Zaureth: A SciFi Alien Romance (Enigma Series Book 4) by Ditter Kellen

day has ended.”

Chapter Sixteen
     
    Amy listened intently as Klause gave account of his meeting with President Pratt. Klause had agreed to speak with Abbie about blood donations to help the humans with a vaccine for the Incola virus. In return, Pratt not only agreed that the Bracadytes would come to no harm, but that the government would supply them with weapons to defend themselves and would help with procuring a safe entrance to the backside of Aukrabah as well.
    Abbie stepped forward once again. “You told them I would give them Arcanum’s blood?”
    The king pinned her with a hard stare. “I said no such thing. Arcanum is my grandson. I assured President Pratt that I would speak with you about donating a small amount of blood from you both. It will not harm the child, and it very well could save thousands, even millions of human lives.”
    Some of the tension visibly left Abbie’s body. “Of course I will help. I will donate a safe amount, enough to create a vaccine. But know this, it will take a hell of a lot more than a vial or two of Arcanum’s blood to make enough of a vaccine for the entire human race.”
    Klause nodded. “Pratt is aware of that. He has assured me that he is taking steps to keep the virus contained.”
    “If it goes airborne,” Abbie quietly stated, “they won’t be able to contain it.”
    A hush fell over the crowd.
    “If the land walkers are made aware of Aukrabah’s entrance, what is to stop them from invading?” Zaureth pointed out.
    Klause shifted his gaze toward his healer. “Pratt has promised to position his military outside the entrance. No one will pass through without our permission.”
    With her heart hammering in her chest, Amy looked upon the faces of the hundreds of Bracadytes through Zaureth’s eyes. Though grumbles could be heard, no one else spoke out against the king’s decisions.
    Amy’s gaze touched on some of the women scattered throughout the crowd. The Bracadyte females were astonishing with their long dark hair and gorgeous eyes. They were the complete opposite of Amy. Where Amy was short and small, the Bracadyte women were tall and muscular.
    Insecurity quickly set in. What if Zaureth grew tired of leading her around like a child? What if her lack of sight became a burden to him? She couldn’t swim, cook, or even fight if she had to. Amy was useless to Zaureth, and she knew it.
    Zaureth’s arm tightened around her. “Do not ever think that you are useless, ” he mentally admonished. “ You are kind and beautiful, Amy. Being in your presence makes me stronger somehow. I feel needed. But most importantly, I feel wanted.”
    Amy’s heart melted. She stepped in closer to his side and leaned her head against him. He was so tall the top of her head barely reached his ribcage. “ You are wanted. If I had to choose between being whole and being with you…I’d choose you.”
    A slight shudder passed through Zaureth’s tall frame. “ Amy…”
    Klause’s next words cut off Amy’s response. “Vaulcron, Mallory, and her sister will remain here at Playa Pilar.”
    “I would ask your permission to bring Amy with us,” Zaureth stated, locking his hand onto Amy’s arm. “She cannot return to her home, nor is she safe here in Cuba.”
    The king shook his head. “I cannot take responsibility for her life, Zaureth. Aukrabah is no place for someone like…” His voice trailed off.
    “For someone like me?” Amy challenged, taking a step forward. “You can say it, King Klause. I’ve heard it all my life. Being blind doesn’t make me an invalid. It makes me more alert, more in tune to the feelings of others. I don’t have to see you to know that you have pity in your eyes. I can hear it in your voice.”
    Zaureth stepped up next to her, a strong ally in her moment of uncertainty. “If you refuse to allow Amy to go with us to Aukrabah, then I will remain here with her.”
    Klause’s jaw flexed in anger. Amy could see the muscles tightening as he