Page 37 of Captain's Treasure
“I’ll let them know you’re coming.”
Nope. Not coming. Or rather— “Yes, I’ll be there shortly.”
The tension at the table settled heavy on Dez’s shoulders. His mother was unhappy. He hated when his mother was sad, but there was nothing he could do to change it. Circumstances had changed for his family, but they had changed because of the decision he’d made. He couldn’t second guess that decision now. He’d made promises. One when he entered the indentured servitude and a second one to Cyra.
She entered the room, and he was captivated once again by how lovely she was. He noted that her eyes were tired, but stunning—like the ocean was captured in her orbs. Her loose, dark-green hair appeared black except when the sunlight hit it at just the right angle. The more time he spent with her, the more attractive she became.
“My son,” his mother began after everyone was seated and eating. “You must consider staying.”
“I cannot, and I wish to discuss something other than my remaining.”
His royal brother-in-law spoke up saving the lunch. “I have a proposition for Captain Maejzur.”
“Please, call me Cyra, your highness.”
“Captain Cyra, I’ve been seeking a reliable method to sell goods to Cassan. Din’Gale has an abundance of food and selling fresh items to the space station can be very profitable, or so my brother informs me. We’re able to ship within our solar system with our own transport ships, but none are rated for such long travel.”
“We have the latest technology in refrigeration and preservation systems in our cargo bay.The Treasureis specifically designed for transporting live and perishable cargo.” The pride in her voice swelled Dez’s chest even thoughhewas her cargo.
“I was told the same thing by Dez.”
Dez continued to eat despite the weight of Cyra’s gaze on him.
His brother-in-law cleared his throat and took a sip of water. “Would you consider a trial contract for one delivery to Cassan? If all goes well, perhaps we can create a regular schedule for shipments. I wouldn’t want to ship too often. Scarcity keeps the revenue high. Also in farming, there are ups and downs. But selling our surplus to Cassan a few times a year has an appeal.”
Cyra straightened in the chair, shifting from her role of guest back into captain. “Of course we would be interested in a contract, your highness.” Even her voice was laced with an authority and confidence that made her more attractive. “Perhaps after the meal we can discuss the details. We have to leave soon due to contractual deadlines. The fuel and other provisions are being loaded now. Right, Veda?”
Veda nodded.
Dez smiled remembering the look on Veda’s face when she saw the medical supplies that had been included in the gift from his parents. His family had been very generous in honor of his visit. It was a small thing, but it would make the trip a little safer. He didn’t expect he would be using any of the medicinals himself, but it was good to be prepared for the unexpected.
The next day dawn with a brilliant red sunrise. Dez savored the spectacular view, imprinting the image to warm him when he was cold on the mining planet.
“It’s time to go.” Cyra’s voice was soft, filled with guilt and a hint of concern.
“Yes, Captain.”
“Dez, I’d understand if you refused. It would ruin—” She glanced at where Veda, Blaize, and Rhysa waited in the hovercraft.
“I only need a moment to say goodbye.”
Dez’s mother cried quietly, devastated tears trickled slowly down her face. His heart broke, knowing that would be the last time he saw his family. He held each one of them.
His sister whispered in his ear, “Don’t go Dez. I never should have let you sell yourself. I was too selfish.”
He held her face and forced himself to smile, “I would do it again to see you this happy with your mate. It was worth it.”
The prince pulled him into an unexpected embrace and told Dez, “You are an honorable male. You will be rewarded in this lifetime.”
Dez never expected to be rewarded beyond seeing his family cared for. And how would he receive any further rewards—working in a mine on an ice planet at the other end of the galaxy from everyone he loved? But it was a nice thought. Finally, there were no more goodbyes to be said. Dez walked onto the ship behind Cyra. Each step killed the last bit of hope for his future. No sunshine and waterfalls. No family. No mate.
He headed directly to his quarters to be alone. To be cargo.
Chapter19
“Countdown to launch.”Cyra used the familiar phrasing Auvi had always used. The memory of his voice as he used her for his launch sequence fired up her feelings.
“Engine’s go.” Blaize gave Cyra a thumbs up.
