Chapter 22

Taryn strode next to Losax, her head held high as they navigated through the elegant halls of Prince Anuth’s residence. Her heart beat faster with each step, knowing the gravity of the conversation they were about to have with the prince. The reassuring presence of Losax at her side gave her the strength she needed.

After being released from her confinement a few hours ago, Taryn had immediately contacted Mara and Olivia. Both women were relieved that she was safe and back at the prince’s residence. Taryn did her best to reassure them, but knew she’d made the right decision to request a meeting with the prince. This incident had done more damage than the Synthari realized.

Thanks to Losax’s quick intervention, their wish was granted, along with an invitation to dinner. As they entered the grand dining room, Prince Anuth himself greeted them with a warm smile. The room exuded elegance, yet it felt comfortable and inviting. The prince gestured for them to sit at the table, which was adorned with various refreshments—some familiar and some foreign.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable,” the prince said graciously.

Taryn and Losax took their seats as the prince poured them each a drink. They exchanged pleasantries for a moment before Taryn addressed the main issue at hand.

“Thank you for meeting with us, Your Highness,” Taryn began. “I would like to discuss the recent situation regarding the treatment of the women from Earth.”

The prince nodded, his expression attentive as Taryn continued.

“The way in which we were treated—being taken to the medical bay without explanation and being held against our will—has caused significant distress among them. The mating program may be in grave jeopardy.”

Losax added his thoughts, “I heard Taryn speak to some of the women she has developed a bond with. They trusted us, but that trust has been broken. It is imperative that we address this issue.”

Taryn nodded in agreement. “These actions could jeopardize the connection that has been built between our two worlds. It puts the Synthari on the same level as the corrupt governments on Earth, which we wanted to move away from.”

The prince’s expression was solemn as he considered her words. “If this is so, why do you sit next to Losax?”

Taryn looked at Losax as she spoke. “Because he is my Noctis. He fought for me. He came for me.” She turned her attention back to Prince Anuth. “Some of the other women from Earth reported that when they were released the Synthari men pursuing them were not there. Nor have they been heard from.”

Prince Anuth frowned. “But the women have been declared innocent.”

“After being treated as if they are guilty,” Taryn countered. “It is my understanding that Synthari value integrity. The exact thing you questioned all of the Earth women of not having because of a select few.”

She saw the exact moment understanding dawned on him. “I recognize the gravity of this situation. But what do you propose we do to remedy it?”

Taryn took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. “First and foremost, the women need assurance that they will not be treated unjustly again. This can be achieved through transparency, communication, and respect for their autonomy. Open dialogue is crucial in rebuilding trust.”

Prince Anuth nodded thoughtfully. “I see your point. We must ensure that such incidents do not occur again.”

“You need to assure that Earth women are safe and valued,” she said. “You must prioritize transparency, communication, and respect for our autonomy. Open dialogue is essential to rebuilding trust.”

The prince absorbed her words, his expression contemplative. “You believe all of your input is crucial?” he asked for clarification.

Taryn nodded firmly. “Yes. While I may have suggested some solutions, ultimately, all Earth women deserve the right to decide what they need. Otherwise, it only means we’ve traded one Earth for another.”

The prince nodded in understanding. “I appreciate your perspective. You are right—we must involve the women in this discussion and allow them to lead us towards a better future.”

A sense of relief washed over Taryn knowing that the prince understood and was willing to take action. She knew that involving the women would be vital in rebuilding trust and ensuring the success of the mating program.

Taryn smiled as she listened to Prince Anuth’s words. He spoke with empathy, making her believe that real change was possible. Taryn felt proud to have played a role in it. As the meeting ended, she couldn’t wait to see the effect of their actions on the program and its participants.

* * *

Taryn and Losax walked hand in hand towards a crystal cave, the cool air of Naar’s three moons felt good against her skin. Losax had planned this date to help them return to normalcy after the recent chaos. Taryn couldn’t contain her excitement as they approached the cave’s entrance, her heart racing with anticipation.

As they entered, she was awestruck by the glimmering crystals that surrounded them. Each one was unique in color and shape, creating a beautiful wonderland within the cave walls.

“I brought you here because I want you to choose a crystal,” Losax began. “Any crystal that appeals to you.”

She hesitated for a moment, taken aback by his request. “Choose one?” she asked, her voice filled with hesitance. “I don’t want to disturb such a precious place.”

He reassured her with a nod. “It’s not only allowed but expected,” he said, encouragingly. “The crystals hold significance for us. They are gifts from our world that symbolize our connections.”

“But if everyone takes one, how are there any left?” she probed.

Losax grinned. “Ever so insightful my Noctis.”

She grinned in response. It always thrilled her to hear him call her that.

“These caves are alive,” he pointed out. For every crystal that is taken, one grows in its place. Also, the crystals respond to their owner. So you can’t take one that is not meant for you.”

She frowned. “So I may not be able to pick one?”

“If it isn’t meant to be, no,” he admitted. “But somehow I don’t think that will be the case.”

Taryn smiled, grateful for his explanation. “Thank you,” she said, her voice soft. “I’ll choose one, then.”

With newfound understanding, Taryn took her time exploring the cave and admiring the crystals’ beauty. Eventually, she was drawn to a delicate lavender-colored crystal with intricate facets that caught the light in mesmerizing ways.

“This one,” she told Losax, pointing to the crystal. “It’s beautiful, but there’s something else about it.”

Losax nodded in agreement, pleased with her choice. “An excellent choice,” he said. He handed her a case, a beautifully crafted container with a velvet lining. “Please, place the crystal in here.”

She held her breath as she reached for the crystal, hoping it was meant for her. She exhaled in relief when it detached from its cluster without much force. Taryn turned to Losax and carefully placed the crystal in the case, admiring its soft luster against the velvet. She closed the lid and held it close, appreciating the special moment.

As Taryn held the case close, she noticed Losax taking a step back before lowering himself to one knee. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized what he was about to do.

Opening a small box, Losax revealed a moonstone ring that shimmered with an iridescent glow. The stone was set in an elegant band, designed after Naar’s most important moon—the one with the strongest gravitational force. Taryn’s emotions swelled as she listened to Losax profess his love and admiration for her.

“In my culture, we don’t have the human way of proposing marriage. But I know how important your customs are to you, so I want to do this for you. For Synthari, that’s the point of the mating gifts, but I want to do this for you because you’ve come to mean so much to me,” Losax said sincerely.

“Taryn, you are already my Noctis. Will you become my wife?” Losax asked, his gaze locked onto hers, his expression filled with hope.

Tears welled up in Taryn’s eyes as she took in the moment. “Yes,” she replied, her voice filled with emotion. “Yes, I will.”

His face lit up with joy as he slipped the moonstone ring onto her finger. She admired the ring, its glow reflecting the light of the cave, symbolizing their bond.

Her eyes glistened with tears of joy as Losax slipped the moonstone ring onto her finger. Its soft, shimmering light reflected off the walls of the crystal cave, symbolizing their unbreakable bond. Losax stood up and embraced Taryn tightly, his arms filled with love and relief. She laughed through her tears, overwhelmed with happiness in his warm embrace.

As they parted, Taryn looked up at Losax with hope and joy filling her expression. Their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing their promise to each other and solidifying their future together.