Page 30 of Abducting Sarah

He took a deep breath, like he was nervous. “Humans are not new to Orhon, however, there are those who believe humans and Ladrians should not mix, socially or otherwise. Many of those who feel that way are my family. It will be easier to complete this mission, if you present as a Ladrian.”

“Doyoufeel like we shouldn’t mix?” I asked softly, surprised by how much his answer mattered to me.

He shook his head adamantly. “No. I have never understood their disdain for humans, not since we were able to sort out the disease factors.”

I frowned. “What disease factors?”And did I really want to know?

“Centuries ago, when we first came to Earth, there were various Earth diseases which killed most of the explorers. We have since made many upgrades to our medicines, allowing us to interact safely with those from other planets and stars. There are still places we cannot go, but we are making advancements and will one day.”

I thought back to all those history documentaries that talked about a similar thing happening with indigenous tribes as theymet the Europeans. “And so, your people think humans are diseased now?”

“Well, it’s not without cause, is it?”

I thought back to something that had happened when I arrived on the ship. “Is that why Wave dropped me into that hot vat of red liquid when I was brought on board?”

He nodded. “To guarantee there would be no issues.”

“Oh.”

“Moving on, when we land, if people ask who you are, you are my consort from Thunder’s capital, Yesanol.”

I shook my head. “The weather has its own capital city on Orhon?”

“Herown, yes.”

My brows rose. “Thunder is a girl?”

He laughed atmymisunderstanding. “Thunder Bateen is a fierce general and sister to our ruler, Justice Bateen,” he explained. “Yesanol is the capital where she rules in his stead, and Justice lives in the proper capital, Ladrille. The Bateens have ruled over Orhon for many generations.”

“And this Justice Bateen, he is the one that you are on a crusade against?” I asked, trying to make sense of it all.

He placed his hands on his lean hips. “Yes.”

“Why?”

His eyes darkened, and I suddenly felt awful for asking the question. “Justice Bateen beheaded my father.”

Everything stopped. My breathing, my thinking, my heart. I had no idea what to say to that horrific announcement.

Deacon continued, “It was four months ago. He discovered my father had been having an affair with his daughter, Silence. She is the people’s most favored princess, so Justice cannot behead her—there would be a revolution of revenge for that, and he is too prudent to do such a thing. He interrogated my entire family to understand who knew about the affair. None of usdid. My father was careful to keep us from knowing. For many reasons…”

Moments before I had asked the question, he had seemed so full of life and joy. But now, he appeared to have aged. His voice became heavy with emotion as he continued. “If any of us had known about the affair, then we would have been just as guilty as he and Silence. Any of us but my mother.”

“I don’t understand.”

“If my mother had known about the affair and had consented to it, then it would not have been illegal. But my father did not tell her about it, because then,” he took a deep breath and sighed, “she would have told me about it. If she had told me about it, I would have been within my rights to object to the affair.”

It all sounded so convoluted. “Why?”

“BecauseIwas to unite with Silence.”

“Wait. . .” I thought I might tumble backwards over all of the deceptions, so I sat down on the bed before clarifying for myself, “Your dad was nailing your fiancée?”

His lips thinned before he answered. “In effect, yes.”

“And now, she’s having his baby?”

He nodded, and a fierce light flickered in his eyes. “And I will do whatever I need to do to protect it.”

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