Page 52 of Retribution
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Despite her fear,Layla managed a brief smile at Zamek. “I never agreed to marry you, and you never officially asked me, for that matter,” she said in a playful tone.
“Impertinent human,” he mused, kissing her forehead. He met her eyes. “Will you, then? Will you agree to marry me?”
“Yes, I will.” But then a thought struck her. “But what about you?”
His forehead creased as he narrowed his brows at her. “Me? Of course, I agree to marry you.”
“No, not that. What about the treason that was mentioned? That one old man said the punishment for treason is death and—”
“I will admit to being worried when charges of treason were first brought up by Commander Vavvis—he was the warrior who accompanied the two High Council members—but for a conviction to stick, the majority of the High Council would have to vote against me. I do not think Councilors Horth and Crozz will manage the votes they would need, as I have several friends on the High Council, including Ambassador Merrok’s brother, Acerkk. I believe the worst that could happen is that I would be demoted to a warrior.”
Her eyes widened. “They might not let you remain a general? Won’t that upset you greatly?”
He shook his head. “Your safety is more important to me, little human. I suspect Commander Vavvis believes he’ll be awarded my position if he manages to eliminate me, that fool.”
Movement on the mountainside caught his eye. He looked up and sighed with relief to see a Holy One rushing down through the tall grasses. Xazzok and Fallonn came out onto the terrace, and the servants who’d been with Zamek longest walked outside as well.
“I’d hoped to give you a human wedding,” Zamek confessed, speaking low so only Layla would hear. “I’d hoped to allow you to invite your friend Betsy, and Commander Edek as well. And I’d planned to invite my parents and other family members too—they live on the other side of planet Kall.”
“It’s all right,” Layla said. “I just want to marry you. I also want to stick it to those troublemakers.” She switched to English for this last sentence, as it was a phrase that didn’t translate well into Kall. Whether Zamek understood or not, she wasn’t certain, but he gave her a warm smile that made her melt.
He helped her to her feet, and they approached the breathless Holy One, who’d stopped just outside the terrace to hunch over a bit and catch his breath. Zamek checked his wrist comm.
“The marriage license is still valid. The council hasn’t canceled it yet, thank the ancient gods.” He held his arm out to the Holy One, who immediately pressed his thumb on Zamek’s wrist comm.
The Holy One grinned from ear to ear. “I am pleased that I made it in time. Xazzok explained the situation to my brothers and sisters over a video comm and I was chosen to come down the mountain, as I’m the fastest runner among us.”
“I cannot thank you enough for your help today,” Zamek said to the Holy One. He turned to peer at Layla. “His thumb print on the marriage license, which I pulled up on my wrist comm, just made us legally married in the eyes of my people. You are safe now, human.”
Her mouth dropped open. “That’s wonderful. Are-are we going to say the vows now?” Hope lifted inside her, vanquishing her worries. They were married. Legally married. And now that awful Kall commander couldn’t come back and try to drag her away for a public execution in town. The shock of his threat hadn’t entirely faded, and her hands were still shaking, ever so slightly.
“Yes, Layla, we will say our vows now.”
She smoothed her hands over her hair, then her dress, thankful that she’d worn one of the nicest gowns Zamek had given her today, and she faced the Holy One with an expectant look that soon turned to a broad smile. She couldn’t help but grin. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt this happy. She just hoped Zamek wasn’t sugarcoating anything. She truly hoped the High Council wouldn’t vote to charge him with treason.
Zamek grasped her hand and brought it to his lips for a quick kiss. In the background, she heard Fallonn emit a dreamy sigh.
The ceremony was quick, and once they finished exchanging vows, Zamek thanked the Holy One again. Two servants stepped forward holding boxes brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, and Zamek added a bag of coins to one box. The servants then followed the Holy One up the mountain with the gifts.
“That was kind of you,” Layla said, squeezing her husband’s hand.
Husband. He’s my husband.
A thrill rushed through her.
“I intend to send them more supplies soon,” Zamek said, guiding her into the house. A frown marred his face as they reached one of the sitting rooms, where a video comm was set up. “I am sorry that I cannot carry you directly to our bedchamber, wife, as is custom. Before that, I must contact my friends at the High Council.”
“It’s all right, husband,” she said. “I understand. But just so you know, I’m wearing those thin red panties you like so much today.”
He growled and gave her a heated look.
Chapter 25
The soundof an airship touching down outside drew a curse from Zamek. He rose to his feet and marched to the window.
Not only was Commander Vavvis conscious again, but he’d dared to land an airship in front of Zamek’s house. Two warriors from Brutt District accompanied him, but there was no sign of Councilors Horth and Crozz this time.
