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“Not from among the males at the compound.”
“No, that would be cruel. I am thinking that she would not want another warrior male. Perhaps we can find a male of another caste, an engineer or merchant?”
Sarus nodded and took another sip. “That might be best. I have no contacts planetside, unfortunately.”
“Check with your former acquaintances on Moriya. Perhaps one of the non-warrior males has to leave soon.”
“Even so, she could not go to Moriya.”
“I know, but such a male would be unlikely to be placed in this valley.”
“True.” Sarus took another sip. “How did this all start anyway?”
“Evangeline was trying to make a friend.”
Sarus tilted his head to one side. “Do you think we keep her too isolated? She has been working very hard.”
“That’s why I took her into town, so she could relax and enjoy herself for a bit,” Horas explained. “I did not realize she was lonely.”
Sarus shook his head. “I do not understand how she can be lonely when we are always near.”
“Because sometimes a girl just needs another girl to talk to,” Evangeline interjected as she entered the room.
Both males glanced toward the doorway where she stood. She entered the room, poured herself a bit of the Embrudian whiskey, and took a cautious sip. She grimaced as the liquid burned down her gullet, then she took another sip. “I like the Aramodian ale better. Have you considered asking Masey whatshewants?”
“She is a dutiful Ahn’hudi female,” Horas replied. “She will want to be mated.”
“She’s already mated, you dumbass.” Evangeline ignored his wince. “Maybe she won’t want to be mated again. Perhaps she’d like to be footloose and fancy free for a while.”
“What does that mean?” Sarus asked.
Evangeline crossed over to him and climbed into his lap. Sarus’ arm came around her to gently anchor her in place. She leaned back against his broad chest and took another sip, her appreciation for the liquor growing with each sip. “This is good stuff. Anyway, I’m thinking that Masey might enjoy the novelty of not having to cater to some overbearing male’s whims for a good long while before she entertains the idea of being mated again.”
“She makes sense,” Sarus agreed. “It will do no harm and perhaps some good to give her a reprieve before asking her to entertain suitors.”
Evangeline smiled her approval which resulted in a smug grin spreading across Sarus’ face.
Horas sighed and, wanting his mate’s approval, said, “Then we shall give Lady Masey that reprieve.”
Chapter21
Sarus accompanied Horas to the arena early the next morning, despite Horas’ grumbles about not trusting his opponent’s honor.
“Our little flame will remain close to me,” he promised, shooting her a pointed look.
Evangeline nodded. “I promise not to go wandering.”I’m not so stupid as to put myself at risk like that.
Horas sighed and gave in, insisting that Rosie accompany them, too. Sarus shrugged, knowing that if he were drawn into a confrontation, the robot would slaughter anyone who dared approach the female it guarded. The three of them decided on a password they could use to command the lethal machine to stand down, for once activated, it would kill any living being coming too close.
The guards at the gate blinked in surprise when they spied the huge mechanical spider delicately mincing over the dusty terrain. However, neither protested the robot’s admission once Horas assured them that its presence guaranteed their female’s safety.
A crowd gathered around the arena, filling the spectator seating. In one ground level alcove, Sarus set Evangeline and stationed the spider over her, her own eight-legged cage. He stood beside the robot.
The crowd roared when the captain strutted onto the sand, long knives clutched in both hands. He stopped in the center of the arena, raised his hands to show off the gleaming weapons, and shouted, “The weakling needs a second!”
Evangeline winced at the increased volume of shouts and cheers and insults that met the captain’s words. Horas walked across the sand, armed with nothing but his claws and teeth. The crowd quieted to a murmur of speculation and admiration. The captain was known as a fierce warrior, but the confidence of his opponent impressed them.
“At your leisure,” Horas said, rolling his shoulders and positioning himself with his knees slightly bent. Rays of light from the rising suns bounced off the long daggers extending from his fingertips and toes. His lips peeled back to reveal sharp, pointed teeth.
