Page 100 of Bred by the Alien Prince

"Herbalism. I can put together some concoctions that can enhance a Valisian's strength or help you recover your jiva faster, and I'm a fighter... to a certain extent."

Ah, so that was his secret. "You can start by giving me some information. How did our kind get on that planet? How long have you lived there?"

"I imagine they crashed there the same way you did and just never managed to make it off. A communications tower was set up on the mountain where you found us."

"Why was it never used?"

"Some of the plant life there can destroy the mind. I assume that they ate them. if I didn't have a working scanner at the time I would have made the same mistake."

My mouth gaped open. "And you fed a plant from there to me?!"

"That plant is safe! It's not good to eat as a meal, but it's good medicine! I swear."

"Hm…and you are one of those Lucani?"

"I don't belong to those people." he scoffed.

"Then what were you doing there?"

He hesitated before giving up. "I guess it can't be helped…I don't know how much you know of our condition that rendered our kind infertile. Most of that information is classified."

"It's a virus."

"Oh…then, I suppose this next part will be easy. I'm one of the scientists the King entrusted with finding a cure. My research led me to Rishi."

"That's insane. You went there willingly?"

He nodded. "My team was meant to be there for only two days as we extract this plant." he held up the container he had placed the white plant in. "But we crashed a long way from our destination and those of us who survived the crash were killed. I was the only survivor. I fear I would have to leave this behind to save myself until you were poisoned. I knew the plant grew near your cure. I confessed, we could have traveled someplace closer, but wanted to take a chance."

"You endangered my fucking life for a plant?" I sneered. "Is it a cure? Will it save our people?!"

"No. it's not a cure for the virus."

"Then what the hell—"

"But it can still save us!"

"Explain yourself!"

"This plant can wake us from our slumber. Imagine the billions of our kind sleeping peacefully that can finally awaken!"

"Hm, is would be a boon and it would boost our numbers significantly," I said, calming down. it was difficult to stay angry at one of our own doing what they could to save our kind. Especially when they got results. "Those trapped Valisians…they sure had a sizeable number on both sides." I stepped off the podium. According to the nav system, it should be another few days before we're in Ashan space. I would need to rest and check on Caspian.

"It's because they were never infected. I've secretly collected sample tissue throughout the years and I have it all with me. This is why I need to get back to Ashan and to a lab."

"I have one here, though not as extensive. You can get set up anywhere you feel comfortable. I can't pretend this is a traditional warship. Lucky for you our next stop is home."

"There is a small observational room on the second floor. I want to look out into space as often as I can."

"It's yours."

I headed to the med bay; Caspian was naked but covered in warm layers of blankets. He slept soundly, and I didn't want to wake him. I kissed his forehead and smelled his earthy hair. "Looks like I'm not very good at being a mate. I'm fucking up. I should have turned the ship around," I sighed verbally and mentally, hitting myself. "I can't have you running around in your condition. You need to be somewhere safe where you can have my child in peace, and I'm not sure if that place is my home any more than you believe it's your colony. We must make a home somewhere else." I stroked his warm cheek and lifted the sheets to check the wound on his stomach. It was healed for the most part, but I could still make out the small discoloration of the skin. An arrow pierced his abdomen. That's why he believed he had lost the child. I placed my hand over his belly and rested my head there.

Eros was looking better and better.

CHAPTER 40

Caspian

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