“Jendrish has been looking for you,” he said. “Come with me, please.”
I looked toward the ship full of women and wondered – was this man to be trusted?
“We've won, Riley,” he said. “We're arresting the Regent Council now. Everyone is safe.”
I still wasn't sure if I should believe him or not. Didn't know if I should go with him or not. Or whether this was just some trap. And I stood there frozen in fear.
“My name is Vink,” he said again. “I'm a friend of Jendrish's.”
As soon as I heard the name, I recognized it. From the call Jendrish made the other night on the ship, while I was asleep. I woke up to him talking to someone, someone who was helping him.
Someone named Vink. And the more he spoke, the more I recognized the voice. A wave of relief swept through me and I loosened my grip on my weapon.
“We've won,” he said again, smiling even wider. “And Jendrish is alive and well, I promise you.”
“Can you make sure they're safe?” I said, pointing to the ship behind me. “I can't leave them without knowing they're guarded.”
Vink nodded. “Of course.”
He sent several men over, men that reminded me more of Jendrish than the guards we were fighting against. I couldn't be sure this wasn't a trap, however, but I had little choice. I followed the strange man, hoping I'd made the right decision.
Chapter Five
Jendrish
I was covered in blood from head to toe – some of it my own, most of it belonging to my enemy. We'd taken out the Regents' guards, but it had been bloody and terrible. It was about as bad as I'd been expecting it to be. But my men had acted bravely and fought fiercely. Now we were walking toward the building that housed the chambers where the Regents were said to be meeting. They were in for a very unpleasant surprise.
They'd locked themselves inside their chambers, hoping to protect themselves from us if the battle had turned in our favor and not theirs. But little did they know, we had people on the inside. People with keys. People who secretly hated them as much as we did. Our support network went far and wide – which was how we managed to win this war once and for all.
And now, these bastards were going down and I was going to personally handcuff them all. Or kill the ones who refused to give themselves up.
I should have been celebrating, but my mind kept drifting back to Riley, which sent a wave of worry and fear through me. Where was she? Was she okay? Had she fallen? I'd lost sight of her during the battle – she'd run off and not toward the ship like I'd told her. After that, I couldn't find her, and I feared the worst. She was a tough woman and had been through so much. And she was only one person against so many.
The doors to the Council chambers opened with a swish, and the Regents were sitting at the front, their eyes wide with surprise and not an inconsiderable amount of fear as we walked in. I was the first to step inside, and I made the announcement.
“For crimes against other living beings, I, put you under arrest,” I intoned. “You will be tried by a High Court, but trust me, I will push for the harshest sentence possible.”
On Optorio, the death penalty was rare, but not outlawed. In cases of intergalactic law – such as this one, where women were being abducted from systems all over the galaxy – it was very likely they'd all be sentenced to death. And as I made my announcement placing them under arrest, I believe they knew it.
I personally handcuffed all of them and felt an enormous wave of satisfaction in doing it. That satisfaction only deepened as I watched them all being taken away. Again, I should be celebrating, but Vink had yet to return with Riley and I was starting to fear the worst.
That's when I heard her voice call out to me, “Jendrish!”
I turned and Riley ran toward me, a wide smile on her face. We embraced, clinging to each other tightly, the moment she reached me. But then I remembered the blood covering nearly every inch of me and stepped away. She wouldn't have it though, and pulled me closer once more, kissing me in front of everyone. Not that I minded. In fact, I was proud of her, proud of what we had, and I wanted to kiss her just as badly.
Someone cleared their throat not too far from us.
“We have another guest,” Vink said.
I turned and saw our former king – Bazarok – the man who said he'd never step foot back on this planet, striding into the Council chambers. He walked toward me, hand outstretched to shake. He gave me a broad smile as I shook his hand. And when he spoke, he sent my brain spinning. I was overcome with gratitude and felt a little weird about being in the spotlight, as he personally thanked me for restoring peace to the planet.
“It's my pleasure, sir. But really, the credit belongs to the troops. They're the ones who made this all happen,” I said, resisting the urge to bow since he wasn't technically our king. Not yet at least. I looked up at him, hopeful. “Does this mean you're coming back to claim the throne?”
“No, not at all,” he said. “I meant it when I said I wasn't interested in the throne. Instead, I'm here to set up a new government since the previous one is now in prison for serious crimes. There are some serious flaws with allowing one small group to amass and hold all the power. There must be a middle ground – one that truly represents the people. ”
A new government. Of course. Not that I should be surprised, but I was disappointed that Baz was serious about not returning. We needed leadership like him, someone to be the strength and moral compass for the government so things like this never happened again. But I knew it was just a dream. Baz was never coming back – there would be no king.
“Everyone get cleaned up and join me in the Great Hall,” Baz said. “We need to talk this out and get a move-on, my wife and I have a baby on the way.”
“Sir, I didn't know you were expecting,” I said.
“We're not. We can't have children with humans, not naturally,” I said. “We've chosen to adopt a little boy instead.”
“Congratulations,” I said. “That's great news.”
Bazarok was happy, I could see it in his eyes and in the glow about him. And I couldn't blame him for seeking out his own happiness, wherever he found it. I glanced over at Riley and smiled, feeling happy myself. Now that we'd stopped the slave trade, I could forge ahead with a future that included her. Hopefully, a long, long future of love and happiness.
Or so I could hope.
Chapter Six
Bazarok called the meeting to order, and the room instantly grew silent. Riley was tending to the women, as she wasn't officially one of us since she was a human, and therefore was not privy to internal governmental matters. But my Royal Guardsmen were present – including Vink who sat beside me.
“It's so great being back together again,” he said.
“Isn't it?”
I had to admit, I loved being part of the Royal Guard and it was something I missed dearly. These men had quite literally risked their lives today. Some of them had given their lives. And they'd all done it for something they could have ignored. But they didn't. And that's exactly the type of men we were. That's exactly the type of men this government needed.
“We are, of course, going to elect a new council, from those most loyal to Optorio. From those most dedicated to it,” Baz said. “And I can't think of anyone more loyal than those seated here today. But first, a few changes I'd like to propose. I want to reinstate the Royal Guard. We need an army with a strong moral compass to help run the affairs of our planet – and to help those who need it most.”
“But I guess we need to re-name it since we no longer have a king,” someone whispered nearby. The person they were talking to agreed and chuckled softly.
Baz heard them and smiled. “On the contrary. I've decided that in addition to a council, we are going to elect one person to act as king. The king will serve as the check against the Council and the Council will serve as the check against the king. Power is distributed and cannot be amassed by just one person.”
The crow
d gasped and people started chatting amongst themselves. This was huge news. Bazarok might not be king, but someone would be. The idea of having someone loyal and moral on the throne was a nice thought, but we'd have to be careful in choosing them, of course. I glanced over at Vink and smiled, already knowing we had an excellent candidate for such a position.
“Of course, they will have to work with the council,” Bazarok continued once the chamber settled down. “This king will not be a dictator and will not have the final authority. But he will be a strong figurehead who can help keep the systems in check. The Royal Guard will also be present to support this king and to make sure no one group has too much power. With all of these positions, I want you to think carefully before making any decisions or nominations. Let's pick people who are strong, moral, virtuous, and who will do what's right by Optorio. I want you all to take this very seriously and select men from among you who you believe are worthy.”
Baz fell silent again and looked out over the chamber as we all talked amongst ourselves. I didn't need any more time to make my decision. I already knew who I was putting up for the king's position. Vink deserved it more than anybody else in this chamber.
“Do we have any nominations for the king?” Baz asked.
The room went silent as people perhaps, suddenly seemed to timid to speak out loud. On the other side of the coin, I was glad to not see the room descend into the chaos of people talking and screaming over one another. Efficient and orderly is always for the best.
“Yes, Jendrish?” Baz asked.
“I'd like to nominate Vink,” I said as I stood up. “He has always been the most loyal member of the guard, and someone I trust to always put the needs of the people first. He is the most qualified man for this job.”
“Very well,” Baz said.
Vink stood up, and I assumed he was ready to accept, but instead shocked me to the core when he opened his mouth and replied.
“No, I don't accept, and here's why.” he pointed to me. “This young man right here has more years left in him than I do. And even being younger, he's a better man than I ever was or ever will be. If we're looking for somebody with a strong moral compass and fortitude for days, this is your man.”
“That's not true, Vink – ”
“Alas, it is true. It's very true. Look what you've done. Jendrish,” he said. “Look at all you've accomplished – even while you were far away from home and all alone. This is a result of your hard work and dedication. We merely followed your lead.”
“I agree,” Baz said, smiling me. “Since Vink has declined, that only leaves Jendrish as a nominee at the moment. Do we have any other nominations?”
I remained rooted to my seat, stunned but somewhat excited by the prospect too. I wanted to decline the nomination as well, but in my heart, I also wanted this. I loved my home, I loved fighting for the people. To be able to hold the throne, to protect and serve the planet I loved, was something I'd always dreamed of. And there it was, moments away from my dream becoming reality and I couldn't find the words to decline the nomination, I was literally speechless.
There were no other nominations. When they called it to a vote, every single person voted for me. It was unanimous – except for my vote because I was still stunned.
“Then may I present to you, King Jendrish,” Bazarok said, calling me to the front.
My legs felt like noodles as I made my way to the front. Bazarok hugged me and whispered, “You were the only person I trust with this position, Jendrish. Thank you for your dedication.”
I was still in shock, my mind was fuzzy. But then it hit me. And when it did, it felt like I'd been kicked in the midsection so hard, it took every ounce of fight out of me.
Riley.
If I were king, I'd have to stay here. I'd have to live here.
The idea of having to choose between my planet and the woman I was falling for gutted me. It absolutely tore me apart. But there I was – on the verge of having to make that very decision whether I liked it or not.
Chapter Seven
Riley
Now that the battle was over and it was safe to explore, I walked around with a few of the women we'd freed. The first place I walked to was a beach, which was so odd to see, given that the water was red instead of blue. One of the Royal Guards explained that it had to do with the mineral content and that it was safe for humans to swim in. Bazarok himself had this very same question when he brought his wife there, and extensive research went into the subject to provide him with an answer.
Still, it was so weird to dip my toes into red sea water. Yet, I was the first one to do so, walking out and letting the cool water lap at my feet. I smiled, since it reminded me a lot of Sapphire Bay. It was similar, but oh so different too. It was neat being there though, I had to admit. I'd hardly ever had the chance to travel my own country – and yet, there I was, walking along the beaches of another planet.
“Are there any sea creatures to be afraid of?” I asked. “Like sharks or jellyfish?”
“Just my fellow aliens, I'm afraid.” It wasn't the guard who answered, however. It was Jendrish.
I turned as quickly as possible, so happy to see him. And as soon as he saw me, he smiled. He was no longer covered in blood, and while he had some wounds here and there, they were mostly shallow cuts and scratches. Nothing major – for which, I was eternally grateful.
He walked out toward me, joining me in the water. He was smiling, but there was also something else behind those eyes of his. Something I couldn't place.
“The minerals are healing to us,” he said, cupping some of the water and letting it soak through his bandages.
Jendrish didn't look me in the eyes, nor did he run to me and kiss me as I'd hoped. He was a little stand-offish. A little aloof. There was something wrong – I just didn't know what. I went to him, pulling him into a tight embrace and breathed his scent, a smell I'd never grow tired of.
“I'm just glad you're okay,” I said, kissing the side of his head.
“And I'm glad you're okay,” he said.
He took my face in his hands and examined it carefully, as if he was making sure I wasn't hurt. Somehow, I managed to get out without a single scratch. Of course, I hadn't been in the middle of a wicked, pitched fight like him.
He turned to the guard and said, “May we have a moment alone? Just me and Riley, please?”
The guard nodded and left, taking the others further down on the beach. I wrapped my arms around Jendrish's neck, holding him close.
“What's wrong, sweetie?” I asked, stroking his silky hair away from his face.
“I have some news. Some unexpected news, actually,” he said. “Can we take a walk?”
We made our way back to the shore, my anxiety ratcheting up with every step. I had no idea what was going on, what was going through his mind, or what was wrong. And it worried me tremendously. Jendrish walked me toward a palace overlooking the beach. But we didn't go inside, instead, he took me through a small gate which found us surrounded by trees and exotic flowers, the likes of which I'd never seen before.
The sweet smell was delightful and made me feel good, but the fear of what Jendrish was about to tell me crippled me with fear, making it hard to enjoy the beauty around me. He took my hand in his and walked me through the gardens.
Jendrish blurted out – seemingly randomly – the news he'd been holding inside. He spoke quickly, as if to get it off his tongue and off his heart. Nothing like ripping the Band-Aid off fast.
“My people have asked me to be their king,” he said.
Turning toward him, I gasped, my eyes wide. “That's amazing news, Jendrish. Congratulations, sweetheart. I know how much you want to serve your people. That sounds like the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Yet, he still didn't look happy. Not at all.
“What am I missing?” I asked.
“I don't know what to do, Riley. I've never felt so strongly about any woman before, I think I might be falling in love with
you – ”
“I already know I love you, Jendrish.”
Those words brought joy to his eyes for a split second, before he wiped it away, returning to a solemn expression. “And that's what's killing me. I want to be with you, more than anything in the world, I do – ”
“Are you ending things?” I asked, feeling my heart drop into my chest.
“If I'm to be king, I would have to stay here, on Optorio. I couldn't return with you to Earth.”
“Where you go, I go, Jendrish. I meant that.”
“But that would mean – are you willing to do that, Riley? Leave Earth and all you know behind for this far-off planet?”
“Live here, you mean?” I asked.
It was such a serious question, one that should require more time to think. But what did I have back on Earth? I had no family, a dead end job, no friends. Here – well, I had Jendrish. And a chance at a new start, a start unlike any I could've dreamed up for myself. The possibilities were endless, even as scary as they were.
He nodded, not looking me in the eye. I took his chin in my hands and made him meet my gaze. “Yes, yes, Jendrish. I would. In a heartbeat. And you wanna know why? Because I love you and I'm not ashamed to say that,” I said. “I have nothing on Earth that kills me to leave behind. But the idea of leaving you destroys me. Besides, look at this place. It's like a work of art. And I'd get to live here, on this planet?”
“And in this palace,” he said, pointing to the house behind us.
“Here? Really?” I asked, my eyes growing wide. “This is your home?”
“It is now, as king,” he said.
The home was larger than my entire apartment building. A lot fancier too. And it overlooked the beach and the gardens. “I'd be overjoyed to stay here with you, Jendrish. You have no idea how amazing this would be for me.”
The sadness in his eyes dissipated and was replaced by hope and excitement. This was happening. This was possible.
“I love you, Riley,” he said, kissing me before I could say anything else.
One thing led to another, as our kisses turned more passionate, and he started undressing me right there in the royal gardens.
Mated to a Bear (Legends of Black Salmon Falls Book 3) Page 43
