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“Shuttle, confirm oxygenation and pressurization.”
“Confirmed and ready, Mine Cat.”
“Please strap in for take off. We’ll sound the all clear when we’re off-world and stabilized.”
“Thank you for the ride, and we’ll keep our channel open.”
Jade had to admit that it was nice getting to see Ardol doing his job and taking charge. Maybe because he’d been trained to run an estate—or a district, which was like a little country—he was very efficient and organized. “You have the right to be a little cocky,” Jade mused, sitting beside him in the chair that was much too large.
“Finally! Someone who admits it,” Ardol laughed and leaned over her. “Let me tighten the straps for you.” He buckled her into the five-point harness. “Out of curiosity—why am I allowed to be a pompous jerk?”
“I said a little cocky!” Jade glared. “I watched you work every day for the last week. You were fast, and efficient, and charming. Ruthless. Remember when that guy said we couldn’t have any more cryovac fluid shipped to Lynx-Nineteen because they don’t transport past Lynx-One?”
“And I had it hopping from transporter to transporter in ten minutes?”
“Calling in favors, making trades... Wooo.” She fluttered her lashes up at him. “The power.”
“Hey, growing up watching my father and his brothers make deals and run the quarry and investments...” he shrugged and strapped in next to her, taking a moment to arrange the slick curl of fur over one eyebrow. “It’s second nature to arrange things to get what you want when you want it.”
“Like a Queen. A wife.” A pulse of sadness accompanied her words. It had been her idea, too. They were both practical, efficient people.
For a second the shuttle rumbled and shook. Jade felt pressure cover her chest beyond the restraints of the five-point harness going across her shoulders and down between her thighs. “What?” she croaked out one syllable as the lights flickered.
“Don’t worry, baby. We’re taking off, and the shuttle is changing pressure. In about sixty seconds it’ll level out.”
“Kay.” She reached for his paw and clutched it.
In a moment, the pressure did lessen and the speed picked up. Eventually, Jade could tell they were moving at high speeds, and soon after that felt like she was simply on solid ground.
“We’re off-world, Shuttle One. You can move about the interior, and feel free to come up to the mess if you want some hot breakfast.” A voice full of static invited from the control panel.
“Thanks, Mine Cat!” Ardol flipped a switch and smiled as he unhooked his harness. “We can move around and get some food. I was going to raid Kamau’s breakfast. Don’t tell him I said it, but I bet he’s a way better cook than whoever prepares what they serve on this freighter.”
“Oh, I’ll be sure to tell him,” Jade giggled and freed herself from the oversized chair.
“Speaking of things not to tell people... Jade. If I gave you back your contract—would you still be my wife and Queen? Legally, we’re married. The license is filed. It’s binding.”
“But—you don’t need to give me back my contract.”
“I know. But I no longer like having it. It’s too close to me being just another client. In my mind, I just want to be your husband and King.”
“The money—”
“Oh, that’s still yours.”
“Ours. We can use it for the cubs. Cubs are probably expensive to raise in any world,” Jade murmured, rubbing her chest where the harness had dug into it. “Why don’t you want to tell people?”
“Promise not to hate me?”
She didn’t like that promise, but she made it. “I promise.”
“My dad. He’s... He’s not the broadest-minded individual, I’m afraid. He’s trying to appear that way, but I think it’s an act. Who am I kidding? I know it’s an act. But when I’m District Lord, I can make the Rekiwe District more welcoming, more diverse, and far more profitable.”
“There’s that cocky streak that I’m kinda sorta liking,” Jade felt the tension lightening in her chest. “So you don’t want to tell your dad that you actually love me?”
“Oh, no. I’ll tell him that. Then he’ll yell about how my Queen is leading me around by my reproductive organs, have a tantrum, throw something at a gardener, and life will be lousy for a little bit. But he’ll still feel like there’s a balance of power in my favor—and therefore his favor—if we’re bound by a contract beyond marriage vows. And this way, no one will ever think you’re only with me because I paid you to be.” He frowned. “Although, people will still say that when I’m a District Lord because I’ll be rich. Funny. For the first time ever, I wish I wasn’t some ‘big shot’ back home. Just a little ordinary guy, a Freight Coordinator on a ship—”
“Or someone who owns a little store in a little town?” Jade murmured, taking packages of food from Kamau’s crate.
