Page 118 of Trove’s Purpose

Only because they might serve their executioner.

There was a foul taste in the back of Trove’s throat. A bitterness that he couldn’t immediately explain. He had been so proud of what he and the others had done. To learn that it was helped by this person who was playing with them like puppets on strings…

“Good work, Chee,” they said, their body still not moving as though to look at her. “I wish you would have completed the mating, but I cannot deny that you both have been triggered and primed. That is good enough. I’ve already alerted San to complete my end of the deal.”

Chee let out a long breath of relief, a smile spreading across her face. Not the sheepish or shy one that had been barely pulling at the corners. This one was wide and bright and reached all the way up to her eyes, making them sparkle with absolute joy. Her shoulders unhunched, pulling back, her entire back straightened, as she seemed to just inflate with happiness.

“Really?” She gasped in delighted disbelief.

The Imperium only laughed. “We had a deal, did we not? And your end was fulfilled to my satisfaction. So, I shall fulfill mine as well.”

Tears gathered in her eyes. She gasped then sobbed, dropping to her knees. She let out great, heaving cries as she began repeating-

“Thank you!”

-over and over again. Crying at the Imperium’s feet like a supplicant before their god.

And Trove hated the sight.

Chapter 38

Chee

Well, that was embarrassing.

Chee didn’t mean to break down like that. The sheer relief, the overwhelming joy, it all came rushing at her so fast, it had to escape.

She cried. She sobbed like a baby. So hard, she didn’t even realize that Hyde had sent everyone from the room. When she finally gathered herself enough to lift her head, the office was quiet but for the dropping of water and the gentle hum of electricity. Sniffing, wiping at her wet face, she lifted her gaze to Hyde who was exactly where he was before, waiting for her.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, pushing herself to her feet. Her legs were shaking after so long on the floor, but she stayed up as she sniffed, looking around. “Where is everyone?”

“I sent them out. Trove was quite reluctant to leave, but I insisted. You seemed to need a moment.”

Chee nodded. Though she regretted that Trove wasn’t able to stay with her, she was grateful she had been given a chance to gather herself.

“I’ve also asked them to stay. I still need to offer them their new job.”

“They seemed reluctant to accept it.”

He laughed. “They do indeed. But they haven’t left yet.”

She sniffed again. “You changed your voice. You don’t sound like a male anymore.”

He changed it again, talking in a male voice like he had before. “The cosmos sees my position as an androgenous one. And it behooves me to let them maintain that thought. My position is one that should not be biased by anything, including gender conformities. I also often negotiate and talk with non-Coalition species, and them not knowing or assuming anything about me works to my favor.”

“But… you are a male?”

He chuckled. “I’m certainly something.”

“I genuinely don’t know if you play the unknown, mysterious enigma for function or fun.”

“It can’t be both?”

Chee smiled, shaking her head. He was such a silly person. She didn’t know how people were intimidated by him. She had trouble even taking him seriously.

“I’m sorry I broke down.”

“Don’t be. This is a big moment. I’m happy for you.”