Viola Grace - Champions Of Terra 05 - Haldis Imperium

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Champions of Terra:

Haldis Imperium

By

Viola Grace

To Gophers. Caddy shack wouldn’t have been the same without you…

Prologue

A

manda Tyrell has been inside her suit for over five years. The reasons behind her extended stay included the facts that she wanted the first champions of her race to go to mates that would take good care of the extraordinary women, and that the planet of Admar needed to be found again. The Alliance needed the human race to find it and Amy was willing to negotiate. The Alliance Trade Federation depends on Negotiators. Perfectly unbiased beings that hide their gender and species beneath an armored lifesupport suit. The suit allows for complete autonomy in the worst of atmospheric conditions, and all-terrain motion on land and in the water. All food requirements are met by the suit, as are all bodily functions. The beings chosen to be Negotiators are hard wired to the suit, which allows them to access a variety of case histories and databases for information and languages. The negotiators 1

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themselves are locked into the suit, which can be opened only by Alliance technicians after the assignments are finished. The recovery process takes weeks. While on the job they arrange trade agreements for land, resources, minerals, technology and personnel. Each trade assignment lasts under three months. That is, of course, unless a request for a specific assignment of longer duration is issued. Amy was such a Negotiator, and she had traded more time in the suit for the benefit of the Terran species. Each ‘favor’ granted by the Alliance had cost her eight more months in the suit, working for the Imperial family of the planet Torgny. Being a transport hub, it was vital that they have a Negotiator on hand at all times to assist in the contracts and agreements for trade routes. Her predecessor had only been able to stand it there for six months. His Highness was a little difficult to deal with.

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Chapter 1 “…and so Negotiator Tyrell, you’re being freed from the Alliance Negotiator Corp. We thank you for having attained the rank of Champion for your species, while providing exemplary service to the Alliance. A Medical ship, suitably outfitted, will arrive in six days. They will give you the necessary treatment to complete the last portion of your contract. Good luck.” The transmission winked out as it was completed. Amy thought that it was too good to be true. At last…she was being recalled. Five whole years in the suit, years in which she couldn’t see anything with her own eyes, or touch anything with her own hands. She only had to record her request for a replacement and she would be on her way out of the palace, off of the planet and out of the goddamned suit. Six days…only six days. She quickly contacted the Corp and requested her replacement be dispatched immediately. The 3

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com officer greeted her with a smile and said, “We have been waiting for your transmission. I guess that the wheels of the Alliance bureaucracy have been grinding exceedingly slowly with regards to letting their best Negotiator go.” “Yeah, well, I just got off of the com with Councilor Naveel. He didn’t seem too pleased, but hey, with an Ontex, who can tell?” A not so muffled snort came through the noses of the com officer. “Ok, now, onto business. I, Negotiator Amanda Tyrell of the Alliance protectorate of Earth, hereby request a replacement be sent to the planet Torgny, to be employed in the service of His Imperial Highness Palden VII, of the House of Haldis. I will be leaving the surface in six days, and do not anticipate being able to return.” She paused for a moment. “Good enough?” “Perfect, and not to blow the surprise, but your replacement has been sent out already. We knew last week.” He grinned and wiggled his fingers at the screen. “Negotiator station out.” Amy sighed and pulled herself away from the screen, viewing the gifts and knick-knacks that had been given to her over the years. The biochess game was her absolute favorite, even though she was not yet able to play. Her suit precluded her from placing her skin against the playing board to control the pieces. It had been given to 4

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium her as a bonus upon her successful mediation of the Binat/Torgny treaty. Both representative Ambassadors had thanked her, and sent her the gift as a gesture of unity. She had had the toxic injectors removed—installed courtesy of the Binat, who came out on the short end of the treaty—and the unit disassembled and reassembled before she moved it into her quarters. No further surprises were found. To her, it symbolized both the dangers and the rewards of the job. Now, the only task left was to speak with His Imperial Majesty, Palden the VII. She just hoped that he was not ‘entertaining’ in his quarters at this time. “Bad luck always seems to follow me.” The mechanical faceplate that was devoid of all features issued the vocalizations from small speakers on either side of her head. Her cloak swirled around her as she walked the halls of the Imperial Palace. She nodded to the guards that she passed at their duty stations and then paused for a moment. “Reynal, you owe me three hundred credits for the outcome of the Arena trials. I told you that they would be sentenced.” She was smirking behind her mask, having known the outcome before the trials had even begun. The Azon had not been happy to have their 5

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Prime Ambassador kidnapped and forced to fight for his life in the arena. They had pursued prosecution with intense diligence for the last two years, and were not a species to be gainsaid. Two Azon battle cruisers had guarded the Alliance High Court Station until the sentence had been declared. “Life imprisonment on Falloth. No parole. Hard labor. Wow, it would probably have been better if they had died in the station attack.” She shook her head and waited for a response. He held up a credit chip and flipped it to her. “I always pay my debts. But how did you know?” “Easy, I was there at the station during the attack.” She gave him a sweeping bow and continued down the hall, tossing the chip in the air and catching it as she walked. At the royal quarters she stopped. “Xalli, Dekor, good evening. May I go in?” The guards bowed to her as she waited. “Of course, Negotiator Tyrell. Not that we could stop you.” Xalli grinned at her. The one time they had attempted to bar her way, she had used the added strength in the mechanics of the armor. The wall was repaired a few days later. Dekor opened the door for her, allowing her entrance into the antechamber. The sounds of rutting coming from the royal bedchamber were unmistakable, and unless she 6

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium missed her guess, he and his friend had just begun their evening. After a perfunctory knock, she entered, completely unperturbed by the sight of two adults in the act of copulation. The Tival female was very vocal, obviously impressed with both his enthusiasm and his technique as his head moved between her thighs. Amy stood and dispassionately watched the female clench her hands in Palden’s hair as she reached her climax, her screams echoing in the stone chamber. Amy thought to herself that the acoustics in the room had been designed in such a way as to maximize the sounds of pleasure. With his companion lost to her pleasure, Palden climbed up her body and with a smooth shift of his hips buried his cock inside her. Sweat coated his muscular back as his hips began to pump, driving for his own release. Neither occupant of the bed noticed her, so she waited until her employer was approaching his own climax before speaking. It was one of her personal quirks that she wanted to disturb him as much as possible. “Your Majesty, I am tendering my resignation as your negotiator. A replacement for me has been requested and should be with you shortly. In six days the shuttle arrives to collect me.” She knew that all activities within his private chamber were 7

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recorded, so if he did not hear her this evening, he should stumble upon the tapes sometime tomorrow. She gave the little bow that she reserved for him alone and swept out of the room. “Tyrell, wait!” A masculine voice cried out. “You can’t do this to me.” She turned to face him, the mirrored finish of her armor reflecting his flushed face and perfect physique. His erection was still rampant, the head flushed and a violent purple, covered in the juice that his companion had generated within her heat. Fortunately, Amy’s faceplate could not give rise to expression, or he would definitely have noticed the bolt of lust that ran through her. Had she been available to do so, she would have jumped into bed with him in a minute. As it stood, she had had to watch him take dozens of girls to his bed in order to determine their ‘genetic’ compatibility. Some of the off-world women had even been subjects of negotiation prior to the ‘testing’ phase. “I am not doing anything to you except depriving you of a Wings of War partner. I am sure that my replacement will pick it up soon enough. I have been recalled, there is nothing that I can do about it.” She gave another short bow, and with a final glance at his naked and aroused glory she returned to her quarters to recharge the 8

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium suit. It was only six more days to freedom. **** For the next six days Palden desperately contacted her superiors in a frantic attempt to keep his favorite negotiator. He offered exorbitant sums to the Corp., but they declared that it was out of their hands. He and Tyrell had become friends despite their differences in station, and only Tyrell was adept at picking suitable partners for the bonding, as his time grew closer. His people were frantic that he had not produced an heir as of yet. His researchers had been required to search abroad for a perfect genetic match. He needed a ’class zero’, a woman who would contribute almost none of her genetic material to her offspring. Women of this sort were hard to find, but his people would tolerate nothing less. He declared that he also needed someone with whom he could have a conversation. Sex wasn’t everything. No matter whom he talked to, whom he tried to bribe, Tyrell would leave in a few hours. On the plus, side the rep informed him, they had found a female who met the genetic criteria and was reasonably attractive and very intelligent. She was from a planet called Terra, of a species 9

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called human, and was very compatible with his own physiology. She would be arriving in two weeks; he would only be allowed introduction and communication with her then. Should he choose her as his bonded mate however, the fee would be astronomical. Her species was rare, and not yet fully accepted into the Alliance. The time had arrived and Negotiator Tyrell took her leave of a pouting and cranky highness, and introduced him to his new negotiator, Marvick. “Your Imperial Majesty, I would like to introduce you to your new negotiator, Marvick. Negotiator Marvick, His Imperial Majesty Palden VII.” She paused for a moment, unsure of what else to say. “Goodbye Palden. It has definitely been an experience working for you. Be well.” For the first time since taking this assignment, she gave him the full bow due to his rank and station. Then she slowly and carefully removed the cloak that had marked her place in his household. Draping it over her arm and walking up the dais to give it back to him, she had to hold back a sob. The look on his face was tearing her heart apart. It looked as if he was losing his best friend. She had never been so glad to have the support of the armor as now, her knees buckling as she left the main audience chamber and walked to her private shuttle. 10

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium With a few final glances behind her, Tyrell entered the shuttle and was off to the orbiting Medical ship. As soon as she docked, a swarm of technicians grabbed her and dragged her off to surgery to remove the suit. They sedated her, and her grief-stricken heart was finally silent. She hadn’t realized how attached she had gotten to their knock-down-drag-out fights. Thirteen torturous hours later, she was floating in a suspension tank with an oxygen mask while the fluid began to close the wounds left by the wires and cables that had had to run through her body to sustain her. Her hair was about one inch long after the helmet was removed, and the rest of her body was so white as to be almost blue. On the plus side, she hadn’t aged a day. Walking up to the tank, an Alliance Representative began to outline her next assignment after her recovery. “Negotiator Tyrell, you may recall that when you entered into this particular branch of service you were asked to sign another contract as well. One that, if you were successful in your assignments, indicated that you would be required to produce one offspring before the termination of your employment with us.” He took a deep breath and continued. “We have chosen a mate for you, and you are a ninety-nine percent match genetically. If you were 11

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any closer, you would be the same species. The fact that genetically, you are a class zero makes you the ideal match for him.” “When you complete your recovery, you will be given all of the details of the male in question. However, please remember that we only need you to produce one child via direct copulation…this does not have to be a permanent arrangement.” “Oh and congratulations, you have been marked with your Champion rank. You are now wearing the mark of your planet and your status as Champion. You are the first one of your kind to be marked this way, but the Alliance is finding that an outbreak of abduction has been occurring surrounding your species. This is to safeguard you. It guarantees an exorbitant reward for your safe return.” “Your record for successful negotiation in the most difficult circumstances has been recorded and upon assessment, for someone with the Corp. for only five years, your accomplishments are phenomenal.” The officious little rep shuffled away, leaving her to gasp incoherently at the statements laid out before her. A mating, a breeding, a champion? She looked down at her body through the repairing liquid, and saw her new Terran tattoo, overlaid by a swirling silver galaxy and rank markings in Alliance common. The buggers had marked her 12

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium while she was out. She would think about this later, after the healers had completed their work. A week later she was feeling a lot spryer. She had begun to move under her own power and was finally beginning to rebuild some of her lost muscle mass. She tried to plead her case for recovery time but there was no negotiating with the council decision to demand an offspring, now. They also were not forthcoming with the information on her match. The next week passed, she packed a bag to prepare for wherever they might send her. She had almost no clothing to pack aside from the ship suits that they had given her after the surgeries. She went through the necessary hypnotherapy for agoraphobia. It was mandatory treatment after spending so much time in the suit. Apparently, the chemicals and nutrients given to her through the suit had had a bleaching effect on her. Amy’s hair length was now regenerated, but was completely lacking in pigment. Waves of white now reached down to her butt. The vivid blue of her eyes and the red of her lips were the only spots of color on her face. She had begun sampling food again, trying to get her body processes moving. Her systems had been dormant but were now functioning again. One of those systems was her taste buds. 13

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In one week, she had gone through an astonishing amount of food, enjoying the luxury of tasting again. She now had contacts that kept her eyes from being burned out by the lighting on the ship, but she knew that light was yet another thing she would have to rediscover.

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Chapter 2

A

n Imperial Messenger was sent to bring her to the shuttle bay, and she began to get a suspicion that her new assignment might have something to do with Palden. The trip back to the planet she had just left seemed to take five minutes. Torgny was a beautiful planet, green and alive with golden cities gleaming in the bright dawn of planet fall. The shuttle vibrated lightly upon entry to the atmosphere, then swooped and spiraled onto a landing pad near the palace. An Imperial Representative was present when she left the shuttle. “Terran Representative Amanda, welcome to Torgny. My name is Wiagh. I will be your liaison to his Imperial Majesty.” The female was a native of Torgny, and one of the court hangers on. She had hovered in the vicinity of the Imperial Court hoping to draw the attention of someone in a position of power. Amanda noticed the omission 15

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of her last name and took the hint. No one on Torgny was aware of her full name, and previous occupation. “I have no intention of requiring a liaison. I am only staying for the six months stipulated in my contract. Interaction with his Imperial Majesty is not high on my list of priorities.” She walked over to the ground craft and signaled the driver to take her to the Palace. Her liaison was left standing on the landing pad, mouth open and eyes wide. She checked in with the Major Domo of the Palace. He assigned her to quarters that were usually reserved for minor dignitaries. Amy shrugged and settled in with a selection of books by Torgny poets. Palden had little to no interest in the female sent to him for breeding purposes and continued his efforts to get his friend Tyrell back from whatever assignment they had him on. He contacted everyone he knew in the Alliance Government and still came up with no idea of where his buddy Tyrell could be. His hunt consumed him. He did not eat, did not sleep, and lost all interest in the women who sidled up to him in vain efforts to distract him. Amy sat back and relaxed, knowing that according to etiquette, Palden would have to summon her. She could no more force an interview than she could leave before the six 16

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium months were up. The council would not force him to mate with her. They didn’t do such things, but if he showed no interest in her for six months, they would send her to their second candidate, a feline specimen whose own family lineage began with a local champion. The clock was ticking, but Amy saw this as a chance to enjoy herself. The local equivalent of Carnival would occur in a few weeks. She could not wait to join the dancing in the streets. She had to keep in mind that she could not carnally enjoy herself with anyone but Palden, but that left every other option open. Amy was shopping. It had been five years since she had been on a genuine planet with no suit of armor to worry about. Her wardrobe was sadly lacking. The Great Market of Yasuo was the largest on the planet and just happened to be named after the capital city of Yasuo. It was a large city for a class four world. Over fifty thousand people were in residence at any time. Swords and daggers were common, but the palace had access to all kinds of technology. Alien species were also quite common, but their wares were restricted to the technology level by strict customs inspections on the orbital space station. 17

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It was at an alien shop in the marketplace that Amy found her dream dress. The proprietor was a little off-putting, if seven-foot arachnids would make a person uncomfortable. For Amy, ever since she had an assignment negotiating a trade treaty for their silks, she had an uncommon fondness for the l’nal species. They were wonderful conversationalists with wicked senses of humor. Negotiations were heated, but after all, Amy had negotiated trades for a living, and Krik was not up to her level of bargaining. A hand-held translator had to be used, as Amy no longer had hers wired to her brain, and Krik’s language sounded like the clicking of mandibles. Which in fact it was. The bargain was struck and Krik asked Amy, her worthy opponent, in for tea. “You bargain like a Mintok trader.” Krik’s voice was admiring as she utilized two of her eight limbs to pour the tea, l’nal acid blend for her, and a calming green tea for Amy. “I have had a little practice in dealing with tradesmen in the past.” She demurred. “I would like to take this opportunity to compliment your weaving skills. Your mates must be very well taken care of.” “Thank you, we will, however, not speak of those lazy, ungrateful bastards at this time.” Krik’s voice brooked no further comment on the matter, 18

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium which in itself was odd as l’nal courtesy demanded that the family of the weaver be discussed after all negotiations as an acknowledgement of the reason for the transaction. Going out on a limb Amy ventured, “Perhaps you should eat one of them at the next mating cycle. It might cause the survivors to value your generosity.” She took a small sip of tea and looked at her host expectantly. Krik let out a loud series of clicks that the translator didn’t catch, but Amy recognized laughter when she saw it. “It would serve them right!” She collapsed into laughter again and hugged herself with four of her eight limbs as she slowed to a halt. The clicks growing further apart as she calmed. “You have been on l’nal haven’t you? No use denying it, that comment is an old party joke. We usually don’t share it with outsiders. Now the question becomes, what were you doing there?” Krik’s six eyes focused on Amy as she assessed her more fully, “You were a negotiator. I recognize the scarring on your temples.” The eyes whirled and looked her carefully up and down. “Whew! Not many of you running around. What are you doing here?” The personal questions were part and parcel of l’nal courtesy. So Amy explained; about the job, 19

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about being class zero, and about Palden and the reproductive contract. “Wow, you have yourself in a real quandary. Too bad your kind doesn’t mate in multiples of more than two. It might make His Imperial Majesty more palatable.” The implication was that Amy should consume him after mating and keep another male for protection. She burst out laughing. The image was far too appealing for her peace of mind. “Wait. If you just got out of the armor, you have nothing to wear! Perhaps we could do a little more business.” Krik switched back into merchant mode and once again the haggling was on. Two hours of haggling and tea later, Amy walked out of Krik’s shop with seven outfits and a promise to return before the carnival for a special commission. She then went over to the leatherwork craftsmen and purchased a few pairs of trousers, some boots and a few fitted leather vests. It was the closest thing to her armor that she could come up with, and she felt that the snug feeling of the leather would be comforting to her senses. Satisfied with making a new friend and having someone to talk to, she took her booty back to the Imperial Palace, grinning at the looks that the startled guards gave her as she passed. Waiting for her on her com console was a message from the new negotiator, Marvick. He 20

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium asked her to quickly reply to his message. It was a matter of extreme urgency. She called him back and agreed to meet him in the minor council chamber. She then tugged on her new leather outfit, knowing that it would set him off, and made her way through the halls. She hadn’t realized how much of her body was outlined by the leather, until she turned and caught a look that one of the hall guards was giving her backside as she strolled to her meeting. He met her eyes guiltily then grinned at her, she winked in return and opened the chamber door. Marvick was exceptionally twitchy, Amy never could figure out how he ended up in service. He couldn’t seem to focus on any more than one task at once. This was a severe failing as far as she was concerned. He was unaware of her past experience in his profession, so he must want to discuss her contract stipulations. She proceeded into the chamber, and stopped short when she saw Palden leaving the room. She hung back for a minute after he had cleared the room and walked up to Marvick. “You wanted to see me?” She kept her voice polite and mildly curious. “We need to go over your contract, Miss Amanda. His Imperial Majesty has several stipulations that must be addressed before he will consent to mate with you on a trial basis.” The 21

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faceplate on the front of the armor had a large handprint on it, evidence of Palden trying to make sure that he got his way. The first time he had tried to lay hands on her, she had broken his wrist. It had taken six weeks to heal, and even now he still complained about it in damp weather. His Imperial Majesty was a bit of a bully. “His Imperial Majesty has no say in the matter. The contract becomes active if he beds me, and if I turn up pregnant, he has to pay the full amount for the heir. There is no room for negotiation, the Alliance Council has set this contract, and the Imperial Council of Torgny agreed to it.” Her voice was implacable. She turned and left the hapless Marvick to deliver the bad news to Palden.

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Chapter 3

T

he following week Amy visited Krik in the marketplace again and received the most beautiful, most exotic gown she had ever seen. Krik demanded that she try it on immediately. The gown hugged her curves and flared out into a full skirt. Panels of silk were alternately transparent and opaque. The bodice concealed her breasts, barely, and left her abdomen exposed. Her tattoos blazed against her pale skin for all to see. It was a masterwork in rainbow hues, and Amy knew exactly how much work had gone into it. Krik had extruded and dyed each length separately before weaving them into the creation that was snuggled against her curves in a most intimate manner. Offering money would be an insult, so instead she gave Krik the names of several l’nal males that she had met eighteen months ago while on a special assignment for the Alliance. She had kept in touch with them and knew that they were still 23

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looking for a female to take them on as mates. Krik could consume her old mates and invite these fresh ones to join her on this world. Krik thanked her, she thanked Krik, and they both had a good laugh over the males in their lives. All ungrateful for the females that fate had bestowed upon them. She promised that she would wear the gown at the festival in one week, and visit Krik as she made her rounds. During the week, Amy collected more clothing. Rediscovering the joy of shopping after so many years of Alliance issued clothing. Her wardrobe was almost beginning to escape the confines of her little closet. She had a confused seamstress put wire into a garment resembling a brassier, and had her make some panties as well. She had forgotten to include her own measurements when she had begun her black market export from earth. Her clothing collection was almost complete. Palden still would not grant her an audience. She figured that he was sulking over his lack of ability to change the contract. For a guy who topped her own height by a head, he was incredibly immature when he wanted to be. The day of the festival dawned clear and bright. Vendors gathered in the square. Giggling women imbibed in the free intoxicants that were on offer at the local taverns. 24

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium Amy slept in as late as she could, then ordered a lunch from the kitchens and sat at her window, watching the spectacle blossoming in the square. She took the custom gown out of the closet and had to remove the undergarments that she put on under it. They ruined the flow of the gown. She eyed herself front and back in the looking glass and blushed to the roots of her pale silken hair. Light and delicate sandals went on her feet. Then, feeling cowardice in her bones, she threw a cloak over her shoulders and left the palace. She did not see the eyes that watched her from a doorway in the palace. If she had, she would have run back to her room and locked the door. The bold and assessing gaze had watched the concealing layer of her cloak when it parted as she walked. Noting the lush curves beneath it. Her feet propelled her rapidly through the market. Bright colors and fantastic smells assailed her senses as she walked into the market, on the way to Krik’s shop. Laughing couples twined together as they made their way through the spectacle caused her to smile wistfully and look away. Upon close examination of the throng, she found that a lot of the bodies that she saw were dressed more scantily than she, and wearing masks. The mask struck her as a great idea. First, she purchased body makeup to cover her 25

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tattoos. Then, she purchased a mask depicting a golden avian. She went in to visit Krik and was delighted when Krik told her that she looked like food. A true compliment from an l’nal. Krik did note however, that the cloak was not complimentary to the dress and would ruin the effect of the fabric. She glowed with pleasure at seeing her work on display and began to preen right there in the back room of her shop, indicating her happiness. She left Krik, after promising to have fun and enjoy herself, and dove into the festivities. She sampled food, laughed, drank, dodged eager hands, and as the sun set, she found herself in a dance competition using a false name ‘Tara’. The judges sat in the shadows and the light blazing on the stage made the dancers unable to focus on the audience. Keeping her mask in place, she danced, as she had not been able to for years. Her hips slid to the beat, her ribcage undulated and her arms made graceful motions in the air, beckoning her audience to her and chiding them for being out of her reach. As she danced, the music grew wilder, until she was whirling and dipping in a frenzy of motion. A blur of energy and sensual power, reveling in the eyes that followed her every move. With a final beat she collapsed into a kneeling pose on the dance floor, one arm raised in salute to 26

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium the judges, her chest heaving in her attempt to get air into her overtaxed lungs. Sweat dripped from her body and drew the gown tight to her form. Her distended nipples outlined by the fabric as the moisture on her skin began to turn it from opaque to transparent. The crowd erupted into a vociferous round of applause. She stood, made her bow and left the stage. The next dancer took her place, and the music began again. While every dancer received applause, no other dancer caused the riotous reaction that had followed her wild performance. When the winner was to be announced, she waited with the other performers off to the side. Coming out of the shadows of the judges’ station, Palden stood before the audience and announced that the winner of the competition was ‘Tara’. Amy froze at the image of her fantasies standing there and holding his hand out to her with a beguiling smile. She walked back onto the stage at the urging of the other dancers. No one seemed surprised or disappointed that she had won. She moved close to Palden, smelling his distinct musk over the scent of female sweat that filled the stage. She gave him a small curtsy and bowed her head. She was a little confused, though. He normally only gave off that heady scent when he was aroused by a female. 27

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She was completely taken aback when he reached forward and grasped her arms, drawing her into his embrace. She was even more surprised when he kissed her as if to devour her very soul. His tongue, lips, and teeth moving together to draw out her reactions and cause her pulse to race. So this was why he never lacked for female companionship. If she had known, she would have jumped him a month ago, the instant that she had landed. He finished his kiss, drawing back with a smile. He gave her the purse of coins that she had won as first prize. The crowd was going wild. Hoots, whistles and crude suggestions began to fly in from beyond the stage. Palden turned to her, “Would you care to go somewhere with a little less noise? I know a lovely tavern nearby with great atmosphere.” She gave him a startled nod and took his arm out of the square. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her against his thighs when they were seated at a table that the proprietor hastily cleared for them. Drinks appeared in front of them, and Amy, oops Tara, sipped delicately at hers. The warm spiced wine caused a blossoming of warmth in her belly. The hand he stroked up her thigh stoked the flame into a blaze of heat that was echoed in her brilliant blue eyes, outlined by the makeup and 28

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium golden mask. He asked her if she would accompany him upstairs, and Tara said, “Yes.” As soon as the door closed behind them, he was on her. His fingers easing aside her gown, lowering her bodice to expose her breasts. As soon as one of the creamy orbs was visible, he brought his mouth down onto the budding peak. Amy moaned when the hot warmth of his mouth closed over her breast and her breath hitched as he began a gentle and then ferocious suction. Her knees buckled and her weight fell against his arms, the only thing keeping her off of the floor. It had been so long since anything had come close to this wild abandon that she was about to embark on, that she said to hell with it and released her conscious mind. The sensations running through her body ruled her, and she gladly gave herself up to them. Palden laughed at her enthusiasm, and quickly scooped her up and strode over to the bed. He rapidly stripped her of the gown, and stood back a moment to admire what he had uncovered. The lighting in the room was dim, so if he did see the body makeup over her abdomen, he did not comment on it. The soft skin of her breasts and the columns of her thighs leading the way to the gates of paradise distracted him. He returned to her breast, and once again she 29

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began to fall, only this time there was a bed beneath her to stop her progress. The wild prickles of sensation from his mouth were running from breast to loins and back again. Leaving a hollow ache between her thighs, and a heavy pulse in her clit. He smiled slightly at her moans of passion, but drew in his own breath as she found his cock and began to stroke it through his pants. He drew back from her for a moment and divested himself of his clothing. Then he joined her on the bed, using one of his hands to return hers to his rampant arousal. She smiled with her own moment of amusement at his moan, while she grasped him firmly and began a stroking rhythm that was causing his hips to surge in time. Returning the favor, his hand delved between her thighs, which fell open at his touch. He found her hot and wet. Her slick folds covered with dew. He drew her hand from its occupation with regret, and wove his fingers with hers pinioning, her hands beside her head. His sticky fingers locking with hers. Finding its target without any trouble as he moved over her, his cock drove deeply into her depths on the first thrust, her small shriek of surprise stopping him for an instant as he realized that she hadn’t had sex in some time. He paused for a moment to let her adjust to the feeling of him 30

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium inside her, but when her walls clamped down on his cock with a massaging rhythm of her own devising, he began to thrust. He nuzzled at her breast as his hips pistoned within the cradle of her thighs. Each thrust rocked the bed and they were both hurtling headlong into release. He slowed his movements as he got closer to the precipice, not wanting to end this encounter quite yet. She had other plans. As she got closer to the edge, she wanted to jump, not stroll. Her legs scissored around his hips, she used the strength that she had left to force him as far in as she could. She arched her hips and clamped her internal muscles against him. When he drew out on the backstroke, she pulled him back, leading him to slam into her again. He got the idea. Grinding his pelvis into her when he thrust deep, he stimulated the little nub at the top of her sex with the impact and that was all that it took. With a scream and a heave that almost threw him off, she climaxed. Watching her eyes go blind behind her mask at the moment of release would stay with him always. He had never had a partner this responsive. While he was distracted by her release, her body clamped down once again with an almost painful force. Her hips rotated slightly, milking his body. His own release hit him like a freight train. Spewing its sticky cargo into her 31

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waiting depths, his cock plunged deep and his body jerked and heaved in its attempt to mark her as his territory. His fingers bruised hers where they still lay entwined. He collapsed on her sweaty torso, his own chest heaving like a bellows, and released her hands from his grip. She flexed her fingers, and then twined them into his hair, bring his head to hers in their second kiss. This time, it was sweet and thoughtful, thanking him for the experience of a lifetime. He rolled off of her, and his now semi-erect manhood slipped from within her well-used corridor. Palden slowly surrendered to sleep, she knew that he would be up and aroused again in about an hour, but she was not going to be here. She gave him one small kiss on his brow as his eyelids fluttered, and quietly made her escape. The tavern owner looked startled at her reappearance and bowed to her as she practically ran through the common room and into the streets. The gauze of her silks stuck to Amy’s damp skin leaving nothing to the imagination. Hoots and shouts of approval followed her as she sprinted to Krik’s shop, collected her cloak, and took off the mask. Feeling slightly calmer, she walked at a stately pace to the Imperial palace. She nodded to the guards as they checked her DNA tags and then let 32

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium her into the main halls. Her feet led her to the great hall and she looked wistfully at the throne. Once she had stood next to it as Palden’s most trusted advisor, now she was just a quick lay that he picked up at the carnival. Ah well, only five more months and she was out of here.

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Chapter 4

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my was in trouble. She had managed to dodge Palden for the first few days after the carnival, but now he was demanding to see her as the Alliance contract female. He still had no idea that Tara was Amy—surprisingly her mask had remained in place—but she had no idea how he would react when he found out, so she wasn’t about to tell him. She mentally kicked herself for choosing such an obvious name. She had had way too much to drink—Terra had been the only thing that she could think of at the time. She also was beginning to suspect that the timing of their interlude had been all too effective. Her body was telling her that things were changing, but she couldn’t be sure without a pregnancy test, and she couldn’t be tested while the contract Terran was still not officially sleeping with the Emperor. It had been ten days since the festival, and she was sure that she wanted to see Palden again. 34

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium Naked. In front of her, with that massive erection that haunted her dreams. It had been beyond anything that her limited experience had prepared her for, but well worth the wait. Now, how to break the news that his one time lover from the carnival was the contract breeding that he was supposed to engage in, and that she was probably already pregnant. Better leave that part out. Amy steeled herself and dressed for formal presentation. Her Terran Champion markings clearly visible beneath the cropped top she was wearing, the waist of her skirt rising in a peak to just below her navel and falling in graceful lines to the floor. “Here we go,” she muttered under her breath as she walked through the corridor. Entering the main audience chamber, Amy walked down the center of the room to the throne where he was sitting. She dipped into a curtsy and kept her head lowered. “So, you are the Terran Champion that Marvick and the council have been pestering me about. Well, raise your head woman, and let’s have a look.” His arrogant tone began to slice through the thin threads that bound her temper, but she raised her head and met his eyes. When she made eye contact, he looked startled. As if seeing something in her that she was unaware of. 35

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She stood completely still as he eyed her up and down, his gaze lingering at her breasts and hips, and then strangely at her hands. “Not bad. Not amazing, but not bad.” His tone grated along her nerves. She had to wait until he asked her a question to speak. But, the pressure of his gaze and his insulting comments were causing her temper to flare. He rose from the throne and began to circle her, taking in every nuance of her appearance and judging it. “You have several scars on your arms and the back of your neck. What were you doing before they sent you here?” His tone held only polite curiosity. “Working for the Alliance Council in my assigned profession.” Her answer was the simple and direct version that she had been trained to give when not in the safety of the armor. “Just what was that profession?” He had stopped directly behind her and she jumped when he whispered the question into her ear. His warm breath sending ripples of sensation down her neck and beginning a slight increase in heartbeat that could be trouble for her. “I…worked in the Trade Center.” Her answer was evasive. She knew he was up to something, but had no idea what. “Trade…how, interesting. I suppose that you 36

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium are unaware that the Alliance Council has offered me a considerable sum to delay the reproductive contract with you.” Her startled face made him laugh. “Apparently, they need your services immediately. Now why would that be?” He resumed his seat on the throne and met her eyes once again. He was amused, definitely, but she didn’t know why. “I don’t know. I haven’t received any notices from the council. This news is a surprise to me.” She was genuinely bewildered by his behavior, and only then noticed that she and Palden were completely alone in the room. He withdrew a data pad from the table next to him. “Ah, here it is, ‘It is requested that Amy Tyrell of the Terran Protectorate be released temporarily from the procreative contract with His Imperial Majesty Palden VII, as her skills are required by the Alliance Trade Commission. Should she be carrying an heir by this time, it is the request of the council that she be allowed to consult in the negotiations for which her expertise is needed.’ Does that clear anything up for you, Tyrell?” He lifted a brow and tossed the data pad to her so that she could verify its contents. “Oh, that. Hiya, Palden.” She was almost relieved that he had not discovered her other secret. “Is that what has gotten the bee in your bonnet, that I didn’t tell you who I was? You 37

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know, if you had just met with me right away, I might have told you by now.” She gave him a cheeky grin and the small abbreviated half-bow that was her trademark. He removed himself once again from the throne and stood facing her directly, only two feet in front of her. “You let me believe that you were male, you arranged alliances between me and other women without batting an eye, you stormed into my private chambers whenever you wanted…and then you left me.” His voice was husky with emotion. As she lowered her eyes, he reached out to grasp her chin in a gentle yet firm grip. “For five whole years you tormented me, beat me at Wings of War, fought me on every political decision that I made and refused to bow to my every whim and now you won’t even meet my eyes, why is that?” His voice had gotten suspiciously gentle as he waited for her reply. “I am no longer a Negotiator. I have no value to you except as a means of getting your advisors off of your back by providing you with an heir, and you didn’t ask for me to be here.” She shuddered and took another deep breath. “I have not really considered this to be a welcome back, and by no means a permanent assignment. I know your tastes in women, and you tire of them as quickly as the tides change. Genetically, we are a match. 38

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium Physically, you are looking for something else.” She raised her eyes to meet his once again. He looked surprised by the matter-of-fact way that she was describing her role on his planet. She braced herself for the hurt blooming within her and kept going. “Should we breed your heir, and should it be healthy and male, I will be out of your life and granted my freedom from the Alliance Service. Should it be female, you will be free to choose another match and I will have fulfilled my contractual obligations to the Alliance and be sent somewhere quiet to raise my daughter. If you choose not to copulate with me, at the end of the six months I will be sent on to the next world where my match has been chosen.” Her voice held no trace of the emotions that she was feeling. In all likelihood, she was already pregnant and the thought of the baby in her arms with his eyes looking up at her was causing a small part of her heart to break. She closed her eyes and fought back tears. “But we have already copulated Tyrell, don’t you remember? It is certainly etched in my mind. You were so tight, so wet, so hot, and so responsive that it blew my mind.” His voice had dropped to a husky purr and her eyes flew open to meet his inches above her. “You knew?” Her voice came out as a horrified 39

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whisper. “You knew all along?” “Don’t be stupid, of course I didn’t know.” He seemed genuinely irritated with her now, how fast his moods changed. “I put it all together after the fact. The dancing, the hair, and of course the fact that I woke up covered in body makeup. Your only really exposed skin was your abdomen, and the only thing that you could have reason to hide with that much makeup would be ranking tattoos, which meant you were from off world. Only seventeen tattooed off-worlders are currently on this planet, and only two of them are humanoid. One is male, and I think that I would have remembered that. So, via process of elimination, I ended up with the contract Terran.” “By the way Tara…very cute. So Tyrell, what did you think of me?” His voice had once again changed into the husky purr that seemed to reach into her belly and start a fire. “Adequate…very adequate.” She murmured as he began to reach for her. “In fact, so adequate that if I had known, I would have tried to jump you while still in the armor.” His boyish grin replaced the rapid frown that had started to grip his features. “Since I thought that you were male at the time, I didn’t know how receptive I would have been, but hey, feel free now.” His hands gripped her upper arms and he drew her to him, hips to hips, breast to chest and 40

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium thigh to thigh. He let out a sigh of contentment as she relaxed against him. No one had ever felt this right. Despite what she believed, he planned on keeping her. She looked around to make sure that they were alone, then raised her face to his and leaned up slightly to join her lips to his. “So, ever done it in a throne room?”

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Chapter 5

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is laughter rang out and he scooped her up once again to carry her to the Imperial Throne of Torgny. The laughter stilled abruptly as she knelt in front of the throne and parted his knees to make room for her. Delicate, pale fingertips worked the clasps of his pants and when she had him free, his erect and aroused cock flew out into her fingers. She grinned up at him and stroked his interested member from base to tip. Pausing for a moment to stroke the heavy sacs below. She bent her head forward and teased him with hot breath inches from his flesh. She took him into her mouth and luxuriously moved up and down with her head, one hand keeping a hard and fast rhythm on his shaft. The other reached below to caress and roll his balls between her finger, alternately rolling and squeezing as his groans from above grew louder and more insistent at her ministrations. 42

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium His hands came down and threaded through her hair. He used this grip to pull her up and away from his engorged flesh. He drew her up until she was standing directly in front of the throne. With him seated and his lap full of aroused and beckoning flesh. His hands lifted, tugged, and tore. Seconds later, she was completely nude in front of the Imperial Throne. Only her sandals were intact. He lifted her effortlessly, and she found herself on his lap with her legs splayed over the armrests. This left her off balance and vulnerable to him. He took full advantage. Her breasts once again were treated to licks and tugs that had her writhing in place. The pulse between her thighs had grown to a pounding drumbeat that she could not ignore. Bracing her hands on the edge of the throne she pushed her wet and aching flesh toward the eager cock pointed at her. Realizing that the events were getting out of his control, Palden gripped her around her ribs and lifted her onto his throbbing member. She groaned in relief. This is what she wanted. Had dreamed of since the day she had felt him moving within her. He shifted his grip to her hips and began to drive her up and down on his rigid cock. She shuddered and sighed with every thrust. Helpless to do anything but grip his shoulders for balance 43

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as he fucked her on the great throne. She lost track of time. It seemed that they had been at this for hours, but probably only seconds had passed when a shivering started within her. A mewl growing into howl of satisfaction as one of her hands left his shoulders to find her clit. One little touch sent her over. Palden watched her face in astonishment, then groaned began to empty his seed into her. Jerking her hips against him as his pelvis pumped violently upward. Amy slumped forward, her body damp, and her nose registering the scent of her female musk blended with his stronger pheromones. He was still inside her, and she could still feel the rigidity of his member. This was not the time or place for a second round. “Uh, Palden. If you want to get out of here before the court arrives, we should probably go now.” She tried to move off of his impaling member, but his hands stopped her. “Tyrell, you were much more aggressive in the armour. I am not sure that I like this timid mouse that you are attempting to portray.” His eyes were closed, satisfaction etched in every part of his body. Except one. “Being an unprotected female on a strange world is enough to make me a little circumspect. Dealing with the court is not something that I have 44

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium ever looked forward to. Now that they can poison me, stab me or blow me up with impunity, I will have to be a little cautious.” She squirmed again, trying to leave the extremely vulnerable position of being naked, on his lap, on the Imperial throne. His hands grabbed her hips and kept her on him. Palden’s eyes opened to slits. “Tyrell, stop squirming. I have you now and you’re not going to get away.” “I wasn’t trying to get away. I was trying to get dressed. I don’t want to have a member of the court see us like this. Let alone Marvick.” Her hands braced against his chest and she met his eyes. “Hmm…good point. You may go.” His hands released her and she quickly moved off of him and retrieved her dress. She tugged it over her head, and sighed with relief as the folds flowed around her. She straightened and looked up at him, then blushed to the roots of her hair. Palden was lazing on the throne, his erection still pulsing gently, slick with her juices, and completely exposed by the open trousers. His eyes roamed over her form, a self-satisfied smirk in place on his full lips. “Uh, Palden. That is not exactly the pose that you want to be remembered for.” She began to wander around the room. 45

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She fiddled with the curtains, looked at the record-keeping cameras, and waited for him to set his clothing to rights. He took his own sweet time about it. Finally, he resembled a respectable Torgny noble. Well, superficially at least. She deeply doubted that he would ever be respectable.

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Chapter 6

“H

ey, Palden. Do you realize that that was possibly the most expensive coupling in Alliance history?” Amy was desperately trying to distance her emotions from the intimacy of the moment. When he smiled at her, she knew she had failed. “You are worth every credit. Why are you trying to anger me? You are familiar with my temper.” He seemed genuinely curious and left the throne to approach her from behind. His arms wrapped around her, and he bent his neck to whisper in her ear. “Don’t you want me?” Her body relaxed against his, her curves instinctively conforming to the hard planes of muscle. She reveled in his musky scent and closed her eyes, only to snap them open as Negotiator Marvick entered the throne room. She struggled against Palden’s arms, but he held her firmly against him. Knowing that Marvick’s armor displays would alert him to the scents and 47

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pheromones permeating the room, her blush flared to life once again. “Negotiator, I have decided to adhere to all of the stipulations of the Alliance contract. The candidate for the post of Consort is more than acceptable to me. You may inform the Imperial Council that I have agreed to their choice.” As he spoke, his hands were roaming over her breasts, across her ribs and down to her belly. His interest in her had still not waned; she could feel his cock through his trousers, against the small of her back. “Consort? What the hell? There was no mention of being consort when I was assigned here.” That was all she was able to get out before his hand covered her mouth. She mumbled her outrage behind his hand. She was getting ready to bite the salt of his skin when an evil gleam came to her eyes. She sucked one of his fingers into her mouth and began to swirl her tongue around it. Her hips rocked back against Palden’s erection, slowly rubbing from side to side. She could feel the sudden tension in his arms where they held her, pulling her tight against him to prevent further movement. She released his finger from her mouth with a soft pop, and smiled as she drew one arm up, then sent her elbow into his stomach. The air whooshed out of him in a rush. She skipped out of his reach as his grip around her 48

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium loosened. “Listen you pompous, overbearing jerk! I did not agree to a consort contract, nor will I agree in the immediate future.” She put her hands on her hips and watched him rub his stomach with a calculating gleam in his eyes. “Miss Amanda, the contract offered is extremely lucrative for you. The credits will be put directly into your accounts as soon as I get back to my office. With bonuses for providing a male heir.” Marvick was extremely gracious, and a little concerned. This was beyond his experience. “What if my progeny is female? Is there a penalty?” She kept her eyes on Palden, watching his reactions to the conversation. “No, of course not. The contract will be terminated of course, and his Imperial Majesty will be required to mate with another female as soon as another acceptable match can be found. You will be free to take your daughter and find a home on a new colony world. Either in the Haldis Imperium or elsewhere in the Alliance. You will receive a bonus for the completion of the contract that will enable you to live comfortably wherever you so choose.” The Negotiator was desperately eager to obtain her agreement. That much was certain. His monotone voice was no disguise for the body language that he was displaying. He leaned 49

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forward, desperate to get her enthusiastic agreement. “So, Palden. Does your new Negotiator have any experience in arranging mating contracts?” She lifted one brow at him, silently deriding him for not replacing what was obviously an unsuitable candidate for the position. “Not a lot, no. I was trying to get Negotiator Tyrell back, but you know how well that worked out.” He was up to something, she could feel it. She just didn’t know what it was. “Oh, I only wish that I will be able to one day execute my assignment with the ability of Tyrell. The example set by that particular Negotiator is one that we all strive to emulate.” “Marvick, how long have you been in that can?” She turned her attention to the armor-clad sycophant that was waxing poetic about her former job performance. “What? Oh, I have been in the service for two years now. It was a great honor to my family.” He was gushing now, it was pathetic. “I am sure that it was…oof!” Her breath whooshed out of her as Palden rushed her from the side and flipped her over his shoulder. Her hair flowed down and almost came to his heels. She grabbed the back of his tunic and tried to pull herself upright. He lifted and dropped his shoulder and once again she lost her grip and her 50

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium entire body weight was born on her tender stomach. “I will discuss the matter with the Terran, Marvick. Don’t worry about it. See you tomorrow.” Palden strode from the room, his legs making tremendous progress through the palace. She fought upright again, and was rewarded with the astonished grins of the palace guards that they passed. She felt him pause, and then winced at the unmistakable feel of his hand running up her thigh to squeeze her buttock. Then she heard him speak. “Have lunch and dinner sent to my quarters, leave it in the antechamber. I will be attending to matters of State.” His hand lifted and smacked down on her ass. “Hey!” She pounded her fists against his back and he started to move again. A door opened, then closed. She felt his arm move to open the second door, the one to his bedchamber, and closed her eyes in resignation. Sure enough, he flipped her off of his shoulder and onto the bed. But in a move that she had never seen him make, and she had seen plenty, he tied her hands to the headboard. “Now you are going to stay put while I explain the facts of the Alliance to you.” With jerky movements he began to strip himself out of his clothing. 51

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“The Alliance has set a value on you, based on your intelligence, your ability to adapt to differing situations, and your genetic background. The same value has been placed on me. The values in our case are comparable. The Imperial Council of Torgny agrees. So they agreed to pay a premium for a child, based on our joined bloodlines.” His clothes were off in a heap on the floor. He began to strip her as well, by the expedience of cutting the gown she was wearing off of her with a dagger from his nearby desk. “The Alliance will give you the money as a gesture of good faith, retaining only a small percentage to continue to run the bureaucracy.” He tugged the fabric from beneath her and laid the dagger aside. “I know that there is no way to predict it, but by bearing a son, you continue my illustrious bloodline, thus earning you a bonus. While a daughter would be equally acceptable to me, the Imperial Family needs a son, and will pay heavily to get it.” His hands were now in her hair, tugging it gently out from under her, and smoothing it off of her face. Amy was amazed at herself. She was not afraid. Despite the fact that he outweighed her by almost a hundred pounds of muscle. Despite him using a dagger to undress her and the fact that she was almost immobile with her hands tied to the 52

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium headboard with soft leather, she knew he wouldn’t injure her. That, in his own way, he cared for her well being, and would keep her safe. “I know all that. The consort clause caught me by surprise. That’s all.” Her eyes fluttered shut, as he drew his hands over her belly. “Is this tattoo new? I saw it earlier, but was a little distracted.” He traced the moon’s orbit around her navel and a shiver coursed through her. “Umm. They have started to mark all of my species with that tattoo. Apparently we are rather popular on the black market.” Her hands tugged at the restraints, but they merely stretched and then pulled taut again as soon as she relaxed. “This silver is a Champion mark, isn’t it?” His head dipped and she felt the warm wetness of his tongue on her. Tracing a path of hot and cold down to the base of her belly. She felt his hands part her thighs. “Uh, yes. I was declared Champion for being able to put up with you for so many years. Apparently, I set some kind of a record.” Two of his fingers worked into her and she stifled a moan. He began to thrust them into her in a smooth motion, spreading the liquid warmth that he found there. “Yes, up until the esteemed Negotiator Tyrell arrived, six months was the longest that I had 53

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been able to keep a Negotiator on Torgny.” His tongue flicked against her clit and she bit her lower lip to keep another moan within her. Remembering the acoustics in his chamber, she had no intention of making any noise; she was determined to keep her mouth shut. His fingers worked at her, driving her to the edge of orgasm, and then pulling out of her. She was shuddering uncontrollably, lodged on the precipice, but unable to send herself over. Her fingers had dug into the flesh of her hand, she could smell the blood, but she refused to make a sound. Palden left her spread thighs, sliding his body over hers before settling heavily against her. His mouth snuggled against her ear and hot breath slithered out of his full lips. “Why won’t you make any noise Tyrell? You did in the throne room. I can still hear your breathy cries as I plunged my hard cock within you. The moans as you got close to the edge. The scream as your body clenched around me, milking every drop of my seed into your waiting belly.” Her eyes closed and she focused on his voice. It had dropped into a husky whisper that ran along her nerve endings, reaching between her thighs to set off an uncontrollable vibration in her. “I have remembered the wonderful acoustics in this room, and am choosing not to use them.” Her 54

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium own whisper was a little strained by her selfcontrol, and the lip that she had bitten through. “Ah, but I want to hear you scream. I am making it my goal tonight to hear you scream.” He nuzzled against her throat, nipping and licking at the sensitive hollow between neck and shoulder. She shook with the effort to restrain herself, and her breath came faster. Amy could feel his heat prodding at her, sliding between her lips and dipping within. Her thighs widened even more, and her hips pushed up to take him within her. He moved back, taking his erection out of her reach. A mewling cry broke from her. Desperation overloading her conscious mind. Her thighs wrapped around his trying to pull him into her. “Ah, you won’t scream, but maybe you will beg.” Palden moved just the head of his cock into her, and then drew it back. Over and over. Pushing into her just a few inches, then drawing back. Sweat coated his body, and dripped onto her already slick flesh. “Do you want me all the way inside, Tyrell? Or is this little bit enough?” His head dipped to lick and suck at her nipples. More mewling cries were coming from her now, a constant stream of sound. “Just tell me that you want me all the way inside you, and there I am. All you have to do is tell me.” His hips kept up the teasing thrusts. 55

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Never allowing too much of himself into her, despite the unbearable urge to do so. “Please! Please Palden! I can’t take much more of this!” “Do you want me in you? Fucking you until you scream in my arms?” His breathing was hoarse, his chest moving like a bellows. “Yes!” Her scream of assent was all he needed. His hips poured into her, thrusting and pumping in a violent rhythm only he could decipher. She came apart in his arms, her mouth open in astonishment, her throat locked as her body convulsed in satisfaction. No noise passed her lips, because her lungs had emptied of air. Sparks flowing in a kaleidoscope of color behind her eyes. Those spark dwindling into the black of unconsciousness. Palden smiled and let his own release overtake him, shuddering heavily as his balls emptied into her. He reached above her head and released the restraints. She would probably sleep for the next few hours, which would be plenty of time to make the arrangements. If she wasn’t pregnant yet. She would be soon.

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Chapter 6

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my woke to some very odd changes in her sleeping arrangements. First of all she was on her side, she preferred to sleep on her stomach. The second was the opulent surroundings that let her know she was still in the Imperial Bedchamber. The final clue was the large, hairy arm that was wrapped around her body. It was connected to the wall of muscle at her back as Palden spooned her. Amy was shocked. This was not standard behavior for him. She should know. She had watched the guards escort dozens of women from his quarters after he had finished ‘assessing’ them. He never spent any time cuddling with them after. Especially not for over five hours. This was weird. Based on his past behaviors, she should have been taken out of his chambers and delivered to her own by now. She tried to remain perfectly still, but was unable to, as her bladder demanded relief. 57

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She eased out from under his arm and went to the sanitary chamber to clean up and use the facilities. A few minutes later, her bladder was empty and her hair combed. The stickiness between her thighs was almost completely gone, and she no longer smelled of a long session of sex. All positive changes as far as she was concerned. When she tiptoed back into the bedchamber, he was sitting up and waiting for her. “About time you got back. What the heck were you up to in there? Never mind.” He swung his legs out of bed, and stood. “Get dressed. You have some guests in the antechamber.” “Get dressed? In what? You cut my gown apart.” She was indignant. “Over there. I had some things sent up for you. They will do until we get something better.” Palden was dressing himself. Tugging on leather trousers and a beautifully embroidered shirt. A vest and a medallion with the Imperial Seal later, and he was ready for his public. Curious, Amy went over to the dressing station and examined the clothes. With relief she noted that it was one of her leather outfits, from her private quarters. Quickly, she tugged them on. In a few moments she was ready to face whatever he had in store for her. He opened the locks to the antechamber doors, 58

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium and there were two people that she was not expecting. One was an officer from the Medical ship that had decanted her, and the other was a seamstress. Easily identified by the measuring tape around her neck. “First, a full medical workup as stipulated in your contract. Then, clothing appropriate for the Imperial Consort.” Palden wandered over to the table off to one side of the room, and started to collect a plate of snacks from the selection of foods that had been arrayed there. “Proceed.” The doctor came toward her with his diagnostic tools. She stood bemused as his devices examined her from head to toe. While she was being examined, Palden consumed his supper, munching and observing every move that the doctor made. “She is pregnant, but only by a week or so. All current indications are that the baby is healthy, and that she should tolerate the pregnancy fairly well. She needs to get out into the sun a bit more. The vitamins that her body will generate will do her good.” The doctor finished giving Palden his report, then left the room. “You knew!” She put her hands on her hips and frowned at the gleeful grin that spread across his face. “I suspected. But didn’t know for sure. After all, we did fill out the appropriate paperwork.” He 59

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popped a grape into his mouth and smiled as he munched. She was not furious, but she was not happy. When the seamstress asked her to remove her clothing and step on a dais for her to take measurements, she did it without hesitation. Anger was still simmering in her at the sight of Palden sitting there, calmly eating. “Ok, I have what I need. The first of the outfits will be delivered tomorrow morning. The embroidery for the consort ceremony will take two days. Is that acceptable?” She bowed low to Palden, completely ignoring Amy. Amy simply shrugged and put her clothing back on. Palden gestured the seamstress closer, then whispered to her for a few minutes. Amy did not know what was said, but based on the gleam in his eyes, and the flush in the cheeks of the seamstress, outerwear was not the only thing that he was ordering. The seamstress left the room, so Amy went over and started to graze at the table, studiously ignoring Palden. She fed herself quietly. When she was finished, she walked to the door. “Where do you think you’re going?” The voice rang out, far closer than from across the room. She turned and found herself staring directly into the chest of His Imperial Majesty, Palden VII. 60

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium “I was going to head back to my rooms, then into the market to have tea with Krik.” Her head tilted back to meet his dark eyes. “Krik?” She may have been mistaken, but she thought she saw a flare of jealousy in his eyes. “Yeah, the l’nal seamstress and weaver that made the outfit I was wearing during the carnival. You seemed to enjoy it. She was also the one who made the outfit that you trashed earlier.” “She makes lovely clothing. But I will replace your clothes. All of them.” He was implacable. The set of his jaw indicated that he would not suffer a fight on this matter. “Don’t you have matters of State to attend to?” With a smirk she turned and started toward the door once more. His hand came out to stop her, by the expedience of wrapping it in her hair. He tugged her to a halt, then spun her around and put his mouth on hers. The kiss seemed to go on forever. His tongue stroked the swelling of her lower lip where she had bitten it earlier. She sighed into his mouth and twined her arms around his neck, surrendering to the kiss. It was definitely a thorough kiss, and she was shaking slightly when they stopped. His heart was galloping under her hands. “Alright, but be back for dinner. The formal dining room, with the highest members of the court in attendance. All of the members of the 61

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council that chose you will be there, so if you want to punish them, you have to be there.” He smirked at her through full lips that were shiny and ever so slightly swollen after the lengthiness of that last kiss. She sashayed out of the Imperial Quarters with a grin on her lips, and nodded to Xalli and Dekor who had just taken over the shift. They eyed each other in perplexity and snapped to attention as Palden exited his quarters, whistling a happy tune. He never whistled, and was only rarely happy. Whoever that female was, she was having a strange effect on him. Amy’s tea break with Krik was short and to the point. She told Krik about the contract being validated, the heir she was perking, and the destroyed dress. That was the only thing that got a response from her companion. A new gown was chosen, and the haggling was short. Amy changed out of her leathers right there, and tugged the new gown into place. She used the mirror and brushed her hair, braided it, then thanked her host and returned to the palace for dinner. Well, she tried to simply walk back to the palace. Unfortunately a sedan chair and members of the Imperial Guard were waiting for her when she left the shop. Reynal was the spokesperson, and he greeted her with a 62

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium formal salute that delighted the shopkeepers in the marketplace. “Lady Tyrell, please allow us to escort you to the Imperial Palace.” “Thanks Reynal, but I prefer to walk.” “Excuse me, Lady. Have we met?” He seemed startled. “Yes, Reynal, and have you stopped betting on the outcome of Alliance court proceedings yet?” His jaw fell open in astonishment, exposing his fangs. “Negotiator Tyrell?” “Yep. One and the same.” “You look so…different.” “Aren’t you polite. Now do I have to go around you to get back to the palace?” “I’m sorry, Tyrell. We have our orders.” Reynal looked regretful, but the posture of the Imperial Guard was back. “Fine. But if they drop me, you owe me fifty credits.” A grin broke over his features, “Deal.” The trip in the sedan chair was actually kind of fun. Like a carnival ride. The guards that had escorted her chair had a hard time not smiling as she started to wave at the crowds that were forming in the streets. Finally, they reached the palace. Her escort helped her down from the chair. She began to stride through the halls, and noticed that her 63

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‘temporary’ escort was still with her, opening doors and clearing functionaries out of her path. The dinner was painfully formal, despite the little incident of her almost throttling the waiter that took away her wine, replacing it with fruit juice. Conversation was polite, the various members of the council asked her about her home world, the elevation to champion, and the reproductive habits of her species. The last almost caused her to choke on her fruit juice. “You would have to ask Palden about the mating habits of my species. He seems to have gotten the hang of them rather quickly.” The choking suddenly spluttered up from the head of the table. She grinned as Palden fought for composure. Ah, how wonderful to make polite dinner conversation. Finally it concluded. With a sigh of relief, she pushed her chair back and almost dumped herself on the floor as the attendant pulled the chair out from behind her. Giggling with relief, she started to leave the room and then stopped abruptly as her escort appeared in front of her. “Is this going to be a regular thing, guys?” She closed her eyes to shut out the nods. “Unless you’re with the Emperor, we will be at your side.” Reynal seemed to be enjoying her discomfort. “And you owe me fifty credits, they 64

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium didn’t drop you.” “Fine, I’ll get you the card as soon as we get back to my room.” “I don’t know if I’m willing to wait that long, now please come with us.” Reynal grabbed her arm in a gentle but firm grip, and he began to escort her down the halls, heading toward the Imperial Chambers. Xalli and Dekor were at attention in front of the doors. They stepped aside and Dekor opened the door to the antechamber for her. “Nice to have you back Tyrell.” Apparently, the speed of gossip was still the fastest form of travel available to any advanced species. “Well, you know how I felt about this place, I just couldn’t stay away.” She walked through the doors with a wink and a wave. Then shut it behind her. She leaned against it with a sigh and looked around the room. It seemed that she was alone. She wandered over to one of the couches and pulled a length of fabric that was draped over it around her shoulders, then she lay down to sleep. Palden looked up from the documents that he had been signing. He could have sworn that he heard the outer door open, and yet Tyrell had not come into the bedroom. He waited a few minutes, then rose from the desk and went to the inner door. He opened it 65

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softly and at first, saw no one. His eyes glided across the couch and found her huddled in a small ball. She probably didn’t realize it, but she was wearing her old cloak. The imperial seals gleamed in the dim light. He stroked her hair away from her face and then knelt down to scoop her up into his arms. She weighed almost nothing. He was amazed all over again that she was carrying his child. Whatever the sex of the child, she would be kept with him. If they had to keep trying for twenty years, the heir that he wanted was coming from her. The council had already been informed earlier that day, while she slept. They had not been happy about it. The relaxed attitude that had characterized him was now a thing of the past. He brought her into his bed and tucked her in. Moving to curl himself around her. The sex could wait. He held her close and soon their breathing matched, chests gently rising and falling in unison.

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Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium

Chapter 7

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he day of the official ceremony was gloomy and clouded with rain. A swarm of dressers had broken into the Imperial Chambers and dragged them off to different parts of the palace. The layers that went into the ‘formal wear’ blew Amy’s mind. Layers of transparent fabrics went on, one over the other. A flowing collection of fabric wrapping her from neck to toes. A corset embroidered with the Imperial Seal wrapped her ribs tightly. Then more tightly, as the laces were pulled tight until breathing was optional. A loose and open robe completed the clothing portion of the dressing, then the jewelry and hair portions came into play. Chokers of jewels were compared against her coloring. A brilliant blue gemstone that wrapped her neck and formed a collar across the upper part of her shoulders was selected. Matching earrings were unearthed, and a smart tiara was woven into the braids appearing in her hair. 67

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Throughout this whole process, Amy stood like a doll. Turning when they asked her to, remaining motionless when they didn’t. It reminded her of the first fittings that she had had for her armor. The same measuring, bickering and fussing had gone on. Food was not offered to her, and she was a little light headed when they were finally finished. She turned to look at herself in the mirror and almost fell on her butt. The creature that looked back at her did not resemble her in the slightest. Well, maybe the blue eyes and the white hair. The rest had been covered beyond belief. The Imperial Seal was on everything that she was wearing. Like an owner’s mark. She held out her arms and turned slowly to enjoy the look of her bejeweled glory. It was an odd blend of silks, corset and kimono. Embarrassed as she was to have people dress her, she absolutely loved this outfit. Her personal guard arrived at the door and waited. “Well, it’s been fun, but I think we are done here for now. Thanks for all of your help.” The collection of dressers bowed as one. “Ok, off we go boys.” She tried to take her normal steps, but the long gown, the corset and the robe kept foiling her. She was forced to walk at a measured pace. A few smiles were seen, but the 68

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium guard took positions around her and kept to her speed. The doors to the throne room were wide open. A row of guards on either side made a path for her to walk down. She noted the pouting faces of some of the females in the crowd, and pulled her features into a calm mask. Time to snicker later. His Imperial Highness Palden VII stood at the base of the steps, a row of his councilors between him and the throne. He was in formal wear that echoed her own, but he got to wear pants. Lousy fink. She walked forward and took his hand. His head dipped to kiss her lips, and she leaned up to return the kiss. “You look fantastic.” His whisper didn’t carry beyond her ears. She smiled up into his eyes and whispered back, “So do you.” “This is a ceremony to officially bond His Imperial Majesty Palden the Seventh and his consort Terran Councilor Amanda Tyrell in front of witnesses, and for the extent of both their life spans.” Amy started in shock. The Councilor thing had not been mentioned to her, but did not surprise her. The life spans thing however, took her by surprise. If she was right, she was getting married to one of the most powerful men in the galaxy. “Duties and property shall be shared equally 69

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between them, and all children born shall be made heirs to the property of the Haldis family, with the elder son inheriting the throne.” He droned on and on, but the only thing that stuck in her mind was that all of their children would be legitimate and acknowledged by both the Empire and the Alliance. She almost fainted right there, and probably would have if Palden’s strong arm had not come around her to support her. The rest of the ceremony was a blur until the Councilor turned to Palden and asked him, “Do you agree to these conditions as set out in this contract?” “I do” His voice rang out loud and clear. “Do you agree to these conditions as set out in this contract?” The Councilor had turned to her. “I do.” Her voice was just as firm, and echoed to the rafters. Hmm, pretty good acoustics in here too. The Councilors stepped aside and there on the dais, were two thrones. One slightly larger than the other. Palden’s arm dragged her up the steps and he settled her on her throne, winked at her, and then took his own seat. The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting while various members of the nobility arrived to give them their congratulations. Alien races sent dignitaries, the Alliance sent Councilors and 70

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium Representatives. Hours passed, and all that Amy could think of was that she wanted food. As the final guest had given his congratulations, they were finally free to go. Or so Amy thought. As she took Palden’s hand to leave the dais, an Alliance rep ran up to her, “Consort, I am here to pass on a message from Councilor Naveel. He requests that you call him as soon as possible. It is about Admar.” The councilor bowed and left. If there was one thing that would get Amy’s attention, it was the mention of Admar. “Palden, I need to make that call. Now. Do you mind?” She turned her face up to his and kissed his mouth, teasingly running her tongue across his mouth. “If there is anyone here that understands priorities, it’s me.” He returned her kiss with considerably more heat than she had used, and she was gasping when he raised his head. “As soon as I finish that call, come and get me out of this corset.” She winked at him and walked at a stately pace through the courtiers. **** “Alright, Councilor Naveel, what seems to be the problem?” Amy was still wearing the official crest of the Imperial House of Haldis. On every part of 71

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her clothing, down to her underwear. Palden’s instructions had been very specific. “That damned Reader on Admar is restricting our examination of the planet’s surface. She is insisting that Terrans be given the prime spots on the discovery teams, and she won’t say why.” Naveel was frustrated. The sacks below his neck were inflating and relaxing with his agitation. “So, give her the Terrans that she is asking for. I know for a fact that there are sufficient members of our species that have the specialties required for this kind of assignment. What does her mate say?” “The damned idiot won’t say anything. He says that since he has been out of the worlds for so long, that he cannot form an opinion just yet. He is letting her speak for them both.” Naveel looked like his head was about to explode. “Talk to the other Councilors, and convince them that this is the best course of action. I will contact Sarah and find out why she is insisting on this. Transmission out.” Amy leaned back from the console, and then started to enter the codes that would give her secure access to the communications units on Admar. She fiddled with her clothing for half an hour, and then sat up as the console beeped to inform her that her call had gone through. “Ok, Sarah. What’s up?” “There are seven more, Amy. Seven. The only 72

Champions of Terra - Haldis Imperium way that they can be woken is for a sufficient cross-section of female humanity to sashay by and trigger the regeneration mechanisms.” Sarah’s earnest face looked out from under her hood, but Amy noticed that her hands were exposed to the elements. “Hey, you took off your gloves. That’s great!” She beamed at her friend across the incalculable distance. “Yeah, every day, we learn a new trick together.” She smiled wickedly at the com unit. “Yesterday I showed him how to use a yo-yo. It was great! He teaches me to control the psi things, and I am teaching him Terran culture.” “Well, I won’t tell the council why, but I won’t let up on them either.” “Thanks, come for a visit sometime. Oh, and Demetrius says ‘thanks for the underwear‘.” For a few seconds Amy kept a straight face, and then cracked up. “I look forward to meeting him. I will try to visit as soon as I can. Bye Sarah!” “Bye Amanda!” The console winked out. Amy sat back and smiled. She had just the Terran techs in mind. As the console turned off, Palden walked into the bedroom. Her wardrobe was now hanging next to his in the closets. He had had her moved in while they were being dressed. “Ok, Palden. Why me?” Her head tilted in 73

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curiosity, an affectation left over from her time before the suit. “You really don’t know?” He paused for a moment to closely examine her face. “It’s because you never called me by my title unless you had to, even when you were a Negotiator. You are my best friend, and my lover. Plus I still owe you for the time that you broke my arm.” He smiled as her eyes welled up with tears. “You are my best friend as well, I trust you with my life.” She walked forward, wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his chest. His arms came around her and hugged her in return. “Now get me out of this damned corset so I can have lunch, Palden.” Her voice was muffled against him, but the tone was unmistakable. She started to giggle. “As my consort commands.” He flipped her through the air and onto the bed, then brought out his knife and grinned wickedly at her. “Just hold still.”

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About the Author

A

compulsive crafter and sucker for a ‘happily ever after’, I spend my time avoiding anything related to housework. My hobbies have included needlework, metalwork, henna tattoos and costume design. Oh yeah, and writing. I love to write. A rabid sci-fi buff and nerd to the core.