Cifer cradled the lined box and led the crew of The Treasure down the ramp. The Hiargus spaceport was spectacular. The main building was iridescent glass that jutted several stories into the soft blue sky. A gathering of willowy-robed beings waited a notable distance from The Treasure. The contrast of their appearance to the crew, in their coveralls and boots, wasn’t lost on Cifer. They were royalty, and he and his team were the hired help.
Resigned to a long walk, he tucked the box under one arm and took Blaize’s hand in his. Dez and Cyra were to his right, and Veda, Rhysa, and Bodi followed. As soon as they cleared the ramp, the royals moved toward them until they met halfway. That was unexpected.
The king dipped his head in acknowledgement, his gaze never leaving Cifer.
“I retrieved what you wanted.”
“We have transferred the remaining credits due you.” The king’s voice was clear, like the glass of the building, with equally sharp edges.
Cifer released Blaize’s hand, retrieved his data pad, and tapped his access codes with one hand, confirming the deposit had been made to his working account. The balance, which had once been zero, contained a significant number of zeroes after the transfer. He couldn’t help but smile as he handed over the box. The king passed it to the man on his left, who promptly opened the container. A faint glow emanated, tinging the male’s face slightly pink. Nothing like the glow that had been filling the corridors before Cifer had asked Veda to lock it away.
“And the man who took it?” the king asked.
Cifer dropped his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
The king nodded, a slight movement, confirming he understood what Cifer didn’t want to say out loud. An older female in the back sniffed, her hand went to her chest, and a male who might be her husband draped his arm around her and clutched her close. The celebratory rush faded slightly in the presence of parents who’d lost their child. Their love didn’t fade because their child was an adult, probably a thief, and certainly a maker of poor decisions.
Cifer’s heart grew heavy as he considered how his own experience of bad decisions had led to him being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Kidnapped instead of running away, but maybe his parents didn’t know that part. He didn’t know if they were still alive, not that he’d ever have a chance to explain if they were.
Blaize slipped her hand into his and leaned into his shoulder. He drew her strength into him and stood a little taller.
“We are grateful to have the Heart’s Fire stone returned.” The young male who held the box stepped forward. “My betrothed and I can complete the rituals, and our pairing will be blessed by the gods.”
Cifer wasn’t sure how a glowing stone could help make a relationship work, but good for them.
“We hope you can stay for the wedding,” the king said. “We have rooms prepared in the palace. Your crew is welcome to join you.”
Rhysa burst forward and addressed the male to the king’s right. “Absolutely. I love weddings.”
The king raised his hand above his head, and a clear aircraft, built with the same iridescent glass as the building, landed a short distance away, barely disturbing the air.
Blaize squeezed his fingers and gasped. “That is so cool. I have to find out how that works.”
Cifer looked at Dez. He, in turn, focused on Captain Cyra.
“Thank you for your hospitality. We’d love to stay for a short visit.”
Cifer noted the captain’s emphasis on “short,” which was smart. He had no idea how long the marital ceremonial processes took on Hiargus.
The king’s ship held all of them comfortably, and after a brief flight, they landed on a balcony of what must be the palace.
For the first time, Cifer noted that the glass, which also made up most of the huge building, was opaque. He’d had a clear view of the buildings, homes, and landscape, flying over. Interesting material. Cifer considered the value to other planets. His calculations increased as soon as he entered the building and found it cool but well-lit. In a glass building, it should have been on the far side of uncomfortable. It would have been, with regular glass. Cifer held back his burning questions, but there was potential for trade there. He could practically smell it.
A beautiful young female emerged from a hallway, flanked by an older couple, a male, and two younger females. She crossed the room directly to the male holding the box with the orb. He lifted the metal lid, and she reached inside, cradling the sphere in her hands. The male put the box down. The rest of the Hiargus natives shifted into a circle around the couple. Cifer and Blaize, along with the crew of The Treasure, completed the ring. The orb glowed softly at first. Then, the male placed his hands over hers.
Fiery light filled the room. No longer pink, it was nearly red with yellow sparks.
The light seemed to infuse Cifer’s skin with warmth, traveling through his arm to where he still held Blaize’s hand. He glanced at his lover. Her gaze locked on his. Her heartbeat pulsed through his veins. The love filling his heart seemed to burst and flood every cell of his being. A murmur of words surrounded them. Cifer shifted and took Blaize’s other hand in his. One thought echoed through him, escaped from between his lips. “I’m yours, always.”
Blaize said the same words at the same time.
As if a key had turned in a lock.
Clapping brought Cifer back to the room. He released one of Blaize’s hands reluctantly and faced the group. The orb was back to being the glass ball Cifer had found on Kolben. The couple handed the gem back to the king.
“Congratulations,” the king said to the couple before he turned to Cifer and Blaize. “I did warn you not to touch it too much.”
Cifer clacked his jaw. “That thing”—Cifer pointed at the sphere—“has nothing to do with the love I feel for Blaize.”
