Page 38 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
The two guards share a startled glance and withdraw their weapons, but not before one opens the gate and the other sends a message via his comm.
With blasters trained on me, I’m escorted inside.
“Don’t try anything or I’ll be forced to shoot,” one says.
“What if I suddenly have an itch that needs scratched? May I do that? I’d hate for that to fall under the ‘anything’ subject. There are enough holes in my body as it is. I don’t wish to add another.”
“Quiet, rebel.”
“I’m merely making sure I understand what it is you wish of me. While there are plenty of people who would like to see me shot, there are at least two—although perhaps only one—who would be extremely put out by the fact.”
Would Olivia be that one?
There’s a hard jab into my back. Hard enough to make me wince, but not hard enough to make me keep my mouth shut.
“No need to get so rough. I understand there are those who prefer it that way, but I can assure you, I’m not one of them. I don’t judge though.”
“Will you be silent?” This time it’s a solid knock against the back of my head. My ears ring with the pain.
“I’d be careful with that blaster if I were you.”
“You’re the one who needs to take care,” the guard snarls.
I glance over my shoulder. “Have I personally offended you in some way?”
“Konek was my cousin.”
Ah, that explains things. I suspect nothing I say will be taken well or believed so I do as requested and stay silent. I do knowwhen to keep my mouth shut. Most times, anyway. Thankfully the wait isn’t long until Horek approaches.
“Come to beg for more powder already?”
“I’m here to talk to Alik.” I don’t use his title because it’s more fun to bait the commander.
“Theprinceis busy.”
We both know he’s not too busy to speak with me, but if Horek wants to play a game, then I’ll play along.
“I didn’t realize you spoke for Alik. Perhaps it’s you he should worry about trying to take his throne. You are, after all, his cousin and heir.” Except everyone in Preska, including the rebels, is fully aware the commander has no interest in ruling. His place is with the guards. “I guess I’ll come back another time.”
I move to turn away, but Konek’s cousin jabs me in my spine with the muzzle of his blaster. I worry his trigger finger will get itchy next.
“Come on then, if you’re coming,” Horek commands although his tone emits boredom. Without waiting to see if I listen, he pivots and walks away. Since I like breathing, I don’t taunt the guard at the gate. I follow the commander like a good little soldier.
The path we take to the palace is a long one. Far longer than the shorter way that would take us past the building where Olivia resides.
“How is she?”
Horek doesn’t bother glancing over at me. I can see the tightening of his features and the tension in his frame as soon as the question leaves my mouth.
“There’s no need to concern yourself with the female.”
“I’d like to think there is.”
He sighs. “Olivia is fine.”
“I was speaking of Mak.” I wasn’t.
“Has anyone ever told you how irritating you are?”
