Page 64 of Scars & Starlight
Without hesitating, I extricate myself from his arms and dart into the bushes, small fairy-like winged creatures scattering in the wake of my invasion, the glowing dust left behind by their translucent wings sticking to my skin and making it shine.
Giggling, I take a sharp left, squealing when I hear the plants rustle behind me. It’s not long until my escape is stopped by a sparkling body of water, the snaking aurora reflected on its glass-like surface. A gasp of awe leaves my lips despite having seen similar landscapes daily since we arrived on Avaris. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the majesty of this world.
In my moment of inattention, Kai barrels into me from behind,his arms wrapping around me and scooping me up to carry me into the water.
“Stop it, I’m gonna get wet,” I protest halfheartedly, clinging to my alien like a koala bear.
“Mmm,” he hums. “I love making you wet.”
With that, he sits down, and pleasantly warm water rises up to my waist. My prince’s lips cover mine, his tongue taking possession of my mouth as his hands roam over my body and the wet clothes sticking to it. We kiss for long moments, and he eventually lays me down onto the shore, the water gently lapping at my feet. Kairen’s kisses move from my face and down my throat, over my clavicle and the center of my ribcage, until he reaches my stomach and takes a deep, contented-sounding breath.
His eyes flash with his nanites, and they slowly rise to meet mine. Depthless emotion shines from the purple orbs, the ever-present stars made brighter still by the growing pools of silvery tears.
“What is it, Kai?” I murmur, my throat strangled by an echo of whatever pain made his eyes well up.
My nanites reply before he manages to speak, letting me know the anguish I see is poignant joy and not sadness.
CONCEPTION SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED.
32
KAIREN
My family is overjoyed at the news that we’re expecting, and my mother instantly demands a planet-wide celebration be held for the next moonfall. There hasn’t been a new Veyrath heir on the way since my baby sister arrived, over one hundred cycles ago. That same baby sister now jumps for joy, all but twirling my match around.
“Elara, there’s no need to make her nauseous before her pregnancy does,” I drawl, much tempted to roll my eyes.
Tara pouts. “Ugh. I guess my nifty nanites can’t cure morning sickness, then?”
“They can,” Mom chimes in. “But you will still have to experience some in order for them to learn the patterns and know what to eliminate.”
“I guess it comes with the bundle of joy,” my love simpers, making everyone smile. “Get it? Abundleof joy?”
I sigh affectionately. “Yes, Princess, they absolutely get it.”
“Have you told Cade yet?” Aunt Nee asks with a giant grin.
“Not yet,” I reply. I know my cousin will be happy for me, but Ialso know that he’s eager for a child of his own. For that, we need to run off our foes and find his match.
Mom claps her hands and rubs them with glee. “Do you want to make the announcement to every Avaren now?”
I watch as Tara’s face pales, the realization that she might have to address our people to tell them we created a life sinking in.
“Mom, don’t be silly.” Elara rolls her eyes. “We need to make the right dress and braid her hair in the traditional expectant mother’s style.”
“Ah, naturally,” Mother nods. “I got somewhat overzealous.”
My match’s eyes flit between the queen and her daughter, both of them oblivious to her mounting panic.
“Why don’t you get cleaned up, dear. You’re covered in lake plants,” Aunt Nee tells Tara gently, but the reminder only makes her pale face turn red. We rushed here as soon as our nanites informed us we’re to be parents, eager to share the news with someone. Guess we didn’t think about our appearance.
“Go ahead,” I tell her, pulling her in to kiss the top of her head. “I’m just going to tell Caden before he hears it from the announcement.”
I watch the most important females in my life leave to get ready for the announcement and celebration, my hearts so light they could take flight, then summon my command cube.
“Why do you look like a drowned Nekkar?” Caden asks instead of making a polite greeting like a decent Avaren.
“I chased Tara into the boreal lake,” I answer smugly.
