REGENT

Over the next few days Jadzia and the Regent spent a lot of time together. Much of it was occupied with playing Tongo. In the morning they would sit in the courtyard and play. Afternoons were spent in the garden with little Dan trying to run off with the game pieces. Each evening the two would sit in the library playing and talking.

Worf enjoyed these times. When Jadzia was involved in a game she would relax and talk. As each day passed she opened up more and more. He listened and learned much about her during that week.

One night at dinner Worf said to Jadzia, "I am tired of betting 'play' money. Let's raise the stakes. The winner of this hand will get whatever they wish."

"I don't know about that." She eyed him cautiously. "Indulge me. Be adventurous. Tell me what you would like if you win. A new dress? A painting or sculpture? Perhaps jewels?"
"No, none of those." Jadzia thought for a moment. "A bat'leth."
"A bat'leth?" he raised one eyebrow.
"Yes. One of my very own. Don't give me that amused look. I'm quite skilled at handling a bat'leth. You will see."
"All right. If you win the next hand I will give you as you say, your 'very own' bat'leth."
"I look forward to getting some exercise, I'm recovered and am tired of sitting around. So tell me Regent what is it you want?"
"A kiss." He stared at her luscious lips.
"A-a ... kiss. No. I think we should call off this deal."
"One little kiss. Are you afraid you will lose?"
"No, I'm not afraid...." Jadzia hesitated.
"Good. Let us begin." Worf set-up the board.

Although Jadzia had won every game they had played, she realized that the Regent's skills at Tongo had improved. But she was still confident in her ability to win.
All that week Worf had not only been listening to his wife talk but he had been studying her methods. He had devised his own strategy. The Regent was determined to win. As the game progressed Jadzia started to feel intimidated. The Klingon sitting across from her was playing more boldly than he ever had. And he kept watching her mouth.
And he won. The Regent looked triumphantly at her.
"O.k. then, a kiss. Let's get this over with," Jadzia said as she stood and walked around to the other side of the table. She was about to lean over when he raised his hand.
"Not now. I do not want to collect on your debt, just yet. But remember, you do owe me." He stood up arrogantly. "I'm tired, that last hand took a lot out of me. Besides I have a long day ahead of me."

While laying in the darkness of her room, she thought about the smug look on the Regent's face. He liked having people in his debt. She had been stupid to accept his bet. She should have known better. 'Yes you should have,' the symbiont thought. Dax knew Jadzia's heart better than she did at the moment.

**

It was late in the morning when Jadzia woke up. He had not awakened her as he normally did. When she came out of the shower she spotted a large package on the dresser. An attached note read: "You won - my heart." Opening the package she found a bat'leth, finely crafted and polished to perfection. The gift brought tears to her eyes.

One of the soldiers the Regent always left to guard his home told her he would not return until late. So Jadzia spent the day working out in his private holo-suite. When he did make it home Jadzia was already asleep. She woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of angry voices. They were in the Regent's master suite. Doing something she had never dared to do, Jadzia unlocked the adjoining door and stepped into his bedroom.

Martok was pacing the floor ranting and raving. A mumbling Selar was kneeling in front of Worf attending a wound on his leg. And Worf sat in a large high-backed chair, arguing back and forth with the two of them. He had stripped off his battle gear and was only dressed in his shorts. Jadzia saw the blood stained uniform then quickly looked back to Worf. The lighting was dim but she saw the freshly healed scars on his face, arms and chest.

That was when she saw the long jagged scar on his side. Although Selar had stopped the bleeding and sealed the wound, the scar would remain. This was a scar a Klingon would be proud of. The three were so pre-occupied they did not notice her, until she spoke. "Worf, what happened?"

The Regent looked into her sincere blue eyes. She was concerned about him. This pleased him. Also it was the first time she had called him by his name since he had told her the truth. He smiled at her.

Martok took advantage of Worf's silence, "He was stabbed in a fight. Actually he fought with three warriors. Two were former allies, the other... well, only Gowran will miss him. And it was because of you." Martok pointed his finger at Jadzia.

"SILENCE! Martok, I will speak with you tomorrow. By the way, thank you for your support, old friend." Worf frowned as the general left his room. "HURRY UP SELAR! Or leave it. I am not in any danger of dying."

"If Martok had not come along you may have bled to death. I don't care if you did kill all your opponents, you lost quite a bit of blood. What were you thinking, going off this morning and leaving me behind?"

Jadzia was surprised at the depth of emotion she heard in the Vulcan woman's voice. She watched with interest as Worf humbly looked at his physician and friend. "I did not anticipate trouble. Besides I knew it was the Vulcan Day of Marou. I wanted you to have the day off," he said quietly.

"Thank you for remembering. But I could still have accompanied you. Finished. Once again you will live." Selar stood and looked at Jadzia. She gave the Trill woman a look Dax could not fathom. It was as if the Vulcan was pleading with her to be kind to Worf. Selar left the two of them alone.

Worf looked at Jadzia. This was the first time she had set foot in his room, the first time she had addressed him as Worf. "Forgive my appearance, my Lady."

"You killed three men because of me?? Why?" she was deeply disturbed by what Martok had revealed.

"Those men challenged my position as Regent. Questioned my abilities to lead the Klingon military. All because I took you as my mate. I do not tolerate veiled threats against my person or those under my protection. You are familiar with the Klingon way. So of course you understand why I had to eliminate them. One was a spy sent to stir up trouble, as Martok said no one will miss him. I don't even think Gowran will miss him, you see I have used the man to bring me news of the Emperor as well. The other two were allies but they leaned whichever way the wind blew. I do not want men at my side who do not know their own heart. Do you understand, Jadzia Dax?"

"Yes I understand," Jadzia answered. As they gazed into each others eyes he knew that she did understand.
"Did you like your prize?" he asked changing the subject.
"Yes thank you, the bat'leth is magnificent. I practiced with it all day."
She knew he was finished talking about the earlier incident. "Would you like something to eat, drink?"

"Yes please. There is some blood wine in that cabinet." Worf pointed to a large dark wooden cabinet behind her. "If you would bring me some I would greatly appreciate it." She brought a bottle of wine and two cups.

Pouring two cups of wine, she handed one to him and sat in the extra chair and sipped on the other cup. As she expected it was an excellent vintage. 'Only the best' he always said. Silently they drank the strong wine. She wanted to ask how he was feeling but thought better of it. This man was a Klingon in every sense of the word. But still like her Worf, he was some how not very traditional.

Their eyes played a flirtatious dance. Each stealing looks at the other. She was unable to keep from looking at the massive chest her head had rested on and the powerful arms that had held her closely. And looking at the corded muscles in his thighs made her squirm in her seat.

His eyes simply adored every inch of her beautiful body. She wore a purple gown with thin straps. The satin material clung to her curves as flowed down her tall exquisite figure. Standing Worf said, "My Lady, you had better go back to bed. I wouldn't want to keep you from your rest."

"That is very considerate of you." She thought, 'you need rest more than I do. Of course you'd never admit it.' Looking around his very masculine room her eyes saw it. Saw him. Sitting on the Regent's dresser. It was her fairy nymph's mate. He was perfect in every way, just like her angel. Jadzia was drawn to the statue.

Carved from an onyx type stone, its brilliance shone in the dim light. Just like his female counterpart, this perfectly formed nude male hovered in mid-flight, arms and wings outstretched. Picking up the statue she gazed into his handsome face. "Here you are," she whispered to the statue.

"Why do you keep them separated? They should be together." Jadzia turned to face the man who had moved to stand directly behind her.

"Yes they should be together. But she does not realize this yet." Worf looked down into his mates eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope.

"Maybe she needs more time." Jadzia turned away from his scrutinizing gaze.

Worf stepped back to allow her to get by. As she walked back toward her room he called out her name.

"Jadzia, I think I would like to collect on that debt you owe me."

Stopping just inches from the door that led to her room, led to safety she held her breath. How could he ask to kiss her. Here in his room and him practically naked. She was already struggling with the desire burning within her just from being in his company. To kiss him would be too much. But she owed him.

Jadzia turned and watched as he gracefully moved across the room to stand within an inch of her. Worf lowered his head as she tilted her face up toward him. He did not put his hands on her, just his mouth. His mouth pressed against hers and then his tongue started to lick at her lips. She concentrated on keeping her mouth closed and his tongue out. He sucked on her bottom lip and continued nibbling at it until she moaned and gave in to his kiss.

His mouth possessed hers. She opened to allow him access to the moist inner flesh of her mouth. His tongue explored its every inch. Jadzia felt her self loosing control. Her own tongue sought out his and began to delve into the heat that had trapped her. She wanted him to pull her closer, but he still had not touched her. Instead he had placed his hands on the wall behind her effectively pinning her between those long strong arms.

Unable to resist any longer, her arms snaked around his neck and she wantonly pressed her body into his. She loved the solid feel of his hard muscles beneath her palms.

Worf moaned into her mouth. He refused to relinquish the contact between their lips. This was his kiss, he had not said how long the kiss would last. But he had to make sure it lasted long enough. He might not get another one. He wanted her so badly but she had to be the one to initiate the union. When she wrapped her arms around him and arched her body into his he knew she wanted him just as much. But still he waited for her to say it.

Jadzia ached with a longing so desperate she thought she would go insane. Rubbing her taut nipples against his chest she ignited a flame between them. She pressed her pelvis into his groin, and felt his erection hard against her lower abdomen. She rotated her hips back and forth, fanning the flame even higher. She wanted him, wanted yo feel those strong calloused hands all over her body. Why wouldn't he touch her? The memory of his promise not to touch her unless she asked, came back to mind. It had to be her, she had to ask.

With a great effort she pulled her lips from his. "Touch me. Let me feel your hands on my skin."

This was all Worf needed to hear. She wanted him to touch her, he would gladly oblige. Weeks of pent up frustration turned him into a wild man. He ripped the gown from her body, tearing it straight down the middle.

He looked into her eyes, "Do you want me?" he asked. "Yes," she said breathlessly.

Worf then took the material of her panties in his hands and tore them off, leaving her standing naked before him. His hands were all over her then. He could not get enough of her. Jadzia pushed his shorts down his legs.

Where as their previous encounters had been gentle and tender, they attacked one another in a frenzy. Jadzia bit into Worf's cheek tasting his blood as her teeth penetrated his flesh. He grabbed a hand full of her hair and pulled her head back, exposing her neck to his ravenous kisses and love bites. As his teeth and tongue blazed a fiery trail down to her breast, she clawed at the muscles of his shoulders and arms. She lifted her right leg when she felt his left hand clutch at her behind. He squeezed the muscles of her butt as he pulled her closer. Worf inserted two fingers into her warm opening and found that she was ready.

Jadzia'a own fingers found their way to his manhood. She began to deftly stroke him until he was groaning in agony. Holding on tightly to her, Worf backed back until he was able to lower himself into his chair. Jadzia kneeled in front of him and swirled her tongue around the head of his penis. He grabbed her around the neck and lifted her head, "I want to be in you. NOW!" he demanded.

She stradled him. Jadzia spread her lower lips apart and holding his shaft in the other hand, she impaled herself on him, moaning as she took the entire length of him inside herself.

Worf's eyes and hands never left her body. He massaged and caressed every inch of her creamy flesh as he watched her sensuously ride his loins. His fingers found her clitoris and began to stroke it roughly, soon she was whimpering with pleasure as he teased that sensitive little organ. Seeing her face as her orgasm vibrated through her being, he knew that there was not a more glorious sight in the universe.

"We aren't finished yet," he rumbled as he grasped her tightly around the waist. "Wrap your arms and legs around me," he demanded. Once her long silky legs were secure, he planted his feet firmly on the floor and hoisted them both up from the chair. Jadzia's weight was nothing to him as his mighty arms and legs not only supported her but began the intimate movements that were as old as time. Their bodies were covered with sweat when they finally collapsed on the bed, both spent after another powerful climax.

Feeling a happiness and fulfillment he had never experienced before Worf wrapped Jadzia in his embrace as he pulled the cover over their bodies. He slept very contentedly that night.

Jadzia dreamed of the first time she met that Klingon in the Starfleet uniform. She dreamed of their first away mission together, of their adventure looking for the Sword of Kahless, of the first time they made love, and dreamed of their wedding. Jadzia was walking down the isle looking into her parmachai's loving eyes. Suddenly the wind rose, she heard thunder, torpedo fire. Worf was no longer standing there on the platform. She looked around, where was he? She thought she saw him on the Promenade, she ran after him but was unable to catch up with him. Someone grabbed her arm, turning she saw the Regent. He was dressed in his uniform, adorned with all his medals and insignias. He pulled her toward him, in the process ripping her beautiful wedding gown. The gown Worf had designed for her.

Another hand clutched her other arm, it was Worf, in his Starfleet uniform. He too pulled at her, tearing at her dress. Jadzia struggled between the two Worfs, screaming as she tried to get away from both of them. They continued pulling and ripping at her dress until she was naked. They both disappeared, she was alone, cold and nude. The Promenade turned into the caves on Trill where the symbiont pools were located. She felt herself drowning in one of the pools. Her eyes flew open as darkness surrounded her.

When Worf woke up he was alone. It was early and he sensed something was wrong. Jadzia hated getting up early. Her shredded gown and panties lay on the floor and her scent remained in his bed. Naked he walked into her room. She wasn't there. Worf stepped onto the balcony, he thought he saw movement in the garden.

After hurriedly dressing in pants and a simple shirt, Worf made his way to where he thought he would find Jadzia. She was there in the garden, standing alone beneath a large tree. She was beautiful in the light of dawn. He reached out and touched her shoulder.

Jadzia jumped at the feel of his hand on her body. She had awakened in his bed feeling very disconcerted. His scent and sweat had covered her. Having showered and dressed in a skirt and blouse she decided to take a walk outside. She couldn't tolerate being inside. She couldn't stand the thought of what she had done. Betrayal.

'Oh, Worf, my love, forgive me,' she whispered silently. How could she have let that brutal beast touch her? Feeling more confused than she had in a long time, Jadzia stared out across the lovely garden. Even the Dax symbiont seemed disconnected from her. It was as if she no longer knew who she was.

"Jadzia, why are you out here, so early? It's chilly in the morning air, come back to bed."
"NO! Get away from me. Don't touch me." She recoiled at his touch.
"This is getting a bit old. After last night I thought you had changed your mind. Thought you had decided to truly become my mate."
"Mate!? How can you say that? I don't know you, you are not my husband! Get away from me!" She ran toward the orchard. Worf followed her into the grove of trees.

He caught up with her and grabbed her, turning her to face him. "You are my mate. You asked me to touch you. I know you wanted me, just as I wanted you. And you enjoyed it."

"No! Never!" she cried as she began to struggle in his grasp. "I hate you! You could never be what he was to me. I want to return to my own universe. I don't ever want to see you again!" Shrieking, Jadzia slapped him hard across the face. She saw the fury in his eyes, saw the pain also.

The Regent's frustration made his blood boil. What had come over her? Didn't she know how much he loved her? As they struggled underneath the trees, he slapped her in an effort to stop her screaming. Having hit her harder than he intended, Jadzia fell to the ground. Looking down at her, a savage and primal need overcame him. Before he knew what he was doing, Worf was on top of her. His large body covered hers as his rough hands pushed her skirt up and ripped her panties.

"No! Stop!" she cried out. Seeing the terror in her eyes and the blood drain from her complexion, Worf stopped. He was just about to penetrate her when reality swept over him. No rape her, he thought to himself. He rolled onto his back.

Silently he lay there staring through the leaves as light from the rising sun brightened the sky. He wished he could make his heart cease beating. He wanted his life to end. The thought of living without her was bad enough but the idea of what he had almost done was truly abominable to him. Worf knew what he must do.

Jadzia lay shivering on the ground, disoriented and afraid. She felt disjointed as if part of her were missing. Awareness that indeed half of her was gone hit her like a ton of bricks. She was getting no response from Dax. It was as if the symbiont had been surgically removed.

Worf stood and looked back down at Jadzia. She appeared catatonic. Gently lifting her in his arms, he carried her back to the house. He was surprised at how docile she was compared to a few minutes earlier. Worf assumed that she was in shock from him having almost raped her. Guilt consumed him.

"I am so sorry, Jadzia. So very sorry," he murmured over and over.

Go on to Part Five