Page 13

Orin

I RUSHED PAST THE STARTLED guards and made my way to the main hall, cradling Olivia protectively against my chest. Mentally, I reached out to Rekna and alerted him we were on our way. He responded, urging me to hurry.

Emotion flooded me as her warm body pressed against mine, her hands gripping her stomach. I experienced the fear and pain she was feeling and wished there was a way to shield her from it.

Carrying her into the palace, I felt no resistance from her, as if she had surrendered to the situation.

Olivia rested against me, her closed eyes doing nothing to hide what she was feeling.

I inhaled a deep breath, noticing the familiar sweet scent of my fated mate, accompanied by traces of distress.

Although she wasn’t speaking, I sensed she felt safe in my arms.

The truth struck me with the force of a lightning bolt, piercing my heart. Olivia was a gift from the Gods but I had failed to protect her. I allowed my fears to hold me back from embracing the divine gift that was given to me.

The thought of losing Olivia filled me with anguish. My mind was consumed by worry and guilt. I groaned. I am a flutzing grik. It was my fault she’d been injured.

Had I not advised Clor against taking her to the market, he might have been with her and she would not have been injured.

Bursting into the infirmary, Rekna and Queen Grace hovered near a medical bed, their worry palpable. “Lie her down here.” Rekna ordered, and I placed her on the cot.

I detected the faint metallic odor of blood. Olivia’s face was pale, and she appeared to be in shock.

My body froze in place. Gods, please help Olivia and the youngling to be well.

Queen Grace was at my side. “What happened?”

Scared for the youngling and my mate, I shared what I knew, which was only that I’d found her on the ground, injured. I had not witnessed the incident myself.

The medic and Grace examined Olivia for injuries. My mate fixed her gaze on the ceiling while silent tears flowed from her eyes and vanished into her curls. The sound of her quiet, agonizing sobs pierced my heart, and I wanted to embrace her and comfort her.

I felt helpless. A low rumbling purr came from my chest as I watched.

“Where are you hurting? Is it just your abdomen?” Grace asked her.

The intensity of Olivia’s crying increased, and she had a momentary spasm in her body.

The sight made my heart leap into my throat. “Help her. Give her something for the pain. She's suffering,” I roared, unable to contain my emotions.

Rekna's voice, though calm, carried a firmness as he spoke with his back facing me. “Once I am aware of what injuries she has, I’ll be able to administer something for pain.”

Ignoring me, Grace directed her words to Rekna. “Is she in labor?”

Rekna didn’t answer and continued to examine Olivia.

I felt beads of sweat forming on my forehead as I rubbed it in frustration. My breathing quickened, mirroring the rapid rhythm of my pounding heart.

“Why don’t you wait outside,” Queen Grace suggested, her eyes piercing into mine, her voice carrying a comforting yet unwavering tone.

My jaw set. I would remain by Olivia’s side, refusing to be swayed. “I will stay.” She was not just my mate; she was my fated mate. Our connection meant more to me than obeying the commands of Alara’s Queen.

Rekna showed no interest in me as the large scanner came to a halt and hovered above my mate’s cot. He gave a nod and walked towards a nearby table positioned next to one of the cabinets. He pulled open a drawer, retrieved a hypo-syringe, and filled it with a yellow liquid.

Seconds later, he administered a shot to Olivia.

“Although there are internal injuries, they are treatable. Your youngling is in some distress. I am going to give you something to help both of you,” he said to Olivia.

“Save my baby, Rekna...Please,” she sobbed.

Rekna patted her arm.

“Is that to relieve pain?” I asked while keeping my eyes on him. I felt sweat starting to trickle down my back. My hands trembled.

Frustrated, I sighed and raked my fingers through my hair. The medic didn’t respond. Why does he hide what's happening from me?

The anticipation made my stomach twist as I waited for news on Olivia and her youngling.

In a matter of moments, my K'sha's breathing steadied and a peaceful aura surrounded her. She had a gentle expression as she closed her eyes. A relieved sigh left my lips as I watched.

I stayed immobile, my hands falling lifelessly by my side as I was unable to look away from her. She had a halo of curls around her head, and her lips held a subtle pout.

Despite her condition, she remained beautiful.

Queen Grace and Rekna moved aside from the bed, and I moved closer to Olivia brushing the back of my fingers against her cheek. Her skin felt as soft as the finest Alaran silk, and I could feel the tingles of electric energy skitter across my skin.

I heard Grace and the medic speaking my name. Pushing my shoulders back, I stated, “I will not leave unless she asks me to.”

I glanced to my right to see Rekna’s gaze on me. He had a look of understanding on his face. “You may stay. But do not get in the way.” The medic pursed his lips before adding, “she had initial signs of going into labor, but now everything has quieted down.”

I nodded my head to show that I understood.

“I have administered a painkiller and a relaxation agent to her. Olivia has a few bruised ribs. She has cuts on her knees and hands from falling. However, both she and the youngling are fine....they will be okay.”

He took a quick look at Olivia before putting his hands in his pockets. “I will keep her here for the next rotation so I can monitor her.”

Rekna turned away to continue his work.

Queen Grace walked over to me, her face filled with disappointment. “I need to talk to you in the hall.” She walked out of the infirmary without waiting for my response.