Star's Storm(57)

“What did you think of Ristéard?” She asked quietly as she sat down on the plush couch.

A low rumble escaped Jazin before he could stop it as his gaze flickered to the Elpidios ruler who was speaking intensely with his father. What did he think of the Grand Ruler? He was seriously thinking of killing the bastard! That was what he was thinking. Ristéard had taken every opportunity he could to touch Star’s soft hair as they came in.

The bastard didn’t even tried to make it appear as if it was an accident. After the fifth time his hand reached out to touch a strand, Jazin had enough and gripped his wrist in warning. He had finally moved to sit next to Ajaska but his eyes kept returning to Star’s hair.

“She is a very unique female, is she not?” Ajaska asked Ristéard when he saw the male’s eyes drift back to where his little daughter sat on the couch with her mate.

“My apologies,” Ristéard murmured with a slight twist to his lips at the understatement. “I have never seen this color before and find it fascinating. Is it common among their species?”

River giggled as she heard the quietly spoken words and responded for Ajaska who looked to her for guidance. “It is fairly common. We have all different color hair. While mine is a dark brown, Star and Jo have an almost white-blond. Our friend Ricki has blond hair too but it is more of a honey blond. Others have black or red hair. Even those can vary greatly. The way you were reacting reminded me of the time we were in Turkey. Star, Jo, and Ricki almost didn’t make it out of Istanbul. Do you remember that, Star?”

Star laughed as she nodded her head. “Ricki ended up buying head scarves for all of us so we could get out of the market without being mugged or kidnapped. The people that live in that area have dark hair like you so when they saw us it was like sending up a flashing light saying ‘foreigners!’.”

“There is a third female? She is the a warrior like yourself?” Ristéard asked with an intense look of interest in his eyes.

“Lady Jo is my son Manota’s mate,” Ajaska said in quiet warning at the interest that flashed through Ristéard’s eyes.

“Who is this Ricki?” Ristéard asked cautiously as a feeling of unease began to grow deep inside him.

“Ricki is the Empress of Organization!” River laughed. “If you need something done, have a challenge that seems impossible to conquer or need to find something she is the one who can do it.”

“That is an understatement!” Star said with a shake of her head. “If you need a miracle she is the one to pull it off for you. I’ve never seen anyone accomplish some of the things she has with just a few taps of her fingers. She is pure magic.”

“I hope we get to spend some time with her once she gets here,” River said. “But, knowing Ricki, she’ll spend the next six months researching every law and by-law in the known star systems to see what she needs to do to ease things for everyone else.”

Ristéard listened as the two unusual females talked for a short time about some of the ‘miracles’ this Ricki had accomplished. His mind filtered through their conversation picking out key elements. From what he could gather this female was renowned for her abilities to get items no one else could and she could handle situations others found impossible. His eyes flickered back over the two women again, noting their unusual beauty and grace. He felt his body stir with desire at the idea of having a female of his own with white hair. Perhaps it was time to add another female to his house. He wondered if they came in a larger size.

Ristéard observed the way the young Kassisan lord tightened his hold on the tiny female. While he found the tiny, light haired female fascinating she did not stir his blood sexually. She was too small. He would be afraid of breaking her. He shook his head and turned his attention back to matters at hand. The past two hours had been very insightful. He did not like to learn he was being manipulated. He would send his own men to find the Kassisan male who thought to use him for his own gain. It was not often that he could be fooled. His concern for his people had clouded the reservations he had at the male’s promises.

“You are in agreement to supply the necessary crystals we need then?” Ristéard asked focusing back on Ajaska and Torak who had been discussing the best way to handle the increased need for the energy crystals.

“Yes.” Ajaska nodded. “Torak will return to Kassis and make the necessary arrangements. We should be apply to supply you with the first shipment within three weeks’ time.”

“In the meantime, we have some reserves on board two of our warships that can be transported down to help out. Our scientists have successfully replicated the crystals. I can organize a team of researchers to come to Elpidios with your permission,” Torak added.