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  They stopped near the admiral’s cabin above the upper gallery. “I’ve never seen anything like this ship before.”

  “There’s only one of us. We’re the largest ship sailing in the ocean right now.”

  Right then the admiral’s cabin door opened and Aramus emerged. Tension snaked up her back at the sight of him.

  “My lady,” Admiral Aramus said as he took a formal bow. “Tyrus.”

  Today Aramus wore a scruffy shirt with stained lace on the yellow front. Wrinkled trousers and a bleary expression caught her attention.

  Aramus’ bored expression slid over her chest. The cretin couldn’t get enough of her breasts, it seemed. “I take it married life agrees with you.”

  “Of course it does,” Rayder said before she could respond.

  From behind him, Yoanda exited the admiral’s cabin. Her right eye was black and blue.

  “What happened, Yoanda?” Xandra asked without thinking.

  Yoanda smiled, but her eyes swam with tears. “Nothing. I tripped and fell into a table.”

  Phili came out behind her, a brilliant red dress making her as striking as a bird. “She’s clumsy. Always has been.”

  Tension tightened the muscles in Xandra’s back.

  “Wife, shall we see Dragonia?” Rayder asked.

  Excitement made her eager. She would ignore Phili in favor of seeing Dragonia. They left the others behind. After what seemed forever walking to the front of the ship past Aramus’ quarters, they reached the chest-high wood railing. Her mouth popped open at the same time her eyes widened.

  A wide, blinding-white sand beach stretched out before them. “How beautiful. I’ve never seen sand this pristine before.”

  Rayder smiled. “Everything about our land is beautiful and awful. We’re a study in contrasts.”

  Beyond the beach, at least fifty yards away, lay a thick jungle. From that jungle came strange animal screams and twitters from amazing beasts she couldn’t imagine. The air even seemed different here, a thickness in the humidity that made breathing more problematic. She drew in a deep breath.

  “You’ll get used to the air. It takes time.” As her hand clutched his biceps, Rayder pressed her hand.

  She sensed his gaze upon her and looked at him. “What is it?”

  “I can almost read your mind. Whatever you do, do not venture onto this land without me. It’s not safe.”

  Somewhat affronted, she sniffed. “And this ship is?”

  “Yes, in comparison to the jungle. There are dangers you cannot imagine. Animals that would consume you. Poisonous insects, men who are ruthless.”

  “As you’ve told me already.” She believed him, and she’d tell him what he wanted to hear. “All right.”

  The admiral walked up behind them. “Better you listen to your husband, Mrs. Tyrus. He knows of what he speaks.”

  She saw a muscle twitch in Rayder’s jaw and his eyes hardened to dark pools just before he turned to the admiral.

  Before Rayder could reply, the admiral placed his hands on his hips and spoke. “Rayder, today you take a contingency of men ashore for supplies and to speak with Drakus Fina. Make provisions for your woman’s safety, if you will. Phili would be happy to entertain her if need be.”

  Rayder nodded with a slight blow. “As you will it, Admiral.”

  The admiral left, and Xandra made an impulsive decision. Xandra spoke quickly and softly. “I’d rather spend my time helping the slave women on this ship than spend one moment in company with Phili.”

  He released her but stood close enough their voices couldn’t be heard by men passing by. “If the admiral wants you to spend time with Phili, you will. I agreed to it just now.”

  Annoyed, she sighed. “Fine. Perhaps she can take me to the slaves.”

  “How would you propose to help the slaves?”

  “I’d like to tour belowdecks and see how these women are kept. I’d like to bring them food and drink.”

  “They are fed. I see to it they are well-kept, despite what you might believe.”

  “A dead slave would be no good to you.”

  “Yes.”

  “Still, I’d like to see them.”

  He pondered a good long time. “I’ll give you more food and water since we’re going ashore for more supplies, and you can take it to the women.”

  Surprised that he’d agreed, she smiled and touched his forearm. “For a slaver, you are sometimes biddable.”

  His eyes heated, glowing red for a second. “Never tell anyone that. I have a dastardly reputation to uphold. And I’m not as kind as you might think, Xandra. Test me in any way, and you’ll discover how harsh I can be.”

  Startled by his change, she kept her disappointment to herself. She couldn’t afford to think of this man as anything but a means to an end. Just as Yoanda had said, Rayder was her safe passage. Yoanda believed there was no escape. Xandra refused to believe a chance wouldn’t come.

  Her hand slid away from the strength in his arm. “Show me the slaves.”

  Rayder eased closer, his voice a low rumble. “If I do, you must promise me to take my dagger for protection. I’ll give you the belt and sheath. You must keep it close to your body and never allow anyone else to touch it.”

  She smiled. “Why? Is it magic?”

  His expression went grim. “Of course not. This is serious business. It’s for your protection should anyone attempt to harm you. And I mean anyone, even the admiral.”

  “You think he would try to harm me?”

  “I’d never put it past the man.” Rayder drew her against him, shielding her against him, and he whispered low and deep into her ear. “Do nothing that would bring attention to yourself or you may pay the consequences.”

  Shivers crossed her body, half from fear. Hard muscle cradled her, sent wild stirrings deep into her loins and resurrected memories of the pleasure she’d found under his talented hands and lips. “Of course. I’m always careful.”

  He drew back just enough to stare into her eyes. “Why don’t I believe that?”

  “I don’t know. Have you known many women who aren’t careful?”

  He frowned. “My sister was wild and free, and lost her life because of it.”

  She sensed there must be more to this story than he’d told her. “Well, I’m not like your sister.”

  “That is for certain.” He released her quickly. “Come. I will help you gather supplies.”

  And he led her away from the intoxicating view of Dragonia.

  * * * * *

  Phili didn’t help when Xandra walked along the deck with two cloth sacks filled to the brim with soap and fresh linens for the beds and bread and fruits. Instead, Phili strode as if she owned the ship. None of this surprised Xandra, but it did perturb her.

  Wind tossed Xandra’s hair about her head, and she wished she’d tied it back. The day had turned crisp, not as warm as she would have expected near the jungle. Clouds already brewed on the horizon and heralded a brand new storm.

  As Phili lead her to a door near the center of the ship, Xandra remembered Rayder’s request that she take his dagger. He’d given her one of his belts, which now hung a little low on her hips. It held the sheath with the dagger though, and a sensation of safety surrounded her. At the same time, she noted the furtive attention the sailors gave her, as if they expected Rayder to return at any time and harm them if they even dared look her way. Perhaps there was a slight advantage to being his wife, for however short a time that was. Even as she walked along the deck, she found herself distracted by the thought of him. Just before he’d left the cabin, she almost…almost told him to be careful when he stepped foot off the ship. But no, that wouldn’t have been wise. He’d been prickly, his mouth firm and implacable and his mood dark.

  Disconcerted that she’d considered saying such a thing, she’d managed to hold back. When Phili came to collect her, Xandra was still thinking about Rayder.

  About his smile. The thick length of his midnight hair, the stre
ngth rippling in his powerful body. About his frown. By the god, even his glower held a sensual, strange effect upon her that created fluttering sensations in her stomach and made her long for sex with him. Everything to do with the man caused her great confusion. She shook off her obsessive thoughts and paid strict attention to her surroundings. Soon she would have to leave Rayder behind and wouldn’t think of him again.

  Her actions recently, before she ever left Magonia, would assure that.

  Phili stopped at the door and hair tossed in a tangle around her head, giving her the appearance of a vengeful goddess with harm in mind. Phili extracted a large metal ring that held dozens of keys.

  “You are the queen of keys?” Xandra asked, wanting to keep conversation light.

  Phili stuffed one key in the lock and opened the rickety wooden door. “Better I am than Karman’s wife.”

  Interesting how the admiral’s concubine used the admiral’s first name. “Why is that?”

  Phili stopped on the threshold and sent her a withering glance. “Because she is incompetent and stupid.”

  “Aren’t you being harsh on her? She seems gentle and kind.”

  Phili laughed, the sound filled with contempt. “Once you’ve known her longer, you’ll change your mind. This way. If the admiral sees us tarrying about, he’ll have my ass.” She laughed. “Of course, I don’t mind when he has my ass.”

  Blindsided by the woman’s statement, Xandra said nothing. But Phili must have caught Xandra’s startled expression. “Oh, forgive me. You’re a Magonian through and through with strange religious inhibitions. Rayder hasn’t taken you that way, has he?”

  Irritation straightened Xandra’s spine. She didn’t know what Phili was talking about but she didn’t plan to show it. “That isn’t any of your business.”

  Phili’s grin lacked mirth and went straight for condescending. “Oh, I see. You don’t know what I mean. It’s when a man fucks you in the ass. Dragonian men love it. Don’t worry, Rayder may get around to doing it to you some day. Then again, maybe he doesn’t find you attractive enough. If he doesn’t, I’m sure I can help him. I’ve helped him before.”

  Phili’s talk perturbed Xandra and she wanted to slap the woman. Instead she pretended she could care less.

  “Just as you help the admiral when Yoanda tires of the admiral?” Xandra asked calmly.

  Derision filled the other woman’s eyes. “You have it wrong. Yoanda never gives sex to the admiral unless he takes it from her. Dragonian men are all dragon dung. But they are necessary and serve their uses. You and I should have a meal together someday, Xandra. I think I could help you.”

  Why did Yoanda and Phili seem so intent on helping her? While she believed Yoanda wanted to help, she knew she couldn’t trust Phili.

  Irritation crawled up Xandra’s spine and refused to disappear. “Why would I need your help?”

  Phili shrugged, and another blast of wind made the door creak on its hinges. “Of course you do. You’re clearly an innocent in the ways of men. You need someone to explain things to you.”

  Xandra didn’t want to hear anymore. “Rayder showed me everything I need to know.”

  He hadn’t, but Xandra certainly wouldn’t tell this woman.

  Phili laughed, the sound overflowing with skepticism. “If you say so.” She pushed the door the open and gestured at Xandra to enter. “After you.”

  Xandra stepped inside onto a small landing. Light barely shown at the bottom of the steep staircase that went straight downward. Sobbing came to Xandra’s ears, and she frowned. By the god, what was happening down there?

  Rain started to splatter against them, driving from the clouds at an angle as the rapidly-building storm headed their way.

  “Go on,” Phili said, crowding behind her as she closed the door. “We’ll get wet.”

  Xandra didn’t move, the confines of the narrow passage pressing in upon her. It took all her willpower to descend, taking each narrow step with slow deliberation. Xandra wasn’t sure why this bothered her so much. After all, she had lived in an underground dwelling with her parents to avoid the blazing daytime heat in Magonia. She calmed her racing heart with a deep breath. When they reached the bottom, Xandra could only stare at the picture before her.

  The room before her was wide and quite long, a sizeable area in which to live and sleep. Six beds lined one wall and another six lined the opposite side, making it even for the dozen women who occupied the windowless room. Candles flickered in various sconces. A fire hazard, no doubt. Water jugs and tankards sat on one unbalanced table at the far end of the rectangle. Some of the women cleaned a long table that ran along the wall at one end of the room. Perhaps a meal had just culminated. All the women stopped and stared. She took in their appearance quickly. They looked to be somewhere between twenty to thirty years of age, fine of face or plain and with slim to plump bodies. They didn’t smell or look starved and beaten as she’d expected. Instead they looked as content as they could be.

  Pity entered one young woman’s face. “Are you all right, lovey?”

  Xandra broke her silence. “Yes, thank you.” She sat the sacks on the floor and placed the linens on top. “I’m very well. I brought you food, extra water and fresh linens for your beds.”

  One of the younger women broke from the group and approached. She smiled at Phili with a wickedness that implied they were in cahoots. “You’ve brought us another one?”

  “For the time being.” Phili sighed as if she was tired and disgusted. “She is Rayder Tyrus’ wife. She is here to keep other men from grabbing her and fucking her.”

  “Here now. None of that talk in here. We are Magon-fearing women,” one of the oldest women said. She had short black hair and piercing green eyes. “We’ll see to her.”

  Phili grunted. “Show her the ropes. Rayder may get tired of her and sell her.”

  The woman with black hair stepped forward. Despite the sweat gleaming on her face—it was far too warm down here—the woman had a regal profile and an air of dignity.

  Xandra found her voice. “I’m Magonian.”

  “We are all from Magonia,” the dark-haired woman said.

  The dark-haired woman was thin with circles under her green eyes. She stepped closer. She was taller than Xandra, at least six feet.

  “If you’re not a slave, why are you here?” the dark haired-woman asked.

  Xandra pointed to the two sacks she’d placed on the floor. “As I said, I brought supplies. A gift from me and my husband.”

  The other women gasped softly and moved nearer, their eyes pinned on the supplies.

  Xandra smiled then laughed. “Help yourselves to the provisions.”

  Smiling and with a few laughs, they dug into the supplies with obvious relish. Gratified, she couldn’t banish her smile. At least she’d given these women what little she could.

  One petite blonde with dirt smudges on her left cheek frowned. “You married Rayder?”

  “Yes,” Xandra said, unsure why they were so surprised by this news.

  Sighs echoed. Disappointment clouded the blonde’s sky-blue eyes. “You are so fortunate.”

  Xandra didn’t know how to respond, and she didn’t have to.

  Dark-haired woman smirked. “Perhaps he needed a personal slave.”

  That stung. “He hasn’t treated me like a slave.”

  Not much.

  Xandra returned the dark-haired woman’s superior look. But it wasn’t arrogance that ruled this woman but confidence. Xandra had never lacked confidence until the wave had ripped it from her. No. No that wasn’t true. She’d lost her confidence when Taris Elian destroyed her family. From those horrible days not long ago, she’d learned what it meant to find her life torn to shreds.

  Xandra didn’t lie to the women. “You’re right.” She held her hand out to the haughty woman. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

  The dark-haired woman finally relented and shook hands. “Malena Humbola from Timia near Opali, Magonia. My parents were mi
ners.”

  Xandra smiled, glad she had a common bond with the woman. “My parents were miners in Opali.”

  Malena frowned, a spark of recognition in her eyes. “I think perhaps I’ve heard of you.”

  Unease crept up Xandra’s spine. What if Malena had heard of what happened to Xandra’s family and believed what the authorities had said about Xandra?

  “But maybe not,” Malena said. “Come, share a meal with us.”

  The older woman’s gaze turned from wary to warmer, and Xandra’s tight muscles relaxed a little.

  While the women drew together a meal, Malena warmed up to Xandra so quickly she wondered at the transformation.

  “Come over here, my dear. You look too thin. You should eat more,” Malena said as she placed a plate of bread and fruit in Xandra’s hands.

  “No.” Xandra handed the plate to a young woman who looked as if she could gain several pounds and still be thin. “I ate already this morning. But thank you.”

  Malena nodded and smiled. “A good woman you are, Xandra.” Malena tilted her head to the side. “May I speak with you over there?”

  Curious, Xandra nodded and followed the woman to a large alcove that proved to be an entrance to a bathing room. At least the women had running water and a way to cleanse.

  Xandra couldn’t help but marvel at the conditions. “This place isn’t quite what I expected. It’s a bit stuffy and crowded. But you have beds and running water and a bathing room. How extraordinary.”

  Malena kept her voice low so it didn’t sail over the din the other women made as they prepared to eat. “It is amazing. But it’s all the fault of Rayder Tyrus.”

  “Rayder?”

  “I heard from Phili that Rayder insisted the women be moved into these accommodations a long time ago. Rumor has it before Rayder came three years ago women were just thrown down here and barely fed. Rayder pointed out to the admiral that half-starved, half-dead women were little use on the slave market.” Malena snorted. “You’d think that idiotic admiral would have known that already.”