by Kristie Cook
Ty led her past them. She struggled to keep tears at bay. Was this how it was going to be from now on? Were the people she cared about going to avoid looking at her, avoid being friendly with her because of some title she didn’t want?
Calm.
The word entered her mind as though Ty had spoken it. She realized that he had done whatever he could to push his thought into her head. She also realized that he hadn’t forced the feeling on her … just sent her the thought.
He was respecting her wish to control her own reactions. Warmth flooded through her, as did renewed strength.
She could do this.
When they reached the end of the corridor, Ty nodded at Gren, who stood behind a console. Gren pressed something and the door slid open. Bright light hit Kyra’s eyes, making her blink several times so she could see the world beyond. She waited for Ty to exit ahead of her and then followed him out the narrow door. They were on ground level, she realized. She had expected to have to descend down some stairs.
Her curiosity over this vanished as Ty took her arm and led her towards the small group awaiting them. She concentrated on keeping her emotions in check and her expression contained, mirroring her behavior off Ty’s.
Please help me out if I do or say something stupid, Ty, she thought.
He gave her elbow a squeeze, so she knew he’d heard her. That gave her more confidence. Her gaze flitted around, trying to take in more of their surroundings as they walked. Judging by the vastness of the space, she guessed it was a hanger. The ceiling contained rows of skylights. Outside, the sky was dusky pink. Was it dawn, she wondered, or sunset?
There wasn’t much else to see aside from the ship itself and what was obviously a control console manned by three different people. Her brief glimpse of the ship over her shoulder showed her a large, round hull that stretched back farther than she could see. Only two windows broke up the ship’s smooth, pink surface.
Pink?
Before she could think any more about it, Ty stopped walking. She hurriedly turned her gaze forward. She caught the eye of the male and female standing in front of the others.
Her parents.
Her father stood nearly as tall as Ty, though he was much more slender. The colorful tunic and pants he wore displayed a form more suited to studies than physical labor. Jewels decorated his bright clothing and the tops of his knee-high boots. He wore his brown hair long, pulled back and held in place by a gold coronet glittering with even more jewels. His eyes were what she thought of as hazel, the lightest shade of brown she’d ever seen.
A few inches to his left stood her mother. Kyra’s breath caught over her beauty. Her dark red hair was piled high in a sophisticated style that revealed her long and graceful neck. Jeweled hairpins winked in the light, as did the tiara, drop earrings, and necklace she wore. Her eyes were a shade of blue that made Kyra think of Earth’s sky on a crisp winter day. Her creamy skin was flawless, her features mesmerizing.
“Ma’jah Kyr,” she murmured, stepping forward. Her gaze swept along Kyra’s unbrushed hair and simple gown before she smiled and took both of Kyra’s hands in hers. “Welcome home, daughter.”
Kyra struggled to produce some element of warmth or familiarity from the contact, but felt nothing. It made her anxiety rise several levels.
“Thank you, Guardian Shaya,” she responded as her mother stepped back.
Her father met her gaze and gave her a small smile. “I trust you are well, Ma’jah?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
She shifted uncomfortably as they once again scrutinized her appearance. This all felt so formal and stiff. That feeling struck her even more keenly as the ship’s occupants filed past and she spotted her Kyndred watching her with sorrow etched in their features. It took all of her willpower not to run over to them.
She made herself return her attention to the group in front of her. Her gaze fell on a tall, dark-haired male standing just behind her mother. Although a short beard covered the bottom half of his face, she saw enough of his features to note that he was quite handsome. His depthless brown eyes met hers. She couldn’t read the look in them. An unpleasant shiver went through her, though.
Moving slightly in front of her and blocking her from the male’s view, Ty said, “Guardians, I have a few important developments to discuss with you.”
“Of course, Dem-Shyr,” her mother said. “Why don’t we all return to the palace and allow Ma’jah Kyr to get … refreshed before the welcome ceremony? You can brief us then.”
Kyra frowned. She got the sense that her mother found her appearance displeasing, though her expression reflected only serenity.
“As you wish,” Ty agreed with a slight bow.
“Transport awaits in Bay Two, Dem-Shyr,” a female called from the console.
Ty nodded and turned to the left, pulling Kyra after him. She saw the small crowd move closer to her parents as they walked away. Murmurs reached her, but she only heard her name and not what was said.
“Who’s the guy?” she asked, knowing Ty would understand who she was talking about.
“VycorDane, Advisor to the Guardians.”
Kyra heard the light undercurrent to his tone. Something was off there, but she didn’t have time to pursue it. They entered another area through a sliding door and approached their transportation.
Her jaw fell. “A horse and carriage?”
His gaze moved to hers. One corner of his mouth lifted. “We don’t use powered vehicles within the palace proper. Keeps pollution down.”
She didn’t know what to say. It was quite a relief to see something as familiar as a horse, though. Who would have thought that Alametria would have the same animals as Earth? Then again, she reminded herself, humans existed in both places. Why couldn’t other living things?
“You will find many similarities between the planets that support humanoid life,” Ty said as he lifted her up into the enclosed carriage. “Evolution occurred in similar ways on each planet, as the environments share many commonalities. Over time, we’ve unintentionally introduced some of our culture to other planets, and brought some of theirs here, as well.”
“Like what?” she asked as he followed her up into the carriage.
“Certain technological advancements. A few cultural elements. Different languages.”
“That explains why everyone is speaking English,” she said, smiling at him.
“We call it Alametrian.” He leaned closer. “Kyr, we’ll be joined by the Guardians in a moment. I want to say this before they do. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to warn you about how I’d treat you on the ship. You were unconscious when we transitioned, and …”
“It’s okay, Ty. I understand.”
They held each other’s gaze for a long moment. She reached over and took his hand in hers. When his forearms started to glow, she tried to jerk her hand away, but he held her fast.
“Things will be unpredictable for us once we reach the palace,” he said in a quiet voice. “I want to work on opening our mental connection. We’ll have to do it at night, when everyone is sleeping.”
Her heart pounded in anticipation. Hopefully this would involve lots of kissing. “Okay.”
He abruptly released her. It took her a moment to realize there were voices floating in through the carriage window. Glancing out, she saw her parents walking with several of the large, dark-haired males who had been standing with them by the ship. They all wore royal blue pants and tunics with black belts and knee-high boots. Some of them had different insignias on the left breast of their tunics, declaring their ranks.
A memory hit her. They were Mynders, the equivalent of the Royal Guard. She remembered that the garments they wore were actually lightweight armor. Next to them, Ty looked out of place in his jeans and T-shirt.
“Do all of the males here have dark hair?” she asked.
“Most of us, yes.”
“Yours is more blond than brown,” she said, turning back to him. “It’s much lighter
in the sun.”
He didn’t respond because her mother was assisted into the carriage by one of the Mynders. Kyra breathed in her perfume as she sat across from her. It stirred a vague memory of throwing herself in her mother’s arms only to be censured for showing such an inappropriate display of emotion in front of others. She couldn’t remember why she’d been upset or who had witnessed it.
Now, her mother gave her a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes as she gathered the skirts of her elaborate emerald green gown and settled into her seat. Kyra tried to smile back, but faltered as her father climbed in and the door closed behind him. The space suddenly felt too confined. Panic rose like bile. How could she possibly live like this?
Calm.
Glancing at Ty, she took a deep, steadying breath and nodded. With him by her side, she could get through this. She was sure she could get through anything.
Chapter 23
It was almost painful to watch Kyr interact with her parents. Ty sat quietly as the carriage started forward, his gaze moving from Kyr to Shaya and BrunyrVawn. He felt Kyr’s emotions more clearly than he’d expected to. Somehow, her time in suspension had not only healed her from the Shelvak injury, it had reduced the mental barrier between them. In fact, if he wasn’t mistaken, it was no longer there.
The only explanation for Kyr’s remarkable self-healing was that her powers as the Ascendant were growing. He’d been trying to reason it out since she woke up. He could only assume that because she was coming of age and they were once again reunited, something within her had been triggered.
That meant they were in for some interesting times ahead.
“Would you care to explain your condition, Ma’jah Kyr?” Brunyr asked in a voice that reflected no emotion.
“My condition?” Kyr echoed.
“Yes, Ma’jah,” Shaya said. “We were quite surprised to see you disembark looking like the lowliest Wrym.”
Ty felt Kyr’s hurt and confusion. Unable to hold his tongue, he responded, “Guardians, if I may … Ma’jah Kyr was in suspension until right before landing. She was stabbed by a Shelvak begothia on Earth. We feared she wouldn’t survive the trip. This news was not communicated to you before now to avoid causing you undue distress.”
Shaya’s eyes widened. “Ma’jah, you are all right?”
A hint of a smile touched Kyr’s lips as her mother showed the concern she sought. “Yes, thanks. I’m fine now.”
“How is that possible?” Brunyr asked, looking to Ty for a response. “No one heals from a begothia stab wound.”
“The Ascendant did, sir.”
His use of Kyr’s true title had the Guardians exchanging glances and looking consideringly at their daughter. Kyr’s hands twisted in her lap. Ty longed to comfort her, but he certainly couldn’t touch her, and she seemed particularly resistant to the idea of him influencing her feelings. Deciding to do what he could, he sent her mildly soothing thoughts. He supposed it worked when her shoulders relaxed.
“Well, I am glad that you are all right, Ma’jah,” Brunyr said at last.
“I do wish you had found time to at least style your hair,” Shaya said, though her tone held no rebuke. “We will get you to your chambers straight away. You must prepare for the welcome ceremony anyway.”
“You wish to have the welcome ceremony today, Guardians?” Ty asked, barely keeping his dislike of the idea from his tone.
“Yes, Dem-Shyr. This evening. The arrangements have already been made.”
“Mo—Guardian,” Kyr ventured, “I’d really like a little time to rest and, well, get my bearings. I don’t think I’ll be ready for a formal ceremony right now.”
Shaya waved that away. “You will have plenty of time to rest, Ma’jah. Before you left, you would not stop begging us to introduce you to the rest of Alametrian society. We promised you that we would do this for you upon your return, and we will not fail to follow through on that promise.”
Kyr started to speak, but didn’t seem to know how to respond. Ty knew she didn’t remember what her mother was talking about. Her gaze moved briefly to his before she leaned back in her seat and stared out the window.
He tapped into her thoughts as she took in the sight of the approaching palace. It wasn’t unlike some of the more elaborate European castles on Earth, complete with high, protective walls, pointed turrets, and beautiful sprawling grounds. The massive size was far larger than any castle on Earth, though, and unlike Earth’s constructions, this palace was made out of illuvite, a mineral much stronger than any of Earth’s building materials. It glimmered and glowed in shades of purple and blue as the sunlight struck it. Filigreed scrollwork in different precious metals decorated the windows and doorways. Against Alametria’s naturally pink sky, the castle was a spectacular sight.
They rode across the drawbridge, the horses’ hooves clattering on the smooth, hard surface. Ty pulled Kyr closer to his side, causing her to look at him with raised eyebrows.
“Please stay away from the open window, Ma’jah,” he said.
She glanced at the window as though it was a lurking Shelvak and shifted even closer to him. He knew she had picked up on his concern, though he hadn’t conveyed it through his tone or expression. Her perceptiveness impressed him.
The carriage circled around the main courtyard and continued down a path leading to an underground loading area. It was a heavily guarded entrance reserved only for approved Vawn.
After they parked, a footman stepped forward and opened the door. Ty exited first.
“Dem-Shyr TaeDane,” the footman said, bowing as he held the carriage door open. “We have been eagerly anticipating your return.”
“Thank you, YessipWrym,” Ty said, knowing Kyr would hear him. He wanted to help her remember the names of those Alametrians she used to know. “It’s good to be back.”
There was an awkward moment when Kyr started to climb out just as her father did. She sat back down as she realized she was supposed to wait for the Guardians to exit first. He felt her embarrassment and frustration over not remembering, especially when her mother gave her a quiet look. It made him anxious to try retrieving more memories with her. Maybe, since the barrier had eased regarding him receiving her thoughts, they would make more headway now.
Ty waited for Yessip to assist Brunyr and Shaya out of the carriage, and then he stepped forth to help Kyr. She took his offered hand and stepped down beside him. Her fingers trembled. He knew she was unaware of her own natural grace. She felt lacking and out of her element, making him wish he could kiss her right there to help her remember her previous confidence.
“We will take the back way to Ma’jah Kyr’s chambers,” Shaya said to Yessip. Her voice was soft, but full of authority. “Make sure the Wrym are prepared to restore her appearance.”
Since he still held Kyr’s hand, Ty gave it a reassuring squeeze as she tensed. He then moved his hold to her elbow.
“Of course, Guardian ShayaVawn,” Yessip said with another deep bow. He turned on his heel and hurried into the castle through the servants’ entrance.
Ty sent a thought to the Mynders currently standing guard at the main entrance. They all bowed at the same time. Two of them opened the double doors and two others entered just ahead of the Guardians. Ty and Kyr fell into step behind the Guardians, and two more Mynders followed them inside. One of them was Gren, who had left the ship at the same time at Ty’s request. They hadn’t progressed far down the private hallway before they were stopped.
“I see you made it safely, Guardians,” VycorDane said as the two leading Mynders parted. His gaze moved to Kyr, where it lingered longer than it should. Ty didn’t tune into his thoughts soon enough to catch them before Vycor switched his focus, though. “Dem-Shyr, you mentioned needing to discuss some important details about your recent journey. I believe time is of the essence in light of the public celebration to come, don’t you?”
“Yes, Advisor,” Ty reluctantly agreed. “I will join you and the Guardians in the sanctuar
y once I have seen Ma’jah Kyr to her chambers.”
Vycor’s lips pursed. Ty sensed him wanting to argue over the delay, but the Advisor knew Ty’s first priority was always supposed to be Kyr’s safety. He quickly schooled his features into a nonchalant mask and nodded.
“Very well. Guardians, there are a couple of things I wished to discuss with you. I shall accompany you to the sanctuary.”
Shaya and Brunyr nodded their agreement. They all once again started forward, this time with Vycor walking behind the leading Mynders but in front of the Guardians. The hallway led to a series of stairs, which they ascended carefully due to the long dresses worn by the females. When they reached the top, the hallway split. Vycor, Shaya, and Brunyr went to the right while Ty led Kyr to the left.
He felt her disappointment when her parents walked away without so much as a wave farewell. The look on her face made him tighten his hold on her arm. She turned her gaze forward and lifted her chin in response.
Fortunately, they reached their destination a few minutes later. Gren and the second Mynder Gren had selected to accompany him stepped aside so Ty could open Kyr’s chamber door. He was the only one with a key. This entrance only had one door, barely wide enough for him to walk through. It led to a small room hidden within her closet. He went through the door, swept the small space with his eyes using the light from the hallway, and then opened the large closet doors and proceeded into her chambers.
Several heads swiveled in his direction as the Wrym assigned to assist Kyr noted his entrance. They immediately bowed when they recognized him. Without speaking, they all exited the room through the main doors. They knew to wait until he had thoroughly searched the rooms to his satisfaction before entering again.
He made quick but thorough work of securing Kyr’s chambers, knowing his time with her would be short. Once he was certain there was nothing of concern awaiting them, he returned to the hidden entry door and ordered the Mynders to remain on guard outside, locking the entrance after he and Kyr were inside.