Page 22 of The General's Bride

He shook his head. “No, nothing like that. On other planets slaves were and still are mistreated, but not on Thibius. When owning slaves was legal they were mainly used for pleasure, particularly the females. Your mother was purchased for the emperor’s harem. They say he only had eyes for her after that. It wasn’t long before he got rid of his harem and took your mother as his queen and adopted your sister, who he dotes on. Your mother is very regal and gracious. I see a lot of her in you.”

Paris smiled.

His heart fluttered. At that moment he would have killed for another one of those smiles.

“I’m excited to finally see her again after all this time. It’s really easy to picture London because all I have to do is look into the mirror and see her. My mom on the other hand, I barely remember what she looks like.”

“She’s tall, and dark with one of the most beautiful skin hues I’ve seen besides yours. Queen Calliope has a smile that lights up the entire room. People are drawn to her.”

“She sounds lovely.”

“She is a most worthy queen.”

“Zahn?”

“Yes, Paris?” He liked the way her name rolled off his tongue.

“Do you think I can have some time alone? I need to think.”

Just as suddenly as his happiness had come when he saw her smile, it left. He’d obviously imagined her despair about him marrying London. He wasn’t going to be the one to tell her it wasn’t likely to happen now.

“Of course. I’ll give you as much privacy as you’d like.” He turned on his heel, leaving her as she requested. Where had these inconvenient feelings come from all of a sudden?

Paris feltlike her world was crumbling. When she and Zahn had come together, it had meant something to her. He was her first lover, but there was more to it.

She found herself wanting his company for more than just the sex and the incredible things he did to her body. How could he make love to her like that and then turn around and tell her he was marrying her sister?

Not to mention, the callous brute had the nerve to say she’d have to participate in the ceremony. To hell with that. There was no way she could stand casually and watch Zahn and her sister get married. Was this love she felt for him?

Paris wasn’t sure, but one thing she did know, she wouldn’t stick around to see the happy celebration. It would be like a kick in the teeth. A thought suddenly occurred to her. Maybe London didn’t want to marry Zahn. There was always that possibility.

Even if the pretext of London leaving Thibius was to search for her, she could have had another motive.

Paris snorted, thinking that if she’d been betrothed to Zahn she wouldn’t have run away. Why did life have to be so damn unfair? The first man she’d fallen for in a long time and he was marrying her long lost sister.

Chapter

Nine

The moment was finally here. Paris would meet her mother, after all this time.

Before they landed on Thibius, Zahn had contacted the queen to let her know he’d found her. They were waiting for her.

They’d made a detour to Zahn’s palace first, however. It was a nice place and Paris could easily see herself living in this luxurious home, but instead it would all be London’s someday.

Ever since that conversation in his room, Zahn had treated her with a polite aloofness, and she couldn’t stand it. Why was he suddenly keeping his distance from her? She didn’t like it one bit. Maybe she’d take matters into her own hands.

She knew they were supposed to leave in moments, but she couldn’t go to meet her mother without telling him how she felt. Paris went in search of him. His palace was so large, one could easily get lost in it. She had to finally ask one of the servants for Zahn’s whereabouts and was directed to his private study. She knocked on the door hoping he would answer.

“Come in,” he called from the other side.

When she walked in, he frowned. Paris took a step back. This wasn’t the reception she’d expected. Was she making the mistake of her life by approaching him?

“Yes, Paris. What did you want? We should be leaving shortly.”

“About that. I wanted to talk to you about a few things before we left for the Emperor’s palace.”

“What things?” He wasn’t being very approachable right now. She wondered why she was even bothering.

---