“Your shoulders are rising again.”

“This is not a good time,” I said. “The attacks from the Ryba have increased.”

“Unfortunate, but not unexpected.”

“I cannot go.”

“Yet you will.”

I blinked. No Femeni would tell a Soturi what to do. Even less for one from my Oma’s time.

“I know you son. You are a good king. You do not wish to have another problem. The Emperor’s eye will be on you temporarily. It will stay if you refuse to take a mate.”

“I thought you were done with convincing.”

“Merely stating a fact.”

“Of course.”

“What else is troubling you, my son?”

Nothing and yet everything. This… ‘Peter’ wasn’t unpleasant to look at, but not Volardi. He was from a primitive world. I shared my troubles with my Oma while he listened.

“He will learn.”

“He’s a farmer… like the Ryba.”

“No, they can’t produce you an heir.”

I pointed at the data pad. “And this? ‘Classification Reticent’.”

“Leave it to the Emperor’s people to be vague,” he said.

“General Problems. This doesn’t look good for a mate. Perhaps he’s ill? I do not want a sick–”

My Oma’s lips pressed together. “He is not ill. Believe me, I know. Those are not the eyes of someone close to death.” His gaze lingered to the side before they returned. “I’m tired. Do what you wish my son, you are king.”

I knew enough to let him go. The force field saved him and several other Femeni while the cure was found. Even then, it was too risky to allow them access to unprotected air. He was far too old and frail to endure another pregnancy. A moot point. He was my Oma and the only family I had left.

Yet, I could have a bigger one.

Now is not the time. Not when my kingdom is in danger.

The Emperor wishes I go and meet. That is all I shall do.

“Computer,” I said. “Prepare a blocker.”

Within a minute, an orb flew into the room and dropped several pills into my open palm.

“Now,” I whispered. “It’s time to meet my mate.”

I’ll do what the Emperor wants and no more. Then I can return home where I belong.

***

Chapter Eleven

PETER

James dressed me in a simple white robe. He told me it was to mark me as an Omega. He then escorted me down a circular, arched corridor. I saw nobody as we walked although plenty of flying black and red tentacled drones.

“The temporary isolation is for your benefit. Currently, you are a Volardi Omega, for all intents and purposes.”

My voice drew out. “I thought Volardi don’t take another… male’s Omega?”

As I said the words, I mentally winced. I wasn’t just an Omega and with all that it implied like pregnancy. I belonged to someone. Now I was someone’s child bearer or would be soon.

“Correct. Both honor and security collars help with that. However, you are unbonded. Matros, your new husband will be here within the hour.”