Stardust Read Free

ever since he had invaded Palermos and first laid eyes upon the female known as Aurora Dante. Now that he ruled Palermos, he would claim the dark haired beauty for his own. There was just one small flaw in his plan; the blasted female had eluded his guards for days. She had somehow escaped during the overthrow of the palace. But he would have her, make no mistake. So he had vowed – so it would be. F or now he must not reveal anything of his true feelings to Selina. She had a vengeful streak and he had too many other things to worry about besides a meddling female. I f she became impossible, h e would have her terminated.
    He smiled in delight at the thought.
    Turning, he courteously offered his arm while politely inquiring, “ Shall we greet our guest? ”
    “ Of course. It shall be – ”
    Selina ’ s scream echoed off the walls as the heavy oak door was abruptly thrown open.
    Bartok relaxed, replacing his saber as two of his own warriors entered. “ What is the meaning of this? Have you a good reason why I should not serve your heads on a platter this night? ”
    The larger of the two guards spoke quickly as both fell to their knees. “ Your lordship, we are very sorry to disturb you and the mistress, but it is very important. ”
    “ Spit it out, you fool. What has happened? ” Bartok smoothed a non-existent wrinkle from his clothing.
    “ Sir. ” T he warrior ’ s voice trembled. “ The female called Aurora has escaped the planet in your starship, the Galentina. ”
    “ What? ” Bartok snarled. “ Where were the guards when this happened? ”
    “ They were overpowered, sir. ”
    “ Overpowered! ” he shouted, his face purple with rage. “ Are you telling me that one small female battled Bawna warriors and defeated them? ”
    The palace guards rose clumsily to their feet, backing away as their ruler advanced. “ She had help, your great one. ”
    Bartok stopped, momentarily startled. “ Help? Help from whom? ”
    “ The guards did not recog nize the warrior. They say both he and the female fought like Grade 1 warriors. ”
    “ And you believe this idiocy? ” Bartok bellowed. “ No female could possibly possess the skills of a warrior. Have those guards brought to the garden for immediate termination. ” He smiled at Selina, offering her his arm once again. “ We shall have entertainment for our guest tonight after all, my dear. ”
    Breathing sighs of relief they were to escape their master ’ s wrath, the two terrified guards rushed from the room, but Bartok ’ s voice stopped them as they reached the stairs. “ Release the Sybortron. ”
    As they made their way through the crowds, Selina Moray dutifully walked the four paces behind Bartok as was required by Argion females in a public setting.
    “ Stop that you fool. ” S he slapped angrily at the maid who accompanied her. The women fussed with the train of her headdress, slowing her down. She quickened her step as Bartok took his place at the elaborately set table. His uncle Saatan was already seated and she did not want to miss any of the conversation. Aurora Dante had been a thorn in her side for far too many years. The same age, the two young women had both lost their parents in the same space accident. Aurora had been rescued from The House of the Unloved by her uncle Darvek while she, Selina, had been left to rot in its wretched hallways for several years.
    The simple Compassioners who ran the orphanage believed everyone who came to the house looking for a child meant no harm. Saatan had taken her into his household and she ’ d been taught the many ways between male and female. Finally she had been sent to his nephew ’ s bed, a spy for the elderly statesman. She had learned her lessons well, even enjoying her place as mistress. But lately Bartok ’ s touch had beco me more and more demanding.
    “ People of Palermos. Welcome to my humble home. Today we celebrate the return of prosperity to this beautiful planet. W e have a