If so, then Zandia really was the promised land Lily had described to the refugees.
“This is the Great Hall,” Lundric murmured, bringing her into a huge room with vaulted ceilings. A young man dressed in white sat on a raised chair—no, a throne—and a line of Zandians queued up to speak to him.
Lundric led her to the line. “Once a week, Prince Zander’s pod is open to any Zandian. They may come and use the crystal light bath and eat the weekly meal with him. He sits in here to hear their requests or complaints. To resolve any disputes, we do not rely on the Ocretion justice system but employ one of our own.”
She swallowed. “Does Prince Zander know about...what I did?”
Lundric nodded. “Yes. He knows you stole a ship and tried to escape. He also knows you fought with his warriors to defend the pod.”
“Am I here to answer for it?”
Lundric’s hesitation didn’t put her mind at ease. “We all answer to Prince Zander. He knows you have been punished and that my trust in you has been restored.”
Her hand grew clammy in Lundric’s palm. He squeezed it. “I’ll be right here beside you.”
She drew on the strength from Lundric. For the first time, she faced a form of authority she didn’t hate. Didn’t wish to rebel against or hold herself separate from. It was a new feeling, the desire to impress, to be accepted.
The line moved up, each Zandian having his or her allotted time with the ruler. From what she could tell, they were mostly older beings. She wondered how many young Zandians were left in the galaxy.
When their turn came, Lundric led her forward and bowed low.
She curtsied.
“My lord, may I present my mate, Cambry?”
She dragged her gaze up to rest on the neckline of his finely woven tunic, not sure if looking him in the face was allowed.
He appeared to be around the same age as Lundric and was handsome in his own way. “Cambry. The female who stole my best guard’s heart.”
“I prefer to think I earned it, my lord.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Would he think her too sassy?
The corners of his lips twitched. “Stealing is part of your repertoire, though, is it not?”
Her face heated. “My lord, I deeply regret stealing your battleship. I promise it will never happen again.” She dared another glance at his face.
He studied her with a penetrating gaze. “I understand you are a capable pilot, Cambry, and that you are willing to serve in my army.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Your service is welcome, as is your union with Lundric. I trust your bond with him will keep you loyal.”
A rush of relief made her blink rapidly. She dropped another curtsy. “Thank you, my lord.”
“My mate is looking forward to meeting you. There aren’t many females around here. Lundric will introduce you before the evening meal.”
She curtsied once more, sensing the dismissal, and Lundric led her out of the Great Hall. They didn’t make it far, though. He pushed her up against the wall in the corridor, grinding a sizeable erection against her belly.
“Do you know how hard it makes me to present you as my mate here?”
She laughed, low and husky, and squeezed his erection through his pants. “I’m getting a hint.”
Footsteps sounded down the hallway, and Lundric pulled back just before a large Zandian passed them, an unconscious dark-haired human female draped over his shoulder.
She tensed, fingers automatically seeking the dagger Lundric had given her.
Lundric dropped a restraining hand on her shoulder. “Daneth, who is that?”
The Zandian didn’t stop, but he shifted the female on his shoulder. “A human. For breeding.”