Chapter Two

A LOUD crash shattered the silence in Ogill’s private chambers, jolting Kia awake. He lay in a crumpled heap in the corner, his eyes darting fearfully to the source of the noise.

Bruises mottled every inch of his body, a common occurrence, but this time his queen had taken her prized knife to him. The blade sat on a table nearby, glittering coldly in the dim light, stained with his blood.

A sickening smell of copper and sweat filled the room, along with an undercurrent of fear and violence. Blood dripped in a slow, rhythmic rhythm, splattering onto the floor beneath him.

This was something she had never done before, had never allowed. She prided herself on being in control, always maintaining a cold and calculated demeanor. But tonight, all reason and restraint had been tossed out the window as she’d lashed out at Kia.

He’d seen her strike out at other males before, but not him. She may despise him because his body would not react to hers, but she was obsessed with his looks. She had damaged her prize possession, and Kia feared his life was about to come to an end.

The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of his blood.

“He dares approach me as an equal?”

Ogill shrieked. “An equal? No male is my equal. Their race is an abomination—they have no females. What were the gods thinking when they created the Tah’Narians?” she spat, her hatred for the opposing race evident in every syllable.

He cringed. He’d heard of the Tah’Narians.

With another swipe of her meaty arm, trinkets went hurtling across the room. The males still on their feet were forced to scramble for cover as the objects crashed and shattered around them.

“And the way he spoke to me. Again, as if we are equals. As if any Ne Reyn males are worth giving to such wretched creatures.”

The Tah’Narians had approached Queen Ogill? A male had contacted his queen?

“The Onfre should be blown out of the skies for their utter incompetence. But it’s no surprise, considering their leaders are all male.”

They were all aware of her opinions on the matter, even though he had seen images of the Onfre and knew they appeared strong and formidable. The same could be said for the Tah’Narians.

“The Onfre had the perfect opportunity to destroy the Tah’Narians, and what did they do? Seed their atmosphere. Make it impossible to procreate. Idiots. They should have destroyed them and saved me the aggravation of having to deal with that male who calls himself king. A male.”

Kia paid close attention to the conversation. The downfall of the Tah’Narians was a well-known story—one they had brought upon themselves.

While his queen angrily criticized their species, Kia couldn’t help but think that the Onfre’s actions were clever. What better method to eliminate an entire race than by taking away their ability to reproduce?

“How do you wish me to reply, my Queen?”

a female asked.

“Am I surrounded by incompetence? How do you think, you silly twit of a female? Do you think I want to let those males step foot on my planet?”

“But, my Queen, think of the opportunity this presents. Think of how the other species would look upon you with envy if you managed to make the Tah’Narians the laughingstock of the galaxy. Your greatness would be admired by all females,”

the female said hesitantly.

“Explain,”

Ogill snapped.

“They come looking for mates for their breeding program, correct? Well then, what better way to sabotage a race that is already struggling than to give them inferior stock to breed with. We certainly have that,”

the female said, glancing at Kia.

Ogill opened her mouth, then paused. “Well, maybe you’re not as incompetent as I first thought. That is an interesting proposition, and it would certainly serve those males right. But that would mean I’d have to allow them on my planet.”

“A small price to pay, don’t you think, if it results in sabotaging their means to reproduce, even if it is in a small way? Surely a queen who is as great as you could withstand such inconvenience. And yes, I understand what an annoyance it would be for you to have to deal with those arrogant males who act above their station. But if anybody can do it, you can, my Queen.”

Ogill stalked across her chamber, picking up the chalice she had been sipping from earlier. “It would be an inconvenience, but I could persevere. Maybe I can even finish what the Onfre started.”

“If anyone can, it’s you.”

“True.”

Ogill toyed with her drink, her eyes falling on Kia. An evil smile crossed her face. “Yes, I like this idea. We shall unload our defective males upon the Tah’Narians. Contact their king and make the arrangements. Then make a list of our weak stock. Tell the Tah’Narians they have three unit days to get here, or the deal is off.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

The female bowed her way out of Ogill’s chamber.

Ogill stared at Kia. “Can’t get hard for a female? Can’t get hard for me, a female of my standing? I should remove your manhood, Kia.”

Darkness closed in on him. Gods, no.

“But instead, I’m going to give you to a group of males who are nothing more than a bunch of uncouth barbarians. It is my fondest wish that you come to understand just how good you had it here with me. I hope they use you until there’s nothing left of you.”

Kia gulped, his throat tight with fear. He never said a word. It was not unheard of for the queen to ruthlessly cut out a person’s tongue. The Tah’Narians were often seen as savages, but Kia couldn’t imagine anything worse than the constant torment and abuse he suffered under this cruel female.

Ogill laughed merrily as she patted her stomach. “Oh yes, I will meet with this King Duran and gift him my very best males. Yes, indeed.”

Carrying her goblet, she swept out of the room.

Two of the males who served her hesitantly approached Kia and helped him to his feet. With their arms supporting his weakened form, they carefully guided him back to his barren room, which was more akin to a prison cell than a bedroom.

After making sure he was settled on his bed, they left him to rest in solitude. A pitcher of water and a basin, along with some meager supplies, sat on a small wooden table for him to bathe with.

Despite the roughness of the makeshift bandage, he did his best to clean the wound. He gritted his teeth against the stinging sensation and tried not to wince as he dressed it with what little was available.

As Kia stood in his dimly lit room, his thoughts raced with uncertainty and dread. The Queen’s plan was not only cruel but also dangerously cunning. He’d heard the whispered tales of the Tah’Narians and their ruthless reputation in battle. Yet he couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps they weren’t the lesser of two evils.

THREE UNIT days passed quicker than Kia had anticipated. Before he knew it, he was standing in the Queen’s Chamber alongside the other chosen males of Ne Reyn—each deemed defective by Queen Ogill’s merciless standards. The air in the chamber was heavy with tension and fear as each man awaited their fate.

They were a motley crew. Some were too gentle for the fierce societal norms, while others bore physical imperfections that made them less desirable for procreation. Others were like him—frigid toward females. But each of them carried a palpable scent of brokenness and desperation.

On a viewing screen, they watched a Tah’Narian ship arrive. Its imposing size caused a few eyebrows to arch. Some of their officers may have scoffed, but Kia saw the underlying concern in their expressions.

A hail was sent and received, then permission was granted for the Tah’Narians to beam right outside of the Queen’s Chamber.

Nerves danced up Kia’s spine, and his hands trembled as the ornate doors to the chamber were opened, revealing a group of Tah’Narians. Their presence was imposing, their physique tall and muscular like the Ne Reyn female warriors.

Each one had an abundance of long hair cascading down his back. Just like Kia. Males were the only ones who had hair of such length, so already, that made them lesser in Queen Ogill’s eyes.

It was a striking contrast to the sleek, short hairstyles of their female counterparts. Nevertheless, Kia was fascinated with the Tah’Narians. Unlike the Ne Reyn, the males had hair color of every shade imaginable.

But the difference didn’t stop there. The males had the funny-looking ears on top of their heads, and their long tails that fell behind them skidded across the floor.

The stark whiteness of King Duran’s hair was shocking. Kia had never seen anything like it. But one of the males with him caught his interest. He was a huge, striking beast of a male.

Kia had honestly never seen a female that muscular. His long, sable-colored hair was as gorgeous as it was odd. His piercing amber eyes seemed to gaze deeply into Kia’s soul, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. Even though he tried to look away, he couldn’t help but be entranced by the Tah’Narian’s intensity.

Kia’s heart fluttered slightly, and shocked at such a response, he quickly repressed it and looked away. He instead watched as King Duran entered the chamber first, and what Kia assumed were his royal guards then spread out around him.

The male’s presence commanded immediate attention. His eyes scanned the crowd of Ne Reyn males with what seemed like a mixture of curiosity and sadness. The curiosity Kia could understand. The two species were quite different. He didn’t know what to make of the sadness.

Then King Duran peered at the females with a look of disdain, his eyes cold and calculating. Kia couldn’t believe his own eyes. A sense of shock washed over him. This kind of rebellious behavior was usually punished swiftly and mercilessly. But there the Tah’Narian stood, unapologetically displaying his true feelings.

“Greeting,”

Ogill announced loudly, her voice laced with faux warmth. She paused several seconds before speaking again. “King Duran.”

Everyone in the room was well aware of the significant pause before speaking his title. The Tah’Narians stiffened at the insult but did nothing, although a few fingered the weapons on their hips.

Surprisingly, the Tah’Narians were armed. Kia had assumed they would be disarmed, but knowing the females here, they didn’t consider armed males a threat. Kia eyed the Tah’Narians. That seemed to be foolishness on the queen’s part.

These males were as fierce as any Ne Reyn female. Kia tuned out the two royals as they exchanged words. Queen Ogill’s speech appeared friendly, but there was a not-so-subtle undertone of threat.

King Duran’s condescension was cloaked in politeness too. It made Kia’s head hurt listening to the two of them, but King Duran gave as good as he got.

Still, the tension in the room was thick. The females, accustomed to being treated with reverence, were unsettled by the lack of groveling from the Tah’Narians. Despite this, Kia couldn’t fault the males for their stoic demeanor.

Their strong, chiseled features betrayed no hint of submission or inferiority. It was clear that these warriors were not ones to back down or show weakness, even in the face of powerful women. Admiration for their unflinching strength and confidence grew in Kia.

“I present to you our finest selection of males who are eager to join your great race.”

Queen Ogill sneered as she swept an arm out towards Kia and the rest of his group.

Even he heard the contempt in those words. King Duran’s gaze lingered on Queen Ogill for a moment.

“Queen Ogill,”

Duran began, his voice deep and resonant, “we accept your gift.”

His diplomatic words surprised Kia. They held no trace of hostility or arrogance, nor insult. Did that impress Queen Ogill? Of course not. A female would see that as a failing.

As arrangements were finalized and agreements signed, Kia found himself herded onto the massive, intimidating Tah’Narian ship with his fellow rejects. The metallic walls hummed with energy and the smell of ozone filled the air, making him feel both exhilarated and anxious.

He could hardly believe he was leaving his home planet, escaping from the tyrannical rule of Ogill. A mix of fear and relief washed over him as he stepped away from everything he’d ever known. Whatever Fate held in store for him on this foreign vessel had to be better than what he’d just left behind.

Aboard the huge and luxurious starship, he and his fellow males were assigned a room each. Kia stood in his, his mouth literally hanging open as he stared at the space. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns and shimmering lights, giving off an otherworldly glow.

The compact kitchenette boasted appliances he’d never seen, along with a charming breakfast nook tucked into the corner. The living area contained a small couch and armchair set around a low coffee table.

And there was a viewing screen! He’d never had one of those. There was also a port window where he could gaze out at the vast expanse of space, dotted with stars. This was twice the size of his room back at the palace, and it felt like his own private sanctuary in the midst of endless possibilities.

A sliding door led to the bedroom, which housed a bed with crisp white linens and a soft blanket that practically begged him to sink into it. There was a small bedside table too.

The bathroom was adorned with shimmering tiles lining the walls, and there was a shower stall in the corner. After a quick glance, it was clear that if he wanted an actual water shower, that option was also available.

Kia’s primary concern was water. He nervously traced his fingers along the long line around his neck, where his gills would open once he was submerged. He yearned for the cool embrace of water, a source of joy and life for his species. Unlike the Tah’Narians, who were land dwellers, Kia’s people possessed the unique ability to breathe underwater.

Would Kia be allowed to swim in the water? He wondered if these males could truly comprehend the significance of this for him and his people.

Water was essential for their survival.