Page 26 of Rescuing Mara

“Thank you,” she smiles.

We travel across the plain in silence toward another looming forest. Once we pass the first lines of trees, the forest gives way to an enormous lake, with smooth white bridges connecting the shores in an intricate network. Where the bridges connect, massive towers are built on the shore, forming small villages of skyscrapers, each in its own style.

“Welcome to our Capital,” Queen Rahna says.

CHAPTER17

Mara

Ihave no words for the fantastic view of Novarron’s capital. It combines nature with carefully constructed buildings, and it looks like art.

As we approach the city, I see people everywhere. Novarrions, who look like the Queen, are among the many species mingling with their population.

The grassy path turns into another clearing, and the boards slowly stop and descend to the ground.

“We will walk the rest of the way,” O’Rec explains. “There are so many people living in the Capital, and it is safest for everybody to just operate on foot.”

I follow him silently, and we all walk on a smooth pink road in easy companionship, some chatting, others silent. I stick to O’Rec, his strong presence reassuring me with the constant touch of his tail brushing my leg. The citizens here have a calm demeanor that makes me relax slightly.

There are many people of all shapes and sizes dressed in a cacophony of styles and colors, a sharp contrast with the all-white buildings. Children laugh and play, running and crisscrossing the road. Smiling, I turn around to see them disappear behind a block of low houses.

“Do you understand now why everybody walks here?”

I look up at him. “Oh yes, absolutely! Are there a lot of children living here?”

“Yes, there are,” the Queen answers, slowing her step to walk beside me.

“Novarron is a haven for all who seek refuge. We offer them a place to heal and a sanctuary to raise their children.”

“These are all refugees?”

“Sadly, most are,” Queen Rahna confirms. “There are species out there who terrorize the universe and prey on the weak. The Arracate Warriors have saved the majority of the people who live here, and we are most thankful they are here to protect the ones preyed upon.”

“Like by the Sternotheri?” The words leave my mouth in a hoarse whisper. I know Ananta is cruel, I know she is not the exception in their race, but to hear Queen Rahna say the words out loud… O’Rec squeezes my hand, and I feel another link in the chain crack. What if everything I have ever learned is false?

* * *

The Queen’sPalace is situated on an island in the center of the lake. The bridge we take has an invisible forcefield so nobody can fall into the lake. The technology is advanced, even by my standards. Still, I cling to O’Rec, holding onto his arm with both hands.

The Queen’s palace is wide and open compared to the skyscrapers on the shore. She told me she doesn’t need much space for herself but wants to be approachable for all Novarrions, which shows in the design.

We walk onto a large deck surrounding half of the palace, which is a perfect circle. Pillars support the roof, but there are no walls or windows; the entire first floor is open and filled with people. Comfortable couches and tables with soft chairs are scattered throughout the space, leaving the center empty except for a spiral staircase.

Queen Rahna leads us to a free table, where refreshments are brought out. The harmony in which everybody operates knocks me off my feet again. I focus on O’Rec to ground me, breathing in the scent of fresh spices.

Silently, I look around the table and listen to the conversations. O’Rec wants to check up on some refugees whom we will visit tomorrow. Lauren and D’Var will visit some of his family tomorrow, and T’Rak is too far away for me to listen in on.

Everybody is eating and drinking. I lick my lips, and my mouth salivates from all the delicious smells.

“Eat, my mate,” O’Rec says as he offers me a piece of fruit. Tentatively, I take it from him, silently thanking him for understanding that I can’t possibly take something myself. The sweet taste of the fruit explodes in my mouth, making me close my eyes in ecstasy. He offers me more and more sweet fruits, with every bite as delicious as the next. The conversation keeps flowing. Somehow, I get my own glass of a sweet local beverage, and I completely forget myself when I eat the next bite of fruit straight from O’Rec’s hand. The strange feeling in my chest is back, and he gives me a smoldering look.

The tension is crackling, and it feels like we are the only two people in the room as he brings another piece of food to my lips. His fingers contact my lips, making me moan, and O’Rec stiffens. An exaggerated cough sounds from across the table, yanking me back to the present.

The entire table is staring at us. A deep red blush creeps up my neck as I bury my face in O’Rec’s arm. The impossible male just laughs and untangles himself from my grip before flinging his arm around me.

“I think it is time we show you to your rooms,” Queen Rahna says, smiling.

The entire party stands as we say goodbye and follow one of her servants towards the spiraling staircase. The staircase opens up to an open space on the second floor in the form of another perfect circle. The hallways go in five directions, and we follow the servant into one of them. Our rooms are at the end of the hallway, D’Var and Lauren’s room across from O’Rec and mine, next to the room T’Rak will be staying in.

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