The Falcon Prince

“I thought it would help,” Kristor said.

“It didn’t.”

“I could see that.”

She sighed. “It’s the thought that counts.” But no, she was doubly sure she couldn’t get on his spacecraft, and it hurt knowing he would be leaving without her.

She held tight to him as they made their way back to her house. At least she had this moment. And she had a few more days. And she had tonight.

Kristor dropped Ria off at her home. She hesitated before going inside. He knew she wanted him to join her. Driving away was probably the hardest thing he’d ever had to do. He needed to get away and think, and he couldn’t do it at her house, nor her parents’.

So he just drove—down paved roads, down dirt roads. He drove where there were no roads. Nothing seemed to help so he finally went to where he’d hidden his spacecraft. Unless someone walked into it, they would never know it was there, because he’d used the invisible shield to hide it.

He stopped the motorcycle beside a tree and turned the key. When he pushed a button on his remote, the door on his spacecraft opened. Once inside, he relaxed in one of two seats.

The craft was small, with a large window. He imagined Rianna would be terrified to travel anywhere in it.

“Have you completed your mission?” A soft feminine voice came through the speakers.

“No.”

“Are you ready to leave Earth?”

“No.”

“You seem tense. Is there a problem?”

Yes, she was starting to get on his nerves. His brother had made sure he would have all he needed for the journey, including having his craft programmed with a female monitor so he would not get lonely on his mission. Right now, he was tired of all females.

That was a lie. He wasn’t tired of Rianna. Even now, she filled his thoughts. He wasn’t sure what to do about her. This mission was nothing like any battle he’d ever fought, and he didn’t know how to win. She used everything in her powers to conquer him. Rianna fought with sad eyes, angry eyes, and a smile that made him want to lay his sword at her feet and vow his undying love. When her eyes filled with tears, she could take him to his knees. How did someone fight against that?

“Prince Kristor?”

He ran a weary hand over his eyes. “I’m fine. I only need to think.”

“Of course. I will leave you to your thinking.”

Good.

Annoying, that’s what the monitor was. He had a feeling Rogar had the female voice installed for just that purpose. Kristor had made a wrong turn around Mars and the monitor had acted as if it was the end of the world.

He shook his head. The voice was computer programmed. A mere chip, not as big as his smallest fingernail, yet here he was, acting as if she had form and substance.

Earth had made him crazy. Correction: Rianna had made him crazy. Even now he could close his eyes and imagine her naked body pressed against his. Did she feel the same way? Did she need him as much as he needed her?

He suddenly sat straight up in his chair. That was it. She did need him. He knew it with every fiber of his being. She would miss him after he left. He would give her a taste of what it would be like without him around.

I don’t think that’s a good idea, Labrinon said. If you’re not around, she will forget about you.

I don’t think so, Kristor said.

Are you willing to take that chance?

Yes, I am. I have no other choice.

And if it doesn’t work?

I’ll throw her over my shoulder and force her to leave with me.

She won’t like that. What will you do then?

I will seduce her all over again. He grinned, liking his plan. It definitely had merit.

If you would have listened to me, you could have already done that and be home. I suspect if you go along with that plan it will hurt more than help. She is your lifemate.

He sobered. Yes, I know. For that very reason, I can’t leave without her.

But could he win her back if he used force? His bed might be cold for many passings of the moon before he could convince her that he hadn’t had a choice.

Chapter 23

Where was he? Ria’s mother said Kristor hadn’t been staying in her old room. They hadn’t seen him at all. Ria walked to her shop’s large plate-glass window that looked out onto the street.

The usual traffic drove down the two-lane road. There were the same people that she saw every day strolling down the sidewalk, as they went about their daily routine. Some just walked for the exercise, mostly older people. The park wasn’t far.

Then there were the ones who didn’t care as much about exercising anymore and sat on one of the benches. They watched the day slowly pass, or met up with others to talk about days gone by.

But as Ria scanned the area, she didn’t even catch a glimpse of Kristor. Two days had passed, and nothing. Had he decided she was a lost cause, and gone back to New Symtaria?

A shiver of fear ran down her spine. What if the rogue Symtarians found her? What if they came after her? She had no way of protecting herself.

The bell above her door jangled and Carly came inside.

“I waved, but it was as if you didn’t even see me. You must have been really lost in thought.”

“Unfamiliar territory?” She smiled at her attempt at humor, but knew it was weak at best.

“What’s the matter?” Worry creased Carly’s brow.

Ria glanced toward Jeanie, who was filing papers at her desk, and gave an imperceptible shake of her head. Carly glanced at her watch.

“It’s lunchtime. I dropped by to see if you wanted to get something to eat. Do you have any appointments?”

She shook her head. “And Katie is coming in to take care of the afternoon ones.”

“Then get your purse.”

“I don’t want to leave Katie alone again.”

“Is she any good?”

“She’s great.”

“Are you the boss?”

“Okay, okay. Let’s go.” She grabbed her purse out of her office and they walked to the Dairy Queen. Ria couldn’t deal with Donald today, so they passed by his restaurant.

After placing their order, they found a booth in the back, away from the crowded front.

“Now, tell me what’s going on? You look as if you’ve gotten some really bad news. Whatever it is, we can work through it.”

“It’s Kristor.”

“Did you two have a fight? Whatever it was about, you can work it out.”

Ria’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think you liked him. I would’ve thought it would make you happy if he left and never came back.”