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  “As much as I enjoy your appreciation, we cannot indulge this morning,” she said with a teasing smile, quoting his words.

  He leaned down to meet her eyes. “However, I wish it were otherwise.” Her lips parted invitingly, and he had to force himself not to move closer to her. He stood with a soft groan.

  “When is it our turn?”

  Mind nearly overwhelmed by his desire for her, it took him a moment to realize she was speaking to him. He shook his head at himself. “We can depart when you are ready.”

  Her small hand slid into his. “Now.”

  He nodded, his fingers interlacing with hers. She walked at his side, outwardly calm. As they climbed the stairs to the top of the platform, her hand squeezed his tightly. He lead her between the rows of soldiers to the center of the crowd.

  “Will John stay here with Colonel Tradis?” Her voice shook slightly, but her eyes were clear.

  “They will follow once the arrangements for the base are complete.”

  The energy built around them. He tugged her closer to him, his arms enclosing her just before the portal activated. For a moment, there was nothing but the blackness of space. He felt her small body against him, every muscle snapped tight. Then, it was over and bright golden light shone down on them.

  He did not relax his grip on her trembling body until the soldiers filed off of the platform. She slowly released the death grip she had on his armor. He hungered to look at his home world, but he could not tear his gaze away from her.

  “Sarah,” he called softly.

  Her eyes opened a crack, as if she were unsure if it was safe. He found himself smiling at her behavior, as she inched away from him. “Are we there?” Her eyes opened wider at his nod.

  He watched her, patiently waiting for the moment she caught sight of his home. Her head turned to look behind her, and he felt her arms drop away from him in shock. He smirked. His eyes followed her gaze to drink in his home.

  They stood on golden sandstone, the same stone in the buildings that surrounded them. Taller than anything the humans would ever be able to create, the structures circled the colossal courtyard where they stood. Dense gardens sprouted up amongst the stone. The multi-colored blossoms filled the air with a sweet scent.

  Light from the white star, Nuvae, filtered through the red and yellow cloud cover. In the near distance, the jungle of Democlaste surrounded the capital city. His eyes scanned the nearby buildings. The stone was broken by a line of windows every few feet, giving the spires the look of a narrow hive.

  The palace stood on a distant hill, watching over the city. He felt Sarah wander away from him, her movement swirling the cool spring air around him. He inhaled the mingled fragrance of his home and Sarah. Off to his right, Dems strode down the wide sidewalks, entering and exiting the massive buildings.

  His attention snapped back to Sarah when she made a soft sound of distress. He suddenly noticed the thousands of Dems watching them silently. Sarah backed toward him.

  “What do they want?” she whispered.

  He thought he saw a few of them tip their heads in confusion. “A welcome.” His eyes moved to the silver circlet that sparkled on Sarah’s head. He felt a surge of pride.

  “What do we do?”

  He placed his hand flat against her back and lead her toward the edge of the platform. She was tense, but he could tell she was trying not to show it. He raised his head to scan the crowd.

  “I have returned as your king,” he stated to the waiting Dems. “I have brought my honorable battalion and…” his hand wrapped around Sarah’s waist. “Your new queen, my Marked.”

  The cheers were almost deafening.

  Sarah gripped his hand hard, until she realized the sound was joyful. She tipped her head back to look at him. “What did you say?”

  He shook his head. “You will need to learn our language, Sarah.”

  She gave him a curious look. “When?”

  His eyes drifted over his people. “We will begin tomorrow.”

  “Why not tonight?”

  He huffed out a laugh. “I am pleased you are so eager to learn about your new home.” His fingers stroked her side. “However, I have other plans for tonight.”

  She blushed and looked away. Her arm raised to wave at the crowd, the tension draining from her body. He watched her with amusement, as she became comfortable with the attention and a satisfied smile curved his lips.

  His hand stroked up her side to settle on her shoulder. Her hair clung to his fingers, almost crimson in the golden sunlight. He bent to press a kiss to her temple.

  “I love you.”

  The words brought a gentle smile to her face.