Page 19 of Loving the Alien Spy

“You told me you weren’t sorry about what just happened. Were you lying?”

“No,” he doesn’t hesitate answering.

“What’s the problem, then? Are you not interested in getting to know me?” God, that sounds so pitiful.

Bannik cradles the back of my neck and once again lays his forehead against mine. “I wish to know you more than anything.”

“But?” It sounds like there’s a but coming.

Slowly, he kisses me. Almost as if he’s trying to buy himself extra time.

“Nothing,” he murmurs against my lips.

A voice cautions me that I’ll regret not pushing a little harder, but I let Bannik’s answer stand.

“So we get to know each other, then.” I mean it as a statement, but it comes out more like a question.

He nods. “We get to know each other.”

It still feels like I’m missing something, but I push the uneasy sensation away. A sudden reminder hits me.

“Thank you for the flowering plant, by the way.” I cough. “I mean, I assume it was from you.”

Bannik seems to relax slightly. “You are welcome.”

“Would you like to…take a walk? Maybe through the botanical garden?”

“I wish I could, but it is nearly time for my patrol shift to begin. Perhaps tomorrow morning?”

I let out a soft, shaky breath. “Tomorrow would be lovely.”

Once more, Bannik kisses me. “I will call on you in the morning, then. Good day, Lindsey.”

“Bye. See you tomorrow.” I give him a small wave, and he walks away.

I sink back down onto the bench with a dreamy sigh. I’m going to be counting down the next however many hours, I suspect.

Chapter 11

Carrik

I should not have let Horek’s words sway me, but after giving it much thought, I cannot resist Lindsey any longer, even if it would be for the best. The only thing to make me feel remotely better had been challenging Lorik to a training session. I’d put him on his back every single time and even drew blood. It had been far more satisfying than I should have allowed.

Foot traffic on the streets is busy, and things have returned nearly to normal as I make my way to the palace. It had taken too long, but I finally received an answer to my request to speak with Janik privately. He and I have much to discuss before I see Lindsey.

Guards glare at me with disgust as I stride across the courtyard from the lift, toward the palace entrance. Several whispers of “traitor” reach my ears, but I ignore them. Nothing I say or do will change minds already made up. Once inside, I’m greeted by a guard slightly older than me.

“I’m to escort you to the throne room.” His tone is neutral, giving none of his emotions away.

This isn’t my first visit to the palace, but it has been an anum or more since I was last here. I only note a few minor changes, like different pots filled with flowers. They also don’t sit in the same places they previously had. Some of the furnishings have been moved as well. In addition to this, the tone of the palace has shifted.

The last time I walked these halls, laughter and the low-level hum of bustling activity drifted through the air. It is far too quiet in here now. Almost as if the palace is covered in a shroud. I understand the city—the planet—mourns, but it feels especially so here. Perhaps because its prince remains caged far beneath the surface.

“Ryvik sends his regards,” the male escorting me says beneath his breath.

I shoot him a swift glance, but his gaze remains straight ahead and he says nothing further until we reach the double doors of the throne room with their embellished design and the massive phinnek-head knocker that graces one of them.

“He’ll be in touch soon.” The guard opens the door and steps inside before I can reply.