Free Rebellion by Sabine Priestley Page A

was accentuated with a jewel-encrusted belt. On top, she layered a floor length, nearly sheer shift of purple and green that flowed and fanned out when she moved. Patent leather knee-high boots gave her a four-inch boost in height. Bejeweled choker, earrings, and a matching headband completed her exotic look. Being back on Mitah had her thinking about Ty. They’d never exchanged numbers, and she didn’t know if she’d be able to find his place. All she could do is hope for fate to jump in and lend a hand.
    Dani knocked at her door, and the two headed downstairs to find they were the last to arrive. Mara came over, and the three gushed a mutual love-fest over each other’s clothes.
    The men stood gathered around the wet bar, decked out in suits of fantastical colors. Only Armond remained in EP attire.
    “Wow,” Ria said. “Way to be original, Armond.”
    Armond surveyed the other men. “Judging by these four, my attire will, in fact, be unique among the party goers.”
    Ria stuck her tongue out at him. He shook his head and returned to fiddling with the portal device.
    Darl raised his glass to the ladies. “To the ravishing beauties in our midst.”
    Everyone toasted. Rucon leaned against the bar. “I was just about to ask our host to tell us a little more about the Curzan situation.”
    Darl used a wood tamper to press down the contents of an elaborately carved wooden pipe before puffing on the self-lighting bowl. “The whole business is starting to look quite sordid. It seems Chancellor Mortog is trying to keep it quiet, but word is spreading. After what I discovered last week, I believe it’s true.”
    Rucon frowned. “The Curzan who was murdered?”
    “Yes. It’s extraordinary and highly disturbing. He’s owned a small market at the edge of town for almost thirty years. Listed as Mitan, which implies he had psi.”
    Ria sat up straighter. “That would invalidate the Salvator’s planetary rule. How is that possible?”
    “We don’t know. What we do know is that Anton Salvator has succumbed to a brain disease and Chancellor Mortog has been in charge for the past seven years. He’s made no effort to hide his disdain of the natives.”
    “The PR, Salvator, has a son doesn’t he?” Dani said. “Ian and I watched a few vids about Mitah.”
    “Yes, his name is Zander, but he’s still at university. Has another year before taking his place.”
    “Which may not be his place if the rumors are true,” Ria said.
    “Correct.” Darl frowned. “It could be worse than that. If Salvator’s rule is deemed fraudulent, it might potentially undermine all land grants to us Mitans who have made this planet our home for generations. At very least, we deserve a tremendous amount of restitution, but I’m certainly not going to give up my lands. Curzans are considered to be of low intelligence and lacking in morals. They are barely above the status of animals here. It’s quite complicated.”
    Ria blew out a breath and gazed among the well-lit gardens outside. “Sounds like Mitah is in for a wild ride.”
    * * * *
    Ria spun around, arms wide, loving the way her shift floated around her. She understood why the Summer’s Ball was such a popular event. A cool breeze blew in from the water. Music and laughter wafted through the night air that smelled of perfume and enticing foods. Multi-colored glowing orbs floated meters off the ground and strings of white lights were everywhere.
    Darl had a table reserved not far from one of the many dance floors, within sight of one of the entertainment areas. The art museum was the hub of this area and stood atop a large hill between the lawns and mountains beyond. Three aerial dance troops wowed the crowds with stunning feats of synchronized airborne dance. They were dressed as ethereal-winged Swali .
    “This is incredible.” Ria had to shout to be heard over the music.
    “Amazing,” Dani agreed.
    “Lord Rucon Cavacent, I presume?” a man’s voice boomed.
    Ria swung around