REGENT

Jadzia, Leeta and Dan soon became good friends. Every day she would go to watch the children. Dan always made his way over to her. If the Regent was away, Dax would have lunch with Leeta and her son. Jadzia wanted desperately to ask her new friend about Dan's father, but was afraid of what the answer might be. Surely he would have married Leeta if she had given birth to his child. But this was a different Worf, one without honor or morals.

They dined alone that evening. Jadzia played with the food on her plate. She was very quiet as she listened to the Regent talk about his plans to expand the colony he governed on a neighboring planet. "What are you thinking about Jadzia?"

"Dan."
"You are wondering if I am his father."
She looked at him, surprised that he had read her mind.
"I have seen the way you look at me and the boy every time we are together. Rest assured I am not his father."

For reasons Jadzia didn't understand, she was glad. "Where is his father? Obviously he is Klingon." "He is dead."
"Oh, poor Leeta. I'm sorry to hear that." She was about to comment on how kind it was of the Regent to have taken in Leeta and her son.
"There is no need to be sorry. I know Leeta was glad when I killed him."
"You killed him? You killed Dan's father?"
"Yes." Worf realized he had said too much.
Jadzia jumped up. "How could you murder someone and then speak so casually about it?"
"I did not murder him."
"Murder. Kill. What difference does it make which word you use? Why? Why did you do it?"
"That is between Leeta and me."
Disgusted Dax stormed from the room. Worf sat in silence. He had promised Leeta he would never tell anyone what had happened.

***

Although he had not wanted to go, the Regent had to journey to Qo'Nos. For Jadzia's protection he left a squad of his best men to guard her and their home. During his absence Dax remained in her room. She didn't even go to the garden to play with the children. Three days after Worf left a soft knock sounded on her door. It was Leeta and Dan.

"Thought we'd stop by and see how you were, Jadzia. Dan's been asking about you, he's missed you. And frankly I've been worried about you."

"I'm glad you came by. I missed you too, little fella." Jadzia picked up the little boy, unable to resist his outstretched arms. "I've been.... I just haven't felt like venturing out."

"You must miss the Regent."
"Definitely not!" Dax rolled her eyes. "Actually I'm glad the ogre is gone." She watched as little Dan squirmed from her arms and began to explore her bedroom.
"Don't be so hard on him. Regent Worf really is a good and honourable man." Leeta commented.
"Good? Honourable?! How can you say that?" Dax asked, eyes wide.
"The Regent has always been kind to me and my son."
"Leeta, have you ever... slept with him? I mean how else can you stand to look at the man that killed your son's father?"

With a pained expression Leeta replied, "No, Jadzia. Your husband has never approached me in that fashion, not that I would have refused him. And... and as for him killing Dan's father..... well, the Klingon that fathered my son....raped me." Leeta dropped her eyes.

Jadzia sat in stunned silence for a moment. Standing she placed her hand over her friend's. "I'm sorry. Forgive me for prying."

Leeta went on to tell Dax about the incident and how Worf had come to her aid. When he had discovered that she enjoyed gardening, the Regent had given her a job and a home. The Bajoran woman also told Jadzia about Worf's first mate, B'Etor and her betrayal. Dax listened and learned much about the man who held her prisoner. He may have saved her from the Intendant, but he had used her, violated her body and tricked her into taking the Oath with him.

Yet as much as she hated him and the things he had done to her, Jadzia never tried to escape. What was the use, she thought. Her existance in the other universe had become pointless. She remembered the lonely days and nights spent drowning her pain and sorrows in alcohol and drugs. Jadzia had been on a road to self destruction, and the Dax symbiont had been unable to stop her. Besides most likely by now the Federation had been destroyed.

"Leeta, was this her room?" "Yes, but it wasn't a bedroom in those days. She slept with the Regent."
Leeta blushed. Dax thought, 'Like a wife should.'

"She used the room for a study, whenever they were here. While his first mate was alive the Regent never spent much time on Khitomer. She hated this place. B'Etor preferred to be on Qo'Nos, where all the political powers were. After her death, Worf had this room and every room that she had decorated completely redone. He chose a style as opposite from B'Etor as night is from day. He even burned the bed they had shared."

"He doesn't take disloyalty very well does he." Jadzia thought about how jealous and possessive her own Worf had been. She understood the Regent a little better.

The following day Jadzia did something that she and the Dax symbiont knew was very stupid. The symbiont had tried to convince her to resist the urge. The craving was so strong her body wouldn't let her fight it. She thought perhaps one little sip would make her feel better. But of course she wasn't able to stop at one sip. She drank the entire bottle. Now she was paying for it.

Worf entered Jadzia's room to find her pacing the floor, frantically scratching at her face, neck, sides and legs. She had scratched her neck so much that the collar of her shirt had blood stains on it. Frightened by her appearance, he rushed to her and grabbed her hands. "STOP IT! You are bleeding!"

Jadzia struggled in vain with the large Klingon. "I don't care. Now let me go!"
"Computer, have Dr. Selar beam directly to this room, medical emergency." Worf ordered.
"What happened to you? Why are your spots red?"
Jadzia still struggling, was unable to free her hands from his grip. She raised her foot in an effort to kick him. He laughed at her when she was only able to succeed in grazing his shin.
"You will have to do better than that, my love."

The Trill was angered by not only his laughter, but by his calling her love and the fact that he had actually put his hands on her. She twisted her body around in an attempt to flip him over. Worf anticipated her actions and he followed through her movements. As he went somersaulting over her he maintained his hold on Jadzia so that when he landed on his back she landed on top of him.

Dr. Selar materialized in the large bedroom just in time to see these acrobatic feats. "Regent you could have at least waited until you were finished before summoning me," she stated dryly.

Surprised by Selar, Worf released his hold on Dax, who promptly jumped up from the floor. The Regent stood up also and smiled at his wife, amused by the glaring look she was giving him. Jadzia slapped him hard across the face. He laughed out loud. She scowled at him again.

"Doctor, it seems that my wife has some type of rash affecting her spots. I, unfortunately, did not draw the blood you see staining her clothing. STOP!" Jadzia had returned to scratching at her red itchy spots.

Dr. Selar quickly gave Dax a hypo-spray which soothed the itch. The doctor asked about the source of the irritation. Jadzia explained about her allergy to icoberries. Worf looked at her strangely. "Why would you drink something you knew would cause this reaction?"

"I love icoberry juice. I just couldn't resist the craving today." She was unable to look away from his deep brown eyes. Dax saw that he truly was concerned about her. She remembered what Leeta had told her.

Still looking into Jadzia's eyes Worf spoke to his physician, "Selar, I want you to develop some type of antihistamine that will allow Jadzia to drink and eat icoberries without having an allergic reaction."
"I can do that. I will need a blood sample," the physician stated.

After Selar left Worf walked over to where Jadzia sat looking at herself in the mirror. "I am sorry I broke my promise about not touching you." His large hand gently stroked the delicate statue sitting on the dresser.

Watching his hand caress the nymph, Jadzia suddenly became aroused. "You don't have to apologize, you were only trying to help me. Thank you." She looked up into his face, identical to the one that haunted her dreams. "Why did you ask Dr. Selar to come up with an antihistamine for me?"

"You said you loved icoberry juice. I want you to have the things that please you. But you have never told me what you like or what you want. All you have to do is ask."

"What if I asked to return to my universe?" "No! I do not have one of the transpoter devices. And if I did I would not let you go. From what you have told me of the war, your people are likely at the mercy of this Dominion by now."

"I like to play Tongo." "Tongo??"
"A Ferengi board game."
"The Ferengi in this universe have no games. But I will have Miltor create the game for you."
"Will you play it with me?" she asked.
"If you will teach me, I will play," he responded sincerely.

Just as he had promised, the Regent had the artisan Miltor meet Jadzia in the library that afternoon. In no time at all they had replicated the board and all the pieces necessary to play her favorite game. They even replicated 'play' money to replace the strips of latinum. Dax dedicated the board to Quark, who had given his life to save hers. She realized she never knew how much he had cared for her.

That evening Jadzia paid particular attention to her dress and appearance. The Regent had filled her closet with the loveliest dresses she had ever seen, but most of the time she only wore a simple blouse and skirt. She curled her hair and selected a deep burgundy dress from her closet. The dress was a sheer see through chemise style that draped over a satin under slip of the same color.

When Worf arrived to escort her to dinner he complimented her on how beautiful she looked that evening. She felt very happy, happier than she had in a long, long time. After their private dinner, Jadzia showed the Regent how to play Tongo. He learned quickly.

"This is amazing. My Worf never got the hang of this game. Already you have picked up enough of the subtleties to be a challenging Tongo partner."

"It is a game about acquisition, and I have spent most of my adult life acquiring not only power but all the things you see around you. One must use strategy to gain anything of value. And I place a high value on things of beauty. I suppose I have this in common with your Ferengi."

"My Worf loved beautiful things also. He just..."
"Yes, he did love beautiful things..." his voice softened as he gazed into her blue eyes with so much adoration that Jadzia lost her train of thought.

It had been a long time since Jadzia had blushed, but that was exactly what she was doing under the intense appraisal of the Regent. He continued, "I would give up all my possessions to have what he had." Silently the Regent completed his thought: your love.

That night as she lay in bed Jadzia had doubts about being joined. Although it was an advantage, tonight the Dax symbiont's incredible memory was bothersome to say the least. The symbiont's memory provided her with great clarity, all the details of the time she had spent in the Regent's arms.

The Regent was restless that night also. But then he had become used to waking up thinking about the voluptuous woman sleeping in the room next door. He ached to be with her but alas he would have to settle for his memories. And they were glorious memories.

***

Dr. Selar had spent the entire day and night working on the antihistamine for Jadzia. She knew how important this was to her friend. The Vulcan liked Dax but was saddened by the fact that the Trill spurned Worf. Perhaps with time the Regent could win her heart. Having successfully completed her task, Selar beamed to the Regent's mansion. It was early morning and she was surprised to see them sitting at a table in the courtyard, playing some type of game.

"I am determined to win at this game, Jadzia. You know I am fiercely competitive," he stated. "Well Regent, we share that much in common. Don't expect me to give you *any* more pointers. I can't believe you woke me up to play Tongo," she yawned. "I do so love to sleep late."

"That is a bad habit, you should break yourself of." "Hey, yesterday you said I could have whatever I wanted. Well I want to sleep late." "You can go back to sleep as soon as I leave. Remember you did promise to share every meal with me. This particular day I had to eat early. I will be away most of the day but I wanted to get a game in before I left."

"And I thought Quark and I were bad. Oh, good morning Dr. Selar," Jadzia looked up at the Vulcan woman. "Full consortium! I win!"

Breathing in deeply Worf was not disappointed by his loss. He was too happy to see Jadzia enjoying herself. "Next time." He pointed a finger at the pretty Trill woman across from him. "Selar, you must learn to play this game. It is fascinating."

"I'm sure. I have the antihistamine." Selar looked at the happy couple in front of her. Things were looking up. "You are a genius, my Vulcan friend. I knew you could do it." Worf stood up and pulled Jadzia's chair out for her.

"That was fast. Maybe I can have icoberry juice for lunch?" Jadzia licked her lips in anticipation.
Selar replied, "I do believe you will be able to indulge as much as you like. You will need to get an injection once a month until your body builds up enough immunity of its own."

"Oh, thank you! I don't know why Julian and I didn't think of this years ago. I've been denying myself."

"I hope you never have to deny yourself anything again." Worf said as he looked into her sparkling blue eyes. "If the two of you will excuse me, I must go. We will have company this evening Jadzia. General Martok will be joining us for dinner. Selar you are invited also."

"Thank you Regent, but I have other plans. Give my regards to Martok."

After Worf left, Selar gave Jadzia her hypo. Then she requested one of the servants to bring a glass of icoberry juice.

"Pardon me doctor, but from your tone I take it you don't like Martok."

"No. Martok does not like me. He tolerates me because I am the Regent's friend. We both have Worf's best interest at heart. Martok respects and admires my skills as a surgeon and scientist, I have save his life on more than one occasion. But the good general is not partial to non-Klingons."

"Some things don't change no matter what universe you are in. Martok's counterpart in my universe is not so bad. It is his wife that gave me grief. Tell me how did you and the Regent come to be so close."

"I have known Worf for over ten years. When we first met I was a medical student on Vulcan. I was on my way home to the colony where my family lived on Taleria V. The transport ship I was traveling on was attacked by a Nausican fighter. They, the Nausicans, were at war with Mogh's army. Why we were attacked I don't know."

"Mogh, as in Worf's father Mogh?" Jadzia asked.
"The same. To make a long story short, I and what few survivors there were of the civilian ship were taken prisoner. Worf saved me and helped me to return to the medical school on Vulcan."

Jadzia had a strange feeling the doctor had left out a lot of details. She really wanted to know more but the look on Selar's face told her she wouldn't get any more information out of the stoic Vulcan. Dax understood why Worf would like this woman. Selar didn't talk much and only revealed what was absolutely necessary to complete a thought.

"So after you graduated from medical school you decided to return the favor by going to work for the Regent."

"Yes, but he was not the Regent then. Over the years we have been through many battles together. I was by his side as he moved up through the ranks of the Klingon Defense Force. Worf and I have become friends, we respect each other and are equally indebted to the other."

"So you have lost track as to who owes who their life."

"Precisely. Well it has been twenty minutes since you drank the juice. Do you feel any irritation?"

"No. Usually by now I would be turning red and starting to itch. Thank you, Selar. May I call you Selar?"

"Yes, you may call me Selar. I have a feeling we will be seeing quite a bit of each other. And you are welcome. But it is your husband you should thank, he is the one who came up with the idea."

My husband, those words still stung. The Regent had been very kind to her and she didn't loathe his presence as much as she had when he first brought her here. But it was hard for her to think of this Klingon as her husband.

~

That night at dinner, Jadzia could tell that Martok did not care for her. She didn't appreciate him judging her before he knew anything about her. The two men remained in the library after she returned to her room for the night.

"Worf, my friend, I did not tell you about this Trill woman so you could go off and mate with her. For an alien she is fair of looks but you could have had her without marrying her. I had thought she would prove valuable in your pursuit of the Emperor's throne. She must possess a vast knowledge from her universe that could help us in this one."

"At first I had thought to kidnap her just as the Intendant had and for the same reason. But one look and something told me I could not treat her dishonorably. I have never bedded a woman without her wanting me and I was not about to start with Jadzia Dax. She was the mate of my counterpart. Jadzia is special and not because of the knowledge she possesses nor because of the symbiont that lives within her. The throne does not appeal to me as it once did. As long as Gowran continues to rule in a manner I can tolerate his seat is safe. But do not fear if he should become sloppy or puts the Empire in danger, I know what I must do."

"But that is it. You cannot do it alone. Your allies will question this marriage arrangement you have made. Never in the history of our people has a leader taken a mate that was not Klingon."

"Her heart is Klingon. If my fitness as a leader is to be questioned because of my mate then to hell with all who dare to challenge me."

"Listen to me, Worf, divorce her. Send her back to her universe if you cannot keep her as a mistress and take a true bride from among your people."

"NEVER! If you were not my oldest friend and most trusted ally, I would have your head in my hand. You will *not* speak against my wife ever again. For that is what Jadzia is and will remain. Now if you value your life, you will return to your ship. If I dwell in your presence any longer I will surely become irate. I do value your friendship and realize you speak in ignorance. Good night."

After Martok left Worf went to say goodnight to Jadzia and to apologize for his friend's rude behavior. Jadzia was curled up in bed reading when Worf knocked at her door. "Come."

"Am I disturbing you?"
"No. Please come in. Martok is gone already?"
"Yes. I could not stomach his company any longer."
"Really? I thought he was your best friend."
"He is. I even look up to him like a father. But if he continues to treat you the way he did tonight his wife will be a widow."

Jadzia dismissed this last comment, she could not imagine him killing Martok. "His wife is Sirella?"
"Yes. I take it they are married in the mirror universe."
"Oh most definitely. In that universe I had my run-ins with her, not Martok."
Dax proceeded to tell the Regent about her wedding and the incident with Sirella.

"You don't have to worry about this Sirella. She is not so outspoken, but she is still a strong woman. Besides you are the Lady of the greatest House in the Empire, not counting the Emperor's of course."

"Things are very different here," she commented.
"Am I that different?" he asked quietly as he sat down on the bed next to her. Jadzia didn't answer him.

Her pulse quickened and the muscles in her stomach tightened when he sat down. She remembered her dream from the previous night. The man next to her carried his masculinity with practiced ease. Just like her own Worf he didn't seem to realize the sexual magnetism he exuded. Or did he?

The Regent let his eyes slowly travel over her body. She watched as his nostrils flared and his pupils dilated with passion. Jadzia's body betrayed her; her breathing, her heartbeat, her muscles, all began to respond to his nearness. He had not touched her. That one look was all it took, she could feel the moisture increasing between her thighs.

"Would you like to play tonight?" he asked seductively.
"Play?" she swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Tongo," he clarified.
"Tongo?
"Yes, my Lady. Tongo."
"Yes, I suppose a game of Tongo would be fine," she sighed.

Go on to Part Four