Page 59 of Bred by the Alien Prince

"No, I don't. Even if you were a spy, would the humans trust you again? You're looking more and more Valisian by the second."

"So, you don't trust me." I wiped my nose. "You just figured humans would reject me because of how I look."

"Do you trust me?"

I didn't answer.

"Ah, you don't, do you? If you did, you wouldn't be making such a big deal of this. You would simply tell me he was a liar and then leave it at that. So, why should I trust you if you don't trust me?"

"You're right. Maybe I can't help it."

"I want you to hear something." He said before I heard the comms system in action again. "This is Cra'ozatharn to Eberkenezer speaking to second Swarti."

"Sir. What's your ETA?"

"There will be no ETA. My orders are for you to take my ship home. I will make all arrangements to pay the civvie fee, and all crew will be dismissed until further notice."

"Lorvian…"

"Swarti, congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. It's been a pleasure serving with you all."

"Y—yes sir. I feel the same way…"

Once the comms shut off, I spoke. "You did that for me?" I breathed, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"For us both. There's no point in riding around in a warship if I'm not going to war; besides, a smaller ship may be what I need. If my father is determined not to fight these new aliens, and there could be possible deals happening behind my back to ensure peace, then I am merely fighting a losing battle against the tides. You have nothing to fear of me."

I opened the door and nearly fell into his arms, that kick was rough but I've been through worse and yet I was having a hard time recovering.

"Caspian?" He felt my burning forehead. "Connor!"

"No!" I said, pulling away. "I think I need to lie down."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. And are you sure about us staying on this ship?"

"Yeah," Cormac said over the loudspeaker. "Because you promised me a ship."

"And I've kept my word. In my own way. It'smyship, but I won't interfere in your private business, and you need money, you won't get a better paying customer than myself."

"Well, when you put it that way."

I was happy to hear this. I would show him how happy I would be if I didn't feel like death right now.

"I know this will not make you trust me completely, but I hope it shows that I'm willing to meet you halfway." He kissed me, and it was almost enough to make me forget the pain.

"Me too; I want this to work." I sighed with relief. "So, what will we do now? Smuggle supplies, take on pirates, explore distant planets?"

He laughed. "We should head to a refueling station and stock up on food. I'm hungry and willing to bet you are too."

"Famished," I said, feeling embarrassed by the little snot I left on my sleeve. "I'm going to wash this, take a shower, and get some sleep."

"Okay."

I enteredourcabin—it had a nice ring to it—but I couldn't spend too much time dreaming about my little two-hundred-square-foot home. I had tripped over something and caught myself on the wall before I fell to the floor.

A green substance trail followed me, and when I looked at the cause of my stumble, I screamed in horror.

---