Delivered by the Defender (Kindred Tales)

“Master Valen, how very good to have you home, Sir,” Balfore said formally, bowing as they walked into the entry foyer, with its floor of intricately inlaid wood in all different shades of brown, black, and tan. The wood had been imported from the Ma’shorkan mountains, and it had been cut into many curious, curving shapes that somehow all fit together to make a beautiful floor.

“And this must be the young lady whose things came just a little while ago,” Pashmeena cooed, smiling at Selena. “Welcome, little Mistress!”

“Oh, uh, hello.” Selena smiled and nodded at the old couple, both dressed properly in their black and white uniforms. But despite her smile, Valen saw the rosy blush on her cheeks and the way she kept trying to cover herself with her arms before remembering it wasn’t allowed. For some reason, it seemed that it embarrassed her to be on display in the dress and harness in front of Balfore and Pashmeena much more than it had embarrassed her in the palace. Maybe because they were in more intimate settings here.

I’d like to get even more intimate, growled a lustful little voice in the back of his head. Like to take her to the bedchamber and suck those plump nipples and fill her tight little pussy until she came on my shaft.

Valen pushed the lustful impulse away at once. He couldn’t do that, he reminded himself yet again—it would be breaking his vow. What he needed was some time away from the little Elite—time to clear his head and put things into perspective.

“Pashmeena,” he said to the little old female. “Please run my lady—whose name is Selena by the way—a nice warm bath. And after that, prepare her something nice to eat. She’s had a very long day and needs to relax.”

“What about you, though, Master?” Selena turned her big brown eyes up to him hopefully. “What are you going to do?”

“Study for my upcoming deposition,” Valen said shortly. Looking at Balfore, he added, “And I am not to be disturbed. Not even by the Emperor himself! Am I understood?”

“Of course, Master Valen—completely.” Balfore bowed and straightened up with dignity. “I shall ensure that your study is not breeched by anyone.” And here he threw a look at Selena, who was still staring at Valen with a disappointed look on her lovely face.

Valen ignored her determinedly. He was getting entirely too close to the little Elite—and entirely too close to breaking his vow. Between their shuttle ride, the trip through the spaceport, and their time in the palace, he had somehow spent more time with her than he had with any other female in years. And the fact that he found her devastatingly attractive and longed for another taste of her blood didn’t help.

I need to stay away from her—put some distance between us, Valen told himself sternly. Also, he had to study for this damn deposition!

Resolutely, he turned on his heel and left Selena without a second glance. He had work to do, and he had to get the curvy little Elite off of his mind.

27

Selena watched the big Kindred go with a sad little sigh. For a moment it had really seemed like they were making a genuine connection. And then he had turned all cold and distant and abandoned her to go study.

Be fair, she told herself. He said it was nothing but a business deal. And now that you’re out of the palace, there’s no reason for him to hang around you anymore.

But she couldn’t help feeling dissapointed as she watched him disappear behind a thick, wood-paneled door, which shut behind him with a loud, final sounding chunk!

“Well now, come with me, little Mistress,” the old lady, who Valen had called “Pashmeena,” said to her. “You look all tired out. Let’s get you into a nice hot bath, shall we?”

“All right, thank you.”

Selena sighed and tried to push away the cloud of sadness that had descended on her when Valen left. She didn’t know why she was feeling so let down. After all, everything was working out nicely. Well, as nicely as it could, under the circumstances. But the main thing was, she was still going to be allowed to play in the gala, so Jess and Tolern wouldn’t get into trouble. Still, she “felt like a blue Monday” as her Granny used to say.

She let the little Ma’shorkan woman, who had faded pink and purple skin and purple-gray hair that was mostly hidden by a stretchy black cap, lead her up a flight of richly carved wooden stairs and into another part of the house.

“This will be your room, my lady,” Pashmeena said, pushing open a carved wooden door to reveal a gorgeously appointed bedroom.

“Oh, my!” For a moment, Selena forgot her blues as she looked around.

The room was done in shades of cream and tan, with a few deep aquamarine accent pieces—it made her feel like she was at a luxury resort at the beach. There was a thick, plush carpet on the floor that looked almost like turquoise grass—it rustled slightly, as though moving in some imaginary wind. There was a fireplace in one corner with an overstuffed loveseat that would be perfect to curl up on with a good book. A small dresser with an antique-looking oval mirror occupied the corner across from it. Clearly a place to sit and do your hair and makeup, Selena decided.