Chapter 81
Eighty-One
Planet Surge and the palace-top landing pad appeared as Autumn had remembered them. She lowered the destroyer onto X marks the spot. She took deep controlled breaths, calming herself down before unbuckling her harness. They’d been through so much, but she still had to focus on getting Dante immediate help. She and her dad pulled him out of his seat. He’d grown weaker since the flight through the portal. His teeth chattered in his mouth; his skin hot to the touch.
Mr. Hiss’s soft pink paws padded along the floor after them. His tail swayed in the heated early morning breeze.
Giarldinia had emerged from its fearful coma. Ships zipped through the air and sped along the skyway in sparkling streaks. The lights from the city glittered through the golden rays of the sunrise. The most distinct difference, however, from Universe 13 had to be the sky. It was no longer blue but instead shone the rich hue of amethyst. Nearby, stars and planets peeked through the glittering milky galaxy.
Emperor Brumha and his massive fleet lingered in the air, high above the palace, watching over them. Autumn was beyond grateful for all their assistance. She signaled for them to land.
As they made their way inside of the palace, helping Dante along, gossiping courtiers stared and whispered at the disheveled state he had arrived home in. Some gasped in horror, others snickered. The deep bruises on his face, his busted lip, and broken legs as he limped along attracted more than his usual share of attention. It was far from a triumphant return.
If he had been well, they wouldn’t dare open their mouths. They were unappreciative and two-faced.
Some things never changed.
They’d seen what Emperor Izzo had done to him. Humiliated him in front of all the universes over broadcast. It didn’t matter though, what anyone said or what they thought they knew; she had an ace up her sleeve. She was glad she thought ahead. She bit her cheeks. Autumn loved him more than anything despite his many imperfections. He was perfectly imperfect, and she was determined to protect him as he had protected her.
Leyla and Isidora came racing through the crimson carpeted halls. Tears streamed down their blue cheeks when they saw Dante.
“Thank you for taking care of him and bringing him back to us.” The former empress helped them hold him up, getting blood and sweat all over the delicate tulle of her dress.
“I’m so glad you’re alive,” Leyla threw her arms around her and her brother.
Her dad watched in silence. She’d introduce them later. There was plenty of time for introductions.
They walked him through the palace and downstairs to the medical bay, despite the many prying eyes.
At the medical bay, Dante was stripped of his navy-blue Zambarian uniform, boots, gloves, and tattered white cape, and placed into a rejuvenation tank. A mask was strapped across his battered face. His eyes fluttered closed as blue liquid filled up the chamber. He fell into a deep restful sleep, bubbles consuming him.
She sighed, pressing her fingers to the glass, fogging it with her breath. She needed him to recover so she could hold him in her arms again and tell him how much she missed him.
She wanted nothing more than to wait with him until he woke up, but she couldn’t. She smoothed her hands along her thighs, sucking in a deep shuddering breath. She knew what came next and it wasn’t going to be easy.
It was time for damage control, yet again. She didn’t have a moment to lose, everyone was waiting on her.
“It’s okay Autumn, we’ll watch over him,” Leyla pressed out a small smile. “He seems to have calmed down a bit.”
“Thank you.”
Leyla and her mom sat by the tank, talking amongst themselves. Dante slept in silence.
When she went to turn, she bumped into her dad.
“I think you should stay here and get checked out,” her dad suggested, glancing at Dante’s family as they sat by the tank watching and waiting. “You may need medical attention for yourself and your baby. Who knows if the liquid healed everything. I can’t believe you’re having a baby and I’m going to be a grandfather.”
Neither could she.
“Is that okay?” she asked tentatively, waiting for his reaction.
“Of course it is.” The corners of his eyes crinkled beneath his cracked silver frames. “This is going to take me a bit of getting used to but I’m so happy. And I’m happy we’re finally together. Nothing will ever separate us again.” He kissed her forehead.
He paused for a moment, lowering his voice to a whisper. “I only wish the father was?—”
“Human?” she blurted.
He shook his head. “Not Dante. He has a lot of explaining to do, and he’s not off the hook after the stunt he pulled.”
She sighed. Her husband and her dad were never going to get along at this rate, but she didn’t have time to worry about the specifics of their relationship. She had to make a public statement and save face. The planet was in an uproar.
Autumn went to leave the room when she encountered Ronan who stood in the doorway, arms crossed, head resting against the frame. He ran a hand through his short spiky hair. His emerald-green eyes shifted with worry.
“Hey, I remember you,” her dad glanced his way. “Ronan, right?”
“Yes, I’m glad you’re okay and that you made it here safely. I’m sorry again for what happened,” Ronan glanced at the floor. “I should’ve known better than to trust an imposter posing as my brother.”
“Sometimes mistakes happen but all we can do is learn from them and life goes on.”
His mouth curved. “Can I talk to you for a moment, Autumn—in private?”
“Yes,” she rose and followed him into the hallway.
He lowered his voice, eyes wandering around to make sure nobody was listening or at least that’s what she supposed. “What happened out there? I heard all about Dante’s tragic state and I saw the horrific broadcast before it cut out. Things were looking bleak. Is the Grand Supreme?—”
“Yes, he’s dead.”
Ronan placed a black-gloved hand over his mouth, his eyes widened. “I’m glad, this was a long time coming. Too many have suffered needlessly at his hands for centuries.”
A long silence followed. He shifted his weight.
“Did you find Armienti?” Hope filled his eyes.
“No,” her heart sank. “But I promise we won’t stop searching for him. We’ll bring him home and everything will work out, you’ll see. I know we can overcome this misunderstanding somehow.”
“Thanks Autumn,” he hugged her, and she was on her way. She could sense his great sadness drifting through the room, but she meant every word of what she’d said. She would find Armienti and bring him home.