Page 6 of The Queen

Saphyra

Ghost helped me out of the heavy layers of my soiled dress, and I pulled on a pair of sturdy pants, boots, and a long-sleeved, waffle-knit shirt. It was far from the glamorous gowns I’d been stuffed into since I arrived, but it would protect me from mud and branches if we had to move through the forest in the rain. The material was surprisingly soft and comfortable, and I decided I would ask for more of these.

Together, Ghost and I traversed a maze of hallways until we came to a large bulkhead door. The thick, metal, heavy-duty hardware and keypad reminded me of the airlocks on the Hive designed to withstand explosions and the vacuum of space. The use was different, but the application was clear. Keep me in and others out.

The code was punched in too fast for me to see it, which was probably the point. I huffed out a breath and saw the hint of a smile on Ghost’s lips. He knew I noticed what he’d done.

The barrier creaked open, and we entered an industrial stairwell. It was much like the rest of the place, with metal walls, metal banisters, and low lighting. Echos of far away doors slamming and boots rushing floated up to us, and Ghost put his arm around my waist, hurrying me up the steps.

We passed corridors leading off to who-knew-where and numerous empty store rooms before exiting another heavy blast door. It was so large that I imagined a small shuttle could pass through it into the holding area we’d left behind.

Fresh air washed over me, filling my lungs with a sensation that tasted like freedom. I couldn’t explain it any other way. I tipped my head back and inhaled. Between the gold-green canopy, glimpses of bright blue sky winked at me in welcome. I was excited to get out of the dark metal cage of a city. I’d only been to the surface once before and it was like nothing I’d felt. Full of life and energy. Clean and vibrant, with a gentle breeze kissing my skin.

Everything about this place made my blood sing. I wanted to run through the trees and dance in the meadows, but before I took a step to do just that, the imposing figures of my alphas closed in around me.

“Oh. Hello.” I knew they’d be around here somewhere, but I didn’t expect them to be right there, all broody and looming. Their overprotective nature brought a grin to my lips. They always made me feel safe, but this was a little much.

Lex bowed with a quickly murmured, “Your Majesty.”

“Stop that,” I said, with a mildly annoyed laugh. “Can we please dispense with the formalities? You just saw me getting—“ I paused, feeling warmth suffuse my cheeks.”You know what you saw. There’s no need for this.” I waved my hands in Lex’s direction.

Ghost laughed from beside me and gave my butt a squeeze before grabbing a laser rifle off the ground and heading into the trees. “I’ll be back, gonna check the perimeter.”

His actions caught me off-guard and left me sputtering. Grey was grinning at my flustered reaction, and it looked like Shadow might’ve even been fighting back a rare smile.

I put my hands on my hips and enacted my best imitation of my old dance instructor’s disapproving scowl. “I’m the Queen. I make the rules. No more ‘Your Majesty’ stuff when we’re alone. Please.”

Lex was smiling too as he motioned to the trees surrounding us. I hadn’t noticed before, but there were armed soldiers moving in the distance. “We aren’t exactly alone, Your Majesty.”

He was right. Everywhere I looked, up the slope toward the peak, or down the hill toward the valley floor, there were figures moving through the forest, wearing military gear and weapons that blended into the environment. They were easy to miss when they weren’t moving, but they didn’t seem to be intentionally hiding their presence.

“You don’t suppose they heard any of that, do you?” I asked, not directing the question to anyone in particular.

Much to my surprise, it was Shadow’s rough, gravel filled voice that answered. “They may have, but the inner perimeter is Arkyn’s team. They’re trustworthy. You have nothing to worry about.”

Oh! I remembered Ghost’s handsome younger brother. He was always respectful, but his sky-blue eyes held the sparkle of mischief right alongside that cocky grin he shared with his brother. “But isn’t he contracted to Arden’s Space Fleet?”

“He is, but we requested his help,” Lex said. “Omen—you remember the prince of Arden—granted him leave for a special project. We are sending him and his team to Pyraxis to retrieve Lyrah and get intel on how to help the rest of the slaves in the mining colony.”

That was not the answer I’d expected.

Lyrah was being rescued.

My joy blurred together with a deep sense of gratitude and relief. I found myself light-headed with emotion.

Lyrah was being rescued!

My best friend had been shipped off to slave in the mines at the center of the system. I’d been so focused on saving myself that I’d had little time to worry over her fate. They obviously had. Excitement bubbled over and I nearly bounced on my toes at the news.

Grey spoke up. “I mentioned the mines to the prince on our brief visit, and he agreed it should be looked into. He couldn’t afford to send anyone else, but was able to spare Arkyn, along with a few extra ships, for that purpose.”

Arkyn waved from his position higher up the slope before bowing deeply and calling out in greeting. “Your Majesty.”

I thought I saw him wink, but he was too far away to be sure. It was a lot to take in, but my heart instantly lifted and my mood soared. All my worries from a moment before evaporated. My embarrassment seemed inconsequential next to the news of Lyrah’s imminent rescue.

“If they’re going to Pyraxis, why are they still here?” Now that I knew the plan, I was eager to see my friend safe again.

Lex took my hand and led me along the hillside through the trees as he continued the conversation. “Be patient. These things take time and careful preparation. They’ll be gone soon enough. For now, they’re an added layer of security until your scent changes.”

---