Caressa Moon (Princess X) Read online

“This is handsome.” Caressa laughed.

  “He is easy on the eyes.” Chara offered. “Justun thought you might also like to have a holo-disk of the image.”

  “What is that?” Caressa asked as Chara place a small round disk in her hand.

  “If you get a projector, you will be able to see Michyle’s image on a smaller scale.” Chara explained.

  “Thank you.” Caressa said, holding the disk to her heart. “Be sure to say thank you to Justun as well.”

  “Would you like a massage from your new trainer?” Chara asked.

  “I would.” Caressa admitted.

  Michyle pushed thoughts of Caressa from his mind as he re-read the report of theft that came from the ship’s security. He knew that there were plenty of people that would risk their lives to get their hands on the secret to his nanophysical breakthrough, even if the seal on the secret patent would legally have to be removed in the next six months. Everyone would want to get the jump. He never took the danger in it seriously, but as he thought of the young spy that had made his way onto the ship as part of the engineering staff, his only concern was for the safety of Caressa.

  “Who hired you?” Michyle asked, looking into the scared, defiant eyes of the young man.

  “No one has to hire me.” Justun’s words were halted by a slap that was delivered by one of the security guards.

  “That won’t be necessary.” Michyle told the guard. “Leave us alone.”

  “But, sir…” the guard started and then stopped. He looked at the young spy and then turned, walking out of the office.

  “You understand that once we reach Mars you will be turned over to the authorities and it is then out of my hands what happens to you.” Michyle could see the fear in his eyes.

  “I don’t care. Where I have failed, others will succeed.” He said.

  “They will kill you.” Michyle said. “But, first, they will torture you for information.”

  They looked at each other for a moment and then Michyle stood.

  “How could nanophysical information that will be available in six months be worth dying for?”

  “When its benefits are denied to so many who die without it anyway,” Justun replied.

  “Such as?” Michyle was deeply sympathetic to the rebellion made up of poor kids with no prospects.

  “Who died?” Michyle asked.

  “My sister died.” He said, fighting angry tears. “The next colony over had the medicine and equipment to help her, but…”

  “What colony?” Michyle asked.

  “What difference does it make?” Justun shrugged.

  Michyle took in a long breath and exhaled.

  “Is anyone on board with you?” Michyle asked and saw the young man flinch.

  “No.” Justun lied.

  Michyle pulled a small box from a shelf and brought it to the young man.

  “I will place this device on your arm. It will inject a serum into your veins that will make you tell the truth. If I like your answers, I will give you a break; I will keep you and those with you in the brig until we reach the colony and then I will let you and your friends go.” Justun relaxed for the first time and Michyle was relieved.

  “When you get home, you all get organized and come to me with your trouble. I will be more than happy to help. But, if I find that you all came here to do harm to me, my wife, or any part of this crew, I will turn you over to the authorities and your cause will be lost.”

  Justun sat calmly as the band was placed over his arm. He winced with the prick of the injection and relaxed once again as the serum took effect.

  “What is your name?” Michyle began the interrogation. All went well until Michyle asked him to name his accomplices. He frowned as he realized the young man was resisting the serum. “Come on Justun, the more you resist the harder it will be.”

  “I don’t know their crew names.” Justun finally said.

  “Can you point them out in pictures?” Michyle asked.

  Michyle handed him a tablet and they went through the crew images. Justun pointed out two other young men.

  “Just the two?” Michyle asked.

  “Yes.” Justun confirmed.

  Michyle called security and had all three of the rebels taken to the brig. He also asked for them to tell Chara to take Caressa back to their suite.

  Caressa was surprised to have their second spa day interrupted. But, she could feel a tension in Chara’s shoulder that would not ease on their way back to the suite.

  “What is going on?” Caressa asked.

  Chara hesitated not sure how much she should tell Caressa.

  “Some of the crew has been arrested.” She finally said.

  “What? Why?” Caressa had never known any reason to arrest anyone in the village compound.

  “Theft.” Chara informed her.

  “Oh.” Caressa exhaled.

  Michyle greeted them at the door. “Hey, Chara. You should head over with the rest of the crew. They may need you now that they are short on staff.”

  “Of course.” Chara said, and hurried to leave and find out the entire situation.

  “Is everything alright?” Caressa asked once they were alone.

  Michyle gathered her in his arms. “Everything is fine.” He said, not wanting her to worry.

  “You are lying.” She said.

  “What do you..?” Michyle halted when she pushed him away.

  “I am not a child.” She stated in a voice that almost shamed him. “If something is going on, you owe it to me to tell me what it is.”

  “Owe it to you?” Michyle repeated.

  “What is going on?” She commanded.

  Michyle took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Caressa crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to answer.

  “There was a theft on board today.” He said. Caressa took note of the irritation in his voice. “Three crewmembers have been arrested.”

  “What did they steal?” Caressa wanted to know.

  “An early prototype of one of my patented inventions.” Michyle answered stiffly.

  “Which invention?” Caressa asked.

  “It’s a deviation from nanophysical research that creates from dust.” Michyle did not like feeling as if he was on trial.

  “Is this dangerous?” She countered.

  “No, it is not.” He answered through clenched teeth.

  “So, what will you do with them?” Caressa said, knowing that he could hand them over to the system and they could be executed.

  “I will keep them in the brig until there is work they are needed for.” Michyle answered.

  “Once we reach Mars?” Caressa wanted to know.

  “I will send them home.” Michyle said.

  Caressa exhaled slowly. “Okay.” She turned away from him and took a seat on the sofa. “I understand technology is important.” Caressa said. “I just don’t think it is worth a human life.”

  “Neither do I.” Michyle said. “Even though they are willing to die for it. But that is not necessary. I will meet with them after they are home and ready to speak civilly concerning their needs.” Michyle answered.

  “That is very good of you.” She commented.

  “It is the right thing to do.” He replied. “I am going to the upper deck to swim. “ He left without another word.

  Caressa knew that he was angry. But, he had made her angry as well. He shouldn’t lie to her about anything. Her aunt and uncle had constantly lied to her and she’d hated it.

  However, she was relieved to know that he would not turn them in to be executed. After calming down, she walked out of the room and headed towards the lift. She made her way to the upper deck and eventually to the pool. She could not stay away from him, knowing that he was angry with her.

  Michyle quickly stripped to his shorts, angered by the exchange that had occurred in the suite. He had been concerned for only her throughout that morning’s ordeal and she’d had the nerve to be more concerned for them than she w
as for him or even herself. He swam several lengths of the pool with anger blinding him to the screaming pain of his lungs.

  “You must still be angry.” He heard Caressa’s voice echo against the walls of the poolroom and stopped once he reached the edge closest to her.

  “How did you get here?” Michyle was certain that Caressa would stay in the suite until he returned. He found a new respect for her boldness.

  “Chara showed me how to get around the ship on my own.” Caressa answered.

  “Oh. Why are you here?” He asked.

  “I wanted to see you.” She answered, kicking her shoes off.

  “Why, you have another inquisition for me?” He asked, stunned as she untied the bow that held her hair back.

  “Why didn’t you invite me to come swimming with you?” She asked, disarming his anger only a little.

  “You never invited me to swim with you in the lake.” He threw back, hoping to finally shock her, infuriated that she only smiled as her beautiful hair fell all around her, framing her body elegantly.

  “I didn’t think you’d like it.” She said and pulled at the string that held her dress in place. “I thought you preferred watching from the forest line.”

  “Well, I didn’t.” He cleared his throat. “What are you doing?” He asked as he watched the dress drop to the floor.

  “I want to swim… with you.” Her smile was enchanting.

  Michyle’s breath caught and released as he saw that once she jumped in the water her thin undergarments became see-through. She swam away from him first, which disappointed him.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she swam around him. Finally, she took a shallow dive and swam straight towards Michyle, who was still a little angry. She reached him and put her arms around him. He relaxed as all anger seeped away at the warmth of her touch.

  “I will make you a deal.” Caressa whispered against his chest. “You never lie to me, and I will never question you again.” The heat of her breath against his chest erased his resolve not to kiss her. He tilted her face to his and smiled when he saw her lips curl into an inviting smile.

  “Deal.” He whispered and kissed her full on the lips. He was surprised when her arms wrapped around him tighter. “I thought you wanted to swim.” He reminded her.

  “Maybe later.” She said, and kissed him again.

  He pulled her undergarments from her shoulders to her waist. Her breasts pressed against his chest as his lips pressed onto hers. One hand traveled down the side of her neck to her shoulders as the other held her head securely in place.

  His tongue searched the depth of her mouth as his free hand cupped one breast and then the other. He felt himself harden beneath the water. He pulled back to look at his trembling wife. He smiled and lowered his head to her breast.

  She felt the warmth of his mouth over one nipple and then the other. She took the time to allow her hands to travel over the expanses of muscle that covered his entire body. Her fingers danced over the flesh pulled tight as his muscles reacted to her touch.

  He reached down to pull her undergarments completely off and toss them aside. He placed her hand on the waist band of his shorts and guided her hand to pull them off. He then placed her hand on his hardness and she held it tenderly.

  He returned to devour her breasts and her grip on him tightened. He moaned in pleasure and her hand began to move up and down his shaft. He allowed his fingers to travel between her legs and felt her stiffen and push him away.

  “Please.” He moaned and returned to her mouth, kissing away her hesitation.

  “Someone might see.” She reasoned.

  He held her against the wall of the pool urging her legs open with one knee. He replaced her hand on his shaft and felt himself shudder with pleasure as she began to stroke him again.

  He placed a hand between her legs and felt her body quiver as she let out a moan.

  “Caressa.” He whispered against her mouth and she responded by kissing him back with a hunger that needed to be fed. He lifted her up and sat her on the edge of the pool, placing his mouth between her legs and licking.

  “Oh.” Caressa moaned and placed her hands in his hair for balance. As he licked her, he pushed a finger inside of her and enjoyed the smooth tightness that surrounded it. He kissed her sweetness and looked up into her eyes. Pleasure was all over her face. “Don’t stop.” She whispered.

  He went back down, licking her, devouring her. Pressing one finger inside of her and then another. Her hands ran through his hair as an ocean of pleasure washed over her.

  He lifted her back into the water. He kissed her slowly and deeply and he guided his hardness into her, intending to go slowly. She wrapped her arms and legs around him. Forcing him to plunge inside and lose his mind. Her breath caught as he held himself inside of her. He felt her tighten everywhere.

  Then he felt her begin to ride him. She kissed his neck sweetly and he wrapped his arms around her, allowing her to move on him. Every move she made sent shock waves of pleasure throughout her body. Her lips found his again and she nibbled on them as she enjoyed the feel of him entering her over and over again.

  She felt a desperation she could not explain rise in her as she began to move faster and faster. Michyle held her body against the wall of the pool and pumped into her. She clung to him, gripping his shoulders as she felt herself clench around him. As she reached her climax, he released into her, holding her securely until they both came down and relaxed.

  She pulled her legs from around him. He placed her on her feet. She tried to step away but he held her to him.

  “Caressa,” he whispered as he placed her head against his chest and stroked her hair. “I love you.”

  Chapter Eight

  Caressa, still wet from the pool, was in the middle of laughing and getting dressed with Michyle when an alarm sounded.

  “Damn it!” Michyle cursed.

  “What is it?” Caressa asked frightened.

  “That is our alarm system. I need to go to the top deck and see what the problem is.” He took her by the arm and placed a palm sized compact dial in her hand. “Quickly go back to the suite and change into dry clothes. I will keep my com-link on. Press the button on the dial and you will be able to hear everything that is going on.”

  “I’m scared.” Caressa admitted, as panic washed over her.

  “I will go and find out what it is.” Michyle paused and took in a deep breath. “If anything happens to me, get to my house on the colony and find Sovereign Benhot. He will take care of you.”

  “Michyle?” Caressa was not sure what her response should be.

  “Everything will be okay.” He tried to assure her as he walked her from the pool and placed her on the lift.

  Michyle squeezed her hand before letting it go and sending the lift off. He waited for the next lift and took it to the top deck. He held in a deep breath. “Everything will be alright,” he exhaled aloud, knowing that Caressa was already listening. He wished he could hear her voice in return.

  As he stepped from the lift onto the deck, Captain Realon greeted him.

  “It’s a rebel ship, sir.” The Captain informed him. “They must want the prisoners.”

  “Have them brought up here and ready to be transferred through the loading dock.” Michyle said.

  “But sir…” Realon began.

  “My main objective is to get my wife home in one piece,” Michyle made it clear.

  “Yes, of course.” Realon nodded to a security officer and he jumped to do the bidding. “You know we can take them.”

  “Just because we can, does not mean that we should.” Michyle stated. “Let them know that we are not seeking a fight and request that they state their purpose.”

  “This is Captain Realon. This is a domestic ship. Please state your intent.” Realon said.

  The air was silent, Michyle held an uneasy breath and let it out. “How far away are they?”

  “They will be here in less than two hours.” Real
on said.

  “Suggestions?” Michyle asked.

  “We can retreat.” They looked at each other and silently rejected that option. “We have two escape pods that will be able to make it to the nearest colony, but they each only fit two people.” Realon stated.

  “What is the nearest colony?”

  “It is the Fracten colony of Venus.”

  “How many are on this ship?” Michyle asked.

  “Including the three spies, there are eighteen.” Realon announced.

  “Who are the two best security officers on your crew?” Michyle ran over the obvious options in his head.

  “Kopha and Merda.” Realon answered as the two crewmen stepped forward.

  “Please, go to my quarters and escort my wife to the escape pods.” He instructed them. “Find Chara and bring her as well.” They both nodded and left.

  “Go ahead and program the pods. If we have not heard from the ship within the next ten minutes, I will ship them with my wife and Chara to the nearest colony. They will get her and my work to the Sovereign. We have the escape pods already stocked with survival rations and two thousand credits which is enough to find transport to the Sovereign.” Michyle took in another deep breath and went to the lift.

  When Caressa reached the escape pods, Michyle was waiting for her.

  “Take this to the Sovereign, he will know how to open it.” He handed a metal case to Kopha, a tall and thick, dark skinned man with a shaved head and a touch of gray in his beard. “Please get my wife home, gentlemen.”

  He took Caressa by the hand and gave her a hug.

  “Everything is going to be just fine.” He promised her. “This is just a precaution.”

  “You are lying again.” she said.

  “I just don’t want you to worry.” he assured her.

  “Too late for that,” she countered.

  “It should take you about three weeks to make it to my home. I will do my best to be there, waiting for you.” Michyle promised.

  “I will hold you to that.” She reassured him. He hugged her tightly, then watched as Kopha escorted her into one escape pod and strapped her in.

  He turned to Merda, a tall gentleman with pink skin and red hair, as he strapped Chara into their separate pod and then himself. He caught Chara’s eyes before the door closed and he saw what he could not distinguish between pity and sorrow.