“This is a new custodial term issued under sentient penal review. Transitional cases carry discretionary extensions. The alternative is that you stay here with our father for five more years,” Rafesays. “And then you could apply for repatriation to Earth through the Alliance Force, but you would most likely be denied because of your criminal record.”
“But I can have my job back? Wear clothing? Do I have to marry you?”
“No, but it would make everything easier,” Rafe says.
Then, surprisingly, Autumn chimes in, “This is a matriarchy, Eve. Do it.”
All the men in the room look at her surprised, but I just give her a nod. She’s not wrong. I have learned a lot about galactic culture while being at the Obsidian Palace. “And our marriage would be normal? Not any kind of strange human-pet marriage?”
Lorian laughs. “Completely normal. There’s no such thing as a human-pet marriage. And yes, after your sentence you would have authority over us, just like any other Reima Two woman.”
“But for the next ten years, your life would be contained to the Spire,” Rafe reminds me.
“It was one of the many compromises we had to agree to,” Lorian adds, handing me his IC.
I look at the Imperial hieroglyphics and hand it back. “My Imperial isn’t good enough to read a legal document.”
“Oh, here.” He taps a button and then hands it back, and it’s in English.
“What do you say Eve?” Rafe asks, breaking the silence. “It’s far from ideal and it’s only one law. There’s still a lot to be done if humans are to evertruly be free …”
“It’s a lot.” I look over at Autumn. When our eyes meet, I know without speaking she’s saying,Why are you hesitating? This is what you want! Go!
“Oh, Autumn, just say something, my pet,” Gai says. “Eve is struggling. She still thinks her life is limited by other people’s expectations.”
“Go,” Autumn says. “I will be happy to have the room to myself again.”
Clearly, Autumn is the same as Gai when it comes to stating their feelings.
“Yes, well spoken, my pet,” Gai says, rising and taking Autumn away with him. “We’ve not had a peaceful morning in months, have we? Let’s go for a long walk now and think about how pleasant it will be to be just the two of us again.”
Stunned, I watch Gai and Autumn leave, and I don’t know how to feel. I am more confused than ever.Is this real?I have dreamed of this moment, but now that it’s here, I don’t know what to do. So “I say the first thing that comes into my mind. “Tribune Jin Kol must be furious," I say, finally trying to make sense of all of this.
"Livid to the point of death,” Lorian states with a proud look, like a cat who caught a mouse.
“Did you kill him?” I ask Lorian point blank.
Lorian nods. “Of course. I killed him legally for you, Eve. I …”
Rafe interrupts. “It was all within the law…”
I hold eye contact with Lorian. It doesn’t surprise me to learn he’s killed someone. I knew that before didn’t I? Even if I didn’t want to admit it to myself. And now he’s killed for me. I hated Jin Kol and he was trying to get me killed or worse. He was a sadistic bastard, but does that mean I should be happy about this?
“I knew you wouldn’t accept us if I didn’t,” Lorian says. “He sold the footage of our conjugal visit.”
“That fucking bastard,” I say. “And you killed him legally?”
“Yes, by duel,” Lorian says. It’s clear he wants to continue with the bloody details, but Rafe puts a hand on his arm to stop him.
“He had a lot of enemies, so no one challenged it. And it turns out, most people in the galaxy are tired of seeing humans bought and sold."
“Thank you, Lorian. It’s a bit much to take in that you killed a man for me. But given all that’s happen, I think I can sleep easier knowing that.”
Lorian nods.
“But this compromise,” I say referring to the deal I’ve been offered, “What about the Grand Championships? If humans can no longer be bought and sold? Then…”
“It will still continue, but with humans keeping a portion of their winnings by law, and new humans cannot be sold into it.”
