The betrayal I felt made me wary. I couldn’t let this yearning for connection allow me to blindly trust. I couldn’t let momentary impulse put me further at risk. It was one thing to think about touching Xylo, to imagine physical intimacy, but my impulsive kiss had resulted in the court bond with Xylo. I had to be careful—to be smart—to prevent my excitement from jeopardizing my newfound freedom. I needed to apologize to Xylo the next time I saw him for my lack of control
Resolved, I decided it was time to stop lying about in maudlin thought. Time to begin this new life.
I stretched, noticing I didn’t ache, and my mouth was no longer stiff. Whatever the Yaarkins had done to me with their experiments must have worked. Though maybe it was Xylo who’d healed me...
Regardless, everything seemed back in working order.
The facilities were more upscale than I was used to. Instead of barely having room to turn around, this one was almost the size of my old cell. A large wall mirror hung over a counter and sink... Stars! Even the waste unit was elegant.
I screeched when my eyes landed on a large corner shower.
I’d read about showers and water in my Earth studies—daydreaming—but I’d never expected to have the chance to experience one! The thrill of being able to use anything other than those awful sonic cleaning units coursed through me.
I tore off the soft blue nightgown and tossed it on the counter. But as I was walking toward the shower, I was distracted...
That could not possibly be me.
I gaped at the reflection in the mirror. I hadn’t seen myself in ages... My body was fuller than I remembered. I cupped a breast experimentally, feeling the increased weight. Oh! And they were definitely more sensitive...
I giggled.
Sliding my hand down my chest, I blinked at my rounded stomach. Huh. It had always been pretty flat. Maybe the healers here had provided intravenous nutrients? I’d certainly gained weight. I’d always been small—exacerbated by the Yaarkins’ restrictive diet. Turning my body to the side, I studied myself. Stars... even my ass was more substantial.
Too bad Xylo and his team hadn’t been able to make me taller as well... I smiled at the silly thought but decided I liked my new curves. I placed my hands on my hips and spun around as I watched my reflection in the mirror. They even made me feel less self-conscious about my strange silver hair and the stupid white spots on my bronze skin.
I opened the shower’s tinted-glass door and climbed in, giddy with excitement, pushing the button to close it behind me. All those lessons over all the days with my dreamscape male paid off. Being able to speak, read, and write Galactic Common had been a huge benefit since my escape from the Yaarkins.
A few button-pushes later, water sprayed from the walls around me.
I gasped.
It was amazing!
I spun in the shower, reveling in the feel of the water running down my body. It was incredible, and I decided I was never leaving this shower.
Scanning the walls, I found the soap dispenser. Squeezing a glob into my hand, I lathered my body. As I scrubbed, the suds made my skin feel silky smooth. I inhaled, trying to identify the scent. It was somewhat chemical and reminded me of what I’d smelled on Xylo. I squirted another dollop into my hand and massaged it into my hair, closing my eyes and relishing the exquisite sensation.
I loved water.
I moaned as my fingers dug into my scalp, and the warm water beat against my skin. As I allowed the water to rinse my hair, my muscles relaxing in the warmth and steam from the shower, I groaned again in pleasure.
Stars take me... this was the most wonderful thing I’d ever experienced. It would never grow old.
The sound of the bathroom door opening interrupted my thoughts. I paused, listening for movement. Who would invade my privacy? It was clear the facilities were being used. I lowered my hands and turned off the shower. I couldn’t hear over its noise.
When another scuff sounded from across the small room, my hand trembled in fear. They hadn’t left. Clearly it wasn’t Xylo—he’d be more likely to mindspeak me before entering. And I hadn’t heard anyone call out.
Was someone trying to sneak up on me?
A huge pale green shape wavered outside the tinted-glass door. I couldn’t make out details, but the color was wrong. It couldn’t be Xylo. There was faint movement around and behind the blurry form.
If the intruder was anything like Xylo, I knew I had little chance in a physical confrontation, but I wasn’t going to let them take me away, not without a fight. Not when I was so close to finding a life for myself.
My only shot was the element of surprise. I hit the button to open the tinted-glass door. At the same time, I reached for the faint thread that connected me to Xylo, mentally grabbing hold and tugging. “Xylo!” I screamed aloud, straining to mentally project at the same time. I let the thread snap back, then leaped to attack.
I prayed Xylo would make it to me in time.
Chapter Seven Xylo
Xylo swerved and dodged past startled crew members, ignoring their calls and concerned questions. He sensed the princes hard on his tail, following him, but he had not been able to sense anything from Selena since her mental cry for help. Her shout had been laced with so much power—so much fear—it had startled him. Their bond thread was intact, yet somehow, she blocked it—an inconvenient aspect of her shielding ability.
Xylo rushed into the infirmary guest cabin, the princes flanking him.
All three stopped in shock at the scene that greeted them.
A naked Selena thrashed atop Senior Healer Chyox, silver hair dripping water.
