Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian

by Jenn Nixon

  “Tough girl.” Hino laughed and shrugged. “If that’s what you want. So, open your present and then get some rest. I will see you in the morning.”

  “Good evening, Doctor.” Tiva picked up the box and waited for him to leave before opening it. Inside was a small amethyst crystal hanging on the end of a chain. She lifted it up holding the gemstone against her palm. She felt energy and power from it, and wondered exactly what it was.

  A curious feeling rose inside her, it was as if she had seen this gift somewhere else before. Deep inside her mind, something stirred, but the memory would not come to her no matter how hard she tried to force it. She shook off the thoughts and rubbed her temple.

  She placed the gift back in the box and put it on the table next to her bed. She smiled and curled up under the covers. With the dose of medication releasing her from the fogginess, Tiva reached out to her friend.

  Thank you, Aliri, it is a wonderful gift. What is the occasion? she asked and waited for a response.

  It was your birthday the last week, wasn’t it? Aliri answered soon after.

  Birthday? Oh, you are speaking of my Remembrance, I had forgotten. How did you know?

  Your records, Tiva. I make it a habit to know everyone’s birthday. Aliri projected a picture of a cake.

  Tiva chuckled and smiled. She did not celebrate her last Remembrance on Uucor. Though, as she glanced at the gift, she missed the joy celebrating used to bring.

  When you are well, put it on, and it will protect you. Twenty-two, what a fun age that was. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve already sensed it, but the crystal I gave you is no ordinary gem. It is from my home world, and is very old. It is a natural energy source. It will help keep your mind and body balanced.

  Thank you, my friend. I will treasure it always.

  I know, now get some sleep. I’ll visit you in the morning.

  Tiva settled back against the pillow and let her mind drift and her body relax. Having friends, who happened to be alien to her, was still a blessing of the spirits. As a child, she wondered what the stars held and now she knew the truth. The universe, like her world, was full of people on both ends of the spectrum. Luckily, Tiva found the right group, a collection of people with similar goals and beliefs. The people of the Union wanted to explore and maintain peace.

  Until she heard from Neola, she could set no plans for her future. It was the key to her very existence. While her path as a Royal Guardian was still unknown, Tiva knew she was welcome here as a member of the Union. She had proven herself once more by remaining loyal to those she served with. A natural progression, but forming solid friendships was something she never considered among people of difference races.

  Her eyelids grew heavy, and she pushed aside the sadness at the loss of life the others on the ship were feeling. She knew loss. Her heart and mind carried the burden, but here among the people of the universe, Tiva knew somehow she’d find peace, and she prayed that peace would make its way back home.

  Acknowledgements

  Jenn would like to thank her family and friends for always believing. She’d also like to thank everyone in the Liberty States Fiction Writers group who has been vital in their support. A special thank you to all the authors and the team at Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, especially SJ Davis, Elizabeth Lance, and Riley Steel for their amazing work and dedication to this project. Most of all, Jenn would like to thank the members of ECF who more than helped bring Tiva alive, and without them, this story would not be possible.