Page 9 of Queen Isabella

Someone brushed her left hand and she glanced over to find it was Chevron. He lifted her hand and examined her wrist, slowly flexing it, while Diamond gently prodded her forehead. The memory of her hand flying loose in the poorly designed stasis capsule as it careened toward the planet returned. She’d whacked herself in the forehead just before passing out.

“You healed me,” she murmured, studying her wrist. It wasn’t even slightly swollen.

Not only had the aliens not killed her when they found her, they’d healed her.

“Thank you,” she sobbed, a new flood of tears falling from her eyes.

Gratitude for their help, the trauma of what she’d been through getting to the planet, and the uncertainty surrounding her future all bubbled to the surface at once, overwhelming her.

Diamond pulled her against him, one large hand spanning her back, the other cupping her cheek. His brow furrowed as he wiped the tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. His muscular chest rumbled, vibrating beneath her palms. The texture of his skin reminded her of a dolphin, but she was more distracted by the way he was growling at her. Except there was no malice in Diamond’s eyes. Even though he was alien, she knew malice when she saw it. She’d been looked at with hatred and disdain her whole life, since simply being born a woman was a sin. On the contrary, his eyes reflected concern, and his gentle touch was comforting. So, what was that sound?

He's purring!It dawned on her.

She pulled in a relieved breath, grateful he wasn’t angry. Diamond smelled like vanilla; sweet, creamy and slightly woody, with a hint of something masculine. That too was surprising and pleasant.

Vee began stroking her hair, while Chevron rubbed her shoulders and back, both also purring.

They were trying to soothe her, and she deeply appreciated it, yet it only made her more despondent. The fact that the kind, affectionate treatment was coming from aliens, absolute strangers, had her sobbing even harder. She pressed her head against Diamond’s chest and clutched his shoulders as the tears streamed from her eyes. Her own people hadn’t been half as kind, throwing her away. Her flesh and blood had sneered at her. Her father disowned her. It was overwhelming to be comforted when it had been absent for so long.

Who knows how long it took, but their gentle caresses and rhythmic purring eventually calmed her.

I’m okay. I made it this far, not just on this voyage, but also in life.I am strong and have dealt with adversity before. I will survive!

Diamond eased her away from his chest and tilted his head quizzically. Embarrassed, Isa wiped her tears off his firm chest, praying it was only her tears and no snot or slobber. He patted her hand, wordlessly conveying not to worry about it.

“Thank you.” She sheepishly smiled at him in appreciation.

When she turned to smile at Vee and Chevron, there were surprisingly five more aliens. They’d come in while she was distracted with her breakdown and were sitting patiently on the rim of the unusual bed. Their dark eyes reflected a similar expression as the original trio, which she was interpreting as concern, but was probably pity.

“Hi,” she murmured, feeling doubly embarrassed.

One of the new aliens held a large bowl, another had a pitcher and cup, and three held purple glass bottles. It was these last three that intrigued her. They had matching patterns on their chests and faces. Though she was new to differentiating members of this race, they had to be triplets.

Chevron took the cup from the alien holding the pitcher and offered it to her.

“Thank you.” She accepted the drink and readily took a sip. It was cold water with just a hint of something fruity, and very refreshing.

Isa finished her sip and Chevron took the cup from her. Diamond shifted behind her, his legs flanking her. He reached around and put pressure on her shoulders, gently urging her to lean back against him.

“Wow, um, okay.” She hesitantly gave in, briefly bracing her hand on his thick muscular thigh, then instantly removing it.

This was supremely awkward since they were all naked. She could no longer delude herself this was a dream. Clearlythese people had no trouble with what she considered intimate contact. And though they didn’t seem to mean her any harm, it was very disconcerting considering she was the only woman in the room.

Well at least he doesn’t have a hard-on.She allowed herself to relax against Diamond’s chest.

Isa awkwardly smiled at the eight aliens seated around her, making her the center of attention.

I’m obviously a novelty.She attempted to imagine what would happen if an alien landed in her back yard.

Vee pulled her from the musing when he took her left hand. His hands were oily as he began massaging her palm. The heady vanilla scent wafted toward her. It was pleasant and soothing. His hands were rougher than Diamond’s. The callouses hinted that the large alien man was used to doing labor. But despite his robust size, he was surprisingly gentle, and the attentive way he stared at her was unexpected.

“Oh!”

She startled when one of the triplets took her left foot and urged her to uncross her legs. He rubbed her calf while gently palming her foot. One of the others straightened her right leg and began to do the same. The third triplet poured the oil out of the flask into his palms then started to massage her right hand. The fragrant purple oil felt luxurious as it slid over, then sank into her skin, except this situation was odd. Even Diamond at her back began gently rubbing her shoulders with his giant hands. Utterly befuddled, she didn’t resist, smiling awkwardly as she panned from one alien man to the next. She’d never been given a massage by one man, let alone five naked men at once.

Maybe this is some sort of welcoming custom or a part of some traditional medicine.Her people believed massages were sinful, but during her studies she’d read where it was once used to treat strained muscles.

As Isa was processing that the aliens were massaging her, what looked like a blue strawberry appeared in front of her face. Isa blinked in surprise. She followed the hand with the piece of fruit to find Chevron holding the large bowl which happened to be full of tasty alien morsels. They were kindly sharing their food with her. Her eyes misted as appreciation again swelled inside her. They didn’t have to do any of this, and yet they were.

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