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As the leader of his own security team, Quin lifted his finger and ran it across the implant he’d insisted he get as well. “Team Q. Proceed with comm check.”

Quin listened as those of his personal guard checked in by voicing their own numbers in numerical order, with him listing his own at the end.

“All is in order. Continue,” Quin said.

“We’ve received word that all forces are in place below. All security has been confirmed and is at the ready for our arrival,” Zahn reported.

“Excellent. We’ll only tarry as long as necessary. I want to get Vivi to the palace so she can rest.”

“Absolutely, Sire,” Zahn said. “I’ll double check the preparations to be sure that all is at the ready.”

Quin nodded and watched as Zahn left their private room aboard the transport to oversee the many individuals in their entourage that had chosen to transfer to Cruestace to continue their service to Quin and Vivian, and all the personal effects they’d brought with them for the next chapter of their lives.

“Forces are in place?” Vivi asked.

“On Command Warship 1, I had complete control. Here, planet-side, there are so many more threats that must be considered. Security is a much greater endeavor here. There will always be security forces present. Military guards stationed on the palace grounds. Certain regiments are rotated in and out of service at the palace so that all have a chance to experience any position they may be interested in. Once they’ve decided which they prefer they can request to be permanently assigned. We’ve got stations in many places on Cruestace as well as orbiting our planet and on several others. Do not forget that we have always been a military people first and foremost.”

“I feel like I’m part of something really important,” Vivian said, grinning happily.

Quin regarded her briefly, his expression one of confusion. “You are part of the royal family. Do not forget, my Vivi, you are Sirena. You will be Sovereigna.”

“Youare royal, I’m just a girl from Earth,” she said smiling softly.

“Do you know any other who can calm me when I’m about to lose control? Any other who can make me feel. Any other who can send my soul from destruction to elation in a matter of moments?”

“And the reverse… from elation to destruction,” she said, laughing.

“There is truth there,” he said, grinning at her.

“I suppose not,” Vivi answered, with just a hint of a smile.

“You hold more power than any other living being inmyworld. I bow to you, my Ehlealah,” he said, stepping back to execute a perfect bow, only to reach out, snarling, as he caught himself on the interior wall of the transport when knocked off balance as Kitty shoved past both of them to get a view through the window.

“He should have stayed on the ship!” Quin grouched.

“I’d have missed him. He’s my Kitty,” Vivian said.

Quin scowled. “Yes, I’m aware. It is the only reason he is allowed to remain with us.”

“He’s my friend. And I know you really don’t mind him so much.”

Both Kitty and Quin snarled softly.

Vivian started laughing, both of them too stubborn to admit they even slightly liked each other.

~~~

Eula lifted the edge of the heavy emerald green and silver brocade comforter and flapped it into the air, causing it to floatmomentarily above the large, luxurious bed she’d had moved into Vivian and Quin’s quarters. As it glided down she tugged on it just enough to have it land perfectly centered across the mattress. Eula moved to the head of the bed and ran her hand across the exposed top edge of the soft, cool sheets before plumping the pillows waiting there for the couple who would soon rest their heads on them.

Assured that everything was as she wanted it, she moved across the room to the ornate double doors leading to the nursery. Stepping inside, she smiled, her eyes misting a little as she double checked the baby bed and the bassinet that also stood waiting for her soon to arrive grandchild.

“Eula! Eula, are you here?!” Zha Tahl called from the doorway of the main bedroom.

“I am!” she said, moving back into the bedroom to answer her husband’s call.

“They’re here! The transport will begin its approach momentarily.”

Eula hurried across the bedroom and took her husband’s hand, allowing him to lead her from the bedroom, through the private living room and out of the suite. As they hurried down the hallways of the palace they’d always called home, they held hands and laughed in their rush to reach the charis that would take them to welcome their son and daughter-in-law home. His return, and that of his heavily pregnant mate, had been long awaited. They, along with their people, were eager to celebrate the couple’s return home to finally take their places in the history, as leaders of their people.

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