Knightqueen - Page 77

“Ready?” Ashtin asked. “Crowds have gathered in the streets below the castle. The people have heard you’re back.”

She nodded. “I’m ready.”

The men flanked her. They strode out of her quarters and down the corridor toward the main balcony that faced the city.

As they neared, two knightguards opened the doors for them.

Up this high, she could see all of Aravena. The tall buildings, many of them draped in greenery, the smaller buildings that were homes and small businesses, the tree-filled parks and squares.

Down below, she saw the streets were packed with people. Her throat tightened. They were all waving gold flags. When she stepped up to the railing, and they saw her, cheers broke out. She heard whistles and happy cries.

She pressed a hand to her chest, tears welling in her eyes. She hadn’t realized how much her disappearance had affected her people.

I will keep you safe. I will protect you with everything I have.

She waved, turning from side to side. The cheers intensified. She glanced at Sten, and he gave her a small nod.

Then she dropped her hand and stepped back. Her smile dissolved. “Now, we need to discuss the Gek’Dragar.”

Ashtin gave her a brisk nod. “To the war room.”

Back inside, she took off her crown and handed it to her maid. Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she followed the men down several levels.

Two knights stood at attention at the metal doors leading into the war room. As they approached, the pair pushed the doors open.

Inside was a huge light table with projections streaking up above it. Around it stood Nea, Kaden, Kennedy, and Captain Attaway.

“Have we had any luck locating the Gek’Dragar ship we believe is carrying the weapon?” Carys asked, walking up to the light table.

“Not yet,” Nea said. “Everyone is searching for it, and all our ships are on high alert. Captain Attaway’s about to leave with the Helios to help.”

The Terran captain nodded. “Our scanning systems are different from yours. There might be a chance we can detect something.”

“War Commander Davion Thann-Eon has been in touch. There are several Eon warships on the way.

Carys knew their alliance with the Eon warriors was rock-solid. Their advanced warships would be invaluable. “Remind me to thank King Gayel.”

“You can do it in person,” Ashtin said. “He’s en route aboard the Rengard.”

She pressed a hand to the light table, looking at all the planets and stars that made up Oronis space. Each one of them represented Oronis people who she needed to protect.

“I will not let the Gek’Dragar hurt my people.” She looked right at Sten. “I will protect everyone I care about.”

His gaze stayed steady on hers.

Then she looked at Ashtin. “Do whatever it takes to find that ship.”

Sten checked in with his knightguards.

His men and women crowded around him, slapping his arm and back, happy to see that he’d survived.

“What you did for the knightqueen…” one man shook his head, awe on his face. “Putting that dura-binding on was brilliant. You’re an inspiration, Knightguard Sten.”

“We’ve heard a little of your ordeal on the alien planet, and what you faced,” a female knightguard said. “You protected the queen every step of the way.”

Several of them bowed their heads at him, showing their respect.

His chest felt tight. “I did what any knightguard would do. And I had help. Our queen is tough and a fierce fighter.”