The Impatient Lord Read Online Free PDF Page A

hangover,” Riona answered. She too lifted a glass of whiskey to her lips and coughed lightly at the initial sip before swallowing a mouthful of the hard liquor. “These food simulators really do make anything.”
    “ Too bad they can’t materialize space credits. Wouldn’t that be something? I’d buy this ship and kick everyone off, you and the pilots not included.”
    “ Thanks.” Riona lifted her glass.
    Olena studied her liquor thoughtfully and mused, “I suppose it’s easy for the Draig to say I love you to one of the only women on the entire planet.”
    Riona followed the changing conversation with ease. “How else are the poor bastards going to get a little happy-happy for their little happies?”
    Qurilix en was inhabited by primitive males similar to Viking clans of Medieval Old Earth—not that Riona knew too much about Old Earth. Some scientist theorized that many of the humanoids had started on Old Earth long, long ago because of some genetic similarities, but Riona wasn’t much for science. Ancient history was just that—history. Today is what mattered.
    The Draig race worshipped many gods, favored natural comforts to modern technical conveniences and preferred to cook their own food without the aid of a simulator. They were classified as warriors, though they had been peaceful for nearly a century—aside from petty territorial skirmishes that broke out every fifteen or so years between a few of the rival houses. All in all, it sounded rather dull.
    “ If you’re so against this marriage,” Riona said, “why are you here?”
    “ I wanted breast enlargements,” Olena answered, her face serious. She puffed out her chest against the cotton robe. “But Gena’s been in the machine for the last week growing her two-ton rocket blasters and I can’t get an appointment.”
    Riona instantly burst into another fit of laughter. She gasped for breath, reaching for her whiskey glass on the floor next to her. Gena wasn’t well liked on the ship and was often avoided. The woman was annoying, thinking and talking only of herself and her new breast enhancements.
    The so und of the door sliding open caught her attention and both women turned to see who’d interrupted. Aeron stood staring at them, arms crossed.
    “ Speaking of two-ton rocket blasters,” Olena mumbled, pushing to her feet. She wobbled but didn’t fall. “I should go before you two explode and take out half the ship.”
    Riona saw her sister ’s tight expression and felt the laughter draining out of her. Aeron wasn’t exactly pleased with Riona’s method of getting her to Qurilixen and she had made her displeasure known every time they crossed paths. Okay, admittedly, Riona should have perhaps told her sister what was going on before she had her on the bridal ship and in deep space. Honestly, she kind of thought Aeron would have noticed the giant wedding banner as they boarded the ship.
    “ Are you drunk?” Aeron demanded.
    “ Apparently not enough,” Riona mumbled as Olena left them alone. She ambled to her feet, bumping the playing board. Some of her unused discs skidded along the floor. Instantly, a cleaning droid activated and began attending to the mess. She stepped around the machine to get to the bed. All around them was every starship convenience known to humanoids—beauty droids, cosmetic enhancements, food simulators that could materialize almost anything they desired and an oversized bed to pass out on.
    “ I can’t believe you’re drinking. I thought we’d made plans to get together to discuss our plans once we land.”
    “ Plans for making plans,” Riona mumbled, adding sarcastically, “Yep, that sounds like me, Federation. I’m a planner.”
    “ Gah!” Aeron threw up her arms. “Why are you always like this? I can’t even have a simple conversation with you. And I told you, don’t call me Federation.”
    “ Listen, Federation .” Riona sat, wanting nothing more than to fall against the mattress and into