Confinement? What is this, the sixteenth century? For such a technologically advanced planet, you’re being completely backward about me and this baby. Pregnant women aren’t ill, Vander. They’re pregnant!” Ivy Grimaldi huffed, plopping down onto the edge of the chaise. “Ya know, I thought Gerri Wilder was a little crazy when Henley, Riley, and I innocently followed her on a trip crisscrossing the universe, but now I know better. She’s not crazy. She’s sneaky.”

“Sneaky?” Vander chuckled. “I could have told you that.”

Hmmph. “Yeah, well. She may know who will make the perfect mate, but she conveniently left out the part where my perfect mate was also a caveman!” Ivy inhaled, shaking her head as she looked at the set of Vander’s jaw.

“Ivy, this is different. You’re not just any pregnant woman. You’re my queen and the mother of the next Kasaval heir. You carry the continuation of my house in your belly, and I refuse to risk you or our unborn child. Maddox and his treachery are just the tip of the iceberg, to use one of your human phrases. We still don’t know how deep his plot goes or who else is in on the pickings. For God’s sake, he orchestrated your kidnapping!”

Vander scowled at the thought of his former Lord Chamberlain. Maddox had served the Royal House of Kasaval for two generations as advisor to the king. His father and grandfather had trusted the man without question, and now Maddox was guilty of the worst treason imaginable, wishing the annihilation of their kind for some pure blood ideology. The deluded man thought of himself as a redeemer. He systematically poisoned Galaxan females he thought unworthy while safekeeping the ones he handpicked.

“We know what Maddox used to poison our women, but we still don’t know how. The man isn’t exactly forthcoming with information.” He spared a look for Damen Iceri, his chief security officer, as he stood by the veranda’s railing overlooking the city.

“Henley told me about techniques used on Earth that she swears will get our former Lord Chamberlain to sing like a canary,” Damen replied. “They’re primitive compared to our methods, but still, I’m curious.”

Ivy flashed him a look. “No, Damen. I want Maddox to tell us what he knows as much as you, but I will not stand by and allow torture to be the means.”

Vander raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze from his wife to his chief of security. “Maybe their methods are something we should talk about. We haven’t used physical pain in centuries, but—”

“Vander, please.” Ivy cut him off. “If Damen means what I think he means, it’s criminal.”

Damen lifted a hand with a chuckle. “Relax, Ivy. We have methods of our own in dealing with hostile prisoners and have no need of any help. Maddox will deliver the information we want without as much as a scratch.”

Vander glanced between her and his security chief before giving Damen a nearly imperceptible nod. The chief pivoted for the door without a word and left through the royal apartments with Ivy staring after him.

She turned, her eyes narrowing on her mate. “Did you just green light something horrible?” she asked. “You have to know most interrogation methods are inhumane.”

“Then be grateful we’re not human.” Vander shrugged. “I didn’t green light anything. I trust Damen completely and he’ll get the information we need by any means necessary, tried and untried. Women are dying, Ivy. You know this, but let’s not discuss unpleasant matters with you in such a delicate condition.”

“Again, I’m pregnant, Vander, not an invalid, so you can stop with the delicate condition crap. There is nothing about me that qualifies as delicate. I’m strong and sassy, and if you don’t stop treating me like I’m a porcelain doll, I’m going to hop the next transport with Gerri and have this baby back home on Earth.”

He took her reluctant hand and pulled her to him. Her curvy frame seemed tiny next to his strapping size, especially with iron biceps around her waist. Pressing his body close, she felt the hard bar of his growing erection against her rounded belly and her body reacted. Her panties dampened, and her lower belly jumped. Her man was impossible to resist even if she wanted. The air was warm and fragrant with a slight breeze that tickled her body’s already overly sensitive nerve endings.

“Vander, you’re not being fair. I have very strong opinions and I’m not going to allow you to force me into the position of the little woman.” She craned her neck to meet his eyes.

He chuckled, and the light rumble in his chest vibrated against her tender breasts making her lower body vibrate even more. God bless the wonders of pregnancy hormones and the love of her life who just happened to be the planet’s sex-on-a-stick sovereign. Her breath hitched, but she ignored the tingle, especially since they weren’t alone in their common room.

Both Henley and Riley were on a long outdoor couch, glued to every word. The only thing missing was a bowl of popcorn. She glanced at her friends. They had been together every step of the way since they traveled from Earth with Gerri, but lately their togetherness was a little too close for comfort. They needed hookups of their own and she made a mental note to talk to Gerri about getting on it as soon as possible. Riley needed a push. As for Henley, well…that would have to wait for now. Like Gerri said, one duck at a time in her matchmaking row.

None of them knew what was in store when they arrived, certainly not the hunky warrior shifters from the planet Galaxa. She pressed her lips together. Gerri Wilder was an amazing woman…but sneaky, definitely sneaky…and, boy, did she know a hot piece of man flesh when she saw it. Lord only knew what she had planned for poor Riley and mouthy Henley.

“But you are a little woman,” Vander answered with a smirk, pulling her back from her thoughts. “You fit so perfectly against me I never want to let you go.”

She flattened her palms against his hard chest and pushed. “Nice try, big boy. I had a mind of my own when we met, and pregnant or not, I still do. Forget the idea of confinement. I refuse to be shut up like some medieval queen afraid of fresh air. I’m resilient and strong, and I have every intention of living our life together open and free.”

“Fine,” he grinned, “but you will stay within the castle grounds, and if you venture out to the market square, you will take an armed escort. I nearly lost you once to easy deceit, and I refuse to let that happen again.”

Tilting her head, her gaze narrowed, knowing he’d give in just enough to keep her happy. “On one condition. That I get to travel to Nova Aurora for my cousin’s baby naming ceremony and you come with me.”

Cassandra was the reason Ivy ended up on Galaxa in the first place, having traveled with Gerri to its sister planet, Nova Aurora, to see her cousin and her new mate before their baby was born. Of course, the matchmaker had orchestrated the whole thing. Now it was her turn in the preggers seat, but Ivy wasn’t about to miss the baby’s naming day because Vander decided to wrap her in cotton wool.

Vander turned at the stifled snort from the opposite couch. “And I suppose you two encourage my wife’s rebelliousness.” He looked at her riveted friends.

“Dude, if I had pompoms, I’d be her head cheerleader, but I don’t need them. You’re doing fine digging a hole for yourself all on your own.” Henley clicked the inside of her cheek. “If you’re bucking for frequent flyer points on Neanderthal Air, you’re on the right track.”

He glanced from her to Riley. “And what about you, Ri? You’re usually the level-headed one of your trio. Don’t you think it’s too dangerous for Ivy to travel?”

“Riley? Level-headed?” Henley interjected a quick laugh. “I think the word you’re looking for is timid.”

Ri smacked Henley’s arm. “Hey! Just because I like to wait for the facts instead of running headlong into trouble doesn’t make me timid. It makes me smart. You’re the reckless one, Henley. Darting into the crowded market streets to chase down Maddox when we had no clue what we were up against. We witnessed a man die by his hands, and the only thing that stood between us and that lunatic was a stack of wicker baskets and clay pots.”

“She’s got your number there, Henley.” Ivy laughed out loud, going up on her toes to press a kiss to Vander’s lips before wiggling out from his arms. “Better watch your back.”

Riley nodded with a smirk. “It’s the quiet ones you have to worry about.”

Vander grinned, moving to gather his cloak. “On that note, I’ll leave you ladies to your scheming.” He turned for the door, but then looked past his shoulder at Ivy. “While you’re at it, love, why not busy yourself with plans for a dual celebration? I think it’s about time we made things official.”

“Things?” Ivy repeated with a raised eyebrow.

He nodded. “You, for one. It’s about time all of Galaxa saw you for who you are.” His gaze softened, and his eyes locked with hers. “My wife and queen. A coronation and an official wedding ceremony all rolled into one week-long festival. That should leave no one doubting the validity of our union.”

Henley whistled low. “A week? Now that’s a party!”

“I trust the three of you can handle the details,” he replied. “If possible, I’d like to do it before we leave for Nova Aurora.”

Riley spared a look for both Ivy and Henley. “That gives us less than a month to plan.”

“Exactly,” he nodded again, “so you’d better get moving. After all, Ivy said she’s strong and sassy, right?” He winked.

Ivy’s lips parted, but then pushed into a side smirk. “Vander Kasaval. That is so not fair.”

“Agreed.” He inclined his head with a laugh. “But sometimes it’s good to be the king.” He blew her a kiss as he left, chuckling as she sank to the couch with the girls.

“Well,” Henley laughed, “anyone got a pen and paper? We’ve got a festival to plan.”

Riley looked at her. “How? We have no idea about the customs and fanfare here. We need a manual on Galaxa Protocol 101.”

“We need Karis.” Ivy nodded.

Henley chuckled. “The old king’s mistress? Yeah, cuz that’ll go over like a lead balloon with the royal court.”

“Hey!” Ivy lifted her chin. “She practically raised Vander and his brother after their mother died.”

“Talk about full-service nanny.” Henley couldn’t help her laugh.

Riley tossed a pen cap at her. “Stop that. Ivy’s right. Karis has been more than welcoming to us since we arrived, and she’d be hurt if we didn’t include her in the planning.”

“Ri’s right,” Ivy said. “If anyone can help us figure out where to start, it’s Karis.”