Torint
When we land on Rytaria, I take a deep breath of the fresh air. The false oxygen on the ship and the awful humid air of earth were nothing compared to the crisp breeze of my home planet.
I've missed this. I'm excited to show Posy my world as we wait for our little one. It's more than I've ever dreamed of.
We're ushered around everywhere we go. All of my fellow Rytarian warriors are on edge around the three human females we've brought with us. We were on the first ship as the others scour the planet earth for more.
They annoy me with their pestering presences. The males are always straying nearby, either to get a glimpse of the females to satisfy their curiosity, or to try to do their part to help protect them. That offends me. Do they not think I am capable enough to care for my own mate?
Preposterous.
I grip my Posy's hand tightly, looking over my shoulder and ahead as we follow the guards through an underground tunnel into the palace. We will be staying here out of the graciousness of the Emperor himself.
In all honesty, I just want to buy a little house in the countryside to raise our kits. All of these people bother me. I have become accustomed to the ideal life away from the bustle of a city as I've spent the months with Posy.
I much prefer the quiet life.
Gripping Posy's suitcase, I try to follow along with the rest of our troop. One of the guards stops me as my team goes down a different hallway.
"No, you come with me." He insists with authority. Gesturing to the bag and the small creature in Posy's arms. Another guard takes the suitcase and Weasley, following the other group with swiftness.
I try to call out in protest, but I'm interrupted.
"Your belongings will be brought to your room. You are required elsewhere." He informs me, and I do not appreciate the way he speaks to me as if I am a kit. I growl at him, showing my teeth.
I tuck my human under my arm as I deal with the situation.
"Where exactly are we needed?" I demand. He rolls a shoulder, clutching his blaster a little tighter.
"The Emperor has asked to meet with you. He knows about the kit." The guard makes a point by glancing at Posy's abdomen, his gaze softening. I want to rip his head off for daring to look at my pregnant mate that way. How dare he?
It completely went over my head for a moment that the Emperor requested our appearance. Who informed him about our kit?
"No. My mate must rest. She is tired from our journey." The excuse flies off my tongue easily enough. Posy steps forward with a frown.
"She is fine, and happy to meet the Emperor who has welcomed us into his home." She insists with a teasing tone that drives me crazy with desire and frustration. I can't decide if I'm annoyed or impressed.
The guard appears amused.
"It would seem that you have your hands full with this female, my friend." I nod, glad Posy can't see my expression. "I am happy to protect you and your family, warrior. I mean no harm."
"What is your name?" Posy asks kindly.
"My name is Rarem. And you are?" He offers, grinning from ear to ear.
"I'm Posy, and this is my mate, Torint." She turns to look back at me with a sweet smile. She reaches for my hand and I give it to her.
"It is nice to meet the both of you. We really must be going. The Emperor is not a patient man."
I don't say another word as we follow the guard down the long hallway with wide windows and ancient paintings covering the stone walls. Posy slows at certain works of art, staring in awe at the depictions of victorious battles and royal ancestors.
It pleases me that she enjoys my people's history. She is truly amazing.
We're let into the throne room without delay. The amount of guards standing at attention here is worrying. I know they would never hurt Posy, but I cannot take chances. Should I run now?
"Posy and Torint, your majesty." Rarem announces, closing the enormous double doors behind him.
"So this is the human I have heard so much about!" A booming voice calls, and the Emperor comes into view.
His clothes are traditional warrior's garb, dark colors and looser fitting pants, but he does not blend in with the rest of us. He wears a large crown of the finest jewels on his head, and his hands are decorated with expensive rings.
When he nears us with his arms wide open, I cannot help it, I growl at him. It's a natural reaction. As the noise leaves my throat, the guards step forward, ready to defend our ruler even if it means death.
The Emperor raises his hands for them to stop.
"Stand down. I have encroached too close to his female, it is a warranted reaction, is it not?" He asks, and they reluctantly agree in grumbled responses.
He claps his hands together once as he moves on.
"I have been informed about your kit. My congratulations. It is true, yes?" He asks. A collective gasp washes over the room.
It would seem that it is not yet widespread news that we have conceived a child. I would have thought that I would be pleased by this revelation, instead I am anxious for it to be heard. Our kit is a miracle, hope.
I tuck Posy underneath my arm again as the Guards surrounding us stare in awe. My mate places a protective hand against her abdomen and smiles shyly.
"Yes. We are very excited." She informs him. Pride swells within me. I have known for some time how Posy shares my happiness about our kit, but hearing it said out loud is always reassuring. She is just as ready for a family as I am.
I wonder everyday how many kits she will let me give her. It is a subject for another time.
"Oh, yes. We are all very excited. Are we not?" The Emperor asks the room collectively. Instead of answering verbally, they all nod as the stare at my mate.
I hate those stares. I clutch my mate tighter to my side. They look at her like she's made of mist instead of flesh and blood, and I will admit that I once did the same.
All those months ago when I found her in the woods. She was terrified of me. Trembling, crying. And now we eagerly wait for the arrival of our kit.
It has been a journey of discovery and love. I would not have shared it with anyone else. I will love Posy forever.
The sound of a cheering crowd soon fills the space. Our Emperor turns to the large hanging curtain behind his throne that leads to a balcony overlooking the kingdom.
He turns back to us, a longing look in his deep eyes.
"I hope you do not mind. I will be announcing the news today. I cannot keep it from my people any longer." He says, straightening his crown and pursing his lip as the silence draws out. "Would you two like to join me?"
If I hated the stares before, I know that millions of stares will not help. I want people to know of the miracle, of course, but that many eyes on Posy. I don't know if I could handle that.
A small hand slips into mine, and Posy grins reassuringly up at me.
"It's alright, big guy. Just pretend it's me and you. Can you do that?" She asks softly, I lace my fingers with hers and give her hand a squeeze. My mate can get me through anything.
"Yes. Just me and you."
Sadly, this is the last chapter of Exit Only. There will still be an epilogue, and then we move on to Book 2!
Any predictions or requests for the next book? I wanna hear them, so don't be shy!
Until next time! Love y'all!