The Rogue Prince (22 page)

“The mafia ship’s in orbit. They’ve contacted the palace and wish to send someone down to negotiate the return of their property,” Kirill said, standing from behind his desk.

Reid tensed. His whole body shook. “Jasmine is not their property.”

“Knowing what we do about the Mafia, we will not send her back with them. Honor forbids it,” Falke said.

Reid didn’t care about his personal honor. He cared about Jasmine. Nothing else mattered.

“You know, I always thought that when you finally found out you had another half to your heart, we’d all have a good laugh,” Kirill said. “But, I find nothing funny about your situation.”

Reid looked at him.

“Do you remember what you told me, Reid? We do not live our father’s life. It is up to us to make our own destiny,” Kirill said. “Attor was--”

“Do you think I’m being stubborn over some nonsense our father said?” Reid asked in disbelief. “I knew Attor was wrong the first moment I saw her. I didn’t want to admit it, but I knew. She’s been in my head with just one look at her. I’ve dreamed of her. She completes me somehow. I’ve been obsessed with her.”

“Then?” Kirill asked.

“She’s not obsessed with me,” Reid answered quietly. He turned his back, unable to meet his brothers’ eyes.

“Have you asked her?” Kirill’s voice was quiet, gauging.

“I didn’t have to. She told me how she felt,” Reid laughed, a low, sad sound that held no pleasure. “And, fool that I was, I mated her life to mine. I suppose it is some kind of poetic justice. The one who would never fall, mates to a woman who would not have him.”

“You didn’t tell her?” Falke asked. “She doesn’t know, does she?”

“What’s to tell?” Reid lifted his chin. “There’s no point in embarrassing myself further and making her uncomfortable in the process. If she wants me, she’ll stay when the time comes to make that choice.”

“Reid, no.” Kirill shook his head. “Women are not like us. They need to be told. They’re not Var. Don’t make the mistake of--”

“What’s the plan?” Reid interrupted, unable to discuss it further. He’d spent several glorious days with Jasmine, watching her every move for a sign that she cared for him more than a friend, more than just a lover. That sign never came.

“Quinn is talking with them now in the communications room,” Kirill said. “He’s stalling, waiting for our decision. Our wives are with Jasmine, keeping her occupied and safe. If she tries to leave, they will restrain her by any means necessary. Jarek took his crew back on his ship and are watching things from the sky.”

“She’s your wife, Reid,” Falke said. “The decision is yours. Should you ask us, we will fight them all.”

Reid nodded his thanks, but he could not ask his brothers to fight. They had their own wives and children on the way. If there was another way, he’d find it. Fighting would be the last option. “Let their man come down. Maybe we can convince him that Jasmine’s not here. Or, maybe we can negotiate with them for her. They’re businessmen, seedy ones, but businessmen nonetheless.”

“I’m sure we’d all like to get that Dr. St. Claire within punching distance,” Kirill said.

Reid nodded. A fire burned in him. He would give anything to avenge Jasmine and give her peace.

“It is most likely they know she’s here,” Falke said. “Denying that will only create further distrust.”

Reid nodded, forcing all emotion aside. “Very well. We’ll say nothing, just let them make their proposal first. Tell Quinn to arrange it.”

“I’ll alert the soldiers.”

Kirill nodded. “We’ll meet them outside on the landing dock. I don’t want them in the palace. We’ll have Siren on high alert.”

Reid nodded. “Very well. Let’s do it.”

* * * *

Jasmine looked around the table, eyeing the three suddenly very guilty looking women. They’d been chatting nonstop for nearly an hour. It became apparent that their minds were preoccupied elsewhere. But when Tori mumbled, “I hate this part,” Jasmine knew for sure something was up.

“There’s something going on, isn’t there?” Jasmine demanded, standing up. The women instantly pushed up from the table. Jasmine made a move for the door.

“Siren,” Ulyssa said. “Lock us in until I give the order.”

“Yes, my queen,” Siren answered.

Jasmine ran for the door, pulling at it. It was locked. “Siren, let me out.”

The computer didn’t answer.

“Siren!” Jasmine ordered. “Do you hear me? I said let me out of here!”

“I’m sorry, Princess Jasmine, but I’m just a slut and can’t understand you,” the computer answered.

“Did she just say she was a slut?” Jasmine demanded, facing the women who stood behind her. “And did she just call me a princess?”

“Oh, no,” Ulyssa said, rubbing her belly. “You didn’t happen to insult Siren, did you? She’s really touchy.”

“Siren,” Tori warned. “Jasmine didn’t mean anything she said. Don’t zap her.”

“Zap me?” Jasmine gasped, looking around the room. Nothing had changed.

“Apologize to her, quick,” Tori said. “I made her mad and she zapped my backside, making me pass out.”

“I heard she locked Reid in the weapons chamber for calling her an overpriced piece of junk,” Sam whispered.

“I thought he said she was ugly,” Ulyssa said, furrowing her brow.

“It doesn’t matter,” Tori insisted in a rush. “Trust me. Apologize.”

Feeling like an idiot, Jasmine apologized to a computer. “I’m sorry, Siren. I didn’t mean it. I was just trying to make Reid mad and I … I apologize.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Siren said, the voice cheerful. “Apology logged.”

“Will you please unlock the door, now?” Jasmine asked sweetly.

“I’m sorry, my lady, but access to such commands is denied to level eight security clearances.”

Jasmine opened her mouth, about ready to call the computer a few other choice names when Tori rushed to her and covered her mouth. “Trust me on this one, Jasmine. Let it go.”

“Oh,” Ulyssa moaned. “I’m not feeling so well.”

Jasmine frowned, thinking the queen was just trying to distract her from leaving.

“Oh, my….” Sam said.

“Ulyssa?” Tori asked.

There was a sound of water falling on stone. Ulyssa’s gown was soaked from the waist down. She looked up from where a puddle gathered around her feet, her eyes wide. “I think I’m having the baby. I’ve been having cramps all day. I thought it was indigestion again from eating all that chocolate last night before bed.”

“No,” Sam said. “It’s too early yet. You can’t have this baby.”

“I don’t think that matters,” Jasmine put forth. “Her water’s broke. Go get her husband.”

“No, you can’t,” Ulyssa said. “He’s with Reid, they’re….”

The queen grabbed her stomach and moaned. Sam paled, making a move to reach for her and backing away.

“You were married to a doctor, Jasmine, is this…?” Ulyssa said, her eyes tearing in fright.

Jasmine shook her head, trying to clear it. Ulyssa misread the action and swayed on her feet. Instantly, Jasmine’s mind took over with what had to be done. “Tori, tell Siren to monitor her life functions or whatever the command for this computer is. I’m taking it she can do that?”

Tori nodded and gave Siren the order.

“Do you have a medic?” Jasmine asked.

Sam nodded. “Yes, but he’s making rounds in the village today. The palace is on high alert until after….”

“You might as well tell me so we can get past it,” Jasmine said.

“Argh!”
Ulyssa screamed, her knees buckling as she grabbed her stomach. Near breathless, she said, “The guys have gone to meet with the Medical Mafia to see what they want. Aside from that, we don’t know what’s happening. We’re just waiting to get word that it’s all right to come out.”

Jasmine tensed. “So you were sent to babysit me?”

“Yes,” Ulyssa rushed. “Now, could you hate me for this later?”

“Get her on the bed.” Jasmine shook, keeping focused. Tori and Sam helped the pregnant woman to lie down. “Tori, does Siren have any medical functions as far as injections or anything at all?”

Tori asked the computer. It wasn’t fully operational as a medic, but it did have some uses. It monitored the contractions and they were able to sanitize their hands in the bathroom. Sam rigged the food simulator to materialize something to help ease Ulyssa’s pain. Ulyssa refused to drink it, worried it might hurt the baby. Jasmine knew it wouldn’t but she didn’t press the issue.

Jasmine took a deep breath. Tori was a big help, being as she was a scientist. Between the two of them they managed to set forth a game plan. Sam held Ulyssa’s hand, talking her through it and giving encouragement.

“Okay,” Jasmine said, sitting on the end of the bed and taking a deep breath. Her fingers shook, but she tried not to let Ulyssa see her worry. “I think we’re ready.”

“Ahhh!”
Ulyssa screamed. “That’s good, cause ready or not, here he comes.”

* * * *

Reid glanced at Kirill. His brother’s face had
paled slightly. Quietly, he asked, “What is it?”

They stood on the walkway outside the palace. None of them liked the Mafia being so close to their home, but the Var guards were inside readied for battle should anything happen. Besides, none of the brothers wanted to leave the palace or their women unattended while they met the men elsewhere.

“It’s nothing,” Kirill said, his jaw stiff. “I just felt Ulyssa for a second.”

“If you need….” Reid began.

“No, I trust her. She can take care of herself. I’ll feel it if she needs me to come to her,” Kirill said.

Reid nodded, wishing he could have such trust between him and Jasmine, as he looked toward the end of the platform. The large ship had docked and three men in dark, form fitting suit jackets that reached to their knees and buttoned all the way down the front disembarked. Their pants were loose around their legs. One of the men carried a small, square suitcase. Reid wasn’t fooled. Even with their refined appearance, they were still criminals.

“Ambassador Reid,” one of the men said, eyeing him. “Or are you Ambassador Jarek?”

“I’m Prince Reid,” Reid said, lifting his chin. He didn’t recognize the man who spoke, but assumed he’d seen his speech at the medical conference on Nozando. The man with the suitcase stood a few paces behind the other two.

“I’m sorry, you highness. I didn’t realize you were royalty.” The man bowed, but he didn’t look any more respectful.

Reid said nothing. The men eyed his brothers.

“I’m Dr. Ellington,” the man who’d spoken said. Then, motioning to the man at his side, he introduced, “This is Doc Francis. We’ve come to negotiate the return of our property.”

Doc Francis was an older gentleman. He didn’t speak, merely stared. Reid glanced behind him to the man with the suitcase. Was that Dr. St. Claire? He’d never seen the man so he couldn’t be sure. The guy wasn’t acting like a man who’d lost his wife.

“I wasn’t aware we were in possession of your property,” Reid said.

“Don’t play games,” Dr. Ellington snapped. “Your friend already talked.”

Reid tensed. Friend? Did he mean Jarek or perhaps a member of Jarek’s crew?

Dr. Ellington waved his hand. The man with the suitcase came forward and opened it. With a jerk, he dumped the contents on the ground. A severed head rolled towards Reid’s feet. Reid took a deep, slow breath, forcing his nerves to be calm. Slowly, as if he hadn’t a concern in the galaxy, he looked down. The head’s face was pointed toward his feet. Whoever it had been, he’d had short black hair with graying temples. By the looks of the laceration on his face, he’d been tortured. His eyes were missing from his head. Reid didn’t recognize him.

“Who’s this?”

“You don’t know him?” Dr. Ellington asked, surprised. “Perhaps you just don’t recognize Dr. St. Claire. He has lost a little weight, hasn’t he?”

Reid glanced down again. This was Dr. St. Claire? He took a deep breath, wondering how Jasmine would take the news if and when he told her. Reid couldn’t say he was sorry for it.

“This is St. Claire?” Reid asked. “You’ve done me a favor. Now I can keep his wife.”

The men exchanged looks. “This isn’t a joke. I assure you, we’re very serious.”

“And I assure you,” Kirill said. “We are as well.”

“Then give us back our booth,” Dr. Ellington said.

Reid tensed. Booth? They were here for a booth?

“I’m afraid I’m not following,” Kirill said.

“And you are?” Dr. Ellington demanded.

“He is the King,” Falke answered. The big Var took a step forward, towering over the men. The men shook and took a small step back.

“Your Majesty,” Dr. Ellington said, bowing respectfully while keeping an eye on Falke.

“What is this about a booth? You’re not here for Jasmine St. Claire?” Reid asked.

“Who? Dr. St. Claire’s wife?” Dr. Ellington laughed. “What would I want with that insipid woman? If you want her, keep her. We don’t care. We just want our medical booth back. Jasmine won it in a drawing. Dr. St. Claire tells us it was put on your ship. He tried to swear he didn’t know what was in it, but then he did steal it, didn’t he?”

Reid could barely breathe. These men didn’t want Jasmine. They wanted the stupid medical booth on Jarek’s ship.

“We want what’s ours,” Dr. Ellington said.

“Pick up your head,” Reid answered, frowning in what he hoped looked like boredom and annoyance. Dr. Ellington motioned to the man with the suitcase. He placed the head back inside and stepped back. “Go back to your ship. I don’t know what St. Claire was up to, but he gave us that booth as a present. We did think it amusing at the time, especially when he said it was to pay us for taking his wife from him. But she’s pretty and I desired a bed slave.”

Reid didn’t mean it, but it was the only thing he could think of. These men looked at the Var people as primitive, backward thinking barbarians. Why change the opinion? Let them think the Var were stupid fools.

“And the booth?” Dr. Ellington insisted.

“Let me keep the woman and agree to go away peacefully and I’ll let you take the booth.” Reid lifted his chin. “We haven’t even unpacked it. You’ll get it exactly as we did.”

Dr. Ellington smirked. The look on his face was condescending, as if he thought the Vars no more than a pack of fools. “Done.”