King of Eon by Anna Hackett ePUB)

Chapter Four

Gayel stood in front of the screen, watching as the image flared to life. It showed the brown-and-silver-haired Medical Commander Thane Kann-Eon of the Rengard, and Medical Commander Aydin Kann-Ath of the Desteron.

They were both doctors and warriors. The men inclined their heads.

“Your Highness,” Thane said.

“Good morning. You have an update for me.”

They were some of the best medical minds in the Empire, and had both been working hard to find a way to neutralize the Kantos pathogen. If their enemy ever deployed the pathogen, it would tear apart the bond between a helian and a warrior.

If they succeeded…

Gayel’s gut clenched.

He would not let the Kantos destroy his people, or their allies.

“We’re still studying the pathogen.” Aydin rubbed his brow. The man looked tired.

Thane blew out a breath. “The Kantos have clearly been experimenting with helians for some time. It’s complex.”

Gayel crossed his arms and scowled. Helians were a lifeform, sentient. They bonded with a warrior, giving a warrior amazing abilities. In return, it gave the helian a chance to thrive, to use its powers.

What the Kantos were doing killed helians, and would leave a warrior dead or so badly injured they would never recover. It was murder.

“So, you have no way to nullify the effects?” Gayel asked.

“Not yet.” Thane paused. “You know when Kaira and I were on the planet Crolla, we saw the Kantos elite council ‘gift’ hunger on the Kantos soldiers.”

Recently, when Thane and his Terran mate, Kaira, were abducted, they’d learned that the Kantos weren’t born destructive and ravenous. The Kantos elite somehow turned new Kantos that way.

“Yes,” Gayel said.

“Well, an element of the pathogen contains the same substance that causes the hunger,” Thane said.

Gayel frowned. “Can that help us?”

“I’m not sure yet, but we’re running every test we can.”

The screen chimed. He had another call coming in.

Cren. Gayel was also due at the garden party. He should be excited to see his prospective brides…

Instead, he was interested to see if Alea enjoyed the exhibition fights.

Alea. The way she’d fought the Kantos bugs, with skill, absolutely fearless. His gut hardened, but he made himself focus on the screen.

“Keep working. If you find anything, let me know.”

The medical commanders nodded.

Gayel pressed his palms to the screen and accepted the incoming call.

An Oronis knight appeared in the screen. The man’s visor was retracted, revealing a sharp face, with a hawkish nose and unique blue eyes. They were a deep blue covered in a web of cracks. His black hair curled at the collar of his black armor.

“Knightmaster Ashtin,” Gayel said.

“King Gayel.” The knight bowed his head.

“I trust you are well.”

“Yes. My ship is currently providing assistance to an Oronis colony in the Nemesia System. They were bombarded by meteors.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you require Eon assistance?”

“No. Gayel, we picked up faint readings on our scanners.”

Gayel heard the serious tone in the knight’s voice. “Go on.”

“Kantos ships. A lot of them.”

“Where?”

“At the edge of the Nemesia System. Near our boundary with Eon space. I sent knights to investigate, but we found nothing.”

Gayel cursed.

“I could write it off as scanning interference. There’s no way to hide that many ships. But—”

“It’s the Kantos.” Gayel rubbed the back of his neck.

Knightmaster Ashtin nodded. “Yes. We both know they’re preparing to end this war.”

“Thank you, Ashtin. If you see any more Kantos activity…”

“I’ll report in. Gayel, if you need us, the Knightqueen has decreed we render any and all aid. The Eon are our allies and it is our honor to fight alongside you.”

To the Oronis, honor was key. “Again, thank you. Express my greatest thanks to Knightqueen Carys. And the same applies if you ever need Eon assistance.”

Gayel ended the call and stared at the empty screen.

He could feel the Kantos closing in. They’d wanted to destroy Earth and the Eon had stopped them. Now they were coming full force for the Eon.

His father would already be sending the Eon fleet into Kantos space to destroy any and all Kantos they found.

And no doubt his father wouldn’t hesitate to use an Eon king’s greatest weapon.

Gayel’s stomach turned to a hardened ball. He would protect his people, make brutal decisions, if necessary, but until then, he’d fight to keep all options open.

The door opened and Councilor Tann-Felis bustled in. “You’re late for the party, Your Majesty.”

“I’m coming.” Gayel wore a dark-blue shirt today, tucked into his black pants. He followed his advisor out of the palace and they took a meandering path over a small stone bridge. The bushes were covered in cassia flowers. It was the scent of his childhood. He had fond memories of running through here with Adlyn, playing pretend battles.

He even had some fond memories of his father. His father could be harsh and demanding, but he’d taught Gayel to fight.

Ahead, he heard the murmur of voices, followed by the clash of swords.

They strode through a stone archway.

Ahead was a flat lawn in a lush green. Chairs had been set out, including a large, empty one for him. A long table was loaded with refreshments.

But the center of attraction was the fight ring, laid out with a weapons rack beside it. Two bare-chested warriors were currently fighting, using their helian-created swords.

Gayel let his gaze drift over the Terran women. Some were in dresses, others in pants, all wearing different colors.

His gaze tracked to a figure close to them, wearing a dark-blue uniform. Her hair was in a long tail today. Alea was watching the fight, a faint smile on her face.

He strode over. “Good morning, ladies.”

They all smiled and called out hellos. His gaze sliced to Alea and she nodded.

“I hope you’re enjoying the Eon food. My palace chef worked hard to put together delicacies suited to the Terran palate.”

“Those little berries are divine,” a dark-skinned, elegant woman said.

“And I hope you enjoy the demonstration fights.” He turned to Alea. “Captain, a moment?”

Frowning, she stepped aside with him.

“My warriors have found no sign of more Kantos bugs.”

She blew out a breath. “Ben’s been searching our shuttle.” She looked like that’s where she preferred to be. “Nothing yet.”

“Okay.” Gayel shook off the sense of frustration. “Jenna?”

“Recovering well, your doctor tells me. But she has regretfully pulled out of being a bridal candidate.”

“I understand. I’m glad she’s recovering. Your arm?” His gaze dropped, but the sleeve of her uniform covered her arm.

“A few bruises. It’s fine.”

Her tone warned him that she wouldn’t let him check for himself. “Are you enjoying the fights?”

“Immensely.” Her eyes lit up. “It’s nice to watch the moves without the pressure of a life-or-death situation.” She stared at the dueling warriors.

Suddenly, Gayel didn’t want her watching the half-dressed warriors.

“Your Highness?” one of the women called out.

“You’d better get back to your brides,” Alea said.

He watched her walk away. For the next little while, he chatted with the women. Daraja from a country called Nigeria told him about her business promoting local female artisans. Blonde, curly-haired Chloe from Australia talked about her non-profit charity for children. Melinda from India was a doctor. Yanlin from China was a biologist. They were all pleasant enough, some stimulating to talk to, but he realized he had little in common with them.

He frowned. It didn’t matter. Marriage for a king wasn’t a love match. It was a duty, for the benefit of the Empire.

“King Gayel,” Avril—a lawyer from France—said, smiling. “Would you fight for us?” She gripped his arm. “I know I’d love to see you fight.”

“Oh, yes,” Daraja said.

Daria, another lawyer from Russia, nodded.

Gayel shrugged a shoulder. “Of course.”

The women clapped.

Gayel headed to the fight ring. He saw Alea talking with a warrior by the weapons rack, no doubt asking questions. He saw her lift a sword, testing its weight.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

She swiveled. “It’s a beautiful weapon. Perfectly weighted.”

“Obviously with a helian, warriors can make their own weapons, but not all Eon are warriors, so our weaponsmiths are careful not to lose the knowledge.” He started unfastening his shirt, then pulled it off. “Brodrik, I’m going to fight.”

“As you wish,” the warrior said.

When he glanced back, Alea was staring at his chest. Cren. A shot of heat hit him. He wanted her to look. He liked seeing the flames in her golden eyes.

An idea formed.

“Captain, care to join me in the ring?” He allowed his sword to form.

She tore her gaze off his chest, looking at his sword. “I…shouldn’t.”

“But you want to.” He lowered his voice. “Since we rarely get the chance, let’s both do something we really want.”

She eyed him suspiciously, then she hefted the sword she held.

“Okay, Your Highness. You’re on.”

* * *

She steppedonto the flattened grass of the fight ring and swung the sword.

Alea had a hundred other things she should be thinking about, or doing. From young age, she’d pushed herself hard—at school, at the Space Corps Academy, in her job. She’d felt the need to escape where she’d come from. She should not be tangling with a tall, powerful, sexy, warrior king.

She should be worried about the Kantos bugs and her charges.

She pulled in a deep breath and gripped the sword hilt. It really was a beautiful weapon. It was almost like it was made especially for her.

She looked up at her opponent. He looked like he was made for her, as well. Plucked from her deepest, darkest fantasies.

He isn’t yours. Will never be yours.

She heard the women cheering behind them.

“Go, Captain!” one of the women—Simone, an Olympic runner and business owner—yelled.

Alea met Gayel’s black-purple gaze.

He smiled. “Ready? I’ll take it easy on you.”

He did not just say that.

Alea darted in and swung. He jumped back fast, barely blocking her sword with his own.

His smile slipped.

“Don’t worry,” she drawled. “I’ll take it easy on you.”

Something ignited in his eyes, the purple strands glowing.

Hmm, a man who liked a challenge.

Just like her.

He came at her.

Alea stayed light on her feet. He swung, and she parried. They turned and she thrust her sword at him.

He was big, but not slow, his sword inches longer than hers. Still, she was faster, and more agile. She’d use that to her advantage.

They crashed again.

“Stop holding back,” she hissed.

His mouth tightened. “As you wish.”

His next charge was fast and furious. The blows came blindingly quick and strong.

Dodge, dodge, strike.

As their swords met, the power of the blow radiated up her arm. Alea gritted her teeth, but dammit, her muscles were warm, and her blood was hot.

There wasn’t anything like a good fight.

Especially with an opponent as skilled as Gayel. He might be a king, but it was clear he didn’t lounge around all day.

He thrust and Alea parried. They ended up close, bodies inches apart.

“Is that the best you’ve got, warrior?” she drawled.

With a growl, he came at her.

Smiling, Alea spun away. His next blows were long and powerful. She danced between them, and sliced.

He leaped back, but the very tip of her sword cut a thin line across his chest.

Shit. “Gayel, I’m so—”

He rushed her.

She darted back and blocked his sword. She saw he was smiling, eyes glowing.

“A scratch doesn’t hurt,” he said. “What else have you got?”

She narrowed her gaze and charged.

As he dodged, Alea kicked his knee. He stumbled, and the spectators gasped.

Gayel’s blade sliced wide and Alea ducked.

On the next swing, their blades connected, their bodies pressed close.

“You’re very good, Alea,” he murmured.

“I know.”

She felt the heat pumping through her, between them.

Those fascinating strands in his eyes flared. “I really want to kiss you.”

His voice was low enough for only her to hear. Her stomach coiled and her lips parted. She saw his gaze drop to her lips.

Oh, God.

She was frozen, but her belly was alive with desire.

“Captain?”

Ben’s deep voice snapped her out of her Gayel-induced haze.

She stepped back and lowered her sword.

It did little to tame the violent need inside her. She couldn’t want this man.

She made herself look at Ben. His brows were drawn, his gaze flicking between her and Gayel.

“Yes?” she forced out.

“I found something on the shuttle you need to take a look at.”

She nodded and glanced at Gayel. Or rather over his left shoulder.

“Thank you for the fight, Your Highness.”

Her cool, polite tone made him scowl, and a muscle ticked in his jaw. “I’d like to come with you.”

No, no, no.She needed some space. She needed to get this ill-advised attraction under control. The man took up way too much room, and he was impossible to ignore.

“Your Highness.” His fussy, rude advisor appeared. The man sent Alea a barely concealed look of disgust. “You’re scheduled to spend some one-on-one time with your bridal candidates. To get to know them.”

All of the warm sensation in Alea froze solid. For a second, she’d forgotten that he would be selecting a bride soon.

She stepped back.

Gayel stepped forward.

“I’ve arranged refreshments in the Olivae garden,” the advisor continued. “Romantic, intimate.”

Alea lifted her chin. “You have your duties, Your Highness, and I have mine. I’ll give you a report on anything relevant that we find.”

His jaw worked, and it looked like he wanted to argue. “Very well.”

She swiveled, and handed the sword back to the warrior beside the rack. “Ben, keep an eye on the women.”

“Sure thing.”

On her way to the shuttle, Alea tried to clear her mind.

It was easier said than done.

She clenched her hands, released them, then did it again. She couldn’t afford to take her eye off her job. She’d done that at headquarters, and the Kantos had killed people. Callum had died before he’d really started living.

She had to stay sharp.

The shuttle pilot met her.

“Hi, Jai.”

“Captain.”

“What have you found?”

“I’m not sure exactly.”

The thirty-year-old pilot had brown skin and thick, black hair that was always well-styled. His crewmates gave him hell for it, but he didn’t care. He led her to the cockpit and flicked up a recording.

“As you know, we do internal scans in a random pattern. Standard Space Corps procedure.”

To check for stowaways, or damage to the ship. She nodded.

Jai leaned one lean hip against the console. “One scan prior to our trip to the surface showed a minor blip. It was below threshold.”

Alea frowned. That meant it was tiny. Too small to be considered a threat.

She leaned forward, staring at the image of the cargo area. She spotted the faint flicker of something in the air.

“There.” She froze the image and leaned even closer. “It looks like…”

“Dust,” the pilot said. “Or tiny—”

“Insects.” She watched until they eventually disappeared off screen. “Definitely not those spider rats.”

“No.”

“They were fumigating the Olympias right before we left. Insects from Earth got aboard. Could this be those?”

Jai frowned and stroked his chin. “Maybe. Absolutely nothing has shown up. And they’ve been scanning the Olympias too. Nothing yet.” He paused. “There’s one other thing, though. Something drained our hydraulic oil supply in the shuttle storage bay. It’s for engine repairs.”

“Drained?”

He nodded. “The container was punctured. Not even a smear of the stuff left.”

Alea released a breath. “So, we have some microscopic insects and missing oil.”

Jai held his hands out. “Sorry, Captain. That’s all I’ve got.”

“I’ll take a look around the cargo bay.”

“Ben and I did a search, but another set of eyes will help.”

It would keep her mind off the women fluttering their eyelashes at the king. She strode through the shuttle. Damn.

She was jealous.

She paused and closed her eyes. She couldn’t lust after him. End of story.

No more quiet chats. No more fights.

She straightened her shoulders, and got to work.