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“Are you aware that the males Zahn killed were wearing palace uniforms? They were clearly part of the battalion stationed here,” Quin said.

“I had heard. And the survivors will be dealt with,” Eula said.

“If there’s anything left to deal with once they’re found,” Vivian mumbled.

Quin flashed a quick smile. “True.”

“Perhaps you should go check on their progress and work off some of your aggression.”

“Is that an order?” Quin demanded, irritated that his mother would presume to send him away from home at a time like this, despite the fact that he was already planning on it.

“It is a suggestion. And may I also suggest you temper your emotions, lest you kill someone who is not actually involved because they dare to utter a word you didn’t expect. We only want the ones responsible and involved in these insidious actions brought to an end as soon as possible.”

“Apologies. You are correct. I was coming to pay you a visit and ask that you stay with Vivi while I join the search,” Quin said.

“Of course, I will. I am here for just that reason,” Eula said, “and I’ve brought so many guards with me, the corridor is crowded, and others are stationed around the palace itself.”

Quin nodded, then strode purposefully toward Vivian, literally picked her up in his arms before kissing her soundly and smoothing his hand over Alexandrus’ head before putting her back down. “I will return soon.”

“I know you will. Do whatever you need to, to ensure our safety. I’ll be fine until you get back. I can protect us if need be.”

“I know you can,” Quin said. He hesitated briefly before running upstairs. Less than a minute later he was back. He handed her the dagger he’d gifted her when he’d first rescued her, and his own weapon. “You can fire this at will. We are no longer on the ship so you don’t have to worry about errant ricochets. And stab anyone who’s stupid enough to get too close. Male or female I don’t care who they are!” he said, shooting a meaningful glance at Bart.

“You know I will,” Vivian answered.

Quin looked around the living room. “And where the hell is Kitty?!” he demanded.

“He’s out there,” Bart said, pointing toward the windows. “Last I saw him, he was preoccupied and wouldn’t follow me back no matter what I lured him with. He didn’t even try to dominate me like he usually does. In fact he seemed irritated that I was there and anxious for me to leave, so I did.”

“Maybe he has a girlfriend,” Eula said. “We’ve become more tolerant of the wild shralers on the palace grounds since Vivian adopted Kitty. He may have very well found himself a mate.”

“It would be enough to keep him focused on being outside,” Vivian said.

“Yes, well, he’s needed now,” Quin grouched as he started for the door.

“Sire! What about me?” Au'revele said, taking a step toward him.

Quin turned and looked at her. “Come along. I’ll take you to Zahn first. I still have not received an update on his status, though, Au'revele. I don’t know what you may be walking into.”

“I still want to be there.”

“Come along, then.”

~~~

After leaving Au’revele in medical with Zahn, Quin realized he was looking at everyone he encountered as a suspect, regardless of how dedicated they seemed, regardless of whether or not he knew them personally, only in passing, or not at all. He wasn’t thinking clearly. Instead he was reacting, and that was not always a good thing. Knowing the level headed response of one of those he respected greatly would calm him and make him see things reasonably, he reached for his communicator and put through a call to one of the few males he had ultimate faith inthat would react thoughtfully, rather than emotionally due to their own personal attachment to his family.

“Sire, hello.”

“Someone tried to kidnap or possibly kill my son.”

“Repeat that?!” Commander Lo’San said, slowly getting to his feet as he listened to the report he was receiving through his handheld communicator.

“There was an attempt to kidnap Alexandrus. It was thwarted, but it should never have happened. The palace is overstaffed with warriors for security — how did this happen? The only thing I can determine is that it was someone who knew that our nanny’s quarters would be accessible. That means someone that has access to us daily knew it would be safe to make the attempt.”

“Is he harmed?!” Lo’San asked.

“No. Everyone is safe and unharmed other than the few bruises of our nanny, and Zahn. Zahn is in the healing chamber. We thought he was beyond help, but he is believed now to slowly improve.”

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