Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

T he Next Day

“Are you ready to face the Council?”

No. She was absolutely not ready. Not one bit. “Yes. I’m ready.”

“Come.” He turned and offered his elbow like a true gentleman. Shaking with a combination of anxiety and determination, she slipped her hand through the nook of his arm and allowed him to escort her to the adjoining grand chamber where they were to meet with five of the most influential members of the Intergalactic Trade Council.

Zade was dressed in his full uniform, weapons included. No one would dare mess with him looking like that. Maybe she should have worn something a little more intimidating, rather than the outfit she’d settled on, she mused. She’d debated for an hour on what to wear. She didn’t want to wear a dress in case one, or all, of the upcoming challenges included a need to run. Too casual wouldn’t be good, either. She wanted to feel like she belonged there, and she needed to present a confident facade. Eventually, the only outfit that made sense was a nice pair of black slacks and matching tailored jacket that looked good but was still easy to move around in, with comfortable black flats and a white blouse. Black and white. Fuck the pretty princess look. She needed a power suit.

Ashlyn took a deep breath as they stepped inside. The room was immense, the domed ceiling adorned with intricate mosaics depicting scenes of galactic commerce and diplomacy. Tall, arched windows allowed beams of multicolored light to filter through, casting an otherworldly glow across the polished marble floor. The air smelled faintly of exotic spices; a trace of the various planets represented there.

The Council members, a diverse array of beings, were seated in a semicircle on an elevated dais. Each wore the traditional robes of their homeworld, rich in colors and textures, which denoted their status and origin. Ashlyn's heart pounded in her chest, the full weight of the deception they were about to attempt bearing down on her. She shot a sideways glance at Zade, whose composed expression and confident stride contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions roiling within her.

As they approached the center of the room, a deep, resonant voice called out, "Ashlyn Faro and Prince Zade Miralos, Commander of Caldor’s Northern Sector, we have heard much about you. Come closer." The voice belonged to Councilor Thal'kor, a towering figure from the planet Zephyria, his emerald skin glinting under the chamber's light. His four, yellow, reptilian eyes blinked in unison, a gesture that Ashlyn interpreted as a sign of scrutiny.

"We are honored to be here," Zade replied smoothly, inclining his head slightly in respect. Ashlyn mimicked his gesture, her nerves straining to maintain a serene facade.

Councilor Jorax of Ventri Prime, a rotund being with a flowing crimson robe and a cluster of tentacles for a mouth, leaned forward. His voice was a gurgling hiss. "We understand congratulations are in order. You are newly engaged, correct?”

"Yes, that is correct," Ashlyn said, forcing a smile. Her voice sounded steadier than she felt, but she couldn't afford to let her unease show.

“We were under the impression you were to wed another." Jorax managed to make the words clipped around his cluster of tentacles.

“You were misinformed. The lady Ashlyn is my mate.”

Beside Jorax, Councilor Seraphina from the Lorian Alliance, a graceful figure with silver hair cascading down her back and iridescent wings folded elegantly, scrutinized them with her piercing blue eyes. "Love is a powerful bond," she said softly. "Tell us, how did you meet?"

Ashlyn hesitated for a fraction of a second, and Zade picked up the slack seamlessly, his hand covering hers in warm reassurance. "As we explained to Councilor Boleen,” he began, taking Ashlyn's hand in his, “we met prior to her marriage to C’Bor Ubrion.”

"Yes," Ashlyn added, squeezing his hand slightly harder than necessary. "We realized our feelings ran deep, but the timing was off."

Zade's thumb caressed her skin, the touch sending a jolt through her. How could she continue to be so foolish? How could she allow herself to want him when there was no future where they could be together? When he wanted the power of the Council seat, and she wanted nothing to do with it? Their paths would diverge. He would become a powerful Caldorian king, and she would be left with a broken heart.

Councilor Thal'kor nodded, though his four reptilian eyes remained inscrutable on his emerald green face. "Yes. You are the widow of C’Bor Ubrion, are you not?"

A chill ran down Ashlyn's spine. This was the crux of their lie. "Yes, I am," she said, her voice barely wavering. "C’Bor and I were just married, newlyweds in fact, when he was tragically taken from me."

Councilor Dur'vok, a stocky, armored figure from the war-torn planet of Kraggath, grunted. His voice was gravelly, like stones grinding together. "C’Bor was a respected member of this Council. His cousin, C’Nar, has raised some concerns about your claim.” The Council member dipped his arm, indicating a male with dark red skin standing slightly to the side of the raised dais.

C’Nar. Ashlyn tensed. How had she not noticed him lurking back there?

“Our investigators were unable to determine who killed your husband. And you, dear cousin, were not available to give testimony. You refused to return to Cappra, despite multiple requests.” C’Nar put his hand over his heart. “Not even to attend your husband’s final resting ceremony. What were you hiding?”

“My mate did not break any laws. As you can imagine, she was overwhelmed with grief and trauma. Seeing her husband’s corpse would have delayed her recovery. She had a year to return to Cappra or forfeit the Council seat. That year is not yet up.” Zade spoke up once again. Ashlyn had never been so grateful. She’d been given the bare bones basics of the situation in the short time she’d had to prepare. Good thing Zade knew more about Intergalactic politics than he let on. Guess being a prince did give one an education.

C’Nar snarled in Zade’s general direction, ignoring Zade’s comments completely. “The only evidence of your marriage, or C’Bor’s subsequent death, was the activation of his chains of obedience. It is known, the chains can only be disabled upon the death of one or both parties. Chains, I see, you still wear. Our investigators were only able to determine that C’Bor died in the fire that destroyed his home. How did you escape the explosion, when he did not? C’Bor would never have allowed his wife to stray far from his side.”

Right. Because his wife was really just a prisoner, you asshole. Rachel was right, Ashlyn hadn’t fully comprehended how horrible the Ubrion family truly was. This slimy worm could not be allowed to have power over anyone, anywhere. Ever. “I don’t remember anything from that day, Councilors. I am told I suffered a severe concussion, and my memories of that day were lost. It’s all in the medical report we sent to the Cappran investigators.”

“Of course. Of course. Must have been very traumatic.” Councilor Thal'kor frowned. “I hope you are sufficiently recovered from the tragedy.”

C’Nar’s black eyes burned with animosity. He stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips. “I formally request to inspect the chains of obedience on Ashlyn Faro’s body, to confirm their authenticity.”

Gross. He wanted to touch her? No.

Holding on to Zade’s arm for balance, she quickly leaned down and removed both ankle bracelets. Before she could hold them out to C’Nar, Zade took them from her and offered them on her behalf. She squeezed his arm in thanks that she would be spared closer contact with the alien.

With a nod from Councilor Dur’vok, C’Nar stepped forward and removed a palm sized scanning device from a pocket. His gaze narrowed when he read the results. When he looked at her, there was pure venom behind his eyes.

“The chains of obedience are authentic and verified.” Councilor Dur’vok spoke clearly, his attention on a screen embedded in the table in front of him. “So, we concur, Councilors?”

There was a round of murmured assent from the others and Ashlyn dared take a breath. The chains of obedience were really C’Bor’s and now everyone knew it. Part one of the plan was complete.

She shouldn’t have relaxed, not one bit. C’Nar was clearly not finished with her. "We still mourn the loss of C’Bor. We also find it more than a little curious that C’Bor’s widow, if she is who she claims to be, has so quickly found another. And with a male who was previously scorned by Ashlyn, my dear cousin-by-marriage, prior to C’Bor’s death? I can think of no better motive for murder than true love.”

Ashlyn gasped in outrage. Was he accusing her of killing her husband? Or was he accusing Zade?

Only rigid self-control kept Zade from showing his emotions. With a stony expression, he addressed the Councilors. “If C’Nar Ubrion is implying I murdered his cousin, he should speak more plainly. Ashlyn and I have come here to answer a challenge for her Seat on the Council, not force her to relive painful memories.

I know the Cappran system of law enforcement has thoroughly investigated both C’Bor’s marriage and his death. C’Nar’s line of questioning is offensive. Ashlyn Faro is a small, human female. Defenseless. To imply her husband was so weak as to be murdered at her hand is a grave insult to his memory. As for me, I was engaged in a battle on the far outer territories my planet controls at the time of Councilor C’Bor’s death. There are thousands of witnesses, as well as official battle records, proving my whereabouts.

Furthermore, I am a Prince of Caldor, not a citizen of Cappra. C’Nar Ubrion will show the proper respect to me and my mate, or I shall be forced to issue a personal challenge.”

As expected, the coward inclined his head and took a step back, deferring to the seated Councilors. He would never engage in a fair fight. His type struck in the dark.

“Of course, of course, Prince Miralos,” Councilor Dur'vok placated, “we do not accuse you of any wrongdoing. I believe C’Nar is merely concerned that his cousin married a woman whom no one ever met. A woman who may not be the woman standing before us now.”

“Then you accuse us of deceiving the Council?” A muscle ticked in Zade’s jaw.

“The Council has been convened to ascertain the validity of your impending marriage to a sitting member of the Council. By Cappran law, she must relinquish her position if we find that her engagement to you is a fabrication, or she is not who she claims to be. We shall leave the particulars of C’Bor’s death to the proper authorities on Cappra.” Councilor Dur'vok looked around the room. “Is this clear to everyone?”

C’Nar stepped forward and bowed curtly to the Councilor. “Very well. I will pursue justice for my cousin on my homeworld. For now, if C’Bor's widow is unwilling to join with me or a member of my family, according to the ancient law she has invoked, we are entitled to verify the veracity of her new union with three tests of our choosing.”

“I assume there is some basis for the tests you have selected?”

“Of course, Councilor. Please review the testing parameters on your screens.”

“We do not want to see anyone physically harmed,” Councilor Dur'vok warned, glancing down to read whatever information C’Nar had placed there. “Torture will not be tolerated nor condoned.”

“I would never torture my future bride, Councilors.”

They mumbled in weak agreement as Ashlyn’s knees went weak. Future bride? She’d die first. But then, her death was probably part of C’Nar’s plan. Asshole.

C’Nar raised his voice, making sure the handful of aliens milling around the room’s entrance could hear every word he spoke, even from a distance. “If she is truly C’Bor's widow, then she will have no issue wearing these."

C’Nar held up a pair of delicate, silver ankle bracelets inlaid with shimmering blue gems.

Shit. She’d just gotten rid of one pair and now he had another?

"Chains of obedience," he announced. "C’Bor's widow wore his chains willingly. They signify devotion and fidelity to the new bride’s husband. If she is indeed C’Bor’s widow, and if she loves the Caldorian, she should have no problem accepting a new set under the dominion of her new husband."

“They have been outlawed on most planets. We cannot condone this.” Councilor Seraphina frowned, her silver hair swaying as she shook her head with disgust. Even her wings appeared to shudder in revulsion. Or maybe that was just Ashlyn projecting her feelings.

“They are legal on Cappra, and C’Bor’s widow willingly accepted them in her marriage to my cousin. We see no logical reason she would refuse them now, not if her union to the Caldorian is true.”

Ashlyn watched, heart pounding, as the Councilors conferred amongst themselves.

“We will make an exception in this case, but only because she has already worn obedience chains in a prior marriage and knows what is involved.” Councilor Seraphina spoke for the group, the tone of her voice making it clear to all in the room that she was not pleased with the turn of events.

Ashlyn's heart sank. She knew the chains' true purpose: to compel the wearer to obey the giver’s commands. Her thoughts raced, searching for a way out. Nothing came to mind.

Zade squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Ashlyn," he murmured, his voice quiet enough that only she could hear, "you do not have to do this."

She looked up at him. His eyes held a fierceness that made her breath catch. Despite her anger and mistrust, she gave a slight shake of her head. If they were going to save the galaxy from murderous, trafficking cutthroats, then they had no other choice. Besides, she reasoned, he couldn’t tell her what to do if they were on different planets. Zade would be on Cappra, while she would fake her death and then stay safely hidden on Earth. No problem.

With deliberate movements, she lifted the hem of her pants, exposing her ankles. C’Nar approached, his smirk widening as he knelt to clasp the silver links around her slender ankles. The metal was cool against her skin.

“Do you, Ashlyn Faro, formally and of your own free will, agree to wear these chains of obedience for your husband?”

“Yes,” she hissed, her heart thundering so loudly she couldn’t hear herself think. Glaring at C’Nar, she added, “I, Ashlyn Faro, do formally and of my own free will, agree to wear these chains of obedience for my husband. I will gladly wear anything Prince Zade wants.”

“And do you, Caldorian, formally and of your own free will, agree to take Ashlyn Faro as your future bride?”

“I, Commander Zade Miralos of Caldor, do formally and of my own free will, agree to take Ashlyn Faro as my bride.”

Ashlyn held her breath as the gems glowed faintly, each bracelet shrinking to fit snugly against her ankles, the links liquefying and re-solidifying into one solid piece. The gems flashed as the chains activated, exerting a subtle, insidious pressure against her will. She shivered in fear. What had she done? They would never come off.

Councilor Seraphina watched closely, her wings twitching. "A true test of loyalty," she said, her voice carrying an almost musical quality. "How do you feel?"

Ashlyn straightened, meeting Seraphina's gaze with as much confidence as she could muster. "I feel... committed," she answered, carefully choosing her words. "The chains of obedience were a symbol of my loyalty to C’Bor, and now to Zade."

"Very well," Councilor Jorax gurgled, his tentacles writhing in what Ashlyn hoped was approval. "Let us see if you speak the truth."

C’Nar's eyes gleamed with malice. "Give her a command, Caldorian. Tell her to remove her clothing."

“You disgust me,” Zade snarled at C’Nar. Taking Ashlyn’s cold, trembling hands into his, he looked deeply into her eyes. In a commanding tone that brooked no argument, knowing she had to obey, he said, “Ashlyn Faro of Earth, you are to disobey any order I give you, if it is an order you disagree with.”

For a moment, the chains tightened around her ankles, compelling her to obey. She fought against it, feeling the pressure ease as she remained standing. A slow, joyful smile replaced her terror. "No. I will not disobey simply because you command it."

C’Nar's glare burned into her back, but she held her head high. How clever of Zade to issue such a command and, in doing so, make the chains ineffective. She could now disobey him whenever she wished. Smart, and lucky. Zade’s quick thinking had saved them. She couldn't help but wonder how much longer they could keep up the charade—and what it was going to cost them.

A murmur rippled through the Council members. C’Nar was loudest, spewing his hate and rage in a string of alien obscenities. Councilor Thal'kor raised a dark green hand, silencing the room. Councilor Seraphina glowed, a soft smile making her silver coloring seem somehow warm. "Enough, C’Nar. It seems you have been outsmarted. The female retains her free will, even with the chains."

C’Nar's face twisted with hostility, but he stepped back, his eyes full of retribution as he glared at Zade. “Only a weak, pathetic male would give his female such control.”

Zade stiffened, turning to face C’Nar. “What effect would killing you have on this test of yours, Ubrion? On your ancient laws? Do you have another cousin eager to take your place?”

“Silence.” Councilor Dur'vok grunted. "She has passed the first test and will be addressed as Councilor Faro for the duration of this hearing," he declared, his gravelly voice echoing through the chamber. “What is the second test?”

“A medical exam,” sneered C’Nar.

“Very well. We will give the couple time to adjust to the chains and reconvene tomorrow afternoon in the arena.”

A medical exam? Okay. She’d been to the doctor plenty of times. She could do this.

Hand in hand, Ashlyn and Zade made their way out, followed by a mass exodus of Council members.

Only C’Nar remained behind. His lips curled in a wicked smile. “And I, C’Nar Ubrion of Cappra, do formally and of my own free will, agree to take Ashlyn Faro as my bride, now and forevermore.”