To Candycane14, Emz80m, Eve, 83 Alien Angel, Toya, Erina, and Chica616: Thank you for your feedback and support...it is truly appreciated
Stay tuned for Chapter 7 next week
To CandyCane14: Oh thank you
I'm glad you are enjoying them
To Toya:
Nope, he's mine...get your own King but thanks for asking though...joking
You know I love ya Toya
To Erina: Awww I'm sorry that I confused you but I'm glad you enjoyed it
Chapter 6:
Twenty-four hours later, Liz, Alex, Grant, Courtney, and a total of fourteen survivors exited the small of town Roswell, New Mexico with caution. The small delivery truck and massive freightliner traveled slowly down 285 S. towards Houston, Texas where their ship resided. Sitting along side of Grant as he drove the small compact truck, Liz stared out the window feeling somehow content at finally achieving everything that she had set out to accomplish. Now the only thing she wanted was to get back to Antar…to Max safe and sound holding their baby. It wouldn’t be long before Liz went into labor and she wanted to be on the ship headed towards Antar when that time came. Rubbing her protruding belly, she sighed in happiness at the thought of being a mother…of taking care of this precious being inside of her. Over the last nine months, she and her precious baby had formed an unbreakable bond that not even death could break.
An hour later, they stopped at a nearby deserted gas station so that they could give the survivors a chance to stretch their legs and relieve themselves before continuing on to Houston. Getting out of the truck, Liz stood beside Alex to help pass out bottled waters from Antar’s Human Relief Packages. Antar’s Human Relief Association had started over 80 years ago when an oracle had predicted the war that would eventually take place on both Earth and Antar…causing an end to both worlds. So from there the Counsel and Kings of the relating districts and Antar had thought it wise to study Earth…collecting its goods…while lending out a helping hand to those lost pitiful humans. That’s when the position of Top Traveling Rescue Specialist was issued. Six to eight Antarians were sent down to Earth with an abundance of food and water, processed and rejuvenated from Antar’s Human Relief Warehouse, to give to the survivors as they were rescued and brought back to Antar.
As their missions ended, the mission of Top Traveling Data Specialists began. Instead of spending no more than a year to two years on Earth like Top Traveling Rescue Specialists, Data Specialists spent four to six years on Earth collecting human data while studying and dissecting the dreaded Celestians. Only one group of Specialists was allowed on Antar at a time. After four years came and went and a group of rescue specialists had not returned or contacted Antar’s Oracles on their ships they were then considered dead. The same went for Data specialists only they had six years to either come back or to contact Antar’s Oracles. Antar’s Oracles were the eyes and ears of Antar and only a licensed King and or a Counsel member could know what they knew. A person in the presence of a Oracle could only ask three questions after that their session was over and god forbid if the person in question became persistent with an Oracle…King or otherwise. Some of the most powerful Kings and Counsel Men of the past were known to have been dealt painful, agonizing deaths if they even thought about getting on the bad side of one of the Oracles.
If a group of specialists were in trouble on Earth, they merely contacted a Solada Oracle through the granolith, installed at back of every ship. No one on Earth has ever been known to communicate with anyone else on Antar except the Solada Oracles. There were two types of Oracles. The Oracles that saw into the past, present, and future which were known as
The Najila, the eyes to Antar. Their powers were limited to that of Antar and Antar’s citizens. They could not see the past, present, or future of themselves, those they loved, or those of the Counsel Men and Kings. The Oracles that heard everything: from the dead…to that of voices in vast distances were known as
The Solada, the ears to Antar. The Oracles, both the Najila and the Solada, were solitary aliens staying to them selves. They were the Adams and Eves of Antar. Over time, the Oracles powers had started to wane and disappear….thus them becoming just regular ordinary Antarians. Only a hand full of Oracles remained. They were the most powerful beings on Antar. Very rarely would anyone find an Oracle walking down the street…no one ever knew who they were unless the Oracles told them. Only the Kings and Counsel men had the powers to recognize an Oracle on sight. Very rarely would there be an Oracle of Royalty. Though it was possible…it was not common.
Deep in thought, Liz leaned against the side of the truck and sipped a bottle of water. They would be continuing on in about twenty minutes. “So…how many months are you?” The blonde pixie asked coming to stand beside her. “Maria, remember?” Maria smiled introducing herself. “Yeah I remember…Liz.” Liz replied introducing herself with a small smile. “So?” Maria asked, looking down at Liz’s protruding belly. “I’m nine months…” “Oh wow…you’ll be going into labor soon…like any day now!” Maria said in concern, meeting Liz’s eyes in awe. “Not really…I have three more months to go!” She chuckled softly rubbing her belly. “Really? Wow 12 months?” “Yup…Antarians are gifted to be pregnant for at least twelve months before going into labor.” “But you’re human right?” “Yup but this little’s one daddy isn’t!” Liz whispered fondly, wishing Max could see her now. She wondered if he missed her as much as she missed him.
Twenty minutes later, they were back on the road…only this time Liz was behind the wheel. She felt emotionally exhausted. Everything was going her way and yet she couldn’t help but fear that something really bad was going to happen. Laying her palm upon her belly, Liz wished for a distraction…anything to keep her mind off of her worries. She wished now more than ever that her baby would move…just one kick to show her that everything would be okay. But ironically, he or she wasn’t going to grant her that wish. A few hours later, they entered Houston, Texas. As always there was total silence and darkness. They drove for about fifteen minutes until they came upon the destination of the ship. Seeing the dark abandoned ship made Liz shiver. It was eerily frightening to see it looming over them in the darkness. For once the fates had been on their side when the ship had crashed into an open field instead of a building. Getting out of the truck, she went to go stand beside her brother while their survivors peeked out the back of the trucks. “How long do you think it will take to get the ship up and working again?” Alex shrugged his shoulders in defeat. “It depends on how much damage it sustained. I’m thinking no longer than a few months!”
“A few months, Alex? Are you serious?” Liz cried out in shock. She wanted to head back to Antar now…not in a few months. “Do I look like I’m joking to you? This is a huge ass ship, Liz. There’s no telling how much damage the crash did and unless you want to find out while we’re traveling through space…I suggest we bunker down for a few months while I fix any unnecessary damage done to big Bertha here!” Liz sighed, “Okay…no need to bite my head off?” For several seconds, they stood side by side glaring at the ship before Alex finally whispered, “Look…I’m sorry…okay?” before turning to face her. Liz shook her in denial. “No apologies needed….we all have a reason or two to get off this planet and I wasn’t helping the matter by panicking. C’mon let’s go find some place to stay!” She whispered grabbing her brother’s hand before leading him back to the truck.
Ten minutes later, they pulled up in front of an abandoned apartment building. Liz felt as if she would collapse from exhaustion any moment now. Taking a deep breath, she climbed out of the truck to help Alex scout the building for any survivors or Celestians. “What are you doing?” Alex asked, stopping just as she caught up with him. “Going with you…” “No you’re not. Liz…look at yourself…you’re getting ready to collapse. Now do me favor and get back in the truck!” Shaking her head no, Liz folded her arms in indignation. “Please!” Alex finally conceded while rolling his eyes toward the sky. “Fine… but you have to take Courtney. There is absolutely no way I’m staying out here with Ms. High and Mighty yapping in my ear. With the way I’ve been feeling lately I might just kill her!” Liz grumbled while making her way over to the truck. She couldn’t help but smile as she heard Alex curse as the realization that he would have to take Courtney. Twenty minutes later, a not so happy Alex and Courtney gave Liz and Grant the signal that everything was clear.
Ushering all the survivors into the building which consisted of eleven adults, two teenagers, and one kid, Liz listened as Alex went about laying down the rules. “Listen up folks. This building here will be our temporary home for the next three months. No one is to go outside without one of us…if you happen to do this…you are on your own. Tomorrow after everyone has gotten some rest we’ll hand out food and water to sustain you for the following month. If you listen to our advice…I promise you that you will get out of here alive. This apartment building has five floors…one bedroom apartments to go around. I recommend that you stay on the first, second, and third floor so that we can get to you in case of an emergency that much faster. Now before you go, the first four apartments on your right are off limits. Any questions?” “How do we keep those damn things from attacking us in the middle of the night?” A man in his late forties called out. “The same way we kept the ship intact…a shield.” Alex said putting up a shield, making everyone jump back warily. “You can cover the whole building with that thing?” Another survivor called out….fear evident in his voice. “Yes…” “How long can it stay up?” Maria asked. “As long as I want it to…” “And if we were to mistakenly walk through it…what would happen?” Kyle asked, his shoulder’s tense with worry. “Nothing…except for the fact that you wouldn’t be able to walk through it…hence the shield part and believe me if you could get through it…I would know immediately.” Alex sighed before letting his shield down.
“So things have gotten through it before?” Maria asked once again, eying Alex. “Truthfully yes but believe me nothing human, Celestian, or otherwise from this planet can get through my shield. Now if that’s all? I’d like to get some sleep and I’d suggest you all do the same!” Alex stated in exhaustion before turning around to leave every one to settle in. Liz was seriously worried about her little brother. He had always been a hard worker but he had never pushed himself this far before. Silently Liz followed him into one of the apartments. The apartment bore the markings of having been abandoned by its previous owners. There was an old, dusty couch that had seen better days and a large T.V situated in the living room. Looking around, Liz found two old book shelves filled with books. After glancing around the place, her gaze finally landed on Alex slumped on the sofa. “I guess being the hero at times can be exhausting.” Liz commented, while sitting down beside Alex. Staring up at the ceiling, he sighed before rolled his eyes towards her. “What’s that suppose to mean?” “It’s okay to want to be the hero, Alex, but don’t kill yourself while doing it! I’m scared…for us…but most of all I’m scared for you. You’ve been on your feet all day and not once have I seen you sit down and just breathe!” This made Alex laugh bitterly. “You should talk, warrior princess. I’ve been watching you just as you’ve been watching me. You haven’t sat down to just breathe either and you have as much riding on surviving as I do maybe more!” He whispered indicating her swollen stomach. Guiltily, Liz avoided his penetrating gaze. He was right. Liz had never been content with just sitting around when things needed to be done especially not when lives were held in the balance. Feeling her baby move around inside of her, she realized that by not taking a break or two that she was putting her baby’s life in jeopardy as well. But how was she to sit back why others did the job that she was responsible for? Sighing, Liz realized she had no choice but to do just that…she would take better care of herself even if it killed her. Trust was a crazy thing…especially when your child’s life not to mention other lives hung in the balance. She would just have to trust someone else to get the job done…and get it done right without getting them killed in the process.
“You’re right...I have no room to talk and that’s why from this day forward I’m going to let the burden of handling these peoples’ lives off on someone else’s shoulders but you have to promise to do the same. I’m not saying that you have to completely stop being in charge but take a break once in awhile so that you don’t get yourself killed, okay?” Liz whispered, her brown eyes filled with fear. “Alright!” Alex conceded with a small smile. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you, Alex!” She whispered warily, feeling the stress of the last two weeks hit her hard. “Ditto! C’mon let’s go put you to bed!” “I’m not a child, Alex, I can tuck my own self in.” Liz laughed softly. “I know but humor me…I want to see if there’s anything salvageable that I can steal from your apartment.” He stated helping her up with a mischievous glint in his eyes. She just shook her head before following him out into the hallway. Courtney and Grant were already situated in the next two apartments so Liz sighed making her way to the last one. “That little bitch!” Alex whispered to himself as he glared at the apartment next to his. “What?” “I told her I wanted that apartment for you so I can be near in case anything happened and she took it!” Alex explained angrily. “Let it go, Alex, I’m fine with this one!” Liz murmured, unlocking the door.
The air was stale from no apparent life and the furniture was covered in dust. Just like Alex’s apartment, it had a small kitchen to its left. Walking through the small hallway entrance, Liz found herself in the living room. If not for the dust that covered it, the furniture could be called homey. “Home sweet home!” She murmured before taking a step forward...stepping on an object that squeaked. Glancing down, she found a small doll baby with dark curly hair. Reaching down to pick it up, she looked at it. Tears filled her eyes as she wondered about its owner. Alex continued to stay silent to Liz’s relief as she continued to look around, doll in hand. Walking over to an entertainment system, she found an assortment of pictures of a woman and a little girl. She wondered what had happened to them. Were they alive and just hiding some where or had the Celestian’s struck once again. Tears gathering in her eyes, Liz took a deep breath before putting the picture frame down. She didn’t know what was wrong with her. Fear and sadness about death had never affected her to this extent before. She was tearing up at the slightest things and she hated it.
Glancing into the bedroom, she found two beds, a full sized one in the center and miniature one to her left. Looking at the bed longingly, she finally sighed. There was no way she was sleeping that bed. Lord knows what had made a home in it. Liz glanced at her brother who had come to stand behind her pleadingly. “Alex?” As if reading her mind, he shook his head before smiling. “What happened to getting some rest?” “I know- I know and I’m sorry but I cannot sleep in that bed!” Liz whispered pleadingly. If it was one thing that she was scared of it was bugs and rodents of any kind. “Fine!” Alex relented with a small sigh. “I owe you big time for this…take Kyle and Grant and get as many cots as you can, okay?” Liz suggested giving him a relieved hug. “You own me a home cooked breakfast!” If it was one thing Alex couldn’t pass up it was food. “I know…thank you!” She smiled, pushing him towards the front door. “Yeah-yeah-yeah I’m going!” Alex muttered with a smirk.
An hour later, Alex, Kyle, and Grant came through the front doors of the apartment building with over thirty cots. Their ship had been equipped with not only food and water but cots as well. They had at least twenty more back on the ship. After saying thank you a million times to Alex and assuring him that she was going to be okay, she closed her apartment door to find herself alone. Sighing she headed for her cots that lay in the bed room. Liz would kill for a shower or a bath right about now but that wouldn’t be possible for another few days. First they would have to power up the water tanks and heaters before getting the water pipes up and working again. After that, they would have to purify the water tanks on top of the building by throwing in a ton of purifiers that would kill any organism and chemical that they came into contact with. Antar’s purifiers and minerals were nothing to play with but they did the job of cleaning Earth’s water sources from deadly diseases and chemicals. Lying down, she looked up at the ceiling, so exhausted that she couldn’t sleep. Tomorrow, she would start cleaning this place out while making a temporary home for her and her baby.
*************
Whispers and giggles permeated the air as Liz helped serve dinner that was enough to sate a whole army. She remained impassive as she went about the temporary chores that she was assigned to. Any moment now, the Royal family and its guests would enter the large hall for dinner through the door to her right. If Liz had had a choice she would have still been upstairs cleaning rooms and hiding but a maid had been fired today so someone, she didn’t know who had recommend her to fill in the position temporarily. Once she found out who that someone was she was going to kill them. She hadn’t talked to or seen Max since the day they had kissed. She didn’t know whether she was relieved or sadden by that fact. Liz had never felt this way before…rebellious…wild…addicted. She was addicted to him. There wasn’t a moment that went passed that he was not on her mind. She was falling for him. And if Liz were truly as intelligent as everyone claimed she was then that was the last thing that she should be doing. Nothing good could come from them being lovers much less friends…and against her very being that’s what she craved the most. No man had ever paid her any attention before much less threaten to kidnap her. She was a human and not a very attractive one at that. The only thing Liz had going for her was her brains and determination.
Suddenly everyone stood up out of respect for the royal family as they entered the dinning hall, interrupting Liz’s thoughts. Holding her breath, she watched as King Caerwyn, Queen Audrianna, Princess Isabella, Prince Mikhail, and Max entered the dining hall with an air of confidence and superiority that was given to them at birth. Their guests came in seconds later just as proud and haughty. After glancing down in show of respect, Liz felt someone’s eyes burning a hole into her. Refusing to glance up as she knew who it was, she faded into the background as did the other maids. Her feet were killing her as she had been on her feet since this morning. Waiting for the Royal family and their guests to finish dinner was a bitch especially when she was so exhausted. Focusing her attention on Max for once, Liz watched him with avid curiosity and yearning. What was it about him that made Liz wanted to nix all rational thought to be with him?
He went against everything that she stood for. He was royalty for one…arrogance was his middle name…and he was a womanizer in human terms and yet she couldn’t stand to not be with him. For all of his bad faults…his good faults were just as lethal. He loved children…that she would have never believed unless she had seen him with her very own eyes…which she had. She had watched him on several occasions playing with the children in the market place. He was a contradiction in and of it self and that’s one of things that attracted her to him the most. Max was known for wanting a family someday and yet his brief affairs said something totally different. He was a romantic and pessimist at the same time which really intrigued her. Not to mention that he was incredibly handsome, intelligent, and had a clever sense of humor that had Liz at times chuckling when he wasn’t watching.
As if feeling her penetrating stare, Max glanced up in the mist of laughing at something Isabel had said to meet her gaze head on with a hunger and intensity that had Liz sucking in her breath. Avoiding his beautiful hazel eyes, she looked down nervously while biting her bottom lip. Seconds later, she hesitantly looked up to find Max still watching her. He terrified her…making her feel things she had never felt before. Suddenly she remembered Alex’s words from a few days ago. “Be careful, Lizzie. He might be the heir to Antar but he’s nothing but bad news. He goes through women like I go through underwear…daily. Be smart because if you don’t…you’ll end up with a broken heart!” Alex was right and she knew it but that didn’t stop Liz from wishing that he was wrong. She had vague memories of her mother and father but she knew without a doubt that they had loved each other with every fiber in their beings and that’s what Liz wanted. Feeling resigned, she met his gaze again with sadness and regret. He immediately gave her a frown of confusion and concern before rising up out of his seat as if to come to her. Liz shook her vehemently not wanting to cause a scene and gain the royal family’s attention. As if getting her clue, Liz watched as Max sat back down while looking around at the confused expressions before saying something charming…causing everyone to laugh.
She let out a relieved breath before focusing her gaze on anything else but Max. She couldn’t do this anymore. She couldn’t risk hurting her family much less getting hurt herself. This would be the last night that she saw Max because tomorrow she was quitting. An hour later after dinner was done; Liz rushed out of the palace before Max could stop her to find Alex waiting for her. She slowed her pace to give him a nasty look. “You know you didn’t have to come…I can find my way home!” Alex gave her a whatever look before following her down the path to the main road. “Sure you can....” Liz sighed in defeat before walking the long road home. Early the next day, Liz quit. She felt so empty inside and it was just a job…no it was more than that…it was her link to Max. And now that that was gone, she felt as if she were cast adrift. How could she feel so much for someone in so little time?
Three days later, someone pounded furiously at their cottage door. Thinking that it was Alex coming back to check on her, Liz swung the door open to find a very furious prince. Sighing, she opened the door wider to let him in…hoping that no one saw him. He didn’t say a word as he watched her silently close the door behind him. “What are you doing here, Max?” Hesitating, Max took a deep breath before combing a hand stressfully through his hair as he towered over her. Liz had never seen him this disheveled and stress out before. “I don’t know…I couldn’t stop thinking about you and then when I didn’t see you for three days straight…I wanted to see if you were okay. What is it about you, Elizabeth Ann Kierdan? I mean you’re just a human, right? Why do I feel this intense need to be where ever you are?” Max whispered in confusion. “At first I thought, I could just sleep with you and I’d stop feeling this way... stop feeling as if I would go crazy if I weren’t near you. Then I thought that if I kept my distance that I would forget about you but it’s been three days and I swear to all that’s holy that you are still haunting me…I can’t sleep…I can’t eat…I can’t have a mistress without thinking about you…about wanting to be with you!” He whispered in genuine frustration, pacing a hole into the floor. Fear and confusion clouded his eyes as he stopped pacing to stand in front of her.
“Go out with me today…just as friends! We’ll go as slow as you want…just be with me today!” Max whispered pleadingly while staring down into her eyes. Tears filled her eyes as she thought about how much she was risking. Liz wanted so badly to deny him…to be strong but she couldn’t. Something inside of her snapped as she looked up into his intense hazel eyes. “Please, Liz?” He whispered pleadingly, leaning his forehead against hers. “Okay!” Liz replied, smiling slowly before putting some distance between them. “Just stay here…I’ll be right back!” Ten minutes later, Liz exited the cottage right behind Max, locking the door.
Turning around, she found one of Max’s private coaches parked beside their gate. Taking a deep breath, Liz was surprised and a little excited to feel Max’s strong, masculine hand on the small of her back as he ushered her towards the large black coach with emblem of the Antarian’s Royal seal on it. As Liz put her foot on the first small step of the coach, Max startled her by grabbing her hand to help her up. Looking down into his eyes, Liz smiled in thanks. He returned her smile with a slight nod of his head and a small smile of his own. He was absolutely gorgeous. Liz had never seen a better looking man and she didn’t think she ever would. The heat and strength that emancipated from his hand made her loins swell hot with desire at the thought of what those strong but elegant hands were capable of. Max was known to be a very passionate man. He screamed of sex and power, making woman swoon at the mere sight of him. Liz was no different. Heart pounding rapidly with excitement and awareness, Liz decided that it would be best to sit across from him instead of beside him.
As the coach started moving, Liz couldn’t help but stare at the man before her. Wearing a tight green t-shirt and jeans with his dark hair falling slightly in his eyes, Max looked just like a regular Antarian or Human citizen which was very common for him… to his parents’ and social class’s displeasure. The Antarians’ Royal garb usually consisted of for the men a dark blue robe that showed off Antar’s Royal seal...opening up to show off their chests…a sign of their strength, dark cotton-like pants, and sandals. The women, however, wore dark beautiful, strap or strapless, gowns that either flared out or molded to the body with sandals. Over the gowns, they wore capes with the seal as well that signified their status among the citizens of Antar. Jeans and t-shirts only came into fashion thirty years ago among the lower class of Antar. Suddenly Liz noticed that Max was watching her just as intensely as she was watching him which made her very nervous. What did he see? She wondered. Wearing jeans herself with a dark red tank top and her customary dowdy sandals, Liz wore her hair down around her shoulders. Feeling self-conscious about whom she was and how she looked, Liz pushed a strand of her hair behind her ears before turning her gaze towards the carriage’s window. She squinted her eyes as she noticed that they were leaving Karpathia Country.
Her gaze then connected with Max’s again, Liz asked the one question that she should have asked from the beginning. “So? Where are we going?” Max smiled slowly before answering, “It’s a surprise!” There was a slight edge in his voice that commanded her to leave it at that. She didn’t. “What kind of surprise?” Distrust filled her eyes as she stared into his. “Just trust me, Liz, okay? You’ll like it!” Max whispered smiling slightly before looking out of the carriage window to his left…as if dismissing her. Liz frowned as she watched him. Why did she like him? She asked herself again for the first time today. He was showing a side of himself that Liz was rather not fond of. Sighing, she sat back defeated…regretting that she had ever said yes to go out with him in the first place. She wanted to ask him to turn the carriage around but she knew he wouldn’t. Resigning herself for what was to come, she looked out the carriage window hoping to have the courage it took to see this through without blowing a fuse in the process.
A half an hour later, their carriage entered Katarian City to the east of Kotarian City and slightly south of Karpathia Country. Katarian City was known to be Antar’s main center for fun….whether it be naughty or nice. The city bustled and glittered…showing off its grand technology. In all of Liz’s eight years on this planet…she had never been to Katarian City. Despite the fact that the Katarian Counsel welcomed humans with open arms, Karpathia Country without any transportation or spare change was impossible to escape from. Staring out the carriage window in fascination, Liz almost forgot about who she was with or that she was very irritated with him until carriage came to a sudden halt…jolting her out of her thoughts. Glancing towards Max, she found his eyes on her once again. Liz couldn’t help but smile while watching him watch her. Being with Max was like riding a roller coaster…the downs were the downs and the ups were the ups and after getting off the ride she always wanted more. He was an addictive thrill that had Liz panting for what was to come despite the fact that she knew he was dangerous.
Shaking herself from out of her thoughts, Liz watched as the carriage door was being opened and Max stepped out. Sighing, she went to follow. Just as she took a step down, Max gently took her hand leading her down the rest of the way. Giving him a brief smile, Liz took in the building that was standing before them. The architecture was old...ancient…not like the buildings that they had passed upon entering Katarian City. Giving Max a sideways look, Liz bit the side of her lip in anticipation and confusion. This was not what she had expected. Seconds went by before she finally turned to face Max. “So?” Hands stuffed in his pockets, Max fidgeted as if he were nervous. “So… C’mon let’s go in!” He smiled briefly before taking her hand to lead her into building. Liz held in her breath as she followed him in. She let out a breath in awe as she took in the large four story museum. Her eyes traveled up to the top of the forth floor ceiling where a beautiful chandelier hung. This just wasn’t any ordinary museum. This place was the only museum on Antar that was centered on Earth’s history and cultures. She had heard rumors about this place but had never thought it existed.
“I know how much you want to know about your history…how much you want to find your brother…and I thought that maybe you would like to see this place!” Max whispered in her ear as he stood behind her. Tears filled her eyes and she thought that her heart would burst from Max’s thoughtfulness. Shocked and overwhelmed with emotion. Liz turned around to meet his eyes. Smiling slightly…her face glowing with tenderness, she leaned up to kiss his lips gently in gratitude. At that moment she felt her heart surrender to him without fear or reservation of what was to come. Groaning, Max cupped her face before deepening the kiss…setting her on fire. He tasted so good, she thought while sighing into his mouth. Suddenly, he pulled back before leaning his forehead against hers…his eyes closed. “I promised you that I wouldn’t push you but if we don’t stop right now… I might just have to break my word!” He whispered, while softly kissing her lips repeatedly. She felt as she was on fire….her loins ached for the unknown…for Max. Sighing, Liz pulled away to look up into his eyes. “Thank you!” “No problem…I think I’d walk through fire just to see you smile like that!” He whispered with sincerity in his eyes that astound her. “C’mon…let’s go look around.”
Grabbing her hand, he led her further into of the quiet museum. There were so many exhibits about nature, history, technology, science, literature, animals, clothes…everything. They walked slowly making comments here and there while reading and laughing. Liz could never remember having so much fun or laughing so much in her entire life. She would never forget this day for as long as she lived…never forget the wonder of learning things about her home planet that she had never known before. She’ll never forget the tenderness and laughter in Max’s eyes or the way he made her feel when he whispered into her ear teasingly as he continually pulled her into his arms to hold her. Liz was so happy that it instantly made her afraid of what was to come. Four hours later after leaving the museum and walking around Katarian City, Max and Liz climbed aboard their coach for their return to Karpathia Country.
Unlike before, Liz sat beside Max in a companionable silence. Holding in a yawn, she looked down to her hand to see that it was still linked to Max’s. He refused to let go of her even in the coach and this made Liz smile. Sighing, she turned to look out the coach’s window. Both stuck in their own thoughts, he subconsciously pulled her into his arms while he relaxed against the cushioned seats. Relaxing as well, Liz laid her laid her head up against his chest. She was exhausted both emotionally and physically. Listening to the strong beat of his heart, she mused at the difference a few hours made between two people. Just this morning, Liz had been prepared never to lay eyes on Max again and yet here she was in his arms. Alex was going to kill her.
Twenty minutes later, the coach stopped to Liz’s confusion. Looking up to meet Max’s intense gaze, she gave him a questioning look. “I want to show you one more place before I take you home…C’mon!” He smiled, his eyes hooded with desire and tenderness as he took her hand to lead her out of the carriage. They were in a wooded area on the side of the road. “Where are we?” Smiling, Max led her into the wooded area. “Just wait… you’ll see!” Sighing in exasperation, Liz let him lead her farther until the woods until they came upon a thunderous noise that sounded oddly like water. Looking back, Max gave her a small smile as they neared the thunderous noise. Liz stared in awe at the water fall flowing into a pool before her feet. She had heard of them but had never seen one before. “Do you like to swim Ms. Kierdan?” Max asked standing beside her with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“I wouldn’t know I’ve never swum before…at least not that I can remember!” Liz replied with a small smile.
“Well…there’s a first time for everything, right?” He smiled, giving her a wink, before lifting his t-shirt over his head to reveal golden tanned skin covering the most mouth watering chest she had ever seen. His defined muscular chest was a perfect six-pack of abs. Salivating Liz noticed that Max had several gorgeous henna tattoos. There was the Antarian Royal Symbol of the V constellation on his back under his right shoulder blade, there was a crown encircling his arm’s left bicep muscle, and then there were several ancient symbols of the Oracles on his chest that signified him as one of The Najila Oracles. Shocked down to her core, she realized then just how powerful he was. Instead of being afraid like a smart person should have been, she stood rooted to the spot…desire, confusion, and shock clouding her mind. Liz couldn’t help herself as she watched his hands move toward his jeans where a thin trail of hair started from his navel down into a place that had her thinking inappropriate thoughts. Flexing his muscles teasingly under her watchful gaze, Max walked backwards towards the small pool of water. “Max…Max no!” She laughed softly before holding her breath in anticipation as she watched him unzip his jeans. Lowering his pants, he had on what the earthlings called silk boxers. Giving her another wink, Max dived into in to the pool, his dark hair sticking to the side of his neck and face making him look adorably sexy.
“C’mon Liz…humor me.” He pleaded with a teasing grin as he swam over to where she stood. “Max no…I can’t swim and it wouldn’t be appropriate!” Liz responded while looking down into his beautiful hazel eyes. “C’mon Liz…pretty please…I promise I won’t let anything happen to you and to be the perfect gentlemen I’ll even turn around while you undress to get into the pool, okay?” She sighed in resignation as felt herself cave. “Oh all right but turn around!” Liz huffed watching as he silently obeyed with a satisfied nod. Liz undressed quickly to reveal only a red bra and panties. Hesitantly, she dipped her toe into the cool jello like substance that they associated with water on Antar to find that it was relatively cool. Taking a deep breath, Liz sat down on the ledge to insert her legs and torso into the bluish green pool. It was deep…really deep, she realized as she held on to the edge of the pool for dear life. “Max?” Liz called out in a panic as she felt something brush up against her legs. He was beside her not a second later. “It’s okay…I’ve got you!” Max whispered with a small smile of reassurance before pulling her hands away from the ledge to guide them onto his broad shoulders. Water lapped at her neck as she watched him in fear. “Trust me, Liz! I won’t let anything happen to you…I promise...now kick your feet out. That’s right!” Max whispered as he lead them into the middle of the pool while staring deeply into her eyes.
They stayed like that for several seconds as Liz got her bearings. Looking around, she realized that she hadn’t noticed how wonderful this place was until now. The wilderness, the water-fall, the pool, they all were enchanting. “How did you know about this place?” Liz asked finally meeting Max’s intense gaze. “My parents use to take us swimming here when we were kids, I haven’t been here in years but I was thinking about you and I thought about this place and how you might like it!” He responded, glancing around as well before meeting her gaze once again again. Warmth and desire flooded her heart like an avalanche. Glancing down, she traced the symbols of the Najila on his chest…wanting to ask him about it so badly. “Max?” Max looked down as well to see what she saw. His eyes clouded with confusion and panic as he realized that she had saw the symbols. Silently, he moved his hand over the symbols to make them disappear. Liz watched them disappear in confusion and annoyance. “Why did you do that? And why didn’t you tell me?” Liz asked with a frown as his expression remained stoic.
He remained silent, his eyes glittering dangerously as he stared down at her as if peering into her soul. Liz sighed in defeat before saying, “You know its funny Max how you demand my complete trust and yet you won’t even put your trust in me! I thought we were getting somewhere today but I guess I was wrong! Please just take me back to the coach!” Liz demanded in anger. He continued to stare down at her, a small frown gracing his lips. “Please understand, Liz, no one knows about my powers except for my family, not even the Counsel. People would panic if they learned that I, the future King of Antar, know everything about them…their past, present, and future! So I tend to keep quiet about it…you weren’t suppose to see that. It wasn’t suppose to manifest on it’s own without my consent. It’s never done that before!” Fear and angry clouded his eyes as he stared down at his chest. Liz followed his gaze. She refused to feel hurt that he didn’t trust her as much as he demanded she trust him…that he didn’t see her as special…as someone he could confide in! But as much as she refused for it to not hurt…it did…damn her treacherous heart! “Liz?” Max asked, pleading for understanding, in somewhat of a panic…as if guessing her thoughts.
“I’m still trying to figure out where does this leave us, Max. Am I just to be one of your mistresses to take to bed for few days…being wined and dined until you get tired of me? Or am I to be more? I need to know before we go any further that if I invest my heart into the thought of us…that you won’t just discard it when the week is up! I need to know that I’m not wasting my time, Max!” Liz whispered frustration and tears evident in her voice. Max looked down in defeat and sadness, torn. Meeting her questioning gaze again, he sighed. “I can’t make you any promises, Liz. I can’t lie to you and say that we might have a future. I’m betrothed to be married on my 21th birthday to the Princess of Katarian City. Let’s just take it one day at a time, okay?” He whispered pleadingly. Liz stared at him as if he had lost his mind. “Are you serious? Max…no. I’d just be setting myself up for a world of heartache!” Shaking her head, Liz’s eyes filled with tears at the prospect of them having no future. “We have tonight, Max! But after tonight…I never want to see you again! No more dropping by… I mean it!” Liz whispered while crying. Max looked stunned, as if he had just punched in the stomach. Pain and longing clouded his hazel eyes as he fully digested all of her words. “I can’t, Liz!” “You will…or I’ll do everything in my power to disappear! Face it, Max. We have no future and it’s better to cut all ties with each other now than in the near-by-future where I have fallen in-love with you!” Liz whispered with a sad smile.
A few moments went by in silence as they stared at each other. Taking a deep breath, Max nodded his head in acceptance…granting her wish. “As much as I appear to be a bastard…I’ve never wanted to hurt you…so after tonight I’ll leave you alone! You have my word!” He whispered with a smile so sad that Liz felt tears come to her eyes. Liz nodded a thank you. Several minutes pass in silence as they realized that tonight was going to be their last night together. Finally Max broke the silence with a look of sadness and resignation in his eyes. “C’mon Ms. Keirdan…It’s time I show you how to swim!” Hours went by as Max showed Liz how to swim. They frolicked with Max holding Liz in his arms guiding her further down into the pool. They laughed, and then they kissed. Sitting on a rock at the side of the pool, Liz watched as Max made something. He had gathered rich colorful thin vines from the forest before twining them around each other before branding them together…making two rings…one larger than the other. Liz’s eyes widen as Max took her left hand before saying, “This is so that we always remember this day…no matter where we are at or who we are with!” He whispered huskily while placing the smaller ring on her ring finger. Taking the ring from him, she placed the other ring on his finger before entangling her fingers with his.
An hour later, Max’s carriage pulled up in front of Liz cottage. Not wanting the night to end but knowing that it should, Liz turned to Max with sadness in her eyes and a smile gracing her lips. He had been broodingly silent every since they had left the pool. Opening her mouth to say goodbye, Liz’s face was suddenly framed gently by a pair of warm strong hands as Max lowered his lips to hers. The kiss he gave her was bittersweet and all too brief...making her feel things she shouldn’t feel. Moving his hands from her face and into her hair, Liz sat transfixed as Max smiled down into her eyes before running his fingers throughout her hair, drying it,… while whispering that he would miss her. “I’ll miss you too. Goodbye Max!” Liz whispered, with one last smile before exiting the carriage. The small distance to her cottage, she couldn’t help but feel Max’s gaze on her the whole way. There was no doubt about it…she was definitely going to miss him with every fiber of her being
Eight Months Later
Liz watched from the yard as coaches traveled the road to the palace for Max’s 20th birthday celebration. Every citizen, Royalty or otherwise, was invited from every corner of the Planet to this occasion. Liz was probably the only one who would not be going. Gaia had already left yesterday to help out with the preparations and Alex had left this morning to gawk at Princess Isabella from afar. Pretending to not feel well, Liz had made her excuses and had ignored Alex’s worried glances. She hadn’t heard from Max since that night so ago and hadn’t seen him since she had caught his gaze three months ago in the market place. She had heard through the grapevine that his bride to be had moved to Karparthia Country a month ago. Liz has seen her once or twice. Princess Avarielle “Ava” of Katarian City was beautifully elegant with long blonde hair and dark green eyes but from what Liz had heard from her maids…she had the personality of evil reincarnated. But that was none of her business… Max was none of her business…that’s what she told herself then as she listened to gossip while watching the future Queen of Antar…and that’s what she told herself now as she fingered the ring on her left finger.
In the eight months that have passed, Liz had been determined to get licensed as a Top Traveling Rescue Specialist. For six months, she and Alex had gone against Gaia’s wishes and had taken classes at the Institute for Space Travel. At first getting in had been a bitch…being as though they were humans. But not a week later to Liz’s dismay they were accepted in. Now eight months later, they were due to graduate and get their licenses. Upon graduation, they would be granted with a new ship and a crew of six. Everything was working out to their advantage. In a matter of four mouths, they would be traveling back to Earth to find their brother. Sighing, Liz sat down under the tree to stare up at the sky. She felt empty at the prospect of her future. The only thing that kept her moving was the fact that her brother was still down on Earth. Everything that she was…was down on Earth. She had no future here...no business wishing for things that weren’t meant to be.
Thank You 
So I'm gonna say thank you and that I totally appreciate all of your feedback 