Morningstar by Robyn Bachar

said. Both females looked to him, startled. “I may not be the heir, but I can easily provide for you.”
    “Well I hope you can also afford children, at the rate that you’re going,” Bryn replied. Sabine splayed a hand over her stomach, her brow furrowed at the idea, and Bryn kissed her cheek. “You’ll be a great mother. If not now, then one day.”
    “I don’t have much to compare to. I never knew my mother. I had a few females who took care of me, but never for long. They always had their own children to look after.” Sabine peered up at Jace. “When will we meet your family?”
    “When we reach Cyprena. The trip shouldn’t take long once we get the VFF drive back online.”
    “What is your family like?” Sabine reached for her glass of water, and Bryn was relieved to note that her hands were no longer shaking. It was also encouraging that she’d been able to sit still and hold a conversation for this long—usually Sabine could only manage a few sentences before demanding to be fucked. This was only a pause of clarity before the storm of the phase picked up again, but for now her lover was lucid, and it was a wonderful thing. If Dr. Morgan was correct, the storm would only last a few more days. Bryn prayed that the doctor was right.
    “They’re…complicated,” Jace said. “I have an older brother, and three sisters. My father has three mates. My brother has two mates, and three daughters. My sisters aren’t mated yet, though one of them will marry Lord Degalen of House Sunsinger when he decides which one he wants.”
    “Please tell me you’ll give us some sort of study guide to learn who’s who before we meet them,” Bryn said, and Sabine giggled.
    “I will.” Jace looked to Bryn. “You’ll stay from now on?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good, I need your help,” Jace said. “Sabine needs you. I can’t trust that I can recognize her withdrawal symptoms when I’m affected by the phase. Plus I could use your help in keeping her sated.”
    Bryn smiled slightly. “So she did wear you out.”
    “And then some. I’m not ashamed to admit that,” he replied dryly. “Any male would have difficulty keeping up with her in her heightened condition.”
    She was grudgingly impressed by that. Most males would never admit such a thing—especially not shadow swords, who were trained never to show weakness. He was being honest, just as he had been about his virginity. It was encouraging that he was so open with them.
    Jace set his empty plate down. “How do you feel?” he asked Sabine.
    “A little better. Lightheaded.”
    “Lightheaded?” Bryn repeated with concern. It wasn’t a phase symptom.
    “And dizzy,” Sabine admitted. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
    Luckily Jace’s quarters came with a head to himself because he was the ship’s first officer, and Bryn helped her to it before Sabine vomited up everything she’d just eaten. As she held Sabine’s hair, Bryn glanced back at Jace and they exchanged a worried look.
    “Should I page Dr. Morgan?” he asked.
    “No. There’s nothing she can do. Better now?” Bryn asked when Sabine quieted.
    “For now,” she muttered.
    “It’s all right, a’stera . We’ll stick to water.”
    “I knew,” Sabine blurted.
    Bryn frowned. “Knew what?”
    “That the master was giving me something.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me?” Shock numbed her, replaced by a quick burn of anger at their former master.
    Sabine smiled weakly. “Because I couldn’t stop him, and I didn’t want to worry you. I knew you’d attack him, and he’d punish you again. You’ve always protected me.”
    “Now Bryn and I will protect you together,” Jace vowed from the doorway. Bryn met his gaze and they shared a quick nod. “What else can I do?”
    “Nothing at the moment, but you can give her an hour or two to rest. It’ll give you a chance to check in with the captain.”
    Jace nodded. “You’re still wearing my jacket.”
    “Yes. It’s very