Joslynn read the invite closely, the linen felt exquisite against the rough skin of her hands. She tossed it on the table in front of her and sat back. Only the clouds and the rain were outside as per usual. Joslynn loved the rain and the cold weather of her home, but on occasion she wanted to be able to go outside without having to worry about getting drenched.

“Countess?” her butler inquired. “Anything I can get for you?”

She shook her head. It was late and she should go to bed anyways. “No thank you, Galvyn. Will you please fetch the steward? Then you may retire for the night.” Joslynn started making a list in her head of what she would need for her travels and when she should leave to make it to the coming-of-age party on time. It took two weeks to fly from Pedranus to Draga Terra. What projects would she need to complete before then?

Her mines would continue working without her as would her fields. She had people in charge of her interests for exactly this kind of thing. She still preferred to help with the work. Joslynn fiddled with her necklace. She’d even helped mine the diamonds used to make the necklace she wore and she was proud of that. Joslynn was no useless noble and never would be.

“Countess?” a strong male voice inquired from the parlor door.

Joslynn turned from the window and the night sky to see her steward standing with his hands clasped behind his back. He bowed briefly before entering the room. Colin had been her father’s steward before he was hers and she valued his input above all others.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the royal Choosing Ball. It’s all over the newsfeeds and livestream.”

Colin sat stiffly in a plush and comfortable chair across from her. Joslynn took her cup and saucer from the side-table and sipped the dark tea. He would have to plan for her absence. It would be a few weeks at the very least before she would be able to return home. “I have, Countess. You will be attending?” he inquired.

She bowed her head briefly. “Of course, the royal family will need my support during this time of change. As the last living Pedranus it is my duty to represent my family.” Joslynn toyed with the diamonds at her neck. She would have to be careful. Too many looked to her as a conquest with greed in their hearts. “I already planned to attend Princess Adelina’s party months before despite the fact the king collapsed here during their tour.”

Her steward nodded already deep in thought as he considered the ramifications. “I will assign the tasks and then begin packing,” Colin said. He pulled out his simulcast and started tapping out a list.

Joslynn shook her head. “No, Steward. I need you to stay here and protect my businesses and my home.” She’d known this might be a problem, but she would not leave her planet vulnerable to the greed of the Ushanovs or anyone else. “I have sent a cast to Scyria and our ally has already sent her youngest son to act as my escort, he will be arriving soon.”

Colin frowned in disapproval. “I do not think it is a good idea for you to travel alone with only Lord Sirus. It is not safe. The pirates alone…” Colin trailed off and his frown deepened.

Joslynn sipped her tea and arched a brow at her steward. “Are you saying you do not trust our allies, Colin?”

“No!” he exclaimed, suddenly realizing his error. “Countess, please that is not what I meant. I only worry for your safety. Many are after your wealth and your life is of no importance to them.”

She nodded. “Yes, I agree. Scyria however receives money and food in exchange for their protection. I trust they would not cut off one of their few benefactors. The border planets are far from the core of the galaxy out here in the outer rim. We need to stick together, Colin. You know as well as I that if there is a war we will be one of the first affected. The gods help Seprilles. I do not envy their position on the border.”

She shook her head. Joslynn couldn’t imagine how frightening it must be to be on the edge of their space at the moment.

The Khara galaxy had just been defeated by a monstrous species. For most of the cycle Khara Prime was closer to Seprilles than their own capitol planet, Draga Terra. Joslynn’s heart went out to her allies and friends during this uncertain time.

“If that is what you wish,” Colin said begrudgingly. “I will prepare the household for your absence as well as a contingent of men to escort you to the capitol, the master of the guard and I will have to speak in the morning. I will send him a cast right now.”

She nodded in agreement. Her safety was Colin’s only concern. After losing her parents in the accident she’d been raised by him, and he was more of a father to her than anything. Still, she was his lady and the last ten cycles she’d come into her own. Joslynn had more of a head for business than anyone had expected and Pedranus had thrived under her rule.

She was only twenty-five, but her people had started to worry. If she died and the Gentle God took her, who would inherit? Would the new ruler care for the people and the land? Joslynn had no heir. Her closest family was a third cousin on the other side of Pedranus and the only thing tying them together was marriage. Joslynn needed a husband and an heir as soon as possible.

The countess sighed with the heavy weight on her shoulders and sipped the nearly cold tea. She placed it on the table and tugged at her necklace again. The rain pounded against the stone of the castle and she hated how empty her house was, how alone she felt. The Choosing Ball was the perfect excuse to find a possible match. If no courtier found her fancy then she would look among her own people.

Joslynn would have started with her own people, but it was difficult to know who would actually care for her and not simply her wealth. The same could be said for the courtiers, but if she found someone who already had money perhaps she wouldn’t have to worry about their greed. She wanted a partner, not someone who would try to murder her the night after their wedding.

A real family was something she’d always wanted.

“Colin, please find me some gems that would be suitable as gifts for the crown princess. There are a few events I will be attending and I want to ensure I have the proper tribute. Princess Adelina will also have her coming-of-age party and needs a fine gift for her day of birth. There is the coronation,” Joslynn started ticking off the possible events. “Pack something for each of the prince and princesses, as well as something I can give if I’m invited to any of their weddings. There are six in total, correct?”

Colin stood and then bowed. “Six including the bastard,” he corrected.

Joslynn snorted. “You mean Prince Ian? He will still be king before any other noble. Calling him a bastard is below you, Colin.” Ian intrigued her; perhaps he would make a good husband. She needed to find a sure thing though if all else failed.

The steward gave a quick smile. “Of course, my lady, I only meant to clarify. I will ensure your requests are met and you will have options to look at tomorrow.”

Her steward left her alone in the parlor and Joslynn listened to the rain that rarely stopped. If it weren’t for her mines and her planet’s fertility she would not have the freedom she had, yet she felt tied down by the constant stress and pressure to create an heir. She could theoretically spend the money to harvest her eggs and fertilize them, but her people would have a hard time accepting the ‘tube babies’ as they called them. They would not be seen as a true Pedranus ruler with the father’s line in question.

Joslynn wished she had the time to fall in love properly rather than making another business decision. She left the parlor and the lights clicked off as she left each room, leaving a wake of darkness behind her.

* * *

Sirus was not happy about this new assignment his mother forced upon him. He was in the middle of training a new contingent of warriors and she had ripped him away as if it was of no importance. He ground his teeth in frustration and crossed his arms over his chest.

The Neprijat now ruled the Khara galaxy and Sirus knew the Draga galaxy was not far behind. He heard rumors they had murdered the entire Corinthian royal family on Khara Prime. Sirus had also heard a prince had managed to escape. He could only hope the Corinthian prince survived long enough to get out and that they were headed toward the palace. They needed information, not rumors.

As the youngest he was the most disposable. Sirus knew that, but his warrior training and the loyalty of his troops made him more valuable than a normal third son. His mother, the Countess of Scyria, adored all of her sons, but he knew they drove her mad. Countess Malaya could not wait to retire.

The only benefit to this good-for-nothing journey was Sirus would be able to spend some time on the surface of a planet with air that wouldn’t freeze in his lungs. Scyria was barely habitable and always frigid. The domes were all that kept them out of the freezing air; otherwise they lived underground to keep the harsh elements at bay.

“Sir, we should be in Pedranus space within a few minutes. We just received permission to land. The Countess of Pedranus is ready and waiting for us.”

Sirus grunted and his lieutenant bowed before exiting his office. As captain he should be on the bridge, but he had wanted to double check his warriors’ training on Scyria. He also had other contingents patrolling Scyrian space as well as the Seprilles’ space. Scyria had nothing to offer but warriors. His planet made growing their own food difficult, let alone exporting goods for trade.

Everything looked on point, for now. Sirus sighed and set his shreve down. He knew he could no longer put off this meeting. There wasn’t much about the countess he knew; only that she was surprisingly good at business and treated her allies well.

Everyone knew of the accident that caused the death of her parents when she was only an infant. Nobles across the galaxy spoke of how young and inexperienced she was when she took over Pedranus at fifteen. No one expected her to succeed. She’d not only done that, but the countess had surpassed all expectations. For that alone Sirus respected her.

Despite his respect, he could not help his irritation with the female as they soared through the atmosphere and the stars disappeared behind dark clouds. No one else could escort her to the gods-be-damned ball? His eldest brother was to be married soon and therefore would not be attending the royal Choosing Ball. He was no longer an eligible match. His second eldest brother was already at court which was why Sirus was so annoyed his mother insisted he represent their family. Petar was a perfect ambassador for Scyria. He was the pretty one.

Sirus made his way to the airlock where he would greet the countess. He was the ally, not his soldiers. It was not a job he could foist off, unfortunately. The Warrior’s Curse landed with barely a jolt and Sirus felt pride swell for his pilots. He only hired the best and all of his warriors knew their work reflected upon the Scyrian family.

The airlock opened as soon as his men and women gave the all clear and he stepped out into the rain. For a second the sweet air in his lungs and the green grass under his feet was all Sirus could think about. The rain on his face felt like a dream. He looked up into the sky and saw only dark grey clouds, but it was more of the sky than he’d seen in what felt like cycles.

“I’m glad you like my planet, Lord Sirus,” a woman said. Her voice was sweet like the air with a hint of laughter.

Immediately Sirus scolded himself for the second of inattention. “I apologize, Countess Joslynn.” He looked down and found her standing closer than he would have preferred.

He stepped back and noticed she didn’t carry any sort of apparatus to keep the rain off her hair and face. The countess’s clothes were damp, but her smile was wide as she looked up at him. Suddenly Sirus realized how tiny she was. The top of her head barely reached his chest.

She arched a brow at him and he awkwardly cleared his throat. “I apologize,” he said again. What the gods had this woman done to him? He didn’t normally act like such a fool.

“Countess, you should have waited,” an old man scolded as he made his way up the hill towards the Warrior’s Curse.

Sirus watched him carry up an umbrella and the trail of servants behind him carried trunks from the castle. The aboveground castle was magnificent, but it would be difficult to protect from an enemy’s attack. He was grateful his main family seat was safe, deep below the surface of his planet. The connecting one aboveground was mostly for show, for audiences, and various events.

The trunks looked heavy and he couldn’t help his curiosity. What did she have in them and why did she feel the need to bring whatever was in all five of them? He would need to go over the list with her steward.

“I’ll have my lieutenant show you to your quarters,” Sirus said as he watched the steward fuss over the countess like a father. The trunks were lined up in his cargo hold and the servants disappeared.

“No need,” she said. “I’ll wait here until the two of you are finished.”

Her firm tone surprised Sirus enough he caught himself staring at her in disbelief. The lights from his ship shone in her blood-red hair and he was entranced by her emerald eyes…no, they were more of a peridot; so bright they practically glowed. “Excuse me?” He couldn’t help the rude question.

The young countess planted her hands on her hips. “I don’t know if you are aware Lord Sirus, but there are nearly three billion credits worth of jewels in those cases. I’m sure you know much about the threat of pirates. The journey is long from the outer rim to the capitol. If they don’t want my jewels they’ll want to ransom me off. I cannot allow either to happen and I’d like to know my hard work is safe in your hold and that my steward properly informs you of your duties as my official escort.”

She was sassy. She was demanding.

Sirus looked to her steward for confirmation or help, he wasn’t sure which. The old man simply grinned at him with a gleam of laughter in his eyes and bowed. “I follow my lady’s orders.” His statement left Sirus speechless.

He hadn’t realized Countess Joslynn was so dominant and forceful. Sirus glanced down and noticed for the first time callouses on her hands. She worked. He gritted his teeth to keep from stuttering some asinine statement. “Of course,” he said slowly, carefully. “Follow me then.” He led the countess and her Steward further into his cargo hold as his warriors swarmed the trunks. He had a large vault for exactly this purpose.

The trunks went into the vault, except one which the countess ordered taken to her quarters. Sirus hid his surprise at only one trunk. This woman was unlike any lady he had ever come across before. She watched as the last one disappeared into the vault. He couldn’t believe every single one of those were full of jewels.

“Do you have a list of the contents for each one?” Sirus asked, clasping his hands behind his back.

Countess Joslynn pulled out her simulcast and indicated he should as well. She tapped hers to his and he skimmed over the transferred document. No, not every trunk had jewels, but most of them.

“One of these is for you,” she said simply. “I trust our alliance will remain strong during these troubling times.”

Sirus couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping. An entire trunk of precious gems for him and his family? Gods, what he could do with the credits he would get from selling them. His warriors would be treated well, that was for sure. “Of course, Countess, my life is yours.”

Joslynn gave him a little smile. “I understand you will sell the gems when we reach Draga Terra, but I would like for you to go through and choose some for your family to keep. I’ve selected a few personally I hope you’ll like.” She crossed to the nearest trunk and placed her hand on the lid. It took a second to verify her identity and then the lid opened with a hiss.

The countess took a box from the top and opened it. “These diamonds I found while working this spring and they reminded me of your planet from the few times I’d visited. I’d like for one to be gifted to each Son of Scyria for him to use in his choice of engagement.”

She handed him the box and Sirus stared at three of the most beautiful diamonds he’d ever laid eyes on; one diamond for each of the Scyrian sons. They glittered with an inner fire so hot they shone blue and orange. They did remind him of the sun on the snow; a deadly beauty.

The countess took one out and it was nearly the size of her tiny palm. “This one I chose for you. It is slightly different. I left it rough and thought perhaps you would like to choose how it is cut. The other two are similar, but I cut them in the traditional square shape Scyria prefers.”

Sirus noticed a pear shaped gem on one of her fingers, the same color as her eyes. He stared long and hard into those beautiful eyes, hardly believing this woman he didn’t know was able to understand him at all. She must have heard the stories, but she didn’t seem to care. “You honor me and my family, Countess. It will be difficult to repay your kindness.”

Joslynn reached up on tip-toe to give him a kiss on the cheek and Sirus felt heat crawl up his neck in a blush. When was the last time a woman had touched him?

“Our continued friendship and alliance is all the repayment I need.” The countess led the way back to the airlock and her steward followed dutifully. “Please tell Lord Sirus of my concerns,” she instructed, inspecting his ship and warriors with interest.

Sirus trailed behind; listening to her steward prattle about the dangers he’d already been briefed on. He was a warrior. He had done his research before he’d even left his planet. His mother would have his hide if he didn’t perform his duties precisely. As Sirus watched her hips sway in front of him, he was suddenly grateful for the assignment.

“The Countess is also wary of the attempts that will be made on the capitol for her hand. She does not wish to be courted at all.” The steward’s words broke through Sirus’s thoughts.

“No lords should approach her?” he asked to clarify. It was a strange thing, normally females were anxious to wed.

They stopped in front of the airlock and Sirus noticed the rain began to let up.

“No, Lord Sirus, no courtiers will be allowed to approach her without sending a cast to you to explain their visit prior. You will vet each inquiry before allowing them to see the countess. Pay particular attention to the Ushanovs. They’ve been vying for her attentions for cycles and they want more than her hand in marriage.” The steward frowned as he inspected his ward.

Joslynn glanced over her shoulder at Sirus and he saw the anxiety there, the real fear. The fear towards men a woman was born with and he nodded. “I vow to keep her safe, Steward. She will see no one she does not wish to.”

“Good.” The man clapped him on the shoulder and Sirus stiffened at the contact. “Then if she asks, you will pretend to be her lover.”

As Sirus watched the countess smile at his warriors and chat with them as if she wasn’t nobility, he didn’t think pretending to love her would be difficult. “Of course,” he murmured.

The steward hugged Joslynn good-bye and Sirus sent a cast to his lieutenant to ready the ship for departure. Once the steward and the servants were clear of his ship, Sirus took a long look at Pedranus before closing the airlock.

“Kala smiles on my journey,” Joslynn said. “It’s not often the rain ceases here.”

Sirus offered her his arm and she placed a small hand over his own without hesitation. He was able to keep himself from flinching at her touch, but his skin practically burned. “Let me escort you to your quarters, lady.”

She nodded and was silent as they made their way to the main lift. “We may not know each other well, Sirus, but I would prefer you called me Joslynn,” she said quietly.

Sirus said nothing as they entered the lift. He pressed his palm to the wall and intoned his passcode. Her rooms were next to his on a floor only a handful of people could access. Sirus took his job seriously and he would protect the countess – no, Joslynn—with his life.

“Joslynn,” he said as if feeling how the syllables tasted on his tongue. It was a strange name, yet beautiful; like her.

He stared straight ahead but he could see her looking sideways at him as the lift traveled through the ten floors. “Is there something wrong, la—Joslynn?” he asked.

“Would you mind halting the lift?”

Her strange request made him frown but he did as she asked. As soon as they stopped moving she let go of him and faced him fully. His heart beat harder and suddenly his hands were sweaty. Sirus had no idea what she planned to do and the sensation of uncertainty was unfamiliar to him.

“I need to confide in you,” she whispered, looking about the small lift as if it had ears.

“Whatever you have to say will remain between the two of us, I swear on it.”

She took a step closer and he hissed in a breath. Joslynn halted when she heard him, but still grabbed his arm as she looked up, practically imploring him to pay attention. “My people need me to produce an heir. I have to find a husband, but…” she trailed off and bit her lip. His eyes snagged on her mouth and he couldn’t bring himself to look away. “I am afraid someone will fool me into believing they love me, when they only love what my planet will do for them. I can’t allow someone to try and wrest control from me. I am the rightful ruler of Pedranus.”

Sirus nodded. She deserved to be ruler from what he could see. “What is it you need from me, lady?”

Her glowing green eyes held his own and stared right into his soul. “I know you have your duties to your family, but if…if I can’t find someone I trust, someone I know who has my best interests at heart…would you consider something for me?” Her cheeks were pink against the milky white of her skin. She was as white as the surface of his planet, perfect and untouched.

Sirus said nothing as he waited for her to make her request, but the stutter in his heart warned him.

“You’re an honorable, handsome man Sirus. Our families rely on one another and I feel I can trust you to keep me safe no matter what happens. I ask that you would consider marrying me.”

His heart actually stopped beating for a moment as he stared at her. Breathe, he reminded himself, he needed to take a breath so he could answer her. He needed to explain why he would be a terrible husband, why he had to stay on Scyria.

You can still run the Scyrian Army from Pedranus, a small voice in his head told him. He ignored it. “You’ve heard the stories, I assume,” Sirus said wryly, keeping his tone light despite his concern.

Never once did she look away from him. It was rare a woman could meet his eyes. “I know what happened to you Sirus, and I wish I could undo what was done.” She ignored the way he stiffened when she stepped closer. “I do not think less of you because of it.”

Clearly she was not thinking straight. That had to be it. “Lady, I don’t think you understand,” he snapped, yanking his arm from her grasp to run his hand violently through his hair. “They kidnapped me for ransom and my family did not have the credits to get me back.” His hand traced the ragged scar from his hairline down to his chin. It was ugly and bisected his left eye. His family didn’t have the money to replace his eye either. None of those things were available on Scyria. Not even for the nobility. Most of their credits went to importing food. Their people could not starve so he could have another eye.

“I don’t care,” she said stubbornly. Slowly she reached up and touched his chin where the scar ended and he couldn’t help the flinch this time. “You escaped because you are strong. I need that. You would not be the worst choice for me.” Her sad smile broke his heart. “Please, just consider it as a possibility.”

Joslynn turned back to face the door and clasped her hands in front of her as if they hadn’t just had one of the most intimate moments of Sirus’s life. With her nod he started the lift again. By the time the lift reached the correct floor he had regained control of his breathing and his cool composure was back in place.

Sirus didn’t think a marriage to this woman was a good idea. She was living, breathing fire and he was made of ice.