The Way It Is

"Princess! We have to meet with our people in the common room, my love. They are waiting for us. We need to reassure them that even though your parents are in trouble, everything will be alright." Larnik, the oldest son of the Zu'Lar Emporer, holds out his hand for Ariatha as his cold eyes rake her body. His words sweet as honey, his gaze as dangerous as poisoned daggers.

Ariatha adjusts her position to hide the small bundle that she had just gently placed in the pillows behind her. She will not let her new husband see.

He had tricked her once already. Convinced her he was kind and compassionate and that he had truly wanted only what was best for both their people—only showing her his true nature when it was far too late.

"Coming, my love." She smiles sweetly, taking his hand in hers, bringing it close to her chest, directing him and his gaze out of her rooms.

Her people need the Zu'Lar to make it through the black hole. Their space crafts and energy harnessing capabilities made them a critical necessity for the journey. So for her people, she would let him do with her as he wished.

At least until they had found a new home and her people were more or less able to defend themselves again.

In the meantime, she would figure out a way to control certain things secretly. She had to learn how to manipulate her new volatile husband. She'd be cautious, and her new secret would have to be taken care of immediately. She could not risk Larnik finding out. The future of this new Universe depended on her success.

She made a plan as she walked to the common room hand in hand with her husband. Touching him made her nauseous, especially after the many forced nights he had shared with her, but she would not let her people suffer because of a minor slip-up.

She connected with her K'ai, and it gave her the strength she needed to keep going.

She wouldn't have long. She would have to execute her plan immediately.

As soon as they had travelled through to the new Universe, a Zu'Lar had helped her parents send her new little sister to her through the energy streams.

The newborn had appeared suddenly on her lap just moments before Larnik had entered her room. The Zu'Lar would be contacting her husband to confirm the infant's arrival any time now.

Ariatha scanned the common room, remembering to keep the rhythm of her heart steady less Larnik sense her unease. She knew he could hear it if he focused. It was how he found the liars amongst his men.

Seeing Nef'Tiria, she locked eyes with her, sending her a telepathic message. She made sure no one else heard or saw the exchange.

In the time it took thought to form, Nef'Tiria knew what needed to be done. Without hesitation, she glided silently out of the room, making sure to keep her eyes downcast. This was to be expected of a slave.

When Ariatha came back to her room, thankfully alone, she found a small encrypted note. It was once a fun game she'd played with her nursemaids, now her closest friends. Secret messages were created using a language she had made up herself, humoured by the women who cared for her and her brothers and sisters.

Now it was the safest way to communicate. The translation read two words. "Slave quarters." And that's where she went. Making sure no one saw her.

Upon entering the designated area on the ship meant for the Nefiram slaves, she was directed to a small room near the end of the ship located almost directly above the engines.

It was loud here, but that didn't matter. It would be safe for what needed to happen next. The hum from the engine rooms would help Ariatha focus. She had to leave her body for this.