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Kia had stayed behind with Cee so that she could help him get properly dressed in a new uniform befitting his rank as Captain while Drogo saw to my wound. We Abraxans have very tight familial units and since Kia had been betrothed to me, it was her duty to look after the Littles, even if the Littles weren't so little any more.

"I don't know if I can mend this without a major surgical procedure Rowan," he said to me. "That Deity unit definitely knew which one to grab and how much force to use."

"Can we still—you know—"

"Have a family? Oh yes! It might be a little tougher though. You just have to be a little patient with yourself is all."

I nodded, trying to squelch the anger that was beginning to boil the blood in my veins.

"And you absolutely must be gentle with her."

I nodded. "I can do that."

"Rowan, I must know—do you still retain your memories of Julia's life?"

"Everything is foggy. It comes and goes in choppy waves—and in dreams. Bad ones. Well, not all bad, but still."

Drogo nodded knowingly. "I understand."

"Erm, Drogo, I've been wondering—have they located a host for you yet?"

He reached for an instrument meant to cut and expertly pulled at the stray pieces of skin to help clean the huge gaping hole. The pain medication he had administered was doing the job that it was meant to and the actual pain was minimal.

"No. I believe they've ceased their search."

"I'm sooo sorry."

"Well let's just say that I've gotten used to it and leave it at that, shall we?"

I felt so sorry for him...he was all alone in his body. "You know, if you get lonely, I'm thinking that we might start our recreation night again?"

"Ah yes, cards and brew. I'll pass, if you don't mind. I am going to refrain from closing the wound until you've discussed this with the Princess, your Grace."

"While I have you here, I'm wondering if you can do a big favor for me, Drogo?"

"What's that, your Grace?"

"I need a DNA scan on someone."

"Oh? Who?"

"Allie's son."

"I don't suppose you're going to tell me why?"

The main doors whooshed open and Cee walked in followed by Kia.

My gods but what a specimen of male virility he was...the man practically glided in on air. "I take it that you approve?"

I turned my head to the side and couldn't help but laugh..."you look —good—" I spun my finger and he turned in place. "Good thing you're married—you are still married, yes?"

"I don't really know."

I felt my brow raise. The look on my brother's face was one of complete and total disdain. Then I remembered the framed image sitting on his desk in the ready room; how he looked as if he hated his life. I could only imagine what the real story was. The only images that I had seen where I could still see that sweet little boy that I used to know, was with the younger ones, especially the very small children...his face was so full of love...what the hell happened to him...what did he go through to transform that adorable sweet little boy into the bad tempered and irritable old man...This was my beloved brother's second chance at life and I wasn't going let anyone or anything ruin it.

"Maybe story-time ought to be on the docket for today?"

I never ever thought I'd see my brother scowl...pained my heart to see it. It was only then that I realized just how much time that I lost with him.

He nodded. "I've a lot to fill you in on."

I nodded, keeping silent.

Kia wandered around him and approached me. "Are you alright?"

I looked away, not knowing how to begin the difficult conversation.

"Hey—" Her voice was powdery, and I flinched at her touch. "Rowan? What is it?"

"Yes, are you alright," Cee asked.

I glanced up nervously at Drogo, then at my brother.

"His primary penile tentacle was forcibly removed. I'm not sure that I can—reattach it without a major surgical procedure and then the healing process—"

I couldn't bear to see their faces.

Then I felt Kia's arms wrap around me, then her tentacles...her face burying into my cranials...a tender kiss..."we'll get through this."

"Why would they that to you though? I don't understand—I really don't."

"Simply put, Princess," Drogo began, "they required a sacrifice—"

"For me...?"

Cee quickly approached and dropped to one knee shaking his head. I swung my legs to the edge of the bio and only barely heard Drogo's admonitions. I reached for his face to see the blood-red tears streaking his coal-colored skin. "You are definitely worth it—" I reached down further for his and raised him up so that we were eye to eye and wound my arms around him and felt Kia's join mine.

"Infinitely worth it," Kia said.

"Okay—May I assume that I'm closing this huge gaping hole in our sovereign's abdomen? He's still losing way too much blood for my liking!"

Drogo explained about the situation we found ourselves in, the procedures for both scenarios, healing time and complications of both choices. "We have to act quickly whichever decision you make—I have my surgical team standing by."

"How quickly Doctor?"

"Immediately Captain."

Kia looked up at me and nodded her head then turned to Drogo. "You can help us, right? Help me get pregnant, I mean?"

"Oh—" The man sounded as if he would burst into tears himself. "It would be my honor to assist—"

He looked to me. "Your Grace?"

I stared into her eyes. "Close it up."

"Right. So, with all due respect, get out! All of you! Now! I have work to do! Some assistance here please!"

Two nurses returned me to the flat of my back and they began to prep for what they called a minor surgical procedure.

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