Trex
IN MY ROOM AT THE COMMANDcenter, I paced with a mix of frustration and exhaustion. Since discovering my father’s demise three rotations ago, my schedule had been consumed by meetings with the royal advisors and Protectorate council. I hadn’t eaten or rested.
In addition, I’d planned to bring in more ships to cover the gap in the Chetok’s patrolled sector. But it still wouldn’t be enough. We required additional ships and more allies willing to fight with the Protectorate.
The King’s death had come at the worst possible time. When our resources were already stretched thin and the Krilex were getting bolder. The decision was made to have my most trusted warriors accompany me to the palace. Together, we would uncover the truth behind my father’s murder. It had to be someone from within the palace - someone who had access to my father.
Upon our arrival, all staff would undergo questioning. All individuals would be considered as suspects.
I felt weighed down by the burden of the task ahead.
Returning to Alara meant embracing my destiny as both the rightful King and the avenger of my father’s untimely death. My thoughts turned to what I would find when we landed. I wasn’t sure I was ready to be a ruler, but had little choice as the only heir.
Would I be expected to remain on the planet at all times?
My heart ached with guilt as I thought of Grace. Looking back, I should have disclosed the whole truth to her before now. But as time slipped away while I dealt with ships matters, I’d been unable to find the time to speak with her.
I was forced to set aside all other matters until we reached our destination, Alara.
Lost in my thoughts, I stood still, my eyes fixated on nothingness, contemplating what awaited me upon my return and the potential threats that lurked within the palace.
The last thing I wanted was for our enemy to use Grace as leverage against me, or for her to be hurt because of me.
She was my K’sha, but it wasn’t safe for anyone back on Alara to know that. Not yet. In order to protect her, I had to keep her close and under guard at the palace.
I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to Grace. The idea of losing her made my heart ache and my chest tighten, leading to an angry growl escaping my throat.
Before we arrived on the planet, I had to clear the air between us.
MY HEART POUNDED INmy chest as I stood outside Grace’s door.
Now that she was aware of my identity as Alara’s Prince and future King, how would she react to me?
Would she want to remain with me?
She’d mentioned several times that she wanted to travel the galaxy.
I wish I had gone to her earlier and explained everything. The shame and worry of her perception weighed on me after leaving things as I did. Soon we would be arriving at Alara, and I couldn’t let things remain as they were any longer.
Despite my initial hesitance, I pressed the wall panel by her door. She had a right to know everything.
Riley’s face greeted me as the door slid open several moments later. She scowled, then shook her head and motioned for me to enter.
I surveyed the room. “Can you tell me where Grace is? I must speak with her.”
Riley placed her hands on her hips. “You’re a little late for that,” she scolded.
“Is she here?” I insisted, ignoring her ire.
Riley folded her arms. “She went for a walk.”
“Where can I find her?” I urged, trying to curb my frustration with the situation I found myself in.
Riley shrugged. “Check the observation lounge. She said she likes it there.”
My chest ached with guilt knowing why she was fond of the lounge. It was where our first kiss happened and where we’d spent hours stargazing and talking when we weren’t in my quarters.
I hurried to the lounge and found Grace by a window, absorbed in the view. I came to a stop and observed her for a moment until I heard her sniffling. My heart twisted and dropped into my stomach. I walked toward her. “Grace?”
