Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“I know it sounds frightening, but there is truly no cause for concern.” Commander Rarev leaned forward on his desk, speaking earnestly. “For the past fifteen cycles, Twa’linda’s Light Face has been dominant. There is no reason to believe that will change in the time that you’re there. However, just in case it does, I will be sending T’zaren to protect you and to act as your manservant.”
“Um…my what?” Lucy asked.
“Whether the light or the Dark Face is in charge, the fact remains that Twa’linda of the two faces is a Dom’mesque,” Rarev explained. “Which means she will expect any female guest she welcomes to be one as well.”
“Be one what? What is a Dom’mesque?” Lucy asked blankly. The word sounded French, but she doubted it actually was.
“In Twa’linda’s culture, females are the dominant sex,” Rarev told her. “She would not respect or deal with a male who came to visit her, which is why I do not go myself. But she will consent to receive a female woman of business—one she perceives to be a Dom’mesque like herself. And a proper Dom’mesque will always have a manservant with her to guard and protect her.”
“So… you want me to pretend to be a businesswoman who wants to buy dimriel?” Lucy asked, raising her eyebrows. “And T’zaren is going to come along as a kind of bodyguard?”
“The part is more than that of a bodyguard as I believe the Chief Commander knows,” T’zaren growled, scowling.
“I don’t understand…” Lucy felt like she was missing something. “What else is there to it?”
Neither Monstrum answered. They had locked eyes and T’zaren was glaring at Rarev, who was looking coolly back. It seemed to be some kind of contest of wills.
“She will never be my S’rentha,” T’zaren said, his voice low and rough. “She is not right for the role.”
Lucy frowned. Well, that was kind of insulting!
“You have saved Dr. Heartwood’s life—there is a bond between you,” Rarev answered, still staring at T’zaren. “In addition, both of you show an affinity for the dimriel. I believe this mission is your fate, T’zaren, or I would not have called you to it. The Goddess herself is looking down on your endeavors. And Dr. Heartwood does not truly need to become your S’rentha—you only have to treat her as if she is.”
“She is not right for it,” T’zaren said again in a low growl.
Lucy put a hand on her hip and glared at him.
“Okay, I might not be your ‘type,’ but that’s no reason to get upset. After all, we’re just going to be playing parts. I’m the bossy businesswoman, and you’re my bodyguard. I don’t understand what the big deal is!”
T’zaren stared at her, still scowling. He shook his head.
“You don’t understand now—but you will.”
For a moment their eyes locked again and Lucy found herself lost in those golden depths. People said her own hazel eyes were the color of honey, but the big Monstrum’s eyes were literally like pools of molten gold—they had a metallic sheen that no human eyes could ever have.
“Did I hear you say that you’ll agree to go?” Commander Rarev asked.
“Oh, um—yes. Yes, of course.” Reluctantly, Lucy broke the staring contest and smiled charmingly at the Monstrum Commander. “Of course—I’m happy to do anything I can to help the Mother Ship.”
“And you are not afraid?” Rarev raised his eyebrows meaningfully.
Lucy shrugged and gave a little laugh.
“Afraid? No—I’ve always been the adventurous type. In fact, I’m fully prepared to go by myself if T’zaren objects to coming with me.”
“I never said I would let you go on your own!” T’zaren growled. He was positively glowering at her now. “Though I still don’t think you know what in the Seven Frozen Hells you’re getting yourself into.”
“Then I guess I’ll find out,” Lucy said lightly, refusing to be drawn into any kind of quarrel. She looked at Rarev. “When do I start? Um, I only have a few days before I have to get back to teaching. And I promised my Aunt I’d help her decorate her shop for Halloween, so I hope this won’t take long.”
“I am hopeful it won’t take more than a day or two of your time—for which we will compensate you handsomely,” Rarev assured her.
Lucy waved a hand.
“No need to pay me. Iyanna’s one of my best friends and the Monstrum Mother Ship is her home. I’ll do anything I can to save it.”
“You’re very kind,” Rarev said gravely. “Very well then—we would like you to start immediately if possible.”
“What now? Just go like I am?” Lucy looked down at herself. She liked the white silk blouse and black pencil skirt she was wearing—they looked nice and professional. But was this the right outfit to wear while visiting a two-faced being on another planet? “Maybe I should at least get my blazer,” she remarked. “It will make me look more professional.”