UPON THE DOORS OPENING, Trex gestured for me to go ahead of him. I was taken aback by the bridge’s size when I entered the command center. The entire room was a flurry of activity. A series of holo-screens, and smooth colorful surfaces where the warriors’ hands slid over them were on two of the walls.
A dozen warriors, all similar to Trex stood or sat at various consoles. The warriors and pilot I had seen in the shuttle were among them.
A few warriors glanced at me, nodded once, then returned to their tasks.
I recognized the warrior that approached us as Commander Krin. His cropped brown hair made his pointed ears stand out. His resemblance to Trex in skin color and size was very striking. But he couldn’t compare to my Trex, my delicious mate.
Krin furrowed his brow, and he glanced at me before refocusing on Trex. A silent communication seemed to pass between them.
I glanced up at Trex and saw a stern expression that clearly said,Don’t dare question me for bringing her here.
He addressed Trex directly, speaking aloud. “Would you prefer to go to the briefing room?”
His eyes briefly met mine again before he shifted his focus back to Trex. Krin’s reluctance to speak in front of me was apparent.
I gave Trex’s hand a firm squeeze. “I can go...” I began.
Trex’s annoyed growl filled the air as he clung to my hand. “Speak freely, Krin,” he demanded.
The Commander cleared his throat. “It’s about the King.”
Trex’s face lost all color, and he tightened his grasp on my hand. I watched him press his lips together while a muscle in his jaw ticked.
A flicker of concern passed over his face, only to be replaced by a newfound resolve. Krin and Trex exchanged a deep, silent glance, understanding their telepathic connection had resumed.
“Iwilltake it in my briefing room,” he declared, pointing toward a closed door to our left. He let go of my hand and rested it on my shoulder. “One of the warriors will escort you back to your quarters with the other females.”
I barely nodded as he forced a tight smile, which I tried to return, but it faltered.My quarters? What happened to staying with Trex?
The sudden shift in Trex’s tone and manner caught me off guard and left me stunned and to be honest, a little hurt.
He didn’t wait for my response before turning and walking away without a backwards glance.
One of the other warriors stepped forward and motioned for me to follow him. I briefly hesitated. Worry and frustration hit me suddenly, but they weren’tmyfeelings. I continued to sense Trex’s emotions, even at this moment.
Filled with disappointment that he didn’t feel he could trust me with whatever was happening, I walked back to my quarters.
What in God’s name just happened?
23
Trex
BEING ABLE TO SPENDevery night with Grace was a dream come true, and I finally had some peace. Waking up with her in my arms every morning, I still couldn’t believe I found my K’sha.
Despite my dislike for interruptions, I still had a duty to carry out. I wanted the problem to be easily resolved so we could have more time together.
Unease filled me as I walked into my room on the bridge, my jaw tightening and stomach twisting.
It was tough letting Grace go, but she remained oblivious to my real identity, and I needed additional time to clarify things. I ran my hand across my head and stood in front of the wall’s holo-screen.
A somber expression greeted me from one of my father’s advisors. I had a foreboding feeling that something terrible had occurred, which the royal advisor’s expression validated. “What’s happened?”
“I’m sorry to say this, but it’s your father.”
My body became tense and my shoulders tightened. “Is he unwell?”
“Your highness, we think he has been poisoned.”
