1. Annie

one

I stride through the bustling corridors of the Orion Space Station, my heels clicking against the metal flooring. The weight of the Huxarian treaty hangs heavy on my shoulders, but I have no time to think about that right now because the Folmodian delegation has demanded a meeting. They insist I don't forget them in the wake of the Huxarian's success over the Kavilian Radicals on Huxaria. As if it that were possible.

The Folmodians are notoriously difficult to deal with and they've made it perfectly clear that, if they don't get a meeting soon, they'll be leaving the space station and the Orion Alliance. I can't let that happen. Their technological prowess and weaponry development skills are crucial to our alliance.

As I hurry to the council chambers, a sense of déjà vu washes over me. Every day brings a new challenge, a new dispute to resolve. It has been this way ever since my divorce to Richard was finalized, as if the universe is punishing me for failing at marriage. Dick by name, dick by nature though...

My needs are simple. I'm ready to retire, find a garden to potter in, but my kids make it clear they still need me. Working on Orion negotiations makes me feel wanted, even if it's not as fulfilling as it once was.

"Ambassador Agnew, you're needed in the council chambers immediately." My assistant's voice crackles through my earpiece, pulling me out of my thoughts. "The Folmodian delegation is waiting."

I suppress a sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling into my bones. "On my way."

As I round the corner, I nearly collide with a towering figure. Crux, my Avenian Order Knight bodyguard, stands stoically outside the Earth delegation's chamber, his piercing golden gaze fixed on me. His face is a mask of seriousness, and his arms are folded across his muscular lilac chest, which is emblazoned with the blue Avenia emblem. His presence is both comforting and unnerving, a reminder of the potential danger which comes with my position. Thankfully, there's been no need to call on his expertise.

Yet I wish I had a moment to chat with Crux, to share a brief respite from the chaos of my day. It's been weeks since we've had a conversation that didn't revolve around security protocols or potential threats. I long for a simple, genuine interaction, something to remind me I'm more than just a diplomat constantly spinning plates.

"Ambassador," he greets me with a curt nod, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

"Crux, I didn't see you there. And please call me Annie." I straighten my blazer, trying to regain my composure. His proximity is intoxicating, his scent a mix of leather and something uniquely him.

He gives me a wry smile. "That's the point... Annie." His eyes dart around, assessing potential threats. "I'll escort you to the council chambers."

I smile and nod, falling into step beside him. We walk in silence, the tension between us growing thicker with each step. He makes no attempt at small talk, not that I expect him to. Crux has been with me for several months, but we've barely exchanged more than a few words. I steal a glance at his chiseled profile, wondering what secrets lie beneath his impenetrable exterior. I appreciate his striking appearance. He's tall and well-built, his muscles clearly defined beneath his barely there uniform. His lilac skin is a stark contrast to the deep blue glowing tattoo emblazoned on his chest, the mark of his Avenian Order. The silver streaks in his dark hair catch the light, hinting at his age and experience. There's something undeniably attractive about his powerful presence and the way he carries himself with quiet confidence. How can a male like him be so intriguing?

He's nothing like the men I'm used to, the soft politicians who have a word and smile for everyone. Or my ex-husband who was all charm and no substance. Crux though, he remains an enigma, his past a mystery he guards closely despite my awkward attempts at small talk.

Crux clears his throat, causing me to jerk my gaze away, a blush spreading across my cheeks. I force myself to think of my duties; I lack the luxury of indulging in idle fantasies. My mind is already racing, trying to juggle the Folmodian meeting with the countless other tasks vying for my attention. I need to review the trade agreements with the Morcrestians, prepare for the upcoming summit with the Stellar Togetherness Initiative, and find time to check in with my children. It's a never-ending balancing act, and sometimes I feel like I'm one misstep away from everything crashing down around me.

As we make our way through the crowded corridors, I notice how people react to Crux's presence. Some look at him with curiosity, others with awe, and a few with outright hostility. But they all know he is here to protect me. My personal Avenian Order Knight. The legendary warriors are rarely seen off Avenia, their planet and home to the Order's headquarters. Their services are sought after by the elite and the wealthy, and to have one guarding me is a privilege, proof of my critical work.

My thoughts are interrupted by the chime of my comm device. It's a message from my daughter, Alice. Mom, where are you? You promised to help me draft my presentation to the investor.

I groan inwardly, having forgotten all about it. I type out a message.

Sorry honey, I'm running late. I'll be there as soon as I can, ok?

She sends back an angry emoji. She's not happy with me. I don't blame her.

"Is everything alright, Ambassador?" Crux's deep voice cuts through my thoughts.

"Yes, just my daughter being impatient."

He raises a dark eyebrow.

"She's twenty but acts like she's sixteen." I smile despite the guilt I'm feeling. "She's going through some stuff right now."

He nods, his expression unchanging. I wish he would show a little more interest, offer some words of encouragement or understanding. But I know it's not his job to be my confidant. He's here to protect me, not to listen to my family issues. Still, I feel a pang of disappointment at his stoic response.

Guilt twists in my stomach, a reminder of the sacrifices I've had to make for my career. Alice and her brother, Max, have been so understanding, but I know my absence takes a toll on them. I quickly type out another message to Alice. Sorry, sweetie, I'll be home soon; I promise.

The response is immediate: Don't make promises you can't keep.

Her words sting, but I know she's right. I've made a lot of promises over the years, and I've broken most of them. But I'm trying, and I hope that counts for something. I put the comm device away and focus on the task at hand, the Folmodian delegation. They are a prickly bunch, and I have to tread carefully. One misstep, and they could pull out of the Orion Alliance. And then where would we be?

As we approach the council chambers, Crux takes his position by the entrance, his hand resting on his holstered sword. I pause, turning to face him.

"Thank you, Crux," I say, wishing I could add more.

His jaw clenches, and for a moment, I think I see a flicker of emotion in his eyes. But it's gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual stoic expression.

"You're welcome, Ambassador," he says, his voice low and husky. "It's my honor and duty to serve and protect."

His words send a shiver down my spine, but I feel a twinge of disappointment. It's Annie; I almost repeat. I long for a more personal connection with him, a glimpse of the man beneath the armor. But I know it's not my place to ask for more. With a final nod, I turn and enter the council chambers, pushing aside my personal desires and focusing on my next responsibility.

As I enter the council chambers, I'm greeted by the sight of the Folmodian delegation. They are a striking species, with elongated limbs, iridescent scales covering their bodies, and large, almond-shaped eyes that seem to change color with their moods. Ambassador Tark, their leader, is particularly intimidating, with a crest of spikes running down his back and a penetrating gaze that feels like it could pierce through my soul.

"Ambassador Agnew, we have been waiting," Tark says, his voice a guttural hiss that sends a chill down my spine.

"My apologies, Ambassador Tark," I reply, keeping my tone diplomatic. "I was caught up in a matter of great importance."

I take my seat at the table, feeling a sense of relief that the Huxarians, the Folmodians" sworn enemies, are not present. Their absence is both a blessing and a cause for concern. While it makes my job easier today, their silence is uncharacteristic and potentially troubling.

As the negotiations begin, I find my mind wandering to Crux, standing guard just outside the chambers. His presence is a constant reminder of the dangers that come with my position, but also a source of comfort. I wonder what he thinks of me, if he sees me as just another job or if there could be something more between us.

But I quickly push those thoughts aside. I have a job to do, and the fate of the Orion Quadrant rests on my shoulders. I need to focus, to ensure the Folmodians" remain a part of our coalition and the fragile peace we've worked so hard to achieve is not shattered.

As the meeting drags on, I feel the weight of my responsibilities bearing down on me. But I know I can't give up. I have to keep pushing forward, keep fighting for what I believe in, even if it means sacrificing my happiness and well-being.

With a deep breath, I turn my attention back to the negotiations, determined to see this through to the end. But in the back of my mind, I can't shake the feeling that something is missing, and I sigh as I catch a glimpse of Crux through the translucent glass. There has to be more to life than endless meetings and political maneuvering.