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As Xeus led his Macera to the new gardens behind his palace, he snuck glances at her, disbelieving this gift, this blessing. That he held her hand in his helped to assure him that it was the truth. He had been blessed with a Dar Eth, the very same female who had haunted him. Her brown hair flowed behind her when she moved—the freedom of it stirred something unnamed within his chest. He inhaled, hoping to memorize her scent now that she was his, his queen, his salvation.
“You keep glancing at me, Zoo,” she said before flashing him a shy smile.
“I never expected to find my Dar Eth, Macera.”
“Because you think you’re too old?” She arched an eyebrow.
He traced the shape of it with a fingertip, finding it soft too. “Yes, I believed I was lost.”
She clasped his tunic, just above his nipples. “Not lost, too impatient.” She smiled at him to soften her words. “Look at me then, Zoo. If I am yours, as you say, then you are free to look and touch.”
His heartbeat tripped as his gaze traveled over her features.
“As am I,” she said, fluttering her fingers up and over his collarbones to his shoulders.
His eyelids stuttered at her gentle touch.
“To look is to touch is to taste, ensa. I am not strong enough to resist you.”
Tiny bumps feathered over her skin as she shivered. He liked how she reacted to his words.
“If you were Etterian, I would claim you now,” he added in a gruff whisper.
“But I’m not.” She glanced away but not before he caught the shimmer in her eyes.
“No, you are precious as you are, so soft and sweet-scented.” He smiled. “So passionate.” He captured her hand in his, eager to move while resisting the temptation to toss her over his shoulder. And when he had her there, he’d take her to Crustiiu—the heated pools hidden in the rocky cliffs behind the palace. “Which is why the children will make excellent guards.”
She frowned. “Why are you not claiming me now?”
He groaned as images flooded his mind as per his vision. “I have little control. I will not risk losing it and harming you, my Dar Eth.”
Her eyes grew huge.
She is so expressive, my human.
“I’m here when you need me, Xeus.” She squeezed his hand.
He was unable to speak. She was there for him when he was ready, and he valued her courage in telling him this. By the pink on her cheeks, discussing such a subject wasn’t normal for her. He opened the gate and ushered her through, closing it behind him before urging her down the path to where the children played.
“Uncle Xeus.” Lily ran up to him to throw herself into his arms.
He kneeled to catch her but didn’t release Macera’s hand, unable to do so. “Hello, Lady Lily, how have you been today?”
“Did you hear I have a new daddy?” She gave Xeus many hugs and little kisses.
“Yes, I have. Nerx is a good male.”
“He’s my daddy,” Lily said before glancing at Macera.
“Hello, Lily,” Macera said. “Do you like living here?”
“Pink’s my favorite color.” Lily giggled and gestured to the pink sky, her tiny pink leggings, and matching baggy shirt. “Daddy let me choose this morning.”
“Don’t tell Uncle Xeus, but my favorite color is the blue of his eyes,” Macera whispered into Lily’s ear.
He stiffened then slid his hand along Macera’s back to squeeze a hip. Her softness filled his palm but also allowed him to draw her closer.
The little girl winked at Macera, gave Xeus another hug, and skipped away. He rose to his feet, and as he did so, he looped an arm around Macera’s waist, pulling her into his arms.
“I want to kiss you so much,” he mumbled, as he buried his nose in the curve of her neck.
“Juice time.” Olivia’s voice traveled across the playground. Macera’s head shot up. She slipped out of Xeus’s embrace, unaware she did so with his permission. “Hello, Xeus,” Olivia said and gave Macera a welcoming smile.
“Hello, Olivia.” He strode over, grabbing Macera’s hand as he swept past her, tugging her with him. “This is my queen, Macera.” His gaze remained on Macera’s upturned face. Not once did he glance at Olivia, not even to lose himself in her junix-colored eyes like he used to.
“Your queen? I didn’t know you had a wife?” Olivia smiled even as her eyebrows dipped in confusion.
“It just happened, within the last hour.” Macera chuckled. “The Ethera makes it immediate.”
“That...is amazing.” Olivia clasped her hands together while beaming.
“I know, right?” Macera laughed, squeezing Xeus’s hand. “Found a male yet?” she asked Olivia.
“She will soon. They will come to gaze upon her junix eyes.” He smiled at Olivia, pleased to be able to do so.
“They are beautiful, Olivia.” Macera faced him. “Did you receive a request from Oyaz about communicating my image to all your males?”
“Yes, and permission was given,” he said, though the decision had cost him a sleepless night. “I didn’t receive the comm. Had I seen your full image, you would have been my Dar Eth sooner.” He leaned in to whisper, “I wanted you to be mine for so long.”
She gazed into his eyes, then rested her hand palm-down on his chest. Contentment flooded him with sweet warmth. He covered her hand with his, trapping her there.
“Couldn’t we do the same for Olivia?” Macera asked before glancing at Olivia to see if she’d agree to such a process.
“Would you be comfortable with such an imposition?” Xeus caught Olivia’s hopeful gaze. “I will have Cales attend to it before his departure.” He activated his O.D.I. to send the instruction, releasing Macera’s hand to do so.
“I’m so pleased to meet you. I’ve been bored since I got here,” Macera said. “Quin is somewhere with Xan, and I haven’t seen her since we landed. Cyndi is with Iddan and too busy to spend much time with me. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Olivia patted Macera’s forearm. “Come on by whenever you’re free, and we’ll find something for you to do. Just playing with the children helps.”
Macera squealed and hugged Olivia. Her energy vibrated off her and triggered an answering response in Xeus. “If I had only known,” she said. “There are many things about life on Etteria I wish someone had told me.”
“Come on in. The children are having their juice and cookies if you’d like to join them.” Olivia entered the modified barracks.
Macera spun instead and threw herself into his arms. Her unexpected affection had him crushing her against him, grateful for any contact.
“What is this for?” He rubbed his chin back and forth across her temple.
“I hate being bored. Doing nothing drives me crazy,” she said into his neck, inhaling his scent as he did hers. “You smell like sunlight and cut grass.”
He shivered as she released him, forcing him to lower her down his body. Her expressive mouth parted on a breathless moan before she bounced away from him only to turn back to grab his hand and pull him behind her.
Cales arrived to comm Olivia’s image to all his males. In the meantime, Macera played with the children and told them the incredible story of her kidnapping and escape. She often slid onto his lap as he’d seen Lady Ava do to Kanzo. Protectiveness swirled within Xeus among other emotions he still couldn’t identify nor control. Xan’s words replayed in his mind, making him realize his control was under attack. Where it had bothered Xan, it delighted Xeus.
Macera sang to the children, the words charming, the rhythm hypnotic. The pace increased, and the children joined in, laughing and bouncing around the room as much as Macera did.
Alodon’s balls! She has passion and fire, my queen.
“I’ve been matched?” Olivia cried out. Her voice silenced the birdsong.
Macera clapped her hands to draw the children’s attention to her, then moved over to the display vid to choose an entertainment vid for them.
“Who?” She clasped Olivia’s hands.
“He’s seven-feet tall?” Olivia gaped at Cales as she stared at the pixelated image on his O.D.I.
Xeus shifted closer, drawn to Macera. He slipped his arms around her for a hug. Her breasts rested on his forearm, pleasing yet tormenting him.
“Supreme Commander Syna,” Cales, understanding Xeus so well, said to him when he’d arched a brow in query.
“He is a good male, strong enough to protect all your children,” Xeus said to Olivia while he rubbed his chin across the crown of Macera’s head, unable to stop himself.
“He is handsome.” Olivia’s smile was slow to form.
Macera snorted. “All Etterian males are handsome. It’s to find the one that makes your insides melt.” She glanced at Xeus, her lips curling into a smirk. “And before you call a medic, it’s just a saying.”
“What does it mean, my queen?” Cales frowned.
Thankfully Olivia answered since Xeus drowned in the swirling brown of Macera’s eyes. “Your heart beats without a rhythm. You can’t breathe when in his presence. You’d pin him to a wall and have your way with him if he let you.”
“Yes to the latter,” Lady Ava said, entering the barracks. Some of the children cried out in excitement and rushed to hug her.
“Hello, Ava. Where’s Kanzo today?” Olivia asked.
“Cales has him running around. If he’s too exhausted to tend to more important matters in the evenings, meaning me, I will comm you, Cales,” she said. “So what’s this about melting your insides?”
“Olivia has an Eth,” Cales said, unfazed by Lady Ava’s threat. He tilted his arm to show Syna’s holographic image.
“Let me see?” She tugged Cales’s wrist toward her. “Wow, he’s amazing. Seven feet? Damn.”
“Don’t let Kanzo hear you.” Olivia laughed. “Come meet Macera, she’s King Xeus’s Dar Eth.”
Ava’s head shot up. Her pale-green eyes widened in delight. “If anyone deserves a Dar Eth, it’s Xeus. Welcome, Queen Macera.” Ava hugged Macera as best she could with Xeus’s arms still around her.
Cales glanced up from his O.D.I. “Syna will arrive in three days. He is on the battleship Usaha en route to Issneen, having abandoned the battleship Chikara to Sub-Commander Cylo.” He lowered his arm and nodded at Xeus. “I’ve commed him and requested he recommends his replacement.”
With a whispered thank you, Xeus gathered Macera close.
They had lunch on blankets spread out on the blue grass. He hid a smile. She was aroused. Her intoxicating scent tantalized him, smoky and intense. She squirmed, unable to find comfort. Her pebbled nipples were visible through her tunic, and she blushed every time she glanced at him. Her hooded gaze told him what she wanted to do with him. If it wasn’t for the children, she’d be beneath him now.
“Are you not hungry, my Macera?” he asked.
She took a quick bite of her untouched sandwich. If he didn’t leave her this afternoon, he’d claim her. He shuddered at the thought. One or two things needed his attention. Informing Enyl of this was the first item on his list. Citus, as well. With that in mind, he leaned across to drag her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her as he inhaled her scent deep into his lungs.
“Will I see you at our alcove, the usual time?”
Her gaze swung to meet his, alarmed. She studied his face then nodded, letting a small smile tease her lips. “Yes, Zoo,” she said. “I look forward to it.”
“So do I.” He pressed a kiss to her temple and shifted her off his lap, his fingers curling into her hips with a reluctance to release her. Bounding up, he forced himself to leave, his hands clenched at his sides.
~*~
Macera was waiting for him when he approached their alcove, this time from the side where she could see him. There was no need to hide anymore. She’d plucked a hahyt blossom and brushed it back and forth across her cheek, humming to herself as she stared dreamily at the clouds.
Maker, she takes my breath away.
She must have sensed his presence since her gaze focused, and she turned to meet his gaze. She gave him such a sweet smile, spasming his balls.
“You came.” She bounced on the bench then patted it beside her. “Did you do what you needed to?”
He had commed his status change, he’d cleansed and dressed in appropriate garments, including boots, and he had no other appointments other than to present her to the court this evening.
“Yes, I informed my son and brother,” he said, lowering his bulk onto the bench next to her.
Unable to resist, he laced his fingers through hers and drew the blossom out of her other hand, only to run the petals along her forearm. Raising her arm to his nose, he inhaled her and the hahyt’s scents combined. He rumbled his approval.
“I met Kanzo,” she said. “He adores Ava. It was beautiful and embarrassing to witness. He gazed at her with such an intimate expression of love that I felt like I was intruding.” Macera blushed when she glanced at Xeus.
“Love?” He knew what it meant before his O.D.I. informed him.
Strong affection for another arising out of kinship or romantic interest.
As far as I’m aware, Etterians do not feel love. They experience the Ethera, perhaps that is love? This volatile, uncontrollable addiction to another being?
“The Ethera?” he asked.
“Is that your word for love?” Her temple furrowed.
He ran a fingertip over it and marveled as the ripples in her skin faded.
“We train out our emotions and, therefore, cannot recognize complex emotions. What does love mean to you?”
“There are many types of love. The love of a parent, of a friend, a brother. But the love Kanzo has for Ava is none of those. It’s an all-consuming emotion... I don’t know how to explain it, Zoo.”
“Have you experienced this love?” he asked even though the thought of her loving another male gritted his teeth. He blinked away the red haze from his vision and forced his shoulders to relax. She was his now.
“No, but I know it exists.” Her belief in this love was evident. “To be someone’s universe, to sleep, dream, breathe just one person as if your existence rested on their wellbeing? A love like that would be wonderful.”
“And you saw this in Kanzo?” Xeus would make sure to study his new advisor and Lady Ava together.
Macera snuggled into his side. He raised his arm to draw her closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Because he couldn’t help himself, he pressed his lips to the top of her head.
“About tonight, is there something specific I need to wear? How formal is it?”
“You would allow me to...dress you?” A sharp pain crushed his chest, and he tightened his arm around her, disbelief blurring his thoughts.
“Why wouldn’t I? They are your people and customs. I need your guidance, Zoo. I don’t want to disappoint you.”
He dropped her hand and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her to nuzzle her neck. “You could never disappoint me, ensa. To allow a male to choose your garments is to announce you are pleased and are willing to mate with him.”
“It is?”
“Your garment will be in dark blue. You will look magnificent in my color, my Dar Eth,” he said.
Fresh pink stained her cheeks and she lowered her gaze, hiding her expression from him.
“So any garment in dark blue?” she asked, a tempting curl to her lips but not a full-fledged smile. “I can wear my swimsuit then?”
Before realizing she teased him, he drew in a sharp breath. He released it with a sigh of relief. “I will ensure you have the appropriate garment, my Dar Eth. It is my duty, my honor to see to your needs. And as to your swimsuit, it is only for me to see. You are mine, Macera. I do not like to share what is mine,” he ground out with utter conviction.
She shivered but the expression she bestowed on him wasn’t one of fear but of awe.
“How long do you have this afternoon?” She ran her fingers along his forearm, the softness of her touch settling peace deep within him. “To spend with me before duty calls?”
“I’ve no appointments, no urgent missives.”
“You’re mine for the day?” She jumped up and grabbed his hands, as if she could lift him off the bench.
He rose with a chuckle and followed her, seeing that she led him to the beach. At the last few stone steps, she paused to toe off her footwear and rolled up the bottom of her blue breeches. Then, as she sank her toes into the sand, a bliss crossed her features, making him Fuyra hard. He grumbled but removed his boots, rolling his pants up as far as he could, which wasn’t far since they hadn’t been designed to do so.
And yet the moment he sank his feet into the soft and heated sand, he gaped at the exquisite sensation. I’ve never known. He wiggled his toes, unable to still them in the shifting sands.
“Feels good, right?” She dipped to peer into his eyes.
“Maker, Macera, this is remarkable.”
She laughed and laced her fingers through his hand again, then urged him to follow. He did so with more eagerness this time. He marveled at the cool waves then at the heated sand and in repeat, at last understanding her appreciation of this part of his world. His gaze rested on her upturned face she held to the suns’ rays, her eyes closed, and with such a peaceful expression. He felt shame then. Etteria was his to protect, yet he hadn’t appreciated the true gift that it was.
“Do you think the children would love to come here?” he asked, though he’d need to task more males to protect them. Omeika did infest his oceans.
“That’s a brilliant idea, Zoo,” she said. “I think you should suggest it to Olivia.”
“You should suggest it.” He looped his arms around her waist to hold her against him. A breeze lifted her hair off her shoulders and covered his arm and shoulder with her suns-baked locks. I’m in heaven.
“No, you’re the sweet and considerate male to think of it. I want all of Etteria to know how wonderful you are.”
His chest swelled at the intense emotion in her eyes. “Sweet and considerate does not sound intimidating,” he teased.
“True.” She chuckled. “All right, I’ll suggest it. We can’t have our enemies believing you’ve gone soft in your old age.”
“Soft? Old?”
She slipped from his arms to scurry away, her laughter tinkling in the air.
He realized as he chased after her that he was...joyful.
And at peace.
~*~
Planet Etteria
Issneen, the Royal City
The Royal Court
That evening.
Xeus stilled when Kanzo and Lady Ava stepped through the doors leading into the court. His avid gaze sought out his Macera, eager to scent and hold her. It had been less than an hour since he’d escorted her to her waiting guards. He’d activated her replicator from his O.D.I. and ordered the ceremonial wrap according to her stored measurements. Even footwear for her tiny feet.
He struggled to calm his erratic heartbeat. Energy coursed through him which made standing still impossible. Not that he cared whether the court accepted her or not. They didn’t have a choice. The Ethera had chosen. Not even he, the Great King Xeus, could reject the Ethera. He was simply anxious to be in her presence.
Her brown hair swirled around her as she laughed at Nuos trailing her. Judging by his darkened cheeks, he was blushing. Then she stepped into the court... The dark blue and gold of her ceremonial wrap didn’t go unnoticed.
Xeus stared, mesmerized as she strolled toward him. The wrap accentuated every curve, the blue as stunning on her as the swimsuit had been. Pink glowed on her cheeks from their afternoon on the beach, and her eyes sparkled. She bounced as she moved, her vibrant life force so potent he could almost scent her emotions. As she headed for him, a bright smile spread across her cheeks. At that moment, he was the most blessed male on Etteria.
This marvelous creature was his Dar Eth. He held out his hand to her, and she accepted it, content to allow him to draw her into his arms.
“As my final announcement this evening before I embark on a mission for Etteria, please welcome Queen Macera, King Xeus’s Dar Eth.” Cales gave them a welcoming smile.
Court members pressed in to ‘congratulate’ them, but their true intentions were to stare into Xeus’s eyes, confirming the validity of her claim. His chest swelled as he watched her. But when Ambassador Tamra approached, he stiffened. He twitched to stand by Macera’s side. Yet to do so would undermine her authority.
“Breathe, my king. I advised her to be firm but welcoming,” Kanzo said from beside Xeus before abandoning him to join Ava.
Xeus wiped away a scowl. Welcoming? His Macera was everything he was not—kind, sweet, joyful, and spontaneous. What was he thinking, leaving her to face his stern people alone. But it was too late. Tamra had reached Macera.
Tamra peered down her nose at Macera, who beamed at her, unaware of the hatred swirling in Tamra’s dark eyes. Alongside his queen in his bloodline color, Tamra in pale yellow formed a striking image—tall, statuesque, her thick braid falling to her heels. Macera, with her wild hair, lush lips and stubborn little chin was infinitely more beautiful to him.
“And you are?” Macera asked, clasping her hands in front of her.
“Ambassador Tamra,” she hissed.
Duly unimpressed, Macera’s eyes twinkled with unsuppressed humor. “Do you like poazo, ambassador?”
Tamra jerked back, a frown furrowing her brow. “I do not understand the question.”
That she didn’t grant Queen Macera respect had Xeus wishing he could have a foot of honor taken from the female. How dare she speak to his Macera that way?!
“Well, Tamra,” Macera dropped the ambassador title while leaning in as if to whisper, “I once advised my Eth that a stint at peeling poazo in the palace’s kitchens would do his ambassadors a world of good.” She patted Tamra’s forearm. “I assume you’re not a difficult ambassador to deal with.”
Tamra gasped, her eyes wide. “King Xeus would never allow you—”
“Allow? My Eth is most generous.” Macera glanced at him and smiled. “Such an honorable male, is he not?”
“Well, he can be stubb—”
“Is he not, Tamra?” Macera scowled and raised her fingers to tap each one. “You haven’t addressed me as befitting my title. Strike one. You show dishonor toward your king. Strike two. And just because I’m not Etterian, you think to intimidate me? Strike three.” When Tamra gaped at her, Macera gestured Nuos over. “It seems the ambassador has yet to see the palace kitchens. Do give her a tour. Perhaps have her peel a poazo or two.”
“As you command, my queen.” Nuos thumped his chest before escorting a muttering Tamra from court.
“You may have made an enemy, Macy,” Azan whispered.
Macera flicked a dismissive hand. “Humans fight for what is ours. Xeus is mine, as determined by the Ethera. To not accept that is to laugh in the face of your tradition. I won’t tolerate either.” She grinned at Azan. “But it might be wise to add combat training to my morning sessions.”
Azan chuckled. “Indeed.”
Word traveled through the court for what awaited those disrespectful. Xeus groaned when Ambassador Brenin cut a swath through the gathered crowd. The male took a moment to stare into Xeus eyes before gripping his forearm and flattening his palm on his chest. Such an unexpected gesture from his most argumentative ambassador snatched Xeus’s breath.
“This...gives me such hope. My congratulations, my king.” Brenin fell into position beside Xeus to survey the court. “A human as queen is not what I expected for Etteria, but...the Ethera has chosen. And she dismissed Tamra well.” He didn’t glance at Xeus when he said, “A trying female.”
“Thankfully, not all our females are so ill-mannered.” Xeus grinned when Macera laughed at something Lady Keryr said, their temples almost touching as if they were damu planning mischief.
With Keryr on her left and Azan to the right, Macera swept through the crowd. None spoke a harsh word about her or him, fearing a session of poazo peeling.
“Ingenious,” Brenin whispered when Nuos returned with an almost docile Tamra. “I shall threaten the same in my house.” He thumped his chest and abandoned Xeus.
“When Brenin approves, I cannot but be concerned.” Kanzo sidled closer, bringing Lady Ava with him.
“Indeed. Let us adjourn,” Xeus said when he realized Macera’s vibrancy was fading. He gathered her near and escorted her into his office where they waited for Cales, Kanzo, and Lady Ava to join them.
“You did so well,” Lady Ava said, squeezing and releasing Macera’s hands. “You were regal and diplomatic.”
“I tried.” Macera shrugged before stifling a yawn. “I’m so sorry. It’s been an exciting but long day.” She snuggled against Xeus’s chest.
He wrapped a protective arm around her, rubbing circles on her back to ease the tension in her muscles.
“It did go well,” Cales said, but his excitement was more for his impending journey.
Xeus scooped Macera up, holding her in his arms as he lowered himself into a comfy. It adjusted to accommodate them.
“Did I...do well, my Eth?” Her wide eyes revealed her uncertainty.
“You are beautiful in every way, Macera. And how you handled Ambassador Tamra was admired by all.” He gave her a pleased smile. She responded with a sweet one, her fingers embedding in his tunic. “Do you depart tomorrow?” he asked, raising his gaze to rest on Cales.
“Yes, the battleship Usaha has been burning at full pulse to reach Issneen.”
“Isn’t Supreme Commander Syna on that ship?” Lady Ava asked.
Cales tapped his O.D.I., no doubt checking on the battleship’s location. “Yes, it wouldn’t surprise me if Syna arrives sooner than that, using a scimitar to hasten the journey. It is right that an Eth is eager to claim his Dar Eth.”
“Regardless of your departure time, Cales, all of Etteria is with you,” Kanzo said, gathering Lady Ava within his embrace. She gazed at him for a long unguarded while.
It was then that Xeus saw this love Macera had mentioned. A timeless warmth passed from Kanzo to Ava and back, something he was uncomfortable witnessing while being mesmerized by the intense bond between them.
He wanted that connection with Macera, understanding now why she revered it. Wondering why she was quiet, he glanced down. She’d fallen asleep with her face pressed against his chest, her soft mouth parted, her delicate fingers resting over his heart. Warmth flooded him, and he tightened his arms, keeping her near.
“Safe journey, my battle-bond.” Xeus bid Cales farewell as he rose from his comfy, giving him a nod before slipping through a side door and out onto the stone passage.
Azan and Nuos ran to assist.
Xeus shook his head and whispered to remain silent.
Azan hurried ahead to hold her door open so that Xeus could stride through to her room unhindered. He lowered her onto her bed and pulled a blanket over her. He sat on the edge of the bed, brushing the curls off her temple to tuck behind her ear.
My Macera.
My Dar Eth.
My queen.
My...love? Dare I hope?
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