Page 27 of Aura Awakened
I think about it. I loathe the idea of ever seeing another Malifect in my life. But if I can help prevent others from experiencing what happened to me, it could be very satisfying. And, like, good for the galaxy. Of course, I’m also a trained botanist. Maybe I could work on scientific developments with experts from all these other planets.
“I could see becoming involved in the Coalition,” I say slowly. “What Cynara said gave me hope, like maybe the technology to go home is in the works. Like it’s not so far off. I’m not even saying I would move back,” I say, noting the wistful look on his face. “I’m not saying I want to leave you, not at all. But I might want to visit my home one day, you know? You have to understand that.”
He nods and I continue. “But she also put things in perspective. I know you tried to, but I think hearing it from someone else, someone who isn’t invested in what happens to me, kind of cemented it. Until more advances are made, I have to make other arrangements. Figure out a new life. Here, with you.”
A slow grin lights up his face. “If you really are going to stay with me, you could take your time thinking about it. I won’t rush you into anything. I know this has all been confusing and overwhelming for you. I just want you to be happy.”
My heart does a little pitter patter at that. I know, rationally, that a lot of it has to do with the star-bond. If I understand it correctly, it doesn’t create feelings. I would feel this way about him regardless. It simply accelerates and intensifies the sensations, creating its own romantic timeline. If I fall in love with Fillian, it won’t be because of the bond. It just might happen faster because of it.
Of course, that little qualifier is pointless. There’s no if here. I’m already falling, fast, flaming into love like a shooting star.
“Fillian, I have to make a new life for myself, and of course, I want to do it here, with you. I want to explore what this planet has to offer, but that’s not all. I want to go on missions with you. Just as an observer,” I say quickly, sensing his objection. “I need to understand what you do on a day-to-day basis and see if it’s something I’m interested in.”
He nods. “We might be able to arrange that. Once I’m back on duty and Cynara isn’t looking to have my balls served up on a plate.”
“You do call them balls,” I mutter without thinking, earning me a puzzled look.
“What?”
I feel my cheeks heat as a blush spreads across them. “It’s nothing.”
“Oh, no you don’t. Tell me.”
Embarrassed, I explain about my initial curiosity in his anatomy and the seed sac thing. He laughs long and hard.
“Well, I can tell you one thing. I will definitely be calling them seed sacs from here on out.”
“Shut up.”
“Come here, you beautiful, wonderful thing.” He pulls me close and kisses me, slow and deep and thrilling. “Thank you for distracting me,” he says when we pull apart.
“What are you talking about?”
“I was brooding about Ramp. But your delight in my home, not to mention your decision to stay with me, and your sense of humor, helped.”
I stroke his cheek. “I’m glad. If there’s anything I can do to help find him, just say the word.”
“I appreciate that. But the Coalition is working on it, and until they decide to let me back in the field, I don’t think there’s anything either one of us can do.”
“In that case, why don’t you show me your garden?”
His brows shoot up. “My garden or my ‘garden?’”
“One, then the other.”
FILLIAN
I lead her out the back entrance and into my private flowerscape. The suns are beginning to set, bathing the garden in a golden glow. When I designed the space, I wanted none of the formality of the royal gardens. No grids or perfectly trimmed hedges, no manicured bushes or symmetry. I wanted something that seemed to flow into the forest beyond, wildflowers and meandering paths, surprising nooks and hidden glades. Burbling fountains and secrets to be uncovered.
From the expression on Aura’s face, I did a good job. She looks enraptured. I show her along one of the walkways, naming plants as we go. She points to the trees above us; the lights within them are glowing brighter now that the sunlight is fading.
“Are those flameflowers?” she asks.
“No. Sparks from flameflowers could be dangerous this close to a structure. Those are lanternlilies. They absorb sunlight all day long, and glow throughout the night. Normally they grow on the ground, but some enterprising artisan cultivated a variety that grows in trees. It took them two seasons to get big enough to actually do their job.”
“Well, they’re magnificent. More than worth the wait. I can’t believe you have solar powered flowers.” A movement in the forest catches her eye and she whirls. “Was that a fox?”
I grin. “No. I don’t know what a fox is. That was a gampit. A little forest creature. They’re very smart and of all the wildlife on Acacia, they have the fluffiest tails.”