Page 25

Orin

TEN ROTATIONS HAD PASSED since we last interrogated the captured Voletti and traitor Vimur. The city of Struna and its citizens were on edge due to the news about the Krilex and Voletti.

I couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom. I knew that time was running out, and we had to be prepared for whatever might come our way.

The Protectorate Council and King Trex had been convening emergency meetings daily. Their faces etched with concern more each day.

I listened as they discussed strategies to fortify the city’s defenses and prepare for any potential attack by the Voletti.

Walls were being reinforced, additional guards recruited, and secret passageways reopened.

Today’s meeting focused on the palace’s defenses and what more could be done. I’d stood through the session with my stomach twisted in knots. I feared for the safety of my K’sha and her unborn child and wished there was more I could do to ensure her safety.

When everyone had left the room, Trex sighed, then turned to me. A beat or two passed before he spoke. “How are things going with Olivia? Are you settled in and enjoying mated life?” There was a small smile at the corners of his lips, but I sensed his question was leading somewhere.

I forced a smile despite the worry I felt. “We are happy, majesty. I am pleased to be with my K’sha.”

Trex cleared his throat and pressed his lips into a hesitant smile. “We are blessed by the Gods with the mates we have.” He rubbed his chin as he spoke. “I’ve been thinking.... It might be best if our mates were sent away somewhere safe?”

My brow pinched. Send them away? “Safe? What is safer than the palace?” I asked.

He frowned. “Outside Struna. To the countryside where things are quieter.”

I was aware that the royal Ul family had homes all over Alara but to send our mates away, without us there to protect them seemed...well, foolish.

“Surely we will accompany them?” I asked.

He pressed his lips into a frown. “No. We will be needed here if there is an attack. The reports of two Voletti ships seen entering our airspace are troubling. Thanks to the Ixul we can detect them even if they are cloaked. But there is no guarantee the Voletti will not attack the palace.”

The idea that the palace could be threatened hadn’t crossed my mind until he mentioned it, and now I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Trex continued. “It would ensure the safety of our mates if they were elsewhere. I thought that since Grace and Olivia are good friends, we could convince them it is best for them to be somewhere other than the palace.”

I chuckled despite my growing stress.

King Trex’s mate was as stubborn as they came and if he was asking me to speak to Olivia, that meant he wanted her to convince Grace.

“Olivia is due any day...she will not want to leave the palace without Rekna and access to medical facilities.”

Trex’s mouth twisted as he chewed the inside of his cheek. “That’s exactly what Grace said.”

“I agree they should be somewhere safe, but I don’t know how it will be possible.” Running my hand through my hair, I added. “I will speak with her. Maybe once the youngling arrives, she will be willing to leave Struna until things quiet down?” It wasn’t a great option, but what choice did we have?

The palace would go into lock down if the Voletti attacked. There would be no one allowed in or out. That would have to be enough, for now.

I studied Trex, doing my best to push down the stress I was feeling.

“The fact my father was killed inside the palace, I am more cautious than ever. I must keep Grace safe.” King Trex said in a low voice.

I shared his concern and wished we’d moved the females earlier.

“The Ixul battleships will be here soon, won’t they?” I asked.

He shrugged with pursed lips. “I flutzing hope so.”