Queen of Darkness WATTPAD VERSION [Inter-Universal Protectors: Book 3]

58

It was a good thing Jay went first. The second Xix stepped through the portal, she found herself with several spears pointing at many different parts of her body. She raised her hands as Jay cried in outrage, "Woah! Woah! Woah! Not her! She's a good guy!"

"I do not believe they heard you," Xix muttered, hands still raised. She was beyond used to this treatment on certain worlds.

A dark-haired man came running from the front entrance. He looked between Xix, Amneris, and Hathor. "What the fuck happened?"

"I'll explain later, Leo," Jay said. "Just let the woman pass."

"You'd better have a good explanation." Leo waved a hand. The guards stood down. He turned his attention to Ema and Xix. "You coming in or what?"

Ema leaned closer to Xix. "That's probably the nicest welcome we'll be getting." The Terpolite nodded her agreement as they entered.

The guards were not the only ones who reacted to Xix's appearance. Several of the Palace inhabitants and workers found themselves looking away or suddenly needing to go elsewhere. Xix sighed. It was to be expected. Still, it hurt. She wasn't evil. At least, she didn't think of herself that way. Her family? Yeah, they were rather insane and had done many beyond questionable acts, but that didn't make her evil. Did it? Ema took her hand, squeezing gently. Xix let out a deep breath, giving her friend a small smile. There was no way she was all bad if she had a friend like Ema.

Jay and Colt peeled off from the group, heading to what Xix presumed was the hospital wing. They vanished into the room. Ema and Xix continued following Leo deeper into the Palace. He led them to one of the lounge rooms. Xix gaped at the sight. The room opened into a balcony with a view overlooking the entire city. Ema laughed, jumping onto one of the many pillow-covered blue lounges. Xix sat at her side.

They weren't alone here. Leo took up a spot beside a dark-haired Shifter and heavily pregnant Dragonoid woman. The former was drinking purple liquid from a wine glass while the latter watched with a look that could only be described as longing. Neither seemed particularly concerned of who was in their presence.

The Shifter looked over them. "Long time no see."

Ema nodded. "Hey, Nikki. Last time was the battlefield, wasn't it?"

"That's right," Nikki said, swirling the contents of her glass. "Jay missed you, but you didn't hear it from me." She winked. Ema blushed, looking down at her hands. The Shifter grinned before turning her attention. "And you must be Xix. Drink?"

"No. Thank you," she added.

"Got not-wine. Tea?"

"Tea does sound nice," Xix admitted. The Shifter snapped her fingers. A steaming cup appeared in Xix's hands. "Oh!" she said, surprised. "Thank you."

"Gotta treat guests well," was all Nikki said. She tilted her head to the Dragonoid woman. "This is Carmin-" The woman waved "-and you've already met Leo so not introduction needed there."

"Yeah, he should apologise instead," Ema huffed.

Xix cringed. "Em-"

"No no. He has to. He was about to arrest you."

Nikki raised an eyebrow. "To be fair, your friend's appearance is rather . . ."

"Off-putting?" Leo suggested.

She pointed at him. "That."

Carmin sighed. "Niks, you of all people should know not to judge based on appearance alone." The Shifter took a long drink. "Do forgive my friends. Things are still getting back to normal after the Terpolite attacks two years ago and the Rebel attacks a few days ago."

Xix nodded. "So sorry to hear about those. If there's anything we can do to help . . ."

"Not take up your father's throne," Leo muttered. Nikki elbowed him im the stomach. "Ow! What?" She tilted her head toward them with a pointed cough.

"It's fine," Xix said quickly. "I understand the sentiment perfectly. I agree with it, actually."

"Oh?" Nikki said, sitting back. "Do tell."

Xix looked down at her cup. "I know my ancestors have done horrible things in the past. I'm far from proud of that fact and do my best to not be like them."

With considerable effort, Carmin stood. She moved to sit beside Xix, placing her hands over her own. Xix could swear the Dragonoid's eyes glowed for a moment. She dismissed it as a trick of the light. 

Carmin smiled. "You have nothing to worry about." She turned to Leo and Nikki. "She will be nothing like her ancestors." The two exchanged glances. They nodded, relaxing slightly.

Xix watched with amazement as Carmin returned to her original spot. For some reason, they took this woman at her word. They were still on guard, but the tension in the room had all but evaporated. What was it with that woman? Xix eyed Carmin. She'd once heard that some Dragonoids could see into the past and the future. Was it possible that she was one of them?

Ema nudged her. "Trust Carmin. If she says you'll be good, then you'll be good. She's never wrong."