Rekna and Grace helped me onto the stretcher when I felt dampness trickling down my legs.
“Uh oh,” I whispered.
Rekna’s brows pinched while he stared at me.
My lips down-turned. “I think my waters just broke.”
He scanned my belly with a handheld device then shoved it into his coat pocket. “We must hurry. Baby is ready to arrive.”
‘Orin, I need you,’I cried out in my mind. Tears threatened. “I can’t have the baby yet. Orin isn’t here.”
Grace patted my hand. “I’ll try to contact him for you.”
The medics hurried me down the hall to the infirmary and lifted me onto a bed while I attempted to pant through the pain of more contractions.
Rekna fussed over me, giving instructions to Grace as the pair readied me to deliver the baby.
Panting in quick breaths I willed my baby girl to hold on a little longer. I tuned the others out as my mind returned to Orin and I pleaded for him to get to me in time to see my baby being born.
26
Orin
I CAUGHT UP WITH THEKing and his advisor asking what had caused another alarm to be sounded.
‘Two Voletti ships have uncloaked over the city,’Trex communicated as we strode toward the main hall.
Xilta’s voice broke the tension we were all feeling. “I’ve received word the Ixul have arrived, your majesty.”
A loud noise resonated overhead, making the ground shake. I swallowed, knowing the explosion would have worried Olivia.Flutz.I needed to get back to my K’sha to reassure her.
We reached the main hall moments later.
Captain Kagin marched toward us with his chin held high. “The Ixul warships have fired on the enemy vessels. They have been destroyed, your majesty.”
Trex nodded in acknowledgement. “Have there been any more enemy ships detected?”
“No, sir. The Ixul are monitoring the planet for signs of Krilex or other Voletti.”
Xilta stepped forward, peering at the King. “I understand the warning system is fully functional, but we must not take any chances. The palace should remain on lockdown until we are certain it is safe.”
Trex looked to Captain Kagin. “Tell your men to stay alert outside the palace. Keep me informed.”
Xilta spoke up. “I will see that all protocols are followed, your majesty.”
Trex acknowledged him, looking grateful. “Thank you, Xilta. I’m going to check on my mate. You know where to find me.”
King Trex and I turned to head back to the females when I heard Olivia’s cry of pain in my mind.
‘King Trex, my mate needs me.'
Trex’s eyes flicked to mine.‘Go to her.’
I felt certain she was about to give birth. Without stopping, I sprinted towards the infirmary. I made a commitment to be by Olivia’s side when she gave birth, and I intended to honor it.
Her cries echoed in my mind, causing me to wince as I neared the infirmary.
Bursting through the doors, I called out, feeling frantic that it took time to reach her. “Where is she?” I looked side to side.
