Chapter 40

Raylon

^Space^

As the ship made its way out of the borders of the kingdom, an incoming call rang out on the bridge.

I nodded to one of the crew to answer and frowned when Hynlam appeared on the screen.

“Lord Raylon, King Zasrus, I received word that you are heading out today. I wanted to offer my assistance, and perhaps some advice.”

I looked at my brother with a frown. He nodded for me to speak with Hynlam, and I turned to the screen. “What assistance can you offer?”

“The two scholars that took this Connie human home traveled much faster than when they came to the kingdom.”

“What do you mean?”

“On the way to the kingdom, they stopped to study many different events in the universe. When they took Connie home, the scholars took the most direct path.

“I have instructed them to stay in orbit around her planet, to watch over her, but to keep their distance.”

“What are you saying?” I asked with a frown.

“I am saying that Connie will be home in only four of her Earth weeks.”

I dropped my head at the thought of her living a life for three years without me.

~What if she meets a new man? What if she forgets me?~

My brother stood. “What assistance do you offer?”

“A faster ship.”

My eyes shot up to the screen. “Faster?”

“Yes,” Hynlam said. “All of my scholars are far beyond the kingdom, but I can offer one warship to take you to Earth.

“They are not as fast as the scholar ships, but they will get you there in only one Earth year.”

I smiled wide and spun to look at my brother.

“What do you want in return?” he asked.

“An alliance,” Hynlam said.

“We have peace,” Zasrus said as he stepped forward. “What more do you want?”

Hynlam paused for a moment then said, “My people are a well-educated species. We are aware that the Vara kingdom is one of the most powerful in times of war.

“I fear that we may need your assistance when our enemy returns.”

“This matter will need to be discussed when I return,” Zasrus said as he met my eyes.

“That is where the advice I offer comes in. Leaving your kingdom in the hands of a young child is not wise.”

“My daughter is a capable woman—”

“Yes, she is. And she would make a fine queen. But she is not the rightful ruler. Leaving the kingdom for so long would only invite threats that you will not be here to address.

“Take my offer of the ship, go to Earth in half the time, but do not leave your home kingless. I only offer this as advice, from one leader to another.”

Zasrus stayed quiet for a while before he sighed and said, “You are correct, Hynlam.”

He turned to me and said, “Raylon, as much as I want to go with you, to see you find your love, I fear that leaving the kingdom will only invite more problems.

“You know how the other families are.”

I nodded to him. “It’s all right, brother. I promise to tell you all about it when I return.”

He smiled and came to give me a hug. As his arms wrapped around my neck, he whispered, “Take Rein with you. Determine if the boy is worthy. I trust your judgment.”

He let me go, and I gave him a nod. “Tell the children I will miss them.”

He laughed. “No, you won’t. You will be in stasis. But I will ensure that they know their uncle loves them no matter what.”

“Thank you.”

“Go find her, Raylon,” he said with a wide smile. “Bring her home to where she belongs.”

I gave him one last nod and turned to Hynlam. “When can I expect your ship?”

“In two days. I have already sent it out to you. There is space on board for five men.”

“Thank you, Hynlam,” my brother said. “And in the coming weeks, we will discuss the alliance.”

Hynlam nodded, and the screen turned off. I called Rein over and told him, “You have two days to pack. I want you to join me.”

He smiled, more from relief than joy of being included, and replied, “It will be my honor, my lord.”

I watched him leave the bridge, and Zasrus and I made our way to the landing bay.

As I packed what I thought I might need, my mind raced at the idea of seeing her again. Of holding her in my arms and kissing her lips.

I tried to picture her face when she sees me again.

~Will she be happy that I have come for her?~

~Will she still want me like she did?~

~Will she want to return here with me?~

~If not, then I will stay on her world with her.~

***

When the Fuls’ warship arrived, I summoned the guards to take my bags and went to find my brother.

He sat in the garden, under the tree with his children. Laylar saw me first and came to me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and asked, “Is it time for you to leave?”

“Yes. The ship is here.”

I heard her sob and pulled her arms from around my neck. “Laylar, do not be sad,” I urged. “I will return.”

“I know,” she said as she wiped a tear from her face. “But I will not see you for two years. I will miss you terribly.”

“And I, you. Promise me you will look after them,” I said, gesturing to the others.

“I will,” she said with a smile and stepped to the side. Zasrus came over and said, “Be safe, brother. Hurry home.”

I nodded. “You will do well without me.”

“Contact me when you wake from stasis. I want to know you are all right.”

“The guards will be awake for the journey. They will keep you informed, but I promise to call once I arrive.”

He nodded, and I spotted Azmurtas peering at me from behind his father’s leg.

I knelt and held my arms open for the boy. He came to me, and I held him in my arms for a moment. When I let him go, I saw tears in his eyes.

“Do not cry, young prince. I will be home before you know it.”

“I will miss you, Uncle. Have a fun trip,” he said in his small voice.

“Thank you, dear boy. Be good for your father and keep your sisters safe.”

“I will,” he smiled and ran off to Laylar. I said my goodbyes to the others and with one final look, I made my way to the shuttle.

Once Rein and I were on the Ful ship, the other guards staying close to me, I was led to the bridge by a being that looked much like Billy and Bob.

The captain of this ship, another similar being, greeted us and instructed his men to show my guards around the ship.

Rein and I were taken to one of the quarters, and I prepared to go into stasis.

“My lord,” Rein said as I lay down on the bed. “I will not move from your side until you wake.”

“Thank you, Rein.”

I lay back and let the Fuls place the halo over my head, and a few moments later, my eyes closed.

***

I woke up in what felt like only a moment later to find Rein and two of the Fuls at my side.

I frowned at the different colors of their suits. Then I realized who they must be. “Billy and Bob?” I asked with a weak voice.

They nodded. “Hello again, Lord Raylon. It is good to see you.”

I gave them a weak smile and closed my eyes. My mind drifted in and out of sleep. My dreams were random and made no sense.

I woke up again, to an empty room and tried to sit up. My body felt stiff and tired like I had fought a battle, but my mind felt clear.

I stood up and made my way to the door. As it opened, I found Rein standing by my door, eating a plate of food.

“My Lord,” he mumbled through a full mouth.

“What are you doing, Rein?” I asked, eyeing the strange-looking food on his plate.

It was green leaves, little red balls, and yellow strips, with a white liquid dripped all over it.

He swallowed then said, “I didn’t want to disturb you, but I gave you my word I wouldn’t leave your side.”

“Thank you for your loyalty, Rein, but you don’t have to eat like an animal. You can go find a place to sit.”

“I have eaten at this door for the last year, My Lord. I do not intend to change that until I know you are back in the palace safely.”

I chuckled at that. “Thank you. Are we on Earth yet?”

“Yes, my lord. We arrived three days ago. We have been waiting for you to get your strength back.”

“I need to go find her,” I said and began walking toward the bridge, but my weakened legs stumbled.

Rein caught me with one arm and steadied me before he snatched it away again. “Forgive me,” he mumbled.

“I can’t do anything if I am so weak,” I said and leaned against the wall.

“My lord,” Rein said, and placed his food on the floor. “I have already found her.”

“You did? How?”

“The Fuls’ scholars have been here since they returned her. They have been watching her. I asked them to send me to the planet so I could make sure it is her. And it is.”

I had a million questions for him, but my heart only wanted one thing.

“Does she look well?”

He smiled. “Yes, my lord. I found her in a store. I did not let her see me or approach her, but I confirmed it was her. We have kept an eye on her since.”

“Where is she now?”

He tapped on a screen on the wall, then said, “She has just left her home, to meet with a friend.”

~I need to get my strength back, so I can go to her.~