“You didn’t have a nestqueen,” Yuwal observed, stepping beside Kaica. “If you did, she would’ve already been the Queen of your fleet, or in this case, theDestiny. Your mothers were already expecting your mission to fail, so they could make an example of you both for the rest of the population. We depend, as a species, on our Queens to hold our populace mental web and on our nestqueens to be their hubs.”
“The larger a nestqueen’s clan becomes, the more easily the Queens can supervise the planet. Such a tactic was important in old times, when our planet wasn’t governed by two Queens but many.” Suvax studied V’dim’s Cryopod. “Selena isn’t Circuli, but she has adapted our traits. As your nestqueen, it was only natural for her to slowly take control of Destima’s web—”
“Now that I have”—Selena whispered, squeezing Z’fir’s hand—“I need to rearrange it.”
“I’ll help you and provide anything you need to succeed,” Z’fir swore. “You are everything I’ve ever wanted in a nestqueen. V’dim and I were prepared to bond with another, giving them control and our offspring a chance to continue our legacy. But you? You’re a gift from the Stars. Guide us. Rule us.”
Chapter Ten
Selena
“A gift?” I muttered, astonished and embarrassed. “I am just trying to do the best for my clan… my people. Coming from nothing, it’s the best I can do.”
“Believe me, Selena,” Z’fir insisted. His emerald eyes gained some color, locking on to mine. “We’ve never had a Queen like you.”
“It’s true,” Chyox agreed. “It’s refreshing to have a Queen with an outside perspective not bound by our history and traditions. You were already reshaping this moon for your people—all of your citizens. Taking control of the network will aid you in accomplishing your vision. You will lead us well, but first, wake your clan, and gather your support.”
“My support?” I scanned the room filled with more support than I ever expected.
“Yes, a Queen has a large clan in order to protect from enemies, even though protection is less important in these modern times. Our people haven’t seen civil war in generations. Mainly, a Queen’s nestmates help govern the populace, especially when she has many subjects. By assigning our princes as your representatives, you were already unconsciously behaving like a Queen.”
“What about Xylo and Odelm?” Zirene asked, jerking his head toward their Cryopods. “How will naming Selena Queen and ranking her above both of you affect them? They are her Favored, and yet, you both are royalty. Doesn’t that complicate things?”
“We will have to see how Selena handles it—how you handle it,” Z’fir replied, squeezing my hand as he glanced at the occupied Cryopods. “You have a keen mind, but as a demi-human, you are a Shielder—an uncommon telepath type. Little is known about your kind and what you are capable of. However, we trust you. Wake V’dim then allow your mind to rest and adjust before we wake my other nestbrothers. I will make sure V’dim and I are prepared to aid you, if needed.”
“Then that settles it.” I sighed and kissed Z’fir’s ashen hand, releasing it as I stood and approached V’dim.
I was stunned to see how far his dark coloring had paled to white with light-gray details. I wondered how long it would take them to heal and return to their normal coloring.
I still didn’t like the position my clan was in, but I was relieved things weren’t as dire as I had first thought. I could work with this. Now that I knew they were safe, we had time—so long as no more trouble lay in store for us.
“I would like to wake V’dim.” Placing my hand on the cool glass, I consulted Suvax, taking in his serious demeanor. I could see where the other healers had learned their bedside manner. I was glad Xylo’s fathers had been summoned while I’d been away. “Could you start the process?”
“Are you prepared?” His gaze moved from my hand to where Z’fir sat behind me. “I don’t know how your bondmate connection will respond.”
“I can handle it,” Z’fir replied. “If Selena can become Queen, I can do my job and aid her by soothing him through our bond.”
“Since you both are prepared, I will begin the de-stasis process.”
Closing my eyes, I sent a prayer to the Stars to guide us to Fate’s will.
Expanding my awareness, I took in my people’s thoughts, passing through them as though running my hand through grass. Each blade provided a glimpse inside the thoughts and feelings rising to the outer layers of their mental shields.
Many were focused on retiring for the day, but I also overheard general concern for my nestmates. I could so easily get lost in others’ thoughts and feelings while exploring the individual threads.
I didn’t find any of the nestqueen hubs branching into each clan’s bond threads the healers had mentioned. Would I need to sort the mental web? Was I capable of doing so?
What Z’fir had said was true—I was a foreigner and a Shielder. While I adapted easily, it would be unwise to think this takeover would run smoothly.
My connection to Z’fir was still a blend of both of our colors—emerald and gold—twisted together on a direct path to him. Unlike the others within the room, his bond thread didn’t join the tangled web.
I couldn’t wait to reestablish and rearrange the rest of my nestmates’ bond threads. I wouldn’t be able to rest soundly, until I did.
Hissing filled the air as the glass beneath my hand moved, sliding open to one side. A gasp, followed by a series of coughs, filled the room. I opened my eyes to find my Ulax prince struggling just as Z’fir had.
“We are here, V’dim.” Combing back his hair, I grabbed his hand, pressing a gentle kiss on his forehead. “I am here.”
A soft sigh escaped his lips. His body instantly stilled, halting his struggles.
