Page 4 of Krin

My friend shook his head as he spoke. “Honestly, Krin. I know this is hard for you, but you must know where she stands on the matter. I am aware human females are complicated. But I assure you, she cares about you.”

It was pointless to deny the truth. If Trex had the insight to realize that she was my K’sha, then I couldn’t ignore it, either.

I responded with a smile and a shrug. “What about the rules? The Council?”

“I am the King of the Alaran Empire. And the Commander of the Protectorate forces. I will make the Council understand that we have to make allowances for our mates, and our future. Times are changing, and the Empire must change along with it. “

“Not every female is similar to Riley, who was a warrior, but those who are should have the opportunity to join the Protectorate,” he remarked.

Grace had obviously shifted his thinking in this direction. The Trex I knew from my childhood and worked alongside on the Chetok would never have proposed such an idea. Maybe he was right. Changes were happening in the Empire. Still, I couldn’t bear to see anything happen to my K’sha because of me, and my selfish desire to have Riley at my side.

“Are you sure about this? Me asking her to leave with me on the Chetok?”

“Yes. Do not worry. I am confident she has no interest in going to a human colony. She may become part of the Chetok’s crew, when you find out where she is safest, and best suited.”

My K’sha was strong, smart, and capable. I had no doubt she would do well with whatever she wanted to do. My friend had a valid point.

It might not be a bad idea to ask her to accompany me... us on our mission.

“I will speak to Commander Ezan and see what we can come up with.”

“You have my blessing. I am happy you have found your K’sha, Krin.” Trex grinned. “Once the law permitting females to join the Protectorate is approved, all ships will receive notification of it.”

“Thank you, Trex.” I stood, ready to leave.

My friend’s change in attitude after finding his K’sha gave me hope for my relationship with Riley.

I had delayed the inevitable for far too long. It was time to claim Riley as my K’sha.

King Trex beamed. “I wouldn’t dream of keeping you from your mate. And from what I know of Riley, she is more outspoken than most females. I am sure she will be a great addition to the crew.”

I experienced a brief moment of joy before reality sank in. If Riley agreed to go with me, would she insist on joining the crew even if Ididn’tmake the offer?

Even with Trex’s permission I wasn’t sure I could put her in harm’s way.

Once I disclose that she is my K’sha, would Riley be willing to entertain the idea of our mating bond?

The possibility of her rejecting me as her mate filled me with dread.

Despite everything, I would still bring her along if that was what she wanted.

2

Riley

OLIVIA AND I HAD BEENhanging out a lot since Grace and Trex were on the Alaran version of a honeymoon.

Together, we had a mid-day meal in the palace’s dining hall. As usual, our discussion centered on my wish to leave Alara.

“Have you given anymore thought to finding work here instead? It would be nice to have another friend on the planet,” said Olivia softly.

I grimaced, giving my head a small shake. We’d been over this many times since we arrived here, after Trex’s father’s death.

Olivia was worried about the future of herself and her baby. I was aware that she had a fear of being alone as a single mother. She kept hinting for me to stick around and work on Alara.

In my heart, I knew I wouldn’t be happy if I stayed. I also decided that a human colony wasn’t the place for me to live. Alara was interesting, but I was itching to explore beyond an alien world. I wanted to see what else was out there, in space.

“Sorry, Liv. I haven’t changed my mind. I don’t think planet life is for me.” I shrugged as I responded. Deciding to leave Alara was a straightforward decision for me.

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