Page 12 of Zylonn's Human Bride
But she’d left. She’d left and she would never return.
Was Julie still playing piano every day? Did Maggie stop by the house and visit her family, just as she’d promised to keep doing?
The Tarkkuans would deliver written letters from female humans every year when theZenalliatraveled to Earth to collect brides for their returning miners, but she couldn’t imagine waiting an entire year to send word to her family and friends. She prayed there was a way to arrange for her to use a video comm. But would Zylonn be angered by her request?
She hadn’t spoken out against the agreement between their worlds since the first time he caught her talking out of line, the night she first arrived on this planet. She’d been on her best behavior since then, only earning the short reminder spanking for not turning around and showing him her bottom fast enough. She had also tried her best to keep house and make traditional Tarkkuan meals. Part of her education while growing up had included cooking classes. Her father had once joked that he never thought one of his daughters would go to a finishing school, and when she’d gone to her room and looked up the meaning of finishing school on her computer, she’d realized that yes, she was basically attending a finishing school of sorts—except instead of an Earth girl from the 1800s or 1900s preparing for life as a housewife to a human man, she was preparing for life on another world entirely.
“Nova, are you all right?”
She peered at Zylonn, admiring the way the light from the sconces danced across his blue skin as he shifted in his seat. “I-I am fine, Master.”
“What are you thinking about?” His dark eyes bored into hers and her heart started hammering in her chest.
Perhaps she ought to speak the truth. If he somehow found out she was keeping something from him, he might be angered. She didn’t wish to displease him, even if he didn’t punish her for it. She wanted nothing more than for the two of them to continue growing closer. He was the only family she had now and she didn’t wish to be alone. “I…” Her voice trailed off and she struggled to come up with the right words.
“Is there something you wanted to ask me, little human?” He set down his utensils and focused his undivided attention on her.
“Well, yes, Master.” She inhaled a steadying breath. “While I was still on Earth I heard that some Tarkkuans owned video comms similar to the ones we have in our dome-cities, and while I was traveling to Tarkkua, some of the human females aboard theZenalliaalso spoke about Tarkkuan video comms that can connect to Earth video comms. However, the women who spoke of this all claimed that only the wealthiest Tarkkuans possessed such technology. I was wondering if…”
“You wish to speak with your family?”
She nodded, her heart in her throat as she awaited his next words.
“It is true that only the wealthiest Tarkkuans usually have video comms in their homes. I do not know anyone who owns one, however, I am willing to build you one so that you may speak to your family whenever you wish.”
It took several seconds for her to process his words. Had he really just said what she thought he had? She stared at him, feeling her mouth drop open as surprise took over. Tears blurred in her vision and she rose to her feet and scrambled around the table to throw her arms around Zylonn.
“Oh, Master. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She squeezed him tight, overcome by emotion. His kindness touched her. She’d been worried he might be offended when she asked for him to arrange for her to use a video comm, as she feared he might think she was drawing attention to his financial status. Though apparently, he must be wealthier than she thought if he could afford the materials to build such a device.
Zylonn scooted his chair back and guided her to sit down in his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead, and when he pulled back his eyes were brimming with warmth. “I can buy old materials from the laboratory I work in and have it built in a matter of days.”
Her heart nearly stopped. “Days? Did you say days?”
“Yes, my sweet human.” He studied her with an intensity that made her feel vulnerable, but not in a bad way. Instead, she found herself wanting to open up to him, wanting to share her secrets and dreams.
“Master, I can’t thank you enough for your kindness.” Her eyes burned and tears finally escaped them. He brushed them away with his thumbs and rubbed her back. “I always worried I’d never get to speak with my family again. I grew up believing that once I came to Tarkkua, I would only receive letters from them each year when theZenalliareturned from Earth. But before I left Earth, I promised my family I would find a way to communicate with them soon. On my way here, as I heard the women aboard theZenalliatalking about how rare video comms were on Tarkkua, I worried that I would end up breaking that promise to my family. Thanks to you, I won’t be breaking any promises.” She smiled through her tears and sweetly pressed her lips to his.
* * *
Nova was kissing him,actually kissing him, of her own free will. A surprised Zylonn grasped her face in his hands and returned the kiss with vigor, drinking her in and reveling in the sweet taste of her. His heart warmed, knowing he could give her something that would make her happy. He wasn’t a rich man—he would never be wealthy, as he wasn’t a member of the ruling class—but the knowledge that he could give her a gift she would truly appreciate brought him joy. He resolved to buy the materials tomorrow and build the video comm as quickly as possible.
When their kiss finally ended, he pressed his forehead to hers and stroked his hands up and down her arms. “It is my hope, Nova, that we can find happiness together. Also, I know you didn’t choose to come to Tarkkua, but I hope that one day you will start to like my planet and perhaps start thinking of it as home. Is there anything you would like to change about the house that would help you feel more welcome here?” He pulled back to stare into her lovely blue eyes.
“Master, your home is beautiful and I can’t think of a thing I would like to change, but I appreciate the offer. It means a lot. Truly.” She paused and gave him a profound look. “The breathtaking views from your house fill me with wonder every day. I had no idea a place so spectacular existed anywhere. I know I haven’t been here for long, but I’m starting to feel at home already.”
Her words pleased him and he drew her in for a tight hug. When they finally pulled apart, he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, inhaling the scent of her as he did so. Her hair smelled like a field of wildflowers blowing in a gentle breeze, and the comparison brought a smile to his lips. She seemed to enjoy the view from the house, but perhaps she would appreciate a tour of the countryside surrounding the city. He resolved to arrange for it as soon as he was able to take a day off work.
“Master, I have another request, though I’m not sure it’s possible.”
“Tell me.”
“I became good friends with a young woman named Meris while on theZenallia. She was my roommate on the ship and we grew close during the six-week journey. I have no idea who she is married to now, but I would very much like to see her—that is, if you allow it, and if her husband allows it.”
“Why would you think I or any other Tarkkuan male would keep his female from having friends?” He clasped her hand.
“Well, I’m not allowed to leave the house without permission, and Tarkkuan males legally own their wives.”
“While that is all true, you are allowed to have friends, my sweet bride. My only request is that you do not spend so much time with them that you neglect your duties at home. I will inquire when I go into the city today and find out who your friend married. Keep in mind that it is possible her husband isn’t from Ashorr, as several of the males who claimed brides at this year’s mass nuptial ceremony were from other cities and even some smaller villages on Tarkkua. However, if her new home is close to ours, then I will grant you permission to visit her during the days. And, if she happens to live far away, perhaps we can arrange a trip for you to see her. I would accompany you during such a trip, of course. In any case, I promise we’ll find a way for you to reconnect with your friend, little human.”
