Liz and Max made their way out to the pool only to be greeted by the stares of their friends and family. “What?” Liz asked.
“When we get to Antar, can you make sure your room is either on the other side of the palace or soundproof?” Syl asked.
“Liz next time Max makes you scream remember that there are others with as good as hearing as you within the state.” Maxie stated smiling. Liz and Max caught on and blushed deeply as the others laughed.
Their last hours left on Earth were spent just relaxing around the house. The guys came back shortly and they joined them out by the pool. They got to know Alec, he was a pretty laid back guy considering he had spent all but a year of his life in Manticore. He had had a lot of outside missions mostly solo ones, the assignations. He had also run scams on the inside.
Michael and Jack cooked a big dinner while the others showered and put on fresh clothes. Alec had to borrow some since he had been with Max and Logan and unable to get any of his stuff. He said he hadn’t left much behind preferring to travel light. They figured they would get different clothes once they reached Antar. The customs, language, etc. would be different and they would have to learn all of it. It would take time but shouldn’t be too difficult. The X5s had photographic memories while the aliens and Maria could scan. Max, Kyle and Liz could do both. Logan was the only one without the advantage but he was a fast learner.
Although no one tried to show it, Liz could tell everyone was a little anxious about what was going to happen. After all they were going to another planet. This was definitely not something Manticore had ever planned for them. Lydecker was probably rolling over in his grave, if he had even been buried, knowing what his ‘kids’ were doing.
Right on time, the crystal on top of the portal pyramid started to glow purple. Max set the device in the middle of the living room and asked, “Is everyone sure about this?”
Everyone nodded and Michael was the only one that spoke, “What are you going to do with the device? We can’t just leave it here.”
“Once the portal is activated and all of you are through, there is a release button on the side. I’ll push it then Liz and I have one minute to go through before it’s shut off. After it’s released I’ll just pick it up and we’ll go. When Liz and I emerge on the other side the emissary will do another test on me to make sure I’m not a imposter.”
“What test?” Krit asked.
“It’s a little hard to explain but he’ll make sure that I have the royal seal.” Max stated.
“It’s kind of like our barcodes, Max was made with it.” Liz explained.
“Let’s do this.” Michael stated. Max reached down and activated the device. Like before the portal flared up in front of them. Michael looked at the nervous Maria and grabbed her hand. He leaned in close and said, “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Maria whispered back. The two grabbed their bags and the others watched as they disappeared into the portal. Zack and Ava grabbed their belongings and disappeared. Jondy and Jack were next, followed by Krit and Syl, Zane and Millie (he couldn’t leave her behind), Max and Logan, Josh and Alec. After Isabel and Kyle went through, Max looked at Liz. “Ready?”
Liz took a deep breath, “Ready.”
Max hit the release button and stuffed the device in his bag, grabbing Liz’s hand the soon to be King of Antar and his future queen disappeared into the portal. Leaving an empty house that didn’t look any different although eleven Manticore transgenic soldiers, a regular human, a changed human, a German shepherd, and four aliens just went through a portal transporting them across space.
Part 26
Liz could only describe traveling through the portal as like being on a roller coaster. She felt herself being pulled forward at an amazing speed through a tunnel of stars. It was beautiful. Then as quickly as it started it was over and Liz felt like she was moving through a wall of water only to find herself in a good size room with Max still holding her hand and her family and friends standing in front of her.
The sole other occupant of the room, an older looking gray haired man walked up to Max; “I am the emissary. Do you agree to another test?”
“Yes, I understand the need for it.” Max said. He let go of Liz’s hand and went to stand in front of the emissary. Like before the man circled around until he came up behind Max before placing his hand there. Max saw Liz and the others tense up thinking something was wrong but Max shook his head to stop them. A minute later he felt the warm sensation of power being used and watched as like before five glowing dots shot out of his forehead formed into the V symbol. Then as quickly as it formed it disappeared.
The emissary moved to stand in front of Max and bowed, “Your highness. Please follow me into the throne room.” Max nodded and they were all lead through a small door into room that took Liz’s breath away. It had cathedral ceilings as well as large windows but Liz was to far away to see beyond the windows. The floors looked to be made of something like marble and there were several chairs strewn about with two large ones as the centerpieces. In front of them she saw several people, a tall woman with blonde hair up front.
“I present to you King Zan and his entourage.” The emissary announced.
“Welcome to Antar, I am Queen Katiya (Cot-e-ya).” She said greeting them all. Queen Katiya came forward again, and pulled Max into her arms. “My son.”
Max hugged her for a minute before he pulled away, “I’m sorry but I’m not him, I don’t remember being Zan. Please call me Max.”
“Max, I know that but his blood is in your blood. You might be different people but I still think of you as my children.” She said as she looked over at Isabel knowing she was her daughter. He motioned to his sister who stepped up next to him; “This is my sister Isabel.”
Isabel had tears in her eyes as the Queen came up to hug her as well. “My daughter, I’ve been looking forward to this for so long.”
“Me, too.” Isabel muffled through her tears. “Mother.”
The two broke apart a minute later and the Queen spoke up, “Well my son, it seems we have many introductions to make. Why don’t you go first?”
Max grabbed Liz’s hand again, “This is Liz, the love of my life and my future wife.”
Liz blushed at his introduction but the Queen only smiled. “It is my pleasure to meet you. I can see how much my son loves you. Larek has told me that you were the one to rid us of Nicholas. That makes you a strong woman who will make a great queen.”
“Thank you, your Majesty. It is great to meet you as well.” Liz said smiling.
“This is Michael and Ava.” Max introduced motioning to each of them. “And Maria, a very good friend of ours. I’ll let Liz introduce her family.”
“This is Zack, Zane, Syl, Jondy, Alec, Jack, Josh, Kyle, Maxie, and Logan.” Liz said listing off her family. “Oh, and Millie. Zane’s dog.”
“Quite a large family.” The Queen commented looking all of them over.
Liz nodded. “It’s a long story.”
“One that I am anxious to hear. But after the introductions.” The Queen said before starting. First she pointed to a blonde man and woman; “These are Ava’s parents. Thoran (Thor-an) and Kaeo (K-O).” Then motioned to a tall brown haired man and two reddish blonde women, one quite younger than the other, “This is Bastian and his wife, Idun (I-done). They are the parents of Michael.”
Ava wasn’t sure how to act. She had never had parents until she had gone to Roswell and started living with the Parkers. She had thought about them before when she lived in New York. When she wanted to get away from the others she would go down to Central Park and watch the families dreaming of what hers were like. Would these people be like her dream parents? Mustering up her courage she stepped forward, “Hello.”
“Hello Ava.” Her mother, Kaeo, greeted.
“Thank you for calling me Ava. No offense but I don’t like the name Tess. She hurt people that I care about.” Ava stated.
“It’s understood. From what we found out about Tess you are more like you were in your past life.” Thoran commented.
At the same time Ava talked to her parents, Michael walked forward and stared in shock at the family he’d been looking for. His mother walked forward and hugged him; “I looked to the stars every night in the hope you would return soon.”
Michael tensed for a minute but hugged her back; “I’ve waited for this for a long time. To know my family.”
Idun pulled away but did not let go of him as his father came forward. “We hope to get to know you as well. This is you sister Sarahana.”
Michael looked at his sister; she was short like their mother with long red/blonde hair and greenish gray eyes. Eyes that held an air of mischief to them, she smiled, “Please call me Sarah. I don’t answer most of the time someone calls me Sarahana.”
Maria could feel all the emotions going through Michael. He had finally found what he was looking for. He felt her squeeze and remembered she was there. “As Maxwell said, this is Maria, my girlfriend.”
“Larek told us that they had found different mates then before. My son is lucky to find one so beautiful.” Bastian said as he kissed her hand. Maria only blushed. “Well Michael didn’t inherit your charm.”
“Spunky. If Michael has any of his hardheadedness that he once did then you’re perfect for him.” Idun said.
Maria laughed. “Well I finally beat it in him.”
Liz and her family watched Ava and Michael getting acquainted with their parents. Although Zack kept his face emotionless she could tell he was happy for Ava. Then she noticed that Alec was starring at Sarah. And in more than a friendly way. Liz didn’t think Michael would be too happy about Alec ogling his sister. Her sister Maxie saw it too and elbowed him hard in the ribs.
Alec felt the sharpness of Maxie’s elbow and turn to glare at her. She just shook her head to show that it wasn’t a good idea to stare. It was hard for him not to. When he had made the comment about seeing if Antarian women were beautiful he’d been joking. But when he had first came into the room his eyes had looked on Sarahana, Sarah, he realized that it was no longer a joke. She was beautiful. The light coming through the windows made her hair shine reflecting the color, and her eyes were a shade of green that he had never seen. They seem to change colors from green to gray. She was kind of short but she didn’t look frail. He turned his attention to the Queen as she spoke.
“Let me introduce you to the others. First, Larek.” Queen Katiya said pulling a tall man with dark hair and gray eyes forward.
“At last we meet in person.” Larek said smiling at Max and Liz.
“Thank you for your help in getting us to Antar. I am grateful for helping my family and I be safe.” Liz said.
“You’re very welcome but it was all Max’s idea.” Larek said.
Next the Queen stated, “This is Danin, he’s captain of all the guards.” She motioned to a tall man with black hair and green eyes. He stepped forward and bowed. He moved back and the Queen finished. “And one more person. This is Serena, the scientist in charge of your recreation and pods.”
When Liz heard the name she felt all of the air leave her lungs. Max pulled her close knowing what she was reacting to. “Its nice to meet you Serena.”
“It’s a dream to meet you, Max. To see you alive.” Serena exclaimed.
“Your majesty, who are they?” Liz pointed to two men and three women behind the Queen. The women were who caught her attention. They wore hooded cloaks that draped over their head and their faces were in the shadows. The cloaks were a dark purple at the bottom then fade to a dark blue on the top.
“They are my guards as well as my helpers.” The Queen answered. The five forms then bowed to them; Danin whispered something in the Queen’s ear and slipped out of the room to check on security.
“Oh, just curious. Not used to having guards around.” Liz said shrugging.
“You will be soon.” Before Liz could ask what she meant the Queen said, “We would love to hear your story as well as get to know everyone else. Why don’t we all sit and talk?” Queen Kati suggested. They all took seats around the throne room.
Part 27
“Your majesty can I ask you something?” Zack asked.
“Yes, Zack right?”
Zack nodded. “Yes. I noticed you’re speaking English. How is that possible?”
The Queen smiled. “Before we sent the pods we did research on Earth. Once they were gone, I knew the day would come when they would be back so many of the people in this room learned many of the languages of the planet. When Larek met Max at the summit we found out that English was the language you used.”
“We didn’t know what to expect when we got here.” Max stated.
The Queen reached for a box next to her, when she opened it Liz could see several items that looked like necklaces; “These are translators. They will interpret both what you hear and say. You can use them until you learn Antarian. We have tutors ready to teach you. We have also arranged for clothes that you will need, over the next few days you will all be fitted for them.”
Everyone nodded; it was instinctive for the X5s to want to blend in to their new home. They all took a translator and put it on. They were shown how to switch them on and tested them out.
“Cool” Krit stated.
“One more question,” Zack asked. “Their ship crashed over 50 years ago, why don’t any of you look the right age?”
“Another good question, the answer is simple. Our two suns give off more radiation than Earth’s sun. It’s not harmful but if affects our aging. We live longer.”
“Max told me that you needed to leave Earth in a hurry because of the authorities there were after you. What happened to expose you?” Larek asked.
“Well to understand all of it Liz will have to tell you some of the history behind her family.” Max stated before looking at Liz.
“Is this the story that you talked about earlier?” The Queen asked Liz.
“Yes, it is.”
“Then please tell us.”
“Okay, short version. You see me and my brothers and sisters aren’t want you would call normal humans. We were created to be an enhanced version of humans. We were made in a lab mixing different types of DNA I’m guessing in a similar way that Serena made the pods.” Liz explained.
“For what reason?” Bastian asked.
“To be soldiers. The idea was that one of us could do the work of ten soldiers. Instead of sending in a hundred regular soldiers and loosing ten or twenty they’d send us in an lose none.” Josh answered.
“But that doesn’t mean we can’t get hurt. That’s actually how I found out about Max. I was shot and he healed me.” Liz explained.
“He healed you?” The Queen asked.
“Yes, as well as my brother Kyle, Maria and my sister Max.”
“So you’ve all been changed? Interesting.”
“That’s what brought us to the difficult situation. Maxie is pregnant and when she was sent to the doctor by accident, they saw all of the differences in her blood. Humans tend to be scared of things that are different so they came after us.” Liz explained.
“It sounds like your last couple of days on Earth were busy.” Sarah stated.
“That’s an understatement.” Michael said sarcastically just as another cloaked woman came in and spoke to the Queen. She nodded before announcing, “Before we show you to your rooms we have food laid out for you in the banquet room. Leave your things and they'll be delivered later.”
Everyone rose and followed the Queen out of the throne room. On the way to the banquet room the Queen showed them different rooms and things along the way. They entered a large room with an equally large table in the middle of it covered with food. The food all seemed strange but the smells told them that they were okay. They all sat down and began to eat. Liz expected the food to be spicy considering the love of Tabasco Sauce the aliens had but instead found the food’s flavor was just stronger. Like if she ate a hamburger, it still tasted like a hamburger only ten times stronger. Michael and Ava got to know their families as well as Maria and Zack. Liz, Max, Isabel and Kyle talked to the Queen, Larek, and Serena while the others alternated talking to everyone, Alec trying to talk to Sarah. They talked about their lives on Earth, including the X5s escape as well as the life of hiding that the aliens did, and the defeat of Kivar.
“Mother, what can you tell us about the war?”
“Kivar was once Zan’s friend. But then he got power hungry and went after Vilandra to get it. He thought that if she would fall in love with him and marry him that he would be in line for the throne. Everything went to plan until Zan refused to void out Vilandra’s engagement to Rath. He knew Kivar well enough to have an idea of his intentions and the beginnings of the war were started. He told Vilandra to call things off with him and for appearances she did. But we found out later that they continued to meet in secret. She accidentally gave him the information that led to your deaths. It was at Zan and Tess’s wedding. They attacked after the ceremony and no one suspected it. Zan made sure that I escaped before going back to fight. Serena and several guards snuck back into the palace and escaped with your essences to reproduce all of you. Your deaths made the war go full speed until you killed him.”
“So what state is Antar in?” Liz asked.
“Better than we initially thought. As you can see Kivar kept the palace lush for himself and he hoarded almost all food, resources, etc for his army. Now that the war is over and we have control we have been able to divide everything as it should be and the people have more than they had since the first years of the war. The biggest thing that suffered is the cultural aspect of our planet. During the war everything pushed to the industrial side, in the production of materials and weapons. No studies were allowed except for military purposes. Our biggest task, aside from buildings and homes, will be to rebuild the heart of Antar.”
“So Antar is much like Germany was during and after World War 2.” Max commented to the Earthlings.
“There is still a small threat. A small group of Kivar’s men are still out there.”
“But with Kivar and Nicholas dead who is leading them?” Liz asked.
“Kivar’s sister, Divia, and her husband. They are not a large group but they are still out there. I fear that they blame you all for Kivar’s death. My sources say that Divia was with Kivar when he left for Earth.”
“Then she knows that he went to see me.” Liz stated.
Max didn’t like the thought that someone related to Kivar was still out there especially if she blamed them for Kivar's death. He knew how dangerous people could be if they were hell bent on revenge. He barely heard his mother as she continued to talk. “Larek and I will be the ones to help you as you deal with all of the meetings of the committees that are trying to accomplish our goals but we have a few days before those start so you can get settled here. We already have your rooms made up for all of you in the residential wing of the palace. Max relayed the arrangements through Larek.”
“So what are the arrangements?” Krit asked.
“Well Larek told me that Michael and Maria would like to share a room as well as Logan and Max. The others will have separate rooms. We have pets similar to dogs so Millie won’t be a problem. I mean no offense but with Isabel being a princess it wouldn’t look right for her to be living with Kyle without being married. Liz will have a temporary room until her and Max are married. But we didn’t know about Zack and Ava.” The Queen finished looking at the two in question.
Zack and Ava looked at each other in question. “Ava, it’s up to you.” Zack stated. He had never actually lived with anyone but Ava had spent so much time at his apartment in Roswell that he didn’t think he’d mind.
“I think we should try it. If we don’t kill each other then we can just keep it that way.” Ava answered.
“Very well, we each scenario was prepared for. I know you all must be tired so let’s show you to your rooms. I would like it very much if you would all join me for breakfast in the morning then I’ll give you a bigger tour of the palace and the grounds.” The Queen asked. They all agreed and they were shown to their rooms.
Part 28
Alec followed the Queen and the others through the hallways. They had already dropped everyone but Michael and Maria, Liz and Max, and himself and Jondy. Michael and Maria were busy talking to Michael’s parents so he approached Sarah. “Do you and your parents live in the palace?”
“No, we have a house on the far north border of the grounds but I’m here often.” She said smiling. She had noticed him as Liz introduced him and was surprised at the relief she felt when she found out the women around him were his sisters and not something else. She had enjoyed the small talk that they had swapped during the meal. He seemed like an easy going guy unlike the other men she was used to being around. They all acted too serious for her and never seemed to relax.
“That’s is good to know that I’ll be seeing you often. Maybe after the tour tomorrow you can give me a more intimate one later?” Alec asked.
“I think my parents are going to have Michael and Maria to our house tomorrow so perhaps after?” She finished saying just as they approached Alec’s room.
“I can’t wait.” Alec said before entering his new room.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Her temporary room surprised Liz. It consisted of a bathroom, a small sitting area and a large bedroom. It was huge compared to her room back above the Crashdown and decorated in dark warm colors that she liked. The bathroom had a large tub as well as a shower stall and another closed in glass area that Liz wasn’t sure of its purpose. She also couldn’t see how to turn anything on. The sitting room had two couches, a desk with a computer, and a few more computers looking things on the walls that Liz was going to have to ask about. The bedroom had a large comfy looking chair and size bed. It didn’t have a balcony but did have a large window with a window seat. From her window she could see that the palace was built close to a cliff and if she wasn’t mistaken a waterfall was right under it. The water fed into a large body of water that looked like a huge lake or possibly an ocean; she couldn’t see where it ended.
She explored the whole suite, familiarizing herself with everything before she grabbed her stuff to unpack. She had just put her bags on the bed when she heard what she guessed was a doorbell. She went to the main entrance placed her hand on metal plate next to it. The Queen had shown them how to open it earlier. As the door opened Liz saw a young woman about her own age and her height, in one of the hooded cloaks. “Can I help you?” Liz asked glad that she hadn’t taken her translator off.
“The Queen assigned me to you to offer assistance M’Lady in settling in.” The other woman said with her eyes cast downwards. The Queen was always nice never treating her any differently but she wasn’t sure about the future Queen. She had seen Liz earlier when she had introduced her family. She had been surprised by the history of her family. One of her brothers was very handsome but Naomi didn’t let anyone know she thought so.
Liz was slightly thrown off by being called M’Lady but she snapped out of it. “Um, yes. Please come in.” Once they were inside the cloaked woman pulled her hood back. Her hair was although braided back was longer than Liz’s and black. Her skin was quite pale but with the contrast between her hair and skin set off her green eyes very well. “Actually I was wondering how to operate a few things in the bathroom.”
“I shall do my best M’Lady. Lead the way.”
“First off, please call me Liz. Please don’t treat me any different than anyone else” Liz stated, “What is your name?”
“Naomi.” She answered liking Liz already.
“Well Naomi, do you mind if I ask you some questions?” Liz asked as they walked into the bathroom.
“What?”
“Why do all of you wear those cloaks?”
“Well we are not only ladies in waiting but also guards. We are called Retainers. The cloaks hide our faces so no one will recognize us, it is useful in times that we must smuggle one of our female charges out of a dangerous situation especially for the ones unlike me who are not shapeshifters. It’s too difficult to do it for the male charges since their body types differentiate more and would look strange wearing the cloaks.
“Good tactical maneuver.” Liz muttered to herself. She had thought she recognized her from earlier but hadn’t been able to distinguish her from one of the others. Of course now that she had seen her face it would be easier to figure out who she was unless she shapeshifted. “I’ve never had a personal guard before.”
“I’m not your only one. There are two more stationed outside.” Naomi answered.
“Well I don’t need them so I’ll just talk to the Queen and Max tomorrow.” Liz said. She didn’t want guards following around everywhere. “Okay, how do I work this stuff.” She asked gesturing to the bathroom.
“Everything is voice activated, lights included.” Naomi explained. She walked over to the shower and said, “Full stream, 90 degrees.” And the water came on instantly. “Disengage.” Then the water shut off.
“That’s handy. Now what is that thing?” Liz asked pointing to the glass tube.
“It’s a drying tube for after you bath. Hot air blow-dries you.” Naomi showed Liz how to work it as well as the computers on the desk in the sitting room. The last thing was the wall computer. “This is called an Auto Chef. It stores basic food and beverages. Mostly snacks, no large meals. Just order what you want and it will prepare it. It will be stocked once a week unless you need it done more often.”
“At dinner earlier, I had some kind of tea that was very good. What was it?”
“Bough tea.” Naomi ordered it and a minute later it was delivered. She handed it to Liz who tasted it. It had a milky taste. “Very good.”
“In the desk drawer you find a small hand communicator that will allow you to talk to anyone else with one.
“Well I’m sure you would like to rest so I’ll let you retire.”
“Actually I don’t sleep much.” Naomi looked at her confused. “Oh were you in the throne room earlier when we explained what we were?”
“Yes, it was very interesting.”
“Well you see when they made us, they gave a higher endurance so we don’t sleep much. My sisters Max, Jondy, and me can go longer than the others can. But I’m sure you would like to. When will I see you again?”
“If you need me, just command the computer to notify me. If you don’t I will be here first thing in the morning.” Naomi bowed in respect before slipping through the door. When she did Liz saw the guards Naomi had told her about. She went back to unpacking. She had brought clothes, her journals, some CDs and tons of pictures. Once she was all done she took a long hot bath. She had to say it was one of the most enjoyable baths she’d ever experience. The water had an almost silky feeling to it and it enveloped her in its heat. She tried out the drying tube and found it to be an interesting experience. She went back into the bedroom but she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep. After all it was her first night in a palace on a different planet. She dressed again and headed out to wonder. Her two guards outside said nothing to her but followed closely behind. Yep, she was going to have to talk to Max about it tomorrow.
Part 29
Liz didn’t go far before she found a large glass enclosed circular room. The glass allowed her to see the lights of what looked like a nearby city and the stars, which looked the same as they did on Earth but Antar’s three moons were what looked odd. Two of them were pale pink while the other was pale yellow. “That’s something I’m going to have to get used to.” She said to herself.
“I can imagine.” Liz swung her sight over to the direction of the voice and saw the Queen. “I’m sorry Liz. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“Just not use to people sneaking up on me. I usually hear them coming.”
The Queen smiled, “Don’t worry, your hearing is fine. I teleported here. It’s one of my powers. I like coming down here at night since we’ve been back in the palace. I would look towards Earth and think about what my children were doing.”
“It must be wonderful knowing that they’re back, your Majesty.”
“Please just call me Kati. And it is. I’m so excited that I couldn’t sleep. I talked to Isabel earlier but she was tired and went to bed. Max’s guards already said he was asleep when I went to his room.”
“He didn’t get any sleep the last couple of nights we were on Earth. He’s probably exhausted.” Liz stated. “Actually I think Maria, my sister and maybe Isabel were the only one’s who got any sleep the nights before we left.”
“So I guess you’re too excited too?” Kati asked.
“Well yeah, but that’s not why I’m not sleeping. I don’t sleep much. When I do I don’t like to sleep alone.” Liz said before realizing that she had just told Max’s mother that she slept with her son. She couldn’t help blushing.
The Queen smiled, “It’s okay Liz. I see how much my son loves you.”
“And I love him. We’ve had hard times but we always came back to each other.”
“You should be able to be wed in a month maybe less if we can get things organized. I think it be best for you to learn Antarian language and customs first.”
“That would probably help since I’m becoming queen. Good thing I learn quick. I’ll have to tell Max tomorrow.”
“Tell me about him, about Max.”
“He was always shy and quiet when we were growing up but I’ve noticed that he’s become more confident in himself. He’s very sweet and he tries his hardest to take care of everyone. Even before he found out he was king he was always the leader of our group. I’ve known him since we were young but I only really got to know him after I was shot and he healed me. He risked so much that day but he said he couldn’t let me die that he had loved me since he first saw me. It took me a while to believe that he could love me, I thought he wouldn’t if he knew what I was.” Liz stated as her fingers came up and absently rubbed her barcode that was exposed since she had her hair pulled up.
“What is that, Liz? I noticed that your brothers have one too.”
Liz realized that when they had told the Queen about them that she hadn’t said anything about the black lines on the back of her neck. “It’s a barcode, kind of like a property tag. The people who created us used these to keep track of us, by numbers. It’s encoded in our DNA. All of my family have one.”
“That must be hard being marked like that.”
“It made things difficult when we were hiding but it just something we’ve come to accept. It shows we’re different.” Liz said shrugging. “Which actually brings something up I want to talk about.”
“What Liz?”
“The guards. I mean no disrespect but I can’t have guards following me around everywhere. I know none of my family would want them around either.”
“You and your brother Kyle are the only ones who have them. They are for your protection since Kyle is involved with the princess and you are the future Queen.”
“Don’t get me wrong I like Naomi and would love to still have her around to help me but it’s the others.” Liz said motioning to the two guards standing close to them. “They are not needed. I can take care of myself. I’m not helpless.”
The Queen could see she wasn’t going to win this fight. She admired Liz’s strength and courage and felt that her son had made a good choice in choosing such a strong woman for his love. “I’ll speak to Max and Danin in the morning. We’ll see what we can do. But I know Danin won’t like it.”
“Well Danin will have to get used to an independent queen who can defend herself.” Liz said defiantly. She didn’t mean to be rude but she felt very strongly about this.
The Queen smiled again, “I am off to bed, see you at breakfast.”
“Pleasant dreams.” Liz said before the Queen waved her hand and disappeared. Liz stayed where she was for several more hours before heading back to her rooms.
Part 30
The next morning Liz was about to take a shower when her door chimed. She went to answer it and saw Naomi. “Good morning, M-Liz.”
“Good morning Naomi. I was about to take a shower before heading down to breakfast.”
“I’ll just wait and go with you.” Naomi said. Liz nodded and headed back into the bedroom and into her bathroom. Naomi busied herself making sure that the room was in order when door chimed again. Liz had not said anything about expecting a visitor so instead of opening the door she used the intercom next to it. “Yes?”
“A man is here to see Lady Liz. His name is Krit and claims to be her brother.” One of the guards answered. Naomi recognized the name as indeed being one of Liz’s brothers and told the guard he was okay. She opened the door and encountered the handsome face she had seen the day before. His dark hair and eyes reminded her of Liz’s but he was much taller than the soon to be queen. “Good morning, Milord.”
Krit smiled at the young handmaiden. It was the first time he saw one without her hood up and he thought it was a horrible thing to cover such a beautiful face. “Please just call me Krit. If you call me Milord, I won’t know who you’re talking about.”
“Yes, Krit. Your sister shall be out in a minute.” Naomi informed him just as Liz stepped out of the bedroom. “Krit. I’m surprised to see you.” She ran up and hugged him. She knew she had just seen him the day before but seeing him reiterated to her that her family was going to be around her all the time now.
“It’s a wonder I got by the blockade outside.” Krit teased. “If I didn’t know better baby sister, I’d think you were be held prisoner.”
“Yeah, well I’m working on that.” Liz grumbled. “Not that I mind but why are you here? Nothing’s wrong is it?”
“No, just wanted to see how you’re getting on in the lap of luxury that Max has provided for us.” Krit said spinning around to show what he was talking about.
Liz laughed at her brother’s antics. Where Kyle had always been a smartass, Krit had a different type of humor. One that was hard to categorize. Krit laughed with her; “They’re a hundred times better than our old barracks. Personally I like the voice activation for the lazy person I am.”
“Yeah, you’re so lazy. Let’s go, I’m hungry. Oh have you met Naomi?” Liz asked.
“Yes, but this is the first time I’ve heard her name.” He said smiling at the beautiful girl. Naomi tried to bite back a smile but she couldn’t help letting a small one out. The three of them headed out and down to the dining room. Everyone else was there and Liz loved the big breakfast with everyone. Liz didn’t have a chance to bring up the guards to Max before Danin entered, not looking very happy.
“The Queen Mother has just informed me that Lady Liz didn’t not want personal guards but I must protest.” He said addressing Max.
“Why do you insist on this?” Max asked.
“Because she needs the added protection to keep her safe.”
“Well SHE can take care of herself.” Liz protested.
“I mean no disrespect but it is our job to keep you safe.” Danin stated.
Max was torn on what to do. On one hand he wanted all the protection he could get for Liz but he had learned long ago that she could also take care of herself very well and didn’t like being treated like she couldn’t. He knew she would probably give the guards the slip the first chance she got. Before he could say anything Liz spoke up, “Danin, why don’t I prove how capable I am?”
“What did you have in mind, Liz?” The Queen asked trying to defuse the situation.
“Is there a room here that you use to train or exercise?” Liz asked.
“Yes, we have a large area just for that.” Queen Kati answered.
“Show it to me and you’ll see that I can indeed take care of myself.” Everyone followed the Queen and Danin down to a large gymnasium room. It was a good size room and the X5s looked it over appreciatively Liz walked to the middle of the mats and faced Danin, “Attack me.”
Danin looked completely dumbfounded. She didn’t expect him to actually fight her did she? He looked to Max for confirmation only to find Max trying to stifle a laugh smile along with her brothers and Michael and Logan.
“Do as she says Danin.” Max said smiling, knowing this argument would never end if they didn’t do this.
“Don’t hurt him Chica.” Maria warned.
Danin stood there not sure what to do but his king had told him it was okay so he knew he wouldn’t get into trouble. He looked at the small female in front of him and tried to decide the best way to approach her without hurting her. He moved forward in the attempt to grab her but found that he only held air. She had somehow moved fast enough to elude him. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see her behind him before she punched him in the face and swept his feet out from under him.
Liz circled around above him waiting for him to make his next move. She knew that he would take her a little more seriously if only for prides sake. He jumped up quickly and started throwing punches, which Liz blocked. He was strong, stronger than most humans and she admired the fighter he was. They went toe to toe for a few minutes before Liz decided to quit pulling back. She launched a kick to Danin’s stomach before jumping up, spinning in the air and landed a hard kick to his chest. The kick sent him flying backwards to the ground and he didn’t get up. Liz walked up prepared to continue fighting, “Is my point proven?”
“Yes, M’Lady.”
“Call me Liz, please. I don’t think you were there yesterday when I explained that my family and I were made to be soldiers. We know how to take care of ourselves. I understand that it’s your job to keep us protected so I’ll make a compromise. I like Naomi, so I don’t mind having her around but no other guards while I’m in the palace. I will not feel unsafe in my own home. We’ll figure out security outside of the palace when the time comes.”
“Yes, M’..Liz.” Danin said. He felt a weird sense of pride that his king had picked such a strong woman to be queen. She was a warrior and he could see how she could have taken out Nicholas.
Max moved to talk to Danin as Liz walked over with her other siblings to check out the facilities. “Danin I want Zack to work along side you as captain. I have nothing against you and I thank you for protecting my mother but I know Zack and completely trust him.”
“I understand your highness and I take no offense.” Danin said meaning every word.
Max looked at Zack and said, “That is if you want to. I know you’re used to be the one in charge but Danin knows the palace as well as the guards.”
“It would be stupid for me to try and do it with out his help. And yes I’ll do it if it means keeping my family safe. I’ll talk to my brothers and sisters to see if any of them want positions as well. I think Liz would be more comfortable with them when she needs them.”
“You’re probably right.” Max answered. The three men talked more deciding on plans as well as training times for the X5s.
Alec watched the whole fight and while the others were talking approached Sara. “You know if you ever want someone to show you how to defend yourself, I can teach you.”
Sara smiled an innocent smile and moved closer running her hand down his arm. Before Alec knew what was happening she locked her grip on his wrist and flipped him onto his back. She hovered over him as she said, “I think I know how to handle myself. See ya tonight.”
She winked at him before walking over to join her brother and Maria who were laughing at Alec’s predicament. He just laid there for a minute thinking that this girl who he was infatuated with had just knocked him on his a**. He was in love.
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