Alien Savior: A Sci-Fi Alien Invasion Paranormal Romance (19 page)

“Are you alright, Kaia?” Danielle winced at the hoarse croak that was her voice, even as her sister-in-law shook her head frantically.

“You mustn’t try to speak. There’s been some damage to your voice box, and your neck is still healing. The doctors don’t want to rush things…those tendons are delicate.” Reaching over to a nearby table, she poured the young woman a glass of water before handing it to her. The liquid was warm, and felt good going down Danielle’s throat.

“And I have to say you must have taken leave of your senses…asking if I’m alright. Are
you
alright? What on Earth were you thinking, sneaking away to talk to Zender! He was violent and mad! In the holding cells for good reason!”

Danielle winced. It seemed her secret jaunt wasn’t so secret any more. Zender had ruined any chance of that when he’d revealed to Kael that she’d come to him of her own will –that she’d sought him out.

She now realized how foolish and idealistic she’d been. Even if she
had
discovered something worth learning, she’d put herself and her unborn child in danger.

At the thought, the young woman’s eyes immediately widened as a hand went to her belly in alarm. “The baby.” The words slipped from her on a whisper. “Is the baby alright?”

Kaia placed her hand reassuringly over her sister-in-law’s with a small smile. “The baby is perfectly fine. Growing healthily…even if his mother is terribly reckless.” The princess frowned, and guilt tightened Danielle’s chest.

“I’m sorry, Kaia. I wasn’t thinking straight…I only knew that I didn’t want the empire to go to war if there was another option…I didn’t want some unnecessary loss of life. I know that war is the way you guys conquer here…but truly…I don’t know if I can stomach it. If war is always the first and only option…how can I bring my son into that?”

“How indeed?”

Danielle jolted, looking past Kaia to see the long, taut form of her husband leaning against the wall, his expression unreadable as he gazed over her. Without a word, he made his way over to the sleeping pad with a glance at Kaia and Hadric. “Indulge me, sister…a moment alone with my wife?”

Kaia’s eyes immediately darkened and she nodded. Leaning down, she pressed a soft kiss to Danielle’s cheek, allowing Hadric to follow suit. “We’re glad you’re alright.” She whispered the words before quickly taking her leave from the room, toting her son in her arms.

And then, Danielle was alone with her husband.

She remembered the hurt in his eyes when he realized she’d disobeyed him and her heart clenched. He would be furious with her – that she knew. Had this final disregard of his orders pushed her beyond the point of no return…would she lose the man she had just learned to love?

Kael stood at the edge of the bed, arms akimbo as he stared down at her, his eyes flickering from silver to green and then back again. “Danielle…what you did…it was absolute insanity. It was reckless and thoughtless. You endangered your own life and the life of my heir even as you betrayed my trust and disobeyed the orders of your prince.”

That pretty much summed up her direct violation of his wishes, yes. When he put it
that
way though…she began to wish that maybe Zender
had
taken her life. It would be worse than facing the disappointment in Kael’s eyes now – the knowledge that she had hurt him in a way that went beyond etiquette, duty and breeding…and in a place that resonated much more deeply.

She closed her eyes trying to suppress the hot tears that rose in them. “I’m sorry…” She managed softly. “I’m so
sorry
, Kael. The only thing I want you to understand is that I didn’t want to lose you…not in a pointless war that the empire could avoid. If there was any chance at all to prevent all that death…all that chaos…I wanted it. I wanted a clean start…a peaceful realm for our son.” She took a shuddering breath before coughing hoarsely, wincing at the pain it cost her. “I never wanted to hurt you…but I understand that I did…and that you might not be able to forgive that.”

For what seemed like an eternity, silence reigned in the chamber. Danielle could feel it coming…the prince would announce their marriage annulled…perhaps he would want his heir from her, but nothing more. When he had spilled himself to her, she had replied with reckless disregard for her own life.

And that was not queenly at all.

“Danielle.”

When the Prince finally spoke, his voice was softer than she’d ever heard it. The young woman looked up to see Kael gazing down at her with a wealth of emotion in his gaze. Admiration, fear, longing, and affection all combined and she felt moisture streaming down her cheeks.

“I have to thank you. For all that you did…for all of your arguing and insistence – for the way you urged me to look to every possibility…and as much as I hate to admit it…even for your little trip to the holding cells.”

The prince took a deep breath before sitting on the side of the bed, cupping her face between his large hands as he continued.

“If it weren’t for what you discovered, I would have blindly started a war for the sake of tradition. I, who believe it is more Garinian to die for the empire than to live within it…it took something reckless for me to see the hypocrisy of my belief. You wanted us…
me
to live. I thought it selfish once…but I’m beginning to see that a good king preserves his people as much as he protects them.

That I must preserve my people…by holding their lives in highest regard…even if that means tradition must change.” Lowering his head, he pressed his lips to her forehead softly, tenderly. “Our son will be born into an empire of peace, I swear this to you…if only you will promise me that you will never…
ever
do something that foolish again.”

Danielle laughed through her tears, clinging to him as she turned her mouth up to meet his, tasting salt against his lips. Their tongues tangled slowly, lingeringly – and she thanked whatever deity that existed that she was still alive…that she could still feel this.

“When I saw that Zender had you…when I knew he would kill you…Danielle…a part of me would have died with you.” The prince’s gaze was fierce as he held her close. “I once swore to myself that I would never grow soft over a woman…that my family would always come second to my station. The moment that blade touched your throat…I realized the futility of such a notion. You are…everything to me, Danielle…and you are what this empire needs to flourish.”

Months ago, this man had banished her from his council chambers. He had declared her way of thinking too lenient…too ignorant of Garinian history.

And now he told her that he would be proud to have her as his queen. Danielle tried to stem her tears as he guided her back against the pillows, lying down on the bed beside her. “Are you saying you love me?” She teased softly, delighting in the customary frown she received in reply.

“If such petty words will please you then, yes, wife.” He brushed a lock of blonde hair from her brow, his gaze utterly sincere. “I love you. And I will love our son.”

“And I love you.” She reached up to stroke his chin, seeing in his expression that every hardship she’d ever endured – every loss she’d lived through – they were worth it. She was sure that Jordan would have approved of his brother-in-law, and that even now, he was laughing at her – the most dysfunctional princess in the universe – wherever he was.

“You know, Kael…” She murmured softly. “Love doesn’t make you weak. It lifts you up…and it lends you purer strength than any you’ve ever known.”

The strength to give a mourning race the time they needed. The strength to help them start anew- and they would. When they returned to Earth, their children would father the children of a new era – one that included Earth in the vast world that lie beyond it.

One ruled by a stubborn king, and his very unlikely queen.

About the Author

Ashley West was raised in a small Midwest town. She has always been a big fan of science fiction and paranormal books and movies. Her all-time favorite movies are the first three Star Wars movies. She started writing at a young age and has not looked back since. Ashley brings her worlds to life with vivid details and likeable characters. On her spare time, she enjoys painting, jogging, and curling up next to her favorite books. If you enjoy Ashley’s titles and wish to stay updated on all her new releases and free book giveaways, please visit her website and submit your email.

ashleywest.net