Chapter 28
Sylvia dried her tears and moved on to chewing her thumbnail, her foot tapping as she watched the transports ahead of her exit the central hub one by one.
Five more.
Four.
She was leaving Zanthar, the first planet to harbor proof of alien life. Not only was there life, but a civilization more advanced than Earth's own. She'd just snuck out of the leader of the planet's bedroom after spending a night of unequaled passion with him, which left her far less willing to leave him behind.
Three more, and then I'm free.
Two more. Dammit.
Sylvie was surprised at the whirlwind of emotions that had currently taken up residence inside of her.
This is the right decision.She had reminded herself of that a hundred times since leaving X's bed.It's better for him. Now he can concentrate on exposing the alien conspiracy and regaining his subjects' approval.
The transport stood before the membrane that kept the Zantharian seas out of the central hub.A few more moments.She breathed in deeply and forced her tears back.
The console in front of the major flashed on, accompanied by blinking red lights around the cabin. "Transport 7V, return to the pad. You are not cleared for departure."
The major moved back from the transport, heading toward the pad they'd left minutes ago.
"What's happening?" she asked him. "Why aren't we leaving?"
"We've been called back."
Oh no. No, no, no.
"Why? I have an official order, signed by your Supreme Regent."
"Looks like he's changed his orders." The major's face was neutral, but his skin color began to lighten, yellow streaks appearing in the green.
The major wasn't the only one who disapproved of the regent's relationship with her. Earthlings weren't exactly welcome on Zanthar at the moment. Not since they'd been suspected of teaming up with the Zantharians' mortal enemies, the Hareema.
The transport landed, and the major and his companion opened the hatch and led her out. With a sigh, Sylvie bid goodbye to her best chance at escape. She stepped out of the transport and into the grip of Zanthar's Supreme Regent.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.
Sylvie's gaze moved over him and she gasped. The regent was covered from head to toe, his form swathed in an overlarge cloak. She'd never seen him in anything other than his braided sarong, his chest left bare.
Maybe he's trying to keep a low profile.
She couldn't blame him. Mobs of his dissatisfied constituents were following him around, protesting his interactions with the Earthling, with her.
She pulled herself out of his grip, hating how badly she wanted to slide back into his arms and pretend like something could become of them.
"I was going back to Earth. Remember this?" She held out the rolled-up parchment that contained the orders allowing her passage back to Earth.
"You can't be serious."
Sylvie couldn't make out his expression in the deepness of his cloak. "Hell yes, I'm serious. I upheld my end of the bargain, remember?”
How easily he'd broken his promise. Why am I not more upset?
"Things have changed. Come with me." He grabbed her arm once again, and again she yanked away from him.
"No. You got what you wanted. Now be a gentleman and send me home."
