Freeing Luka: The Clecanian Series Book 2 by Victoria Aveline (readict books TXT) 📕

Alice could only manage to shoot the Queen a pained look.

“In the coming days, I would like to meet with a select few humans and Clecanians to come up with a plan. Would you be willing to join us?”

“Me?” Alice said, taken aback. Yes, she had gained some confidence recently, but did the Queen really want her to be included in a discussion of this magnitude?

“Your insights thus far have been valuable, but I understand if you would prefer not to see Luka, considering what Helas forced you to do.”

Alice flushed again. The truth was that she desperately wanted to see Luka again.

“It would also be good for you to be part of the discussion concerning our next steps with humans.”

“Next steps?” Alice asked, roused from her thoughts of Luka.

“Yes. When there was only one human, Jade, the decision to make her a bride seemed the most logical. Now, we know that humans are compatible with Clecanians in more ways than one. Once more of our population know that humans can be mated, there will be calls for action. It is likely I will meet with leaders from across our world and vote on our course of action. I would like to consult human ambassadors and hear your opinions on the matter before deciding how I will vote.”

All in all, Alice had to say the Queen was being very reasonable. She wasn’t only taking her own people’s needs into account, but the needs of humans as well.

If I want to be a leader, then I need to act like one.

“I’d like to be a part of that group,” Alice announced, earning her an approving head tilt.

“Very well. I will make sure Metli notifies you of our schedule. I need to be on my way. Ask your questions.”

Alice blew out a slow breath. “Helas said I was taken at the same time as Jade, but I can’t remember anything from before a few weeks ago. Why?”

“Do you recall feeling weak upon waking, but otherwise untouched?”

“Yes,” Alice exclaimed, leaning forward in her chair.

“It is likely you were placed in a stasis pod. Most of the other humans reported a similar experience. Our doctor will be able to tell you for sure when he checks you and gives you an off-worlder health clearance.”

Stasis. Alice relaxed in her chair. A wave of relief built at the back of her mind, but she pushed it away. She needed confirmation from the doctor.

“Is there anything else?”

Suddenly, everything Alice had been intending to ask was gone. Scrambling to find a question for the expectant Queen, she blurted, “Do you have a name? I mean, is Queen your name or your title or both?”

The Queen arched an eyebrow. “In Tremanta, when the people choose a Queen, she accepts the position by abandoning her name and forfeiting mate rights.”

Alice leaned forward, interested. “You mean you can’t have a mate.”

“When I became Queen, I painted my hands.” She held her hands out in front of her, and Alice saw that up to her wrists, the skin was a slightly different shade than the rest. It looked like she had very well-made form-fitting gloves that were nearly invisible. “Even if I recognized a mate, I wouldn’t know for certain until a new Queen was chosen and my paint was removed.”

Alice continued to stare at her hands until she delicately set them back in her lap. The mention of mating marks drew her mind back to Luka. “Would it be possible for me to leave The Pearl Temple?”

The Queen’s eyes grew unfocused, and she remained silent for a moment. “That is a very difficult question, Alice. You, in particular, may leave, but I will ask you to do so sparingly so as not to upset the other females. None of the other humans are allowed to leave the Temple right now. I can’t risk them walking in the markets and accidentally triggering a mating response from a male before we have decided what to do.” She focused back on Alice. “If you’d like to leave, you need to speak with a guard or Metli about arranging transportation and accompanying you until you learn your way around.”

Alice nodded. She could sense that it was special to be allowed to ask the Queen any question she wanted. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So why could she concentrate on nothing except returning to Luka at that very moment?

The Queen stared at her, waiting.

“Do you know of any mates who didn’t want to be together?” How would he feel about her when the drugs finally wore off?

Misunderstanding her, the Queen answered, “You will not be forced to stay with Luka, if that is what you’re worried about. Because humans do not experience matehood in the same way we do, you will not be held to our laws of matehood.”

“It’s not that,” Alice started, feeling heat creep into her cheeks. “I’m worried he might not… The whole time we were together, he was…”

Alice felt herself shrink under the woman’s perplexed gaze. She’s the Queen, for God’s sake. You don’t talk to the Queen of an alien city about your boy problems!

“Never mind. I can’t think of my other questions for some reason,” Alice said, failing to meet her eyes.

“You’ve had a long day. Many long days, in fact. Think on what you’d like to ask me. I’ll reserve time after our next meeting to speak with you again.”

“Thank you.” Alice sighed, overwhelmed and grateful for her understanding.

The Queen leaned toward her and rested a hand on one of Alice’s. “You have been so brave and resilient these past weeks. Now that I have met you, I can see you are also very forgiving, kind, and compassionate. I am sure Luka would be infatuated with you