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Torint

When we land on Rytaria, I take a deep breath of the fresh air. The false oxygen on the ship and the awful humid air of earth were nothing compared to the crisp breeze of my home planet.

I've missed this. I'm excited to show Posy my world as we wait for our little one. It's more than I've ever dreamed of.

We're ushered around everywhere we go. All of my fellow Rytarian warriors are on edge around the three human females we've brought with us. We were on the first ship as the others scour the planet earth for more.

They annoy me with their pestering presences. The males are always straying nearby, either to get a glimpse of the females to satisfy their curiosity, or to try to do their part to help protect them. That offends me. Do they not think I am capable enough to care for my own mate?

Preposterous.

I grip my Posy's hand tightly, looking over my shoulder and ahead as we follow the guards through an underground tunnel into the palace. We will be staying here out of the graciousness of the Emperor himself.

In all honesty, I just want to buy a little house in the countryside to raise our kits. All of these people bother me. I have become accustomed to the ideal life away from the bustle of a city as I've spent the months with Posy.

I much prefer the quiet life.

Gripping Posy's suitcase, I try to follow along with the rest of our troop. One of the guards stops me as my team goes down a different hallway.

"No, you come with me." He insists with authority. Gesturing to the bag and the small creature in Posy's arms. Another guard takes the suitcase and Weasley, following the other group with swiftness.

I try to call out in protest, but I'm interrupted.

"Your belongings will be brought to your room. You are required elsewhere." He informs me, and I do not appreciate the way he speaks to me as if I am a kit. I growl at him, showing my teeth.

I tuck my human under my arm as I deal with the situation.

"Where exactly are we needed?" I demand. He rolls a shoulder, clutching his blaster a little tighter.

"The Emperor has asked to meet with you. He knows about the kit." The guard makes a point by glancing at Posy's abdomen, his gaze softening. I want to rip his head off for daring to look at my pregnant mate that way. How dare he?

It completely went over my head for a moment that the Emperor requested our appearance. Who informed him about our kit?

"No. My mate must rest. She is tired from our journey." The excuse flies off my tongue easily enough. Posy steps forward with a frown.

"She is fine, and happy to meet the Emperor who has welcomed us into his home." She insists with a teasing tone that drives me crazy with desire and frustration. I can't decide if I'm annoyed or impressed.

The guard appears amused.

"It would seem that you have your hands full with this female, my friend." I nod, glad Posy can't see my expression. "I am happy to protect you and your family, warrior. I mean no harm."

"What is your name?" Posy asks kindly.

"My name is Rarem. And you are?" He offers, grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm Posy, and this is my mate, Torint." She turns to look back at me with a sweet smile. She reaches for my hand and I give it to her.

"It is nice to meet the both of you. We really must be going. The Emperor is not a patient man."

I don't say another word as we follow the guard down the long hallway with wide windows and ancient paintings covering the stone walls. Posy slows at certain works of art, staring in awe at the depictions of victorious battles and royal ancestors.