The Lost Princess by K. A. Bledsoe

Author:K. A. Bledsoe [Bledsoe, K. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781097627431
Published: 2019-06-02T22:00:00+00:00

***

In no time at all the children were on the shuttle and heading back to the planet. Quinn was sitting in the copilot chair but kept sneaking glances back. They had been given nausea medication and the littlest one sedated to make the trip back easier. After they landed, Lenore got out to make sure they weren’t being observed while Quinn administered the meds to revive them. Double clicking on the wrist comp told Quinn all was clear, and he exited the shuttle carrying the boy who was still a bit groggy. The girls followed close on Quinn’s heels, and Lenore felt an odd satisfaction that they seemed so attached to her son.

Jonah answered the door to the hotel room, but his earlier friendly demeanor was gone. He quickly introduced the two women who would be caring for the children. The first had a kindly face that showed years of nurturing and the other’s no-nonsense disposition said “bodyguard.” Lenore felt that Jonah chose very well.

The children, however, were not trusting and refused to leave Quinn’s side, the younger girl bursting into tears when he said he had to go. He knelt and embraced them all, murmuring something that Lenore couldn’t quite hear. The bodyguard walked to the farthest corner of the room as the older woman slowly approached the group. She got down on her knees as well, radiating welcome and reassurance and soon they were detaching themselves from Quinn and listening to the woman’s quiet voice speaking their native language.

“Good, I am glad you were quick,” Jonah whispered to Lenore, startling her out of her absorption of the emotional scene. “Lori,” his head nodded toward the woman, “has told me of a developing situation back at the palace, and I need to return.”

“Oh?”

“I cannot say anything else at this time but, suffice it to say, I hope you find something useful in your travels.” He bent down to pick up two packed bags, and Lenore knew she would get nothing more.

By this time, Quinn had disentangled himself and was backing towards the door. The little boy was now in Lori’s arms and all were waving.

“Goodbye. It was fun having you visit,” he said with a smile. Lenore waved as well, and they headed back to the shuttle.

Quinn didn’t say a word all the way back to the shuttle and after they took off. Lenore couldn’t tell if the awkward silence was Quinn missing the children or just him deep in thought.

“I am sure they will be fine,” she ventured.

He nodded.

“You did very well with them; they trusted you. I’m not sure I could have done that.”

“It was my job. I did it, that’s all.”

His gruff tone was not what Lenore expected. He must really miss them. “I think you were better than that, a natural. Shows you will be a great father someday.”

“No. I’m never having kids.”

“Hey, now, don’t be so quick—”

“No. Never.” He crossed his arms on his chest, and his pinched, closed face showed his seriousness. Lenore dropped the subject, taken aback at his vehemence and unsure of what to say at this revelation.

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