Page 41 of Retribution
Chapter 20
Zamek guidedLayla into the closet and selected a plain gray dress for her to wear, the garment specifically created for today’s trip into town. It was nicer than a slave could be expected to wear, but it wasn’t lavish enough to draw attention at the slave office.
To his relief, she didn’t balk at the dress. She obediently put it on, as well as the leggings and a pair of soft sandals he provided.
If he thought she would agree to become his wife, he might march straight to the local council building and demand a license for their marriage be approved. But human courting customs were different from those of his people. Humans usually dated their potential mating partners for a long time before considering marriage. Months, even years in some cases, or so he’d heard. It all struck him as very strange.
She likely wouldn’t say yes, though he supposed he could force her, just as he was forcing her to become his mistress—a title of which she didn’t seem very fond. Perhaps he ought to stop using it and call her hiscompanion, or something similar. Lover?
But there was no guarantee the Sumlin District council would approve his request immediately, and he would have a better chance if he knew how Commander Edek had managed it. As soon as could be arranged, he wished to speak with Edek and learn how the male got the council to approve his marriage to Betsy Carson. Then he could explore the possibility of taking Layla as his wife.
How long would they have to know one another until she agreed to marriage? While he knew he could force her, the idea of dragging her before a Holy One and compelling her to repeat marriage vows didn’t sit right with him. Such an act would only breed resentment in her.
He watched as the little human female straightened her dress and inspected her appearance in the mirror, smoothing her hands through her dark, wavy locks.
“I-I just woke up,” she said, catching his eyes in the mirror. “Could I please have a bit more time to get ready?”
“Of course,” he replied. “I don’t want to leave theTammushauntil the auction is long over. I’ll have my servant bring breakfast soon, as well. We have a long day ahead of us and you’ll need your strength.”
* * *
After eatinga quick breakfast and leaving Layla to finish getting ready, Zamek strode down the corridors, heading for the hangar to ensure his airship was ready and that Shessema’s body had been brought aboard. Though the town of Sumlin was within eyesight, it was quite far away and not easily accessed from the warships’ landing platform, making airship travel to and from the platform a necessity.
As soon as he departed on his airship with Layla, Commander Vavvis would take theTammushato its official station in nearby Brutt District, which was a much larger district than Sumlin, where most of his warriors lived.
Zamek found himself looking forward to the downtime that came after victory. All the commanders and warriors under his command would also enjoy a full moon cycle of rest before returning to training.
After reaching his personal airship and confirming that the pilot was ready for takeoff at Zamek’s convenience, he joined his crew members on the bridge for his farewell address, a custom that made him uneasy, as he didn’t enjoy public speaking, but he kept it short and made sure to praise his crew members and warriors for their loyal devotion to Kall interests.
Once that task was completed, he made to leave the bridge, only for Commander Vavvis to block his path.
“Is there something you wanted, Commander?” Zamek asked, still on edge after his last encounter with Vavvis.
“A private word.”
“The last time you asked for a private word,” Zamek replied, keeping his voice low so only Vavvis could hear, “it did not turn out so well for you.”
The commander smirked. “I am willing to take the risk.”
With a sigh, Zamek gestured for Vavvis to follow him out into the corridor. The halls were crowded with warriors and they were forced to walk for some time until an alcove at the end of a corridor provided a private place to speak.
“Many more of our warriors have approached me and asked about your human captive,” Vavvis said. “Word has spread quickly that not only is she still alive, but she’s staying in your quarters rather than the brig.”
Annoyance flared inside Zamek, and before he could respond, Vavvis continued.
“But there’s also been a rumor circulating on the ship that you are planning to exact your retribution in the main training room for all the warriors to witness.”
“What?” Zamek was horrified by the very idea. “Who started this rumor?”
“I am not certain,” the commander said. “Is-is there any truth to it?”
“No,” Zamek replied firmly, protectiveness for Layla rising in him like a storm, ready to destroy anyone who threatened his female.
His female. His.
At some point, he’d started to think of Layla as belonging to him.
Commander Vavvis looked as though he wanted to say more.
