Priestess of the Eggstone by Jaleta Clegg

Author:Jaleta Clegg
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: JournalStone Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

“Dace,” Caid called

“What?” I said, stretching. I’d been on watch for the last ten hours.

“The hydroponic main valve is dripping. That’s the assistant engineer’s job.” He settled on the couch, stretching out with a sigh.

“I’d better get double pay for double duty,” I muttered.

“I’ll take watch.” Caid closed his eyes.

“Watch means you actually sit in the chair and keep watch on the boards,” I said, slowing each word as if talking to a very stupid person.

“Don’t get sassy. I know what watch means. Go fix that leak. If the ship explodes, I’ll take full blame.”

“We’ll all be dead so it won’t matter.”

“At least that will solve your problem with the Eggstone.”

“Don’t court trouble,” Lady Rina said, slapping cards on the table. “It has a way of hearing you. Lady Fate is not to be trifled with.”

That got Caid off the couch and over by the controls. I headed down to the hydroponics. The plants Jerimon had planted showed signs of new growth. Given another month or two, Lady Rina would be enjoying fresh vegetables and flowers. I wondered where I’d be in a month. No closer to my dream of owning my own ship again.

The valve at the far end of the room oozed liquid. I checked the gasket. I’d replaced it less than two days earlier. The lock nut was loose, allowing water to well around it. I turned to fetch a wrench. Jerimon stood behind me, just inside the door. He let it slide shut. He wore his scary intense look.

I didn’t want this. Not now. Not for a long time. If ever.

“Dace, I wanted to talk to you. When the timing was better.”

“It’s not. It isn’t any better. It won’t be better for a very long time.”

“We’ve got plenty of time. We won’t reach Landruss for several more hours.”

“Move. I need a wrench.” I stayed just beyond his reach. I stared at his chest knowing if I met his eyes I just might give in. I didn’t know if I wanted to do that or not.

“Dace.” He reached for my hands. I put them behind my back.

“I need to fix the valve.”

“Later.” He settled for holding my arms. I took a step back and he followed.

“What do you want, Jerimon?”

“Look at me, Dace.”

“Why?” I looked. He was much too close. My heart beat faster.

“I love you. I’ve never said that to anyone before.”

“Let go of me.” He was too close, much too close.

“It’s fate, Dace. You’re my soulmate. The cards said so.”

“They can’t say anything. They’re just pieces of paper.”

“They’re much more than that. You’re trembling.”

“Go away, Jerimon.” It came out in a whisper.

“You don’t mean that, Dace.” He shifted his hand to my cheek. His thumb stroked my lower lip. He kissed me.

It was different than before; this time he meant it. Before I realized what I was doing, I was kissing him back. Feelings I’d never felt before shook me with their intensity. I pushed him away, scared by emotions I didn’t know how to hide.

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