III
o0o
The passing days became like a dance between her and Tatanga. She carefully considered her decisions and movements, keeping her would-be groom at arm's length while getting to know him better, in the hopes that one day she would have the upper hand over him.
There were the Court sessions, the trips through the provinces, the meals – formal and informal – and their tennis matches, among other things that she had to do with Tatanga. She'd been given plenty of opportunities to observe him, and her cooperation afforded her a significant level of trust from Tatanga regarding his actions and decisions regarding his government. He ruled with a firm hand, but she noticed that whatever violence he meted out was always preceded with a warning. He didn't gun down ordinary civilians for his amusement or let his soldiers run rampant as she'd heard of on other worlds.
The alien conqueror had paid for his ego at Mario's hands, but it seemed like he'd learned at least one lesson. Provided they didn't attempt to sow discord, the citizens of Sarasaland were free to go on with their lives. Some still grumbled, of course, but as much as she hated to admit it, Tatanga wasn't awful. Perhaps it was just because he wanted to preserve resources since he needed them so much, but as long as he wasn't provoked, Tatanga seemed content to maintain the status quo for the most part.
And of course, that included his attempts to woo her. This had been the most delicate part of her relationship with him. So far, she'd managed to hold him at bay, but how much longer would that last? Any time he gave her a touch – his arm curling around her own, his hand on her back or holding her own hand, a finger trailing along her face, she'd always stilled, making no response.
He had seemed content with these small allowances at first, but as Tatanga and Daisy settled into a new pattern in life, she was ever aware of his increasing ardor. They now saw one another at least once every day, and she could practically feel the heat rolling off him in waves when they were alone, or in close proximity to one another.
And the ridiculous thing was… she was actually starting to like him. She was his prisoner, there was no denying that, but he treated her with respect, and he could be so sweet when trying to charm her. He actually asked her for advice regarding the country, and often put it to use.
If the little purple bastard wasn't an alien conqueror, he might have been a decent consort for a princess. There were times when she wanted to scold herself for thinking this way. He was the conqueror, the enemy. He'd already taken her kingdom once and had done so again. He held this country's princess captive with the plan to make her his bride. It all sounded pretty bad, didn't it?
She looked down at the hand that rested on her arm. They were in one of his luxury cruisers, gliding through a twilight sky with the sands and pyramids beneath them.
"I've noticed that no one has tried to come to your rescue," Tatanga commented. "It has been a couple of months now, and I afford you a considerable amount of freedom."
Though Tatanga had never sad it, Daisy had suspected that he would have her correspondence examined. Luckily, she hadn't attempted to make contact with Mario or another friend.
"Perhaps I am simply concerned about the damage and conflict. My people have already been through enough, and there are enough problems on other worlds already." She shrugged. "I am a good sport on the tennis court, but I am also one in other spheres."
"Hmm." She felt his thumb caress her arm. "And have I been one? A good sport, that is?"
"I hate to admit it… but yes."
He let out a hum of appreciation, and his grip tightened a bit. "I am glad to know that my efforts have not gone unnoticed."
"Yes," she said quietly. She had known this was going to happen, and could not quite describe the maelstrom of emotions she felt at that thought. There should be disgust, but she also felt curiosity and confusion. His hand moved along her arm before hooking around her middle, pulling her close.
"My love. My feelings for you are no secret. You know what I want from you." He reached out with his other hand, taking hold of her own and squeezing it.
She slowly nodded her head.
"But I would be content for a simple kiss." He looked up at her, and she felt warmth rise in her cheeks. "I have often gazed upon these soft lips, and wondered what it would be like to taste of them." His words came out in a quiet sigh as she looked back down at him.
She nodded and felt his hand leave her waist to cup the side of her face. She leaned down a bit, feeling the firm thud of her heart against her ribcage as Tatanga loomed large in her vision. Her hands lifted up, finding purchase on his shoulders, feeling the armor pads.
His lips tasted faintly of the wine they'd had earlier with dinner, and his kiss was light as she felt him pucker against her a couple of times. He reached up with his other hand to her face, now holding her head gently, his thumbs caressing her cheeks before he deepened the kiss.
She wouldn't call it fireworks, but there was definitely something there. It was Tatanga who broke the kiss, pulling away as he stared at her.
"I have waited so long for that simple pleasure." His voice now had an almost indiscernible huskiness to it. He opened his mouth, seeming to wish to add something, but fell silent as he stared off at the stars for a moment.
Daisy touched her own lips, remembering the gentle stroke of his thumb across her cheek, the way his lips had brushed against her own. Quickly, she retreated to the plush chair she'd been sitting in, taking refuge in its soft solidness. Tatanga stared off for a couple moments more before he came to sit in the chair next to her, resting his hand on top of her own. She let him hold her hand, finding an odd comfort in the warmth of his grip.
She remembered the first time she'd knowingly manipulated Tatanga. Things had looked dire for Mario, so she had faked an injury to divert Tatanga's attention. Counting on the alien lord's affection for her, Daisy had won her gamble, aiding Mario in saving the day. And now, day after day, she found small ways to manipulate him, keeping him placated. Hey, it worked. She might not be a swash-buckling or fire-throwing superhero, but she was handling the villain pretty well on her own, wasn't she?
"Thank you for a pleasant evening. I'll be going to bed," Daisy said after a yawn. She actually was tired and looked forward to a reprieve from Tatanga's company so she could process what had just happened.
"I enjoyed that kiss so much that I would like another," Tatanga replied as he rose from his seat. This time, Daisy reached out to touch his face as she leaned down, pressing her lips against his own. She felt his hands reach to lightly grip her sides and hips in what seemed to be an instinctive reaction. She pulled back after a couple of seconds and heard a quiet sigh escape his throat.
"I love you, Daisy. Good night and pleasant dreams."
Daisy managed a "Sleep tight" before scurrying off to the privacy of her bedchamber.
o0o
Daisy tried to tell herself that it had been a mere kiss, a simple gesture to placate Tatanga and keep him at bay. The game she was playing with him could become dangerous, she reminded herself. On one hand, she could have tried to keep him at bay forever, but she had no desire to test the limits of his patience. Cooperation with him garnered her quite considerable privileges for someone who was supposed to be a prisoner.
She'd used excuse after excuse to not be alone with him, but she couldn't keep on like this, and finally accepted an invitation to a candlelit supper. Tatanga looked especially sharp in a black, red, and gray outfit.
"I have missed you these past few days," he said quietly as they stood against the railing, looking out at the royal gardens.
"Such is the life of a leader," Daisy offered neutrally. "Our lives are filled with duties and responsibilities. You know them as I do, if not more."
"That much is true, but one must make time for pleasure."
Daisy considered her options. She could try to skirt around the issue or confront it. She'd been evasive so far, but Tatanga continued his pursuit of her, advancing almost as quietly as she parried him. Perhaps now was the time to change strategy.
She turned to face him. "And how would you regard me if I allowed that to happen?" she demanded quietly. "You may have conquered my kingdom, and I know you have your eyes set upon expanding your empire. Other lands have queens and princesses and plenty of other beautiful and exotic women."
He seemed taken aback before his brows furrowed, and he reached for her, fingers brushing against her arm. "I have told you that I love you. There is no secret that conquest is a passion of mine, but nothing else could compare to you. Why do you think I have been so patient with you?" He took a deep breath.
"I would rather have you as a partner than a prisoner."
"So you would have me join in your rule?" she asked with a faint edge of incredulity. She had half expected him to resist her as being anything more than the traditional queen to a reigning monarch – a hostess, a diplomat, a lover, a mother, but not much more. Just as her own mother had been, and no one could say that her father had treated his wife poorly.
"You are a capable leader of your people. Join your strength with mine."
"I could not in good conscience advise you to try to take other lands, or participate in anything pertaining to that."
"I know," he said quietly. Tatanga had acted admirably as lord of Sarasaland. He did nothing to hinder Daisy's own efforts to rebuild her kingdom, even lending his own resources to those efforts. New homes were built much more quickly, helping Sarasaland's displaced residents. Regardless of Tatanga's ulterior motives, this gesture certainly did the alien no harm in the eyes of the Sarasaland natives.
"Regardless of how we might view the state of affairs where land and politics are concerned, my personal feelings for you stay the same. I've seen different worlds and people, and I have never felt this way about anybody else, nor will I ever. You need never fear that I would abandon you for someone else." His hand found hers.
She froze in place as his words sunk in. Her mind scrambled to regroup and shore up its defenses, and she did not become aware of reality until she felt his lips on her cheek and his other hand on her waist.
"Think about it, Daisy. My attention – and willingness to please – all focused on you." His heated whisper slid into her ear before he pulled back.
Well. She'd tried to catch him off-guard, and she had, but he'd been able to collect himself and return the favor. Unbidden, images of such intimacy flitted through her mind.
Doubtless, that little fact would immensely please him. She reined her inner turmoil, putting on a calm facade that absorbed the frantic beat of her heart. In this sort of battle, what was her most viable option? Everything she could consider did not come without cost. Retreat, go on the offensive, or parry.
Then it dawned upon her. This being, who was so reticent about his own past, wished to know more of her than he already did. He had her kingdom hostage, familiarizing himself with it and its princess, yet the few times she'd asked him questions about his history, he'd been very reticent. She'd always respected that, but now perhaps it was time to think differently.
"You ask much when you have already taken much. You speak of intimacy when I barely know you. You want me to trust you, but how can I trust someone I hardly know?"
He blinked and stared back at her, his brows furrowing in surprise and confusion. She used this quick chance to marshal her thoughts.
"You are asking me to share my life with you, but you're not quite as forthcoming, and I don't think that's very fair."
"Well, I- er, that is, I. Um." Tatanga managed to catch himself before taking a slow breath. "I don't like talking about my past."
Daisy gave a slight shrug. "I didn't say you had to like it, but it's an important part of a relationship. I don't think it's too much to ask considering what it is you want from me."
Tatanga's gaze flickered to a point past her shoulder. "I find it difficult to argue against that," he finally conceded. He frowned thoughtfully. Since he'd conceded to her point graciously, she would allow him a dignified retreat.
"It seems like you need time to think of what to say. It's been a long day, so why don't we retire for the night?"
He wasn't the only one who needed time. Should he rise to her challenge, he would expect her to do her part. A battle was won, but the war was far from over.
"It would seem that way." With a sigh that sounded almost regretful, Taanga regarded her with a slight bow. She gave him a curtsey before he retreated into the building, leaving her alone and all too aware of the way her pulse had quickened.