Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“Oh, mother earth. His mate is Enya’s mother?” My heart pounds. “Why didn’t he say anything?” Tears well up in my eyes. “I’m her… caretaker. The one who helped her escape. Why wouldn’t he at least… thank me?”
She looks confused. “I don’t know. Maybe he doesn’t want to mix personal with professional. He’s not really the warm and fuzzy type. Right now, the important thing was to complete your surgery, not to upset you with discussion about it.”
I grab for my gown. “I want to go home.”
It’s just another example of how I’m not worthy enough to be treated like an equal. Great that I took care of Enya for solar cycles. Awesome that I helped her escape. Now that I’m here? Get away from her. Still second tier, even in this supposedly “free” environment. Great.
I pull on my sandals. “Thanks for your help.”
She hands me a satchel with some medications and salves. “We’ve updated your comm with instructions on how to care for your wound. Please inform your dorm mother, Mistress Kaal, at once if you have any pain…”
“Thanks. Bye.”
I leave as quickly as I can, not caring if I seem rude.
This is beyond frustrating. I need to see Enya.
Bayla
I don’t know what to say to my daughter.
She sits across the room from me, looking out the large, curved glass window at the city below. Dressed in a flowing Zandian gown, her short hair sleek and styled, she’s the most gorgeous creature I’ve ever seen.
And she hates me.
Since we were reunited, she’s been distant and withdrawn. Sullen. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this angry little person who treats me like a stranger.
“Are you in pain?” I’m constantly checking on her. Wanting to do something, anything for her.
“No.” Her voice is cool and distant. She doesn’t turn around.
“Are you sure?”
She doesn’t answer, just crosses her arms and stares through the glass, like she wants to melt it with her eyes.
I was the one who insisted that we be given uninterrupted time to bond. That it would be far better for Zina to adapt on her own, while Enya was given time with me. She’s my daughter! I’ve been waiting for this moment for solar cycles.
But after our first amazing hug, where we both laughed and cried and embraced for what felt like hours, she’s withdrawn. Won’t interact with me.
“Are you hungry?” I bustle around the nutrition station, my fingers shaking a little as I collect my ripest fruit and put it onto a silver tray. “I saved you the best ones…”
“No.” Her voice is low and she wipes her eye.
“You haven’t really eaten since you arrived.” I look, helpless, at her slender frame. My tone is pleading. “I just want you to heal.”
“I’m fine.”
“Daneth, my—the doctor, says you need sustenance.” I bring the tray closer and edge it up to her elbow.
“The doctor has no idea what I need,” she snaps. She hits the tray with her arm, sending the plump grapes tumbling to the floor, where they roll on the shiny marble surface.
I gasp and flinch, and something in me breaks. “Neither do I,” I whisper, putting a hand to my face. “This isn’t what I expected.”
She looks at me then, her expression unreadable. I don’t know this being. She’s mine and not mine.
“What is it you need?” I can barely get the words out. My heart breaks inside my chest.
“Maybe instead of keeping me enslaved here, locked up in the palace while you all decide what I do and where I go and who I talk to, why don’t you actually ask me what I want?” She stands up, her tone strident. “I was brought here and then you took me away from my only family. Nobody has even let me talk to Zina except once by holo.” Tears run down her face. “And of course I want to be here with you, I do, but I also… forget it.” She glares at me, but through her anger, I see it. She’s as confused as I am. Probably more so.
“Tell me.”
“All you care about is yourself and your new young.” She blurts the words and crosses her arms, her face anguished.
“That’s not true.” I swear my heart is tearing apart at her words. “Please. I really am sorry.”
“What?” She turns her head. I think I hear hope in her voice. “What are you sorry about?”
I wipe my eye. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to be your mother for so many solar cycles. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop them from taking you all those solar cycles ago. I’m sorry that we were born humans into a galaxy where we’re considered the lowest, most expendable species. I’m sorry you haven’t gotten to see your… friend.” My lips twist as I say it. “Zina. I know you… love her.”