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“You both give me too much credit. I didn’t do anything.” Except maybe refuse to give up.
“You loved me. You believed in me when no one else did. Everyone wondered what I’d done while I’d been under Seeher’s influence. You stuck by me, even when I threatened to kill you.”
“That wasn’t you speaking,” I said. “As your father would say, you weren’t right in the head,” I joked.
His lips twitched. “He wasn’t wrong.”
I bit my lip, nervousness creeping in. “How will he react to us being bond-mates?” Before we’d left Araset, Queen Citrine had known of our intention to bond-mate, but no one had told King Saar.
He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into a protective embrace. “Better than he did with Aeon and Holly, but it doesn’t matter. He will accept you and treat you with respect, or we will leave Araset.”
“Let’s not get hasty. Let’s give him time to get used to me.” King Saar often needed to warm up to change, and he could be blustery until he did, but he wasn’t completely unreasonable. Besides, Lomax got on great with Aeon and his much-younger siblings and doted on his mother, Queen Citrine.
She was such a lovely lady and role model. It was impossible not to like her. She’d been welcoming to us humans. And she had influence over the king. Always her own person, she remained his staunchest supporter and helpmate. Even when she disagreed with his edicts, she never abandoned him. Even if I couldn’t see my family again, Lomax should see his.
Thinking of family caused my chest to hurt. I’ll never see Mom, Dad, or Jeremy again.
“What’s wrong?” Lomax asked. “You look sad all of a sudden.”
“I was missing my family. I wish I could see them, but I know that’s impossible.”
“Why?”
“I can’t travel to Earth.”
“Why can’t you?”
“The embargo?” I reminded him. “Aliens aren’t allowed contact with New Terra.”
“You’re not an alien. You’re human, which means you can go home any time. Go back and forth. The restrictions don’t apply to you. I double-checked with Ospra on the flight. It’s a little loophole the LOP doesn’t publicize. And, as your bond-mate, I have the legal right to escort you to New Terra.”
“Oh my god!” Tears sprang to my eyes. “Really?”
He smiled. “I’ll arrange for a trip as soon as you want to go, but I’d recommend waiting until after your parents come for the bond-mating ceremony.”
“W-w-what?”
“I intended it to be a surprise, but as soon as we set a date, my mother will dispatch a ship to New Terra to bring your parents here for the ceremony.”
“My parents are coming to Araset?” I repeated, unable to believe my ears.
“Uh-huh.” He grinned, and then he winked. “But keep that our little secret. Bringing them here—sending a ship for them—may not be entirely legal.”
I squealed. “Thank you. Thank you.” I kissed him all over his face then kissed him long and slow. He pulled me onto his lap, and we steamed up the windows again.
* * * *
The hovercar landed with a tiny bump.
The fogged window separating our compartment from the one in front rolled down. “Your Highness, Miss Whalen, they are waiting for you inside.”
The hatch opened. We scooted out into the most opulent garden courtyard I’d ever seen, and I realized we must have landed in the royal section. Exotic flowers bloomed and perfumed the air, leaves dripped like glistening jewels from trees, and the gilded fountains filled the air with the musical splash of water.
Lomax rested his hand on my lower back and ushered me up the bejeweled walkway. I remembered him behaving the same way when we’d entered the temple, and he’d been under the influence. Even then, his care and concern had come through. I love you so much.
Arched gilded doors peeled open to a massive foyer.
“Welcome home!” came shouts in Terran-Universal and Ara-Cope. Millie and Nadir, Jessie, Holly and Aeon, Lomax’s young brothers, and Queen Citrine swarmed around us. His face stern, King Saar stood apart from the crowd, observing. My friends hugged and kissed me. Everyone spoke at once, languages melding into a joy-filled cacophony.
