Knightqueen

Chapter 15

Carys stepped off the Terran shuttle and pulled in a deep breath. A warm breeze swirled around her, carrying the scent of tallia flowers. The warm sun hit her skin.

She was home.

Her chest squeezed. She realized now that during her captivity, and while she and Sten had been on the run on Ti-Lore, a part of her had wondered if she’d ever see Oron again.

Ahead of her, rows of knights were standing at attention in the castle courtyard. Beyond them was the shining city of Aravena—the capital city of Oron. The purple-tinged waters of the River Camlann wound through the city. Elegant buildings speared into the sky, and graceful arches of bridges crossed the river.

Behind her, the castle’s spires, all made of gleaming-white stone and blue glass, shone in the sun, while the lower tiers were filled with greenery and gardens.

Her planet was all shining and beautiful. Her people lived in peace and prosperity.

Unlike those on Ti-Lore. Unlike those on the other planets that the Gek’Dragar had subjugated.

And now her enemy wanted to destroy Oron.

No. It wasn’t happening. She wouldn’t let it.

She lifted her hand and waved to her knights. Knightmaster Ashtin stepped forward. He stood tall and straight, wearing black pants, a high-necked doublet, and a three-quarter-length cloak. He had a handsome face and black hair. Beside him was a woman in a dark-blue Space Corps uniform that showed off her athletic build. Her brown hair was tied up in a ponytail, and a keen intelligence glimmered in her eyes. Sub-Captain Kennedy Black of Earth. The woman Ashtin had fallen in love with.

The head of Carys’ Knightforce stopped in front of her. “Knightqueen.” Emotion crossed his face. “Carys, we are so pleased to have you home.”

She took his hands and squeezed. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, Ashtin. To find me and Sten. To keep things running here on Oron.”

Sten stepped up beside her, and he and Ashtin clasped hands.

“And I hear congratulations are in order.” Carys glanced at Kennedy.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Knightqueen.” The Terran bowed her head.

“I hear you’re family now, Kennedy.” Carys squeezed the woman’s hand. “I despaired that anyone would ever capture the heart of our dedicated knightmaster, here. It seems he was waiting for the right woman from Earth.”

Kennedy smiled. “Well, he captured my heart right back, your Highness.”

“Please call me Carys. And I’m very happy for the both of you.” She shot Sten a quick glance.

“You’re both okay?” Ashtin asked, scanning them.

“We’re fine. Sten did a very good job of keeping me safe.”

Her knightguard grunted.

“The people need to know that you’re all right,” Ashtin said. “They need to see it with their own eyes. I’ve scheduled an appearance on the main balcony so that they can see you.”

Carys nodded. “Of course. But we have greater concerns, Ashtin. The Gek’Dragar have a weapon.”

His face hardened, and Kennedy pressed a hand to his arm.

“Nea and Kaden sent me a report. The Blue Death.”

“We have to stop the weapon,” she said. “And stop the Gek’Dragar once and for all.”

“We will,” Sten growled.

They were ushered into the palace. As she took in the familiar glossy Camlann marble floors and the high ceilings, pleasure filled her. Home. Sten kept pace beside her, once again the stoic knightguard. Her mouth pressed into a line. He was doing his robot impression again, and keeping a distance between them.

She wanted everyone to know they were together. When would the man accept that she loved him? That she wanted him, not some handsome prince or diplomat.

“Your Highness.” Her maids appeared with a swish of skirts, bobbing curtsies. “We have a gown laid out for you and we can do your hair. For your appearance on the balcony.”

Carys nodded. She remembered now how much of her life was dominated by the task of being the knightqueen. She hadn’t thought she’d miss Ti-Lore, and the freedom she’d had to shed some of the sometimes tedious trappings of her life.

Then she felt a small touch on her hand. Just a brush. Her head jerked up. Sten wasn’t looking at her, but his fingers brushed hers again. Warmth ignited in her chest. She let her small finger curl around his for a second.

“I’ll leave you to get ready.” He nodded. “I’ll come back to get you when it’s time.”

She desperately wanted to kiss him, but instead, she followed her maids into her quarters. The large room was decorated in her favorite colors of blue and green. Her large, four-poster bed faced the large, curved windows. Several plants sat in ornate pots around the room.

Yes, it was nice to be home.

Her gaze moved straight to the bed. Instantly, she pictured Sten’s large, muscular body in it, and she suppressed a shiver.

On the bed lay a beautiful dress. It was white, and would drape her body. It had several long insets of glimmering gold.

Her maids hurried around dressing her. Her hair was piled up on her head, and light makeup dabbed on her face. They tightened the straps so the dress fit her body perfectly, the fabric silky against her skin. It felt strange to be wearing fancy clothes again.

One of the maids came forward, holding a flat, gold box. Carys’ crown rested inside. She reached out and stroked it. Her mother had worn it. Carys had so many memories of being a little girl, stroking it in fascination. It was made of delicate black and gold spikes of metal.

She’d been wearing it at the ball when she’d been abducted. She hadn’t known what had happened to it.

She lifted the crown and settled it on her head.

There was a brisk knock at the door.

“Enter,” she said.

Ashtin and Sten strode in. Her gaze ran over her knightguard. He was wearing his black armor, with a three-quarter cloak draped off his broad shoulders. He was every bit the knightguard.

“Ready?” Ashtin asked. “Crowds have gathered in the streets below the castle. The people have heard you’re back.”

She nodded. “I’m ready.”

The men flanked her. They strode out of her quarters and down the corridor toward the main balcony that faced the city.

As they neared, two knightguards opened the doors for them.

Up this high, she could see all of Aravena. The tall buildings, many of them draped in greenery, the smaller buildings that were homes and small businesses, the tree-filled parks and squares.

Down below, she saw the streets were packed with people. Her throat tightened. They were all waving gold flags. When she stepped up to the railing, and they saw her, cheers broke out. She heard whistles and happy cries.

She pressed a hand to her chest, tears welling in her eyes. She hadn’t realized how much her disappearance had affected her people.

I will keep you safe. I will protect you with everything I have.

She waved, turning from side to side. The cheers intensified. She glanced at Sten, and he gave her a small nod.

Then she dropped her hand and stepped back. Her smile dissolved. “Now, we need to discuss the Gek’Dragar.”

Ashtin gave her a brisk nod. “To the war room.”

Back inside, she took off her crown and handed it to her maid. Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she followed the men down several levels.

Two knights stood at attention at the metal doors leading into the war room. As they approached, the pair pushed the doors open.

Inside was a huge light table with projections streaking up above it. Around it stood Nea, Kaden, Kennedy, and Captain Attaway.

“Have we had any luck locating the Gek’Dragar ship we believe is carrying the weapon?” Carys asked, walking up to the light table.

“Not yet,” Nea said. “Everyone is searching for it, and all our ships are on high alert. Captain Attaway’s about to leave with the Helios to help.”

The Terran captain nodded. “Our scanning systems are different from yours. There might be a chance we can detect something.”

“War Commander Davion Thann-Eon has been in touch. There are several Eon warships on the way.

Carys knew their alliance with the Eon warriors was rock-solid. Their advanced warships would be invaluable. “Remind me to thank King Gayel.”

“You can do it in person,” Ashtin said. “He’s en route aboard the Rengard.”

She pressed a hand to the light table, looking at all the planets and stars that made up Oronis space. Each one of them represented Oronis people who she needed to protect.

“I will not let the Gek’Dragar hurt my people.” She looked right at Sten. “I will protect everyone I care about.”

His gaze stayed steady on hers.

Then she looked at Ashtin. “Do whatever it takes to find that ship.”

Sten checkedin with his knightguards.

His men and women crowded around him, slapping his arm and back, happy to see that he’d survived.

“What you did for the knightqueen…” one man shook his head, awe on his face. “Putting that dura-binding on was brilliant. You’re an inspiration, Knightguard Sten.”

“We’ve heard a little of your ordeal on the alien planet, and what you faced,” a female knightguard said. “You protected the queen every step of the way.”

Several of them bowed their heads at him, showing their respect.

His chest felt tight. “I did what any knightguard would do. And I had help. Our queen is tough and a fierce fighter.”

He’d also bedded the queen. Put his hands on her slim, beautiful body.

Claimed her as his.

What would they think of that?

He cleared his throat. “The Gek’Dragar are coming. For our queen, for all of us. Double patrols around the castle. I want security increased.”

“It’s true they have a deadly weapon?” another guard asked.

“It is. Everyone must remain on high alert.”

His people nodded and leaped into action. Several peppered him with questions. He answered, watching as they hurried off to do their jobs. They were good people. Dedicated and honorable.

“Knightguard Sten?”

A young knightguard, fresh out of the Academy, stood in front of him.

“I just wanted to say it’s an honor to serve with a man like you.” The man bowed and left.

Sten stared after him. He’d known they were all dedicated to the knightqueen, and to Oronis. He just hadn’t realized how dedicated they were to him as well.

His hands balled into fists. They had to stop the Blue Death from reaching Oron. Whatever it took.

He strode to the windows, staring out over the city. Night was starting to fall, and he thought this was the prettiest time in Aravena. When the lights of the buildings all started to glitter. It looked like the night sky reflected on the land.

Ashtin appeared at his side. “How are you doing? It must be a little jarring to be back on Oron after everything you’ve been through.”

Sten nodded. “I’m glad we’re back. And that Carys is safe.”

“It had to be rough.”

“It was. But it’s rougher for the people that the Gek’Dragar have subjugated. They ruined Ti-Lore.” He shook his head. “The Gek’Dragar have to be stopped, Ashtin. It’s not enough to just win one battle. We need to end this. I won’t let them come near Carys again.” His tone was low and fierce.

Ashtin stared at him.

Sten scowled. “What?”

“You’re in love with her.”

Sten froze.

“Having just recently fallen in love myself, I recognize it now. And I suspect you’ve loved her for a long time.”

Sten felt an itchy, uncomfortable feeling wash over him. “She’s our queen. I’m her knightguard.”

“But she’s not just the queen to you.”

Sten’s jaw tightened. “Ashtin—”

“I think you’re good for her. Steady and loyal.”

Sten blinked. “What?”

“She lost everything when she was young. She’s strong, but everyone needs a solid foundation, something to hold them steady.”

Heart pounding, Sten scoffed. “She’s elegant and refined. Beautiful and smart. I’m just a battle-hardened guard who grew up on a farm.”

“So?”

Sten made an annoyed sound.

“And I was an orphan with no family. It doesn’t change my achievements or the man I am.”

“But the woman you love isn’t the knightqueen of Oron.”

Ashtin’s gaze narrowed. “So, you’re fine with her making an alliance? Marrying some foreign prince or planetary leader?”

Something exploded inside Sten’s chest. He whirled, then pressed his forearm to his friend’s neck and shoved him against the wall.

Ashtin just smiled. “I thought not.”

“She is…everything good and beautiful.” Sten stepped back, releasing Ashtin. “In my heart, she’s mine.” He released a harsh breath. “I’m not king material, Ashtin. Like I said, I’m not polished or diplomatic.”

“Does Carys care about any of that?”

“The people will care.”

“You’re a good man, Sten. Don’t worry about the people. All you need to worry about is Carys and how she feels.”

“I can’t be king.”

“A king supports his queen. He cares about the planet. He protects the people.” Ashtin cocked his head. “That’s exactly you. You already do all of that.”

Sten felt like a knot had tied itself in his chest. “I don’t have tact or diplomacy.”

“No, but Carys does.” Ashtin slapped his shoulder. “I think the two of you would be a great pair. You’d complement each other. Stop fighting so hard.”

His friend left him standing there, and Sten turned back to the window. He stared out over the city for a long time, his thoughts churning.

Then he turned and headed down the hall. Aimlessly, he took several twists and turns. That’s when he realized that he’d headed to Carys’ personal quarters.

As he approached the door, he saw two of his best knightguards flanking it. When they saw him, they snapped to attention.

“Knightguard Sten,” the female guard said.

“As you were.”

“Did you need something, Knightguard?” the older man asked.

Sten looked at Carys’ door. “Well—”

The door was wrenched open, and Carys stood there wearing a long, loose dress in a pretty blue. “Oh, you’re here, Knightguard Sten. You’re late for our briefing.” She reached out and gripped his arm. Then she yanked him inside.

She slammed the door closed behind them.

“Carys—”

She leaped on him. He caught her, then her mouth was colliding with his as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hungry mouth moved against his, and with a groan, he angled his head and took over.

Her lips parted, and he plunged his tongue into her mouth. He pulled in the taste of her, feeling like everything in his world had just righted itself. She rocked against him, her hands digging into his shoulders.

“I missed you,” he murmured against her lips.

“I missed you too.” She nipped his bottom lip. “Sten, when all this is over, and we’ve defeated the Gek’Dragar…we’ll talk. About us.”

He pulled in a breath. “All right. Do you want an update on the Gek’Dragar?”

She pulled a face. “I know the ship still hasn’t been located. We’ll know when they do find it. For now…” she pressed harder against him, her fingers skimming into his hair. “I don’t want to think about the Gek’Dragar.”

“And what does my queen want?”

“She wants you in her bed.” The corner of her lips curled in a sensual smile. “You’re sleeping here, Sten. I have a very large bed, and I won’t lie, I’ve imagined you in it many times.” This time, she bit his lip hard.

He slid his palms more firmly under her ass and carried her to the bed. He laid her on it.

“I’ve imagined being here with you, too.”

On the bed, Carys smiled. Then she whipped her loose dress over her head.

All she wore beneath it was a filmy, nearly transparent nightgown that ended at mid-thigh. His stomach clenched. The fabric clung to her breasts and made him hard in an instant.

She held out a hand to him. “You have too many clothes on, Thorsten.”

He started unfastening his shirt. “That can be remedied.”