Flower Queen Read online

  Braklen woke with a start. Remembering how the Queens just attacked him, he patted down his body. His hands didn’t find any sticky blood. Just a dream then. Something about a crown made him touch his head. Nothing was there. He tried to recall but the dream faded quickly. His mind rushed to catch it, which made the images slip away quicker. They were important. He was sure of that much. Then another thought replaced them.

  The rabbit.

  His gut twisted with guilt. How the hell am I going to tell Triena that I lost him? He’d found the rabbit by accident but then when he was captured by the crew on his old ship, he was separated from him again. Now, he had no idea if the rabbit was alive or not. He rested his hands on his forehead as he thought.

  Maybe I won’t have to tell her. Braklen knew hiding what happened wouldn’t be a good option. She’d probably find out through the Energy or something like that. Then he’d be in bigger trouble. Best to confess. He sure as hell didn’t want to tell her that. I’ll make sure she doesn’t have the particle gun first.

  Chapter 3

  Triena quietly left Braklen sleeping and went looking for the rabbit. She found him in the first place she searched, the kitchen. “I knew you’d be in here.” She walked into the small area. There was a short alcove with one gas element and a microwave unit, plus an empty fridge and a wall of square cupboards. Triena hoped they were stocked with long shelf-life food.

  Well, what else do you expect? The rabbit looked up from the nutrient pill he nibbled. I’ve lost a lot of weight recently. All the stress you two put me under.

  Yeah, right, thought Triena sarcastically. Where did you get that to eat?

  Rangit. The rabbit returned to his small meal. That man understands my needs.

  Doubt it.

  You should go and see him.

  I know. First, she wanted to clear her head and the best way to do that was with a cup of tea. She detected the aroma. Triena’s chest constricted as she recalled the addictive, special blend Captain Ri made for her. He’d left some nearby.

  She reached in that direction. No. She managed to stop herself. Instead she made a strong brew of black tea, spiced with aniseed, cinnamon, quem, infinity buds and a sprinkle of lamini leaves.

  What’s gotten into you?

  Nothing. Triena took the cup of tea with trembling hands and sat down at the table. The urge to make the special blend kept washing over her. I should throw it away. But she didn’t move to do it. Instead, she sipped on the warm liquid in her cup. It settled her mind straight away.

  Something’s up.

  Just the usual. She breathed over the surface of the tea creating ripples.

  You did good work healing Braklen.

  Triena raised her eyebrow surprised by the compliment from the rabbit.

  Your skill is much stronger now.

  Triena didn’t want the reminder. It was good her skill was stronger, but it’d come at a price. It’s over now, she reminded herself. She glanced at the cupboard with the special blend.

  Fine, then ignore me. The rabbit thumped his foot on the floor. Could you at least pass me a nutrient pill? They’re on the table.

  How many have you had?

  Between the special blend calling her to taste it, and the reminder of having been forced to manipulate the Energy, she felt torn inside. Tight in an unpleasant way, like her insides had folded and knotted a hundred times. Then was being forced to repeat the process. She sipped the tea. The warmth offered her some relief.

  Not enough! The rabbit thumped his foot again.

  Triena sighed and reached for the container. She flipped him one, then took a handful for herself. She’d hoped there would be enough food for the trip, though she suspected she was going to be tired of eating nutrient pills and packaged meals.

  In the rush to leave Oberon, the ship wasn’t restocked. Unless Captain Ri had managed that before their final confrontation. The reading haunted her. Triena lost hold of the energies she’d absorbed. Salene’s face floated in her mind’s eye. You were my friend.

  Bitterness stung Triena’s eyes. She felt their energies with hers now. She wore them in her aura, Pernally, Priest Junqi, Kreltan Ri, Yarket, and Salene, and they served as haunting reminders of the dangerous path she didn’t want to go down. I’m not like the Queens.

  The sound of the crackling pill from the rabbit eating brought Triena back to reality. Best to keep moving. She drained her cup of tea, then stood up. Dragging the legs of the chair on the floor caused a sharp scraping noise.

  Stop it! You know I hate that sound. The rabbit looked up at her, flicking its ears.

  I’m going to see Rangit. He was the last person she wanted to visit. Truth be told, she wanted to go back to Braklen to see if he was awake. There were other things that she wanted to do to him. Those things caused heat to concentrate within her belly as she walked out of the kitchen, the rabbit hopping behind her. She’d forgiven him as much as she could. The time recently spent in the Energy Field helped her forgive him. Besides, she had done things herself which needed forgiving.

  Triena stepped into the bridge.

  “I was wondering when you’d wake up,” said Rangit with his back to her. He punched a few buttons, then swiveled the chair around to face her. “I was beginning to worry you weren’t going to wake before we arrived.”

  She looked directly at his eye and shivered. “Arrived where?”

  “The Queens’ castle. I can land close enough so that we can go straight in.” He sounded proud. “In a few days, of course.”

  Triena wasn’t sure she was ready to go back into the castle. She’d wanted it for so long, but on completely different terms. For ten years, she’d dreamed of going back to finish her training, not to go back and start a war. At least I have Braklen with me.

  You’ll need more than just Braklen.

  The voice wasn’t the rabbit’s and her hair stood on end. She looked at Rangit, focusing on his good eye. He was a hard man to read. So, you can use the Energy then. Men being able to use the Energy was going to take a while for Triena to get used to. Rangit wore the same dirty clothes. He had matted long gray hair, a matching beard, and he stank.

  Triena sucked on her bottom lip. There was something about a dream, teaching her the skill of using the Energy to someone. Not him. Then she remembered. That didn’t concern her.

  I need help teaching Braklen. She was determined to change the dream, in a way she knew was best, in the physical form and not manipulating the Energy.

  Teach him what? To fly? Rangit laughed. I’m sure he knows how to fly better than me.

  You’d be surprised. She took a deep breath. Teach him to use the Energy.

  But you can do that.

  I don’t know how.

  Sure, you do.

  His mind is full of strong walls.

  Then break them down.

  I’ve tried that.

  Try harder.

  Triena glared at him. The longer this conversation was going, the more irritated she became. He had a reputation, one that left her feeling cold, but right now she didn’t care. “Fuck the Queens.”

  “Oh, I intend to.”

  Triena clenched her fists by her side. “Please. I need him to be able to use the Energy before we go into the castle.”

  Rangit stroked his beard. He looked her up and down. His good eye harbored darkness and sent chills down her body.

  I should never have agreed to this. Triena stepped back as if to leave. Another mistake.

  “No, maybe you shouldn’t have.” Rangit leaned back in the chair. “I will help then.”

  Triena exhaled slowly. “Thank you.”

  “I can’t guarantee he will be ready, though, by the time we land.”

  “Which is when?”

 
“Five days.”

  “Plenty of time.” A new confidence vibrated in Triena’s aura. Her list of allies was growing. The odds were still stacked against her defeating the Queens.

  “Well, you know about the walls.”

  Triena stared at him, putting together pieces. “You tried already.”

  “Let’s just say we should get onto this straight away.”

  “Fine, I’ll go check on him.”

  “Oh, and if you can also bring some Jesleuma plant back with you.”

  “I don’t know if we have any.”

  “The rabbit will help you.” He turned back to the console. “Expect you both to turn up in an hour.”

  Triena left Rangit to the workings of the ship. She walked back down the corridor. How hard can it be? Five days is a long time.

  The rabbit hopped behind her. He suddenly stopped and made a racket by thumping his foot on the floor. Open this door.

  Manners? Triena grumbled as she went back and opened the door. It was a spacious room, fitted out with a bed, and a bathroom. “This will do nicely.”

  No way. This is my room.

  You don’t need it all. Triena pulled out the bottom draw. Here, you can have this drawer. It was full of winter clothes, female garments. I wonder whose these were. She knew Captain Ri. Probably other Energy Readers he imprisoned on his ship.

  I deserve a room. The rabbit’s thought blasted Triena’s mind with angry heat.

  Well, you have one, if you share with me. She left the room, pausing at the door. Coming?

  No, I’m staying here to claim my room.

  Fine. Triena left the door open so the rabbit could get out and went down to check on Braklen. She found him sitting up looking drowsy.

  “Did you drug me?” Braklen sat up from the floor, rubbing his head.

  “No. I used the Energy to help heal you.” Triena helped him stand. When she touched his skin, a pleasant shiver shot up her arm. Heat pulsated from his body and she wanted to slide next to him and run her hands under his shirt, down his chest. Let him heal.

  Flushed from the thought of taking off his clothes, she stepped away. “You’ll need to take it easy for a bit.”

  “Thanks.” He swayed a little as he found his balance on his feet. “You’re good medicine.”

  “Careful.” She stepped to his side to give him support. She hadn’t thought to use the Energy for medicine before. She’d only focused on the readings and using that to earn money. Maybe it would’ve been better to have used the Energy to heal people. Might have kept out of the most wanted list. But she knew it wasn’t that simple. She could only use the Energy now because of what she had learned from seeing others misusing the Energy and because of her unique skill with flowers.

  “I might have to hurt myself again to get some more healing from you.” Braklen leaned on Triena to get his balance, his arm over her shoulder.

  “Don’t you dare.” Triena looked up at Braklen and caught his wink. Heat scorched her face. “You don’t have to hurt yourself to get more of me.”

  “Well, now that sounds like something to act upon.”

  Triena held his stare. Her insides warmed. His energy wrapped around her making her feel cocooned.

  He moved his fingers, finding exposed skin on her arm. The movement brought her desire to have him to the surface. Suddenly, he stopped and pulled away. She looked at him, trying to work out what had just happened. A pained expression formed on his face.

  “Are you all right? Does something hurt?” She put her emotions aside, thinking only of him. “They sure did a number on you.”

  Braklen glanced down, breaking the connection building between them.

  Triena pushed the disappointment aside. “What is it?” Her stomach knotted with worry. She braced herself for whatever Braklen was going to say. His aura darkened and shrank closer to his physical form. She watched him closely for any signs that might tell her what was bothering him. “Please tell me. Whatever it is I need to know.”

  Braklen swallowed, his throat muscles working hard under the strain. But, still the words didn’t come.

  “If we’re going to work together, we need to be able to talk to each other.”

  His shoulders heaved as he took a deep breath. Words rushed out. “There’s something I need to tell you.” He clasped his hands together and looked at her.

  The seriousness on his face caused her smile to fade. She knew she wasn’t going to like whatever it was he was about to say. She braced herself.

  “I found the rabbit.” His voice was soft.

  She barely heard him. Her forehead wrinkled as she processed what he was telling her since the rabbit was asleep in her room.

  “I tried to keep him safe, but . . .” His voice faded and his face wrinkled with concern.

  Triena waited. It was her own fault someone stole the rabbit in the first place, but she wanted to know what happened to him during that time he was apart from her.

  “I . . . I . . . He got captured . . . I don’t know what happened to him after Captain Yarket took him away.” Braklen’s blue eyes watered. He paused and took a deep breath. “I assume the worst. I’m pretty sure your rabbit was taken to the cook.”

  Triena kept her expression neutral. “You lost my rabbit? You let someone eat him?”

  “Sorry.” He looked down at his feet.

  “That’s not good you lost him,” said Triena, toying with Braklen a little longer.

  “I know. I did look after him for a while, but then when I was caught . . .”

  Triena couldn’t take it anymore. His sincerity melted her heart. “You know, sometimes things have a habit of working out.”

  He sighed. “I should’ve listened to the damn rabbit.”

  “Wait. What do you mean? Could you hear him?”

  “After I ate some plant. You know what he’s like, always giving out advice. And I didn’t listen and he got caught.” He paused. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. I liked that little fluffball.”

  I should put him out of his misery. The truth was she didn’t listen to the rabbit sometimes, too. No wonder the little fellow gets angry at us. She looked into Braklen’s eyes. “The rabbit’s fine.”

  “He can’t be. Last I saw he was being taken to the kitchen by Captain Yarket.”

  Triena swallowed hard. Poor rabbit. No wonder he’s traumatized. “He’s fine. I assure you.”

  “Intact, all limbs present and breathing?” Braklen’s eyes widened.

  Triena smiled. “Yes. I had to heal him when Captain Yarket brought him to the bargaining session, but I’m not sorry the captain died after drinking tea in a reading. The rabbit’s in my room, alive and well.” Though annoyed at us I’m sure.

  “Will you show me?”

  “You should be resting your ankle.”

  “The work you did on it in the Energy Field makes it feel almost new.”

  “Yes, the key there is ‘almost’ new.” Triena sighed. She could tell from Braklen’s expression that he desperately wanted to see the rabbit. “Okay, but I think you and the rabbit should tell me exactly what went on when I wasn’t around.”

  “Hey, what happens when you aren’t around isn’t your business.” Braklen winked at her.

  “Is this an excuse to get into my bed?”

  “Didn’t know I needed one.”

  Triena rolled her eyes, turned and began walking. “Come on then.”

  She felt him watching her hips. Her heart pounded quicker as she approached her new room. This is what I want. There was no question now. Something greater than both of them pulled them together, and she didn’t mind. Anticipation spiked in her body. She knew it’d be all too easy for one thing to lead to another now they were alone with each other.

  “See
, intact and almost new.” She pointed to the rabbit who’d stretched out on the bed sleeping.

  He lifted his head at the interruption. My room.

  Like hell it is. Triena flattened herself in the doorway to allow Braklen past. She caught his spicy scent which made her head spin pleasantly.

  Braklen walked up to the rabbit. “You’re all right.”

  No thanks to you and her. The rabbit sat up, putting his head forward for his ears to be scratched.

  Braklen reached down and picked up the rabbit.

  Put me down!

  Triena suppressed a smile as Braklen cuddled the rabbit to his chest. “Little buddy, I didn’t think I’d see you again.”

  I’m not your buddy.

  The rabbit’s responses caused Triena to giggle. She knew he didn’t like to be handled, but it was terribly cute seeing Braklen reduced to a cooing mess as he hugged the rabbit.

  “What’s he saying?” asked Braklen.

  “He’s happy we’re together.” Triena decided a lie would be the way to go in this instance. “Glad to see you too.”

  “I’m glad you’re okay.” Braklen pressed his face into the black fur.

  He’s gone all weepy on me, crying in my fur. This is disgusting.

  “Ow.” Braklen’s head suddenly snapped back. He dropped the rabbit who tumbled onto the bed. “Fuck the Queens! What was that? You bit me.”

  That’s for not looking after me. The rabbit jumped off the bed, then squeezed his heavy body in the gap under it.

  “I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Triena went to Braklen, saw the blood on his fingers.

  “The little shit,” said Braklen. “You should’ve gone into the pot.”

  You should’ve taken better care of me.

  “He’s a little upset you two were separated,” said Triena trying to be diplomatic. “Here, let me look.”

  Braklen brushed her hand away. “You two are as bad as each other. I didn’t mean to leave either of you.”