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“What happened? Why are you out here?”
She shrugged and leaned into him when he folded his arms around her. “Just… needed the fresh air.”
“I got worried when I couldn’t find you. I know I said you could go anywhere on the palace grounds… but maybe you should stay inside the walls. Stick to the gardens. If you want to come out here, wait for me.”
She wanted to scream at his words. All she’dbeendoing was waiting for him. She knew he was only trying to help, but she could only do so much wandering inside of closed walls before she was driven mad.
After finding out about the pregnancy, she knew she couldn’t stay inside any longer, or else she was going to have a mental breakdown.
“Come on.” Grux pulled away from her and tucked her into his side while they walked. “Let’s get you inside.”
“No.” She dug her feet into the dirt, bringing them both to a halt. “I can’t go back in there.”
He turned, frowning. “I know it’s not ideal, Scarlett, but you’re safer closer to the castle at least.”
“I’m going nuts there. I can’t go back. I need to see something different.”
Grux pulled her against his chest, wrapping her into a comforting hug that seemed to melt all her worries away.
“It’s okay,” he murmured in her ear. “I know that this is a lot, and I’m so proud of you for sticking through this while I get everything figured out. I promise I’m doing my best.”
It made her feel terrible. She knew—or at leasthoped—he was helping his dad figure out how to get her home. He had admitted they were having a hard time contacting her family with the bans Earth had against other planets—Lorr in particular.
Her restlessness made her more antsy than usual, and to couple that with pregnancy, it was leading her down a path of absolutely spiraling.
She sighed softly. “I know you are.”
He rubbed her back. “Why don’t we go rest together in your room? I’ll stay with you the whole time. After that, we’ll have dinner, anywhere you like. Dozens of rooms on the upper floors have great views or the gardens that you haven’t seen. Just somewhere safe.”
She smiled against his chest. “I’d really like that.”
He held her close as they walked back toward the palace, and although her heart thudded at going back, she was glad to have him with her for a little while.
When they reached the palace gates, a guard stood waiting for them. He saluted Grux with his spear before bowing ninety degrees at his waist.
“What’s going on?”
The guard straightened. “The king is requesting your presence.”
Grux sighed. “Again?”
“It’s important, Your Highness.”
Grux rolled his eyes and tugged her along, letting the guard lead them through the long halls to the throne room. It was spacious with giant doors that opened inward and gold accenting the entire room.
A long red carpet led all the way up to a set of stairs where a gold throne lay on top of an altar.
“There you are,” the king said. “I have important news for you both.”
Scarlett’s stomach rolled.
Grux tugged her down the carpet, stopping them both once they were within spitting distance of the king. “What is it?”
“That Xoyosan family has sent a bounty hunter—a Noxxan named Broga—to collect our guest.”
Scarlett could feel her legs give out from under her. “You can’t be serious,” Grux growled. “We’ve not given her over to them.”
“There’s a hefty reward attached if we turn her over.” The king preened.
