Trembling arms wrapped protectively over her breasts as she considered everything she had just gone through in the last few days. She’d been kidnapped by Aliens, injected with some sort of living bugs that made it possible for her to understand any language in her solar system, fought over by the abducting alien and her guardian because said alien wanted to taste her virginity, then touched in a sexual way by the same guardian who was supposed to protect her.

Now, here she was, on this odd planet with what looked like two Suns and at least three moons; with a sky that was the color of a tequila sunrise and a man who when she had first met came with a tail. Now, she was standing in what reminded her of a Roman chariot, being pulled by a psychedelic zebra, toward a shiny kingdom with homes and a Castle that all looked as if they were made entirely of onyx and other gemstones.

All these things considered, she should be stark raving mad. So why wasn’t she? She wasn’t even missing home yet. Was she in shock? Did she somehow believe herself to be experiencing some insanely warped dream and expect to wake up at any given moment back home in her bed? Scowling, she spoke out loud, “Dang, I sure hope not!”

He questioned her in that beautiful, deep voice. “I’m sorry? Did you say something?”

When she turned her head, she found herself staring into those endless eyes. Stunned, she shook her head. “N-not really. I was just thinking out loud. I’m sorry.” She couldn’t bring herself to look away, and when his face came closer, she held her breath in anticipation.

His lips touched hers so gently, she wouldn’t have been sure he’d actually kissed her if her eyes hadn’t been open. He slowly drew back from her, still making eye contact. She paused, conflicted for all of a second before, she reached out and placed her hand to his cheek to stop his retreat. Then before her courage left her, she closed the tiny space, pressing her lips to his in a stronger, but somewhat hesitant kiss.

Feeling her desire and experiencing the relief to know her attraction with certainty, Savrik dropped the reins and wrapped one arm around her waist and pressed the other to the back of her head, drawing her closer, deepening the kiss. His tongue traced her lower lip, seeking entrance which she quickly allowed. Her hands moved up his chest where she unconsciously brushed his nipples before gripping him by his shoulders.

Within seconds, they had gone from an innocent exploration to a passionate embrace. So lost in their discovery of each other, they had all but forgotten about their destination until a sharp keening bellow that sounded quite like a human man groaning interrupted them.

Startled apart, the both turned to see they had arrived at the Castle and the LaDrok was pawing the ground and tossing his head a little impatiently. With a small smile at Marissa, Savrik dismounted the chariot and walked around to relieve the beast of the bridle.

“I am sorry, old friend. Forgive me my inconsideration.” He brushed a hand over the LaDroc’s neck. “Thank you for bringing us here.”

Marissa watched as Savrik finished releasing the animal from the Chariot and found herself smiling in admiration when the LaDroc bumped his head affectionately to the blue man’s chest. Then the creature turned and looked in her direction. After a slow bow of his head to her, he turned and galloped away. She stared after him in amazement. There had been such intelligence in the animal’s eyes, she would have sworn it knew what Savrik had said to him.

“Amazing,” she whispered softly. “He seems so intelligent.”

Savrik came to her side, and raised his hands to help her down. Lifting her slightly, he then lowered her to her feet and his gaze consumed her. “All creatures are intelligent, Marissa. Just because one doesn’t have the power of speech, does not make him inferior.” He smiled as he took her hand and as she let him lead her into the Palace, she told herself what she already knew but had not admitted up until now. Her life would never again be the same.