does not make me feel as though I am ungainly or ugly in her eyes.
“What is it you wish to tell your husband?”
“Your wife wants to let you know that I’ve haven’t smiled and laughed so much in my entire life as I have since I’ve met you.”
“I am the reason for your happiness?”
Moving over to rest her cheek on my chest, she sighs. “Yes sir, you are the reason for my happiness. I can’t imagine what would have happened to me if I hadn’t met you. I’d probably still be running around Earth putting out all their damned fires and being stressed out.”
Sliding my hand up her back, I rub my cheek against her hairs. “I’m glad that is no longer your life. You deserve to be sheltered by a male who knows your true worth.”
Tilting her head to look up at me, she frowns. “And you deserve to have a female who has your back. I’m still planning to have words with that queen of yours.”
“What remedy can she give? I have withdrawn from military service and am quite content to remain at your side and spawn our young. You are much mistaken if you think I care what Queen Cassandra or the other queens on the council think of me. I admitted to my misdeeds and accepted my punishment like a true warrior. In doing so, I earned back my honor. There is nothing Queen Cassandra can give me that I value.”
“I just wish I could go back and make different decisions that day. After being one of the generals in command of Earth Gov military, I was used to people following my orders so I could get the job done. I never expected in a million years for anything bad to happen to you because of my behavior.”
“It didn’t. I was punished for my own poor choices. No one forced me to capitulate to your wishes that day instead of doing my duty. The problem was me, for even then I carried you so deeply in my heart that I could not bring myself to do what I knew was right for fear of making you angry with me. We both know that was wrong, so let us just forget about that day and move on with our lives.”
“I suppose you’re right. The whole situation still angers me. Truth be told, I’m angrier at myself than your chain of command.”
“Forgive yourself, my sweet queen, for I bear you no ill will.”
I am a fortunate male who’s gotten everything he ever dreamed of and then some. I can’t even find it in my heart to be upset with Kryos. How can I blame him for wishing to mate such a perfect queen as mine? This will not keep me from beating him senseless if he oversteps the bounds of propriety with my queen, but I cannot imagine him doing such. He is an honorable male, according to all I have ever known of him. I am not looking forward to seeing him this night, for it feels like flaunting my good fortune in his face.
Suddenly, my emergency alert sounds, which causes the lights overhead to begin blinking on and off. It was designed that way in case we were wearing equipment to dampen the noise during construction of our keep.
“Come, my queen. We have unexpected visitors.”
We both dash from the water and struggle into our clothing again. My mind whirls with possible scenarios that might prompt one of my scions to sound the alarm.
“Is everything okay? Why are the alarms sounding off?”
“I do not know, my queen. It could be nothing or we could be under attack.”
Karma
Juliet
When Borak opens his weapons stash, I gear up as well. The Draconians have told us repeatedly their planet is a safe haven for humans. There was supposed to be no crime, social discord or other threats. Right now, I’m feeling kind of foolish for believing that. Glancing at Borak, I admit to myself that I really don’t care how dangerous this place is. I’d rather be here fighting by his side than anywhere else in the entire universe.
The moment the lift opens onto the bottom floor, I see Chantel is carrying a battle rifle, and she looks utterly ridiculous toting that around wearing a long gown. That falls into the category of problems for another day. Borak’s boys are on high alert, but it’s Korak who gives us the report like a good little soldier.