Royal Hearts Read online

  “Everything’s been taken care of,” he said. “Are you ready?”

  She nodded. “Let’s get the Book of Spells and go to Pale.”

  ***

  Alpha Head I

  Planet: Pale

  Second Commander Jaz watched as Leader Paff paced back and forth in his office. Next to her, First Commander Zak let out an uneasy sigh.

  Daylight wouldn’t come for three more hours. They had been disturbed in the middle of the night when an alarm rang throughout their sleeping quarters in Alpha Head I. Now they were too worked up over their latest discovery to even consider sleep.

  “When did Omin have time to make a clone?” Paff asked.

  Jaz didn’t even want to consider that Omin had a clone. Being married to that monster was enough. But to find out he’d cloned himself… She shivered at the thought.

  “How did he bypass the guards?” Zak asked. “We have tight security around here. Someone should have seen him before he was able to steal one of our spaceships.”

  “I’ve examined the security tape over and over, and all I see is one of the guards taking the ship,” Paff said. “If that same guard hadn’t called in an emergency, we’d all be unaware that Omin even created a clone.” After a moment, he added, “I suspect the clone can morph into other Palers when he needs to.”

  “At least we found the tunnel Omin made,” Jaz said.

  “This is all we need,” Paff groaned. “Another Omin running loose in the universe.”

  At that moment, Ann and Hathor appeared in the room.

  “Is it true? Did Omin really clone himself?” Ann asked, rushing over to them, Hathor close behind her.

  Paff nodded. “Unfortunately.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t believe it. I thought we were done with him.”

  “You weren’t the only one,” Paff replied.

  “When you contacted me, you said Omin targeted Ann,” Hathor said.

  “Yes. We figured out the encrypted instructions in the room where the clone has been hiding for two years. In these instructions, Omin-2’s mission is to kill Ann.”

  Ann took a deep breath and released it before she spoke. “Do you know where his clone is?”

  “Unfortunately, no,” Paff said. “Omin-2 left in a spaceship. We have no idea where he went either. He disabled the tracking device in the ship.”

  “He might be going to Raz,” Jaz added. “At least with you here, you won’t be there for him to kill.”

  “What about you? Are any of you in danger?” Ann asked.

  “His first mission is to kill you,” Paff said. “Then he will come here to take over Pale.”

  “Isn’t it odd that he left a blueprint for us to follow?” Jaz asked, mostly to herself. But the others turned to her, so she continued, “I’m starting to think the encryption wasn’t that secure. It’s too predictable. I think these instructions are a decoy.”

  “Okay,” Ann slowly replied as she considered this new possibility. “So maybe he’s not really after me. Maybe I’m a decoy.”

  “Whether or not his threat is genuine, we still have to take every measure to protect you,” Hathor told her.

  “I agree,” she replied. “I will take all the necessary precautions.”

  “Omin’s big goal was to rule Pale,” Jaz said. “I’m sure that whatever he plans, it involves Pale.”

  “Then why would he leave?” Zak asked. “What could he possibly want with a spaceship?”

  “Maybe he’s out collecting other clones of himself,” Jaz whispered in dread. “Maybe he’s got an army hidden somewhere.”

  Paff sat down and put his face in his hands.

  “The Razians and Olympians will help you,” Ann said. “Hathor and I will go to Olympia and speak on your behalf.”

  Paff nodded. “Omin’s strength is strategy, but it’s to our benefit to have a good defense. Thank you, Queen Ann.”

  “At least we have an initial plan of action,” Zak said. “I think it would be good if the queen saw the room where the clone was in. It might help her understand the situation better so she can explain it to the Olympians.”

  “Good idea,” Paff agreed, rising to his feet.

  The others followed him to the secret room.

  ***

  Omin-2 in a Spaceship

  Galaxy: Mythical

  As Omin-2 guided the spaceship through the galaxies, he contemplated his newfound life and the abilities he possessed. To be sure, he was more sophisticated and better suited for his role than his donor. Plus, he retained all the knowledge of Omin: how he assumed his leadership on Pale and the destruction he caused to many in pursuit of his personal gain. But more than that, he was made to be superior.

  He took time to study all he could about Earth. Humans seemed to be simple creatures. Certainly, they weren’t as complicated as more advanced life forms, such as Palers. He would assume the physical appearance of a human so he would blend in with them, and he would gather them all together to do his bidding. They were like sheep looking for a shepherd to guide them.

  He shook aside his distaste for such mindlessness. Their weaknesses were going to be needed if he was to succeed in his ultimate goal. He would rule Pale, and he wouldn’t let his domain fall from his fingers like Omin had. Omin was too easy on his enemies.

  Not Omin-2. No mercy. No debate. Just absolute obedience. It was the only way things would work.

  ***

  Alpha Head I

  Planet: Pale

  Ann stared in dread at the small room where Omin’s clone had hidden. The room was dark and sparse. Jaz’s flashlight lit up enough for her to see where the clone had slept, waiting for the time when he would wake up. The chamber he’d been preserved in was open, leaving behind the only trace he’d once been there.

  “Are there any other clones on Pale?” Ann asked, turning her gaze to Paff.

  Paff shook his head. “We did a thorough sweep of the planet. This was the only one.”

  She frowned and inspected the chamber. One clone. If he had the ability to make one, why didn’t he make more? A thousand clones posed a much better threat than one.

  Ann picked up the plans Omin-2 had left behind. Kill Queen Ann. Kill all rebellious Palers. Subject the Laxes. Set up rule. Was it possible Omin-2 took some kind of cruel joy out of threatening them?

  “You can see why I had to call you,” Paff said, turning to her.

  She nodded. Unfortunately, she was, once again, Omin’s target. But she wasn’t the only one. From the list, Paff, Jaz, and Zak were next.

  “If there was one thing Omin knew how to do, it was hold a grudge,” Jaz muttered.

  “I better go to Olympia and ask the gods there to help us,” Ann replied.

  “I’ll go with you,” Hathor said.

  “Of course. I’m sure Aphrodite will be glad to see you,” she wryly commented.

  Of all the gods and goddesses on Olympia, she liked Aphrodite the least. That goddess couldn’t resist flirting with any man, even if he was already married. Thankfully, she didn’t have to worry about Hathor. He was faithful to her and always would be.

  “We will be here when you return to tell us whether or not they will help,” Paff said. “Thank you, Queen Ann.”

  “It’s my pleasure to help you. I just wish it wasn’t under grim circumstances,” she replied. “Pale has come so far in gaining peace between Palers and Laxes. I’d hate to see Omin destroy that.”

  She shook hands with Paff and stood next to Hathor, who took the Book of Spells from his pocket.

  “Are you ready?” Hathor asked, his voice solemn as the book grew larger.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Usually, she’d joke with him since he was always so serious about everything, but this particular moment was too grim. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, hoping her racing heart would calm down, at least a tiny bit. She really hated this part of the job.

  Hathor flipped to the page they would need to go to Olympia.
Then he held hand her hand and spoke the words that would take them there. A purple mist rose up around them, and they disappeared.

  Chapter Four

  Cincinnati, Ohio

  Planet: Earth

  William smiled as he nearly completed his search for the Omega Files. It wouldn’t be long before he was back in the past. Six years, to be exact. He would be eighteen again. More importantly, he would be meeting Ann for the first time, and this time, they wouldn’t break up.

  Access into the Omega Files granted, the words on the computer screen read. Put your hand on the transmitter.

  He obeyed the message on the screen and put his hand on the transmitter. Not once did it occur to him to question the source of his good fortune. He just figured it was due to him after all the heartache he had endured over the years. It was his turn to finally get a break.

  Scanning…

  He didn’t feel anything odd from the transmitter. It just felt like small metal chips pressing into the palm of his hand.

  Scanning…

  He wondered how long this would take. He glanced at the clock. It was one in the afternoon. He hadn’t slept all night. How could he when he was too excited? There would be plenty of time to sleep once he was eighteen again.

  Scanning complete. Detach Omin’s receiver from your device. Place the cover on it. Then press the blue button.

  He quickly did as instructed and waited, his heart racing in anticipation.

  At first, nothing happened. He waited another minute and frowned. Was this a joke? Did he do this all for nothing? Was something toying with him? Maybe Carol had planted this thing as a prank and was laughing her butt off.

  Just as he was about to put the thing down, the room began to spin around him. The spinning increased, and he found himself getting sleepy. He tried to stay awake, but he couldn’t keep his eyes open. Finally, he gave into the strong urge and fell asleep.

  ***

  On the way to Olympia

  Galaxy: Enchanted

  Hathor and Ann sped through the galaxy, heading for Olympia when Hathor felt a sudden panic take over him.

  Ann gripped his hand. “Hathor, what’s going on?”

  “I don’t know.”

  He fought to take out the Book of Spells so he could fix the problem, but the stars began spinning around him. He blinked, hoping to steady his senses, but things only got worse.

  “Can you get us back to Raz?” he asked.

  She answered, but her voice was slowing down so he couldn’t make out what she was saying.

  “What?” he asked.

  A burst of wind blew around them, slithered past him, then wound around her. Ann’s eyes grew wide, and she made an effort to communicate with him again. But her lips moved too slowly and he couldn’t make out anything she was trying to tell him. Worse, her fingers began slipping from his.

  He grasped for her, but his hand went right through her. He made another attempt to reach her. But it was no good. And she was beginning to fade in front of him.

  “I’ll use the Book of Spells to get to you,” he called out.

  In the next instant, she vanished. He reached into his pocket to pull out the Book of Spells, but the stars blurred around him to the point where he couldn’t focus anymore. The only thing he was aware of was that he hit something hard before he went unconscious.

  ***

  Six years in the past

  Ann’s Bedroom

  Xenia, Ohio

  Planet: Earth

  Ann woke up from her sleep to the buzzing of her alarm clock. Groaning, she forced her eyes open and saw it was 6:15 am. She quickly pressed the snooze button and shut her eyes.

  What day was it? She scanned her mind for the answer and remembered it was Friday. Thank goodness. She loved weekends. She’d get to hang out with her friends.

  But for now, she had to get ready for school. It was April, so it wouldn’t be long before summer vacation would come. The reminder was sobering. If it was up to her, she would be a junior in high school forever. She knew her family wasn’t going to move to Florida before then. It would be some time during her senior year. She was about to lose her friends, and she didn’t make new ones easily.

  She rolled over in her bed. Why couldn’t she be older? Then she could have some say over what happened in her life. She wouldn’t have to move just because her dad’s job got transferred.

  She sat up in bed, determined not to think of the future. She could dread the move later. She’d rather enjoy hanging out with her friends now.

  She turned off her alarm clock before it could buzz again and got ready for school.

  During breakfast, she asked her mom, “Can I drive the car tonight? Stacey and I would like to check out that movie about a comet heading to Earth. You know Stacey. She’s crazy about those disaster flicks.”

  “You can borrow the car,” her mom replied as she handed her the milk.

  She poured it over her cereal. “Tomorrow Lisa promised to introduce me to this guy who’s best friends with her boyfriend. I’m not sure if I want to meet him though.”

  Had her dad been there, Ann wouldn’t have confided in her mom, but since her dad was at work, she felt comfortable talking about this stuff. Plus, she didn’t think her dad would be all that interested in girl talk.

  “Why aren’t you sure if you should meet this guy Lisa knows?” her mom asked, leaning forward in interest.

  “What’s the point? I mean, we’ll be moving later this year. Why get involved with anyone?”

  “I see what you’re saying. Of course, it’s up to you, but sometimes it’s fun to just go out and date. There’s nothing wrong with having a good time.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. So,” she added with a hopeful smile, “speaking of good times, can I borrow the car tomorrow, too?”

  Her mom shot her a wry grin. “Go for it.”

  “Thanks.” She finished her breakfast then hugged her mom. “You’re the best!”

  “Yeah well, don’t you forget it.”

  Ann grabbed her book bag and ran out the door. “I’m going to miss the bus if I don’t get out of here. Love you.”

  ***

  Six years in the past

  Wilderness in Central Alaska

  Planet: Earth

  Hathor coughed as he woke up. With a groan, he rubbed his forehead, wondering why he felt so horrible. He was on his back, and things under him were poking him. Where was he? He opened his eyes, wincing at the pain in his head. Trees towered around him on all sides.

  “Ann, are you okay?” he asked.

  No one answered.

  He sat up and saw snow and mud sprinkled on the forest floor, and more than that, he was on a hill or mountain. It was hard to tell which.

  “Ann?” he called out, louder this time.

  He remembered getting separated from her, but surely, she would be somewhere nearby. After a moment to gather his bearings, he rose to his feet and took a step forward. But he underestimated how slippery the snow and mud were. He lost his balance and fell down the hill. He rolled over tree roots and rocks until his body slammed against a large tree. He groaned at the sharp pain radiating in his side.

  It took him several moments before he could focus enough to call out Ann’s name again. But there was no answer, and he had a nagging suspicion she wasn’t here. Gritting his teeth, he pushed away from the tree and struggled to get into a sitting position. He sat against the tree, clutching his side and focusing on his breathing until the pain ebbed enough for him to concentrate.

  Swallowing, he examined his surroundings. He didn’t recognize this place. It wasn’t Olympia. That’s where he and Ann had been going. He took a slow breath. Maybe Ann already made it there.

  He gingerly moved his arm and took the Book of Spells out of his pocket. He found the spell that would send him to the queen of Raz and recited it.

  A purple swirl surrounded him, and then he felt his body being pulled away from the tree as he rushed through the galaxies.
The purple swirl formed around him again. Within seconds, it dissipated, and he found himself in the throne room of the Royal Palace. How did Ann get all the way back to Raz when they had been going to Olympia?

  “What have you been doing?” Athen, his friend, asked as he hurried over to him. “You are in no condition to be seeing your mother.”

  “My mother?” Hathor asked. “My mother lives in the Northern Country Side.”

  Athen’s eyebrows rose. “No, she’s here. She’s the queen.”

  “Not anymore. Ann’s the queen now.”

  “Who?”

  “Ann Kerwin. The person who came here from Earth to rule Raz. Really Athen, you are out of it today.” Mindful of his wounds, he slowly headed for the door to find Ann.

  “Are you hurt?” Athen called out from behind him.

  “Yes but-”

  “You need medical attention right away.”

  “No, I’m fine,” he said as he entered the hallway. “I’m not dizzy or anything. I just need to find the queen. She can heal me.”

  “Hathor?” a familiar voice cried out. “Oh Hathor, what happened to you?”

  He turned toward his mother who was rushing over to him. Why was she wearing Ann’s crown?

  “Where have you been?” she asked. “Did someone attack you? You look awful.”

  He glanced around to see if Ann was around. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

  “I rule here, silly. Oh no! Don’t tell you me you have amnesia. Athen, get the doctor, quick!”

  Athen hurried to obey her.

  “What’s going on?” Hathor asked. “Have I stepped back in time or something?” He hobbled back to the throne room and studied it. The throne room hadn’t been decorated this way since his mother ruled Raz. Turning back to his mother, he finally noticed she looked younger. “Can I see a mirror?”