Page 53

Chapter

Fifty-Three

Reina

" N ow where did I put that scarf?" I muttered, rummaging through my dresser drawers. "The pink one with the little sparkly things on the edges.”

I pulled out the garment with a triumphant flourish, sending several other scarves tumbling to the floor in my enthusiasm.

My quarters were simple and small, tucked right next to the Admiral and Noora's much larger rooms, but I'd done my best to brighten the space.

Colorful tapestries adorned the dark stone walls, and I'd scattered cushions in every shade imaginable across the standard-issue bed and atop the straight-back chairs.

My open suitcase lay on the bed, already overflowing with clothes. I wasn't sure how long I'd be staying at the Island, so I was bringing, well, everything.

I pulled open my wardrobe and started pulling out dresses, one after another. A lime green dress with orange swirls. A hot pink number with electric blue geometric patterns. A sunshine yellow column dress with purple feathers along the hem.

"It will be nice to not be the only one wearing colors again," I said to myself, holding the yellow dress against my body and twirling in front of the mirror.

Everyone at the academy wore dark uniforms. The humans were a little better, bringing in some variety with their casual clothes, but even the Drexian athletic outfits were dark and monochromatic. I carefully folded the dress and tucked it into my suitcase, smoothing out the feathers.

As much as I'd loved my adventure at the academy, I couldn't deny the flutter of excitement in my stomach at the thought of returning to the Island. Even if it was just for a visit.

That's what I'd told Noora, anyway. But was it only a visit?

My usefulness at the academy had waned considerably since Noora had settled into married life.

She no longer needed a friend to support her through her ordeal like she had when Zoran had practically abducted her from Earth.

Now she had the Admiral. To be fair, Zoran had turned out to be much less scary than I'd initially thought.

Noora had also made friends with many of the female cadets and instructors from Earth, which meant that I was no longer essential. But from what he’d said when I’d spoken to him, Serge needed me. And I did so love to be needed.

Truth be told, I also missed the tribute brides and the excitement of weddings. Despite the stress and occasional catastrophes, planning weddings was much more thrilling than watching cadets march to and from classes every day.

Not that I wouldn’t miss some things about the academy. It had been nice to be on a solid planet again, but a part of me was ready to see stars and enjoy the creature comforts of holographic technology.

A crisp knock at my door interrupted my packing. I pressed the panel beside the door, expecting to see Noora, since she'd promised to help me finish organizing my things before dinner.

But it wasn't Noora. It was Jess and Britta, two of the human cadets. They stood awkwardly in the hallway, glancing at each other as if silently debating who should speak first.

I stepped back to let them in. "What a lovely surprise!"

They entered cautiously, their eyes widening as they took in the riot of color that was my quarters.

"We heard you were visiting the Island," Jess said, her gaze finally settling back on me.

Britta ran a hand through her long hair. "And we wanted to ask if you'd do us a favor.”

“A favor? For you two?” I clapped my hands together in delight. "Of course! I'm happy to help in any way I can!"

The two cadets exchanged another glance, a whole conversation passing between them without a word spoken.

"It's about Morgan," Jess finally said.

"And Tivek," Britta added.

I blinked at them, my head tilting slightly. "What about them, hons?"

"We have suspicions," Jess began, choosing her words carefully.

Britta nodded. “But Morgan denies everything.”

I perched on the edge of my bed, patting the spaces beside me for them to sit. "Tell me more.”

"We've always suspected Morgan had a crush on the adjunct," Jess explained, settling onto the bed beside me.

Britta plopped down beside Jess. “They were together a lot during the mission, and there was definitely something going on when we were on that video call with her, and he appeared.”

"Morgan is all about rules," Jess continued. "Always has been. She would never get involved with someone if she thought it would cause trouble."

Britta sighed. “But we're afraid she's going to miss out on something real. I was worried about getting involved with Kann since he's an instructor, but now I've never been happier."

"Morgan has always been focused on her career, but we both know how the right person can change your life." Jess glanced at Britta with a knowing smile. "And we want that for her, if that's what she wants too."

"I understand completely," I said, ”but what exactly do you think I can do to help?"

Britta rubbed her hands together. “We were hoping you could find out if there's anything between Morgan and Tivek when you get to the Island.”

"Or maybe help the process along," Jess added with a smirk.

I pressed a hand to my chest. "I hope you know I would never push anyone into an unwanted relationship.”

But Serge absolutely would, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's already started.

The two cadets looked momentarily abashed, and I softened my tone. "I can certainly keep an eye on things and report back. If they're truly interested in each other, then I might be able to give a nudge.” I held up a finger. “But only then.”

I did not agree with Serge’s more assertive methods of matching couples. My Gatazoid friend had all the finesse of a sledgehammer.

Relief washed over their faces, and Jess leaned forward to squeeze my hand gratefully. "Thank you, Reina."

"Yes, thank you," Britta echoed. "We just want our friend to be happy."

"Of course you do, hon," I said, patting Jess's hand. "And I'll do what I can."

After they left, I returned to my packing with renewed enthusiasm. This trip to the Island was becoming more interesting by the minute. I had a romantic mission now, which was the very best kind!

I carefully nestled my favorite silver sequined dress into the suitcase, humming a cheerful tune.

If Morgan and Tivek were both as stubborn and rule-abiding as everyone seemed to think, this would be challenging indeed.

Especially if I wanted to keep Serge from getting involved and taking an overly firm hand.

“I’m sure he can be convinced to see reason,” I told myself as I folded the remaining clothes in my case and snapped it shut. I was probably exaggerating my memories of his overexuberance when it came to matchmaking. No doubt he’d relaxed his tactics in my absence.