Knightqueen - Page 71

“Everyone hold on,” the ensign called back. “We’re about to leave atmosphere. There are some Gek’Dragar patrol ships in range, so we need to sneak through and get back to the Helios as fast as we can.”

Carys leaned back in her seat.

Sten wanted to touch her, but curled his fingers into his palms.

He made himself look straight ahead. Now that they were no longer on Ti-Lore, he was once again just her knightguard.

He couldn’t let himself forget that.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

It felt surreal to step onto the Terran ship.

Carys looked around with interest. The vessel was so bright, and spotlessly clean, which was such a contrast to the last week of her life.

Sten was one step behind her, silent and protective, as they entered the bridge of the Helios. A large viewscreen dominated the forward wall, and rows of consoles sat in front of it. Most of the consoles had no one sitting at them.

“Knightqueen Carys, I’m Captain Attaway.” A uniform-clad woman with short, blonde-brown hair strode forward, hand extended. “We’re all so glad you’re all right.”

“Captain.” She took the woman’s hand and shook in the way Terrans did. “You have my greatest gratitude for coming after me and Knightguard Sten. Thank you.”

“It was the least we could do.”

“I know you risked a great deal, and I’m thankful.”

“Knightqueen.” Nea stepped forward. “You need to go to Medical to get checked.”

“I’m fine, really—”

“You’ll get checked.” Sten’s voice brooked no argument.

She shot him a look. “Then you will, too.”

His mouth flattened. “As my queen commands.”

Her belly clenched, thinking of the last time he’d said that phrase. But now, he looked like a robot, his face impassive. There was no sign of the man who’d loved her so thoroughly.

“We’re ready to get underway,” the captain said. “Let’s set our route to Oron.”

The few crew members on the bridge tapped at their consoles.

The ship’s engines rumbled, vibrating the floor beneath Carys’ feet. She stared at the image of Ti-Lore on the viewscreen. Even from space, she could see the vast mountain ranges that crossed the planet, and dense greenery at the poles.

We will not forget you.

“Come, Carys,” Sten said.

She let him lead her off the bridge.

Nea and Ensign Noth led them down some corridors. The knightmaster stopped and pressed her palm to a panel. The door slid open with a quiet hiss. Medical was bright, clean, and well-organized, and empty of staff.

“Your Highness, I’m afraid I’m all there is to run the scanner,” the young ensign said. “I’m sorry we don’t have a full crew.”

“We only took volunteers for a skeleton crew to travel into Gek’Dragar space,” Nea explained. “They’ve done an excellent job.”

“I’m sure you’ll do a fine job as a stand-in healer, Ensign.” Carys sat up on one of the bunks. The young man moved a scanning unit over her. It beeped.

“You’re in good health. It appears your minor wounds are already healing themselves, thanks to your implants.” He held up an injector. “I’d like to give you an antibiotic stimulant.”