Knightqueen

Chapter 13

The next morning, Carys smiled at the women in the village. They were all a full head taller than her, with long bodies and interesting white markings on their faces. Every person’s markings were a little different, but from what she could tell, they appeared to be natural, not a tattoo.

One woman brought her a drape of colorful fabric in a brilliant blue.

“Thank you, it’s beautiful.”

The woman nodded shyly.

Carys was dressed in clothes similar to the women, with long skirts and a fitted, sleeveless top. It was clear that they were children’s clothes that had been altered to fit her.

She spotted Sten talking with Azulon and some other Ti-Lore men and women. He was deep in discussion with them.

A child shyly came forward and handed Carys a red flower.

She smiled and touched the girl’s hand.

Then Nythoria arrived, smiling. “You look…well-rested.” The Ti-Lore woman shot a glance at Sten.

Carys fought back a blush. “I slept very well.”

“I see how much your man makes you happy. And the way he looks at you…” Nythoria’s smile turned sad. “It makes me miss my mate.”

“You lost him?” Carys touched the other woman’s arm. “I’m so sorry.”

“I miss him every day. Malthor was still growing inside me when the Gek’Dragar killed Jalaron.”

Sorrow wrapped around Carys’ throat. “I promise you, Nythoria, I will stop the Gek’Dragar. I will make them pay for all the suffering they’ve caused.”

The other woman took Carys’ hand and squeezed hard. “I believe you. You’re strong, you have a strong man at your side, and I suspect your people won’t hesitate to follow you.”

“Yes. And we have powerful allies as well.”

“I wish I could join you in battle.” Nythoria’s gaze moved to her son who was running around with the other children. “You will have my prayers.”

“And one day, I will return here, when Ti-Lore is a free planet once more,” Carys said fiercely.

Nythoria nodded. Then there was a commotion as several Ti-Lore rode in on chiru.

Carys’ pulse skipped.

“They are from the neighboring village,” Nythoria said. “Go. Your man is watching you very intently.”

Carys looked up and saw Sten looking her way, his brow creased. As she crossed to him, her belly fluttered. He wore Ti-Lore clothing as well. Brown trousers made of a tough fabric tucked into shin-high boots, and a black, sleeveless shirt trimmed in fur that showed off his muscular arms.

Now she knew he could do amazing things to her body. Last night had been the best night of her life. As he’d promised, he’d shown her so many wonderful things.

She knew in her bones that this man was hers.

She just needed to prove it to him now.

Azulon was talking with the newcomers and introducing them to Sten. When she got close, Sten held out a hand to her, and she took it.

“Carys, this is Wexor,” Sten said. “He’s the leader from the neighboring village.”

She nodded at the tall Ti-Lore man, whose long hair was in thick braids. He had beaten metal jewelry in his ears. She bowed her head. “Thank you for coming.”

“Azulon said you are enemies of the Gek’Dragar.” His voice was deep and steady. “That makes us allies.” Wexor waved a hand.

Another Ti-Lore warrior stepped forward and set some fabric on the ground. He rolled it out to uncover several metal parts inside.

All in pieces.

Her stomach dropped.

“This is your communicator,” Azulon said.

Sten’s mouth flattened.

“It doesn’t work, I’m afraid.” Wexor looked apologetic. “It was damaged when we fled our mountain village.”

Sten crouched, and Carys bit her lip. This was no good to them.

Sten picked up some of the parts, studying them. Then he looked up. “I might be able to fix it. Azulon, do you have any tools?”

The man nodded. “Some.”

“Okay, if you can—”

A warrior sprinted into the village, sweating and puffing. He said something in a long string of the local language, and sharp gasps echoed all around.

“What’s wrong?” Carys asked.

Azulon’s face was grim. “Gek’Dragar ships are headed this way.”

Her chest locked. No.

Sten rose. “They must have tracked us here.”

“No,” Azulon said. “They do regular visits, to ensure we are not plotting against them.” He turned his head and spat on the ground. “Come, and bring the communication unit.”

Sten scooped up the fabric and slid an arm around Carys.

“Thank you, Wexor,” she said.

The other Ti-Lore nodded. “Be safe.”

Azulon led them to another hut. Inside, it looked like a meeting place with a thick, well-worn rug, and lots of chairs. Several Ti-Lore villagers swept aside the furniture and lifted the rug. There was a trap door beneath.

Crouching, Azulon opened it. “I’m sorry. It is dark and cramped, but you will be safe here.”

They’d etched a small cellar into the hard ground.

Sten leaped in with the comm parts, then lifted Carys down.

“I will return when they are gone,” Azulon said. “Stay still and quiet.”

“Be careful,” Carys said.

The Ti-Lore leader nodded, then closed the door, concealing them in darkness.

Sten pulled her onto his lap, and she pressed into him.

“If they find us…”

“They won’t.” He squeezed her hip.

“Can you really get the comm unit working?”

“I don’t know, but I’m going to try.”

She pressed her face to his neck, breathing in his warm skin. “I’m so glad you’re with me. You sacrificed your own freedom when you put that dura-binding on us. You could’ve been back on Oron, safe—”

“Being with you, protecting you, that’s the most important thing in my life.”

She kissed him. “I love you, Thorsten.”

He drew in a ragged breath, and he started to speak. She pressed her fingers to his lips.

“Don’t say anything.”

“I’m not and will never be good enough for you.” She felt him shake his head. “And I am not a man comfortable with discussing my…feelings. Especially ones I’ve spent a lifetime denying.”

“Last night you were perfect for me.” She rubbed against him. “I decide who’s right for me, not you.”

Muffled noises came from above.

“Shh,” he said.

They sat there like statues, hardly daring to breathe, and her pulse pounded wildly. She gripped Sten’s wrists, and prayed their new Ti-Lore friends were okay.

It felt like forever, but finally, she heard noises above them, and the trap door opened.

For a horrible second, she wondered if the Gek’Dragar had found them.

Azulon’s serious face looked down. “It is safe.” He helped them out.

“Is everyone okay?” she asked.

The man sighed. “It was just the usual threats. They’re searching for you.” His face darkened. “They offered a large reward of food and goods to turn you in. My people are honorable, but many of the villages have little food, and people are starving. I can’t guarantee your safety forever.”

“I understand,” Carys said. She could hardly blame someone for wanting to feed their family.

Sten looked grim. “I’ll get to work on the comm unit.”

They moved back to the hut they’d slept in, and Sten spread the components out on the table. Azulon brought him some tools. There was a crease in his brow as he sat down and got to work.

“Knightqueen?”

She dragged her gaze off Sten and looked at Azulon. “Yes?”

“Our scout who warned us of the Gek’Dragar has brought disturbing news.”

He looked so serious, and her belly tightened into knots. “What is it?”

“He spied on a group of Gek’Dragar. One was very important. A commander. They were laughing and talking of their impending victory against the Oronis.”

Dread filled her. “Go on.”

“We knew that they’ve been experimenting with the plorion, the mining fluid we developed.”

Oh, no.“And?”

“They’ve used it to create a weapon. A terrible weapon.”

“What?” Sten barked.

“We questioned a Gek’Dragar we captured,” Carys said. “He mentioned a weapon that would consume us.”

Azulon nodded. “The scout said they call it the Blue Death. They have altered the plorion. My scout wasn’t clear on all the details, but he believes they’ve made an airborne variant.” There was deep regret on his face. “And…the first target is Oron.”

“No,” she breathed. If that mining fluid was made more virulent and airborne, just one breath of it would be lethal.

Her people were at risk. Billions of lives.

“I wish now that my people never created that fluid.” Azulon shook his head violently. “It has brought us nothing but heartache.”

She touched his hand. “It is not your people’s fault. The blame lies with the Gek’Dragar. They twist and destroy everything they touch. I will stop them. My knights will stop them, and I promise to help free Ti-Lore as well.”

“The Blue Death could destroy your world,” the Ti-Lore said.

“My knights and I will never let that happen.” She squeezed his hand. “I formally accept the Ti-Lore as allies of the Oronis. Everything you’ve done for us will help me defeat the Gek’Dragar.”

Azulon bowed his head. “You do me and my people a great honor, Knightqueen.”

Sten stood. “I got the comm unit working.”

She whirled, and her pulse leapt at the sight of lights blinking on the comm unit.

They could send a message.

Sten watched Carys pace.Her movements were jerky, and he hated seeing her upset.

She spun. “Anything?”

“Not yet.” He rose and rested his hands on her shoulders. She was so tense. “We only just sent the message ten minutes ago. It could take time to reach any Oronis or our allies.”

But they both knew no one might get it. Ti-Lore had to be deep in Gek’Dragar space. He massaged her shoulders. The message was encoded in such a way that only the Oronis could decrypt it.

If the Gek’Dragar intercepted it, it would only be gibberish.

But to get help, it needed to reach their knights.

“We have to be patient.”

She made a sound, whirled, and paced across the hut. “How? The Gek’Dragar have a deadly weapon, Sten. That mining fluid ate away at the mountains here and twisted the animals. Now, whatever they’ve done to make it even more toxic, they’re going to unleash it on Oron.” Her voice broke.

He hugged her to his chest.

“I have to stop them.” She clutched at him.

“You’re not alone, Carys. We’ll stop them, along with your entire Knightforce.”

She held on to him, then she leaned up and kissed him.

He hauled her close. He’d never get enough of her.

He knew they needed to escape and stop the Gek’Dragar, but a part of him didn’t want to leave. Here, on Ti-Lore, she was his. He knew that when they left, everything would change.

Once again, she would be the knightqueen.

He boosted her up and she slid her legs around his waist.

“Sten.” She cupped his stubbled cheeks.

Emotion welled in his chest. He needed to tell her how he felt. “Carys, I—”

There was a whoosh of sound overhead. He tensed. Another Gek’Dragar patrol?

He heard the Ti-Lore shouting.

Carys wriggled to get down.

“Stay back.” He went to the doorway, careful not to be seen.

When he peered through, he sucked in a breath.

“Sten?”

“It’s a shuttle.”

She gripped his arm. “The Gek’Dragar?”

“No.” He met her gaze. “It’s Terran.”

Her mouth fell open. “Terran?” She shook her head. “How? The Terrans are new allies and not as technologically advanced. How could they be this far out in Gek’Dragar space?”

He took her hand. That was something he was keen to find out. They stepped outside.

He watched a pair of Terrans in dark-blue Space Corps uniforms disembark from the silver shuttle. They were watchful, with small blaster weapons in their hands.

Then two tall, very familiar Oronis knights stalked off the shuttle in full black armor, three-quarter length cloaks draping down their backs.

“Knightmaster Nea,” Sten said. “Knighthunter Kaden.”

Knightmaster Nea Laurier was tall and fit, with bold features, and her black hair in a long braid. Knighthunter Kaden Galath was her opposite, tall and lean, with short, platinum-blond hair and a haughty face with high cheekbones.

When Nea saw them, her face lit up. “Thank the stars.” She bowed her head to Carys. “Knightqueen.” Then Nea slapped Sten’s shoulder. “I’m so very happy to see you both.”

“How did you get here?” Carys asked.

“It’s a long story.” Nea tipped her head at the Terrans. “And we had some help.”

“Knightqueen Carys, I’m Chief Engineer Watson,” an older woman said. She had a no-nonsense air, a weathered face, and graying brown hair pulled up in a bun. “And this is Ensign Noth.”

The young, clean-cut man smiled at them.

Carys smiled back. “Thank you for coming for us.”

“Nea and I broke into the Gek’Dragar prison to rescue you.” Kaden pulled a face. “You ruined our plan by escaping.”

“That was you?” Sten said.

Kaden nodded. “We’ve been searching for you ever since.”

“And dodging the Gek’Dragar,” Nea added. “They’re searching for you, too. We should leave, Carys.”

Carys nodded and turned to Azulon. She took his hands. “Thank you, Azulon. Your help, and the help of your people, has been invaluable. Without you, we might not have survived.”

“We are united by our enemy, Knightqueen,” the Ti-Lore said. “And now by our friendship.”

“I vow to stop the Gek’Dragar. Ti-Lore will be free again.”

“Thank you.” He bowed his head.

“Carys, we should go.” Sten pressed a hand to her back. “The Gek’Dragar could detect the Terran shuttle.”

She waved to the kids. Malthor was waving madly at them. Beside her son, Nythoria raised a hand in farewell. Sten led Carys onto the shuttle.

The interior was mostly silver, with blue accents. The passenger seats were plush, and the Terrans moved toward the cockpit.

“Strap in, your Highness,” the ensign said.

They found seats. Kaden and Nea sat across from them.

“Ashtin sent you after us?” Carys asked.

Nea nodded. “It was a long journey.”

Sten knew the pair didn’t get along. They’d been rivals since their Academy days.

“A very long journey,” Nea said. “Into Gek’Dragar space. Lucky for us, the Terrans have a different cloaking technology to ours. One the Gek’Dragar can’t detect. It meant we could slip in here undetected.”

“We owe a lot to our new allies,” Kaden said.

“We do.” Nea smiled at him.

Then shockingly, the knighthunter leaned over and kissed Nea.

And Nea kissed him back.

Carys blinked at them.

Sten’s brows creased. “You’re…together.?”

“Yes,” Nea said.

“But you…hate each other,” Sten said.

“Not anymore,” Kaden said with a smile. “In fact, we’re married. Captain Attaway married us on the Terran ship.”

Sten’s eyebrows winged up, shock keeping him silent.

Beside him, Carys laughed. “Congratulations.”

“It’s a really long story.” Nea grinned. “And Knightmaster Ashtin fell in love with a Terran.”

“Sub-Captain Kennedy Black?” Carys’ eyes lit up. “I knew he liked her.”

“He sure does,” Nea said. “She’s the new Terran liaison to the Oronis. They’re taking care of things on Oron.”

Then Carys’ smile faded. “It’s imperative we get back.”

Kaden’s brow creased, and he studied her intently. “What’s wrong?”

“The Gek’Dragar have developed a weapon,” Carys said.

“It’s based on a mining fluid the Ti-Lore developed,” Sten added.

Kaden cursed. “The one that ate away the rocks and mountains?”

Sten nodded. “The Gek’Dragar overused it. And now, they’ve apparently engineered it to be even worse and made it airborne.”

The two knights shared a worried look.

“They call it the Blue Death,” Carys said. “And they plan to unleash it on Oron.”

“No,” Nea breathed.

“We will not let that happen,” Carys said fiercely.

“Everyone hold on,” the ensign called back. “We’re about to leave atmosphere. There are some Gek’Dragar patrol ships in range, so we need to sneak through and get back to the Helios as fast as we can.”

Carys leaned back in her seat.

Sten wanted to touch her, but curled his fingers into his palms.

He made himself look straight ahead. Now that they were no longer on Ti-Lore, he was once again just her knightguard.

He couldn’t let himself forget that.