Ariella grabbed up a thick branch from the ground and assumed a defensive posture. She continued to survey her surroundings, looking for any strategic advantage. Knowing she couldn’t match the Migrel’s strength, she would have to out-think it.
“I don’t fear you,” she snarled, though her rapid heartbeat spoke otherwise.
Mirsux’s grunts echoed about her as she assessed the creature. She tightened her grasp on the branch, taking a deep breath. “Come on,” she muttered through clenched teeth. She balanced her stance, slowly releasing her breath. She could hear the rapid beat of her heart over the feral growls of the creature. “Come on,” she said again, louder than before. When the beast was within striking distance, she swung the branch like a bat. It shattered against the scaled hide of the creature and the force of the blow sent her crashing to the ground.
“No!”
She tried to scramble to her feet, kicking out as the creature began to circle around her. The creature howled or hissed, she didn’t know which, nor did she care. It was coming for her, and she was helpless.
She squeezed her eyes shut as the shadow of the massive beast hovered over her. She could feel the sting of its pungent nocuous breath and the warmth of the slaver that ran from its mouth. In her mind, she recited a prayer, stumbling over each word.
A bloodcurdling scream wrenched from within her belly, while only a small gasp escaped her lips. Mirsux was straddling the creature’s shoulders. His sword was completely wedged into the side of its head. When he twisted the sword, the Migrel’s body thrashed, trying to take hold of the spike driven through its skull.
Mirsux grinned, a pleased look on his face. He leapt from atop the fearsome creature just as its body began to sway to the ground. He stretched out his hand to her. Ariella didn’t realize she was panting. She took hold of his hand, clasping it tightly and never desiring to let it go. A heat passed through her body she could not explain nor did she care to.
When he pulled her up, they looked at each other. Wiping the sweat from her brow, he tenderly caressed her face. She wanted to embrace him, to kiss him, anything to show her gratitude, but a cry from Delvin brought them back to the moment.
“Delvin!” Panic gave edge to her voice.
Mirsux nodded, wiping the black blood from his blade before retracting it. He held tight to her hand as they hurried to the clearing.
Delvin’s eyes widened as they approached. “Thank God!” His hoarse voice cried out. “Please, help me,” he said, struggling against the ropes.
Mirsux lowered him to the ground as Ariella fumbled with his restraints. “Are—are you alright, Captain?”
He nodded, licking his dry lips. “I am now. Thank—thank you.”
Mirsux cut the remaining restraints. Delvin rubbed his chafed wrists and ankles. “They were going to eat me.” The statement came out, almost a question.
“Migrels… flesh-eaters,” Mirsux’s device translated.
“Migrels?” Delvin asked. “Wait, you can understand our language?”
“A lot has happened, Captain,” Ariella said, placing a supportive arm around his shoulder.
“What happened to you? You ran from the shuttle and…and then those creatures attacked me.”
“First we return to a safe place, then we speak. There are others that are more dangerous than these.”
“More dangerous?” Delvin asked. “How can others be more dangerous than the ones who almost boiled me alive?”
Mirsux took hold of Delvin’s other arm, moving forward while answering. “The ones further in the outlands are not as tame. Their mutation has gone beyond those that have captured you. They eat your flesh while you are still alive.”
Delvin paused and stared with wide eyes at the alien. “What?”
“They tear your flesh from your body and have it while you are still alive. They eat you as you are, no cooking.”
* * * *
Ariella’s mind was unsettled. She chided herself for allowing her thoughts to stray from her Captain. He was almost eaten my alien creatures and badly needed attention, yet her mind constantly strayed to Mirsux. She looked at the alien, feeling an intense heat, a passion welling up from the pit of her stomach.
She marveled at his muscular physique, how the muscles moved when he walked. She pictured her hand gliding over his smooth chest, and wondered what it would be like to be kissed by him. She released a stuttered breath and noticed he was also staring at her. Her face flushed. His expression was alluring and seductive. He moved his moist tongue over his lips, teasing her more than she could have ever thought possible.
“Thanks for saving me,” Delvin said again, wrenching her from the euphoria of her imagination.
“It’s Mirsux and his family who deserve your thanks, Sir,” she stuttered, noticing the alien’s gaze still upon her.
“His family?” Delvin was apparently confused.
“Come,” Mirsux said. “We go home. After, you meet parents and feed.”
When Delvin regarded Ariella, she nodded.
“O—Ok, I owe you my life,” he offered a tilt of his head. “It would be an honor to meet your family and sup in your home.”
“There are rules that all must follow,” Mirsux said. “Your hands may not take what does not belong. Only if offered from our queen can it be so.”
“Take? Take what?” Delvin asked.
Ariella only shrugged, still moving forward.
“No path can you take that is not assigned,” Mirsux continued. “And the business of Nabalar is ours alone.”
Both Delvin and Ariella looked at each other and then met the eyes of their host.
“Understood,” Delvin agreed. “We are your guests and will remain in our place. Thank you for your assistance and hospitality.”
“Wait, what would the consequences be if a rule is broken?” Ariella asked jokingly.
“Imprisonment, or your flesh will feed the Migrels,” was his calm but serious reply.
The smile she wore faded. They followed Mirsux in silence. Delvin studied the massive complex as they moved through the courtyard and into the large mirrored building.
The guards straightened their stance and bowed as Mirsux passed. When they entered the chamber with the huge doors, much had changed. There was a long ornately carved table sitting in the middle of the room. It was shaped like one of the leaves from the glass roses; its detail was stunning. Dozens of unfamiliar delicacies covered the table surrounding something that resembled a boar in the center.
After Delvin was presented to Mirsux’s parents, basins of what they thought to be water were brought for them to cleanse. The liquid had a pinkish hue and had a scent similar to Earth’s roses.
Once the royal family was seated, they offered a bow and took their seats as well. Delvin was more than happy to dig into the feast, but Ariella could not bring herself to indulge. She appreciated a known diet with foods she recognized. She would give anything for a nice slice of pizza.
Since the animal in the middle of the table resembled a boar, she decided to select that. It was not her intention to cause offense to those of this planet. Already they had saved her and the Captain twice. The least they could do was sup together and offer the proper respect.
She also helped herself to some fruits. Those should be safe, she thought. When her stomach began to churn, she blamed the meat. She had two slices of the “pork,” and what looked like flat bread. She hoped it was prepared with flour and not some weird element. Anything was possible on an alien planet.
“How is your meal?” Mirsux asked, turning to face her.
Ariella blushed. “It’s delicious, thank you.”
“The ceremony will be held after our meal. A chamber will be assigned where you may wash and dress,” he whispered, and then smiled handsomely at her.
Confused, Ariella forced a smile. She could not recall any mention of a ceremony. She thought to ask, but he had turned and resumed his meal. She dismissed the thought, acknowledging their customs
would be different from those of earth.
Following the meal, Mirsux took her hand. Bowing to his parents, he turned to lead Delvin and Ariella to separate chambers. The attendants inside helped each of them to prepare for the ceremony. Ariella was stunned when they presented her dress to her. It was a beautiful lilac and gold fitted gown with a plunging jeweled neckline. She did not recognize the fabric. It was smoother than satin but as light as silk.
The fabric and cut of the gown accentuated every curve her body had to offer. She could not help but smile upon seeing her own reflection. Her face was highlighted by an upswept hairstyle and framed by loosely curled tendrils dangling on each side. She felt like a princess, and could not wait for Mirsux to see her. That last thought made her giggle. Here she was, an officer of a space shuttle behaving more like a young girl with a school crush.
“Be calm, Sub-Commander Vega.” She reminded herself, sliding her feet into the matching slippers. When she met Delvin in the corridor, he was similarly dressed. The color of his suit matched hers. Had they been on earth, it would appear a tuxedo and yet not so. It resembled a tuxedo but with subtle and very appealing differences.
“God, you look exquisite,” Delvin said, extending his arm.
Taking his arm, another giggle escaped her. “Thank you, Sir. You’re quite dashing yourself.”
“What is this—this party?” he asked, leaning into her.
“I’m not certain,” she shrugged. “Maybe it’s due to our visit. Whatever the reason, I’m enjoying it.”
Delvin returned her smile as the guards ushered them into the chamber. Immediately, Mirsux came to her side and took her hand.
“Your beauty brightens all about you,” the translator spoke. His words caused her smile to broaden.
“Thank you, Mirsux. You look handsome as well.”
He nodded and turned her to face his mother. “We are ready to begin.”
Ariella continued to smile until Mirsux knelt and pulled her down beside him. His mother approached with a pair of curved sheers atop an ornate pillow.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“The promise of the hair and the bond which accompanies it.” The queen’s words flowed melodiously through her translator.
“Oh, yes.” She smiled. “I did promise.” Ariella reached and released her golden tresses.
Mirsux stood beside her as the queen leaned forward and removed a long strand of hair. Then the queen took Ariella’s hand and placed it on Mirsux’s. Ariella’s brow knitted as the queen began to wrap the hair around their hands.
“What are you doing?”
“The ceremony of hair and bond,” the queen replied. “As is our custom.”
She continued to tie their hands together with the long lock of golden hair she’d snipped off.
“What does this mean?” Ariella was confused. She looked at Delvin who seemed equally puzzled, and then to Mirsux.
“It means you now belong to me,” Mirsux explained.
“What? Hell no.” She snatched her hand away. “I promised to give you a lock of my hair, not to wed your son.”
“They are the same, my princess,” Mirsux.
“Not to me.” Ariella stood and began backing to the door. Delvin gazed about the room and quickly followed her lead.
“Never did I agree to such a bond. You can’t force me to wed your son. I refuse.”
“Refuse?” Mirsux stood and walked over to the large doors. “If you did not desire to become my princess, why did you agree?”
“Mirsux, you did not say that we were to wed. Don’t you understand? This is not my home, not my life. We must repair our shuttle and continue our mission. I can’t be your wife or anyone else’s. I—I find you attractive, but I cannot marry you.”
“But you offered the hair freely.”
“Yes, I offered my hair, without knowing the consequences. For that I am truly sorry.”
Ariella reached a hand up as if to touch him, but withdrew it. At that moment, she wanted to kiss him, to embrace him, anything to feel that surge of heat he brought to her. Resisting the urges, she shook her head, and clenched her fist at her side. The expression on his face saddened and entranced her all at once. She wished she could leave all her plans behind and do what they asked. However, this was not her home and she could not marry on a whim.
When she moved closer to the door, the guards blocked their path. She sighed and turned back to face him, pleading, “Please.”
Mirsux nodded and the guards stood to the side. Once the doors opened, the queen called from behind them.
“The Migrels hunt in darkness and in light. My son will not come to your aid again.”
Ariella stiffened and turned to face the queen, offering a respectful bow. “That choice is yours alone. Thank you for assisting us.”
When she turned to leave, Delvin grabbed her arm. “Ariella, are you certain this is the best course?”
She knew that Delvin would not wish for her to wed against her will. She also knew it would be difficult for him to face the Migrels again. He understood more so than her, the consequences of facing those fierce and horrid creatures. Without their devices and weapons, they were defenseless.
“Captain, I won’t be forced to marry anyone. Am I to stay here and forget our mission, my mission?”
He appeared thoughtful for a moment and then sighed. “Ariella, there is protection within these walls. Once we leave this place, we can’t defend ourselves. Don’t you understand the danger? Those things would have eaten me, boiled me alive!”
“Captain, I understand your fear and you should understand my refusal. Stay if you like. I won’t be forced into anything and be trapped on this godforsaken planet. We don’t belong here.”
He nodded his accord, following behind her. After they had changed, the guards escorted them out of the palace. As the large doors echoed shut behind them, they faced a vast wildness without protection.
* * *
Mirsux turned to his mother. The trepidation within him was evident. He took her hand, kneeling beside her. “Mother, are you going to allow them to perish this way?”
“Do not worry for this, my son” she replied, caressing his face.
“Her importance is too great for such an outcome,” the king said, moving to the side of his queen.
“What do you mean, Father?”
“Have the answers not come to you?” Heffun asked.
Mirsux gazed off in contemplation. “She has awakened me; this is why.”
The king nodded. “With her, the prophecy will be fulfilled.”
“What prophecy?” Mirsux asked.
“When the moon has embraced the sun, it will emit new light,” the king replied.
Mirsux’s almond eyes widened. “She is the source of renewal,” he breathed. “That is why she has awakened the Z’raschein!”
“Yes, my son,” his father replied. “No harm will befall her. She is needed, and will heal that which has plagued our world.”
The queen helped Mirsux to rise. “There is much to prepare.”
Chapter 4
Captain McTaggart was vigilant as they passed through the unfamiliar terrain. Ariella noticed his apprehension and felt much the same. Since they had crashed on the planet, they had faced many hardships. It seemed more a horrible dream than reality. In her heart, she wished it were so.
Delvin’s apprehension showed plainly on his face. The Migrels had captured him, and had nearly killed and eaten him. Now, she felt responsible for thrusting him back into that danger. She knew that he would not allow her to travel alone. Regardless of any other thing, he was her Captain, her leader. She wished she had considered this when they were safely inside the palace.
She sighed. Her selfishness surprised even herself. But, was she truly being selfish? As much as she desired to keep the Captain safe, she couldn’t forgo her own morals and obligations. Her attraction to Mirsux was undeniable. In fact, he was more alluring than any human or alien she had ever
met. That attraction alone sent a fear through her. She would not trade their safety for a life sentence on this planet, however. She was not some prize that awaited claiming by a self-proclaimed victor. She was the Sub-commander of a spaceship and deserved the respect earned by that title.
Arriving at the shuttle, she began searching through the rubble. It mattered little whether her courage or irrational behavior led to their current predicament. Ariella was determined to find a way home.
After testing various knobs, the captain began taking the consoles apart. He was also motivated to find a way to leave this godforsaken planet.
Ariella raised up a small solar type panel, examining it. Inspired, she grabbed some wires and began assembling them.
“Did you find something?” Delvin asked, sliding out from beneath a console.
“Yes, Captain, a mini solar panel,” she said and gazed upward.
The sun or moon or whatever cast the brightest light had faded. It left a darkened yellow haze in its wake. The sky was unlike any she had ever seen before. There were no clouds, no rays, nothing to give hint of anything familiar. The sky was a blank canvas, an empty void. Without the brightness of the sun or moon, the atmosphere shifted into something different. It was darker than what she was accustomed to on earth. With that darkness, came danger.
Lost in her work, her mind wandered back to thoughts of home. The anniversary of her mother’s death was soon approaching. Her movements slowed with the recollection. She nodded. The flowerbed at the graveside needed tending.
If the shuttle hadn’t crashed, they would have completed their delivery on Fopra and be headed home to earth. Ariella took a deep breath and concentrated on her work. If they were to return to earth, they needed to focus on whatever it would take to get the hell off this planet.
Awakening: The Prince of Nabalar (The Princes of Uvieroein Book 1) Page 4