Cherished (Intergalactic Loyalties) by Jessica Coulter Smith Read Free Book Online

save me. I understand that, Dryxel. We’ll just have to hurry home and hope the Tarnans don’t reach us first.”
    “I like it when you call Tourmalane your home,” he said with a smile in his voice. “Let me seal the wound and give you a little extra something for the pain, then I’ll return you to the other ship and our room.”
    Dryxel worked quickly, gave her another injection, and then offered her something bitter to drink. She made a face after her first swallow, but he urged her to finish it, claiming it would help with the pain. She downed the rest of the contents. As she stood, the room spun and she felt her knees grow weak.
    “What’s wrong with me?”
    He lifted her into his arms. “Nothing, my princess. I merely gave you a sleeping draught so you would rest while your body finished healing. When you wake, there will be no more pain.”
    “You drugged me,” she accused.
    “Only out of necessity. You’ll sleep a few hours then be good as new. Your side might be a little sore for a few days, but otherwise you won’t be able to tell the skin was ever opened. There won’t be even the hint of a scar.”
    She opened her mouth to respond, but darkness descended and her head dropped to Dryxel’s broad chest.
    ***
    Something didn’t feel right. There was a disturbance in the air, a presence that felt out of place. Lucie slowly opened her eyes, seeing nothing but a dark room. Everything was still and quiet. Then there was a rustling beside her and she scrambled up against the wall. What was that? “Who’s there?” she asked. “Dryxel? You’re scaring me.”
    “Don’t be frightened, Lucie. I’m here to rescue you,” said a familiar, calm voice.
    “Cael?” She squinted into the darkness, unable to make out any shapes. What was he doing here? How had he gotten here?
    She felt the bed dip, then his hand was sliding up her leg to rest on her hip. Surprisingly, there was very little pain left. It seemed Dryxel had been right to drug her, even if she hadn’t liked it at the time. Where was he? Did he know Cael was on board?
    “You don’t have to be frightened any longer, Lucie. I’m going to take care of you, just like I always do.”
    She frowned. “I don’t understand, Cael. I’m not frightened. I just don’t know why you’re here.”
    “I’m taking you back to the Lynten 12. You’re safe now.”
    “Safe? But --”
    He placed a hand over her mouth. “The less we talk, the better our chances of escape. I don’t want to do this, but the Tarnans told me the Tourmalane had brainwashed you, entranced you somehow. You know I’d never hurt you.”
    Hurt her? What was he talking about? Then she felt it, the telltale prick of a needle. The world spun and she found herself sinking into the bed once more. She felt Cael wrap his arms around her and lift her. None of her limbs would work, not even her lips would move. He’d paralyzed her! Why had he done such a thing?
    He pressed a finger to his ear and she heard him speak to Xan. A moment later they’d vanished from her room and were in the transport chamber on board the Lynten 12. She wanted to howl in frustration, to beat at him with her fists, but she was limp as a noodle. She heard everyone talking around her and watched the blurred scenery pass as Cael carried her down the various halls to what she assumed was her former room.
    Dryxel would come for her. He’d said as much. But when would he notice she was missing? It could still be another hour or so before he’d even realize she’d been kidnapped. And Cael’s good intentions aside, that’s what he’d done -- kidnapped her. If he’d only given her a chance to explain! Then again, he thought she’d been entranced by her prince. It was doubtful he’d have believed her when she said she wanted to stay with Dryxel, of her own free will. Now what the hell was she going to do? Well, first things first… she needed to be able to move and speak. She’d talk to Cael after that and see if