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Maybe it wasn’t the blizzards. It was the loneliness of waiting them out alone.
Tonight showed that they did accept you, Jade, even if you wouldn’t accept them.
Nah. Just shows they like to party. Probably happy I’m going.
“Our rooms are on B Deck. Most of the crew is on A, but this is closer to the Freight Coordinator’s office and the cargo and inventory bays. Might as well save myself a long commute,” Ardol chuckled. “I promise, it’s every bit as nice as the rooms on A Deck.”
“I’m sure it is.” Jade looked around with curious eyes as she followed her much larger husband. For the first time, she began to really study him. While he led, she was free to let her eyes roam.
How tall is he? Easily seven feet. I barely come up to his bicep. And what biceps. I think he wears those fancy vests to show off his muscles.
He’s vain.
Aren’t all clients? Just stroke his ego—and maybe his tail.
Jade watched it swing with every step, anchored to lean, long muscles that seamlessly connected his narrow waist to his glutes and then kept going to his powerful legs and long feet.
“I’ll have Layla program you into the system tomorrow so you can access the common areas of the ship, the elevators, and the bays.” Ardol pressed his paw to another softly glowing panel, and doors slid open to reveal an elevator compartment. “After you, my Queen.”
“Thank you.”
“I take it you’ve never been on a ship like this?” Ardol hit the button marked B, and the doors closed with a smooth hiss.
Jade leaned against the wall, eyes closed for a second as the car sped upward. The ride was smooth, but she didn’t like the shiny enclosed space. “No, I never have. And we’ll be here for a cycle?”
“Yes, at least most of one.”
“I would like to invite Claude to see the ship. And Griselda.”
“Of course. And on Leopardine-One, you will have command of the Queen suites and can organize whatever socialization you enjoy. I’m afraid all of your companions will be much younger or older, however.” Something tight and painful twisted his features, but then he smoothed them out. “That’s not talk for tonight. I’m sure you’re tired.”
“I’m not tired,” Jade lied easily. She was exhausted, but she wanted the marriage consummated. She didn’t want Ardol to resent her or to later accuse her of not giving him his money’s worth.
She pushed away the hinting whisper that said, “He takes his vows seriously. None of your other clients made you vows. They paid you and agreed not to violate your contract. Ardol is already going above and beyond. He’s given you things. Taking you places...”
“It’s so big.”
Ardol stumbled out of the elevator. “Big? The elevator?”
“The ship. Big. And beautiful.”
“Good! I hope you think my quarters are suitable, too.”
Jade allowed him to shepherd her to a room in a long passageway that was twice his height and still had the red and metallic allure of the rest of the ship.
“This is it.” Another swipe of his paw and a room draped with silken cushions and smelling of exotic spices was revealed.
“Oh... Oh, wow.” Jade didn’t like to show surprise, but somehow she’d figured his quarters would be similar to the little rooms in the lodging house—a bed, a small area to eat or watch the media viewer, and a cubicle-like bathroom.
Ardol’s room was easily the length of three rooms at the lodging house. Upon entering, you stepped down into a sunken area where smooth black fixtures gleamed in a small kitchenette, then walked into a large, lavish bedroom-sitting room area complete with every modern device. The bathroom stood at the far end, the door open and revealing a stall shower and Felid-sized fixtures.
Too beautiful. Too much. Not worthy. He should share this space with someone who loves him. People should make homes with people who love them.
Jade heard Ardol speaking softly, but her mind wouldn’t unlock enough to answer him.
HIS NEW BRIDE, HIS small, tired human Queen, was standing in the room, looking lost, with tears in her eyes.
“Is it to your liking? Do you think you could find it comfortable?”
