Orin made direct eye contact with me. “Apologies...Captain Trex’Ul’s father, King Vark’Ul, has passed away.”
My jaw dropped. What?
Riley’s brows knitted together. “Excuse me, could you clarify?”
Shocked, I took a step back and shook my head. “Trex’s father is the King?” my voice was barely a whisper.
“Was...yes.” Orin said. “I will return for the three of you when we reach the planet.”
Without waiting, he turned and walked away.
I sat down on my bunk and brought my hands up to my face. My appetite was gone.
My head was spinning in a million different directions as negative thoughts raced through me.
It hurt me to knowwhyhe chose to stay away from me. Trex was a Prince that was going to be a King.Thatwas the reason for his dismissal on the bridge.
I scratched my head as my mind raced.
But if that were true why did he allow me to get close to him? Allow me to fall in love with him?
He probably wouldn’t even be allowed to be with me because of his position.
I closed my eyes, shaking my head as the truth hit me.Did he hide his identity from me for this reason?
He had shared an elaborate story about star mates. I believed it with all my heart that it was the truth.
Maybe he just wanted to see what it was like to have sex with a human?
My face burned at the thought.
Hang on,my inner voice reminded me.The fact he kept his identity from me doesn’t invalidate everything else.
I need to trust my feelings.
Dropping my hands, I shook my head, then scolded myself.
Trex lost his father and I’m here wallowing in self-pity.
I just wished he’d come to me so I could have been there for him. Maybe he didn’t trust me enough to tell me?
My chest ached, wondering if we’d ever be together again.
I glanced at Riley and Olivia and I studied them without them noticing. They knew nothing about Alara. I shuddered, hugging myself.
If I told Olivia that there were no Alaran females left, it might scare her.
However, something told me Riley would take it in her stride now that she didn’t have Avery’s influence around her.
Tears filled my eyes.
Olivia interrupted my thoughts as I began to tremble.
“Are you okay?” she asked, reaching out to touch my shoulder.
“Not even a little,” I whispered.
25
