Loving Lani

Loving Lani

by

Stacy Lee

Rowdy R Ranch Adventures

Book Six

Loving Lani

Copyright© 2014 by Stacy Lee

License Notes

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events: to real people, living or dead: or to real locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and their resemblance, if any, to real-life counterparts is entirely coincidental.

Acknowledgments

To B.J., C.J., T.J., and D.J. with all my love!

To Meme and Poppa, thanks for being there for me no matter what misadventure I choose to chase!

Glossary of Brahnian words and meanings

The first set of definitions and pronunciations are things covered in detail in Protecting Piper. Some words may not be explained as detailed or not at all in this adventure. It is recommended if you have not read Piper’s adventure you read through this glossary before reading the book. It will explain where the text is lacking due to it already being covered. The second set of words are new to Lani’s story.

Awmu Pi - (Aw-moo Pie) - Bonding ceremony or wedding. A required ceremony preformed on a Brahnian woman’s twenty-first birthday, during which the bride is branded on the wrist with the husbands family crest to let all know she is his property. Complete ownership is given from father, or eldest man in the family, to the new husband. This is an arranged marriage that according to tradition was arranged on or close to her tenth birthday. In a normal chain of events the women would not know who her intended was until her twentieth year when it is announced to all. The announcement works as a binding contract and once done cannot be undone. Some meet on this date for a brief moment, others do not. Most likely the man she will marry on her twenty-first year will be a stranger.

Brahnian - (Bruh-nee-an) - The name for their official language and their people. (Ex: Residents of the US are Americans and speak English. Residents of Brahnini are Brahnians and speak Brahnian.)

Brahnini - (Bruh-nee-nee) - The name for their official language and their people. (Ex: Residents of the US are Americans and speak English. Residents of Brahnini are Brahnians and speak Brahnian.)

Bacu - (buh- coo) - First meal of the day eaten in the early morning hours. Breakfast.

Blayo - (b-lay-oh) - Second meal eaten midday. Lunch

Craday - (Cr-uh-day) - Branding iron A small branding iron used in the Awmu Pi to etch the woman’s wrist with a brand marking her the man's property with his family crest or symbol.

Donea Plu - (Dough-nay Ploo) - Royal Playmate. A child of the same sex as the Prince/Princess born closest to their birthday. This child is kept inside the palace with the Prince/Princess. If the child was born outside the palace walls to a villager (no matter their class) the real parents are only allowed to see it on its birthday each year till she turns twenty-one and is bonded or he turns eighteen and takes his first wife. If the child is born to a servant living in the palace they may spend nights with child.

Fi - (Fee) - Sash. a sash to tie the swavea/swavra closed. Usually the color of the accents on the swavea/swavra.

Manu Wey - (Man-oo Weigh) - Representative of the King. Similar to an Ordained Minister, only they are sanctioned by the King not God. Preforms Awmu Pi's and other ceremonies for those not high enough in class for the Kings personal attention.

Manaso - (Ma-nah-so) - The period of time that spans the first two years of ones bonding. It is stated by law that if a child is not produced in this time frame a male has the right to unbind the woman from his life. It is the greatest humiliation a woman can bear.

Naywa - (Nay-way) - Nanny. Provides care for the Prince/Princesses and the Donea Plu. Not exclusive to royalty but usually too expensive for villagers. If a male loses his only wife he may hire a Naywa till he can remarry.

Plazay - (Plaw-zay) - Shops or stalls. Tents that cover the Wasaw Maday, or market square, containing anything a shopper might need. Only a few necessary ones are erected during the week, Saturday’s hundreds cover the square.

Prona - (Prone-ah) - Princess.

Prina - (Prine-ah) - Prince

Sinod - (sin- odd) - Third meal of the day eaten in early evening.

Swavea - (Swaw-vay) - Dress. A females required clothing after the age of ten. A floor length, long sleeved dress that is open down the front like an American bath robe. It wraps closed, is slightly pleated around the waist giving it a fullness, the fi then covers the seam of the pleats to tie it secure at the hip. No zippers or buttons. Usually made of silk or thin light weight cotton depending on your social class. Once the tilo is added skin isn’t visible except around the eyes and hands. Embroidery of a different color highlights the solid materials. (Ex: Royal blue swavea with gold embroidery, the fi would then be gold also.)

Swavra - (Sw-aw-v-ruh) - Male shirt and pants. Male attire of silk long sleeved shirt and silk drawstring style pants, can be thin cotton depending on your social class. A fi is still tied around the waist as the shirt is a version of the swavea in it wraps together with no zippers or buttons. Embroidery of a different color will highlight the shirt. The pants will be solid. (Ex: Royal blue shirt with gold embroidery and fi combined with royal blue pants.)

Swilea - (S-why-lay) - Slippers. Shoes worn by the woman that match the swavea or sworvea. Similar to ballet slippers minus the ties and/or elastic.

Sworvea - (Swore-vay) - Child’s Dress. A younger version of the swavea worn till age ten. Looks just like the swavea except the front is solid with a two inch opening and small clasp at the neckline in back for closure. Still requires a fi but it is decoration and size adjustment (cinch the waist tighter) only. The tilo is still required for Royal or celebratory functions but not necessary in casual public.

Tata - ( Tah-tah) - Father.

Tila - (Tea-lay) - Male headdress. The male version of a tilo. Similar to a scarf, not as wide as the female version, covers the hair then wraps around the neck leaving the face uncovered.

Tilo - (Tea-low) - Female headdress. Similar to a scarf only much wider to cover long hair up to waist length. The tilo is wrapped to cover the hair, neck, and face of a female while in public only leaving the eyes visible. If the hair is longer than the tilo it must be put up in a way it cannot be seen. After age ten all women must wear the tilo in public or in the presence of males not immediately related to her (grandfather, father, brother, husband, or son).

Towta - (T-ow-tah) - Your welcome.

Umi thia wu - (Oo-me Thy Woo) - I love you.

Vowta - (V-ow-tah) - Thank you.

Wasaw Maday - (Wuh-saw May-day) - Market square. An area in the large courtyard in front of the Palace where tents are set up for shopping. A few necessary ones are there all week, on Saturday’s hundreds cover the area.

Zy - (Zie) - My

New words in Loving Lani

Baw - (B-aww) - Honey

Bawkay - (B-aww-kay) - Honeybee

Bramay - (Bray-may) - a whore or prostitute that is not paid but owned.

Bodo - (Bo-doe) - the clothes of the Bramay- basically a bikini, the material completely sheer.

Chala - (Ch-ay-lay) - Balloon

Da - (Dah) - yes

Di - (Die) - no

Fondra - (fond-rah) - sculpt

Grodo - (grow-do) - purse or bag

Gigi - (gee-gee) - Mother

Likus Froneas - (like-us fro-nay-s) - Fucking bitches

Lubris - (loo-br-is) - Lusty

Manisoto ty fronea - (man-ee-so-to tie fro-nay) - Paybacks a bitch

Manisoto ty Fronea bo tisa wu maynay bolaz - (man-ee-so-to tie fro-nay bow tee-saw may-nay bow-law-z) - Paybacks a bitch but a sister is your favorite nightmare

Nabi - (nob-ee) - pastry similar to an apple turnover filled with whichever condiment you desire. Honey, jelly or jam topped with powder sugar.

Nebo - (neb-oh) - clit

Owai - (o-way) - Opps

Paisy - (pay-see) - salad dressing

Poli Wasu, poni ve tow zu! Poni ve tow! - (Poly Wah-zoo pony vay t-ow zoo.) - Please my husband, get it off me! get it off!

Quato - (quote-oh) - 1 quato = one thousand American dollars

100 quato - (quote-oh) - one hundred thousand American dollars

Swabi dola - (Swab-ee dole-ah) - a chicken salad made with herds from Lani’s homeland.

Tak - (tack) - ear

Voso - (vo-so) - porn

Wasu - (Wah-zoo) - My husband, my bonded or my love

Wabys - (Wah-bees) - rings. This is a universal word used for all piercing rings, including earrings, navel rings, clit rings, and nipple rings, among others.

Loving Lani

Chapter One

The Palace of Brahnini

April 16, 2012

Five hours till midnight

I sit back and curiously watch the young woman whose fate everyone has been arguing over for going on eighteen hours now. She hasn’t lifted her head once, which keeps her eyes averted from all men in the room per the law in Brahnini, a small country far away from America and our ideas. The one thing I have learned since I followed my friend Beckett here to claim his Princess is the laws towards women suck. Now I’m not a big feminist or anything, women didn’t belong in law enforcement jobs or in any job that would risk their lives and so on, but to sale a woman into ‘servitude’ if she is not married by midnight on her twenty-first birthday? That is going overboard. However that is exactly what they were talking about happening to the silent woman in the corner.

When I questioned Beck what ‘servitude’ meant he pulled me carefully out of hearing range of both females and explained. My mouth hung open for the full ten minute one-sided conversation. The best case scenario is a maid, the worst is a prostitute that didn’t get paid. In between is nanny, mistress, cook, etc. To think this young woman, who also because of their laws is still a virgin, could be bought by a man tonight then used to entertain his guests for the rest of her life or till she no longer looked the part, then they could resale her, change her position or even imprison her, is horrifying.

I repeat, their laws against women suck.

Princess Piper is Lani’s Donea Plu, or Royal Playmate, as deemed by law when they were born within a day of each other. Where most of the time the two children in this situation grow to hate each other, Piper and Lani are steadfast friends. So much so that when Lani lost her parents, not having any other family, the King took it upon himself to find her an intended to bond with, or an arranged marriage. She should have bonded, or married for us Americans, him today. Unfortunately he was involved in an accident on his land yesterday and was trampled to death by a horse. Now everyone is scrambling to find another suitable man for her before midnight tonight when the bids go in for her sale.

Because women of this country wear what’s called a tilo, basically a scarf that covers everything but the eyes, I haven’t seen her features. With her gaze downcast I haven’t even seen that, however the swavea, or dress, she is wearing shows she has a very luscious body even the nonfitted outfit can’t hide. Unfortunately for her that meant she would sale quickly and for a great price, then more than likely be used for sex.

"Tata! You can’t let this happen! How many are you waiting on now?" Piper begs her father, the King of Brahnini, just like she’s been doing for hours. He sent out letters last night searching for an intended but so far all had declined.

I have two left that should be here any moment, my child. There’s still time. As if he knows he’s being talked about a messenger comes running in the room, bowing quickly and handing over a parchment of paper with a wax seal on it. He speaks rapidly in Brahnian then flees the room. The King rips it open and reads it quickly before his body sags in disappointment. With a small shake of his head he lets the room know it is another negative response.

Who is last? Piper whispers. The King shifts uncomfortably under his favored daughter’s scrutiny. Out of the corner of my eye I see Beckett wince. "Tata, who?" He lets out a long sigh before finally answering in a strong voice.

Lord Ramford. Oh, that isn’t good. The Lord is the man Beck had basically stolen the Princess from.

"Tata!! You can’t! He would take my actions out on her." She finishes weakly, staring at her quiet friend. Piper can get away with speaking in front of the King, even us men, because her father wouldn’t reprimand her in front of her new husband. It is Beckett’s job now to do that and he sure as hell wouldn’t think about it, much less do it. Also because she is his favorite child born from the only woman he ever loved, which happened to be the fourteenth and last wife he took, he let her speak her peace. It is not unusual for Brahnian men to have upwards of fifteen to twenty wives at one time.

He was not my first choice, Piper. We have none left. He argues with her in perfect English that is only being used for our benefit. A throat clearing at the door has me turning to see a woman whose attire makes my eyes bug from my head.

She is basically wearing the raciest bikini I have ever seen. The top piece is a strip of sheer blue material that wrapped around the breasts and tied in the back, but at each nipple there is a cutout leaving the piercings plainly in view. The bottom piece would be closer to a thong, a tiny gold sheer triangle separated into two strings that ran on either side of her heat leaving her piercing, and everything else, on display. They met in the back between her cheeks to merge into one thin string. The front and back are connected by a single thin strip of material that circled her hips.

Her required piercings, nipples, navel, and clit, were joined together by a fine gold chain that tightly links the three areas together with a sapphire jewel positioned at all four points. The color scheme, blue and gold, marked her part of the palace staff. When compared to the reserved swavea, which is floor length, long sleeved and the neckline isn’t the least bit revealing, this outfit stated this woman is here to be used, nothing else.

I sorry interrupt, My Lord. She curtsies low to the King who bids her to speak. I need have her fitted, Sire. She blanches and looks apologetically to Lani, who stands and follows her dutifully from the room. Her use of broken English startles me at first, most citizens in Brahnini don’t speak English. However, no one else in the room seems to find it unusual. Possibly it was only for us that she did, like the King. Perhaps she knew English because her position often found her in the company of visiting men who did not speak Brahnian. That thought bothered me for some reason.

Fitted for what? I ask curiously.

"For the attire of a Bramay." Piper huffs, stomping her foot and acting like the pouty Princess I accused her of being the first time I met her. She isn’t, I have learned that the hard way, but right now she is too upset to think straight.

A bray-may? I ask.

"That woman is a Bramay or whore, in your language."

Piper! Her father reprimands her at the use of the American word, she doesn’t even blink.

"The clothes the woman is wearing, a bodo, is what she needs to be fitted for in case she has to be sold. She will have to wear it starting at midnight." Tears threaten to overtake her and she turns into Beckett for support, her father’s face softens with the instinctive move.

The last messenger runs in handing over his parchment before he removes himself from the room in double quick time. The King reads the note then swears in Brahnian, or at least I believe it’s a swear by the inflictions in his voice.

What did the Lord have to say? Beckett asks through gritted teeth.

"He will place the first bid for her servitude. 100 quato. Piper jerks up glaring at her father as Beckett and I exchange a confused look the King sees. The equivalent to one-hundred thousand American dollars, quite a sum in Brahnini. He sighs. Not many, if any, will top it." With disgust he tosses the paper to his desk in the corner. Piper pulls from Beckett’s arms. She straightens her spine, lifts her chin then faces me. Oh shit! The Princess is in full form and she didn’t take no for an answer. Piper is a push over. The Princess is a mean negotiator.

Kai, I don’t see why you can’t do it. You aren’t married. You aren’t seeing anyone. Lani is a wonderful woman, she will make you proud. Her voice stays steady as she approaches me. You have nothing to lose Kai. Lani will lose everything she has ever had, even what little respect we are allowed. I am begging you Kai. Please? The last word is a mere whisper as some of her composure breaks away.

"First, I have no desire to be married. Second, what if I find someone a year from now that floats my boat upstream and changes my mind? Third, how do you know she will agree to this plan of yours then return to the US with me, because I ain’t staying here, and fourth, I have no desire to take the virginity of a woman ten years my junior and by your laws I will have to do just that in order to marry her. I will not force myself on any woman, Piper. No matter how good the intention, that is what it will be. Forced." I reply through gritted teeth.

No, Kai, it wouldn’t. You don’t seem to understand she was going to be bonded today to a man she had never really met before. In our culture it isn’t force but circumstance.

Your right because it’s not my culture. In America it is force! I growl back to her. Besides, like I said, there would be no way out. Not for me and definitely not for her.

Actually Mr. Blackhawk, there is one way but it will take a little luck. The King smiles slowly.

What way? I sigh out in defeat, Piper will tell me even if I don’t ask. With her photographic memory she knew every law in Brahnini backward, forward and then some.

"The Manaso. If at the end of two years no children have been produced you may petition to have the bonding…. annulled, if you will, that isn’t our word but you get my meaning. I nod when he pauses waiting for my reply. The only problem with this law is the consummation must be done completely natural, no birth control of any kind, no tricks some men think will get them out of impregnating a woman. It must be done correctly, Mr. Blackhawk. Do you understand my meaning?" Oh, yeah, I got it.

"Yes. You’re telling me I cannot use a condom and must fully ejaculate inside her. Am I right?" I ask sarcastically to Beck’s humored chuckle, Piper’s shocked silence and the Kings full amusement.

That is a correct assumption. He says deadpan but his eyes sparkle with merriment.

Please, Kai. Piper begs again. I wrap my hands around the back of my neck and begin to pace. I think better when I pace. No, I think better when I’m hitting something but that wasn’t happening here.

Could I do this? Two years of my life to basically save hers? Several questions run through my head and I begin to spit them out as I think of them not caring who answered.

Would we have to actually live together? Be required to have sex again other than the ceremony? Hell, would I have to even talk to her in that two years? Can she stay in the US after it’s over if that’s what she wants? I look between the three of them. No one answers. Finally it is Piper who clears her throat and speaks.

Beings you will not be in Brahnini and actually watched, you could probably get away with different living arrangements. No sex, just the consummation unless you choose other than that. I would suggest you do speak to her, but it isn’t required by law. Her staying is up to father. Her voice is even but a sadness permeates it making my temper flare, and I did have a temper.

I am trying to convince myself I can do this, Piper. Do not go all tearful on me because of the questions I ask. You know me, I have to have it straight up or it will be a no. I glare at her, she softens her look and nods in understanding. I have to be in California. Beck is planning on staying at the ranch for a while, maybe starting up a new branch of the business in Houston. Now that Jason is gone there isn’t any competition there. If Sarge agrees, which I’m sure he will, she can stay in the bunkhouse. Being with Piper should keep her happy. I’m not speaking to them but planning out loud, which they all seem to realize, keeping quite. I only have to do this once. Don’t think of it as force. Growling to myself I keep pacing. Whore, prostitute, mistress, I can’t let that happen if I can stop it, can I? Virgin. With one last growl I finally turn to the King.

"I want to speak to Lani alone before I agree to this, but let me see if I have it right. Two years. No kids. No more bond. Lani can stay in America after the split without repercussions from your laws. I go about my life, also with no repercussions. And you will have a damn plane waiting to get us the hell out of here long before midnight before I end up adopting three orphans and a damn dog!" I roar letting my aggravation show. The King takes it in stride only smiling with humor.

Agreed. The door opens pulling our attention to a sniffling Lani who enters quietly and takes her seat. Lani, Mr. Blackhawk would like to speak to you, alone. Please remember our laws, Mr. Blackhawk. With that he waves the others from the room and leaves. Like I would forget their screwed up laws. They’re what’s getting me into this mess to begin with!

She sits nervously fidgeting with her thumbs while I pace. What the hell do I think I’m doing? This is only going to lead to trouble. I am not the marrying type, even if it’s fake. This isn’t like last time, I won’t let her tear my heart out and step on it like Dalia did. I don’t and would never love Lani. I only have to keep my distance from her for two years then I can let her go free, no harm done. I could never let myself care for anyone like I did Dalia, she taught me a valuable lesson at an early age. Women were nothing but lying, conniving, beasts that only wanted to destroy men. When she left she took what little heart I had left with her, leaving me with the knowledge love is a lie. After five minutes of inner ranting, I finally turn to her.

Okay, here’s the deal. First, do you understand me? I hadn’t even thought she might have been quiet this whole time because she had no clue what we were saying.

Mostly, da. Her quiet voice confirms I’m not talking to myself. I knew da meant yes from our short overnight stay in the palace but that is about all I know of her language.

The King says if I bond with you now, in two years we can separate if we don’t have kids. I do not believe in love. I do not want a wife. I sure as hell don’t want kids. I want to make that clear right up front. Two years and I let you go. You will stay with Piper and Beckett in Texas while I return to California. The thing I want to know… I blow out a breath then sit before her trying to calm myself. I have never been good at soft or gentle. I know about the consummation, Lani. I feel going through with this is forcing you to have sex with me. I really would like to skip that part but know we can’t. I guess what I’m trying to say…. I rub my hands through my hair looking for the words without sounding like a complete asshole or scaring her to death with my normal bluntness.

"Mr. Blackhawk, if I do not have to ever wear that bodo they just made me try on, I will have sex with you every night for the rest of my life, no questions, no refusals." Her voice is quiet, heavily accented somewhere between Spanish and British, but it’s strong as she stares at the floor still not meeting my gaze. Of course she isn’t allowed to, I didn’t own her….yet. If I went through with this that is exactly what her customs believed. She would be my property. It made me ill to even think about it.

It will only be the one required time and only two years, Lani. I must repeat, I do not want a wife. I am only doing this for Piper. She brought Beck back to life and for that I will give you two years of my time but nothing else. I make my voice hard and cold making sure she understood me.

I understand. Do you know the laws about the consummation? There is a chance of pregnancy tonight. Again, quiet but strong. Maybe she wasn’t the weak woman I had her pegged for. One of my reservations about this is a weak woman is a clingy woman. Not my type at all. I like fight and spunk. Not that I was going to let myself know her enough to like her.

Yes. We will just have to pray the Lord is on our side tonight. She dips her head further touching her chin to her chest trying to hide her amusement, I think. I am not a soft easy man. I would be accused of being hard, cold, mean and heartless long before someone called me gentle but I will never lift a hand to you in anger. That I can promise. Are you sure this is what you want? I supply her with the simple truth then one last time give her the option of backing out.

If it means I am not sold, I have your child and am bonded to you for eternity. I am sure. The conviction in her voice seals my fate. I can’t let anyone I can help be treated like this. I knew this one woman isn’t going to change their laws, but this is Piper’s best friend. I can’t let it happen. Not only will I have to listen to her bitch for the rest of my life, she is married to my business partner and friend I will see her often, but I will have to live with the knowledge I was too damn selfish to help one female in trouble. Protecting people is my job, I can’t walk away knowing I failed at it. It will only be two years and I don’t even have to see her except when I visited the ranch.

Fine. Go get your King, let’s get it over with. I want to be on a plane before midnight. She rises and leaves the room leaving me alone for the first time since arriving to this God forsaken place. I remember how yesterday I had stood beside Lani while she bounced on her toes whispering, ‘da, da, da’ or ‘yes, yes, yes’ over the fact it was Beck standing there and not the hated Lord that should have been. Even through her modest royal blue swavea I could see her voluptuous breasts bouncing jubilantly. Of course I didn’t know it was Lani, the best friend Piper talked about often, till later when Piper asked how I liked the view, surprisingly embarrassing me. Not an easy thing to do.

Here. Beck’s voice brings me out of my thoughts just in time to catch the silk shirt and pants he wore to his ceremony yesterday. This will probably fit you better than it did me. Damn material was tight at the shoulders. Did you know silk doesn’t stretch? He asks on a laugh while I stare at him, holding the silk away from my body like it might bite me. Beck is six foot three with broad shoulders, whereas I am right at six foot and built much leaner than him. Where he has muscles