, and some service their trainers. It’s like a Best Pet in Show BDSM Alien Edition.
We find Trainer Aefre in a corner of the atrium, his pets nowhere in sight. He’s one of the premier human pet trainers, and from what I could gather, one of the reasons Tribune Jin Kol’s reports never really question the system directly—only its occasional inefficiencies.
"Keeping your champions hidden?" Lorian asks.
“They’re resting but will join us soon,” Aefre replies. His green eyes slide over to me, taking in my formal uniform. “I see you’ve promoted your receptionist to liaison. In that uniform and with that ornate pin, she almost passes for an ambassador from Earth, if there were such a thing.” He laughs at his own joke.
“She’s intelligent for a human,” Rafe says as if I’m a dog in service.
Lorian adds, “The IGC has recognized human sentience.”
Aefre waves a hand. “And a dozen other laws still call them property.” Then his gaze pins me to my place, and I feel stripped under it,like he’s measuring me for a collar. “Your human has a beautiful coloring. The kind that breeds true and strong. Are you going to put her to use? Or just let her sit behind a desk wasting her fertile years?”
My mouth opens, but no words come out.What a bastard.
Aefre continues, “Imagine it. If this little human were trained properly, she could bear a half-dozen litters before her value declines. Imperial buyers would pay extra for heruniquestock. I’d wager her first breeding with my Ember would fetch more credits than the union of two champions.”
I feel sick.Did he say, fucking litters?As if I’m a kennel bitch, not a woman standing in a uniform.
“Or perhaps you will keep her for yourselves.” His voice drops lower. “I’ve heard you enjoy breaking in your humans personally. I remember the blonde from last year. But this one, she looks untouched. Are you waiting to mount her after she’s served her official duties for the IGC?”
Mount me?I’m only silent because I’m trying to think of a comeback that won’t see me punished or with a collar around my own neck.
Rafe turns his silver ring, and it catches the light. I know he’s holding something back. He always turns his ring when he’s counting to ten to calm himself.
Lorian smiles a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes as he says, “Trainer Aefre, these are different times, and we never make the same mistake twice. Eve has been fitted with a Venus Lock and is an equal employee under contract here at the Spire. Please treat her as such.”
Aefre looks shocked but still nods and says, “My apologies, Madame Eve. These new laws take some getting used to, especially for men like me.” Then, looking at Lorian he says, “And you’re not worried she’s handing out Terra Ka’s new undetectable tracking chip?”
Lorian laughs and puts a hand possessively on my shoulder. “No. Not at all. After our mistake with Yasmin, we’ve not only vetted our humanhires better, which is why we only hired Eve this year, but we’ve also put her under constant surveillance.”
Aefre’s cold eyes look at me again, but he answers Lorian, “Good. No one wants to lose a good pet. We spend years training humans to be the best their species can be. It’s good for the galaxy to see humans can be more than just sex toys.”
That’s it. I’m done with this,I think and then say as calmly as I can,"I understand, Trainer Aefre.” Then look at Lorian and Rafe. “I should check on the arrangements for tomorrow's competitions." I desperately need a breath of fresh air outside of this room. "If you'll excuse me, Sovereigns?"
Rafe nods, giving me permission. “Return as soon as you’re finished. It shouldn’t take longer than twenty minutes. I must introduce you to Tribune Jin Kol.”
As I step out of the atrium, I almost collide with a handler leading two humans on leashes. I glance down, annoyed, then I feel like I must be seeing things. Hallucinating.
I know that face.
