49. The Prince

49

THE PRINCE

T he medics brought three more chairs into his room, arranging them around his bed, which didn't help calm his nerves.

Meeting Je-Kara had already shaken him; now, he was expected to receive more visitors, who were obviously even more important than the imposing female.

When the door opened again, Je-Kara walked in and nodded to him. "Are you ready?"

He wasn't, but he nodded.

The first to enter was an imposing male with piercing blue eyes. He had the same teardrop translation device as Jasmine and the medics hanging from his neck. Taking an assessing look around, he nodded his greeting and then walked out and returned with two females. One was pretty and golden-haired, and the other was a stunning, regal female with flaming red hair who had to be a goddess.

He didn't know why and how he knew that other than her perfection indicating that she could not be anything else.

Were more memories percolating up from under the thin barrier of his subconscious?

The female had a regal bearing, and the power emanating from her was a tangible presence. The male who had entered first acted with authority like he was the group's leader, but that was a ruse.

The goddess was in charge.

The male was not fully a god, nor was the golden-haired female.

Then another male entered, with dark hair and dark eyes, and the last one was Je-Kara.

"Good afternoon," the one with the blue piercing eyes said through the translating device, his voice coming out deep and growly. "My name is Kian; this is our Clan Mother, Annani, my mate Syssi, and my good friend Aru."

So, he had been right, and the redheaded goddess was in charge. There was something about her, something that tugged at the edges of his memory like a half-forgotten dream. She reminded him of someone, a face that hovered just beyond the reach of his fractured recollections.

Given his limited range of motion, he inclined his head the best he could. "I am honored by your presence," he said to all of them while looking into the goddess's eyes.

The Clan Mother smiled and inclined her head slightly.

"You've met Jade already," Kian said as Je-Kara entered.

It took the prince a moment to remember that Je-Kara preferred to be called Jade because Precious was not a name befitting a warrior. She was right, but was being named after a shade of green any better?

"Yes, I have." He forced a smile. "I wish I could give you a name, but I do not remember mine. Jasmine suggested that I use the name Cedric until I remember the name I was given by my mother."

"Do you remember your mother?" the goddess asked.

"I have one partial memory of vowing to her to protect my sister. I do not remember anything else about her."

"Do you remember your sister?" the golden-haired one asked.

"I remember I have a sister and am supposed to protect her. I do not remember her name or what she looks like either." He had planned to ask to see her, but since he could barely move his arms, that would be a problem.

He did not want to ask the medic to carry him to her room.

The goddess regarded him with affection in her wise eyes. "I am so happy that we have found you, and I agree with Jasmine that the name Cedric fits you. I can call you Prince, Cedric, or Prince Cedric. Which one do you prefer?"

He thought for a moment. "I do not feel like a prince, so I guess I will use Cedric until I remember my name."

The Clan Mother smiled. "Very well, Cedric. You can call me Annani, and I want you to know that you are safe, and that I am here for you and your sister. You both have my protection and my hospitality."

"Annani," he repeated the name with reverence. It reminded him of another name, but again, his faulty memory refused to cooperate. "Such a beautiful name. Thank you for sharing it with me."

"You are very welcome." The goddess sounded almost as emotional as he felt. "I am looking forward to the day I will also learn your real name."

He swallowed. He had been lost, adrift in a sea of confusion and uncertainty, and now he had someone to turn to, someone powerful and benevolent who had just vowed to protect him and his sister and take care of them.