by Jade Waltz
“Of course.” Z’fir turned to one of the crew. “M’nto, would you please arrange for the crates to be taken to Prince V’dim’s suite. We are making it Selena’s for the remainder of the voyage.”
Kaede stood and turned to face Prince Z’fir. “I’m connected to several special military-grade drones. They’ll help me protect Selena. Though I don’t technically need your permission, I’m requesting permission to deploy them aboard your ship and ask that you instruct the crew to ignore them.”
Prince Z’fir glanced at Prince V’dim before replying. “Permission granted. As long as they do not get in anyone’s way, we will make an announcement to the crew. I do not want you or your drones to cause any problems on our ship.”
“Of course. You probably won’t even notice them.” Kaede’s voice was filled with laughter.
Gasps erupted behind the princes, and I spun to look. Ten drones the size of my fist hovered above our heads in a loose circle. They had appeared out of thin air, and I hadn’t heard a thing. Had they been here the whole time?
Xylo pulled me behind him as his vines unwrapped themselves from around his torso. They whipped through the air, a waving shield protecting me from the drones. I wrapped my arms around his chest, feeling his cool, smooth scales under my hands as I leaned into his back. His petal-wings shifted to partially shield me in their embrace.
I peered out at the drones from the safety of Xylo’s back. Surprisingly, I hadn’t been scared by the drone’s sudden appearance. I marveled at the audacious display.
“Stand down everyone. The drones will not harm you.” Prince V’dim’s voice was full of amusement as he stared at Kaede. “Amazing devices. Perhaps a little warning next time?”
Laughter exploded from Qraniebi, sounding like ringing chimes. “There is no warning when it comes to Kaede. He wouldn’t want to warn his target and make it harder to kill them. It’s why he is the best. You’d be shot—dead before your body hit the ground. Just make sure no one messes with Selena, and you have nothing to worry about. Your ship just got a little more interesting.”
“I can discuss logistics with your security if required, but I insist I be the one to protect her. Your security resources can be reassigned elsewhere,” Kaede stated matter-of-factly.
“We have worked alongside the Aldawi before, and though we have never seen your work firsthand, we have seen its effects. You are one of the Aldawi’s newer specialized units, are you not?” Prince Z’fir asked with a smirk.
“Yes. And I believe we were involved in a few of the same battles during the war though we never met in person. I generally work as far from allies as possible to prevent casualties from friendly fire—a quick-strike specialized unit, deadly to anyone who crosses the Aldawi and those they protect.”
Xylo’s vines had wrapped around me as I leaned against his back. I could tell he was still feeling protective, which made me smile. I gave him a squeeze as I dropped a kiss between his shoulder blades as a thank you. A shiver raced through the vines that were wrapped around me.
“It’s okay, Xylo. He was sent to protect me. I think we can trust him.”
“You are mine to protect.” Xylo’s deep mental voice sounded strained. “But it is not my place to gainsay the Aldawi, so I can do nothing about it.”
“Just because he’s here doesn’t mean you’ve been replaced. You can protect me in other ways,” I comforted.
“What ways?”
“My health... which includes my current hunger,” I joked as my stomach growled loudly.
Chapter Ten
Selena
Not long after, goodbyes were said to Qraniebi, and we were all dismissed. We watched his ship pass through the hangar bay’s shield gel, then the princes invited us to join them for breakfast.
As the princes led the way to the dining floor, Xylo linked his arm with mine, playing tour guide, pointing out the features of the ship we saw along the way. Kaede trailed silently behind us, his drones nowhere to be seen.
The stares of the crew as we passed unnerved me, but I did my best to ignore it, focusing instead on learning more about my temporary home.
The ship, Destiny, was older than the Yaarkin vessel that had been my home for as long as I could remember. The walls weren’t as sleek, the technology wasn’t as advanced, but it had a warm feeling that had been lacking in my former prison. The floor was cold against my bare feet, but the air was warm. Most of what I saw in the halls was a dull metallic gray, save for a new-looking series of colorful labels along the walls. Each section appeared to be assigned with a different color, signifying the sector’s purpose—green for infirmary, red for hangar bay, and purple for general dining and entertainment.
We exited the transparent plexi lift at the dining and entertainment floor, and my mouth fell open in disbelief at the bustling crowd filling the hallway.
The kaleidoscope of color and cacophony of sound overwhelmed my senses. I didn’t know where to look first. Clusters of darker Ulax, tentacles entwined around a more brightly colored Ulax hustled down the hall. I assumed she must be a female. A pair of Wudox strolled past, their vines tangling so I could hardly tell where one ended and the other began. Individuals rushed by, intent on some errand. Loud bursts of laughter pulled my attention to two brightly colored Wudox—females I guessed again—surrounded by a ring of darker colored males. Color and life and energy filled the hall.
Dragging my eyes from the vibrant crowd, I studied the signs above the doors along the wall. Mess hall, café, bar—those were the few I could read from our position by the lift.
Prince Z’fir turned and smiled at Xylo. “Where should we take her first?”
I watched Xylo curiously as he surveyed the crowd. “I believe she would enjoy the cafe.” He turned to look indulgently at me.
My cheeks burned under his attention, but I couldn’t suppress the excited smile that kept bubbling to the surface.
“The café it is,” Prince Z’fir replied, also glancing at me with a smile before heading off down the hall.
The crowd made way for the princes, and we quickly arrived at the café entrance. A gasp escaped me as the doors slid open.
Dim light created an intimate atmosphere. A bar to the left stretched the length of the wall, stools filled with off-duty crew. The main floor was filled with black tables, surrounded by deep purple U-shaped booths. A few were occupied by chattering groups of Circuli enjoying a casual meal.
But what dominated my attention was the huge glass window that filled the back wall and looked over an indoor park. A deep blue lake covered about half the space. Its black sand beaches abutted a field of dark green and violet grasses. Opposite the water stood a forest-like collection of plants and trees. They varied in size and color but seemed to appear in pairs.
As I dragged my eyes away from the view, I noticed a stage in the back corner, to the right of the glass wall. On the stage sat a pale violet Ulax, playing an instrument with both hands and tentacles. The instrument resembled pictures I’d seen in my Earth studies of multi-tiered organs, but that wasn’t what caused me to freeze and close my eyes as a chill swept through my body.
The music.
Oh, the music. I’d only ever read about it until now.
“What is wrong?” Xylo questioned, pulling me from my thoughts.
“It’s beautiful. The room. The view. The music. Everything.” Awe laced my voice.
“The café overlooks the ship’s terrarium. We go there when we need to feel connected to the elements,” Xylo explained.
“Can we sit by the glass wall near the stage? I want to be able to hear the music and look at the terrarium.” I tilted my head toward an empty booth by the back wall.
Xylo grinned and nodded. “Of course! Whatever you want.”
The princes looked at me, then turned to Xylo with questioning expressions. They both nodded—more mindspeak. I sighed.
“Follow me.” Xylo led us to the booth I’d indicated and gestured for me to climb in first.
I shifted over to the center of the booth, excitement fizzing in my veins. I had to forcibly stop myself from bouncing in my seat and attempted to school my features. I could hardly contain the embarrassing giggles of delight that threatened to escape.
Prince V’dim and Prince Z’fir sat on my left as Xylo and Kaede settled to my right. They leaned forward, arms on the table, scoping out the room. My round eyes skipped around the room, hardly able to settle on any one sight before dancing to the next. This place was amazing.
I felt something creeping up my right leg. I eyed Xylo, noticing one of his vines was nowhere to be seen. I squirmed as my body reacted, feeling my center throb. He caught my stare and gave me a sheepish smile before glancing away.
“I usually have excellent control of my vines, but around you they have a mind of their own. They seem to want to be as near you as possible.”
“Can you please stop it?” I asked, strained.
“I wish I could.... My body is attuning to yours. Until you either accept my bonding spore or sever our courting bond, my vines will be drawn to you. It is biological instinct to please our nestqueen and prove our worth.”
My cheeks burned. I looked down at the table as if I could see through it. The vine crept higher under my gown and my heart raced. I struggled to suppress the dirty thoughts filling my mind as he felt me up—while we’re sitting in public with the princes and a virtual stranger. I could feel my center growing damp; the vine’s petal tip felt like a small suction cup, leaving small kisses wherever it passed.
“What is there to eat?” Kaede interrupted the moment.
The vine stilled a few inches from the apex of my legs, and I pressed my thighs together. The trapped vine wiggled back and forth, and I shifted.
I looked up at Kaede, then glanced at the princes, studiously ignoring the vine between my legs.
“We can order with our wristbands, and the order will be delivered to the table.”
“Wristbands? Are those like these bracelets, just a different version?” I asked, holding up my wrist and comparing it to the one I’d noticed Xylo wearing.
“No, they are slightly different than your medical bracelets,” Xylo answered. “All crew are equipped with wristbands like mine. They make numerous functions on the ship easier. They can even receive a readout of the information being sent from your bracelets. Think of them as mini computers.”
“Until we can equip you and Kaede with one, we can place your orders. Perhaps Xylo can look into it after we eat?” Prince Z’fir suggested.
“Certainly. I was going to take Selena to the infirmary anyway for a checkup and to enable her communicator. The engineering sector is on the way. I could take them both there before the infirmary,” Xylo offered.
I refused to look at him. He knew what his vine was doing and wasn’t stopping it. I could feel myself getting wetter as it pushed deeper, writhing as if it was trying to reach my center.
I felt the weight of a gaze and turned toward Kaede. I leaned forward to look into his visor, somehow knowing he was the one who stared at me. My movement shifted the tip of the vine higher, and it rubbed along my nether lips. I shivered and swallowed hard.
Kaede tilted his head, looking from me to Xylo and back again. I could tell he was trying to figure something out. Desperate for a distraction, I grabbed Xylo’s arm and looked up at him.
“If it’s okay with Kaede, perhaps you could order for both of us? I know it’s your job to understand the limitations of different species’ diets.”
His eyes softened as he nodded to me before he turned to look at Kaede. “What species are you?”
“I prefer to keep that information to myself so the knowledge can’t be used against me. Just use the same dietary restrictions as you do for Selena. Give me twice as much of whatever you order for her, and I’ll be fine,.” Kaede replied dismissively.
“Then that is settled,” Prince V’dim chuckled.
The princes and Xylo took turns using their wristband screens to show us descriptions and pictures of the varied dishes available at the café. It was finally decided to simply order one of everything—only twenty plates—and let the two of us sample everything, so we could determine what we liked best. Xylo ordered me a colorful layered fruit drink which I loved.
The conversation during our meal was casual—discussions about the food served and which we liked best. Most dishes consisted of some combination of fish, nuts, fruit, vegetables, or other edible plants.
Over the course of the meal, two more of Xylo’s vines joined the first. I was thankful the vine pressing against my nether lips had stilled, but my arousal was distracting. My center dripped moisture each time I shifted. Part of me wished Xylo would end my torture and make me climax—even with the audience.
Secretly, the thought of having an audience thrilled me.
I pushed that titillating thought aside and leaned back, closing my eyes as I rested my head against the booth’s cushioned back.
It hadn’t even been a day and his vines were already this out-of-control? I didn’t want to think about would happen the longer I waited to decide about a permanent bond. Even though I enjoyed the sensations—and the rush that accompanied it—I didn’t need this distraction every time we were out in public.
It was something we would have to discuss later.
My stomach was full of delicious food—something I’d never experienced—and it delighted me, especially as I considered the new life growing inside me. I placed both my hands protectively on my stomach. Though I hadn’t been given a say in my pregnancy, I accepted that I was. I wanted to focus now on my future and the future of my children.
I was going to be a mother soon and needed to figure out so many things. Where we’d live. How I’d support us. What to do about the two males interested in me. Would I need to find a job? I didn’t even know what talents or skills I’d need or what I’d want to do. Would my children be a weird hybrid? Would there be any health implications from their combination of human and Aldawi genes? Would we be able to stay together?
I knew, no matter what, I wanted to keep my fledgling family together, and I did not want anyone subjecting my children to tests or experiments. General study to ensure sufficient medical knowledge to keep us all healthy? That I would accept, but nothing else.
My anxiety grew as the questions mounted. I took a deep breath and forced myself to bury my worries until I had the information needed to address them. As my mind emptied, I became more aware of the lilting and beautiful music.
The music moved from the stately melodies that had been playing all morning to a more upbeat tempo. The faster beat made me want to tap my toe. I opened my eyes and sat up, looking toward the stage. Intrigued, I watched the Ulax musician play the organ. His quick, precise movements and the clear control over his tentacles were terrific.
“Who is that?” I asked the group, tilting my chin up, gesturing at the stage.
Everyone peered at the stage before looking back at me.
“That is Odelm, our ship’s musician. Most males on Circul join the military. Very few study the arts, art considered a female hobby. However, Odelm is considered our most talented musician,” Prince V’dim said.
“I’m not remotely qualified to judge—he is the first musician I’ve ever heard—but he’s outstanding.”
“Would you like to tell him yourself?” Prince Z’fir asked, glancing at Xylo.
The three vines Xylo had curled around my leg—that had been teasing me since we sat down—tightened. I turned to Xylo, wondering at his reaction, but his face was void of expression. Was he jealous I was inquiring about another male when he was currently feeling me up under the table?
Refocusing on Prince Z’fir, I replied, “I’d love to if it wouldn’t be a problem.”
Prince Z’fir smiled, then turned to look at Odelm.
I watched as Odelm brought his song to a gradual close, then sat quietly on the stage for a few moments. He stood and covered his in
strument, then headed toward our table.
Odelm skin could be called a cool-violet and was lightly speckled with both darker and lighter violet. His arm and thigh fins matched his skin but were edged in nearly white. His tentacles faded to the same pale, almost-white violet at the tips. When he reached the table, his pale green eyes met mine before he turned to Prince Z’fir.
“How may I be of service to you, Sires?” Odelm said, his light tenor voice tight with tension.
Prince Z’fir gestured at me. “Selena wished to tell you something.”
Odelm turned to look at me once more.
I could feel the others at the table watching me as I stared at Odelm. Xylo’s vines shifted along my leg as I fell silent.
Odelm was beautiful in a unique way. The princes both had traditional coloring, based on what I’d seen in the crowds as we walked here. Odelm’s coloring was lighter—elegant compared to the other Ulax. Of course, I thought Xylo was gorgeous in his uniqueness with his patterns that reminded me of space, but he was also self-conscious of how he looked compared to others.
I wondered if Odelm felt the same.
“I wanted to tell you I loved your music. I understand on your planet art isn’t greatly appreciated, so I am glad you spent the time studying it. Thank you for your performance. It was wonderful.”
Odelm’s face hardened before he bowed stiffly to me, breaking eye contact. His skin shifted to a dark red. “Thank you for your kind words.” Odelm turned to the princes. “Is there anything else you require, Sires?”
“No, that was all,” Prince V’dim replied.
“If you will excuse me, I have some pressing matters.” He bowed again before stalking away. I watched Odelm leave the café before turning back to the others.
“Was it something I said?”
Chapter Eleven
Selena