Turning my face away from the water, I studied the princes. They had their tentacles and vines entwined as they leaned against the railing and one another, looking out over the view. I could see how much they cared for each other.
“How long have you been together?”
They stared at one another for a moment before meeting my gaze.
A smile crossed V’dim’s face. “We felt a connection while we were maturing in the Royal Hatchery and have been inseparable ever since.”
“So, is that why neither of you have nestqueens?”
His smile fell as he glanced at Z’fir, who frowned in response.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to pry,” I blurted, horrified.
Z’fir waved a hand dismissively. “Do not fret. It is not exactly a state secret, and we owe you an answer after all you have shared with us.”
He sighed, clearly thinking.
“Depends on who you talk to. If you were to ask our mothers, they believe our connection inhibited our forming a bond with a nestqueen. They tried many times to split us up. They wanted to use us to make political connections with other clans, and since Ulax and Wudox cannot interbreed, we would not be able to share the same nestqueen. Personally, we do not care about reproducing and just want to be together. But we both know that if we find a new planet to settle on, it would be up to us to create new royal lines since our Queens did not agree with this mission.”
“What do you mean?”
V’dim picked up the thread. “Before we left, the Queens decreed that either we stay and split up—bonding with nestqueens of their choice, or we stay together but would be renounced and forced to leave Circuli. We refused to separate, and indeed, had already been working on plans for this voyage. So, our new colony will need a new royal line. There is no returning to Circuli. For the benefit of our people, we will do what we could not at the whims of our mothers—find nestqueens and create a new royal line for each species. Until then, we will spend as much time together as we are able.”
“If you’re only going to end up bonded with a nestqueen, why leave?” I asked confused.
“To escape the rigid society on Circul. To give the other unmated and severed males a place to call home. To allow ourpeople a choice in how they live.” V’dim’s voice filled with thick emotion.
“Couldn’t you change how you govern your species? Or elevate someone else to be the new royal family? I mean, it’s going to be a new beginning. You are already planning changes, so why not change everything? Why sacrifice yourselves?”
They looked stunned, their eyes filled with wonder.
“Why did not we think about that?” Z’fir turned to V’dim.
“We were too focused on getting away and searching for a new planet. We did not stop to consider there might be an alternative. It took an outsider’s unbiased view to see things clearly. Something to remember,” V’dim replied. His turquoise eyes met mine. “But for now, our focus has to be on getting Selena to CEG HQ safely. And to ensure her rights are not trampled.”
I smiled at him in appreciation.
Z’fir nodded. “Not that I do not enjoy the feeling of being planet-side once more—this place is remarkable—but how do we get out of here? Knowing your nestmates, they are likely feeling your absence and are worried.”
I shrugged and looked away. “I just will myself awake.”
“Yes, as wonderful as this is, I am starting to feel a little uncomfortable being here. Can you take us back?” V’dim added.
“Yeah. I’m just afraid of what will happen when we wake up.” My voice cracked.
“We will be there for you when we do.”
Bright lights blinded me as I tried to open my eyes.
I moaned and covered my face with my arm.
“Dim the lights. She’s waking,” Kaede demanded, his voice vibrating with rage I’d never heard from him before.
My heart raced and my breathing quickened.
Why was he angry? What was happening? Where was I?
My hand rested on something soft, and gripping it, I realized a blanket covered me. I slid my hand down to my stomach, protectively cupping its swell.
