He grunted, “And sometimes to make sure corruption doesn’t grab hold. The non-magical children keep an eye on the magic users, or some of them?”

  He noticed she already looked better, though he knew those doubts would come back and continue to haunt her until she’d conquered them, accepted them. His questions had reminded her of who she was, and who she served. What her life’s passion was, so while she’d started off a little stilted, the incredibly beautiful woman had become quite passionate.

  She was in truth, breathtakingly beguiling, and he had no trouble keeping his focus on her or her words.

  She blushed, “Yes, that was what happened to me. After my general schooling I was chosen to be trained in counterintelligence because of my high intelligence, the halo effect given my appearance, and because…” she tilted her head in thought, “Because I never showed doubt. I am devoted to my goddess, who is perfection, even if those that serve her and worship her fall short of that ideal. Being exposed to the dark side of men’s souls and ambition has not tainted my faith in the least.”

  He nodded, “It can’t be easy to contemplate walking away from that, should the peace treaty go through, I mean.”

  She smiled, “It’s probably too early to tell, but I don’t think it will be a terrible sacrifice. I take my goddess with me, and I serve the church and protect her with my acceptance. Who knows, perhaps I shall make a believer out of you.”

  He chuckled, “Magic comes from DNA, or at least the capability to sense and manipulate what was always there with our minds. You know we all have a little bit of Cheelah DNA in us, from our scientists experimenting with the first ones we caught. It wasn’t a proud moment in humanity, but it has led to a time of plenty and good health.”

  She frowned, “I think your education is incomplete, or perhaps just biased. The Cheelah did not just bring us magic, they brought us knowledge of the One goddess. It was their missionaries that started the religion among some humans on Earth, who eventually went to the stars to found their own church and government. The magic is a blessing of the goddess.”

  He couldn’t help but lift a doubtful eyebrow. He believed in science, and what he could see.

  She shrugged, “I inherited that DNA from my mother, the same DNA that is in you and within her. Most of the humans over the last Millenia when pushing out the stars gained that DNA through breeding, or outright had it changed.”

  “Your point?”

  Riesa interjected, “I thought that would be obvious. The supposed magical DNA only gives one percent of the population any power, and only in rare cases does it grant your level of power. A celestial or a blessed. There’s no physical biological different between you and a healer, or a weak wizard. Yet, with the same DNA, some wizards are weak, some strong, some can shape the magic to a purpose and are called celestials. You have the same magical DNA as a null, or a human without magic.

  “That means the magical DNA section is only one aspect of the equation. It is our belief, the Cheelah and the Grand Communion, that it is the goddess’s blessings that determines type and strength. If there was a biological answer, instead of a spiritual answer, both Cheelah and Human scientists would’ve found it long ago.”

  He nodded, “Yet, the royal family continues to birth nothing but celestials, because they marry into celestial blood among the few other random knights in each generation. That suggests the missing piece of the puzzle is inheritable.”

  Leanne smiled, “Yes, and from all I hear your royal family runs a benevolent monarchy, and they are men and women who have consistently been honorable with the people they rule. Not perfect, no one is, but a better place than the free worlds, or the Leshien confederacy, almost as good as the Grand Communion,” she paused to wink playfully, “In short, good people with principles and solid ethics. I would suggest because of that, their family and even the government itself, continues to be blessed by the goddess. I believe if they ever lose those qualities, that their family would lose their power in successive generations.”

  Clearly, he was outnumbered, and he didn’t really want to argue with them anyway. Of course, the greatest flaw in that argument was him. He didn’t see himself nearly worthy enough to be blessed by a goddess with the powers he had.

  He frowned, “I give up. But I’ll grant you we don’t completely understand all the variables, but that’s true of many sciences. That doesn’t mean a god is doing it, no more than our primitive ancestors were right about gods of storms, or famine, or the sun.”

  Riesa giggled, “True, but neither do you have any proof the one goddess isn’t responsible.”

  He snorted, “Fair. So, what’s the plan for today? I think I’d like to get lunch out, and maybe get that tour you promised yesterday, Leanne. As pleasant as the idea is to stay in with you two lovely ladies and have fun all day, I need to get a feel of the place and focus on the mission.”

  Leanne said, “The prelate has time to meet with you this afternoon. I was going to tell you after breakfast. That leaves our morning and lunch free, for whatever your heart desires,” she said that last rather warmly and intimately.

  He wasn’t sure who was winning, but he knew they were both seducing the hell out of each other. It was an odd seduction, in that they were both aware of the game being played, and that despite that it was quite effective on them both anyway. She was a vision, and he’d rocked her world.

  “Not a problem, I’m a visitor with little to do, and I know Prelate Aria must be busy as hell trying to wrangle the opposition while running sixteen worlds.”

  Leanne grinned, “How gracious of you,” with an ironic edge in her voice.

  He waved a hand, “Don’t mention it,” in a faux arrogant tone. That statement probably had been a little obvious and even condescending, but he’d only meant that he wasn’t offended by the wait. He hadn’t really been approving of the prelate’s scheduling choices, as if she needed his approval.

  As he’d hoped, that playful faux haughtiness made the golden-haired goddess giggle.

  “How about we all get cleaned up, and you can give me a tour of the acceptable areas.”

  She smiled devastatingly, which was only aided by the light blue silk shift that was clinging so distractingly to her sinfully lush and ripe body.

  “Together?” she asked in both an arch and hopeful voice.

  He raised an eyebrow in mock confusion, “There’s another way? How would we wash our backs?”

  She giggled, and Riesa let out a warm chuckle, as they cleared the table and then all headed to shower together. Needless to say, the shower took an unusually long time to finish. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself, and both ladies had a similar problem with him… and each other for that matter.

  “You’re a dangerous woman,” he said in a low tone, as he reached up and buttoned one more button higher on her black robes.

  The really strange thing was seeing half her cleavage in her flattering black robes was far more effective on his senses than it should’ve been, considering he’d just washed them and seen them naked in the shower not a half hour ago. The mere hint and edge of her endless cleavage seemed a lot safer once that button was secured.

  She winked, “So my seduction is effective?” she asked in a rather sassy voice.

  “I think I just said that, shall we?” he held out his arm.

  She took it with a coy blush that was mostly artful innocence seduction, the minx. Mostly, because it was obvious her effect on him was also turning her on. He’d have to say it was the strangest start of an affair he’d ever had, and that he was enjoying the hell out of it.

  They left the chambers together and entered the hallway outside the suite. He’d have rather taken Riesa too, but that would’ve probably blown her cover. He hadn’t stinted on his attention at all, in the bedroom or in conversation with Leanne there, but the Cheelah woman couldn’t go everywhere with him.

  Even if they’d have both preferred it that way. He enjoyed her company, and her alert protection, not just her skills between the sheets as they did the dance of ten toes.

  “So where are you taking me?”

  She said softly, “We’ll start out in the public section. Then I’ll show you the wonders and amenities the temple offers to guests.

  “Isn’t one wonder enough?”

  She blushed, and squeezed his arm, “Flatterer.”

  Given his thought earlier, the split of his attentions, it was quite obvious that now that they were alone the tension and promise between them ramped up even further. She came alive under his sustained and intense attention, and her exuberant personality and almost painful beauty ramped it up for him as well.

  Which really, was quite normal in the beginning of any affair or relationship, it was the excitement of the new which enhanced his quite natural attraction to her beauty and sexual allure. It was mostly shallow, just incited lust and the desire to learn more about each other because of it. Only time would tell if that interest remained, when they’d achieved that knowing.

  Which was a little bit of a problem, because without Riesa to watch his back he needed to be extra aware and vigilant, not subsumed and bewitched by Leanne’s presence, to the exclusion of all else.

  He did his best, and he admitted to himself that he was having a great time as she showed him the main temple room, the artwork, including the history and the ideals that it represented. Though he’d argue it was her that made it so, and not the tour itself.

  She was very passionate, about the goddess and the church, and it came out in her voice, expressions, and graceful body movements. So enlivened and exuberant, that it was obvious it was her passion and her life’s work, and she was just twenty-one.

  It made him feel guilty at the idea of taking her from her home, what she knew, and all she loved, if the treaty went forward she would be his sworn servant for life. She said and he believed that she was willing to make that sacrifice for her goddess and her prelate, but at the same time he could tell it would definitely be a sacrifice. Even if they could grow intimately close with deeper affections, which he didn’t really believe since he’d never fallen in love before, it would be a sacrifice.

  He had to wonder if that would cause resentment to build up, or if she’d mourn her past and move on. Her easy grace, exuberant joy in life and her beliefs, would suggest the latter, but he didn’t know her all that well yet and she could just be putting her best foot forward.

  Time would tell.

  Despite her and their conversation being the highlight of his morning, he had to admit the temple was impressive, and the religious government had a long past. Some of it was dark, expansionist, but not nearly all of it. A reminder, that it was his job to see that it stayed that way, and to pursue a treaty for such. Or failing that, to warn his king that a war was on the horizon.

  He also noticed he had four watchers, and that at least two of the four were nearby at all times, usually in two different directions. He didn’t read into it too much, it didn’t mean anything outside the fact he was dangerous and they wanted to keep an eye on his movements. Even if the prelate did hope and plan for a peaceful treaty between them that would be true.

  He got a few looks from the worshippers as well, but nothing overtly threatening, and he was half convinced the annoyed looks were ones of jealousy about the stunning woman on his arm, more than the uniform he had on declaring him an outsider.

  A soft moan escaped his lips unbidden.

  Leanne sighed softly from the table next to his, and said in a warm voice, “I know, right? I told you I had wonders to show you.”

  The tall and lithe brown-haired and blue-eyed masseuse let out a chuckle, as her magical hands dug into his gluts. He was fairly sure her name was Margaret, but he was embarrassed to say he wasn’t sure. He was usually better than that at remembering names, but the woman had turned his body into a lump of relaxed muscles, including his brain. Her hands firmly kneading his ass was the last straw, and he was unashamedly hard as a rock as she rolled him over.

  “Glad you’re enjoying the guest amenities, sir.”

  “I am, thank you, sister Margaret. Your hands are magical.”

  She winked, and got started on his feet, obviously intending to work her way up his body, instead of down. It was also one of the best massages he’d ever gotten, probably courtesy of the fact Margaret was clearly a healer, and she had used magic to enhance her massage technique.

  He’d also seen the palatial guest dining room, which had a daily menu as well as a short-order type setup. Then there’d been the incredible view from the central spire, at about a half mile up they could see the whole city. There’d also been workout rooms, and brothers and sisters acting as trainers. He felt more than a little spoiled. There’d also been several private chapels visitors could use for a little private time with the goddess.

  The sister whispered in his ear, “Would you like me to give you privacy for a moment?” Obviously suggesting she could give him a little privacy to release his… only remaining tension. Leanne was in the room too, but there was a privacy drape up between them. By the look in the masseuse’s eyes, he had the strange impression she hoped he’d say yes, as if she was turned on by the idea of him whacking off because of her.

  Or maybe that was just his perverted mind at work. But not impossible. It was perhaps arrogant to say, but he knew he was built very well, and most women were attracted to him shallowly.

  He chuckled, “That won’t be necessary.” He was sure one of the ladies would be happy to take care of his need, before they went for lunch. After all, they’d need another shower, he couldn’t walk around covered in oil all day.

  He also didn’t think it would be too odd for his body servant to share lunch, since they planned to eat in the guest dining hall.

  Margaret finished up his neck and shoulders a little bit later, ending things with a scalp massage, then took her leave with a smile, and one more playfully curious glance at just how large and thick a tent he was creating in the towel laid across his middle. Given her wide parting smile and dancing bright blue eyes, he suspected the only reason he wasn’t getting a happy ending was because it was against policy.

  Chapter Eight

  He was a bit bemused as Leanne led him through the hallway toward the prelate’s private area which was enterable by others by invite only. He was relaxed, both from the massage and being well-fucked and sated. His mind was caught up in Leanne’s beauty and presence, and he even had a satisfied stomach after that amazing meal him and the two ladies had shared.

  Which he suspected was exactly what Prelate Aria wanted, him completely relaxed and primed to be taken advantage of. The fact Leanne had just finished giving him a hot and sensual blow job also backed up that idea, since it had been all her idea. She was quite talented at fellatio when she was in control of it, it’d been far more pleasurable for him in fact, than limiting her by taking her mouth that morning. Ironically, that selfish act truly was all about her and her needs.

  Regardless, he pushed all of that away, and the distractions, the best he could. He needed to be at his best, not daydreaming about how incredibly wicked and debauchedly hot it was to see Leanne’s innocently beautiful face twisted in naughty lust with his hard cock in her eager and talented mouth. He could also swear the stunning golden blonde beauty was putting just a little extra into the swish of her hips and juicy bubbled ass as she led him.

  Fucking hell, he was so in over his head. His seduction was potent too, he had no doubt, but she was… he didn’t even know a word for it. Overwhelming might fit, but that was also a little like saying the center of the sun was a little too hot to survive it.

  He cleared his throat, “Are you staying?”

  She shook her head, “No, I’ll return to escort you back to our rooms at the appointed time.”

  Nice, subtle and casual, and in such a sweetly charming and animated tone. Our rooms. It cemented the stakes in his head in an indirect way just before they parted. In truth he wanted to keep her. The idea of having a steady friendship with benefits, as well as a professional relationship, with such a stunning and talented woman was undeniable, despite the fact he really wouldn’t fall for her.

  Daisy had been right, he was incapable of it, which was why her saying it out loud had pissed him off so much in the first place.

  The anger at remembering that incident helped to steady him, he knew how to control the ever present ball of rage in his chest. It made it easier to push all the baggage out of his head, and to feel a little more centered.

  She stopped and waved at the door, “Go on in, she’ll be here shortly. See you soon.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  She grinned and winked saucily, and she gave him a hell of a show walking away with a seductive grace that stole his breath. So much for being centered. It was only after she’d disappeared around the corner, while smirking at him over her shoulder at catching him looking, that he opened the door and moved inside. It was in a way, a typical relatively small conference room. On the other hand, the furniture in the room and art on the walls probably cost more than the ship he arrived in. It looked ancient, and he had the feeling it was wood furniture made on Earth and taken in the original colony ships that had founded the Grand Communion.

  There was a small conference table for six, a head, foot, and two on each long side.

  He immediately discerned this was a test of sorts, her not being in the room yet, and he walked over to the sideboard to make a coffee, adding a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of cream as he thought it through.

  Where he sat would say a lot about his intentions. If he sat at the foot, that would make the meeting extremely formal, and put the entire table between them. Or, he could sit on one of the seats caddy corner to the foot. That would give Aria the choice of informality to sit directly across from him, or to maintain her distance and sit at the head of the table.

  It was the most politically neutral choice, but also the weeniest choice that only a careful man would choose. So he dismissed it out of hand. By not being here to greet him from the head of the table, and tell him where to sit, she’d yielded the initiative to him. Which left the first choice, or the last, to his way of thinking.