by Ciara Lake
“No, there’re a few more things I’d like to mention. You do want me to be thorough?”
“Fine, let’s get this done. I didn’t mean for this to take all day.” Vitalion tapped his foot as if nerves ate him up.
Saleeya calmly continued, “The custom on Xihirah is for females to walk somewhat behind males unless a male invites the female to walk with him. Don’t walk in front of the lead male. Mia, you and I will walk behind Vitalion and Jarvin unless they invite one of us to walk at their side.”
“Actually, they do this as a protection for the females and not out of disrespect,” Mia chimed in. “They’re always looking out for their females. That’s an endearing quality of their culture.”
Vitalion moaned.
“Gentlemen, never offer your hand to any of their females.” Saleeya directed this only to Vitalion and Jarvin. “It could anger their male.” Vitalion groaned loudly. “Nevertheless, if a female engages you in conversation, offer her your full attention and respect. Don’t slight her. They take it personally if you offend their females. Any questions so far?”
“So, don’t touch them and don’t ignore them,” Vitalion sarcastically stated.
“That’s right,” Saleeya agreed. “Remember to never,” Saleeya stressed, “raise your voice in anger toward anyone. We don’t want to heighten their emotions. ”
Again, Vitalion groaned. “So, don’t wake their hidden beasts.”
“Yes, try to be calm and cool at all times. In many ways they resemble Earthen humanoids, but they aren’t.”
“Hell no, they’re not.” Vitalion’s attitude continued to be sarcastic and negative.
Saleeya took a deep breath and continued. “Don’t stare them in the eyes when you aren’t holding a conversation with them. If their eyes begin to glow and their pupils become vertical slits, this is possible sign they’re irritated. In a nutshell, that’s what you need to know for now,” Saleeya concluded.
“Great, we’re on a schedule. Nevertheless, as much as I hate it, I’ll require you to go over the dining etiquette with the four of us prior to our first meal. I don’t want any stupid mistakes while the beasts are eating. Good Deity, they could eat us. And Miss Stayvel, be your particularly engaging self. Try to charm the Admoncor’s focus off of me,” Vitalion instructed Saleeya.
“I’ll do my best, Minister.”
“You do that, Miss Stayvel. The last time I interacted with Admoncor Braeden, he was simply rude and dismissive of me. He must be intimidated by my intellect. I’m counting on both of you females to distract him. He’s a simple beast and females easily distract simple beasts. I guess pretty females, if good for nothing else, are always a good distraction for the more primitive males,” Vitalion stated in all sincerity. “Jarvin and I will meet you by the ship’s exit in twenty minutes.” With a dismissive turn, Minister Vitalion made his way to the deck’s exit doors. Jarvin, like a loyal pup, followed at Vitalion’s heels.
When the door had closed and they were gone, Saleeya turned to Mia. “What?”
“Just what I thought.” Mia sighed, shaking her head from side to side. “Vitalion is literally going to throw us to the Wolftons, especially you. He’s got a plan to use you as a distraction for the big bad Wolfton, Admoncor Braeden. You should have worn red. Understand my play on the ancient Earthen tale?” Mia giggled. “Be charming to the Admoncor. Ease his beast and the situation for me.” Mia sarcastically mimicked Vitalion. “He surely doesn’t hide his disrespect for females or the Xihirians. I’m a bit worried about his ability to represent Kriton.”
“Oh, Mia, you’re so suspicious and negative of Vitalion. He’s not going to act like that in front of the Xihirians. He can’t be that stupid.”
“Yes, of course he can. Didn’t you hear all of his awful comments about Xihirians and even women in general? He’s a cranky old jerk. He’s almost as bad as the Realmist.”
“I heard his comments, and I just ignored him. He’s a cranky old man. Let’s go to the ship’s exit before the Minister gets there. I’d like to look out the exit’s window to see if we can see who’s waiting for us. I want to see what we’re up against before we meet them face-to-face.” Saleeya started toward the access door. “Is it electronically air-cooled in the terminal?” she asked just as she reached the observation deck’s door.
“I think so, but just in case, soak up the cool air while you can. It sounds like we’ll be spending hot, humid nights at the Palace.” Mia already looked tired. Dark circles were under her eyes, and a light sheen of sweat covered her face.
The corridors of the ship were shiny silver from the floor to the ceiling. “Look how these walls shine. I can see my reflection in them,” Saleeya admired aloud and twirled around to get a good look at herself. Lining the corridor were multiple access doorways to various private suites, passenger living areas. These rooms were vacant today.
The ship was a luxurious flying conference center. An office building and hotel all rolled up into an incredible spaceship. Saleeya had never seen such a beautiful ship. Its grandness was an obvious indication of Kriton’s wealth. Currently, the Realmist Terrorists were jeopardizing its wealth. The terrorist group threatened Kriton’s economic growth as well as that of the other planets that were part of the Council.
After about a ten-minute walk through the endless corridors of the ship and two glass tube rides, they arrived at the ship’s exit. Out of the ship’s windows next to the exit, Saleeya could see four impressive-looking men waiting at the bottom of the exit ramp. None of the four was shorter than six and a half feet. They had dark, swarthy good looks, and they oozed sexual appeal. Heavily corded muscles rippled beneath their tight uniforms. Legs braced apart, arms crossed over their chests, they looked as though they weren’t going to be moved. Off to the left of the four uniformed males, another male leaned against the ramp’s railing. “Oh my Deity, that’s the biggest, most impressive male I’ve ever seen,” Saleeya exclaimed in amazement.
“Let me see.” Mia leaned past Saleeya to get closer to the window. “That, my dear, is the Admoncor. I recognize him from his pictures. He’s hard to forget.” Saleeya gazed out the window, astonished by what she saw. The extraordinary male made her pulse quicken from the mere sight of him. Tall with broad shoulders, his massive arms and legs looked exceptionally powerful. All muscle, no softness filled out his uniform. He looked good in his black military uniform. The jumper-style uniform fit snugly all over; he wore it like a second skin. He wore his skin wonderfully. Saleeya nearly choked when it seemed his eyes focused directly back at her through the window. Saleeya sucked in a quick breath. Her heart was beating in her ears, and it fluttered when his stare swept up to where she stood, sheltered by the one-way glass of the window.
“Can they see us?” Saleeya licked her suddenly dry lips, her body leaning toward the window and the man on the other side of it.
“No, the windows are one-way. What’s wrong, Saleeya?” Mia gently placed her hand on Saleeya’s upper back in a soothing motion. “You look really flushed.”
“I feel flushed. Did you get a good look at the Admoncor?”
“Yes.”
“I know you told me Xihirian males were big and good-looking. I just never expected that a man could be as big as Admoncor Braeden.”
His bright amber eyes seemed to look right back at Saleeya as if he could see her through the one-way window. His intense eyes were set in a masculine, tanned face. Black, silky hair hung slightly down on his forehead. Saleeya watched him push it back out of his face. The movement indicated restlessness. The hairstyle he wore wasn’t the traditional short haircut of most military officers. It hung somewhat longer. His hard, striking face was impassive. Saleeya could see how people could easily fear this man. Now she clearly understood the Minister’s apprehension. The Admoncor personified a beautiful, deadly predator. Saleeya moaned, turned to face Mia. “Well, so much for easing the Minister into this. The Xihirian Sovereign has sent his second, his most intimidating son to greet Vi
talion. After seeing him for myself, I can certainly appreciate Vitalion’s anxiety.” Saleeya brushed her hair back out of her face, mimicking the Admoncor’s motions. “Sending him would be the most appropriate thing for their King to do.”
“He’s the head of their Elite Military Force,” Mia replied.
“He’s something else.” Saleeya smiled widely. “Look at the size of his legs and arms. One of his thighs is bigger around than my waist. How tall do you think he is? He’s much taller than anyone I’ve ever seen.
“He’s impressive.” Mia nodded. “Just don’t dwell on it and it’ll be just fine.”
“I feel like he keeps looking right at me through this one-way window. It’s the oddest thing.”
“Trust me, it’s your imagination. I’m sure they can’t see us or hear us in here. They’re talented but not that talented. Saleeya, you still look flushed. Are you feeling okay?” Mia asked in a concerned voice.
“I’m good. I only wish it was cooler in here.” Saleeya fanned herself nervously.
“It’s cool in here, Saleeya. In fact, it’s cold to me.”
“I’ve arrived,” Vitalion loudly announced from behind them. “Now that I’m here, we can leave and meet the Xihirians.” Vitalion’s expression was arrogant. He glided over to the exit door. “Crewmember, prepare to open the ship’s access. Are both of you women ready?”
“Yes, Minister Vitalion,” Saleeya answered for the both of them.
Vitalion glanced out the access window before the crewmember was able to comply with his order. “Oh dear, is that Admoncor Braeden waiting for us?” Vitalion’s face drained of all color.
“Yes,” both women answered in unison.
“Well, he looks as bestial and menacing as ever,” Vitalion squeaked.
The crewmember pressed in a numeric code and the ship’s large access door opened. It opened so silently that Saleeya didn’t even realize it had opened until the warmer air touched her already hot face. A huge ramp was attached to the ship at the entrance and led down to the Space Station’s platform. The ramp gleamed silver like the ship, and it looked daunting. There were slight railings on both sides of the ramp. It stretched high above the Space Station platform by at least sixty feet. It slanted down at a slight angle to where they would step off onto the permanent platform. The silver bridge covered the gap between the ship and the platform, and there was a drop of a great and undetermined amount below. Saleeya did not know what was more frightening, walking across the bridge-ramp or the five men waiting at the bottom. The five huge Xihirian males casually moved closer to the edge of the ramp to wait. “Let’s disembark,” Vitalion ordered. Surprisingly, he started bravely toward the Xihirians at a swift pace. Saleeya forced her feet to move. She followed close behind Vitalion’s assistant. When Vitalion reached the midsection of the ramp, he suddenly stopped. Saleeya nearly panicked at the thought of stopping in the middle of the terrifyingly high ramp. Unexpectedly, Vitalion started up again, and within moments, he had stepped off onto the secure platform. Saleeya and the others were only steps behind him. Vitalion and the Admoncor nodded to each other in the acceptable Xihirian greeting. As if on cue, the other Xihirian males turned to nod to Vitalion and Jarvin.
“Admoncor Braeden, may I introduce you to my Executive Assistant, Mr. Jarvin Manntree, our Communication Specialist, Miss Stayvel, and her assistant, Miss Tiller.” Saleeya walked up to stand closer to the Minister. Admoncor Braeden turned to stand in front of her. His narrowed eyes assessed her with blatant interest, a heat within their glowing depths that she could feel right through her. Heart pounding, Saleeya shifted, her fingers closing into a fist to hide the sweat on her palms. Her chest tightened. Her lungs burned with the need for air—even as she inhaled the rich, wild scent of the male before her. Saleeya had never had such a reaction.
“Miss Stayvel, Miss Tiller, it’s a pleasure to greet you.” Admoncor Braeden took her hand, his calloused fingers wrapping hers in a warm, steely grip. Kael lifted her hand, touched his lips to her knuckles, and inhaled. “Your scent’s enchanting, Miss Stayvel.” He met Saleeya’s eyes, and the corner of his mouth lifted, making him look even more devastatingly handsome.
“Thank you, Admoncor Braeden.” Saleeya nearly whispered her response. To her surprise, her voice hardly would work. She licked her lips as he intently watched her. Without letting her hand go, the Admoncor directed his attention to those gathered. “Minister Vitalion, please have your party follow me. I’ve been ordered to escort you and your party to the Royal Palace. My father has arranged quarters for all of you. We hope you’ll be most comfortable here on Xihirah. Let’s go to the transport vehicles parked outside the terminal’s entrance.” The Admoncor glanced past Saleeya to offer a quick, dismissive nod to Mia. He turned his attention back to Saleeya. “Miss Stayvel, would you walk with me?” The unexpected, direct request startled Saleeya. Looking briefly to Vitalion for approval, Saleeya moved to stand next to the Admoncor. “Minister Vitalion, do you have any objection to Miss Stayvel walking with me?” Kael glared at Vitalion while tightening his grip on her hand.
“No, not at all, Admoncor, please go right ahead. Miss Stayvel is lovely company,” Vitalion stuttered and waved his hand in a casually dismissive manner. “Lead the way.”
They passed twelve docked vessels of varying sizes on the long walk to the terminal’s exit. Passengers and crewmembers were walking down ramps to meet others at the platform. Kael continued to grip Saleeya’s hand as they swiftly moved through the crowds. The crowd naturally parted for him. Possessively gripping her hand, they walked in silence. Saleeya’s feet began to ache. She would be immensely happy when she finally reached the exit door.
Chapter Four
As they maneuvered at a swift, steady pace through the large terminal and its crowds, Kael was deep in thought. Amazingly, he had been surprised, and that seldom happened to him. He had never imagined encountering such a beautiful and lovely-scented female among Vitalion’s party. She was dazzling, and her scent made him think of things he shouldn’t be thinking of while on duty. Realizing that he was holding the hand of the very female that occupied his thoughts, he suddenly stopped and looked down with a somewhat distressed expression. “Did I walk too fast for you, Miss Stayvel? If I did, my apologies. My stride’s long and I was momentarily preoccupied. I’m very sorry, Miss Stayvel.”
“I’m fine, Admoncor Braeden,” Saleeya reassured him.
“Very good, I’m glad.” He gave her a somewhat crooked smile and lightly squeezed her hand in a comforting manner. “If at any time you’re uncomfortable, please let me know.” Uncharacteristically, Kael winked at her. He looked back over her head to see how close the others were. As expected, the four Xihirian officers were close behind them. However, the rest of the Kriton party struggled to keep up. They were at least fifty paces behind.
“Admoncor Braeden, this is an impressive spaceport terminal.” Saleeya smiled charmingly up at Admoncor Braeden. Kael realized that she was trying to make casual conversation.
“Thank you, Miss Stayvel, Xihirah’s proud of it.” He paused for several moments. “This terminal and Kriton’s spaceport are state-of-the-art facilities. You’re probably aware that we manufacture much of the equipment, technology, and computer programming necessary to operate them. My younger brother, Klayvin, runs the corporation that develops much of the technology. He’s the head scientist. Klayvin’s individually responsible for creating much of these wonders. The Kriton Space Transport you arrived on uses much of our technology. Also, many of the parts were built here on Xihirah. Please, call me Kael.” He smiled and looked down at her. He struggled to keep his emotions under control. The female’s scent was enthralling, and he was losing focus. To distract himself from the provocative female by his side he glanced back up to gauge the progress of the rest of the Kriton party. After he appraised their progress, he turned to trigger the terminal’s automatic doors. The broad sliding doors exiting the terminal slid open. A gush of hot air rushed in to
greet them. Two sleek black transport vehicles waited outside the terminal’s exit. Uniformed drivers waited by the vehicles’ passenger doors. “These transports will take us to the Royal Palace. Will you ride in the front one with me, Miss Stayvel?” Kael stepped next to the front transport vehicle, turned to wait for Saleeya’s response. Saleeya nodded her head in agreement. He gently assisted Saleeya up the three steps.
The transport vehicle held up to six passengers. It was long and narrow, like a tube. Quickly, the four other Xihirian officers boarded behind. They immediately took their seats. Kael ushered Saleeya into a passenger seat. Before she adjusted herself in the seat, he sat down next to her. “Driver, please see that the others are comfortably seated in the second transport,” Kael instructed the driver.
“Yes, Admoncor, I’ll see to it.” The driver obediently left to follow the Admoncor’s instructions.
“Perhaps I should ride with the Minister.” Saleeya blushed a deep pink as if she had made an impulsive decision to ride with him.
* * * *
Kael looked at Saleeya. “Vitalion made no complaint about you walking with me. In fact, he seemed to encourage it. I’m sure he’ll understand if you accompany me in this transport to the Palace. Aren’t you an Ambassador of Communication? Besides, you’ll meet up with him at the Palace. Their transport will follow right behind us. Please don’t be distressed. All will be well.” Kael’s deep soothing voice sent tremors down her spine. “Soon it’ll be cooler in here,” he promised. Saleeya nodded her head. Shyly, she smiled up at him. Kael had seated himself close to Saleeya. She was intently conscious of his body touching hers. Each seat could hold two passengers, but it was a tight fit. Kael’s right thigh and hip pressed against hers. The transport’s seats all faced forward. Saleeya and Kael sat in the front seat behind the driver’s area. Saleeya could feel some cool air blowing out of the vents from the ceiling of the vehicle. The tubular vehicle had windows all the way around. It was similar to a bus. Although, it was plusher than any bus she had ever been on before.