Page 21 of The Emperor's Concubine

Maybe she was a glutton for punishment because instead of scrambling off the bed as she’d originally wanted to, Callie paused. “I think I’m the one who upset you, but we’re on different sides of the issue. When I was on Earth, I had a life of my own, friends, a career, and I was free. My life changed when I was taken by the Adieaens. They told me I’d be sold on an auction block as though I were an object and not a being with feelings and thoughts. You can’t expect me to forget about the life I was snatched from, and then turn around and kiss the ground you walk on. It doesn’t work that way. Or at least where I come from it doesn’t. If the tables were turned and you were literally kidnapped from all you know and love, would you be happy about it?”

He paused for a moment, seeming to take in all she’d said before answering. “I can see your point, and I suppose if the roles were reversed I wouldn’t be too happy either. This has, however, been the way of my people for a long time. What do you expect me to do about it?”

“Aren’t you the king? You say your word is law. Change the laws.”

“What laws do you propose I change?”

“The one about purchasing slaves.”

“What would you know about it?”

“I know that on Earth my ancestors were slaves. Many countries outlawed the practice, and soon the rest of them followed. Granted some people only abolished slavery to cripple the economy in certain regions, but other people realized it was just plain wrong. They realized how inhumane it is to own another human being. Maybe you could outlaw the practice of purchasing and owning slaves. At least in your kingdom,” she suggested.

He rubbed his chin, and for a moment, he appeared to give her words some thought. Then his expression went stormy. “If this is an attempt at getting me to release you, then forget about it. You’re just going to have to accustom yourself to belonging to me.” He yanked her back to him. “I’ll never let you go. Never!”

CHAPTER 7

Blaze walked down the hall toward the harem’s chamber. He couldn’t wait for dinner tonight. Never had he been more eager for the warmth of one woman, but with Calliope, he just couldn’t help himself. Each night their bodies joined it was just as explosive as the first time. He wasn’t getting the least bit tired of her. In fact, the more he had her, the more he wanted her.

After that first night when he’d made it clear to her that there was no escaping him, she never brought the subject up again, but his conscience was pricked. If the truth were known, he wasn’t crazy about the institution of slavery either, preferring the paid servants and the robots to tend to his needs.

Most of his harem members were there voluntarily. There had been many times when he’d thought of outlawing slavery on Thibius, but that was before the beautiful human came into his life. If he outlawed slavery, he’d be forced to let her go. He couldn’t do it.

When she was with him, he couldn’t get enough of her, and when they were apart, his thoughts were consumed with her. Everything about her pleased him, from her gentle smile to the way she’d dance for him. Every now and then she’d share littleglimpses of herself with him. There was still so much she kept to herself, but he hoped she’d eventually trust him enough to open up to him.

He’d inform Tuk that he wanted to have dinner in his room and for Calliope to join him. What was the point of going through with the nightly ritual when everyone knew he’d end up choosing her anyway?

To get to the harem’s room, he had to pass through the servants’ quarters. As he made his way down the hall, he halted when he spotted a small child standing in the middle of the hall. Where had she come from?

As he drew closer, he took a better look at her. She had the appearance of a human child and, if he wasn’t mistaken, she looked like a miniature version of Calliope. She had the same rich brown skin tone, and big brown eyes. What was the meaning of this? The child eyed him warily.

Kneeling before the pretty little girl, he asked, “Where do you belong, little one?”

The child looked him up and down, then poked her lip out. “I want Mama.”

“Can you tell me your name?” he tried again as patiently as he could. He didn’t have much experience with children and didn’t know if this was normal behavior or not.

“London. I want Mama.”

“London is your name?” It was an odd name to him, but he didn’t presume to know the minds of humans.

She nodded.

“What’s your mama’s name?”

“Mama,” the child answered, as though it were the simplest question in the world.

“Oh, Sire, I’m so sorry. I hope the little one didn’t get in your way.” Nola, one of his servants, ran over to him and grabbed the child by the arm.

“What is this child doing here? And who does she belong to?”

Nola’s mouth gaped open then closed.

Blaze tapped his foot impatiently. “I’m waiting, Nola.”

“Well, Tuk told me to watch her,” the woman stalled.

“That doesn’t answer my question. I would hate to dismiss you over something as simple as this, seeing as you’ve served me well.”

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