Kept by the Zandian (Zandian Brides 5)

“My Lady, it is an honor to meet you.” I bow, then stand up and raise my hand. How does one meet the queen, the mate of the king?

“Oh, Taisha, call me Lamira.” She laughs and then hugs me. “We must not be so formal. We are all friends, here.”

I’m still awed in her presence and stand in a way that feels awkward, with my arms hanging at my sides. Then I cross them instead, in case that looks better. “Thank you for seeing me.”

“I would have seen you much sooner, but Drayk told me you were not ready. I usually make it a point to reach out to each new human as soon as possible. I was so excited the previous planet rotation when he contacted me and said you were ready to meet me.”

I frown. “Oh? He told me… never mind.” It’s probably a misunderstanding. Except the part about Drayk reaching out. After last night’s pleasure and his promise to talk to Zander, I have such high hopes. Even if he usually lectures me about being unable to mate with a human for life, how could he feel otherwise about me after what we shared? It was so emotional.

“Come in, sit down. Please. I have some fresh fruits to share. They are from Earth—heirloom seeds we are cultivating. Try this—it’s called an apricot.”

She beams. She’s one of the loveliest humans I’ve ever seen, with copper hair and green eyes. But I think she’s beautiful because something in her shines out—a kindness, maybe; a zest for life.

I lose my self-consciousness and slide into the seat she offers. “Oh stars, this is delicious. Apricot?” I smile. “I could have this every planet rotation.” I glance around the sitting area, curious about how she lives. It’s filled with color—so different from the grays and browns of Ocretia. The plaster on the wall is colored—not painted over—which gives it rich hues of yellow. Another wall is shades of turquoise and sea green. The ceilings are high with skylights letting in the light of the Zandian star.

Just being here makes me happy.

I’m suddenly filled with a rush of love and gratitude. I’ve been in limbo since my escape from Romon-3. I was afraid to believe I could really be free. Integrated here, as Leylah promised.

But now life is falling into place. Drayk cares for me. He will speak to the king about my worthiness. And the queen seems so kind. I can’t imagine she wouldn’t advocate for me as well. I’m making friends and ready to embark on a new life here. I haven’t felt this good—ever.

“I want to hear all about your story. As much as you’re ready to tell.” She reaches out a hand and touches mine, smiling as if her zest for life matches the feeling in my heart.

When she does, I feel a tiny spark. “Oh.” I gasp and pull my hand away.

She notices. “Static?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” I reach into my small bag and pull out the coin. I squeeze it once more, just in case it is going to talk to me, but it does not. I lift up my fist and take a deep breath. “I have brought you something from far away.”

Uncurling my fingers, I hold my palm flat, like a plate, and extend it towards her.

My gift.

She tilts her head. “What is this?” Her voice is hushed.

“Leylah said it was for you. She said you will know what to do with it.” I hold my breath.

“Leylah.” Her voice is thoughtful, and she closes her eyes. “Yes, I know Leylah. I saw her in my dreams, through a waterfall of noise and light. I didn't hear what she was saying, apart from the fact that a human was coming. Someone who would contribute to Zandia, but also ignite tensions with the Ocretions. You.”

I flush in pride. “I am glad to be here. I feel this is my place, in my bones.” It’s true. The old things are far back: The anger of Rannah, the ire of my Ocretion Master, the joy of saving the young, my fear. Right now, my bones feel joy.

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; “May I?” She tilts her head, her eyes curious under thick lashes.

“Yes, of course! It’s yours now. Please.” I hold my hand closer.

She gently slides the coin from my palm and holds it up. “So old. From earth?”

“Yes, exactly. Leylah said it was an artifact from millennia ago.”

“Thank you. This is special.” Lamira smiles at me. “I will treasure this. Perhaps we can display it in the palace, and have humans come see it, touch it? Connect with history.”

“Yes, that is a fine idea. But…” I purse my lips. “When Leylah gave it to me, she said it will be important for you. Maybe it will speak to you. Give you visions. Dreams.” I fidget, tapping my foot. “Does it seem like it wants to… do… anything?” I hold my breath. “Do you see, maybe, colors? Pictures?” I lean forward.

She raises her brows. “From the coin?” We both look at it in her palm, a little disc. “No, I do not.”

“Oh.” My disappointment is palpable.