Chapter Two

The suite of rooms was sumptuous and had a familiar enough layout that she was able to determine what was meant to be the bed, where to hang her clothes—which someone had already done—and which room acted as the restroom. The plumbing was a bit different than what she was used to, but she soon figured it out and had a bath running in the tub in no time.

She wasn’t certain what material they used. It looked like marble with gray lines twisting through a burnt-orange base, but it felt slightly rough, and there was no grout or anything to suggest it had been built a piece at a time. It simply appeared to be a single large piece of whatever building material hollowed out to form a section for soaking.

Despite the slightly rough texture, it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. As she settled into it, she realized it actually had a bit of an exfoliating effect, and coupled with the warm water filling the basin, she could feel some of her tension fading away.

She was still nervous about the forthcoming state dinner that evening, but even more nervous about the talks that were due to begin the next morning. Anxiety threatened to get the best of her for a moment, and she breathed deeply in an attempt to calm herself.

There was a daunting task ahead of her, but when she wasn’t panicking, she knew she was well suited for it. She wasn’t completely close-minded to the idea of sharing genetic material with the Dazon, but she also didn’t regard them as superior beings to whom the humans must yield everything.

She was driven to make sure Earth received just as much benefit from any arrangement and summoning a mental picture of Elena during her last few days, when she had suffered so greatly that even doctors could do little to control her pain, would always have the effect of helping her focus on what was at stake, no matter how far they might veer off course.

She appreciated her father’s confidence in her, and she truly didn’t believe there was another ambassador who could do a better job, but she was still thrust into an alien situation with literal aliens, and it could be difficult to surmount cultural differences to find a mutually satisfying solution that would ensure peace for all.

Yeah, no pressure at all there. However this went, it could either lead to a new era of prosperity and harmony for Earthlings, or it might cause an intergalactic war. No wonder she was tense and anxious about the whole thing.

She hastened to reassure herself that her sudden bout of nerves had absolutely nothing to do with the Second Prince, as he’d introduced himself. She hadn’t learned a great deal about the royal hierarchy of Dazon, simply because there hadn’t been enough time as she had crammed as much knowledge as possible into her brain in a short span of time.

She knew the Emperor led, and the First Prince would inherit from him someday. The second Prince was the second son, and any subsequent princes bore the title of third, fourth, fifth, etc. She was fuzzy on how much power any of the second and beyond princes wielded, but she hoped she had an ally in the young prince. Not that he was any younger than her, she was sure. It was difficult to tell, but he appeared to be around her age. She knew Dazon days lasted thirty-one hours instead of twenty-four, so he could be anywhere between twenty and thirty planet-cycles and still look around thirty years old. It didn’t matter, and it was silly to speculate.

She shouldn’t be thinking about anything but preparing for the evening ahead. She certainly shouldn’t be mooning over the second prince of the royal family of this alien planet. It had been too long since she’d been on a date, and she had certainly not prioritized romantic attachments over the years as she focused on her career in the diplomatic corps.

Perhaps that was catching up with her. It had to be why she was so fiercely attracted to the alien who had greeted her. Ysaak was impressive and sexy, but she hadn’t anticipated feeling actual attraction for any of the Dazons males. The scenario had honestly never occurred to her, and now she considered herself foolish for not at least accounting for the possibility and preparing a plan to deal with it.

The most obvious plan was to avoid the prince as much as possible, but that sounded unfeasible when he had mentioned he would be her guide during her stay. She would probably spend most of her time with the prince, so she would have to make sure she didn’t make a damned fool of herself or allow the attraction to get out-of-hand. There were far more important things to focus on, like peace for two planets, instead of her own suddenly raging libido.

Disgusted with herself, she slid from the tub and spent several minutes trying to figure out how to empty it before wrapping herself in a long silken cloth that felt nothing like a towel. She wondered how it wicked away moisture as the cloth abruptly adhered to her body in a similar fashion to the suits the Dazon wore, aside from the prince’s garb, and the cloth rapidly absorbed every drop of water on her body; even the places it didn’t touch.

She watched in awe as the fabric seemed to suck up droplets from her feet as though using a vacuum, though she could feel nothing that suggested such an action. The process was fascinating, and as soon as she was dry, the cloth loosened again so she could hang it on the rack where it had been. It felt as dry and silky as ever.

How gauche to be impressed by a towel, she thought with a small giggle as she padded from the bathroom into the main sleeping chamber. She flipped through the clothing she had brought, a mix of formal and professional attire, along with a couple of casual outfits in case there was an opportunity to explore on her own.

For the evening ahead, she picked a simple black dress, figuring it was a safe bet. It had a modest neckline, fitted bodice, and A-line skirt that ended a couple of inches above her ankles. It was nothing spectacular, but until she had a chance to evaluate how the others dressed, it was a safe and practical choice. She kept her makeup and jewelry discreet, and when she was done, she looked prim and proper, as expected of an ambassador.

Which was why it was such a surprise to see the flare of heat in Ysaak’s eyes when he came to fetch her a bit later. She was understated and elegant, but from the flash and shifting of green with gold in his quickly shielded eyes, she could have been standing naked before him.

She was certain she didn’t imagine it, and neither did she imagine the way he twitched and moved away from her when she deliberately brushed her hand against his arm. Purely as an experiment, she told herself, though she knew she was a big liar. She couldn’t believe how much she wanted to touch the man she barely knew. It wasn’t even strictly sexual. She simply wanted to run her fingers down his arms, perhaps across his chest, and hold his hand. She hadn’t had such a response to anyone since her first crush in junior high twenty years ago. She was conflicted and confused by how Prince Ysaak made her feel.

“Are you ready, Ambassador Williams?”

She nodded, waiting to see if he would offer her his arm, but he didn’t. It must not be the custom, so she fell into step beside him, careful to maintain a few inches between them, because she was so tempted to lean into him instead. The reaction was disconcerting and distracting her from something that required full attention.

“I hope you won’t think me too forward for saying you look lovely, Ambassador.”

She smiled at him, praising his garb, which was similar to what he’d worn earlier, but with a more fitted jacket and tighter trousers. Rather than the beige color, this garb was stark black. It suited him well. “You look very dashing yourself, Prince Ysaak.”

Damon trailed behind them, and she was comforted by his presence. She was certain there were guards all over the palace, but none of them had a personal stake in ensuring her safety the way Damon did.

Part of the agreement was he went wherever she went unless she chose to dismiss him. However, when they reached a large room with a domed ceiling composed of some kind of clear material that wasn’t quite as clear as glass or as opaque as plastic, he took up residence near the doorway, giving her a nod. That was standard protocol, and she tried not to let it add to her nervousness as she walked beside the prince into the large room.

There were tables set up along the back of the room, but the occupants currently mingled in the front part of the room. She observed quietly, seeing a mix of males in their black uniforms and others wearing the more traditional outfit like Ysaak’s. She shouldn’t have been surprised, but it was a bit startling to see a room full of men and know she was the only woman present.

Of course she had realized on an intellectual level that because there were far more Dazon men than women that the men would dominate society and all aspects of it, but it was still startling to see evidence of it after having lived in a roughly equal society all of her life. Her father’s appointments had taken her some places where there were still sharp disparities between genders, but in most of the places she had lived and grown up, men and women mingled and were considered equals.

It was daunting and a bit frightening to know she was the only woman in the room. It left her feeling vulnerable, and she couldn’t believe the swell of relief she felt when her gaze fell on an old woman seated at one of the tables. At least there was one woman present besides herself. She leaned close to the prince, nodding in the direction of the elderly woman. “Who is she?”

“She is Councilor Denbo Shah’s wife,” said Ysaak, nodding toward a man near them who had to be at least half the other woman’s age.

“He’s so young,” she said without thought before blushing. “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate.”

The prince shrugged a shoulder. “It matters not, Ambassador. Few men can afford to maintain a wife, and the option isn’t available until their fertility fades. At that point, the women choose to do what they wish with the rest of their lives. Some choose marriage, and others choose a different way. Nexa Shah chose to marry the councilman, and he’s honored to have the gift of a mate.”

She nodded, doing her best to hide how strange she found it that a man in his thirties would have married a woman who looked to be in her mid- to late-sixties. The culture was quite different, obviously, and she was certain it had been influenced by the biological weapon that had kept their females from reproducing and had gradually edged the entire population closer to extinction.

As they became aware of her presence, the attendees came to greet her. She recognized them immediately as politicians, because there was something smarmy about them all, and it was a quality inherent to all politicians, whether human or alien, or so it seemed.

She was gracious and polite, but also relieved when they worked their way to the center of the room, where a wizened man sat on a throne that looked like it was made from clear acrylic. It was unimpressive, but perhaps the acrylic-like substance was a rare or expensive material in their world.

The man himself had shorter stature than many of the other Dazon males, who were routinely above seven feet tall, but that didn’t make him seem any less powerful. He was watchful, with alert dark eyes set into his brown skin with its luminescent golden glow. He inclined his head to her, but made no move to stand when his son introduced him as Emperor Chon.

She bowed at the waist, uncertain if that was the proper decorum, but having been unable to find any information about it in the data provided to her by Commander Darvig when she had stayed at the consulate on the Moon to research the culture. “I’m pleased to meet you, Emperor Talek.”

Talek touched two fingers to his forehead. “Welcome to our home, Ambassador Williams. I know you’ve met my younger son, and allow me to present First Prince Aryk Chon, who is my successor.”

Her gaze moved to a tall Dazon standing near the throne. Like Ysaak, he wore the black suit with a long jacket and tightly fitted trousers. There were gold buttons going down his jacket, but that was the only decoration that suggested he held any sort of status. His skin was more brownish than gold, and his eyes were mud-brown. His hair was thicker and longer than Ysaak’s, but his brow ridge wasn’t as developed or pronounced.

Upon first impression, she gleaned he was petulant and demanding, bordering on cruel. She had no basis for that assumption, and she knew it wasn’t right to judge him by his appearance. Still, she was cautious and wary when she inclined her head to the First Prince.

Aryk didn’t bother with the gesture of respect or nodding his head. He said an abrupt, “Ambassador,” and that was his sole greeting. His body language suggested he was there under duress, and he seemed stiff and unwelcoming. More than that, he seemed angered to be in her presence, and she sensed he thought he was better than she was.

At that moment, something that sounded faintly like a gong rang, and the group of politicians all moved toward the tables at the back of the room. She flashed Ysaak a grateful smile when his hand fastened around her elbow, and he led her to the main table in the center of all the others. He held her chair for her to help seat her, and she wasn’t certain if that was a universal gesture of chivalry among all humans and Dazon males, or if he’d been studying her culture as closely as she’d been studying his.

She was relieved to find he sat on her right side, but dismayed to find Aryk on her left. The Emperor sat at the head of the table beside Aryk, and a dozen more joined them, all wearing the black traditional garb rather than the more comfortable suits. Introductions were made, surprisingly by Aryk, and he seemed to be almost bouncing with glee as he went around the table, saving the last introduction with an air of anticipation. “And this is Dr. Jorvak Ha, Chief Scientist for the Dazon Empire.”

Horror filled her when she learned the other man’s name, unsettled by the way his eyes moved over her in an assessing fashion, as though picking her apart. He seemed to want to know how she worked with no indication that he would ever put her back together again. Perhaps it was just because she knew what he had done, but he seemed like pure evil. She wasn’t a person often guided by feelings or emotions, so to feel so overwhelmingly certain that he was a terrible person, and that she should stay away from him, made it difficult to ignore the impulse to flee.

Only sheer stubbornness and the need to negotiate peace between them kept her in her seat, though she didn’t bother to spare a greeting for Ha. Instead, she turned her attention to the Emperor. “Are you aware, Emperor Chon, that your chief scientist is a criminal on my planet?”

The Emperor inclined his head, but made no further comment. He was difficult to read, and she couldn’t be certain if he supported Ha or not. The fact that the scientist was at the table with them suggested he did, but that also could have been the work of Aryk, who was clearly not just Jorvak’s sponsor, but also his friend, as she quickly gleaned from the conversation between the two men. They spoke with easy familiarity and respect, suggesting they considered each other equals.

Equal assholes, she thought to herself as she sipped very carefully on a pale pink liquid. It was tart, and she was certain it was some sort of alcohol. She regarded it with caution, as she did the rest of her meal. Until being seated with Jorvak Ha, she might not have been so mistrustful about what she ingested, but now, paranoid scenarios flashed through her mind, each more ludicrous and terrifying than the last.

Finally, she was able to calm herself with the reminder that she was of no interest to the Dazons, at least from a breeding perspective. Elena had been her half-sister, and though her father was also a carrier of Kaiser’s Syndrome, Embeth’s mother was not. Elena’s mother had died when Elena was just a toddler, collapsing from an aneurysm years before she would have begun to display symptoms of Kaiser’s Syndrome. It hadn’t even been a recognized disease at that point.

Embeth carried the dormant gene, but unless she partnered with a man who also carried it, her children had no risk of getting Kaiser’s Syndrome, and she didn’t suffer from it herself. Since the mutation caused by Kaiser’s Syndrome was what made Earth women genetically compatible with Dazon males, she was safe.

She remained quiet and watchful during dinner, answering questions when they were addressed to her, but mostly taking the opportunity to observe. The gathering wasn’t much different than any other political dinner which she had attended over the years, despite it being a group of aliens rather than humans.

She was thankful when dessert came, or what she assumed was dessert. Pale golden globes were drizzled with a darker amber sauce that she tasted carefully, unable to bite back a small moan of pleasure that fortunately only Ysaak heard.

He leaned closer to her, keeping his voice low as he grinned. “These are dahlia fruit, which grows naturally and profusely on the planet, and there’s a grove at my favorite place. Perhaps I’ll have a chance to show you when we tour the planet. This is a delicious way to have it, but they’re incomparable fresh from the vine.”

The tart, yet sweet, fruit melted on her tongue, and she nodded, too busy savoring the flavor to find a response for a moment. When she could speak again, she said, “I look forward to trying it in its natural state too. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever tasted.”

His eyes gleamed. “We have a favorite in common then, Ambassador Williams.”

Ha picked that moment to ruin the peaceful camaraderie she had discovered with the Second Prince. He cleared his throat, speaking over the soft buzz of voices at the table as his gaze focused on her. She shuddered slightly under the intensity of his eyes.

“Ambassador Williams, it would please me if you would stop by my laboratory for an exam tomorrow sometime, perhaps after your morning meetings? I would very much like to study your physiology for research.”

She had just reached for the glass of pink liquid to clear her throat, which had turned dry under his gaze, and the fragile stem snapped in her hand when she tightened her grasp. “I believe you’ve done enough research on Earth women, Ha.” She refused to use his official title of doctor or scientist. He was a mad butcher, not a doctor, at least by her standards.

He seemed impervious to her cold tone and note of accusation. “It’s vital for my people to learn as much as we can about Earth women’s biology. You’d be doing us a great service.”

She set down the broken glass, angling the fluted part so the liquid inside wouldn’t spill on the table. “I’m not here to do you a great service. I’m here to find a peaceful way for our two groups to coexist.”

Ha smirked at her, allowing a hint of his disdain to show. “There can be no such arrangement, Earth woman. Your people are foolish and naïve if they believe they can stop anything that will happen to them.”

“That will be enough, Dr. Ha,” said the emperor in a firm tone, one laced with disapproval. “This dinner is to welcome the ambassador, and you are far out of the bounds of etiquette by asking her to submit to a physical exam.”

With a churlish nod of his head, the doctor looked down at his plate, seeming chastised, but his eyes revealed his anger. “I apologize, Emperor.”

Of course he didn’t apologize to her, she noted with a sour twist of her lips. “If you’ll excuse me, Emperor, I suddenly have a headache. I believe I’d like to have an early night before our meetings begin tomorrow morning.”

The emperor inclined his head, seeming unsurprised. He waved a hand at Ysaak. “Of course, Ambassador. My son will see you back to your chambers and ensure you find the meeting hall in the morning. I hope you rest well.”

She almost snorted, but good manners and training kicked in, so she inclined her head instead. “Thank you, Emperor. Good evening.” She spoke the parting to the entire table, though her heart wasn’t in it. She was certain there was visible anger in each step as she strode from the dining room, relieved when Damon fell in to step behind her, and only vaguely aware of Ysaak beside her for a moment.

Once they were safely out of hearing distance, she turned abruptly to Ysaak. “Do you all feel that way? Am I just wasting my time here? Is every Dazon convinced they can just take all the women with Kaiser’s Syndrome, and there won’t be any repercussions?” She knew she was ranting at Ysaak, and her tone was unbearably rude, but she couldn’t rein in the impulse in her anger.

“Did you know my sister had Kaiser’s Syndrome, and she died just a few months before Ha stole all those women? If she hadn’t, she would have been in the group he stole. To see him sitting so casually at this dinner, one ostensibly to welcome me… It’s a…a… It’s like a slap in the face. He should be in prison, not enjoying fancy royal dinners and a promotion to Chief Scientist.” From what she had gleaned from Ryland Breese’s debriefing reports, that was a recent promotion given since his return to Dazonia Major.

The prince maintained a peaceful expression. “I agree with you, Embeth.”

She wasn’t certain if it was his agreement or the use of her first name that soothed her raging temper so quickly. She looked at him with surprise. “You do?”

He inclined his head. “Are you up for a walk?”

She hesitated before nodding. Embeth looked over at Damon, nodding again to let him know she wanted a bit of privacy. His gaze flashed deliberately to the small heart she wore around her neck, a concession to which she had readily agreed before the mission began. It was more than jewelry, containing a tracking device that allowed Damon to find her any time she was out of his presence on Earth or Dazonia Major. After her guard faded away, she fell in step with Ysaak, who led her down the hallway and out to a balcony.

Even in her anger, she was temporarily distracted by the beauty of the night sky, with its intense orange and green, and the faintly purple-blue color that served as a backdrop thanks to the differences in the Dazon atmosphere. It was almost enough to soothe and distract her, but not quite. “Am I wasting my time here, Ysaak?” It felt natural to call him by his first name after he had already initiated the drop of formality.

After a brief hesitation, Ysaak shrugged. “I truly don’t know, Embeth. My father has not revealed his position, though Aryk is a vocal supporter of Ha and his research. The High Council has clearly endorsed Ha’s methods as well, though there is much dissent in the General Council. The General Council is composed of the common citizens and represents the voice of the people.

“Unfortunately, even with all the people behind the General Council—and most are in agreement that the accord must be consensual—the High Council has more power. Aryk has more power still, and my father holds the ultimate power in our system. However, without knowing his position, I can’t plainly state that yes, you’re wasting your time, or no, you aren’t. All I can suggest is to wait and see. Be cautious and on your guard.”

She let out a sigh as she leaned against the orangestone, her gaze focused on the stars above her. They were different from the stars back home and a stark reminder she was on an alien planet, standing beside an alien to whom she was wildly attracted, but conflicted by her mission and the feelings rushing through her. At the moment, anger was chief among them. “I cannot believe the sheer nerve of Ha to join us for dinner, knowing he’s a wanted criminal on my planet. It’s completely disrespectful, and it doesn’t bode well for a truce between our people.”

He moved closer to her, not quite touching, but his hand rested near hers on the stone rail. “I agree, but as the Second Prince, I have little influence on such matters. Father asks my opinion, but it bears no more weight than the average councilman for the High or the General Councils. Aryk’s opinion influences my father to an extent, but only because he will be emperor someday, and not because he holds power over my father. Emperor Talek is a wise man, and I hope he reaches the only obvious solution.”

“Which is?” she prompted.

“Earth and Dazon must cooperate, and both of our people must be satisfied with the arrangement. It can’t be one of coercion or suppression. For this to truly work for all of us, the women have to be willing to either donate their eggs or mate with Dazon males, and our cultures will have to find a way to blend and coexist.”

She let out a breath she hadn’t been aware of holding, suddenly overwhelmed by the surge of desire sweeping through her. She’d been attracted to his appearance before, but now she found herself equally attracted to the man himself. It was almost dizzying how much she wanted him, and she had to take a deep breath to control the urge to do something inappropriate, like take his hand in hers. “I should get back to my room. We have an early start in the morning.”

His gaze was fogged over, his eyes a mix of molten green and gold, but he sounded unaffected when he spoke. “Of course, Ambassador Williams.”

“Please call me Embeth, at least when we aren’t working in an official capacity.” She much preferred that to the stiff and aloof ambassador title.

“Of course, Embeth, and I would prefer Ysaak when appropriate.”

As they neared her door, she experienced a sudden image of sitting on the prince’s lap as she rode him, screaming out his name as her sheath convulsed around his erection. It was a powerful mental picture that tightened her nipples and made her panties damp.

Without thinking, she swayed toward him, and his head bent, as though he was in the same fevered grip of desire. If it hadn’t been for Damon clearing his throat, reminding her he was there and witnessing it all, she was afraid she would have kissed the prince.

Stiffening abruptly, she took a step back and straightened her posture. “Thank you for the escort, Ysaak. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Embeth. I hope you sleep well.” He showed her the gesture of respect with his fingers to his forehead before leaving her.

She studiously ignored Damon, and his wide grin, as she swept through the doorway of her suite, pressing the button to close it behind her with her guard on the other side. Right then, she needed to be completely alone. She wasn’t certain whether it was to prepare herself for tomorrow’s events, or to pick apart the time she’d spent in the prince’s company to hoard the best moments like a dragon with gold.

It was disconcertingly familiar and almost exactly as she had felt for her first crush. Absolutely damned ridiculous behavior for a thirty-three-year-old ambassador on a foreign planet, she told herself as she prepared for bed. That did little to quell the buzz of desire still burning through her, or the spark of excitement at the idea of seeing Ysaak again in the morning.