Page 52 of When Eden Falls

“Of course.”

I glanced towards the door as I heard it groan shut, and my heart rate increased. Standing by the door, dressed in his golden armour and blue cape, was Dybgo. His hand rested on the hilt of his curving sword, poised with the stature of protection. Thankfully he didn’t look my way. After the dreams I’d been having recently, although innocent enough, I wouldn’t know how to interact without blushing profusely.

“I hope you don’t mind the intrusion,” Havav drawled, “but I wish to speak with you, alone.”

I slowly lowered myself into my chair, giving him my full attention.

He smiled, crossing one leg over the other. “Your unexpected arrival to our world has been a delight to me and my people. It’s simulated something along the idea of a prophecy. However, I get the impression, you especially, do not reflect that same elation.”

I stared at him, fully aware of the emphasis he’d put on the wordunexpected.I swallowed nervously. “I never intended on giving you that impression.”

“And I believe you. Your commander has explained about your world and the way human females live the same life as a male, with the addition of procreation as and when they feel the time is right. So, I empathise with your need for freedom. And I can understand how claustrophobic you must be feeling…but,” he put a finger up to stop me from interrupting his speech, “I am going to tell you something that may give you an insight into why I am so accustomed to enforcing my rules. I haven’t told your commander this, and to be honest, I rarely speak of it.” An expression of sorrow filled his eyes and I felt myself drawn to him with a compassionate intrigue. “I believe Yuska has informed you of the lack of females we have here.”

“She has.”

“Each female can take as many mates as she likes over her life span, it gives them a better chance of breeding success. Males do not take wives, but as a ruler, over the past couple of centuries, it has become customary to do so. It shows our perseverance and strength, our ability to love and cherish. I had a queen. She was perfect. But I lost her…to the Igknamai. Several years back, we were returning from a…colony visit when we stumbled upon a hoard of them. They chased us down. She fell from her horse and…” His eyes moistened and, for a moment, he dropped his gaze. “I couldn’t save her.”

Oh Nux. “I’m…I’m so sorry.”

He shook his head and gave a sad smile. “I reinforced the protection rule to include all females that day,” he met my gaze, “and we haven’t lost a single female to the Igknamai since. Although,” he raised his head slightly, “we nearly did seven days past.”

“You mean me.”

Havav gave one slow nod. “You may not be one of my own, but you are treated with the same regard.”

I understood, I did. A species so limited with female life protects and honours them, even if it did mean harsh, patronising restrictions.

“However,” Havav shuffled in his seat, “I cannot force my rules on you, especially when they’re causing such adverse effects…”

“I’m fine, really, I…”

He held his hand up to stop my words again. “I will allow you to leave the fortress as and when your commander permits your presence. But on two conditions…” My eyes widened in utter surprise. “You will take at least two of my finest warriors with you, of which both will remain with you at all times.”

Okay, that may be awkward if I needed to relieve myself. Iglanced across at Dybgo wondering how he felt about that.

“And secondly…” I looked back at Havav as he pulled a golden dagger out from beneath the folds of his cape. He handed it to me. “…you accept this gift as a token of my utmost dedication to your protection.”

I stared at the beautiful dagger twinkling in the grey daylight. The short, golden hilt was engraved with an elaborate design of Akquarian swirls, where a turquoise jewel sat embedded into the base of the blade. I took it from Havav’s cold fingers, examining it with awe. It was sharp, deadly. A gift of purpose. I looked up at the Akquarian leader, astounded by his change of heart. “Thank you.”

He nodded graciously and motioned to Dybgo. “I’m sure Dybgoforiamnuk will find the time to show you how to use it effectively. I’m under the impression this will be far more effective than your automatic weapons.”

Twisting the dagger carefully between my fingers, I nodded. “Yes, I’m pretty sure it will be.”

“Base of the throat or between the eyes are the best places.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Havav watched me for a moment. “I am also allowing yourself, Miss Zamya, and Miss Cora to visit your colleague, Mr Oz. But only one at a time and you must be escorted by a chaperon.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

“I’m afraid I cannot permit you free movement around the fortress. There have been a few outbreaks of Tektrasc recently, so I can’t risk it.”

“I understand.”

“Good.” Havav rose to his feet, and I sensed all five of his men straighten further. Clearly a stern, respected leader, but here he was, sympathising with me.

“I’ve never been your enemy, Eden.” He looked at me solemnly. “And I never intend to be.”