Auspices
"Ti'aasaan?"
I'd arrived at the suite as arranged to give the infants a bukuujutsu lesson - only to find the little zn'hre slouched at the comm unit, one small hand flat against the screen as tears trickled down his face. Suddenly worried, I wrapped my arms around him from behind, glancing quickly at the screen to see what had upset him, but it was blank. I kissed his neck gently.
"What's wrong?"
He covered my hands with his own, leaning back against me and swallowing a sob, then wiped at his eyes and shook his head slightly.
"I'm sorry - I didn't mean to worry you. It's just... I miss him. I miss them both."
My arms unconsciously tightened around his shoulders.
"You've been talking to them?"
He nodded. "My Ssii'irin looks so exhausted. And Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu's tired too, and worried about him. It's so - hard for them both." He sighed. "I wish I'd gone with them."
"Now you know they wouldn't have let you. Your safety's too important to them for that. And there's really nothing you can do to help."
"I know. But..."
I stroked his cheek. "Little 'un, the best thing you can do at the moment is to not give them anything more to worry about."
He nodded, then swivelled to look at me. "Shall we start the lesson?"
I smiled. "You going to join in?"
"If you don't mind."
"Of course not!"
As he gathered up the little princes I sighed mentally. With Zh'anah still playing bodyguard to the twins, Zh'leet on R'ren'nkh'ia with the prince, and Gh'veen spending most of his time with Vinas and his team, Ti'aasaan had been left very much to his own devices just recently. And it had only been eight days, and already he was so alone, so lonely without his bondmates, and I couldn't spend anything like as much time with him as I wanted - not that I was much of a substitute. But even I was better than nothing. He really needed someone to keep him company, though. I'd have to see what I could come up with.
Zha'haabron slowly lowered his hand from the screen where, moments before, it had pressed against the image of Ti'aasaan's palm. Radittsu laid his hands on his prince's shoulders, very aware of the quivering tension in the powerful body, and Zha'haabron slumped back against his bondmate. The Saiyan hugged him close, one hand gently wiping at the slow tears now escaping the golden eyes.
*You didn't cry while he was watching...*
**I did not wish him to be further distressed**
*I love you.*
Zha'haabron stood, unsteadily, and turned to his bondmate - then his eyelids fluttered as he collapsed. Radittsu caught him, cradling the R'ren'nkh'ian protectively against his broad warm chest. His bondmate was completely exhausted, beautiful eyes half-closed and ringed with dark shadows, his body a limp weight in the strong arms as he simply fell asleep. The big Saiyan settled him on the bed, pulling the brief black leather bodysuit, boots and armsheaths from his slumbering body and stroking his face gently. He'd had no rest for five days and nights, and had been under constant stress the entire time. No wonder he was tired...
The entourage had made planetfall eight days before Taarn and Zha'geekaan's coronation, and been welcomed into the king's enclave with much ceremony. The big lizard even managed to treat Zha'haabron and Radittsu courteously, although Vejiita's presence probably had much to do with that. The King's first meeting with the soon-to-be High King had been a little stilted, but the atmosphere had eased over a meal: Radittsu had the uneasy feeling the two had more in common than simply their royal status. Zha'haabron had asked to be excused immediately afterwards, not giving a reason, and both Kings had acquiesced.
Radittsu had followed his prince to their sumptuous suite, expression anxious. Once inside he'd pulled his bondmate to him.
*What's wrong?*
Zha'haabron leaned against him, strong arms wrapped around his waist.
**I do not wish to spend any more time than necessary in my sire's presence**
Radittsu had stroked his back.
*I can understand that.* He kissed the prince's brow. *I'm proud of you. I just want to rip him to pieces.*
Zha'haabron sighed. **That's too good for him. But I suppose we had better think of some punishment. For later**
Radittsu grinned. *Do you have any suggestions?*
**Not yet. And it will wait. We have enough to contend with in the meantime...**
The Saiyan had agreed. He'd been desperately worried, to start with, when the prince had explained his plans - first that Zha'geekaan was too strong, then, after Zha'haabron's sudden ki leap, that his bondmate's past suffering would somehow interfere with their designs, that his hatred for Zha'geekaan would cause him to make mistakes. But Zha'haabron was coldly determined and very controlled, and Radittsu's fears had been allayed somewhat. It was too important to the prince for him to jeopardise their plans by acting precipitately - or by letting slip what was to happen. He'd ruthlessly suppressed his own feelings, and his ki, to keep his sire oblivious to what was coming. There would be time to relish his revenge later.
What concerned him at the moment was how to put his plan of gathering the zn'hre into effect.
**We will need to keep them separate, initially. Zha'geekaan's enclave has enough chambers, I think**
*But is that really necessary?* Radittsu frowned. *I mean, you and Ti'aasaan choose not to mate - the urge seems to have disappeared.*
The prince nodded. **But we don't know why. It may be because of our offspring in some way. Or because we are part of a unit, a family, now. I do not wish to experiment indiscriminately - I will not risk my people any further. Of course they will need to socialise eventually, but it will be under controlled conditions** He sighed. **If necessary we will resort to drugs to start with, to subdue the mating compulsion**
*At least Vejiita's agreed to help with getting them to the enclave.*
**Indeed** That had been one of Zha'haabron's main concerns: 'kidnapping' the zn'hre from their masters across the face of the planet. Vejiita had authorised a large number of his own warriors to be transported to R'ren'nkh'ia, remaining in orbit until Zha'haabron had defeated his sire and taken the throne for himself, then acting before the rest of the world had a chance to discover that their new High King was a zn'hre. It was risky. Zha'haabron expected there to be casualties. But it was the only way he could think of to gather them to him before the other chiefs could take action.
The prince frowned. **It's the timing that concerns me. I should give the order for them to be rescued immediately before I challenge him. But how long after the coronation should I wait to do so?**
Radittsu pulled his bondmate down onto the sleeping platform, holding him close. He was worried that Zha'geekaan had installed surveillance equipment - the Saiyan wouldn't put it past him - but he was sure that if they just acted naturally they wouldn't arouse any suspicions. Not that he was overly happy about the thought of their being watched. At least no one could overhear their mindspeak...
*I'd advise acting as soon as possible. He'll be so full of himself he won't know what's hit him. Don't give him a chance to exercise his power - or to get used to the idea of being High King.*
Zha'haabron slid out of his clothing, unsnapped the buckles on his bondmate's R'ren'nkh'ian attire and pulled the leather from the hot, muscular body. One pale blue hand stroked down his back under his mane and came to rest very gently against the base of his tail. Radittsu shivered and moaned quietly.
*I thought you wanted to talk.*
**I do**
*Then you'd better not move that hand...*
Zha'haabron kissed his shoulder and nestled close to his bondmate. **I need to know that you will be safe. I want you to stay close to Vejiita throughout the encounter**
*My place is with you.*
**Please don't argue. I am more powerful than my sire: you are not. I do not want you hurt**
Radittsu scowled, but in all honesty had to agree. He'd only get in the way, and Zha'haabron could do without the distraction.
*Very well. Now, is there any way you can contact the zn'hre, let them know what you've planned?*
The prince rolled onto his back, pulling Radittsu to lie on top of him and absently stroked his tail, strong fingers sinking into deep soft fur. The Saiyan gasped, soundlessly, and held him tightly.
**Directly, no. However, many of my hostlings now belong to clans in which there is a zn'hre. And many are less than enamoured of their sire. Some of them have suffered his 'attentions' themselves, and will not be unhappy to see him gone. I do not have a direct mind-link with them, but I may be able to influence them through the host-bond, at least sufficiently for them to know to make contact with me. It will take time, though**
*What if we are under surveillance? Won't it look suspicious if you keep getting calls from hostlings?*
Zha'haabron was silent for a moment, frowning.
**You have a point. However, I believe I may be able to communicate the need for discretion. Calls from hostlings congratulating me will not be viewed with suspicion at this time, and our rapport should enable me to get the message across without the need for explicit description of what is to happen. As long as they are aware of the approximate time and that it involves the zn'hre, that should be sufficient. I hope**
*That's very vague...*
**If you have a better idea, I am open to suggestions**
Radittsu frowned to himself. Zha'haabron was so tense he was shaking, his mind roiling with a mix of uncertainty, anxiety and outright fear. Gratitude that his bondmate was at last sure enough of him to share his dread vied with a wish to spare him the exigencies of the next few days, but there was little Radittsu could do to ease the situation. Except to take his mind off it, even if only for a little while...
The Saiyan's lips settled gently against the prince's neck as he slid into the powerful body below him, shifting slightly. A shiver ran through his bondmate's frame.
*Let's think about it later.*
Zha'haabron stared up at him, quivering, eyes wide.
**But...**
*Beloved, right now I just want to make love to you. Please?*
The prince smiled and ran a fingertip down his cheek, noticeably relaxing.
**How can I resist you?**
It had been their last chance to make love for five complete planetary revolutions: their days had been spent on official duties - preparing for the coronation, mostly - and Zha'haabron had spent all night, every night, in communication with his hostlings. The complex web of relationships spread from tribe to clan across the planet, and through it the prince had been able to determine the precise location of seventy four of the zn'hre...
On the fourth night Radittsu watched him worriedly from the sleeping platform as he paced back and forth across the suite, eyes half-closed, deep in concentration. As he seated himself at the bleeping comm screen the Saiyan loped to stand behind him, strong hands on his shoulders.
*Beloved, you must sleep!*
**Later**
*But you're exhausted!*
**We only have this one opportunity. Zha'geekaan must not be allowed the time to substantiate his status**
*But you'll be too tired to fight him if you don't get some rest!*
Zha'haabron leaned back against him, sighing silently.
**Tomorrow. I only have fifteen more hostlings to speak to: it should only take me a few more hours. Then I must speak with Ti'aasaan. But then I will sleep**
*You promise?*
He turned his head and kissed the big man's hip. **I promise**
Radittsu stroked the silky green hair, watching his bondmate sleep, deeply and dreamlessly. It had been almost a full day and he showed no sign of waking, but the longer he slept the better, as far as the Saiyan was concerned. He'd done as much as he could to prepare his people for the forthcoming ordeal: now he needed to recoup his strength in preparation for his own.
The coronation was tomorrow at noon. By twilight of the following day Zha'haabron would be High King. If all went according to plan.
The lesson had gone well. The babies - and especially little Zha'haabron - were gaining significant strength and control with every session. And Ti'aasaan had improved a great deal too, although I had the sneaking suspicion that he still preferred to be carried. (Though let's face it, given his bondmates, I couldn't really blame him!) I helped him herd the babies into the bath, then joined the family for a while. Ti'aasaan leaned back against the side of the huge tub, his smile fading as he realised he'd be spending yet another night alone. My heart went out to him.
"Would you like me to stay?"
He inclined his head, puzzled, and I took his hand.
"Would you like me to sleep with you tonight?"
The tearful gratitude in his eyes brought a lump to my throat.
"Could you? I mean, don't you have more important things to do?"
I pulled him to me and into a hug.
"Oh, I think I can make the time..."
He gazed at me, biting his lower lip. "But I don't want to cause you any trouble..."
Sometimes I forget he doesn't really understand sarcasm. I smiled and stroked his hair.
"I was joking. I've missed you. I'm just sorry I've been so busy recently."
He curled up in my arms with his hands over his eyes and his head resting on my shoulder, suddenly seeming very small, downhearted and weary, and I rocked him gently, as I'd rock a tired child. A little later he sighed and pulled himself upright, and touched his fingertips to my cheek.
"Thank you."
I kissed his fingers. "It's my pleasure. Now, shall we get these sleepy little brats to bed?"
It seemed to take forever to settle the little princes, but finally they were snuggled down together in their own corner of the sleeping platform. Ti'aasaan was still despondent and listless, so I took control, stroking and nipping at his smooth, cool body until he shivered and gripped my hair, his eyes closing as he shifted beneath me. I smiled and kissed softly down his throat, across his chest, nibbling at one prominent hipbone as he moaned and pressed himself against me, his erection hard and quivering against my shoulder. I took him into my mouth, licking at the velvety skin as he caught his breath, one of my hands teasing the sensitive flesh at the entrance to his female part, the other's thumb rubbing against his mound. His hands buried themselves in my hair as he thrust rhythmically, then his body arched off the bed as he came, flooding my mouth with a cold, spicy-sweet effervescence that tingled on my tongue. Shuddering, panting, he slowly relaxed, his body limp beneath me, hands spasmodically stroking my hair. I let him slide from my mouth, kissing him gently, then pushed myself up the bed to lie beside him. He rolled into my embrace, his head on my shoulder, his hand on my breast, teasing my nipple, and I groaned.
"Ti'aasaan, please don't."
He raised his head, surprised. "Why not?"
I glanced at him. "I thought you were tired."
He inclined his head. "Um, no. Are you?"
Well, by now I wasn't! I grinned. "No."
He smiled back at me and pulled us both upright, shifting to kneel behind me - erect again already...
The entire enclave was abuzz, the atmosphere tense, almost brittle. Zha'haabron had roused at dawn and been forced to wriggle out from under his bondmate, waking him in the process. Radittsu groaned.
*How do you do it? I'm still exhausted...*
Zha'haabron smiled grimly and dressed quickly. **I want to speak with Vejiita. He will be too busy later**
The Saiyan hurriedly dragged on his own clothes.
*I'm coming with you.*
**You are welcome to stay here for a little more sleep. It is early yet**
*I'd rather be with you. And in any case, I can translate into Saiyago for you, if you want to be sure only Vejiita understands what you have to say.*
Vejiita nodded slowly, approvingly, and spoke to Radittsu - in a Saiyago Northern dialect, which would be almost incomprehensible to anyone not familiar with it. Zha'haabron had smiled to himself. Vejiita didn't trust anyone either...
"It was well done. With these details we can ensure the warriors are sent to the most advantageous positions. Will the hostlings assist?"
Radittsu had been *translating* as the conversation proceeded, and the prince nodded.
**I've advised them of the situation as best I can. They won't try to resist the warriors** He lowered his eyes. **I'm sorry I haven't been able to contact all of my people. For the first time ever, I can only hope that they are so used to obeying those in power unthinkingly that they will allow themselves to be rescued without argument**
Well before noon the cool subterranean hall was filled to capacity. All except the most minor chiefs of the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin were present - most of them had arrived days before to enjoy the High King-to-be's renowned lavish hospitality - with a special place being reserved for Vejiita and his Elite Guard. Radittsu was with them on this occasion: it had come as a somewhat unpleasant surprise that Zha'geekaan expected Zha'haabron, as his heir, to sit at his side. Radittsu was worried.
*We can't trust him.*
**I know. But I can hardly object, not at this point. We dare not raise any suspicions**
So Radittsu stood at Vejiita's side, his eyes never leaving his bondmate's, through the start of the curiously low-key event. The actual coronation was brief and simple: Vejiita ceremoniously handed over the heavy, jewelled collar that was to be the insignia of the High King to Zha'haabron, who in turn placed it around his sire's neck, then knelt before him. As he lowered his head to his sire, the rest of the court dropped to one knee (with the exception of Vejiita - he'd already made it clear he would kneel to no-one, and Zha'geekaan had no choice but to concede). For long moments there was no sound but the faint whirring of the video units recording the occasion for posterity, then Zha'haabron rose and resumed his seat at the High King's side. It was the signal for the court to rise and for the chiefs to form an orderly queue, ready to give their personal oaths of allegiance to Zha'geekaan and his heir. Vejiita moved to stand behind the newly-constructed High Throne, a living symbol of the Alliance and Saiya-jin support, with an Elite on either side of him: Radittsu had intended being one of them, but a ph'ti'pa from the court had caught his arm, whispering in his ear that there was an urgent message from Ti'aasaan and would he please make his way to his suite?
He glanced anxiously at Zha'haabron, but the prince was preoccupied, and he decided not to add to his stress: he left the hall as quickly as he could, without *interrupting* him. It proved to be an unfortunate decision. As he entered the suite, something heavy landed on the back of his head, and for a second, everything went white - then whirled into darkness as he dropped unconscious.
Radittsu opened his eyes to complete blackness. Fear catching in his throat, he raised unbound hands to his eyes, gently pressing against the lids, relieved when the flashes of colour let him know that the darkness was external, not his own blindness. He pushed himself carefully upright, one shaking arm raised to avoid cracking his aching head on anything that might be above him, then sat for a few moments, taking stock.
The room - cell, dungeon, whatever the place was - was very cold. He hadn't imagined that there could be anywhere this cold on the planet. He must be far underground... He was naked, but he hadn't been really hurt. Just a few cuts and bruises, and a throbbing pain at the base of his skull where something very hard and very heavy had impacted. Sighing with relief - injury would make it more difficult to escape - he focussed on Zha'haabron.
*Beloved?*
Silence. He frowned, and tried again.
*Zha'haabron? Where are you?*
Still nothing. His unease mounting, he concentrated harder, to no avail.
Fighting down panic, he tried to relax and *feel* his way to his bondmate. The prince's *warmth* was still there, a beautiful golden glow in his mind, but he couldn't seem to make contact...
He was given no time to dwell on the situation. A sudden brilliant light had him flinging his arm over sensitive, stinging eyes as a heavy door slammed open, and a familiar voice sneered, "Well, if it isn't the prince's plaything!"
Squinting up at the figure, the Saiyan went completely cold. Dhr'ovaanon...
The big lizard leered at his captive, then ripped the jewelled loincloth from his hips to reveal a massive triple-headed erection. Without ceremony, without giving Radittsu a moment to prepare, Dhr'ovaanon fisted a hand in his mane, dragged him upright then slammed him belly-down onto the rough stony floor, dropping heavily on top of him, gripping his hips in huge scaled, clawed hands and shoving his legs apart. Radittsu screamed once as the laughing R'ren'nkh'ian forced himself into the warm Saiyan body, dislocating a hip with the sheer brutality of the violation - then the big male passed out, mercifully sparing himself the agony of the big lizard's particularly vicious brand of rape.
It was the cold that finally brought him round. He struggled against wakefulness, willing himself to stay unconscious, but the pain from his ravaged body refused to be ignored. He whimpered, trying not to move, not even to shiver, as each tiny motion ripped through him as though tearing him apart. The smell of blood - his own, from the pool he lay in - filled his nostrils. And everything was in darkness again.
Fading in and out of consciousness, he had no idea how long he lay there, growing colder and weaker until he no longer had the energy to shiver, slowly bleeding to death. He'd long ago given up trying to contact his bondmate - in any case he'd rather spare Zha'haabron the echo of this pain. His beloved had had enough to endure in his life...
He realised, vaguely, that he was weeping, silently, without moving. Zha'haabron... He'd not said goodbye...
The pain was receding. He felt as though he were floating, barely breathing. He wondered, idly, what Zha'haabron would do once he was dead. He'd promised they'd never be parted - but that was before Ti'aasaan had become their bondmate, before they'd become a family. He had a responsibility towards the little zn'hre, and his offspring, and Zha'haabron took his responsibilities very seriously...
A bright light suddenly enveloped him, and he blinked and closed eyes that he hadn't realised were still open. Sighing silently, he waited for the end...
To find himself being lifted in strong, warm blue arms that cradled him close. His head lolling, he managed to glance up, into his beloved's golden eyes, and forced the ghost of a smile. If there was a better way to be welcomed into the afterlife, he couldn't imagine what it might be.
*You got here first. How did you manage that?*
**You will live, Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu. I will not let you die**
The Saiyan's brows drew together in a faint frown.
*I'm still alive?*
Zha'haabron gazed down at him, the hint of tears in his eyes.
**Just. And not for much longer unless we get you to a biotech** He brushed a kiss over his bondmate's forehead. **Forgive me. This is going to hurt**
And as he forced Radittsu's hip back into the socket the big male screamed - more from the white hot agony that slashed through every organ in his body than the simple pain of relocation - and fell unconscious again...
When he next regained consciousness he was lying on his stomach in a bed in a recovery room, hooked up to a transfuser, a monitor, several unidentifiable lengths of tubing, and something that seemed to be pumping some sort of anaesthetic into his suffering body. Tilting his head slightly, he met his bondmate's gaze and smiled, faintly.
*I love you.*
Zha'haabron leaned down, raised the hand he was holding to his lips and gently kissed the limp fingers, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears.
**And I you. How are you feeling?**
Radittsu sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. *Can't feel much of anything. I'm thirsty, though.*
Zha'haabron lifted a beaker to his mouth, angling the spout so that he could sip. Swallowing hurt, but the water was cool, and eased his thirst. As he settled back again, he regarded his bondmate tiredly.
*What happened?*
**It can wait until you're stronger**
Radittsu sighed. *I'd like to know now. Please.*
Zha'haabron gazed at him for a few moments, then nodded resignedly.
**Very well...**
It wasn't a long or complicated story. Zha'geekaan had obviously been very confident of his own power, and sure of his personal safety. After all, he had the Saiyajin-no-Ou and his warrior elite, in additional to his own warriors, in attendance on this auspicious occasion.
He'd also been nursing a deep, malicious fury towards his erstwhile 'favourite'. He'd never forgiven Zha'haabron for finding happiness and fulfilment. And he wanted to make the prince suffer...
He'd roped in Dhr'ovaanon, of course. His association with the half-insane va'ha'da had been extremely useful, over the years, for punishing 'transgressors', or conveniently making inconvenient beings disappear... After all, Dhr'ovaanon wasn't sane. He could hardly be blamed for his actions, now, could he? So Zha'geekaan had had the unconscious Radittsu transported to Dhr'ovaanon's enclave while the chiefs were tendering their oaths of fealty.
His timing could hardly have been worse: Zha'haabron was tense with loathing for his sire to start with. On returning to their suite several hours later and finding his beloved gone, Zha'haabron had sought out the High King. Zha'geekaan had sprawled on his throne, gloating, taking great delight in describing in detail what Dhr'ovaanon had planned for the big Saiyan and revelling in the look of absolute horror on the prince's face. Moments later his own expression was one of absolute fear as Zha'haabron dropped his ki suppression and let his rage grow, power glowing and sparking around him as he laid into his sire - decades of pain and hatred focussed on the scaly form rapidly turning into pounded meat beneath him. In the end, it was the hatred that stopped him short of killing the High King. He hadn't endured nearly enough. He had to live, so that he could suffer again - and again - and again...
The court had watched the unequal contest with dropped jaws, disbelievingly except for Gh'heegonan, who had smiled with great satisfaction throughout. As Zha'geekaan lay, broken and unable even to groan through crushed vocal chords, Zha'haabron ripped the jewelled collar from his neck. He held it for a moment - then Vejiita had taken it from his hands and placed it around his neck, stepping back and lowering his head to the new High King. The Saiyan ruler then glanced up at him.
"If you leave now, you may be in time to save him."
Zha'haabron glanced uncertainly at the bleeding hulk at the foot of the throne: Vejiita smiled.
"Leave him to me. I will ensure no further harm comes to him. I'll leave that to you..."
Confident that Vejiita would set their plans in motion, Zha'haabron unhooked and dropped the collar on the throne and took off for Dhr'ovaanon's enclave, followed by a squad of Saiyan warriors.
**The rest you know**
Radittsu managed a weak grin. *So you're High King, now. Your Majesty.*
Zha'haabron's smile was bitter. **It was not the way we had planned it - but it served the purpose**
*What happened to Dhr'ovaanon?*
**I had him 'escorted' back to Zha'geekaan's... my enclave, to await judgement for abducting and - assaulting - the High King's consort. When you're recovered, perhaps you can help me decide on some suitably severe penalty**
The Saiyan closed his eyes with a shudder, grateful that he'd been unconscious for most of the time. The knowledge of it was bad enough without having to actually remember what had happened. Only the thought that Zha'haabron had suffered the same, not once but over and over again, made it possible for him to consider the whole thing with anything like equanimity. Though knowing that Dhr'ovaanon would suffer for what he had done was some consolation...
For the moment it was more important that he recover as quickly as he could. He shifted uncomfortably on the bed, wincing, and his bondmate laid a hand on his shoulder.
**What's wrong?**
*I think the pain-killers are wearing off. Don't worry about it.* He frowned. *How long have I been here?*
**Three days**
Three lost days... *In that case, my own healing ability should have kicked in and done at least half the job. Help me sit up.*
Zha'haabron's eyes widened as he shook his head. **It's too soon! Even if you don't make the internal injuries worse, it'll hurt too much...**
Radittsu gazed at him. *How badly was I hurt?*
The king bit his lip. **Very badly. Please, zk'vissin, stay still, at least for another couple of days**
*On one condition.*
**Which is?**
*You have business to attend to. Go and make your people welcome.* He gestured across the room. *Zh'leet will look after me.*
Zha'haabron stared at him speechlessly for a moment, then carefully kissed his lips, smiling through the tears in his eyes.
**You... How can I tell you how much I love you?**
Radittsu raised one hand, weakly, and touched his face. *I've seen it already, remember? Now go. I'll see you later.*
Zha'haabron gazed at him tenderly for a few more moments, then turned to leave. As he disappeared through the door, Radittsu's expression changed to a considering frown. Somehow, they'd have to discover why he'd been unable to contact his bondmate while at Dhr'ovaanon's enclave.
But it could wait. For now, he needed to get back on his feet as quickly as he could. Zha'haabron would need all the support he could get over the coming days.
© 2001 July 22nd Joules Taylor
