My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley Read Free Book Online Page A

can trust them fully. However, officially you report to me. You’ll be briefed fully when you—”
    Nate blinked, totally losing track of what the admiral was saying. Did he say—surely not . “Wait. Did you say he ? The king’s consort is a man?”
    Societies like the one they were discussing, like the one Nate grew up in, did not tolerate same-sex relationships.
    The admiral laughed. “Did I forget to mention that Regelence is a very patriarchal society? So much so, in fact, that the aristocracy makes certain their offspring, especially their heirs, are male and genetically altered to have a preference for the same sex.”

    * * * * *
    The Lazy Dog Tavern, downtown Classige, Pruluce on planet Regelence.
    Ralph Benson leaned against the wall, holding his breath. When he’d followed the other valet here, he’d had no idea the man was on the take.
    He’d come with the other castle servants to share a pint after the royal family turned in for the night. He never suspected this info would fall into his hands.
    Taking a drink of his ale, he nodded at a passing waitress, still listening intently to the valet as he spoke.
    “I think I have our man set-up to get the cloning technology once he marries into the family. After he gets his new spouse addicted we’ll work on influencing the father.” The valet stopped talking briefly, listening to whomever he was talking to on the televid, Ralph supposed. “No, the royal bitch does not know. She only knows that she will get the money when she gives him the schematics.” Again the valet paused. “Azrael has no idea I am here but I think he might suspect us. And remember, we always have her child to use if we have to—”
    Ralph pushed away from the wall. He’d heard enough. He didn’t understand most of what he’d overheard but he knew enough to discern
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    J.L. Langley
    their Queen was involved, which was what he was here for. He had to get word to Colonel Hollister somehow.
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    My Fair Captain

Chapter Three

    Townsend Property: the outskirts of Classige, Pruluce, the capital country of Regelence.
    Gazing out the window at the passing landscape, Nate felt like he’d been transported back in time to his youth. The whole thing seemed surreal, the clothes, the coach, everything. It brought forth conflicting emotions. He found himself sitting more rigid than normal. Whether it was his repressed “lord” surfacing or the assignment he couldn’t say. The thing was, he’d never been what one would consider a pretentious lord, even when he was one, but this was a role, an acting job. The sooner he figured out who was in on the stolen weapons the better.
    A growl combined with a rustle of fabric brought his attention back inside the lift. He suppressed the urge to smile, knowing Trouble would only take it as encouragement. The kid had been fidgeting and bitching since they’d changed clothes on the space dock three hours earlier.
    Nate knew damned well the pest was trying to gain his sympathy and it wasn’t working. If he had to wear a waistcoat and cravat, so did Trouble. The kid should be thankful Regelence had a nice temperate climate. There had been days on Englor when it was downright unbearable to be anywhere but lounging at home in the air conditioning.
    Squirming and nearly worming himself off the leather cushions, Trouble made agitated little grunts and groans.
    “Stop fidgeting.”
    Trouble snorted and fell to his side on the seat. Grabbing the fabric over his thighs, he tugged and wiggled, assumingly trying to ease his
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    J.L. Langley
    britches downward a bit. Soon enough one hand came up, yanking at the neckcloth, followed by melodramatic choking sounds. With much production, the kid finally slithered to the polished wood floor and glared up at Nate.
    Nate raised a brow.
    “Kill me now.” The pest’s arms flopped to his sides on the floor. His face screwed up and he closed his eyes on a wail.
    Nate’s lip twitched. The kid really did have a