Page 42 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
“Don’t care. Disturb him anyway.” I cross my arms.
The guard shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but he left strict instructions.”
Devon steps forward and into his personal space. “Then call Commander Horek and tell him that his mate will be extremely put out when she learns that her friends were turned away.”
Some of the copper blanches from the guard’s skin and I have to hide my smirk at the fear that flashes across his face. Horek being a hard ass works in our favor.
“Just a minute.” He barely speaks without stuttering and presses the button on his wrist comm.
The commander’s gruff voice replies on the other end. “You were given specific instruction that we were not to be disturbed.”
I wince and for a second almost feel bad for the guy.
“I apologize sir, but there are two females and a phinnek who have requested an audience with the prince. They said it was urgent.”
We didn’t, but I suppose Devon’s threat to get Quinn involved escalated the urgency of our request in his opinion.
Horek’s heavy—and exasperated—sigh is familiar. “Send them up.”
I try not to gloat that Devon’s ploy worked, but it’s hard not to smile with satisfaction when the guard looks at us and presses he button on the lift that will take us to the palace level.
“Thank you.” I can at least be sincere in my appreciation when I step inside with Mak.
Devon hangs back.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“I wasn’t sure it was my place to do so. I thought you might not want an audience.”
Before the lift door can close, I snag her hand and drag her inside with us. “You’re the reason I’m being allowed up here in the first place. Besides, I’d love the support of a friend at my side.”
She squeezes my hand in return.
We ride in silence up to the top and are greeted by another guard.
“Follow me, please.”
We do so dutifully. Like the other couple of times I’ve been here, I admire everything about the palace. Queen Veroneek has decorated it—or had it decorated—in a way that makes it warm and inviting. It doesn’t feel pompous or stuffy, but rather homey and welcoming. Aside from its massive size and glaring wealth, it could pass for a regular family home. It’s obvious to anyone the king and queen loved each other and their son. Every single portrait where they’re together makes it clear. It’s almost nauseating, but comes from a place of envy more than anything.
“The palace never fails to amaze me,” Devon whispers.
“Same here.”
Mak’s nails click on the shiny marble floor with each step she takes. She glances around as though she too is impressed with her surroundings. Can’t blame her. This is a few steps up from the rebel camp.
While my sense of direction is shit, the area where we’re being led doesn’t look at all familiar. Not that we’ve been to many rooms within the palace beyond the coronation room, the banquet hall, and once inside the panic room where we were all sent the night of the first welcome dinner when the mine explosion happened. Oh, and I can’t forget the room where Horek led me and the interrogation by Alik took place. If that’s where we’re being taken again, I still don’t recognize anything.
I lean closer to Devon. “Do you have any idea where we’re going?”
“Not a clue.”
Well at least it’s not just me. Finally our escort comes to a stop in front of two embellished doors that are decorated with various swirling designs etched into the wood. He uses the knocker shaped like a phinnek’s head. Now that, I remember. This must be the interrogation room, although I doubt it’s actually called that. Didn’t Horek mention something about the throne room? The lock disengages and one of the doors swings open. If Horek is surprised to see Devon with me and not Quinn he hides it well.
“Urgent request?”
I tilt my chin up a fraction. “Yes. Extremely urgent.”
Again he sighs. Is that also a frequent occurrence when Quinn’s around? She’s as troublesome as me. Alright, maybe not. Either way, he steps aside and gestures for us to enter. I barely make it past the threshold when I stop dead in my tracks. Standing inthe center of the room is Janik. I’m vaguely aware of another’s presence, but I only have eyes for him.
