Chapter 5
5
GWEN
I can’t sleep.
I’ve been lying here since I finished dinner almost for what seems like forever ago. Xi and I ate in my room and we went over the details of the wedding events tomorrow.
I’m getting married.
Me, the self-proclaimed bachelorette for life.
Oh, and to an alien !
I’m still expecting to wake up any second. I’m also surprised I’m taking it so well.
In the past, I’d have probably curled into a fetal position and lost my mind. But not now. I owe it to Iris and Lacey to stay strong.
I sit up in my bed and swipe on a screen showing the outside. After a few moments of trying to make sense of the various moons and planets, I swipe the screen off again in frustration. I don’t understand the way they measure time here yet. All I know is, it’s much more complicated than on Earth.
Since sleep isn’t happening, I decide to throw on some clothes and take a walk.
Xi said I’m free to roam around, though she warned me about getting lost. She admitted she still does herself. I kinda like her.
The hallways are lit by soft LED-style lights running along the ceiling and floor in a calming blue. Guards stand positioned here and there. Xi mentioned security is heightened right now because of the Outside Forces nearby.
“Good moonlight,” I say to two guards as I pass. Chom taught me that.
They bow. “Good moonlight.”
I keep walking until I come to a door with their symbol for liquor. I really could use a drink. Anything to help me sleep.
I enter and find a large sunken seating area, like a 60s-era living room but without the shag carpet. It’s empty, but it is late.
I swipe the air as I drop into a cushioned seat. A screen appears with a bunch of drink images on one side and what I guess is food on the other. I browse the drinks and chose the smallest one. I don’t want to overdo it on space alcohol and be hungover tomorrow. I’ll need my wits about me.
Almost immediately a compartment opens on the table beside me and a shot glass pops up filled with electric green liquid that is steaming delicately.
“Cool!” I say to the empty room, bringing the glass to my nose. Oh my god, it smells like seaweed and garlic mixed with Everclear. Shit, that’s strong.
Maybe some food would be a good idea.
But I don’t understand any of the symbols. I also don’t know how much this drink will cost me, or how I’ll pay for it. Shit.
I go to close the menus but hit something by mistake. Suddenly there’s a 3D image of four aliens in front of me, stroking one another. Seductively. And kissing…with mouths and other limbs, as best I can follow. Strange sounds, I assume pleasurable, echo around the room. One of the aliens raises a long tentacle and plunges it into another alien, who groans, as if enjoying it.
Just my luck, I’ve stumbled upon alien porn. I’m not easily shocked, but when three more tentacles drive into the same alien, I gasp.
“What the vrek are you watching?” a voice booms behind me, making me jump straight into the air.
Holy shit! I know that voice.
My cheeks heat as Ryz walks over and perches on the arm of the sofa.
“I don’t know. I didn’t mean to bring it up. It was an accident. I just wanted a drink!” The bastard is actually grinning as I scramble to explain. “Please turn it off. That will haunt my dreams forever.”
He makes one big swipe with his hand, and it disappears. Thank god. Then he eyes me.
“Why are you still up?”
“Couldn’t sleep,” I say. “I thought a drink might help. But apparently that comes with an alien orgy.”
He chuckles, then flicks his chin to the steaming shot next to me. “You don’t want to drink that.”
“Why not?”
“That’s from the lava planet of Candoss. It’s much too strong for you.”
Part of me wants to prove him wrong and wipe that smug look off his face, but I’m not stupid. “Fine. You want it?”
He brings the glass to his lips and slams it back like a pro. His eyelid only twitches for a second, the show-off.
He taps an image on the screen. “You’ll like this one. It’s sweet, but strong.”
Another drink emerges from the table. It looks like a neon sunset in violet, like the sky earlier. “What’s it called?”
A strange sound comes from his mouth. I try to repeat it, but can’t.
He says it again and I try once more. “Rojok.”
“Pfft, close enough.”
I sniff the liquid tentatively. It smells like a spicy Bahama Breeze. I take a sip and my entire mouth comes alive.
“This is dangerous,” I say, licking my lips.
“It’s perfectly safe. Ferg says you can metabolize most of our alcohols.”
“I mean, it’s dangerous because it tastes so good I’d have no problem downing five of them.”
He studies me as I drink, and my cheeks go hot again. “How about you?” I ask. “Why are you up?”
He taps the table with a long copper finger. “Lately it’s been difficult for me to sleep.”
“Well, you have a lot on your mind,” I say. “Protecting a planet. Keeping peace within a whole world. Maybe you need one of these, too.”
He smirks. “Unfortunately, Kraetians have a high tolerance for alcohol. I’d have to drink more than I should to feel anything.” He stands up. “Why don’t you come with me? I’ll show you the best part of the Palace. Bring your drink.”
I follow him out of the lounge area. He moves with long, easy strides, dressed now in a more casual tunic and pants, a fluffy fur slung around his shoulders. His copper hair flows behind him.
After three or four doorways we come to a large translucent panel that melts away as we approach, revealing flowers and foliage on either side of a path leading into a massive courtyard. It’s like an ancient Roman peristyle, with columns, fountains, and nature everywhere. It’s lovely.
I look up at the planets and moons and stars looming in the sky above. The air is fresh and clean and I inhale deeply, listening to the new sounds of strange creatures.
“This is amazing. Are we in the center of the Palace?”
“Yes. It is built around this space.” He gazes around. “Being out in nature helps me think. If I’m not here, I’m usually in the sparring ring, training with digital opponents—unless a member of my legion wants to test their skills, that is.”
So that's what keeps him in such incredible shape.
A light breeze runs through the courtyard, giving me a chill. I rub my arms and suddenly Ryz is draping his fur around me.
“Thank you,” I say, inhaling his earthy scent.
“Keep sipping that rojok. It will warm you as well.”
I nod and take another drink. We stroll together and I ask about the creatures we see: a bird-like mouse, a huge caterpillar the size of my arm, and what looks like a deer with tiger markings and a beak.
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” I ask, watching a pink squirrel run up a white-leaved tree.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Your confidence is contagious,” I joke. I’m already feeling lighter. I guess this drink is kicking in.
“I’m a realist,” he says, leaning against a tree that looks like it’s covered in feathers and gazing at me, making me feel self-conscious.
“I’m a realist too, but sometimes in dire situations it’s best to attempt some semblance of enthusiasm. As a leader, I’m sure you know all about motivational strategies.”
He narrows his eyes. “I do not need a lecture on how to lead, especially from an outsider. What do you know about my people or our history?”
I sigh. “You’re right.” Why am I telling him how to do his job? Besides, as much as I hate to admit it, I need him. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to fight, I’m just…scared, overwhelmed…and tired.”
“That’s understandable,” he replies. “But you have all of Ydris with you now. We’re sworn to protect you.”
That should bring me much more comfort than it does.
I slide down onto one of the carved benches, my insides beginning to get all floaty.
“What is your favorite thing about Ydris, Ryz?” I ask.
His answer surprises me.
“The sunsets,” he says, his voice soft. “Especially over the water. That kind of beauty inspires me to fight for Ydris and its future.”
“Wow,” I whisper, surprised. I was expecting something about the loyalty of his people, the might of his armies, or their reputation among the galaxies as defenders of justice. Not that.
I hand the rojok to Ryz. “Please take it away from me, or I’ll be running around naked soon.”
His brow lifts and his mouth twitches as he takes the drink from me, his hand brushing mine in the process. His skin is warm and rough, and it sends tingles all over my body. He finishes my drink, downing it in one, and I shamelessly watch the column of his throat as he swallows. I wonder what his tongue would feel like? Or his copper hair through my fingers?
He places the glass in a receptacle near us and it gets sucked away.
“Garbage can?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Recycling bin. We only use biodegradable or recyclable materials.”
I reach out to the container.
He hastily blocks the opening. “Careful. Your pretty hand can be recycled, too.”
He called my hand pretty!
Okay, this drink is really doing a number on me. It’s making me want to do naughty things to my…future husband.
“How do Kraetians mate?” I blurt. Then my face bursts into flames.
Ryz smirks. It’s infuriating, but I’m enormously turned on by it. “You’ve had too much rojok, Gwen,” he says in that deep tone that makes my skin prickle.
“I’m just curious. I mean, after seeing that gratuitous tentacle porn I have…questions.”
What if Ryz has other parts that aren’t visible, that only come out during sex? Not that I plan to see or engage with any of them. But it might be useful to know.
“Chom says our body structures are very similar, including sex organs. I’m sure our species mate in similar fashion, with a few minor differences.”
Ryz is speaking with clinical ease, and yet all I can imagine is wrapping my body around his, feeling every contour of muscle and sinew against me.
Jesus Christ. Is rojok an aphrodisiac or something?
“What’s in that drink?” I ask, suddenly hyper-aware of my aching, needy body.
“Liquor,” he replies brusquely, pushing up from the tree. “Let’s get you back to your room.” He holds out a hand for me to take. “You need rest.”
I stare up at him. “I need you ,” I whisper, then clap a hand over my mouth.
He arches a brow. “Don’t worry. I know it’s just the rojok talking. But it will help you sleep.”
Yeah, and make me want to climb you like a tree . I give him my best angry glare, but my face isn’t working properly. “You aren’t going to take advantage of me, are you?”
He scoffs. “A Kraetian Royal Commander does not need to take advantage .”
A shame. Okay, body, that’s enough.
What am I thinking? Ryz is right. I need rest.
I take his hand and pull myself up from the bench—too quickly, because I sway on my feet.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Ryz reaches out and grabs me around the waist. “Ohh,” I murmur as he lifts me into his arms and carries me like…a bride.
“You don’t need to carry me,” I protest, but it’s the weakest one I’ve ever given. I curl into him, gripping his tunic tightly.
“I know I don’t,” he says, as we move quickly through the courtyard and into the hallways. “But I’d like to get you to bed.”
I perk up at that. “Bed?”
“ Your bed,” he clarifies.
I pout, groaning pettishly.
Soon he’s laying me down.
“Don’t leave, Ryz,” I whisper.
He hesitates, looming over me. “I must, Gwen. I really must.”
Then he pulls away. “Good moonlight, my bride,” he murmurs as he leaves my room.
* * *
By the next afternoon, I’m officially a wife.
Kind of anti-climactic, really. It had been a whirlwind of events: first being dressed by Xi and the servants, then the contract signing before the Keeper of Records, and finally the ceremony—which was the shortest part of all.
No reception after, either. Fine with me.
The impending wedding had been announced earlier in the morning, along with Xi’s pronouncement that I was the Royal Commander’s fated mate, and Xi said they’d been inundated with well-wishes and gifts. It seems Xi was right: the people of Ydris were overjoyed at the news, as well as their… our …allies.
Some had apparently expressed concern over a hasty marriage to an outsider, but they were far outnumbered by those in support of the match.
Once we’re changed out of our wedding regalia, Xi and I meet Ryz and Zadren in the control room.
Zadren greets us with a fist to his chest and a bow. “Congratulations, my Queen.”
Right. I’m a queen now.
I bow to him. “Thank you.”
Ryz is staring at the screens.
“The Outside Forces are retreating,” he states.
“Really?” I say, moving to stand next to him.
“Yes, and have been since your nuptials were complete,” Zadren continues. “They haven’t contacted us to make any formal statement, but they are on a clear course away from the palace.” He smiles. “Naturally, we will continue to track their movements.”
Ryz scratches his jaw. “I must prepare a message for them.”
“And then you’ll send a search party for my friends, right?” I add. “Every second you waste could be disastrous. We need to start looking now , Ryz.”
He growls, looking at me as if I’d just asked him to carve up one of the moons in the sky.
“No, we will wait until I’ve had a conversation with Commander Hak’en. We don’t know their true intentions. What if it’s a trick?”
I jab a finger at the screens. “Look, even I can see most of the ships are long gone. We have to act quickly.”
He pounds the console with his fist, and I jump. “I’ve warned you about telling me how to lead my people. You’re being ridiculous.”
I lift my chin. “Not ridiculous. My friends are out there, scared and alone, and they need me. Humans care about?—”
“If we make the wrong move, your friends won’t have anywhere to come back to. I’m sorry for their situation, but I cannot risk my entire planet and the well-being of our allies for them.”
I narrow my eyes. “You promised you’d focus on finding Iris and Lacey. Now you’re backing out. This is not the honorable way of a Royal Commander.”
A loud snarl tears from Ryz’s lips.
“ How dare you question my honor, woman ,” he roars, startling the others working at their stations and making his sister gasp.
I stand my ground, watching his neon blue eyes turn to flame. I know I should be afraid, but all I can feel is disappointment. I turn and stalk off, Xi accompanying me.
“He’ll come around, Gwen,” she murmurs as we walk through the hallways. “Give him time.”
“My friends don’t have time,” I fume. “What a rat!”
She presses her pewter lips together. “He’s just being cautious. He has to be, in his position.”
I nod glumly. “I know. I guess I just expected more from him. How can I trust him now, when I’ve seen him go back on his word?”
She pats my hand as we reach the guards flanking the doors to the Commander’s suite. My things were moved here earlier, but I didn’t get a chance to see it properly.
I can’t believe I have to share a room with this brute?—
Oh. This is not a room. It’s an entire home.
Lights turn on automatically as we move through the frankly gorgeous space.
“I helped decorate,” Xi says shyly as I gape at my surroundings. “Come on, I’ll show you the rest.”
“You did a great job. It’s amazing.” I feel like a tourist in New York City, gawping up at the distant ceilings and through the windows at the natural vistas. The furniture is in the style I’ve grown familiar with here—modern and sleek, with strange rustic accents from worlds I’ve never seen.
There’s no chandeliers or lamps. Light appears anywhere you desire with just the wave of a hand. Seating blends into the walls and floors, done in wood and soft fabric, all the colors pale and muted.
Artwork lines the walls, and every so often there’s a sculpture—mostly Kraetians in battles, but sometimes a strange animal.
We finally make it to the bedroom. The bed itself is as big as a room! If not for the pillows, I wouldn’t be sure that’s what it was.
“This is the only bed?” I ask dubiously.
She nods. “Why would you need two?”
Anger surges through me. The weasel lied again. “Ryz said we wouldn’t have to?—”
“Oh goodness! Even without engaging in…that…it’s customary for the Royal Commander and Queen to sleep in the same bed. Look at it. Both of you could be sleeping in it and barely know the other was there.”
Hmph. I’d know. Still, it would be like sleeping on a tennis court. “True.” I take a deep breath.
“You look tired,” Xi says. “It’s been a long rev. You should rest. I’ll have a meal brought to you.”
I don’t want to rest. I want to beat Ryz over his thick copper skull and make him send out that search party for my friends. Why did he have to be such an asshat about that?
“Thank you, Xi. You’ve been wonderful.”
I give her a hug. Xi has told me the people of Ydris don’t typically show affection this way, but she really likes it.
She smiles. “My Queen.”
I grin. I’ll never get used to that.
After Xi leaves I find the bathroom. It’s enormous. The tub (if you can call it that—it looks like a natural spring nestled into the side of a rocky mountain) could fit at least ten of me.
Did Ryz use this all alone? Or with one of those females he spoke of? Ugh, I don’t want to think about that.
A swipe of my hand fills the tub in a few short minutes and I slide into the warm, bubbling water. Then my food is brought in and set on the edge of the tub. I do feel a twinge of guilt treating myself to such luxury when Iris and Lacey are who knows where, but I’m sure they’d say I needed some self-care after all this anyway.
There has to be something I can do regarding the Ryz situation. As I run my hands over my body, washing off the day, I wonder… Would he respond to seduction?
He said I’m in no way obligated to have sex with him.
But what if I want to?
What if he wants to as well?
Sounds like a win-win situation. I’d have sex with a hot copper alien and light a fire under his chiseled butt to find my friends.
I relax under the waterfall, forcing myself to stop thinking about it. Then I finish up with some exotic-smelling soaps, exfoliate, and find a button on the spa menu that removes all the hair from my body in two minutes flat, leaving my skin soft and silky smooth. I brush out my hair and slide on a dressing gown made of that soft clingy material that’s so popular here.
Ryz isn’t going to know what hit him.