Page 60 of Rescuing Mara

“Thank you, we will.” Is the static response, and I quickly make my way to Med Bay.

* * *

O’Rec

Fogginess cloudsmy brain as I slowly wake up. Where am I? Suddenly, I jerk up. Marra! The Sternotheri, they were going to execute us and…

“Easy, my love.” Marra’s sweet voice calms my panicked body down instantly, and I feel someone tugging me down again.

“Marra?” I croak, and then I feel her soft hand touching my cheek, brushing away a lock of hair. I blink again, her lovely face coming into view.

“Marra.” My voice breaks, and I somehow find myself crying. I pull her down and rest my foreheads against hers as our tears mingle.

“I was so scared, O’Rec,” she whispers. “Don’t ever do that to me again, don’t you ever sacrifice yourself for me again.”

“I will always sacrifice myself for you, my star.” I cannot lie to her.

She laughs through her tears. “I was afraid you were going to say that.”

She sits back, letting me look around. Relief hits me when I see where we are.

“We are home?”

“Not yet.” She gives me the biggest smile. “We were waiting for you to wake up. We have some big decisions to make before we can go back to the Ring.”

“You think the Ring can be your home?”

She gives me an indignant look. “Where you are is my home, and if you are going to be King, our home is at the Ring.”

Taken aback, I stare at her. I haven’t told her about it, or did I?

“You promised me a future, O’Rec. I intend to keep you to that promise.” She leans in and gives me the sweetest kiss.

“Now, how are you feeling? There are dozens of ships out there waiting for your command.”

I stretch my limbs and ball my fists. I feel good. A little bit sleepy, but that is what the Nanos do to you.

“I am fine.” And she helps me sit up. I cup her cheek, my fingers brushing across the mangled skin. “Are you okay?”

“Now that you’re awake, yes. This is just a little scar”

I stroke the scar with my thumb. “It shows your bravery.”

She huffs and reluctantly gets to her feet, taking my hand. “Come on, let’s go.”

When I walk into Command, the entire screen is filled with faces of Warriors, and emotion clocks my throat.

“You are well.” One of the elder Warriors says. I cannot believe he is here. I look at all their faces, I cannot believe they all came. All my captains assembled their crew to fly out - for me?

“I am well.” Suddenly I have to clear my throat. “Thank you for coming for me. Thank you for being here. It is an honor.”

“The honor is all ours, my King,” another Warrior replies. One by one, they make a fist and place it above their hearts as they shout out. “MY KING.”

Marra squeezes my hand, and I look down at her, feeling immense pride at having her next to me.

“Thank you, my friends. I cannot wait to officially be your King. As long as I have my Queen by my side, we can handle everything the universe gives us.”

Loud cheering echoes all around us, and even T’Rak applauds, looking smugly at us.

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