Page 36

Grace

I WANDERED OVER TO a glass door that opened up to a magnificent balcony adorned with flowers and featuring a couple of carved wooden chairs. The railing surrounding it was constructed from white stone.

When I looked behind me and motioned for the others to approach, I spotted Orin, and his facial expression revealed he was communicating telepathically.

In a swift blur, he hurried to Riley who had just poured herself a glass of water from a pitcher. In his haste, he pushed her away, causing the glass to fall from her hand.

The liquid splashed onto the carpet, falling at their feet.

“Hey. I was about to drink that!” Riley grumbled, glaring at him.

“Don’t touch the food or drinks from the palace. Commander Krin is bringing food and drink from the ship. I’ll be outside your door if you need anything.”

I exchanged a worried look with the other two women. What the hell is going on?

While we waited for Krin, we settled on one of the comfortable couches in the main room. Olivia fidgeted with her hands in her lap. “Are we truly out of harm’s way in this place?” she asked.

Riley made a shrugging gesture. “I really hope so.”

I brushed my hair behind my ears. “We are being protected by guards. We will be safe with Orin and the other warriors.

Olivia ran her hand through her hair before placing it on her barely noticeable baby bump. “Do you know if Rekna has left the ship? I prefer not to have any other medic attending to me and my baby.”

“Yes. He is here. I glimpsed him as we left the ship. He was getting into another viko with other warriors from the Chetok. I’m sure he’s in the palace. Trex trusts him.” I smiled.

“Can we stay here so I can give birth here instead of on the ship?” With hope in her eyes, she glanced toward the door to the hallway, then sighed before turning her gaze back to Riley and me.

“I’m going to be here since Trex is going to be King now. And I will be able to help out. I have helped deliver more than a couple of babies.”

Olivia’s lower lip trembled as she glanced downward. “I’m constantly worried about how I’ll be able to handle things when the baby arrives, since I will be alone.”

I extended my hand and touched hers, offering a reassuring smile. “You have me and Trex. You aren’t alone. I will gladly offer to babysit when he or she comes.”

Riley snorted. “Are you sure you will have time...being the new Queen?” She chuckled. “Don’t worry, I am here to help too. At least for now,” she said, looking at Olivia.

The school teacher smiled and relaxed.

“I think it’s best not to worry about things that haven’t happened yet or before they happen.

We can only deal with what is in front of us right now.

And right now, we need to listen to what we are asked to do.

If you want me to find out if Rekna can come here to see you, I am happy to do that. ” I said.

Olivia nodded. “Thank you.”

A stern-looking Krin entered through the door, carrying an armload of food and water. Another bag, nearly bursting, hung over his shoulder.

We all watched as he set the items on a table and walked over to us.

He looked Riley up and down before closing his lips tightly. A frown line crossed his forehead.

“Orin mentioned how he stopped you from drinking water from the palace. Are you okay?” He asked, not even bothering to look at me or Olivia.

Riley flushed. “Fine. Yeah.”

Krin glanced at our small group. “Consume only the food and beverages I have provided. Nothing else.”

He moved like he was going to go, but then glanced back. “Remain here until either I or the Prince come to retrieve you. It is not safe for you to wander the palace right now.”

We all nodded in unison, creating a chorus of agreement. His face lit up with surprise and relief when we didn’t argue.

When the door closed behind him, I turned to Riley. “What was that about?” My lip quirked.

Her cheek color deepened as she shrugged.

The fact that we each had our own personal warrior protector made me happy.