The Rogue Prince (15 page)

“All right. My heart beats really fast,” Jasmine said. The women nodded for her to continue. “That’s nothing new, but it’s been getting worse lately. And I feel fluttery and flushed and my limbs go all weak on me until I can hardly stand up on my own. My stomach hurts and I feel like I might throw up or something.”

“Sounds like you’re pregnant,” Sam chuckled. “I’m with you so far.”

“Not pregnant,” Jasmine assured them. “I know that for a fact.”

“What else?” Tori asked, her face serious.

“I’ve been, um, leaking,” Jasmine said. “A lot.”

“Leaking?” Sam asked, furrowing her brow in confusion.

“How do you mean?” Ulyssa leaned forward.

“You know, leaking,” Jasmine motioned down to her thighs. “Not all the time, but randomly. It’s … this is so humiliating.” Jasmine hid her face in her hands and made a weak noise.

“Like your period?” Ulyssa asked.

Jasmine sat up. The three women were sharing a knowing look. “Same place, only different.”

“Um, Jasmine….” Tori smirked, covering her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing. Jasmine’s eyes widened. Why were they laughing at her? “Is Chad the only,
only
man you’ve been even slightly attracted to in the past?”

Jasmine nodded. “Like I said, he was really the only man I’d ever met that was from my own age group. I’ve met a few doctors and such over the last four years. Why do you ask?”

“And does this leaking seem to happen when Reid’s around?” Tori persisted.

“Well, yes, it started the same day I met him, why?” Jasmine looked at them. If they hadn’t been talking for hours, she might have started to cry at their reaction to her life threatening illness. “Do you think I’m allergic to Reid? I have gotten a little woozy the few times he’s tried to kiss me. And when he get close the symptoms get worse.”

“Allergic?” Tori repeated. “No, sweetie, I don’t think you’re allergic.”

“What, then?” Jasmine studied them carefully. “What? If you know what it is please tell me!”

“Happens to me all the time,” Tori said. “Each time I see my husband walk into a room.”

“Me too,” Sam said, grinning.

“Me three,” Ulyssa agreed, sighing heavily. “It happens when I just think of my husband.”

“Is it a Var thing? What is it? Tell me.” Jasmine’s heart was beating fast again and she was worried. “Please.”

“Jasmine,” Ulyssa said, leaning forward. “You’re not sick, though it does sound like you’re in bad shape.”

“What?” Jasmine persisted.

“You need to let Reid continue kissing you. He’s not my type, but it sounds like he’s got your cure,” Tori said, giggling. She shared another knowing look with the other two. “Trust me. Let him keep kissing you next time, no matter what happens. You’ll feel a whole lot better afterward.”

“But…?” Jasmine was still confused. What did Reid’s kisses have to do with her heart?

“Oh, Blessed Stars!” Sam exclaimed. Jasmine’s eyes widened. Bluntly, the woman continued, “What we’re saying is, you’re not sick, Jas. You’re just really horny. You need to get laid and it sounds like Reid’s the man to give it to you.”

Chapter Eight

Reid lifted his head, looking at his brothers. It was good to have them all together. They’d come to the old council hall often as children, having made it their private fort. Now that they were older, they still convened there to relax and talk in private. There were no windows in the old section of the castle, not even a little slit. Deep set, antique cushioned chairs were set around a large, intricately carved fireplace. A fire burned brightly, giving the tomblike room light and warmth.

Quinn lounged on the long pillows that lined the red carpeted floor. Kirill sat near the fireplace, resting his chin on his fist as he stared absently at the flames. He smiled occasionally at some of Jarek’s tales of space. Falke sat in a chair to the king’s right. The Commander’s body was stiff with rigid discipline. After a half century of command, he’d become hard and unforgiving. And, only after a few months of knowing Sam, he’d become softer.

Reid noticed how all three of his married brothers seemed to have a contentment about them. They looked happy. Maybe it was because he’d been gone, but he really saw a change in them. The men were in love. Reid wasn’t sure if this disappointed him or made him jealous.

Thinking of Jasmine, he frowned. She’d preoccupied his thoughts since the moment he first met her. His frown deepened and he slouched in his chair. He’d kissed her and she’d looked like she wanted to throw up on him. How could that be? He’d smelled her desire, didn’t he? His gut tightened and he felt as if he was being kicked repeatedly by an unseen force. Maybe the smell hadn’t been for him. Could it be that her arousal wasn’t of his doing? Had she seen someone else? Met someone who did that to her? Made her feel? Reid bit his lip. That last kick went straight to his heart. Too bad it didn’t finish him off.

“Ugh, Reid, stop brooding,” Kirill grumbled. “You’re making my head spin. Just go tell her you like her already.”

Reid frowned and automatically answered, “Who?”

At the word, his brother’s shared a knowing look. Reid knew damned well who. But if Jasmine didn’t like him in such a way, he wasn’t about to announce his interest in her to the world. Wouldn’t his brothers get a kick out of that? The great lover turned down by the one woman he desired most in all his years. Even Reid could grudgingly admit it was poetic justice.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I meant Jasmine,” Kirill said. “I forget you have so many women. Though, if you’re not taken with her, Navid did mention that he ran into her in the hall earlier. He has asked permission to court her--if she’s not already spoken for. I told him I’d ask you first, since she is your ward.”

Navid? Reid stiffened, his face tightening. Navid had seen Jasmine in the hall? Was that smell for Navid, then?

“Reid,” Quinn asked, a small laugh in his voice, “is anything wrong?”

Reid bit the inside of his mouth, drawing blood. Stiffly, he said, “No. Everything’s fine.”

“Then shall I tell Navid to go ahead?” Kirill asked.

“No,” Reid growled a little too quickly. The brothers looked at him, each trying not to smirk and failing miserably. Reid glanced at Jarek, willing his twin not to join in the conversation, as he said, “She’s married already.”

His brothers already knew as much. For some reason, Reid hadn’t wanted them thinking the worst of her, so he’d explained about her bruises and how he wasn’t sure if the marriage was still binding. Quinn was little to no help on the issue of human marriage rites. Reid sighed. Some ambassador Quinn was.

To Reid’s aggravation, Jarek did speak. “We all know that human and federation law isn’t recognized here. She’s not mated to anyone. I don’t see why Navid can’t pursue her, unless you don’t want him to. In fact, maybe we can hold a contest and have the men fight for the honor to pursue her.”

“Ah, now that is an idea,” Falke said, nodding thoughtfully. “It’s been a long while since we held a tournament.”

Sacred Cats! Reid growled, instantly standing. He stormed from the room, his brothers’ laughter following him out into the hall.

* * * *

Jasmine agreed to a tour of the Var palace. Ulyssa didn’t walk with them, claiming to feel a little fatigued. She was in the last trimester of her pregnancy and tired easily. Sam and Tori showed Jasmine around. The palace was beautiful.

“I have a theory that the Var somehow had contact with ancient Earth,” Tori explained as she pointed out some of the Moroccan like features of the tiled artwork. “As soon as I finish up some of the ecological tests I’m running on the shadowed marshes, I’m going to look into it. Quinn claims he’s never read anything about it in their old scrolls.”

“Ugh, not again,” Sam grumbled. “Jasmine, tell her you don’t care.”

“Well … I….” Jasmine stuttered, not wanting to be rude.

“She doesn’t care,” Sam said, grinning at Tori. Jasmine said nothing.

Tori rolled her eyes and led the way outside. The air was nice and cool. Before them was a long wide walkway made of smooth stone, adjoining the palace. Jasmine automatically looked up. The castle stood tall against the blue-green sky. Square turrets reached high into the heavens.

“It’s outstanding,” Jasmine whispered.

“Yeah, these barbarians have a few talents, don’t they?” Sam grinned. She motioned Jasmine to follow. “If you think the palace is neat, come check out the city.”

Jasmine followed her to the stone rail. The large Var city surrounded the palace. It rolled down the countryside from the front gate. The homes were constructed of gray bricks, contrasting to the red earth. They were of beautiful workmanship, though simplistic in their rectangular design. People walked along the top of their houses, as well as on the bustling maze of earthen streets.

There were three suns peeking from the clouded sky--two yellow, one blue. Apparently, the planet only had darkness one night a year because of the suns. For that reason, many places within the palace didn’t have lighting beyond the ceiling domes and fireplaces.

“You really do have a beautiful home,” Jasmine said quietly. She really did like the two princesses and the queen. Taking a deep breath, she smelled the fresh air. What was she doing here? Where would she go next? Suddenly, she really didn’t want to leave. Qurilixen was tucked away in the Y quadrant. The Federation Military hadn’t shown up again to look for her on Jarek’s ship. The thoughts gave her hope. It was possible Chad would never think to look for her here. If she was lucky, he’d think she was in the Nozando wilderness. It would be easy to conclude she’d starved to death or was attacked by wild animals.

“What are you thinking?” Tori asked, searching her face.

Jasmine glanced at the women with their pregnant bellies. Those were a lot of what ifs. Even if the possibility of Chad showing up here was remote, she couldn’t risk it. She couldn’t risk any of these people getting hurt because they’d been kind to her. Plus, with the Medical Mafia interested in hiring Chad, he might have more connections than she’d first thought. It hit Jasmine that she really didn’t know the man at all.

“I was just thinking of leaving,” Jasmine said. “Do you have a transport station anywhere on the planet? I have some jewels I can barter with.”

“Leaving?” Tori asked, she leaned over and glanced at Sam
.

“Ah,” Sam said, quickly. She hesitated. “Um, don’t you like it here?”

“Well, yes, it’s lovely, but--” Jasmine said.

“But, what?” Tori interrupted. “You don’t like lovely places?”

“No, no, I do, it’s just--” Jasmine was again cut off.

“You’re afraid you don’t belong here?” Sam interrupted.

Jasmine looked helplessly at the two women. “Well, I don’t belong--”

“Small matter,” Tori said, hooking her arm.

“Yeah, easily fixed,” Sam said.

“What do you mean?” Jasmine looked at both women. Maybe her first assumption had been correct. Maybe they were all crazy.

“I think Reid should explain that one,” Sam said. “You just let him do that kissing thing we talked about.”

“No, you don’t understand.” Jasmine tried to shake her head as she pulled her arms away. Both women watched her back away from them.

“Care to explain it to us then?” Sam asked, putting her hands on her hips.

Tori crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side. “Are you trying to say you don’t like Reid?”

“No, he’s been very kind.” Jasmine’s whole body shook. Were women friends usually this nosy? She’d just met them. Maybe she should’ve been more careful with what she told them. Her heart skipped a little. “I think I need my medicine. I’m going to go in.”

Sam stepped in her way. “What are you hiding?”

“N-nothing,” Jasmine stuttered. She again tried to skirt past them.

“It’s Chad, isn’t it?” Tori said. “You think he’ll come here for you. Reid won’t let him take you.”

“He won’t?” Jasmine asked in surprise. “I mean….”

She couldn’t even think of a good cover. There was no need. Tori and Sam were nodding their heads.

“No, he’s claimed you. You’re under his protection,” Tori said.

“Reid never claims women. He cares for you,” Sam added.

“He does?” Jasmine swallowed, wondering why she should care and knowing she really did. “I’m sure it’s just an honor thing.”

“I think it’s a sex thing.” Sam giggled.

Tori lightly hit the woman’s arm and shook her head. “Ignore her. Her pregnancy hormones are acting up again.”

Jasmine was about to protest further when she caught a movement out of the corner of her eyes. Reid stood by the entryway, his arms crossed. She snapped her mouth shut and made a weak noise. The two women instantly turned to where she stared. Jasmine didn’t pay attention to them. Her heart beat picked up again and the funny feeling in her stomach was back. Somehow, knowing she wasn’t dying made her less nauseous, but the fear was still there. Being sick, she could deal with. Being attracted to an experienced man like Reid, she couldn’t.

Jasmine swallowed nervously, taking in his lean form. He moved lazily toward them, walking like a man who knew he attracted women. He was confident, strong, and usually easygoing--though to see his stoic face now one wouldn’t know it. This was a man who would naturally expect a lover that could perform--at least on a basic level.

Jasmine grew worried. If she allowed him to kiss her, where did she put her hands? Did she make the first move? Did she let him? Did she have to tell him she wanted him to do more than kiss? And if she had to speak during all this, what exactly did she have to say?

The nausea came back but for a whole new reason. Nerves bundled in her stomach and she suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe. She gasped, covering her mouth. Knowing she was going to get sick, she ran toward the palace. Reid stopped as she hurried by him, her hand covering her mouth. His eyes widened in surprise and his mouth opened but no words came out.

Jasmine didn’t stop. How could she? Even if she didn’t get sick, she’d just embarrassed herself. And, worst of all, if she got this nervous just by looking at Reid, how in the world would she ever make it past the kissing part?