The Savage King (27 page)

Automatically, he stepped up to Ulyssa. She made a quick introduction between the two men. Franklin nodded, bowing politely and saying all the right words. Then, turning to Ulyssa, he bid her into a private conference. Kirill offered the use of the royal office, but Franklin refused, choosing instead to take Ulyssa onto his ship. That had been two hours ago and he was still waiting for her to come back off.

"The palace is clear, your highness," the dark haired Dr. Elliot said to Kirill. She stood before him, the airtight suit replaced by a lab coat. With nearly a hundred scientists working, Dr. Elliot's team had swept through the palace fairly quickly. She held a computerized clipboard and motioned slightly to a group loading equipment. "My scientists have done a final sweep of the grounds and are loading the equipment back onto our ship."

"Thank you, doctor," Kirill answered. He nodded down at her from the main hall table. The hall had been set up as a temporary headquarters for the HIA and Kirill was actually sorry to see them leaving. For, when they left, it meant Ulyssa would be leaving to. Falke approached. The Commander took a seat at the head table where Kirill sat with Quinn and Reid.

Dr. Elliot looked at the brothers before taking a step forward. She lowered her voice. "Your highness, I request permission to stay on your land. I'd like to explore the caves where the crate was found and run some tests."

"Has there been a leak?" Kirill asked alarmed.

Dr. Elliot shook her head in denial. "No, but it never hurts to be careful."

"Dr. Elliot found a piece of mud caked to the crate and analyzed it. She believes there is something strange about our marshes. She wishes to run some tests," Quinn put forth.

The woman's face tightened and she shot Quinn a hard look. For a moment, she looked as if she wanted to deck the Ambassador Prince. This fact aroused Kirill's interest far more than her request. When he glanced at Quinn, his brother gave nothing away.

"All that, naturally, would be in my report, your highness. The HIA will also do a planetary scan. It's just as a precaution and only with your permission, of course. I'll set up camp with a team of three. You won't be bothered by us. We're scientists and won't cause any trouble. We wish to analyze the cave to make sure we've gotten all biological weaponry off the planet that might be missed with a scan. Surely you can see the wisdom in that. At the same time, I'd like to do a concise analysis of the land. If anything, my findings might actually benefit you and your people, making for more viable farmland."

"What does your Agency say?" Kirill asked.

"I don't work for the Agency. I was contracted for this one job. Their people couldn't make it here in time." Dr. Elliot paused then shrugged. "However, if you would rather have government hacks traipsing about your kingdom...."

"Write you proposal, doctor," Kirill answered, suppressing a grin at her boldness. He was secretly glad someone would be checking out the cave to make sure all the Mafia's stuff was gone. If she wanted to play in marsh mud while she was at it, what did he care? As an afterthought, he mischievously added, "Give it to my brother, Prince Quinn. He'll give it his approval and oversee the project."

"But, your highness!" the doctor began, swallowing. She glanced nervously around the table. Slowly, she nodded, "Thank you."

When they were alone, Kirill said to Quinn, "Approve her plan if you can. We need to have those caves checked out and she's the only expert I know of on this planet. Besides, she has an honest face. I think we can trust her."

Quinn nodded. A strange look crossed his features.

Kirill sighed, dejected as he watched the scientist continue packing. Ulyssa still hadn't come back from her meeting.

As if sensing his pain, Reid asked Kirill, "Have you asked her to stay?"

Kirill blinked in surprise, turning to study his brother.

"Ulyssa," Reid prompted. "Did you ask her to stay?"

Kirill's voice was hard, as he said, "I offered. She refused."

"Did you beg her to stay?" Quinn insisted.

Kirill swallowed. "What would Attor say to such a question? A King can never bow to a woman. You know that. I asked. She said no. It's the end of it."

"After all you have learned, you're still listening to our father's nonsense?" Falke shook his head in disbelief. "Are you really so foolish? Stop her. Forbid her from leaving. Do what you must."

"What would our people say? What of my reputation?" Kirill asked. He didn't really care about his reputation for personal vanity, but knew he had to care for the sake of his rule.

"They love her," Falke answered with a shrug.

At that, Kirill blinked in surprise.

"It somehow was leaked how she selfishly put her life on the line to save the Var and the Draig." Falke grinned into his drink. "Her staying would be good for peace. I'm sure the Draig will soon know of her selflessness as well."

"Monogamy isn't for me, nor was it for our father. But, for you...?" Reid shrugged.

"We won't tell you bowed this one time." Quinn grinned.

Kirill looked at Reid. "Wasn't it you who said I was going to be looked at as weak?"

"This is not our father's rule. It is yours. You must make your own destiny." Reid grinned. "Besides, my prowess will more than make up for your lack of."

"Having her at your side would not be so bad," Falke interjected. "She is good with a sword. She learns fast. Her sense of duty is strong."

"She has a fine look to her features." Reid motioned his hand through the air, as if to outline a woman's body. Squeezing once he reached the invisible butt, he added, "And a really nice, firm--"

Kirill glared in warning. The brothers chuckled.

"She is steadfast," Quinn said. "And beyond that, you love her."

"But she does not love me," Kirill answered with a heavy sigh. The admission caused him great pain.

"How can you be sure?" Falke asked.

"Because the woman willfully speaks her mind and she has never once said that she does." Kirill stood. "I have my duty and she has hers. Even if she wished it, her honor would take her away. Now leave me be on it. It's better not to dwell on the choices we can't make."

* * * *

"What about Nadja?" Franklin asked.

"She's no threat. She helped in the recovery." Ulyssa looked around the metal cabin of the spaceship, as Franklin finished debriefing her. She'd told him everything he needed to know. Watching him sign the computer screen then push a button to file his report, she knew that her mission was finally 'officially' over.

Franklin sighed.

"Are we done here?" she asked softly.

"Almost," he answered. He crossed his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair. His dark green eyes studied her for a moment. "The doctors gave me a copy of your lab reports."

"Oh?" Ulyssa whispered. She looked at her hands.

"Care to tell me who the father is?" he asked.

"King Kirill," she answered without hesitation.

"I thought as much. He seemed pretty possessive of you," Franklin allowed.

"No, that's just their Neanderthal ways." Ulyssa forced herself to shrug. "He would like the baby, however. I've got some vacation time coming to me after this. I'd like to file for permission to have the baby and send it to him."

Franklin nodded quietly. "What's this King mean to you?"

Ulyssa opened her mouth to lie, but Franklin saw right through it before she even started to say the words.

"That's what I thought." Franklin sighed and drew forward to lean his arms on the desk. "I'll see what I can do about the child, but I can't promise anything."

"Thank you, Frank." Ulyssa stood and turned to go.

"Is there anything else you'd like to say, Agent?" he asked from behind.

Ulyssa swallowed and shook her head. "No."

"Very well. The ship leaves in an hour. I've been informed the scientists will be done by then."

* * * *

Ulyssa stepped into the mosaic tiled banquet hall, pausing to look at its beauty. She was surprised to see the Draig and Var sitting together at a table, enjoying a late meal. She wore the tight black uniform of the Agency, looking oddly out of place compared to the relaxed comfort of the two royal families. Seeing her, they all stood. She motioned them to be seated as she came to the table.

"I just came to say good-bye," Ulyssa said to the group as a whole. She couldn't meet Kirill's dark gaze so instead looked at everyone else. "My ship's getting ready to take off."

The Princesses came forward to give her hugs, Nadja the most enthusiastic of all. The Draig Princes were more sparing in their send off, but politely smiled and wished her well. Falke shook her hand firmly. Reid grinned and gave her a jaunty bow, kissing the back of her hand. Quinn kissed her lightly on the cheek. Her heart fluttering, she finally turned to look at Kirill.

Kirill cleared his throat, moving to offer him his arm. "Here, let me escort you."

Ulyssa took his arm and let him lead her out of the hall. When they were alone, she said, "It looks like everyone is getting along. Maybe you will find peace between you yet."

"Yes, it does look hopeful. We're drafting a treaty and a betrothal agreement. I have great hopes that it will go well." Kirill nodded solemnly.

"Betrothal agreement?" Ulyssa asked.

"It's more of a formality. If one of them is to have a daughter, which is unlikely, she will marry my oldest son." Kirill's eyes instantly moved down to her stomach. He tensed beneath her hand.

"I spoke to Franklin. I think there's a good chance they'll let me send you the child after he's born. I...." Ulyssa swallowed. They neared where the ship was docked next to the palace wall. She wasn't saying anything she wanted to. Closing her eyes, she bit her lip. Very aware that some of the ship's crew watched them, she held out her hand. "I wish you the best of luck with your reign, King Kirill."

He looked down at her offered hand and took it in his. He didn't shake it, but merely held it. His mouth opened and for a brief instant she thought to see pain in his eyes. Lightly, he bowed his head. "Good luck, Agent Ulyssa Payne."

Ulyssa nodded once, turned on her heels, and walked away. As the small lift took her up into the spaceship, she watched him, unable to move. Then, as the metal side blocked her view, she felt a tear slip down her face. Leaving Kirill was the hardest thing she'd ever done.

* * * *

Kirill couldn't force himself to go back to the banquet hall and he didn't want to go home, which would only remind him of Ulyssa and their time together, so instead he went to the royal office. Sitting on the chair before the fire, he muttered, "Siren, I want Lyssa."

"I'm sorry her DNA is no longer on file. Would you like me to page her?"

"Siren, let me hear Lyssa. Let me see her. Bring her back here." He whispered in agony. His hand trembled. Tears filled his eyes, but he didn't let them fall.

"Yes, my lord," Siren answered in her sultry tone. "Would you like me to sound the all alert to the guards?"

Kirill chuckled darkly, feeling no humor in the situation. "No, don't send out the guards."

"Relax," came a whisper that sounded unmistakably like his own voice. "I want us to watch later."

Kirill shot up from the chair, looking across his office. No one was there. Instead, he saw the holographic projection of the time he recorded them making love on the desk. He watched for several moments.

"Siren, why are you playing this?" Kirill demanded. He tried to turn away, but his eyes were caught by Ulyssa's pleasure filled face as his holographic form brought her to climax.

"You asked to see and hear Ulyssa. This is the only file in the archives. King access only, private file 10065," Siren answered. "Would you like me to search the archives again?"

"No," Kirill whispered. He stepped forward. His hand reached out, falling across her cheek like air. Suddenly, Ulyssa screamed. Her body tensed on the desk, arching beautifully before him as the tremors of release took over her. Kirill ran his hands over her neck, as if he could feel her. He ignored his recorded grunts of masculine approval and domination, as a cry ripped from his holographic throat.

Ulyssa mumbled something, but it was too faint for him to hear. Kirill froze, leaning forward.

"What?" his recorded self demanded.

Did he really sound so harsh when he spoke to her? Kirill frowned.

"What?" she'd answered him. "I didn't say anything."

"Siren, replay last ten seconds and magnify Lyssa's speech." Kirill swallowed, staring at her face, edging closer though he knew the words were recorded and not actually from her holographic throat.

"God help me," Ulyssa whispered. "I'm in love with you."

"Repeat!"

"God help me, I'm in love with you."

"Siren, repeat!" Kirill demanded again, unable to believe his ears.

"God help me, I'm in love with you."

"Siren, all alert! Arrest Lyssa!" Kirill hollered, running from the office. His heart exploded with her whispered confession. Why hadn't she told him sooner? If she truly loved him, then they would find a way to be together.

He ran through the hallways, not caring who saw him. Bumping into a servant, he shook him and screamed, "She loves me!"

The servant yelped in surprise. At the commotion, the royal families came from the banquet hall. They watched the King race by, instantly following him to see what the commotion was all about. Kirill nearly tripped over his feet to get to the side of the palace.

"Let go of me! How dare you!"

Kirill grinned. Two of his guards had Ulyssa in their grip. She struggled to get free, looking damned sexy in her Agency uniform. Her wide blue eyes flew to him.

"Kirill! Tell these goons to get off me! I'm not stealing anything! It's mine!"

"Goons off," he obliged, grinning from ear to ear.

The guards let her go and Ulyssa turned to shove them away. Irritated, she turned to him. "I just came back in to get this and they tried to arrest me!"

Kirill's eyes moved down to her shaking hand. The necklace he gave her was clutched in it. He didn't stop in his progress, as he marched across the side walkway. Catching Ulyssa in his arms, he pulled her to his chest. Ulyssa gasped. Kirill kissed her soundly before she could protest. He didn't care who saw him. This is what he wanted--she was what he wanted.