The ruse worked. It took a couple of hours, not surprisingly. The Kwado were notoriously hardheaded—but theEdenfinally veered away from the asteroid field, followed by the warships in a trajectory that would lead them back to the Ardeese Valout.
I’d maneuvered the shuttle into the shadow of a massive asteroid. Eons of cosmic bombardment scarred its surface, yet the gravity of the celestial giant shielded us from smaller debris. Lilibet had long ago fallen asleep in my arms, her tiny form curled against my chest, and one small hand gripping my shirt. Holding her—feeling her soft breathing, the utter trust as she surrendered completely against me—caused a strange warmth to bloom deep inside my chest.
Jolie sat in the co-pilot’s chair, not asleep, but more relaxed than I’d ever seen her. She stared out at the stars with an almost peaceful contentment. I took a minute to really look at her—to study the woman who had somehow become so important to me in such a short time.
She was beautiful in a way that made my heart hammer in a strange rhythm. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the starlight, unmarred but for a small scar near her left temple, a silent testament to past struggles. Her face was heart-shaped, with high cheekbones and a delicate jawline. Her golden-brown eyes held flecks of amber and honey that shifted in response to heremotions. She stood a little taller than Lucy, but shared the same slender curves, a blend of strength and femininity that was both striking and alluring. Her dark blonde hair was thick and wavy, catching the light from the control panel as it fell in graceful waves over her shoulders.
As though she could feel the weight of my stare, Jolie turned to gaze at me, her head tilting slightly. The contentment on her features shifted subtly into something more inquisitive, her lips parting slightly as if she might speak. I smiled, unable to help myself.
“The Kwado were fooled,” I told her, nodding toward where the ion trails glowed visibly against the inky blackness of space. “TheEdenand warships have turned back toward the Ardeese Valout.”
Jolie’s shoulders sagged with relief, but worry creased her brow as she asked, “What does that mean for us?”
“We head to my home planet, Zarpazia. We can get there in two Earth days.” I started to shift Lilibet in my arms and reach for the navigation controls, but the pleasing weight of the sleeping youngling made me decide that holding her for a moment longer was more important than course correction.
“Will we be safe there... on Zarpazia?” Jolie’s eyes went to the youngling, her gaze soft.
“You will be safe with me.” The words were a sacred vow, my voice rough. Her face flashed with a look of surprise, eyes widening slightly. “The Zarpazian queen is human, like you.”
The revelation gave her no comfort. If anything, her frown deepened. “What about Lilibet? She’s neither human nor Zarpazian.”
“No,” I agreed, my thumb unconsciously stroking the child’s silky hair. “But she is yours, and that bond will be honored. I will see to it.”
“She likes you,” Jolie said softly, voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes glowed with affection as she gazed at the youngling asleep in my arms, and something in her expression made my heart skip.
“I like her too,” I said simply, though I knew deep down that my feelings were far more complex—for both of them. I’d never felt this fierce protectiveness over any being, this overwhelming need to shield them from any harm the universe might threaten.
Jolie’s smile transformed slowly into a yawn that she tried to stifle, her hand flying up to cover her mouth as a rosy blush crept across her pale cheeks. The sight was endearing, and I couldn’t suppress the smile that tugged at the corners of my lips.
“You are tired,” I observed, my voice gentle. “Come, I will show you where you can rest.”
I rose to my feet, cradling the sleeping youngling against my chest. Lilibet stirred slightly at the motion, her tiny features scrunching into an adorable frown, but her breathing remained deep and even.
This shuttle had been my pride and joy since my early days as a warrior. It was a modest vessel, compact and capable of carrying no more than four occupants. Over the years, I had meticulously remodeled every inch to ensure comfort on even the longest voyages.
As we moved toward the rear of the ship, I gestured toward the compact galley. “The food preparation area,” I explained quietly, then continued guiding her to my personal quarters. The space was intimate but thoughtfully designed. Large enough to house a generously sized sleeping platform, built-in storage compartments, and an adjoining bathing chamber.
Jolie positioned herself at the foot of the bed, her golden-brown eyes following my every movement as I gently lowered Lilibet onto the sleeping surface. I drew a plush thermal blanket over the youngling’s small form, tucking it carefully around her shoulders. The youngling’s face immediately relaxed into contentment, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corners of her mouth as though her dreams were of something wonderful.
I turned toward the doorway, intending to give them privacy. Jolie’s touch stopped me. Her fingers wrapped delicately around my forearm, warmth searing my skin. Color bloomed across her cheeks, painting them a deeper rose. But when she spoke, her words were clear and unwavering.
“Thank you, Diarvet,” she said, her voice raspy with emotion. “Without you, we would already be back in the prince’s clutches.”
I placed my hand over hers, marveling at how small and soft her fingers felt beneath my palm, noting the electric tingling sensation that sparked where our flesh made contact. “The prince will never touch you again,” I vowed.
Jolie rose gracefully onto her tiptoes, and I felt the feather-light brush of her lips against the smooth scales of my cheek. The contact was impossibly soft, like silk whispering against stone. It sent an unexpected jolt through me. I knew about human kisses. Both my former and current king had mated with human females, and I’d witnessed their affectionate exchanges many times. But the gentle press of Jolie’s lips was nothing like the passionate embraces I’d glimpsed.
While deeply appreciated, her kiss was almost chaste, and I found myself wishing she would kiss me with the same passion I had witnessed Lucy bestowing upon Vraxxan—lips parted, breath mingling, bodies pressed tightly together.
Our eyes met and held, and for the span of a single breath, I could almost believe that Jolie wanted to kiss me likethat, too. The air between us seemed to crackle with unspoken possibilities, her pupils dilating slightly as she gazed up at me with an expression I couldn’t quite decipher.
No.
She deserved someone better. Someone whole and unmarked by the darkness that tainted me. Someone not broken. I cleared my throat roughly and stepped away, the loss of her warmth leaving me feeling suddenly cold and hollow.
“I will be in the cockpit if you or Lilibet need anything,” I managed, my voice gruff.
Jolie studied me, her head tilting slightly as though she was attempting to peer directly into my thoughts. “Thank you again, Diarvet. Good night.”
