AHealingCaress by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

“Speaking of warnings, we are getting them hot and heavy from Warshos. Are you ready, Bren?”
    She smiled and nodded. “Let me give it a try.”
    She breathed in and opened the com. “This is the Sector Guard shuttle craft out of Teklan Base requesting authorization to land at the request of Imperial Princess Miriil.”
    There was silence for a moment and then the com opened and they received a message. “Please identify yourself, honoured guest.”
    She grinned even though the person on the other end of the unit couldn’t see her. “We are Tracker of the Sector Guard and I am Healer Brenawyn of the Trinial and our champion.”
    Another short delay while they waited and then a far more dignified voice came through the com. “Be welcome Healer Brenawyn and entourage. We look forward to seeing you when you land.”
    Location information streamed through their system and Tracker grinned at her. They turned the open line off and Bren sat back. “So, you were right about them wanting to see a Trinial in person. What do we do if there are any formal events?”
    Tracker smiled, “We wear our uniforms with pride. We haven’t had time to get you a set of formals yet. Don’t worry, you look amazing.”
    She frowned at him but ran her fingers through her hair before loosening the confining braids she had put in before they left Raxos. “You start landing, I am going to straighten my hair.”
    She passed Polai and smiled at his dramatically changed appearance. If he was an example of his species, they were creepier than hell. No wonder he had consumed a sedative like standard tea.
    Miriil had looked like a normal female who could have been one of a dozen races. She had a moderate skin tone and standard proportions in the vid, but Bren supposed that she could have been eight feet tall and not looked any different.
    Staring at herself in the lav mirror, Bren grimaced. She used a brush and some mist to straighten her locks and when they were all poker straight, she frowned again. “It is as good as it will get, I suppose.”
    Having long, straight hair was a mark of femininity on several worlds, including Trin. Unbound, her hair hung straight to her waist and was cut straight at the edges. Her eyes were pale blue and her skin was pale. If it weren’t for the burgundy and grey of her robes, she wouldn’t have any colour at all.
    The ship rocked and she left the lav to return to her seat.
    “We are entering the atmosphere. Hold tight.”
    Bren strapped herself in and gripped the arms of her seat. The shuttle rocked and twisted as it cut through layers of temperature and gases.
    The data that they had been given had their shuttle settling near some very extravagant vehicles. Bren took a deep breath and wrapped her composure around her. This was just another kind of con job and she had to pull it off or she would not satisfactorily conclude this assignment.
    “Just be yourself, Brenawyn. You have more style and grace than you give yourself credit for.” Tracker was firmly in Guardsman mode.
    Polai was on his feet the moment that they passed him. He knew his role in the upcoming events and he was willing to play it to the hilt.
    A dignitary was waiting for them and greeted them with a smile. “Her Imperial Highness is waiting for you in the grand tent. Guest quarters are being prepared for you, Healer. It is an honour to meet one of your kind.”
    She inclined her head and smiled politely. “Please, we are eager to speak with Her Imperial Highness.”
    “Oh, of course.” The court noble immediately smiled and bustled off, gesturing for them to follow him.
    Bren threw her shoulders back and took Tracker’s arm as they walked across the tarmac. Polai walked quietly behind them, but Bren could feel his strength returning. Whatever he was going to have to do here to win the hand of the princess, he was in the best shape Bren could provide him with.
    It was a five-minute walk to the brightly coloured tents and the milling men.