Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Lilly sat with Lars, Cahir, and Rugger at their usual table in the dining hall, the normally short and somber dinner period had been replaced with a noisy party as all the freed workers were laughing, eating, and drinking their fill without fear of reprisals. The cooks had been delighted to not have constraints on what they made or how much and had created an array of foods using Perrion’s private food stores.

Lilly, who’d gained some semblance of respect as Ronan’s lover and mate, was now celebrated and honored as being responsible for everyone’s freedom after Cahir and Rugger had told everyone it had been her work and her cleverness that had sent the rescue ship to Gilese.

What added to the festive air was the word that the Gilesean forces had liberated all the pleasure centers as well as the fighting pits and the mines. The owners of the various pleasure centers, as well as their seconds and enforcers, were now enjoying the holding cells in the basement of the Dome, and all were wearing the hated shock collars. The ex-slaves had been told by a Gilesean officer that starting in the morning, they would be broken into groups based on their planets of origin and then assigned ships to take them home.

“He is fine you know, I spoke with the ensign standing guard just inside the door and he is in communication with the men accompanying Ronan. Ronan personally led the forces that liberated the fighting pits and he saw that all the masters and enforcers were locked in the cells. He is on his way back escorted by a whole platoon as well as Eacha.” Cahir gave her a reassuring smile then pushed a plate of fruit toward her. “If you like we could go back to the fabricator and spend more credits, you could help me order more shirts and I could help you order more clothes.”

Lilly shook her head laughing despite the fact it was a tempting offer. Cahir had taken her to the fabricator both before and after taking her to the control room to help restore internal communications and bring the damaged force shield back online. Lilly had ordered four nightgowns with matching robes, as well as undergarments and five shirts in various shades of blue and six pairs of loose pants, and a large barrel-like bag to store all her clothes in. She wasn’t sure how long it would take to reach Gilese but she wanted to be sure she had something to wear on the ship in case they didn’t have a fabricator.

Cahir had ordered even more clothes than she had; ordering shirts in all sorts of wild colors and patterns as well as several pairs of brightly colored pants. In fact, Lilly didn’t’ remember the last time she’d laughed so much watching the fabricator spit out one wild shirt after another, and then Cahir holding them up to model them as he asked her opinion.

Cahir’s kindness and joking nature finally made the last of her doubts disappear as she began to feel truly accepted by Ronan’s friends. While they had eaten Rugger and Cahir had volunteered information about Ronan and their relationship with him now that his identity was no longer a secret. It seemed that they were not just friends but cousins and had all gone to a military academy together and had lived and trained together for many years.

When they weren’t telling Lilly about Ronan and his exploits, they were asking her questions about Earth and about the females that lived there. Cahir and Rugger were even making up plans to track down her old master, Cao, and see if he could tell them the place he had bought her and then backtrack from there to Earth.

Lilly tried not to fidget as minutes gave way to hours and the suns began to set, if Ronan didn’t return soon, it would soon be too dangerous for him to do so. Rugger tapped her on the shoulder and pointed to the double doors that led from the dining hall to the garden. Standing in the open door was Ronan, flanked by the admiral, Eacha, and four Gilesean warriors. As Ronan stepped into the dining hall, a cheer went up, followed by whistles and clapping. He was soon swarmed by the ex-slaves he’d helped to free, smiling and nodding his thanks for their praise. Ronan pushed through the well-wishers to stride towards where Lilly and his friends sat.

Lilly rose, fighting the urge to run to Ronan and throw her arms about him and kiss his handsome face all over, her eyes shifted from him to the admiral and back, and she forced herself to stay still. Ronan was dirty, his white shirt torn in places, but otherwise, he looked well and happy. While Lilly hesitated about throwing her arms around Ronan, he had no such reservations. Roan stepped forward to slide his hands about Lilly’s waist and lift her from the floor to give her a long, searing kiss. After several moments, someone cleared their throat loudly, and Ronan set Lilly on her feet but didn’t release her, while he turned back to his uncle and the warriors behind him.

“Lilly I would like once again to introduce you to my Uncle Arik, he is the youngest brother to my father the king, I know you met earlier but there were things said.” Ronan sent a glare toward his uncle who gave Ronan a nervous smile before stepping closer. “Uncle this is Lilly Mac Taggert of Earth.”

Lilly wasn’t sure what to do, she was still trying to deal with the idea that Ronan was a prince what was the polite way to greet an admiral and the brother of a king. Lilly smiled and bowed to Admiral Arik, wondering if she should curtsy instead.

“No, my lady, please don’t. Ronan and Eacha have told me of your bravery, of what you have done for Ronan. How you saved him several times from injury or death, it is I who should honor you.” The Admiral held his hand out to Lilly, who took it with a smile.

“It is a pleasure, sir. You must forgive me, I am still trying to come to terms with who Ronan is, and I do not know the customs of your world. I hope I didn’t give offense.” Lilly said softly, and Arik shook his head.

“Not at all, if anything, I offended you earlier with my thoughtless comments. You are my princess and one day will be my queen. There is nothing you could do that would cause offense, especially after all you have done for Ronan and his crew. Once everyone knows of your bravery, you shall be greatly honored.” Arik said.

Lilly blushed at a loss for words and saw Ronan give his uncle a smile. “See how she has turned pink; it means she is embarrassed or sunburned. She does not like praise even if it is well deserved.” Ronan gave her a squeeze that only made her blush harder.

“Ronan, Eacha, Admiral there is food, sit and eat. We have all been waiting for your return anxiously,” Rugger said, setting a tray laden with seared meat and bread on the table and diverting the attention away from Lilly.

“Ah, food, I am famished.” Admiral Arik said stepping over the bench to take a seat at the table.

Ronan turned to the four uniformed Gilesean standing a few feet away, staring at Lilly with interest. “Lilly, this is Lieutenant Radu, and ensigns Ahren, Blaz, and Chay. They are my personal guard till we are aboard the command ship. Do not mind if they stare, for they heard me speak of you all afternoon. They have also never seen a female or any person with your pale skin and fiery hair.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, sirs. Would you like to eat? The cooks have made plenty of food in celebration of being liberated. You are welcome to help yourself.” Lilly stated and saw the males look at each other, and then back at her with such intensity she resisted the urge to hide behind Ronan.

“Yes, sit and eat and stop staring at my mate, the hall is full of females, go look at them,” Ronan said half seriously and half in jest as he noticed the way his guard was staring at Lilly.

“Of course, my lord,” Radu said, giving Ronan a bow before motioning the guards towards the kitchen window and the waiting trays of food. Ronan shaking, his head, stepped over the bench beside his uncle and gently tugged Lilly down beside him as Cahir and Rugger returned to their seats on the opposite side.

“So tell us everything,” Rugger said as he poured glasses of chilled fruit juice for Ronan and the admiral.

Ronan grabbed a fork from the table and speared himself a piece of seared meat, dropping it onto a plate before grabbing another.

“If you don’t mind if I eat while I talk, for I am famished,” Ronan replied, spearing a third piece of meat.

“No, eat, please tell us everything that happened,” Lilly said as Ronan’s left hand slipped beneath the table to squeeze her knee.

Ronan grabbed his drink and took a long drink before nodding and digging into his food. “We went to the fighting pits first, and it was worse than I remembered.” Ronan began.

Ronan and the Admiral, over the next fifteen minutes, took turns telling how they, with several platoons, had liberate first the pits, freeing the slaves and locking all the overseers and enforcers in the cells. Then they had moved on to each of the pleasure centers in turn. freeing the slaves and taking the owners and enforcers into custody, while two other platoons had been sent to liberated the slaves at the mines outside of town. Because of the damage Zardo’s unexpected attack caused. they had been met with only minimal resistance and had quickly taken control of the entire settlement, liberating all the slaves and removing their collars.

Ronan, to ensure that there was no trouble and that none of the freed females were threatened, had left troops at each center. The owners, overseers, and enforcers had all been rounded up and placed in the cells at the pits for the time being while their fates were decided.

The plan was for all the freed slaves to come to the spaceport the next day and be counted, and a census taken of which race they each were. The slaves were then to be grouped by race, and then each group would be assigned to a ship to take them home if that was what they desired. The rescue would take several days to organize, as there were at least a thousand slaves counting in those at the pleasure center, the pits, and the mines.

“There you all are.” Tyrell’s voice rang loudly, and Ronan, Lilly, and the others turned to see Tyrell and Zach striding towards them, their arms full of bottles. “I liberated these from Perion’s private stock; I don’t think he would mind,” Tyrell said, setting the bottles on the table as Zach did the same.

“Tyrell, I have not seen you in some time,” Ronan said, grabbing a bottle of sweet wine from before him and pulling off the cap with a pop.

“Well, thanks to Lilly, Cahir, and Zach, we were able to get all the force field emitters back online and the flood lights, so we should have no fears tonight of predators getting in. After that, Zach and I questioned some of Zardo’s men to learn where his drop ship was and where his command ship was.” Tyrell said perching on the end of the table near Lilly.

“And were you successful?” Ronan demanded pouring himself a full glass of wine before offering some to Lilly, who refused.

“Oh yes, it would seem that not all of his men are fond of him, that combined with their aching wounds and the shock collars they are now all wearing, made them all very cooperative,” Tyrell said as Zach nodded in agreement, a smile curling his lips.

“Their ship is hidden on a secret base on the back side of the moon,” Zach said, stealing a piece of bread.

“And did you go to the ship?” Rugger asked helping himself to a bottle.

“We did; it is more than adequate to take us all home. In addition, the holds are full of ore and goods. Some of my men have grown attached to some of the females here and plan to ask if they would like to return with us. Either way, it should be an interesting trip home.” Tyrell replied with a smile.

“I am happy for you,” Ronan said, genuinely pleased for the other male.

“Thank you, and I’m happy for you too, you have a wife, a child on the way, and your freedom as well as a way home. In the morning, there is much to discuss about how to proceed, but now.” Tyrell grabbed one of the bottles of liquor. “I am off to bed.”

“But it is early, the suns have just set.” Eacha protested around a mouthful of meat.

“Aye, and I have spent the past few years up till dawn chasing drunken patrons out of the dome, stopping fights, or pulling overzealous males off of female workers. I usually crawl to bed at three and am dragged from my bed at six by some other problem with a client. Thanks to Lilly’s bots patrolling the grounds and the knowledge that the shield is sound, I am going to try and get a decent night’s sleep for the first time in years. I shall see you all in the morning. Admiral, it is a pleasure, and I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow over breakfast on your plans for the liberation organization and sending everyone home.” Tyrell gave the Admiral a nod. “And Admiral don’t try to leave the grounds till the suns have risen, as it won’t be safe. As you will be spending the night here, I was thinking you could use Perion’s chamber and your men, Laoni and Cheng’s quarters.” Tyrell said as he slipped to the floor, the bottle firmly in his hand, as if to emphasize his point, there was a loud electronic hum followed by the lights flickering and a deep guttural scream that made the hair rise on the back of Lilly’s neck.

“What in the moons is that?” Arik demanded as several males at the end of the dining hall hurried to slam the doors shut and then drop a metal bar in place before it.

“One of the night beasts is trying to get in, even though we buried the dead; they smell the blood that soaked into the road out front, they will be seeking to get in all night.” Tyrell shrugged. “They won’t be able to breach the force shield, and if they did, all the doors in the building are solid metal. Just be sure your chamber door is closed and locked.” Tyrell gave them all one last nod before walking away toward the back of the dining hall.

There was another loud crackle followed by an obvious power surge and another low guttural howl, around the dining hall the inhabitants began quickly placing their empty dishes and glasses in the correct chute to have them cleaned before hurrying out the back door to the dining hall and into the slaves’ quarters.

Ignoring the noise and the flickering power, Ronan finished his meal with gusto, enjoying his first meal as a free man in over a year. Ronan felt Lilly trembling beside him, then felt her press against him, her shoulder rubbing against his.

“Are you frightened?” Ronan asked, reaching for his glass.

“A little, I know they can’t get in, it’s just the sound reminds me of when I first arrived here. I hadn’t found my hut yet and spent several nights hiding in the dumpster, and the force shield wasn’t as strong then. One night, one of the flying beasts got in and spent several hours beating on the outside of the dumpster I was hiding in. I was sure it would get in and eat me.” Lilly closed her eyes as she shivered again at the memory, then felt Ronan pull her against him for a comforting hug.

“You never told me that before,” Ronan murmured, thinking of how terrified Lilly must have been, of all she’d had to face on her own, all she’d had to overcome. No wonder she was so fierce and independent.

“It didn’t seem important,” Lilly replied, drawing comfort from Ronan’s touch. After a moment, Lilly pulled away, not wanting to make a spectacle of herself in front of Ronan’s uncle and his men. “I should see that the bots clean the chambers for the Admiral and your men and change the bedding. I left my wrist unit in our chamber so I shall have to tell them in person.”

“No, Lilly, stay. I will do it, this celebration is only because of you, and you are no longer a slave or a scutt.” Lars reached across the table to squeeze her hand, then rose and headed towards the back of the dining hall.

“He is a good friend,” Ronan said, washing down the last mouthful of meat with a long swig of wine.

“He is, I hope you don’t mind, but I asked him if he’d consider returning to your world with us. He doesn’t know if he should go home or not,” Lilly said.

“Of course, he can come with us; in fact, you may bring anything back you wish, if you want your plants, the bots, or even that pathetic excuse for a fountain, I shall have it packed up and brought with us.” Ronan turned to catch Lilly’s eyes with his own, seeing a hint of fear and sadness in them. They were free now and he would do whatever it took to ensure that Lilly’s days were filled with happiness.

“Truly, it would be wonderful to bring some of the plants back with me. When I first arrived, I had nothing of my own, nothing to make me feel at home. Then I found the hut, and I began to restore the garden, not because I had to but because it brought me joy. Saving the garden and the plants made me feel like I had some control over my life, and they provided me with food and medicine. It would make me sad to leave them behind.” Lily saw Ronan smile and knew he understood.

Ronan brushed strands of hair back from Lily’s face as he gave her a smile and saw some of the fear leave her eyes. “I know what you mean. When I was first thrown into the pits, I was enraged. I had lost everything. After I began to win every time I was given a better cell, and over time I earned credits and could decorate it as I liked and make it my escape from the world around me. After a while, my cell became my heaven, when I was brought here, I was not allowed to bring my few possessions and I was enraged that again I had lost everything that I held dear.”

Before Lilly could reply, Arik leaned around Ronan and caught her attention. “Ronan said your planet is called Earth. Do you know where it is? Anything you can tell me about it would be helpful to find it.”

“You wish to find Earth, I heard Cahir and Rugger mention it, but I didn’t think they were serious,” Lilly said, leaning on the table to look at Arik.

“Once Ronan, you, and the others are safely on Gilese, it shall be of primary importance to find your home world. Our world is dying; the few females we have are barren. We have been looking for females that were compatible with us, females that would be willing to mate and marry with us and bear our young. You and the females from your world are such females.” Arik replied, leaning on the table to look at Lilly. “In addition, if what your healer says is true, you are immune to the plague, which means not only would your children be safe but perhaps your blood could yield a better vaccine or even a cure.”

“I would be ecstatic if you found Earth, but surely your scientists will find a cure in time,” Lilly replied, Ronan had told her about his quest about the lack of women on his world.

“We have tried for over thirty standard years to find a true cure, we have a vaccine that grants some immunity, but the disease is in the soil, the air, and the water. It was designed to attack the females specifically and kill them. While it makes males grievously ill they usually survive; it is only because of the vaccines that any of our females survived.” Arik sighed and took a long drink of fire ale. “When it became obvious that we could find no lasting cure and our birth rate had dropped to zero, our scientists built giant domes and tried to create children in artificial wombs. They met with limited success; most of the male children that were born lived to adult hood though, there seems to be some deficit in their nature. Perhaps being born from a tank instead of a mother did something to them.” Arik turned to look at Ronan’s guard who was watching the last of the females still in the dining hall with hard, predatory looks.

Lilly turned following his gaze to see Ronan’s guard staring with open, hungry looks at the other females. “You mean they had no mothers?”

“No, and the lack shows in their character, which is why we need females. The females that we created, well, most did not live past their second birthday, hundreds died. The few that lived longer when we tried to free them from the isolation domes also died. We have several hundred females living in isolation unable, to leave and the outside world is unable to enter. All their food, water, and air have to be thoroughly disinfected; some volunteered to be impregnated but they could not carry to term. Gilese needs healthy females.” Arik said with another heavy sigh. “We need the females from your world.”

“I understand better now. I would also like to have some contact with my home. If nothing else it would be wonderful to have some of it brought to Gilese. My world has three names; Earth, Terra, or Sol three. Earth is the third planet from our sun, which is called Sol and we have one moon.” Lilly was pleased to talk about her home. “Over seventy percent of Earth is water, mostly saltwater oceans that are miles deep. And unlike Gilese, the people of Earth are broken up by continents into different individual nations with different rulers and languages. I came from a place called America that is governed by people we elect to rule us.”

Ronan pushed his plate away and was slowly sipping his drink, listening intently as were Eacha, Rugger, Cahir, and the Admiral. Buoyed by their obvious interest Lilly pressed on telling them more of Earth, its forests and lakes, the oceans and soaring mountains, and lastly that the women of Earth after thousands of years were still fighting to be truly heard and regarded as equals and that if the males of Gilese agreed to truly treat the women of Earth as equals then they would probably line up to come to Gilese with them.

“That is good to hear. I’m guessing you don’t know its coordinates?” Arik asked with a hopeful look.

“No, I wish I did, but my first master, Cao, had a chip implanted in my brain with the knowledge of engineering, special navigation, warp engines, and of several hundred inhabited worlds. Not that he needed to, for I already had what on my world was called a photographic memory that allowed me the ability to see something once and remember it.” Lilly said. “Anyway, while I don’t know where Earth is I know the coordinates of the planet where the being you called Reapers sold me and the other people they took from Earth. Cao was very lazy and had me not only fly the ship but also clean and maintain it.”

“Ronan you indeed have found yourself a marvelous female, when we leave I will have you meet with our navigators and consult the star charts,” Arik stated.

There was another power surge and a deep piercing scream that made the few remaining inhabitants in the dining hall scurry for the door leading to the living quarters. Ronan could sense Lilly was frightened but trying not to show it.

“It is time Lilly and I seek our bed, it has been a long day and Lilly is still recovering from being injured twice.” Ronan rose to take his plate and cup from the table. “Cahir, Rugger will you show the admiral and my guard where they may sleep.”

“Of course,” Cahir replied.

“Uncle, I will see you in the morning. Come my sweet let, us go. I know I am in desperate need of a shower.” Ronan stepped over the bench and waited for Lilly to rise before heading to the chutes to drop in his trash and dishes. When he was done, he held his hand out to Lilly, who quickly took it with a shy smile.

Ronan led Lilly out the back of the dining hall and into the corridor running to the sleeping quarters, but rather than turning left towards their chamber he pulled her right down one of the smaller side passages.

“Where are we going?” Lilly asked, letting Ronan tug her gently along.

“To have some fun, and in truth, I feel like a failure as a mate and a husband that Cahir thought to gift you with new clothes before I, though I must say the robe looks well on you, very well.” Ronan ran a finger up Lilly’s left arm to her neck and back, making her squirm beneath his touch.

“That is a wonderful idea, after we got the shield working, Cahir brought me to one of the replicators upstairs, and we spent half an hour ordering news clothes. You should see all the wild colors of shirts he ordered.” Lilly’s face broke into a smile of pure joy, and Ronan felt a surge of jealousy, though he knew he should be happy for her. She’d known so little happiness since being taken from her world.

“I look forward to it,” Ronan replied, as they stopped before one of the replicators and he laid his left palm on the control screen, then punched in his code. The screen flashed to life with categories of what could be ordered as well as how many credits Ronan had.

Ronan looked at all the credits he’d amassed, how he’d not bought anything in some time, not even for Lilly, as he saved every credit he could to try to buy his freedom. Now, all those hours of being forced to touch females he wanted nothing to do with and how disgusted it had made him feel had been for nothing. It would take hours to spend every credit, but he intended to try, it was time he showed Lilly what she meant to him, and he would start by showering her with gifts.

“What are you going to order? You could use some new shirts and pants.” Lilly leaned against Ronan’s side as he studied the wide screen.

“I need little; at home, I have a closet bigger than our chamber filled with clothes. I have wanted to buy things for you, pretty things and jewels, but was afraid to spend the credits, thinking only of my freedom. I was selfish, and I regret it now.” Ronan squeezed Lilly’s small hand, liking how it felt in his.

“Oh no, not at all, you wanted to be free, I wanted that too. It burned me every day to think of you with those other females.” Lilly shook her head, but saw Ronan frown.

“You are too good to me and forgive me too easily. Now let us have some fun, you will need clothes for the trip home and something to wear till you can order what pleases you. First, a bag to hold what I intend to order.” Roan gave Lilly’s hand another squeeze, then turned back to the screen.

Half an hour later, Ronan’s new bag was full of clothes for Lilly, and she was laughing and hugging his arm a genuine smile lighting up her face. He’d ordered her seven hooded robes to shield her from the suns with matching gloves, shirts, pants and socks; five had been in shades of blue, one emerald green, and one deep purple. Ronan had also ordered her a new hairbrush and a matching comb as well as hair clips to match her new clothing.

Lilly had been insistent that he order something for himself; just to make her happy, so he’d ordered five shirts in matching colors to her new clothes. His decision had been right, for Lilly had clapped in delight and hugged him several times, laughing at the thought they would match. The old Ronan would never have done such a thing, but the old Ronan had been angry and his soul aching with loneliness; the new Ronan’s life was now filled with warmth, light, and laughter because of the little paled-skinned female beside him, and he would do everything in his power to make her smile.

Ronan and Lilly, hand in hand, walked back to their chamber, with Ronan carrying the bag full of new clothes. Ronan only wished that the replicator made jewelry for he wanted to cover Lilly with gemstones to make her sparkle from head to toe.

Ronan palmed the lock to their chamber and stepped in first, the lights automatically coming on; Ronan smiled, seeing a large black bag on the floor and several garments carefully draped over the back of the only chair in their chamber.

“You will have to model everything for me later, but now let us bathe and I can check you for injuries.” Ronan gave Lilly a roguish grin that made her heart speed up as she knew what was to come.

Lily eased out of her new robe and carefully hung it on the hook by the door, while she toed out of her slippers, placing them neatly against the wall. Behind her, Ronan kicked off his boots while he stripped off his shirt and shimmied out of his tight black pants and drawers, leaving him naked. Lilly blushed at the sight of his chiseled body, though they’d been married and lovers for several months now. The fact that such a gorgeous male was her’s and that he not only loved her and wanted her still left her amazed

“It’s your turn.” Ronan stepped up to Lilly and slipped his hands about her waist, enjoying the feel of her soft, smooth skin. He slowly skimmed his hands upwards, catching the bottom of her skimpy top and began to ease it up, tugging it over her head and then pulling it off, leaving her in her dark green bra and loose pants. Ronan dropped his lips to hers, kissing her deeply while he caught the top of her pants and pulled them down and off her, taking her panties with them.

In only a few minutes, Lilly was naked, and Ronan’s hands were cupping her shapely bottom while he plundered her mouth. After several minutes, Ronan broke the kiss, stepping back to put distance between himself and Lilly, or he’d throw her on the bed and ravage her and he wanted to tend her first. He wanted to check every inch of her pale skin for injury, cover her with kisses and let his actions say what he could not.

“Come, let’s bathe,” Ronan said, and, catching Lilly’s hand, he tugged her into the bathroom.

Lilly came willingly, her heart speeding up and her stomach twisting with excitement at what she knew was to come. Ronan released Lilly’s hand and leaning, into the shower stall, turned on the shower, setting it to the setting Lilly preferred. He tested the water to be sure it was the right temperature, and then he stepped inside, tugging Lilly after him.

Lilly let Ronan turn her so that the warm water cascaded down her back, and Lilly sighed in delight as the warm water began to ease her knotted muscles and wash away the dirt and dust. She closed her eyes as she tilted her head back, letting the water stream through her hair and over her face, washing away not just the dirt but weeks of worry and fear. They were free, and Ronan would never leave her.

Ronan stepped back enjoying the site of the water cascading down Lilly’s trim and curving body, to give him an excuse to touch her he grabbed the bar of soap and lathering his hands began to run them slowly over Lilly enjoying the feel of her soft skin under his hands. Ronan uncaring of the water splashing in his face stepped to Lilly’s side to soap her left arm and froze for a heartbeat seeing several small but dark bruises covering the back of her arm.

Ronan made a soft growl deep in his throat at the bruises, and Lilly opened one eye to peek at him. “Is something wrong?

“You still have bruises. Are you in pain?” Ronan looked down to see more bruises speckled her left thigh and made a mental note that once he was aboard his ship, he would make it a top priority that a healing bed be made that would heal all of Lilly’s injuries, one designed for her unique DNA.

“Mm, no, they only hurt a little. Come join me under the water, it feels so good.” Lilly gave Ronan an imploring look but he shook his head and continued slowly washing and kissing Lilly. When his hands dipped between her legs, she gasped in surprise and pleasure, for Ronan’s warm hands were stirring flames in her and making her forget all about her aches and pains. After a few moments, Ronan’s hands were replaced with his lips and she felt him kissing at the juncture of her thighs and she thought her legs would give way.

Ronan felt Lilly tremble under his touch and redoubled his efforts as he felt her small, strong hands grab his shoulders for support. He burned to possess her, but not yet till he had shown her how wondrous he thought she was.

Lilly was overwhelmed with feelings of love, passion, and want so intense she didn’t think she could stand and Ronan’s cunning hands lit a flame of desire in her that left her quaking with want. Abruptly, Ronan shut off the water and swept Lilly up into his arms, whispering for her to wrap her legs around his waist. Their coupling was fast and furious as they tried to use their bodies to say what was in their hearts and minds, that they loved each other, deeply and passionately, loved each other, and nothing would ever come between them again.

When they were done Lilly burrowed her head against Ronan’s neck, her legs still wrapped around his waist as he held her against him and murmured words of love into her hair. After several minutes Ronan stepped back and eased Lilly to the floor, then reaching behind him he slapped on the water then pulled her under it holding her against his chest and let the warm water wash over them both, washing away the last of all that they had suffered and making them new again.

With regret, Ronan stepped away from Lilly and shut off the water, and then he stepped out, grabbing their towels. He wrapped his towel about his waist then, wrapped Lilly’s about her, enfolding her in it and his arms. Lilly giggled as Ronan dried her from head to foot, then, easing her back to the bench by the door had her sit while he dried her hair. “I can dry myself.” Lilly protested as Ronan dropped the towel and began finger-combing the tangles from her hair.

“And deny me the pleasure,” Ronan replied with a grin. When he was satisfied that Lilly was dry enough, he stepped from the bathroom to grab the loose pants he wore to bed as well as Lilly’s nightgown. He returned to see her finishing cleaning her teeth; she washed her face and, with a blush took her nightgown.

Lilly slipped into her nightgown while Ronan dressed and cleaned his teeth. When he was done he caught her hand and tugged her into their chamber and then their bed.

Ronan flicked the switch controlling the lights and set them down to a faint glimmer, then rolled on his side to cradle Lilly to him, before slipping his hand onto her still-flat abdomen.

“Have you thought of names yet?” Ronan asked, feeling Lilly press against him.

“No, not yet, on Earth it’s bad luck to talk about a baby, much less name it, before it is far enough along. It’s one of the reasons I didn’t tell you I was pregnant, I was afraid if I told you and then something bad happened, you would be devastated.” Lilly felt Ronan tighten his arm about her.

“I understand, and I’m not angry. if you are agreeable, I would like to name our son after my grandfather, and I’d like you to name our daughter a good Earth name so all will know her origin.” Ronan leaned forward to nuzzle Lilly’s still-damp hair.

“I’d like that, I never asked whether you have another name, I mean, a family name. My father’s family name was MacTaggert. When my mother married him, she took his family name. I would like our daughter to have your family name.” Lily felt sleep creep up on her as she relaxed in Ronan’s arms.

“Ah, yes, it is Cinead, I could not tell you before in case my identity was revealed. I am Ronan Aoidth Cinead firstborn, son of Artair Bac Cinead, King of Gilese.” Ronan replied proudly, happy he could finally say his true name.

“Hmm it is a good strong name, Ronan Aoidth Cinead I love you with all my heart,” Lilly murmured and felt Ronan tighten his arm about her.

“And I love you Lilly MacTaggert Cinead with all that I am, now sleep for tomorrow starts the first day of the rest of our lives.” Ronan pressed another kiss to Lilly’s head as he watched her drift off to sleep knowing in his hearts that life would be nothing but wondrous from now on.