Araman's Aria Read online

  Araman handed the shopkeeper his demerit card still angry. The older man looked up and indicated with his pointed chin to Brea.

  “She is Shinwa.” He said taking the card and inserting it into a slot. He punched three buttons then handed a keypad to the Commandant. “Do you smell a spicy scent when she is near?”

  Araman eyed the graying shopkeeper before answering. The older man smiled taking the pad back. The Commandant’s silence only confirmed the shopkeeper’s question.

  “Shinwa women release a scent that call to a man’s pheromones. It is why,” he widened his grin, “you wish to kill any male who looks upon her.” He handed Araman’s card back. “Enjoy your purchase Commandant.”

  Araman left the stall with a curt nod. He came up behind Brea who stood holding her pet staring at the ground. He put a hand on the small of her back and guided her to the next stall where she took a quick glance and shook her head.

  “If it pleases you, I wish to return to your home. This is adding time to your confinement.” Brea whispered aware of the stares they were attracting. “I fear my pet has become troublesome.” Beebles started to squirm in her arms. She could not raise her eyes to his.

  Araman lowered his mouth to her ear while taking the pup from her. “I ask forgiveness Concubine, I did not mean to be so harsh.” The words caressed her ear as his lips brushed her cheek. “It seems a Shinwa witch has been playing with my pheromones.”

  Brea’s eyes shot up to his. Araman’s sudden tenderness caught her off guard. She was unsure what to think of his sudden mood swing. Her head gave a little nod.

  “Now come, I will take you to my favorite stall. It is for both wives and concubines.” He placed the packaged bundles in her arms. His free hand fell to the base of her spine and led her down the length of the marketplace.

  The market was along a straight cobblestone road that teemed with life as they walked. The bright reds and oranges of the stall curtains trying to attract customers reminded Brea of the markets of her own world even if it was not as colorful. Even the aromas of different delicacies smelled familiar to her nose. Children ran amongst the milling crowds as shopkeepers tried to get the Commandant’s attention and demerits.

  Women arguing with venders made Brea smile. Watching one woman with one hand on her hip and the other hand shaking a fist at the small thin man trying to flog his wares brought a little snicker to her lips. It seemed to Brea that no matter where she was, women were all the same when it came to getting their demerits worth.

  People moved aside as they passed with nods to Araman. Brea heard whispers and murmurs as they passed. She wondered if the Commandant heard, as well. At the end of the market a small pudgy man came waddling out of a brilliant blue and purple tent. He stretched his arms out as Araman approached with Brea.

  “Commandant Diago, it has been too long.” He sidled up. “I have many beautiful things to please your wife.”

  Brea gasped softly at the reference to her. She didn’t dare look at Araman afraid of his response.

  “Thank you Louie.” Araman smiled at Brea. “This way, Lyra.” He used the Olean endearment. He guided her to under the canopy and pushed her towards Louie’s wares.

  Araman watched Brea, looking around at the fabrics hesitant to choose something. Louie smiled as he stood beside his patron.

  “It is true the rumor then?” Louie asked.

  “It depends on the rumor.” Araman answered admiring the soft green against Brea’s coppery skin.

  “Oleander is building bases nearer to our defenses.” Louie said in a quieter tone. As Brea browsed closer, he darted out despite his girth and guided her to a selection of silky scarves in many vibrant colors.

  “What have you heard?” Araman asked as the man neared.

  “One of my suppliers was asked to take a transport to Tetris. He was not allowed to inspect the cargo or ask any questions.” Louie gave Brea a smile and waved her to keep looking. “He caught a glimpse of the cargo in question.” The wide little man leaned over and spoke from the side of his mouth. “Arsenal.”

  Araman’s stomach felt as though it had been punched. He knew it would only be a matter of time before Oleander made an aggressive move towards his planet and its lunar territories. The sooner his confinement was over, the sooner he could confirm the information.

  Araman nodded as Louie motioned for Brea to look at a pendant made of Terrian Jade. She looked to Araman’s dower face and then politely declined thinking he disapproved. Louie gave the Commandant a questioning look at Brea’s response.

  “I beg your pardon sir, but the jade goes so well with your wife’s eyes.” Louie interrupted Araman’s thoughts on the smuggling of weapons by Oleander.

  “Yes it would.” Araman agreed with a warm smile at his concubine. “Add it to the rest please.” He brought out his demerit card and handed it to Louie who waddled off to retrieve the keypad to seal the purchase.

  Brea moved beside Araman with a quick glance up to him then back down to the ground.

  “Thank you for your generosity.” She spoke quietly. She could feel his eyes on her. Her earlier boldness had deserted her.

  “I take care of what is mine Concubine.” Araman whispered.

  Louie came waddling back with the keypad for Araman to pay then returned the card to him once the transaction was completed. The round shopkeeper followed them out wishing the Commandant good luck on his new found happiness.

  “Why did you not correct your friend?” Brea asked, as they made their way back to Araman’s quarters. She looked behind him to see two armed guards with white bands on their sleeves following them. “And why are those two following us?”

  “They are only ensuring that we get home safely.” Araman reassured her. “Louie refers to all women as wives to be respectful.”

  “He is a nice man.” Brea commented.

  As they turned onto the pathway that led to his tower, Araman set Beebles on all fours to let him stretch his legs after being held all afternoon. The little pup let out a yawn and sat down on his rump. He gave his head a shake letting his ears flap like wings. Beebles stared at Araman with his deep brown eyes and blinked expectantly at him. Araman chuckled as he scooped the lazy little beast into his arms.

  “He is still just a baby. The walk to the market tired him.” Brea offered.

  “And you?” Araman asked.

  “I am fit.” She answered.

  “That, I gathered after you demolished my shower this morning.” He teased her, chuckling at Brea when she blushed and looked away.

  “I am sorry for the damage.” She said after a few moments of silence as they stepped into the pod lift.

  “No worries little Concubine.” He smiled down at her as the glass enclosure started to rise. “My quarters will have fortified itself against your attacks by the time we reach home.”

  * * * *

  Araman stood staring at the screen pondering the mental stability of his Superior Officer. He left Brea in the dressing room putting away her clothes and things while he informed his general of what he had learned at the marketplace.

  “It is confirmed?” The gravely voice asked from the screen.

  “No. Santari is on it now. We expect to hear within the next four hours.”

  “In the mean time, there is a delegate arriving from the Novena Empire.” The general raised a piece of paper in front of his face. A cigar was burning to ash as it sat between his fingers. “The Regent has requested your presence during the formal greet and the morning’s meetings.” The face pulled into a frown turning his puffy features into fleshy creases. “Due to the Regent’s request and others badgering at me, including my wife I am forced to lift your punishment.” He cleared his throat. “As you are aware, it means your Concubine must accompany you to formal occasions as your escort.”

  “I am aware Sir of when and where my concubine is to be in accordance to regulations.” Araman was stiff in his response.

  “Good, I shall look forward to meeting h
er.” He reached for a button on his desk, “Oh and Commandant.” The slits of his eyes raised up to his own viewer. “You are released under certain conditions.” The screen faded to black.

  He raked his hand through his hair as he let out a growl. Araman hated command performances and bringing Brea into the fray of the Military’s elite did not sit well with him. The women were like Olean shark fins circling around their prey waiting for the right moment to attack and kill.

  He glanced down the hall to Brea taking her pet to the garden. Araman knew her clothing would be the first point of attack. Her wild two-toned spiraled hair would cause a stir. He wondered how she would hold up under such criticism and speculation. Brea had a way of surprising him.

  “Brea!” He called her name. “Do not leave the premises. I will return shortly.” He said calling for the lift when she appeared in the sight of flashing blue eyes.

  She wondered what had angered him this time. Brea turned her attentions back to Beebles as he left her. He was very different from the men she was used to with his sudden changes of moods. He was very emotional, she decided, stepping back out to enjoy the last of the setting sun.

  Letting out a soft sigh, she longed for a bath. Brea had no desire to challenge the shower again. Especially not after she felt she lost the battle. She wandered around the grass as her pup attacked a trumpet shaped flower growing close to the ground. Beebles gave a little growl at the plant before bounding on it like a rabbit.

  Brea broke a small branch from the tree and caught her Beagle’s attention with it. She tossed it a small distance for him to inspect. He put his nose to the ground finding the twig in his own fashion. He picked up the stick and dragged it over to Brea, wanting a game of tug of war.

  “Your pet makes for a better advisory.” Araman’s voice from behind her gave Brea a start.

  “He does not sneak up on me and spray water in my face.” Brea gave a small smile. It widened as she saw amusement illuminate his blue eyes.

  “It is how we clean Concubine. We take showers.”

  “I know. I wanted to earlier but…” She looked down to the ground. “I am used to bathing where I can clean places the shower can not reach.” Brea explained her predicament.

  Araman sat down beside her. He stretched one leg out while he held a bent knee with his arms anchoring him in place sitting upright.

  “That is a problem.” He agreed. “There are the common baths by the brothels but it is not a place I would want my Concubine.” He pondered, rubbing his chin with a forefinger, trying to look thoughtful. Araman sat watching her for a response. “This is a grave situation.”

  Brea knit her fine brows as she looked at the ground. It was at moments like this she was unsure of what to say. She knew by his tone that he was having fun with her. She did not know how to react to him. Her instinct was to tease back but she was hesitant to do so after his reaction in the marketplace with her flirting.

  Her pale green eyes quickly cast a glance in the Commandant’s direction and then back to the ground when she saw he was gazing at her. She could feel her cheeks start to heat.

  “Do you know how breath-taking you are?” Brea turned her face towards Araman. His husky tone caught her attention. He gave a wicked smile with his blue eyes the color of bright Olean sky. “I think I have found a solution to the problem.”

  She cocked her head. “Oh.” Whispered from her lips.

  Araman nodded. “As I am responsible for your well fare, and you are worried of being attacked, the only answer is that I must stand guard and protect you.”

  Brea screwed up her face puzzled by his statement. “You would guard me?” She thought about it still looking at him. Then she licked her lips and nodded still rolling the idea in her head, thinking it would make her feel safe. “It won’t attack me?”

  “No Concubine,” He was amused she missed his joke. “I will ensure your safety.” Araman stood holding a hand out to her. Brea slipped her small one into his large one as it clasped over hers. He helped her up and gave a whistle to Beebles who dropped the stick and padded softly after them.

  Inside Araman led Brea to the hallway.

  “Wait here. I have some things for your pet to keep him occupied.” He disappeared down the hall and into the galley. He came back with a basket with a teddy bear, a couple of balls and long sticks protruding up to the top.

  Brea crooked her lips into the beginning of a smile at Araman. Her mind dismissed any doubt of this man’s true nature, in those seconds. He had thought of her pet and his comfort. She looked up at him in sheer delight at his gesture.

  At the sight of her sparkling eyes, his heart skipped several beats. It took Araman a moment to catch his breath at his little concubine as she stole the wind in his lungs. Holding the basket in one hand, the other went around her waist pulling her into him.

  His mouth came down on hers demanding her submission. Brea’s arms went about his neck as her body melted against his. The heat of his kiss was causing her chakkras to simmer. She could feel the energy inside her move.

  Drawing back he smiled at her parted, swollen lips and her smoldering gaze under her half opened eyes. He pulled her back to him and nuzzled her neck.

  Beebles jumped up and knocked the basket from Araman’s hands. His nose sniffed each item before deciding a long stick was something to chew on. Brea went to stop her pet when Araman held her back.

  “It will clean his teeth and fill his belly. It is root vegetable, something akin to a Terrian carrot.” He explained against her ear. “Your Beagle needs vegetables, small amount of dairy and fruit for a daily diet.” Araman grinned at her. “I thought I should at least learn how to care for the little being.”

  Brea straightened her back, smiling at him for his thoughtfulness. “Thank you.”

  “This pleases you?” Araman was intrigued with the notion that something he did made her happy.

  “Very much so.” She nodded as he led her to the shower.

  Brea eyed the restored showerhead where it sat on the wall. She looked up to Araman and then back to the black stall.

  “You will guard me?” She asked again.

  Araman grinned as he tugged on her robe belt moving her directly in front of him. He glanced to her eyes. They were wide and trusting as his swam in the warm ocean color. He let the belt slip from his hands while reaching up to slip the terrycloth robe from her slender shoulders. The garment fell in a heap to the floor.

  “The shower head will adjust to your height.” He pushed Brea to the shower stall. She stepped in wary of the protruding metal from the wall. Araman’s glance swept over her petite body.

  Perfect sized breasts to fit in his hands made them ache to feel the velvet of her skin. Her torso was flat and trim with hips widening slightly to shapely legs meeting in her middle to a neat bald mound. The head of her bud peeked out as a tempting morsel to its prey from full lips hiding her secrets. His eyes were drawn to a jagged scar along the side of her ribcage.

  “Where did you get that from?” Araman removed his shirt. He could feel the heat of her gaze on his broad smooth chest.

  “You plan to guard me from in here?” Brea tore her gaze away from the sight of the Commandant undressing as he began to remove his trousers.

  Araman chuckled at her shyness. “How else? The showerhead is in there, so I must be with you.” He looked to her scar as he stepped behind her. He ran a hand over the marred skin pink from fresh healing.

  “I received it eight months ago.”

  “How?” Araman was curious now. He edged her closer, under the sprayer.

  “We were assaulted by a group of men posing as explorers. Our men work away from the home sites.” Brea explained. “One had me cornered and tried to use a weapon for me to submit to him.”

  He held up a finger for her to pause a moment. Araman moved her to behind him. “Water on, temperature medium warm.” The spray hit his back. “Warmer.” It still was too cool. “Warmer.” The water was perfect. He guided Brea
into the stream of the water.

  “What did you do?” Araman asked pressing a button above her. A bar of spicy smelling soap popped out from a drawer in the wall.

  “I used the defense arts to protect myself. I was wounded during the exchange. He had a knife.” Brea answered simply. She nudged her chin towards his shoulder. “What about yours?”

  “What this?” He turned around and showed the injury to her. Brea nodded. “I was in hostile territory on a mission retrieving one of ours. A sniper caught me as we were just leaving.” He shrugged. “It could have been worse. We could have ended up in enemy hands.”

  Araman focused his attention on Brea. He lathered the soap in his hands until bubbles formed. His eye’s clouded over as he took in the vision of her coppery skin glistening from the water.

  “Now Concubine, turned around and move your hair to one side.” She did as she was told. Brea kept her face down to avoid the water spraying in her face.

  She felt his hand slide up her back and glide over her skin in a slow circular motion. His fingers lightly massaged with the tips up and down her spine. A small moan escaped her lips at the warmth his touch produced as Araman roamed.

  He reached above her taking the showerhead in his hand. He ordered the device to release and the showerhead was pulled away from the wall as the metallic hose went limp. He sprayed the soap down her back letting the beads of water chase away the bubbles.

  Araman caught the scent of cinnamon, bringing his mouth to the back of her neck. His fingers brushed lightly down her back removing the damp hair sending tiny shock waves of electricity down her spine igniting a fire down below. His lips replaced his fingers with sensuous kisses increasing the heat along her veins. As his tongue grazed the back of her neck his free hand came about the front poised as if to choke her.

  Brea’s heart beat rapidly as the hand slid up her neck then down and across her collarbone. His touch left a wake of energy rising in her chakkras. She could feel the energy start to move within her, fueling the slow smoldering burn she was feeling throughout her loins.