GERRI ZIMMERMAN - BURNING EMBERS

Gerri Zimmerman graduated from high school with high honors. In addition, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. Also, she is an artist. For her artistic efforts, she received first place trophies and ribbons.
Recently, after being in the workforce for many years, she had the opportunity to retire. This enabled her to pursue writing a novel and having it published.
Her first novel, Master of Seduction, was the result of her writing efforts, followed by a science fiction novella titled, Ancient Martian Echoes. Additional writing credits are: Alien Fugitive (first appeared in softcartel.com; and Return of the Martian Rebels (first appeared in literaryyard.com.
 
Gerri Zimmerman, Author
www.facebook.com/gerri.zimmerman.5
www.linkedin.com/in/gerri-zimmerman  

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BURNING EMBERS
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A brief, but sharp, high-pitched sound erupted from the gilded birdcage. Lenora Greystone tapped the cage gently with her gnarled finger.
“Hush, my sweet. All is well. All is well. Be quiet today, my pet.”
For some reason, every bone in her blue body ached on this quiet day. She grumbled quietly to herself as she pushed back some stray strands of her glorious white hair. Then, she took a deep breath through her life-saving gills. This action temporarily cleared her sleepy brain. Getting old was hell as far as she was concerned.
To take her mind off her pain, she turned her head to look at two specific pictures that hung on one of her living room walls. The pictures were of the two most important men in her life.
She ran her fingertips over the frames of both pictures carefully as her eyes watered. She dabbed at her eyes with one finger to flick a tear from her cheek.
“I will not think of either one of you. I will not! Not today, anyway.”
Tearing her eyes away from the pictures, she began to study a tiny pale yellow flower, which she found in a pocket of her dress. With her gnarled, crippled fingers she caressed the soft petals of the flower. She found herself straightening her bent body with determination to try to forget the past.
She decided to direct her thoughts to the flower. She had trouble picking the flower this day because lately she had difficulty bending over and getting back up. She had become stiff with age. Damn it, anyway.
Not long ago, when this unique flower was in full boom, it had large petals. This amazing flower had been a creation of nature. Very few flowers grew on Titan, and those that did never lived very long—as Titan's tainted, toxic atmosphere did not condone plant growth.
This particular flower definitely brought back memories of him and of the rare flower he had given her. She had told herself once again that she wouldn’t think about him. She had lied to herself as she usually did. Her thoughts usually strayed to him, no matter what distraction she used.
Her love and admiration for him never wavered over the years and never would. How could she ever forget him? She couldn’t, nor did she want to—not really.
She realized she was not quite finished admiring her flower, however, as she began to inhale and savor its mild floral fragrance. It saddened her that this creation of nature had to die, but then, everything and everyone eventually died.
She contended memories should die too, but they didn’t. They merely faded, but could be resurrected, if desired. Did she want to resurrect the past?
She tried to stay in an upright position, but her weary body resisted. Still, she was able to watch a small fire burn in her ancient stone fireplace. Occasionally, a small eruption of flames would shatter her concentration—not that her concentration was that good anymore.
Her light brown eyes strayed to a small piece of wood that had dislodged from the main fire. She watched the spent wood as it glowed, smoldered, flickered slightly, and then burned completely out. The fire was dead, and burning embers remained.
However, her love for him and the other had not burned out completely. She still thought of them and about them. Those flames still burned in her mind and in her heart. They were very special men in her life. Those memories didn’t die, and never would. She wouldn’t let them.
In her mind, “he” was Prince Dames Morloch, a great leader of Boron, and a very compassionate man; and there was “the other”—Jupiter’s Human Rights Diplomat, Raoul Langley. Dames and Raoul—they had been the only exciting men in her life. The only two men she loved deeply.
To see them once again would please her. That was unlikely, however, as they had each gone separate ways.
Her memories plagued her and begged to resurrect themselves, and so she stopped fighting, and let them flow. She closed her eyes, and the flower fell from her hand and floated down landing quietly onto the mud floor.
The now cold fire seemed to spring to life once the flower landed. Her breathing slowed, and sleep took over, taking her back to a time was she young and duty bound.

 
#
The Past—Many Years Ago…
Young Lenora Greystone held in her capable hands a small picture of Prince Dames Morloch. Protecting him and his family is her assignment. She would soon meet them.
On a nearby table was a small picture of Raoul Langley. She had met him some time ago and believed him to be a good friend.
Today, she hoped to see the prince and his family when she entered the city of Boron. Raoul would not be with her this day, because he went to Jupiter to conduct a fraud investigation for the State.
Her eagle eyes took one look at the prince and had no doubts that he clearly represented royalty, through and through. She found she was also smitten.
The prince was tall, dark, and very handsome with sexy stark blue eyes. He stirred Lenora’s blood as no other man had—not even Raoul.
God knows, Raoul had told her repeatedly he loved her and that he wanted to marry her. She had lost count of the refusals she gave him because he wasn’t the right man for her. She told him he was a friend, nothing more.
She entered the gates of the booming village of Boron and mingled with the throng of residents who awaited the arrival of the Royal Family.
She knew when the Royal Family arrived, because the residents of Boron expressed their excitement with hurrahs and hoorays. The noise was deafening.
She spotted the prince’s Chief of Security, Jackal Corab, who flanked the prince. Both stood in a hovercraft decorated with red and white banners, various sized balloons and the name of the Morloch Royal House boldly displayed on front of the hovercraft.
She observed the prince as he waved his arms excitedly to the residents of Boron. These were his people—the people who adored him and who wanted no other to govern them.
His people returned his wave in droves. It was obvious to her they adored their leader. Hell, she adored him too.
She noted the wife of the prince, Princess Zeta and their son Crown Prince Makial, stood in attendance. Makial was the splitting image of the prince. There was no denying parentage there.
The prince’s security team, which consisted of a trained security staff of forty men, surrounded the Royal Family. Their weapons were high-powered stun guns and concealed knives.
When the prince was in the palace, his security team numbered well over one hundred armed men. Even though the people adored their leader, he had enemies. Protection of his family was his priority.
          The prince reached out to the people of Boron by shaking their hands when he could. He did this once a year and enjoyed himself immensely.
          She watched as the prince glanced at his wife and son and took note that his smiled changed to one of stiff and unyielding. It is apparent to her that the marriage was not a happy one.
Quite unexpectedly, her psychic senses kicked in. She was overwhelmed with fear for Dames' who was in imminent danger. When she experienced this overwhelming type of fear, she knew she must take immediate action; and she did just that.
She propelled herself forward through hordes of residents and headed directly toward the prince.
She was taking a big chance that his security team might take her down before she could reach him. She was, however, more than willing to take that chance, even if it meant her own death.
When she reached the prince, her training took over. She shoved him to the ground and shielded him with her body. Lying on top of him, however, gave her a feeling of intimacy, which made her feel uncomfortable. She reminded herself that this was her job. Thoughts of intimacy were subdued.
She saw his blue eyes glare at her in anger and astonishment. Lenora couldn't blame him for being angry. To have a woman knock him down was unthinkable. To have a woman protect him would be embarrassing. Better he be embarrassed than dead.
#
The prince noticed the trademark of a psychic on the woman—a tan circle at the center of her forehead. He knew he was safe. His body relaxed. There was no need for him to take drastic security measures.
Though he knew he could have her put to death for physical contact to a member of the Royal Family, he wouldn’t. There had to be a reason for what she did, and he would find out what it was.
The prince watched as the woman’s light brown eyes twinkled at him. Did she know what she was doing to him? Did she enjoy tackling a man? Could she feel his hard groin? She had to. That must be why there was a light shade of red on her smooth cheeks. She must be as flustered as he. Good! He found he was enjoying himself immensely at her expense.
He had to admire her agility, for she was lightning quick on her feet and knew how to wrestle a man. Second, she was an exciting woman, if exciting was the word to use.
This psychic disabled him with finesse. Rendered incapable of moving was a new experience for him. He decided, rather quickly, he did not want to move. It felt good to have her right where she was—in fact—too damn good. Granted, this was not the most dignified position to be in for a prince. Right now, it was all right with him.
Based on the weight of her trim, lean body, he would guess she was of medium build and weighed no more than one hundred thirty pounds approximately.
This unknown psychic intrigued him as no woman had in many, many years. He would know more about this female very soon.
He could see a look of desperation and fear clearly plastered on her face. She was still holding him down with her body. He knew she was about to speak to him. A slight grin developed on his smooth dark blue lips. It would be interesting to hear what this unique and mysterious woman had to say. How would she justify her present position to him?
He watched the mysterious woman’s eyes darken slightly as she scanned the immediate area. She was taunt as a bow, yet in command of her faculties—whereas, he was not. If she could read his mind at that moment, she would know that she had best remove her body from his; or he was going to embarrass himself.
Slowly, she lifted herself from his prone body. She had been quite aware of his physical response to her position while protecting him. She felt sure he was aware too.
As the prince began to get up from his reclining position, she saw him give his security people an at ease signal.
Phew! She was safe from imprisonment for the moment, but she had to think fast. Her primary thought was how was she going to explain to the prince that someone wanted to murder him. The shadow of death had been in his aura.
In addition, how should she handle her own reaction to the closeness of his body to hers? She had never experienced this strange feeling before.
She was in one fine mess, and only she could get herself out of it—at least, she hoped she could.
#
In the Vicinity of the Prince and his Entourage
The damn psychic beat them to it. Morab was going to have to come up with a good reason for not killing the prince when they had had the chance, which had been a scant few seconds before the psychic had entered the picture.
Because Morab and Nico failed to murder the prince, as planned, the princess would be very angry with them.
Morab was not worried, however, as he knew how to appease the princess. Sex was her true weakness. He was passionate for her. He would satisfy her sexual appetite as soon as she cooled down
Morab was very ambitious; and knew if he bided his time, that one day he would stand beside her as her husband. Then he would be just as powerful as she.
Morab and Nico crept away from their hiding spot and made way to meet with the princess.
#
Dames rose from his confined position to tower over this strange woman who knocked him down. He saw her stand tall and knew she would not be intimidated by his height or by him.
They faced each other as adversaries—eyeing each other for any weakness. A battle of wills was at play.
He elected to negotiate a truce by extending his right hand to her. His hand engulfed her  small and capable hand—the very same hand that had saved his life this day.
She was an attractive woman. Then his attention focused on her tan birthmark. It was the size of a silver dollar situated in the middle of her forehead. This, coupled with her wraparound black streak in her white hair, clearly labeled her as a Jupiter psychic.
The star shaped lapel pin on her shirt indicated that she was a class ten psychic—there was none higher. This also meant she was very talented and very capable of protecting.
His priority was to find out why she attacked him. He had a security team. He wasn't aware of additional security in the form of a psychic.
The answer to his question must occur behind closed doors. He knew where interrogation would take place. Yes. He had the ideal place in mind.
He had her follow him to a small stretch of park benches. He motioned that she sit down, which she did.
"You have just saved my life. I did not feel I was in danger; and my security team apparently saw nothing. Explain your actions. And, while you are explaining, tell me who you are?"
"Very well. The Psychic High Council on Jupiter hired me to protect you from a possible assassination attempt. When I saw danger in your aura, I had to take action right away.
“The Council didn’t want you to know too early of the assassination plot. As to my identity, I am Lenora Greystone. I was born here, in the city of Boron.”
"Perhaps I will look into your background. Then, again, maybe I won't. Provide me with your background."
"Only my mother survives. She lives with her second husband in a small cottage on the outskirts of Boron.”
"What is it like to be a psychic?" he queried.
"Most challenging. My life and those I protect require me to be on guard at all times. This takes a toll on one’s health, but a short vacation a few times a year helps. And there are monetary rewards, which will give me a comfortable retirement package."
His eyebrows arched slightly. "I gather when one is a psychic, they might consider it a curse."
"Yes! At times, it can be.” Lenora answered, which was true.
“I gather your job is hard on relationships,” he stated, knowing the answer before she spoke the words.
Lenora closed her eyes briefly. “Dedication to my job is too demanding on a relationship.”
He hadn’t realized a psychic’s dedication ran so deep and was so ingrained in that species.
“Don’t you want marriage and children?” he asked, clearly interested in her and her response.
She said calmly, “Of course I want those things. My mother was able to marry and give birth to me, but at great cost.”
Puzzled, he queried, “At great cost?”
“Yes. My father was not a psychic, you see. After a few years of marriage to one, he couldn’t handle it. He left us. Later, she married a psychic, and she is now very happy.”
“She still loves your father. Am I correct?”
“Yes. Yes, you are. Her husband understands, he says. He wants her no matter what, you see. He loves her to distraction.”
The prince decided to change the subject.
"Will you, your mother and her husband accept my invitation to come to the palace and meet my family? We, as a family, should thank you."
Lenora was startled. She never expected an invitation to the palace. One did not turn down an invitation from a member of the Royal Family.
"I accept the invitation on behalf of my mother and her husband, but I must choose the day and time.”
"So be it, Lenora, saver of my life. Send a messenger to the palace with your response to my invitation."
Then he reached for her right hand and put it into his huge ones. Looking deeply into her light brown eyes, he commented, "Until next we meet, friend."
Then he placed a feathered kiss on her hand. She felt warm and pleasantly at ease.
She pulled her hand from his very slowly and watched him as he walked away. The prince’s security team filtered the area and followed him to his next destination, wherever that might be.
#
Dames walked in an opposite direction from Lenora. His chief of security, Jackal, walked with the prince with the pomp and circumstance due his position.
“She’s good at what she does.”
Jackal mumbled something and Dames chuckled.
“Don’t worry,” stated Dames. “You and your men will still guard my family. She, however, has another assignment. You will assist her when necessary.”
Jackal nodded his assent. Dames noted Jackal’s stiff posture, which reflected his resentment and frustration.
He trusted Jackal implicitly, but he would await his orders before doing anything that wasn’t in his best interest. He couldn’t inform him just yet that it would be a long wait before he gave Jackal instructions to have the psychic investigated.
Besides, he had already concluded an investigation into the psychic’s credentials wasn’t necessary. He trusted the psychic right away, but not because she was a psychic. He found he genuinely admired and liked her. This was highly irregular.
As he strolled with beside Jackal, he didn’t listen to what was said. Instead, his thoughts dwelled on psychic called Lenora. She liked him; he sensed it. She had put herself in dire danger to protect him. True, this is her job, but he sensed there was than protection involved, much more. He could feel it.
He suspected she already knew who it was that wished him dead. There were rumors in the confines of the palace that one or more persons wanted him dead. He had his own suspicions but dared not voice them out loud.
#
A security guard greeted Lenora as she entered the palace. The guard escorted her to a large antechamber.
Until Dames elected to enter the chamber, she had time to look around. The room had a small stone fireplace. There were also numerous medium sized pictures of Titan.
When Lenora heard a crackle and pop, she quickly turned her head, her eyes darting back and forth for a possible intruder. Since she found no intruder, she resumed her view of the fireplace.
Snap, crackle and pop erupted from the fire. The flames were hypnotic. As a result, she found she could mentally relax without much effort. She watched the burning embers as they began to change colors. They went from bright red and yellow to grey and then black.
She hadn’t heard Dames enter, because her thoughts were wandering.
She wrapped her arms around her torso in an attempt to absorb whatever warmth from the fire was left. For a brief moment, she felt safe, a feeling she seldom experienced. When she felt this calm, she often became extremely sensitive to vibes in the air.
Dames had indeed arrived. Her psychic senses could feel him. Alas, he had entered her temporary sanctuary. She turned to greet him.
#
Upon entering one of the palace’s meeting rooms, Dames found Lenora. She seemed to find one of the many palace fireplaces interesting. It was more than that, he concluded. Lenora was absorbed. He wondered why. This, however, gave him some time to observe her.
She was a beautiful woman. She wore her hair ultra short. The traditional psychic horizontal black hairstreak at the crown of her head clearly stood out.
She was dressed in white, which not only emphasized her blue skin but also the slimness of her body.
He found that she no longer looked at the fireplace, but was now looking directly at him. She stood rigid; her body as taunt as her stance—it was as if he had given her an order not to move. She needed to relax. He was going to help her do just that.
However, as he got closer to her, the stiffer she became. Perhaps he should consider a different approach. Therefore, he walked slowly around her. Then with a wave of his hand, he indicated she should sit down on one of the cushioned chairs placed by the fireplace.
He noticed her mother and husband had not come with her. He wondered why.
“Your mother and husband could not come?”
"No. My mother was not well, and her husband was on an assignment. She begs your forgiveness.” Lenora lied. Her mother refused to come and said her husband was on business.
"Of course. Perhaps they can come another time. I’m glad you remembered to call me by my given name. Come, let us begin the tour."
He did not touch her, but she walked beside him as if she belonged at his side. How was he going to handle the attraction he had for this uncommon woman. He would decide that later.
He directed her to a large ballroom.
"There have been many social activities in this formidable room. Recently, visiting dignitaries from Jupiter came to see how I run the palace and manage the people. They have returned to Jupiter with a different viewpoint every time. Amazing, isn't it?"
"Not really. They do not live on Titan. It would be difficult for them to see what you do. For instance, when you had our much needed hospital build, I understand various dignitaries scoffed at the idea. They did not believe it was possible. Yet, you accomplished that. That was a monumental undertaking. My people admired you and your staff on your achievement."
He looked at her in utter amazement.
"Is this true? Do they think highly of me?"
Lenora nodded in ascension.
“My people greatly admire and respect you. They want no other leader.” She stated with conviction.
"Then, I am going in the right direction, the positive direction. This news pleases me." Now, let us proceed to other anterooms and a few of the bedrooms."
Lenora didn’t feel comfortable with the word bedrooms.
"I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but," she began, when he interrupted her train of thought.
"Call me Dames, please."
"Very well, Dames. I accepted your gracious offer to meet with you at the palace to discuss today's threat. It is important you and I discuss this with you. Someone wants you dead. There is an assassin at large in our great city. Can we go somewhere where we will not be overheard, even by your security team?"
Dames thought about Lenora's suggestion and concluded that she was sincere, and that she had his best interests at heart. A private discussion was in order.
“Very well.” Dames said. Where could he take Lenora that might be private?
The anteroom was small but welcoming with its warm green carpeting, a wood burning fireplace, two sofas and a few cushioned chairs.
He sensed she was still not comfortable. His mind raced to think of something, anything that he could do to remedy this situation. Then, he had the answer.
"May I offer you a drink of our tonic water? Or, would you prefer some food?"
His blue eyes turned a deeper shade of blue, if that was possible. He was a handsome man; but he was off limits!
“No. Thank you!” she answered.
Still, he wasn’t happy with this setting either. Perhaps he should take her to one of his hydrocarbon lakes. It would be quiet there.
Various types of floral surrounded the modified hydrocarbon lake. It was very peaceful setting for a quiet meeting.
“Please sit down on this bench. She did, and he could tell by her demeanor that she was a little more comfortable than before.
He picked a small yellow follow from the palace garden and handed it to her.
While sitting comfortably, she held the flower that he gave her.
She inhaled the flower's subtle fragrance and closed her eyes. The flower smelled similar to that of a rare Titan spice. It was intoxicating.
He hovered nearby and found that she stirred his senses, as no other woman had, not even his wife. He realized he was looking at an extremely rare flower, as rare as the flower she held in her hand. This flower, however, must be cultivated carefully.
It suddenly came to him that he could give up his empire for this woman. He could not seriously consider this, however. He owed allegiance to his ancestors, his people, and especially to his son. After all, she was a commoner. Royalty never married commoners.
Dames motioned Lenora to stay where she was. He took this time as he paced slowly around her.
“This is my favorite private place. I come here when I can to sort out my cluttered mind. Notice the smoky haze over the flowers. There is a feeling of sereneness and tranquility. Are there times when you can do this too?”
Lenora set her fragrant flower on her lap. “I seldom have the time to relax, let alone think. I must always be on guard! For instance, when I knocked you down, I saw someone aim a weapon at you. I saw it here.” She pointed at the top of her head.
“He has an accomplice. You know these people. They reside in your residence. One of them was about to fire his weapon at you. It was my job to disable you, in order to save you from injury.” Lenora did not say Dames would die, but Dames read between the lines.
Who would want to murder him? Why didn’t Lenora give him names?
          Eager to know who it might be, Dames was anxious, yet apprehensive. Dare he probe further? Hell! Yes! He and his son’s life were at stake.
          “Do you have names for these individuals? No, never mind. You would have given them to me.” he said.
          “That is correct. I regret that I do not yet know their names. I would describe them to you if they hadn’t worn skin masks. I’m sorry, but their identities are not available to me at this time.”
          “Skin masks?” questioned Dames. “Then how can we or you find the assassin?”
          Lenora remarked. “I will find out who they are and who hired them, Your Highness.”
          Dames glared at Lenora. Lenora coughed discreetly and amended her last statement. “Apologies, I meant, Dames.” Then, she blushed.
          “They? There is more than one? You must protect my son at all costs. I am indispensable; he isn’t.” Dames stated. He would brook no argument from her.
An attempt on his life was one thing, but if his son was in danger also, then this was unacceptable—utterly unacceptable.
Dames said calmly, “How will you handle this? My son is the heir to the throne. Nothing must happen to him.”
Lenora took a moment to compose herself, and to think more clearly. Then, she said, “I will survey the palace grounds. I will look for a weak area or areas that is inconspicuous. Please understand me, it’s not that I believe your security team is not doing their job. However, I may see something that your security team might overlook. I will connect with your security chief, and he and I will see to it that additional security be added where necessary.”
Quickly Dames answered, “Excellent! This is a beginning.”
With each word he spoke, he crept closer to Lenora. He was tired of keeping his distance away from her.
Dames wanted to kiss her. It would be one small transgression. He could live with that.
When he was close enough, he held Lenora’s hands. Then, he placed her hands on his masculine chest and said to her softly. “I am going to kiss you. Do you have any objections?”
“Well, I don’t think…” she didn’t get to finish her sentence because he kissed her anyway. She was lost. The kiss was brief but it told her how he felt. Now, it was her duty and obligation to tell her that the kiss was as far as she could go. However, she couldn’t seem to say the words that needed saying because she wasn't able to utter them. She was speechless.
She pushed him away gently. “Dames,” she said breathlessly, “This can’t go any further. It can’t. You do understand.”
She turned her back to him and made her way quickly out and away from the palace.
Dames felt bereft as he watched her leave. He wished she hadn’t pleaded with her convictions, but she was right. He just hated to admit it.
Dames wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t try to kiss her again or that he wouldn’t attempt to seduce her. After all, he was a man with wants and desires. Damn, he found when he was near her, he had difficulty controlling his lustful thoughts. She was a temptress. What was he to do?
#
In the distance, Lenora’s faithful friend Raoul watched the prince and his beloved. He also saw the prince’s security chief and vice versa. When their eyes met, they knew they shared a rare intimate moment with the prince. They also knew they would say nothing about it to anyone.
Raoul felt betrayed when he saw her kiss the prince. As preordained, however, soon she would come to him. It couldn’t happen soon enough as far as he was concerned.
#
A Short Time Later
          After Lenora departed, Dames went into the palace gardens. Scattered throughout the gardens were rare oak trees. Rich green leafy foliage was in in abundance. Rare cactus stood proudly with their prickly surfaces on display for all to see. Rare flowers displayed their petals in brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. A few birds chirped happily in their private domain.
The palace botanical gardens provided atmosphere conducive to thinking when one had a troubled brain. As he strolled through the gardens, he realized he was deeply concerned about Lenora’s welfare. Besides, guarding the royal family put her life at risk also. He found that thought most unsettling.
This was also a time of reflection for him. He missed Lenora already. If only she wasn’t so damn alluring. He couldn’t change what she was, but he could appreciate her and her extraordinary talent from afar, like a besotted fool. Though he wasn’t a fool, he sure as hell felt like one.
          The day had been long, longer than he had anticipated. Just as he was about to leave the gardens, he saw his wife enter the gardens. What in the world did she want?
#
          Zeta sauntered toward her husband. When she was close enough to him, she puckered her lips while touching his chin with her manicured fingernail. She knew this irritated him. She enjoyed his discomfort.
          She felt his distaste at her touch as he grabbed her hand and pushed it away. She smiled at his rejection of her charms.
She commented, “So, a psychic has been hired by our home planet’s security administrative section to protect us—from what, pray tell. You have always had enemies. Surely, our security team can handle any threats.”
          Dames responded, knowing she had her sources of information, just as he did, “It is believed the assassins will attempt to murder me or our son, or both. I hope that the psychic will find them. Her name is Lenora Greystone, in case you haven’t already heard. Our security team will assist her.”
          She said sarcastically, “I know her name. Tell me. Did you enjoy your episode of intimate contact?”
          “Hold your tongue, woman!” he stated bitingly. “She was doing her job. That’s all there was to it. Don’t make something cheap out of what happened. You should thank her that she saved my life.”
          As Zeta turned to leave, she said, “I should thank her? I think not!”
#
Zeta knew damn well what was going on. The elimination of her son and Dames must happen soon. Her hired assassins must accomplish this. She must rule as foreseen by a trusted soothsayer long ago.
A psychic was not a person she thought she would have to deal with, especially a beautiful one.
Maybe her contacts could eliminate Dames, her son, and the psychic. If she paid them enough, they would do anything.
She would have to revamp her plans to now include the psychic. She found herself giddy with excitement. She was confident that very soon she would be head of the realm.
#
          Raoul saw Lenora leave the palace. He hurried to be by her side. When he finally caught up to her, she stopped in her tracks. She stopped so suddenly that he almost knocked her down.
          Surprised at seeing him, she said, “Raoul. What are you doing here? I thought I saw you—and here you are. It is a good thing you didn’t sneak up—I would’ve decked you.” She stated with a slight grin on her smooth glossy lips.
          A slight blush stole over Raoul’s face. He had been following her, and saw the prince kiss her. He was guilty of eavesdropping. Should he admit it to her? Hell, no! He’d be a fool to do that.
          He said, “I rather suspected you’d spot me. When I was very sure it was you, I decided it was time we talked.”
          She countered, “I know you better. Tell me the truth.”
          No way would he tell her the truth. Besides, she would deny that she loved him. She’d been denying the sexual attraction for years. One day soon, he would prove to her just how strong the attraction was.
          Lenora heard him, but also heard unfamiliar sounds emanating from her surroundings. In fact, the sounds were that of—muffled footsteps. Instinctively, she reacted by pushing Raoul down onto the hot, hard ground, knocking him out temporarily.
Before she could take the next step, however, she felt pain at the back of her head. She, too, fell onto the hard and unyielding ground.
#
          Morab and Nico stood over their victim. The princess wanted the psychic dead. His next step would be to put a knife into her body.
Morab took his knife from its sheath and plunged it into her back. One down, two more to go. He started to whistle.
“Let’s go.” He said to Nico who had cringed at what his friend had done, but knew it was necessary if they were to live another day.
#
          Raoul wakened slowly. After massaging the back of his head, he spotted Lenora as she lay nearby. He dragged himself to be at her side.
          When he spotted the knife protruding from her back, he felt a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. She couldn’t be dead.
He pulled the knife from her back and turned her over. He checked for a pulse, and breathed a sign of relief when he found one.
He said to her as he lifted her into his arms, “You’ll be all right my love. Trust me.”
          He saw her eyelids flutter open. As she attempted to speak, he said, “Easy, my dear. Someone hit me on the head, and thought they had murdered you. I haven't the slightest idea why. I’m taking you to the hospital.”
          Lenora responded. “I’m so glad you are here, Raoul. I must get better right away. I must protect the prince and his son from assassins.”
          He said with puzzlement reflected in his voice, “Murder the prince and his son? Why, for heaven’s sake?”
          “I’ll tell you all later.” She said and fainted.
#
          Twenty-four hours later, Lenora was released from the hospital.
          She couldn’t rest even at Raoul’s insistence.
          She recalled arguing with Raoul. “I must get back on the job. I can’t afford to take a rest.”
          Raoul countered, “You could’ve died from your injury. You must rest.”
          She said, “Well, I didn’t die. I’m going back to work. Now!” and she did. She left Raoul shaking his head in disbelief.
#
          Dames couldn’t believe Lenora was on duty. Presently, she was conversing with Jackal about a few security measures she felt she wanted him to implement.
          Dames interrupted her discussion. “Lenora. I wish to speak with you. Now!”
          To Jackal, he stated, “I’ll talk with you later.” Dismissed, Jackal left immediately.
          Lenora and Dames were now alone with no security in place. He was livid that Lenora had returned, but more concerned about her welfare.
          Jackal had told him of the assassination attempt on her life and that Raoul had saved her. He couldn’t thank Raoul enough.
          Dames said, “Please sit down on this bench.”
          Lenora sat down willingly. She was tired and didn’t feel well. She knew she shouldn’t be working but felt obligated.
          Dames walked casually around her. He didn’t know what he could say to make her go to her home and rest. He decided to use, therefore, his power as a prince.
          He stopped in front of her. Her eyes were semi closed; her lips were dark blue, instead of light blue; and she slouched while sitting.
          He put his hands on her shoulders, which forced her to look up into his face. “I order you to go home and rest. Jackal will take over while you recuperate.”
#
          Lenora wanted to argue with Dames. However, she felt lousy. He exerted his power as the prince, and had the right to do so. She acquiesced.
          She lifted her weary body from the bench while he helped her by holding one of her arms. She lost her balance and fell toward his chest. When she looked up into his handsome face, she almost reached a little further to kiss him.
          She quickly regained her balance. Bowing her head, she said, “You are correct. I will leave now. I will connect with Jackal while I rest.”
          She glanced back at him to see if he was watching. He was.
#
          He glanced at her retreating back as she walked unsteadily away. He had wanted to kiss her when she had been so close. When she pulled away, he almost… He wouldn’t think about that now.
          Lenora’s wellbeing weighed heavily on his princely responsibilities as he walked to the security chambers in the palace.
#
          Raoul had an opportunity to visit Lenora. As he made his way to her residence, he wrestled with his feelings about her, which would never change. He loved her and wanted her. The fact that he had almost lost her reinforced his feelings.
He knocked on her door and heard Lenora say, “Enter.”
#
          Lenora sat up in her bed when she saw that Raoul had stopped over. She had to thank him for saving her life.
          “Please sit down.” She requested.
          She lifted one of Raoul’s hands and put it against her cheek. “Thank you for saving my life. I can never repay you.”
          She added, “Dames has commanded that I rest at home for a time.”
          She noticed Raoul was quiet, too quiet. What could be wrong?
          She released his hand and asked, “Raoul. Say something. Anything. I’m worried about you.”
#
          Raoul pulled his hand from her grasp and held her tightly against his hard chest. Her lips called to him; and he wasted no time in claiming them.
          Her mouth tasted like honey. She didn’t fight him or the kiss. He felt hot and groaned as he heard her whimper. She wanted him. He had prayed for this response, and now he had it.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. It was kiss for kiss now. There were no holds barred.
Then, out of the clear blue, she withdrew from him. She was breathing heavy as was he. She had almost been his. That was close—too close for comfort.
His lips were as swollen as were hers. He wasn’t angry with her, merely frustrated. He turned his back to her in order to calm his emotions. He took deep breaths and shuttered.
He stated, his back facing her, “I almost lost you. I couldn’t live without you.”
Turning to face her, he noticed tears cascading down her cheeks.
“What’s wrong?” he said.
“It tears me apart to say this to you, but I don’t love you. I’m sorry.” The tears continued to flow.
He handed her his handkerchief and stood. He looked down at her tear-streaked face and said calmly, “I know this. Perhaps one day you’ll surprise me and tell me you’ve fallen in love with me. I look forward to that day. In the meantime, is there anything you need?”
Lenora responded, as she handed back to him a sopping wet handkerchief, “Your friendship is all that I need.”
With slightly moist laden eyes, he replied, “You will always have that.”
#
Inside the Royal Palace
          Morab informed Zeta of his prowess that day. He had killed the female psychic.
          She yelled at him, “What about my husband and son? Their demise means more to me than some idiotic psychic. Well? No answer. You and your partner had better do the job you were hired to do, or I will get someone else to do it. Now, get out! I must think.”
          She observed that Morab didn’t budge.
          She reiterated, “Get out!”
          He replied, “Not until you calm down.” He sat down.
          Zeta would’ve physically shoved him out but thought better of it. Besides, she had to think. She could do that whether he was there or not.
She thought that maybe she could do the job herself. No, that was not a good idea. Someone might recognize her, unless… Perhaps she should wear a disguise—maybe that of a peasant. No. A peasant was too far beneath her. Besides, she wouldn’t know how to act the part.
          After discarding numerous ideas, she decided her best disguise would be that of a dressmaker. With the appropriate facial skin mask, no one would recognize her. What a brilliant idea, she thought.
          She noticed that Morab was watching her closely to see if he could figure out what she was thinking.
          “My dear,” he said. He knew she did not like endearments.
          She gave him a glacial glare. He flinched. Would he ever learn her moods?
          Morab said, “I did what I thought necessary at the time. Next time, I’ll have them eliminated—both of them! Tell me you won’t attempt anything on your own. I don’t want you to put your life at risk. You mean too much to me.” He almost had her in his arms as he inched closer to her.
          She wanted to wring his neck. Instead of having him beaten, she might ease her frustrations by having sex with him. Morab was always ready to make love. In addition, this diversion would take her mind off other things.
She sauntered around him, teasing him in increments with the sway of her hips. Once she saw the bulge in his pants, she all but attacked him.
She wound her arms around his neck, pulled him closer, and bit his right ear. “Shut up, you fool.” She said. She bit his other ear. “No more talking. Make love to me. Now! I command it.” She stated.
          He needed no further encouragement. He was hot and bothered. She was a vixen, and he was most assuredly her slave. Besides, he wanted to make love. Commanded to do so made him feel wanted—at least for the moment.
#
The Outskirts of the City of Boron
          Lenora was feeling better and ready to return to work.
Until she was on the job full time, she invited Dames to her small abode, situated on the outskirts of Boron.
          She would never reveal to him why she invited him—that of additional personal protection while he dined.
          Lenora had just set down a plate of cooked food in front of Dames and watched his handsome face go through many contortions. Then she produced a hearty laugh, which brought his head up quickly.
          He looked at her and said, “May I ask what you find so amusing. Do I have food on my nose or something?”
          Lenora was still laughing. Finally, she composed herself and sat down. “I’m so sorry.” She said with a slight mischievous tone of voice. “But, you see, the look on your face was simply priceless. I knew my efforts were not what you normally ate in the palace. I just wanted you to see how I lived and what I eat.
“My people are happy and we can be happy with very little, you see. Whereas, you are used to the better things in life. Things my people and I do not require. We live different lives. I simply want you to see another side of the people you rule.
“The meal I prepared for us is a common meal of eggs, crispy bacon, whole wheat toast and fresh fruit. It is very good and healthy. Please try some of it. If you don’t like it, I am prepared to cook something you would like. Please indulge me”
Before Dames would take a bite of her meager offering, he said, “A food taster must taste my food first.”
          She picked up a fork and responded to his statement. “Sorry, Dames. I am the official food tester for this meal. Don’t you trust me? Think about it. I must protect you, not murder you. I need the money.” She smiled at him and saw his taunt expression soften.
          He deemed her statement had merit. He had been born rich and was indeed unaware as to how poor people survived the rigors of life. He was getting his first lesson.
          He countered with, “My apologies. I guess I didn’t think this situation through. Of course, what you say is correct. I don’t normally eat what you have prepared, at least not quite the way you have made it. That is, what I am trying to say is…” He didn’t finish because he decided the food might taste good. After all, one should try different foods on occasion. This was the occasion.
          He took one slice of bacon, glanced at it, and then put it into his mouth. He bit down. Crunch! He was overwhelmed with the taste, let alone the texture of the meat. It was delicious. He would have to instruct the palace cooks on the proper preparation of bacon. Lenora must tell him how she prepared it.
          He ate the rest of the meal, dabbed his lips with a napkin she’d provided and looked at her. She had just completed her meal. She began to pick up the dishes when he put one of his hands over hers. She glanced at him warily. He was so handsome.
          “Stop now.” He said. “The food was delicious, but I wish to talk to you about why I am here with you. You have always been skittish when around me. Yet, right now you seem completely at ease. Explain, please.” Dames wondered why she had invited him. Both knew his security people were in the vicinity.
          She knew he wanted the truth above all else. Lenora set the dishes down on a counter and said, “Let us go to my living room where I can speak to you. You'll be more comfortable."
          “Very well.” He commented and followed her to the next room. He hoped she would let him kiss her. He so wanted to feel her lips against his. He also needed her in his arms. He hadn’t been with a woman in a long time.
          “Lovely!” he stated, and he meant it. The room was small but reeked of welcome. Near a medium sized fireplace, a long green sofa rested. This was inviting and cozy. Dames relaxed.
The walls were a light tan, and there were a few floral paintings on each wall. There was no carpeting on the floor, however. He could hear his and her footsteps, something he never heard in the palace. She was right when she stated he was used to the better things in life. He decided she should have better things, too.
          Just before they sat down, Dames stated, “Some day, if you will allow it, I would like to give you something for this room.”
          Suspicion was in the tone of her voice when she said, “What kind of something were you thinking of—if you don’t mind me asking?”
          He replied, “I can’t tell you. It must be a surprise for you.”
          She said, “All right. I will look forward to a surprise gift from you.” Lenora motioned with a slight of hand that they sit on a sofa
#
          Dames never thought he would feel so relaxed, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He watched Lenora as she placed a long pant encased leg onto her sofa. His groin reacted accordingly. He shifted slightly in order to accommodate his enlarged penis. He wanted to touch her leg, but thought better of that. She wanted to keep their relationship business—he must try to accommodate her wishes. It wasn’t going to be easy.
          She said, “I wanted you to relax a little before I spoke to you about the previous assassination attempts. I know your security people are in the area as well as mine. They will keep their distance while we talk. What I have to say to you is disturbing; and I do not want your security people to be aware of what I already know, at least not until you and I talk. Then, I will talk with your security chief in due course.”
          Dames sat a little straighter on the sofa. He was now tense and concerned. His
          Dames said, “You have found out who is trying to murder me.” Anxiously, he waited for her reply.
Lenora stood and walked over to the fireplace. Placing a hand near the now tepid flames, she glanced back at him, then back to the flames.
          “Your wife has hired two men to eliminate you and your son.” She had said it, though she didn’t like what she said. She kept staring at the flames until she felt comfortable looking at him.
          Dames was stunned and rooted to the sofa. He couldn’t move. He felt as if a ton of chains were keeping him rooted where he was. Was it possible that his wife would hire someone to…it was unthinkable.
Why would she want to murder him? She dared to include their son. Impossible! He shook his head a few times. It was inconceivable. And yet… There were times when he suspected she might want to do away with him. She had grown to hate him, as much as he hated to admit. If hate was strong enough, there was no telling what someone might do.
          Dames bowed his head as if he were in prayer. He wondered if a prayer would do. Silently, he offered one asking for protection of his son. He didn’t care about himself.
          Lenora turned from the fireplace and walked over to Dames. She placed her soft hand on his left shoulder. Her touch made him feel better. It was then, when he looked up at her, that he saw genuine concern etched in her earnest expression. She cared more than she could tell him—he was sure of this. He must not allow his personal feelings complicate their lives, at least, not at this time.
          “Lenora.” He said and lifted her hand from his shoulder. Her hand went automatically to her side. “I believe you. Do what you must.” He said, resigned to the inevitable.
          Hurriedly, she responded. “I plan on meeting with Jackal in about an hour. He and I will work on a plan. Once we decide on how to proceed, I will let you know. Trust me.”
          Dames started to walk away from her, then stopped and turned around. His sexy eyes glanced back into her soft eyes.
“I await your next visit at the palace.”
          Before he closed the door to leave, he said, “My cook is going to hate you for changing our menus.” He grinned and closed the door.
#
No sooner had Dames left than Lenora saw Raoul approaching. All thoughts of Dames faded at the sight of Raoul.
She had to speak with him. After all, he had saved her life. What better time than the present.
Besides, Dames had mentioned in passing that he was heading back to the palace. He would be safe there, for the time being, that is. She knew Jackal and his security team would be on guard.
Raoul was very close to her now and was extending his arms. She noticed he was about to grab her shoulders.
Hurriedly, before he could kiss her, she placed her hands against his hard chest. “Raoul. It’s good to see you.”
He kissed the tip of her nose, chuckled, and shook his head from side to side. He knew she was avoiding his personal greeting. Damn the woman anyway. Therefore, he decided her tactics were not going to dissuade him. That her hands were on his chest was a challenge he couldn’t pass up. It was all the encouragement he needed to do what he intended to do in the first place.
He forcibly pushed her arms to her back, kept them there, stared deeply into her eyes, and kissed her passionately.
Lenora groaned. Damn but Raoul knew how to kiss and where. She melted. As soon as he felt her go slightly limp, he released her arms. That was his mistake.
#
Once he released her arms, she took advantage. She gathered her strength and shoved him away. She was so forceful that Raoul, caught completely off guard, fell hard onto the ground.
The stunned look on Raoul’s face tickled Lenora to no end. The undignified position he was in was humorous. His legs were sprawled and his arms were barely holding him up. His wavy hair had come down to the top of his eyebrows.
“Here,” she said and reached for one of his hands. “Let me help you up.”
Life had become too complex. She was going to have to make it simpler. She would have to tell him what he would not want to hear, but must be said.
“Come with me. I’d like to talk to you.” She requested.
Raoul stepped back from Lenora and cocked his head to one side. His arms, no longer extended, were at his sides. He had come close to planting a sensuous kiss on Lenora’s sexy lips, but she stopped him with one hand and a throw to the ground. She was good at that.
One day, he would not permit him to stop him from anything he wanted to do. He was getting that desperate for her touch, her kisses, and her love. He was a lovesick fool.
Once inside her home, Raoul sat down on one of his favorite chairs. Lenora wandered over to a large window that was nearest to where Raoul was sitting. She glanced back at Raoul and saw that he watched her intently. She did like him. She liked him a great deal, which made it more difficult to say what she must.
She turned back to gaze out the window. “Raoul,” she said, without turning from the window. “We must talk about Dames.”
Sarcastically, Raoul said, “Ah, yes. Dames, the prince of our domain.”
Lenora caught the sarcasm in his voice. She fully understood. “Yes, he is that.” She stated with conviction. “I love him. However, I have a job to do. I cannot and will not allow anyone or anything to hinder my job. This includes you, and Dames.”
Since she hadn’t turned to view his expression to her statement, she missed the painful expression on his smooth face. Nor did she see his shoulders slump.
“I see. I’ll see you soon” He got up and walked out without saying another word.
Lenora heard him leave. She turned to see the door shut. She had never felt so terrible in all her adult life as she did at that moment. She had hurt her friend and believed there was no way to repair the damage.
#
Raoul missed the tears that flowed down Lenora’s pain stricken face. He had left because he felt there was no need to tell her again that he loved her.
He decided to take on another assignment—an assignment that would take him to Saturn.
This would give him time to think about his future with Lenora—if there was one.
#
          Lenora met with Jackal and decided the best plan to apprehend the princess and her accomplices.
          They were in a private chamber at the palace with Dames in attendance.
          Dames paced the carpeted floor. His mind wandered to the uncarpeted floor in Lenora’s home. He had had a good time dining in seclusion with her. He so wanted to repeat that event.
          Lenora said, “Let’s sit, gentlemen. I have a detailed drawing of the palace gardens which I would like to discuss my plan of attack, as it were.”
          Jackal elected to voice his thoughts. “As I understand it, Lenora tells me she wants you and your son in the palace gardens tomorrow at 6 PM. Word will be released that the two of you will be there with minimum security because that have been no recent attempts on your lives. This invites the assassins and the princess to try to assassinate you and your son. We doubt they will pass on this.
          He added, “My men and Lenora will be placed strategically in the gardens and will disable the assassins as soon as they make their attempt to kill you and your son.”
          Dames asked, “You say disable. What exactly does that mean.”
          Lenora and Jackal glanced at each other.
          Jackal elected to answer. “They will be shot, with the exception of your wife. She will be placed under house arrest.”
          Dames got up and paced the carpeted floor once again.
          Finally, he said, “No. I want them apprehended. They will be tried by the people and sentenced accordingly.”
          Jackal huffed, “But…”
          Dames huffed back, “No buts. I command this.”
          Jackal, Lenora and Dames dispersed. What else was there to say?
#
          The palace gardens were in full bloom. Fragrances from various flora species permeated the air.
          Corab, Nico, and Zeta were crouched near prickly bushes. They anxiously awaited the arrival of their victims.
          Zeta was confident Corab and Nico would finish their job this evening. It was just going on six when they heard voices.
          Corab and Nico secured their weapons and were ready to take their victims down.
          The noises grew louder. The tension had Corab and Nico sweating where they squatted.
          Then—all hell broke loose!
The garden lights went out.
Shots fired.
Then—it was deathly quiet.
 
 
#
          Some one turned on the garden lights. Jackal stood next to Dames. Dames had his arm around his son, Makiel.
Lenora, with her weapon drawn, stood over the bodies of: Corab, Nico and Princess Zeta.
          The only words Lenora remembered saying to Dames were: “They gave me no other choice but to take them down.”
#
          Dames tried to contact Lenora, but found out that she had left for an undisclosed location.  There was no way to contact her.
          He tried to reach Raoul, but he was on assignment on Saturn.
          This left him with the only person who was most important to him—his only son, Makiel.
          One day, however, he vowed he would find Lenora. If it took him 100 years, he would find her.
#
The Present…
          Dames and Raoul, now older and wiser, walk side by side.
          They agreed to share what time they had left with their best friend, Lenora. Once they found out where she had been hiding, they made a pact to see her together.
          They could see her house in the distance. Their palms began to sweat, as they got closer.
They wondered what she would say when she saw who had come to visit her this day. Would she let them in after all this time?
#
          Lenora heard a knock at her door. She couldn’t imagine who could be visiting her.
          Since her door was always unlocked, she said, “Come in.”
          Dames and Raoul entered Lenora’s home to find her sitting in a decrepit couch. She didn’t get up, so they walked in.
          Dames and Raoul walked over to where she sat and kissed her on her forehead.
“Don’t get up.” Dames said.
          “We missed you.” Raoul remarked.
          Lenora, with all the love she had for both of them was reflected in her eyes and her trembling voice.
“I’m so overwhelmed that I can’t get up to greet you. I have missed you both. All I can say is: Welcome to my home, my friends. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
          Laughter filtered the home of Titan’s renowned psychic, Lenora Greystone. She is a rare woman, clearly loved and respected by two distinguished men.
          She didn’t know what the future held for them, and she didn’t care. All that mattered now was they were together once again.
 
THE END
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