Page 53 of Radakk's Mate
Chapter34
THALIA
I hearfour distinct male voices, and I resist the urge to barge into the corridor. Yet again, I’ve been banished to my room because Emperor Radakk has visitors. During the preceding days, he’s entertained several of his advisors, in addition to the occasional meeting with Admiral Tornn, and I can’t help the annoyance I feel every time he orders me to hide in my room.
Does he truly believe one of his advisors, or even Admiral Tornn (who I’ve since learned has claimed Ellie), will attempt to steal me away from right under his nose?
I’m not certain who’s visiting today, but I chance a peek out my doorway. Taking a deep breath, I start to step into the corridor, intending to creep closer to the sitting room, only for an abrupt wave of dread to descend upon me.
What the hell?
When I back away from the doorway, a calming surge of submission washes away my fear. I huff and drag a hand through my hair. I return to the viewscreen and peer at the stars streaking by. The hyperspace bubble glimmers every few seconds. Small vessels dart between the larger ships in the Darrvason fleet, and I even notice one approaching theJansonna. Perhaps it’s the second team of engineers Emperor Radakk told me would be traveling to the worldship soon.
Footsteps sound in the entryway, and my heart races as I turn back to the corridor. The emperor’s guests are leaving. I debate whether to seek out my mate or ignore him. I’m still angry he sent me to my room.
Sixteen days. I’ve been here for sixteen days.
How much longer will he keep me all to himself?
He claims I’ll be permitted to roam certain areas of theHaxxalin about three moon cycles. But not even a full moon cycle has passed since I became his mate, and I’m already getting restless.
I spend my days wandering around his quarters, listening to music, and reading. I also use my refurbished VR headset, as well as a holo program that’s built into Emperor Radakk’s quarters. With the press of a button, I can transform his entire quarters into a majestic alien landscape, a bustling outpost, a grassy meadow underneath the stars, and so on. It’s amazing technology, and it helps me relax when I become overly restless, but it does nothing for my solitude.
I’ve never considered myself much of a social person, but I would give anything for a shift in the mess hall right now. Anything to joke around with my coworkers as we wiped down tables, mopped floors, and filled the sonic cleaners with dirty dishes.
With each day that passes, I lose hope that I’ll escape Emperor Radakk and the Darrvason fleet.
I pick up my reading tablet and click on the secret file that contains Captain Warren’s personal comm number. I was touched that my mate had requested a reading tablet on my behalf, but the second I learned it was the worldship captain himself who’d provided the item, I’d begun searching for any secret messages hidden within.
Unfortunately, the captain hadn’t included information about my mother, as I’d hoped he would. Instead, he’d listed his personal comm number, along with a note written in English that simply said, “Find a secure comm line and contact me ASAP.”
Swiping out of the file, I set the tablet aside and turn as I sense Emperor Radakk’s approach. I can’t hear him—he must be keeping his footsteps light on purpose—but he soon appears in the doorway.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of him, so tall and handsome and broad-shouldered.
He holds out a hand, his eyes glimmering with what looks like mischief. It’s an expression I’ve never glimpsed on him before, and it piques my curiosity.
“Come here, little empress, I have a surprise for you.”
He guides me into the sitting room, and excitement ripples through me at the sight of a newly installed video comm nestled in a corner. It’s similar to those on theJansonna, though Darrvason symbols cover the controls.
“Wow,” I say, “thank you, Emperor. I can’t wait to use it and call my friends.” My mouth goes dry at the lie I utter. Just a week ago, I’d summoned the nerve to ask for a way to communicate with myfriendson the worldship, but now I’m nervous he’ll discover my plotting.
He gestures for me to sit down, and my hands tremble as I sink into the chair before the video comm. Oh God. Oh no. Is he really going to stand there and observe my first call? Who the hell will I call anyway?
Mandy. The friendly young woman’s name pops into my head. Maybe I could call her or even her mother. Both women were exceedingly kind to me. Or maybe I could call a random coworker.
I peer up at the emperor as the nerves in my stomach flutter faster. “It’s, um, late afternoon,” I say, “and all of my friends are likely still at work. But even so, no one I know on theJansonnahas a personal video comm in their quarters. How does this work exactly?” I hope I can stall long enough for him to get called away to another meeting. Once I’m alone in his quarters, I can contact Captain Warren in secret.
“Video comms have been installed in each recreation room and mess hall on theJansonna.” He points to the first Darrvason symbol. “If you press this button, you’ll reach an operator who will schedule calls with your friends.”
“I see.” I fold my shaking hands in my lap, hoping he doesn’t notice my nervousness. “What do the other buttons do?”
“The other buttons correspond to numbers. One, two, three…” The numbers are arranged in a haphazard order, but I’m quick to memorize them all.
Hope rises within me. Maybe this will work. Maybe when I call the captain, he’ll finally reveal what happened to my mother. I still hope to escape Emperor Radakk, but even if I’m truly trapped here, even if I’ll forever be his captive bride, at least I’ll know the truth.
My mate strokes my hair and gives me a look that’s so heartbreakingly gentle, it brings tears to my eyes. I blink rapidly and focus on the video comm. “Thank you again for this wonderful gift.” The guilt over lying to the emperor almost becomes too much, and for a moment, I’m tempted to blurt out the truth. Tempted to confess my real reasons for wanting a video comm, tempted to admit I played him.
