Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (18 page)

Tiva blinked, in sheer shock, the only part of her body to react. Never before had her parents struck her, save training or playing.

She reached up covered her stinging cheek and stared at her mother with horror. D’laja’s markings darkened, but her eyes verged on tears. Tiva moved back, spun, and walked away.

“Tiva!” D’laja cried.

She grabbed the hilt of her sword, wiped the tears that fell to her cheeks into her hair, and sped through the dim courtyard. What response could she give to such an action? Respect for ones parents was something she believed, yet now she wondered if that respect would last. She reached the palace gates to find her siblings with the Truda twins, all were chatting and laughing, but still on guard as they easily noticed her arrival.

“Spirited greetings, Guardian Boon,” Litru said with a bow.

Zaynus grinned and said, “Are you here to collect your siblings?”

“Partly,” she said, both children frowned. “Go to the hover, Mother will be there waiting.”

“Are you riding home with us?” Bintu said.

“No, I have matters to attend to,” she lied. “Remock—go, take your sister.”

“Very well,” he pouted.

She waited for them to be out of range and turned to the twins, but remained out of the moonlight. “I require your assistance.”

“Whatever we can do,” Litru began and Zaynus finished, “Within our power, we will do.”

“I need transport to my home.”

“Did you not just send your siblings to find your mother?” Zaynus said.

“I did, but I wish not to ride with her.”

“Tiva, has something happened?” Litru said and moved closer.

She leaned back, away from his curious stare. “
We had a disagreement.”

Litru reached out, Tiva jerked her head to the side like a wounded animal. He gently grabbed her shoulder with one hand, and lifted her chin with the other then turned her head to the side. He raised a brow. His markings darkened then he exchanged a glance with his brother. “This does not happen often, does it?”

“No…it never has before. Things just became heated after the king’s meeting.” Tiva looked away.

“I would rather not come between you and your mother, but perhaps it is best for you both to calm before seeing one another again. Zay, inform D’laja I will take Tiva home, after you call for replacements.”

“Very well, brother.” He nodded. “Well wishes, Tiva.”

“Keep safe.”

Tiva followed Litru through the courtyard to the new hover deck. He led her through several rows of vehicles before opening the door of his craft for her. Once in, he started the craft and drove out of the palace grounds and through Degort. They talked some during the ride, Tiva told of her mission to Hentor and she listened to his account of incidents at the palace and marketplace. The stories trailed off and they traveled on in an awkward stillness, until they came upon the bridge of the Yaan providence.

“Which way is your home?” Litru said. “It has been quite some time, since last I visited.”

“The road on the right,” she said.
“You should visit more. I remember how joyous it was to have you in our field training.” She felt her markings blush at the confession.

“I do recall a curious young girl who would oft sit in her room and watch from afar.”

“You knew I was watching?”

“Zaynus spotted you.” Litru laughed. “You were twelve cycles then, but your curiosity was stronger than ever.”

“You were preparing for level two, if I remember correctly.”

“Indeed, we were.”

Tiva saw the roof of her home come into view; she reached over and touched Litru’s arm, and immediately felt her heart race. “You have always been a good friend to me, and I thank you. But I have something else to ask…will you leave me at the edge of my parents land? I need some time to clear my mind.”

His gaze lingered on her hand then he grinned. “You must promise me you will return home tonight. I don’t wish your parents to think ill of me.”

Noticing her hand was still on his arm, she pulled back. “You have my word, Litru…”

He stopped the hover near a region of trees, and turned to her. “That is the first time I have ever heard you speak my given name, Tiva.”

“I am sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”

Litru chortled. “No, no…it pleases me.” He reached up and ran his thumb over her cheek. She cringed, the sting now replaced by soreness, yet his touch brought about warmth inside her body. “Something cold on your bruise will help you heal. Now go, before my tongue runs away with me.”

“Speak of what you mean,” she said, furrowing her brow.

“A confession I cannot make, Tiva. I beg you go and clear your mind, for I will speak no more tonight.”

Tiva opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle. She was sure her senses were overloaded with everything that happened since her shift ended, but she also knew that she couldn’t ignore her feelings anymore. She lowered her head into the vehicle and said, “I have always been drawn to you, Litru, even as a child, and though you may still see me as such, it does not sway me. You need not confess. I have a sense of what you might say. Know that I return the feeling even if we cannot act upon it. Keep well, my friend.” She stared into his eyes one last time before turning, then ran into the small cluster of trees.

Her heart skipped. She half lied to Tespor, she led Solun on completely, yet with Litru, she was herself and spoke what she felt. It seemed a small weight lifted from her spirit. Yet in the back of her mind, the rest of her worries remained.

She ventured through the forest and came upon the small lake. The moon, almost directly above her, sprinkled its rays of silver on the water’s surface.

Calming would do her good; perhaps her mother had the same thought. Somehow, deep inside, she knew they would both need time to overcome what had happened. The shock of the event began to subside, yet she was still confused. Tiva’s pride was hurt, she needed to show some form of self-dignity, and making her mother wait for her return felt like a good course of action.

Moving toward the lake, she kicked off her boots and began to unbutton her tunic. She reached down into the water to feel the cool crispness wash over her hand. It was colder than she liked, but her body would adjust once in the lake. She cursed softly for leaving her cloak at home; she’d just have to be quick and run inside after her swim. She tossed her tunic to the side. Her undershirt was thin, and she shivered in the breeze. As if in answer to her thoughts, two warm hands touched her arms. She need not turn; he connected with her on many levels. Neither said a word and they remained motionless together until every star possible lit the sky.

Tiva leaned back against him. Litru wrapped his arms and cloak around her. She felt completely safe for the first time in ages. Thankful, she silently watched the moon crest, and sighed knowing the hour grew late. She’d have to face her mother eventually.

“Tell me what I can do to ease your troubled spirit, Tiva,” he said.

“Help me Calm. My mind is ill at ease.”

“I do not think that wise…”

“I am no longer a child, Litru. I am not ashamed to Calm with you. Though I may not possess the ability to emote as completely as you, I do…feel, and need to clear my mind.”

“I know you do, Tiva, and you feel everything so strongly. I tremble every time you are near me. I never know what to say or do. You are tough, yet I have seen great tenderness in your eyes. You are strong, but vulnerable.” He caressed her arm with his fingers. “You are blocked most of the time, occasionally though, when you are close, I feel you lower your guard and I always wondered why. I’d always hoped you only did so for me…You’re a vibration inside me, you’ve taken hold and have never let go. And if I see you in such a state, I may lose control. I think I already am, touching you like this…I cannot do this to you, Tiva, you aren’t ready for those consequences, not yet.”

She turned and looked up. Litru’s eyes sparkled like ice hanging from Te’s branches with speckles of gold that flickered as they gazed into hers. The air in her lungs vanished. She hadn’t been this close to him since her youth. “Then why have you come here?”

“Because I had to tell you my feelings, they are tearing me apart,” he said, his hands stroked her back and shoulders as he drew her closer. “I’ve always felt close to you, I assumed it was due to our bond when you were younger. But when the king sent you away, and I did not see your beautiful smile every morning at the palace, I realized my heart longed for you. You have been in my waking thoughts every day since your mission to Hentor. And no, Tiva Boon, I do not see a child anymore. I see a strong vibrant young woman coming into her own, dealing with matters beyond what she should, and succeeding. I dare not say I love you, for I am still confused about what I feel, but it is only a matter of time before my heart will be yours.

“Maybe I have lost all sense, for I doubt your parents would approve of me, I am ten cycles older, but I can’t deny what is building inside me. I’ve tried to convince myself you would never care for me the same, but there was always something there between us…then your words earlier…”

Tiva touched his face. He kept his eyes locked on her. She traced the sharp line of his face. He drew in a breath, and she felt his body quiver against hers. “It has been many cycles since I have dreamt of this and you come to me now when I am at the lowest I have ever been. I wish nothing more than to give you my heart in return, Litru, but I have a path before me. If I falter, I may never forgive myself, and if I cannot give you my time, I don’t see how courting would work now.” She paused. “Curse this feeling; it causes more trouble than joy.”

“You will know the joys of it one day, Tiva,” Litru said delicately. “We do not have to court, if you wish we can carry on as friends, until your path is set. I will wait for you.”

A tear slid down her cheek.

“Why do you cry?” he said.

“Another has professed as much to me, I told him I was not ready, but it was a lie. I am ready. I wish to be with you, Litru. I had not the courage to say anything for fear you would think I am too young. Now, we are on the brink of a major crisis; I have taken the life of another person and cannot get the thoughts out of my mind. Everyone looks at me differently. I am losing touch with my mother. I have all these feelings inside me, Litru. I am suffering so and I know not what to do.”

“I will help you Calm.”

“But you—”

He raised a finger to her lip then brushed away the tears. His hands rose up her back and began to unbraid her hair. Tiva shut her eyes and eased against his chest. His touch was gentle, relaxing. When her hair came loose, Litru unfastened her belt, lowering the weapon to the ground. He pulled the undershirt from her back, his fingers shaking against her skin as he lifted it over her head. Their eyes met again, Tiva’s markings blushed,
and Litru’s were neon. She smiled, trying to soothe his nervousness.

“I have never seen a creature more lovely than you,” he said breathlessly and tore his gaze from her body, looking to the sky. “Such temptation…”

Tiva froze, clutched Litru. “Someone is coming.”

“Who?” he said, tightened his grasp on her.

She focused her mind to reach out. It was not as close as she thought, but it was nearing the area. Allowing her sense to flow freely, she gasped and stepped back. “It is my father. He must be returning home.”

“Kevler?”

“Is your hover in plain view on the road?”

“No, I drove into the forest some before walking.”

“Well, you must go then, before he comes to look for me.”

“You wish to hide?”

“No, but I have issues to deal with at home, Litru. This is not the best of days to inform my family of our feelings.”

He swept her hair from her shoulder. “You are right. But I cannot bear to leave you just yet.”

“Lit—”

His lips covered hers before she finished. A curious sensation rose within her, it was nothing like her first kiss. It felt as if every emotion boiled inside her and attempted to break free. Never before had such a sensation captured her. Her entire body felt electrified. Litru was full of warmth and wild energy, his emotions raw and fervent. She embraced him, ignoring her lack of clothing, and struggled for breath as he began to kiss her cheek and neck. “Litru…”

“Tiva, I want you for my own,” he cooed in her ear.

“You shall have me and I you, we just need to take our time. Some may not understand.” She held him now, refusing to let go.

Gently he peeled her arms from his neck. He kissed each hand and released her. He leaned over, picked up her tunic, and wrapped it around her shoulders.

“I don’t want to go,” she said, lowering her head.

“You must.” He lured her into a hug and kissed her forehead.

“Can you stay? Wait by Te, my tree. I will come out after my parents are sleeping…”

“Tiva,” he chuckled, “my sweet flower, that is a risk I cannot take, it may cause me to lose you. We will speak more and decide what to do, for now you must go home.”

“I know.” She fastened her clothing and sniffled. “I will see you on the morrow; we can find time during the day to talk, can we not?”