Page 61 of Heir of Draga

Delphine looked off to the side at something they couldn’t see. Her frown implied she didn’t like whatever it was, but she nodded. “My first mate doesn’t enjoy the idea of running into the dark prince, but we will do as you command.”

Adelina smiled. “If you wish to stay near this border I am fine with that. We will be heading back this way on our return trip to the Khara Galaxy. I simply thought you would be safer near the fleet. None of us truly knows what’s out here, even with the shield up.”

Delphine was a beauty with purple hair that fell around her shoulders. Roxy was intrigued. She hadn’t known any female pirates were captains. Perhaps she should reach out for an alliance if she was able to take the thieves’ throne.

“Is it possible to join your armada? No doubt you could use the extra protection in the Hai Galaxy.”

Oh, interesting development. Roxy was impressed at the balls the female had to even ask such a question.

Adelina didn’t look to Varan this time. “Send your personnel records and I will consider it. This is a diplomatic mission first and foremost. While I plan to waive all crimes up to my wedding I will not tolerate them in my presence. Anything done to harm my mission will be declared treason. Warn your people and we will reconvene in an hour.”

“Noted, Princess. I am sending the files now. I appreciate your honesty and respect your terms. Just know I’ve been captain for three cycles now. We can hold our own in a fight.”

There was a ping as something was delivered and the vidcast ended.

Roxy leaned over to see what had been sent. What she wouldn’t give to read something like that. The intel she could gain would no doubt assist in her future reign. Adelina didn’t try to hide the files but she didn’t make it easy to read either.

“Roxy, Nadyah, with me,” Adelina ordered. She tapped her shreve to the console and then left Command. She paused at the threshold for a moment. “Captain, no need to shield, but make sure we are armed and ready and at full power if need be. We’ll stay here for an hour while I decide.”

With that she disappeared, Varan a silent presence at her side. Despite all the cycles Adelina had spent in the shadows she took to ruling with a natural grace.

Roxy glanced at Nadyah. “What could she possibly want with us?”

Nadyah shrugged and walked slowly back towards the lift. “It doesn’t matter really. I will do whatever she asks of me.” The courtesan glanced at Roxy and gave her a knowing smile. “But if I was to speculate I’d say she’s forming a pack, an inner circle so to speak. And you’re a part of it.”

It was strange to think about. Roxy wasn’t used to being included in things so much. As an engineer and mechanic she kept mostly to herself, but due to her relation to Varan, Roxy was forced to attend certain events, swear fealty, and pay her dues. She’d never minded as Varan and his family had literally saved her life, but he left her alone mostly as did his court.

They took the next lift after Adelina and Varan.

Roxy glanced at Nadyah, noticing how tall she was in the small space. Then she realized how close the courtesan stood. There was barely a breath between their arms, but Roxy didn’t want to move away. If anything she wanted to move closer.

Nadyah didn’t look at her, but she smiled.

Roxy had had enough of this female’s teasing. She paused the lift and came at Nadyah until the courtesan was pressed against the wall. She got into her space without touching her at all, but their breath mingled and Roxy could feel the heat from her skin.

“Do you want me?” Roxy asked. Her voice was a bit huskier than normal. “Or are you just playing your courtesan games?”

Nadyah actually blushed. She’d seen Jael do the same – blushing on command. Until she learned Nadyah’s tells it would be difficult to know what was real and what was fabricated. Roxy would not make the mistake she’d made with Jael again.

“I’ve seen the way your kind can trick us into thinking you want us, I saw the way you hurt Varan. I’ve made the very same mistake with the Mistress of the House. I won’t be played again.”

Those sapphire eyes widened in surprise, but she said nothing. Her breathing sped up and Roxy pointedly ignored the quick rise and fall of her chest, causing Nadyah’s breasts to bounce in such a tantalizing manner.

“I never thought Varan wanted me for me, and by the time I did it was too late. Not that I could have done anything about it regardless. It was never meant to be and you’ve seen the way they are together. It’s no average love. What they have is close to what I’ve seen in a mate pairing.” Nadyah lifted her chin, practically daring Roxy to say Varan would be better off with the courtesan instead of the princess.

“And me?” Roxy asked, leaning in a little closer. Their lips nearly brushed they were so close and she felt the fire in her belly, the tingling sensation in her fingers. Roxy wanted the courtesan so much it nearly hurt, but she was done being careless.

“We aren’t mates. I can only offer you a temporary situation. When we return to Draga Terra it will physically be over, but I do hope we will be friends for a long while.”

Roxy wasn’t looking for forever – just honesty and companionship. “I agree to your terms, courtesan.” Then she grabbed the back of Nadyah’s neck and their mouths crashed together. Hungry – devouring.

When Nadyah slipped her tongue into her mouth Roxy nearly lost it. Instead she un-paused the lift and took a step back. “Your princess is expecting us.”

Nadyah smirked when the doors opened. “She’s your princess now, too.”

Right, the Princess of Thieves. What a mess. Roxy glared after Nadyah and adjusted her shirt. Hopefully whatever their princess wanted with them wouldn’t take long. She had plans for the courtesan.

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