Page 48 of Retribution
But then she spotted several Kall males and females exiting the house and her heart sank. More servants. Lots of them. How would Zamek treat her in front of them? Her eyes misted at the thought of his cruelty, pretend though it may be, continuing within his household.
He said I would be safe here. Did he lie?
But to her great relief, Zamek guided her to a nearby bench, where he helped her take a seat and immediately removed the heavy manacles. He growled at the sight of her reddened wrists and gently rubbed her sore flesh.
“After I introduce you to my servants, as well as my cousin and his wife, I will take you to my chambers and use a dermal regenerator on you.”
“Thank you, General.”
“It’s Zamek,” he said, raising his voice, as if he intended the entire household to hear him. “You will call me Zamek. Even in front of the servants. They will keep my secrets. You are completely safe here.”
Her heart lifted with hope. “Zamek,” she breathed.
He grasped her hand and helped her to her feet, his eyes brimming with affection. Stroking her hair, he gathered her close to his chest for a tight embrace. When he finally pulled back, he placed a lingering kiss to her forehead, heedless of the watching servants.
“Come, let’s go inside. Your new home is waiting.”
Before they entered the house, quick introductions were made. Layla strove to remember all the servants’ names. To her surprise, they all offered her a warm greeting. A few even shook her hand and said ‘hello’ in English, though it appeared that one word was the extent of their knowledge of her native tongue.
A tall Kall male dressed in fine clothing emerged from the house, a beautiful blue-haired Flourishian female at his side, and Layla surmised this must be Zamek’s cousin and his wife.
“Xazzok and Fallonn, this is Layla,” Zamek said, wrapping a possessive arm around her. “Layla, this is Xazzok and Fallonn.”
“It’s nice to meet you both,” Layla said, forcing a polite smile, even though smiling felt a bit wrong after watching Shessema’s coffin being carried into the house. When her smile wasn’t returned, she allowed it to fade, but didn’t take their serious expressions personally.
Xazzok gave Layla a solemn nod, as did Fallonn. No doubt they were conflicted by the circumstances of Zamek’s homecoming. She wondered how close they’d been to Shessema.
“I look forward to getting to know you, Layla,” Fallonn said in a stilted version of the Sumlin Dialect, her face brightening for a brief instant.
“I feel the same way about you,” Layla said, meaning it.
Xazzok cleared his throat and peered at Zamek. “I am sorry, cousin, for what happened to Shessema. She was beloved by us all.”
Layla’s stomach clenched and she felt a stab of guilt. Michael. Her late husband had taken Shessema’s life. But did Xazzok, Fallonn, and the servants know that? She had no idea what sort of messages Zamek might’ve sent ahead to his household. But surely they must have an idea who she was. Would they think badly of her?
“No one here blames you or thinks badly of you,” Fallonn said. “Knowing what you’ve come to mean to Zamek—he sent a message ahead explaining your presence, and it’s quite clear by his actions that he cares for you—we all welcome you with open arms. Please relax and know how welcome you truly are here.”
Layla sputtered. “How, um, how did you know what I was thinking?”
Fallonn displayed a gentle smile. “I’m an empath, as most Flourishians are. I cannot precisely read your mind, but I’m skilled at reading emotions.” Her smile faded. “Forgive me if you think this is intrusive. If I could help it, I would stop, but I cannot turn my empathic abilities off and—”
“It’s all right, wife,” Xazzok said, patting his wife’s hand. “In this circumstance, I imagine your words must be a comfort to Layla.”
“Oh, it’s perfectly fine,” Layla insisted. “I was worrying over something and you made me feel better.”
Relief spread over Fallonn’s face and she nodded. “Good. I try to keep my mouth shut most of the time,” she said with a sudden mischievous look, “but when I think someone might benefit from my abilities, I often cannot help but speak out.”
Xazzok peered at his wife with a look of mild exasperation, and Layla thought perhaps Fallonn had a tendency to speak out more often than not. But the look that passed between husband and wife was also affectionate, and she sensed Fallonn possessed a kind heart.
“We are tired after our travels,” Zamek said, “and we intend to retire to my chambers for the evening. I will see you both in the morning. The funeral is at sunrise.”
Chapter 23
The sconces cast a warm,comforting glow over Zamek’s bedroom. A fire crackled in the hearth and Layla found herself relaxing to the point of almost-sleep.
Zamek’s servant, Gaias, who’d been with him on theTammusha,had already brought their belongings from the ship upstairs. Apparently, he’d taken a separate airship and arrived here during their visit to the slave office. She was wearing one of the sheer nightdresses Zamek had given her, but thanks to the fire she was plenty warm.
All traces of the manacles were gone from her wrists, and when she rubbed them, she didn’t feel any residual soreness. Zamek had used a dermal regenerator on her the second they reached his bedroom, and her heart swelled at the memory of the many kisses he’d placed upon her wrists once her chafed skin was repaired.
