Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) Read online

  “You know, things are so gloomy here now, I think a distraction is in order.” Hill turned to Emerala. “We should have a party celebrating your pending wedding.”

  “Heck, why don’t we just have the wedding later this week?” Raife said unexpectedly.

  “Do you mean it, honey?” she asked.

  “You bet I do.”

  “Aw,” Aliri cooed then smirked.

  “All right, then let’s do it…” Emerala began tapping on her console. “I’ve just booked the VR Chamber, and everything else will take me about three days.”

  “Good, good, so we’ll have a wedding at the end of the week.” Hill beamed.

  “Sounds fine to me,” Maar stated. “We should be done with our meetings by then, and I know I’ll need a break and something to get my mind off all this...”

  “Make sure to get a yummy cake,” Adam added.

  “Yeah,” Raife chuckled. “We’ll make sure of it.”

  Maar and Hill set out to begin their meetings with the Ambassadors and Captains of the Union. The crew was on shore leave. Many ventured off the ship to the base to shop, meet other friends from ships, and just loiter around in a different atmosphere.

  Tiva began her time off sitting under a dull version of Te, in the VR Room trying to meditate. With the help of Emerala and Aliri, she was able to create an adaptation of her home. The coloring was slightly skewed and it didn’t have the same feel, but it was enough to give her a sense of belonging. So many things seemed to be pulling at her. First, Adam and her feelings toward him. She was also concerned about the crew…her friends, and the rising fear surrounding them. The threat of the salvagers was increasing, and their last tussle with them couldn’t be taken lightly.

  It was possible their anxiety was creating the odd vibe she was sensing. Thinking calming thoughts and breathing slowly, she allowed herself to relax. As she finished the second cycle of calming breath, her wrist-comm beeped. She sighed and raised it to her mouth.

  “Boon, here.”

  “Tiva, it’s me.” Aliri’s voice fizzled through the device.

  “Greetings, Aliri. Do you wish me to open the doors to the room?”

  “Um, no, I want you to get your butt off the ship and meet us at Krikkie’s restaurant.”

  “I am in the midst of something.”

  “Hill thought you might say that, so it’s a formal request from the captain.” Aliri chuckled.

  “Very well, I am on my way.”

  “You have a bit of time. Dress casual, no uniform. I’ve added some credits to your stash in case you want to buy another outfit, it’d be a good idea.”

  “Thank you, my friend.” Tiva smiled and rose from the ground.

  “See you soon.”

  Tiva entered the restaurant wearing the newly purchased dress. She fiddled with the hem, holding it mid thigh, still thinking it too short. As she glanced around, she noticed that in fact, it was not. The frayed bottom of the outfit flirted on her knees. She lifted the thin strap back above her shoulder and smoothed the soft pink fabric along her left side. At the request of the shopkeeper, she purchased a wrap in case she grew cold. She draped it over her right shoulder and began the search for her crew mates.

  Maar’s boisterous laugh caught her attention and she altered her path moving to the back of the establishment. Adam wasn’t paying attention to the conversation and was first to smile at her. He rose from his chair and crossed the distance between them. The others stood up as he left, but she paid them no mind. Her markings pinked as he neared, he certainly had an impact on her even if she wasn’t completely sure where it was leading. One hand went to the hilt of his sword; the other gently took her hand, he leaned down, and kissed it.

  “Good evening, Tiva.”

  Dipping her head to hide her smile from the others, she replied, “Greetings, Adam.”

  He grinned back and straightened then motioned to the others. Approaching the table, the men bowed their heads slightly. Emerala waved and Aliri just beamed.

  “That is an amazing dress!” Emerala said, in her equally revealing red dress.

  She fidgeted with the wrap in her hand and lowered her free hand to her side, slightly uncomfortable with the attention.

  “Yeah, which shop did you get it at?” Aliri asked. Her jade knit top sparkling as she tugged at the sleeve. “Nicer than this old thing.”

  Tiva took the only empty chair, between Aliri and Adam. She turned back toward the entrance. “The last shop on the second floor; Jilly’s I believe it was called.”

  “Tender!” Maar raised his voice suddenly. “Another round for this fine crew!”

  The table erupted in cheers. Tiva tucked a lock of her loose hair behind her ear, and glanced around at the others. Everyone seemed much more relaxed outside the confines of the ship. She met her friends gaze and smiled.

  You look fantastic, Tiva, Aliri offered silently.

  Thank you. I was able to purchase it with my own savings. I will return your offering.

  Nah, it’s okay. Maybe you’ll find something else you like. Trust me it’s not a problem.

  Very well, I appreciate that very much.

  Any time, my friend.

  The staff of the establishment began catering to the crew, taking orders for food and beverage. Most ordered exotic things she had never heard of, and Tiva tried to find something on the list she believed she could tolerate. Adam leaned toward her, his hand cradling the back of her chair.

  “You might like the Titarian chicken. It’s mild and tender,” he offered.

  “I will try it…” She met his eyes.

  She felt his thumb brush the skin between her shoulder blades. Tensing slightly, she turned away as a server placed a fresh drink before her. For that one weak moment, she did not care what was in the glass and picked it up sipping it down.

  That’s a strong drink, you might want to be cautious, Tiva. Adam’s voice filled her mind. She glanced over at him. Following his eyes, she noticed his hand was on the hilt of Cala, and then understood.

  I will, thank you. She turned back to the others, and listened in as the others talked.

  The table was clear of their meal. Mugs, and glasses of wine, juice, something Raife called beer, and other beverages continued to flow. Tiva did not take the chance, and sipped at half a glass of wine. She maintained complete control until Adam touched her shoulder again; it was a soft tap, to get her attention, but it was enough stir her emotions again.

  “This wine isn’t strong, have a sip, it’ll calm you.”

  “You assume I need to calm for some reason.”

  “Heh, all right.” He chugged another beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Just looking out for ya.”

  Another hour passed when suddenly Hill and Maar rose at the same time, “We have another meeting in the morning, an all day event,” Maar grumbled slightly.

  “Yes, so we’ll most likely not see you until the blessed event.” Hill raised his glass and glanced at Raife and Emerala. “Until then.” He drank the last drop, and then exited with the captain.

  “Yeah, we need to get some sleep too…” Raife said, stifling a yawn.

  “Hang on, I’ll go with you guys,” Aliri jumped up. “Have a good night guys.”

  Tiva watched the others depart like a quick squall and then turned to Adam. He just laughed. She raised a brow, and shifted in her seat to face him. “You find something amusing?”

  “Who, me? Nah, well…sure, I find humor in every situation.”

  “I see,” she said and pulled the wrap across the back of her shoulders.

  “Aw, why’d you do that?”

  “I felt a chill.”

  Adam’s wings twitched. “I can keep you warm.”

  Her markings pinked. “I do not think it would be appropriate in an eatery, Adam.”

  “Well, not what I had in mind, maybe later, but we can head out if you are cold…” He stood up and held out his hand to her. “Let’s walk.”

 
The quiet promenade loomed before them. Several people were scattered about, the normal throngs of shoppers and loiterers had returned to their loved ones or friends for the evening. Together Tiva and Adam circled the upper ring of the promenade used mostly for walking or looking at the stars. It was warmer, but Tiva carried the wrap keeping it near. Cala wasn’t shielding Adam as much as before, perhaps their contact was the cause because she could sense his gaze on her, then heard him snicker softly.

  “Again you find humor?”

  “I just wasn’t expecting to see the outline of your weapon through your dress. When you rounded the bend I saw the fabric tug slightly.”

  Her hand went to her side half ignoring the fact he was watching her. “I do not go many places unarmed.”

  “I don’t go anywhere unarmed.” He shrugged, and paused at a scenic spot. Outside the window was a radiant pulsar. It was far off in the distance, but the pale blue light blinked and sparkled happily at them. His wings unfolded and he moaned slightly stretching the limbs. “Think they’d give us hell if we flew around the promenade?”

  She smiled at his unexpected question. “I think they may. Perhaps if the situation was less tense…”

  “Yeah,” he frowned and his wings dropped slightly. The soft feathers brushed against her back. “You’re probably right.”

  Keeping her attention on the window, she held her breath and nodded. His hand was unexpectedly on the small of her back. He nudged her to continue walking. She stiffened slightly and moved on, waiting for him to remove his hand. Instead, he slid it up her back to her neck and almost teasingly across her shoulders then back to his side. She put some distance between them as she turned the next bend, trying to make it look natural, but he was like a shadow mirroring its master.

  They neared the next scenic spot, but she was already too aware of him to notice anything outside the porthole.

  “Tiva?”

  She turned, “Yes, Adam?”

  “Will you accompany me to Raife and Em’s wedding?”

  “I would like that very much.”

  “You know, we’ll probably have to dance.”

  “I am not without a sense of culture, Adam…”

  “Of course you’re not. I’ve just seen lots of variations of dance.”

  “Then show me what I will have to do.”

  He stepped close, wrapped one arm around her waist, and pulled her to him. With the other, he took her hand and bent it slightly up. He grinned, and took a step back guiding her with him. Sloppily, she followed him for a few steps before the awkwardness subsided. He slowly spun her and changed directions. She matched his every move until he sped up.

  “I am sorry,” she said after stepping on his foot.

  “No worries, just keep dancing.”

  They fell into rhythm with each other just as easily dancing as they had fighting. Adam’s wings spread suddenly and his grip around her waist tightened. He lifted off the ground, taking her up and flapped a few more times to gain height. In a swift move, he flew over the railing and hovered in the middle of the hollowed area of the promenade.

  Several levels below, a couple of people rushed back and forth, not even noticing them. She chuckled slightly then he dipped her back. “I do not think many humans can dance like this.”

  “Nope,” he answered. “Having fun yet?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” He grinned. “You really do look pretty, tonight, Tiva.”

  “Thank you,” her markings lightened and she whispered, “Adam.”

  “That’d be me.”

  “I think people are taking notice…” Her gaze lowered. Several people were now looking up at them as they circled near the ceiling.

  “Damn,” he sneered, and guided them toward the walkway. He landed near another scenic spot, and Tiva broke from his grasp and moved to the window. He stood next to her and stretched his wings as his arm wrapped around her shoulder. His hands were warm and comforting. Looking into his eyes, they flashed purple; she smiled and leaned into him as if it were completely natural. Adam squeezed gently and tenderly placed his wing round her shoulders.

  ~*~

  Adam led Tiva to the back of the VR chamber after the wedding ceremony. Human customs were similar to hers with slight variances. Emerala wore a stunning human styled cream dress; Raife donned an odd colored tunic and pants.

  Most of the women wore bright and vibrant dresses. Tiva decided not to buy another; instead, she wore her purple one to the event. Adam and most of the other men wore their dress uniforms.

  Thousands of real flowers decorated the VR chamber. An intense cloudless blue sky and ancient type ruins surrounded them as a backdrop. It was an astonishing sight. When she turned her attention back to her escort, he was pouring drinks.

  Adam handed her a glass of punch and promised it wasn’t spiked. Before she could ask, Aliri and Hemko approached.

  “Meaning it has no alcohol,” her friend offered.

  Tiva smiled slightly, and sipped the drink approvingly.

  Aliri dabbed her eye. “Wasn’t that beautiful?”

  “Yes, quite,” Tiva answered.

  “I’m just here for the cake,” Adam added. Hemko grinned and Aliri jerked her head to the side motioning to the desserts. Adam’s eyes widened and he put down his glass.

  “You can’t eat it now, you have to wait…you know that.”

  “Oh, right, damn.”

  “I’m sure there will be plenty to go around, sir.” Hemko chuckled.

  “Yeah, yeah.” He shrugged.

  Music filled the room, and the lighting dimmed. A small wooden floor lit up, and Emerala and Raife moved to the middle and began dancing. The group watched for a while, and when the song ended, others moved to the floor.

  Adam offered an extended elbow. “Care to dance, Dame Boon?”

  “I would be honored, Sir Cooper.” She took his arm, and followed him to the dance floor. Tiva glanced back at Aliri; she was smiling, and failing to hide the fact that she was overjoyed. Adam spun her around quickly, the purple dress fluttering in the air. He drew her into his arms and held tight. They began to dance leisurely about the floor. Adam led with ease all across the room weaving in and around other couples. Tiva hid a smile in the nape of his neck and eventually whispered in his ear, “You never told me…what is this dance called?”

  “The standard waltz, it’s easy to learn, and is always classy. And with you in my arms, we’re the classiest damn thing in here.”

  “You flatter well, Adam.”

  “Well, how else am I going to make you fall in love with me?”

  Her markings pinked, and she turned her head to the side. There was much to tell him about her ways still. She had never expressed herself freely with another before. Her feelings for Adam were so strong. She felt more like her former self around him. He brought the natural happiness within back to the surface. But she knew the steps he needed to take to be with her, she wasn’t sure he’d be willing.

  The newly married couple exited the dance space and took their seats at a special table set just for them. Tiva and Adam continued to dance until the others began to exit the floor. They found their table with most of their friends, Hill and Maar acknowledged them as they approached.

  Ambassador Dival took the podium. Tiva did not even notice it until he spoke, and listened as he delivered a deep meaningful speech about her two friends. Next, the priest who performed the service spoke about spirituality, loyalty, and devotion. Tiva felt Adam’s fingers caressed her bare neck and shoulder. Her skin tingled, but she kept her attention on the speakers.

  The speeches continued for a while. By the time the best man, an engineer from the Enigma made his toast, Tiva and her table-mates were beginning their meal. Emerala had knowingly ordered a special meal for her, and for that she was thankful.

  As the celebration continued, Tiva observed with wonder the various traditions and customs of the races. Adam explained several things to her during the course of the ri
tuals. The evening turned to night, and the guests began to depart. Hill was the first of the Tolox crew to leave. But not everyone wanted to stop the party. Raife and Emerala were once again dancing. Hemko asked Aliri to join him on the floor, even Captain Maar found someone to spark his interest. The few remaining people danced into the middle of the night.

  Adam and Tiva lingered on the dance floor swaying slowly to the music as the others took their leave. His arms were tight around her, the traditional stance was long since forgotten. Her head rested on his chest, her hands over his shoulders locked around his neck. It was a feeling she relished. He calmed her in ways no other person had before. Perhaps it was the fact she could not sense him; she didn’t have to block him as she did with others. Or it could be that her attraction toward him was finally allowing her to enjoy his company.

  As if reading her mind, once again, he leaned in and whispered, “If I didn’t say it earlier, you look beautiful tonight.”

  She smiled. “Thank you, Adam.”

  He spun her around quickly and dipped her back. He laughed and his gaze darted around the room. “Looks like it’s just us again. They have a knack for leaving us alone. I wonder why?”

  “I am not sure.”

  “I think they know I’m chasing you.”

  “You do not need to chase me…”

  “But I like chasing you.”

  “There are things about me you do not know.”

  “Of course there are. That’s why I enjoy spending time with you, to learn.” He grinned and touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “I want to know who you are, Tiva. I want to know what makes you laugh, what you dreamed of as a child…”

  Tiva met his eyes and felt her markings lighten. She pressed her head against his chest as a tear slid down her cheek.

  “Are you crying?”

  “No.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked dipping his head to the side.

  She quickly wiped her cheek. “Yes.”

  “Why do you insist on hiding it?”

  “I was not crying, Adam. It was just a tear.”