Hesparia's Tears Read Online Free Page B

will retire for now, but it would be the greatest honour to have you join us this rest cycle.” He watched intently as her face tightened further. Something deep inside him told Galan that he must take this human to his ship and offer her his protection. He had always trusted his instincts before and right now they screamed that if he left her behind, he may never see her again. That the anger of the ones who guarded them would boil over.
    The one called Seth stood up, knocking over his chair in his excitement. “Yeah, of course we will!”
    Galan likened him to an overeager pet. He had to work hard to contain his amusement at the clumsy behaviour, but he wasn’t the one that Galan was concerned about. The woman watched him in silence as she had for horanas. She struck him as an intensely reserved creature, only sharing her thoughts when pushed hard. She seemed like someone who kept her counsel and emotions buried deep within her, but from time to time he caught glimpses of the vibrant nature she buried beneath the reserved façade.
    Right now, her eyes glowed with interest and she slowly inclined her head. The movement unconsciously regal, capturing his breath. In a manner befitting a future consort of the king. Just as Gospah had always done. Do not bring Gospah into it, he told himself, but he couldn’t stem the thoughts. They had already captured him.
    “It would be my pleasure.” Her voice, now husky with tiredness he assumed, stripped him emotionally. Galan knew then, that he would protect this human. This woman.
    “Come then. We will leave.” He held out an arm and she looked at it, before reaching out trembling fingers. He gripped them, amazed to feel a charge shimmer through him.
    The Quickening.
    Galan inhaled unsteadily. Even with his beloved Gospah he had not felt that. The physical force of connection one made when finally touching your Soul Partner . He let his eyes close for just an instant, savouring the brief connection then opened them to see her watching him.
    She wanted to ask what had just occurred. He could see it in the tremulous movement of her lips. But he knew she wouldn’t. Not while Seth was there, in all likelihood. He nodded and his men formed a physical barrier around the three of them then they left the room where they had been contained.
    As they exited the building, the one who had challenged them earlier surged forward. “You cannot take them with you.” His face was angry, the mulish set of his chin and lips left Galan moderately amused and he fought to restrain himself once more.
    “They will be my guests.” Even as he spoke, his people continued to act as a shield while he inexorably drove them to his ship, where it waited.
    “You are not authorised…”
    Jessa stepped up to the man. “Oh can it…” Before she could say anything else, Galan moved between them, pulling her to his side. Safe against him.
    “I don’t need to be authorised. They are my guests .” Galan let just a hint of his anger show and the guard backed away nervously, eyes flicking from side to side.
    As they stepped on to the eli-pad he loosed a sigh of relief as it rose into the ship. Then he turned to watch her face.
     
    Jessa watched as the interior of the ship became apparent. She didn’t know what she had actually expected. Maybe the harsh white of the spaceships in movies, but instead the welcome yellows, pinks and minty-greens soothed her. The alien, Galan, extended an arm. “Come this way.” Her curiosity won her over as she followed him. His footsteps were slow and measured and everywhere he went, others bowed deeply to him.
    “What is your rank?” The suspicion that he was more than anyone imagined had risen throughout the hours in the meeting. His ease with commanding people, the way they listened and followed his every direction had been large hints and now this…
    “An excellent question. My father is the liege lord.”
    His soft smile warmed her, even as she absorbed who he was.