Page 48 of Commander's Slave
“I’m not your wife yet. Be nice to me or I might change my mind,” she teased. Then she grew serious. “I love you too, by the way. Very much.”
Chapter 24
Edek glaredat the five council members, annoyed that they hadn’t yet approved his petition for marriage. He’d been in town all morning while they debated his petition behind closed doors, finally to summon him only to express their doubts.
“Commander Edek, the last time a union between a slave and a master was approved was during the generation of my grandfather,” Councilor Summok said, a frown marring his wrinkled face.
“Yes, and we can find no record of why or how it was approved,” Councilor Gern added. “Permission for such marriages is rarely granted on planet Kall. We’ve consulted with other districts for guidance on this matter as well. I’m afraid we cannot grant your request today. Perhaps… perhaps you can resubmit your petition in a year or two. As humans, particularly human slaves, become more integrated in our society, circumstances and public opinion may change, and we might be more inclined to grant permission for a master to marry his human slave in the future. But we absolutely cannot grant your request today.”
Edek rose to his feet and leveled a fierce look at the council members.
“Councilor Summok, it has come to my attention that you have completed several business deals with Teyya recently. Now that the man is dead and his former associates are coming forward, I am certain his illegal dealings will become better known in the coming days.”
“Those deals were perfectly legal!”
“Ah, perhaps they were, however, as commander of Sumlin District, I am within my rights to publicly challenge your innocence. I could even challenge you to combat in the town square,” Edek said, fingering the battle-ax that was affixed to his weapons’ belt. “Perhaps if you are truly innocent, the ancient gods will allow you to prevail over me. Or perhaps not.”
The councilor paled and became flustered. He looked from side to side at his colleagues. Then he bent his head and whispered something that Edek couldn’t quite hear.
Though his insides twisted with nerves, Edek was careful to remain outwardly calm and confident. No matter what, he would find a way to legally marry Betsy. While he could keep her as his slave forever, her freedoms would be restricted and if the authorities decided to order her to be publicly punished in town, for some future perceived offense, Edek would never stand for it. He would commit murder and treason and flee the planet with Betsy before he allowed such an event to transpire.
Fluxx. He resisted the urge to curl his hands into fists.
“Councilor Erronus,” Edek said, his tone smug, “I hear that you also have a human female as a slave. I have also heard stories that you’ve taken her on luxurious trips all over planet Kall and that you’ve ordered servants to wait on her.” He’d learned this bit of gossip from one of his warriors, and the sudden look of horror that spread over Councilor Erronus’ face confirmed it was true.
“Let me be perfectly clear,” Edek said, his voice booming through the large room. “I do not intend to leave town today until my petition has been approved. I will do whatever it takes to gain that approval. I possess damning knowledge about two of you”—he pointed to Councilors Erronus and Summok— “that could see you stripped of your positions. While I confess I don’t have dirt on the other three of you—yet—it could be argued that you ought to have kept better tabs on your fellow councilor members and therefore failed in your duties to the citizens of Sumlin District. By the end of this lunar cycle, I am certain I could have the five of you expelled from your positions. Imagine the disgrace you would live in.”
A smile tugged at Edek’s lips and a surge of power flowed through him. He had the councilors right where he wanted them. All of them appeared pale and nervous, fidgeting in their seats as they cast cautious glances at one another.
Edek tapped at his chin and gave a dramatic sigh. “I just can’t make up my mind. Should I challenge Councilor Summok to combat in the square, or should I inform the High Council of planet Kall of my many concerns regarding the entire council’s abilities to govern?”
His threat had the desired effect. All five council members rose to their feet. Councilor Erronus even gave him a deep bow.
“Commander Edek,” Councilor Summok’s voice rang out, “we would like to inform you that your petition to marry your human slave has been granted, and once marriage vows are exchanged, she will no longer be considered a slave.”
Edek grinned. “Thank you, councilors. It was a pleasure doing business with you.” He exited the building and strode directly for his airship, where the pilot was waiting to take him back home, back to Betsy.
He would treasure her until the end of his days.
Chapter 25
Edek and Betsyexchanged vows under the warmth of the midday sun as Draken, Carnn, the servants, and the Holy One looked on. Edek donned his finest dress uniform, and Betsy wore a simple white gown with a string of Heslla flowers around her slender neck. The cook provided an elaborate feast that included both Kall and Earth cuisine.
It was a perfect day, but Edek couldn’t wait to whisk Betsy away from the guests and have her all to himself. He’d researched Earth customs and learned that a vacation known as a honeymoon typically came after a wedding. On such short notice, he didn’t have many options, but Draken offered the use of one of the luxury boats from his newest business venture to cruise down the Trakan River. Carnn would take over training until they returned from the honeymoon.
Edek and Betsy finally managed to say goodbye to all their guests in the late afternoon. He guided her to his ship with a hand pressed to her lower back, urging her to quicken her pace.
“Where are we going?” she asked. A breeze lifted her hair and the auburn strands danced around her face. She tucked the silky locks behind her ears and stared up at him as they entered the ship.
“It’s a surprise. Be patient and you’ll find out soon enough.” He grinned at the endearing pout that formed on her lips.
He shut the hatch and secured her in the passenger seat. On the way to Trakan River, Betsy gazed out the window in open wonder as they flew over the outskirts of Sumlin District and into the untamed wilderness. The thick forest below contained a maze of roads and the occasional house.
“The wedding was beautiful, Edek. Thank you.” She reached for his hand and threaded her fingers through his.
“I’m sorry it was so small,” he said as the river appeared in the distance, a thick line of blue in the midst of endless green. “I wish you could’ve had guests of your own in attendance, Betsy.”
“It doesn’t matter.” She smiled. “Most Earth women dream of a grand wedding with hundreds of guests, but not me. I never wanted any of that. I always dreamt of a simple, small wedding with a handsome groom and a handful of guests. Today was everything I ever wanted. My dreams come true.”
