Chapter 19

The revelation of Xan’s true identity would have caused a commotion for the crew, so they tried to come up with a good cover story. The D’Arian Guard were not keen to allow Xan to travel with Sloan to the ship to deliver the news—not on his own, at least. Showing up to the ship with about twenty D’Arian guards had brought up more than a few questions. Most of which they couldn’t answer because Cain felt that they should keep Xan’s resurrection, as it were, from everyone until they reached D’Arian.

So, they had to go with the unlikely story that Sloan and Xan were selected for a transport job that required the two of them to travel on a D’Arian ship. Although Dev, Eaon, and Erl were skeptical, Sloan reassured them that there was no trouble, and she and Xan were going to be perfectly fine. Xan threw in that the financial rewards would be beyond any job they had seen before, and the whole crew would be able to take at least a year off after they completed the job.

Sloan gaped at him when he let that bit of information through. They hadn’t discussed any amount of money or financial rewards when they’d talked about her going with him to D’Arian. She didn’t want Xan to think she wanted anything like that out of their time together. Whatever her reason for doing this, it certainly wasn’t for the credits. But once he let that bit out, everyone pushed them out the doors. They were as eager for Sloan and Xan to complete their work as they were to deliver the fuel rods to Seru Prime.

“We have this, Cap. I’ll plot a course to get us safely there, with no run-ins or detours. Don’t worry,” Eaon said, trying to reassure Sloan.

“And we won’t even stop at Barkin Station for any games of Grenga.” Dev’s barely perceptible smile played on his lips.

“Dev, don’t you dare take my ship near Barkin. Do you hear me?” Xan attempted to walk her out of the ship with his hand placed on her back. She struggled to maneuver around to confront Dev. “Do you understand me? If there is so much as one scratch on her hull or you’ve lost any piece of my ship playing Grenga, I will vent you all into space.” She gave them her sternest glare.

“It’s okay, Captain. I’ll keep an eye on them,” said Erl from behind her. At least she had one sensible person on board who would hopefully keep her ship in one piece.

They addressed a few formalities, which included a coded message sent to Xan’s mother, Venu. She was not any mother, but the Queen Regent of D’Arian. Cain let her know of Xan’s discovery and pending arrival to D’Arian. Cain did not want Xan speaking with his mother or anyone else to let them know he was alive, except Yaris, of course, in case there was an attempt on his life while they were en route to D’Arian.

There were other items to attend to, such as clothing replications, fittings, and other items required for the heir apparent, such as replacing Xan’s imperial brand. First, they had to heal the horrible scar left behind where his previous one had been. Thankfully they were able to use numbing agents to ensure Xan felt no pain. Next, the brand was redone and left to heal so that the scar would be invisible. They would be leaving for D’Arian in a few short hours, and Sloan was pacing her assigned quarters, which were connected to Xan’s.

Sloan was on her comm to Dev to go over the particulars of the drop-off and ensure there wouldn’t be an issue while Xan was getting fitted for all his regal attire. This was the first time she had let her ship out of her control, so she was like a mother watching her child leave for their first day of school on their own.

“Dev, make sure you monitor the reactor coolant anytime you go above Spec Seven.” Sloan bit her lip. “And make sure that—”

Dev interrupted. “Yes, I know, Cap. And I will also ensure that we don’t forget to reinforce the blast valves on the thrusters. Don’t worry about it, Cap. I’ve got it. Don’t worry about the ship. We’ll take good care of her. Tell Xan we said bye, and we’ll meet you on D’Arian in a few weeks.”

Hearing the door open behind her, Sloan felt her mouth go dry at what she saw. Xan came in, wearing what could only be his imperial court uniform. It fit him like a glove, accentuating every bulge and muscle that rippled underneath it. They had also styled his hair, cutting it shorter, so that the sides weren’t as long and the top had a slight curl above his forehead. The light from behind him shone through his hair, giving him a bright halo.

“Cap, we’ve got to go. Our docking window is almost up.”

Absently, Sloan said goodbye to Dev as she took in the Xan transformation in front of her. “Okay, Dev. Take care of her. Talk to you later.”

“Later, Cap.”

Sloan ended the comm transmission, still staring at Xan. He avoided her eyes, decidedly uncomfortable in the new clothes.

“I look ridiculous, don’t I? I feel so silly with all this pinned to my chest.” He gestured to the emblems and insignias that graced the front of his suit jacket. Sloan snapped out of it and shook her head.

“No, you look great. You clean up nice.” Sloan walked over to Xan and ran her fingers over the insignia on his jacket. Xan brought his finger under her chin to tilt her face to his. “How does it feel?”

“It feels good. It is strange to be back in these types of clothes. It all used to feel so familiar and comfortable. Now, it doesn’t feel like me. The clothes I wore back on your ship—those feel like me.”

“I’m sure they can whip you up some regular clothes with that replicator.” She ran her finger along his collar.

“And what about you? What would you like to wear? I’m sure Yaris can help figure out what things you will need.”

“I grabbed what I needed from my quarters before we left my ship. I’m okay for clothes.”

Xan traced his finger along her neckline down to her cleavage.

“I know you have your own clothes, but I think for our arrival, it might be better to wear something more formal. And I would love to see you dressed up in some D’Arian finery. I haven’t been able to give you much since you found me.” Xan trailed kisses down Sloan’s neck, coming into contact with her collarbone and sending a shiver of pleasure down her spine.

“Xan, I’ve said it a million times, I don’t expect anything from you. I don’t need fancy clothing or anything like that.”

“Please allow me to do this. I would like to see you in clothing as beautiful as you are. And it will help me relax knowing that you’re taken care of. You know how much stress I’m under.”

“You’re not playing fair, Xan,” she said, tugging him against her by his lapels.

“I know.” He breathed against her neck, causing her to break into goose bumps and her core to clench in anticipation. Xan lifted his face to look into her eyes, and she saw raw lust and hunger behind them. Xan backed her up to the couch in her quarters. Suddenly they heard a throat clearing from behind Xan. Sloan glanced over her shoulder and a crimson-hued Cain averted his eyes. Sloan pushed away from Xan and stood beside him.

“Pardon, Your Highness. I did not mean to intrude, but I wanted to inform you that we will be departing shortly. All the items in your quarters will be packed away. If you will follow me, we will escort you to the cruiser.”

“That’s fine, Cain. Where is Yaris?”

“She will be along shortly. We had her continue with her original schedule of tours and meetings so as to not draw any unwanted attention to the fact that you are in fact alive. She will be relieved to be on the cruiser and spend some more time with you. She wanted to leave her meetings earlier, but I persuaded her that it is most important to keep you safe.” As they walked to the cruiser flanked by twenty guards, Xan rounded on Cain and stopped abruptly.

“You’ve gotten close with my sister.”

Cain tripped at the unexpected question, and Sloan imagined it had him flustered, as the pale skin at the base of his neck blushed a lovely shade of pink.

“Your sister is my charge, and I work to ensure that she is protected at all times.”

“Why aren’t you with her now?”

“She insisted I stay with you or she would refuse all protection and complete her itinerary without guards,” Cain said, giving Xan a chagrined look.

“Glad to see my sister doesn’t let you push her around like you used to,” Xan said, giving Cain a wink.

“I never pushed her around. She was always able to get her way.”

“Don’t let her bully you too much.” Xan’s smile transformed into a grin. Sloan couldn’t keep from smiling herself at the natural camaraderie that Xan and Cain seemed to have. It made her feel better and that Xan wouldn’t be completely overwhelmed when they arrived on D’Arian.