Pursued(185)
“Oh yes it is,” Councilor Rast growled. “Call me a sexist pig if you want, but you’re a woman with no special weapons training and you’re going to a distant, dangerous planet. I don’t want you going in there without backup. Saber goes with you, or I’ll find someone else to retrieve the scrolls.”
“I’m sorry, Lissa, but I have to agree with Rast on this one,” Nadiah said apologetically. “I don’t like the idea of you so far from home all by yourself, either. Especially if it’s going to be dangerous.”
Lissa felt a knot forming in her stomach but she nodded submissively anyway—what else could she do? “Of course, my Challa, my Lysell. Thank you both for your concern.”
“I’ll take good care of her, Councilor Rast,” Saber added, casting a sidelong glance at Lissa. She glanced back and then looked away, refusing to meet his eyes. “Very good care of her,” Saber said.
“I know you will, Saber. We’re lucky to have you on our side.” Rast smiled at him. “So it’s settled—the two of you need to go to the Mother Ship first and give my message to the Kindred High Council. After that, you’re going to Yonnie Six to get those scrolls back any way you can.”
Lissa and Saber bowed together. “Yes, Councilor,” Lissa murmured.
“All right then.” Rast clapped his hands together. “I guess we’re all done here. Lissa, Saber—go get packed.”
Lissa nodded once more and turned to go. She kept her face impassive but her stomach was churning. All alone with Saber for who knew how long? Goddess, what was she going to do? How could she possibly hide her feelings and keep herself from breaking the strict taboos of her people?
“You’ll be all right.” Nadiah skipped down the steps that led up to the Seat of Wisdom and joined her. “And don’t worry about the Mother Ship—I’ll call ahead and tell my friend Sophie and her kin that you’re coming. You’re just going to love them, Lissa—they’re the sweetest girls you’d ever want to meet.”
“Thank you, my Lady,” Lissa murmured dully. “I—” But suddenly her path was blocked by Saber’s tall form.
“My Lady Nadiah,” he said, inclining his head to Nadiah formally. “If you please, I would like a word with my little sister.”
“Of course.” Nadiah frowned. “Although maybe you should just call her your friend. Or maybe your clanswoman or something like that? Something that doesn’t sound quite so…I don’t know, familial.”
“But we are family, by the laws of our people, my Lady,” Saber murmured. “And that is what I wish to speak to Lissa about.”
“Of course. I’m sorry.” Nadiah stepped aside. “I’ll see you later, Lissa.”
Lissa wanted to hold on to her friend, to beg Nadiah not to go and leave her alone with Saber. But before she could form the words, the Lysell was gone, running lightly down the steep temple steps to join the Challa who had glided down, using his wings. Lissa was all alone with Saber, with no choice but to finally speak to him.
“Saber—” she began but he cut her off.
“I know you’ve been avoiding me, Lissa, and I know why, too.”
“What?” Her eyes flew wide and she looked at him guiltily. “What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean,” Saber said quietly. “We haven’t spoken since that day in your room when I held your hands.”
“Saber!” Though she knew they were alone, Lissa couldn’t help looking around to make sure no one could hear his scandalous admission. “Please,” she said. “That…that was a mistake. I should never have asked…”
“Don’t blame yourself,” he said, looking at her steadily with those gold-flecked eyes she found it so hard not to fall into. “I wanted your touch as much as you wanted mine.”
“Saber!” Her cheeks were so hot Lissa was certain she would go up in flames at any minute. “You mustn’t talk like that,” she hissed. “We’re of the same clan! You’re my brother!”
“And you’re my cherished little sister who I am sworn to protect,” he said softly. “And nothing more. I want you to know, Lissa, that you don’t have to worry about anything…improper happening between us. I’ll guard you with my life but I will not touch you. Or Touch you, either, I swear.”
Lissa heard the emphasis he placed on the word “Touch” and knew what he meant. Saber was promising to keep his distance, both physically and mentally, from her. A part of her felt relief at his promise. But another part—a part she’d striven to bury deep and never think about—felt an unutterable sadness.