Saturday, February 4, 2017

Fractured Dreams Posted

Fractured Dreams on FicPad

Fractured Dreams on AO3

Fractured Dreams on STARS

Fractured Dreams on FFn

Fractured Dreams on Wattpad

Once she was old enough, N’essie joined Galaxy Fleet. She went through her training and became a healer, a doctor, the first in her class in Galaxy Fleet Medical. Aboard the ship, Valiant, N'essie, along with her fellow crew mates are deployed to a battle along the Solarian/Romulan border. They are there to provide medical relief for the Solari people and help end the battle.

On one of the Solarian colonies, along the edge of Romulan territory, N'essie and her team of doctors, nurses and medics transport down to provide aide to the injured Solarian, Human, Talaxian and Cygnarian people living on the planet. In the midst of a raging battle, N'essie finds an injured man and instantly, her heart stopped, recognized the unconscious, broken Solari man as her mate. With the help of her staff, they do their best to stabilize him, but he's fallen into a deep coma.


Transporting aboard the Valiant, N'essie heals the man's wounds, but his mind is a jumble of memories, horrors of battle and a sweet voice, trying to calm him. N'essie begins her vigil by his side, trying to heal the injuries in his mind. However, she gets lured into his dreams, his mind, his memories. Will it be too late for N'essie, lost in the man's Fractured Dreams


“Momma, I can’t stay,” N’essie said as she packed her uniform. “I only had a couple of weeks of shore leave. I wanted to be here for Charel’s mating ceremony. The ceremony happened and they’re mated. I have to go.”

“We never see you,” Nirabelle, Empress of the Cygnari people, frowned. “You’re always on some sort of mission. When are you going to come back to Forx? To stay?”

“When I retire,” N’essie retorted. “Momma, you knew that the stars called to me. I’m so much like Papa. Besides, I have an important job. I’m the chief medical officer aboard the Valiant. Uncle Charanel is providing me passage to the star base where the Valiant is getting retrofitted with new phaser cannons. We’re leaving in an hour.”

“Bella, you knew that this was her choice,” Edward said, walking over to Nirabelle. He snaked his arms around Nirabelle’s waist, kissing her temple. “Where are you heading?”

“There is a border skirmish along the Solarian and Romulan border. They need medical assistance,” N’essie answered. “The Romulans are attacking defenseless colonies without any sort of provocation.”

“You be safe, N’essie,” Edward said, tugging his middle daughter into his arms and hugging her. She pressed her cheek against his muscular torso, inhaling his comforting scent of cologne, kinka flowers and the human musk.

Yes, N’essie was half-human, but the Cygnarian genes were dominant, almost suppressing her human side. Her hair was a warm bronze color, with pale skin and bright green eyes, all coming from her father. Her spots, pointed ears, slowed aging and acute vision and hearing all came from her mother. But, it was her father’s warmth, strength and poise that were the most prominent attributes to her personality and he understood her. So did her oldest brother, Charel, who also was a member of Galaxy Fleet, but took a year off to be with his mate, a girl from Ch’ich and daughter of a respected diplomat. Her mother was supportive, but did not understand the call to explore. She was happy to remain on Forx, only traveling to Cygnarian Prime when needed or on diplomatic missions with her mate.

“I’ll always be safe, Papa,” she said, pulling back and kissing his cheek. “I love you both. I’ll send you a subspace message once I get settled aboard the Valiant.” She hugged her mother, wiping away a few tears and picked up her duffel. Slinging it over her shoulder, she contacted the Cigno, her uncle’s vessel, requesting to be transported aboard. 

N'essie

Olivier

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Fractured Dreams Teaser

I'm submitting a piece for the Fandom Against Domestic Violence. The story I'm submitting is a future-take from the Star Crossed universe. Here is the extended summary ...

Once she was old enough, N’essie joined Galaxy Fleet. She went through her training and became a healer, a doctor, the first in her class in Galaxy Fleet Medical. Aboard the ship, Valiant, N'essie, along with her fellow crew mates are deployed to a battle along the Solarian/Romulan border. They are there to provide medical relief for the Solari people and help end the battle.

On one of the Solarian colonies, along the edge of Romulan territory, N'essie and her team of doctors, nurses and medics transport down to provide aide to the injured Solarian, Human, Talaxian and Cygnarian people living on the planet. In the midst of a raging battle, N'essie finds an injured man and instantly, her heart stopped, recognized the unconscious, broken Solari man as her mate. With the help of her staff, they do their best to stabilize him, but he's fallen into a deep coma.

Transporting aboard the Valiant, N'essie heals the man's wounds, but his mind is a jumble of memories, horrors of battle and a sweet voice, trying to calm him. N'essie begins her vigil by his side, trying to heal the injuries in his mind. However, she gets lured into his dreams, his mind, his memories. Will it be too late for N'essie, lost in the man's Fractured Dreams

If you want more, you can donate here: Fandom Against Domestic Violence


And the teaser ...

Aboard the Valiant, they moved into a standard orbit and transported down to the surface. The city center had been completely obliterated. In the distance, the away team could hear bombing and phaser fire. N’essie slung her emergency med kit over her shoulder and zipped up her Galaxy Fleet jacket. “Stay armed and with your partner. Triage the victims and provide basic care. Anyone who is immediate medical attention, transport them directly to the infirmary aboard the Valiant or the Cigno. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” said N’essie’s staff. They took off, scattering along the city center. N’essie and her nurse checked the buildings along the main street, looking for any survivors. However, there were none in the city center. All of the bodies were in various stages of decomposition.

“Dr. Cullen, there are no life signs,” said N’essie’s nurse, Alanna. “Should we ask Captain Mo’ranne to transport us closer to the fighting?”

N’essie was about to nod when her comm badge chirped. “Cullen,” she barked.

“Doctor, we are going to transport you closer to Captain Charanel’s location. They are under attack and need medical attention,” said Captain Mo’ranne. “Energizing.” N’essie, Alanna and her team were transported to a large outcropping of rocks. They immediately took cover as phaser fire rung out all around them. Her uncle crouched down next to her. He was bleeding from a cut on his face.

“Sir, you’re bleeding,” N’essie said, taking out a dermal regenerator.

“I’m fine,” he replied, waving her away. “We need to find out how to disrupt this neural weapon that the Romulans have.”

“Do you have scans of it?” N’essie asked, running the regenerator over her uncle’s face. He handed her his tricorder. She ran her fingers over the tiny screen, trying to make sense of the readings. “Here! Have everyone set their phasers to this frequency. It’ll disrupt the neural damage to the Solarians and other victims.” She blinked up to her uncle. “Is that why I’m getting his killer headache?”

“Yes,” Charanel replied, sending out N’essie’s frequency. Almost immediately the pain in their heads dissipated and the Romulans transported off the surface. “Charanel to all hands, check for any survivors! Stay armed and ready to attack.” They all began searching for any survivors. Most of the Solarians, humans and Talaxians were injured with significant brain damage. N’essie and the other doctor from the Cigno had them transported to their infirmaries.

“Doctor Cullen,” called Alanna. “We need you!”

“Are you good?” N’essie asked the doctor from the Cigno. He nodded. N’essie found Alanna in a cavern, running scans on an unconscious Solari man. When she saw him, N’essie felt like she had the air taken from her lungs. The man was completely battered and bruised, but N’essie only saw his beauty and his fractured thoughts in her head.

Pain … light … death … now … help …

Flashes of the nightmare he endured prior to his injury were on repeat along with those words. N’essie knelt down, brushing his short blonde hair away from his face. I’m here. You’re safe, N’essie thought to him. She took his hand, relishing in the warmth of his hand. “Cullen to Valiant,” N’essie said.

“Transporter Chief Beau here.”

“Two to beam directly to sick bay,” N’essie murmured, her fingers twining with her mysterious stranger, the man who was her mate.


Sunday, July 24, 2016

Fandoms for Domestic Violence

Hey all! I know I've been missing-in-action recently. I took a class in the city for the past week and I'm almost done with it. I just have to write the final reflection paper and then I can get back to writing for fun! Yay!

With that being said, I've decided to sign up for a fundraiser. My submission for the fundraiser will be an future-take from Star Crossed. Rere97 shared a plot bunny she had for the story and I'm going to run with it! Thank you, Rere!

Her idea revolves around N'essie. Once she was old enough, she joined Galaxy Fleet. She went through her training and became a healer, a doctor, the first in her class in Galaxy Fleet Medical. Aboard the ship, Valiant, N'essie, along with her fellow crew mates are deployed to a battle along the Solarian/Romulan border. They are there to provide medical relief for the Solari people and help end the battle.

On one of the Solarian colonies, along the edge of Romulan territory, N'essie and her team of doctors, nurses and medics transport down to provide aide to the injured Solarian, Human, Talaxian and Cygnarian people living on the planet. In the midst of a raging battle, N'essie finds an injured man and instantly, her heart stopped, recognized the unconscious, broken Solari man as her mate. With the help of her staff, they do their best to stabilize him, but he's fallen into a deep coma.

Transporting aboard the Valiant, N'essie heals the man's wounds, but his mind is a jumble of memories, horrors of battle and a sweet voice, trying to calm him. N'essie begins her vigil by his side, trying to heal the injuries in his mind. However, she gets lured into his dreams, his mind, his memories. Will it be too late for N'essie, lost in the man's Fractured Dreams? 



There will be mention of Nirabelle, Edward and the rest of the crew, but this story will revolve around N'essie and her mystery man. Anyhow, here's the information about the fundraiser. You can find information about where to donate and important dates here: Fandom For Domestic Violence. The most important thing is that you need to donate $10 to an organization that benefits victims of domestic violence. There are a couple of options on the website. The compilation will be sent out on October 15th and stories can be shared publicly on December 15th.

Please consider donating to this cause. I've been lucky, never being in a relationship that was violent, but I have known people who have been hurt by the ones that supposedly love them the most. $10 is two Starbuck's coffees ... you can do it!



Saturday, June 25, 2016

Fandoms for Domestic Violence



Hey all! I know I've been missing-in-action recently. I took a class in the city for the past week and I'm almost done with it. I just have to write the final reflection paper and then I can get back to writing for fun! Yay!

With that being said, I've decided to sign up for a fundraiser. My submission for the fundraiser will be an future-take from Star Crossed. Rere97 shared a plot bunny she had for the story and I'm going to run with it! Thank you, Rere!

Her idea revolves around N'essie. Once she was old enough, she joined Galaxy Fleet. She went through her training and became a healer, a doctor, the first in her class in Galaxy Fleet Medical. Aboard the ship, Valiant, N'essie, along with her fellow crew mates are deployed to a battle along the Solarian/Romulan border. They are there to provide medical relief for the Solari people and help end the battle.

On one of the Solarian colonies, along the edge of Romulan territory, N'essie and her team of doctors, nurses and medics transport down to provide aide to the injured Solarian, Human, Talaxian and Cygnarian people living on the planet. In the midst of a raging battle, N'essie finds an injured man and instantly, her heart stopped, recognized the unconscious, broken Solari man as her mate. With the help of her staff, they do their best to stabilize him, but he's fallen into a deep coma.

Transporting aboard the Valiant, N'essie heals the man's wounds, but his mind is a jumble of memories, horrors of battle and a sweet voice, trying to calm him. N'essie begins her vigil by his side, trying to heal the injuries in his mind. However, she gets lured into his dreams, his mind, his memories. Will it be too late for N'essie, lost in the man's Fractured Dreams? 



There will be mention of Nirabelle, Edward and the rest of the crew, but this story will revolve around N'essie and her mystery man. Anyhow, here's the information about the fundraiser. You can find information about where to donate and important dates here: Fandom For Domestic Violence. The most important thing is that you need to donate $10 to an organization that benefits victims of domestic violence. There are a couple of options on the website. The compilation will be sent out on October 15th and stories can be shared publicly on December 15th.

Please consider donating to this cause. I've been lucky, never being in a relationship that was violent, but I have known people who have been hurt by the ones that supposedly love them the most. $10 is two Starbuck's coffees ... you can do it!

Monday, February 1, 2016

Good News! Good News!

I woke up this morning and read some good news. It was desperately needed since I felt like total garbage over the weekend, but that's a story for another time. The good news is that Under Construction, in all its angsty glory, was voted #5 in the top ten fics completed in December.

Holla!

You can find the complete list which includes, Edward's Eternal, Deb Drotuno, TheFicChick, TheQueenWriter and many others, here: TwiFanficRecs. Thank you for those of you who took time out of your busy schedules to vote for Under Construction. I'm tickled to be among such amazing authors.


In other news, Renovation and Under Construction, are up for top ten fic of the year, along with Surviving the Teenage Dream, Caught in the Flames and Star Crossed. You can find the link to vote here: Top Ten Fic of 2015.

You can vote once a day. I'd appreciate if you could take the time to vote for at least one of these stories. For now, here's a reminder about Renovations and Under Construction, their summaries and links for their stories. 

Renovations


Isabella Swan, thirty-six, is reeling from her recent divorce from the man she thought she would be spending her forever, the rest of her life. James Hunter broke her heart when he told her wanted to end it. He didn’t fight her, giving her all of the money, all of the furniture and everything else Bella wanted. Her mind and heart shattered, Bella took all of her belongings and moved to the opposite end of the country from her ex-husband, close to a dear friend, Esme Cullen. She purchases a beautiful home, but in badly need of repair and updating.

Esme suggests two men, Edward Masen, twenty-six, and his business partner, Garrett Keyes, twenty-seven, for the job. Edward is an up and coming contractor whom Esme had used for her interior design business. Garrett was a carpenter and headed up the construction end of the business. Bella contacted the men, knowing that she was going to hire them. Their website spoke to her. The clean lines and use of high-end appliances and materials were exactly what she envisioned for her new home. Little did she know that when both men came to interview, she would be physically attracted to them as well?

Will these men renovate Bella’s new home or will the renovations spill over into other aspects of her life, giving her love life a much needed makeover? 





Under Construction


Bella Swan, a divorced adoption attorney, is relishing her time with her two hot and attentive boyfriends, Edward Masen and Garrett Keyes. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever considered being with two men, let alone two men who adored her as much as they do. Their relationship is perfection. With all new relationships, they are trying to navigate the ins and outs of being together. Their little bubble of sexual exploration is threatened when Bella is sent to New York City for a high profile adoption proceeding.

With a heavy heart, Bella flies out to New York to meet her new clients, close friends of Aro Volturi, her former boss. Carmen and Eleazar D’Amato are finalizing the adoption of a child that they fostered for almost a year and a half, but dealing with them is easy. Running into her ex-husband is not. He manages to appear everywhere once he found out that Bella was in New York. His new marriage has crumbled and his estranged wife has taken their child, hiding him away from James. His job is hanging by a thread and he now blames Bella for everything.

On a whim, Edward and Garrett fly out to New York to surprise Bella. She loses herself with them, but they had an audience. But, who and to what end? 




Under Construction on TWCS

Surviving the Teenage Dream




All banners by Evilnat

They survived falling in love and having four children. Now, Geekward and Nerdella are parents of teenagers. Say a prayer for them for they are in for a bumpy ride. But, a ghost from the past is rearing his ugly head. Follow along as Geekward and Nerdella deal with having teens, battle with the blast from the past and why is Demetri hugging a cow? ANSOL/TGGTP Sequel. ExB AH/AU





Caught in the Flames

Banner by Chandrakanta

Banner by FallingSnowinWinter

Isabella Swan, an up and coming graphic artist, lived in the heart of the Gold Coast in Chicago. She was comfortable in her brownstone, left to her by her grandmother. 

Edward Cullen, a lieutenant in the Chicago Fire Department and the head of the rescue squad in Department Eighteen. He risks his life on a daily basis, putting out fires and saving strangers from burning buildings and mangled vehicles. 

She was an innocent…someone caught in the cross hairs of their obsession with fire. He was a hero…a man desperate to save the woman who was in danger from a serial arsonist. Little did they know, this monster was going to be the catalyst to start their fire, their fire of passion. They were Caught in the Flames.





Star Crossed

Banner by Chandrakanta

Cover by Mina

She was the leader of her people. 

He was a gruff, by-the-book star ship captain. 

An interstellar war, negotiations for a peace treaty gone wrong and a taboo relationship between two species. 

Captain Edward Cullen was in charge of the starship, Volvo. He, along with his crew, were given a mission to deliver Empress Nirabelle of the Cygnarian people to the nearby planet of Lapus, to negotiate a treaty between their two worlds. 

For over a millennia, they have been fighting a vicious battle. For what? They don’t even know. It’s ingrained in their minds and their history. 

The Empress is to meet with the Crown Prince of Lapus, Jakob. The Volvo is transporting her and her envoy, Maralice to the planet. There are strict rules in place for the Empress’s transport. She is to not have any contact with any males on the ship, per the cultural norms of Cygnarian society. The trip should take as little time as possible and if no headway has been made within one day of being in orbit, Captain Cullen is to transport the Empress from the planet’s surface. 

However, something goes terribly wrong on Lapus. One communication to the Volvo and a brief face-to-face conversation forever changes the future of the Empress and Captain Cullen. Will they survive this threat or are the Star Crossed lovers doomed before they even have a chance? 















Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year!!!

I woke up this morning with some excellent news. It's the beginning of a new year. I'm so grateful to put 2015 behind me. I think that 2016 will be a much better year. Here's to hoping. Anyhow, I got a notification from TwiFanfictionRecs that Star Crossed has been voted one of the top ten fics completed in November. Much to my surprise, Star Crossed came in third, behind A Few Tables Away by Drotuno and Under Construction by Edward's Eternal.

Among the other honorees include:
Conditions May Apply by Mathisson
The Fox by Capricapra
The Girl in the Meadow by Simaril
The Suitor by ceceprincess1217
What About Now? by BitterHarpy
Lover of the Light by vampiregirl93
Start Over by ForeverRobsessed

Congratulations to everyone included on the list. My TBR list is getting too long, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Also, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote.

Hugs to all of you and Happy New Year!


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Good News!

I woke up this morning with a text from Twitter, saying that Star Crossed was nominated for Fic of the Month on TwiFanfictionRecs! There are some amazing stories included in this batch and I really hope that I can hold my own!

You can vote once a day per each twenty-four hour period. Please vote for your favorites (which is, hopefully, Star Crossed). I'd love to make it to the top ten in November. Thank you to everyone who has read and to whomever nominated my story for Fic of the Month. You all are amazing and I'm blessed to have you all in my life!

You can vote here: TwiFanfictionRecs!

Big squishy hugs to you all of you!

Banner made by Chandrakanta


Book Cover and Banner made by Mina

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Star Crossed Update: Epilogue

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on FicPad

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on AO3

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on FFn

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on TWCS

“Thank you, Emperor,” said Governor Ru’bio, the son of Governor Ru’bia, from the city of Fl’aag. “We appreciate the additional desalinization units for the hydroponic gardens.”

“The gardens have produced so many fresh fruit and vegetables for the desert regions surrounding Fl’aag. Plus, your researchers have helped the Federation fine-tune their hydroponic techniques, as well,” I smiled, shaking Governor Ru’bio’s hand. “How is your father?”

“He’s the same,” Ru’bio frowned. “His illness is not improving, but not getting any worse, either.”

“Let him know that Empress Nirabelle and I are thinking about him,” I said, putting a hand on Ru’bio’s shoulder. “Your father was a wonderful man. Ygrin’ne syndrome is a cruel and horrific disease.” Ygrin’ne syndrome was a crippling, debilitating syndrome that attacked a Cygnarian’s mind. It was similar to Alzheimer’s from years ago on Earth, but it was faster moving and also impacted the victim’s motor functions as well. Within a year of his diagnosis, Ru’bia was confined to a wheelchair and barely able to say a few words. Even with the most advanced medicine of the Federation, there was absolutely nothing we could do to help him or any other sufferers of Ygrin’ne syndrome. Rose was working with Kunnan and the doctors on Forx to figure out a cure, or at least a viable treatment.

However, it didn’t seem promising. The genetic coding for the syndrome was very complex and wouldn’t respond to any standard treatments. They were exploring some not-so-standard options.

“Thank you again, Emperor,” Governor Ru’bio smiled, getting up from the seat across from me. I nodded and watched as he left. I got up from my desk, walking to the window. I ran my hand through my thick hair, still bronze-colored hair. I was almost fifty-six but didn’t look a day over thirty. The medication that Kunnan gave me once a month worked wonders. I was stronger than before, in the best shape of my life. I rarely got sick and when I did, I recuperated quickly thanks to the injection and my carbon-infused bones.

It was bittersweet, though. I was seemingly ageless while my parents were growing older, as were my friends and fellow colleagues. The three comforts were knowing that my sister was also receiving the same injections as me, my beautiful and wonderful children whom I loved and that I was able to spend my life with my mate, my one and only love, Nirabelle.

My Bella.

My sweet Fíorghrá.


Ch'ichean Sea

William

Cigno

New Throne Room

New Palace Dining Room

Edward and Bella's Imperial Suite

Imperial Bedroom

Imperial Cottage

Imperial Bathroom

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Star Crossed Teaser: Epilogue

I sat down, turning on my computer. “J’ran! How are you doing?” I asked, seeing his smiling face.

“I’m good. Very good,” he answered. “I have news for you. Some bad. Some good.”

“Well, let me hear the bad news first,” I said, almost afraid to hear what he had to say.

“The Saratoga was traveling past the Gamella’an system. They checked Gamel III for any sort of humanoid life signs. There weren’t any. They assembled an away team to check. The team found the remains of Caius about ten kilometers from his camp. He had been dead for some time, being crushed by a fallen tree during a storm.”

“Have you informed Counselor Marcusi?” I asked, saddened for the death of the brother of one of my closest friends and most-trusted advisors.

“I’ll contact him after I finish my discussion with you,” J’ran said, his face grim.

“No. No, I’ll do it. Marcusi deserves to hear this from me and from Nirabelle,” I muttered. I blew out a breath, looking back at him. “Now, the good news?”

“I’ve met a mate,” he blushed, his spots glowing. “A Turulian/Human woman. Her name is T’Paal.”

“When did this happen?” I asked, grinning happily for my friend.

“We met at an embassy function. She is a part of the science directorate on the Turulian home world. She came to Earth to work with the Galaxy Fleet science division on a recent discovery in the outskirts of the Beta Quadrant. We met and it was almost subtle. We were talking over our meals and this warmth filled my belly, traveling outward until my spots began to glow brightly. T’Paal asked what it was and I explained to her about the phenomenon of imprinting. She was intrigued. We continued to talk and then it hit her. It took all of my strength to stop her from kissing me.” He chuckled, his spots burning just underneath his skin’s surface. “We took a shuttle to a city in the desert. Las Wages?”

“Las Vegas,” I laughed. “You got married in Las Vegas?”

“We found a temple …”

“Chapel,” I snickered. “They’re called chapels.”

“Chapel, temple, whatever!” J’ran grumbled, arching a brow at me. “Are you going to let me finish my story?”

“I’m sorry. I just find this to be hysterical,” I said, barely containing my laughter.

“Anyway, T’Paal and I found a Turulian chapel in one of the smaller hotels. The priest performed a beautiful combination of a Turulian and Cygnarian ceremony. Of course, we’ll have the full ceremonies on our own worlds, in front of our families and friends, but we are, for all intents and purposes, mated,” J’ran smirked.

“Wow! Congratulations, J’ran. This is better than good news. This is great!” I beamed. “When are you coming back to Forx so we can give you a mating ceremony?”

“In two Earth years. That’s why we flew to Las Vegas,” J’ran explained. “This project that T’Paal is working on is keeping her here for two years, with the possibility of flying out to the Beta Quadrant to collect more samples. We couldn’t wait that long to mate. We are both older and felt the effects slowly, but once they hit, it was overwhelming. We would not have lasted very long before we would have started to fail. One of the Cygnarian Federation delegates acted as one of my witnesses, while T’Paal’s sister, T’Mienne, acted as hers.”

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Star Crossed Update

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Four Update on FicPad

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Four Update on TWCS

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Four Update on AO3

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Four Update on FFn

Edward ended his communication with his father, scrubbing his face. I rolled over, frowning at this unwelcomed turn of events. “This will never end, will it?” I muttered.

“Oh, it’s going to end. Perhaps, a face-to-face conversation with the Reman Ambassador will be our best ally,” Edward said, getting up and out of bed. He was gloriously naked. Despite our voracious need for each other, seeing him without any clothing and walking so comfortably in his apartment made me want him again. However, I put a lid on those desires. My mate was stressing out over this meeting and unrealistic time frame to get to said meeting with the Reman Ambassador. When he came back, he dressed in his Imperial attire. “We need to go, Fíorghrá. I’m sorry. I know we were supposed to have dinner with Elizabeth and Charanel today, but in order to get to the planet, Remus, we have to depart now.”

I got up out of the bed, walking over to my frazzled mate. “We will get through this, ti’ane,” I soothed, running my fingers through his disheveled hair. “Compared to the long-standing war and ending battle, a conversation is nothing.”

“It is not as physically taxing, but mentally and emotionally? It’s far worse,” Edward said. “Trying to reach and accommodate both sides is the struggle. My father said that he would send up his conversation with the Reman Ambassador, along with any intel Galaxy Fleet Intelligence had acquired from any previous interactions. You go shower and get dressed while I have our belongings transported aboard the Cygnarus.

“Edward,” I murmured, taking his handsome face into my hands, “we will get past this. I have to no doubts in your abilities as a diplomat or as emperor.”

“Thank you, Bella,” he whispered, brushing his lips with mine. “I wish I had an ounce of your confidence in me to complete this. I was just waiting for the other shoe to fall and this is it, I guess.”

“Both of your shoes are on your feet, Edward,” I said, confused by his statement. Some of the human comments he made confused me. His way of speaking was colorful and used a lot of comparison, most of which I didn’t understand since it was a cultural thing.

He chuckled, pulling my naked body closer to his. “It’s a metaphor. Pretty much, I was anxious that something bad was going to happen and it did, with these negotiations with the Remans and Alliance.” His hands moved to my behind, cupping the curve of my butt. “You need to get dressed before I tell the Remans to go stuff it; that the peace talks are off because I need you so much. You are entirely too tempting standing here, naked in my arms.” He massaged my behind and his fingers dipped between my lower lips. “And wet, too? Nirabelle …” He removed his hands from my lower body, gliding them up to my shoulders. He gently pushed me into the bathroom. With a shattered look, he closed the door. You better be dressed by the time I’m done with the bags, Nirabelle.

Yes, Emperor, I purred, giggling quietly. He groaned.