Total pages in book: 159
Estimated words: 144433 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144433 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
Again, Maeve gives me twenty credits of story for a one credit explanation. This time, though, it sparks an idea. "Did you say the males were given amnesty?"
"Yep. There was some maneuvering where people were trying to extradite the convicts back to wherever they came from, but since they are on Lord va'Rin's private land, his laws hold up here. No one can touch them without going through him first, all because we're considered his property, more or less. It's some whole legal Homeworld issue." She shrugs her shoulders. "You don't have to worry—"
"If we marry, I am just as much a resident on this world as you are? I fall under Lord va'Rin's jurisdiction?" My mind is whirling at the possibilities. If it is discovered that I am here, there is no doubt that my brother will come after me. He will send his cronies to try and dispatch me. If Lord va'Rin finds out that I am here, he will certainly return me to Praxii Minor so he can remain neutral in our politics.
But if I am married to a human here...and it makes me untouchable...
"I guess?" Maeve's brows wrinkle together. "Like I said, I know of one lady that married a convict and they have a baby together. No one bothers them."
"Then we should do it," I say immediately.
"Do what?"
Is she not paying attention? "Get married, of course."
Her jaw drops. "I...you...you're serious?"
CHAPTER
THIRTY-FIVE
ZHUR
"Why would I not be serious?" I blink at the human woman. "You said Lord va'Rin shields the humans and their mates here. If someone comes looking for me, they will have to go through him. It is another added layer of protection and I will take all I can get. We should marry, like you said."
Maeve's pink mouth hangs open. "I-I never said—"
"You told everyone I was your husband you had ordered. Through the mail, I think you said? I agree. I shall be your husband." I gesture benevolently at her. "Thus we do not make a liar out of you and we protect me."
She makes a face as if she's tasted something sour. "You seriously want to get married? To me?"
"I do not wish to marry anyone, truthfully. But I enjoy being safe, and if this is how I ensure that my hide remains intact, then yes, I shall marry. I shall even marry a human, though it would make me the laughingstock of my people."
Her sour expression deepens. "Is that my proposal? Because that wasn't very romantic." She flicks her fingers at me. "And you're not exactly killing it in the charm department, if you don't mind me saying."
"It is convenience for both of us," I point out. "Isn't that what you wanted? Think of how it will look if you go back to the Port custodians and tell them you decided not to marry me and you don't know where I went. Think of how suspicious they would be of your every move. It will not matter what you say—they will look at everything you do. They will check every item you order. They will make lists of everything you buy at the store and try to determine patterns."
Her face is full of dismay. I can tell Maeve hates what I'm saying. She craves conversation and affection, but at the same time, she does not wish for attention.
"You know I am right," I say softly. "I do not say this to be cruel. I say this because it suits both of us to have a marriage in name only. We will be friends and live as friends. We will spend time together and when my wealth is located, I will share it with you. I will help around the farm and I swear I will ask no more than this from you."
She swings her feet, considering. As she does, she sucks on her upper lip, her mouth contorting in a ridiculous way and jutting her lower lip out. It's surprisingly adorable and amusing. "I know it isn't about sex. I just...yikes. Marriage is a big step."
"Why? As you said, it is not about sex. We are already living together out of your kindness." I gesture at her. "What about this would be different?"
"Nothing. I just..." She eyes me. "If I marry you, I can't get rid of you. I'm stuck with you and you're still kind of annoying."
I throw back my head and laugh. Count on Maeve to speak the truth. "I will strive to be less annoying. I offered to help out, didn't I?"
She puts a hand up. "Don't strain yourself with all that backpatting. I'm still thinking about this. If you're in danger, marrying you puts me in danger, doesn't it?"
"I assure you, it does not. Humans are not considered people on Praxii Major nor on Praxii Minor. Our marrying would be seen as deeply humiliating to me and no one would give any thought to you. When I return home, I will ensure that our marriage is annulled and any knowledge of it quickly hidden." When she continues to wear the displeased expression, I add, "You would of course be highly compensated."