Thorn's Bondmate (Zarronian Warriors Book 2) (21 page)

Laughing, they each reached for a package and tore it open, oohing and awing at the contents.

"Valan takes me to the marketplace several times an annual." Lia laughed. "Usually after he's hurt my feelings. It's his way of saying he's sorry."

"I don't think any of these Zarronians are good at apologizing," Daria said.

Lia shook her head. "They believe more in a person's actions than their words although if they tell you they'll do something then they do it."

Daria thought about that while they looked through the sacks. Thorn had purchased twelve gowns in varying colors. They were cut the same way with softly gathered knee-length skirts and tops that consisted of wide straps that covered the breasts in the front and crossed in the back.

Daria ran her fingers over the material of the gowns. It shimmered and changed colors when the light caught it. "What kind of material is this?"

"It's Lanterian silk. Very expensive," Lia said.

Daria opened a box and found several hair ornaments and five pairs of sandals, with thin, delicate straps. Another box held an assortment of nail polish in every color imaginable. As she set it aside she noticed a small crystal jar hidden at the bottom.

She picked it up, removed the stopper, and sniffed it. For a moment, she was lost in memories of the past night. The fragrance was earthy with just a hint of exotic spice. Feeling her cheeks heat with a blush she replaced the stopper and carefully set the jar back in the box. "I think I'll take these things to my room then take a walk in the garden." She glanced at Lia. "If that's alright?"

"Yes, of course it is. I'd join you, but I have to speak to the house workers about lunch," Lia said. "But, first, let me help you carry these upstairs."

Daria nodded as she thanked her and began gathering the gowns over one of her arms while Lia picked up the boxes of sandals and cosmetics.

Once in Daria's room Lia set the boxes she carried on the bed. "I'll see you at lunch, Daria."

"Lia?" she asked as the door was closing.

"Yes."

"Thank you for telling me about the Zarronians. Perhaps after lunch I can answer some of your questions about life on Earth."

"I'd like that. Thank you." Lia smiled before she closed the door.

Daria hung the gowns in the closet, then took the cosmetics into the bathing chamber. After setting the crystal jar on the counter, she stored everything else on a shelf in the cabinet. For a moment, she stared at the perfume, then unable to resist, she pulled the stopper and stroked it over her wrists and throat.

For a moment, she enjoyed the scent then she studied herself in the mirror. Her hair needed to be trimmed. She was still thinner than she was used to but the dark circles under her eyes were fading. She frowned and decided the white gown had to go as it made her skin look colorless.

Giving herself a quick grin, she hurried into the bed chamber, chose a green gown and pulled it on. She arranged the straps over her breasts as she returned to the bathing chamber and examined it.

Turning from side to side, she watched as the color shimmered and changed from green to gold. She ran her hands over the cloth, enjoying its smoothness then turned and looked over her shoulder to see the back of the gown. It fit her perfectly which told her one thing. The big oaf was experienced at buying clothes for a female.

# # #

Thorn sat in his father's den, brooding, when he saw Daria walk toward the crystal arbor his father had built for his mother. The building was cylindrical like the house, but the clear crystal roof was held up by white, crystal pillars. A vine with coral flowers grew over them, making the inside cool and shadowy. He and Soren had come across their parents many times in the arbor. His father would laugh and advise them to make more noise when they approached and his mother would send him scolding frowns while she smoothed her hair. Turning away from the window he looked at the holographic image of his parents on the desk. They were standing by the newly built arbor. The vines that covered it now had barely began twining around the bottoms of the pillars then. His father's arms were around his mother and they were both smiling. Their hand's covered her rounded belly, protectively.

A feeling of regret and anger rushed through him. Naline had spent their pregnancy in jail and he'd refused to see her. When she'd gone into labor, he'd been forced to follow tradition and go to her. After they'd been born he'd left with her curses ringing in his ears and his sons crying in his arms.

Dag and Ronin had been waiting for him outside the Lawbreaker Center. He'd performed the naming ceremony then taken his sons to his mother. That same night he'd left on a three annual mission to the Almar Galaxy. He hadn't seen them again until his return to Zarronia. By then they'd been strangers to each other.

The time he'd spent with Dane and Dev on the Invincible had helped him get to know them although he hadn't missed the suspicious looks they sent his way every time he entered a room. They thought he'd leave again any cycle now. It was time they knew he'd accepted the assignment the Council had offered him. Then, he needed to purchase a house in Kadia and be their father. Something he should have done five annuals ago. Satisfied with his plans, he decided he'd tell them as soon as they returned from the Council Building.

He scanned the garden paths for a glimpse of Daria and saw her climbing the steps leading into it. He decided to join her and tell her that he wanted her to purchase a home for him. It would give her something to do and she wouldn't even have to leave his parents' home as she could use the viewing screen to purchase the house and the furnishings.

# # #

Daria entered the arbor. There were several cushion covered benches inside. Choosing one, she dropped onto it then reached up and picked one of the coral flowers. Absently, she twirled it in her fingers and watched several men and women, dressed in brown clothes with bands around their ankles, work in the garden. She spent a few moments wondering about them as she knew that the Zarronians didn't believe in slavery. Leaning back against the soft cushions, she decided she'd ask Lia later then closed her eyes and relaxed. The arbor was peaceful and a soft breeze cooled her, making her sleepy. A condition she was becoming used to.

She sighed with pleasure and drew her legs onto the cushion and curled onto her side. A person could get used to this lifestyle, she decided, then quickly changed her mind. Even when she was forced to take a vacation she'd sneak into the office to find out what was going on with the other reporters. Her life had been her work, Marie, and a few casual friends she met every now and then for a drink. Yawning, she snuggled her hands beneath her chin and caught a whiff of the perfume Thorn had purchased for her. It was unusual but she liked it. She was just drifting off when a warm breeze flowed over her temple. She wrinkled her brow in puzzlement. Was the weather changing? A moment ago it had been cool.

She opened her eyes, intending to check the sky, and met Thorn's grey gaze instead. Before she could sit up he slid onto the cushion, imprisoning her between his body and the back of the bench.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to talk to you." He slid his arm over her waist and pulled her hips against his then ran his nose along her neck and sniffed it.

"Why are you smelling me?"

"You smell good and you taste even better," he whispered, nuzzling her throat. "Like a hot, moonless night of passion."

"What did you want to talk to me about?" she asked, trying to distract him.

"I want you to buy a house for us." He nibbled on her lobe.

"Why should I?" she demanded, aggravated at him for thinking she would do this for him.

"Because, it will give you something to do with your time." He nipped her earlobe. "Just think what you could discover about us while using the viewing screen."

He'd said the magic words, discover and viewing screen together in the same sentence and she knew she wouldn't be able to resist even though she wanted to punch him. "Okay, I'll choose a house."

Thorn gave a rusty shout of laughter, then jumped up and pulled her from the bench. "Time for lunch." He kissed her, hard, then grinning he pulled her from the arbor and into the house.

As they crossed the hallway the front door opened and Valan entered followed by Dane and Dev. The boys ran to Daria and began telling her everything they'd seen at the Council Building as they walked into the dining room.

Valan nodded at them and looked at their clasped hands. Thorn released her hand and strode to a chair and sat down. Lia entered as Daria took the chair next to Thorn, with Dane and Dev across from her. Daria watched as Valan held Lia's chair for her, then planted a soft kiss on her neck as she sat down.

It was strange to see these huge warriors treating their bondmates so gently. One would think, based on Thorn's behavior, that it didn't come natural to them to treat anyone kindly. Looking at Valan she could see what Thorn would look like in another thirty annuals.

He would still be strong and gorgeous, like Valan, but instead of a grin, he'd have a ferocious frown. She looked at Thorn and let her imagination run wild as the serving woman entered the room and began placing food trays in front of them.

Thorn would make a great pirate. He'd carry a huge, sharp sword, with blood stains on it. Knowing how fastidious he was about his appearance, she pictured him in a ruffled, billowing shirt, white of course, and he would be known as the—what? Something bloody and terrifying.

"Daria?" Thorn asked.

"Hmmm?"

"Why are you staring at me?"

Blinking her eyes, she blushed then glanced around the table. Lia smiled at her, Dane and Dev giggled, and Valan just grinned.

"I wasn't staring at you, I was just thinking."

"About what Daria?" Dane asked.

"Nothing in particular, just thoughts. Now, tell me some more about the Council."

The boys talked for several micro-units while they ate. When they asked to be excused, Thorn stopped them and told them his plans for buying a house and accepting the new assignment.

Dane and Dev shouted with joy then hugged him and took off.

Lia smiled at Thorn, then burst into tears and ran from the room. Valan sighed, then followed her.

"Why is your mother crying?" Daria asked.

"She's happy."       .

"Oh, I thought maybe she was crying because you're staying. I know I would if I had to put up with you every day."

"Watch it or I'll get someone else to buy my house."

Before she could say anything, Valan and Lia returned. Lia smiled at them as she resumed her seat and began eating again. Valan stuck a pink handkerchief in his pocket as he sat down and took a sip from his tankard of ale.

Daria wanted to giggle when she saw the pink handkerchief but forced herself not to. She glanced at Thorn, wondering if he carried pink ones as well. Thorn caught her looking at his pockets.

He leaned toward her and spoke softly so the others wouldn't hear their conversation. "Ask my Mother about them. She'll tell you."

"Why don't you tell me?" she asked in a whisper, giving him a pleading smile. She was dying of curiosity.

"Huh-uh. My father would kill me."

"But, he won't mind if she tells me?"

"No. He would die for her before he'd let anyone hurt her."

Daria searched his face. "Who would you die for, Thorn?"

"My sons."

"And, what about the baby I'm carrying. Would you die for her?"

"Her?"

"Saying 'her' sounds better than saying 'it'. But, you haven't answered me. Would you?"

"You know the baby's not mine."

"Someday, I'll prove to you that she is yours but it'll be too late." Her voice was low but it vibrated with anger and frustration.

"You'll never convince me of that." He threw his fork down, drawing the attention of his parents and sons.

"I will someday," Daria said.

"Dane. Dev. I'll be back later," he said and stalked out.

Daria gazed at the food on her tray, then put her fork down. She wasn't hungry. In fact, she thought that any minute now she was going to be sick.

"Daria, after lunch, would you like me to show you how to operate the viewing screen?" Lia asked.

She swallowed and took several small breathes before she answered. "Yes, I'd like that." She smiled at Lia while she searched her mind for something to fill the silence. The workers in the garden came to mind. "I saw workers in the garden. They wore bands on their ankles and brown clothes but I know your people don't believe in slavery."

Valan answered her question. "Whenever someone commits a crime that doesn't involve physical violence to another that person is judged. If he or she is found guilty bands are placed around their ankles and they are assigned to work for someone until their time is served. They wear brown clothing so they're easier to recognize."

"So, only violent criminals go to jail?"

"Yes, and the rules governing their service are very strict. Anyone who abuses a lawbreaker will find themselves judged and sent to jail for a very long time."

Daria smiled. "It's an interesting system. I wonder if it would work on Earth."

"We've suggested it to them and I believe your leaders are considering it."

"That's good." Daria smiled at Lia. "I'll wait for you in the living area."

"I'll join you in a moment and I'll bring you some paper as well. You'll want to make notes about the houses you see."

"Thank you, Lia." Daria wandered around the living room, examining the carvings on the tables. When Lia entered she put the one she'd been examining down.

"Dane and Dev taught you how to operate the viewing screen on the Invincible didn't they?" Lia handed Daria a notebook and several writing tools.

"Yes."

"This one is the same except it has channels like your television on Earth. See?" Lia demonstrated it and Daria laughed. It was the Zarronian version of a home shopping channel.

Lia handed her a remote controller. "When you want to see a different house you push the forward button and it will change to another house. Also, you can go back to a previous one if you like."