Page 19 of His Brazen Bride

I follow him out of the lounge area. He moves with long, easy strides, dressed now in a more casual tunic and pants, a fluffy fur slung around his shoulders. His copper hair flows behind him.

After three or four doorways we come to a large translucent panel that melts away as we approach, revealing flowers and foliage on either side of a path leading into a massive courtyard. It’s like an ancient Roman peristyle, with columns, fountains, and nature everywhere. It’s lovely.

I look up at the planets and moons and stars looming in the sky above. The air is fresh and clean and I inhale deeply, listening to the new sounds of strange creatures.

“This is amazing. Are we in the center of the Palace?”

“Yes. It is built around this space.” He gazes around. “Being out in nature helps me think. If I’m not here, I’m usually in the sparring ring, training with digital opponents—unless a member of my legion wants to test their skills, that is.”

So that's what keeps him in such incredible shape.

A light breeze runs through the courtyard, giving me a chill. I rub my arms and suddenly Ryz is draping his fur around me.

“Thank you,” I say, inhaling his earthy scent.

“Keep sipping that rojok. It will warm you as well.”

I nod and take another drink. We stroll together and I ask about the creatures we see: a bird-like mouse, a huge caterpillar the size of my arm, and what looks like a deer with tiger markings and a beak.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” I ask, watching a pink squirrel run up a white-leaved tree.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Your confidence is contagious,” I joke. I’m already feeling lighter. I guess this drink is kicking in.

“I’m a realist,” he says, leaning against a tree that looks like it’s covered in feathers and gazing at me, making me feel self-conscious.

“I’m a realist too, but sometimes in dire situations it’s best to attempt some semblance of enthusiasm. As a leader, I’m sure you know all about motivational strategies.”

He narrows his eyes. “I do not need a lecture on how to lead, especially from an outsider. What do you know about my people or our history?”

I sigh. “You’re right.” Why am I telling him how to do his job? Besides, as much as I hate to admit it, I need him. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to fight, I’m just…scared, overwhelmed…and tired.”

“That’s understandable,” he replies. “But you have all of Ydris with you now. We’re sworn to protect you.”

That should bring me much more comfort than it does.

I slide down onto one of the carved benches, my insides beginning to get all floaty.

“What is your favorite thing about Ydris, Ryz?” I ask.

His answer surprises me.

“The sunsets,” he says, his voice soft. “Especially over the water. That kind of beauty inspires me to fight for Ydris and its future.”

“Wow,” I whisper, surprised. I was expecting something about the loyalty of his people, the might of his armies, or their reputation among the galaxies as defenders of justice. Not that.

I hand the rojok to Ryz. “Please take it away from me, or I’ll be running around naked soon.”

His brow lifts and his mouth twitches as he takes the drink from me, his hand brushing mine in the process. His skin is warm and rough, and it sends tingles all over my body. He finishes my drink, downing it in one, and I shamelessly watch the column of his throat as he swallows. I wonder what his tongue would feel like? Or his copper hair through my fingers?

He places the glass in a receptacle near us and it gets sucked away.

“Garbage can?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Recycling bin. We only use biodegradable or recyclable materials.”

I reach out to the container.

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