Khrys scrambles to his feet. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “I’m sure.”
Chapter 13
Kailani
“I want to donate. I’ll give you my blood and cells.”
I squeeze Khrys’ hand tightly, but my voice doesn’t shake. “Khrys convinced me to do it, and it’s because of him that I… offer myself to you.”
This time my voice cracks. But I hold my chin high as I look at the array of Zandians before me, warriors and important beings. The king.
“I beg, in return, you forgive him for what he did. I’ll give you blood whenever you want it.” I hope I’m not overdoing it, but I’m desperate to convince them to let Khrys go free—and be with me.
Then I bow, like I saw Khrys do at the waterfall with the family there, showing proper deference to the king. Beside me, Khrys offers the Zandian gesture with his arm and bends down as well.
As we wait to hear our fate, I glance at my Zandian warrior. His handsome face, so full of worry but also full of love, makes me melt.
“I love you no matter what,” I whisper. “You’re my mate.”
“Did she call you her mate, Captain Khrys?” The king, whose ears are clearly as good as mine, steps closer. His voice isn’t cruel, but I don’t want him to be angry with me. He sounds like a being who has power and is used to wielding it as necessary.
Khrys stands. “Yes,” he says. “I have not pierced her yet, but I claimed her on the ship. I intend to request permission to take her as my official mate and care for her for the rest of our lives.” He puts his arm around me. “And if you give me the chance, I will serve Zandia with all of my heart, to the best of my ability.”
I notice that Khrys’ voice has lost a certain weight and tension that it held, even in our good moments together. He sounds confident and bold, instead of slightly on edge and sad.
I think the king notices, too, because he tilts his head and examines Khrys carefully.
“And I’ll definitely keep giving you the best possible blood and you know, bone marrow or whatever you need, if you do,” I add quickly, snaking an arm around him. “Because my adrenaline and cortisol levels will be within the desired ranges, I’m sure of it, if I’m allowed to be with Khrys.” My whole body trembles with anxiety, and truth be told, I need to feel Khrys next to me in order not to pass out or fall into anxiety. I grab him and try not to hyperventilate.
“See?” I manage to hold up my wrist. The stupid armband shows all green lights. I don’t know what they mean, but apparently, they indicate my health status.
Dr. Daneth makes a sound of approval. “That’s very good. Much faster than I expected, given her initial condition.”
The king looks at us both, eyes traveling over our faces. “Hmm.” He nods to himself. “Dr. Daneth, please take her to the med bay.”
I don’t know if this means yes, he accepted my deal, or whether it means veck you, we do what we want, and we’ll still throw Khrys in prison.
But I’ve offered myself up, and I won’t take it back.
The stiff Zandian from the med bay comes toward me. “I am pleased that you changed your mind,” he says without intonation, but the briskness of his movements indicate that he is indeed excited. “Please come with me.” He points ahead. “One of our young is near death, and we need your antibodies as quickly as possible.”
I pause and look back. “Please. I-I need Khrys. Can he be with me for it?” Now my voice trembles. I want to be brave, but there’s no telling what will happen with me when I see the needles. Khrys makes me feel strong, though. He makes it all bearable.
There’s a long terrible silence, and then the king says, “Yes. Go with your mate, Captain Khrys.”
I exhale in relief and reach to take Khrys’ outstretched hand. “Oh, thank you, thank you,” I cry out, but I’ve buried my face in Khry’s shoulder, and I don’t know if the king can hear me. All I know is that finally, my life is starting to come together in a way I’d never dreamed possible.
“Captain Khrys, return next planet rotation,” the King orders. “There are still some issues I must discuss with you.”
“Yes, my lord,” agrees Khrys. His voice is as full of relief as mine, though. It’s clear that even if the king is still angry, Khrys’ fate won’t be a bad one. And we’ll be together, which is the most important thing in the universe.
Khrys
Kailani looks terrified, but she sits on the smooth bench and lays her arm out flat on the shining table as instructed by Doctor Daneth. I’m beside her, holding her other hand.
Bayla turns to us, her smile gentle. “I know you’re scared.” She touches Kailaini’s shoulder. Her voice is low and reassuring. “First we’ll give you a numbing age