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The Star Princess

Copyright © 2014 by Jessica E. Subject

ISBN: 978-1-61333-765-3

Cover art by Syneca Featherstone

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

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Decadent Publishing Beyond Fairytales

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Operation Owl

Darkest Magic

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Taliasman

Hunter’s Mark

The Thief and His Master

Slumber

Taliasman

Coming Soon!

Don’t Call Me Iron Man

Razor

Saving Sultan

Her Real Life Hero

Bitten by Snake Oil

Lost and Found

Also by Jessica E. Subject

Never Gonna Let You Go

Never Gonna Desert You

Never Gonna Say Goodbye

Made for Her

Accidental Romance

Celestial Seduction

Beneath the Starry Sky

Unknown Futures

Satin Sheets in Space

Sudden Breakaway

Another Night, Another Planet

An Unexpected Return

The Power of Three

Crash Landing

Alien Lover

His Alien Virgin

The Star Princess

By

Jessica E. Subject

A Beyond Fairytales Adaptation of

The Brothers’ Grimm Tale of The Star Money

~Dedication~

Thank you to Deb for getting me unstuck.

Prologue

As the sun sets below the horizon, an old man sits on a wooden bench at the edge of the park. Behind him lies the lush Turtle Pond Woods, where the flora grows so thick it is difficult to trek through without carving one’s own path. In front of the man, a crowd gathers as if he has called them there to reveal a momentous secret.

The man with the long, gray beard and feet dangling above the ground is a collector of stories. Dressed in woolen green britches and a red shirt, he is ready to tell his tale.

He opens his eyes, enhancing the wrinkles on his face. The people hush, waiting for him to speak, but he remains silent, instead banging a long steel pipe on the ground. Upon the third tap, fireworks burst into the sky behind him. Gold rains on the crowd, resembling coins rather than sparks of light. It is nothing more than an illusion by the master storyteller. The man raises his hands in the air, and the people quiet once more, settling in front of him.

With his electric-blue pet tarantula in his lap, the man speaks. “I am Nicodemus, and I have a tale to tell you, a futuristic story of love and mistaken identity. You may have heard of The Star Money by the Brothers Grimm. But in my version, the little girl was not so little, and she was not born on Earth but arrived here from a planet far, far away.

“So, this evening, for your listening pleasure, I give you The Star Princess.

“Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Ro’sa Ka. Though princess of Minjet of the Mintakan solar system, she would soon leave the star system with her betrothed, a man she’d never met, destined to marry and live on Earth. As nervous as she was about the union, the prince arrived on the planet in far worse condition....”

Chapter One

“Trade places with me.” Sweat poured down Prince Deion’s face. He’d never been more nervous in his life. Or maybe he’d caught a virus before flying to Minjet.

“What do you mean trade places?” Cyrus, his personal aide and friend, grabbed the nylon across his chest. “We’re strapped in because we’re landing soon. I can’t exactly get out of my seat right now.”

“No.” Deion released a heavy breath, wiping his forehead. “That’s not what I mean. I want you to take my place during the ceremony this evening. I don’t think I’m in any condition to meet the princess.”

“You’re kidding. What, are you afraid she’s beastly looking?”

“No!” He cringed. The women he’d met from Minjet had all been stunning diamonds sparkling is a solar system of rust and decay. “I have the stomach flu. Or the worst case of nerves ever. I just need you to sit in my place at dinner tonight.”

“And what do you want me to tell the royal family? That you think you’re sick?”

“Make something up.” Deion swallowed the bile burning his throat. “I feel like shit.”

“It’s fucked up that you’re so sick the day you’re to meet your future wife.”

“Yeah, fucked up is exactly how I’m feeling right now.” If his kingdom wasn’t depending on him to unite their planets and garner help, he would turn around and head home, but the last war on Earth had destroyed almost everything. Those who’d survived had turned to the stars for help, sure other life existed, and they’d found it. A whole lot more than anyone had ever expected. One hundred years later, the year of his birth, Earth was invited to join the Galactic Confederacy. To show Earth’s commitment, Deion’s parents had agreed to a prearranged marriage for him, to a female they’d never met from another star system. Deion and Princess Ro’sa had now reached their twenty-first year, and he’d been sent to meet her and her parents before bringing her home to marry. A lifetime commitment. His dedication to the unknown girl had begun long ago when his father told him of his betrothal, but that didn’t mean he would instantly love the princess. Maybe he never would. What a horrible life that would be.

“Okay then, but I want to wear the crown and robe today. It may be my only chance,” Cyrus said.

“Whatever.” Closing his eyes, Deion concentrated on breathing. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Whatever it took to keep the contents of his stomach from greeting the royal family.

***

At the whoosh of the space shuttle flying overhead, the feline on Ro’sa’s knee hissed before jumping to the floor. Ro’sa hurried to the front of the house, pressing her palms and nose against the window. Somewhere in that ship was her betrothed, the prince from Earth she would marry.

Ka’lyn, her best friend, squeezed in beside her, claiming the rest of the available window space. “What do you think he looks like? I’ve never seen anyone from Earth before. Maybe he has two heads, or one eye....” She nudged Ro’sa’s side. “Two cocks?”

“Ka, really?” Flaring heat rushed to Ro’sa’s cheeks and temporarily paused the fluttering of firetubes in her stomach. In seven rotations, she would say good-bye to her home, her family, and all of her friends to be with a complete stranger. She’d grown up knowing this time would come, but it had always seemed so far away. Until he’d arrived. Ro’sa swallowed her nerves. “His people just recently joined the Confederacy. I think the only reason they were invited was to prevent an intergalactic war when they learned of the existence of life beyond their own solar system.” They’d already destroyed most of their planet. Who knows what they would have done had the Confederacy not intervened?

Ka’lyn grabbed her shoulders and turned Ro’sa to face her. “I know all this, but what do they look like?”

“Humanoid, like us.” She searched her memory for the few Terran dignitaries she’d met. “But their skin is different shades of brown, from nearly white to almost black.” Though she had no idea where her betrothed fit into the spectrum, never having been allowed to travel to Earth. How she wished she had. If her parents had allowed them to meet earlier, she’d have far fewer worries and much more experience with how to interact with those from Earth, and with her betrothed. She’d retained her virginity for him, the only female her age on the planet who hadn’t experienced sex, though she hoped to know what it was like before she left for Earth.

“Weird. So, when do you get to meet him?”

“Tonight.” Ro’sa returned her gaze out the window, watching the shuttle descend onto the runway. Had the prince saved himself for her? “There’s an official introduction ceremony where we will shake hands and eat our first meal together.”

“That’s crap.” Her friend tugged on her fingers. “Let’s go meet him as he’s coming off the ship.”

Ro’sa shook her head, yanking her hand away. “I can’t. I have to follow protocol.”

“Then we’ll hide in the shrubs. Don’t you want to check him out before you’re introduced to him in front of everyone?”

Biting her bottom lip, Ro’sa watched the spacecraft disappear below the treetops. “I guess.” Then she wouldn’t look like a fool in her first reaction to him. She could hold her emotions in check, having already caught sight of the prince.

“Let’s go then.” Ka’lyn stood at the door before she had the chance to move.

They left her friend’s home behind. Darting through the woods on the packed dirt path, Ro’sa hoped they’d make it to the runway in time. If the castle guards hastened him away, they’d never make it in time. Why hadn’t her parents let her meet him years ago? Was he that horrendous looking? At least they could have shown her a picture.

Out of nowhere, something grabbed her foot. As she plummeted to the ground, Ro’sa stuck out her arms. The impact jostled her wrists and her elbows gave out, her chin smacking the hard dirt. She bit her tongue, immediately tasting blood. With a groan, she rolled on her side. “Starsnatchers!”

“Ro’sa, what happened?” Ka’lyn stood several steps ahead, hands on her hips.

“Something grabbed me.” She sat up, examining the surrounding woods. As she spotted the culprit, her cheeks warmed. “Or...I tripped over a root.”

“Well, let’s go! If you don’t get your butt moving, we’re going to miss him.”

Not even an are you okay? Geez!  Why did her friend want to see him so bad? The prince was her future husband, the one who would take her away from Ka’lyn.

Ro’sa got up and brushed off her skin suit made from a thick and pliable material, not likely to have torn during her fall.

“I’m coming.” She ran to catch up, watching where she stepped at the same time. No need to delay seeing her betrothed again.

They neared the runway and ducked behind the orange shrubs at the edge of the woods. They found gaps in the branches covered in sharp spikes to peek through.

Ka’lyn released an excited squeal. “We made it. They’re opening the hatch.”

“Shh, one of the guards will hear you, and I don’t need any of them to tell my father I hid in the bushes to see the prince.” Though it was easier to think about her father’s possible scorn than the waves rolling through her stomach at seeing the prince for the first time.

Scooting forward, she focused on the cavity in the shuttle. Any moment her betrothed would step through and she’d catch a glimpse, maybe more, of him, before the guards ushered him away to the private guest quarters in the castle. She lived on level two, but he would stay on four, located several stories underground.

As a figure stepped from the shuttle, Ro’sa gasped at the same time as her friend. The prince. He had to be her betrothed, with the crown of gold on his head reflecting the sunlight. His hair cascaded to his shoulders in dark-brown waves, skin the same rich color of chocolate, her favorite treat from Earth. He wore a finely pressed black suit with a white shirt underneath. His plush cape reached the floor behind him. Pausing on the platform, he smiled, dimples forming in his cheeks.

Thank you, Earth!  Excitement bubbled from deep inside her, and something more. She squeezed her thighs together and swallowed her own squeal to keep from giving away their location.

“He’s gorgeous,” Ka’lyn whispered. “Even the color of his skin is sexy. I wonder what he tastes like.”

Ro’sa shoved her friend. “None of your business. He’s mine.”

“And I’m so jealous.” Ka’lyn returned the punch. “I want to lick him from head to toe.”

So did she. “Don’t even think about it. You already have your own man.”

“Yes, but I can dream, can’t I? I mean, I love my sweaty woodsman, but, some days, I wish he was a prince.”

Before Ro’sa had a chance to respond, another man stepped out of the shuttle and slapped the prince’s on the back.

Ka’lyn shifted beside her. “Who’s that?”

“His personal servant?” She’d been told the prince would arrive with his own entourage. “Maybe a friend?” Would a servant be allowed to touch royalty? On Minjet, yes, but she’d been told the line between royalty and commoners was much more defined on Earth. At least before the last war.

“He’s cute, too. A stronger jaw, and look at those full lips. Imagine what they’d be like to kiss, how they’d feel on your breasts and between your legs.”

“Would you stop!” Ro’sa covered her mouth. Her words had come out much louder than she’d intended as she focused on the images her friend had planted in her head.

Ka’lyn poked her arm. “He’s looking this way.” Ro’sa glanced at the shuttle platform and found the man’s gaze fixed on her. He leaned over the railing before racing down the stairs.

Busted. “He saw us. Run!” Ro’sa bolted in a zigzag around the trees, staying off the path. If the prince’s friend had seen her, had her betrothed? Would he still want to marry her if he’d caught her spying? She didn’t want to disappoint her parents, after all they’d done to arrange the union, or delay her meeting with the prince.

But, star clusters, it had been so worth it. At their introduction ceremony, she would stand more confident in front of him, and, at night, when she retired, she’d imagine him in bed with her, taking her virginity. Or maybe he’d be there with her instead, and she wouldn’t have to fantasize about anything.

She slowed as she neared Ka’lyn’s hut. Though the same as every home built into the hill, Ka’lyn’s stood out with the bright pink flowers in the garden, the ones her husband hated but put up with because he loved her.

Ka’lyn caught up to her, huffing and puffing. “So...what did you think...of the prince?”

“Very nice. My parents chose well.” Yet, his friend’s stare came to the front of her thoughts. Hauntingly blue eyes, the color of the oceans comprising most of Minjet. And his lips.... Oh, stars, she melted imagining what they’d be like pressed to hers, his hands touching every part of her body. Ro’sa shook her head, clearing away the image. She had no reason to think of anyone but her betrothed.

“They did, indeed. Want to trade places tonight? Just for the ceremony. After I meet him, you can have him back.”

With a chuckle, Ro’sa rolled her eyes. “You know that could never happen. My parents wouldn’t allow it.”

“Yeah, and you’d never lie to anyone. I know how you are.” Her friend sighed, stretching her calf muscles. “I hope you’ll introduce me to him, though. I don’t want my best friend living across the universe with a guy I’ve never met.”

“Of course I will.” She hugged Ka’lyn, a shower of sadness washing over her. They had only a few days left together. After she departed, she had no idea how long until she would return for a visit. If ever. No one had told her the full extent of her marriage contract.

“Perfect.” Ka’lyn squeezed her in a hug before stepping back. “Now, get your butt back to the castle and get ready for the ceremony. Show him the sexy woman he came for. I suggest you show off a lot of leg and cleavage.”

No, that would not make a good first impression. Though it might work to get him into her bed quicker, her parents would send her back to her room to change into something less revealing. With reluctance, Ro’sa waved good-bye and headed back home. She had a full day ahead of her and a handsome prince waiting to seduce her, whether in her dreams or after the ceremony.

Chapter Two

With a groan, Deion rolled onto his side. After puking all the contents of his stomach, he’d slept for who knew how long. His stomach rumbled, longing for food, but he didn’t know what on this planet he could handle eating. They likely didn’t have bananas and crackers lying around for such an occasion.

Tossing his blankets off, he sat on the edge of the bed and waited until his head stopped spinning before attempting to stand. Though his fever had broken and his stomach halted its convulsions, he was nowhere near stable enough to meet the royal family. Not yet, anyway. Maybe if he located something to eat.

He glanced around the guest quarters, hoping one of the castle guards could round up some bland food, but not one person remained behind with him. They must have gone to the ceremony with Cyrus. Why? As guards to the prince, at least one should have stayed with him. What if he’d choked or fallen and banged his head?

Another growl rumbled through his stomach. With one arm extended to steady himself, he rose from the bed and shuffled past the room divider to the main living space.

Still no one, yet, a plate of brown-crusted bread that had lost all signs of freshness lay on a table. Probably hard as a rock. A note lay with it.

Eat this. I’m told it will clear you of any of the virus still lingering and refuel your energy. Not sure how fresh it is, but you’re going to need it as my aide.

Get well,

Prince Deion

Heat flared in Deion’s cheeks and ears. What had Cyrus done? He recognized his friend’s handwriting, but why would he pretend to be the prince? Deion had only asked him to take his place at the ceremony, not to actually be him.

He sprinted toward the door. Ears ringing, he braced a fist on the wall as his surroundings turned black. No matter the confusion Cyrus had possibly caused, he wasn’t ready to confront his friend.

Gaining his bearings again, Deion sat at the table. He ripped off a tiny piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. Best for him to gain some energy before demanding answers. Bite by hard bite, the queasiness in his stomach abated, and when he stood, he did so without his mind spinning like engine blades. Time to set everyone straight and meet his future wife.

Stripping from his sour-smelling Earth clothes, Deion changed into one of the tight full-body suits set aside for him to wear. While the nylon-like material cupped him all over, it allowed him a wider range of movement than he’d expected. Lighter than the scuba suits used when studying marine life after the last war, the outfit even whisked away the moisture on his skin from his fever.

He charged out of the room but paused in the hall, trying to remember his way up to the main floor. No one had told him the people of Minjet built their homes into the sides of hills or on cliff faces, with the majority of the structure underground, but he did remember that much from his fevered trek to his quarters earlier in the day. From such an advanced race, he’d expected flying vehicles, skyscrapers far and wide—the future Earth should have had. Perhaps their technology had been his planet’s downfall. The people of Minjet had used renewable resources—wind, solar, and geothermal—rather than the coal and gas that caused pollution. A situation he could change upon his return to Earth, but first, he had to set the record straight about who the real prince was. He could only hope Cyrus had written the note as a joke and had not in fact introduced himself as the prince who would marry Ro’sa.

Arriving at a set of large steel double doors, Deion assumed it was the elevator and pressed his thumb to a sensor pad to the side. Would he even be on file? The doors skimmed open and he stepped inside, but there were no buttons for him to push to indicate where he wanted to go. As the doors closed, his heart beat faster. Had he entered some kind of storage closet instead? A prisoner containment unit?

The lights flickered overhead, and the unit jerked upward. Gravity weighed on his shoulders. Then the giant box stopped. The doors remained closed. Had he trapped himself inside?

With slow steps, he moved back to the wall then slithered to the floor. Somehow, he had to get out.

The unit jerked once more. Sideways this time, taking him into the unknown. When it stopped, the doors finally did open, and Deion stumbled out into a long hallway. Never would he set foot in one of those contraptions again. He’d thought his stomach had settled, but with the shifting happening in his midsection, he wasn’t so sure. Stairs for the rest of the week.

A roar of laughter echoed from down the hall. Deion straightened his posture and headed toward the giant wooden doors in that direction. Perhaps he’d found the banquet hall. He peeked inside. Had Cyrus claimed to be prince?

Before he could spot his friend, a slender figure dressed in a skin-hugging white dress and a sparkling tiara bustled toward him. A princess—but was she his princess? Bright-red hair contrasted with her emerald-green skin, yet, at the flare of her nostrils and intense stare he stumbled a few steps back. If it was Ro’sa, had his absence caused her to be angry enough to breathe fire? Shoving the door the rest of the way open, she brushed past him without a glance.

He gulped and, taking a chance, spun in her direction. “Princess Ro’sa? Are you okay?”

She turned toward him, her eyes like plazer beams, searching him out and ready to kill. “No, I’m not okay. If you must know….” She pointed toward the room she’d just left. “I hate that guy. My parents could not have picked a worse man as my betrothed.”

A heavy stone fell in the pit of his stomach. “Cyrus? What did he do?”

“No, Prince Deion.” She seethed the words through her teeth. “Besides drinking himself to extreme intoxication, he hasn’t paid any attention to me since our introduction, preferring to flirt with and fondle the servers instead. He’s not behaving at all like a prince, and I refuse to marry him. You can take him back to Earth right now, for all I care.” She stuck her chin in the air and marched away.

Rage closed in on him as he scrambled to understand exactly what his friend had done. Cyrus in had royally fucked up his life.

Instead of confronting his so-called friend, Deion chased after Ro’sa. In a drunken stupor, Cyrus wouldn’t fathom the consequences of what he’d done anyway. Best to fix what he could rather than waste his words trying to deal with what he couldn’t.

Deion darted and weaved along corridors after the princess, finally bursting out of the castle into the pink glow of the setting sun. With no time to enjoy the beauty, he darted past bushes whose thistles scratched their signature into his calves and gigantic leaves that smacked him in the face. Though he heard pounding footfalls ahead of him, he couldn’t catch sight of Ro’sa. Perhaps she’d dodged him, and he followed some kind of beast instead.

He halted at the sudden crash and splash of water ahead. On Earth, it would herald a waterfall, but he had no idea what he might discover on Minjet.

With each cautious step forward, he glanced around and listened for any sounds, but all he could hear were his own guarded footfalls. Deion moved into a clearing, thankful to be out of the savage vegetation. A body of moving water reflected the rosy color of the disappearing sun before plunging over the edge of a steep cliff. A twenty-foot drop, at least. On the bank of the river, stood the woman he’d chased after. She wore nothing but bikini panties and a bra, her dress folded neatly on the rock beside her with her tiara on top. Toes over the edge of the rocks, she glanced down.

“Ro’sa, no!” He couldn’t let her jump, not when she didn’t know the truth. “Please, let’s talk.”

“You shouldn’t have followed me. I came here to be alone.”

“But there’s something you should know.”

“All I know is that I just witnessed my future husband making out with someone else.” She sniffed and wiped her cheek. “He had his hand down another woman’s top, cupping her breast. He was supposed to do that with me, not other people.”

Inching closer so as not to scare her into jumping, he reached out to her. “It’s all a mistake.”

“Yes, it was a mistake for my parents to agree to this betrothal in the first place. I saved myself for him, but I doubt he did the same for me.”

“Yes, Ro’sa, he did. I mean—”

She jumped before he could tell her the truth. He lunged to grab her, but his fingertips connected with empty air. His heart leaped into his throat as she plummeted toward the swirling water below. He’d never forgive himself for allowing his friend to get away with playing prince.

Without giving his fear a chance to stop him, he leapt off the edge. If he couldn’t save her up top, he’d grab her from the water before she drowned.

He sliced through the depths until his body’s buoyancy stopped his plunge. Stroking toward the surface, he sucked in a huge gulp of air, spluttering.

To his left, Ro’sa thrashed in the water before sinking under. Diving in her direction, Deion wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her to him. Though he didn’t mind having her so close, he couldn’t enjoy their proximity until he had her safely on land. Maybe he’d yell at her, too, for making such a rash decision.

He dragged her up the bank and laid her on the crystal-like sand, panic still clenching his chest. He tilted her chin up and leaned close to listen for her breath.

No brush of air against his cheek. No rise and fall of her ample chest, her breasts perfectly round, though puckered at the peaks. Fuck, even with the urgent situation, his hormones leapt into overdrive.

He fitted his mouth to hers and blew. Three quick chest pumps while resisting the temptation to touch more of her soft emerald skin. He leaned toward her again and caught a giggle before Ro’sa wrapped her arms around him. Her breath passed across his lips, shoving away his worry and igniting flames of desire. “Do you want me?”

Why, the little tease! “You didn’t drown at all.”

Her lips curved into a sultry smile he took as her answer.

Didn’t matter. He stared into her eyes, captivated by their warmth. If not for the grit of sand under his fingernails, he would have sworn he was dreaming, playing out one of the many fantasies he’d had of his first time with the princess. “Yes, I want you.”

She drew him closer and kissed him, her lips like velvet against his. Synapses fired from head to toe, and he was numb to all but the passion of their kiss.

He straddled her waist. Oh, what it would be like to make love to her on the shore. Tracing her swollen lips with his tongue, he sought entry, and she granted it, tilting her head slightly. He’d known nothing of women until now, only what he’d heard from Cyrus, but he refused to trust that man’s advice ever again. He would let Ro’sa control what happened between them. Splaying his palm across the soft skin of her stomach, he stifled a groan, his cock straining against his wet pants. She was total femininity, yet exuded an aura of danger. Why else would she think nothing of jumping from a cliff?

His pulse spiked, the cool breeze doing nothing to lessen the raging fire inside. She nuzzled into his neck, her heated lips heightening his arousal. For some reason, she knew what set him off, as if she already understood his body inside and out.

Deion gripped her shoulders, grinding against her. The woman he was meant to be with. Finally, he had his betrothed in his arms. Princess Ro’sa was his. He cupped her heaving breasts, yearning for a taste. The hunger in her eyes sent his lust into overdrive. He couldn’t concentrate on anything but his longing. Taking her like this was completely out of character for him, but he craved completion, yearned to take everything she offered.

He nudged her thighs apart, reaching between her legs, inhaling the musky scent of her desire. Her erotic growl urged him on, her body so responsive. Brushing Ro’sa’s underwear aside, he ran a finger between her slick folds. How he wished to be buried deep inside her. All his life had led up to this moment. With his arms around the princess, his most precious treasure. His one and only, yet she didn’t know he was the real prince.

Jerking away, Deion struggled to catch his breath. This wasn’t him, taking a woman under false pretenses. He had to tell her right away.

Ro’sa scrambled from underneath him, her cheeks flushed. Standing, she adjusted her clothing and wiped the sand from her skin. “I’m sorry. That should have never happened.” With a lopsided smile, she spun on her heel and bolted.

He sped after her. “Ro’sa, wait! I’m not who you think I am.”

“Please don’t tell my father,” she called, not giving him a chance to explain.

He scrambled to follow, but she knew the woods better than he did. By the time he reached the castle grounds, darkness had fallen. If not for the solar-powered lanterns along the path, he never would have found his way. Ro’sa had left him behind to fend for himself.

Yet, she had kissed him. Faked jumping to her death and drowning merely to tease and tempt him. He still ached from the passion in her kiss, the way her luscious body reacted to his touch. All the while, she believed him to be someone else.

He had to set her straight. In the morning, when Cyrus could corroborate his story, he would tell her, and then he’d locate a quiet place with Ro’sa and continue what they’d started.

Chapter Three

Ro’sa bounced from one foot to the other, waiting for Ka’lyn to answer the door. Her friend’s feline, a gift from Earth, rubbed alongside her legs, purring and demanding attention. She leaned down to pet the furry creature. “Where is your owner? She told me she’d be home today.”

A lock clicked open. Ka’lyn opened the door a crack, enough to peek out and for her feline to sneak in. “Hey, I didn’t think I’d see you today.”

“I kissed him!” Ro’sa couldn’t contain the news any longer. Needing to tell someone, she’d barely slept all night. That and fighting the urge to sneak from her quarters for another private meeting with the man she’d almost let take her virginity. She wanted to see what other sensations he could make her feel without giving him everything.

“Who? The prince?” Her friend opened the door a bit more, revealing her mussed hair and disheveled clothing. Her husband came from behind and wrapped his arms around her.

Ro’sa’s cheeks heated. “I... I’m sorry, I’ll come back later.”

“No, tell me who you kissed,” Ka’lyn said.

“That’s my cue to leave.” Ry’der kissed the top of her head and squeezed past Ro’sa. “I hope it was a good one, Princess.”

She nodded absently. “I wouldn’t have come over if I’d have known. I’m really sorry I interrupted—”

Ka’lyn ushered her inside to sit on the couch. “No interrupting. We’d already done the deed and were cuddling after.”

“Ew, I didn’t need to know that.”

Her friend giggled from the kitchen, dispensing food into her feline’s dish. “So, how was your first kiss with the prince?”

“I didn’t kiss the prince.” And she wouldn’t ever, if she could get away with it. She’d probably catch something from him with how willing he was to kiss anyone.

Ka’lyn poured two tumblers of molem juice then joined her in the lounging room. “What do you mean? Who did you kiss?”

“His aide.” Ro’sa covered her mouth. Why had she believed that a good idea? Kissing the aide wouldn’t stop her marriage to the prince, only get her in trouble with her father, and if he learned what else she’d let Cyrus to do her, she’d be locked up forever.

“Whoa, the guy with the sultry lips?” Ka’lyn leaned toward her. “What was it like? No, wait. What about the prince? Tell me the whole story, every last juicy bit.”

“There’s not much to say about the prince.” Ro’sa sipped at her drink. “He’s a puckhead. After we were formally introduced, he sat at the opposite end of the table and didn’t speak another word to me. But he had plenty to whisper to the servers he coerced to sit on his lap. Kay, he was feeling them up in front of me. Wouldn’t surprise me if he had several of them in his quarters last night, too.”

“What a canine! What did your parents say?”

“Absolutely nothing.” She crossed her arms with a sigh. “You know how Dad is when he’s been drinking. He took my mom to the dance floor and spun her around without worrying about anyone else. Shortly after they left, I did, too.”

“And where did the other guy come in? Did he chase after you?”

“Not exactly.” Ro’sa petted the feline who’d curled up on her lap. “He wasn’t at the ceremony. The prince said he was sick right before they landed and needed to rest. His name’s Cyrus. Anyway, when I ran out of the banquet hall, he was there.”

Ka’lyn slammed her cup on the side table. “And you kissed him to make the prince jealous.”

“No, I didn’t kiss him then.” Though the thought had crossed her mind. “I ran out of the castle and to the falls. He followed me all the way.”

“Why?”

“Starsnatchers if I know. I just wanted to be alone. When I saw him, I panicked and dove into the water but didn’t expect him to follow me in.”

Ka’lyn’s eyebrows lifted so high on her forehead, Ro’sa expected them to disappear into her hairline. “Oh stars, he drowned and you had to resuscitate him.”

“More like the other way around.”

Her friend scowled. “But you’re an excellent swimmer.”

Ro’sa smirked. “And a great faker, too, apparently. I’m not sure what he thought, but he tried to save me, and I played along.”

Ka’lyn giggled and shook her head. “Now who’s the canine?”

“Hey, Prince Deion started it.” She refused to overlook his actions because they weren’t yet married. If he did that in front of her when they weren’t married, he might do worse behind her back after they exchanged vows. Nothing wrong with having a little fun, gaining some experience first.

“So, what was it like?”

“Amazing.” She moved the feline from her lap to the cushion beside her. “Better than I imagined for my first kiss. He embraced me and it seemed like we were floating. Went even further, too. I thought we were going to do the deed, as I’d fantasized, but when he drew away, I realized the mistake I’d made.”

“Mistake? You think so?”

Ro’sa raised her hands. “I know what you’re thinking, but my dad worked hard for this alliance. I can’t go around getting frisky with every sultry-lipped guy.”

“No, but you can’t marry a guy who’s not going to be faithful. I don’t care where he’s from.” Ka’lyn crossed her arms. “I know what your father wants from this union, but as your friend, I want you to be happy.”

Ro’sa leaned back and sighed. “I know, but I have no idea how to get out of the betrothal.”

“Get caught with the sexy Cyrus.” Ka’lyn pursed her lips. “Where is he now?”

“Out with my father. He took Cyrus and Prince Deion to the harbor for some fishing. I saw them depart on my monitor. Though, he seemed to be arguing with the prince about something.”

“You, perhaps?”

Ro’sa shook her head. “I don’t think so. Cyrus seemed angrier than the prince.”

“Who knows, but you have to see Cyrus again.”

“Why?” She’d already done enough harm with their first encounter.

“Because he’s your ticket out of the marriage. Make sure someone on staff sees you two together, and one and all will know. Either the prince or your father will call the marriage off. Simple.”

“But then I’ll look like the one at fault.” And be responsible for the end of the alliance between the two planets.

“You leave the prince up to me.” Ka’lyn winked. “I still see some of the castle staff around town. I’ll discover what they know and have him set up. You’ll simply look like the innocent princess who tried to learn why Prince Deion didn’t want her.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll figure something out.” Because if she managed to get out of the marriage and the prince returned to Earth, so would Cyrus, and her father would locate another prince for her to wed. Too bad she had no choice as to whom she would marry.

***

Ro’sa peeked into The King’s Pub, eyeing all the patrons. She hadn’t seen her father all day, though it wasn’t him she desired a word with. A horned Mindu manned the bar, preparing drinks for a group of the castle guards. Her betrothed sat next to the king, laughing and drinking. The same as the night before, minus the horde of women.

Cyrus sat beside Prince Deion, arms crossed and mouth set in a scowl. He didn’t even have a beverage in front of him and didn’t seem to be enjoying himself at all. Had his argument with the prince continued into the evening? Or maybe he didn’t take pleasure in hanging out in a pub, though she doubted that. No man she’d met would turn down a drink.

Drawing her cloak over her head, she peered in farther, hoping to catch his attention. After a quick wave, she ducked back and waited. No one came out. Another peek. All the men remained exactly where she’d last seen them.

“Is there something I can help you with, miss?”

Ro’sa jumped at the deep voice behind her. She turned around, careful to keep her gaze to the ground lest anyone recognize her. No matter what Ka’lyn said, she didn’t want to get caught alone with Cyrus. “No, I, um....”

“Just wanted to catch a glimpse of the prince from Earth?” The man, clad in the shiny black boots and gray skin suit of a castle guard chuckled. She breathed a sigh of relief when he didn’t seem to recognize her. He must be new.

“You’re not the first, I’m afraid. Seems every woman around wants to catch his eye, and I’d bet some have, too. Poor Princess Ro’sa.” He leaned closer, and she cringed at the stench of alcohol on his breath. “If you ask me, his aide is the better of the two, but he’s had a rough go since he arrived, being sick and all. Perhaps you’d like to meet him? Make him feel welcome?” The guard winked.

She didn’t know whether to agree or run. There was no way fate could have thrown this opportunity at her without a catch. And what if Cyrus did come to meet an unknown woman? Would he expect her to offer herself to him as the servers had done? That would make him just as dishonorable as her betrothed. “I... I don’t think so.”

“Too late.” The guard squeezed her shoulder with his meaty fingers. “He’s already on his way over.”

Cyrus stormed past them without a backward glance.

“Hey Cyrus, wait up.” Stepping forward, the guard hauled her with him. “There’s someone you should meet.”

“I’m not interested.” Cyrus paused, facing the other direction.

“All right then. Just thought I’d offer her to you first.”

Ro’sa clenched her fists and stopped breathing for a moment. She wasn’t anyone’s offering. Tossing off her hood, she stomped on the guard’s instep and spun around to face him. “How dare you think of me or any other woman in that way.” She slapped his face. “My father’s men have more honor than that.” Or so she hoped.

The guard backed away, his mouth agape. “I’m sorry, Princess. I didn’t mean—”

“To get caught. But you did, and my father will surely hear about this.” She stormed down the hall, disgusted by what the guard had suggested. What if she hadn’t been the princess but one of the women Ka’lyn planned to send to spy on Deion?

Footfalls pounded behind her. Pausing, she tensed, ready to snap at the guard again. Nothing he said could erase his words from her memory.

Instead, Cyrus dashed in front of her. Sweat glistened on his forehead, and he tugged at the collar of his skin suit. “Princess, I need to talk to you.”

Ro’sa sidestepped him. Being near the aide, with his mesmerizing eyes, the sweet memory of the press of his lips and his finger between her legs sent an unfamiliar thrill darting through her. A feeling she should experience with her betrothed, not his aide. “I’m sorry about what happened on the beach. I should never have led you on the way I did.” She dashed into the lift, craving her bed to help put the day behind her.

Cyrus slapped a hand on the door, holding it open. His face paled. “Can we please talk out here?”

She examined him more closely. “Are you afraid of confined spaces?”

“No, just this elevator.” His breathing became labored, the rise and fall of his chest increasing in pace.

Covering her mouth, she tried to hide a smirk. It wasn’t proper to find humor in another’s fears, but she couldn’t help herself. “Then maybe we should say good night, and you can let me go to my room.” Better to leave him behind than be drawn into temptation again.

He shook his head. “Not until I’ve said what I need to.”

“Then, tell me already.” The sweat dripping down his temples concerned her. Was he still sick? Would she catch his illness?

“No.” He ducked inside and pinned her to the wall. Hard muscle bore down on her at every point of contact.

Her heart fluttered. Though she’d dreamed of being this close to him, she’d never expected it to happen again.

His intense gaze on her, he intertwined his fingers with hers and held her hands to the wall. “I’m sorry, but I need to kiss you again.”

As his lips touched hers, her body tingled with desire. She moaned into his gentle kiss, unable to control the sound. At the delicate ply of his tongue, she opened to him, her mind filled with a maddening wave of pleasure.

He kissed along her jaw to her neck. Her synapses exploded, and she squeezed his fingers. A ball of desire pooled low in her belly. Her breathing turned ragged, and she yearned for more.

Cyrus continued his torture to her sensitive skin, licking and sucking. Her moans turned to cries of pleasure. He nudged her legs apart with his knee, bringing the two of them even closer, yet not close enough.

Drawing her hands from his, Ro’sa reached between them, grasping the zipper of his suit. She dragged it down, reaching inside to touch his bare skin. Splaying her hand across his chest, she felt the pounding of his heart. It beat in time with hers.

She rocked her hips, grinding across his thigh. An unfamiliar motion, but she couldn’t help herself.

“I want you,” he whispered across her skin. Grabbing her buttocks, he drew her farther up his thigh.

She wrapped her legs around his waist. Through their clothing, his hardness pressed to her mound, giving fuel to the fire growing inside her.

A sudden ding filled the small space, clearing away the lust in her head.

Cyrus lowered her to the floor and backed away, staring at his feet. “I’m sorry. I only meant to forget where I was for a moment, not to get so carried away. I... I can’t help myself around you.”

A voice inside her mind screamed for her to slam on the emergency lock and make him do it all over again. The thrill of his hands and lips on her body, of feeling so wanted, was something she longed to experience forever. Exactly what she’d expected to happen when she first met Prince Deion.

The doors opened, and Cyrus hurried out, taking a piece of her heart with him. She could easily love the man with radiant blue eyes and chocolate-colored skin, though he was not her betrothed and never would be. They were not meant to be together, and the sooner she stopped teasing the idea in her mind, the less it would hurt when she married someone else.

He spun around to face her. “You coming?”

Ignoring his anxious stare, she brushed past him and headed to her quarters.

“Ro’sa, wait.”

She refused to listen, to be lured into desiring him again, pretending they had a chance to be together. “No, I can’t. There’s nothing I covet more than honesty, and I’m not being honest with myself when I’m around you.”

As she touched her thumb to the identi-scanner, a tear slipped down her cheek.

“But I have to tell you the truth.”

“The only truth that matters is that I have to marry Prince Deion, and that is not you.” She shoved her door open and rushed inside, closing it behind her. Leaning against the cold steel, she sobbed. Why did the truth have to hurt so much?

“But I am Prince Deion.” He pounded on the door. “I’ve tried to tell you that all along.”

She could only wish. If he was the prince, someone would have told her by now. False beliefs would not make the heartbreak any easier when she had to marry her true betrothed.

Wiping her tears, she left the doorway. She peeled off her skin suit, hoping to strip away the sensation of Cyrus still lingering on her body. It didn’t work. Exposing her skin resulted in her craving him even more, tasting his sweet flavor still on her lips.

She climbed into the shower tube and programmed a full cleansing, but the blast of water and hot air didn’t help. It couldn’t penetrate her mind or erase him from her heart. Nothing could.

Chapter Four

Deion paced the hallway. Why had he waited so long to tell Ro’sa the truth about his identity? He’d had opportunities. Before ravaging her in the elevator, he should have blurted the words. In the hall. At the waterfall. So many chances. Now, she didn’t believe him and expected to marry his aide, a man who didn’t deserve her even if he really had been the prince. While Deion hadn’t minded his friend’s suave way with women back on Earth, he expected Cyrus to treat each person on Minjet with more respect. He’d lied to the royal family, lost the favor of the princess, and made Earth seem undeserving of any help from the planet. But their home needed Minjet’s help more than anything, and Deion needed Princess Ro’sa.

He had one option: seek out the queen and king to tell them the truth. For if they believed and still approved of him, he had a better chance to win back Ro’sa’s favor.

He stalked over to the elevator, dreading another ride in the box, but he refused to let anything stop him this time. He touched his thumb to the pad. Yet, when the doors opened, he stared at the king, who looked just as befuddled as he felt.

“Sir. I mean, Your Majesty.” Deion cleared his throat. “Can I please have a moment of your time?”

“Sure.” The king squeezed his shoulder and guided him back into the box of torture. “Let’s go to my study.”

Perspiration trailed down Deion’s sides and back. No matter how breathable his body suit, it didn’t stop his nervous sweating. He couldn’t exactly kiss the man in the elevator with him. That would only make matters worse. But what would the king say when he learned the truth? Would he send him back to Earth without his daughter, severing their alliance? Deion couldn’t let that happen. He had to break the news to the king without making him angry.

Pressing a hand to the wall, he squeezed his eyes shut. Consideration of his choice of words had to wait until he was out of the moving box.

The king chuckled. “Afraid of small spaces?”

“Just this one.” Deion swallowed the bile burning his throat.

“The trick is to pretend you’re somewhere else, someplace you love.”

The elevator jolted, quickly changing direction. Deion slammed into the wall but managed to stay standing. He opened his eyes in time to see the king tumbling toward him. Catching the man under his arms, Deion brought him back to his feet. “Are you okay?”

With a chortle, the king brushed himself off. “I am, thanks to you. Imagining sailing on open water didn’t work that time.”

The king slammed his palm against the narrow strip of wall next to the barely visible door. With a jerk, the elevator stopped.

“There’s something wrong with this lift.” The king pried the door open, exposing them to an empty hallway. “We’ll walk the rest of the way. It’s not far.”

“Wait.” Deion followed the king, not wanting to get stuck inside the elevator, especially one not working correctly. “I have to tell you something now. You need to know before we go any farther.”

The king stopped and spun around to face him. “Okay, Prince Deion, what is it you need to tell me?”

“Prince Deion?” He rubbed his chin as his mind spun, searching for answers.

“Yes, that’s your name, right?”

Deion cleared his throat. “Yes, but how do you know when all the others here believe me to be the prince’s aide?”

“There are many ways, but, mostly, it’s the color of your eyes. Blue irises do not exist on Minjet. We have much more eumelanin in our eyes than your people.” The king rolled up his sleeve. “But not as much in our skin and hair. Your parents sent me many pictures of you growing up, so I would recognize the Terran prince when he arrived.”

“What about Princess Ro’sa? Does she know the truth?”

The king raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know. Does she?”

Deion tilted his head. “She’s never seen the pictures?”

“No.” The king grimaced. “My wife and I believed it best for your appearance to be a surprise.”

Deion pursed his lips together. “My parents have pictures of Princess Ro’sa, too...?”

The king nodded. “They do.”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Deion sighed. “Okay, why did you let your daughter believe I was Cyrus, when you knew the truth?”

“Because I was betrothed once, too.” The king started off again, and Deion followed. “I figured you had your reasons for switching identities with your aide and would eventually tell my daughter.”

Deion threw his hands up. “Yes, but she doesn’t believe me now.”

“I’ll talk to her in the morning. She’ll come to understand why you pretended to be your aide.”

His chest tightened. “But it wasn’t my intention to deceive you or the princess. I simply asked Cyrus to stand in for me at the introduction ceremony, not to be me.”

A loud boom echoed down the hall. The corridor shook, dropping debris all around them. Lights flickered. Static reverberated over the com system. Then an alarm sounded, its honk overpowering all other noises.

The king grabbed his arm. “Doesn’t matter! You need to get to your ship right now! We’re under attack!”

“By whom?” Deion ran alongside the king, using his arm to shield his face.

“The Mindues, I presume.” He darted into another hallway, dragging Deion with him. “They’re a big reason I want Ro’sa to live on Earth. We haven’t been at war with the Mindues for many years, but relations have been tense since their king had a stroke and his son took the throne. He rules like his great-grandfather.”

Another boom. Chunks of the ceiling crashed to the floor in front of them. The king backtracked, yanking Deion into a tunnel he hadn’t noticed earlier. As they ran, the entryway caved in, blocking any chance of their returning in that direction.

A stabbing pain sliced through Deion’s chest. He paused to catch his breath. The virus that had plagued him days before still slowed him down. He rested against the wall. “How do we get to the princess from here?” Damned if he’d let some illness stop him from saving her.

“We’ll meet her at your ship. We’ve had a contingency plan in place for a while now, but I hoped it would never come to this.” The king laid a hand on his shoulder and peered at his face. “Are you okay?”

“Fine.” He ignored the ringing in his ears. “Let’s go.”

Pushing off the wall, he raced ahead. Dust and rock continued to fall with each boom. “Don’t you have an army?” With all of their technology, why didn’t they fight back?”

“Yes and no,” the king huffed. “We have a way to disable their weapons, but everyone must be clear of the tunnels first.” He ushered Deion ahead. “And you must be on your way home with Ro’sa.”

Farther on, light streamed into the tunnel. Deion increased his speed.

“Wait!” the king yelled from behind. “Once you leave the tunnels, you’re exposed to attack.”

Deion slowed, his next steps more cautious. “How are we going to get to my ship?” Never mind how he’d fit the royal family and their staff comfortably inside.

“Reinforcements should be here anytime.”

Their tunnel joined with another. Footfalls pounded toward them. Glancing into the other cavern, Deion spied his aide racing their direction, a man by his side.

“Move!” The other man, the king’s aide, shoved him forward as he sped past. “You’ve got to be out of the atmosphere before we can set off the device.”

With a renewed sense of urgency, Deion burst through the opening into the battle zone. The zing of plazer guns filled the air. Red light sped toward him, but he managed to dodge their rays, diving for cover behind a large crate. He spotted his ship about two hundred feet away, beyond the outdoor storage area and across a field. If not under fire, he could easily run there, start it up, and wait for the princess to arrive. But with the shots blasting all around him, he didn’t dare attempt the crossing.

Peeking around the edge of the container, he searched for the rest of his company. No bodies lay on the field, so they had to have located cover somewhere. A relief, but hiding wouldn’t help them get away.

He couldn’t spot anyone, not even their attackers. The pounding of his heart echoed in his eardrums, diluting all sound. A Mindu could advance on him, and he’d never know. He had to get to his ship and wait for Ro’sa. With no other option, he focused on his target and took a deep breath, bracing for the run of his life.

A figure darted out from behind a tree to his right. The king.

Other figures flanked him, aiming their weaponry in a row of red dots along the king’s back.

“No!” Deion darted toward the father of his betrothed. What was the man thinking, going out in the open like that?

Pushing off the ground, he launched into the air and shoved the king to the ground.

As he fell, searing pain sliced through his leg then his shoulder, but he couldn’t focus on that. He got to his feet and grabbed the king under his arms. It was all he could do to drag him to safety while ignoring the hurt. Plazer fire continued all around him, but he didn’t stop, resting the father of his betrothed between two containers, blocked from direct aim. Deion turned to seek out the two aides, but the light from a plazer distracted him. It hit him square in the chest, shoving him back. The agony was so great that he didn’t feel the impact as he hit the ground, landing beside the king.

A dark figure stood above him. He didn’t know whether it was friend or foe.

He tried to focus, but his vision blurred, revealing nothing more than a shadow.

“Deion! Are you okay?”

I... . No sound came. He choked on the thick liquid bubbling in his throat. Darkness fell upon him. All ability to control his body slipped away.

Chapter Five

Ro’sa cringed at the incessant buzz from her com unit. After her toe-curling, mind-numbing ride in the lift with Cyrus, she couldn’t sleep, couldn’t clear her mind of him, from his soft, sensual lips to his arousal pressing against her. But more than that, his confession kept her awake. Was he truly the prince of Earth, about to make all her dreams come true? Or did he trick her, make her want to believe she would marry the prince, only to live across the universe, bound to the other man? A man she could never love.

A resonating boom snapped her from her thoughts. The walls shook around her, and she clung to the bed. The door to her quarters glided open, revealing her best friend out in the hallway.

“Ka’lyn, what are you doing here?” Ro’sa hadn’t seen her friend in the castle since she’d married. “What’s going on?”

Clicking her com unit onto her utility belt, Ka’lyn darted inside. “No time to talk. I’ve got to get you out of here.”

“Wait!” Her friend wasn’t wearing her usual burgundy skin suit. “Why are you dressed as a guard? What aren’t you telling me?”

“The Mindues are attacking.” She yanked off the covers and tossed Ro’sa her suit. “You must depart immediately with Prince Deion.”

“Leave?” Ro’sa shimmied into her garment. “I can’t just fly away while my home is under attack. That would be heartless and careless.”

“No, careless would be for you to keep arguing with me.” Ka’lyn grabbed her arm, yanking her into the hall.

Ro’sa dug her heels into the floor. “But I can’t run off to Earth and abandon my parents.”

“They are the ones who arranged the marriage and the ones who want me to make sure you get on that ship. Now, let’s go.”

“Wait. You were the one who said I shouldn’t marry Deion. Remember?”

“Well, things have changed, and you need to trust me.” She circled behind Ro’sa.

“You’ve got to come with me then.” Still unsure of the true identity of the prince, Ro’sa didn’t know whether she’d experience love and happiness or be miserable until she found a way back home.

“I can’t.” Her friend shoved her, not allowing her to stall any longer. “My husband is here, and I have a duty to fulfill.”

“Duty?” Ka’lyn had no duty. Not since leaving the castle to marry her husband.

“Yes, I told you. My duty is to get you off Minjet with Prince Deion. Alive! And your stalling and wanting answers is not helping.”

Another boom rocked the castle. A chunk of the wall crashed in front of them, igniting Ro’sa’s urge to flee. She jumped over the chunks of plaster and scuttled along the hall.

“Down here.” Ka’lyn stood behind her, one foot hidden inside a recess in the corridor.

Doubling back, Ro’sa stepped into a tunnel she’d never known existed. One so close to her suite, anyone could have used it to get close to her, sneak inside without drawing the attention of castle security. “Why didn’t I know about this?”

“Because you didn’t need to. It’s only meant to be used as an escape route.” Ka’lyn sprinted ahead, not giving Ro’sa time for any more questions.

Yet she had so many. How long ago had the tunnel been built? Were there others? Why hadn’t she been told of them? Of the threat of danger? And why did her best friend know more about the castle than her? She held back the vastly multiplying force to ask them as she struggled to keep up.

Even as she ran for her life, her stomach churned with the thought of leaving it all behind. Not in a couple of days, but in a few moments, with no chance to say good-bye to everything she knew, only to be thrown into the arms of a stranger from Earth.

Ro’sa glanced ahead to sneak in one more question, but her friend had disappeared. One second she felt dirt beneath her, and the next, nothing. The floor had vanished. She swung her arms, willing the ground to return, but gravity hauled her down into a dark abyss. Her side slamming into a hard surface, she cried out from the pain radiating in her hip, her voice echoing. But the crash hadn’t stopped her, didn’t even reduce her speed. She kept descending, no chance to get her feet underneath her. Clawing out all around her, she tried to stop her fall but couldn’t locate anything to grip on to. Finally, she landed on her ass with a thud, the impact jarring her hipbone again. Though she did slow, she couldn’t stop, the incline too steep and the surface too smooth to gain any traction.

“Help!”

The chute opened up into a cavern. Ro’sa shot out the end, free falling. She closed her eyes and tensed, expecting a crash landing, but bounced, landing on a soft surface. Lying back, she breathed in deep, trying to calm the pounding of her racing heart. No way anyone could sneak into her quarters that way.

A shadow passed across her field of vision, and she opened her eyes. Ka’lyn.

“Are we there yet?” Ro’sa couldn’t handle another ride like that.

“Almost.” Her friend offered her a hand up. “But we’ve got to go now.”

They dashed through another tunnel, Ro’sa cautious to keep up. If another hole lay ahead, she wanted to know about it before plunging unaware. Light through holes pierced in the ceiling allowed her to watch where she placed each step.

At the sound of plazer fire, a lump formed in her throat. She clung to the opposite wall, increasing her pace. More light burst through ahead, and she bolted, ready to escape the tunnel and the fighting.

Ka’lyn grabbed her wrist. “Wait. We have to stay here for the signal.”

Hurry then wait? If Ro’sa were allowed to carry a plazer, she would rush out there, shoot the Mindues herself, and flee the planet. After she ensured her parents’ safety, of course.

Ka’lyn touched a finger to her lips. “Stay here. I’m just going to see what’s going on out there.”

Before her friend reached the mouth of the tunnel, a familiar man zipped inside and paused by Ka’lyn. Rog, her father’s aide. “No time to waste, Commander. We’ve suffered major casualties, but the way is clear for now.”

Ro’sa spun toward her friend. “Commander?”

Ka’lyn shook her head, keeping her attention on Rog. “And the prince?”

“He was shot trying to save the king. With proper medical attention, he’ll live.” The man glanced at the ground. “Unfortunately, his aide didn’t make it. Shot in the head.”

A whimper escaped from Ro’sa’s lips. Her knees gave out before she had the chance to process the news. All air escaped her lungs. Had the man who ignited her desires been executed? Or shot saving her father? Didn’t matter. The prince would never survive the journey to Earth. She had no reason to leave now.

“They’re both being placed in cryo chambers as we speak. If the doctors on Earth can get the tissue regenerator we gave them to work, the prince will live.” Rog helped Ka’lyn lift her to her feet. “But, we’ve got to get you on that ship, Princess.”

“I can’t,” she choked out. “I can’t fly a spacecraft, and what about my father?”

Rog tossed her over his shoulder as if she weighed as little as a sack of teawah, not answering her question.

Ro’sa pinched the back of his arm. “My father, Rog. What condition is he in?”

But the man remained silent, allowing her to draw her own conclusion. He took off, Ro’sa bouncing on his shoulder and Ka’lyn keeping pace beside him.

“And our weapon?” Ka’lyn asked.

“Ready to go.” Rog didn’t even break stride. “We need to get the ship out of the atmosphere, and then we can set it off.”

“Then send it off without me.” Ro’sa shoved off Rog’s shoulder, falling to the ground. She stood and dusted herself off, ignoring the tightness in her chest. “This is my planet, too. And if my father has been shot, I need to be here during his recovery and to help my mother rebuild.”

Rog clasped her shoulders. “Ro’sa, your father is dead. The prince intercepted the first blast, but not the second. It was a clean hit, straight to the head. No chance to save him.”

Tears burned the corners of her eyes. She struggled in his grasp. “My mother needs me.”

He shook his head. “The queen is dead, too. You’re an orphan, now, and I must fulfill your father’s last order to get you onto that ship and on the way to Earth.”

Ro’sa glanced at her friend, wanting to object but not finding the words, the pain of her loss suffocating. Her parents, both of them, dead. She choked on a sob as a vise tightened around her chest. The sound of static enveloped her, muting the urgent voices around her.

Someone guided her into the darkened ship, though she had no idea who, unable to focus on anything but the crushing agony of loss. Arms surrounded her. Lips pressed against her cheek, and then she was alone, buckled into a chair in a vibrating spacecraft that was to take her to a brand-new world.

What use would she be to them? She had only the clothes on her back to offer. And after her journey through the caves, her suit was punctured and dirty. She was in no condition to meet the royal family of Earth, let alone help them rebuild their planet. Maybe they wouldn’t want her. They’d blame her for the death of the prince and his aide and banish her to wander the planet alone.

The shaking in the shuttle increased in intensity. Ro’sa’s stomach churned, launching bile up to her throat. Closing her eyes, she swallowed the burning mass. Why hadn’t she died with her parents? She refused to go on without them.

The ship shot forward like an animal pouncing. Ro’sa clutched the arms of her chair, unable to move beyond that, inertia clutching her tight in her seat.

A sweet smell wafted into her nostrils. Fuel of some kind. She breathed in deep, letting it fill her senses, yearning for something to numb the pain. Or, if she was lucky, bring a peaceful end to the nightmare her life had become.

Clouds shoved into her thoughts and loosened the grip of her loss. Her mind spun, and she floated through a dark void. Then the void disappeared.

Chapter Six

“Look, Grover! She’s waking up. Go get Alexandra.”

“Wait, how’s she look?”

“Green. How am I supposed to know. I’ve never seen her any other way.”

Ro’sa cringed with the crackle of static that followed the unfamiliar voice. Bright light pierced through her eyelids. She reached up to cover her face, but a bond around her wrist prevented her from getting her arm above her shoulders. Same thing on the other side. Panic clutched her gut, but freaking out would simply make her captors use other forces. She couldn’t afford their attention until she’d located her escape route.

Had the Mindues captured the ship as it headed to Earth? Or had she arrived at her destination, only to be taken prisoner? Peeking through one eye, she surveyed her surroundings. From the primitive clothes covering her body to the absence of modern medical equipment, she guessed Earth. The Mindues were barbaric, but they had technology far more advanced than even her home planet. They’d have her in a seamless chamber without any steel trays or stands she could possibly use as a weapon.

Regardless of who imprisoned her, she refused to stay. No one had any right to confine her.

Curling her thumb into her palm, Ro’sa tried to make her hand as narrow as possible. If she could slip out of her bonds, she’d be gone before Alexandra, whoever she was, arrived.

With precise movements, she wriggled one hand out. Removing the second was even easier. Almost too easy. Whoever had restrained her needed pointers on how to tie someone up properly, but she wasn’t about to teach them.

Ro’sa sat up and eased the strange plug out of her nose. Clenching the edge of her bed, she waited for her head to stop spinning. Who knew how long she’d been out? She didn’t remember anything after escaping Minjet and had the cramped muscles to prove it.

A sudden pain squeezed her soul. She’d left her home planet under attack, unable to protect it or bury her parents. Why hadn’t she fought harder?

Willing her legs to cooperate, she slid off the makeshift cot. Able to stand, Ro’sa took a cautious step, her arms out like a baby learning to walk. One foot forward then two. All her parts worked fine, including her bladder, though she didn’t have time to worry about that. Steadier on her feet, she staggered to the door. When she twisted the handle, she didn’t expect it to be unlocked, yet the door swung toward her, granting her access to explore the unfamiliar world she’d landed on.

Ro’sa yearned to run as far and as fast as possible, but she paused, confused by her easy escape. Had her captors left the door unlocked to grant all their people access to her? Or was she not their prisoner at all?

“There you are!”

Ro’sa’s heart leaped into her throat. She cringed, scared to turn around and face the woman. Probably Alexandra, but who was she, and what did she want with her?

“How are you feeling, Ro’sa?” Her tone dropped, filled with concern. “Do you need to use the bathroom? Are you looking for some food?”

“Yes.” She turned around, craving both at once, though as soon as she caught sight of the woman, her stomach sank.

With her sparkling crown, the woman had to be the queen. Her dimples and narrow, slightly hooked nose resembled those of Deion, the prince who didn’t want her. She’d fallen for the aide—now dead—not her betrothed.

Ro’sa turned around, and with slow, measured steps, walked to stand before Queen Alexandra. She curtsied but could not muster the smile she knew appropriate for the formal greeting.

“Oh, no need to bow to me.” The queen pinched the sides of her skirt and curtsied. “I’m nowhere near as important to this planet as you are.”

A heavy weight fell on her shoulders. How could they put so much hope on her arrival? She had nothing to offer, not with her parents dead and her home under attack, if it had even survived. And she sure didn’t have feelings for the prince she was supposed to marry. Well, nothing more than disgust and disdain.

“I will show you to your quarters now that you have awakened.” The queen gestured her forward. “I’m sorry we had to restrain you, but you kept trying to remove your oxygen.”

Those tubes in her nose? Her nose still itched from where they’d rested in her nostrils, but at least they were smaller than the full face masks used on Minjet to supplement oxygen. Maybe the people of Earth weren’t as primitive as she’d been led to believe.

The queen guided her through a maze of humid corridors. Water droplets trickled down the walls, pulling rust along with them. The place seemed derelict. Abandoned. A stark contrast to the bright reds, yellows, and oranges of the flowing material used in the garments of Queen Alexandra.

At the next T-intersection, the queen turned right and stopped at a metal door blocking their progress. She yanked on the long handle of a door and a high-pitched squeal echoed off the walls, followed by a bang and a series of crunches as the queen heaved the door open. “This is your room.”

Ro’sa shuffled inside. While she was used to living underground, her quarters reminded her of a large metal box, a dungeon of sorts. Although decorated with elegant fabrics and a multitude of furnishings—some she didn’t know the purpose of—but it lacked any view of the outside. She’d at least had faux windows installed in her bedroom at home, and remote access to any part of the royal grounds.

Alexandra stepped in behind her. “It’s not much, but we are unable to stay aboveground until the Mindues have been subdued.” She winced, wringing her hands. “The Confederacy contacted us as soon as your planet was attacked and advised us to seek shelter underground until they were sure you weren’t followed here.”

Ro’sa stared at her feet, ashamed for thinking of no one but herself. Not only had her parents sacrificed to get her off Minjet, but the inhabitants of her new home had, too, losing Cyrus and nearly losing their prince in the process. “Thank you. I’m very sorry about Cyrus. He was a good man.”

Queen Alexandra bowed her head. “He will be missed, but he knew of the possible sacrifice of his life when he agreed to serve as the prince’s aide. To be honest, we weren’t even sure they would make it to your planet, but no one could convince my son and his friend to send someone else.”

Ro’sa chewed her bottom lip. The three days she’d been around them hadn’t given her enough time to truly be acquainted with them. She believed she could have loved Cyrus, but feared she could not care for the prince. However, maybe her betrothed would be different on Earth. “How is Prince Deion?”

“As well as can be expected. We’ve managed to repair all of the tissue damage with the regenerator, but we’re still waiting for him to rouse.” Queen Alexandra bounced on her toes, her eyes lighting up. “I should tell him you’re awake. Maybe that would encourage him to join our world again.” Without another word, she gathered her skirts and strolled out the door.

Ro’sa glanced around, her lips pursed. She saw no signs of food or a place to relieve herself. Her bladder ached from the pressure.

She wandered from one piece of furniture to the next, searching for something to use as a substitute before she made a mess on the floor. Discovering a chair with a hollowed-out section, she used that and hoped she hadn’t made an inappropriate assumption. She washed her hands in the basin nearby then sprawled on her temporary bed. How long she’d have to stay there, she had no idea, but she clung to the knowledge it wasn’t permanent.

. She rolled onto her back and clutched her grumbling belly. If she wandered the halls for a bit, with any luck she’d find somewhere to grab a meal.

Wrapping her robe a little tighter around herself, she headed for the door. It opened with fewer groans and creaks, and Ro’sa hurried out into the corridor. She stopped to smell the air for nourishment. Nothing, though would she recognize the scent of food from Earth?

Water dripped down the rusted walls as she passed through them. There were many doors, but all remained closed to her. If she turned around to return to her quarters, she doubted she’d find her way back. Increasing her pace, she carried on, her stomach encouraging her all the way.

A cacophony of voices caught her attention, and she broke into a run. Where there was a group of people, there had to be food, or they could at least tell her where to locate some.

But all chatter ceased when she burst into the room full of people. They all stared. Some backed away, whispering to the person beside them. Others drew closer, reaching out to her.

“Hi. I’m looking for food.” She froze on the spot, glancing around for someone who could be part of the royal family, someone dressed in the same bright colors as the Queen. “Would any of you be kind enough to show me where I can get something to eat?”

A short, hunched woman hobbled toward Ro’sa, long silver hair flowing down her back. “You’re her? You’re the Star Princess, come to save Earth?”

Save the planet? Was that what they all thought? What they expected? She stepped back. “I am Princess Ro’sa of Minjet. I guess you could say I’ve come to help your people recover. Save your planet? I’m not sure I’m qualified to do that.”

“No, not when she can’t even locate her own food,” a man said.

“She couldn’t even save her own planet,” shouted another. “That’s why we’re stuck down here.”

“Yeah!” The voices of the crowd echoed all around the room as the people closed in on her. “It’s your fault we’re stuck underground. Why don’t you go back to your own planet?”

“I didn’t want....” She spun around and gasped at all the raised fists and angry faces. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

A man with drawings covering both arms lumbered so close she could smell his putrid breath. “Well, whatcha gonna do about it, Princess?”

Ro’sa backed away from him, fearing he would attack. “I...I....”

“Our bellies are hungry, too. We don’t need any extra mouths to feed.”

“Especially green ones.”

She continued to shuffle backward, away from the sneers, suppressing a scream. The crowd behind her parted, allowing her passage, but she cringed from their grasping at her skin, yanking on her hair.

“My baby is so cold,” a woman whispered beside her.

Ro’sa turned to see a tiny baby shivering against its mother, big eyes watching her in a pale face. Its breath condensed into a tiny white cloud.

No matter what they thought of her, she couldn’t stand to see an innocent child suffer. She unwrapped from the length of material given to her and offered it to the mother. “Here. It’s all I have.” Nothing left but her aba, the undergarments fashioned to resemble those she’d worn when she fled Minjet, no doubt in an attempt to make her comfortable.

“Thank you,” the mother said.

Ro’sa tried to help her wrap the baby, but the crowd pressed in on her, shoving her farther away from the entrance. More people touched her, staring at their hands with surprise afterward, as if they expected to contract some deadly disease from her. Others became more personal, groping and fondling with no care for her comfort. Her heart raced, nearly exploding out of her chest.

Thick fingers closed around her wrist, yanking her back. She yelped, losing her balance. For star’s sake, what were they going to do to her?

“Please, don’t hurt me.” She stared into the eyes of the giant who gripped her, a man bigger and broader than any man she’d ever met, including her father. No way could she escape from his tight hold. “I’ll leave, go back to my quarters.” Anything to get him to let go, though she had no idea how to get back anywhere in the tunnels.

“No, in here.” He lifted her then shoved her into a dirt hole in the wall, barricading her in with his body. Her muscles cramped in the small space. No chance of escape. Ever. Did they plan to starve her to death? Or were they discussing ways to torture her?

She kicked at the body blocking her in. No reaction. Not even a grunt. Darkness and panic consumed her. She was trapped and at the mercy of people who didn’t want her on their planet. She leaned back, struggling to catch her breath, and fell backwards in a heap. She wasn’t in a hole, but another tunnel—this one unlit.

Had the man who’d shoved her inside helped her escape?

Ro’sa rose to a crouch and smacked her head on the ceiling. Falling to hands and knees, she crawled through the darkness, preferring the unknown to the people from Earth she’d left behind.

When the shouts and taunts of the crowd faded away, she paused to consider her next move. Her knees and wrists ached. Nothing but more darkness loomed ahead. Was there even a way out? Or was she exerting her energy for nothing?

She breathed deep. In and out, waiting for the pounding in her ears to subside.

After a few minutes, a new sound penetrated her frightened consciousness. Bzzz. Nothing mechanical like the machines used to power her home, but something more organic.

Ro’sa tensed, waiting to see what danger approached, but the sound remained at a distance…making her next move difficult. Nothing good lay behind her, and remaining where she sat wouldn’t find her food or a way out. However, what lay beyond could be anything, maybe something worse than her frantic imagination could conjure. Maybe the guy who’d shoved her inside meant to feed her to his carnivorous pet.

With a sigh, she crept forward. Taking action of any kind was better than starving to death, or being subjected to the torture of those she’d already met on Earth.

As she crawled on, the buzz increased in intensity, and the walls around her opened up, her surroundings lit by the moonlight. She’d discovered a way out.

The sound seemed to come from high in the trees that resembled those back home with their long trunks and big, green foliage. Lying in the dirt, she glanced straight up, able to see the stars beyond Earth’s solar system. Was Minjet still out there somewhere? Or had the Mindues destroyed it?

A flash of yellow light swept through the sky. Then another. Hundreds of them, zipping high over her head and above the trees, urging her to follow them. On her planet, it was believed that the souls of the dead became orbs of light. When needed, they departed from the heavens to guide the lost and comfort the lonely. Were the lights she saw her parents and others from Minjet coming to guide her?

Ro’sa jumped to her feet, anxious to find out. She jogged through the trees, battling with branches in her face and logs trying to trip her. Every now and then, she peeked through the treetops, catching a brief streak of light through the foliage. The trees thinned out, and Ro’sa had a better view of the sky above, but the streaks she’d been following disappeared at a point just ahead. Was her destination a few feet away?

She stopped to listen, hoping to hear the voices of her parents. Maybe they hadn’t died but escaped ahead of her. After all, she’d never seen proof of their demise, only been told by Rog. But what she heard was not her parents, though definitely familiar....

Chapter Seven

“She’s awake! Princess Ro’sa is awake!”

Deion cringed at the shout. Those surrounding him never spoke any louder than a whisper, their words nearly drowned out by the buzz of the tissue regenerator on his chest. But he heard their worry about Princess Ro’sa, the fate of both planets, and whether he would survive.

He had to. For the recovery of Earth and to marry his princess. So long as she forgave his deception and agreed to marry him, but first, he had to go to her. And that meant waking up, admitting to those around him that he wasn’t as close to the afterlife as they believed.

His mother had remained by his side, morning and night, stepping away only when the doctor ran tests. Other staff and members of his family came and went but never the woman he longed for.

Gripping the edges of his bed, he sucked in a deep breath and opened his eyes.

A collective gasp echoed around him.

“It’s a miracle!” Alexandra shot her hands up in the air. “The princess is awake, and the prince lives.”

“Yes, and I would like to see her.” His voice cracked at the end. He smacked his tongue to the roof of his mouth, trying to get rid of the feel of cotton.

Deion’s brother, Aron, burst into the room. “I need help. The princess. She’s gone.”

“What do you mean she’s gone?” Alexandra bustled over to Aron, appearing abnormally small in comparison. “I left her in her room.”

Aron glared at their nanny, the woman who’d helped raise them. “The key words being left her. I found her room empty, and by the time I caught up with her, she’d stumbled upon the vagrants.”

One hand on her hip, Alexandra pushed her finger into Aron’s chest. “They shouldn’t be here. I told you that all along.”

“Enough.” Deion’s mother moved in between her son and her children’s nanny. “Those people deserve our protection, too, whether or not they choose to live in our kingdom.” She turned her focus to Aron. “Where is Princess Ro’sa now?”

Aron shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Deion sat up, knocking the machine to the ground. His heart drummed with panic. “What do you mean you don’t know?” He hadn’t traveled all the way to Minjet and back for his betrothed to disappear. Even if she was mad at him for deceiving her, someone should have followed Ro’sa, ensured her safety.

All color drained from Aron’s face. “I put her in the escape tunnel. I wanted to keep her safe until I calmed them down. They kept touching her, yanking on her hair. I could tell they were making her uncomfortable.” He glanced at the floor. “But when I went to let her out, she was gone. She’d actually used the tunnel to escape.”

“Well, go find her.” Their mother shoved Aron back out into the hall, flinging a backpack at him.

“No, wait.” Deion yanked the tubes from his nose and arms before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. “I’ll go. I think I know where she may be.” If she was healthy enough to get through the tunnel, he knew exactly where she’d end up.

His mother bustled to his side. “ Please lie down. I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’ve just regained consciousness. You need to remain under observation for at least a few hours.”

“I’m going.” He slipped off the bed but grabbed the edge to steady himself. If his muscles gave out in front of the queen, she’d have him restrained before he made it past her. “Aron can come, too.”

With a heavy breath, his mother crossed her arms. “Fine, but I want Princess Ro’sa located. Aron, if your brother slows you down, go on without him. Chal can look after Deion.”

Slow him down? No way would he let that happen. Deion rushed out of the room, using the spinning in his head to propel him forward. He gripped the railing at the bottom of the stairs leading out of the underground complex, though with Aron bounding close behind, he didn’t have time to stop.

“You sure you’re okay, Dei?” His brother clasped his shoulder, putting pressure on the spot where the Mindu had shot him. “I can retrieve her on my own. Just tell me where you think she is.”

Deion shrugged off Aron’s touch. “No. She’s my responsibility. You’re the reason she is missing anyway.”

“Asshole.” His brother shoved past him. “I was trying to help her, which is more than anyone else around here tried to do. They were all worried about their precious prince.”

Deion squeezed the railing tighter. “I’m sorry. I’m just very worried about her.”

Aron paused on the top step and turned to face him. “You must like this Princess Ro’sa. I know you weren’t sure at first, but it looks like you’ve changed your mind.”

“I do like her, and I know I will someday love her. I truly wish it had been you on Minjet with me. You would have loved it there. I imagine it somewhat resembles what Earth used to be like.”

“I’m sure it’s beautiful. Or was, but you forget, Cyrus is dead. If I had taken his place, that would have been my fate.”

They both bowed their heads for a moment of remembrance.

“And, anyway, you can’t have both princes flying into space. You do know if you hadn’t recovered, I’d be marrying Ro’sa, right?”

“Not a chance in the void. She’s all mine, and unlike any woman I’ve ever met. Independent, strong-willed.... But, she doesn’t know this planet. If she walks around Earth as she did Minjet, she’ll end up sick. Or worse.” He had to find her right away.

Chal, a guard no older than his brother, caught up with them. “Um, are you planning on finding the princess today?”

Aron grunted and hefted his pack onto his shoulder before shoving the heavy metal door open. “Yes, let’s get going.”

“Head toward the waterfall.” Deion’s own pride no longer mattered. He couldn’t let Ro’sa drink the water, or even touch it. “Hurry!”

Deion sprinted behind his brother, jumping over fallen trees and ducking under low-hanging branches a second after Aron, Chal breathing heavily behind him. At the faint sound of crashing water, Deion quickened his pace. Ro’sa had to be nearby. His heart thumped harder and harder the closer he raced to the edge.

As they neared the cliff, Aron leaped to the left. He disappeared behind a clump of bushes. Foliage flew into the air, and someone screamed. A woman. Had Aron located his betrothed?

Deion switched directions, spotting his brother lying in the dirt. Ro’sa was sprawled across him, her arm across his throat.

“A little help here,” his brother choked out.

While he found it funny to see Aron pinned to the ground by someone so much smaller, he couldn’t forget his brother had tried to save her. “Um, Ro’sa…could you please get off him?”

She stood with a gasp and spun to face him. Her eyes grew so wide, he thought they might fall out of their sockets. “Cyrus? You’re alive?”

Deion shook his head. “I...I truthfully am Prince Deion. I tried to tell you that.”

Her chin trembled. “You....” She bit her bottom lip and squeezed her eyes shut for a long moment. “Why did you make me think you were the prince’s aide? You had plenty of opportunity to tell me the truth.”

Aron flung the pack at Deion’s feet. “Looks like you have some explaining to do, Dei. I’ll leave you two alone and go back and tell Mom we found the princess.” He slapped Chal on the back, and the two disappeared into the woods.

Ro’sa cocked her head, staring at Aron as he walked away. “Mom? You two are brothers?”

“Half.” Deion dug his toe into the dirt. “My father was killed by a group of vagrants before I was born. Three years later, Mom learned she was expecting Aron, and she married the guard who’d gotten her pregnant.”

“The woman who took me to my quarters. Queen Alexandra.”

He chuckled. “No, gosh no. Alexandra could never be queen.”

“Then why was she wearing a crown?”

Deion shuffled his feet. Hmm, how to explain how his kingdom worked. “My mother doesn’t feel the need to wear such frivolous things. She is not above digging in the dirt alongside her people. Alexandra, on the other hand, wants to wear the crown, feels it places her above the people, though she’s simply our nanny. Or was, when Aron and I were younger. She’s Cyrus’s mother, too. We all grew up together.”

Ro’sa pursed her lips. “Okay, but that still doesn’t explain why you lied to me.”

He cringed, holding up his hands. Would she ever forgive him? “I tried to tell you that first night. Remember? But you ran away from me.”

She dropped her chin to her chest. “Oh.”

“Doesn’t matter. Right now, I need to know whether you drank the water.”

“No.” She wrinkled her nose. “While the plant-colored water is interesting, the smell kept me away.”

“Good. Okay....” Some of his tension melted away. “We have filtered water inside the bunker from a clean source.”

The princess squeezed his elbow. “I can’t go back down there.” All color drained from her face. “Your people made it clear they don’t want me here.”

“No, my people sent me to Minjet to bring you back. Those you met are transients. We were trying to protect them from the possibility of a Mindu attack. We didn’t mean for them to accost you.”

“And your brother shoved me into a dark hole. Why?”

With her hands on her waist and the way she leaned to one side with her hip thrust out, Ro’sa had lost all her vulnerability. A surge of lust headed straight to Deion’s groin. He groaned at the image of the woman no longer in need of saving but one he wanted to ravage and finish what they’d started on Minjet. “He....” Deion swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. “He was trying to protect you.”

“Just as you did my father.”

“Kind of.” He winced, remembering the pain of the blast when it hit his shoulder. “Though I don’t think the transients were intent on killing you the way the Mindues were your father.”

She stared off into the distance, losing the sparkle in her eyes.

He drew her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “You miss him, don’t you?”

She nodded against his chest. “Even though you tried to save him, he still died. I...I lost my mom, too.”

“I’m so sorry.” He held her close, his desire taking a back seat to his need to console her. Through her quiet sobs, he rocked her gently. No words could ever bring her parents back. All he could provide was comfort, an open ear. Himself.

Ro’sa leaned away from Deion’s tear-soaked shirt. She refused to be mad at him any longer. He’d been the one to follow her on Minjet, concerned. He’d tried to save her father and was at her side now, though she couldn’t look up at him, embarrassed by her blubbering. She picked at the thin material, tugging it from his chest. “I’m sorry. You probably think I’m weak.”

He lifted her chin, ensuring she had to stare into his mesmerizing blue eyes. “Not at all. They were your parents. They deserve your mourning.”

When he cupped her cheek, she leaned into his palm. How had she been lucky enough to find a man like Deion to spend the rest of her life with? She could have easily been married off to the prince of Mindu and used only as a vessel to produce his offspring. Or she could have been one of many wives to a member of royalty from any of a large number of interplanetary species who didn’t believe in monogamy. The prince could even have been like Cyrus, though she shoved that thought aside, not wanting to think ill of the dead. No, her father had chosen well. If only she’d known the truth about Deion and interacted with him as her betrothed when they’d first met.

Ro’sa pressed her palm to his chest, feeling for a bandage. He couldn’t have healed so quickly, could he? “Are you okay? Should you still be resting?”

Moving his hands to her hips, he held her tight. “Probably, but I only want to be here with you. Nothing else matters.”

The intensity of his gaze grew stronger, leaving her struggling to catch her breath. She fought the urge to run as she had on Minjet, no longer needing to feel guilty about wanting him. He was hers, and she his.

She slipped her fingers under his shirt, craving a closer connection. “Do you have a scar from your bravery?” Anything to see and touch more of him.

Stepping back, he crossed his arms and gripped the bottom hem. “I’m not sure.”

Ro’sa didn’t miss the wince of pain as he lifted his top off, but Deion brushed it away, returning his focus to her.

He grabbed her hand, placing it back on his body. “You tell me.”

With a whimper, she ran her fingers along his pecs and abs. Nothing. Not a trace of any injury. Perfection. If not for his grip on her wrists, she would have fallen to the ground, her leg muscles weak from touching his chiseled chest. “You’re beautiful.”

He smiled, the twinkle in his eyes as bright as his teeth. “I’m the dirt on the ground compared to you. You’re more gorgeous than I’d ever fantasized, and I want you so badly right now.”

Her cheeks warmed, the sensation zinging to other parts of her body as well, concentrating between her legs. “Yes.” If she paused to say anything else, she might lose her mind.

The space between his brows scrunched together. “Yes, I’m dirt on the ground? Or yes, as in you want me, too?”

“You. I want you.” If she didn’t combust first, left helpless by the burning need blazing through her. She craved his kisses, wanted him to touch her there again. A warm breeze caressed her bare skin.

Deion dropped her wrists and placed one hand on the small of her back. The other he used to cup the back of her neck. His breath warmed her lips and his piercing blue eyes, reminded her of the waters back home. He was familiar and new rolled into one. Exotic and comfortable. Deion rained kisses along her neck to her collarbone, then to the swell of her breasts, feeding her burning desire. Not love. Not yet. More like a want unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. A basic need she required to survive. How had she lived all her life without him?

With one precise flick, he removed the top of her aba. She drew in a quick breath, her nerve endings on edge. Her clit throbbed, yearning for his touch, his teasing. When he sucked a nipple into his mouth, Ro’sa cried out in glorious pleasure. Her toes curled, and she thrust her chest forward, longing for him to take more.

Instead, he stopped and clasped her shoulders. “Hang on a minute.” He dug into the pack his brother left behind. With a whoop of glee, he turned toward her, blanket in hand. He spread it out at her feet then scooped her into his arms. “Can’t have you lying in the dirt this time.”

How sweet of him to see to her comfort. He kneeled to lay her on the softness, then slipped off his bottoms.

Ro’sa shuddered. Though Ka’lyn had told her all about the male penis and how much pleasure it could bring, she’d failed to mention what happened before penetration. Would Deion just stick it in? Or would he spellbind her with his kisses so she didn’t feel him slip inside? She doubted the first. He’d never caused her any pain before, yet Ka’lyn swore Ro’sa wouldn’t be able to avoid some slight pain when her prince took her virginity.

Deion lay beside her, propping his head on his hand. With one finger, he traced a path between her breasts, all the way down her belly. “You know, I really am the luckiest guy in the universe.”

“Even after you were shot trying to save my father?” She wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d fled without her when the Mindues had arrived.

“Especially after that. I survived to be with you.” He cupped her breast, circling his thumb around her puckered nipple.

Sweet torment. She had no idea what to do, what he expected as he tortured her body with pleasure. Snuggling closer, he pressed his palm to her stomach. He kissed her shoulder. Such a gentle touch, but enough to set her skin ablaze. Ever so gently, he walked his fingers under what was left of her aba, stretching the material. Between her legs, through her folds, he found her pleasure button, stroking it as he had on Minjet.

Ro’sa clenched the blanket with both hands and thrust her hips. This time she wouldn’t run. This time, she wanted more.

Deion alternated slow circles with fast strokes, driving her wild. Heat balled in her belly as he worked his erotic magic through her. She reached down and slipped off the last of her clothing, removing the final barrier between them. Ro’sa was ready to bond with her betrothed and unite their planets forever.

Shifting over her, he captured her mouth, feeding her hunger. He slipped one finger inside her then added a second, in and out, stroking her in a place reserved only for him. Electric tension zinged through her. She rocked against him, under him, driven by the age-old rhythm.

He ran his thumb across her sensitive nub, lighting her up like a firecracker. She pulled away from his lips, releasing a cry of ecstasy. The rapture came in waves, barreling though her like a fierce storm. She gripped Deion’s arms until the ripples subsided. Her muscles relaxed, and she struggled to catch her breath.

Her prince gazed at her, brushing the damp hair from her forehead. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, more concerned with his erection pressing into her belly than the most euphoric sensation she had ever experienced. Reaching between them, she carefully guided the tip of his penis to her opening. “It’s time.” She’d never felt so sure of anything. After so many years, she no longer had any reason to wait.

Deion shifted, leaning down to her ear. “I will love you forever.” His full lips found hers, and he kissed her passionately as he sank inside her.

With the tearing of her virgin tissue, she whimpered and swallowed down the sting.

Deion lifted his head, cupping the side of her face. He ran his thumb along her cheekbone. “If this is too painful, let me know. If you want me to stop, just say so.”

“I’m fine.” She drew him back down, ignoring the pinch for the sake of pleasure.

He rocked in and out, his gaze focused on her. She clung to him, drawn in deeper to the hypnotic dance of their joining. Her mind whirled, and she joined him in their sexual rhythm.

His movements became frantic, his breathing harsh and uneven. With a sudden arch, he thrust once more and cried out her name, spilling his warm seed inside her.

When he pulled out, she felt like a part of her soul had been removed, too, but he rolled onto his side, wrapping his arm around her. “Come here, my love.”

With a sigh, she snuggled in close to him. Deion. Her prince.

Epilogue

One year later....

From the balcony, Deion stared across the land, astounded by all of the changes since Ro’sa had arrived on Earth. Using minerals sent with her from Minjet, she had showed his people how to clean the water, making it drinkable again. Vegetation flourished in landscapes once barren. Herds of animals thrived, allowed to graze in open fields for the first time since he was born, providing his people with food. Everyone had returned to their homes, the threat of a Mindu attack long behind them.

But the best change of all was the modifications made all through the kingdom for the population boom about to happen. Deion had used old books with pictures of playgrounds from the before time to draw up plans, and with the help of carpenters, welders, and other tradespeople, he’d crafted a recreation area for the youth throughout the land. A large area for all to play, including his own future child.

He snuggled against Ro’sa’s back and placed his hands on her growing belly. “Very active today?”

His wife leaned back on his chest. “Not as much as last night when I was trying to sleep.”

Deion chuckled. He’d felt a few jabs when he’d cuddled with Ro’sa in bed. “Well, feel free to have a nap this afternoon, but, right now, we’re expected for a uni-conference.”

She spun around, her belly knocking him back. “Really? It’s good news, I hope.”

Already aware of who waited to talk to them, he grasped her hand, anxious to surprise his wife. “Let’s go find out.”

Inside the library, they waited to be connected to the space server. Eventually, the Confederacy’s symbol appeared, followed by a current view of the planet Ro’sa had left behind. She gasped when a smiling woman appeared on-screen. “Ka’lyn? How are you?”

Ro’sa squeezed his hand, waiting for the message to travel through and receive her response. “That’s my best friend.”

“I know.” He’d worked hard to learn as much as possible about the state of Minjet, whether anyone, including the planet, had survived. Ro’sa had never asked, committed to their life together and helping Earth recover, but during quiet moments, he saw her reflection, her sadness.

“Good. Very good.” Ka’lyn stood and rubbed her belly. “Looks like we’re both expecting.”

Ro’sa shrieked with excitement in a way that only women did. “Congratulations! But is Ry’der going to stay home to raise your child since you’re commander?”

“Oh, I’m not commander anymore.” Ka’lyn returned to her seat. “My only mission was to get you off the planet. I was more like your secret guard. Heck, they didn’t even tell me who the real prince was. I had to find out from Rog.” She rolled her eyes. “But now, with you and your parents gone, it was decided our planet should become a democracy like the Confederacy. No need for me to be commander anyway.”

“Oh.” Ro’sa grew quiet, losing the excitement she’d had when she first saw her longtime friend.

Deion placed a hand over hers. “You okay?”

She nodded, wiping her cheek. “Yes, I just never expected...I mean, I thought if I didn’t contact anyone from Minjet, I could pretend they were still alive, that nothing had changed except my absence.”

“I’m so sorry, Ro’sa.” Ka’lyn switched the screen behind her to show two tall spires in the middle of what look like a town square that hadn’t been there when he’d visited the planet. “We gave them a proper send off to the stars. Just like they’d wanted. But I had these commissioned as well. To remember their sacrifice.”

Ro’sa sniffled. “Thank you. Looks like Minjet is recovering well.”

“Yes, all has returned to the peace we once had, since the Confederacy grounded all Mindu ships. If they fly one wing beyond their atmosphere, they are shot down.”

Ro’sa raised her eyebrows. “I’m surprised they’re being so strict, but it will stop them from attacking again. How’s Ry’der doing?”

“Very good, as always.” Ka’lyn winked.

As the conversation grew more personal, Deion stood up. He kissed the top of Ro’sa’s head then left the room to prepare for the celebration of the anniversary of her arrival, and their everlasting union.

~A Letter from Jessica E. Subject~

Dear Reader,

I absolutely love fairy tales! I always dreamed about a handsome prince coming to rescue me on his noble steed. But as I grew older and more fascinated with space, the prince I imagined came from another planet and arrived on Earth in a spaceship. Okay, so maybe he resembled a certain superhero in red and blue tights. ;)

Anyway, when Decadent announced this new line, I was really excited to write an alien fairy tale, but I worried about the Grimm tale I would be assigned to base my story on. Luckily, The Star Money is very short, so I had a lot of room for interpretation.

Arranged marriage is a practice that still happens today in some cultures, and was an aspect I’ve always wanted to include in one of my stories. But, imagine being betrothed to someone from another planet, one whose culture you knew barely anything about, a culture you would be thrust into when you left your home to be with him. I know I would have a hard time. While it would be fascinating to visit another planet, leaving everything I know behind would leave me extremely home sick and possibly lonely.

But that’s not the only problem Princess Ro’sa must deal with. Instead of falling in love with the prince she is to wed, she is smitten with his aide.

I do hope you enjoy reading The Star Princess.

Wishing you all the very best!

Jessica

jessicasubject.writer@gmail.com

Beyond Fairytales

www.decadentpublishing.com

Don’t Call Me Iron Man by N. D. Wylders

Chapter One

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Groaning, Ivan rolled into an upright position. His ears rang to the steady beat of water hitting porcelain. Under him, a firm mattress cradled his body, while his head felt as if some sadistic bastard had let loose an evil anvil-pounding imp bent on driving him insane. Exactly how much did I drink? His mouth was drier than the Sahara in August. He pressed the heels of his hands against his achy temples. Dear Lord, he’d give anything to make it stop.

A low hiss escaped his parted lips as the leaky faucet continued to drip. The sound tortured his ears, even as it offered the possibility of relief to his parched tongue and throat. Attempting to stand, he swayed on his weakened knees. He thrust his arm out to brace himself. A grimace crossed his face at the cold, slimy surface under his palm. It took some effort, but he managed to open his eyes. At first he saw nothing but shadows then the blurred lines of gray took shape. A slow turn of his aching head revealed the rest of the barren, cave-like room. He was surrounded by rock walls. There were no windows. Not even an obvious door. Nothing save a coarsely made cot against one wall, dirt-strewn floors, and in one corner, a stand with a chipped bowl placed beneath a leaky pipe.

“What the fuck?” He gritted his teeth as the room spun once then righted itself. “Goddamn, what did you put in my beer, old man?” He tried to remember how he’d gotten here in this little cell, or whatever the hell they wanted to call it. His last recollection was…paying some crazy little gnome with a blue tarantula to tell him a goddamned fairytale. Had the spider bitten him? Or maybe it had been the gnome who’d drugged him.

“Great. Either I drank too much, or a three-and-a-half-foot gnome kidnapped me.”

But even as he attempted to decide which was the more likely, the water continued to torment him.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Unable to ignore his needs any longer, he staggered over to the stand with the help of the wall. He fell to his knees in front of it. Lifting the basin with hands that shook, he spilled half of the precious liquid down the front of his polo shirt before getting more than a swallow or two into his mouth. The water soothed his tongue, but had an odd taste similar to well water. It didn’t stop him though as he gulped at the cool essence until there was no more. With the worst of his thirst sated, he placed the bowl back under the pipe and waited for it to fill again.

By the time he’d drunk a second time, the evil anvil man had disappeared, only to leave a vague achiness in his wake. Now without his head pounding, maybe he could figure out why the hell he was in a cell. The probability of the gnome kidnapping him was illogical. The man wouldn’t have had the strength to move a man his size. Perhaps it was Shamus or Dante playing another one of their practical jokes? If so, he would kick their asses the next time he saw them. But first he needed to get out—well, as soon as he was a bit steadier on his feet. He rested a few more minutes with his head and shoulders pressed back against the stone. After a while, he noticed there was recessed lighting in the ceiling.

“Lights? If there are lights, there has to be electricity, and if there’s electricity, there has to be a way out of this room.”

He struggled to his feet. He touched every crevice in the walls he could reach until his fingernails caught on the edge of a concealed compartment. Crouching, he tugged on it, but it refused to give. In a dim hope whoever had locked him up hadn’t searched him, he patted the front right pocket of his pants. He touched the familiar outlines of his Swiss Army knife and Zippo lighter. Thankful for the oversight, he fished out his multi-tool.

“Guess they didn’t think to search me. Bad for them, but good for me.”

After choosing the flathead-screwdriver attachment, it took him less than two minutes to snap the small hinges that held the cover on. He ignored the crash it made as it hit the ground. With the end of his knife, he prodded and poked at the wires inside the panel. Color coded, they were wrapped in a familiar configuration. In fact, it resembled one of the custom-wiring panels he’d created for an experimental electronic lock.

With a quick prayer, he eased apart the wire bundle until he found the two wires he needed. Using the knife, he cut them. A quick pass with his lighter loosened the sheaths, and he stripped away the outer casings. Once they were exposed, he twisted the ends together. Less than five seconds later, the cleverly concealed door slid open with a low hiss. He dropped the wires and straightened. “Easier than hotwiring my momma’s old Chevy.”

After a quick glance in both directions, he stepped out into the darkened corridor. Like the cell, it offered nothing that hinted at his location. Deciding it probably wouldn’t matter in the end, he took a step to the left then froze when a huge brute of a man appeared out of the darkness. Dressed in stained leather pants, thick-heeled boots, and a frayed tunic shot through with metallic threads, the stranger cast a rather imposing figure. Adding the worn-leather bracelets at both wrists and the thick belt with a short blunt sword, the man’s stout build suggested he was lethal as well.

Unease pooled in Ivan’s stomach as the man spotted him.

“How did you get out? Queen Theria will not be pleased.”

Ivan almost swallowed his tongue when the man closed the distance between them. Had he been cast into some kind of Medieval reenactment, complete with executioner? The bastard was even bigger than he was. He forced himself to remain calm.

“The magic touch?” Ivan held up his hands while balancing his weight on the balls of his feet. With drawn breath, Ivan waited for the other man to attack.

“Then the queen must know of this magic. Come with me. We must go to the Queen’s Hall.” The man palmed the hilt of his sword.

Ivan weighed his options. He might be smart, but he wasn’t egotistical enough to think he could take on a man with a sword just his bare hands. “All right. I’ll come.” He skirted around the guard then followed the man’s muttered directions. Several minutes later, they arrived outside of a pair of huge oak doors.

Whatever Ivan expected when he entered the Queen’s Hall, it wasn’t what he got. Instead of tapestries, velvets and brocades, and majestic furnishings, the room presented a blend of futuristic design with shiny-metal walls, vertical blinds, and uncomfortable-looking furniture. The floor gleamed underfoot and appeared to be polished stainless steel. At the center of the room, behind a sleek desk, a woman dipped the end of a long feather quill into a small metallic inkwell then scribbled on the pages of a massive book. The contrast of the futuristic, ultra-modern appearances with the outdated past of inkwells and quill pens caused Ivan to doubt his senses. Where in the hell was he?

The guard cleared his throat and the woman glanced up, her expression far from serene. Her eyes narrowed in obvious irritation at the interruption, the bags under them more pronounced than he expected. She pursed her lips, and her eyebrows drew together before she relaxed her face. The quick metamorphosis baffled him while sending the urge to flee to his folded limbs. This was the queen?

As she stood, Ivan struggled to reconcile this woman with any fairytale version of a queen he’d ever read about. But it was impossible. She didn’t have the appearance of a matriarch. Tall, like the guard, her blonde hair was pixie short and shot through with a bit of gray. She wore knee-high leather boots and a form-fitting black jumper. The only outward sign of her rule were the precious jewels adorning each shoulder, the silver chain accenting her slender waist, and the huge opaque stone nestled in a wide silver ring on the middle finger of her left hand. But even without a crown or scepter, her aura of power was palpable.

“Milady, begging your pardon.” The guard dropped to one knee then dragged Ivan down to kneel next to him. He grunted when the man slapped the back of his head forward into a bow. Out of the corner of his eye, Ivan watched the guard do the same. No matter the queen’s appearance, the guard made his expectations pretty clear. Ivan would respect his queen or he wasn’t above using brute force to push the issue.

“I know you asked for the intruder to remain locked away, but, during my rotations, I found him in the hall outside his cell.”

“And why did you not put him back inside it, Caroc?” The click of her heels against the floor echoed through the room.

“I would’ve, milady, but I wasn’t sure how he got out. The door was shut.”

“Really?” As she moved closer, the click of her heels grew louder. “Then we do have a mystery here, since only Master Aranos and I have keys to the cells.”

Placing a finger under Ivan’s chin, she tilted it up. Her shrewd eyes—crystalline blue with a rim of gray, dissected him as if he were under a magnifying glass. “You were unconscious when my guards found you outside the north gate. What is your name?”

“Ivan Chugunov.”

“Did you steal Master Aranos’s key, Mr. Chugunov?”

“I stole nothing.” Ivan spoke softly.

“Really? We shall see about that.” She released him to turn toward the second guard who rushed into the room. “Call for Master Aranos.”

The idea that she thought him a thief rankled. “I stole nothing. If you didn’t want me to get out, you should’ve taken my utility knife.”

In a single move, she thrust her hand out to clutch his throat. She squeezed once in warning then leaned in until her nose touched his.

The guard sprang to his feet then drew his long sword and stepped behind him. Ivan froze at the touch of steel against the base of his neck.

“You dare bring a weapon into the Queen’s Hall?” she hissed.

It was hard to speak, but he managed. “It’s harmless.”

She tightened her grip. “I’ll be the judge of that. Where is it?”

A low growl built in his chest. If it hadn’t been for the sword tip resting between his shoulder blades, Ivan would’ve pushed her hand aside. “Front pocket.” He kept his gaze on her as her guard’s hand plunged into the pockets of his loose pants.

“Nothing, milady, other than this.” Caroc opened his hand to reveal the familiar red pocket knife with a white cross on it.

The queen glanced at it, before she returned her attention to him. “That is a weapon?”

Ivan shook his head. “No. A multi-tool. I used it to open the door.”

She pursed her lips. “You can control energy?” She dropped her hand.

“Control, no; manipulate, yes.”

For the first time since he’d been in her presence, something other than irritation filled her gaze. It resembled hope. Then, she narrowed her eyes. “You will show me.”

He swallowed hard, but nodded as Caroc dragged him to his feet. Would this nightmare ever end?

A short time later found him back in the dungeons, this time with the queen in attendance. However, instead of returning him to his original cell, they placed him in a different one. As soon as the door slid shut, he repeated the process.

When the door slid open, Queen Theria’s face was filled with wonder. “You’re the answer to my prayers. You shall use this gift to save my people.”

“Excuse me? I don’t see how being able to hotwire a cell door will help you.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Unless, of course, you have a tendency to lock yourself out of your….” He searched for a word to describe the space around him. “House?”

She drew a hard breath in, scowling at him. “No one would dare lock me out of the Great Hall. What I need is your way with energy. Since the disappearance of our LT-1789 unit, there has been no one in our clutch who can manipulate the circuitry that cleans our water or runs my home. You will locate it and bring it back here. If you don’t, you’ll die.”

Ivan stilled. “You’ll kill me? Forgive me, but I believe that is still illegal in the United States.”

She shook her head. “I know nothing of this United States. You are in Krontos, the ruling clutch of Sisera, in the Fourth Realm. And it will not be I who kills you, but the poisons inside your body.”

Sisera? The Fourth Realm?

The woman had to have a screw loose. Why hadn’t some nice men with a handy white straitjacket already hauled her away?

“However, you can avoid such a terrible fate if you help us.” She continued to pace.

“I can?”

“Yes. The parasites within us have begun to make my people sick. The only thing that protected us was a water purifier that no longer works. Along with the loss of our medical unit, we are living on borrowed time. That’s where you come in.”

Dread pooled in his stomach, but he decided to play along. “So if I fix the purifier, then bring back this LT-whatever, it will save your people.”

“We believe so.” She sighed. “Our world is being consumed. Or so my advisors tell me. The An’tealan Forest has encroached on us for several generations. Before, we were able to keep it at bay, but….” An unreadable emotion crossed her face. “Since my reign began, we’ve failed. The forest is no longer passable. We are cut off from our sister clutches and have to rely on what we can salvage. So, unless you can turn the purifier back on and retrieve the LT-1789, our time is limited. Even if I could send you back, the parasites already within you would probably kill you.”

Ivan closed his eyes. He’d play along for now. But, the first chance he got, he’d escape. “So, if I get the water purifier working and find the medical unit, you will give me the cure and then send me back to Chicago?”

She nodded. “Of course. If my advisors are able to find a way, I shall return you to your Chicago.”

***

“How much longer?” Caroc asked for the tenth time as he moved closer. “It will soon be dark, and the An’tealan Forest is no place to be once the sun sets.”

“Dammit, I don’t know! Stand back! You’re blocking my light. It’ll be fixed when it gets fixed.” Ivan glared at the four guards behind him before returning to his task. After a two-hour trek into the dense woods with four shadows, his patience was gone. Kneeling in front of an antiquated machine attached to a half-submerged waterwheel, he’d finally located what he hoped was the main circuit board. Unlike the cell’s electronic lock, it had taken more time and substantial effort to remove the access panel. The vegetation around the unit had made his job nearly impossible, not just difficult. Once he’d hacked through the stranglehold the greenery had on the machine, it had become the guards’ constant hovering which pissed him off. They were in his way, even Caroc. Didn’t they realize crowding him wouldn’t fix the machine any faster?

He pushed aside another bundle of wires then grinned as he spotted the circuit board. It was free of rust and other contaminants. Now, to check the connections. Tilting it toward the fading light, he examined each wire connected to the board. Everything was in its proper place order, but where the hell was the power source? When he couldn’t find one, he again dug back into the innards at the base of the old equipment. A triumphant sound passed his lips as he found the loose wire inside the bottom of the machine.

After reconnecting it around the small screw used to anchor it, he placed the board back inside, and began to press random buttons on the front panel of the machine. It took several tries, but he found one that worked. The dirty display screen lit up as the machine hiccupped, hissed, and then grumbled to life. The small paddle wheel next to the machine gave a lurch. Ivan gave a small shout of accomplishment. “Turn, you bitch.”

The meter on the screen continued to rise as water flowed through the machine, until it gave a beep as the filter kicked in. “Looks like it’s fixed. It seems to be sustaining water pressure.”

“You did it! Queen Theria will be so pleased.” Caroc turned to two of the other men. “Return to her at once and give her the good news. Rancor and I will set up camp for the night. Inform her that tomorrow morning we will begin our search for the LT-1789.”

The other two guards nodded and disappeared from Ivan’s sight.

He rose and faced the remaining guards after replacing and securing the panel. Maybe he could escape tonight once they slept. But until then, he had to let them think he’d follow orders. He pasted a smile on his face.

“Okay boys, what else can I do to help? I don’t know about you, but I am hungry.”

A few hours later, with a full stomach, Ivan pretended to settle in for the night. It hadn’t taken him and the two guards long to make camp. Soon after he’d fixed the machine, they’d had a fire built. While he and Caroc set up the small pup tents, the other guard had managed to catch some kind of fish Ivan had never seen before for their meal. Not that he had ever been up close and personal with a fish before it’d entered his mouth. He was a product of his urban upbringing and modern grocery stores. Now, he listened to the crickets and the frogs croak while he waited for the other men to settle in for the night. He wondered how much longer it would be when a sudden scream pierced the night air. It was followed by the sound of breaking branches, grunts, and curses from the two guards. Were they being attacked by a bear?

“Help me!” The agonized plea was eclipsed by footsteps.

Horrified, Ivan threw open the flap on his tent and palmed his small penlight. Even if he was their hostage, he couldn’t very well let a bear eat them. He scrambled free of the tent’s small confines then almost gagged. It was no bear. Almost eight feet tall, it had scales, long ebony tusks, and five-inch claws. It’s like some reject from a Creature Feature. In the dappled moonlight, the grotesque monster stood upright on two feet as it tossed Caroc into the air like a toy. As the man plummeted to the earth, it caught him between its jaws. Snapping, razor-sharp teeth shut around the guard’s thick shoulder, the beast shook the man.

Caroc’s scream pierced the night as razor-sharp talons raked open the man’s vulnerable stomach. Blood spurted, and Ivan stumbled back. The flight instinct was riding him hard. Nothing could’ve prepared him for the brutality of the attack. Or the grim reality that he most definitely was not in Kansas anymore.

“Be still.” The sudden harsh whisper filled his ear.

Already on edge, Ivan jumped. A soft curse passed his lips as he was dragged back against a hard body. His penlight revealed the planes of an almost perfect face before the device was knocked out of his hand to the ground. Surprise warred with apprehension as the other man held him with ease then closed a dark cloak of some type around their combined bodies. Ivan tried to twist away, but his captor refused to let him go, even when he arched backward and ground his ass against the stranger’s groin. Within moments, the man’s cock stiffened then wedged between the cheeks of Ivan’s ass.

A hand clamped over his hip. “Stop. Now is not the time to lure me with your wicked ways. I don’t care what the queen has promised you. It will matter not if we don’t survive. The morte’metentis has an unshakable thirst for human blood, but has poor vision. Our only chance to survive is to remain still. It may not be able to see us, but it has sharp hearing.”

“It does?” He cringed at the sound of bones crunching when the beast tore an arm from the guard’s mangled, limp body. Even though he didn’t care for Caroc, he wouldn’t have wished such a fate on him.

“Yes. Now be still. I do not wish to be its dessert.” Then, as if the mysterious stranger could read his mind, the man spoke again. “There is nothing we can do for him. Even a drop of its venom is fatal for humans. He was dead from the moment it tagged him.”

Ivan had no choice but to stand still in the man’s arms, as the morte’metentis devoured the last of its late-night snack. Each growl as the beast shredded its feast seared into his memory. His utter helplessness warred with desperation. There would be no escape for him. He didn’t know how it had happened, but he wasn’t on Earth anymore. And he would have to play Queen Theria’s game if he wanted to go home. But without his guard, how could he even find the missing medic unit or return to the clutch? I’m so fucked.

Table of Contents

Also by Jessica E. Subject

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Epilogue

~A Letter from Jessica E. Subject~