Page 35

Trex

THE PALACE WAS ENVELOPED in an eerie silence, broken only by the echoing thud of the guards’ boots reverberating on the cold, unforgiving stone floors of the main hall.

I was greeted by one of my father’s advisors.

Xilta, a pure-blooded Alaran, stood before me. In bygone eras, Alarans had mated only with their own kind. But the onslaught of the unknown virus shattered those age-old customs. Xilta himself had lost his beloved mate to the illness caused by the virus.

The fine lines etched around his eyes and lips bore witness to a lifetime of wisdom and sorrow. His once ebony hair was laced with streaks of white. The wise advisor had served my father even before I came into existence.

The elder bowed with clasped hands. “Prince Trex’Ul. It is good to see you, but the circumstances of your return are most troubling.”

I inclined my head toward Xilta, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

The concern in Xilta’s eyes was evident when our gazes met.

“Have you found out who poisoned my father?” I asked, my tone reflecting my concern.

Xilta’s lips tightened as his voice lowered to a hushed tone. “There is a suspicion that one of the recently hired staff members could be responsible, but it is not yet confirmed.”

I continued walking next to Xilta. “Which royal medic is investigating this matter?”

“Nivar, your majesty,” Xilta stated, his tone dripping with disdain.

Unfamiliar with the medic, I asked, “Has he managed to identify the poison?”

The answer was a simple “No.”

I let out a frustrated grunt, realizing that consuming anything from the palace would be too risky until its safety was confirmed.

“Has the food within the palace kitchen been tested?”

Xilta let his hands fall to his side and directed his gaze ahead as we walked. “The food in the palace is currently being inspected. We have found nothing contaminated yet. The safest option is to eat food exclusively from the replicators or your ship’s galley for now.”

I reached out to Orin. ‘Ensure the females’ are not given any water or food from the palace. It’s possibly contaminated.’

Orin broke the news that they had been warned after a few tense moments.

More than anything, I wanted to find Grace and assure her I was taking care of the matter.

The gravity of the situation weighed on me, but I forced myself to focus on what needed to be done first.

Grace was safe. I had already instructed Krin to gather provisions for the females from the ship. I trusted Rekna, the Chetok’s medic, to uncover the truth about the poison and keep me informed.

Xilta stated, “I’ll go with you to your father’s chambers so you can pay your respects before we talk about the funeral arrangements and your coronation.”

I could feel my body instinctively stiffen in response to his words. With a deep breath, I pulled my shoulders back and opened up my chest.

“After paying my respects to my father’s remains, I will gather the new staff and address them. We must find out who killed the King before anything else,” I stated.

I SAT BY MY FATHER’S bedside, bowing my head in prayer.

My chest constricted as I thought about the last time I saw him and the argument we’d had.

Our relationship had always been challenging, and I often wondered how I would have managed if not for my time leading the Protectorate warriors, which kept me away from home for long periods.

I worked to distinguish myself from my father by protecting and assisting the vulnerable.

That included making sure the Protectorate kept Alaran space clear of the Krilex or any species that sought to harm others.

I observed my father’s lifeless face. Farewell, father . May our ancestors receive you with open arms.

Gathering my determination, I stood and exited my father’s bedchamber. My priority was the safety of my fated mate. But it was also time to assume the role of leader and protect the planet’s inhabitants.

XILTA AND ANOTHER PALACE elder, Vimur, were waiting for me in the hallway. Using telepathy, I conveyed my message.

‘Bring me to the suspects.’

Bowing their heads, the advisors steered me in the right direction.

My people would demand answers I could not yet provide. It was crucial to act quickly.

It was necessary for me to uncover the people behind the poisoning and to determine if I too was under threat.

Krin joined my side just as we were about to enter the holding room. Right now, the only people I could trust were those from our ship.

The room held two new staff members that worked in the kitchen. Both Krin and I questioned them and probed their thoughts, but found them to have no knowledge of who poisoned the King.

Xilta sent in the next two suspects who though nervous, appeared to be innocent as well.

“I’m going to have a conversation with the new royal medic.” I stated.

In just a few minutes, we were in front of Nivar. His dismissal of my questions didn’t sit well with me. He was arrogant.

I gave him an intense stare. “Have you uncovered the toxin responsible for my father’s death?”

He swallowed audibly, shooting me a brief, venomous glare that vanished in an instant. “Not yet. Our tests are still ongoing.”

My fists tightened, tension mounting, before I gradually loosened them.

Someone made a mistake by allowing this medic to work within the palace. The condescending smirk on his face made it clear he disrespected me. “Given the technology we have, you should have been able to detect something definite.” Anger and suspicion laced my accusation.

“Well...if I can focus on my work, I might uncover the answer soon,” he snapped.

I shook my head, a gesture of disbelief, and pursed my lips in frustration. “My ship’s medic, Rekna will assist you.”

Rekna reached out to me mentally. “I will keep my eye on him. Something feels off to me as well.”

Krin and I exchanged a look and walked away. When we were halfway down the corridor, I spoke. ‘I am going to visit the females and make sure they are okay.’

Krin nodded. ‘I will join you.’

Before we reached the guest suites, Vimur approached, his face pale.

“Your highness, some of the citizens are protesting outside the gates. Perhaps a planetary address over our communications system is in order?” He watched me.

I spread out my arms to either side. “Do you think it is wise right now? Why inform them of his death when we have yet to determine who is responsible?”

Xilta cleared his throat. “The announcement will have to be made soon. There are already those who know of his demise. News of the death of the King is spreading. They may wonder what is going to happen.”

I huffed. Why were there protestors? This was unsettling and something I’d not seen before.

Vimur twisted his hands in front of himself. “Perhaps just seeing you will be enough?” he insisted.

“Fine. I will address the crowd shortly over the communications system from my father’s office. Then I will speak to the protestors outside.”

The faces of the advisors dropped and I could see their concern, but it was important that I be available to the people of Alara who had questions.

I walked away with a determined stride. Before addressing the citizens of Alara, I needed to see Grace.