"No." My hand closes protectively over Rafe's ring on my thumb. I had thrown it at them in anger. But Lira had given it back to me whenwe got on the ship, with the words, ‘I know the Sovereigns didn’t want to send you away.’ "Please. It's all I have?—"
"Commander Gai's orders were specific. No personal items." She holds out her hand. "I'll hide it in your bed so you can find it at night. I promise. But he musn't see you wearing it or he will take it."
I slide it off with numb fingers, feeling like I'm losing my last connection to them.
We exit the transport. I follow behind Lira, naked and collared.
The massive gates block our way, their surfaces alive with alien patterns that I can’t make out. But it only takes a few seconds for the security locks to register Lira’s presence, and then the gates part and we are met by guards.
I can’t understand what they’re saying. I think it must be a Reima Two dialect. It’s the first time I realize that Reima Two may have its own language, and also another reminder of how ignorant I am of this world and culture.
I have the urge to cover myself, but I know from my time observing pets at the Celestial Spire that will only lead to punishment. So I walk in my shame, naked and barefoot through the manicured garden, aware of every step on the sharp stony path. Finally, we walk through a grand entrance, so big it reminds me of a large five-star hotel on Earth, complete with bustling grey-skinned staff.
Upon entry, we are greeted again by different guards. I will call them the house guards, and they flank us, as we are guided down an impressive corridor.
After walking for a few minutes, we walk through massive carved black doors. Inside there’s a glowing fire, which Lira and I stand in front of. I let its warmth surround me, and naively, I think just for a second, that it might not be that bad living here.And that it might be interesting to live in their childhood home.
Then without warning, Commander Gai enters the room, and I fightthe instinct to cover myself. He's an older version of his sons and carries the same handsome look. I can’t stop staring at him.
His pet human, Autumn, follows at his heels. Naked, perfectly groomed, and moving with the eerie grace of someone who's forgotten they were ever free.
“Bring her closer,” Commander Gai says.
Lira leads me forward.
“Another human,” he observes, his gaze sweeping me slowly. “My sons never learn. They dress them up as staff and call them employees, but they all end up the same, on their knees.”
“This is Eve Eden, Ward of the Sovereigns of the Ascendant Alliance,” Lira says in Imperial, and I’m glad I can understand their conversation. I was worried when I heard the guards that I would have to learn another language.
Gai circles me slowly in the same way Lorian does. "So this is what has my sons in such turmoil. The terrorist they couldn't bear to let go to the mine."
I stay silent, worried he’s going to defile me in someway, but he doesn’t touch me, nor do I see any hint of sexual desire in his eyes. Only fascination.
"Kneel," he commands, but his voice lacks true commitment, he almost sounds reluctant.
I drop, assuming the position Lorian taught me.No doubt he learned it from someone, probably his father.This thought makes me smile, which earns me a slap on my shoulder. I straighten my back immediately, spread my thighs and put my hands behind my neck.
"At least they trained you in the basics." He touches my hair. "Though I'm told you still have difficulties with obedience."
"Commander,I?—"
"Did I ask you to speak?" His voice doesn't rise, but the threat is clear. "Autumn, demonstrate proper protocol."
Autumn moves forward, kneeling beside me with mechanical perfection. Her posture is flawless, breathing regulated, and her expression absolutely fucking empty.
"This is what you'll learn," Gai says. "Peace through submission. Purpose through service. Autumn has been with me for thirty years. Haven't you, my pet?"
"Yes, Master," Autumn responds immediately in perfect Imperial. "Autumn lives to serve, and that brings her happiness and contentment,” she says.
He rewards her with a casual touch, fingers playing with her pierced nipple until it hardens. She doesn't react beyond a slight intake of breath.Might as well be furniture responding to use.
"My sons gave me specific instructions," Gai continues, his hand still idly toying with Autumn’s breast, "to properly train you. And they didn’t say it, but I assure you, they’ve come to the realization that they can’t properly court a woman with you in their bed every night. So here you are with me."
“No!” I instinctually say. “That’s a lie. I’m here for safety.”
Gai stands and towers over me. He raises his hand but stops short of striking me. “Eve, I will forgive your insult because you don’t know any better.”
I know Rafe and Lorian wouldn’t want to be with another, but I still can’t breathe.Just the thought of another woman makes me sick. Because logically it makes sense. That’s why Rafe would have wanted me gone so quickly. He wants to save their business. He is going to take a wife. Maybe with or without Lorian. How many times did they remind me that I’m human, and because of that, I could never be their wife? I wipe a tear from my eye because this is logic that makes sense.
