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Stretching awake, I am disappointed to find Fynn gone. I had looked forward to waking up with him. Of course, the awkward morning after could now be avoided. Well, at least until I had brushed my teeth and had some java. Halfway human, I shuffle into the kitchen with one thing on my mind. Edetraxi Java, lifeblood. Without it, I cannot think and have a royal headache. Yes, I am an addict, along with over half the population.
“Akiyra?” Roberd is sitting at the table, a half-empty cup in his hands. I look at him with an expression that I hope makes his manhood whither up and touch his spleen. I still am a little raw over last night and don’t have coffee in me yet.
“Akiyra? Can we talk please?” His voice is hesitant, almost remorseful. I hold up a finger, inhaling the heavenly scent of rum, coconut, and vanilla. I don’t know who created this heavenly concoction, but right now I would gladly kiss his feet. The first sip has me sighing in pleasure. I turn towards the table and sit down.
“Roberd,” I start, but he shakes his head, stopping me
“Please, can I start?” He looks almost insecure, as if what I say here matters like it could break him. I nod my head as he takes a deep breath.
“I was out of line last night and am sorry. I have never told the guys my story. It isn’t easy for me to talk about. I was one of the elite until I crossed Delores. She branded me then had me thrown into the cages with the understanding that whoever bought me, it was for life. Of course, the records did not show this and is probably why the Xistrosian law chased us. I was so angry, so hurt that I didn’t care what I did. Until Umbri threatened my parents. He told me to put my energy into the job, make it my life, otherwise their lives would be forfeit. That is what I have done for twelve years. I’m upset, I make sure to find a willing pigeon. Angry, dance like the devil is chasing me. Being here, on this ship has been a dream, but it left me floundering. There was nothing to take my energy out on, and then between drinking and dancing, I reverted to the old me. Can you forgive me?”
I look at him, and instead of the man, I see the boy who was torn from the world he had known, into a dark and dangerous life. Nodding my head, “of course.”
The sigh and look of relief on his face make me smile, but then he starts speaking again.
“You were right, you know. I do need to leave the ship and now that we know the rebels are real, I want to, no I need to join them.”
I realize there is nothing I can say to stop him, that this is something he has long searched for. “What can I do to help you?”
“You and Tiri have done everything already. You gave me freedom and Tiri gave me hope. This morning he told me where to find my parents. That I have two younger sisters, and that the love of my youth is still alive.”
“He did! How did he find all this out?” I’m surprised that Tiri was so helpful after how he behaved towards the guys, playing jokes on them that bordered on dangerous.
“I guess he listened in on me telling Fynn all of this.” He stops speaking for a minute, “Fynn wasn’t too happy with me over last night. But that isn’t why I am sorry. I’m sorry because it was wrong, that it made you uncomfortable. You have given me something I thought I had lost, I never want you to think that I take it for granted.”
I place my hand on his, “I know you nor the other guys think that way. I understand you leaving, but I want you to know that you will always have a place on my ship with me and Fynn.”
‘You and Fynn?” His eyebrow raises as my face heats. “Do we need to have a talk with our brother? Make sure he knows the rules and not to break our fairy godmother’s heart?”
“Don’t you dare!” I look at him appalled. “We are grown adults and can do this without interference.”
“Sweetie, despite my actions last night, you are the sister I never knew I was missing. Okay, so there are two literal sisters I didn’t know I was missing as well, but you know what I mean. I know Jax, Sawyr and Tobis feel the same way. If we have to beat one of our own for hurting you, we will. In the world we lived in, someone who shines as bright as you do is rare.”
I blush at his words but stand to kiss him on the cheek as I return to my room. “Thank you. Let me know when you are ready to leave. I would like to talk with the rebels one more time before we lift off.
I had spent what little time I had last night thinking about the rebels and how they needed supplies. Xislunia barely could support itself and I imagine that they had a steady trickle of people needing to leave for other planets. My ship isn’t the fastest, or largest, but I could easily arrange our schedule to make a trip over here to help them. Especially if they had Xislunian Crystals to exchange. Those were in such hot demand that I could easily cover fuel costs and give them a nice profit as well.