answer. It was a
wise decision. Brennae did not know this ship and if she did not want to
jeopardize their chances at getting to his quarters, being carried was the best
option.
Pulling her into his arms he said, “Remember, turn
your head into my chest. I will get us to my chambers as fast as I can.” He
hurried toward the door, rushed down corridors and waited impatiently for
lifts. It seemed like he would never get to his quarters when suddenly he was
at his door. Hurrying inside he used his console to lock his chambers. With a
sigh of relief, he set Brennae on a couch. Smiling at her, he gestured around
the room, “This is the lounge area.” He pointed through a doorway, “That is my
bedroom and sonic shower.” He moved toward a wall unit then frowned and turned
back, “Would you like something to drink?”
“Water if I could please.” Brennae spoke softly,
“That is all we drink on Terraneu.”
He moved to get her some water and when the glass
was filled he turned back to hand her the glass. “After you drink your
refreshment you can use the sonic shower to clean up if you would like. It
works on organic matter and clothing, so your dress will be unsoiled as well.”
He looked at the covering she was wearing and though the sonic unit could not
repair the tears, it would make it clean. That might make her feel better.
“That would be nice.” She had swallowed down her
water quickly and stood up, “I would like to take that sonic shower now if you
don’t mind.”
Marcael just nodded and took her through his
bedchamber to the sonic shower. It was not much more than a walled in area. You
stood in place and the computer did all the necessary cleaning. Placing Brennae
on the correct spot, he programmed the unit for a full cleaning. “There is a
slight tingling sensation at first, but it is not harmful.”
“Thank you for explaining, I’m ready.” She whispered
closing her eyes.
Marcael hit the button to start the cleaning and
stepped out of the sonic chamber to give Brennae some space. Moving around his
bedchamber he quickly put everything in order. Not that he had many things to
clutter up his space. There were no trinkets or trophies, or grand decorations.
All he had was some clothing he had meant to put in the cleaning unit and his
bed, which was a rumpled mess that he had not bothered to make.
“I’m done.”
At the soft words he spun around and once again
caught his breath at how incredibly lovely she was. Her hair was shiny and
curling around her shoulder to flow down her back. Her skin really was that
golden glowing color in any light. Her face was pinched with stress, but
beautiful nonetheless.
“I was thinking we could go sit in the lounge area
and talk.” Marcael thought to get her mind off where she was and what was
happening. “If you do not mind that is.”
“No of course not.” She smiled hesitantly, “That
sounds fine.”
Marcael gestured for her to precede him into the
lounge area. He filled her glass with water and got one for himself while he
was there.
“So what do you want to talk about?” She asked, her
soft voice echoing in the quiet room. Before he could say anything she jumped
in, “I know...I’ll ask the first question. Why did you kill my grandfather and
why does my mad uncle get the idea that you enjoyed it?”
Chapter
Ten
Brennae waited for Marcael to answer her question.
Why had he killed her grandfather? She knew there was more to the story than he
was letting on. His look of surprise at her question was almost enough to make
her laugh.
“I would answer you if I could—” Marcael started and she broke in. She
did not want him to make excuses for why he could not talk to her.
“Don’t tell me that this isn’t the time.” She looked around, wringing her
hands in agitation. “No matter what we say tonight, one way or the other this
will be all over soon. What harm could there be in finally telling the truth?”
Brennae leaned forward and smiled
JENNIFER ALLISON
Michael Langlois
L. A. Kelly
Malcolm Macdonald
Komal Kant
Ashley Shayne
Ellen Miles
Chrissy Peebles
Bonnie Bryant
Terry Pratchett