Chapter Twelve
Hadar watches the Queen’s eyes follow the King. This is his first time meeting the female and is surprised that the King would leave her alone with him, than realizes the door has been left open and a Guard stands just outside. He’s heard rumors of how different she is, not only in her appearance but also in her actions. A Tornian female would never remain alone with him. She would demand the male to stay, to protect her, even if no protection is needed.
Looking at this small female, he realizes that she would be within her rights to be screaming for protection. She has been handled badly, the condition of her face and throat a testament to that but instead of demanding the King stay, she encouraged him to see to his duty, a duty that didn’t include her, unheard of.
He contacted the Emperor’s Healer upon her arrival, hoping he could give him some insights in dealing with her. Tornian females were very demanding of a Healer, especially upon their arrival. Everything must be just how they want it, when they want it, irritations aren’t tolerated, and the household revolves around their needs.
It is a double-edged sword to have a female. Without one, a male has no chance of having an heir but having one cause’s chaos and a drain on the resources of the House.
And this female has caused a great deal of chaos…Luanda has been turned upside down, it has been cleaned and polished until it shined like a House of old. Treasures have been displayed throughout the castle. Staff have been reassigned, many positions elevated, a new Guard has been created. Yes, she has caused chaos, but in a good way.
However, the Emperor’s Healer had offered no insights into this. Instead, he’d offered raw data on the physiology of an Earth female. They were remarkably similar to Tornians, in both their nutritional needs and reproductive systems. They are able to use the healing units, which is reassuring given the condition of the King’s female.
This is why he was especially shocked that she demanded he finish treating the wounded warriors first. A Tornian female would have demanded she be the priority, no matter how insignificant her injuries and this female’s injuries weren’t insignificant. Her lip is split, a bruise blooms on her cheek while her throat shows the marks of an assault. She is injured.
“Is there something wrong Hadar?” Her raspy voice has him realizing he’s been staring at her for several minutes.
“Pardons I was thinking.” He raised the scanner again.
“I can see that.”
“If you remain still this won’t take long.”
Grim stares at the message from Wray and closes his eyes. With everything else that has happened, now this.
"What is it Grim?" Alger asks concerned.
"The Emperor has granted the petition demanding Lisa be brought to Tornian for the Joining Ceremony. We are to appear in three days." Grim hands the transmission to him as he walks over to stare at the Raptor. Lisa saw him like this, as the defender of Luda but how is he going to defend her and their girls now?
"He can't do this!" Alger exclaims.
"He has no choice. We both know that Alger. He's given me all the time as he can to secure my joining with Lisa. Now he must enforce the law."
"But there is no law for this, she isn't Tornian. She is no different than the Empress." Grim raises an eyebrow.
"Empress Kim was not considered Tornian when Wray traveled with her to Tornian. There were several attempts made to steal her before they arrived."
"Who would dare...he is the Emperor."
"It matters not, they are dead, and once they arrived he proclaimed her Empress. That gave her the protection of Tornian Law. Because of this, it was decided that any female acquired by the Searcher would immediately be declared Tornian, so she would be protected from being taken as I have done.”
“The Queen and her offspring are considered Tornian?” Alger gives him a considering look.
“Yes, now we need to prepare.” Grim wonders how he’s going to tell his Lisa.
“Sire, there is no way we can be there in three days.” Alger’s thoughts begin to fly. The Queen has been injured and he doesn’t know if she will be able to use the repair units, if she couldn’t, she will be presented to the Assembly battered and bruised, and no excuse will be accepted.
“The Emperor has ordered it so.” Grim tells him.
“Of course my King, but no Tornian female, would be prepared for travel in such a short amount of time. She must prepare, pack be reassured.” Alger’s look lets Grim know he realizes Lisa doesn’t require any of these things.
“Also for one as valuable as the Queen and her offspring there is the greatest need for protection. You would be lax in your duties, as the Queen’s protector, not to request an Imperial escort to come to Luda, guaranteeing the females safe arrival. The Emperor would certainly understand after what happened with the Empress.” Grim raises an eyebrow to his Captain, a smile flickering across his lips.
“You make a very good point Alger but what does this gain us?”
“For right now sire, time. It will take several days for the Emperor to mobilize the escort, then three days to get to Luda. That gives the Queen and your offspring time to fully recover from today’s events and for us to plan how to make sure we keep them.”
“We Alger?”
“Yes sire, neither Guard will surrender their Queen, not even to the Emperor.”
“You feel you can speak for not only my Guard but the Queen’s?”
“On this matter my King, yes. She is our Queen. She and your offspring belong with you.”
Hadar frowns at the final reading he’s getting from his scanner. Up until know they have all been in the normal range, letting him know that no permanent damage has been done to the King’s female, but this last deep scan…it indicates she is with offspring.
“Is there something wrong Hadar?” Lisa sits back on the couch, watching him study the screen.
“I’m not sure.” He looks at her suspiciously.
“What do you mean?” Lisa demands.
“It seems you are with offspring.” He waits for her reaction.
“Yes.” She nods.
“You know!” Hadar can’t hide his shock. His volume and tone has Risley stepping into the room.
“Is everything alright my Queen?” He gives Hadar a hard look, he doesn’t care who it is, no one upsets his Queen.
“Everything’s fine Risley, Hadar is just expressing his thoughts. Thank you for your concern.”
“You are sure my Queen?” He’s hesitant to leave.
“Yes. Thank you Risley. Would you mind partially closing the door on your way out? I don’t want to disturb the girls.”
“My Queen?” He gives her a concerned look.
“Not all the way, just enough so our voices don’t carry.”
“Of course my Queen.” With a slight bow, he returns to his post, closing the door halfway.
“Why are you so shocked Hadar?" Lisa turns back to him. "Isn’t that the purpose of Tornian joinings? To create offspring?” Lisa isn't sure why she's being so bitchy to the Healer. He hasn't said anything but his attitude rubs her wrong. Like she's some bug to be observed.
“I…yes…but..." He stutters.
"But what?" She demands.
"The King has said nothing."
"That's because he doesn't know."
"What!” Harder exclaims catching himself to not attract Risley again.
"I said, I haven't told Grim yet.” She says speaking as if he’s a slow child.
"Why?" Hadar gives her a hard look wondering what she is up too, females can be conniving.
"Because I only realized it yesterday and needed time to adjust."
"The King must be informed." Hadar demands.
"And he will be, by me!" Lisa informs him, her look telling him she expects him to follow her order.
"It is my place to report your condition to the King." Hadar states.
"No Hadar it is not!" Lisa's eyes go hard. "It is your place to inform him I will suffer no ill effects from today’s events. It is my place to tell my King that he is going to be a father."
"There are preparations that must be made..." Hadar begins to argue.
"I've had two children Hadar. I think I know what needs done?"
"But you've never had a Tornian baby."
"No, but I know my body, nothing I'm experiencing is abnormal."
"What have you been experiencing?" Hadar's finds himself asking, his curiosity getting the better of him. Tornian females are very secretive about what happens to them when they conceive.
"Fatigue, I had it with both girls."
"Carried?" He looks at her confused.
"Was pregnant with?" She holds her arms out, indicating an enlarged stomach. Hadar nods understanding.
"Anyway it should only last for the first three months then go away."
"What treatments did you receive?" He demands.
"Treatments?" Now it’s Lisa’s turn to look confused.
"Yes, Tornian females, once they conceive, seclude themselves in the female’s level. They receive many hours of treatments that enable them to endure what is to come."
"Endure what is to come…” Lisa frowns.
“What are you talking about?"
"As the offspring grows within the female.” He imitates her swollen stomach. "The female becomes very frail, frightened, the slightest irritation throws her into a sobbing fit. Many cannot stop until they become sick. It is not good for the offspring. She becomes unable to move by the sixth moon and must remain in bed. Then there is the presentation."
"Presentation?" Lisa isn't sure she wants to know.
"Yes." He gives her a confused look. "The presentation of the offspring...you’ve done it twice."
"By presentation I assume you mean give birth. Having the baby...offspring born...come out of my body."
"Yes, it is extremely painful for the female." He tells her tentatively.
"Well it's no walk in the park but it's not as drastic as your making it out to be." Hadar gives her a considering look. "Why must they stay in bed? How big are Tornian babies when they are born?"
"They would be quite large for you, up to ten to eleven corzites that would be pounds in Earth terms."
“The baby is eleven corzites at six months!”
“No, at the presentation, the offspring will put on most of its size in the eighth moon.”
“Then why do they stay in bed?” Hadar looks at her confused.
“They find it more comfortable having all their needs tended too.”
“Seems to me they have that anyway.” She mutters.
“Look Hadar, I’m not a Tornian female, so don’t insult me by thinking I’m going to act like one. Carly was nine corzites and Miki nine and a half. I didn’t go into seclusion when I conceived and I most certainly didn’t stay in bed. Earth females can have ten to eleven corzites babies, it’s not easy, but it can be done. Our bodies adapt.”
“You didn’t go into seclusion?” He can’t hide his shock.
“You allowed yourself to be…seen….when you were swollen?” He can’t hide his shock.
“When I’m with offspring, yes, why wouldn’t I? It is a natural thing.”
“Our females do not like to be looked at by males when they are swollen, it decreases their desirability.”
“I guess that’s a matter of opinion. Mark loved it when I was pregnant with Carly. He enjoyed watching the changes in my body, to feel his daughter kick.”
“Kick?” He asks her questioningly.
“Yes, babies kick in the womb.” She frowns at him.
“You are a Healer right? How can you not know that babies kick?”
“Tornian females are very secretive with the process. A male, even a Healer is rarely allowed access to her, not until she presents.”
“She stays alone?” Lisa can’t hide her shock.
“No, she will notify an older female, sometimes the one that presented her, to stay with and assist her. The male gives tribute to the female.”
“Tribute…you mean he pays her?” Lisa can’t hide her shock.
“Yes.”
“So you really have no idea about babies…offspring.” She gives him a considering look.
“I have presented several offspring.” Hadar responds offended.
“But before that.”
“Unless the female requests me, I am not allowed near her.” He acknowledges.
“What about her male?”
“Her male isn’t allowed near her until after the presentation and it may be even longer if the female feels the presentation was too difficult. She may decide on another male so her next presentation may be less painful.”
“You can’t be serious!” Lisa can’t control her rage.
“What a selfish bunches of bitches your females are!” She surges off the couch, ignoring the pain the sudden movement causes.
“You are upset…why?” He’s shocked to realize she truly is.
“Upset…you think?” Furious eyes meet his.
“Your females have taken what is the most beautiful act in the universe, the birth of a child and excluded one of the most important people, the father. He has every right to be involved in the birth of his child.”
“Your male…he was there when your offspring were presented?” Hadar can’t hide his astonishment.
“He cut the cord on each of them.” She can’t help but smile at the memory. Mark had been terrified both times.
Hadar watches her trying to understand what she is telling him. Cut the cord…could she mean the lifeline? That which connects the offspring to its mother? Her male severed this? He was allowed in the room?
“Of course he was.” Hadar realizes he’s spoken aloud.
“After cutting the cord, Mark was the first person to hold our child, it was his right. I had the joy of carrying them. He deserved to be the first to hold them.”
“I…” Hadar doesn’t know what to say. This is not the Tornian way, but it resonates within him, this…this is the way the Goddess meant it to be. Clearing his throat, he looks at the female that has just changed his universe.
“The King must be informed.” He repeats but more softly this time.
“I agree.” Lisa tilts her head, grimacing at her forgotten injuries.
“But not today.” She doesn’t let him interrupt.
“And not by you. Grim already blames himself for Luuken’s attack. How do think he’ll react if he finds out I’m with offspring?”
“But…”
“I will not do that to him. I will not allow what should be a joyous moment to be marred by what Luuken has done.”
“He will eventually know.” Hadar informs her.
“Yes.”
“You seem….concerned, about the King’s feelings.” He watches her closely trying to understand.
“Of course, he is mine to protect.” Hadar snorts at the thought of this small female protecting the King.
“You know Hadar, I’m done. Done with you and done with this day. I’m sore, I’m tired, and I’m going to bed. You will go to Grim and report that I am bumped and bruised but otherwise fine.” She looks him squarely in the eye making sure he understands.
“If you tell him anything else, I will make sure you never get near me or my offspring again.”
“I am the King’s Healer.” Hadar argues.
“You won’t be the Queen’s. Do you understand me Hadar?” Spinning away, she finds she has to grip the back of a chair, as the world suddenly starts to dim.
“Majesty!” Hadar is quickly at her side, supporting her weight.
“Risley!” He shouts for her Guard, who immediately rushes to her side.
“What have you done?” He demands.
“He’s done nothing.” Lisa denies weakly, as she steadies herself, Hadar can’t believe she is defending him, she doesn’t even like him.
“What in the name of the Goddess is going on?” Grim demands, storming into the room to find a male on either side of his Lisa. Hearing Grim’s tone Lisa immediately knows what he’s thinking.
“No Grim, they’re not attacking, they’re helping me.” Both males cautiously look to the King and what they see freezes them. He is beyond enraged.
“Move away from my Queen.” Grim’s eyes are deadly as he advances. Lisa reaches out and he carefully pulls her into his arms. Risley immediately steps away his head bowed but Hadar waits until she is fully in the King arms.
“Step away Hadar!”
“My pardons Majesty.” He too backs away.
“Grim.” Lisa can feel the rage vibrating through him.
“They were helping.” She tries to calm him.
“I stood up to fast and felt faint, Hadar called for Risley’s assistance. They were helping me when you came in.” She stresses.
“You fainted?” Grim looks from her pale face to Hadar.
“She became weak my King, it’s to be expected…” Hadar looks at the female in the King’s arms and realizes he can’t go against her wishes.
“Her body has been severely stressed, she needs rest, lots of rest,” He stresses.
“But she will make a full recovery.”
“You are sure.” Grim demands.
“Yes sire.”
Bending Grim sweeps Lisa up into his arms.
“Leave. I will care for the Queen.” He orders, not waiting to see if it’s followed, he moves to their bed.
Slowly opening her eyes Lisa sees Luda’s sun is just beginning to rise. It’s been a long, nightmare filled night, but with each one, Grim had been there, holding her, comforting her, wiping away her tears. He’d been her rock but he isn’t beside her now.
“No.” Lisa searches for his voice, finding him on the far side of their chamber wearing only his sleeping pants, talking on his comm.
“He receives no healing. Hadar may treat for infection but nothing else. He can suffer.”
“Yes sire.” She hears Alger’s faint reply.
“Has Focke given you anymore information?” Grim demands.
“Yes sire, a great deal. Lord Bertos was fully aware of Luuken’s plans for the Queen, as was Focke. Focke was promise the Etruria Region on Tornian for his support.”
“Impossible!” Grim exclaims in disbelief.
“Only the Emperor can grant that.”
“Yes sire…sire…” Alger hesitates.
“What is it Alger.”
“The Queen…how is she…all the warriors are concerned…” Grim’s eyes turn to her and widen seeing she’s awake and listening.
“Tell them…” Grim finds he has to clear his suddenly tight throat.
“Tell them that she is resting comfortably and will make a complete recovery.”
“Give them my thanks.” Lisa encourages softly.
“The Queen also wishes to make sure they know that they have our gratitude for everything they’ve done.” Grim moves towards her.
“Yes sire, I will let them know. And the matter of the Emperor?”
“We’ll deal with it once we hear his response.”
“Yes my King.” Dropping the comm on the couch, Grim moves to sits on the bed next to her, gently tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear before leaning down to gently kiss her newly healed lips.
“You should still be resting.” He softly reprimands.
“So should you, you didn’t get much rest last night, caring for me.”
“I will always care for you my Lisa.”
“I know.” Sitting up, she wraps him in her arms.
“I love you Grim.” She whispers.
“And I really am going to be fine.”
"I failed you." He looks at her with anguished filled eyes.
"You did no such thing!" Lisa is shocked and angry. "How can you even say that? I'm here, now because of you!"
“Korin stopped Farber, not me.” Grim can barely get the words past his lips and Lisa realizes it is eating away at him, that if not for Korin she would have been raped.
“And he is one of yours Grim.” She cups his face with loving but firm hands, forcing him to listen to her.
“He wouldn’t have won.” She whispers, fearful at the thought.
“You know that. Luuken never would have allowed it. I am safe and whole because of you Grim. You stopped Luuken and Farber, protecting the girls and me. Nothing's happened that can’t be healed.”
“You still believe…”
“Always! I’ll always believe in you Grim.”
Grim finds his hands shaking as they run reverently down her back pulling her close. He nearly lost her. Lost her.
“Oh Goddess Lisa…” His voice breaks as his head drops to her shoulder.
She holds her strong warrior as he cries for what’s happened to her, for what he hadn’t been able to prevent. Later, when he raises his head, its Lisa's turn to wipe away the tears on her strong warrior's cheeks.
“It’s okay Grim…I’m here. I love you and I'm not going anywhere.” She'd meant her words to reassure him but instead he stiffens. "Grim? What's wrong?"
This isn’t how Grim had meant to tell her. He’d meant to keep it from her for as long as possible, like Luuken’s landing…and that had turned out so well hadn’t it. He looks into his Lisa’s eyes…his Queen’s eyes and realizes she has absolute faith in him, even now. Faith in his love, faith that he will protect her, faith that together they can defeat anything and who is he to argue with the Queen.
“Wray has granted Luuken’s petition.” He tells her softly and watches her eyes widen "In a little over a week we will leave for Tornian."
“But that makes no sense Grim. If Wray granted the petition why would Luuken attack?” She gives him a confused look.
“Because the girls would remain with me, even if you joined with another, so I would still be King.”
“Because you agreed to accepted and protect them when no one else would, including Luuken.”
“Yes. He would have to prove that I was unfit to care for my offspring and that has happened only once in all known history.”
“A male killed his female?”
“No…” Grim hesitates not wanting to explain further, not after what she’d experienced.
“Grim…” She prompts.
“He raped his own offspring Lisa.”
“Dear god!”
“His life was ended but his females were never the same.”
“Of course not, how could they be. It is the worst kind for betrayal, the harming of one's own child.” Lisa's eyes fill with tears at the thought.
“Some say it caused the Goddess to remove her blessing from all Tornian warriors. That it is what made our females became so few. It is her punishment, for abusing her gift.”
“Maybe she’s decided you have suffered enough, for the sins of one.” She gives him a slight smile.
“Perhaps.” Kissing the top of her head, he rises. "Now if you won't rest, you will eat."
Thinking about what Grim's said, Lisa rises, pulling on her robe. She's not nearly as sore as she expected to be, looking in the cleansing room mirror. She's surprised to see her bruises getting lighter instead of darker. Harder's treatment seems to be working.
"Amazing..." She whispers touching her cheek.
"What is my Lisa?” Grim's image joins her in the mirror.
"How my bruise is starting to fade already. On Earth, it would be getting darker. I'll have to thank Hadar."
"He is a very skilled Healer. Had he not been on Luda when I was injured it's doubtful I would have survived." Lisa's eyes widen as they meet his in the mirror. Luda without Grim...she can't imagine it.
"Then he's earned my eternal gratitude.” Turning in his arms, she stretches up. "For I can't imagine my life without you in it."
"Nor mine without you my Lisa." Meeting her halfway, he captures her healed lips before lifting her against his chest, desire instantly flaring. Moaning Lisa sinks her fingers into his hair to deepen the kiss. At the sound Grim freezes, ripping his mouth from hers, his eyes full of stormy passion. "No... it is too soon." His voice is rough with denied desire.
"Grim..." Wrapping her legs around his waist, Lisa refuses to release him when he tries to set her down.
"It is too soon my Lisa." He groans as she rubs against his stiff shaft. "You need to heal."
"No Grim, I need you." Golden eyes bore into grey. "Don't let what Luuken's done come between us Grim. Please. I need to feel your touch on my body. Your hands."
"I will hurt you."
"Never my love, never will you hurt me." Grim looks into his Lisa's pleading eyes and knows he can deny her nothing, especially himself.
"We will go slowly." He says carefully sliding her robe down her arms taking her nightgown with it, revealing unmarred creamy breasts that jut up, pouting at him, begging for his mouth and he gives it.
Lisa wraps her arms around Grim’s head, arching her back, offering more.
“Yes Grim…that feels so good.” Grim growls as he consumes first one breast then the other, lost in the feel of his beautiful Lisa.
Lisa’s lost in the wonderful sensations Grim’s mouth is creating, erasing the memory of Farber. This is her male, the only one that will ever touch her this way. She will kill the next male that tries. No one takes what is Grim’s and she is his.
Knowing Grim will never allow her to fall she lets her hands flow down his chest, one pausing to tease his nipples while the other works on releasing him. She needs to feel him, all of him.
Grim releases her nipple with a pop, groaning as Lisa’s hand grips his thick cock, stroking him.
“Goddess Lisa…”
“I need you Grim.” Shifting she places him at her slick entrance, slowly lowering herself, until she’s fully embedded all of him inside her, then just as slowly, she rises, her heavy lidded eyes never leaving his.
“Goddess Lisa!” Grim snarls, as she nearly pulls completely out before repeating her sensual torture.
“You said slow Grim.” She tells him, her voice heavy with need and desire.
“Fuck slow!” Grim whips, around pinning her against the wall but not before making sure his arms protect her from its rough texture.
“Hang on to me!” He demands, as his hips thrust deeply, reaching that place only he can.
Gripping his shoulders, Lisa holds on, as Grim drives into her, wiping away the memory of anyone else’s touch. Making her his and only his again.
“God Grim! Don’t stop! Never stop!” The need tightening within her has her screaming into Grim’s chest as it snaps. Grim’s roar echo’s off the walls as he follows her one thrust later.
“Praise the Goddess.” Lisa whispers sometime later when she can finally breathe again. Grim’s chest rumbles beneath her as he chuckles.
“I believe I should be saying that.” Looking up at him, she sees his amusement and concern.
“Well I needed to thank her too. For bringing you to me and I am fine.” Forcing her languid muscles to move, she stretches to kiss his lips.
Leaning back, Lisa rubs her stomach, knowing there's no way she can take another bite. Looking to Grim, she sees he's watching her with a frown.
"I'm fine, just full."
"You need to eat more." He looks at her half eaten meal.
"I'm sure I will when the girls get up. They're going to be unhappy that they missed you."
"I’ll make sure I'm here for last meal." Grim rises to finish dressing. Remaining where she is, Lisa watches him enjoying the way he looks in his uniform. When he moves to pull on his royal sash, she frowns. Obviously, he's going to see Luuken, letting him know that he is King of Luda.
"Grim?" She questions.
"What my Lisa?" Turning he sees her frowning. "Are you in pain?" Quickly he's at her side.
"No, I'm fine, honestly." She quickly reassures him. "Why would Luuken promise Farber he would be Captain of the King's Guard, the King of Luda's Guard? Is Luuken a royal? A brother to you somehow?"
"Never!" He has to take a deep breath to calm at the very thought of it. "And Luuken could never be King of Luda, only a blood relative to the Emperor is allowed to be King."
"Then, why would Farber believe him?" Finding she can't sit she paces. "Why would he risk it? Why would Baccuus and Focke, if there was never even a chance?" Grim frowns, thinking about what she's said and pales realizing there is one way, a way he'd never considered, he wonders if Wray has.
"Grim?" Lisa notices his sudden stillness.
"Do you remember the male I told you about? The one that raped his females."
"Yes." Lisa replies knowing she's not going to like this.
"He was Emperor Lucan Berto. For his crimes he was executed, his family striped of their right to rule the Tornian Empire. The Assembly of Lords convened and Wyck Vasteri of House Vasteri was chosen as Emperor, my ancestor."
"Bertos and Luuken are descendants of Lucan Berto..."
"Yes, Berto had two male and two female offspring."
"So, there would be reason for some to believe they could promise these things. If this Assembly of Lords decided to make Bertos Emperor."
"The Lords cannot remove the Emperor. Berto had a brother. It was feared that the evil that had infected the Emperor also affected the bloodline. Therefore, he was not allowed to ascend. The only other time the Lords would decide is if the Vasteri blood line were to end."
"As in you and Wray dying with no offspring."
"Yes..." Grim looks at Lisa sharply.
"But Wray has two male offspring and a pregnant Empress."
"Wray's youngest, Van was killed five years ago when his transport was swept off a bridge in a storm."
"On Tornian?"
"Yes, in the Etruria Region…Bertos’ Region.” Grim pauses gathering his thoughts.
“Bertos was able to obtain a female five years ago, even though he already had Luuken. She's given him another male and remains with him." Grim watches Lisa closely. "It is Risa."
"Risa!” Lisa can’t believe it.
“That little bitch gets around doesn't she?” Pacing Lisa tries to pull her thoughts together.
“You…the Empress…Van...she's around for all of them."
"It would be unlikely she is involved my Lisa. Bertos yes, but not Risa."
"Why? Because she's female?" Lisa challenges.
"Well…yes…she would only be concerned with what she can get from her next male."
"You mean if he could get her back to Tornio, right? That's what you said all your females want…to be Empress."
"Yes..."
"And who better to know who is becoming powerful then someone who lived in Tornio, whose father was the Captain of the Emperor's Guard."
"It's been fifteen years since my attack my Lisa."
"An attack you weren’t meant to survive.” Lisa reminds him.
“What happened to Risa after it?"
"She returned to Tornio and claiming no fit male had been presented, petitioned Wray to assume responsibility for her until one could. The Empress agreed."
"Whoa! Whoa!” Lisa gives Grim a totally confused look. "What are you talking about?"
"A female can put off her first joining if she doesn't feel the males presented are fit." He holds up a hand cutting Lisa off. "But only if her father allows it."
"Risa's father was dead."
"Yes, in that case, she may request protection from another male as long as he is already joined and his female is agreeable. Few females are."
"But the Empress was."
“Yes, she thought fondly of Risa and allowed her to stay.”
“That fondness may have cost her, her life Grim.”
Grim turns walking to a window and looks out at over Luda thinking about what Lisa has suggested. It goes against everything he knows. Yes, their females could be conniving, using one male against another but to do this, for it to be going on for so long.
If it were Bertos…Bertos he can see waiting…plotting…building the support he would need, if House Vasteri were wiped out. Turning he sees Lisa has been watching him with concerned eyes, concern for him. She is not like their females in anyway but still seems to understand how their mind works.
“You think Risa has been involved all along.”
“Yes.”
“Explain to me why.”
“She was in Tornio and wanted to stay there, yet when her father died she petitioned to join with you early instead of requesting Wray’s protection then…why? What difference would that time make, unless it made a difference to someone else…say Bertos. She could have met him at Tornio couldn’t she? If what I’ve been given is correct Bertos was Lord of Etruria, even then.”
“Yes he was.”
“If you would have been killed, the Lords would have chosen Luda’s next King right?”
“Yes, but he would have only served until Van was able to replace him.”
“And Van died.” She says quietly.
“Yes...”
“The warriors who ambushed you…did you ever discover why?”
"None survived long enough to be questioned."
"They were from Luda?"
"No, they seemed to be a group of random warriors. No connection was ever made between them."
"They had no ties to House Bertos? No younger brothers training there?" Grim raises an eyebrow at the suggestion, it had never occurred to him. "I do not know if Alger ever looked into that possibility. You think Risa set up the meeting so Bertos could have me killed, becoming King."
"And she would still get Luda, one step closer to Tornio."
"Yet she didn't join with him." Grim reminds her.
"You didn't die.” She points out grateful for the fact.
“Bertos failed. You said yourself how your females don't like to be disappointed. What I don't understand is why she didn't just join with you in the first place? It's the same position." She looks at him with questioning eyes, who wouldn’t want Grim?
"Because I don't want to be Emperor, would do nothing to make it so. I only planned to be King until Van came of age. I would then become his advisor."
"And Risa knew this." She now understands Risa’s reasoning.
"It was readily known that there was no rivalry between Wray and myself, I would only become Emperor if there was no other choice."
"So after Bertos failed her, she decided to take a more direct route. She assumed Wray would want another Empress."
"If you are right my Lisa, then Empress Kim is in a great deal of danger."
"As are Wray and Tora."
"I need to contact Wray and tell him what has happened here, of our suspicions." He looks down into understanding eyes.
"Of course you must, he is your brother." Stepping into his arms she slides her hands up his chest, enjoying the feel of his muscles flexing at her touch, going up on her toes she captures his lips. "Go do what needs done Grim. We’ll deal with the rest later.”