I felt nervous when we reached the citadel in the center of the city. I wasn’t sure how I would be received by the council, but having Sylon by my side gave me strength.
I only hoped they didn’t take me away from him.
Making our way through the winding hallways, we finally came to a set of golden double doors. They opened inward, soundlessly, and I sucked in a breath, startled by the countless number of people present in the large room. I hadn’t anticipated quite so many Vaadens to be present at the hearing.
Sylon led me into the room and handed me off to his father, who waited patiently at the front of the room. A panel of men, whom I assumed were the council, sat behind a long paneled table, like judges. I shivered and shifted from foot to foot.
This wasn’t at all what I’d anticipated, nor what I’d thought the council would look like. I recognized one of the men from the holding cell, but I wasn’t sure whether he had claimed Sorcha or Enid. He still seemed chilly, his violet eyes boring into me.
“Take it easy, my dear. They won’t bite,” Sylon’s father said quietly.
“What’s going to happen?”
“They’ll ask you some questions, ask my son to answer, and then they will pass their judgment.”
I bit my lip. “Will they take me away from him?” He looked at me in surprise. “You sound as if that would be a bad thing.” I looked up into his kind eyes and let him see what I’d kept hidden from everyone, including myself. Love. I’d gone and fallen in love with the impossible man.
Sylon was far from perfect, but I loved him just the same.
“Ah. I see I was right,” he said with a gentle smile. “You
are
good for my son, and perhaps he’s good for you as well.”
50
“Please call an end to all of this,” I implored.
“I can’t.”
Before I could say anything more, the council called the room to order. Facing them, I took a deep, calming breath.
“May I say something?” I asked clearly and loudly.
I could see the shock on their faces, all but the one from the cell. He didn’t look surprised. If anything, he seemed amused.
He waved his hand. “Go ahead.”
“I know we’re here because of what happened to me.” I met each of their eyes.
“But what happened was an accident. Sylon wouldn’t hurt me.”
“And yet he did,” one of the councilmen said.
“Not intentionally,” I responded.
“It isn’t his first offense. What makes this time different?” I glanced at Sylon and saw that he watched me intently. I only hoped he wouldn’t argue with me. There was only one way to save him, only one way I knew of anyway.
I faced the council again and lifted my chin. “Because he cares for me.” A murmur ran through the room, which escalated to a dull roar. The council calmed everyone once more and stared at me as if I were a strange specimen of insect.
“Has he said as much to you?” one of them asked.
I opened my mouth to respond, but I felt Sylon’s hand grasp mine. I looked up at him in surprise. In front of everyone, he gently cupped my cheek and kissed me. His thumb caressed my jaw as he pulled away. It was the first time I’d ever seen anything close to love in his eyes.
“Yes, I’ve told her I care for her,” he said, his attention focused on the council again. “I would never intentionally hurt Susan. She means the world to me.” I nearly melted at his words, even if they weren’t entirely true. I could only hope that one day he would say I meant the world to him and mean it. Until then, I’d take what I could get.
“Why is this one different?” the violet-eyed man asked.
51
Sylon frowned. “I don’t know.”
The man smirked. “You love her, don’t you?”
Sylon opened his mouth and snapped it shut. “Of course not.” A woman in the crowd stood. “This is an outrage!”
“Sela, sit down,” the councilman in the middle said.
“No, I won’t! How dare you put my family through this! And all because my husband hurt his little slave. Who cares?”
I sucked in a breath. The woman was tall and thin, her features pinched, platinum blonde hair pulled back in a tight bun. But her eyes were a striking icy blue.
Sylon’s wife was prettier than I had thought she’d be, and very upset.
“I demand that you end this trial immediately,” she said.
“Sela, I won’t tell you again. Sit. Down,” the man thundered.
She lifted her chin and refused to sit.
With a tilt of his head, the man sent guards after Sela, and they carted her out of the room kicking and screaming. I tried really hard to hold back my laughter, but I snickered just the same.
I’d never seen a grown woman throw a tantrum before, and it wasn’t something I was like to forget anytime soon. Sylon looked down at me, amused by my reaction.
Apparently, he thought his wife was acting childish as well.
“Now that the disruption is gone, we may continue,” said the man with the violet eyes.
“If you do not love her, why should we leave her in your care?” asked the councilman in the middle. His clothing seemed superior to the others and I wondered if he was in charge.
“Is it not enough that I care for her?” Sylon asked.
“No, it isn’t,” the councilman responded.
Sylon swallowed hard and looked down at me. I couldn’t read his expression and it worried me. Now that I knew I loved him, the thought of parting from him pierced my heart.
“I’m sorry, Susan,” he said softly.
52
“What was that?” the councilman asked.
He lifted his chin and stared at them defiantly. “I told her I was sorry.”
“For what? Harming her?”
“For whatever is to come.”
The councilman studied him for a moment. “I’m recommending that you be remanded into the council’s custody while we discuss this matter further. During that time, your slave will be removed from the slave quarters.” I felt panic welling up inside of me and stiffened. Sylon’s father must have sensed my inner turmoil because he patted my hand in comfort.
“May I ask a boon of the council?” he asked.
The councilman nodded.
“I would like to take Susan into my home until matters are resolved with my son.
Does that meet with the council’s approval?” The men conferred with one another before nodding their consent.
I sagged against the doctor in relief. “Thank you,” I whispered.
“You’re the closest thing I have to a daughter,” he responded. “It would be an honor to care for you until my son is able to do so again.”
“Daughter?” I asked in surprise. “But… you have a daughter-in-law.” He shook his head. “That cold, spoiled creature? I would never claim kinship to her.”
I fought back a smile, but it disappeared quickly when I looked at Sylon. He looked resigned to his fate and looked at me sadly. It seemed as if he didn’t think he’d see me again. And maybe he wouldn’t, but I refused to admit defeat yet. There had to be a way to have the charges dropped.
Early the next morning, I woke feeling sick. I barely made it into the bathroom before I was ill and I sagged against the wall. The stress of the trial was obviously getting to me. Other than feeling nauseated, I felt fine.
“Susan, are you okay?” Sylon’s father asked through the door.
“I’ll be fine. I just wasn’t feeling well when I woke up.”
“Why don’t you come to my office when you’re ready? I’ll just check you over to make sure nothing is wrong.”
“I’m fine, really,” I assured him.
“Just the same, I think I’d better check. Sylon would be angry if you were sick and I didn’t do anything about it -- especially with me being a doctor.” I smiled at that. “All right. I’ll be there shortly.” Slowly rising to my feet, I waited a moment to make sure I wouldn’t be sick again. Once I was satisfied that I would be okay, I rinsed out my mouth. Looking in the mirror, I wasn’t surprised to see dark circles under my eyes. Sleeping hadn’t been easy without someone by my side. I’d gotten used to Sylon staying with me.
I pushed away from the counter and walked out of the bathroom. In the bedroom, I opened the closet and flipped through the various slave garments inside. A long, rose-colored tunic at the back caught my eye. It wasn’t a Vaaden-style dress, but it wasn’t a typical slave dress either. Lifting it off the hanger, I held it reverently. I’d never seen anything so beautiful before.
Pulling off the sapphire gown I’d fallen asleep in, I dropped it on the floor and pulled the rose-colored tunic over my head. It clasped on one shoulder and left the other side bare, cinching slightly at the waist. The dress reminded me of the old Roman togas and I smoothed the material, admiring it.
54
I started to leave the bedroom, but I felt queasy. A moment later, I knew I was going to be sick and I ran to the bathroom, barely making it in time. When I was finished, I rested my head against the wall and took slow, shaky breaths.
Rising to my feet, I rinsed my mouth once more and made my way to the doctor’s office. Maybe it
was
a good idea for him to see if anything was wrong with me.
I’d obviously come down with a virus or something.
* * *
“Well, don’t you look pretty,” he said with a smile. “If only Sylon could you see in that dress.”
“I hope you don’t mind. I found it in the closet.” He shook his head. “It’s perfectly fine. I haven’t kept a slave in a while. That particular dress belonged to Elana, my last slave.” He smiled sadly. “I loved her in a way, but she died from a nasty virus that swept through Vaaden two years ago.”
“I’m sorry. If I had known it would bring back bad memories…”
“Nonsense. It’s meant to be worn and it looks lovely on you.” I felt my cheeks flush. “Thank you.”
“Now, sit in the chair over there,” he said with a nod toward a white chair across the room, “and we’ll do a quick bio scan. It should tell me what we’re dealing with.” I nodded and did as he bade. The scan was painless, merely a blue ray of light skimming over me from head to toe. A moment later, I heard a beeping noise and a machine spit out a piece of paper.
Sylon’s father looked surprised but happy. What was going on? Why would someone be happy that I was sick?
“What is it? Do I have the flu or something?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I need to do one more test.” I fidgeted, but nodded. I watched with trepidation as he approached with a needle. “It’s just a simple blood test. One little prick and it will be over.”
“I just realized that I don’t know what to call you. I always think of you as Sylon’s father, or the doctor,” I said.
55
He chuckled. “My name is Dorne.”
I nodded and took a deep breath, preparing myself for the prick of the needle.
True to his word, it barely hurt and only lasted for a moment. Whatever test he was going to run, it didn’t require much blood.
“I’ll have the results in just a moment,” he said with a smile.
I sat, tense, waiting on whatever news he was going to give me. As long as he didn’t tell me I was dying, I could handle anything. Or so I thought.
“Aha!” he exclaimed. “It’s just as I thought. You’re pregnant.” My eyes widened. “I’m what?”
“You’re going to have a baby with Sylon.”
“But… but… he said he couldn’t have children.” Dorne nodded. “And yet, it seems the two of you are going to have one just the same.” He smiled. “This may be the very thing we need to ensure you and Sylon stay together.”
“He won’t be happy about this,” I said softly, standing. I began to pace the small area. “He said he can’t have children. He’ll automatically assume it’s Randar’s. He’ll never believe me!”
Dorne placed a hand on my arm to stop my frantic back and forth motion. “He’ll believe
me
. And so will the council.”
“What if you’re wrong? Couldn’t the machine have been wrong?”
“No, it can’t. You’re going to be a mother, Susan.” I gulped and sank into the chair once more. A mother. I was going to be a mother. I’d never been more terrified in my life!
“It will take a few days before the council will see us again, but I’ll get things in motion with them.”
I nodded, unable to do much else at that point. I was still stunned that I was going to have a baby. It wasn’t something I had ever planned, and yet, knowing I carried Sylon’s child made me feel warm inside.
“There’s breakfast in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” he said as he gathered some papers. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
56
“Will you get to see Sylon?”
He shook his head. “They’re keeping him elsewhere. I’m going to the prime minister’s house. He’s the head of the council. I’ll plead my case before him and then he’ll get in contact with the other council members. It may take up to a week before they reconvene to visit the matter again.”
“I hate being away from him for so long,” I said softly.
“I know you do, dear. It won’t be long before you’re together again.” I gave him a sad smile, not quite believing him. If the council wanted to, they could remove me from Sylon’s care and give me to someone else. I had no idea what their reaction would be once they found out I was pregnant. Was that a good thing here, or a bad thing?
Even worse -- what would happen when Sylon’s wife found out?
It was several days before we heard back from the council, several days of misery. Not only was I upset about Sylon, but I was still sick every morning. Dorne assured me it was perfectly normal, but I had my doubts. How could something as magical as carrying a baby be so horrible? I hadn’t felt this bad since I’d had the flu last year.
“We’re going before the council in an hour,” Dorne said, startling me.
“So soon? I don’t know if I can get ready in time.” He nodded. “It’s a good thing. It means my son might be able to come home as early as today.”
Relief coursed through me. I’d be so happy to see Sylon, but I was also worried about his reaction to my news.
I wore the pretty rose gown again and was as ready as I’d ever be. I waited patiently on the doctor and a moment later we were on our way.
When we reached the citadel, I wasn’t as nervous as I had been previously. At least I knew what to expect this time.
The councilmen were already seated and waiting for us when we stepped through the doors. There was still a large crowd, but it seemed smaller than before, which meant fewer people who would hear my news. I was still a little apprehensive about the council accepting my baby, or the Vaadens accepting it for that matter.
Sylon walked into the room and I rushed to his side, throwing my arms around him.
“I missed you,” I said, burrowing my face against him, breathing him in.
He chuckled and wrapped his arms around me. “I missed you as well, Susan.” I tipped my face back to smile up at him, but froze when he frowned down at me.
58
His thumb traced the dark smudges under my eyes. “What’s wrong?” I shook my head. “I haven’t slept well since they took you away.”
“It’s more than that. You look pale.”
“I’ve just been worried,” I hedged. Obviously my news hadn’t reached his ears yet.
He watched me another moment, and I was concerned that he didn’t believe me.
When he continued to frown at me, I knew I had reason to be apprehensive. I only hoped he wouldn’t lose his temper in front of the council.
I returned to Dorne’s side and fidgeted.
“The council has reconvened at the request of Dorne, with news pertinent to his son’s case.”
The councilmen shuffled papers and stared at Sylon.
“Do you know why you’ve been called here?” one of them asked Sylon.
He shook his head.
“Your father has provided new information. It has become imperative that we release you from our custody.”
Sylon looked surprised, glancing our way. When his eyes met mine, he froze.
“Why am I being released?” he asked the council without looking away from me.
“Your slave is pregnant,” the violet-eyed man said.
I watched as Sylon clenched and unclenched his fists.
“I have documentation proving the baby belongs to my son. I ran a blood test a few days ago, confirming my suspicions,” Dorne said, handing a paper to his son.
Sylon looked at the blood test results with an incredulous expression. “But I can’t have children.”
“It seems that you can,” Dorne said softly. “You’re going to make me a grandfather after all.”
“There’s the matter of my wife,” Sylon said in a steely voice.
“Well… I’ll let the council tell you about your wife.” He turned his attention to the violet-eyed man. “What is he talking about, Bastian?”
59
“Sela has become unwelcome on our planet. After her outburst in the citadel at your hearing, she went on to create several disturbances throughout the city, including an attack on the prime minister.” Bastian grinned. “Your wife has been banned from Vaaden, and your marriage is considered null and void.” Sylon looked stunned, but not as stunned as I was. My knees buckled and had Dorne not caught me, I would have sunk to the floor.
Bastian glanced at me before speaking to Sylon again. “You’re free of Sela. While you cannot marry a slave, you may live with her where you will, especially since she carries your child.”
“You’re saying she can live in my home?” Sylon asked in surprise.
Bastian nodded.
Sylon walked to my side and gently took my hand. “Are you all right?” I nodded and leaned against him, needing to feel his strength. “Please take me home, Sylon. I’m tired.”
He lifted me into his arms and carried me out of the citadel. Later, when we were at his father’s home, he kissed me and held me.
“I missed you so much,” he admitted. “I’ve never missed a woman before.”
“I missed you too.”
His hand gentle rubbed my stomach. “It’s hard to believe there’s a baby in there.”
I tensed. “I’m not lying if that’s what you mean.” He hugged me. “No, that isn’t what I meant. It’s just that I’d never thought to be a father, never
wanted
to be one.”
“And now?”
He smiled against my hair. “Now I’m looking forward to raising a child with you.”
“Can we go home now? Please?” I’d enjoyed my stay at Dorne’s but I was ready to be back in familiar surroundings.
“My house will be redecorated, all traces of Sela removed from it, and then we’ll move there.”
60
“I meant the slave quarters.”
“You’d rather be there?” he asked in surprise.
“It’s familiar to me.”
He rubbed my arm. “We’ll stay there until the house is ready. I want to move you into my home as soon as possible.”
“Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked.
“Because… I had time to think about the things I’ve done and said, and I discovered something while I was separated from you.”
“What?”
“I… That is…”
I looked up at him, trying to read his expression.
“I love you,” he said softly. “I never thought to love a woman, but I discovered that I love you.”
I smiled and kissed him. “I love you too.”
“You do?”
I nodded. “Very much.”
His arms encircled my waist, his hands resting against my stomach. “I’ve never been happier than I am right this moment, Susan.
You
make me happy.” I leaned into him. “Not half as happy as you make me. I never thought a man could love me, or that I could love again, but I’ve found that loving you is easy.
Probably the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
“Easy?”
I smiled. “Well, I didn’t say that telling you, or predicting how you’d take it was easy. Just that loving you was easy.”
He smiled and kissed the top of my head. He rubbed my stomach again. “So…
this is all rather new to me. What do we do now?” I shrugged. “I’ve never been pregnant before, but a friend of mine was. She picked out a girl name and a boy name until she knew which she was having, and then she started buying clothes, baby furniture, blankets… tons of stuff.”
“Names?”
61
I nodded. “Personally, I’ve always liked Claire for a girl.”
“An Earth name?”
“I guess you’ll want the baby to have a Vaaden name.” He shook his head. “No, I think an Earth name is perfect. You can name the baby whatever you wish, just as long as you promise to never stop loving me.” I smiled. “That’s a promise I’ll gladly make.” Rising up on my tiptoes, I kissed him, winding my arms around his neck. “Take me to bed and love me,” I whispered against his lips.
He smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”
currently lives in Tennessee with her family and a house full of pets, after having lived in several places from the East Coast to the West Coast.
When she isn’t writing, you can find her either curled up with a book or out shopping.
She’s particularly fond of bookstores and Starbucks!
Her writing career began in high school when she submitted
My World is
Tumbling Down
to a poetry contest, not only receiving a publication offer, but also an award. Since then, she has published a half-dozen or more poems, six novels, and several short stories. At any given time, she has five or more works-in-progress at various stages of completion.
Prior to writing, she worked for a counseling center; in information systems for a debt collector; and has worked at more than one college. After handling everything from patient evaluations to department accreditation, she decided to sit down at the computer again and attempt writing novels (from young adult to erotica).
You can check out what she’s up to at her website www.jessicacoultersmith.webs.com. She’s also on Facebook (when she has time to login). She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch with her using [email protected].