Chapter Five
ROMI
Princess Jane lifts a glass, her smile encompassing the group of women. “It’s Romi’s turn. To happiness for you,” she says.
We clink our glasses together, and I take a swallow of the decadent lemonade. Those of us here from Earth are still nearly giddy about the simple pleasures of drinking something other than the rationed and often dirty water available on Earth. The lemonade flavor is tart and sweet, and I love it.
Nadine smiles at me as she sets her glass on the table. “What’s your favorite?” she asks.
“Our favorite what?” Melody prompts.
“Pink lemonade,” I say.
Nadine nods. “That’s what I mean, your favorite drink.”
“But they’re all amazing,” I add.
“I’m partial to the pink lemonade as well,” Jane offers with a smile.
“Well, Princess,” Nadine replies with an arched brow. “You should make it the official planetary drink.”
Jane rolls her eyes. “That seems silly.”
“But why?” Melody prompts.
“And please stop calling me princess. It seems silly because that’s an Earth thing.
We were always naming things, most of them long gone.
Ever since I got here, I think a lot about how sad it must’ve been on Earth for those who watched us lose everything once beloved there,” Jane says, sadness flickering in her eyes.
The moment suddenly feels serious. Taking a quick breath, I clear my throat. “My grandmother remembered. She told me about when the storms got really bad before the rain stopped altogether. After that, she said the dryness began spreading everywhere.”
We look around at each other. I’ve been here on this new planet for months now, and I still feel twinges of guilt for all the human women stuck on Earth.
I feel so lucky that Jane selected me. Having food, clothing, shelter, and simple kindness feels beyond luxurious.
It’s such a dramatic change from the scraping-by and fear-filled life I led on Earth.
Rationed food and water, threats and monitoring.
Technology was the one thing they didn’t let go of.
Somehow, it was decided that they had to keep producing that, no matter how much it took from actual life.
We all had our little smartphones, and some people even had computers.
People who worked in the offices dressed nicely.
We also had alcohol—anything to numb us from reality.
In hindsight, what happened was shocking. They tried to hide it. History books were destroyed. Some families saved them and hid them away. My grandmother kept a little stash of books about Earth before it all went to hell and before women became close to slaves.
“I’m sorry,” I say, my words slipping out unbidden.
“For what?” Nadine prompts. She unconsciously slides her hand over her very round belly. She’s pregnant again.
“I don’t know. Everything got serious,” I reply.
Jane lets out a little sigh. “We all know what life was like on Earth. Nadine and I worked in the offices, and I felt lucky. As much as I love it here, it makes me sad for Earth. I also see how it happened there,” she says softly.
Nadine’s eyes arc around the table. We’re at her house tonight.
All of the beautiful homes on this planet are clean and spacious.
I’m still in the extra house on the royal property with more women from Earth who have traveled here with the matchmaking service.
This group of women is the one I’ve known the longest. Of them, I’m the last one to find my mate.
“Of course we see how it happened. A small contingent of bitter men,” I say.
“Isn’t it always bitter men who ruin worlds?” Nadine muses.
A flicker of fear zaps through me. “How worried is the Royal family about the protesters here?” I ask.
Jane takes a swallow of her lemonade before letting out another sigh. “Asher says it will be okay, but I know he worries. They all do.”
I glance around at my friends. “What is it like to have your mates travel? Thorne will be traveling as well.”
Nadine’s lips curl in a soft smile. She’s so pretty with her blond hair and blue eyes.
I feel a sense of warm affection whenever I look at her.
She’s all soft and kind. She’s also from a family of fighters on Earth, which is such a contrast to how she looks.
I love that about her. “I always miss Kayden when he travels, but it makes it even better when he comes home,” she says, her cheeks turning pink.
I feel a flush rise inside, heat suffusing my body.
This infinity pulse that they’ve all talked about is startling to me.
Ever since arriving here, I’ve told myself I only want to be safe.
I’ve been more comfortable with the idea of mating without the infinity pulse.
It seems less frightening. I didn’t expect to experience this intense connection.
“Thorne is one of the most elite bodyguards on the security team and the most skilled rider of them all, according to Asher,” Jane says.
“I feel like Nadine. I miss Asher when he’s gone, but it makes it all the better when he’s here.
His absence keeps it fresh in my mind and heart just how much he means to me. ”
“Exactly that,” Melody says softly.
“How are you feeling about the wedding?” Jane asks.
I take a gulp of lemonade before setting the empty glass on the table. “Nervous, so nervous.” I twist my hands together.
My friends collectively smile. “You’re going to love it. Kayden says Thorne is very impatient,” Nadine says with a sly glint in her eyes.
My lips curve in a nervous smile, and my belly flips.
Departing from Nadine’s house, I walk along the flowered walkway with Melody.
I can’t imagine I will ever become accustomed to the lush greenery here. Earth used to have areas like this—lush and beautiful rainforests, mountains, lakes, and streams. They are all gone now.
We make our way down the center street of town.
This is a bustling area with stores, cafés, and more.
Many residents walk, but some also use hovering transport vehicles that glide over the ground.
As I look around, my lips curl into a smile.
It still startles me to see how many different aliens live here.
There are the alien cowboys with their bronze, shimmery skin and tails; tall, towering orcs; humans; and other aliens I don’t even recognize.
Almost everyone here is kind. It’s remarkable how having everyone’s basic needs met creates a sense of peace.
Life on Earth is a scramble and fight for everything.
“I love it here so much,” Melody says. She stops to pick a flower from a tree. She tucks it behind my ear, her eyes twinkling. “It suits you, Romi.”
“I’m not really a flower type of girl,” I say, feeling a little shy.
“Oh, but you are,” she teases. “Your wedding next week will have lots of flowers. Are you ready?”
A sense of anxiety buzzes inside me. Ever since Thorne told me we were marrying, I’ve been anxious. I swallow nervously. “I am, but I’m not.”
Melody stops walking, turning to face me and placing her hands on my shoulders.
“You’re going to love it. Hunter says he’s never seen Thorne like this.
He says Thorne might be a little grumpy, but he’s a good man and will take the best care of you.
I promise you it will be better than you can imagine. ”
I take a shaky breath. “Okay, I believe you.” My breath rushes out. “I just want to get through it so I don’t have to worry about leaving the planet.”
Melody squeezes my shoulders firmly before pulling me into a quick hug.
“You won’t have to leave the planet! Asher has assured us that no one who comes here from Earth will ever have to leave.
They’ll take care of us.” The glint in her eyes turns teasing and sly.
“And within a week, you’ll be mated. Thorne is your fate.
I know you’re nervous, but I promise, you will love being with him. ”
Melody steps back, waving before she hurries into the flower shop where she works.
I pass the coffee shop where Nadine works and wave at Trudy, the orc who manages it.
She’s outside, tending to the flowers she’s planted in front of it.
I keep walking before turning down the lane leading to the stables.
My pulse quickens as I approach. Because the last time I was here, Thorne kissed me.