Free Kidnapping Keela by Cathy McAllister Page A

to belong to a simple maid. She closed the door behind her and gave Keela a friendly smile.  
    “There you are, my child. I was so looking forward to meeting you and I was disappointed when I heard that you had already left the reception.”
    Keela grew pale, then red. The queen. This must be the queen. She had disappointed the most important woman amongst these people. Hopefully this woman did not bear grudges. Without a doubt she could order someone to cut off Keela’s head, or worse - marry her to the oldest, ugliest man. But what should she say now? What should she do? Curtsey? Or bow? Kiss her hand?
    Heavens! How have I got myself into this situation?
    The queen seemed to realise her concern and went up to her, took her by the hand and led her to the couch where they sat down.
    “What drove you from the reception, my dear?” she asked in a friendly way, without letting go of Keela’s hand.
    “I … I …” stammered Keela, unsure as to how she should tell the queen that she did not want to be sold off to just any man.
    “Did Marruk say or do anything that angered you?”
    “He said that it was intended that I be paired off with one of the men here. I won’t be forced to belong to some man here that I don’t want,” she finally burst out, expecting to have incurred the anger of the queen.
    But the queen simply smiled and folded her hands in her lap. It took a while for the queen to speak.
    “What’s your name, child?”
    “Keela.”
    “My name is Moreena,” said the queen, looking directly at Keela. “I’d like to speak to you woman to woman. Is that OK?”
    “Of course,” said Keela, shrugging her shoulders. “But it won’t change my mind about not wanting to be sold.”
    “Don’t worry, Keela. Just let me explain something to you. It’s true that it’s the male here who takes the initiative and that he claims the woman that is his mate. He does that in order to make it clear to everyone that the woman now belongs to him and is no longer available. That …”
    “But …,” interrupted Keela, but she fell silent as the queen put a hand on her cheek.
    “Let me explain first, please.”
    Keela nodded.
    “The idea of a man claiming a woman who does not want him is unthinkable. It does happen that some women are hesitant at first and not sure of themselves. In these matters men are usually – not always of course – but almost always accurate.” The queen smiled. “There are actually no unhappy unions in our society. Our men sometimes drive us crazy, but they are faithful and considerate mates and …” The queen winked. “… very good lovers.”
    Keela blushed. It was only too stupid that the only man whose lover qualities would interest her was no longer available. All other men could stay away from her. She would not stay on this planet longer than necessary anyway.
    “I’m putting you under Marruk’s protection. Solima dotes on you and enjoys your company. You’ll stay in Marruk’s house until you’ve found a mate. Marruk will ensure that no male comes near you that you don’t want. I promise you that.”
    “What … what will his wife say about him taking me into his house? In my world such a situation would be uncomfortable.”
    “Wife? Marruk has no mate if that’s what you mean. Solima’s mother died when the girl was very small.”
    Keela’s heart pounded. Marruk was still free? He has no wife? And she was to live with him in his house?
    “Is everything OK?” asked Moreena, concerned.
    “Yes, everything’s OK.”
    “Would you give me the pleasure of accompanying me back to the reception? I don’t wish to force you of course, but I hope that you’ll consider it. No one will hassle you, I assure you.”
    Keela nodded.
    “Wonderful. Shall we both go to your friend first and convince her to come, too?”
    “Yes. Did she run off, too?”
    Moreena laughed.
    “She didn’t come in the first place. It seems that Berka angered her in some way. As I said, our men