Page 53 of Orin

“The Ixul battleships will be here soon, won’t they?” I asked.

He shrugged with pursed lips. “Iflutzinghope so.”

23

Olivia

WAKING SNUGGLED UPagainst Orin, enjoying the feeling of being wrapped in his muscular arms, was the best feeling in the world.

This morning, like every other morning, Orin’s hands caressed my pregnant belly, his touch sending a shiver of delight through me. He kissed the top of my head, before planting soft kisses against my cheek. His arousal was evident as he pressed himself against me.

I smiled to myself and rolled over to look at him. “Hi,” I croaked, giving him a quick kiss.

Orin responded by holding my head with one hand and swooping in for a long, tender kiss before pulling back and smiling at me.

Despite frequently waking during the night due to my pregnancy, and needing to use the bathroom, waking up next to him every morning was the highlight of my day.

Orin quickly became familiar with my body and understanding my needs, which was amazing.

He always made me feel beautiful, even when I felt the farthest thing from it.

Exploring each other’s preferences in bed had been an incredible journey, and I’d relished every moment of teaching him what I liked and learning about his desires, too.

I took in his delicious spicy scent and his mussed-up hair and couldn’t help but grin like a lovesick fool. “How can you alwayslook this handsome?” I teased, stroking his face then dropping my hand to his chest.

His sexy dimples appeared as he grinned back at me. “How do you always look this stunning?” he said, running his hand down my hair.

Just as he leaned in for another kiss, the palace alarm rang out, shattering the tranquility of our morning, replacing it with a sense of unease.

Orin cursed, muttering a sharp, ‘Flutz!’ before throwing back the bedding.

My heart was racing with anxiety and I pushed myself to sit up. “What’s going on?” I shouted, worried as he leaped from the bed and yanked on his uniform pants.

My hand went to my chest. Despite knowing this might happen, my anxiety had been at a minimum for months, and I didn’t plan on welcoming it back now.

Orin observed my panic-stricken face, his voice remaining steady and composed. “Give me a moment. I’ll check in.”

I waited as he communicated with the palace guard. Then joined him at his side, looking up at him as my hands twisted in front of me.

His face displayed genuine concern, and I could feel his worry.

Memories of my experiences with the Krilex and the Zinids, made me shudder. My mind was racing, and I quickly got dressed while I waited, in an attempt to keep myself calm.

Orin gave me a quick peck on the lips, then ran a hand through his hair while looking back at me. “The Krilex have attacked a village outside one of the mines. King Trex needs me to accompany him to the site.”

I trailed behind him like a lost puppy while he finished dressing and left the bedroom.

When Orin turned to see me watching him, he frowned at my expression.

Grabbing my face in his hands, he gave me a soft kiss. “I’ll come back as soon as I can manage. Stay here and don’t leave the suite. Keep the door locked.”

I tugged on his arm. “Please be careful?” I pleaded, holding back tears.

Orin’s hands went to my shoulders, and he looked me in the eye. “I always am. Don’t worry.”

Standing watching him go, I hugged myself and tugged at my bottom lip with my teeth.

The concept of normalcy on this planet eluded me.

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