Page 5 of Protected By the Alien Knight

“It’s beautiful,” I murmur, pressing my face against the window to take in every detail of Crux’s homeworld.

“One of the perks of being an Avenian Knight is getting to call this place home,” Crux replies, a rare hint of warmth in his tone.

I tear my eyes from the stunning vista to study him. Even seated, he seems to take up the entire space with his powerful presence. His muscular frame is tense, but his striking features are softer, more relaxed than I’ve seen during our time on the station. Perhaps returning to Avenia will allow Crux to relax just a little...

As if sensing my gaze, Crux’s eyes meet mine. For a moment I feel a jolt of connection, of possibility. But it’s fleeting as he clears his throat and looks away, his shuttered expression returning. I sigh and look back through the viewport.

The transport continues its descent, the engine noise rising to a roar as we break through the clouds. The vessel levels out, and the crystal city looms large before us, a glittering wonder. My breath catches as we pass over the area, the buildings stretching high into the sky. The imposing citadel is surrounded by lush forests. The entire structure seems to be formed of the same pale crystal as the towering spires, its smooth surfaces glistening like carved diamond. Vast arches and spires twist together in a striking fusion of natural and engineered shapes.

“The fortress monastery of the Avenian Order,” Crux states with pride, noting my rapt attention. “We’ll be staying in the residential quarter, not the main citadel.”

I nod, trying not to let my disappointment show. Of course he would want to keep me sequestered. I’m his charge to protect, not an honored guest.

As the transport lands on a crystal-paved platform, I follow Crux out onto the pristine surface, the fragrant foreign air filling my lungs. A small group of hooded Avenian Knights awaits us, presided over by a hulking reptilian figure whom I assume is another high-ranking member like Commander Ru’yn.

“Welcome back, Sir Cruxian,” the largest one says, their gravelly voice surprisingly respectful. “We have prepared suitable quarters per your orders.”

Crux inclines his head. “My thanks, Commander Ven’ari.”

A pointed look from Commander Ven’ari prompts Crux to quickly make introductions. “Ambassador Agnew, this is Commander Ven’ari, Security Chaplain for the Order.”

“An honor,” I reply with a slight nod, recalling the briefings on proper Avenian etiquette. I get the sense Ven’ari is evaluating me, deciding whether I’m worth the risk of protecting.

“This way,” Crux states brusquely, clearly reading my discomfort. He places his hand on the small of my back to guide me. The simple contact has a shiver racing through me.

Commander Ven’ari steps forward. “Sir Cruxian, before you leave, a word.”

“Of course,” he replies, his hand slipping from my back as he moves to join his superior.

Their hushed conversation is unintelligible, but their body language speaks volumes. The two males are clearly comfortable with each other, their years of working together evident.

My stomach growls loudly, and I blush, embarrassed. The sound seems to echo off the crystalline structures, and I’m grateful that the other knights remain stoic.

“We’ll show you to your quarters, Ambassador Agnew,” one of them states.

“Please, call me Annie.” I reply, smiling.

“If you’ll follow us, please,” the same knight states, his voice firm but respectful.

I hesitate, torn between wanting to explore the magnificent fortress and waiting for Crux. As if sensing my dilemma, the knight repeats, “Your knight will be along shortly. He must report to the Grandmaster now he has returned.”

I follow them through the gleaming halls, awestruck by the beauty of the architecture. The crystalline walls are covered in intricate carvings and inscriptions, and the ceiling soars high overhead. The air is filled with a faint hum, like a choir of voices singing a song too quiet to hear.

We arrive at a set of imposing doors, and the knight stops, gesturing for me to enter. I step through, and my breath catches as the stunning chamber comes into view. The room isenormous, with a vaulted ceiling and a floor made of polished crystal. Sunlight streams through a series of skylights, bathing the space in warm light. There’s a large bed, a desk, and a sitting area. But the most striking feature is the wall of windows overlooking the breathtaking landscape beyond the crystal city.

“This is amazing,” I murmur, stepping closer to the windows. The view is truly stunning, with the forest stretching into the distance and the mountains rising in the background. A welcome reprieve from the stuffy recycled air and endless sterile meeting rooms of Orion Station.

“A meal will be sent up shortly. Courtesy of the Grandmaster. I’ll just leave your belongings here,” the knight says, setting my stuffed leather bag on a dresser beside the door.

“Thank you,” I reply, my mind already racing with everything that is going on.

Alone for the first time in ages, I take a deep breath, settle onto the bed, and spread my belongings out absently, rubbing the material of my favorite silver dress between my fingers for comfort.A touch of home.Despite the luxurious surroundings, the reality of my situation hits me hard. I’m alone on Avenia, a foreign world. The Folmodian negotiation is on hold, and the safety of my children is uncertain. I take a shaky breath, willing myself not to panic. I can’t lose control, not now. I have to stay strong, for all their sake.

There’s a knock on the door, and I startle, jumping to my feet.

“Ambassador? It’s Crux. May I come in?”

My heart skips a beat at the sound of his voice. “Yes, please.”

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