For LittleSaru, who also finds Radittsu rather tasty, with many thanks for permission to use (and abuse!) her name for Zaabon's race as given in her long fic Shattered Heart.
Allegiance
No-one saw Radittsu or the prince for several days. I'd expected Vejiita to be annoyed about it, but he seemed surprisingly happy with the whole affair. Eventually my curiosity got the better of me and I asked him why.
Of course, I waited until we'd made love (four times in a row) and he was relaxed, contented and sleepy in the afterglow. He pulled me closer to him and nibbled at my earlobe.
*Because he's likely to want to stay on Vejiitasei.*
Oh. That made sense - Vejiita would have a ready-made sparring partner. Assuming he could drag Zha'haabron away from Radittsu, of course.
*It will be a useful alliance.*
Uh, alliance? Had I missed something?
*My lord?*
He raised an eyebrow enquiringly.
"Alliance, my lord? Since when have the Saiya-jin needed allies?"
"We don't. They, however, very well might."
"There's something you haven't told me, isn't there?"
"Affairs of state. Not your concern."
He kissed my throat, then rolled onto his back, pulling my head to his shoulder and yawning.
"Sleep, I think."
"But..."
He laid his fingers over my mouth. "If you really want to know more, visit the library tomorrow and ask one of the Thinkers about Zha'haabron's people."
And for now I had to be content with that.
Mid morning found me sitting at a monitor in the library, an attentive Thinker hovering over me as he explained how to use the new database.
"What is it you wish to investigate, my lady?"
I gritted my teeth. I really hate that, but I couldn't seem to stop them from using the term.
"R'ren'nkh'ia." I'd been practising: I managed it without stammering.
He blinked, looking faintly startled - I wondered briefly what he'd been expecting me to ask about - but obligingly tapped out the syllables on a keypad. The screen flickered and a list of subject titles appeared. It was a long list. Someone - or more likely a lot of someone's - somewhere had apparently made a very thorough study of the prince's people.
"Just touch the screen to have the information appear, my lady." The Thinker said helpfully. "To move to the next page, touch that little downward pointing arrow. This upward pointing arrow takes you back to the last page. To go back to the main list, touch here." 'Here' was a funny little symbol that looked like a rock lizard. "If you need any help, I'll be just over there." He pointed to a large desk, mostly hidden by a huge monitor, several keypads, and a mountain of parchments.
I nodded my thanks and, as he waddled away, turned my attention to the screen, wondering where to start. "Homeworld" seemed like a good choice...
After half an hour I paused, frowning. Well, it wasn't somewhere I'd particularly like to live - hot, arid, ugly and dustball were the words that came to mind - but the planet was incredibly rich in precious metals and gems and rare elements. Quite an easy target for an avaricious species, it would seem. And they were on the edge of an area of space being hotly disputed by three warlike races. I frowned. There was obviously more to Zha'haabron's visit than Vejiita had let on. But if Zha'haabron was typical of his species, I'd have thought they were more than powerful enough to defend themselves...
I turned to information on the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin themselves, gradually coming to realise that Zha'haabron was anything but typical. Of the seven (seven!) different forms of his species, he represented the most highly developed. And on a world with around four million inhabitants, there were only about 150 of his type alive.
Fascinated, I read further, my jaw gradually dropping and my eyes widening in horror. Oh bloody hell - did Radittsu have any idea of exactly what he'd got himself into?
"Mmmmmmmm........"
The big Saiyan stretched lazily, shivering as Zha'haabron swept his heavy mane to one side then ran his nails lightly over the warm back below him, tracing the muscular contours and sliding his hands down to cup Radittsu's buttocks. The prince squeezed, kneading the firm flesh as the Saiyan shuddered, then slid his arms around his mate's waist and nestled against him, licking at his neck.
"Come into the bath." The voice was low and seductive, and Radittsu's eyes closed as a tremor ran through his body. He couldn't deny the prince anything - although he was beginning to wonder about this fondness for making love in water...
Zha'haabron took his hand and pulled him upright, leading him through to the bathroom: since the two had bonded the prince's aide had taken to keeping the bath filled and ready at all times.
As Radittsu settled into the water, Zha'haabron sank below it, hands stroking and fondling the Saiyan's rapidly growing erection. The big male's head rolled backwards: he groaned and closed his eyes blissfully as he immersed his hands in the cloud of cool green silk that billowed around his prince's head...
He was learning control. After that first time, he'd found that Zha'haabron preferred to take it slowly, stretching the pleasure out far beyond anything Radittsu had believed possible. The alien's control was phenomenal, his command of his own body and its responses amazing. Radittsu was even learning to enjoy the occasional pain he incurred when he forgot about the barbs and tried to pull back - it was always followed by something approaching ecstasy as Zha'haabron did his best to 'apologise' for his body's shortcomings.
And now Radittsu was throbbing, desperate to be inside - with - his bondmate. The prince broke surface, not even breathing hard, and smiled.
"Ahhh, Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu..."
He swivelled and backed onto the Saiyan, sliding onto him smoothly and settling back in his lap, leaning against the warm broad chest behind him. Radittsu shuddered and slid his hands around Zha'haabron's smooth blue body, stroking slowly downwards to the prominent hipbones and scratching lightly. Zha'haabron gasped and stiffened, internal muscles clenching, stroking the Saiyan's shaft, as his hands reached back to tangle in the thick black mane. Radittsu slowly trailed his fingers lower, teasing gently, one hand wrapping the prince's erection, the other reaching for that fascinating little mound he was rapidly coming to revere. Next time, he promised himself, next time we'll stay on the bed, and I'll find out what he tastes like...
Vejiita glanced up from the screen he was perusing as I stormed into his public office. He half-smiled, wryly.
"I see you took my advice."
I scowled at him, planting my hands on my hips. "Did you know about them? Before you let Radittsu go off and get involved? Sire." I added, my mouth twisting sarcastically.
He shrugged. "Far be it from me to try to interfere in the affairs of lovers."
"Vejiita!"
He regarded me calmly. "You do not need to shout. We are in the same room."
I glared. "I really want to hit you. The only reason I'm not is that I know it won't do any good."
"Very wise."
I turned sharply and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"Where do you think?" I tossed over my shoulder. There was a blur of motion and he was standing before the door, blocking my way.
"No you are not. You will not interfere."
I glared momentarily, then realised the enormity of my behaviour. I dropped to one knee.
"I'm sorry, my lord."
"You are forgiven." He sighed and pulled me upright. "Leteetza, do you really think I'd let anything happen to him?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. Would you?"
"He is a fine, if somewhat headstrong, warrior, an excellent captain, a good trainer, and he is your friend. Of course I would not."
I blinked, startled. "Oh."
"Yes - 'oh'."
I hung my head. "I'm sorry. Really sorry."
He cupped my chin and pulled my face up to his. He looked - hurt, and my eyes widened. I'd never seen nor expected to see that expression on his face. "I would like to think you have a little more faith in me than that."
I bit my lip, dropped to my knees and pressed his hands to my forehead, completely at a loss as to what to say. I could feel tears rising behind my eyelids. He gently pulled one hand free and stroked my hair.
"Perhaps I should have more confidence in you."
I glanced up, startled. He was frowning introspectively.
"After all," he went on, speaking more to himself than to me, "You are not wholly privy to my mind. Perhaps I expect too much of you." He pulled me to my feet, and stood for a moment, gazing into my face with a faint frown, then shook his head slightly.
"I'll consider it further. For now, I need to finish reading this report: I have a meeting later."
I nodded. "Is there anything you want me to do?"
He raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly. "Other than leave Radittsu and Zha'haabron alone?"
I grinned. "Uh, other than that..."
He smirked, kissed me, and returned to the desk as I left the office.
I passed Zha'haabron's suite on my way back to our own. No, actually that's a lie - it was in a completely different part of the palace and I had to go well out of my way to get there. I just... wanted to reassure myself Radittsu was all right. Not that I could do that without going in. And I couldn't do that: it would look as though I didn't trust Vejiita. And even if there was anything wrong it wasn't as though I could do anything about it. So I just listened carefully, and then pressed my hands up against the door. I couldn't hear or feel anything to cause alarm, so, reassured a little, left them in peace.
Radittsu sprawled back against the side of the bath with the prince sitting in his lap, slumped against his chest. They were both panting, bodies lax, sated. The Saiyan stroked his hand very gently down his lover's face, sighing as he pulled him closer into a loving embrace. He kissed his forehead and tucked the prince's head under his chin.
*What did I ever do to deserve you?*
**I do not know. But I am grateful for it**
Radittsu jerked upright.
*I... I thought you couldn't mindspeak...*
Beautiful golden eyes looked up into his lover's wide, nightdark gaze.
**And ordinarily I cannot - outside of my own race, at any rate. But this is not 'ordinary'**
Radittsu choked back sudden tears of happiness and hugged him with all his strength, delighted when the prince hugged back harder, making the big male's ribs creak.
*I... You... I... don't have the words...*
Zha'haabron pulled himself upright, straddling Radittsu's thighs and gripping his face between elegant, powerful hands, his expression sombre.
**Do you trust me?**
*Yes.*
**You are sure?**
*Yes.*
Zha'haabron sighed and relaxed, slipping down to curl into the Saiyan's arms, long lashes brushing against his cheeks as he slid gently into sleep. Radittsu gazed down at him fondly, gathered him against his chest, and climbed out of the bath, carrying his prize to the bed and settling him gently against the silk sheet. He stood for a moment, relishing the sleek lines of his prince as Zha'haabron shifted slightly, moving so that his cheek rested on his upper arm, then made his way out on to the balcony to let the evening breeze dry his mane a little before joining his bondmate on the wide, comfortable bed.
"You are distracted."
I pulled myself up onto my knees and flopped forwards, my tail twitching, my elbows on the bed and my chin propped in my hands.
"Sorry."
Vejiita leaned back, resting on his elbows, and frowned at me. "You are still concerned about Radittsu?"
I bit my lip. "I'm sorry. I can't help it. What I read..."
"No harm will come to him."
"Can you be sure of that? I mean, from what I read..."
He leaned forward and forcefully grabbed my hair, compelling my eyes to meet his. He was scowling, nearing the end of his patience.
"*No harm will come to him.*"
I returned his stare and forced a slight smile, realising I was now really pushing my luck.
"I trust you."
He loosed his grip on my hair and threw himself back onto the bed, arms behind his head, scowling at the ceiling. I watched him for a moment, then moved to lie beside him, my head propped on one hand.
"I am sorry."
His frowning gaze flickered to me momentarily then returned to the ceiling. I sighed.
"Do you want me to sleep elsewhere?"
He was silent for a minute or two, considering. I bit my lips to fight back tears - it was my fault that he actually felt the need to even think about it - then swallowed hard as his head turned to me.
"No."
Relieved, I stroked my fingers down his chest, scratching lightly, tracing patterns on his bronzed skin. He closed his eyes, relaxing fractionally, then tensing as I caught hold of his tail and buried my fingers in the thick fur. I glanced up briefly - his eyes were still closed - then lowered my head to his groin.
He shot bolt upright, eyes huge and mouth open.
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Trumf smin nu."
"Don't speak with your mouth full - I can't understand you!"
I giggled, and he collapsed back on the bed with a groan, hands pushing my head further down almost of their own volition.
*I said, I'm trying something new.*
*Oh gods...*
It was the last coherent thing he thought for quite some time...
A strange sensation woke me the following morning. Something warm and moist, supple and strong, moving between my legs. Not Vejiita's tail, his - tongue?
I glanced downwards, peering cautiously through slitted eyelids. He was nestled between my legs, hands on my thighs, his eyes closed, frowning slightly as he licked and probed. Completely focused on what he was doing, the end of his tail twitching slowly from side to side in deliberation.
I moaned and opened my legs further as he nipped at me, very gently - then I very nearly screamed as he sucked, hard, sliding his fingers into me at the same moment, and I came, shuddering and bucking up against him. He licked upwards, very slowly, as my heart rate gradually returned to normal, then kissed his way up my neck, sliding into me as he rested on his forearms and gazed into my face.
"Interesting."
I gaped up at him, still panting. "What?"
He smirked, his eyes glittering.
"Interesting reaction."
I grinned. "Oh, suuure! About as interesting as yours was last night. My lord."
He kissed my forehead and thrust smoothly into me, lowering himself and cupping my breasts as he licked and sucked at the scar on my neck.
*Perhaps we should experiment further...*
I sighed and gasped and melted into him. I was not going to argue!
Vejiita laid the denuded animal bone on the platter and licked his fingers, then smiled at me across the breakfast table.
"I wish you to train with Radittsu for the next three days."
Uh oh.
I smiled smoothly. "I would enjoy that, my lord. It's been a while since we've had the opportunity."
His eyes twinkled. "To answer your unasked question, yes, I shall be sparring with Zha'haabron."
I nodded. "And you want me to keep Radittsu out of the way."
"I wish you to - occupy him for a while."
I sighed and gave him a lop-sided smile. "Very well."
He touched my cheek gently. "Thank you."
Radittsu watched the two of them leave, ki trails bright against the sky, then glanced at me, his expression dejected. I laughed and poked him in the ribs.
"Aw, c'mon. It's only for a few days!"
"I know... But..."
"Won't I do instead?"
He jerked backwards. "Gods forbid! Vejiita would kill me. Very slowly and very painfully."
I grinned. "That wasn't quite what I meant..."
"I'm pleased to hear it. Not," he added, eyes twinkling as he ran his gaze up and down my body, "that I wouldn't be interested. If you were - 'unattached', that is."
"Uhuh. And then Zha'haabron would kill me. That could be interesting..."
He laughed, humour restored, and we made our way to the arena.
"How much do you know about him?"
It was evening, and we were relaxing over a meal after a hard day's workout. Radittsu swallowed the mouthful of fruit he'd been chewing and inclined his head.
"I know all I need to."
I sighed silently. "Like what?"
He shrugged and reached for another fruit. I knew I was treading on dangerous ground, but I was still worried. I forced a grin and nudged him.
"C'mon, spill. What's he like?"
His eyes softened, his face assuming a dreamy expression. Not something I thought I'd ever see on Radittsu!
"Perfect."
Great. That wasn't much help. Then he smiled at me. "He's strong, and exciting, and beautiful. And he loves water. We spend most of our time in the bath."
Well, that made sense, given how dry his own world was. And I suppose being in water would distract him, to some extent... The main thing was he hadn't hurt Radittsu. Yet, anyway. And I supposed that if he hadn't yet, then there was a good chance he never would...
I breathed a little easier. Only a little, though. Radittsu was still speaking: once he'd started, it seemed he couldn't stop. And he was so - delicate about it! There was none of the bawdiness I was used to in him. Zha'haabron must have really got to him.
"He likes to lick my neck. Doesn't want to kiss, though." He frowned, thoughtfully. "Maybe it's some sort of species thing."
Damn right it is, I thought grimly.
"Still, he doesn't mind me kissing him. As long as it's not on the mouth." he added almost wistfully. I patted his thigh.
"But you're happy."
He nodded. "Never thought I could be so happy. We're bonded, you know. Didn't know that was possible outside our own species. We can mindspeak, too."
I felt my eyes widen - there'd been nothing about that in the database. I wondered what other information was missing, and fought down a shudder, telling myself that if they'd bonded, it must be all right. It would hurt the prince too much if any real harm came to his bondmate. At least, that's the way it normally worked...
Radittsu was shaking his head. "Talking about him just makes me miss him more. Let's call it a night. I'll see you in the morning."
I nodded, and we went our separate ways. What sleep I did manage was filled with shadowy nightmare images and the smell of blood.
The next day both Radittsu and I were on edge: he hadn't slept any better than I had. It made for a brutal sparring session, and we were both hurting by the time he called a halt late in the afternoon. As I slumped against the wall of the arena, holding my cracked ribs and gasping for breath, he landed beside me and dropped to one knee, bruised and bleeding and twisting his upper body violently to force his dislocated shoulder back into its socket.
"I think," he panted, "we should... stop there..."
I nodded agreement - it hurt too much to talk - and let him take some of my weight as we limped back to the palace. His and Zha'haabron's suite was closest, and he dragged me in with the comment that the bath and a meal would already be prepared. I didn't object: I didn't particularly feel like spending another evening alone, and I was very hungry...
Half an hour later, soaking naked in warm water and munching on the plates of raw meat the prince's aide placed at the side of the bath, we both felt considerably better. My ribs were already healing, and his bruises were fading. He grinned at me, rubbing at his shoulder.
"Vicious little bitch, aren't you?"
I grinned back. "I had a good teacher. Not that I'd describe you as a bitch, of course..."
He splashed a handful of water at me and reached for another chunk of meat, and for a while we simply lay in the water and relaxed. I could feel my eyelids growing heavy...
Radittsu rolled his head towards me and smiled. "Time to go, little warrior."
I yawned. "I suppose so." Though I really didn't want to be alone. Or sleep alone. And I'm very fond of Radittsu... But Vejiita's mark on my neck put paid to that idea.
"Want me to carry you?"
I chuckled. "I think I can manage."
He pulled himself to his feet and climbed out of the bath, reaching back to give me a hand. I followed him through to the sleeping chamber and unwillingly dragged what was left of my clothes back on as he flung open the doors to the balcony and stepped out into the warm evening air, still naked. I joined him moments later, watching as he ran his large hands through his mane, flicking out some of the wetness. A sweet, heady perfume wafted from the climbing plant twined around the pillars at either end of the balcony, blending with his own musky scent - very arousing. I swallowed and told my body to behave itself. He glanced at me over his shoulder and smiled.
"Tomorrow?"
I nodded reluctantly. "See you then. Pleasant dreams!"
He raised an eyebrow. "Hn. Do my best... Though I know what sort of dreams they'll be. Thank the gods they're back tomorrow!"
I forced a chuckle and fled back to my own rooms.
I simply couldn't get Radittsu to fight the following day: I had the distinct impression that he wanted us both relatively unscathed - well, un-bruised anyway - when our lovers returned. When I pointed out, frustratedly, that neither of them was likely to care what they looked like he just smiled and cuffed me across the head, sending me tumbling to the ground. As I landed in a crouch and pushed off again, heading straight for him, he flipped out of the way, laughing as I overshot and pulled myself to a halt in the air, my hands on my hips as I glared.
"You going to be serious or not?"
He shook his head. "Not. I can't concentrate. Let's just call it a day, ne?"
I snorted. "Fine. I'll go and find someone else to spar with."
He rose to my level and laid a hand on my shoulder. "Why don't you just take it easy for a while?"
I sighed. "Too tense."
"You missed him."
"So did you!"
He smiled dopily. "And now they're on their way back."
"How d'you know?"
"I can feel him. He's exhausted, and hurting, but satisfied."
I frowned and stretched my own senses, but found nothing. I turned to stare, biting back my jealousy.
"How long?"
"Couple of hours."
"You'd better go and get ready then, hadn't you? It'll take you that long to do something with your mane!"
He glowered at me. "There's no need to be nasty."
I smiled sweetly, blew him a kiss and headed for the palace.
I regretted my pettiness within minutes of arriving back in our rooms, of course, and sat scowling at myself in a mirror. That had been uncalled for. Ah well. I'd apologise next time I saw him.
In the meantime...
*Little warrior?*
I sat up, my eyes wide.
*My lord? Where are you?*
*Half an hour away. Prepare a bath.*
I grinned and dived for the bathroom...
I sat behind him, his back pressed to me, his head resting against my shoulder as I stroked and kneaded his shoulders and chest. He was cut and bruised, but in better shape than I'd expected: I suspected Zha'haabron had come off worst. I let one hand stray lower, my fingers tangling through those silky ebony curls at his groin.
*Mmmmm...*
I kissed his neck, then reached for his tail with my other hand...
Radittsu peeled the torn and bloodied bodysuit from the prince, wincing at the massive bruising underneath. Zha'haabron sighed as the Saiyan swept him easily and carefully into his arms and carried him through to the bathroom, pausing for a minute or two under the hot spray then moving further into the room.
**I have missed you**
Radittsu kissed his forehead as he stepped down into the bath, lowering the prince to his lap as he seated himself in the warm water.
*Me too.*
Zha'haabron relaxed completely and gazed up at the big male from half-closed eyes, his weariness obvious. Radittsu stroked his face, tracing the high cheekbones and firm jaw.
"You need to sleep."
"You need release."
The Saiyan felt himself blush. "I can wait."
Zha'haabron twisted carefully and gripped Radittsu's shoulders, pulling himself upright, straddling the big male's thighs and sliding onto his straining erection, his own pressed against the Saiyan's muscular stomach.
"But you do not need to. And I would prefer not to."
Trembling, Radittsu wrapped his arms around his lover's shoulders, his tail around one powerful blue thigh, and buried his face in the cold green silk of his hair.
Morning sunslight flooded the chamber. Zha'haabron was sleeping soundly, his hair flowing around him, long limbs tumbled gracefully across the bed, eyes closed and lips very slightly parted. Radittsu gazed down at him, almost worshipfully. He reached a hand to the prince's shaft, softly, gently, arousing but not waking him, then lowered his lips to Zha'haabron's groin...
I really shouldn't be here, I told myself as I hovered in the corridor outside Zha'haabron's rooms.
Vejiita had left earlier for yet another of his apparently interminable meetings, and I'd talked myself into believing that a social visit to Radittsu and his lover would be acceptable. After all, Zha'haabron was beginning to feel like one of the family (yeah, right, Leteetza!) and I really should get to know him a little better. It was a flimsy excuse at best, and I was already regretting the impulse. Still, I hadn't knocked on the door yet - I could always wimp out...
The door crashed open. Radittsu flung himself backwards from the suite, slamming into me and sending both of us toppling to the floor. As I dragged myself from under him, dazed, I caught sight of his white, shocked face and looked towards the door.
I nearly screamed. The figure that stood there had pale blue skin and green hair, but that's all the resemblance it bore to the prince. For the rest...
It was squat and scaly, twice the size of Zha'haabron, though no taller, and ugly as hell: a nightmare of long sharp fangs in a wide snout, the nose two holes in the front of the face, the eyes almost invisible in pouches of fat. I stared, Radittsu stared, and the creature stared at the big male, one clawed hand held out - beseechingly?
"Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu..." Its voice was grating, guttural. I glanced at Radittsu, who was still staring, horrified, then back to the doorway. I thought I saw something gleam in the creature's eyes before it swivelled sharply and disappeared back into the suite.
I gripped Radittsu's shoulder. He was trembling.
"What happened?"
He shook his head, eyes bewildered. "I don't know. One moment he was asleep and I was tasting him, the next, he'd transformed into - that..."
I frowned. "Tasting him?"
He scowled impatiently. "You know - I had him in my mouth. Sucking him."
"Ah." I pushed him back against the wall. "In that case he may have unconsciously thought you were attacking him, and transformed to counter the attack."
"WHAT!!!"
I sighed. "You never did find out much about his species, did you? Right. Let me educate you..."
He gazed at me, slightly glassy-eyed. "So what you're saying is those barbs hold the mate in place while the R'ren'nkh'ian eats him?"
I nodded. "From what I've gathered, it's a slow and painful process."
"Why doesn't the mate just pull out? I mean, it would hurt like bloody hell, but that's better than death surely..."
"They're built a bit differently to Saiya-jin. But I think the barbs can also inject some sort of poison, one that paralyses the mate."
He frowned. "But... I don't understand. He never tried anything like that..."
I grinned. "First of all, you're not one of his race. Secondly, you're no threat to him - you've no urge to eat him, and you two can't breed, so there's no fight over who impregnates who. Thirdly, you always make love in water, right?" He nodded. "Which is about as different as possible from how things work on R'ren'nkh'ia. Fourthly - you said he never kisses you or lets you kiss his mouth? The most he does is lick you?" He nodded again, looking dazed. "And I'll bet he never, uh, 'tasted' you, either." He shook his head, and I smiled. "He's doing his best to make sure you never come to any harm. Avoiding all of the things that could make him react instinctively and endanger you." I slapped him on the back. "Gods know why, but I guess he really does love you!"
Radittsu stared at me for a moment, his eyes huge, then pulled himself upright, squared his shoulders and stepped towards the door. I grabbed his tail, gently, but hard enough to stop him.
"What are you going to do?"
"Do?" He turned to me, an expression of surprise on his face. "I'm going to tell him how much I love him, of course."
I grinned and loosed his tail.
Zha'haabron wasn't in the suite. Radittsu stood on the balcony and closed his eyes, focusing on his bondmate's ki: it was faint, but the R'ren'nkh'ian hadn't yet learned ki suppression, and the big Saiyan took off in the direction of the lake in the forest on the outskirts of Vejiitamachi.
He landed silently and stood for a moment, watching. Zha'haabron had transformed back, and was kneeling at the water's edge, slumped forwards, his hair eddying around his beautiful naked body in the slight breeze. His shoulders were shaking, his hands over his face. Radittsu felt himself melt...
Sunk in misery, the prince wasn't aware of his presence until the Saiyan knelt at his side and placed a hand gently on one cool blue thigh. He gasped and flinched away, only to be stopped by a heavy arm around his shoulders.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Zha'haabron glanced at the Saiyan, the silvery tracks of tears glinting on his cheeks.
"Far from you."
"Why?"
The prince turned to face Radittsu, glaring up into his face.
"I lost control. I could have... killed you."
Radittsu caught his chin in one large hand.
"But you didn't. And it was my fault. I didn't understand. I do now. Some, anyway."
Zha'haabron frowned faintly. "But... You saw what I am."
Radittsu shook his head. "No. I saw what you can become. I'm looking at what you are."
The prince stared, his lips slightly parted, and the Saiyan smiled, shrugging.
"You're part of me. I love you. The rest we'll work out as we go along."
Zha'haabron flung himself into his lover's arms, almost breaking his ribs with the force of his embrace...
"You just couldn't resist interfering, could you?"
Vejiita's arm was around my waist as we watched Radittsu and Zha'haabron walking together in the palace grounds, the Saiyan's arm protectively around his mate's shoulders. I grinned and nudged him in the ribs.
"You complaining?"
"This time, no."
I turned to him, wrapping my arms around him, suddenly serious.
"It was fascinating, you know, finding out about his species. I thought I'd maybe do a little more research." I hesitated for a moment. "Do you have any plans to invite any other aliens onworld?"
He smiled slowly, a speculative gleam in his eyes.
"Now that you come to mention it..."
© 2001 Joules Taylor
