Rina's Dream

Clutching the throttle, Rina pulled back hard, cringing a little at the pain in her shoulder as she brought her small ship to an abrupt halt in the docking bay. It felt good to be home. With no fuel for her jump drive, the trip back was three weeks of boring with nothing to do but think about how she got herself into this mess.

Sitting in her chair dreading what was to come, she looked down at the fleshy part of her bare knee, exposed in the space below her shorts. The Kiloc’s indigo blood stain stood out starkly against her pearly white skin looking like an abstract tattoo. Once more, her thumb firmly traced the swirls that came together like a fingerprint, as if she could rub it away. Maybe that’s how she could explain it—as a tattoo.

With a heavy sigh she made her way to the hatch, opening it easily with a light graze of her finger. The cargo space slowly flooded with light, the doors groaning open to the air and sunshine outside, highlighting with sharp clarity the emptiness of the ship’s hold.

Looking out over the loading docks, Rina searched the crowd for a familiar face. Her brother Fjion quickly caught her eye. He was easy to spot in a crowd. Measuring six feet, four inches in height with fiery red hair he was a head taller than most and stood out in a sea of brown and blond. Much like their father, he was sharply handsome. The oldest of her four brothers, Fjion was the easiest to talk to. She was glad it was him on the dock.

Pressing her fingers against her tongue, she blew out a loud sharp whistle catching her brother’s attention. Quickly making his way through the crowd he grabbed her small five foot frame into an all-engulfing hug, his large thick arms smothering her into his chest.

“We’ve missed you Rina. We were worried something had happened to you—I’m so glad you’re home.”

Gasping for air, she slapped his shoulder for release like a wrestler tapping out. Giving her one last squeeze, Fjion let her drop back down to the ground, stepping back to give her breathing room.

Looking up into his familiar smiling brown eyes, Rina tried her best to smile back. Her plastic, pasted on grin lasted less than thirty seconds before the waves of misery and failure overwhelmed her.

Her pitiful face turned hot and pink from holding back welling tears. Afraid to speak in case her dam of despair burst open, she remained silent, trying to keep her eyes from leaking. So much for playing it cool.

“What is it Rina, what happened?” With a sense of panic, Fjion looked her up and down, turning her to search for obvious signs of injury. Finally he saw it in the soft place of her right knee, the indigo blood print of a Kiloc’s wife.

“Rina!” he barked in surprise, his deep voice booming loud enough to cause some stares.

“Oh Fjion,” she wailed, turning to hide her face in his chest. “Everything went wrong!” The dam burst open, releasing all of her pent up disappointment and sadness.

“O.K., O.K.” he said, patting her small back with his large hand, as if consoling his own child. Being the youngest of five and the only girl in the Darjul thief clan, Rina was their family’s most precious gift, one that all four brothers had sworn to protect—a feat that was becoming more difficult the older and more independent she became.

Each of them agreed early on to teach her a skill. Fjion taught her swordplay so she could fight bigger opponents than herself, Karn taught her meridian punches to disable a foe, Geld taught her parkour, so she could easily escape when needed, and Niel taught her the art of camouflage if she couldn’t do anything else. By the time she was sixteen, Rina had become a beautiful woman who could beat each of them at their own game.

At twenty-three she was one of the best thieves on the planet and had grown into a stunning beauty. Her long thick silvery hair sparkled like liquid diamonds in sunlight. With bright teal green eyes and a straight nose that led to full pink lips below, she was both mythical and alluring--making it hard to look away.

In contrast to her ethereal features, she regularly wore tank tops and shorts covered by a gauzy see-through over-shirt and white stockings tied with a ribbon just below her knee. The ensemble was often finished with blue slipper shoes and a black Kimo sword strapped to her hips.

“Let’s go somewhere to talk,” Fjion said, noticing the attention they were drawing. “I’m gathering from your reaction that there aren’t any fire crystals to unload either, so let’s lock up the ship and head over to Krin’s for a drink and you can tell me all about it.”

Rina nodded, wiping her eyes dry with her fingers and doing her best to sniff back the rest of her tears. Touching the colorful band around her wrist, the ship shut its doors and locked. Fjion gently put his big arm around her tiny shoulders and steered her towards the bar.

Sitting at a quiet table in the back of the dark little bar, Rina downed a couple of stiff drinks before Fjion asked her again.

“O.K. Rina, you’ve had two shots of skeem, I’d like to hear your story before you pass out.”

“Oh, Fjion, it was horrible,” she sighed, her head falling onto her arm on the table.

“I was past the guards, entering the vault, when I saw another Kiloc already there.” Lifting her head to look directly at her brother, she continued in a hushed dramatic tone. “He was huge! At least seven feet tall, standing directly between me and the open vault. I tried gliding over his shoulder to get past, even slicing him with my blade to distract him.” Pausing to drop her head into her raised open palm she slowly shook her head back and forth still in denial of what came next.

“He could smell me Fjion—he knew where I was. My shimmer was working, so I knew he couldn’t see me. Everything should have worked, but it didn’t. That bastard caught my calf and yanked me out of the air!” Her voice catching, she paused a moment. Then in utter horror she continued, “He just dangled me upside down and shook me! He kept going on about not having time to mate! What does that even mean?!”

Pausing to straighten herself in her chair, she regained some composure. Leaning across the table, as if imparting something highly secret she whispered, “I used my sleeping dart, but when he fell, I fell on him. My knee touched his bloody shoulder where I cut him. The next thing I remember is waking up on the floor alone. My shoulder was hurt, the fire crystals were gone and I had this heart shaped locket on my chest. Do you know what it said?”

Fjion, trying to keep calm and not burst out yelling, only shook his head in response.

“It said, I’ll be coming for you.” Rina looked down at her hands, and in a soft sad voice said, “Do you think it’s true Fjion? Do you think he’s coming for me?”

“Rina,” he said in a strained voice, “Do you know what it means to be blooded by a Kiloc? To have his heart locket placed on you?”

“Isn’t blooding just to knock women out? A way to kidnap them? But he didn’t kidnap me, he just left me with this stupid mark on my knee and his dumb locket.”

Agitated and flustered Fjion leaned in hard over the table, their noses almost touching. Staring directly into her eyes, he said in a forceful hush, “It means you’re married!” He paused to watch her face for understanding. When none came, he went on. “Rina, that print on your knee is his, you are now his wife, his mate, soon to be the mother of his children! Unless that blood bond is broken, he will be coming for you.” As understanding and fear slowly dawned in her eyes, Fjion sat back in his chair, satisfied that she now fully understood her predicament.

“What do I do now?”

“Wait.”

“Wait for what?”

“For him to come.”

“What do we tell mom and dad?”

“You,” he said with emphasis, “will tell mom and dad that they have a new son-in-law. The best we can do now is wait for him to collect you and try to convince him that it’s all a mistake and ask him to break the bond.” Looking at her beautiful face, he didn’t think there would be much chance of that happening, but he kept that to himself.

_______________

Two days had passed and Rina still hadn’t worked up the courage to tell her parents about the blood bond. All they knew was that she failed to get the fire crystals, because someone got there before her and took them. There were several opportunities to say more and talk about the “Kiloc in the room,” but it all sounded so crazy and pathetic in her head that she just kept silent. Still, there was a small chance that her new husband wouldn’t be coming for her. Could he even find her?

Fjion thankfully kept his silence, but regularly gave her the “you-better-tell-them-soon” stare any time she crossed his path. To buy herself more time to practice what she’d say, Rina took the precaution of wearing longer more flowing clothes that covered her knees, just in case someone else besides Fjion knew what that mark meant. Her mother seemed to notice the change in her attire and commented on how ladylike she looked, and what a nice change it was from her usual tomboy style. Rina just shrugged her shoulders, saying that everyone needs a little change in their life sometimes.

Still feeling disheartened and blue, unable to speak the words she knew needed to be said, Rina wandered outside past the garden into the dark forest behind their house. Its deep woods and abundant shade were a welcome contrast to the hot laziness of the bright sunshine in the backyard. The darkness offered the perfect place for a brief respite from her woes.

Not too far into the coolness of the forest her eye caught hold of the softest bed of thick green moss she’d seen in years. It was nestled between two large old trees a few feet off the path, presenting the perfect place to lie down to contemplate life and all of her poor choices. Making her way over to the mossy mound, she laid down sinking into the soft green velvet.

Feeling soothed laying there, she listened to the birds twittering in a nearby tree. A slow warm breeze carried the scent of hot sun on dirt into the woods, mixing it with the cool damp air of the forest. Smelling the sweetness of the earth and freshness of the moss her body relaxed more than it had in weeks. Letting her gaze drift up to the tops of the trees she noticed how the sun dappled through the branches just before her eyes closed for a brief rest.

Drifting off into her dreams a figure began to emerge in her mind. He was very tall and incredibly handsome. Long thick black hair pulled back tightly, tied into a warrior’s knot at the back of his head, allowed the rest of his hair to flow freely down his back. His eyes like hooded almonds stared at her with the color of ink, while black jutting eyebrows slashed across his brow giving him a look of serious intent softened only by the broad full lips resting below his straight nose. Large ebony wings seemed to perch themselves on his back giving contrast to his sun-kissed arms and chest. Wearing only a black leather vest and draped silken pants, she thought he looked glorious, like a misguided angel bent on seduction.

“Excellent,” he said, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

“What’s excellent?” she replied smiling, wondering in her sleepy mind why her dream seemed so familiar.

“My wife still finds me enticing,” he said, a wry grin pulling at the corner of his mouth.

A shard of clarity cut through her dreamy haze, as she remembered why he seemed so familiar.

“Oh, so you remember me. That’s good. That’ll make things a little easier,” he said smoothly. His eyes becoming more predatory as he stepped towards her with a seductive grin planted on his full lips.

“Easier for what? Wait, can you hear what I’m thinking? Is this a dream? I don’t understand.” Grappling with her muddled thoughts, she took a step back trying to make sense of what was happening. She could tell she was dreaming, but couldn’t seem to wake herself. Then she understood. He was in her mind, connecting to her subconscious.

This intrusion was beyond the pale, she thought, as a sudden burst of anger exploded within her. Sticking herself firmly in place, she said in a furious voice pushed through gritted teeth. “Get out, get out of my mind, get out of my life - I’m no wife of yours!”

Slowing his advance, standing closely before her, Vatcha bent low, peering into his fierce pixie’s furious eyes. She was more beautiful than he remembered. Her silvery hair floating about her like wild flames in this dream world, making her seem even more magical. Her pink lips were drawn into a line of defiance with no hint of fear or intimidation in her delicate features, only fierceness, anger, and pride. Drinking in the sight of her full fury, he smiled. This woman was his and he would keep her.

Holding her ground against this hovering dark angel, she watched his slow smile grow, but not quite reach his calculating black eyes.

“O.K.,” he said lightly, dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll leave. But you’ll be needing me soon.” With that he began to fade out of her dream world, his satisfied smile still in place.

“Wow, seriously! Wow, you’re just going to drop a bomb like that and leave? Oh no you’re not! I bet this is a two way transmission!”

Acting swiftly, she grabbed the lapel of his vest in her fist willing herself to follow him. If you can enter my mind, she thought, I should be able to enter yours.

Within a moment Rina was transported from the pearly pink space of her mind to the ashen grey of his. A look of mild amusement and curiosity crossed his features when both of them arrived in his mind space.

A little shocked that it worked, she released her hold, stepping back to look at the grey emptiness of her surroundings.

“Whoa, it worked!” she said to herself in amazement, still looking around.

“Who are you?” he said curiously, stepping forward, quickly closing the gap between them. “What are you?” His eyes searched hers, looking for any indication of how she could follow him into his mind.

“I’m Rina of the Darjul, a clan of thieves on the planet Tarrken.”, she said stuttering a little, suddenly feeling intimidated and shy by his closeness. “Who are you?” she stammered. Trying to keep the distance between them, taking a few more steps backwards, she unexpectedly felt the coldness of a stone wall on her back. Pressed firmly against it, she turned away to avoid his close piercing gaze.

Moving swiftly, Vatcha slapped his hand against the wall to block her from bolting. His other hand lifted to gently trace the outline of her shoulder with his fingertips, making her skin tingle and heart flutter. Leaning in close, his mouth next to her ear, he whispered in a low sultry purr, “How did you do that my little pixie? How did you cross over with me? Hmmmmm?” Pulling his head slightly back he inspected her face for a reaction, his brows lifting in curiosity as he studied her features. Smiling as he watched her, feeling satisfied that she was completely within his control he leaned in again, “I’m Vatcha, of the Surry line of Kiloc. Your husband.”

Hearing those words again made something inside Rina snap. Her muddled mind came to swift attention, the fury rising instantly to an explosive level. Turning her head to look into his cold black eyes, she spoke with a low, but crescendoing voice, “I am not your wife! Stop crowding me, stop trying to intimidate me, and release me from this blood bond!”

Using the wall as a brace she moved to push him with all of her might, pouring every ounce of anger and rage she felt into her hands. The moment she touched the skin of his chest a bright blinding white light blasted him up and back to land unceremoniously on his backside.

Shocked by what had just happened, staring at her hands in awe, Rina watched as she began to fade out of his mind space. Looking up towards his prone body she saw him lift himself up onto his elbows only to grin at her with the most breathtaking smile. It transformed his face from the hardened predator into that of a young man full of mirth. “Tell your parents about me Rina,” he said between chuckles, his hand pointing towards her for emphasis. “I’ll be there in two days to meet them and give you some relief,” was the last thing she heard before waking up on her soft bed of moss.

Four hours later, Rina sat at the large dining table sharing the evening meal with her family. Everyone was there. The room was loud with conversation and laughter.

Fjion sat across from her grimly staring at her, silently mouthing that he would tell them if she didn’t. Feeling anxious and overly warm Rina looked down at her plate and said in a small sad voice, “I’m married.”

Instantly a hush fell over the room as all eyes turned towards the source. “What, Rina?” said Fria, her mother, who was seated near her father Krom at the head of the table.

“I said I’m married. To a Kiloc. From the line of Surry.” Rina replied loudly, each piece of information delivered in a short stilted manner, so that everyone could clearly hear her.

Wiping her clammy brow with her sleeve, she continued, “He’ll be here in two days to meet you and probably collect me.”

Everyone’s stunned face turned towards her, reflecting her own turbulent emotions. Fanning her heated flushed face with her hand, she stood up to be heard and began to tell the whole story, weaving it together with the pieces they already knew.

Nearing the end of her tale, feeling incredibly warm, Rina’s knees gave way, buckling and throwing her to the floor. Whether it was from stress, nerves, or something else she didn’t know.

Her youngest brother Niel was the first to reach her. Gathering her up from the floor he carried her to her room, followed closely by their worried mother. At least I don’t have to answer any questions, Rina thought dully as she drifted out of consciousness.

Watching as she was carried off, the rest of the family stayed behind to strategize about what to do.

“How long has it been since she was blooded?” her father asked the table, doing the calculations in his head.

“About four weeks,” Fjion said sheepishly.

“She’s in full thrall then,” Krom stated worriedly, nodding his head, silently going over the series of logical truths. “Does anyone know about the Surry line of Kiloc?” he asked, looking up from his thoughts.

“My searches say they’re an ancient line, founders of the current empire and part of the ruling class,” Geld piped up, slightly distracted, as he continued to scan the webs. Pausing a moment to read, he continued, “Vatcha is the second son of the current prince.” His voice trailed off, a little awe entering his usual flat tone.

Her father’s bushy eyebrows lifted in mild surprise, the wheels of his mind continuing to turn. “We’ll welcome him when he comes,” he said, thinking as he spoke. “We’re in no position to bargain, and only this Kiloc can release her from the thrall. After that, we’ll see what can be done.” Looking up at each one of the brothers, he tapped his finger on the table punctuating the importance of the situation.

_________________

Greeted by Rina’s panicked mother and father, Vatcha was quickly ushered into the house. All courtesies evaporated under the dire circumstances. “She’s been unconscious for the past two days,” Fria said with concern, wringing her hands with worry as she led him directly to Rina’s rooms. “I don’t think it’s normal, is it?” she said hopefully, craning her neck to watch Vatcha’s expressions.

“This has never happened that I know of. But I’ve never dealt with Tarrkens before,” he said calmly, a look of curious concern crossing his face.

With little resistance from her worried parents, Vatcha insisted on privacy, shutting the door behind him as entered Rina’s bed chamber.

He stared down at her dainty body damp with sweat, her hair and night dress sticking to her in places; she looked frail and pitiful. Scooping her up in his big arms he walked over to the soft chair by the window, settling down to hold her comfortably.

Looking like a small sick child in his arms, Vatcha began to lightly caress and stroke her face and hair, rocking back and forth while humming an ancient song of love, pausing sometimes to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

After some time had passed, Rina groggily opened her eyes to see Vatcha’s face tenderly looking down at her, a hint of concern in his black hooded eyes. “I’m sorry Pixie. I didn’t know it would hit you this hard, or I would have come sooner,” he said with a hint of regret.

Too tired to speak, Rina questioned him with her eyes—still confused by what was happening to her.

Seeing her look of confusion, Vatcha smiled, continuing to rock her back and forth while stroking her hair. In a deep soft tender voice he began to explain, “When a female is blood bonded with a male Kiloc, the blood enters her system acting as a mating catalyst, causing the female to go into heat. The only thing that can counter its effect is physical contact by the imprinted male. That’s why I’m holding you like this now. You were left too long without me and your small body had some difficulty adjusting, but you’re fine now. You just need some rest.”

Cupping her face in his large hand, gently stroking her soft eyebrow with his thumb, her furrowed brow relaxed. He continued hesitantly, “You’ll have to come with me Pixie, you’ll need to stay by my side—at least for a while.” Pausing to search her face for understanding, Rina weakly smiled up at him, closed her eyes, and turned to nestle into the soft warm crook of his arm. I’ll take that as a yes, he thought, smiling.

___________

As Vatcha’s ship smoothly entered the docking bay of his home world, they prepared to disembark. Sitting in her chair for a moment, curious about what was to come, Rina looked down at the fleshy part of her bare knee. The indigo marriage mark still stood out starkly against her pearly white skin. Her thumb lightly traced once more over the swirls that came together like a fingerprint. She was curious if it would ever fade.