“Anyway, it’s clear that they wouldn’t do something so horrible as return us to the Orkun, but still, some of the women are worried they’ll be sent away. Back to Earth, or off to some other world where they might be wanted. So we’re going to the palace to talk to the prince, to try to convince him to support the mate bonds between Kalixians and humans.” Rose smiles brightly. “You two should come along.”
“Count me in,” Lucy says immediately, up for anything as always.
I hesitate for a second, my heart pounding harder in my chest.
If I’m being completely honest, the prince terrifies me. Something about his powerful, regal demeanor makes me want to shrink away and hide.
The memory of his gaze burning into mine makes me shiver. It was the most intense thing I’ve ever felt, and although I can’t forget him, I’m not sure I want to feel it again. It was almost too much to bear.
I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to go. But deep inside, some small part of me that I don’t quite understand is dying to see him one more time.
“Okay.” I take a deep breath and nod before I can chicken out. “I’ll come along. I’d like to see the palace.”
And the prince who lives in it.
2
Khrelan
The clash of swords fills my ears. The world narrows down to the slice of steel, metal against metal, and the smell of sweat, skin, and dust filling my nose.
My blood is up, pumping hard through my veins, adrenaline flowing hot and fast as I spin and parry my opponent, fighting as if for my life. My focus is sharp and honed. Nothing else exists but the two of us, the way our bodies circle each other, the anticipation of each next strike.
Of course, it’s not actually life and death.
I’m in the fighting arena behind the palace, made to mimic the dusty gladiator rings of the other Kalixian cities, fighting my trainer. The tall, heavily muscled warrior named Vrale grimaces as he struggles to fend off my attack—though I can see the pride beneath his expression. He’s trained me well, and I know he’s pleased to see the fruits of his instruction.
Sweat drips down the bridge of my nose, but I ignore it, parrying forward with one more hard thrust, striking Vrale’s blade aside and throwing him to the dirt, where if he were a true opponent, his neck would be beneath my heel at this moment.
But instead, I let him rest there for a beat, then lean down and give him my hand, helping him to his feet.
“A good fight, my prince,” he grunts, smiling at me, and I allow myself to bask in my victory for a moment, riding the battle-high that floods through my veins. It makes me feel wild for a moment, primal, the lust for blood as hot and demanding as the lust for a woman, and I revel in it.
But it only lasts for a moment. It fades away, reality coming back harshly as my princely duties and responsibilities snap back into focus, settling down onto my shoulders like a particularly weighty mantle.
Like many things I’ll never experience in life, these battles are just a facsimile of the real thing, meant to keep me honed and well-trained in the case of war ever coming to our planet again, and for appearances. The prince of a warrior race should look like one, not be soft and over-fed.
Still, I know I’ll never go off-planet to fight a battle with the Alpha Force or any of our other military units. I’m too valuable—especially with no heir to follow me, and no chance of one. My death could mean a civil war, or at the very least, a new opportunity for the Orkun to advance a fresh attack while my advisors and lords determine what to do.
I straighten my shoulders, turning my thoughts away from things that cannot be changed and toward what I have to do next today. I’d like to stay and fight, to go for a second round in the ring and see if I can best Vrale again. But I don’t have time for that.
There’s a schedule of duties waiting for me, including several matters of state that need to be attended to. My morning exercises are a brief respite, and nothing more. This is how I am. How I always must be. Focused and determined, not allowing what I want to get in the way of what I must do. It’s how I was raised to believe a prince must behave, and I’ve done my best to honor my upbringing.
It’s led some to say that I’m cold-hearted and distant, but I love my people. Everything I have ever done and sacrificed is for them.
As I approach the palace doors, intending to go in and bathe before I attend my first meeting, my Minister of the Council appears in the doorway, his lips pursed.
“There is an unexpected contingent here to see you, my prince. A group of the human women”—Doka’s mouth turns down with some distaste—“and some of the Alpha Force warriors.”
I frown. “I have a full schedule today. Did they not make an appointment?”
“No, my prince. But your commander, Tordax, is with them.”
I might have dismissed them if not for Tordax, but if he’s here, it’s likely not something to be easily pushed aside.
“I will see them,” I tell him. “But first, I need to refresh myself. Show them to the throne room. I’ll be along shortly.”
Back in my chambers, I wash and dress quickly, wishing for more time. But, as usual, duty calls. I often wonder what it would be like to disappear for a week or more, slipping off to somewhere in the forest where I had no one to answer to but myself. The wilderness of Kalix can be dangerous, but there are beautiful parts of it too. Woods and hot springs, waterfalls and natural wonders I would love to explore.
But I became ruler of a planet at war when I was only a boy, and this is the price of that. My people depend on me, and I will never let them down.
I dress quickly in my usual fitted trousers and black silk tunic, combing back my brown hair as the gold inlay on my long, dark horns glints in the light. As I leave my chamber, I can feel the bearing of my station settling over me, my own desires and longings receding as I remember once again who I am.
Who I must be.
The women and warriors are not in the throne room when I enter. Doubtless my minister kept them in the antechamber until I was settled. I signal to him that they may be allowed in, and the wide, carved doors open as I sink onto my throne, prepared to hear what they have to say.
Tordax leads the group, along with his mate, a pretty woman with light-colored hair. They both bow deeply. The others follow suit, and then Tordax steps forward.
“Prince Khrelan, this is my mate, Rose, a human woman from Terra.” He gestures to her, and then to the group of women and warriors behind him. “We have all come here today to discuss the issue of the mate bonds between humans and Kalixians.”
He glances at Rose, and she steps forward to stand at his side. As she begins her impassioned plea, I’m impressed by how well she speaks. She’s articulate and intelligent, and it’s clear that she’s thought this through.
“Tordax has told me about what happened to your people,” she says softly. “It was a great tragedy, and I can understand why Kalixians might be hesitant to accept foreigners into their midst and into their culture. Why they might be suspicious of these bonds that have sprung up between us. But Tordax and I, and the others who have felt this bond, feel strongly that this can be a good thing. It could be the key to the future of all Kalixians.” She pauses, taking a deep breath. “The women here have nothing to go back to on Earth. We all want to embrace your culture, to become a part of what you cherish. We don’t want to hurt you, we want only to help.”