Ynyr (Tornians Book 3) (13 page)

“You’re sure?” Her eyes searched his. “I want to be with you, but I don’t want to cause you more problems.”

“You won’t Abby, but I also need you to understand that you will not have the same freedoms that the Queen or the Empress do… not yet.” He cut off the protest, he saw in her eyes. “They are both in secure Houses, with males that can be trusted. Etruria is not that… not yet, but it will be. My vow, one day you will be able to travel freely in our House.”

Abby’s eyes searched Ynyr’s and saw his truth there. “That is good enough for me Ynyr.” Stretching up she kissed him again.

Ynyr growled as he ripped his mouth from his Abby’s. He wanted to take her to bed. He wanted to sink into her soft giving flesh and feel her release around his shaft. He wanted to hear her cries of pleasure that he knew only he could give her but he could not. They needed to leave. Looking down into her flushed face, the arousal he saw in her eyes nearly had him changing his mind.

“We need to leave,” he told her gruffly.

“What?” Abby frowned, trying to understand what he was saying.

“All the males are waiting for us in the loading area to leave for Etruria.”

“Now? Today?” Abby pulled slightly away from Ynyr, the desire, leaving her eyes. She hadn’t realized they would need to leave so quickly.

“Yes.” Ynyr let her slip out of his hold as she stepped back.

“Give me a couple minutes to fix my hair and find my shoes and I’ll be ready.” Abby turned and rushed into the bathroom where she knew she had kicked her shoes off before her shower.

Ynyr watched Abby leave in shock. He had expected her to tell him she needed more time, that the males could wait. It was what a Tornian female would do, she would need
days
to prepare for a journey, not just a few minutes. Another difference he had not realized.

“Ready!” Abby told him returning to the room.

Ynyr gave her a startled look, then let his gaze travel over her. He saw her shoes were on her feet and her hair was pulled tightly back from her face and tied with what looked like a piece of material before it flowed down her back. It made her beautiful blue eyes stand out even more in her heart shaped face and drew the gaze down her long, graceful neck to her bountiful breasts that were only hinted at by the cut of her covering. How had she managed to look even more beautiful so quickly?

He frowned at her covering, it was no longer trimmed in violet. Their conversation had distracted him from asking, now he needed to know. “What have you done to your covering?” He reached out to run a finger long her shoulder that was now devoid of color.

“I removed House Luanda’s color. It was actually really easy once I got started. I used my blade to cut several of the stitches, then realized Caitir made it to be removable, which is really brilliant when you think about it. That way, when a female chooses a male she doesn’t have to redo her entire wardrobe, just change the trim color. Once you have chosen ours I’ll sew it permanently in.”

“You know how to do this?” Ynyr couldn’t hide his shock, Tornian females didn’t. At least he didn’t think they did.

“Yeah, my mom taught me. I’m not nearly as talented as Caitir but I get by. I like doing decorative needlework more. I used to buy plain items from the discount rack and embellish them. I would then sell them at flea markets for five times what they originally cost. It got me through some really tight times after my family died.”

“You created beautiful things, then had to sell them to survive?” He had not realized she had struggled to survive on Earth. She had never told him any of this during their talks.

“I wasn’t destitute if that’s what you mean. Without resources.” She corrected when she saw his confusion. “I had the college fund mom and dad had set up for me and there was some money left over from their estate after the medical and funeral bills were paid but I still needed to supplement it if I wanted it to last. That’s why I worked so many jobs and made things to sell.”

Ynyr’s eyes were wide and his mouth hung open by the time Abby finished speaking. Especially when she just shrugged her shoulders as if what she had done was insignificant. It wasn’t. It was amazing. His Lady was amazing. “Once
we
choose our House color we will find someone to place it on all your coverings for you.”

“But…”

“That way you can concentrate on…” he struggled with the word, “embellish them.”

“Embellishing,” Abby corrected gently touched that he had listened and understood what she had been saying. She shouldn’t have been surprised, Ynyr always seemed to understand her or at least he tried to.

“Embellishing,” he repeated slowly, “if that is what pleases you most.”

“It does.” Reaching up, she gripped his neck, pulling his lips down to her for a quick kiss. “Thank you.”

“I will always try to please you Abby, you just need to tell me what you need.”

Abby gazed deeply into Ynyr’s warm brown eyes and could see how serious he was. He wanted to give her everything she needed. “All I need is
you
Ynyr. Everything else is well… just ‘things’ that don’t matter.”

“Goddess Abby…” Ynyr rested his forehead against hers, unable to express what her words meant to him. How they made him feel. To be the
only
thing she felt she needed when he was willing to give her all the universes had to offer. It humbled him while at the same time it made him feel invincible. Goddess what a feeling.

“My Lord?”

Spinning around Ynyr blocked Abby as he drew his sword, pointing it towards the male in the doorway.

“My Lord?” Korin immediately stepped back, bowing his head, confronted with his Lord’s rage.

“Korin!” Ynyr sheathed his sword. “What are you doing here?”

“My Lord, the males are growing restless. I came to see how much longer it would be before we left.”

“We will leave as soon as my Lady is ready,” Ynyr growled at Korin.

“Your Lady is going with us?” Ynyr took a shocked step back.

“Yes.”

“Where else would I be going Korin?” Abby asked as she moved to Ynyr’s side.

“I…” Korin looked from her to Ynyr who was frowning down at Abby and waited for his permission to speak to his Lady. He had seen how Grim had allowed it but would Ynyr?

“What?” She asked, looking from Korin to Ynyr.

“You not only addressed Korin directly, but you used his name.”

“So?” It was Abby’s turn to frown. “How else am I supposed to address him?”

“You aren’t supposed to.” Ynyr told her.

“I
am
going to speak to our males Ynyr.” Abby’s eyes hardened as she looked at him. “It is the only way to show them that our House is going to be nothing like Bertos’ was. So you need to tell me the best way to address them. Korin is your second,” her eyes turned to Korin. “What is the proper way for me to address him, to show that I respect his position? Warrior Korin? Captain Korin?”

Ynyr silently looked down at Abby and found he did not like the thought of her speaking to other males. They would take it that she wished to Join with them.

“I am yours and
only
yours Ynyr.” Abby gently squeezed his arm. “
You
are the only male I want to Join with and that won’t change no matter
who
I talk to and what
they
think.”

“It is what they will think.” Ynyr told her quietly.

“At first, but I will make sure they understand that I am their Lord’s female,”

“Lady!” Ynyr instantly corrected. “You are my Lady and any male that doesn’t understand and respect that will meet my sword.” Ynyr’s eyes went to Korin, who bowed his head, acknowledging he understood.

“Lady.” Abby repeated.

Ynyr’s gaze returned to hers and saw the happiness it gave her when he said that. “You will address Korin and any male you meet by their title, Korin is Captain Korin.”

“Alright.” Abby’s gaze returned to Korin. “So Captain Korin, to answer your question. I will be going to Etruria with my Lord and we will be leaving as soon as someone loads my things.” She gestured to the trunk behind her.

“I will see to it immediately, my Lady!” Bowing Korin left.

Abby sat quietly next to Ynyr, her fingers gripping the armrests of her chair as the ship took off. It was a weird sensation going straight up instead of forward for takeoff. She had questioned Ynyr about it when she had first seen the ship. It was a long, shiny cigar shaped cylinder stretching out along the ground that resembled an airplane, but it had no wings. Ynyr had given her a strange look when she had asked where they were. He told her they would extend once they reached a certain altitude, then the ship would move forward.

“What is wrong, Abby?” Ynyr asked gently prying her fingers from the armrest to enfold them with his. Flying was so common for them that he had not considered that it might bother her.

“Nothing,” she told him, but her nails continued to dig into his hand. “It’s just a strange sensation, kind of like being on a carnival ride. Our plane’s wings are always extended… for this one’s not to be…”

“They are stationary?” Ynyr asked, trying to distract her while being curious at the same time.

“Yes, at least the ones I ever flew in. They also can only go forward.”

“That would require a large area to take off and land.”

“Yes, we call them airports.” As she spoke to Ynyr, Abby felt herself start to relax then there was a loud thump followed by a mechanical grinding sound. Letting out a shriek, her nails dug in even deeper into Ynyr’s hand and she scrunched her eyes tightly shut.

“It is just the wings extending Abby.” Ynyr hated that Abby was so scared. Why hadn’t he considered this? There was still so much about his world that was new to her. He should have taken the time to make sure she understood what would be happening. He wanted to pull her into his arms and reassure her, but they would be moving forward shortly and she needed to stay buckled in. “It will be okay, my vow.”

“Do wish me to contact the Healer?” Korin asked quietly, his eyes full of concern. “He will have something that will calm her.”

“I will be fine!” Abby forced out through gritted teeth, her eyes flying open to spear Korin. “I will
never
be
drugged
again!”

Korin flinched from the vehement look in her eyes. It rivaled that of any enraged warrior and he realized he had truly upset her and
that
for some reason upset him.

“
No one
is going to drug you!” Ynyr shot Korin a look that made Abby’s look tame. “
Ever!
My vow Abby.”

Just then the ship shot forward and they were all pressed back into their seats.

Abby refused to release the scream that was building up in her throat. She would not shame Ynyr. She would not allow Korin to see her as some weak female. Gritting her teeth, she swallowed down her terror. As she did the ship seemed to settle and the ride smooth out. When it did, she found herself pulled out of her seat and into the comfort of Ynyr’s lap.

“I am sorry Abby, I never considered that this would be new and uncomfortable for you.” Ynyr whispered burying his lips in her hair.

“I’ve flown before.” Abby said, trying to reassure him even as she moved deeper into his embrace. “This was just different and brought back some unpleasant memories… memories of being taken from Earth. That wasn’t such a smooth ride either.”

“You remember it?” Ynyr asked hesitantly, he hadn’t realized she did. She had never said anything about it before.

“Parts,” Abby whispered. “I remember seeing Luuken charging towards me in the library that night. Growling at me. I remember I tried to run but suddenly everything went all gray and fuzzy. When I came to I was lying in a heap on a cold metal floor. Luuken was on the other side of the room, pushing buttons on some type of panel. Suddenly there was this strange grinding sound and I knew if I was going to get away it had to be then so I ran for the door. Luuken caught me. When I hit him he threw me against the wall and everything went black.”

“You attacked Luuken?” Ynyr couldn’t hide his shock.

“I don’t think attack is the right word. I mean it’s not like I had a weapon. I boxed his ears, hoping that would make him release me long enough to escape.”

At Ynyr’s confused look Abby imitated what she had done to Luuken, cupping her hands, she pretended to hit his ears.

“The next time I came to he was asking me strange questions and Rebecca was screaming.”

Ynyr closed his eyes, his arms tightening protectively around his Abby. He thanked the Goddess that Rebecca had been there to protect her when he had not been. “I am sorry Abby.”

“It was not your fault,” she told him. “It was Luuken’s”

“It
is
my fault!” Ynyr denied. “You were taken by Tornians because of what
we
needed.
I
am Tornian.
I
am as responsible as Luuken.”

“
Never
compare yourself to that
bastard,
Ynyr.” Pushing away from his chest Abby stared angrily up at him. “You are
nothing
like
him
! You have
nothing
in common with Bertos! And while I wish we could have met a different way,” reaching up she gently cupped his cheek. “I am not sorry I met
you
.”

“Abby…” leaning down Ynyr captured her mouth for a grateful kiss.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Korin watched and listened to his new Lord and Lady in shock. He had been on the Searcher when the Earth females had been taken. He had been sent with Luuken by Lord Bertos to oversee that the females were retrieved. Luuken was not supposed to have a hand in the actual retrieval of the females, but only be there to help guide them as the educators were made in the Etruria Region. But when Callen had refused to retrieve more than the first female, Luuken had immediately jumped at the chance.

Korin had not liked that Luuken went, for he had heard of how Luuken liked to treat the females he Joined with in the pleasure houses but he had said nothing. It had not been his place. Yet hearing what had been done to this tiny female… for Luuken to have thrown her against a wall… for her to be drugged… for all of them to be drugged… Korin had thought his shame could not become any greater but found it could. How many had to suffer for his mistakes?

Korin had witnessed the devotion between the King and Queen of Luda. He had also seen it between the Emperor and Empress. He had believed that Grim and Wray had only been able to achieve this because their Houses were strong and secure, allowing them to give their females everything they needed. Lady Abby had just proven to him that belief was incorrect since she seemed just as devoted to Ynyr and he was taking her to a House that was far from secure and in no way strong.

All Korin had ever wanted to do was protect his brother. He had long since given up on his own dream of becoming a great and honorable warrior. One like the ancient ones they still told tales of to the young males.
Korin’s
sins were far too great to ever recover from but Mabon still had a chance.
Mabon
had only just begun his training in Bertos’ House and could still be saved. If Korin used this second chance the Emperor had given him wisely maybe Mabon wouldn’t be tainted by his brother’s misdeeds.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Abby tucked herself back into the corner of her seat, making herself disappear as she listened to Ynyr and Korin. It had taken her some time to convince Ynyr that she was fine and that he needed to use this time to plan and strategize with Korin.

Finally, they had moved to a table across the aisle and Korin had called up a map of House Etruria. It rose up from the table in a three dimensional hologram that they were able to tilt and rotate as they discussed specific areas. It truly was amazing to Abby to be able to ‘see’ the House they would rule like this. It didn’t give her much in the way of the details for each room, but at least now she knew she would be able to find her way around her new home.

When Korin pulled up the defensive positions along the walls she let her gaze travel around the interior of the ship and grimaced in distaste. If this was what the inside of Etruria looked like, she was glad she couldn’t see it in the hologram.

Everything in this space was done in some shade of black, trimmed with silver and had a large ‘G’ placed somewhere predominantly on it. It made Abby think that Bertos was overcompensating the way some males did when they weren’t ‘well endowed’. Abby found herself smiling slightly at the thought of Bertos being such a ‘big dick’ because he had such a ‘little’ one. Looking to Ynyr she knew that was another thing Ynyr and Bertos would never have in common because Ynyr was
more
than well endowed.

Moving slightly, she grimaced realizing she had been sitting with her legs crossed for too long.

“What is wrong, Abby?” Ynyr was immediately at her side, his eyes moving over her.

Abby was shocked. She hadn’t expected him to notice her slight movement. She had actually expected him to forget she was even there with all the vital information Korin was giving him. Information he needed before they arrived in Etruria. It was where his attention needed to be focused. Not on her. She was used to being forgotten and overlooked, but Ynyr was proving to her that
he
would never do that.

“Nothing,” she reassured him with a small smile. “I just need to stretch. Is it okay if I walk around?”

“Lady Risa’s…” Korin cut himself off his skin darkening with embarrassment. “Pardon’s my Lady,
your
area is just through that door.” He gestured to a closed door behind her.

“
My
area?” Frowning Abby twisted in her seat looking behind her. She remembered passing a door on the way to her seat, but she had assumed it was a cleansing room, like those on Earth airplanes.

“Yes, L… the previous Lady of House…” Korin’s eyes flew to Ynyr as he struggled with how to proceed and saw Ynyr frowning at him.

“Stop trying so damn hard to be politically correct, Captain.” Abby snapped at him. “We all know that Risa used to be the Lady of House Guttuso and that Bertos was its Lord and while I would prefer you not calling them Lord and Lady, you won’t offend me by using their names.” Abby waited for Korin’s nod before she continued. “So Risa had her own room here on the Ascension?”

“Yes.” Korin looked to Ynyr as he spoke and saw him nod that he could speak directly to his Lady. “Risa was never allowed to sit in this area when they traveled. It was reserved for Bertos and his Captains.”

Rising, she found Ynyr’s hand at her elbow, steadying her as the ship jolted slightly. Smiling her thanks she let him lead her towards the door. Pushing it open she gasped.

“Abby?” Ynyr quickly stepped around her, putting himself between her and any possible danger and found his own eyes widening.

The room before them, while small, was
filled
. Where Bertos had seemed to like everything to be black and trimmed with silver. Risa seemed to favor the metal itself. It was in the statues that appeared to be made of solid silver that she had filling every available surface. It was in the furniture that had been gilded with it. Silver threads were even woven through the fabric of the thick plush comforter that covered the bed filling one side of the room. Ynyr had never seen anything like it.

“Goddess…” Ynyr whispered.

“Yeah…” Abby agreed.

“I made sure that the property Risa and Bertos took with them into Torino was retrieved and had it stored in the cargo hold below.” Korin informed them and found both Abby and Ynyr turning to look at him.

“What?” Ynyr questioned.

“She brought more than this?” Abby asked at the same time.

“Of course,” frowning Korin gestured to the contents of the room, “this is only what Risa required for the flight to Torino. What she needed once she arrived was taken into chambers reserved for the Lord and Lady of Etruria. It was quite…” Korin paused, searching for an appropriate word. “Extensive… for she was Lady Risa of…”

“Etruria. Yes, I heard her say that on more than one occasion.” Abby cut him off, then frowned. “How long does it take to get to Etruria?” She asked suddenly realizing she didn’t know.

“The Etruria Region is on the other side of Tornian Abby. It will take us at least eight hours by air to get there.” Ynyr told her.

“Really? I hadn’t realized…” Absently she rubbed her temple, feeling a dull ache start there. “I’m sure it must have been programmed into the educators that were put on us. Bertos would have wanted us to know just how important he was but I can’t seem to be able to access that information as easily as the other women can.”

“What do you mean Abby?” Reaching out Ynyr stopped the delicate fingers that were pressing harder against her temple.

“Hmm?” She asked giving him a distracted look.

“You said you are not able to access the information the educator gave you. Have you been examined by a Healer? Did the educator malfunction? Did it harm you? Do…”

“Ynyr,” Abby couldn’t believe how agitated Ynyr was becoming. “I’m fine. Yes, I’ve been examined. The educator didn’t malfunction. It’s just me.” She gave him a sad smile. “I’ve always had this problem.”