Read Online Cherished (Intergalactic Loyalties) by Jessica Coulter Smith - Free Book Online

while Lucie was gone. There would be plenty of time for sleeping after she was with him once more. Until then, he would be ever vigilant, watching for the Lynten 12, not that he thought they were going to catch it.
    Napir came to him, a small COMM in his hand. “Highness, I have King Razyr on the COMM for you. I’ve explained the situation, but he asked to speak with you.”
    Dryxel accepted the COMM unit.
    “Father,” he said in greeting.
    “Son, I hear you have good news for me.”
    Dryxel shook his head. “Not so good right now. I found my mate, bonded with her, and then she was taken from me.”
    “Five more ships will be taking off within minutes and heading your way. Our top warriors are already on their way to the vessels. They’ve been briefed and know that retrieving the princess is the most important thing to do right now.”
    “I’ve failed, father.”
    The king scoffed. “You’ve not failed, Dryxel. Damn sneaky Tarnans are to blame, not you. You just bring my new daughter home to me.”
    Dryxel smiled. “Yes, Father. I’ll bring her to you soon.”
    He disconnected the call and handed the COMM back to Napir.
    “Your Highness, you should probably eat something,” Napir said. “I know it’s not my place to tell you such things, but you need to keep up your strength. The princess is depending on you.”
    Dryxel nodded. “Yes, she is, and I won’t let her down.”
    He headed to the galley for something quick to eat, stopping to speak to crewmembers along the way, all expressing their concern over the princess. It warmed his heart that they cared about her so much already. He knew that one day she would be a greatly loved queen, perhaps even more so than his own mother had been. Lucie had a fragile quality to her that made people want to protect her, but she had a backbone made of steel and could easily stand on her own two feet. He had no doubt she would show them all just how capable she was, once given the chance.
    Of course, he fully intended to wrap her up and keep her safe for the next several months, maybe until the babe was born. He didn’t think his heart could handle another abduction. Thankfully, they weren’t at war with anyone at the moment. Well, except the Tarnans -- now. He would give them a chance to hand her over peacefully. If they declined, it would all out war. He would shed the blood of every single Tarnan until she was returned to his side, and he would show them no mercy.
    He quickly ate the tasteless food and returned to his station. Eventually he would have to rest, if he wanted to be in full control of himself and his abilities, but he would do that later. The thought of lying in their bed alone didn’t appeal to him. It just made him ache all the more for his precious Lucie and their child. Soon. She would be by his side again soon.
    ***
    Lucie growled at Cael in frustration. Her pregnancy test had come back positive, which she’d known it would, and ever since he’d been hovering. The Tarnans were not pleased by the turn of events and had let her know as much. They still didn’t know that she’d been the one to release Dryxel from his prison, and for that she was grateful. Ariana and Bane knew, as well as Cael, but the three hadn’t mentioned it to anyone outside of their family. Arko had spoken with Rebecca and insured her silence, by promising to put in a good word for her with the captain. Not that Lucie thought it would do any good.
    Ari was visiting with her after the noon meal when the captain stopped by to see her. She’d spoken to Sol on several occasions and had always thought him to be a kind man, but she figured having him stop by unannounced was not a good thing.
    “Ariana, may I speak with Lucie alone, please?” Sol asked.
    “I promised Cael I wouldn’t leave her side,” Ari said.
    “I understand. It’s just… what I have to say to her is rather personal. I thought it best to speak to her alone. I promise, I won’t leave the room with her.