Page 21 of Controlled

Azar’s hostile expression communicated more than his words. “Flora is your mate now, so that is your choice. But I think Iris requires a more secure location.”

An odd catch in the general’s tone made Draven ask, “Have the charges against Iris been dropped or do we need to see to that as well? Noratu’s mother knows all of the judges. She can easily take care of that detail for us.”

After an obvious struggle, Azar smoothed out his expression and concealed his anger. “There is no need to bother Chief Justice Skore. I will have the charges dropped as soon as you head back to your cabin.”

“Good.” Draven stood up, more than ready to return to their mate. “I will update you once Flora has learned to control the flow of energy. Hopefully, that will happen before the shipyard goes online.”

“Who did the governors assign as Flora’s mentor?”

Azar wasn’t going to like this. Nadis Korla had rejected him and joined another power triad. Autumn had enabled Azar to achieve more success than anyone thought possible, but he still resented Nadis for the personal insult. As a result, the two triads became bitter rivals. “I requested the best.” Draven said, knowing Azar would deduce the rest.

“Nadis is not the best. She is simply the most well-known. Is Leronda available?”

“I believe her current assignment took her off world. She is not expected back for several weeks,” Noratu said with a knowing smile. He didn’t like Azar and an occasional muttered ‘sir’ was as close as he came to pretending otherwise. Draven was bound to Azar by a long and complicated history. Noratu had no such ties.

“The governors seemed set on Nadis,” Draven reiterated. He was pleased by the outcome, but knew better than to reveal the fact. “It really wasn’t our choice.”

Azar made a face. “They have always favored that triad.”

The general did not wear jealousy well. “I will send you regular updates.” Draven hurried Noratu out of the cabin before the general could think of something else they needed to discuss.

“It has been thirty years.” Noratu dropped his voice to just above a whisper as they walked along the gallery. “He really needs to get over it.”

Draven agreed, but his only response was a distracted nod. His attention had shifted to the other side of the ship. “Even if Flora’s behavior is exemplary, which is highly unlikely, we need more than two months to prepare.”

“If she is not ready in time to destroy the shipyard, the governors will assign it to another triad. This war has been raging for almost two decades. There will be plenty of battles left for us.”

It was a valid point, but Draven was thinking of more than the shipyard. “Flora is no ordinary conduit and we both know it. Her abilities must be encouraged, not forced.”

Noratu paused and faced him. “That is all the more reason for us to take our time.”

Draven nodded. They had made substantial progress in a very short time. Still, he was concerned that the emotional backlash would be even more significant. “Her submissive nature has been awakened, but she will fight against it. She was raised in a culture that celebrates individuality and independence. Surrendering control might never feel natural to her.”

“She is Altorian,” Noratu objected. “It alreadyfeelsnatural to submit. It is only when she thinks about how her body is reacting that she struggles. It is her mindset that must adjust, not her physiology.” They lapsed into thoughtful silence as they started walking again. “I don’t agree with Azar’s approach, but using Iris could be beneficial.”

Draven tensed, not sure he liked where this was heading. “Explain.”

“Flora is obviously attached to her grandmother and the females she believed to be her sisters. Rather than threatening them as Azar did, we can offer access to them as a reward for good behavior.”

It was a sound strategy, but it still bothered Draven. He wanted Flora to submit willingly, to offer them control because it pleased them and thereby pleased her. “Let’s see how she reacts to the Citadel. Such tactics might not be necessary.”

Noratu smiled at him. “I’ve always found the dichotomy fascinating.”

“Which dichotomy is that?” They’d reached his cabin, but Draven waited for Noratu’s answer before triggering the door.

“You’re the strictest controller I’ve ever met, yet you’re also hopelessly romantic.”

Draven shook his head and motioned toward the door. “Our mate is curled up in my bed. I am hopeless no longer.”

CHAPTER4

Cylex Mora straightened his uniform top and squared his shoulders. He stood in the Grand Vestibule of Mercelon Palace impatiently waiting for his audience with Emperor Jevara. Cylex was a frequent visitor to the palace, so the splendor had lost its impact. The primary colors were ivory and gold, but touches of burgundy and brown softened the garishness. An elaborate battle scene had been painted on the dramatically domed ceiling and an army of servants worked to keep the marble floors gleaming.

The curved outer walls, with their floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighted the fact that the palace, like most of Torret, was entirely underwater. Lights shone out into the endless ocean, illuminating fish and marine creatures as they swam by. Torretians, at least those native to the planet, often felt uncomfortable in wide open spaces. The oceans were life. They provided food, powered the cities, and contained the minerals that were mined in order to buy all the things not found in this underwater world.

“Agent Mora,” a young male in the elaborate palace livery called out. “The emperor will see you now.”

Cylex tensed as he walked toward the twin stairways sweeping up to the receiving level. After years of covert operations behind enemy lines, very few people were capable of intimidating him. Emperor Jevara just happened to be one of them. Cylex had known Jevara since childhood. Usually, such familiarity made people more comfortable with each other. But Cylex’s survival depended on stealth and anonymity. Not only did Jevara know who Cylex was, the emperor also knew all the secrets buried in his past.

---