Page 13 of Protected By the Alien Knight

Indignation wars with frustration in my chest. “You can’t be serious! Avoiding my sworn duties isn’t an option, Crux. You know that better than anyone.”

He exhales a sharp breath, jaw ticking stubbornly. “I do. But my oath to protect you supersedes any other vow or protocol. Maker’s tits, woman, you were nearly assassinated two nights ago!”

“Crux, I appreciate your concerns for my safety,” I begin, gentling my own voice in hopes he’ll hear me out. “But everything I’ve worked for could unravel without my direct intervention. Re-establishing communication with the Folmodians to prevent this alliance from fracturing is paramount.”

His expression is carved in stone, his voice flat and emotionless. “You will remain here until I determine it is safe for you to return.”

My ire rises as the reality of the situation settles around me. “And how long will that be, exactly? Weeks? Months? The galaxydoesn’t revolve around my schedule, Crux. The lives of billions of people are at stake.”

He shakes his head, refusing to meet my eyes. “You cannot be moved. That is final.”

His obstinacy makes me see red.

“Oh, but it’s fine if you get to make all the decisions, is that it? Just because you’re the big, strong Avenian warrior who knows best?” I throw the words at him like knives, and I can’t find it in me to regret it.

Crux recoils, a flash of hurt in his eyes. But it’s gone in a heartbeat, his expression smoothing over once more.

“Annie, I have sworn an oath to protect and defend you,” he begins, his voice cold and hard. “I cannot ignore that simply because you are angry with me.”

“Fine.” I grit out the word, the bitter taste of disappointment heavy on my tongue. “Do what you must, Knight.”

With that, I turn and storm from the room, my emotions a maelstrom of hurt and anger. Crux’s footsteps sound behind me, but I’m not ready to face him again, not after he’s made it abundantly clear who has the final say.

I slam the door in his face, feeling childish but not caring. I lean my forehead against the cool metal, breathing deeply and trying to regain some semblance of composure.

“Annie, please open the door,” Crux’s voice is muffled but urgent.

“Leave me alone, Crux.”

“Annie, I’m sorry. Please, let me explain.”

“I don’t need to hear your explanations, Crux. I’ve heard enough.”

There’s a moment of silence, and then Crux’s voice again, softer. “Please, Annie. Let’s talk about this.”

I take a deep breath, my anger fading as quickly as it flared. He’s right, we need to talk about this. We can’t keep dancing around the elephant in the room.

“Okay.” I open the door, and Crux’s relieved expression tells me he thought I would never relent.

“Annie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

I hold up a hand, silencing him. “No, Crux, you were right. I was being childish and stubborn. I just can’t stand the thought of losing everything I’ve worked so hard for. The Folmodian Alliance is a crucial part of the Stellar Together Initiative, and without it, everything falls apart.”

“Annie, I promise, I will keep you safe,” Crux says. “But until things calm down, I can’t risk you going back to Orion Station.”

“I understand,” I say, sighing. “It’s just frustrating.”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” Crux says, pulling me into a hug. “We’ll figure it out together.”

“Okay,” I say, resting my head against his chest.

“And, Annie?”

“Yes?”

“I will never make decisions for you. I will always respect your autonomy. And if you ever feel that I’m not, I need you to tell me.”

“Of course,” I say, looking up into his eyes.

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