Page 16

Orin

MY TIME WITH THE CITY guard was over and I would be returning to the palace in a new position. One that I was proud to be doing. Being with my mate under one roof was also something I looked forward to.

With my old city guard uniform in hand, I felt a tinge of sadness as I left the palace, wishing I could have extended my time with Olivia. I’d spent every moment by her side in the infirmary, leaving only to meet with Trex.

The sight of astonishment on her adorable heart-shaped face as she noticed me by her bedside initially brought me hope.

However, her subsequent irritation towards me left me feeling perplexed. I didn’t understand why she felt that way until she mentioned seeing me with Latza. Though she was angry, part of me was happy that she appeared to want me.

I was comforted by the fact at least she had seemed happier by the time I left.

Later, when I visited her, I intended to reveal everything. Including the fact that she was my K’sha. It pained me to think about the irreplaceable time I had lost, which I could have spent cherishing her.

Once I was back at the palace full-time, I would go above and beyond to win over my mate. I would show her how much she means to me. If she will have me, I would gladly spend the rest of my days with her, proving she is my heart and soul.

Before returning my uniform to the city guard, I made a detour to Latza’s home to share the news about Olivia.

Despite not confiding in my sister often, I felt compelled to share the details of what happened at the market.

It was Latza’s keen perception that allowed her to connect the dots and understand how important Olivia was to me.

She knew I would not leave Olivia’s bedside until I was certain she was alright.

Upon entering the house, I heard the soft hum of the sewing machine coming from her dedicated sewing room, where she spent most of her time.

I stood in the doorway to greet her and she jumped up from her chair and hurried over.

“You’re back!” A wide smile spread across her face. “Is Olivia doing better?”

“Yes. She and her youngling are both doing well.” I replied.

With a flick of her hand, she tossed her braid over her shoulder. “You look happy. Does this mean you have spoken to her?”

I pressed my lips together, feigning annoyance at her question. “We spoke.”

What I didn’t add was that I had not yet mustered the courage to share the truth with my mate.

After pulling me into a big hug, Latza stepped back and took a moment to study my face. “My brother,” she said with a smile. “This news fills me with joy. When will you have your bonding ceremony?”

A burst of laughter escaped from me. “We have only just spoken to one another.” Stepping back, I folded my arms and stood tall. Grinning, I stated, “You will be the first to know when we decide to have one.”

The thought of a bonding ceremony excited me, even though I hadn’t claimed her, kissed her, or told her she was my K’sha.

Once she realized my inexperience with females, would her opinion of me change?

I once kissed a female, and she ended up admitting that she had stronger feelings for my friend. The memory of my failed attempt to attract a mate who wasn’t my K'sha had lingered with a bitter taste.

Until now, that is.

No other female had ever fascinated or aroused me like Olivia did.

Latza clapped her hands together. “I want to meet her. Having a sister and a youngling in the family will be great. It’s been too long since I’ve held one. Do you think she will allow me to care for it sometimes?”

Nodding, I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Olivia is a considerate female. I am sure she will be grateful for your offer.”

My sister grinned from ear to ear.

“I need to collect my belongings and visit the city guard before returning to the palace barracks.”

“We’ll miss having you around,” she said.

“I think your mate might have a different opinion.” I snickered.

Latza gave my arm a sharp slap before exiting the room, only to come back moments later holding a small box. She held out her hand, holding the box in her palm. “Here, give this to your K’sha. It was mother’s.”

I studied her. “Do you not wish to keep it?”

She waved her hand to dismiss the matter. “I have a collection of items that used to belong to our mother. I will never have a youngling of my own to give them to, so please...Give this to Olivia.”

The words of Queen Grace raced through my thoughts. It was expected of me to bring gifts for my K’sha. “Okay, if you are sure.”

Latza snatched it back and smiled. “While you pack your belongings, I will wrap it for you.”

I nodded in response to the overwhelming joy my sister was exuding. However, the feeling I had after taking that first step with Olivia was incomparable. I was determined to show her just how much she meant to me, no matter what it took.

UPON EXITING THE BUILDING after having returned my uniform, my thoughts focused on Olivia and what I would say to her when I saw her again. I was caught off guard when voices nearby were speaking about the King and I stopped to listen.

“The King's message didn't address the problem of off-planet skirmishes,” said one male voice.

A second male spoke. “I don’t understand his reluctance to make a deal with these Unknown aliens. I've heard they have technology we could use.”

The first male scoffed. “How can he make a deal? The aliens trade with the Krilex for females. The Protectorate Alliance and the Empire would never permit working with the Unknown.”

His point was valid. Though I was not part of the interrogation of the two shapeshifters at the palace some cycles ago, I understood the King would have offered to help them with locating the minerals and metals they needed.

But the issue regarding the Krilex’s abducting and selling of females to the Unknown aliens meant he was unwilling to help them.

The second male grumbled. “I believe that acquiring their technology through trade would be more advantageous for us. Better than the Krilex having it.”

A growl rumbled through me when I thought about the Unknown shapeshifters. I knew firsthand about their technology and its danger.

The guards didn’t comprehend the threats that the Protectorate were facing in space. I wondered what their reaction would be if the Krilex showed up on Alara?